The complex process of osseointegration involves formation of an interface between a dental implant and the host’s bone, without intervening soft tissue. Formation depends on qualities of the implant surface, such as its roughness and porosity, as well as characteristics of the host. Titanium coatings offer a good osseointegration surface. After preliminary tests to characterize bone-contacting materials and toxicity reactions, animal models are used to assess different aspects of bone remodeling. This chapter describes several studies for determining the biocompatibility of new implant materials, and their mechanical  stability and safety. Models include the tibia of rats and rabbits, and the mandible of the dog, in which different shapes and sizes of implants and fixation techniques can be compared, and the best parameters for quantifying tissue reactions can be established. Mechanical strength testing using measures of torque and shear, for example, help determine how much bone should be in contact with the implant in order to promote osseointegration. The quality of new bone can then be assessed in terms of area, volume and extent of integration. The use of standardized methodology for sample preparation is also emphasized, with detailed description of the Donath technique, which offers many benefits but is expensive, time consuming and requires for specially trained technicians.

Enhancing Periodontal Health Through Regenerative Procedures Fifty-two workshop participants met in Chicago last summer to conduct a systematic review of existing literature, culminating in the development of consensus reports and practical applications to aid practitioners in the clinical environment. Topics of the workshop included the following: Periodontal Soft Tissue Root Coverage Procedures: Managing gingival recession based on current evidence with a primary outcome goal of complete root coverage Periodontal Soft Tissue Non-Root Coverage Procedures: Assessing the need for gingival augmentation procedures (non-root coverage) around natural teeth Intrabony Defects: Periodontal regenerative strategies for the management of intrabony periodontal defects Furcation Defects: How periodontal furcation defects should be managed via periodontal regenerative therapy and what parameters should be used for treatment selection Emerging Regenerative Approaches for Periodontal Reconstruction: Can emerging technologies for periodontal regeneration become clinical reality? Each practical applications paper describes a specific clinical situation, different approaches that may be considered in its management, and how an expert makes a treatment decision based on the provided evidence. Clinical Advances in Periodontics also offers illustrative images and videos that further detail the clinical situation, how it was managed, and its expected treatment outcomes. How the workshop came to be and what the findings mean for periodontal practice The2014 AAP Regeneration Workshopon the topic Enhancing Periodontal Health Through Regenerative Procedures was of huge interest to the Osteology Foundation, and therefore it was supported with an educational grant. The international consensus meetingwas co-chaired by theOsteology BoardmembersWilliam V. GiannobileandPamela K. McClain. We are excited to announce that the proceedings of this workshop have now been published in a special supplement of the Journal of Periodontology, and are available online with free access. Proceedings of the 2014 AAP Regeneration Workshop The publication is a great result of the first joined efforts of the AAP and the Osteology Foundation. The results havedemonstrated that regenerative procedures are effective and predictable treatment options for helping patients retain their natural dentition. The workshop was an amazing collaborative effort that provides the most current consensus of therapies and technologies in regenerative treatment, sayd AAP president Joan Otomo-Corgel at a press-conference in Chicago, when the publication was announced. Were thrilled to share the results of the these dynamic discussions. This bell weather information will provide tremendous benefit to the periodontal specialty, the dental community, and the patients we treat.