Clinical outcomes of implant- versus abutment-level connection in screw-retained fixed dental prostheses: A 5-year randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the 5 years clinical outcomes associated with implant-level connection (IL) versus abutment-level connection (AL) for implants with an internal conical connection (ICC) supporting a screw-retained fixed partial denture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with 119 implants were randomly allocated to either the AL or IL group. Radiographic (Marginal bone loss) and clinical outcomes (Bleeding on Probing, probing pocket depth, plaque accumulation, incidence of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis as well as prosthetic complications) were collected and compared at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate the differences between groups. RESULTS: Five years after treatment, the MBL change was not significantly different between the groups at any point. The MBL was 0.23 ± 0.64 mm (AL) and 0.23 ± 0.29 mm (IL). The bleeding on Probing was 44% (AL) and 45% (IL) (p = .89). The mean probing depth was 2.91 ± 1.01 mm (AL) and 3.51 ± 0.67 mm (IL). This difference between the groups was statistically significant but clinical insignificant. Presence of plaque was slightly higher (p = .06) in the IL group (34.4%) compared with the AL group (26.3%). The overall technical, biological, and prosthetic complication rates were similar between groups. None of the implants developed peri-implantitis during the entire follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical trial indicated that all clinical and radiographical parameters were clinically comparable between the study groups.

Supplement Consumption and Periodontal Health: An Exploratory Survey Using the BigMouth Repository.

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplements have been investigated for their impact on the periodontal apparatus (alveolar bone, mucosa, periodontal ligament, and cementum) and their hypothetical protective role against periodontitis. There remains a gap in the field in this area. Thus, the present study aims to examine the correlation between populations who report taking different dietary supplements and their relative periodontal health. METHODS: The BigMouth dental data repository derived from the dental Electronic Health Records (EHRs) of the University of Michigan school of dentistry was used to extract data relating to all patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The prevalence of periodontitis compared to periodontal health as related to supplement consumption was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 118,426 individuals (55,459 males and 62,967 females) with self-reported consumption of the dietary supplements of interest were identified in the University of Michigan database via the BigMouth repository. Associations with the following vitamins were investigated, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Multivitamins, Fish oil, Calcium, Omega 3, Saw palmetto, Zinc, Sildenafil, Flax seed, Folic acid, Garlic pills, Ginger pills, Ginko, Ginseng, Glucosamine, Iron, and Magnesium. Out of these supplements, only multivitamins and iron were found to significantly favor periodontal health, while folic acid and vitamin E significantly favored periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a minimal association between the consumption of dietary supplements with periodontal health.

Periodontal risk score: Initiation and model validation for 6,762 teeth.

BACKGROUND: Tooth-level prognostic systems are valuable tools for treatment planning and risk assessment of periodontally involved teeth. Recently the Miller-McEntire prognosis index was found to outperform comparable systems. However, it had some limitations. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate the prognostic performance of a modified version that addresses most limitations of the previous model called the periodontal risk score (PRS). METHODS: Data were retrieved retrospectively from patients who received surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment at a university setting. Data on medical history and smoking status at baseline and the last maintenance visit were collected. Both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the prognostic capability for predicting tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP) risk. RESULTS: A total of 6762 teeth (281 patients) were followed up for a mean period of 22.6 ± 6.34 (10-47.6y) years. The PRS was successfully able to stratify the risk of TLP at baseline when the three different classes of association were compared for anterior and/or posterior tooth loss. After controlling for maintenance, age, and sex, the index showed an excellent predictive capacity for TLP with a Harrell C-index of 0.947. CONCLUSIONS: The periodontal risk score (PRS) displayed excellent predictive capability for anterior as well as posterior tooth loss due to periodontitis. This system was able to predict long-term tooth loss with a very high accuracy  in a population treated mainly by dental students and periodontics residents. The use of this/similar prognosis system is advisable as a means to establish tooth prognosis.

Flap versus flapless alveolar ridge preservation: A clinical and histological single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare a flapless technique of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) to a flap technique to determine if preserving the periosteal blood supply would limit loss of crestal ridge width and height. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to receive ARP using either a flapless or flap technique. Sockets were grafted with demineralized bone matrix and mineralized particulate allograft then covered with a barrier in both groups. Re-entry was performed at 4 months to obtain samples for histological analysis and subsequent implant placement. RESULTS: Ridge width of the flapless group at the crest decreased from 8.3 ± 1.3 mm to 7.0 ± 1.9 mm for a mean loss of 1.3 ± 0.9 mm (p < 0.05), whereas the flap group decreased from 8.5 ± 1.5 mm to 7.5 ± 1.5 mm for a mean loss of 1.0 ± 1.1 mm (p < 0.05). The mean midbuccal vertical change for the flap group was a loss of 0.9 ± 1.3 mm (p < 0.05) versus 0.5 ± 0.9 mm (p < 0.05) for the flapless group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Histologically, flapless ARP revealed more vital mineralized tissue (44 ± 10%) compared to the flap group (p>0.05). In the flapless group, the occlusal soft tissue was significantly thicker than in the flap group at the 4-month re-entry (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Crestal ridge width, height, and percentage of vital mineralized bone following treatment with a flapless ARP technique, was not significantly different from a flap technique.

Comparative analysis of two biomaterials mixed with autogenous bone graft for vertical ridge augmentation: A histomorphometric study in humans.

BACKGROUND: The vertical increase of the alveolar ridge dimension using allograft or xenograft mixed with autogenous bone graft and covered by a nonabsorbable high-density polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membrane is well documented in the literature. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess vital mineralized tissue formation in vertical ridge augmentation (VRA) procedures using autogenous bone chips mixed either with an allograft or a xenograft. METHODS: This prospective clinical trial recruited 16 partially edentulous patients to undergo vertical ridge augmentation in one or more sites, making up a total of 24 samples for histological evaluation. Patients were sequentially stratified into Group A (treated with a freeze-dried bone allograft [FDBA] mixed with autogenous bone) or to Group B (treated with a bovine xenograft mixed with autogenous bone). Histological samples were analyzed according to the biomaterial used for VRA. Histological samples were obtained on the same day of membrane removal and implant placement. RESULTS: Thirty-three implants were placed in 16 sites of regenerated bone via VRA, 13 patients with ridge augmentation in the posterior mandible, and 3 patients with VRA in the anterior maxilla. Group A (FDBA + autogenous) and Group B (xenograft + autogenous) showed a percent vital mineralized tissue (VMT) area of 67.64 ± 16.84 and 60.93 ± 18.25, respectively. A significant difference between the two biomaterials was not observed. CONCLUSION: When mixed with autogenous bone, either allografts or xenografts may provide a successful augmentation. Either mixture could serve as reliable alternative in VRA for obtaining a high percentage of VMT.

Simultaneous Alveolar Ridge Augmentation and Periodontal Regenerative Therapy Leveraging Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB): A Case Report.

Severe alveolar ridge deficiencies in concomitance with periodontal attachment loss can represent a serious clinical challenge in the context of implant therapy. The present case report describes the management of a complex defect in the esthetic zone via ridge augmentation and periodontal regenerative therapy using a biologic material. A systemically healthy 55-year-old man diagnosed with peri-implantitis around an implant in the maxillary left central incisor position and with severe bone loss on the mesial aspect of the maxillary left lateral incisor underwent several surgical interventions to achieve simultaneous vertical ridge augmentation and periodontal regeneration. These interventions included implant removal, bone augmentation using a composite bone graft (autogenous bone + xenograft particles), and a bioactive protein (recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor), soft tissue augmentation using connective tissue grafts, and peri-implant keratinized mucosa width augmentation via a labial gingival graft strip and a xenogeneic collagen matrix. Substantial gains in vertical bone and clinical attachment were achieved, which allowed for delayed implant placement and subsequent completion of tooth replacement therapy with an implant-supported prosthesis. The present case report demonstrates how simultaneous vertical ridge augmentation and periodontal regeneration can be achieved to manage a challenging clinical situation. Key factors to consider in this type of scenario are proximal bone level, tooth mobility, surgical flap design and management, biomaterial selection, and proper treatment sequencing.

Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the jawbone for ridge width determination: A pre-clinical ex-vivo porcine study.

OBJECTIVE: Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound can conveniently evaluate focal regions of interest intraorally. When a larger field of view to spatially reference remote anatomical structures is needed, 3D ultrasound (US) is desirable but not currently available. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing 3D US jawbone for ridge width determination. METHODS: Seven porcine hemi-mandibles with the overlying soft tissues secured by a holding frame with fiducial markers were US scanned on the facial and lingual sides separately.  The facial and lingual volumes were combined into a single volume, which was registered with the matched cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan.  On 8 to 11 cross-sections, 4 measurements of the facio-lingual ridge width at 3, 6, 9 and 12 mm from the bone crest were performed by two calibrated examiners.  A mixed model was used to estimate the differences between US and CBCT readings. RESULTS: Inter-examiner correlation was 0.978 and 0.987 for US and CBCT measurements, respectively. The ICCs between the US and CBCT was between 0.890 and 0.988 at the defined sites. The estimated mean differences ranged from -0.38 ± 0.69 (95% CI: -0.66 to -0.11) mm to 0.07 ± 0.93 (95% CI: -0.23 to 0.38) mm. The normalized root mean square deviation ranged between 4.50% and 7.89% for all levels except the 3 mm level, which ranged between 5.51% (in molars) and 11.16% (in premolars). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of generating US jawbone in 3D for ridge width measurements. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Commonly applied 2D ultrasound images are limited by a small field of view and an unknown coordinate system due to the nature of free hand scans. Novel 3D ultrasound acquisition enables referencing anatomical structures in a larger field of view and could become a promising tool to supplement CBCT.

The role of keratinized mucosa width as a risk factor for peri-implant disease: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies have examined the benefit of having keratinized peri-implant mucosa width with mixed results. PURPOSE: This study examines whether the lack of a prespecified (2 mm) amount of keratinized mucosa width (KMW) is a risk factor for peri-implant diseases. METHODS: A systematic electronic and manual search of randomized or nonrandomized controlled or noncontrolled clinical trials was conducted. Qualitative review, quantitative meta-analysis, and trial sequence analysis (TSA) of implants inserted at sites with <2 mm or ≥2 mm of KMW were analyzed to compare all the predetermined outcome variables. The level of evidence concerning the role of KMW in peri-implant health was evaluated via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system guide. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the qualitative analysis and four in the meta-analysis and TSA. No significant inter-group difference (p > 0.05) and a low power of evidence were found for probing depth, soft-tissue recession, and marginal bone loss. A significant difference favoring ≥2 mm KMW had a lower mean plaque index (MD = 0.37, 95% CI: [0.16, 0.58], p = 0.002) (3 studies, 430 implants, low-quality evidence). GRADE system showed very low and low quality of evidence for all other outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Based on the available studies, the impact of amount of KMW (either <2 mm or ≥ 2 mm) as a risk factor for developing peri-implant disease remains low. Future control studies with proper sample size and longer follow-up are needed to further validate current findings.

Degree of Risk of Bias in Randomized Controlled Trials: Does It Have an Impact on Root Coverage Outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: Improvement over time in mean (MRC) and complete root coverage (CRC) reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been documented. Our objective was to assess the effect that the ROB has on relevant outcomes reported in RCTs evaluating the efficacy of a commonly performed root coverage procedure. METHODS: RCTs that involved the use of a bilaminar technique of coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft were selected. The following data were extracted: MRC, CRC, whether conflict of interest was addressed (yes/no), adequacy of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, and blinding of outcome assessment. Trials were categorized into four groups as per different time periods: before Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) (before 1996), CONSORT (1997 to 2001), CONSORT 2001 (2002 to 2010), and CONSORT 2010 (2011 to 2019). Differences between group means were assessed using statistical analyses. RESULTS: The search yielded a total of 47 RCTs published between 1993 and 2019 that met the inclusion criteria. A trend toward lower ROB over time in the selected RCTs was observed. However, differences in MRC and CRC with respect to the degree ROB of included trials were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Degree of ROB did not influence MRC and CRC reported in the RCTs included in this investigation. This finding suggests that the observed improvement of clinical outcomes over time should be attributed to other factors, such as refinement of surgical techniques.

Surgery start time and early implant failure: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of surgery start time (SST) and other patient- and therapy-related variables on the risk for early implant failure (EIF) in an academic setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the electronic health records of 61 patients who had at least one EIF and 140 age- and gender-matched, randomly selected, non-EIF controls. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify relevant associations between EIF and different variables, such as SST. RESULTS: Incidence of EIF was not significantly associated with SST (HR: 1.9 for afternoon implant placement, 95% CI: 0.9-3.9; p = .105). Other factors that were associated with a significantly increased risk for EIF in a multivariable model were pre-placement ridge augmentation (HR: 7.5, 95% CI: 2.2-25.1; p = .001), intra-operative complications (HR: 5.9, 95% CI: 2.2-16.3; p < .001), simultaneous soft tissue grafting (HR: 5.03, 95% CI: 1.3-19.5; p = .020), simultaneous bone grafting (HR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6-8.8; p = .002), and placement with sedation (HR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.5-7.5; p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: While SST was not associated with the occurrence of EIF in our cohort, other variables, such as ridge augmentation prior to implant placement, simultaneous bone or soft tissue grafting, intra-operative complications, implant placement with sedation, and number of implants in the oral cavity, were associated with an increased risk for this adverse event.

Assessment of gingival thickness using digital file superimposition versus direct clinical measurements.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at evaluating the correlation and reproducibility of gingival thickness quantification using digital and direct clinical assessment methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients in need of tooth extraction were allocated into two groups according to the gingival thickness measurement method, either using an endodontic spreader (pre-extraction) or a spring caliper (post-extraction), both on the mid-facial (FGT) and mid-lingual (LGT). Pre-extraction Digital Imaging and COmmunications in Medicine (DICOM) and STereoLithography (STL) files of the arch of interest were obtained and merged for corresponding digital measurements. Inter-rater reliability between digital and direct assessment methods was analyzed using inter-class correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Excellent inter-rater reliability agreement was demonstrated for all parameters. Comparison between the endodontic spreader and the digital method revealed excellent agreement, with ICC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.55, 0.91) for FGT and 0.87 (95% CI 0.69, 0.94) for LGT, and mean differences of 0.08 (- 0.04 to 0.55) and 0.25 (- 0.30 to 0.81) mm for FGT and LGT, respectively. Meanwhile, the comparison between the caliper and the digital method demonstrated poor agreement, with ICC of 0.38 (95% CI - 0.06, 0.70) for FGT and 0.45 (95% CI - 0.02, 0.74) for LGT, and mean differences of 0.65 (0.14 to 1.16) and 0.64 (0.12 to 1.17) mm for FGT and LGT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Digital measurement of gingival thickness is comparable with direct clinical assessments performed with transgingival horizontal probing using an endodontic spreader. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Digital assessment of gingival thickness is a non-tissue invasive, reliable, and reproducible method that could be utilized as an alternative to horizontal transgingival probing.

Post-extraction dimensional changes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To analyse the evidence pertaining to post-extraction dimensional changes in the alveolar ridge after unassisted socket healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protocol of this PRISMA-compliant systematic review (SRs) was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020178857). A literature search to identify studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria was conducted. Data of interest were extracted. Qualitative and random-effects meta-analyses were performed if at least two studies with comparable features and variables reported the same outcome of interest. RESULTS: Twenty-eight articles were selected, of which 20 could be utilized for the conduction of quantitative analyses by method of assessment (i.e. clinical vs radiographic measurements) and location (i.e. non-molar vs molar sites). Pooled estimates revealed that mean horizontal, vertical mid-facial and mid-lingual ridge reduction assessed clinically in non-molar sites was 2.73 mm (95% CI: 2.36-3.11), 1.71 mm (95% CI: 1.30-2.12) and 1.44 mm (95% CI: 0.78-2.10), respectively. Mean horizontal, vertical mid-facial and mid-lingual ridge reduction assessed radiographically in non-molar sites was 2.54 mm (95% CI: 1.97-3.11), 1.65 mm (95% CI: 0.42-2.88) and 0.87 mm (95% CI: 0.36-1.38), respectively. Mean horizontal, vertical mid-facial and mid-lingual ridge reduction assessed radiographically in molar sites was 3.61 mm (95% CI: 3.24-3.98), 1.46 mm (95% CI: 0.73-2.20) and 1.20 mm (95% CI: 0.56-1.83), respectively. CONCLUSION: A variable amount of alveolar bone resorption occurs after unassisted socket healing depending on tooth type.

Evaluation of length and location of the maxillary sinus intraosseous artery using computerized tomography.

BACKGROUND: The intraosseous artery is a branch of the posterior superior alveolar artery that supplies the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. The present study seeks to analyze the location of the intraosseous artery and its site of termination. METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography was used to evaluate 200 patients making up 400 maxillary sinuses. The following criteria were measured: (1) the distance of the lower border of the intraosseous artery to the floor of the sinus, (2) the average length of the artery, (3) the diameter of the artery, (4) the site at which the artery terminates at, and (5) the distance of the artery from the first premolar, second premolar, first molar, second molar, and third molar. RESULTS: The intraosseous artery was identified in 336 (84.0%) quadrants. The most common site of termination was at the mesial of the second molar (22%), regardless of dental status and right or left quadrant. Its overall mean diameter was 0.91 ± 0.56 mm, with no difference within the dental status. Its overall mean length was 7.40 ± 3.39 mm, with a statistically significant difference between dentate and edentulous quadrants (P < 0.001). Its overall mean distance from the floor was 6.95 ± 6.49 mm, with no difference within the dental status. All parameters showed no difference between right or left quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: The chances of encountering the intraosseous artery at the premolar area is <21% during a lateral window sinus floor elevation. The most common (22%) site of termination of the intraosseous artery is at the mesial of the second molar. Understanding of the course, location, and termination of the artery enhances the precision of a clinician when it comes to pre-operative treatment planning.

Static computer-aided, partially guided, and free-handed implant placement: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of static computer-aided implant placement (sCAIP) compared to partially guided (PGIP) and free-handed (FHIP) implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019131397). A comprehensive literature search was performed by two independent examiners. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Treatment modalities included sCAIP, PGIP, and FHIP. Data pertaining to the outcomes of interest were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were feasible for a subset of outcomes. RESULTS: From an initial list of 2,870 records, fourteen articles for a total of ten RCTs were selected. Data from 7 of these studies allowed for the conduction of three meta-analyses comparing accuracy of implant placement across modalities. Survival rate up to 12 months post-loading was high (>98%) and comparable between treatments (low-quality evidence). No tangible differences in terms of patient perception of intra- or postoperative discomfort were observed (low-quality evidence). Quantitative analyses revealed significantly lower angular (MD = 4.41°, 95% CI 3.99-4.83, p < .00001), coronal (MD = 0.65 mm, 95% CI 0.50-0.79, p < .00001), and apical (MD = 1.13 mm, 95% CI 0.92-1.34, p < .00001) deviation values for sCAIP as compared to FHIP (8 studies, 383 patients, 878 implants, high-quality evidence). A similar discrepancy, in favor of sCAIP, was observed for angular deviation only as compared to PGIP (MD = 2.11°, 95% CI 1.06-3.16, p < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: sCAIP is associated with superior accuracy compared to PGIP and FHIP.

Ultrasonography for chairside evaluation of periodontal structures: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The crestal bone level and soft tissue dimension are essential for periodontal diagnosis and phenotype determination; yet, existing measurement methods have limitations. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the correlation and accuracy of ultrasound in measuring periodontal dimensions, compared to direct clinical and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) methods. METHODS: A 24-MHz ultrasound probe prototype, specifically designed for intraoral use, was employed. Periodontal soft tissue dimensions and crestal bone levels were measured at 40 teeth and 20 single missing tooth gaps from 20 patients scheduled to receive a dental implant surgery. The ultrasound images were interpreted by two calibrated examiners. Inter-rater agreement was calculated by using inter-rater correlation coefficient (ICC). Ultrasound readings were compared with direct clinical and CBCT readings by using ICC and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The following six parameters were measured: 1) interdental papilla height (tooth), 2) mid-facial soft tissue height (tooth), 3) mucosal thickness (tooth), 4) soft tissue height (edentulous ridge), 5) mucosal thickness (edentulous ridge), and 6) crestal bone level (tooth). Intra-examiner calibrations were exercised to achieve an agreement of at least 0.8. ICC between the two readers ranged from 0.482 to 0.881. ICC between ultrasound and direct readings ranged from 0.667 to 0.957. The mean difference in mucosal thickness (tooth) between the ultrasound and direct readings was -0.015 mm (95% CI: -0.655 to 0.624 mm) without statistical significance. ICC between ultrasound and CBCT ranged from 0.654 to 0.849 among the measured parameters. The mean differences between ultrasound and CBCT range from -0.213 to 0.455 mm, without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic imaging can be valuable for accurate and real-time periodontal diagnosis without concerns about ionizing radiation.

The assessment of stress, depression, and inflammation as a collective risk factor for periodontal diseases: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review was to provide a novel perspective utilizing an assessment of biomarkers to evaluate the impact of stress-related disorders on the progression of periodontal disease and evaluate the growing body of evidence of stress as a risk indicator for periodontal disease progression. METHODS: Cross-sectional, case-control, and biomarker studies associating psychological disorders and periodontal disease were included in the literature search. Computational studies, animal studies, reviews, and studies lacking healthy controls were excluded. Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted by two independent reviewers in several databases as well as a manual search for relevant articles published up to January 2018. RESULTS: Twenty-six articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Relationships between stress-related disorders and serum and salivary biomarkers such as cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), chromogranin A (CgA), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The use of salivary pro-inflammatory cytokines alone is not sufficient for the identification of periodontal disease severity/progression with or without the presence of stress-associated diseases. Keeping in mind the limitations of this review, a positive qualitative correlation was observed in the literature among stress-related biomarkers and the severity of periodontal disease. This correlation may serve as an important reporter of patient susceptibility for periodontal breakdown in the future. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stress-related disorders should be included in the list of globally screened diseases because it can change the biochemistry of both the local periodontal microenvironment as well as the global systemic inflammatory burden.

The Influence of Different Grafting Materials on Alveolar Ridge Preservation: a Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present review was to evaluate the effect of different bone substitutes used for alveolar ridge preservation on the post extraction dimensional changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic literature search in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (OVID) and Cochrane (CENTRAL) were performed, in addition to a manual search through all periodontics and implantology-related journals, up to December 2018. Inverse variance weighted means were calculated for all the treatment arms of the included trials for the quantitative analysis. RESULTS: Forty randomized controlled trials were included in the quantitative analysis. Dimensional changes were obtained from clinical measurements and three-dimensional imaging. The average amount of horizontal ridge resorption was 1.52 (SD 1.29) mm (allograft), 1.47 (SD 0.92) mm (xenograft), 2.31 (SD 1.19) mm (alloplast) and 3.1 (SD 1.07) mm for unassisted healing. Similarly, for all the evaluated parameters, the spontaneous healing of the socket led to higher bone loss rate than the use of a bone grafting material. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of a bone grafting material for alveolar ridge preservation reduces the resorption process occurring after tooth extraction. However, minimal differences in resorption rate were observed between allogeneic, xenogeneic and alloplastic grafting materials.

The 2nd Baltic Osseointegration Academy and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Consensus Conference 2019. Summary and Consensus Statements: Group II - Extraction Socket Preservation Methods and Dental Implant Placement Outcomes within Grafted Sockets.

INTRODUCTION: The task of Group II was to review and update the existing data concerning extraction socket preservation with or without membranes and soft tissue influence on post-extraction alveolar ridge preservation; extraction socket preservation using different biomaterials as bone grafts, growth factors, and stem cells. Special interest was paid to the dental implant placement outcomes within grafted sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main areas evaluated by this group were as follows: quantitative and qualitative assessment of the effect of different alveolar preservation techniques performed immediately after tooth extraction, with or without membranes and/or soft tissue grafting, and the use of different bone substitutes, stem cells or growth factors in the postextraction socket. Evaluation of the treatment outcomes of dental implants placed in the grafted sockets in terms of primary and secondary outcomes were assessed. The systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses were registered in PROSPERO, an international prospective register of systematic reviews: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. TThe literature in the corresponding areas of interest was screened and reported following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) Statement: http://www.prisma-statement.org/. Method of preparation of the systematic reviews, based on comprehensive search strategies, was discussed and standardized. The summary of the materials and methods employed by the authors in preparing the systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses is presented in the Preface chapter. RESULTS: The results and conclusions of the review process are presented in the respective papers. Three systematic reviews and one systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. The group's general commentaries, consensus statements, clinical recommendations and implications for research are presented in this article.

Comparison between Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft and De-epithelialized Gingival Graft: A systematic review and a meta-analysis.

AIM: Sup-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and de-epithelialized gingival graft (DGG) approaches have been investigated with a focus on post-operative morbidity but not from a clinical outcome standpoint. The aim of this systematic review was to systematically investigate the literature for coronally advanced flaps (CAFs) combined with SCTG or DGG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic and hand searches were performed to identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the treatment of gingival recession (GRs) using CAF, with at least a 1-year of follow-up. The primary outcome was the mean root coverage (mRC), while the secondary outcomes included recession reduction (Rec Red), keratinized tissue (KT) gain, probing depth (PD) change, and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain. RESULTS: Ten RCTs with a total of 408 gingival recessions were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that CAF + DGG is associated with superior mRC, Rec Red, KT gain, PD reduction and CAL gain. The mRC for SCTG and DGG at 1-year was 89.3% and 94.0% respectively, while the mean difference of the other clinical parameters between the two approaches was within 1 mm in favor of the DGG group. CONCLUSIONS: Limited evidence is available when comparing the two techniques, however the usage of DGG may be considered as the preferred technique of choice for autologous CTG harvesting when incorporated with a CAF.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of the Posterior Atrophic Maxilla, Short (≤6 mm) or Long (≥10 mm) Dental Implants? A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis: Naples Consensus Report Working Group A.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of ≤6-mm implants with those of ≥10-mm implants placed after both lateral and transcrestal sinus floor elevation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Cochrane, a literature search for randomized controlled trials was performed. All the outcome variables were evaluated through a quantitative meta-analysis, and the influence of other clinical covariates were determined with a metaregression. For the survival outcomes, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to adjust results for type I and II errors and to analyze the power of the available evidence. RESULTS: After full-text reading, 12 studies were included in the analyses. No statistically significant difference was found after 3 years between the 2 study groups (P = 0.36). Short implants displayed fewer biological complications (P = 0.05), less marginal bone loss (MBL) from implant placement (P < 0.01), and reduced surgical time and treatment cost. However, long implants showed a statistically significant smaller number of prosthetic complications (P = 0.03). TSA confirmed the results of the meta-analysis, revealing that additional studies are needed due to low statistical power of the available evidence. CONCLUSION: The placement of short implants is a predictable option in treating patients with maxillary atrophy up to a 3-year follow-up. Studies with a longer observational period are needed to study the long-term performance of these implants.