Implants Placed In Bone Augmented With Intra-Oral Grafts, Compared To Iliac Crest Grafts, May Have Better Survival Rates.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Effect of autogenous bone graft site on dental implant survival and donor site complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2022 Sep;22(3):101731.           SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not reported. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

TASTE DISORDERS AND XEROSTOMIA ARE HIGHLY PREVALENT IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: J. Amorim dos Santos, A.G.C. Normando, R.L.Carvalho da Silva, A.C. Acevedo G. De Luca Canto, N. Sugaya, A.R. Santos-Silva , E.N.S. Guerra (2021). ``Oral Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19: A Living Systematic Review.'' J Dent Res 100(2): 141-154. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Non-profit, Foundations, etc.? National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Ministry of Education, Brazil and the Department of Research and Innovation, University of Brasilia, Brazil. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

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.

Acute Loss of Smell or Taste Without Nasal Blockage Should Raise Suspicion for COVID-19 Infection.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Taste and smell as chemosensory dysfunctions in COVID-19 infection. Passarelli PC, Lopez MA, Mastandrea Bonaviri GN, Garcia-Godoy F, D'Addona A.Am J Dent 2020;33(3):135-137. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

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.

Dental Implant Survival in the Bone Augmented by Direct Sinus Lift Is Comparable to Implants Placed in the Native Bone.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Implants in the Posterior Maxilla: Open Sinus Lift Versus Conventional Implant Placement. A Systematic Review. Romero-Millán J, Alzcorbe-Vicente J, Peñarrocha-Diago M, Galindo-Moreno P, Canullo L, Peñarrocha-Oltra D. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2019; 34(4):e65-e76. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in experimental periodontitis: A systematic review.

Recently, several studies demonstrated the potential of using specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), as a novel approach, in treating periodontitis in pre-clinical models. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the biological actions of SPMs on periodontal tissues in animals with experimentally induced periodontitis. This systematic review was performed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were searched in three databases. Meta-analysis was not performed because of the data heterogeneity. Study quality was assessed using Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) Risk of Bias tool. Six studies using an experimental periodontitis model to test the efficacy of SPMs were selected. Resolvin E1 and lipoxins were topically applied to treat experimental periodontitis. Alveolar bone loss could be significantly prevented and regenerated by applying SPMs, when compared to the control group. The dosages of SPMs and the periods of disease induction varied based on the pre-clinical model employed. Two studies further demonstrated the positive shift in microbial composition, in line with positive shift in inflammatory status, that are regulated by SPMs. Clinical studies are needed to optimize the application of SPMs in treating periodontal diseases in humans.

Tunneling Technique in Conjunction With Autogenous Graft or Graft Substitutes Is a Predictable Surgical Approach to Achieve Root Coverage in Isolated or Multiple Gingival Recession Defects.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Efficacy of tunnel technique in the treatment of localized and multiple gingival recessions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Tavelli L, Barootchi S, Nguyen TVN, Tattan M, Ravidà A, Want H-L. J Periodontol 2018;89(9):1075-90. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Nonprofit, foundations, university support: University of Michigan Periodontal Graduate Student Research Fund. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

Dental Implants Placed in Alveolar Ridge Augmented Using Guided Bone Regeneration Procedure Performed Using Resorbable Collagen Membranes and Particulate Bone Grafts Using Simultaneous or Staged Approach Exhibit a High Survival Rate.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Guided bone regeneration with collagen membranes and particulate graft materials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wessing B, Lettner S, Zechner W. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2018;33(1):87-100. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Did not receive any funding support TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

Case Selection is Critical for Successful Outcomes Following Immediate Implant Placement in the Esthetic Zone.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Immediate versus delayed implant placement after anterior single tooth extraction: the timing randomized controlled clinical trial. Tonetti MS, Cortellini P, Graziani F, Cairo F, Lang NP, Abundo R, Conforti GP, Marquardt S, Rasperini G, Silvestri M, Wallkamm B, Wetzel A. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 2017;44(2):215-24. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Nonprofit, Foundations: European Research Group on Periodontology, Genova, Italy Industry: Thommen Medical AG, Switzerland and Geistlich AG, Switzerland (biomaterials). TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

Treatment of Select Intrabony Defects by Periodontal Regeneration Could Be Cost-effective Long Term in Compliant Patients.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Periodontal regeneration compared with access flap surgery in human intrabony defects: 20-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial: tooth regeneration, periodontitis recurrence and costs. Cortellini P, Buti J, Prato GP, Tonetti MS.J Clin Periodontolhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12638 [Pre pub/accepted manuscript] SOURCE OF FUNDING: Nonprofit, foundations: European Research Group on Periodontology, Genova, Italy; other: Accademia Toscana di Ricerca Odontostomatologica, Florence, Italy TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

Estimates of Hospital Based Emergency Department Visits due to Dental Implant Failures in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Objective of the current study is to provide nationally representative estimates of hospital based emergency department (ED) visits attributed to dental implant failures in the United States. METHODS: The Nationwide Emergency Department sample for the years 2008-2010 was used. All ED visits with a diagnosis of "dental implant failures" were selected for analysis. Patient demographics were examined. Outcomes of interest included disposition status following the ED visit and ED charges. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 1200 ED visits were due to dental implant failures. Most ED visits with dental implant failures occurred among those aged <18 years (22.4% of all ED visits) followed by those aged 70 years and above (18.2%). Males comprised 53.7% of all ED visits. Close to 89% did not have any other chronic co-morbid conditions. Osseointegration failure of dental implant occurred in 31.7% of patients while post-osseointegration mechanical failure of dental implant occurred in 30.4% of patients. Following an ED visit, 82.8% were discharged routinely and 13.3% of patients were admitted as in-patients into the same hospital following the ED visit. The mean ED charge per visit was $1167. CONCLUSIONS: Highest proportions of these ED visits were comprised of those aged <18 years, those aged 70 years and above, and male patients. The inherent limitations of NEDS database and lack of data elements precluded us from establishing an association between patient related factors and risk of ED visits due to implant failures.

A Risk of Bias Assessment of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on Periodontal Regeneration Published in 2013.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this assessment is to evaluate the degree of risk of bias in randomized controlled trials published in 2013 and focusing on periodontal regeneration. METHODS: Three reviewers searched and selected the trials based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. Predictor variables [number of authors, primary objective of the study, biomaterial employed, follow-up time periods, split mouth study (yes/no), journal, year of publication, country, scale (single/multi-center) and nature of funding] were extracted and risk of bias assessment using Cochrane risk of bias tool were performed independently by the three reviewers. RESULTS: Seventeen RCTs were included in this assessment. The risk of bias in RCTs published in 2013 with a focus in periodontal regeneration varied significantly with only in less than 30% of the included trials, the overall risk of bias was found to be low, while 41% of trials were designated to have a higher degree of bias. Specifically, when looking at the domains assessed, 70% of the included trials reported an accepted method of sequence generation, blinding (whenever possible), completeness of outcome data or avoided selective outcome reporting. Meanwhile, only 47% of the included trials reported some form of allocation concealment. CONCLUSION: In this assessment, of the included 17 trials, slightly more than 40% of them had a high risk of bias, underscoring the importance of careful appraisal of trials before implementing the study interventions in clinical practice and the need for more detailed analyses.

Nanoplex-Mediated Codelivery of Fibroblast Growth Factor and Bone Morphogenetic Protein Genes Promotes Osteogenesis in Human Adipocyte-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

This study highlights the importance of transfection mediated coordinated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) signaling in promoting osteogenesis. We employed plasmids independently encoding BMP-2 and FGF-2 complexed with polyethylenimine (PEI) to transfect human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) in vitro. The nanoplexes were characterized for size, surface charge, in vitro cytotoxicity, and transfection ability in hADMSCs. A significant enhancement in BMP-2 protein secretion was observed on day 7 post-transfection of hADMSCs with PEI nanoplexes loaded with both pFGF-2 and pBMP-2 (PEI/(pFGF-2+pBMP-2)) versus transfection with PEI nanoplexes of either pFGF-2 alone or pBMP-2 alone. Osteogenic differentiation of transfected hADMSCs was determined by measuring osteocalcin and Runx-2 gene expression using real time polymerase chain reactions. A significant increase in the expression of Runx-2 and osteocalcin was observed on day 3 and day 7 post-transfection, respectively, by cells transfected with PEI/(pFGF-2+pBMP-2) compared to cells transfected with nanoplexes containing pFGF-2 or pBMP-2 alone. Alizarin Red staining and atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed elevated levels of calcium deposition in hADMSC cultures on day 14 and day 30 post-transfection with PEI/(pFGF-2+pBMP-2) compared to other treatments. We have shown that codelivery of pFGF-2 and pBMP-2 results in a significant enhancement in osteogenic protein synthesis, osteogenic marker expression, and subsequent mineralization. This research points to a new clinically translatable strategy for achieving efficient bone regeneration.

Prevalence of the posterior superior alveolar canal in cone beam computed tomography scans.

OBJECTIVE: This study was primarily aimed at determining the prevalence of the posterior superior alveolar (PSA) canal in cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans in a North American population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography scans were selected on the basis of predetermined eligibility criteria from a pool of 976 data sets. Two calibrated examiners assessed the presence of PSA canal on the postero-lateral wall of the maxillary sinus using coronal sections. One examiner also recorded the presence of images compatible with sinus disease. Associations between the presence of PSA canal and sinus disease were investigated for males and females separately using statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 254 CBCT scans were selected. The pooled prevalence of the PSA canal in CBCT scans was 94.4% and 91% on the right and left side, respectively. The ability to detect the presence of the canal was not significantly affected by the presence of intrasinusal disease. Males are more likely than females to present signs of maxillary sinus pathoses on the right (63.3% vs. 36.7%) and the left side (59.2% vs. 40.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the PSA canal on CBCT images in the selected population is high. The PSA canal can be consistently visualized on CBCT scans with a high level of reproducibility regardless of the presence of radiographic signs of intrasinusal pathoses.

Presence of gingivitis and periodontitis significantly increases hospital charges in patients undergoing heart valve surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and impact of gingivitis and periodontitis in patients having heart valve surgical procedures. METHODS: Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2004-2010 was used. All patients who had heart valve surgical procedures were selected. Prevalence of gingivitis/periodontitis was examined in these patients. Impact of gingivitis/periodontitis on hospital charges, length of stay, and infectious complications was examined. RESULTS: 596,190 patients had heart valve surgical procedures. Gingivitis/periodontitis was present in 0.2 percent. Outcomes included: median hospital charges ($175,418 with gingivitis/ periodontitis versus $149,353 without gingivitis/periodontitis) and median length of stay (14 days with gingivitis/periodontitis versus 8 days without gingivitis/periodontitis). After adjusting for the effects of patient- and hospital-level confounding factors, hospital charges and length of stay were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in those with gingivitis/periodontitis compared to their counterparts. Further, patients with gingivitis/periodontitis had significantly higher odds for having bacterial infections (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 2.33-4.98, p < 0.0001) when compared to those without gingivitis/periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Presence of gingivitis and periodontitis is associated with higher risk for bacterial infections and significant hospital resource utilization.

Poor Oral Health Linked with Increased Risk of Infectious Complications in Adults with Leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the presence of gingivitis/periodontitis on the occurrence of infectious complications (including septicemia, bacterial infections, and mycoses) in hospitalized leukemic adults in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 2004-2010 was performed. All hospitalized leukemic patients aged 18 to 65 years were selected. The association between occurrence of gingivitis/periodontitis and infectious complications was examined by multivariable logistic regression models. A total of 135,692 hospitalizations were due to leukemias during the study period. Among these, gingivitis/periodontitis was present in 0.6%. Septicemia occurred in 27.8% of those who had gingivitis/periodontitis (compared to 19.6% in those without gingivitis/periodontitis), bacterial infections occurred in 19.5% of those who had gingivitis/periodontitis (compared to 10.1% in those without gingivitis/periodontitis), and mycoses occurred in 20.7% of those who had gingivitis/periodontitis (compared to 10.7% in those without gingivitis/periodontitis). Patients who had gingivitis/periodontitis were associated with significantly higher odds for septicemia (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.14-2.19, p = 0.01), bacterial infections (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.51-3.07, p<0.01), mycoses (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.43-3.28, p<0.01), or any infectious complication (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.63-2.84, p<0.01) when compared to their counterparts following adjustment for multiple patient and hospital-level confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Poor oral health (as defined by the presence of gingivitis/periodontitis) is an independent predictor of increased risk of infectious complications in hospitalized leukemic adults in the United States.

Publication Metrics of Dental Journals - What is the Role of Self Citations in Determining the Impact Factor of Journals?

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the present study are to examine the publication metrics of dental journals and to delineate the role of self citations in determining the impact factor of journals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Journal Citation Reports database was used. All dental journals that had an impact factor assigned for year 2013 were selected. The outcomes were Impact Factor (IF), Eigenfactor™ (EF), article influence score (AIS), and proportion of self-citations to total citations. Independent variables were geographic region of journal and ranking of journal (based on IF). Non-parametric tests were used to examine the associations between outcomes and independent variables. RESULTS: During the year 2013, 82 journals in dentistry had an IF. Mean IF was 1.489 and mean IF without including self-citations was 1.231. Mean EF scores and AIS were .00458 and .5141 respectively. Mean percentage of self cites to total citations for all dental journals was 12.24%. Higher ranking journals were associated with significantly higher EF and AIS. Journals published in USA/Canada or Europe were associated with higher IF and EF compared to those published in other regions. There were no differences in percentages of self citations to total citations either across journal rankings or geographic region. CONCLUSIONS: Top ranking journals tend to have higher IFs due to higher EF and AIS rather than by self-citations. Self-citations increase the impact factors of dental journals by 21%. There was no geographic influence in the percentage of self-citations to total citations thus indicating a healthy dental scientific publishing environment.

Global Dental Research Productivity and Its Association With Human Development, Gross National Income, and Political Stability.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the associations between country level factors (such as human development, economic productivity, and political stability) and their dental research productivity. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of bibliometric data from Scopus search engine. Human Development Index (HDI), Gross National Income per capita (GNI), and Failed State Index measures were the independent variables. Outcomes were "Total number of publications (articles or articles in press) in the field of dentistry" and "Total number of publications in the field of dentistry per million population." Non-parametric tests were used to examine the association between the independent and outcome variables. RESULTS: During the year 2013, a total of 11,952 dental research articles were published across the world. The top 5 publishing countries were United States, Brazil, India, Japan, and United Kingdom. "Very High" HDI countries had significantly higher number of total dental research articles and dental research articles per million population when compared to the "High HDI," "Medium HDI," and "Low HDI" countries (p < 0.0001). There was a significant linear relationship between the GNI quartile income levels and outcome metrics (p ≤ 0.007). Countries which were highly politically stable were associated with significantly higher dental research productivity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a regional concentration of articles with just five countries contributing to over 50% of all articles. The human development and economic development of a country are linearly correlated with dental research productivity. Dental research productivity also increases with increasing political stability of a country.

An overview of characteristics of registered studies on dental implants.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical trials serve as the empirical basis for clinical decision making. The objective of the current study is to provide an overview of clinical trials examining dental implant outcomes. METHOD: All registered studies on Dental Implants were selected for analysis. The clinicaltrials.gov website was used to query the characteristics of registered studies. The search term used was dental implants. RESULTS: As of the study conduct date (01/01/2014), a total of 205 studies on dental implants were registered. These included 168 interventional and 37 observational studies. Results were available for only 14 studies. All observational studies and 98.8% of interventional studies included both male and female subjects. Close to 60% of studies had sample sizes between 1 and 50. NIH was listed as funding source in only 5 interventional studies and 3 observational studies. 80% of interventional studies were randomized. However, double masking was reported in only 15% of interventional studies with majority being open labeled. CONCLUSION: ClinicalTrials.gov registry was created with the intention of increasing the transparency of conducted or ongoing clinical studies and to minimize publication bias commonly seen with industry-sponsored studies. Results of the current study showed that a predominating number of registered studies are funded by industry and other sources, very few registered studies have made their results public, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry does not provide sufficient information on the quality of study design and thus precluding the public and researchers to judge on the quality of registered studies and publication bias.