Welcome to the Hands On Training Institute Newsletter.

Here you will find updates about the institute, information about our corporate partners, new product information and of course, the H.O.T tip . . . directly from the desk of
Dr. Hebel and Dr. Gajjar

So, let's get started . . .

H.O.T tip...
from the desks of Drs. Hebel & Gajjar

Q&A Time

Question

I recently placed two Nobel Biocare Replace Select 5.0x13 implants into the lower left first and second molar sites. Is it best to replace them with two single crowns or should I keep them together (double abut)? To make matters even more difficult, the patient wants to keep the 3Q posterior the same as the 4th quad which currently has a lower right first molar PFM and a second molar FGC.

Answer

In most cases, it is best to replace the teeth with two single crowns supported by the implants. This allows for better esthetics, but more importantly, allows the patient to maintain hygiene, since they can brush and floss normally. This will work out well with the patient’s wishes to have a porcelain fused to metal restoration on the lower left first molar and and a full gold crown on the lower left second molar.

Times when you might consider double abutting the crowns are if you had to put a smaller diameter or shorter implant into a site and you were concerned about stability and support. Also, if the patient demonstrated significant occlusal forces, you may consider joining the crowns together.

Question

Do you ever consider placing narrow platform implants for teeth other than lateral incisors? I know there are cases where we may extract one or two bicuspids and be left with space of, say, 13mm or so. Using the accepted measurements of 2mm from the adjacent tooth and 3mm between implants this does not allow us to place regular platform implants. If the patient has a smaller dentition and reduced space, is this an option?

Answer

Yes, sometimes you do need to use narrow platform implants in other sites, if you have reduced space mesio-distally, or reduced bone width, bucco-lingually. It is very important to select your case carefully and you must take into account the size of the tooth being replaced, the location in the mouth (anterior vs. posterior), and the occlusal forces. If you are replacing two teeth adjacent to one another, you do have the option of double abutting the restorations, which would help with support and stability.

Your situation seems like one where it would be acceptable to use narrow platform implants, and once again, you might consider double abutting the final restorations.

Question

I have a patient that has a thick, wide maxillary ridge that is perfect for implants. I am treatment planning him for fixed bridges on the maxillary. I intended to place 4 implants on each side keeping them out of the esthetic zone as you and Dr. Hebel recommended during the course. My concern is the natural emergence of the anterior pontic teeth. I was hoping that you could advise me as to whether I should be doing some osseous shaping of the maxillary ridge to allow for more ovate pontic shapes and better surrounding soft tissue appearance.

Answer

You can do some contouring on the maxillary cast (in the lab) to create the ovate pontics. Depending on the amount of contouring done on the cast, you may need to do some minor soft tissue contouring upon final insertion. You do want to maintain positive contact on the soft tissue to obtain a nice result, however, too much pressure may cause tissue recession (exactly the same as doing an ovate pontic for a standard bridge). We don't normally do osseous shaping - usually there is minimal hard and soft tissue after the teeth are lost and we are trying to maintain as much as possible.

NEW PROGRAM IN DALLAS, TEXAS

Starting this Spring, we are now offering our popular 11-day mini residency program in Dallas, Texas. The program will be offered over 3 sessions, with the opportunity for Dentists to bring their own patients and place implants under supervision of the Faculty.

The format is as follows:

Session 1: Treatment Planning and Implant Prosthetics
(with Live Demonstration Surgeries)

Session 2: Implant Surgery
(with Live Demonstration Surgeries, and Surgeries Performed by Participants)

Session 3: Grafting for Implant Dentistry
(with Live Demonstration Surgeries)

To see how popular these programs are, click here to read comments from previous participants, or view our Video testimonials.

Click here for more information or to register.
To register by phone call Indra at 1-888-806-4442

Congratulations Dr. Hebel!!

The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School Medicine and Dentistry, recently presented Dr. Hebel with the Alumni of Distinction Award. This is a prestigious award, presented to an individual, who has made a significant contribution in Dentistry. The person to receive the award is selected by colleagues and other alumni.

Congratulations Dr. Hebel, and keep up the great work!!

Nobel Biocare’s Amazing Announcement

Nobel Biocare has just announced a donation of $500,000.000 (yes, that is actually FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS) to the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, at the University of Western Ontario, to fund the creation of a new program in Implant Dentistry. The fourth year curriculum will be starting in September 2006 and over the next 5 years, will grow into a program which will be offered throughout all four years of dental education.

And who will be directing this program you ask? . . . Dr. Hebel of course!!

On the Fence?

Are you trying to decide if you should invest in Implant Education?
Are you wondering if you will benefit from taking an Implant program?

Then you should read or view comments from previous course participants . . .

8 day mini-residency: click here to download a PDF file from our latest course
11 day mini-residency: click here to view Video Testimonials

Avoid Disappointment

The 8 day mini-residency program is filling up fast. The current session in Yorba Linda was closed at 44 participants, with over 6 people on the waiting list.

The next program will be in Mahwah, New Jersey. We are still taking registrations, but please don’t wait until the last minute. Click here to get yourself registered.
To register by phone call Indra at 1-888-806-4442

Ask A Question

We are starting a question and answer section in our Newsletter that will address questions from YOU! Questions can be anything you want – from clinical questions to case presentation to practice management . . .

Click here to submit a question. Not all questions can be answered, however, we will address the most common questions in our next newsletter.

Don’t be shy – we want to hear from you!!

Leasing Program

The leasing program is becoming a very popular way for dentists to become involved in implant dentistry. Click here to download a PDF file for more details, or contact your local Nobel Biocare representative.

It really is too good to pass up!

Sharing with your colleagues

If you enjoy reading our newsletter, why not share it with a friend. Click here and have them sign up. After all, learning together is so much more fun!

And don't forget about our referral program. Refer a friend and save $500.00 off your next course. Click here for details.

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