Correction: Immunogenic Salivary Proteins of Triatoma infestans: Development of a Recombinant Antigen for the Detection of Low-Level Infestation of Triatomines.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000532.].

Accuracy of the surgical execution of virtually planned deep circumflex iliac artery flaps and their appropriateness for masticatory rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Tumorous diseases of the jaw demand effective treatments, often involving continuity resection of the jaw. Reconstruction via microvascular bone flaps, like deep circumflex iliac artery flaps (DCIA), is standard. Computer aided planning (CAD) enhances accuracy in reconstruction using patient-specific CT images to create three-dimensional (3D) models. Data on the accuracy of CAD-planned DCIA flaps is scarce. Moreover, the data on accuracy should be combined with data on the exact positioning of the implants for well-fitting dental prosthetics. This study focuses on CAD-planned DCIA flaps accuracy and proper positioning for prosthetic rehabilitation. METHODS: Patients post-mandible resection with CAD-planned DCIA flap reconstruction were evaluated. Postoperative radiograph-derived 3D models were aligned with 3D models from the CAD plans for osteotomy position, angle, and flap volume comparison. To evaluate the DCIA flap's suitability for prosthetic dental rehabilitation, a plane was created in the support zone and crestal in the middle of the DCIA flap. The lower jaw was rotated to close the mouth and the distance between the two planes was measured. RESULTS: 20 patients (12 males, 8 females) were included. Mean defect size was 73.28 ± 4.87 mm; 11 L defects, 9 LC defects. Planned vs. actual DCIA transplant volume difference was 3.814 ± 3.856 cm³ (p = 0.2223). The deviation from the planned angle was significantly larger at the dorsal osteotomy than at the ventral (p = 0.035). Linear differences between the planned DCIA transplant and the actual DCIA transplant were 1.294 ± 1.197 mm for the ventral osteotomy and 2.680 ± 3.449 mm for the dorsal (p = 0.1078). The difference between the dental axis and the middle of the DCIA transplant ranged from 0.2 mm to 14.8 mm. The mean lateral difference was 2.695 ± 3.667 mm in the region of the first premolar. CONCLUSION: The CAD-planned DCIA flap is a solution for reconstructing the mandible. CAD planning results in an accurate reconstruction enabling dental implant placement and dental prosthetics.

Orthodontic findings and treatment need in patients with amelogenesis imperfecta: a descriptive analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a genetically determined, non-syndromic enamel dysplasia that may manifest as hypoplasia, hypomaturation, or hypocalcification and can commonly be classified into four primary groups. In this retrospective analysis, specific orofacial characteristics are described and associated with each of the AI types based on a patient cohort from Witten/Herdecke University, Germany. METHODS: Data from 19 patients (ten male and nine female, mean age 12.27 ± 4.06 years) with AI who presented at the Department of Orthodontics between July 2011 and December 2023 were analyzed. Baseline skeletal and dental conditions were assessed, including the presence of hypodontia, displacements, and taurodontism. AI was classified into classes I-IV based on phenotype. Treatment needs were evaluated according to the main findings following the German KIG classification, while the radiological enamel situation was determined using panoramic radiographs. RESULTS: An approximately equal distribution between classes II and III was found and a slight inclination toward a dolichofacial configuration (ΔML-NSL: 5.07 ± 9.23°, ΔML-NL: 4.24 ± 8.04°). Regarding orthodontic findings, disturbance in tooth eruption as well as open bite were the most prevalent issues (both 36.8%, n = 7). The most common AI classes were type I and II, which show an almost even distribution about the skeletal classes in sagittal dimension, while dolichofacial configuration was found most frequently in vertical dimension. CONCLUSION: Both clinical and radiological orthodontic findings in context with AI are subject to extensive distribution. It seems that no specific orofacial findings can be confirmed in association with AI with regard to the common simple classes I-IV. It may be more appropriate to differentiate the many subtypes according to their genetic aspects to identify possible associated orthodontic findings.

Thermal implant removal in a pig jaw: a proof of concept study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether thermal implant removal of osseointegrated implants is possible using a diode laser with an specific temperature-time interval. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, tooth extraction of the first three premolars was performed in the maxilla and mandible on both sides of 10 pig. After 3 months, implants were inserted into the upper and lower jaws of 10 pigs. After 3 more months, osseointegrated implants were heated with a laser device to a temperature of 50 °C for 1 min. After 14 days, the implant stability quotient (ISQ), torque-out values, and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) ratio were assessed using resonance frequency analysis. RESULTS: ISQ values showed no significant differences within each group or between the control and test groups. Furthermore, torque-out and BIC value measurements presented no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: At 50°C, changes in the BIC values were noticeably smaller; however, these differences were not significant. Future studies should evaluate the same procedures at either a higher temperature or longer intervals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With only 50 °C for 1 min, a dental implant will not de-integrate predictably.

Dental Implant Placement in the Maxilla Following Ridge Augmentation with Free Iliac Bone Graft and Oral Rehabilitation with Fixed Prosthesis: a Three-Year Follow-Up Study.

Objectives: This prospective follow-up study aimed to evaluate the stability values of tapered titanium implants inserted into maxilla following ridge augmentation with free iliac bone graft and crestal bone changes up to three years of follow-up. Material and Methods: A total of seven patients with 34 tapered titanium implants in the maxilla with fixed protheses were enrolled in this prospective follow-up study. Patients with previously augmented maxillae using free iliac bone grafts were included. Implant stability was measured (Osstell™) for up to three months of healing. Peri-implant bone resorption was measured using radiographic images taken immediately after implant surgery and after three years. Using a clinical and radiological examination survival and success rates were evaluated. Results: After implant insertion, the stability was 60.93, whereas the stability increased significantly (P = 0.0192) to 64.97 at implant exposure (after 3 months). The mean bone loss around the implants was 1.13 mm after three years. Clinical parameters revealed a mean sulcus depth of 2.76 (1.18) mm and a bleeding on probing score of 0.29 (0.58). The survival rate was 100%, and the success rate was 67.65% at the end of the study. Conclusions: Tapered implants can be used in free iliac bone grafts for fixed dentures. Implant stability values were high after insertion. In terms of a success rate of 67.65%, the patient's jaw reconstruction indicated a reduced implant success when comparing the data with healthy patients without any augmentation procedures.

Development of a universal cutting guide for raising deep circumflex iliac artery flaps.

PURPOSE: The deep circumflex iliac crest flap (DCIA) is used for the reconstruction of the jaw. For fitting of the transplant by computer-aided planning (CAD), a computerized tomography (CT) of the jaw and the pelvis is necessary. Ready-made cutting guides save a pelvic CT and healthcare resources while maintaining the advantages of the CAD planning. METHODS: A total of 2000 CTs of the pelvis were divided into groups of 500 by sex and age (≤ 45 and > 45 years). Three-dimensional (3D) pelvis models were aligned and averaged. Cutting guides were designed on the averaged pelvis for each group and an overall averaged pelvis. The cutting guides and 50 randomly selected iliac crests (10 from each group and 10 from the whole collective) were 3D printed. The appropriate cutting guide was mounted to the iliac crest and a cone beam CT was performed. The thickness of the space between the iliac crest and the cutting guide was evaluated. RESULTS: Overall the mean thickness of the space was 2.137 mm and the mean volume of the space was 4513 mm3. The measured values were significantly different between the different groups. The overall averaged group had not the greatest volume, maximum thickness and mean thickness of the space. CONCLUSION: Ready-made cutting guides for the DCIA flap fit to the iliac crest and make quick and accurate flap raising possible while radiation dose and resources can be saved. The cutting guides fit sufficient to the iliac crest and should keep the advantages of a standard CAD planning.

Optical Three-Dimensional Imaging for Objective Evaluation of the Donor Site after Anterolateral Thigh Flap Surgery.

Background: The high volume of the fasciomyocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps (ALT) is suitable for the reconstruction of pronounced soft tissue defects. At the same time, harvesting ALT results in a drastic change in thigh shape. Here, we present an optical three-dimensional imaging method for thigh comparison, which can be an objective and reproducible method for evaluating donor sites after ALT harvesting. Methods: In total, 128 thighs were scanned with an optical three-dimensional scanner, Vectra XT ®. Sixty-eight non-operated right and left thighs were compared and served as a control. Sixty thighs were scanned in the ALT group. The average surface area deviations, thigh volume, thigh circumference, and flap ratio to thigh circumference were calculated. The results were correlated with Δthigh circumference and Δvolume of the unoperated thighs of the control group. Results: No significant difference between the thigh volumes of the right and left thighs was found in the control group. Removal of an ALT flap showed a significant (p < 0.007) volume reduction compared to unoperated thighs (2.7 ± 0.8 L and 3.3 ± 0.9 L, respectively). Flap area correlated strongly with the Δthigh circumference (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) and Δvolume (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Strong correlations were observed between flap ratio and thigh circumference with Δhigh circumference (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and Δvolume (r = 0.46, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Optical three-dimensional imaging provides an objective and reproducible tool for detecting changes in thigh morphology volume differences after ALT harvesting.

Performance of dental students, orthodontic residents, and orthodontists for classification of midpalatal suture maturation stages on cone-beam computed tomography scans - a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of midpalatal suture maturation on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans is performed by visual inspection and is therefore subjective. The extent to which the assessment of midpalatal suture maturation is affected by rater experience has not been adequately explored in the existing literature, thus limiting the availability of evidence-based findings. This study compared the outcomes of classification by dental students, orthodontic residents, and orthodontists. METHODS: Three different groups of students, orthodontic residents, and orthodontists evaluated 10 randomly chosen CBCT scans regarding midpalatal suture maturation from a pool of 179 patients (98 female and 81 male patients) aged 8 - 40 years which were previously classified by evaluating CBCT scans. The pool was set as benchmark utilizing midpalatal suture maturation classification by one examiner (OsiriX Lite version 11.0; Pixmeo SARL, Bernex, Switzerland). For assessment of intra-rater reliability of the examiners of each group the randomly chosen subjects were reclassified for midpalatal suture maturation after a wash-out period of two weeks by using the same software. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate intra- and interrater reliability of the three groups with differing experience level. RESULTS: Groupwise intra-rater reliability assessment between the classification and reclassification was weak for examiners with a low level of experience (k = 0.59). Orthodontists had highest degree of agreement with regard to benchmark classification with an inter-rater reliability to be considered as moderate (k = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of midpalatal suture maturation on CBCT scans appears to be a subjective process and is considerably related to the experience level of the examiner. A high level of clinical experience seems to be favorable but does not necessarily ensure accurate results.

Evaluation of bone contact area and intercondylar distance changes in orthognathic surgery - a comparison between BSSO and HSSO technique depending on mandibular displacement extent.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to assess the impact of bilateral and high oblique sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO/HSSO), as well as displacement distances and directions on the expected and achievable bone contact area (BCA) and changes in the intercondylar distance (ICD). The primary question addressed is whether mandibular splitting through BSSO results in a greater BCA and/or ICD when compared to splitting through HSSO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 80 mandibular displacements were performed on 20 fresh cadavers, for each subject, four splints were produces to facilitate mandibular advancement as well as setbacks of 4 and 8 mm. Pre- and postoperative CBCT scans were performed to plan the surgical procedures and to analyze the expected and achieved BCA and ICD. RESULTS: Regarding the maximum mandibular displacement, the expected BCA for HSSO/BSSO were 352.58 ± 96.55mm2 and 1164.00 ± 295.50mm2, respectively, after advancement and 349.11 ± 98.42mm2 and 1344.70 ± 287.23mm2, respectively, after setback. The achieved BCA for HSSO/BSSO were 229.37 ± 75.90mm2 and 391.38 ± 189.01mm2, respectively, after advancement and 278.03 ± 97.65mm2 and 413.52 ± 169.52 mm2, respectively after setback. The expected ICD for HSSO/BSSO were 4.51 ± 0.73 mm and 3.25 ± 1.17 mm after advancement and - 5.76 ± 1.07 mm and - 4.28 ± 1.58 mm after setback. The achieved ICD for HSSO/BSSO were 2.07 ± 2.9 mm and 1.7 ± 0.60 mm after advancement and - 2.57 ± 2.78 mm and - 1.28 ± 0.84 mm after setback. Significant differences between the BCA after HSSO and BSSO were at each displacement (p < 0.001), except for the achieved BCA after 8-mm setback and advancement (p ≥ 0.266). No significant differences were observed regarding ICD, except for the expected ICD after 8-mm setback and advancement (p ≤ 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the virtual planning, the predictability regarding BCA and ICD was limited. ICD showed smaller clinical changes, BCA decreased significantly in the BSSO group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BCA and ICD might have been less important in choosing the suitable split technique. in orthognathic surgery.

The effect of individual drilling sleeves on the precision of coronectomy tooth sections. An in vitro 3D-printed jaw model experiment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a 3D-printed drill sleeve (DS) on the precision and duration of coronectomy sections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six trainees and oral surgeons performed 72 coronectomy cuts in a 3D-printed, entirely symmetric mandible model. Coronectomy was performed freehand (FH) on one side and with a DS on the other side. The occurrence of "too superficial" (≥ 4 mm unprepared lingual tooth tissue) and "too deep" (drilling ≥ 1 mm deeper as tooth contour) cuts and sectioning times were registered. RESULTS: In 7 cases, the sections were "too deep" with FH, while none with DS (OR: 18.56; 95%CI: 1.02-338.5; p = 0.048). The deviation between virtually planned and real cut depths was significantly greater in the FH group (1.91 ± 1.62 mm) than in DS group (1.21 ± 0.72 mm) (p < 0.001). A total of 18 "too superficial" buccolingual sections occurred with FH, while 8 cases with DS (OR: 3.50; 95%CI: 1.26-9.72; p = 0.016). Suboptimal sections did not correlate with experience (p = 0.983; p = 0.697). Shortest, suboptimal drillings were most frequently seen distolingually (OR: 6.76; 95% CI: 1.57-29.07; p = 0.01). In the inexperienced group, sectioning time was significantly longer with FH (158.95 ± 125.61 s vs. 106.92 ± 100.79 s; p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The DS effectively reduced tooth sectioning times by less experienced colleagues. Independently from the level of experience, the use of DS obviated the need for any preparation outside the lingual tooth contour and significantly decreased the occurrence of "too superficial" cuts, leaving thinner unprepared residual tooth tissue lingually. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Coronectomy sections may result in lingual hard and soft tissue injury with the possibility of damaging the lingual nerve. The precision of the buccolingual depth-control can be improved, while surgical time can be reduced when applying a drilling sleeve.

General correlation between neonatal factors, primary and permanent tooth eruption and their interrelation in a population in german orthodontic practices.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the possible relationship between the eruption of primary and permanent teeth and neonatal factors in German children according to gender. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was performed in 10 German orthodontic practices. Using a questionnaire information about gender, time of birth (week of pregnancy), birth weight (g) and height (cm), and the age of first primary and first permanent tooth eruption (months/years) of 405 children (230 girls and 175 boys) were collected. A Mann-Whitney U-test was used for group comparisons, and correlations were verified using a Pearson test. RESULTS: No correlation was found between neonatal factors (time of birth, birth weight, and birth height) and primary tooth eruption for male participants. However, for females a low correlation was found between the eruption of the first primary tooth and birth weight (r = -0.18, CI: -0.30 to -0.042, p = 0.011) and birth height (r = -0.19, CI: -0.32 to -0.054, p = 0.006). No correlations between neonatal factors and the eruption of the first permanent tooth were found for either gender. A moderate correlation was found between the first primary and first permanent tooth eruption (females: r = 0.30, CI: 0.16 to 0.43, p < 0.001; males: r = 0.22, CI: 0.059 to 0.35, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: An earlier eruption of the primary teeth can be assumed with greater body weight and height at the time of birth for girls. For boys, the tendency is the opposite. However, there seems to be a catch-up growth effect due to the missing differences between both permanent tooth eruption times. Nevertheless, the first primary and the first permanent tooth eruption correlates in a German children population.

Evaluation of one-piece zirconia dental implants: An 8-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term studies of modern zirconia implants are still insufficient. This prospective 8-year follow-up study investigated one-piece zirconia implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had received a one-piece zirconia dental implant (PURE ceramic implant, Institut Straumann GmbH, Basel, Switzerland) were included in this study. Next to the implant survival and success rates, the radiographic and clinical implant parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall survival rate of 67 zirconia implants in 39 patients was 100%. The overall success rate was 89.6%. Around the immediate zirconia implants, the success rate was 94.7%, and around the delayed implants, 87.5%. The immediate implants showed a significantly higher bone crest compared to the delayed implants (p = 0.0120). According to the pink esthetic score, the immediate implants revealed more favorable esthetic results compared to the delayed implants after an 8-year follow-up (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: After 8 years, the one-piece zirconia implants presented an 89.6% success rate. Regarding the timing of implantation, in individual cases, immediate implantation can have slight advantages over delayed implantation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Immediate implants can also be considered for zirconia implants and should not be excluded on principle.

Orofacial findings and orthodontic treatment conditions in patients with down syndrome - a retrospective investigation.

INTRODUCTION: The most common chromosomal anomaly is Down syndrome/Trisomy 21, which can be associated with varying degrees of intellectual disability and physical malformation. Specific orofacial characteristics regarding orthodontic treatment options and features are described on the basis of a patient collective from the Witten/Herdecke University, Germany. METHODS: Data of 20 patients (14 boys and 6 girls, mean age: 11.69 ± 3.94 years) who underwent orthodontic treatment between July 2011 and May 2022 were analyzed. Baseline skeletal and dental conditions were assessed, as well as the presence of hypodontia, displacements, and treatment-related root resorptions. The treatment need was evaluated based on the main findings according to the German KIG classification. In addition, treatment success was determined in relation to patient compliance. RESULTS: The patient group was characterized predominantly by a class III relationship (ΔANB: -2.07 ± 3.90°; ΔWITS: -3.91 ± 4.33 mm) and a brachyfacial cranial configuration (ΔML-NL: -4.38 ± 7.05°, ΔArGoMe: - 8.45 ± 10.06°). The transversal discrepancy of the dental arch width from maxilla to mandible was -0.91 ± 3.44 mm anteriorly and -4.4 ± 4.12 mm posteriorly. Considering the orthodontic indication groups, the most frequent initial finding and treatment indication represented hypodontia (85%), followed by frontal (75%) and unilateral lateral (35%) crossbite. In 55% of the cases, the teeth had a regular shape, but in 35% a generalized and in 15% an isolated hypoplasia. Only 25% of the patients could be treated with a fixed multiband appliance due to sufficient cooperation. In each of these patients, varying degrees of root resorptions were detected during treatment, and 45% of all treatments had to be terminated prematurely due to a lack of cooperation by patients or parents. CONCLUSION: The extent of dental and skeletal malformations and the high rate of findings requiring treatment in patients with Down syndrome represent a significant indication for orthodontic therapy, which can be well illustrated by the KIG classification. However, this is in contrast to the eventually increased risk of root resorption, with significantly reduced patient cooperation. A compromised treatment outcome and process must be expected. Consequently, the orthodontic treatment must be simple and realistic to achieve fast and therapeutically satisfactory treatment result.

Evaluation of an artificial intelligence-based algorithm for automated localization of craniofacial landmarks.

OBJECTIVES: Due to advancing digitalisation, it is of interest to develop standardised and reproducible fully automated analysis methods of cranial structures in order to reduce the workload in diagnosis and treatment planning and to generate objectifiable data. The aim of this study was to train and evaluate an algorithm based on deep learning methods for fully automated detection of craniofacial landmarks in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in terms of accuracy, speed, and reproducibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 931 CBCTs were used to train the algorithm. To test the algorithm, 35 landmarks were located manually by three experts and automatically by the algorithm in 114 CBCTs. The time and distance between the measured values and the ground truth previously determined by an orthodontist were analyzed. Intraindividual variations in manual localization of landmarks were determined using 50 CBCTs analyzed twice. RESULTS: The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two measurement methods. Overall, with a mean error of 2.73 mm, the AI was 2.12% better and 95% faster than the experts. In the area of bilateral cranial structures, the AI was able to achieve better results than the experts on average. CONCLUSION: The achieved accuracy of automatic landmark detection was in a clinically acceptable range, is comparable in precision to manual landmark determination, and requires less time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further enlargement of the database and continued development and optimization of the algorithm may lead to ubiquitous fully automated localization and analysis of CBCT datasets in future routine clinical practice.

Results of thermal osteonecrosis for implant removal on electron microscopy, implant stability, and radiographic parameters - a rat study.

BACKGROUND: This rat study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of temperature thresholds that affect peri-implant bone cells and morphology and the potential usefulness of thermal necrosis for inducing implant removal for a subsequent in vivo pig study. METHODS: On one side, rat tibiae were thermally treated before implant insertion. The contralateral side was used as the control group without tempering. Temperatures of 4 °C, 3 °C, 2 °C, 48 °C, 49 °C, and 50 °C were evaluated with a tempering time of 1 min. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were performed. RESULTS: The EDX analysis revealed significant increases in element weights at 50 °C (e.g., calcium, phosphate, sodium, and sulfur; p < 0.01). The results of the TEM analysis showed that at all the applied cold and warm temperatures, signs of cell damage were observed, including vacuolization, shrinkage, and detachment from the surrounding bone matrix. Some cells became necrotic, leaving the lacunae empty. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature of 50 °C led to irreversible cell death. The degree of damage was more significant at 50 °C and 2 °C than at 48 °C and 5 °C. Although this was a preliminary study, from the results, we identified that a temperature of 50 °C at a time interval of 60 min can lower the number of samples in a further study of thermo-explantation. Thus, the subsequent planned in vivo study in pigs, which will consider osseointegrated implants, is feasible.

Effect of systemic antiresorptive medication on the histopathological parameters of implant osseointegration in an in vivo rodent study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration of zirconia and titanium implants in the rat maxilla in specimens under systemic antiresorptive therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After 4 weeks of systematic medication administration (either zoledronic acid or alendronic acid), 54 rats received one zirconia and one titanium implants that were immediately inserted in the rat maxilla after tooth extraction. Twelve weeks after implant placement, histopathological samples were evaluated for implant osteointegration parameters. RESULTS: The bone-implant-contact (BIC) ratio revealed no significant inter-group or inter-material differences. The distance between the implant shoulder to the bone level was significantly greater around the titanium implants of the zoledronic acid group compared to the zirconia implants of the control group (p = 0.0005). On average, signs of new bone formation could be detected in all groups, although often without statistical differences. Signs of bone necrosis were only detected around the zirconia implants of the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: At the 3-month follow-up, no implant material was demonstrably better than the others in terms of osseointegration metrics under systemic antiresorptive therapy. Further studies are necessary to determine whether there are differences in the osseointegration behavior of the different materials.

Guided discovery learning: A follow-up study of try-it-yourself surgery and subsequent video-assisted teaching for oral surgical skills training.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this follow-up study was to assess the effects of discovery learning and subsequent standardised teaching on students' advanced dental surgical skills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 dental students who had no theoretical education on the Rehrmann flap were included in the skills training programme. Without prior teaching, the students were initially asked to perform a discovery surgery with a subsequent multiple-choice test (MCT) on the first day. This was followed by a video-assisted teaching lecture. On the same day and after 122 days, the surgery and MCT were repeated. Aside from the practical and theoretical assessment forms, the training was evaluated by the students themselves. RESULTS: Regarding the evaluation of surgery (EOS), significant improvements were measured between the first surgery and the second and third surgeries (p > .001). In addition, the theoretical test scores showed significant improvements after the first test when compared with the second (p = .004) and third tests (p < .001). For both assessments, no significant difference was found between the second and third attempts. The MCT and EOS in the second and third attempts strongly correlated (r = .77 and r = .71 respectively). CONCLUSION: The dental students in this study successfully learned a complex oral surgical procedure, the Rehrmann flap technique, for closing oro-antral communications. The participants indicated their high satisfaction with the teaching approach. After 122 days of follow-up, their practical and theoretical test scores remained high and presented no significant difference, which suggests that the newly learnt individual skills were retained.

Significance of bone morphology and quality on the primary stability of orthodontic mini-implants: in vitro comparison between human bone substitute and artificial bone.

AIM: This study evaluated artificial bone models against a human bone substitute to assess the primary stability of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) at varying implant sites with different morphologies and qualities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1200 OMI placements of four types were inserted into four artificial bone models of different density (D1, D2, D3, D4) and into a human bone substitute (HB). The implants varied in diameter (2.0 and 2.3 mm) and length (9 and 11 mm). Each specimen had four implant sites: no defect, one-wall defect, three-wall defect, and circular defect. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were measured using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and insertion placement torque values (IPT) were assessed for primary stability. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the different models. RESULTS: The highest IPT value was registered for the 2.0 mmâ€¯× 11 mm implant inserted into D1 with no defect (37.53 ± 3.02 Ncm). The lowest ISQ value was measured for the 2.3 mmâ€¯× 9 mm OMI inserted into D3 with a circular defect (12.33 ± 5.88) and the highest for the 2.3 mmâ€¯× 9 mm implant inserted into HB with no defect (63.23 ± 2.57). A strong correlation (r = 0.64) for IPT values and a very strong correlation (r = 0.8) for ISQ values was found between D2 and HB. CONCLUSION: Bone defects and bone quality affected the primary stability of implants in terms of ISQ and IPT values. Results for bone model D2 correlated very well with the HB substitution material.

Effect of thermal osteonecrosis around implants in the rat tibia: numerical and histomorphometric results in context of implant removal.

The purpose of this rat study was to explore the feasibility of in vivo temperature thresholds affecting bone contact at the implant surface. Based on these data, thermal necrosis should be used for implant removal in the subsequent in vivo study. Rat tibiae of 48 animals at one site were randomly treated with heat or cold before implant insertion. Temperatures of 4 °C, 3 °C, 2 °C, 48 °C, 49 °C and 50 °C for a tempering time of 1 min were evaluated. Numerical simulations of the heat source-implant-bone system were carried out. Effects were assessed by histomorphometrical measurements. The results showed that the selected method of direct tempering using a tempering pin was suitable for maintaining a uniform layer around the pin. Starting at warm temperatures of 48 °C and rising to 50 °C, the BIC ratio revealed declining values and a significant difference was observed when comparing 50 °C to the control group (p = 0.03). However, there were no significant variations within the cold temperatures. This study pinpointed temperature discovered that could lead to the thermo-explantation and so that the number of samples used in future studies on temperature-induced bone necrosis can be reduced to a minimum. Significant BIC value reduction was seen at a temperature of 50 °C for 1 min.