Hygiene Tribune U.S. Edition

HYGIENE TRIBUNE The World’s Dental Hygiene Newspaper ·U.S. Edition January 2012 — Vol. 5, no. 1 www.dental-tribune.com Initially, it is important to understand terminology. An implant, also referred to as the “fixture,” is the titanium screw, which inserts into the bone to replace the natural root. The most coronal part of the implant, often referred to as the collar, may have a smooth or rough surface. The structural component or attach- ment, which fits into the implant and pro- vides the foundation for restoration, may have various names depending on the type of restoration (also called prosthet- ics or reconstruction). This attachment has a smooth surface. In the case of a single crown or bridge, this component is called the abutment or cuff. Restorations (crowns), which attach to abutments, may be screw-retained or cemented. Multiple abutments may be referred to as a round- house or multi-units. These multiple types may be standalone or attached to a bar (may be called a hybrid or high water). They may support single crowns, bridge- work, fixed partial denture or fixed full denture. Components that engage with a removable denture may be ball attach- ments or locator attachments. The im- plant prosthetic restoration terminology is the same as that used for natural teeth. It is important to understand that bio- film and calculus may accumulate on all these structures, just as with natural teeth. Also, whenever cement is used and residual amounts remain, it will cause irritation and needs to be effectively re- moved. The periodontium around an implant/ attachment/restoration is different than around a natural tooth. In very simplistic terms, there are two important biological characteristics of the tissue surrounding the implant, attachment and restoration. First, there is no connective tissue “at- As a dental implant sales rep, I speak with many clinicians on a daily basis about implants. Coming from a back- ground of 28 years as a dental hygienist, the topic of cleaning dental implants al- ways seems to come up in conversation. These communications suggest that the majority of dentists and hygienists are experiencing a great deal of frustration and misunderstanding about the biol- ogy and the armamentarium used when maintaining dental implants. This article attempts to provide helpful information to the practicing professionals from evi- dence-based and anecdotal sources. about the importance of maintain- ing good oral health through frequent presentations at the local elementary schools and health fairs. Kroeker regu- larly visits the high school where her sis- ter teaches students with special needs. Through role playing and props, she en- sures that the students will feel comfort- able, at ease and informed the next time they sit in the dental chair. A personal struggle Kroeker has over- come is her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis 12 years ago. Through her posi- tive attitude, combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, Kroeker has been in remission for several years and fortunately, her career has not been im- pacted. To Kroeker, one of the most important things she can do is help others not only learn about proper oral hygiene, but also take passion in their oral health as much as she does. Through her tireless dedica- tion to her profession, Kroeker strives to reinforce the oral care and overall health of her patients and community. Throughout the year, five other de- serving professionals will join Kroeker as this year’s Crest Oral-B Pros in the Profession winners. Winners will receive a $1,000 monetary prize, recognition at a special award cocktail reception at RDH’s Under One Roof 2012 in Las Vegas, a recognition plaque, tribute in dental trade media news announcements and on the website www.dentalcare.com, and an exclusive trip to Proctor and Gamble headquarters. So those who know wor- thy “Pros” like Kroeker should help give those individuals the recognition they deserve by nominating them today. Nominations will be accepted through April 2012 at www.prosintheprofession. com or at the Crest Oral-B booth at up- coming dental conventions. Nominations should be submitted by dentists, fellow hygienists, dental assis- tants, professional colleagues and other collegiate colleagues. Submitted nominations should con- vey why the nominee is a true pro. Nom- inees must meet the following criteria: • Registered dental hygienists with two-plus years of practice experience after graduation from dental hygiene school. • Registered dental hygienists with community service involvement. • General volunteer/non-oral health- specific examples are welcome, but oral health-related volunteer experience is preferred. • Registered dental hygienists with examples of work that go above and be- yond the call of duty. Examples include: excellent patient relations/special care/ retainment; involvement in research and/or clinical experience; published work(s); and the ability to generate addi- tional business for their practice. To learn more about Kroeker, the other winners and the Pros in the Profession program — including how to nominate a Pro for consideration — visit the website www.prosintheprofession.com. (Source: Crest Oral-B) Crest® Oral-B® has named Julie Wells Kroeker, RDH, of McAllen, Texas, as the latest winner of the brands’ second an- nual Pros in the Profession® award pro- gram, which honors registered dental hygienists who go above and beyond the call of duty every day. After careful con- sideration of a pool of qualified candi- dates, a panel of judges selected Kroeker for the award based on her commitment to the oral health of not only her pa- tients, but also those with special needs in her community. Kroeker has been practicing dental hygiene for more than 28 years, holding a Bachelor of Science from the Univer- sity of Oklahoma Health Science Center. She lives in the Rio Grande Valley with her husband and four children, two of whom also plan to go into the dental profession. Kroeker works in a location that has a large Hispanic population, presenting a potential language barrier between her and many of her patients. Kroeker has overcome this obstacle by learning to speak Spanish, which has greatly im- proved her relationships and ability to communicate with many of her patients. In her spare time, Kroeker enjoys educating the youth in her community Guidance evolving on cleaning dental implants Many dentists and hygienists are experiencing frustration and misunderstanding about the biology and the armamentarium used when maintaining dental implants By Stacy Ewing, BS, RDH 'Pros in the Profession' winner named StaCy Ewing, BS, RDH, has been in den- tistry for 30 years, with experience in clinical practice, education, re- search and public health. Her clinical and creative writings have been published in RDH magazine and various journals. She works as a professional repre- sentative for MIS Im- plants Technologies. Julie Wells Kroeker, RDH Photo/Crest Oral-B ” Continue on page C2 Julie Wells Kroeker, RDH, first of six possible 2012 honorees, recognized for exceptional daily service