Split crest technique: a solution for atrophic anterior maxilla – case report

Introduction: The rehabilitation of atrophic anterior maxilla can be done by different techniques. Among the procedures for bone augmentation, we can use block grafting, guided bone regeneration, and split crest technique (SCT). SCT consists in bone crest osteotomy, followed by manual/mechanical expansion up to the splitting of the buccal plate from the lingual/palatal plate through greenstick fracture. SCT advantage is the possibility of simultaneously installing a dental implant. However, SCT planning should consider the remaining bone width and the the flap type to obtain success. Objective: To report a case of implant-supported rehabilitation of an atrophic anterior maxilla using the split crest technique with insertion of 4 immediate implants, showing the effectiveness of the technique.Introduction: The rehabilitation of atrophic anterior maxilla can be done by different techniques. Among the procedures for bone augmentation, we can use block grafting, guided bone regeneration, and split crest technique (SCT). SCT consists in bone crest osteotomy, followed by manual/mechanical expansion up to the splitting of the buccal plate from the lingual/palatal plate through greenstick fracture. SCT advantage is the possibility of simultaneously installing a dental implant. However, SCT planning should consider the remaining bone width and the the flap type to obtain success. Objective: To report a case of implant-supported rehabilitation of an atrophic anterior maxilla using the split crest technique with insertion of 4 immediate implants, showing the effectiveness of the technique

Stress distribution around short implants with different frictional joint designs: a photoelastic colorimetric analysis / Distribuição de tensão em torno de implantes curtos com diferentes designs de fricção: uma análise colorimétrica

Aim: To compare, biomechanically, two types of short implants with different frictional implant/abutment joint designs. Methods: Two groups (n = 10) were divided in straight platform (DSP, 5 x 5.5 mm) and angled platform (30°) (Kopp, 5 x 6.0 mm). The loads applied axially were 100 N, 200 N and 400 N. A photoelastic colorimetric analysis around the implants was performed, based on the magenta fringes, measured in pixels. The data were analyzed by the One-Way ANOVA with repeated measures, Tukey and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). Results: The short implants demonstrated similar biomechanical behavior, but statistical difference occurred in the group Kopp, under the axial load of 400 N (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The implant design showed influence on the stress distribution around the locking taper short dental implants. In both groups, the area of greatest stress distribution was at the apical region. 

In vivo regeneration functionalities of experimental organo-biomaterials containing water-soluble nacre extract

Background: Novel multifunctional biomaterials were recently designed to allow for an optimized tissue regeneration process. Purpose: To comprehensively assess (photographic, radiographic and histological) the in vivo functionality of demineralized bovine bone matrix (DBM) associated with an experimental marine organic extract (MOE) from nacre in a sheep ectopic grafting model. Materials and methods: Synthesis of MOE was based on mixing powdered nacre (0.05 g, particles average size <0.1 mm) with acetic acid (5 mL, pH 7) under constant stirring for 72 hours (25 °C). Polyethylene tubes (3/animal, n = 4, diameter: 5.0 mm × length: 10.0 mm) from the control (empty) or experimental groups (DBM or DBM + MOE) were then intramuscularly implanted into the lumbar regions of sheep (n = 8, 2-years old, ≈45 kg). Animals were euthanized at 3 and 6 months to allow for the collection of tissue samples. Tissue samples were fixed in formalin 10% (buffered, 7 days) in preparation for photographic, radiographic and histological assessments. Acquired images were then analyzed using digital image analysis software to quantify the amount of neoformed tissues, whereas radiographic and histological analyses were performed to determine radiopacity and classification of tissues deposited inside of the tubes. Results: Photographic and radiographic analyses have shown that both pure (unaltered) and MOE-modified DBM were capable of depositing neoformed tissues (at 3 and 6 months), where higher levels of deposition and radiopacity were observed on groups treated with experimental materials. Histological results, however, demonstrated that tissues formed from both unaltered and MOE-modified DBM were only fibrous connective in origin. Conclusions: As an ectopic grafting in sheep, the experimental organo-biomaterial association applied did not reveal any osteoinductive property but led to a fibrous tissue repair only