RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Titanium dental implants, traditionally used for tooth replacement, face certain biological and aesthetic limitations. Recently, zirconia has become a notable alternative, valued for its aesthetics and biocompatibility. This study evaluated the efficacy of two-piece zirconia dental implants, particularly their impact on inflammatory cytokines and their survival rate over one year. METHODS: This study was a single-center, prospective trial and included adults aged 18 and above. 2021-2022, nine two-piece tissue-level zirconia implants were placed in eight patients. Following a three-month osseointegration phase, crowns were cemented. Over a year, we assessed Plaque and Gingival indices, Pocket Depth, and tissue color and texture. Peri-apical radiographs measured bone levels, and IL-1ß in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was quantified using ELISA. RESULTS: Eight subjects (ages 31-63) participated. One implant failed after six months, resulting in a one-year survival rate of 88.8%. Plaque and Gingival indices rose, but peri-implant soft tissue remained stable in color and texture. At 12 months, average bone loss was minimal and insignificant compared to the baseline. IL-1ß levels were similar to those at contralateral teeth, with no correlation between IL-1ß, Pocket Depth, and Bleeding on Probing. CONCLUSION: Two-piece zirconia implants emerged as a viable tooth replacement option, with an 88.8% one-year survival rate. They maintained stable soft tissue and bone levels, indicating their potential as effective dental restoratives.
RESUMO
This study highlights the oral health condition of female sex workers (SWs), who face increased risks associated with habits such as excessive alcohol and tobacco use. These behaviors heighten the likelihood of issues like oral cancer and dental diseases, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions. The study examines the oral health disparities between SWs and the general population (GP). A retrospective study analyzed the health records of 40 SWs and 40 controls matched by age and gender who were examined between 1 January 2020 and 30 May 2023. Intra-oral and panoramic radiographs, alongside clinical examination, were used to evaluate missing teeth, periodontal bone support, and caries. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare dental health indicators. A comparative analysis of these 80 patients revealed significant disparities: SWs had a higher incidence of missing teeth (5.8 ± 7.3 vs. 0.7 ± 1.4, p < 0.01) and caries (6.1 ± 6.2 vs. 0.8 ± 1.2, p < 0.05) compared to the GP. The DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index was notably higher in SWs (16.1 ± 8.09) than in the GP (7.95 ± 5.48, p < 0.001). Additionally, 12% of SWs used removable dentures, unlike the GP. This study underscores significant oral health challenges in SWs, emphasizing the need for targeted healthcare strategies to improve their health conditions.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent commonly used in medicine. Application of (CHX) during abutment connection reduced the bacterial load at the implant-abutment interface. We hypothesize this treatment may consequently reduce peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and marginal bone loss. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a single application of CHX gel inside the dental implant internal hexagon on peri-implant tissue. METHODS: Forty patients were recruited to this randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. At the time of implant installation, a 4-mm healing abutment was connected to the implant. In the test group, chlorhexidine gel 1% was applied inside the implant hex, whereas control implants did not receive any gel. Clinical and radiographic measurements included soft tissue recession (REC), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), keratinized mucosa width (KM), probing depth (PD), and a peri-apical parallel x-ray. Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was collected for cytokine analysis. t-Test was used to compare changes from baseline to 3 months. Mann-Whitney U test and t test were used to compare test and control groups. RESULTS: Twenty patients in the test group and 17 in the control group completed the study. One implant in the control group failed to osteointegrate. There were no significant differences between the control and test groups for REC changes, bone loss, and PD. GI was significantly lower in the test group after 1 week (1.79 ± 0.24 vs 0.75 ± 0.18, respectively) and 3 months (1.18 ± 0.21 vs 0.25 ± 0.12, respectively) although PI was equal. At 3 months, interleukin 1-ß (IL1-ß) was higher in the control group (p < 0.01) and a positive correlation was found between GI and IL1-ß (rs = 0.60424, p = 0.00032). CONCLUSIONS: Application of chlorhexidine gel reduced inflammation and IL1-ß levels in the peri-implant soft tissue.