No abstract

The single tooth implant is a treatment option for the replacement of missing single teeth and in many cases is the treatment of choice. It is, however, an expensive treatment requiring a co-ordinated approach to the surgical and restorative aspects of treatment. In this study, a group of dentists in general and restorative dental practice and with no previous experience in implant surgery underwent an intensive training course in all aspects of implant treatment for single teeth. Using a system of simplified instrumentation with a strict adherence to protocol, the group installed and restored single tooth implants ad modum Brånemark in a wide range of clinical situations. At the one year follow-up period following crown insertion, the success rate of treatment compared favourably with results reported from centres using the specialist team approach to treatment. The results of this study indicate that further consideration should be given to the training of general dentists so that improved delivery of dental health care can be provided at a more economic level.

No abstract

The aim of any prosthesis is to restore function and aesthetics by replacing the missing tooth with minimal risks to adjacent tissues. The options presently available to the patient for the replacement of a missing single tooth include the removable partial denture, partial and full coverage bridgework, resin-bonded bridgework and the single-tooth implant prosthesis. The relative merits and guidelines for successful application of these treatment modalities are presented.

A new implant position registration technique utilizing an autoclavable thermoplastic material is described. This technique, which has been in use since 1994, allows the clinician to fabricate a provisional restoration for insertion at stage II surgery to enhance the soft tissue contour and the aesthetics of the final restoration.