A novel nonsurgical therapy for peri-implantitis using focused pulsed electromagnetic field: A pilot randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy modulates the immune response and is successfully used in orthopedics to treat osteoarthritis and improve bone regeneration. This may suggest that this treatment may consequently reduce peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and marginal bone loss. To compare clinical, radiographic, and immunological results following nonsurgical treatment for peri-implantitis with or without PEMF therapy. Patients with peri-implantitis were included: pocket probing depth (PPD) between 6 and 8 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP); crestal bone loss between 3 and 5 mm. A novel healing abutment that contained active (test) or inactive (control) PEMF was connected. PEMF was administered via the abutment at exposure ratio of 1/500-1/5000, intensity: 0.05-0.5 mT, frequency: 10-50 kHz for 30 days. Nonsurgical mechanical implant surface debridement was performed. Patients were examined at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Clinical assessment included: plaque index, BOP, PPD, recession, and bone crest level which was radiography measured. Samples of peri-implant crevicular fluid were taken to analyze interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Twenty-three patients (34 implants; 19 control, 15 test) were included. At the follow-up, mean crestal bone loss was lower in the test group at 1 and 3 months (2.48 mm vs. 3.73 mm, p < 0.05 and 2.39 vs. 3.37, p < 0.01). IL-1ß levels were also lower in the test group at 2 weeks (72.86 pg/mL vs. 111.7, p < 0.05). Within all the limitation of this preliminary study, the test group improved clinical parameters after a short-term period compared to the control group.

Comparing Operators and Imaging Techniques When Performing Trans-Crestal Sinus Augmentation: A Pilot Study.

The aim of this article was to compare baseline residual ridge height using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiographs. A secondary aim was to examine the magnitude of vertical bone gain 6 months after trans-crestal sinus augmentation and compare it between operators. Thirty patients, who underwent trans-crestal sinus augmentation simultaneously with dental implant placement, were included in this retrospective analysis. Surgeries were done by 2 experienced surgeons (EM and EG) using the same surgical protocol and materials. Preoperative residual ridge height was measured on panoramic and CBCT images. The final bone height and the magnitude of the vertical augmentation were measured on panoramic X ray taken 6 months after surgery. Mean residual ridge height measured preoperatively using CBCT was 6.07 ± 1.38 mm, whereas these same measurements on the panoramic radiographs yielded similar results (6.08 ± 1.43 mm), which were statistically insignificant (P = .535). Postoperative healing was uneventful in all cases. All 30 implants were successfully osseointegrated at 6 months. The mean overall final bone height was 12.87 ± 1.39 mm (12.61 ± 1.21 and 13.39 ± 1.63 mm for operators EM and EG, respectively; P = .19). Likewise, mean postoperative bone height gain was 6.78 ± 1.57 mm, which was 6.68 ± 1.32 and 6.99 ± 2.06 mm for operators EM and EG, respectively (P = .66). A moderate positive correlation was found between residual bone height and final bone height (r = 0.43, P = .002). A moderate negative correlation was found between residual bone height and augmented bone height (r = -0.53, P = .002). Sinus augmentation performed trans-crestally produce consistent results with minimal interoperator differences between experienced clinicians. Both CBCT and panoramic radiographs produced similar assessment of the preoperative residual bone height.

Clinical and Patient-Related Outcomes of a Tapered Implant System With Switched Platform Conical Abutments: A Private Practice Field Trial.

The aim of this prospective cohort observational field trial was to examine 1-year survival and success rates of a recently introduced tapered implant system with switched platform conical abutments and to evaluate patient related outcomes of therapy. Partially edentulous patients aged between 18 and 75 years, with available bone height for dental implants ≥10 mm desiring to restore the missing tooth/teeth with implant supported restoration, were recruited by 7 periodontists in their respective private practices. Dental implants were installed according to standard implant therapy protocol. Three to 6 months postoperatively, after evaluating interim implant success, implants were restored by the referring dentists. Patient, Ramfjord teeth, and implant data, including baseline and 1-year postoperative, were collected. A total of 60 patients were recruited and received 117 implants. Complete 1-year clinical and radiographic data were available for 83 and 65 implants, respectively. Two implants failed during the first year, resulting in a 1-year survival rate of 98.3%. Mean implant probing pocket depth was 2.29 ± 0.84 mm. Mean radiographic bone distance from implant's shoulder at the mesial and distal sites at 1 year was 0.66 ± 0.5 and 0.79 ± 0.64mm, respectively, resulting in a success rate of 95.4%. Patient subjective evaluation of therapy exhibited a median pain experience of 1 and median esthetics, function, and general satisfaction evaluation of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. The tapered conical connection dental implant system, used in private dental practices, shows good 1-year survival and success rates that are similar to other implant systems on the market.

Variables affecting tooth survival and changes in probing depth: a long-term follow-up of periodontitis patients.

AIM: To retrospectively assess tooth-survival rate and its association with patient and oral variables in periodontal office patients, followed up to 18 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients in a private periodontal office whose files included initial examination (T0 ), reevaluation (TRe ) and ≥ 10 years after T0 (TF ) chartings, and received periodontal therapy and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) after TRe were included. General health, plaque scores (PI), probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) at six points/tooth, tooth extractions, and SPT visits were extracted from patient files at T0 , TRe , and TF . Descriptive statistics and Cox regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Fifty patients (mean 26 ± 4 teeth/patient, 1301 teeth) fulfilled inclusion criteria. About 20 and 129 teeth respectively were extracted before/after TRe , 96 of them for periodontal causes. PPD>7 mm at TRe (HR = 17.7, 95%CI 8.6, 36.6), age above 60 years (HR = 3.3, 95%CI 1.5, 7.2), multi-rooted teeth (HR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.2, 3.1) and SPT<3 times/year (HR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.1, 2.9), were the best prognostic factors for tooth loss during follow-up. (p < 0.05, Cox regression analysis). A continuous, statistically significant reduction was observed in mean PPD among teeth that survived follow-up [4.3 ± 1.8 mm, 3.5 ± 1.4 mm, 3.2 ± 1.3 mm, at T0 , TRe , TF , respectively. (p < 0.001, Repeated-measures test)]. CONCLUSION: Regular SPT was associated with low tooth-loss rates and continuous reductions in probing depth. PPD after initial therapy, age above 60, multi-rooted teeth and infrequent SPT were strong negative prognostic factors for long-term tooth survival among periodontal patients.

Plaque score change as an indicator for periimplant health in periodontal patients with immediately restored dental implants.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a history of periodontitis might have a higher risk for implant failure as compared with periodontally healthy subjects. The aim of the present study was to look into this risk factor by examining the association between plaque scores, probing depths (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) around teeth and immediately restored dental implants up to 1 year after implant surgery. METHODS: Patients with partial edentulism, diagnosed with and previously treated for generalized chronic periodontitis, received dental implants, abutments, and cemented provisional prostheses up to 72 hours after implant surgery. Plaque scores, PD, and BOP were recorded and evaluated 6 and 12 months postsurgery. RESULTS: Plaque scores deteriorated slightly around teeth and improved around implants. No significant change was observed in the distribution of PD around teeth. The proportion of shallow pockets increased around implants. Improvement in plaque scores was associated with a stable/reduced PD, whereas deterioration in plaque scores was associated with increased PD around implants and teeth. CONCLUSIONS: A direct relationship was found between plaque score improvement and stable/reduced PD. Therefore, partially edentulous patients with a history of periodontitis should be encouraged to improve their plaque scores to maintain shallower pockets around implants.

Axial relationship between dental implants and teeth/implants: a radiographic study.

The relationship of dental implants with neighboring teeth will affect both occlusal relationship and distribution of forces; thus, the purpose of this study was to examine implants' axial relationship with adjacent and opposing teeth/implants. Data of dental implants patients was retrieved. Panoramic X rays were digitized. Computer-based software was used to measure the angular relationship between the implants and adjacent/opposing teeth and implants. Data was further sorted by the mode of placement and implants position. 50 patients (219 implants) were included. Mean angle to adjacent tooth/implant was 178.71° ± 9.18° (range 129.7°-206°). Implants were more parallel to adjacent teeth (180.99° ± 1.06°) than to adjacent implants (176.32° ± 0.54°; P = .0001). Mean angular relationship to opposite tooth was 167.88° ± 8.92° (range 137.7°-179.8°). Implants that were placed freehand or with positional guide had similar intra-arch relationship (178.22° and 178.81°, respectively) and similar inter-arch angulations (164.46° and 167.74°). Molars had greater deviation of the angular relationship (175.54°) compared to premolars (181.62°) and incisors (180.55°, P = .0001). Implants placed in the maxilla had smaller axial deviation compared to implants in the mandible (180.41° ± 0.64 vs 177.14° ± 1.02; P = .0081). Good axial relationship may be obtained in most implants placed by an experienced clinician, even when placed freehand. The mandibular posterior region is more prone to axial deviation and as such requires special attention.

Tissue changes around dental implants installed in alveolar ridge preservation sites: A 1-year follow-up randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess radiographic marginal bone changes 22 months post extraction, which is 1 year after implant loading in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) sites grafted with a combination of collagen-embedded xenogenic bone substitute (DBBM-C) and collagen matrix (CMX), comparing them with implants placed in naturally healed sites. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted over 22 months. Patients who needed a single tooth extraction and subsequent implant placement in nonmolar areas were enrolled. The test group received deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen covered by a procaine collagen membrane, while the control group allowed spontaneous healing. Radiographic bone level changes were documented using periapical radiographs at implant placement and follow-up visits (6, 10, and 22 months postextraction). Early implant soft tissue exposure, clinical parameters, and patient-reported outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-two out of 28 participants completed a 22-month follow-up, 9 in the test group and 13 in the control group. At 10-month postextraction follow-up, the mean MBL was 1.01 ± 1.04 mm in the treatment group and 0.81 ± 0.93 mm in the control group (p = 0.804). At 22 months, the mean MBL was 2.09 ± 1.03 mm in the treatment group and 1.58 ± 0.73 mm in the control group (p = 0.339). No statistically significant differences in probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were found at the 22 -month follow-up as well. Soft tissue mean recession was observed in the control group (0.36 ± 0.84 mm), while no recession was found in the test group (p = 0.2). Early implant soft tissue exposure occurred in 33% of test group participants, while none was observed in the control group (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: One year after implant loading, no significant differences in marginal bone resorption were found between implants placed in ARP-treated and naturally healed sites. However, ARP-treated sites exhibited early implant soft-tissue exposure, suggesting a possible impairment in soft tissue healing.

Survival rate and aesthetic outcomes of two-piece zirconia dental implants: A one-year single clinical trial of partially edentulous patients.

INTRODUCTION: Titanium dental implants, traditionally used for tooth replacement, face certain biological and aesthetic limitations. Recently, zirconia has become a notable alternative, valued for its aesthetics and biocompatibility. This study evaluated the efficacy of two-piece zirconia dental implants, particularly their impact on inflammatory cytokines and their survival rate over one year. METHODS: This study was a single-center, prospective trial and included adults aged 18 and above. 2021-2022, nine two-piece tissue-level zirconia implants were placed in eight patients. Following a three-month osseointegration phase, crowns were cemented. Over a year, we assessed Plaque and Gingival indices, Pocket Depth, and tissue color and texture. Peri-apical radiographs measured bone levels, and IL-1ß in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was quantified using ELISA. RESULTS: Eight subjects (ages 31-63) participated. One implant failed after six months, resulting in a one-year survival rate of 88.8%. Plaque and Gingival indices rose, but peri-implant soft tissue remained stable in color and texture. At 12 months, average bone loss was minimal and insignificant compared to the baseline. IL-1ß levels were similar to those at contralateral teeth, with no correlation between IL-1ß, Pocket Depth, and Bleeding on Probing. CONCLUSION: Two-piece zirconia implants emerged as a viable tooth replacement option, with an 88.8% one-year survival rate. They maintained stable soft tissue and bone levels, indicating their potential as effective dental restoratives.

Esthetic Mucogingival Treatment After Biopsy of Inflammatory Fibroepithelial Hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: This case reports a biopsy of a large soft tissue defect with gingival grafting. The therapeutic approach presented here combines a partly de-epithelialized free gingival graft (PDFGG) with an envelope technique, which may be useful for cases needing a large reactive lesion biopsy. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with an esthetic and functional complaint due to a fibroepithelial hyperplastic lesion was treated by excisional biopsy leaving a 10 mm cervical defect on tooth 23. A palatal PDFGG was harvested and sutured into the defect, using an "envelope technique" to improve the blood supply to the graft. The procedure is aimed at both recession coverage and reduction in root hypersensitivity. Stability of the outcome is demonstrated 9 months post-operative. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival margin biopsies pose a significant challenge due to the need to combine significant tissue removal while providing a predictable esthetic and functional outcome. The case is the first description of a successful grafting of a large residual gingival biopsy defect, resulting from using combined mucogingival surgical approach. This technique may be helpful for similar cases.

Histological and dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge following tooth extraction when using collagen matrix and collagen-embedded xenogenic bone substitute: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To assess the horizontal and vertical dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge when using a collagen matrix in combination with collagen embedded xenogenic bone substitute, in comparison with natural healing after tooth extraction. METHODS: Patients that required extraction in non-molars areas were included. Test group-15 sockets were treated with deproteinized bovine bone mineral containing 10% collagen (DBBM-C), covered by a procaine collagen membrane (CMXs). Control group-15 sockets left for spontaneous healing. We used a custom-made acrylic stent as a reference for alveolar ridge measurements. Six-month postoperative, a single implant was placed in the experimental site. A core biopsy was taken from the site, using a trephine bur. Histomorphometric analysis assessed bone area, connective tissue, bone marrow, and residual bone graft. RESULTS: Six months later, horizontal ridge width at -3 mm showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in both groups albeit smaller in the test group 1.19 ± 1.55 mm, compared with the control 2.27 ± 1.52 (p = 0.087). At -5 mm sub-crestally, statistically non-significant reduction was noted in both groups, 1.61 ± 1.53 and 1.96 ± 1.52 mm for the test and control groups, respectively (p = 0.542). Vertical changes were smaller in the test group (0.14 ± 1.84 mm) compared with control (0.98 ± 1.49 mm). Keratinized tissue (KT) width was 7.3 ± 2.13 and 7.5 ± 3.49 mm in the test and control groups, respectively. Newly formed bone occupied 33.79 ± 17.37% and 51.14 ± 23.04% in the test and control groups, respectively, (p = 0.11). Connective tissue volume was 33.74 ± 13.81% and 30.12 ± 18.32% in the test and control groups, respectively (p = 0.65). Bone marrow occupied 19.57 ± 10.26% and 18.74 ± 17.15% in the test and control groups, respectively (p = 0.91). Residual graft occupied 12.9 ± 9.88% in the test group. CONCLUSION: Alveolar ridge preservation using DBBM-C resulted in reductions of the vertical and horizontal dimensions albeit not reaching statistical significance. The larger than anticipated standard deviation and smaller inter-group differences might account for this phenomenon.

Volumetric assessment of changes in the alveolar ridge dimension following guided bone regeneration using a combination freeze-dried bone allograft with collagen membrane or novel resorbable scaffold: A prospective two-center clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine osseous changes following lateral bone augmentation using a novel scaffold (OV) alone and compare it to combination therapy using freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and resorbable collagen membrane (FDBA/CM). METHODS: Thirty patients completed this 9-months prospective two-center cohort clinical trial. Before surgery and 9-months re-entry, linear measurements were performed, and impressions taken. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were done at baseline and 9 months. DICOM slice data were converted into volumetric images using 3D Slicer. Following 3D volumetric image construction, pre- and post-op Standard Triangle Language files were superimposed and volumetric data were extracted for a 10-mm region of interest. Linear measurements were compared similarly. RESULTS: Baseline clinical parameters were similar in both groups (4.22 and 4.53 mm for OV and FDBA/CM at -2 mm, respectively). Following treatment, vertical distance from the stent had changed minimally (-0.36 and -0.12 mm, respectively). Similarly, lateral bone gain ranged from 0 to 0.4 mm, for both groups. To the contrary, the CBCT measurements showed a significantly greater increase in horizontal width in the control at -2 mm (0.95 ± 0.2 mm) compared with -0.62 mm for the OV (P = 0.000). Similar changes were observed at -5 mm (0.63 and -0.41 mm, respectively, P = 0.01). Sites volume had increased from 266 ± 149 mm3 to 360 ± 138 mm3 (P = 0.001) for FDBA/CM with negligible changes for OV (from 334 to 335 mm3 , P = 0.952). these between-group changes being statistically significant (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: FDBA/CM yielded better albeit moderate increase in the volume of the edentulous ridge, while OV scaffolds failed to produce similar results.

Third attempt to place implants in sites where previous surgeries have failed.

BACKGROUND: a lower survival rate for re-implantation in previously failed sites was reported. A third implant attempt in sites where previous implants have failed twice is rare; however, it may be necessary where other treatment alternatives are unacceptable. The aim of the present report is to explore the survival of implants placed three times at the same site. METHODS: patients in whom a third attempt of implant placement at sites where two implants failed previously were evaluated. Medical history and smoking were recorded. The implant dimension, characteristics and survival were documented. The same implant and surgeon were involved in all three attempts. RESULTS: fifteen third attempt implants in 12 patients were evaluated. The average age of the patients at first implantation was 48.8 ± 14.1 years. Six of the 15 second re-do implants have failed (60.0% survival rate). Smoking was reported by two patients. The implants that survived were followed for 44.1 ± 35 months (range 4-86). The mean implant length and diameter did not vary between attempts: the mean implant width/lengths were 3.6 ± 0.3/12.2 ± 1.4, 3.7 ± 0.3/12.6 ± 1.5 and 3.80 ± 0.3/12.4 ± 1.6 mm for the first, second and third attempts, respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: a third attempt to place implants in sites where two implants had failed previously results in significantly lower survival rates compared with similar procedures in pristine sites.

Wilckodontics--an alternative adult orthodontic treatment method: rational and application.

Adult orthodontics poses a challenge for practitioners as it involves unique biomechanical considerations due to biologic age related changes and lack of skeletal growth potential. Dental risks in adult orthodontics include, amongst others, root resorption and periodontal complications. As modern life calls for quick and efficient orthodontic treatments, a novel orthodontic modality was developed utilizing adjunctive periodontal surgery that includes bone corticotomy combined with bone augmentation. This multidisciplinary team approach: Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) or Wilckodontics seems to be promising not only for reducing orthodontic treatment duration, but also for biological aspects during and after orthodontic treatment. PAOO enhances bone remodeling and augmentation, accelerates tooth movement and significantly reduces the duration of treatment. The presented cases manifest the biologic benefit of profound enlargement in the envelope of motion reducing the need for extraction and eliminating the need for aggressive intervention of surgically-assisted rapid maxillary expansion. PAOO serves as a reasonable and safe option for the growing demand of shortened treatment duration of adult teeth movement in three dimensions. Further research is recommended for an in depth evaluation of the long-term stability claimed to be advantageous in this modality.

Supportive periodontal therapy affects dental implants probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and bone level: a 4- to 8-year follow-up study.

Objective: To evaluate implant and patient characteristics 4 to 8 years after implant installation in a study involving immediate fixed restoration of dental implants. Method and materials: The study was a follow-up of treated generalized chronic periodontitis patients who received immediate restorations on dental implants as part of a previous study. The patients were examined clinically and radiographically at implant placement, 6 months, 1 year, and 4 to 8 years later. Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), teeth and implant probing pocket depth (TPPD and IPPD), bleeding on probing (BOP [teeth, TBOP; implant, IBOP]), and bone level (BL) measurements around implants were documented. Cases were divided into three groups according to annual SPT rate: 0.00 to 0.99/year (SPT0), 1.00 to 1.99/year (SPT1), 2.00 or more/year (SPT2). Results: Twelve patients, with 26 implants and 242 teeth, were included. The mean ±â€¯standard deviation follow-up period was 6.08 ±â€¯1.25 years (range 4.04 to 7.94 years). All implants in the follow-up group were osseointegrated and survived during the follow-up period. The mean number of SPT appointments was 6.17 ±â€¯5.65. A weak negative correlation was found between SPT rate and ΔTPPD (-0.24, P = .0005), whereas a strong negative correlation was found between SPT rate and ΔIPPD (-0.76, P = .0005). Negative correlations were found between SPT rate and ∆TBOP (-0.20, P = .003), and between SPT rate and ∆IBOP (-0.5, P = .009). A moderate correlation was found between SPT rate and ΔBL (0.46, P = .02). Conclusion: SPT has a significant positive effect on PPD, BOP, and on implant BLs in long-term follow-up and should be an essential part of implant therapy.

Severe Complications Following Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Poly L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone-Coated Bovine Bone: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the postoperative complications following lateral wall sinus augmentation using (poly L-lactideco-ε-caprolactone; PLCL) and natural polysaccharides polymers-coated bovine bone (PBB). The secondary aims were to examine histologic findings and to propose complication management alternatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 61 subjects who underwent 67 lateral wall sinus augmentation procedures using PBB in the standard protocol. In cases that presented complications, treatment included additional antibiotic therapy, implant removal, or sinus reentry and total removal of the grafting material. In three cases, biopsy specimens were taken from the sinuses, and histologic analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of postoperative complications was 32.8% (22 of 67 cases) in 18 of the patients (29.5%). The most prevalent symptoms were persistent pain (68.2%), swelling (63.6%), and oroantral fistula (54.5%). Radiographic signs appeared in 45.5% of the complications. A total of 24 implants failed; thus, an overall 80.3% survival rate was established at 19 months. The vast majority of complications (86.4%) were treated eventually with reentry surgery and revealed that the sinus was full with granulation tissue surrounding pieces of a nonossified rubber-like material. In cases where implants were placed, nonosseointegrated implants were surrounded by soft tissue. The sinus was cleaned thoroughly; the graft material remnants were removed together with inflamed parts of the sinus membrane, followed by chlorhexidine and saline lavages. In the biopsy specimens taken from the sinus cavity, there were no histologic features of new bone formation around the grafted material. CONCLUSION: Lateral wall maxillary sinus augmentation using PBB was associated with an acute sinus infection histologic appearance and with a 7-times-higher failure rate compared with previous reports. This serious adverse event suggests that PBB cannot be recommended for maxillary sinus augmentations.

A single application of chlorhexidine gel reduces gingival inflammation and interleukin 1-ß following one-stage implant placement: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent commonly used in medicine. Application of (CHX) during abutment connection reduced the bacterial load at the implant-abutment interface. We hypothesize this treatment may consequently reduce peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and marginal bone loss. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a single application of CHX gel inside the dental implant internal hexagon on peri-implant tissue. METHODS: Forty patients were recruited to this randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. At the time of implant installation, a 4-mm healing abutment was connected to the implant. In the test group, chlorhexidine gel 1% was applied inside the implant hex, whereas control implants did not receive any gel. Clinical and radiographic measurements included soft tissue recession (REC), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), keratinized mucosa width (KM), probing depth (PD), and a peri-apical parallel x-ray. Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was collected for cytokine analysis. t-Test was used to compare changes from baseline to 3 months. Mann-Whitney U test and t test were used to compare test and control groups. RESULTS: Twenty patients in the test group and 17 in the control group completed the study. One implant in the control group failed to osteointegrate. There were no significant differences between the control and test groups for REC changes, bone loss, and PD. GI was significantly lower in the test group after 1 week (1.79 ± 0.24 vs 0.75 ± 0.18, respectively) and 3 months (1.18 ± 0.21 vs 0.25 ± 0.12, respectively) although PI was equal. At 3 months, interleukin 1-ß (IL1-ß) was higher in the control group (p < 0.01) and a positive correlation was found between GI and IL1-ß (rs  = 0.60424, p = 0.00032). CONCLUSIONS: Application of chlorhexidine gel reduced inflammation and IL1-ß levels in the peri-implant soft tissue.

The effect of a surgeon's position on the axial inclination of dental implants placed freehand: a single-blind study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether a surgeons' position affects the axial angulation of dental implants placed freehand. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Implants' axial angulation was assessed on digital panoramic radiographs. An occlusal line was plotted based on the neighboring teeth/crowns. The mesial angle between the long axis of the implant and the occlusal line was measured. In addition, post-hoc ideal implant-positioning planning was done on the panoramic digital image, and the angle of the intersection between the long axis of the actual and post-hoc ideal implant was measured. Student t test for unpaired observations and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric tests were utilized to compare the ipsi- and contralateral sides and between clinicians. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (149 implants) were eligible for the study. Implants had slight mesial inclination (mean 97.7 ± 8.7 degrees) which was similar for both the ipsi- (98.2 ± 8.4 degrees) and contralateral sides (97.2 ± 9.1 degrees), P = .491. For the post-hoc planning versus actual placement comparison, the overall median (interquartile range) of implant angular deviation was minimal (-0.25 degrees [-2.98, +3.47]). This was true for both the ipsilateral (-0.5 degrees [-2.9, +2.9]) and contralateral (-0.2 [-4.2, +5.4]) sides, P = .55. For the actual versus post-hoc planning, most observations clustered around the midline (zero to minimal deviation), while for the implant to occlusal plane angle, a tendency towards slight mesial angulation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Dental implants placed freehand by experienced clinicians have only slight axial deviation as measured from post-hoc optimal position. Implants placed in ipsilateral and contralateral sides and by left- and right-dominant-hand clinicians had similar angulations.

Repeated delivery of chlorhexidine chips for the treatment of peri-implantitis: A multicenter, randomized, comparative clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implantitis is a challenging condition to manage and is frequently treated using non-surgical debridement. The local delivery of antimicrobial agents has demonstrated benefit in mild to moderate cases of peri-implantitis. This study compared the safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate 2.5 mg chip (CHX chips) as an adjunctive treatment to subgingival debridement in patients afflicted with peri-implantitis. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, single-blind, two-arm, parallel Phase-3 study was conducted. Peri-implantitis patients with implant pocket depths (IPD) of 5-8 mm underwent subgingival implant surface debridement followed by repeated bi-weekly supragingival plaque removal and chlorhexidine chips application (ChxC group) for 12 weeks, or similar therapy but without application of ChxC (control group). All patients were followed for 24 weeks. Plaque and gingival indices were measured at every visit whereas IPD, recession, and bleeding on probing were assessed at 8, 12, 16, 24 week. RESULTS: A total of 290 patients were included: 146 in the ChxC group and 144 in the control. At 24 weeks, a significant reduction in IPD (P = 0.01) was measured in the ChxC group (1.76 ± 1.13 mm) compared with the control group (1.54 ± 1.13 mm). IPD reduction of ≥2 mm was found in 59% and 47.2% of the implants in the ChxC and control groups, respectively (P = 0.03). Changes in gingival recession (0.29 ± 0.68 mm versus 0.15 ± 0.55 mm, P = 0.015) and relative attachment gain (1.47 ± 1.32 mm and 1.39 ± 1.27 mm, P = 0.0017) were significantly larger in the ChxC group. Patients in the ChxC group that were < 65 years exhibited significantly better responses (P < 0.02); likewise, non-smokers had similarly better response (P < 0.02). Both protocols were well tolerated, and no severe treatment-related adverse events were recorded throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with peri-implantitis that were treated with an intensive treatment protocol of bi-weekly supragingival plaque removal and local application of chlorhexidine chips had greater mean IPD reduction and greater percentile of sites with IPD reduction of ≥2 mm as compared with bi-weekly supra-gingival plaque removal.

A nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using mechanic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory treatment: 1 year follow-up.

AIMS: The study's aim was to assess the clinical outcome 6 and 12 months after a nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis per se or in conjunction with a combination of local antiseptic and anti-inflammatory treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included were 69 patients with periodontitis, with 106 implants, diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis was defined as radiographic bone loss ≥3 mm, probing depth (PD) ≥ 6 mm, with bleeding on probing. Group M peri-implantitis was treated with ultrasonic debridement and soft tissue curettage. Group P had additional implant surface treatment with rotatory hand piece composed of chitosan bristle, soft tissue curettage combined with application of 0.95% hypochlorite and 1 mg minocycline HCl. RESULTS: After 6 months, both groups demonstrated significant reduction of mean plaque index, PD, and clinical attachment level (0.71 ± 0.57, 0.81 ± 0.55; 4.77 ± 0.73 mm, 4.42 ± 0.5 mm; 5.03 ± 0.86 mm, 5.13 ± 0.73 mm; respectively) and bleeding on probing. After 6 and 12 months, group P showed significantly better PD results compared to group M. The bleeding was significantly less in group P after 12 months (15.3% ± 6.2, 25.1% ± 8.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive treatment with local antiseptic and anti-inflammatories during mechanical phase was positively associated with inflammation reduction and connective tissue reattachment.

Emergency department visits at Rambam health care campus, Israel: non-trauma related dental conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Studies of emergency department (ED) visits for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) have been carried out in the USA and Canada. In Israel, there is a shortage of such studies. In the current retrospective study, we report on the frequency and distribution of NTDCs ED visits at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam), in Haifa, which is an academic hospital serving more than 2.4 million residents of Northern Israel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data concerning ED visits at Rambam between 2010 and 2017 were obtained retrospectively from Rambam's computerized clinical and personal database of adult patients (≥18 years) visiting the ED for NTDCs. RESULTS: Overall, 1.8% of the patients who visited the Rambam ED, were identified as presenting with NTDCs. From 2010 until 2017, the number of NTDCs admissions increased by 45%, while the total ED admissions rose by 16%. The average waiting time for maxillofacial consultations for patients with NTDCs increased from 102 min in 2010 to 138 min in 2017. The busiest hours in the ED for NTDCs were during the morning shifts (47% of daily visits). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that systemic and conceptual changes are needed to reduce the number of non-trauma related applications to ED.These changes can be by increasing the number of personnel or by introducing recent advances such as tele-medicine for prescreening of patients. This change calls for a greater involvement of the health policy leaders to provide alternative solutions for emergency dental care.