Etiological periodontal treatment with and without low-level laser therapy on IL-1ß level in gingival crevicular fluid: an in vivo multicentric pilot study.

Cytokine proteins may have important roles during different human physiological and pathological processes. In the oral cavity, the bone loss and periodontal tissue pathology was related to inflammatory process activation. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of etiological periodontal therapy with and without the use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on clinical periodontal parameters and interleukin (IL)-1ß level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from chronic periodontitis (CP) patients. Thirty non-smoker CP patients were selected from the Foggia University Dental Clinic and other 2 private dental clinics. All patients were divided into two homogeneous randomized groups: 15 patients were treated with only scaling and root planing (group 1) and 15 patients with scaling and root planing etiological treatment and LLLT (group 2). In all sites, at baseline before treatment, the periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured. In the PPD sites, the GCF samples were collected from 30 deep (≥5 mm) and shallow (≤3 mm) sites and IL-1ß were evaluated at baseline, after 10 days and 1 month. In all the samples at baseline, the IL-1ß concentration in GCF and BOP rate were significantly higher at deep PPD sites than at the shallow ones. After 10 days in all samples no PPD improvement was observed in the BOP rate but the IL-1 ß level was statistically significantly improved (p<0.005) in group 2 compared to group 1. At 10 days and 1 month, in all deep PPD sites, PPD and BOP improvements were observed. At same time, IL-1ß levels were lower and statistically significantly (p<0.005) improved in group 2 compared to group 1. The results confirmed that the periodontal etiology treatment of deep PPD sites with or with-out associated LLLT promotes periodontal health. Etiological treatment associated with LLLT, improves BOP and inflammation in periodontal disease. Moreover, the IL-1ß concentration changes in GCF suggest these cytokines as a predictable marker of gingival inflammation in chronic periodontitis patients.

Lights and shadows of dental implants: focus on mucositis and perimplantitis and their biological markers.

The increase in oral rehabilitation by means of dental implants has required an evolution of the related managing protocols and correct updating of the skills of dental professionals. Postsurgical management of the clinical case is aimed to stabilize the obtained results and preserve them from adverse conditions: a healthy implant prosthesis is maintained thanks to the huge number of consolidated protocols of oral hygiene. This practice plays a decisive role in the prevention of perimplant pathologies, forming a strong basis to ensure long implant life and avoid unnecessary and painful new surgical procedures. Furthermore, dental companies, in order to satisfy the new needs of professionals in oral hygiene, have produced new instrumentations and targeted drugs, in agreement to the cutting-edge scientific literature, thus creating a new market attracting huge interests in healthcare. The purpose of this topical review is to briefly comment on the state of the art of post-surgical dental implant management. This research is aimed to report the current protocols available to reduce the risk of oral diseases and prevent the progression of perimplant complications. Special focus has been dedicated to the most effective surgical and non-surgical protocols for treating mucositis and perimplantitis.

Anti-plaque and antimicrobial efficiency of different oral rinses in a 3-day plaque accumulation model.

The idea of incorporating a mouthrinse with normal tooth brushing could be a useful adjunct to oral hygiene. Despite the principle nature of the toothpaste vehicle, most alcohol-based chemical plaque-control agents have been evaluated and later formulated in the mouthrinse vehicle. The current study was aimed to investigate the persistence of antimicrobial action and plaque inhibitory properties of a new alcohol-free mouthrinse when compared with positive control, chlorhexidine 0.12% and placebo control, physiologic saline solution mouthrinses. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity was performed by saliva samples collected during the 3 days of usage. The results of this study indicate that this new oral rinse has an equivalent plaque inhibitory action to chlorhexidine, and the plaque inhibitory action of the rinse appears to be derived from a persistence of antimicrobial action in the mouth. Furthermore, no side effects were reported during the study, and the additional benefit of no alcohol presence in the rinse solution.

DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS AND HUMAN PERIAPICAL CYST MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN BONE TISSUE REGENERATION: COMPARISON OF BASAL AND OSTEOGENIC DIFFERENTIATED GENE EXPRESSION OF A NEWLY DISCOVERED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL LINEAGE.

Bone regeneration is an interesting field of biomedicine. The most recent studies are aimed to achieve a bone regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) taken from more accessible sites: oral and dental tissues have been widely investigated as a rich accessible source of MSCs. Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) and human Periapical Cysts Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hPCy-MSCs) represent the new generation MSCs. The aim of this study is to compare the gene expression of these two innovative cell types to highlight the advantages of their use in bone regeneration. The harvesting, culturing and differentiating of cells isolated from dental pulp as well as from periapical cystic tissue were carried out as described in previously published reports. qRT-PCR analyses were performed on osteogenic genes in undifferentiated and osteogenic differentiated cells of DPSC and hPCy-MSC lineage. Real-time RT-PCR data suggested that both DPSCs and hPCy-MSCs cultured in osteogenic media are able to differentiate into osteoblast/odontoblast-like cells: however, some differences indicated that DPSCs seem to be directed more towards dentinogenesis, while hPCy-MSCs seem to be directed more towards osteogenesis.

Behaviour of dental pulp stem cells on different types of innovative mesoporous and nanoporous silicon scaffolds with different functionalizations of the surfaces.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are stem cells found in the dental pulp. The ability of DPSCs to differentiate towards odontoblastic and osteoblastic phenotype was reported first in the literature, then in the following years, numerous studies on odontogenesis were carried out, starting from mesenchymal stem cells isolated from tissues of dental and oral origin. The aim of this research was to evaluate the behaviour of DPSCs grown on silicon nanoporous and mesoporous matrices and differentiated towards the osteogenic phenotype, but also to investigate the use of DPSCs in pilot studies focused on the biological compatibility of innovative dental biomaterials. Twenty-eight silicon samples were created with standardized procedures. These scaffolds were divided into samples made of silicon bulk, nanoporous silicon, mesoporous silicon, nanoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and methanol (MeOH), nanoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS)/toluene, mesoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and methanol (MeOH) andmesoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS)/toluene. DPSC proliferation on the tested silicon scaffolds was analyzed at 3 and 5 days. The assay showed that DPSCs proliferated better on mesoporous scaffolds functionalized with APTMS/toluene compared to a silicon one. These results show that the functionalization of silicon scaffold with APTMS/toluene supports the growth of DPSCs and could be used for future applications in tissue engineering.

Oral-Gut-Estrobolome Axis May Exert a Selective Impact on Oral Cancer.

A subset of bacterial species that holds genes encoding for ß-glucuronidase and ß-galactosidase, enzymes involved in the metabolism of conjugated estrogens, is called the "estrobolome." There is an emerging interest embracing this concept, as it may exert a selective impact on a number of pathologies, including oral cancer. Although the estrobolome bacteria are typically part of the gut microbiota, recent experimental pieces of evidence have suggested a crosstalk among oral and gut microbiota. In fact, several oral bacterial species are well represented also in the gut microbiota, and these microbes can effectively induce the estrobolome activation. The main pathways used for activating the estrobolome are based on the induction of the expression patterns for 2 bacterial enzymes: ß-glucuronidase and aromatase, both involved in the increase of estrogen released in the bloodstream and consequently in the salivary compartment. Mechanistically, high estrogen availability in saliva is responsible for an increase in oral cancer risk for different reasons: briefly, 1) estrogens directly exert biological and metabolic effects on oral mucosa cells; 2) they can modulate the pathological profile of some bacteria, somewhere associated with neoplastic processes (i.e., Fusobacterium spp., Parvimonas ssp.); and 3) some oral bacteria are able to convert estrogens into carcinogenic metabolites, such as 4-hydroxyestrone and 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE), and can also promote local and systemic inflammation. Nowadays, only a small number of scientific studies have taken into consideration the potential correlations among oral dysbiosis, alterations of the gut estrobolome, and some hormone-dependent cancers: this lack of attention on such a promising topic could be a bias affecting the full understanding of the pathogenesis of several estrogen-related oral pathologies. In our article, we have speculated on the activity of an oral-gut-estrobolome axis, capable of synergizing these 2 important microbiotas, shedding light on a pilot hypothesis requiring further research.

Unveiling the Neurodegenerative Alterations through Oral Stem Cells.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive and selective loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the midbrain. The replacement of neuromelanin (NM)-containing DAergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the enhancement of NM concentration could offer a promising and safe approach to treating PD symptoms. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the potential of human periapical-cysts mesenchymal stem cells (hPCy-MSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to differentiate into DAergic NM-producing neurons and to generate functional 3-dimensional (3D) midbrain-like organoids in vitro. We assessed the changes in morphology and behavior of neuron-like cells (NLCs) as well as the expression of molecular markers characterizing the DAergic neurons. Furthermore, we observed electrically active and functionally mature DAergic neurons by means of electrophysiological assays, NM dosage assays, and the quantification of dopamine release by high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results demonstrate for the first time that both hPCy-MSCs and DPSCs are capable of differentiating into NLCs, further confirmed by the increase in lactate levels in the medium of cells exposed to neurogenic conditions. Importantly, we have induced such NLCs to further differentiate into functional DAergic NM-producing neurons. Finally, 3D midbrain-like organoids have been produced from oral stem cells: they appear as neurosphere-like structures diffusely expressing the neural marker ß-III tubulin and containing NM-like granules. Our findings open up a novel and fascinating opportunity to rethink oral stem cells, and the derived 3D disease models, as a strategic and reliable tool for unveiling the neurodegenerative alterations.

Influence of PRF in the healing of bone and gingival tissues. Clinical and histological evaluations.

INTRODUCTION: The healing of bone tissues around dental implants is based primarily on a correct osseointegration. BACKGROUND: Typically, implants stability and peri-implant tissues health are anticipated to decrease during the early weeks of healing; this is followed by an increase in stability. AIM: The aim of the present study is to assess a predictable protocol in order to increase the peri-implant tissues maintenance around post-extractive dental implants, thanks to the use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of 127 tapered dental implants placed in the immediate post-extraction sites of maxillary bone of 59 patients. Atraumatic dental extraction and flapless implant surgery was performed in all reported cases. The cortical bone position relative to the implant reference point was evaluated at implant placement and 10 to 24 months following implantology. The gap between bone tissue and the implant surface was measured up to a maximum of 3 mm. After placing implants we have filled the surgical site with a PRF gel, so as to fill the gap between bone tissue and the implant surface, and then we have covered the surgical site with a PRF membrane, so as to coat the gap between the alveolar crest and the implant. RESULTS: In all cases, we observed the complete covering of the dental implants, with newly formed soft tissue of variable thickness between 1 and 3 mm. Cortical bone adaptation from the time of implant placement up to 30 months following prosthetic restoration ranged from 0.4 mm to 1.7 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a series of successful rehabilitations, with post-extraction implantology technique, in 99.8 percent of cases, despite the success rates in the medium and long-term post-extraction implantology reported in the literature range between 92.7 percent and 98.0 percent. Long-term maintenance of crestal bone and the rapid healing of soft tissue dimension with maintenance of peri-implant papilla were observed as outcomes after post-extractive implants insertion.

Relationship between oxidative stress and "burning mouth syndrome" in female patients: a scientific hypothesis.

INTRODUCTION: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is characterized by burning sensation and pain in the mouth with or without inflammatory signs and specific lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aim of the present study was to investigate about a possible correlation between the Burning Mouth Syndrome and oxidative stress. We recruited 18 healthy female patients between 54 and 68 years of age with a diagnosis of Burning Mouth Syndrome. Oxidative stress assessment was performed by means of an integrated analytical system composed of a photometer and a mini-centrifuge (FRAS4, H and D s.r.l., Parma, Italy). Samples of whole capillary blood were taken by a finger puncture in a heparinized tube and immediately centrifuged; a small amount of samples plasma (10 microL) were thereafter tested for total oxidant capacity (d-ROMs test) and biological antioxidant potential as iron-reducing activity (BAP test) (Diacron International s.r.l., Grosseto, Italy). RESULTS: Our results indicate that female patients affected by Burning Mouth Syndrome show significantly different d-ROMs and BAP levels, similar to those present in oxidative stress condition with respect to the general population. It was also emphasized that, after the most painful phase, the levels representing the present oxidative stress, progressively return to normal, even if still significantly higher 7 days after, with respect to the normal population. No similar study was performed up to now. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the effectiveness of antioxidant treatments in the patients affected by BMS, in order to prevent or decrease the onset of oxidative stress and the consequent increased risk of oxidative-related systemic diseases.

Regenerative surgery performed with platelet-rich plasma used in sinus lift elevation before dental implant surgery: an useful aid in healing and regeneration of bone tissue.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this work is to show the effectiveness of a protocol involving the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a grafting material in bone regeneration before dental implant rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 127 patients, requiring maxillary sinus lift, were enrolled in a follow-up study plan, which established clinical and radiological examinations on the day after surgery and six months later. PRP, in combination with autogenous bone, an organic bone material and organic bone substitutes, was used before implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After implant placement, 63 patients, previously treated with PRP, reached a statistically significant improvement in implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, established by primary stability and radiographic integration criteria, in comparison with the other 64 patients receiving implant-prosthetic rehabilitation without PRP treatment.

Translational and transdisciplinary approach to the human papilloma virus - Preliminary evidence from the Italian "HPV board: a future without papilloma virus" project.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be one of the viral infections associated with cancers and other diseases. HPV is detected asymptomatically in the oral mucosa. The presence of human papillomavirus in the oral mucosa appears to be closely associated with a series of benign and malign oral lesions. The aim of this paper is to report the Italian experience in applying translational protocols, using new technologies and multidisciplinary strategies in Human Papilloma virus detection and treatment. The "HPV board: a future without papilloma virus" project was born, promoted by CNEL (Italian Council of Economics and Labor) with the collaboration of numerous scientific societies to commonly approach to public knowledge of HPV-related oral lesions and their clinical management. The preliminary results are related to the assessment of the proof-of-concept of this new project. More in details, "HPV Board" is a project that plans the presence of a working group, made up of otolaryngologists, dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, in close contact with gynecologists, oncologists and pediatricians; this working group manages to combine very transversal skills, in order to promote primary prevention projects, early diagnosis and adequate therapies. The "HPV BOARD" project will give the opportunity to increase the attention of patients and doctors on the early diagnosis of oncological diseases dependent on infection by the infectious agent HPV. In this panorama, dentists will have the role of "first sentinel" of public health because oral health is an indicator, too often overlooked, for the prevention of numerous diseases.

In vitro comparative study on the mechanical behavior of Zirconia and Polyetheretherketone in applied dental sciences.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, Zirconia and polyaryletherketone (PEEK) have attracted increasing interest as reliable and safe materials in dental applications, mainly because of their good biomechanical characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the response to different loads by prosthetic frameworks for supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs), thus simulating osseointegrated implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were divided into two groups (n= 5 each). Group A: FDPs in zirconia-ceramic; Group B: FDPs in PEEK-composite. These 2 groups were subjected to vertical loads so to evaluate structural deformation; then, they have been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at different magnifications. RESULTS: In tested samples, different types of mechanical failures have been observed. In Zirconia-specimens, chipping is the main failure noticed in this study, mostly in distal margins of the structure. Also, peek-specimens show failure and fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia and PEEK could be considered both good materials, but several investigations are needed to use these materials as an alternative to metals for fixed partial dentures.

Combined occlusal and pharmacological therapy in the treatment of temporo-mandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the present work is to assess the effectiveness of a scientific protocol built up to relieve pain in chronic temporo-mandibular disorders (TMD) using Michigan splint together with a pharmacological therapy compared to the traditional occlusal therapy by Michigan splint alone. PATIENTS: 35 adult patients, with signs and symptoms of TMD lasting more than 6 months, were enrolled into this study and divided into two groups: the first receiving occlusal therapy by Michigan splint and pharmacological therapy with Delorazepam and Thiocolchicoside, while the second receiving occlusal therapy by Michigan splint and "placebo" administration. The comparisons between the two experimental groups were assessed using a 5 steps visual-analogue scale (V.A.S.). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes from the experimental groups were statistically compared resulting significantly different with an improvement or disappearance of signs and symptoms in the treated group with respect to the placebo group at 12 and 18 months from the beginning of the experiment (p < 0.001).

Clinical trial with bromelain in third molar exodontia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, particularly effective in the treatment of soft tissue inflammations and traumas, in localized inflammations, especially in presence of hydropsy and also in postoperative tissue reactions. The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of bromelain in controlling the edema and its related pain in the inflamed area after upper third molar exodontia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effectiveness of our protocol was evaluated by a clinical assessment of the profile of the hemiface corresponding to the treated area: indeed, the linear values of the trago-pogonion distances were measured. Algogens were determined by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) (Figure 1) with integers ranging from 1 (no pain) to 8 (maximum pain) up to a maximum of 10 (paroxysmal and unbearable pain). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of bromelain in treating postoperative edema after third molar surgery.

Trial with Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Bio-Oss used as grafting materials in the treatment of the severe maxillar bone atrophy: clinical and radiological evaluations.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to assess the implant osteointegration, as well as the course of bone regeneration and healing processes, thanks to the sinus lift procedure and by using PRF as a filling material, in association with the Bio-Oss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 patients, requiring maxillary sinus lift in order to place implants into posterior maxillary region, were involved in this study. Selected cases, in which the height of the residual bone was superior to 5 mm, were adopted for surgical procedure of "one-stage sinus lift" (implant insertion concurrently occured with sinus lift resulting 6-9 months the healing and integration time). Before inserting the implant, a small quantity of filling material was placed in the cavity. For this purpose the bone fragment, stored in saline solution, was employed mixed with Bio-Oss and PRF, after being ground. RESULTS: All patients reported no pain to percussion, no sign of tissue suffering in the soft peri-implant tissues, the presence of an optimal primary stability of the inserted implants and a significant increase in the peri-implant bone density. CONCLUSIONS: In all cases included in this protocol, the Authors observed a successful implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, according with Albrektsson criteria.

Retrospective Analysis of the Correlation Between the Facial Biotype and the Inclination of the Upper Canine Cusp Axis to the Occlusal Plane.

Permanent maxillary canines are the second most frequently impacted teeth and the prevalence of this clinical condition is estimated to be 1-2% in the general population. The diagnosis of maxillary canine impaction should be based on both clinical and radiographic examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of a correlation between the facial biotype and the inclination of the upper cusp axis. A correlation between the total radicular length of the lateral incisors was also evaluated, by comparing the side of impaction with the healthy side. Twenty three patients with a diagnosis of unilateral upper cusp impaction were recruited. For each patient, dental casts and radiographic material (panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms) were examined. Statistical analyses were done with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient or Spearman's rho (ρ). X-ray examinations demonstrated that canine impaction was associated to other dental anomalies (32% of the sample). The mean α angle measurements were 22.9° ± 4.1°, and mean values of the ß angle were 34.7°± 4.0°. The mean distance "d" value was 14.6 mm ± 1.2 mm. The mean values of the angle between the upper cusp axis and the perpendicular-to-Fh plane were 20.8° ± 2.6°. Among the 23 subjects recruited, 5 showed values included in the range 25°-45° and 1 an inclination > 45°. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate a significant inverse correlation between the MM angle and the inclination of the upper cusp axis to the perpendicular-to-Fh plane.

Implant-Prosthetic Rehabilitation in Bilateral Agenesis of Maxillary Lateral Incisors with a Mini Split Crest.

The reported clinical case describes the surgical procedure of ridge augmentation by using a "split crest" technique with a partial thickness flap and a subsequent implant-prosthetic rehabilitation aimed at treating a bilateral agenesis of the upper lateral incisors. In such cases with vestibule-palatal and mesial-distal scarce bone thicknesses associated with the need of a proper functional and aesthetic rehabilitation, the split crest technique is particularly suitable. In the case we reported, because of the poor bone thicknesses, we performed a minimally invasive split crest which allowed a correct insertion of the fixtures. This technique allowed us to achieve an optimal functional and aesthetic rehabilitation; moreover, we obtained a good emergency profile, ensuring the vitality of the close teeth and ensuring a good primary stability and the following osseointegration of dental implants.

Human periapical cyst-mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into neuronal cells.

It was recently reported that human periapical cysts (hPCys), a commonly occurring odontogenic cystic lesion of inflammatory origin, contain mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with the capacity for self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. In this study, periapical inflammatory cysts were compared with dental pulp to determine whether this tissue may be an alternative accessible tissue source of MSCs that retain the potential for neurogenic differentiation. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis indicated that hPCy-MSCs and dental pulp stem cells spontaneously expressed the neuron-specific protein ß-III tubulin and the neural stem-/astrocyte-specific protein glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in their basal state before differentiation occurs. Furthermore, undifferentiated hPCy-MSCs showed a higher expression of transcripts for neuronal markers (ß-III tubulin, NF-M, MAP2) and neural-related transcription factors (MSX-1, Foxa2, En-1) as compared with dental pulp stem cells. After exposure to neurogenic differentiation conditions (neural media containing epidermal growth factor [EGF], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], and retinoic acid), the hPCy-MSCs showed enhanced expression of ß-III tubulin and GFAP proteins, as well as increased expression of neurofilaments medium, neurofilaments heavy, and neuron-specific enolase at the transcript level. In addition, neurally differentiated hPCy-MSCs showed upregulated expression of the neural transcription factors Pitx3, Foxa2, Nurr1, and the dopamine-related genes tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter. The present study demonstrated for the first time that hPCy-MSCs have a predisposition toward the neural phenotype that is increased when exposed to neural differentiation cues, based on upregulation of a comprehensive set of proteins and genes that define neuronal cells. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that hPCy-MSCs might be another optimal source of neural/glial cells for cell-based therapies to treat neurologic diseases.

Immediately loaded dental implants bioactivated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) placed in maxillary and mandibular region.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental implants have today deeply changed the dental field. In fact, after almost 50 years, the permanent placement of a titanium screw with an attached tooth have, step by step, changed the society's standard toward a permanently replacement of missed or severely damaged teeth. In fact, the host of benefits born from dental implants have affected both patients and dental professionals. The aim of the present study is to report the outcomes of an implant therapy protocol supporting fixed prostheses implanted soon after extractions and loaded with flapless guided surgery by a 3D software planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 37 patients, requiring rehabilitation of booth dental arches with a one-to-one technique, were enrolled in a follow-up study plan which established clinical and radiological examinations on the day after surgery, seven months and one year later. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), in combination with autogenous bone, organic bone material and organic bone substitutes, was used before implant-prosthetic rehabilitation with an its prompt loading just before the implant insertion phase. RESULTS: Definitive restorations were delivered at 6-12 months after surgical procedure. One year after loading there were no dropouts and no failure of the definitive prosthesis. Furthermore, the feedback from patients resulted positive. CONCLUSIONS: Patients resulted satisfied both aesthetically and functionally regarding these types of prosthetic reconstructions made at the time.

Meniscal tears left in situ during anatomic single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common finding in sports medicine. Our scope is to investigate whether stable, incomplete medial meniscus tears could be left untreated during single bundle anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study on 597 knees from a single surgeon cohort, using the same reconstruction technique, found 23 medial and 48 lateral meniscus tears which could be left untreated. RESULTS: None of the cases required reintervention during the first postoperative year. In fact, 21.7% of the medial meniscus group and 14.6% of the lateral group had potential residual symptoms that were not confirmed and gradually disappeared within one year. A comparison of Cincinnati Knee, IKDC scores and limb symmetry index values (calculated using the triple hop for distance into the two groups) found no differences for the last two variables (both p = 0.065) and was marginal for the first score (p < 0.05). The between groups comparisons, performed in the KT-1000, also yielded no difference (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: We than concluded that incomplete meniscal tears, left in situ at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, could have favorable outcomes as long as decisions are carefully weighed with regard to the length of the lesion. Also, at least in this perspective, anatomic single bundle has proved a sufficient stabilizer for anterior translation of the tibia.