Comparison of dermal matrix and polytetrafluoroethylene membrane for socket bone augmentation: a clinical and histologic study.

BACKGROUND: Remodeling and resorption of the alveolar crest, specifically at the buccal aspect, characterize the healing extraction socket. These result in narrowing and shortening of the alveolar ridge, which compromise esthetics and complicate restoration. Alveolar ridge augmentation has been proposed to facilitate future site restoration by minimizing ridge resorption. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare extraction socket healing and alveolar ridge alteration after socket augmentation using bone allograft covered with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. METHODS: Twenty non-smoking healthy subjects were selected. Each subject required maxillary premolar, canine, or central incisor tooth extraction. The extraction sites were debrided and grafted with a mineralized bone allograft that was covered with an ADM or PTFE membrane. Postoperative appointments were scheduled at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. After 16 weeks of healing, final measurements were performed, and trephine core biopsies were obtained for histomorphometric analysis. Implants were placed immediately after biopsy harvesting. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects completed the study. All sites healed without adverse events and allowed for implant placement. PTFE membranes exfoliated prematurely, with an average retention time of 16.6 days, whereas the ADM membranes appeared to be incorporated into the tissues. Buccal plate thickness loss was 0.44 and 0.3 mm, with a vertical loss of 1.1 and 0.25 mm, for ADM and PTFE, respectively. Bone quality assessment indicated D3 to be the most prevalent (61%). Histomorphometric analysis revealed 41.81% versus 47.36% bone, 58.19% versus 52.64% marrow/fibrous tissue, and 13.93% versus 14.73% particulate graft remaining for ADM and PTFE, respectively. No statistical difference was found between the two treatment groups for any of the parameters. CONCLUSION: All sites evaluated showed minimal ridge alterations, with no statistical difference between the two treatment modalities with respect to bone composition and horizontal and vertical bone loss, indicating that both membranes are suitable for alveolar ridge augmentation.

The effect of osseodensification drilling for endosteal implants with different surface treatments: A study in sheep.

This study investigated the effects of osseodensification drilling on the stability and osseointegration of machine-cut and acid-etched endosteal implants in low-density bone. Twelve sheep received six implants inserted into the ilium, bilaterally (n = 36 acid-etched, and n = 36 as-machined). Individual animals received three implants of each surface, placed via different surgical techniques: (1) subtractive regular-drilling (R): 2.0 mm pilot, 3.2 and 3.8 mm twist drills); (2) osseodensification clockwise-drilling (CW): Densah Bur (Versah, Jackson, MI) 2.0 mm pilot, 2.8, and 3.8 mm multifluted tapered burs; and (3) osseodensification counterclockwise-drilling (CCW) Densah Bur 2.0 mm pilot, 2.8 mm, and 3.8 mm multifluted tapered burs. Insertion torque was higher in the CCW and CW-drilling compared to the R-drilling (p < 0.001). Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) was significantly higher for CW (p = 0.024) and CCW-drilling (p = 0.006) compared to the R-drilling technique. For CCW-osseodensification-drilling, no statistical difference between the acid-etched and machine-cut implants at both time points was observed for BIC and BAFO (bone-area-fraction-occupancy). Resorbed bone and bone forming precursors, preosteoblasts, were observed at 3-weeks. At 12-weeks, new bone formation was observed in all groups extending to the trabecular region. In low-density bone, endosteal implants inserted via osseodensification-drilling presented higher stability and no osseointegration impairments compared to subtractive regular-drilling technique, regardless of evaluation time or implant surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 615-623, 2019.

Effects of a putty-form hydroxyapatite matrix combined with the synthetic cell-binding peptide P-15 on alveolar ridge preservation.

BACKGROUND: Various grafting materials have been used for preservation of the dimensions of the residual alveolar ridge following tooth extraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical, histomorphometric, and radiographic healing 4 months after tooth extraction with or without placement of a putty-form anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix combined with a synthetic cell-binding peptide P-15 (Putty P15) to determine the effect on alveolar ridge preservation following exodontia. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive subjects in need of extraction of maxillary premolars were recruited. Recruited subjects were randomly assigned to the test (Putty P15 and bioabsorbable collagen wound dressing material) or control (bioabsorbable collagen wound dressing material only) group. Data were recorded at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks after ridge preservation procedures. At 16 weeks, a reentry surgery was performed, clinical measurements were repeated, and bone core biopsies were obtained for histomorphometric analysis prior to dental implant placement. RESULTS: The control group had a mean reduction in ridge height of -0.56 +/- 1.04 mm, whereas alveolar ridge height appeared to remain unchanged in the test group (0.15 +/- 1.76). The test group showed a mean reduction in ridge width of -1.31 +/- 0.96 mm, whereas the mean value for the control group was -1.43 +/- 1.05 mm. No statistical significance was observed between the groups. Mean bone density was significantly superior in the test group (2.08 +/- 0.65 versus 3.33 +/- 0.65). Histomorphometric analyses revealed similar percentages of bone vitality (test: 29.92% +/- 8.46%; control: 36.54% +/- 7.73%). Comparable percentages of bone marrow and fibrous tissue also were observed (test: 65.25% +/- 6.41%; control: 62.67% +/- 7.41%). Only 6.25% of the Putty P15 particles remained at 4 months in the analyzed biopsies. CONCLUSION: A favorable response was observed when Putty P15 was applied to extraction sockets, suggesting that it may be useful for alveolar ridge preservation prior to dental implant placement.

Atemporal osseointegration: Early biomechanical stability through osseodensification.

Osseointegration, the direct functional and structural connection between device and bone is influenced by multiple factors such as implant macrogeometry and surgical technique. This study investigated the effects of osseodensification drilling techniques on implant stability and osseointegration using trabecular metal (TM) and tapered-screw vent (TSV) implants in a low-density bone. Six skeletally mature sheep were used where six osteotomy sites were prepared in each of the ilia, (n = 2/technique: Regular [R] (subtractive), clockwise [CW], and counterclockwise [CCW]). One TM and one TSV implant was subsequently placed with R osteotomy sites prepared using a conventional (subtractive) drilling protocol as recommended by the implant manufacturer for low density bone. CW and CCW drilling sites were subjected to osseodensification (OD) (additive) drilling. Evaluation of insertion torque as a function of drilling technique showed implants subjected to R drilling yielded a significant lower insertion torque relative to samples implanted in OD (CW/CCW) sites (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis shows that the osseodensification demonstrates significantly greater values for bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO). Histological analysis shows the presence of bone remnants, which acted as nucleating surfaces for osteoblastic bone deposition, facilitating the bridging of bone between the surrounding native bone and implant surface, as well as within the open spaces of the trabecular network in the TM implants. Devices that were implanted via OD demonstrated atemporal biomechanical stability and osseointegration. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2516-2523, 2018.

Effect of adjunctive systemic azithromycin with periodontal surgery in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Along with conventional surgical therapy, systemic antibiotics may provide more effective treatment in smokers by targeting tissue-invasive bacteria. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial was to evaluate the adjunctive effects of systemic azithromycin (AZM) in combination with periodontal pocket reduction surgery in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers. METHODS: Thirty patients with a greater than one pack/day smoking habit and generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were randomized to the test (surgery plus 3 days of AZM, 500 mg) or control group (surgery plus 3 days of placebo). Full-mouth probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), plaque index, and wound healing indices (WHI) were assessed at baseline and at 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months following surgical intervention. Plaque and gingival crevicular fluid were collected for trypsin-like enzyme activity (benzoyl-dl-arginine naphthylamine) and bone biomarker (crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP]) analyses, respectively, at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Surgical treatment of moderate (PD = 4 to 6 mm) and deep (PD > 6 mm) pockets significantly improved clinical parameters of treated and untreated teeth (CAL gain, PD reduction, and reduction of BOP). The additional use of AZM did not enhance this improvement nor did it promote reduction of ICTP levels. Compared to the control group, the test group had significantly better WHI scores at 1 month, significantly less GI at 2 weeks, and sustained reductions of red-complex bacteria with trypsin-like enzyme activity at 3 months. For non-surgery teeth, only the test group showed significant gains in overall CAL compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this pilot study demonstrated that in heavy smokers, adjunctive systemic AZM in combination with pocket reduction surgery did not significantly enhance PD reduction or CAL gain. However, the clinical value of adjunctive AZM may be appreciated by more rapid wound healing, less short-term gingival inflammation, and sustained reductions of periopathogenic bacteria. More expanded studies are recommended to better determine the clinical effects of adjunctive AZM in patients who smoke.

Utilization of mandibular tori for alveolar ridge augmentation and maxillary sinus lifting: a case report.

This article reports the utilization of mandibular tori as an alternative source of autogenous bone for ridge augmentation and maxillary sinus lifting to facilitate ideal implant placement. A patient presenting bilateral mandibular tori required replacement of a missing maxillary molar and a mandibular premolar. Both areas showed ridge deficiency that required bone augmentation before implant placement. Mandibular tori were used for horizontal augmentation of the mandibular alveolar ridge and vertical augmentation of the maxillary ridge by elevation of the maxillary sinus. Adequate new bone formation was noted in both areas 6 months after grafting. Bone formed in the grafted areas showed comparable clinical features to those of native bone. Implants were successfully placed and loaded, restoring esthetics and function. Within the limitations of this observation, mandibular tori can be successfully used for ridge augmentation and sinus lifting. However, further controlled studies are needed to determine the overall benefit of this source of autogenous bone.

The Synergistic Effect of Leukocyte Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Micrometer/Nanometer Surface Texturing on Bone Healing around Immediately Placed Implants: An Experimental Study in Dogs.

Aims. This study evaluated the effects of L-PRF presence and implant surface texture on bone healing around immediately placed implants. Methods. The first mandibular molars of 8 beagle dogs were bilaterally extracted, and implants (Blossom™, Intra-Lock International, Boca Raton, FL) were placed in the mesial or distal extraction sockets in an interpolated fashion per animal. Two implant surfaces were distributed per sockets: (1) dual acid-etched (DAE, micrometer scale textured) and (2) micrometer/nanometer scale textured (Ossean™ surface). L-PRF (Intraspin system, Intra-Lock International) was placed in a split-mouth design to fill the macrogap between implant and socket walls on one side of the mandible. The contralateral side received implants without L-PRF. A mixed-model ANOVA (at α = 0.05) evaluated the effect of implant surface, presence of L-PRF, and socket position (mesial or distal), individually or in combination on bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO). Results. BAFO values were significantly higher for the Ossean relative to the DAE surface on the larger mesial socket. The presence of L-PRF resulted in higher BAFO. The Ossean surface and L-PRF presence resulted in significantly higher BAFO. Conclusion. L-PRF and the micro-/nanometer scale textured surface resulted in increased bone formation around immediately placed implants.

Effects of vitamin-B complex supplementation on periodontal wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Reports have demonstrated that nutrient supplements, in particular vitamin-B complex (Vit-B), can positively influence wound healing processes. However, limited information is available on the effects of Vit-B on periodontal wound healing. METHODS: A total of 30 patients (13 males, 17 females) presenting with generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this study. All subjects presented > or = two teeth in the same sextant with probing depth (PD) > or =5 mm and bleeding upon probing (BOP) in need of access flap surgery (AFS). This study was a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were instructed to take one capsule a day of either Vit-B (50 mg of the following: thiamine HCl, riboflavin, niacinamide, d-calcium pantothenate, and pyridoxine HCl; 50 microg each of d-biotin and cyanocobalamin; and 400 mcg of folate) or placebo for 30 days following AFS. Clinical attachment levels (CAL) and N-benzoyl-dl-arginine-2-naphthylamide (BANA) test scores were measured at baseline and at 90 and 180 days following surgical intervention. Assessments of the healing response were also performed using BOP, gingival index (GI), and plaque index (Pl) at baseline and 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days. The mean results of each parameter were averaged within a group. Differences between groups were analyzed by using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Both groups experienced comparable levels of PD reduction following AFS (test: -1.57 +/- 0.34; control: -1.50 +/- 0.21). Changes in mean CAL were more favorable in Vit-B supplemented subjects (test: +0.41 +/- 0.12; control: -0.52 +/- 0.23; P = 0.024). Stratified data demonstrated significantly better results for the test group in both shallow (test: -0.08 +/- 0.03; control: -1.11 +/- 0.27; P = 0.032) and deep sites (test: +1.69 +/- 0.31; control: +0.74 +/- 0.23; P = 0.037). No significant differences were observed between groups regarding PI, GI, and BOP. BANA test values were significantly reduced in both groups after surgical treatment and no significant differences were noted between groups. CONCLUSION: Vitamin B-complex supplement in combination with AFS resulted in statistically significant superior CAL gains when compared to placebo.

Morphometric analysis of implant-related anatomy in Caucasian skulls.

BACKGROUND: Sequelae related to implant placement/advanced bone grafting procedures are a result of injury to surrounding anatomic structures. Damage may not necessarily lead to implant failure; however, it is the most common cause of legal action against the practitioner. This study aimed to describe morphological aspects and variations of the anatomy directly related to implant treatment. METHODS: Morphometric analyses were performed in 22 Caucasian skulls. Measurements of the mental foramen (MF) included height (MF-H), width (MF-W), and location in relation to other known anatomical landmarks. Presence or absence of anterior loops (AL) of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) was determined, and the mesial extent of the loop was measured. Additional measurements included height (G-H), width (G-W), thickness (G-T), and volume (G-V) of monocortical onlay grafts harvested from the mandibular symphysis area, and thickness of the lateral wall (T-LW) of the maxillary sinus. The independent samples t test, and a two-tailed t test with equal variance were utilized to determine statistical significance to a level of P < 0.05. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine if each one of these measurements was affected by age and gender. RESULTS: The most common location of the MF in relation to teeth was found to be below the apices of mandibular premolars. The mean MF-H was 3.47 +/- 0.71 mm and the mean MF-W was 3.59 +/- 0.8 mm. The mean distance from the MF to other anatomical landmarks were: MF-CEJ = 15.52 +/- 2.37 mm, MF to the most apical portion of the lower cortex of the mandible = 12.0 +/- 1.67 mm, MF to the midline = 27.61+/- 2.29 mm, and MF-MF = 55.23 +/- 5.34 mm. A high prevalence of AL was found (88%); symmetric occurrence was a common finding (76.2%), with a mean length of 4.13 +/- 2.04 mm. The mean size of symphyseal grafts was: G-H = 9.45 +/- 1.08 mm, G-W = 14.5 +/- 3.0 mm, and G-T = 6.15 +/- 1.04 mm, with an average G-V of 857.55 +/- 283.97 mm3 (range: 352 to 1,200 mm3). The mean T-LW of the maxillary sinus was 0.91 +/- 0.43 mm. CONCLUSION: Implant-related anatomy must be carefully evaluated before treatment due to considerable variations among individuals, in order to prevent injury to surrounding anatomical structures and possible damage.

"Sandwich" bone augmentation technique: rationale and report of pilot cases.

The aim of this article is to present a new technique for augmentation of deficient alveolar ridges and/or correction of osseous defects around dental implants. Current knowledge regarding bone augmentation for treatment of osseous defects prior to and in combination with dental implant placement is critically appraised. The "sandwich" bone augmentation technique is demonstrated step by step. Five pilot cases with implant dehiscence defects averaging 10.5 mm were treated with the technique. At 6 months, the sites were uncovered, and complete defect fill was noted in all cases. Results from this pilot case study indicated that the sandwich bone augmentation technique appears to enhance the outcomes of bone augmentation by using the positive properties of each applied material (autograft, DFDBA, hydroxyapatite, and collagen membrane). Future clinical trials for comparison of this approach with other bone augmentation techniques and histologic evaluation of the outcomes are needed to validate these findings.

Mineral trioxide aggregate and subepithelial connective tissue graft for treatment of iatrogenic gingival recession: long-term results.

This study aimed to examine the combination of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and subepithelial connective tissue grafts to treat esthetic deficiencies caused by iatrogenic tooth perforations. Three patients were treated, and clinical and histologic documentation was obtained. Connective tissue grafts were performed following standard techniques after application of MTA to seal the root perforations. Complete root coverage was obtained, significantly improving the esthetic outcomes. Histologic analysis showed the long junctional epithelium in intimate contact with the root surface. It appeared to form coronal to the perforation and extended apical to the MTA. Based on the limitations of this clinical and histologic observation, it can be concluded that MTA in conjunction with connective tissue grafts could be considered for treatment of esthetic deficiencies associated with iatrogenic tooth perforations.

Intraoral grafting of tissue-engineered human oral mucosa.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of a tissue-engineered human ex vivo-produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME) in intraoral grafting procedures. The secondary objective was to assess the efficacy of the grafted EVPOME in producing a keratinized mucosal surface epithelium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients who met the inclusion criteria of having one mucogingival defect or a lack of keratinized gingiva on a nonmolar tooth, along with radiographic evidence of sufficient interdental bone height, were recruited as subjects to increase the width of keratinized gingiva at the defect site. A punch biopsy specimen of the hard palate was taken to acquire oral keratinocytes, which were expanded, seeded, and cultured on an acellular dermal matrix for fabrication of an EVPOME. EVPOME grafts were applied directly over an intact periosteal bed and secured in place. At baseline (biopsy specimen retrieval) and at 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days postsurgery, Plaque Index and Gingival Index were recorded for each subject. In addition, probing depths, keratinized gingival width, and keratinized gingival thickness were recorded at baseline, 30, 90, and 180 days. RESULTS: No complications or adverse reactions to EVPOME were observed in any subjects during the study. The mean gain in keratinized gingival width was 3 mm (range, 3 to 4 mm). The mean gain in keratinized gingival thickness was 1 mm (range, 1 to 2 mm). No significant changes in probing depths were observed. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that EVPOME is safe for intraoral use and has the ability to augment keratinized tissue around teeth. Future clinical trials are needed to further explore this potential.

Multidisciplinary treatment approach for enhancement of implant esthetics.

A "team approach" that includes different specialties from the initial stages of implant treatment is important to achieve predictable and esthetically pleasing outcomes in compromised dental replacement cases. This report describes a severely compromised case that was properly managed by the combined efforts of a team of specialists. Briefly, prior to tooth extraction, orthodontic forced eruption was applied to coronally displace the attachment apparatus (i.e., hard and soft tissues). Then, atraumatic tooth extraction together with immediate implant placement was performed. The "sandwich bone augmentation" technique was used to augment the deficient buccal alveolar ridge. A second stage surgery was performed 6 months after healing, revealing 100% of bone fill/augmentation. This technique allowed fabrication of a final restoration that respected the proportions of the natural dentition in a case that would otherwise result in a poor esthetic outcome.

Socket augmentation: rationale and technique.

The consequences of exodontia include alveolar bone resorption and ultimately atrophy to basal bone of the edentulous site/ridges. Ridge resorption proceeds quickly after tooth extraction and significantly reduces the possibility of placing implants without grafting procedures. The aims of this article are to describe the rationale behind alveolar ridge augmentation procedures aimed at preserving or minimizing the edentulous ridge volume loss. Because the goal of these approaches is to preserve bone, exodontia should be performed to preserve as much of the alveolar process as possible. After severance of the supra- and subcrestal fibrous attachment using scalpels and periotomes, elevation of the tooth frequently allows extraction with minimal socket wall damage. Extraction sockets should not be acutely infected and be completely free of any soft tissue fragments before any grafting or augmentation is attempted. Socket bleeding that mixes with the grafting material seems essential for success of this procedure. Various types of bone grafting materials have been suggested for this purpose, and some have shown promising results. Coverage of the grafted extraction site with wound dressing materials, coronal flap advancement, or even barrier membranes may enhance wound stability and an undisturbed healing process. Future controlled clinical trials are necessary to determine the ideal regimen for socket augmentation.

Effects of specific nutrients on periodontal disease onset, progression and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to review the available literature pertaining to the effects of specific nutritional elements (e.g. vitamin B-complex, vitamin C and dietary calcium) on general wound healing, periodontal disease status and response to periodontal therapy. METHODS: Critical appraisal of various studies that have evaluated the effects of calcium, ascorbic acid and vitamin B-complex in wound healing and periodontal treatment. RESULTS: Periodontal disease onset, progression and response to therapeutic interventions have been shown to be influenced by several systemic, local and environmental modifying factors. Nutritional supplementation has been suggested as a possible influencing factor on periodontal status and wound healing. Several studies have reported various degrees of association between nutritional elements/supplements and periodontal status, and others have reported possible positive influences of nutritional supplementation on periodontal therapeutic outcomes. Future research needs to more fully explore the presence and strength of association between nutrition and periodontal health. CONCLUSIONS: Data collected from the literature suggests that nutrient supplementation causes minimal or no side effects. However, the efficacy of prophylactic nutrient supplementation for the prevention of the onset and progression of periodontal disease, or for the enhancement of periodontal wound healing, remains to be determined.