From the Editor: Solving Problems

As the number of people with dental implants steadily increases—the estimated US market for implants is $1 billion and growing—patient expectations have heightened as well. Esthetic outcomes are increasingly being factored into the success of implants. Implant technology and design is ever improving, and as clinicians strive to increase patient acceptance they are taking more of an immediate treatment approach.

In this issue, two case reports zero in on immediate implant placement and provisionalization. In the first report, the authors utilize a customized anatomic temporary abutment (CATA) to achieve gingival margin stability in maxillary anterior sites. The novel technique presented is aimed at enhancing implant placement by establishing proper subgingival contours in the abutment phase. In the other report on immediate provisionalization of immediate implants in the esthetic zone, the authors present a prospective case series that evaluated implant survival, esthetics, and bone maintenance. The article delineates several steps that may aid the implant team in achieving optimal outcomes.

Another area of dentistry that continues to evolve is composites. In our Special Report, the author discusses how today’s nanoparticle materials are offering clinicians improved physical and mechanical characteristics along with reduced polymerization shrinkage. The result is better quality composite products that lead to more proficient dentistry.

Our continuing education (CE) articles this month, though both very different, each have a problem-solving quality. The first CE discusses an endodontic-related dilemma that many clinicians, unfortunately, may have encountered. Endodontic rotary file breakage can be highly stressful and also lead to post-treatment complications. The author explains what causes separated endodontic rotary files, how to prevent it from happening, and the prognosis for a tooth should the clinician be unable to remove the broken file.

This month’s other CE article covers drug-induced gingival enlargement, a problem that can result from systemic drug use. The article describes how clinicians can recognize etiological factors that contribute to this condition as well as the relationship between plaque accumulation and gingival overgrowth.

At Compendium, our goal is to be a primary educational resource for you to enhance your “problem-solving” dentistry skills. Once again, we invite you to visit us online at www.dentalaegis.com/cced for a wide range of practical, clinical content.

Sincerely,

Louis F. Rose, DDS, MD

Editor-In-Chief

lrose@aegiscomm.com