[box]2010 OCT 31 – ( NewsRx.com) — Scientists discuss in ‘Understanding the formation of maxillary sinus in Japanese human foetuses using cone beam CT’ new findings in bone research (see also Bone Research). According to a study from Tokyo, Japan, “The formation of the maxillary sinus (MS) is tied to the maturation of the craniofacial bones during development. The MS and surrounding bone matrices in Japanese foetal specimens were inspected using cone beam computed tomography relative to the nasal cavity (NC) and the surrounding bones, including the palatine bone, maxillary process, inferior nasal concha and lacrimal bone.” “The human foetuses analysed were 223.2 (+-) 25.9 mm in crown-rump length (CRL) and ranged in estimated age from 20 to 30 weeks of gestation. The amount of bone in the maxilla surrounding the MS increased gradually between 20 and 30 weeks of gestation. Various calcified structures that formed the bone matrix were found in the cortical bone of the maxilla, and these calcified structures specifically surrounded the deciduous tooth germs. By 30 weeks of gestation, the uncinate process of the ethmoid bone formed a border with the maxilla. The distance from the midline to the maximum lateral surface border of the MS combined with the width from the midline to the maximum lateral surface border of the inferior nasal concha showed a high positive correlation with CRL in Japanese foetuses. There appears to be a complex correlation between the MS and NC formation during development in the Japanese foetus,” wrote R. Asaumi and colleagues, Nippon Dental University. The researchers concluded: “Examination of the surrounding bone indicated that MS formation influences maturation of the maxilla and the uncinate process of the ethmoid bone during craniofacial bone development.” Asaumi and colleagues published their study in Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy (Understanding the formation of maxillary sinus in Japanese human foetuses using cone beam CT. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2010;32(8):745-51). For more information, contact R. Asaumi, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Nippon Dental University, 1-9-20 Fujimi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan.[/box]

Burgeoning consumer demand for dental implants has prompted dentists nationwide to add implants to their practices, and some have mounted aggressive advertising campaigns to promote implants to consumers. But how can patients objectively evaluate the qualifications of a dentist to perform implant surgery?

Today, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID, www.aaid.com), the leading professional society for dental-implant practitioners, advised consumers interested in implants that in-depth practitioner training and experience are critical for successful outcomes, and prospective patients should inquire about a dentist’s implant qualifications (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/American-Academy-of-Implant-Dentistry.html> American Academy of Implant Dentistry).

“It can be a difficult decision to undergo surgery to insert dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth,” said AAID President Joel Rosenlicht, DMD. “Many practitioners, including general dentists, are well qualified to provide implant treatment, based on their extensive experience and in-depth training. However, beware of those who simply attend a weekend implant seminar.”

Rosenlicht further explained it is impossible for a dentist to become proficient at implant surgery over the course of a single weekend. “Regardless of whether a dentist is a specialist or a general practitioner, attending a weekend session isn’t enough. There is a higher level of risk with the procedure if the dentist hasn’t had extensive, specific training and experience in placing and restoring dental implants.”

He added that implant surgery is precise and very predictable, but it is an invasive procedure that requires excellent surgical skills. “In most cases, the surgery won’t be successful unless patients have sufficient bone mass in the jaw to secure the implant. So rigorous training and extensive experience are critical factors when judging if a patient would be a good candidate for implants.”