The Effect of Piezoelectric Use on Open Sinus Lift Perforation: A Retrospective Evaluation of 56 Consecutively Treated Cases From Private Practices
The lateral window approach to maxillary sinus augmentation is a well-accepted treatment option in implant dentistry. The most frequent complication reported with traditional techniques has been the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane, with erforation rates ranging from 11% to 56%. The purpose of this retrospective, consecutive case series from two private practices was to report on the rate of Schneiderian membrane perforations and arterial lacerations when a piezoelectric surgical unit was used in conjunction with hand instrumentation to perform lateral window sinus elevations.

The Bio-Derm Ridge Plumping Technique for Pontic Site Development
Seibert Class III apicocoronal and buccolingual alveolar ridge defects with associated gingival mucosal atrophy and absence of interdental papillae are common in edentulous areas within the anterior esthetic zone of the maxilla. Normal emergence profiles, critical to achieving esthetic restorations, require restoration of normal hard and soft tissue morphology, including re-establishment of adjacent interdental papillae.

The safety of bone allografts used in dentistry
Recent media reports concerning “stolen body parts” have shaken the public’s trust in the safety of and the use of ethical practices involving human allografts. The authors provide a comprehensive review of the safety aspects of human bone allografts.

Introducing Choukroun’s Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to the Reconstructive Surgery Milieu
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), developed in France by Choukroun et al (2001), is a second generation platelet concentrate widely used to accelerate soft and hard tissue healing. Its advantages over the better known platelet-rich plasma (PRP) include ease of preparation/application, minimal expense, and lack of biochemical modification (no bovine thrombin or anticoagulant is required). PRF is a strictly autologous fibrin matrix containing a large quantity of platelet and leukocyte cytokines. This article serves as an introduction to the PRF “concept” and its potential clinical applications.