Effect of Periodontal Instrumentation on Tooth Structure Exposure to Ionizing Radiation: In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different scaling protocols on the morphology and roughness of the root dentin substrate exposure to ionizing radiation. One hundred and thirty extracted bovine incisors were randomly divided into two groups (n=65): non-irradiated (NIR) and irradiated (IR). Each group was initially subdivided into three subgroups according to the type of non-surgical periodontal protocol: NIT: no instrumentation; HS: hand scaling with 15 apical-coronal instrument movements; US: ultrasonic scaling with 15 apical-coronal cycles. Subsequently, all samples were subjected to the prophylaxis protocol, being subdivided into the following groups: NIT/PP: prophylaxis with a fine prophylactic paste using a rubber cup for 15 seconds; HS/PP: Hand scaling followed by the prophylaxis protocol; US/PP: Ultrasonic scaling followed by the prophylaxis protocol. The roughness of the root dentin surface was measured with a profilometer (Ra/Rz - µm), and the morphology of the dentin surfaces was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analyses were conducted before and after the prophylaxis protocol. In the absence of prophylaxis, the roughest surfaces were observed after ultrasonic instrumentation followed by hand instrumentation for both IR and NIR groups. No difference in Ra and RZ values between HS/PP and US/PP was observed for both substrates. For the IR group, the prophylaxis resulted in similar Ra and RZ values for both instrumentation groups in comparison to no instrumentation. Ordinal logistic regression showed that both HS and US resulted in higher scores than NIT, irrespective of IR presence. In conclusion, the IR showed a rougher root surface for both HS and US in comparison to NIR. However, the prophylaxis procedure significantly reduced the roughness of root surfaces after both instrumentation procedures.

Three-dimensional printed bioresorbable scaffold for maxillofacial bone reconstruction: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of current advancements in virtual planning and custom-made 3D-printed bioresorbable scaffolds, and to evaluate their clinical outcomes in maxillofacial reconstructive surgeries. Electronic searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted for publications up to June 2024. Included in the review were reports evaluating patients who underwent maxillofacial bone defect reconstruction using virtual planning and custom-made 3D-printed bioresorbable scaffolds. Data on postoperative complications, new bone formation, scaffold resorption, dental implant success/survival, and patient satisfaction were collected. The electronic search found 5799 results (3438 unique citations). A total of 54 studies were evaluated for full-text reading, of which 41 were excluded based on the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies (6 case reports, 5 case series, one prospective clinical study and one randomized clinical trial) were included. These studies assessed the effectiveness of 3D-printed scaffolds in reconstructing maxillofacial defects, bone augmentation for dental implant placement, and regeneration of periosseous defects. Most of the 3D-printed scaffolds were biocompatible and did not cause local or systemic adverse events. However, some postoperative complications were reported, including graft exposure, wound dehiscence, and local infection. Overall, the 3D-printed scaffolds demonstrated favorable dimensional compatibility with deformities, provided durable support, promoted bone formation, achieved adequate bone union with host bone tissues, and supported dental implant placement without additional guided bone regeneration. In conclusion, custom-made 3D-printed bioresorbable scaffolds, guided by virtual planning, present a promising option for maxillofacial reconstruction due to their accuracy, osteoconductivity, and biocompatible properties.

Effect of photobiomodulation with different wavelengths on periodontal repair in non-hyperglycemic and hyperglycemic rats.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemic conditions is associated with more severe periodontitis and poorer outcomes after nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NPT). Then, these patients are candidates for adjunctive therapy associated with NPT. This study evaluates the effect of photobiomodulation (PBMT) at different wavelengths on periodontal repair in non-hyperglycemic/hyperglycemic animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four rats were submitted to induction of periodontitis by ligatures. Hyperglycemia was induced in half of these animals, whereas the other half remained non-hyperglycemic. The animals were subdivided into 4 groups according to the PBMT protocol applied at the time of ligature removal (n = 8): CTR: Without PBMT; IRL: PBMT with infrared laser (808 nm); RL: PBMT with red laser (660 nm); and RL-IRL: PBMT with red (660 nm) and infrared laser (808 nm). After a period of 7 days, the animals were euthanized. The parameters assessed by microtomography were the bone volume relative to total tissue volume (BV/TV%), distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the top of the bone crest (CEJ-CB), trabecular thickness, space between trabeculae, and number of trabeculae. Additionally, the percentage of inflammatory cells, blood vessels, and connective tissue matrix were assessed by histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: PBMT reduced bone loss and increased trabecular density in hyperglycemic animals (p < .05), with RL being more effective in reducing linear bone loss (CEJ-CB), whereas RL-IRL was more effective in maintaining BV/TV%. PBMT reduced blood vessels and increased the connective tissue component in hyperglycemic animals (p < .05). RL-IRL reduced inflammatory cells regardless of the systemic condition of the animal (p < .05). CONCLUSION: PBMT (RL, RL-IRL) improves the repair of periodontal tissues in hyperglycemic animals.

Patient-, implant- and prosthetic-related factors on peri-implant mucositis and bone loss.

Peri-implant diseases, including peri-implant mucositis (PIM) and peri-implantitis, are a chronic inflammatory disorder triggered by bacterial biofilm in susceptible hosts. Potential risk factors for peri-implant diseases include smoking, dental plaque accumulation, poor oral hygiene, genetics, and absence of peri-implant keratinized mucosa. This cohort study aimed to evaluate the influence of patient-, implant-, and prosthetic-related factors on PIM and peri-implant bone loss (PBL) around dental implants after 1 year of loading. A total of 54 subjects (22 males and 32 females) were included in the study. Peri-implant clinical parameters were assessed and standardized periapical radiographs of each dental implant were obtained 15 days after the definitive prosthesis installation (baseline) and at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. A total of 173 implants were evaluated. PIM affected 44.8% of the implants and no significant association was found between the investigated parameters and PIM incidence, except for type of implant connection. A significantly higher incidence of PIM (80.0%) was observed for implants with internal hexagon connection type after 1 year of follow-up (p = 0.015). Moreover, a mean PBL of 0.35 ± 1.89 mm was observed and no dental implant was affected by peri-implantitis after 1 year of function. No specific influence of patient, implant, or prosthetic factors on PBL was observed. No association was found between the occurrence of PIM/PBL and the patient-, implant-, and prosthetic-related factors investigated in this cohort study, except for the type of dental-implant connection.

A new hydroxyapatite-alginate-gelatin biocomposite favor bone regeneration in a critical-sized calvarial defect model.

This study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of hydroxyapatite (HA), Alginate (Alg), and Gelatine (Gel) composite in a critical-size defect model in rats. Twenty-four male rats were divided into three groups: a negative control with no treatment (Control group), a positive control treated with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM group), and the experimental group treated with the new HA-Alg-Gel composite (HA-Alg-Gel group). A critical size defect (8.5mm) was made in the rat's calvaria, and the bone formation was evaluated by in vivo microcomputed tomography analysis (µCT) after 1, 15, 45, and 90 days. After 90 days, the animals were euthanized and histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed. A higher proportion of mineralized tissue/biomaterial was observed in the DBBM group when compared to the HA-Alg-Gel and Control groups in the µCT analysis during all analysis periods. However, no differences were observed in the mineralized tissue/biomaterial proportion observed on day 1 (immediate postoperative) in comparison to later periods of analysis in all groups. In the histomorphometric analysis, the HA-Alg-Gel and Control groups showed higher bone formation than the DBBM group. Moreover, in histological analysis, five samples of the HA-Alg-Gal group exhibited formed bone spicules adjacent to the graft granules against only two of eight samples in the DBBM group. Both graft materials ensured the maintenance of defect bone thickness, while a tissue thickness reduction was observed in the control group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the osteoconductive potential of HA-Alg-Gel bone graft by supporting new bone formation around its particles.

Evaluation of Different Approaches for Sinus Membrane Perforation Repair During Sinus Elevation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of different approaches to sinus membrane perforation (SMP) repair on bone formation, postoperative complications, and implant loss risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted for publications up to February 2021. All included articles reported SMPs submitted for repair. The proportion of implant loss in repaired SMP sites was calculated using a random-effects model meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 130 studies reporting SMP repair protocols were included in the systematic review, with 20 selected for meta-analysis. A total of 1,972 sinuses that were perforated and repaired during sinus elevation using different approaches were included in the qualitative analysis. The resorbable collagen membrane was the most commonly reported treatment. The presence of sinusitis was the most frequently described complication. Regarding bone parameters, the majority of studies described no differences between perforated and repaired sinuses and intact membranes. No difference in the implant loss proportion was observed between sites with repaired SMP compared to undetected SMP. The proportion of implant loss in repaired sinuses membrane sites (independent of the material or implant placement time) was 4% (95% CI: 2.0 to 8.0). In meta-regression analysis, no association was observed between the SMP size and implant loss proportion (P = .86). CONCLUSIONS: The materials and techniques indicated for SMP management seem to securely seal the maxillary sinus, without a negative effect on the ultimate survival of the implants placed in the affected sinuses.

Wound-healing agents for palatal donor area: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was to assess the efficacy of different wound-healing agents for palatal donor area management after soft tissue graft harvesting. METHODS: Electronic searches in six databases were conducted for publications up to October 2023. Studies with data from patients undergoing therapeutic approaches using agents for palatal healing after gingival graft harvesting were included. Data about postoperative pain, wound-healing and postoperative complications reported for each agent were extracted. Three different tools were used for the risk of bias within studies evaluation (Murad tool for case series and case report, RoB 2.0 tool for randomized studies and ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies). A Bayesian random effects NMA was conducted for postoperative pain levels and wound healing. RESULTS: Eighty-four publications were included in the systematic review (qualitative analysis), with 14 of these subjected to NMA (quantitative analysis). The summarized results from the qualitative and quantitative analysis showed that all wound-healing agents evaluated promoted better pain control and wound healing compared to spontaneous healing and hemostatic sponges alone. The NMA outcomes reveal that leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) was the most effective agent in reducing postoperative pain in all analyzed periods. Moreover, the L-PRF seems to accelerate wound healing and reduce postoperative complications compared to other agents. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the L-PRF was the most effective agent in reducing postoperative pain, accelerating wound healing and reducing postoperative complications after harvesting soft tissue grafts from the palatal area.

A new hydroxyapatite-alginate-gelatin biocomposite favor bone regeneration in a critical-sized calvarial defect model

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of hydroxyapatite (HA), Alginate (Alg), and Gelatine (Gel) composite in a critical-size defect model in rats. Twenty-four male rats were divided into three groups: a negative control with no treatment (Control group), a positive control treated with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM group), and the experimental group treated with the new HA-Alg-Gel composite (HA-Alg-Gel group). A critical size defect (8.5mm) was made in the rat's calvaria, and the bone formation was evaluated by in vivo microcomputed tomography analysis (µCT) after 1, 15, 45, and 90 days. After 90 days, the animals were euthanized and histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed. A higher proportion of mineralized tissue/biomaterial was observed in the DBBM group when compared to the HA-Alg-Gel and Control groups in the µCT analysis during all analysis periods. However, no differences were observed in the mineralized tissue/biomaterial proportion observed on day 1 (immediate postoperative) in comparison to later periods of analysis in all groups. In the histomorphometric analysis, the HA-Alg-Gel and Control groups showed higher bone formation than the DBBM group. Moreover, in histological analysis, five samples of the HA-Alg-Gal group exhibited formed bone spicules adjacent to the graft granules against only two of eight samples in the DBBM group. Both graft materials ensured the maintenance of defect bone thickness, while a tissue thickness reduction was observed in the control group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the osteoconductive potential of HA-Alg-Gel bone graft by supporting new bone formation around its particles.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial osteogênico de um compósito de hidroxiapatita (HA), alginato (Alg) e gelatina (Gel) em um modelo de defeito de tamanho crítico em ratos. Vinte e quatro ratos machos foram divididos em três grupos: um controle negativo sem tratamento (grupo controle), um controle positivo tratado com osso bovino desproteinizado (grupo DBBM) e o grupo experimental tratado com o novo compósito HA-Alg-Gel (grupo HA-Alg-Gel). Um defeito de tamanho crítico (8,5mm) foi feito na calvária dos ratos, e a formação óssea foi avaliada por análise de microtomografia computadorizada in vivo (µCT) após 1, 15, 45 e 90 dias. Após 90 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados e análises histológicas e histomorfométricas foram realizadas. Uma maior proporção de tecido mineralizado/biomaterial foi observada no grupo DBBM quando comparado aos grupos HA-Alg-Gel e controle na análise de µCT durante todos os períodos de análise. Entretanto, não foram observadas diferenças na proporção tecido mineralizado/biomaterial no dia 1 (pós-operatório imediato) em relação aos períodos posteriores de análise em todos os grupos. Na análise histomorfométrica, os grupos HA-Alg-Gel e controle apresentaram maior formação óssea do que o grupo DBBM. Além disso, na análise histológica, cinco amostras do grupo HA-Alg-Gal exibiram espículas ósseas formadas adjacentes aos grânulos do enxerto contra apenas duas das oito amostras do grupo DBBM. Ambos os materiais de enxerto garantiram a manutenção da espessura óssea do defeito, enquanto uma redução da espessura do tecido foi observada no grupo controle. Em conclusão, este estudo demonstrou o potencial osteocondutor do enxerto ósseo de HA-Alg-Gel, promovendo a formação de osso novo ao redor das suas partículas.

Patient-, implant- and prosthetic-related factors on peri-implant mucositis and bone loss

Abstract Peri-implant diseases, including peri-implant mucositis (PIM) and peri-implantitis, are a chronic inflammatory disorder triggered by bacterial biofilm in susceptible hosts. Potential risk factors for peri-implant diseases include smoking, dental plaque accumulation, poor oral hygiene, genetics, and absence of peri-implant keratinized mucosa. This cohort study aimed to evaluate the influence of patient-, implant-, and prosthetic-related factors on PIM and peri-implant bone loss (PBL) around dental implants after 1 year of loading. A total of 54 subjects (22 males and 32 females) were included in the study. Peri-implant clinical parameters were assessed and standardized periapical radiographs of each dental implant were obtained 15 days after the definitive prosthesis installation (baseline) and at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. A total of 173 implants were evaluated. PIM affected 44.8% of the implants and no significant association was found between the investigated parameters and PIM incidence, except for type of implant connection. A significantly higher incidence of PIM (80.0%) was observed for implants with internal hexagon connection type after 1 year of follow-up (p = 0.015). Moreover, a mean PBL of 0.35 ± 1.89 mm was observed and no dental implant was affected by peri-implantitis after 1 year of function. No specific influence of patient, implant, or prosthetic factors on PBL was observed. No association was found between the occurrence of PIM/PBL and the patient-, implant-, and prosthetic-related factors investigated in this cohort study, except for the type of dental-implant connection.

Histomorphometric comparison of two different preclinical models to evaluate the bone repair in grafted areas

Aim: This study was performed to compare two different rat defect models (critical calvaria defects versus guided bone regeneration in the mandibular ramus) used to evaluate bone repair in grafted areas. Methods: A total of 12 rats were allocated in two groups according the experimental model used to evaluate the bone repair in grafted areas: a critical sized-calvaria defect of 5 mm filled with bone graft (n=6) and a mandibular ramus filled with the bone graft associated with a Teflon dome-shaped membrane (n=6). Both groups were grafted with deproteinized bovine bone graft. After 60 days, the animals were euthanized and the samples obtained were submitted to histomorphometry analysis to evaluate the relative amount of bone, remaining bone substitute, and soft tissue within the grafted areas. Results: No differences were observed between the preclinical models evaluated in relation to the amount of bone tissue formation (19.93 ± 4.55% in calvaria vs. 21.00 ± 8.20% in mandible). However, there was a smaller amount of soft tissue (43.20 ± 10.97% vs. 57.79 ± 7.61 %; p<0.01) and a greater amount of bone substitute remaining (35.80 ± 5.52% vs. 22.28 ± 4.36 %; p<0.05) in the grafted areas in the mandible compared to calvaria defect. Conclusion: Preclinical models for the analysis of bone repair in grafted areas in the mandible and critical sized-calvaria defects showed different responses in relation to the amount of soft tissue and bone substitute remnants

Root coverage with platelet-rich fibrin or connective tissue graft: a split-mouth randomized trial.

This study aimed to compare the use of connective tissue grafts (CTG) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) associated with the tunnel technique (TT) for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR). Fourteen patients with multiple bilateral GR [type 1 recession (RT 1)] in the maxillary incisors, canines, and/or premolars were included. The TT was performed on both sides (split-mouth model); CTG (36 GR) was used on one side, and on the other, PRF (36 GR) was used. Clinical parameters, including recession depth (RD), probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized gingiva thickness/width (GT/KTW), were obtained at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 16 months. Lower RD (0.81 ± 0.68 vs. 1.23 ± 0.71 mm) and CAL (2.54 ± 0.63 vs. 2.73 ± 0.82 mm) were observed for CTG compared to PRF after 16 months. Higher GT was obtained for CTG compared to PRF after 3 (1.81 ± 0.56 vs 1.43 ± 0.47 mm) and 6 months (1.67 ± 0.61 vs. 1.38 ± 0.55 mm, p < 0.05). The recession coverage (RC) was higher for CTG (55.42% ± 37.14) in comparison to PRF (29.53% ± 34.08) after 16 months (p < 0.05). Similarly, CTG presented a more complete coverage of the recession (15; 41.66%) than PRF (9; 24.32%). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of surgery time, postoperative pain, or healing patterns. Greater esthetic satisfaction was obtained with CTG. It was concluded that CTG combined with TT showed clinical and esthetic results superior to those of PRF in multiple GR treatments.

Effect of a gel containing green tea extract and hyaluronic acid on palate pain scores and wound healing after free gingival graft: a quasi-randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gel containing green tea extract and hyaluronic acid (HA) on pain scores and wound healing in donor sites after free gingival graft (FGG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients requiring FGG were included in three groups: (1) control group (n = 14), no material was placed in the donor area; only the clot was kept in position by sutures; (2) placebo group (n = 14), vehicle gel applied 3 times a day for 7 days; and (3) test group (n = 14), gel containing green tea extract and HA applied 3 times a day for 7 days. The wound size by clinical measurement (WS-CM) and photographic image (WS-PI), complete wound epithelialization (CWE), and palatal mucosa color were evaluated after 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and analgesic consumption were used to assess participant's perception in the same postoperative periods. RESULTS: A similar progressive reduction in the wound size, associated with an improvement in the color pattern, was observed in all groups (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found for CWE and pain assessment between the examined groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gel containing green tea extract and HA application in palatal wounds after FGG removal does not provide clinical healing benefits using this investigated protocol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first clinical study evaluating the effect of gel containing green tea extract and HA on the palate postoperative pain control and wound healing after FGG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov : NCT05270161.

Progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research.

Cell culture and invertebrate animal models reflect a significant evolution in scientific research by providing reliable evidence on the physiopathology of diseases, screening for new drugs, and toxicological tests while reducing the need for mammals. In this review, we discuss the progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research, with a special focus on drug toxicity.

The effect of different spatial resolutions and enhancement filters on radiographic detection of simulated furcation defects with intraoral digital radiography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spatial resolution and the application of enhancement filters in the diagnosis of simulated furcation defects and image quality with intraoral radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Periapical images were acquired with photostimulable phosphor plates of molars in dry skulls (n = 8) and mandibles (n = 10) with 4 stages of furcation defect simulation. The plates were scanned in fast scan and high resolution modes to produce different spatial resolutions. Four image filters were applied. Six observers scored the detection of furcation defects. Mean values of area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic evaluation, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Mean gray value (brightness), noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for enamel, dentin, and alveolar bone to evaluate image quality. Analysis of variance compared the values between the different spatial resolutions and filters. The significance of difference was established at P < .05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in overall diagnostic values comparing image spatial resolutions and filters. Diagnostic outcomes were significantly better for the largest defects than the smallest lesions but were generally poor in detecting lesions. All structures showed greater brightness in high resolution. . Noise was greater in all structures with all enhancement filters except inversion. Dentin and alveolar bone exhibited more noise and lower CNR in high resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Varying spatial resolution and applying enhancement filters did not significantly affect the diagnosis of furcation defects.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This manuscript presents a systematic review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. A meta-analysis was made to compare the number of treated/operated HNC patients in the pre-COVID-19 era versus the COVID-19 era. This investigation was based on previous reports showing a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of new cases of cancer during the pandemic. Worsening in cancer prognosis would be expected as a result of the delayed treatments. METHOD AND MATERIALS: An electronic search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library databases. Relevant articles were selected based on specific inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 8,942 HNC patients were included. A higher prevalence in male (1,873) in comparison to female (1,695) was observed considering 3,568 patients. Regarding staging, the majority of cases were stage III to IV. The treatment type more frequently described was surgery. Positive diagnosis for COVID-19 in the pre-oncologic treatment was reported for 242 patients, and for post-oncologic treatment in 119 patients. Mortality by COVID-19 was reported for 27 HNC patients. The meta-analysis revealed a significantly smaller number of surgeries/oncologic treatments of HNC patients performed (2,666) in the COVID-19 era when compared to the pre-COVID-19 era (3,163) (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.65 to 1.00, P = .05). CONCLUSION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HNC patients occurred mainly in the number of surgeries/oncologic treatments, showing a significantly smaller number of surgeries/oncologic treatments performed in the COVID-19 era rather than the pre-COVID-19 era.

Digital planning and guided dual technique in esthetic crown lengthening: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the guided dual technique with the conventional technique in esthetic crown lengthening (ECL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trial registration number is NCT04922086. Twenty-four participants diagnosed with altered passive eruption (APE) type I subcategory B were selected and allocated into two groups. In the control group (n = 12), the ECL procedure was planned by clinical examination and transgingival probing; in the test group (n = 12), the ECL procedure was carried out using digital planning and a double guide. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention (IAI), and at 4, 8, and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The clinical crown length (CCL) mean at baseline was 8.09 mm (± 0.77) and increased significantly to 9.92 mm (± 0.62) IAI, with minimal significant reduction after 12 months (9.47 mm [± 0.60]) in the control group. Similarly, in the test group, the mean CCL at baseline was 8.04 mm (± 0.69) and increased significantly to 9.94 mm (± 0.57) IAI, with minimal reduction after 12 months (9.35 mm [± 0.80]). No differences were found between the mean CCL determined in the digital planning and after 12 months. No correlation was found between gingival thickness and gingival margin stability. High esthetic satisfaction was demonstrated by participants/specialists without differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the guided dual technique was as effective as the conventional technique for treatment of APE, with stable results after 12 months of follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The guided dual technique aims to transfer both the gingival and bone resection planned position to facilitate the ECL surgical procedure and increase treatment predictability.

Root coverage with platelet-rich fibrin or connective tissue graft: a split-mouth randomized trial

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the use of connective tissue grafts (CTG) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) associated with the tunnel technique (TT) for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR). Fourteen patients with multiple bilateral GR [type 1 recession (RT 1)] in the maxillary incisors, canines, and/or premolars were included. The TT was performed on both sides (split-mouth model); CTG (36 GR) was used on one side, and on the other, PRF (36 GR) was used. Clinical parameters, including recession depth (RD), probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized gingiva thickness/width (GT/KTW), were obtained at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 16 months. Lower RD (0.81 ± 0.68 vs. 1.23 ± 0.71 mm) and CAL (2.54 ± 0.63 vs. 2.73 ± 0.82 mm) were observed for CTG compared to PRF after 16 months. Higher GT was obtained for CTG compared to PRF after 3 (1.81 ± 0.56 vs 1.43 ± 0.47 mm) and 6 months (1.67 ± 0.61 vs. 1.38 ± 0.55 mm, p < 0.05). The recession coverage (RC) was higher for CTG (55.42% ± 37.14) in comparison to PRF (29.53% ± 34.08) after 16 months (p < 0.05). Similarly, CTG presented a more complete coverage of the recession (15; 41.66%) than PRF (9; 24.32%). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of surgery time, postoperative pain, or healing patterns. Greater esthetic satisfaction was obtained with CTG. It was concluded that CTG combined with TT showed clinical and esthetic results superior to those of PRF in multiple GR treatments.

Digital Smile Design and mock-up technique in esthetic crown lengthening: 2-year follow-up of six cases.

The present case series aimed to evaluate the use of a Digital Smile Design (DSD) and mock-up technique for esthetic crown lengthening (ECL) surgery in six clinical cases with a 2-year follow-up. Six nonsmoker patients (five females, one male; aged 22 to 32 years), periodontally and systemically healthy, with inadequate tooth width/height ratio proportions associated with a gingival misalignment in the anterior maxilla were included. The DSDs were created using PowerPoint for all patients to evaluate gingival level and tooth form/contour. A wax-up and mock-up were created based on the DSD measurements. ECL surgeries were performed in all cases using the mock-up technique to determine the final gingival margin position and the amount of bone resection needed. A mock-up to bone crest distance of 3 mm was obtained in all cases. Using patient photographs, comparisons were made between the dental crown length (DCL) measurements obtained before the surgical procedure (baseline; T0), on the DSD template immediately postoperatively (IPO; T1), and at the 2-year follow-up (T2). A DCL augmentation of 1.16 ± 0.68 mm was obtained at T1, with an augmentation of 1.03 ± 0.73 mm at T2. Moreover, a minimal difference of 0.34 ± 0.74 mm between the DCL planned in the DSD template and the DCL obtained IPO was observed. In conclusion, the ECL procedure based on the DSD concept and mock-up technique proposed in this cases series was a predictable protocol for smile disharmony treatment in all the patients.

Photobiomodulation of gingival lesions resulting from autoimmune diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) in gingival lesions resulting from autoimmune diseases; to compare PBM and topical corticosteroid (CS) treatment; and to assess PBM outcome over time of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search was performed in four electronic databases. Treatment effects were measured through visual analog scale of pain (VAS) and clinical evolution of lesion (Thongprasom scale for oral lichen planus (OLP)). Meta-analysis was performed to compare PBM with topical corticosteroid treatment and to evaluate PBM effect over time of follow-up. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in this review, of which six were used for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed no significant differences between PBM and topical CS in pain reduction at baseline (MD = 0.20, 95% CI = - 0.92, 1.32, p = 0.72) and 60-day follow-up (MD = 0.63, 95% CI = - 3.93, 5.19, p = 0.79); however, VAS showed significant pain reduction when compared before and after PBM at 30-day (MD = - 3.52, 95% CI = - 5.40, - 1.64, p = 0.0002) and 60-day (MD = - 5.04, 95% CI = - 5.86, - 4.22, p < 0.00001) follow-up. Thongprasom clinical scale for OLP also showed significant improvement at 30-day follow-up (MD = - 2.50, 95% CI = - 2.92, - 2.08, p < 0.00001) after PBM. CONCLUSION: PBM led to significant reduction of pain and clinical scores of the lesions, not having shown significant differences when compared to topical CS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PBM has been used in the treatment of autoimmune gingival lesions, but so far there is little strong evidence to support its use.