The Digital Abutment Check: An Improvement of the Fully Digital Workflow

By using modern digitalization techniques, an existing denture can be digitized and aid the provision of a new implant-supported denture according to a fully digital workflow. This includes fully navigated implant surgery and results in an immediately provided prosthetic restoration. However, even with the current digital workflow, it is challenging to achieve a definitive prosthetic restoration in a single treatment session. In order to achieve a definitive denture in as few treatment sessions as possible, we have implemented the digital abutment test. This test modified the existing data set and determined the final restoration. In the present case, the preexisting maxillary removable complete denture was converted into a fixed immediate restoration using the fully digital workflow. The workflow is divided into two treatment phases, each with three treatment sessions, where part of the second phase involves an innovative digital abutment check. The illustrated case shows an effective use of current digital possibilities. Special attention was also paid to a minimally invasive course of therapy.

Yellow Pattern 577-nm Micropulse Laser: Treatment of Macular Edema from Radiation Retinopathy – A Case Report

We report a case of a 60-year-old Asian male who developed radiation retinopathy 23 years after initial radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and was successfully treated with yellow pattern 577-nm micropulse laser. Secondary macular edema and visual acuity improved following a single treatment session with minimal scarring. Yellow pattern micropulse laser is a safe and effective treatment for macular edema secondary to radiation retinopathy.

Acupuncture-Analgesia Following a Single Treatment Session in Chronic Whiplash is Unrelated to Autonomic Nervous System Changes: A Randomized Cross-over Trial

Background: An acupuncture treatment can reduce pain sensitivity in patients with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD). But it has been hypothesized that many of the experimental results in acupuncture research could be interpreted as stress-induced analgesia. Objective: The present study aimed at examining whether acupuncture has an effect on the autonomic nervous system response in patients with chronic WAD and if this response is related to the pain inhibition after an acupuncture session. Study Design: Randomized crossover trial with blinded assessor. Setting: Two private practices. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with chronic WAD received 2 treatment sessions of identical duration, with acupuncture and relaxation therapy randomly crossed over in the 2 visits. The primary outcome measurement was the registration of autonomic nervous system parameters (heart rate, skin conductance, and heart rate variability parameters) during the administration of experimental pain. Endogenous analgesia was the secondary outcome. Results: Following one acupuncture treatment session, there was a significant change for 2 parameters: the heart rate was slightly reduced and the skin conductance was raised. Comparing the effects of acupuncture and relaxation, no differences were found with respect to the change in any of the autonomic parameters. Further, the reduction in pain sensitivity in response to acupuncture treatment was unrelated to any of the changes in autonomic measurements. Limitations: The results were observed after only one session of acupuncture. Conclusion: In patients with chronic WAD, in response to a single treatment session, no acupuncture specific effects on the autonomic response to pain assessment were present and the analgesia after one session of acupuncture is not caused by stress-induced analgesia but is more likely the result of an acupuncture specific reaction. Key Words: Acupuncture, chronic whiplash, autonomic nervous system, pain analgesia, heart rate variability, acupuncture analgesia

Single visit endodontic retreatment – controversies

Healing of apical periodontitis, even of considerable dimensions, may be obtained by root canal treatment in a single treatment session (single visit), without the need for application of a medical dressing such as calcium hydroxide before the root canal filling. Treatment by single visit is based on the inactivation of the remaining bacteria, by isolating them against the nutrients and the elimination of the space required for multiplication using a three-dimensional tight filling. The clinical case presented shows the predictability of properly performed endodontic retreatment in a single visit, highlighting the controversies related to this clinical approach.