Efficacy of dental floss with ellipsoidal knots vs conventional dental floss for plaque removal: A split-mouth randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical efficacy for plaque removal between dental floss with soft ellipsoidal knots and conventional floss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 33 university students (29 females and 4 males, 13 of them undergraduate/postgraduate students of dentistry), including regular and sporadic (less once/wk) users of dental floss, with interproximal spaces ≤1 mm, who used floss with and without knots in a randomized manner following a split-mouth design. The Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) by Rustogi et al. was applied to determine the total removed plaque (TPI) and that removed in the gingival area (GPI) and interproximal spaces (IPI). RESULTS: The reduction in GPI was greater with the knotted vs conventional floss in all cases (14.77 ± 12.38; 64.79% vs 17.38 ± 13.66; 57.51%) and especially among no floss users (12.469 ± 10.98; 68.02% vs 15.833 ± 11.88; 58.55%). No statistically significant difference between floss types was found in TPI and IPI (globally or by floss utilization frequency) or in the mean GPI of floss users. CONCLUSION: Floss with ellipsoidal knots showed similar efficacy to remove plaque in patients with less experience of flossing (but without statistically significant differences) compared with flossing themselves with conventional floss, and it may be an optimal solution for patients starting to use dental floss and for those with a lesser or only sporadic history of floss utilization.

Magnetic detection of sentinel nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma by means of superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast.

The aim was to evaluate sentinel node detection capacity by means of a magnetic probe in 11 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma at stages T1-T2 received submucosal injections of a superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent (SPIO). A magnetic probe was used for sentinel node biopsy. The use of SPIO and magnetic probes in the early stages of oral cancer may offer an alternative to conventional radioisotope techniques and/or elective neck dissection.

Correction to: Influence of surface treatment on osseointegration of dental implants: histological, histomorphometric and radiological analysis in vivo.

Dear Professor Dr. Matthias Hannig. Editor-in-Chief Clinical Oral Investigations. Following the publication of our paper by Calvo Guirado et al, 2015 [1] in Clinical Oral Investigations, it came to light that a certain part of the text at the materials and methods and results sections were similar.

Dental implant surgery in patients in treatment by dabigatran.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bleeding complications after dental implant placement in patients in treatment by the oral anticoagulant dabigatran following a specific protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients were divided into two groups: 29 had been taking dabigatran for over 6 months (150 mg orally every 12 h) before implant surgery (dabigatran group) and a control group consisting of 42 healthy subjects. Patients were treated in an outpatient setting. All subjects received dental implants in different positions, dabigatran group patients 12 h after the last dose of dabigatran. Nonabsorbable sutures were used and patients were given gauzes impregnated with tranexamic acid 5% to bite on for 30-60 min. Dabigatran patients resumed medication 8 h after the procedure, resuming usual dosage (every 12 h) the day after surgery. RESULTS: Two dabigatran patients and two control patients presented slight bleeding the day after surgery. Bleeding was managed with gauzes impregnated with tranexamic acid. No statistically significant differences (P = 0.542) were found in relation to bleeding episodes between the groups, with a relative risk of 0.675 based on the pooled groups and a 95% confidence interval of 0.090-5.088. CONCLUSIONS: Dental implant surgery in patients taking dabigatran can be performed safely providing 12 h have passed since the last dose and local hemostatic measures are applied. Normal dosage can be resumed 8 h after implant surgery.

The antibiotic of choice determined by antibiogram in maxillary sinus elevation surgery: a clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study set out to make antibiograms of positive bacteria cultures in samples collected when performing maxillary sinus elevations to determine a specific and effective antibiotic in each case. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 174 patients (90 women and 84 men) with a mean age of 55.92 years underwent 227 sinus elevations. As the membrane was lifted, a sample was collected from the maxillary sinus floor with a cotton swab and placed on a blood agar and chocolate agar culture to incubate for 48 h at 37°; the samples then underwent microbiological analysis. Antibiograms were made for each positive culture to identify the most sensitive antibiotic, which were regrouped according to their mechanism of action as: beta-lactam (penicillins), beta-lactam (cephalosporins), macrolides, quinolones, fosfomycin, aminoglycosides, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. RESULTS: Of 227 cultures, 18.1% were bacteria-positive. Of the germs, 45% were of the Streptococcus genus, most of which belonged to the Streptococcus viridans group (61.1%). The germs studied showed greater resistance to macrolides and greater sensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins, and ciprofloxacin. The antibiotics that showed the greatest efficacy were as follows: ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of antibiograms of positive cultures, the antibiotics presenting the greatest efficacy against possible complications were as follows: ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and ciprofloxacin. Clinically, the antibiograms proved useful as they allowed the prescription of specific antibiotics to resolve possible postoperative sinus infections.

Polymethyl Methacrylate Custom-Made Prosthesis: A Novel Three-Dimension Printing-Aided Fabrication Technique for Cranial and/or Orbital Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, many materials have been used in orbital reconstruction and cranioplasty. Among the materials in current use, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) offers a high degree of compatibility with human tissue. OBJECTIVE: This work describes a new, custom-made, 3D printing-aided, prosthetic fabrication process for orbital and/or cranial reconstruction using PMMA. METHODS: On the basis of information obtained from computerized tomography scanning processed in Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine format and exported to treatment planning software, a 3D prosthesis master model was designed and digitally printed. This was then used to create an injection mold from which the prosthesis was cast in PMMA and implanted in the patient. Five patients with cranial and/or orbital defects of tumoral or traumatic etiology were treated by this method. After 5 to 7 years follow-up, no complications occurred to cause the removal of the prostheses. CONCLUSION: This novel method makes it possible to produce customized PMMA prostheses to treat orbital and/or cranial defects that are cost-effective and individualized to each case.

Piezosurgery for Treatment of Large Recurrent Mandibular Osteoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteomas are infrequent benign bone tumors of uncertain etiology. They are usually situated at extremities and their occurrence in the jaws is relatively rare. There are 3 types of osteoma: central, peripheral, and extraskeletal. Preoperative presumptive diagnosis is performed by means of radiography using orthopantomographs, computerized tomographs, or cone beam scans. Treatment is surgical and consists of careful exeresis and curettage of the adjacent tissue. In recent years, piezoelectric surgery has been used to treat bone pathologies in the maxillofacial area, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery. When used for the exeresis of a bone lesion, the device minimizes risks and eliminates possible complications arising from affectation of the vascular and nerve structures close to the lesion. OBJECTIVE: This clinical report describes a peripheral mandibular osteoma situated in the left mandibular basilar which recurred 45 years after surgical treatment at another center. METHODS: For resection, the surgical approach followed the scar remaining from the earlier surgery and was performed using piezoelectric surgery. Surgery did not cause hemorrhagic complications, affect the sensitivity of the left labial menton, or cause paralysis of the lower lip. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present patient, it may be concluded that mandibular osteoma treatment by means of piezoelectric surgery makes precise exeresis possible with less affectation of the important surrounding structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve and the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.

Reconstruction of a Compound Oromandibular Defect by Means of Chimeric Scapular-Parascapular Free Flap Assisted by Virtual Surgical Planning.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of an oromandibular defect presents a considerable surgical challenge. But since the advent of microvascularized free flap reconstructive surgery, outcomes have improved significantly so that today almost any defect may be reconstructed. Recently, virtual surgical planning has reduced surgical time, the morbidity associated with surgery, and surgical precision. OBJECTIVE: This article reports a complex patient with a composite oromandibular defect. METHODS: The patient had undergone multiple surgeries with bad results. She presented an orostoma of 5 cm in diameter, osteoradionecrosis and fracture of the left mandibular body, and relapse in the ipsilateral posterior maxilla. Reconstruction was performed by means of a scapular/parascapular chimeric free flap. A customized reconstruction plate was designed virtually based on the mirror image of the contralateral mandibular body. Surgery and the postoperative phase passed without incident. The patient recovered vocal, swallowing, and respiratory function without any problems. At the end of a 1-year follow-up, no complications or tumor relapse had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Composite defects are a surgical challenge in which free flap reconstruction is an evolution that has facilitated treatment and led to improved outcomes. Virtual treatment planning produces more exact results and greater control of surgical techniques.

Reconstruction of Liposarcoma Resection Defect With a Made-to-Measure Polyethylene Prosthesis Using Three-Dimensional Digital Technology.

BACKGROUND: Liposarcoma is considered one of the most frequently occurring tumors of the soft tissues, representing 17% to 30% of all mesenchymal cell tumors. It is less common in the head and neck representing <10% of tumors in this region. The reconstruction of defects derived from resection of these tumors presents a surgical challenge. New three-dimensional digital technologies allow more exact surgery, cause less morbidity, and achieve adequate aesthetic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to describe the complex reconstruction of a defect caused by the resection of a liposarcoma in the temporal region. METHODS: Three-dimensional technology allowed patient planning and a reconstruction that was as exact as possible. A made-to-measure polymethyl methacrylate prosthesis was used to correct the defect in the zygomatic arch. The temporal fossa was covered with a standard porous polyethylene prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory esthetic and functional results were achieved using three-dimensional digital technology for treatment planning and to fabricate a made-to-measure polyethylene prosthesis and surgical guide.

Denosumab and osteonecrosis of the jaw. A systematic analysis of events reported in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this meta-analysis were (i) to perform a systematic review of the relation between treatment with denosumab and the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and (ii) to obtain information on dosage, first event apparition, and treatment approaches for patients with ONJ related to denosumab. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant literature was performed in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases, identifying randomized clinical trials that evaluate the adverse effects of denosumab. The overall incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ONJ were calculated employing fixed- and random-effects models, according to the heterogeneity of the studies included. RESULTS: A total of 8963 patients with a variety of solid tumors reported in seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic analysis. The overall incidence of ONJ in patients with cancer receiving denosumab was 1.7% [95% CI: 0.9-3.1%]. The use of denosumab was associated with a significantly increased risk of ONJ in comparison with bisphosphonates (BPs)/placebo treatment (RR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.05-2.48, P = 0.029). Subgroup analysis based on controlled therapies demonstrated an increased risk of ONJ in denosumab therapy, when compared with BPs (RR 1.48, 95% CI: 0.96-2.29, P = 0.078) or placebo (RR 16.28, 95% CI: 1.68-158.05, P = 0.017). Similar results were observed for prostate cancer (RR 3.358, 95% CI: 1.573-7.166, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab combined with risk factors such as dental extraction, poor oral hygiene, use of removable apparatus, and chemotherapy may favor the development of ONJ.

Bone response to collagenized xenografts of porcine origin (mp3(®) ) and a bovine bone mineral grafting (4BONE(™) XBM) grafts in tibia defects: experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to carry out the evaluation of bone response of new bone formation to two different xenografts (bovine and porcine) biomaterials inserted in rabbit tibiae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used a total of 20 male New Zealand albino rabbits. They received a total of 40 grafts in the proximal metaphyseal areas of both tibiae. Two biomaterials were evaluated: 20 porcine xenografts, as a bone granulate (OsteoBiol(®) MP3(®) ; Tecnoss srl, Giaveno, Italy), were placed in the proximal metaphyseal area of the right tibia, 20 anorganic bovine bone mineral grafting (4BONE(™) XBM, MIS Implants Inc., BARLEV, Israel) were placed in the left tibia. Following graft insertion, the animals were sacrificed in two groups of 10 animals, after 1 and 4 months, respectively. For each group, biomaterials were analyzed: newly formed bone, residual graft materials and the connective tissue. Histomorphometric, EDX analysis and element mapping were performed at 1 and 4 months after graft insertion. RESULTS: At 4 months after treatment, the bone defects displayed radiological images that showed complete repair of osseous defects. Histomorphometric evaluation showed that for the porcine xenograft, the study averages for newly formed bone represented 84.23 ± 2.9%, while bovine matrix was 79.34 ± 2.1%. For residual graft material, the porcine biomaterial had 11.23 ± 1.7% and the bovine graft 31.56 ± 2.3%. Finally, the connective tissue for MP3 was 10.33 ± 1.8%, while for the 4BONE(™) XBM we obtained 14.34 ± 2.9%. Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (54 ± 9%) and P (35 ± 6%) in the group B than group A and control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Defects of a critical size in a rabbit tibia model can be sealed using a bovine porous biphasic calcium phosphate and MP3 material; this supports new bone formation, creates a bridge between borders, and facilitates bone ingrowth in both biomaterials. Furthermore, this study observed partial dissolution of the mineral phase of four bone graft and complete resorption of porcine MP3 biomaterial and its incorporation into the surrounding bone. Depending on clinical needs, each biomaterial could be useful in daily clinical practice.

Peri-implant evaluation of immediately loaded implants placed in esthetic zone in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2: a two-year study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate implant survival and primary stability parameters in patients with diabetes with different levels of glycosylated hemoglobin Alc (HbA1c) treated with immediate placement and provisionalization of implant-supported, single-tooth replacements over 2 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients were divided into three groups according to their HbA1c levels: 33 patients in Group 1 (<6, control group); 30 patients in Group 2 (6.1-8); and 22 patients in Group 3 (8.1-10). Each patient received one-one-piece implant in the anterior zone of the upper maxillary. The implant survival rate was analyzed for each group, together with three variables to evaluate the general state of peri-implant health: probe depth, bleeding on probing, marginal bone loss. RESULTS: Marginal bone loss increased in relation with higher HbA1c levels. For marginal bone loss in Group 1, mean resorption values ranged from 0.51 after 6 months to 0.72 after 2 years in comparison with respective values of 1.33 and 1.92 in Group 3. This pattern was repeated for bleeding on probing, both parameters showing significant differences between groups. For bleeding on probing, mean bleeding levels varied from 0.36 in Group I at 6 months after implant placement, to 0.59 in Group 3 (P = 0.041 between the three groups). Peri-implant pocket depth showed the same tendency to increase in relation to HbA1C but differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes can receive implant-based treatments with immediate loading safely, providing they present moderate HbA1c values.

Human fetal osteoblast behavior on zirconia dental implants and zirconia disks with microstructured surfaces. An experimental in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the lateral surface area of microgrooved zirconia implants, to evaluate the cell geometry and cell density of human fetal osteoblasts seeded on zirconia microgrooved implants, to describe the surface roughness and chemistry, and to evaluate the activity of human fetal osteoblasts seeded on zirconia microgrooved disks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental in vitro study used 62 zirconia implants and 130 zirconia disks. Two experimental groups were created for the implants: 31 non-microgrooved implants (Control) and 31 microgrooved implants (Test); two experimental groups were created for the disks: 65 non-microgrooved disks (Control) and 65 microgrooved disks (Test). The following evaluations of the implants were made: lateral surface area (LSA), cell morphology, and density of human fetal osteoblasts seeded on implant surfaces. On the disks, surface parameters (roughness and chemistry) and cell activity (alkaline phosphatase - ALP and alizarin red - ALZ) were evaluated at 7 and 15 days. RESULTS: LSA was lower for control implants (62.8 mm) compared with test implants (128.74 mm) (P < 0.05). Cell bodies on control surfaces were flattened and disorganized, while in the test group, they were aligned inside the microgrooves. Control group cells showed few lamellipodia, which were attached mainly inside topographical accidents (surface cracks, valleys, and pits). Test group implants presented cells rich in lamellipodia prolongations, attached to the inner walls or to the borders of the microgrooves and in the flat areas between the microgrooves. Cell density was higher in the test group compared with controls (P < 0.05) Surface roughness and oxygen content increased in test disks samples compared with controls (P < 0.05). Carbon and aluminum were reduced in disks test samples compared with controls (P < 0.05), and ALP and ALZ levels were significantly increased on test surfaces (P < 0.05) at both study times. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this experimental study, it may be concluded that (i) Roughness is increased and chemical composition enhanced on the surface of zirconia implants with microgrooves. (ii) The LSA of microgrooved zirconia implants is greater and provides more available surface compared with implants of the same dimensions without microgrooves. (iii) Microgrooves on zirconia implants modify the morphology and guide the size and alignment of human fetal osteoblasts. (iv) Zirconia surfaces with microgrooves of 30 µm width and 70 µm separation between grooves enhance ALP and ALZ expression by human fetal osteoblasts.

Bacterial influence on consolidation of bone grafts in maxillary sinus elevation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify microorganisms present on the maxillary sinus floor at the moment of sinus elevation surgery and, using tomography, to investigate the repercussions these might have for regenerated bone 9 months after the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 174 patients (90 women and 84 men) with a mean age of 55.92 years underwent 227 sinus elevations (120 left sinus, 107 right sinus). As the membrane was lifted, a sample of the maxillary sinus floor was collected with a cotton swab, and placed on a blood agar and chocolate agar culture to incubate for 48 h at 37°C; the samples then underwent microbiological analysis. Orthopantomographs and computerized tomographs were made immediately after the sinus grafting and after 9 months to measure the amount of remaining and regenerated bone in vertical and transversal direction. RESULTS: 18.1% of 227 cultures were bacteria-positive. 45% of the germs were of the Streptococcus genus, most of which belonged to the S. viridans group (61.1%). Patients presenting negative cultures had 5% more regenerated bone than patients with bacteria-positive cultures, which represents an additional 2.28 mmof vertical bone (with a confidence interval between 0.83 mm and 3.73 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bacteria-positive cultures obtained previously to the sinus grafting procedure have greater risk of bone height loss after 9 months, which indicates that bacterial contamination may influence bone graft regeneration.

Dental implant surgery in patients in treatment with the anticoagulant oral rivaroxaban.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bleeding complications after dental implant placement in patients in treatment by the anticoagulant oral rivaroxaban without interrupting its administration or modifying dosage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 57 patients were divided into two groups: 18 had been in treatment by rivaroxaban for over 6 month before implant surgery and a control group consisted of 39 healthy subjects. All subjects received dental implants in different positions, without interrupting or modifying rivaroxaban dosage. Patients were treated in an outpatient setting. Non-absorbable sutures were used, and all patients were given gauze impregnated with tranexamic acid 5%, to bite on for 30-60 min. RESULTS: One rivaroxaban patient presented moderate bleeding the day after surgery, and two control patients presented moderate bleeding the day after and on the second day. Bleeding was managed with gauzes impregnated with tranexamic acid. No statistically significant differences (P = 0.688) were found in relation to bleeding episodes between the groups, with a relative risk = 0.919 based on the pooled groups and 95% confidence interval of 0.078-10.844. CONCLUSIONS: Dental implant surgery in patients taking the anticoagulant oral rivaroxaban can be performed safely in outpatients departments applying local hemostatic measures without the need to modify or interrupt anticoagulant medication.

Update of Surgical Techniques for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Systematic Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: A wide range of surgical techniques are available for maxillary sinus augmentation. This review aimed to determine which techniques have achieved the highest success rates and so offer the greatest predictability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases, identifying clinical trials that assessed different surgical techniques for maxillary sinus augmentation, and registered the success rates of subsequent implant placement. RESULTS: A total of 40 articles described clinical studies involving different maxillary sinus augmentation procedures with follow-up periods of at least 6 months after dental implant placement. Implant success rates varied between 94% and 100% during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: A wide variety of clinical techniques are available for maxillary sinus augmentation; the choice of the technique will depend chiefly on the characteristics of the edentulous site, which will permit or prevent the placement of the implant at the moment of sinus augmentation surgery.

Bisphosphonates, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Could there be a missing link?

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that over 190 million bisphosphonates have been prescribed worldwide. But this drug can produce adverse effects, of which osteonecrosis of the jaw and severe hypocalcemia are the most serious. It is evident that bisphosphonate administration affects multiple and diverse biochemical mediators related to bone metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review of literature investigates four basic parameters in patients treated with bisphosphonates - parathyroid hormone (PTH), bisphosphonates, vitamin D, calcium, and jaw osteonecrosis - which are fundamental for assessing bone metabolism and so the efficacy and correct use of the drug. The imbalances generated by vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, together with their multiple systemic repercussions, have been widely researched but the outcomes of these imbalances in relation to bisphosphonate administration are not well known, and some research has indicated that they may be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). RESULTS: The present review set out to explain the functioning of bone metabolism, the importance of different chemical mediators, the imbalances produced by incorrect use of this drug, in order to forewarn against the possible relation of these parameters with ONJ, whose physiopathology remains unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Medical and dental clinics should keep detailed anamneses of the use of vitamin D and calcium supplements, as it is of vital importance to maintain their correct levels in blood, given that these are related to ONJ as well as other adverse effects; this procedure is also necessary in order to ensure the correct use of the drug.