Two aspects of bone density using micro-CT, the BV/TV and BMD, are highly correlated with three-dimensional micro architecture parameters, which represent the quality of trabecular bone. This noninvasive method may adequately enhance evaluation of the alveolar bone.

One hundred thirty-seven V.A. patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups to evaluate the efficacy of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. This material was tested against both autogenous bone implant and open flap curettage procedures. Baseline probing attachment level, Navy plaque index, and gingival index were recorded for all patients. These parameters were monitored for 3 years. At the end of this period, 101 patients had completed the study. Although the plaque and gingival indices steadily increased with time, there were no statistically significant differences among the treatment groups. Patients in the ceramic group had a gain in attachment level of 1.0 mm; those in the curettage group, 0.9 mm; and 0.4 mm for those in the bone implant group. Although the BCP patients had a greater gain, the difference was not statistically significant. In this veteran population, not only did BCP patients fail to outperform those in the control groups, all three treatment groups were similarly ineffective.

No abstract

Oral actinomycosis is not a common disease, but it can cause massive destruction. This article reports a case of implant failure associated with actinomycosis. A 55-year-old Caucasian male patient had tooth #20 extracted years ago and an implant placed 3 years ago. The #20 implant area developed an abscess about 1½ years after implant placement. Radiographic findings revealed a large radiolucency on the mesial aspect of the #20 implant. The implant was surgically removed and the lesion thoroughly debrided. The patient experienced severe pain when the apical soft tissue was curreted following implant removal. A periapical radiograph revealed that the lesion approached the mental foramen. A short course of antibiotics was prescribed. Histological observation found sulfur granules, which were found to be actinomycotic colonies. Peri-implant actinomycosis was diagnosed. No recurrence had occurred at the 1-year follow-up.

A method, combining the standardization of radiographs with consistent radiopaque marker placement using a controlled force, is presented. Ten adult volunteers with healthy mouths were selected. Customized radiographic film holders were fabricated consisting of a plastic stent of the maxillary or mandibular arches to which a radiographic bite‐block was attached. An orthodontic stainless steel tube was added and placed so that the radiographic marker could be guided repeatedly to the base of the sulcus in the same position. The radiographs were exposed using a self‐adhesive grid on the periapical film. To document repeatability, measurements using the device were obtained at different time intervals: twice‐a‐week for the first, third, and fifth week for a total of six measurements for each volunteer. Results showed that the mean vertical and horizontal dimensions were nearly constant across the study period. The device had been shown to be accurate and enabled placement of a radiographic marker to repeatedly reach the same position in the sulcus with a good degree of precision.