Surgical Prosthodontics--A Shift in Patient Treatment at the University of Tennessee Graduate Prosthodontic Program...

Over recent years Dentistry has evolved, and as such, we have been able to make strides in restoring edentulous patients with dental implants. Recently, the specialty of Prosthodontics, in addition to the prosthetic rehabilitation of complex dental patients with fixed, removable, implant, and cosmetic dental needs, has begun to shift into the surgical realm of patient treatment. This report outlines a minimally invasive technique for sinus floor elevation, on the controlled use of drills and osteotomes, while simultaneously placing implants through a guided protocol. The rational for such a technique is that it provides a predictable and repeatable method of attaining vertical ridge augmentation as well as correct implant placement in order to obtain ideal restorative reconstructions. In addition it provides the dentist with the autonomy to treat patients requiring implants from start to completion with a great deal of control. Postoperative radiographs reveal the amount of vertical height gained and concomitant implant placements.