Treatment of Oral Mucositis Using Platelet-Rich-Fibrin: A Retrospective Study on Oncological Patients.

Oral mucositis is an inflammatory mucosal demolition frequently observed during treatments for neoplastic diseases such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The side effects of these treatments often drastically reduce patients' quality of life. Oral mucositis is the result of the systemic consequences of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which due to their cytotoxic and local effects, lead to pain and severe ulceration with a consequent decrease in the quality of life of affected subjects. Plasma rich in fibrin is often used to enhance soft tissue wound healing and fight bacterial sepsis through the presence of leukocytes within it. The retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the topic use of platelet gel in the clinical management of oral mucositis to improve the life quality of patients. The results of the study were promising even though the topical application of platelet-rich-fibrin is like a skin-care treatment. Future studies with a larger sample of patients will be needed to understand the real benefits of platelet-rich-fibrin.

Oral Manifestations of Graft vs. Host Disease: A Comprehensive Review for Best Practice in Dentistry.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). GVHD may also develop following solid transplants or blood transfusions if white blood cells are transferred. GVHD affects multiple organs, including the oral tissues. This pictorial review provides a background of GVHD to dental practitioners, describes the most common oral manifestations of GVHD, and highlights the main treatment modifications needed to deliver dental care to patients with GVHD. A narrative review enriched with clinical data was performed by searching the scientific literature for all articles regarding GVHD and oral manifestations/therapies. All articles without exclusion criteria, except animal tests, were included in the above review. Acute GVHD may manifest in the oral mucosa; however, it often develops immediately following HSCT when routine dental treatment is postponed. Chronic GVHD may manifest in the oral mucosa, the salivary glands, and the musculoskeletal compartment. It may indirectly affect the teeth and the oral flora, putting the patient at risk for infections. Importantly, GVHD poses an increased risk for oral cancer. GVHD has a wide range of oral manifestations, some of which may affect dental treatment.

Innovative Alveolar Ridge Preservation Surgical Technique with Immediate Dental Implant Placement: A Retrospective Case Report of 1-Year Follow-Up.

Following tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge undergoes morphological and dimensional changes, including a clot formation that is gradually replaced by granulation tissue. Studies indicate that both horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions decrease after extraction; however, these changes can be mitigated through grafting with biomaterials and barrier membranes. Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) techniques are employed to counteract bone resorption postextraction, encompassing periosteal inhibition and modified periosteal inhibition (MPI) techniques. The Degidi clot chamber technique offers a means to achieve biomaterial-free extraction sockets, promoting healing and osteointegration. This study aims to present the first rehabilitation of a postextraction dental implant in the maxilla using an innovative ARP procedure via a MPI technique. The technique does not involve autologous or heterologous grafting materials; instead, a cortical lamina and a customized screw are used in conjunction with the blood clot. The primary objective is to protect the vestibular cortical bone from preosteoclastic aggression, which can trigger bone resorption. The technique employs a 0.5-mm cortical lamina to mechanically shield the vestibular cortical bone, preventing vestibular cortical bone resorption and increasing its thickness without the need for biomaterial insertion, relying on the blood clot. The effectiveness of the technique was assessed through a 12-month postimplantation cone-beam computed tomography scan, revealing a 0.5-mm increase. Although based on a single case, the 1-year follow-up results are promising, and further studies are warranted to validate the technique's efficacy.

Comparative Histological Analysis of Dentine-Derived Tooth Grafts in Maxillary vs Mandibular Socket Preservation: A Retrospective Study of 178 Cases.

(1) Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in tooth-derived materials as valuable alternatives to synthetic biomaterials for preventing alveolar ridge dimensional changes. This study aimed to evaluate the histological and clinical differences between alveolar ridge preservation procedures in the maxilla and mandible using demineralized dentin treated with Tooth Transformer®. (2) Methods: A total of 178 patients in good general health were enrolled, with 187 post-extractive sockets lacking buccal and/or palatal bone walls. Alveolar socket preservation procedures and histological evaluations were performed. The sites were divided into two groups: Group A (99 mandibular samples) and Group B (108 maxillary samples). After 5 months (±1 month), single bone biopsies were performed for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. (3) Results: Clinical outcomes demonstrated a good healing of hard and soft tissues with an effective maintenance of bone architecture in both groups. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a total bone volume of 50.33% (±14.86) in Group A compared to 43.53% (±12.73) in Group B. The vital new bone volume was 40.59% (±19.90) in Group A versus 29.70% (±17.68) in Group B, with residual graft dentin material volume at 7.95% (±9.85) in Group A compared to 6.75% (±9.62) in Group B. (4) Conclusions: These results indicate that tooth-derived material supports hard tissue reconstruction by following the structure of the surrounding bone tissue. A 6.8% difference observed between the maxilla and mandible reflects the inherent disparities in natural bone structures in these regions. This suggests that the bone regeneration process after tooth extraction adheres to an anatomical functional pattern that reflects the specific bone characteristics of each area, thus contributing to the preservation of the morphology and functionality of the surrounding bone tissue.

Exploring the potential of calcium-based biomaterials for bone regeneration in dentistry: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Regenerative medicine emerged as a promising strategy for addressing bone defects, with several bone grafts currently being used, including autografts, allografts, xenografts and alloplasts. Calcium-based biomaterials (CaXs), a well-known class of synthetic materials, have demonstrated good biological properties and are being investigated for their potential to facilitate bone regeneration. This systematic review evaluates the current clinical applications of CaXs in dentistry for bone regeneration. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive search was conducted to collect information about CaXs and their applications in the dental field over the last ten years. The search was limited to relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 72 articles were included in this scoping review, with eight studies related to periodontology, 63 in implantology and three in maxillofacial surgery respectively. The findings suggest that CaXs hold promise as an alternative intervention for minor bone regeneration in dentistry. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium-based biomaterials have shown potential as a viable option for bone regeneration in dentistry. Further research is warranted to fully understand their efficacy and safety in larger bone defects. CaXs represent an exciting avenue for researchers and clinicians to explore in their ongoing efforts to advance regenerative medicine.

Zirconia CAD-CAM Crowns Behavior after Intraoral Digital Impression in Normal versus Dysfunctional Patients: 3 Years Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance and possible complications of single zirconia crowns fabricated using an intraoral digital computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) protocol in normal and dysfunctional patients after 3 years of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients were included in this study. The teeth were prepared with a knife-edge marginal design, and temporary crowns were placed. Digital impressions were taken using optical scanning, and the frameworks were milled using the same technology. The veneering process was performed by the same dental technician. The occlusal corrections were made before cementation. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of survival, failures, and complications. The marginal adaptation of the crowns was also assessed. RESULTS: The digital protocol for single zirconia crowns resulted in satisfactory outcomes, with high rates of survival and minimal complications after 3 years of follow-up. The marginal adaptation of the crowns was excellent, with 93% of the restorations achieving the ideal marginal adaptation, while 7% had minor deviations. Parafunctions were found in 41.9% of the prosthetic rehabilitation, but no significant differences were observed between the normal and dysfunctional groups regarding the survival and complications of the crowns. CONCLUSION: The digital protocol for single zirconia crowns is a reliable and predictable treatment option, even for patients with parafunction, when proper occlusal corrections are performed before cementation. The use of intraoral digital CAD-CAM technologies with optical impressions can simplify procedures, reduce the workflow time, and minimize the variables linked to the human factor.

The Effects of Ultrasonic Scaling and Air-Abrasive Powders on the Topography of Implant Surfaces: Scanning Electron Analysis and In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to investigate the impact of bicarbonate air-abrasive powders and ultrasonic scaling with stainless steel tips on the micro- and nanotopography and roughness of three different implant-abutment junction titanium surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of sterile and decontaminated titanium surfaces (RS, UTM, XA) were used for analysis. Nine disks per surface type were subjected to micro- and nanotopography analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), roughness analysis, and fibroblast cultivation. Ultrasonic debridement and air polishing were performed on the surfaces. Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured on the surfaces for 5 days. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis adhered to ISO 25178 standards for surface texture assessment. SEM micrographs were used to reconstruct areas for extracting roughness parameters. Excel and Mex 6.0 software were utilized for quantitative and stereoscopic analysis. RESULTS: The study found varying effects on surface roughness posttreatment. RS Disco samples exhibited higher surface roughness compared with UTM and XA samples, both in average and nanoscale roughness. Decontamination led to increased surface roughness for all samples, particularly RS Disco. Fibroblast growth tests revealed enhanced cell network formation on decontaminated discs, possibly due to increased nanoscale roughness or the presence of bicarbonate salts. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the complex interplay between surface topography, microbial biofilm, and treatment efficacy in peri-implant disease management. While smoother surfaces may resist biofilm accumulation, increased nanoscale roughness postdecontamination can enhance fibroblast attachment and soft tissue integration. This dichotomy highlights the need for tailored treatment protocols that consider material-specific factors, emphasizing that successful implant therapy should balance microbial control with conducive surface characteristics for long-term osseointegration and soft tissue stability.

Dental Materials Design and Innovative Treatment Approach.

In recent years, technological innovation has had exponential growth, resulting in positive implications in dentistry [...].

Chairside virtual patient protocol. Part 3: In vitro accuracy of a digital facebow.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the trueness and precision of an intraoral transfer element (IOTE) designed for matching intraoral and facial scans. METHODS: A mannequin head with a maxillary model in position was used. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to construct the master model (MM). A digital impression of the maxillary arch was taken using an intraoral scanner, and the IOTE was used to record the maxillary arch position. Twenty facial scans with and twenty without the IOTE in place were performed with a handheld device (Ipad Pro, Apple) using a dedicated software. Digital mounting was performed to build a scan model (SM). Using software for data processing, the three-dimensional deviation between the MM and SM at the central left incisor (#9#), and the left and right first molars (#3#, #14#) was calculated as trueness and linear deviation precision. . Angular deviation was also calculated at the occlusal plane. RESULTS: The linear deviation trueness at #9#, #3# and #14# was 0.3 ± 0.12 mm, 1.07 ± 0.28 mm, and 0.18 ± 0.34 mm, respectively, whereas the precision was 1.17 ± 0.4 mm, 0.43 ± 0.12 mm, and 0.64 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. Trueness of the angular deviation at the occlusal plane was 2.17 ± 0.46°, whereas the angular deviation precision was 0.64 ± 0.28°. CONCLUSIONS: Based on in vitro findings the proposed IOTE design is accurate and suitable for clinical use. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Direct virtual mounting is a reliable technique in vitro; however, in vivo tests are required.

Facial scanning technologies in the era of digital workflow: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this network meta-analysis is to evaluate the accuracy of various face-scanning technologies in the market, with respect to the different dimensions of space (x, y, and z axes). Furthermore, attention will be paid to the type of technologies currently used and to the best practices for high-quality scan acquisition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and its updates. A thorough search was performed using the digital databases MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials by entering research lines or various combinations of free words. The main keywords used during the search process were "photogrammetry", "laser scanner", "optical scanner", "3D", and "face". RESULTS: None of the included technologies significantly deviated from direct anthropometry. The obtained mean differences in the distances between the considered landmarks range from 1.10 to -1.74 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Limiting the movements of the patient and scanner allows for more accurate facial scans with all the technologies involved. Active technologies such as laser scanners (LS), structured light (SL), and infrared structured light (ISL) have accuracy comparable to that of static stereophotogrammetry while being more cost-effective and less time-consuming.

Autogenous Dentin Particulate Graft for Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with and without Use of Collagen Membrane: Preliminary Histological Analysis on Humans.

(1) Background: The phenomenon of ankylosis of the dental elements has led clinicians to think that properly treated dentin and cement may be a potential graft for alveolar ridge augmentation. Currently, there are no studies in the literature able to histomorphometrically compare the healing patterns of an autogenous dentin particulate graft with the association, or not, of resorbable membranes. The aim of this pilot study is to histologically compare bone after an alveolar ridge augmentation using an autogenous dentin particulate graft with and without a resorbable collagen membrane. (2) Methods: this clinical trial enrolled six patients with defects requiring bone augmentation. Two procedures were performed in all six adult human patients in order to perform a study-control study: in Group 1, a ridge augmentation procedure with an autogenous dentin particulate graft and a resorbable collagen membrane was performed, and, in Group 2, an alveolar ridge preservation without a membrane was performed at the same time (T0). At 4 months, a biopsy of the bone tissues was performed using a 4 mm trephine bur in order to perform a histomorphometric analysis. (3) Results: The histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that Group 1 presented 45% of bone volume, 38% of vital bone, and 7% of residual graft. On the contrary, membrane-free regenerative procedures demonstrated 37% of bone volume, 9% of vital bone, and 27% of non-resorbed graft. In all cases, the regenerated bone allowed the insertion of implants with a standard platform, and no early failures were recorded. (4) Conclusions: Autogenous dentin particulate grafts seem to work best when paired with a membrane.

Clinical Outcome of Fully Digital Workflow for Single-Implant-Supported Crowns: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

A digital workflow by means of intraoral scanners and computer tomography has been used in dental implantology, allowing clinicians to be potentially more accurate and precise. Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and 3D models facilitate the process from treatment planning to the surgical procedure, up to the implant placement and final prosthesis. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate a fully digital workflow for single-tooth implant rehabilitation. A total of 19 patients (22 implants) were included in the present study, with a mean follow-up time of 2 years. A fully digital workflow was performed on each patient through the planning, design and printing of a surgical guide, following a digital impression made with an intraoral scanner, computer-tomography-guided implant placement and, finally, with the delivery of a CAD-CAM crown. The two-year follow-up results were satisfactory in terms of the aesthetic yield and precision of the prosthesis. In single-implant-supported restorations, due to digital protocols and digital planning, a reduced number of clinical sessions was registered and the treatment plan results were more predictable. Future studies are needed to understand the application of fully digital protocols in cases of partially or totally edentulous patients.

Hybrid Funnel Technique: A Novel Approach for Implant Site Preparation: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Different techniques and tools have been developed for implant site preparation. In this clinical scenario, Hybrid Funnel Technique (HFT), a novel osteotomy procedure, has been proposed. (2) Aim: The aim of this retrospective observational study was to consider the different responses to compression of the histological bony compartments (cancellus and cortical). HFT involves the use of multiple drills for the cortical layer preparation and of an osteotome for the osteocompaction of the cancellous bone. (3) Materials and Methods: Following computer-supported implant planning and guided surgery, 10 osteotomies with HFT were performed and 10 implants with the same length and diameter were placed in seven healthy and no daily smoking patients. Periapical X-ray and intraoral photographs were performed at baseline and after 12 months of follow-up to evaluate marginal bone level (MBL) changes and aesthetic results obtained from implant prosthetic rehabilitation. (4) Results: At 1 year of follow-up, 100% of the implants were successfully integrated, MBL change mean value was 0.17 mm ± 0.21. No differences in terms of MBL were noted between thin and thick biotypes. Pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES), assessed one year after definitive restoration placement, were 7.5 ± 2.3 and 8.5 ± 1.1, respectively. (5) Conclusions: Based on the findings of this preliminary clinical study, HFT has led to stability of peri-implant tissues and could represent a reliable technique for surgical preparation of the implant site.

Bioactivated Implant Surfaces Placed in Healed Sites or Extraction Sockets: A Preliminary Experimental Study in Dogs.

PURPOSE: To monitor the early bone reaction in a canine model to a conventional sandblasted and dual acid-etched implant surface (ABT), a nanostructured hydrophilic surface (Nano), a dry salt-bioactivated ultra-hydrophilic surface (Hydro), and a bioactivated nanosurface obtained from the addition of dry salts to the Nano surface (Nano-Active). MATERIALS AND METHODS: ABT, Nano, Hydro, and Nano-Active implants were placed in 12 dogs. A randomized split-mouth design was adopted. One implant of each type was placed in the mandible 3 months after tooth extraction in healed sites at the first molar region bilaterally. In the same session, the third and fourth premolars were extracted bilaterally and one implant of each type was immediately placed into the extraction socket. The dogs were euthanized at 14 and 28 days following surgery, and the peri-implant bone reaction was assessed histologically using Stevenel's blue and alizarin red in nondecalcified sections. RESULTS: The postoperative healing was uneventful. The 14-day histologic analysis reported nonsignificant results in terms of difference between the groups, while significant results were found 28 days after surgery. In fact, a significantly higher rate of new bone around the implant was reported in the Nano-Active compared to the Nano groups (51.0% ± 10.2% vs 36.0% ± 10.2%) and Hydro compared to the Nano groups (47.3% ± 10.7% vs 36.0% ± 10.2%). CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that new bone formed after 4 weeks demonstrated a tendency for dry salt-treated bioactivated surfaces to improve bone deposition in the interface in the early stages of healing; however, due to the limited number of dogs, the results failed to show a statistical significance. A study with a significantly larger group of animals should be performed in order to challenge the assumption that ultra-hydrophilic-surface implants might show higher bone-implant contact in immediate postextraction replacement.

Chairside virtual patient protocol. Part 1: Free vs Guided face scan protocol.

OBJECTIVES: The 3D facial scan technology allows to virtualize the face of the patient, that can be incorporated with other 3D dental images produced by digital scanning of the dental structures. Aim of this study is to investigate the trueness and precision of a low-cost portable face scanner, with two different scan techniques MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients were enrolled for this study and seventeen soft tissue landmarks were selected to perform linear facial measurements, specifically Reference (Ref), Pronasion (Prn), Subnasal (Sn), Exocanthion Left (Ex-L), Exocanthion Right (Ex-R), Pogonion (Pg), Glabella (G), Alar curvature Right (Al-R), Alar curvature Left (Al-L), Zygion Left (Zn-L), Zygion Right (Zn-R), Orbital Left (Or-L), Orbital Right (Or-R), Tragus Right (T-R), Tragus Left (T-L), Chelion Right (Ch-R) and Chelion Left (Ch-L). Interlandmark distances were measured both manually and digitally. For the manual group ten measurements were made using a digital caliper. For digital group measurements were recorded on the patient face scan obtained using an Ipad Pro 3rd Gen. (Apple Store, Cupertino, CA, USA) and Bellus3D Dental Pro-App (Bellus3D, Inc. Campbell, CA, USA) using "face mode" scan with two different scanning techniques, named Free technique (FT) and Slider Technique (ST). Ten measurements were made for each technique. An open-source software (Meshlab; Meshlab) was used to record all the distances. A paired t-test was used to analyze FT and ST results. In order to further evaluate precision and scan repeatability a surface analysis was performed with both scanning techniques using a CAD software (GOM inspect, GOM) and the total differences in absolute 3D deviations were calculated as root mean square. RESULTS: The comparison between manual and digital measurements showed a mean absolute difference of 0.95±0.25 for FT and 1.00±0.29 for the ST. Trueness analysis showed statistically significant differences for the Exocanthion L- Exocanthion R measurement with FT having better performance (P<.05). Precision analysis showed statistically significant differences for G-Pg, Ref-Zn-R and Prn-Zn-R with ST having better performance (P<.05). To achieve all the scans required without any signs of deformation, 184 scans were performed using Free technique and 124 scans using Slider technique. Surface analysis revealed a mean distance of 0.12±0.45 between Free scans and 0.13±0.46 between Slider scans in accordance with the linear measurement analysis CONCLUSION: The study showed that accuracy of low-cost portable scanner can be suitable for clinical use. The use of ST is suggested for a reliable clinical use due to the better precision and an effective reduction of motion artifacts and the lower compliance required to the patients during the scan.

The Effects of Ultrasonic Scaling and Air-Abrasive Powders on the Decontamination of 9 Implant-Abutment Surfaces: Scanning Electron Analysis and In Vitro Study.

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to understand from a microscopic point of view whether bicarbonate air-abrasive powders associated with ultrasonic instruments can decontaminate nine different surfaces used for the abutment/implant junction. Fibroblast growth was carried out on decontaminated surface in order to understand if there are significative differences in terms of biocompatibility. (2) Methods: After taking samples of patient plaque, nine different surfaces were contaminated and analyzed by SEM, then their wettability was evaluated. Fibroblasts were cultured on the decontaminated surfaces to understand their ability to establish a connective tissue seal after decontamination. The results were analyzed from a statistical point of view to hypothesize a mathematical model capable of explaining the properties of the surfaces. (3) Results: A negative correlation between roughness and contamination has been demonstrated, whereas a weak correlation was observed between wettability and decontamination capacity. All surfaces were topographically damaged after the decontamination treatment. Grade 5 titanium surfaces appear tougher, whereas anodized surfaces tend to lose the anodizing layer. (4) Conclusions: further studies will be needed to fully understand how these decontaminated surfaces affect the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts and osteoblasts.

Chairside virtual patient protocol. Part 2: Management of multiple face scans and alignment predictability.

OBJECTIVES: Face scans are currently used in dentistry to obtain a virtual patient. Find stable and repeatable references for their matching is a fundamental step. Aim of this study is to evaluate matching reliability of multiple face scans using frontal adhesives references. Null hypothesis was that no significant discrepancy could be detected between the references position analyzed both with surface analysis and linear analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients were enrolled for this study and nine soft tissue adhesives landmarks (APLI Paper S.A.U, 4 mm Ø) placed, equally distributed, on the forehead and glabella. Patients were digitally scanned with a portable scanner (iPad Pro 3rd Gen. Apple Store, Cupertino, CA, USA) using the software Bellus3D (Inc. Campbell, CA, USA) in maximum intercuspation, with a full smile and with a scan reference device. After the scan procedure, a high-definition polygon file format (.ply) was exported, and linear measurements were collected with MeshLab (MeshLab; MeshLab). In order to further evaluate reference accuracy, a surface analysis was performed using a CAD software (GOM inspect, GOM). 3D deviations were calculated as root mean square. Statistical analysis was performed used two repeated-measures ANOVAs. RESULTS: Results showed non-significant differences both for linear measurements (p=.22) and surface analysis (p=.58). Frontal references showed to be clinical reliable landmarks for use during face scans alignment, even with different facial expressions. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique seems to be suitable for the clinical use when superimposition of several face scans is required. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study showed the clinical reliability of face scans matching method using adhesives references. These references are cheap and easy to use, allowing for a rapid registration of the patient anatomy.

Electrolytic Cleaning and Regenerative Therapy of Peri-implantitis in the Esthetic Area: A Case Report.

Implantology represents the gold standard in oral rehabilitation. Unfortunately, a new pathology begins to show itself to clinicians that no longer affects only and solely the supporting tissues of the tooth but also dental implants and peri-implantitis. In this study, we present a case report regarding a tissue regeneration maneuver involving dental implants. The clinical and radiographic results are encouraging, regarding the use of these techniques on implant surfaces. Surely, the advent of new biomaterials and surgical techniques will make this practice safe and predictable.

Microscopic Characterization of Bioactivate Implant Surfaces: Increasing Wettability Using Salts and Dry Technology.

The surface topography of dental implants plays an important role in cell-surface interaction promoting cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation influencing osseointegration. A hydrophilic implant leads to the absorption of water molecules and subsequently promotes the adhesion of cells to the implant binding protein. Dried salts on the implant surfaces allow one to store the implant surfaces in a dry environment while preserving their hydrophilic characteristics. This process has been identified as "dry technology". The aim of the present study is to describe from a micrometric and nanometric point of view the characteristics of this new bioactivated surface obtained using salts dried on the surface. Topographic analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and contact angle characterization were performed on the samples of a sandblasted and dual acid-etched surface (ABT), a nanosurface (Nano) deriving from the former but with the adding of salts air dried and a nanosurface with salts dissolved with distilled water (Nano H2O). The analysis revealed promising results for nanostructured surfaces with increased wettability and a more articulated surface nanotopography than the traditional ABT surface. In conclusion, this study validates a new promising ultra-hydrophilic nano surface obtained by sandblasting, double acid etching and surface salt deposition using dry technology.

The Role of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in the Prevention of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ).

Dentoalveolar surgery is probably the major risk factor for MRONJ and for other complications following a tooth extraction, especially in patients affected by systemic diseases. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate whether a PRF plug inserted in the post extraction socket can prevent the onset of MRONJ. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical protocol that included the insertion or not of the PRF following the extraction and all the anamnestic, and clinical data were analyzed. In the control group, 5 patients developed MRONJ (19.23%) while in the study group, any case of MRONJ was reported. In the control group, patients who developed MRONJ had a CTX with less than 100 pg/mL (5 high-risk patients, Spearman's rank r = .547, p < .001). The use of platelet concentrates in patients with high risk of MRONJ is a user-friendly technique with an excellent cost-benefit ratio in oral surgery.