Computer Aided Full Arch Restoration by Means of One-Piece Implants and Stackable Guide: A Technical Note.

This technical note aims to present a recently developed computer-guided protocol characterized by titanium-reinforced stackable surgical guides during post-extractive implant placement and subsequent immediate loading. A full maxillary edentulism was rehabilitated with one-piece implants, starting from a pre-existing removable denture. 3D digital scans of the removable denture and upper and lower arches were performed. On this basis, a prototype with ideal esthetic and functional outcomes was realized and replicated into a custom-made radiological stent with markers. The superimposition of STL and DICOM files allowed virtual planning of one-piece implants in the ideal prosthetically driven position. The stackable guides, composed of a fixed base template and additional removable components, were then realized. The fixed template, initially secured with anchor pins to the bone, was no longer removed. The removable components, which were screwed to the base template, were used to perform implant surgery and immediate prosthetic loading. No surgical complications occurred, the implants achieved a minimum insertion torque of 35 Ncm, and immediate prosthetic loading was performed. The base template allowed for the maintenance of a fixed reference during the entire workflow, improving the transition between the digital project, the surgical procedure, and the prosthetic rehabilitation.

Microbiological and Clinical Assessments of Suture Materials and Cyanoacrylate Application in Impacted Third Molar Surgeries: A Scoping Review.

The extraction of impacted third molars is a common but potentially complication-prone oral surgical procedure. Wound healing plays a vital role in preventing complications. This scoping review aimed to assess the clinical and microbiological aspects of various suture materials and cyanoacrylates. Unlike existing studies, we included more articles and comprehensively compared suture materials. Articles published in languages other than English; duplicate studies; studies deemed irrelevant for the specific research questions, including those analyzing different supplementary treatments or not corresponding to the abstract's content; ex vivo or experimental animal studies; studies lacking approval from an ethics committee; and narrative reviews, systematic reviews, or systematic and meta-analysis reviews were excluded. Thus, only 17 studies, published between 2000 and 2023, were included in the search. Suture techniques varied among surgeons, with debates on primary and secondary closure methods. A comparison of different suture materials and their effects on wound healing, infection rates, and other factors was described. Cyanoacrylate has also been used as an alternative to traditional sutures. Microbiological analysis showed varying bacterial adhesion based on the suture material, with silk sutures retaining more microbes than PTFE sutures. Clinical assessments have revealed differing inflammatory responses that affect wound healing and complications. Cyanoacrylate has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional sutures, owing to its rapid polymerization and early healing. However, the choice of suture material in impacted third molar surgery remains controversial, considering microbiological factors and clinical outcomes. More extensive randomized clinical trials are required to better understand the effect of suture materials on surgical outcomes and potential improvements. This study could enhance the safety and effectiveness of this common oral surgical procedure.

Correlation between Accuracy in Computer-Guided Implantology and Peri-Implant Tissue Stability: A Prospective Clinical and Radiological Pilot Study.

The present pilot study was designed by hypothesizing a possible correlation between lack of accuracy in implant placement and peri-implant hard and soft tissue health. A total of five patients underwent computer-guided implant surgery and full-arch immediate loading between 2013 and 2014. They subsequently underwent postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). After a follow-up of 5 years, all patients were recalled for a clinical-radiographic evaluation of peri-implant health status. The mean linear deviation was 0.5 ± 0.2 mm at the implant's head and 0.6 ± 0.2 mm at the implant's apex, while the mean angular deviation of the long axis was 2.8° ± 1.2°. A mean marginal bone loss (MBL) of 1.16 ± 0.94 mm and 2.01 ± 1.76 mm was observed after 1 and 5 years of follow-up, respectively. At 5 years, the mean peri-implant probing depth (PPD) was 4.09 ± 1.44 mm, 66.6% of the evaluated implants showed peri-implant bleeding on probing (BOP), keratinized mucosa (KM) was <2 mm in 48.4% of cases, and mucosal recession (REC) ≥ 1 mm was assessed in 45.4% of the included implants. A negative correlation was observed between bucco-palatal/lingual linear inaccuracy and MBL, PPD, BOP, and KM.

Compound Odontoma Associated with Dentigerous Cyst Incidentally Detected in an Adult Patient: Tomography and Histological Features.

Odontoma is the most common benign odontogenic tumor of epithelial and mesenchymal origin. The standard treatment involves a conservative approach. While this procedure is generally well accepted and tolerated, some difficulties may arise in case of odontomas associated with cystic lesions. In general, the expansive nature of cystic lesions requires their surgical excision, different from isolated nonsymptomatic odontomas that can be monitored radiographically. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is scarce evidence currently available reporting on the presence of odontoma-associated cystic lesions in the oral cavity. Therefore, the present case report is aimed at describing the diagnostic clinical, radiological, and histological features together with the surgical management of a dentigerous cyst associated with a compound odontoma. Following surgical removal of the lesion, no recurrence was observed after 12 months of follow-up.

Evaluation of Breaking Force of Different Suture Materials Used in Dentistry: An In Vitro Mechanical Comparison.

The success of surgical procedures is strictly related to the biomechanical properties of the suture. Mechanical comparisons are scarcely reported in the literature, so the purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical behavior of different sutures commonly used in oral surgery in terms of traction resistance. Sutures made of eight different materials were analyzed: silk (S), polyglycolide-co-caprolactone (PGCL), polypropylene (PP), rapid polyglycolide (rPGA), standard polyglycolide (PGA), polyamide (PA), polyester (PE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). For each material, three different sizes were tested: 3-0, 4-0, and 5-0. The breaking force of each suture was assessed with a uniaxial testing machine after being immersed in artificial saliva at 37 °C. The outcomes analyzed were the breaking force, the needle-thread detachment breaking-point and the node response after forward-reverse-forward (FRF) tying when subjected to a tensile force. The 3-0 rPGA provided the maximum resistance, while the lowest value was recorded for the 5-0 PGCL. In general, 3-0 and 4-0 gauges showed non-statistically significant differences in terms of needle-thread detachment. The highest needle-thread detachment was found for the 3-0 PGA, whereas the lowest value was observed for the 5-0 PGCL. After tying the knot with an FRF configuration, the thread that showed the highest resistance to tension was the 3/0 silk, while the thread with the lowest resistance was the 5/0 silk. These data should be considered so that the operator is aware of as many aspects as possible on the behavior of various materials to ensure successful healing.

Photobiomodulation Therapy Improves Postoperative Pain and Edema in Third Molar Surgeries: A Randomized, Comparative, Double-Blind, and Prospective Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Laser light has biological effects that can modulate inflammatory processes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on pain, edema, and trismus after the extraction of retained third molars. METHODS: A split-mouth, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted in 13 patients with similar bilateral third molars who received intraoral application PBM therapy at 4 points with a diode laser at 810 nm wavelength, 6 J (100 mW, 60 seconds/point) on 1 side (the PBM side); and laser irradiation simulation on the other side (SHAM side). The pain was assessed through visual analog scale (VAS) at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, number of analgesic-relief (NAR), and mean time of first analgesic use; edema, through VAS, and linear facial measurements at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours; and trismus, through the mouth opening measurements at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The repeated-measures analysis was applied to assess the effect of the treatment, followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparisons (P < .05). RESULTS: Thirteen patients (61.77% male and 38.63% female) with age of 24.16 ± 2.06 participated in this research. VAS showed that PBM controlled pain better (7.56 ± 6.25) than SHAM (32.25 ± 22.78) at 24 hours (P < .001) and 48 hours (19.47 ± 9.27 and 39.87 ± 4.21, respectively) (P = .011). VAS also showed that PBM controlled edema better (19.7 ± 13.27) than SHAM (32.38 ± 15.28) at 24 hours (P = .037) and 48 hours (19.47 ± 13.11 and 39.87 ± 22.77, respectively) (P = .002). CONCLUSION: The PBM therapy in this study resulted in pain and edema reduction after third molar surgery and may be considered as adjuvant therapy after the surgical procedure.

Adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the surgical treatment of periapical lesions: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is used in endodontics to improve orthograde root canal disinfection as an adjunct to standard treatments. Conversely, evidence concerning the application of aPDT in retrograde endodontic surgery is limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to provide additional data regarding the use of aPDT in the surgical endodontic treatment of periapical lesions. METHODS: A total of 25 consecutive patients presenting teeth with periapical radiolucency eventually associated with clinical signs and symptoms of apical periodontitis were included. Following access flap completion, osteotomy, mechanical debridement, root apical third resection, and preparation of the root-end cavity, aPDT was applied to decontaminate the surgical site using phenothiazine chloride dye at a concentration of 10 mg/mL and irradiation with a hand-held 100-mW diode laser with a wavelength of 660 ± 10 nm. At the latest follow-up visit, healing was evaluated as successful, uncertain, or failure according to well-established clinical and radiological criteria. RESULTS: Overall, 31 periapical lesions were treated with aPDT. Healing proceeded uneventfully. The mean follow-up time was 36.19 months, with times ranging from 12 to 85 months. A total of 25 (80.65%) cases were classified as successful, 5 (16.13%) as uncertain, and only one (3.22%) as failure. Irrespective of the treatment outcome, all treated teeth were still functional, with no symptoms reported by the patients. CONCLUSION: aPDT as an adjunctive treatment modality in the surgical endodontic treatment of periapical lesions showed promising medium-term results associated with preservation of all diseased teeth.

Comparative Risk of Bleeding of Anticoagulant Therapy with Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) and with Non-Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients Undergoing Dental Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: A wide variety of approaches have been proposed to manage anticoagulant drugs in patients undergoing dental surgery; vitamin K antagonists and novel direct oral anticoagulants have been used. The present study aims to explore the existing evidence concerning the management of patients in anticoagulant therapy undergoing oral surgery procedures and to give suggestions related to peri- and post-operative measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of databases was conducted to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between direct oral anticoagulants and dental procedures. The present scoping review was realized in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The publications varied from randomized controlled trials (RCT) to cohort trials. Only articles written in English language and published between 2000 to 2020 were screened. The studies were included if discussing the management of a patient in anticoagulant therapy (warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants) scheduled for tooth extraction. RESULTS: 33 studies were selected and included in the qualitative review. Nineteen considered anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, six considered anticoagulant therapy with new oral anticoagulants and eight compared patients taking warfarin with patients taking direct oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: No case of extractive surgery should alter the posology of the drug: thromboembolic risks derived from discontinuation are heavier than hemorrhagic risks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: direct oral anticoagulants are safer in terms of bleeding and manageability and bleeding episodes are manageable with local hemostatic measures.

Titanium Allergy Caused by Dental Implants: A Systematic Literature Review and Case Report.

(1) Background: Hypersensitivity reactions to metals may arise in predisposed patients chronically exposed to metallic materials, including dental implants made of titanium alloys. The purpose of this article was to systematically review titanium allergy manifestations in patients treated with dental implants and report a clinical case; (2) Methods: A systematic electronic search was performed for articles published in the English language until July 2021. The following eligibility criteria were adopted: (1) Population: individuals undergoing titanium and/or titanium alloy implant-supported rehabilitations; (2) Exposure: peri-implant soft tissue reactions attributable to implant insertion; (3) Outcome: evidence of titanium allergy, diagnostic methods, and forms of resolution; (3) Results: The included studies, in summary, presented evidence that titanium should not be considered an inert material, being able to trigger allergic reactions, and may be responsible for implant failure. A 55-year-old male patient received 3 implants in the posterior region of the left mandible and presented an epulis-like lesion developed from the peri-implant mucosa. The immunohistochemical analysis of the biopsy specimen confirmed the initial diagnosis of allergic reaction to titanium; (4) Conclusions: Although the evidence is weak, and titanium allergy has a low incidence, hypersensitivity reactions should not be underestimated. A rapid and conclusive diagnosis is mandatory to prevent further complications.

Marginal Bone Resorption Around Dental Implants Placed in Alveolar Socket Preserved Sites: A 5 Years Follow-up Study.

AIM: The present study evaluated the clinical and radiological stability of hard and soft tissues following alveolar socket preservation (ASP) procedure with a follow-up of 5 year from implant insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The initial sample consisted of seven patients who underwent single tooth extraction and ASP procedure by means of demineralized bovine bone mineral particles covered with a porcine-derived non-cross-linked collagen matrix (CM). Each patient received a submerged single implant in the healed site. Mesial and distal peri-implant marginal bone resorption (MBR) rates were assessed radiographically at 1 year (T 1) and 5 years (T 2) after implant placement (baseline value). RESULTS AND STATISTICS: No dropouts occurred up to 5 years. At T 1, the MBR was 0.08 ± 0.16 mm at the mesial aspect and 0.1 ± 0.12 mm at the distal aspect. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.867). At T 2, the mesial MBR was 0.15 ± 0.17 mm and the distal MBR was 0.11 ± 0.14 mm, with a non-statistically significant difference (P = 0.532). Therefore, no statistically significant differences were detected comparing mesial and distal MBR at any time point. With respect to the intra-group comparisons, no differences were observed comparing the different study periods within each variable. Indeed, the comparison between T 0, T 1 and T 2 was non-statistically significant at both mesial (P = 0.06) and distal (P = 0.06) aspects. After 5 years, the volume of the soft tissues appeared clinically well maintained with a natural aspect around dental implants and adjacent teeth. CONCLUSION: ASP using demineralized bovine bone mineral in combination with CM proved to be an effective technique to maintain stable dimensional volumes of both hard and soft tissues.

Dense Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane versus Titanium Mesh in Vertical Ridge Augmentation: Clinical and Histological Results of a Split-mouth Prospective Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present split-mouth prospective study was to evaluate clinically and histologically the bone regeneration obtained following preprosthetic vertical bone augmentation performed with titanium-reinforced dense polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (d-PM) compared to titanium mesh (TM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adult patients presenting with bilateral partial edentulism in the posterior mandible requiring vertical ridge augmentation for implant placement purposes were consecutively included. One side of the mandible was randomly assigned to the use of d-PM, the other to TM. The graft consisted in a mixture of autogenous bone harvested nearby the surgical site and deproteinized bovine bone mineral particles in a 1:1 ratio. On each side during bone augmentation surgery, a 2-mm diameter mini-implant was inserted for clinical and histological analyses. After a healing period of 8 months, the second surgical phase was carried out to remove the nonresorbable barriers, to evaluate clinically the vertical bone gain, and to collect a bone biopsy that included the mini-implant. During the same surgical session, dental implants were inserted in a prosthetically guided position. RESULTS: A total of five patients were enrolled. Eight out of 10 sites healed uneventfully. In the remaining two sites, premature exposure of the TM was observed. Mean vertical bone gain of 4.2 and 1.5 mm was achieved in d-PM and TM groups, respectively (p = 0.06). A mean mineralized tissue of 48.28 and 35.54% was observed in d-PM and TM groups, respectively (p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: The vertical bone gain, although not significantly, was higher in the d-PM group. Similar histological outcomes were noticed if exposure did not occur. In case of wound dehiscence, major resorption was observed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both d-PM and TM can be used to augment atrophic localized ridges vertically. The outcome of bone regeneration seems to be impaired by exposure of the device. How to cite this article: Maiorana C, Fontana F, Rasia dal Polo M, et al. Dense Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane versus Titanium Mesh in Vertical Ridge Augmentation: Clinical and Histological Results of a Split-mouth Prospective Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):465-472.

Computer-guided implant placement associated with computer-aided bone regeneration in the treatment of atrophied partially edentulous alveolar ridges: A proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The existing literature lacks information regarding the use of digital workflows during pre-surgical planning of implant rehabilitations in resorbed edentulous ridges. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-guided implant placement and simultaneous computer-aided guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the treatment of atrophic posterior alveolar ridges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Partially edentulous patients requiring GBR simultaneously to implant insertion were enrolled. Implant positions and the augmented missing bone were planned with specific software. A stereolithographic model of the grafted jaw was produced to transfer the virtual bone augmentation to the surgical field. A tooth-supported stent was used to guide implant insertion according to the virtual project. Visual analogue scales (VASs) were used to self-register postoperative pain, swelling, bleeding, and perception of the operation. Post-operative cone-beam computed tomography scan was superimposed to the virtual project to evaluate the accuracy of implant positions. RESULTS: Overall, 10 implants were placed in 5 patients. Healing proceeded uneventfully in all except one patient that showed a dehiscence of the lingual flap as early surgical complication. Nevertheless, complete filling of the bone defects was observed clinically and radiographically in all patients. Pain scored exceptionally high with respect to the other variables. Deviations of 0.73 ±â€¯0.21 mm, 0.59 ±â€¯0.28 mm, and 3.05°â€¯±â€¯1.22° were found at implant head, apex, and long-axis respectively. Distal implants showed higher angular deviations compared to mesial implants (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Computer-guided approach provided encouraging results in terms of efficacy and accuracy. Conversely, patient-centered outcomes were below the expectations.

Accuracy evaluation of computer-guided implant surgery associated with prototyped surgical guides.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Correct implant placement by means of a pretreatment planning software program is still subject to deviations between the planned and achieved implant positions. Inaccuracy at this level may have drastic consequences, including neurovascular trauma. Further data are therefore needed to evaluate the accuracy of such computer-guided implant planning software programs. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the accuracy of computer-guided implant surgery associated with prototyped surgical guides. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were made of the participants with a tomographic guide to merge anatomic and prosthetic data. This allowed virtual planning with a prosthetically guided approach respecting the anatomy of the participant. A prototyped surgical guide was then fabricated from the virtual plan, determining the intrasurgical position of the implants. Flapless guided implant surgery was carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. A second CBCT was made 30 days after the surgery, to enable overlapping of the data from before and after the implant placement. The angular, coronal, central, and apical deviations of the placed implants were measured and compared with those virtually planned. The data were submitted to descriptive statistic and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), analysis of variance, and the Student t test (α=.05). RESULTS: A total of 61 implants were analyzed. The mean angular deviation was 2.04 degrees. The mean coronal, central, and apical linear deviations were 0.68 mm, 0.72 mm, and 0.82 mm, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the virtual and the real position of the implants inserted. A tendency toward a greater absolute error was observed in the mandible than in the maxilla in terms of angular (P=.047), central (P=.043), and coronal error (P=.031). CONCLUSIONS: Flapless computer-guided implant surgery with virtual planning had some angular and linear deviations; nevertheless, this technique should be acceptably safe and accurate.

Buccal Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Augmentation by Means of a Porcine Collagen Matrix: A Proof of Concept Technical Note.

The quality and quantity of peri-implant soft tissues at the crestal portion of dental implants are important aspects to consider for a long-term successful implant-supported rehabilitation. Some relevant factors attributed to the implant health include mucosal thickness and keratinization. In this respect, many techniques and materials have been described to augment and improve buccal peri-implant soft tissues. Over the last few years, newly developed xenogeneic collagen matrices have been introduced in peri-implant plastic surgery to replace autogenous soft tissue grafts; however, data remain controversial so far. Thus, the purpose of the present report was to present a novel surgical technique conceived to augment buccal peri-implant soft tissues in combination with a volume-stable porcine collagen matrix. The rationale and the fundamental concepts that led to the use of a xenogeneic matrix to increase soft tissue volumes were also discussed.

Autogenous Chin Block Grafts in the Aesthetic Zone: A 20-Year Follow-Up Case Report.

The successful use of osseointegrated implants in the treatment of partial or complete edentulism requires a sufficient bone support. Whenever rehabilitation in atrophic edentulous areas is needed, bone augmentation procedures are recommended. The aim is to provide adequate amount of supporting bone to achieve a prosthetically guided implant placement. This in turn leads to functional and aesthetic improvements that can be maintained on the long term. Bone grafting of the atrophic site can be performed either prior to implant placement or at the time of implantation. Irrespective of the timing, bone augmentation by means of autogenous bone grafts is a reliable technique, as confirmed by several studies. On the other hand, long-term evidence on the use of autogenous chin block grafts in preprosthetic implant surgery is still scarce. Thus, the purpose of the present case is to report the 20-year clinical and radiological outcome of autogenous chin block grafts used to augment a bilateral defect due to agenesis of the upper lateral incisors for implant placement purposes.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Simultaneous Alveolar Ridge Augmentation by Means of Preformed Titanium Meshes at Dehiscence-Type Peri-Implant Defects: A Prospective Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: bone augmentation by means of manually shaped titanium mesh is an established procedure to regenerate atrophic alveolar ridges and recreate a proper contour of the peri-implant bone anatomy. Conversely, current literature on the use of preformed titanium meshes instead of traditional grids remains lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the use of preformed titanium mesh to support bone regeneration simultaneously to implant placement at dehiscence-type defects from clinical, radiological, and patient-related outcomes. METHODS: 8 implants showing buccal dehiscence defects were treated with preformed titanium mesh directly fixed to flat abutments screwed to the implant. Intrasurgical clinical measurements and radiographic evaluations by means of cone-beam computed tomography scans were performed to assess the horizontal bone gain after 8 months from the augmentation surgery. Biological and patient-centered outcomes were also evaluated.; Results: clinically, a mean horizontal bone gain of 4.95 ± 0.96 mm, and a mean horizontal thickness of the buccal plate of 3.25 ± 0.46 mm were found. A mean horizontal bone gain of 5.06 ± 0.88 mm associated with a mean horizontal thickness of the buccal plate of 3.45 ± 0.68 mm were observed radiographically. From a macroscopic aspect, the remodeled graft appeared well integrated with the host bone. Well vascularized newly formed bone-like tissue was observed in intimate contact with the implants. CONCLUSIONS: preformed titanium mesh may be effective in supporting simultaneous horizontal bone regeneration at dehiscence-type peri-implant defects. Titanium mesh exposure still remain an issue in this type of surgery.

Multidisciplinary Oral Rehabilitation of a Severely Compromised Dentition.

The decision-making process of complex clinical cases should involve multiple specialists to obtain a predictable result on a long-term basis. In view of the above, the present report is aimed at describing the multidisciplinary management of a partially edentulous female patient presenting with a severely compromised residual dentition. To improve function and aesthetics, the treatment combined multiple extractions, temporary rehabilitation with a complete removable denture, guided bone regeneration and implant insertion, soft tissue management, tooth alignment, and restorative dentistry. Thus, several dental branches were embraced during the treatment phases, including oral surgery and implantology, periodontology, orthodontics, and prosthodontics. The involvement of different specialists ensured the achievement of a good result from biological, functional, and aesthetic aspects. The patient was satisfied with the final outcome. In conclusion, to meet the patient's expectations particularly in complex clinical situations, the interdisciplinary approach becomes essential from the early phases in order to identify the ideal treatment plan with the correct time sequence.

Adjunctive application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw following dentoalveolar surgery: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a debilitating complication strongly associated to antiresorptive agents. The present study aimed to describe the use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the prevention of MRONJ. METHODS: The sample consisted of 11 non-oncologic osteoporotic subjects in therapy with non-intravenous antiresorptive agents, requiring tooth extractions and/or implant removal. After minimally invasive surgical extractions, each alveolar socket was debrided and bony edges were smoothened. At this point, aPDT was performed using methylene blue-based phenothiazine chloride dye irradiated with a hand-held 100 mW diode laser with a wavelength of 660 ±â€¯10 nm. Flaps were sutured to achieve first intention closure. Soft tissue healing was promoted with weekly applications of low-level laser therapy for 6 weeks. Recall visits were scheduled weekly for the first two months and monthly thereafter up to 6 months. At the 6-month appointment, healing was assessed clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: A total of 62 surgical extractions were performed in both jaws, including 51 natural elements and 11 dental implants. No intraoperative complications were observed. Immediate post-operative period was generally uneventful except for mild pain and ecchymosis that occurred rarely and resolved spontaneously. Healing proceeded uneventfully, with no clinical or radiological prodromal manifestations of MRONJ up to the latest follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: aPDT might constitute a promising preventive treatment to reduce the risk of MRONJ in non-oncologic osteoporotic patients treated with non-intravenous antiresorptive agents that underwent dentoalveolar surgery.

Anxiolysis in the Surgical Management of a Compound Odontoma in a Pediatric Patient.

Among odontogenic tumors, odontoma is the most frequent. The common treatment contemplates a conservative approach. While this procedure is generally accepted and tolerated, some difficulties may be encountered in the case of pediatric patients. Indeed, negative feelings of tension, apprehension, nervousness, and fear are likely to occur. The present report is aimed at discussing the management of a compound odontoma in a pediatric patient under anxiolysis with diazepam on an outpatient basis. The surgery was carried out without complications, and the discharge was completed safely. Oral premedication with diazepam should be considered to avoid more invasive sedation procedures in anxious pediatric patients.

Long-term retrospective observational cohort study on the survival rate of stepped screw titanium implants followed up to 20 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this long-term retrospective study was twofold: (1) to evaluate the survival and success rates of stepped screw titanium implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched surface, and (2) to assess the influence of hypothetical predictors of implant failure on the survival rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 75 possible candidates, 67 patients contributing 346 Frialit-2 (DPS Frialit-2 implant system, Friatech) implants placed between 1997 and 2005 were retrospectively evaluated. The inclusion criteria consisted of implants placed in either native or augmented bone, rehabilitated with an implant-supported prosthesis, and radiographically documented at the time of prosthetic loading (T0). At the follow-up recall performed between January and October 2018 (T1), clinical and radiologic examinations were conducted to evaluate the survival and success rates. The influence of specific variables on the survival rate was subsequently investigated, including gender and smoking habits, location and size of the implants, and bone augmentation procedures. Cox regression and shared frailty models were used, with the patient representing the statistical unit. RESULTS: A survival rate of 91.62% over a median observation time of 189 months with a range of 11 to 20 years was observed. A total of 14 out of 29 implants failed before delivery of the provisional prosthesis. Overall, the median marginal bone loss was 1.25 mm, with an annual increase of 0.12 mm. Different from the other variables, the results of the multivariate model indicated that smoking was strongly correlated with implant failure (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Considering the limitations of this study, stepped screw titanium implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched surface provided a good survival rate. Smoking might be considered a relevant risk factor for implant failure.