Anxiety and depression in keratotic oral lichen planus: a multicentric study from the SIPMO.

OBJECTIVES: Oral lichen planus with exclusive keratotic reticular, papular, and/or plaque-like lesions (K-OLP) is a clinical pattern of OLP that may be associated with a complex symptomatology and psychological alteration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety (A) and depression (D) in patients with K-OLP, analyzing the potential predictors which can affect mental health status. METHODS: Three hundred K-OLP patients versus 300 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), and Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and for Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A) were administered. RESULTS: The K-OLP patients showed statistically higher scores in the NRS, T-PRI, HAM-D, and HAM-A compared with the HC (p-value < 0.001**). A and D were found in 158 (52.7%) and 148 (49.3%) K-OLP patients. Strong linear correlations were identified between HAM-A, HAM-D, NRS, T-PRI, and employment status and between HAM-D, HAM-A, NRS, T-PRI, employment status, and female gender. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that HAM-D and HAM-A showed the greatest increase in the R2 value for A and D in the K-OLP patients, respectively (DR2 = 55.5% p-value < 0.001**; DR2 = 56.5% p-value < 0.001**). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of A and D is higher in the K-OLP patients compared with the HC, also found in K-OLP subjects without pain, suggesting that the processing of pain may be in a certain way independent of the processing of mood. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mood disorders and pain assessment should be carefully performed in relation to K-OLP to obtain a complete analysis of the patients.

Assessment of sleep disturbance in oral lichen planus and validation of PSQI: A case-control multicenter study from the SIPMO (Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine).

BACKGROUND: The wellbeing of oral lichen planus patients (OLPs) may be strongly influenced by a poor quality of sleep (QoS) and psychological impairment. The aims were to analyze the prevalence of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression in OLPs and to validate the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in OLPs. METHODS: Three hundred keratotic OLPs (K-OLPs), 300 with predominant non-keratotic OLP (nK-OLPs), and 300 controls were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The PSQI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI) were administered. RESULTS: Oral lichen planus patients had statistically higher scores than the controls in the majority of the PSQI sub-items (p-values < 0.001**). Moreover, OLPs had higher scores in the HAM-D, HAM-A, NRS, and T-PRI (p-values < 0.001**). No differences in the PSQI sub-items' scores were found between the K-OLPs and nK-OLPs, although nK-OLPs suffered from higher levels of anxiety, depression, and pain (p-values: HAM-A, 0.007**, HAM-D, 0.009**, NRS, <0.001**, T-PRI, <0.001**). The female gender, anxiety, depression (p-value: 0.007**, 0.001**, 0.020*) and the intensity of pain, anxiety, and depression (p-value: 0.006**, <0.001**, 0.014*) were independent predictors of poor sleep (PSQI > 5) in K-OLPs and nK-OLPs, respectively. The PSQI's validation demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability of both the total and subscale of the PSQI. CONCLUSIONS: The OLPs reported an overall impaired QoS, which seemed to be an independent parameter according to the regression analysis. Hence, clinicians should assess QoS in OLPs and treat sleep disturbances in order to improve OLPs management.

Where do you live? North versus Central-South differences in relation to Italian patients with oral lichen planus: a cross-sectional study from the SIPMO (Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine).

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an immune-mediated inflammatory chronic disease of the oral mucosa, with different patterns of clinical manifestations which range from keratotic manifestations (K-OLP) to predominantly non-keratotic lesions (nK-OLP). The aim of the study was to analyze the differences in the clinical, psychological profile and symptoms between Italian patients of the North and Central-South with K-OLP and nK-OLP. METHODS: 270 K-OLP and 270 nK-OLP patients were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and for Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered. RESULTS: The Central-South K-OLP (CS-K-OLP) patients reported a higher frequency of pain/burning compared with the K-OLP patients of the North (N-K-OLP) with higher scores in the NRS and T-PRI (p value < 0.001**). The CS-K-OLP and the CS-nK-OLP patients showed higher scores in the HAM-D, HAM-A, PSQI and ESS compared with the Northern patients (p value < 0.001**). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the NRS and T-PRI showed the greatest increase in the R2 value for the CS-K-OLP (DR2 = 9.6%; p value < 0.001**; DR2 = 9.7% p value < 0.001**; respectively) and that the oral symptoms (globus, itching and intraoral foreign body sensation) and PSQI showed the greatest increase in the R2 value for the CS-nK-OLP (DR2 = 5.6%; p value < 0.001**; DR2 = 4.5% p value < 0.001** respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pain and mood disorders are predominant in patients with OLP in the Central-South of Italy. Clinicians should consider that the geographical living area may explain the differences in oral symptoms and psychological profile in OLP.

Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS)-guided minor salivary gland biopsy: A promising procedure to optimize labial salivary gland biopsy in Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate of exocrine salivary and lachrymal glands. Diagnosis is complex, and minor salivary gland biopsy and subsequent focus score (FS) calculation appear of extreme importance in the diagnostic work-up of the disease. Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique, which is gaining an increasingly important role in intraoral imaging. This study aims at exploring the usefulness of UHFUS for obtaining valuable labial salivary gland samples to assess the histopathological features of SS patients. METHODS: Patients with clinical suspect of SS and eligible for minor salivary gland biopsy were enrolled. UHFUS scan of the lower lip was performed. Glandular echostructure was classified according to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) scoring system. The glands to be sampled were selected on the basis of UHFUS evaluation and biopsied. The areas of the samples were recorded and compared with those obtained without UHFUS guidance. The correlation between UHFUS grade and labial gland FS was also assessed. RESULTS: The areas of the samples obtained with UHFUS guidance were significantly higher (7.25 ± 3.98 mm2 ) than those obtained by conventional procedures (5.79 ± 3.49 mm2 , P = .02). UHFUS correlated significantly with the salivary gland FS (r = .532, P = .001). CONCLUSION: UHFUS seems a promising tool in SS diagnostic algorithm, being able to provide a valuable support to the biopsy procedure. Further studies are mandatory to confirm the role of UHFUS in SS.

Non-impacted tooth extractions and antibiotic treatment: A RCT study.

OBJECTIVES: A controlled, single-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate usefulness of antibiotics in preventing pain and complications after tooth extractions and benefits of probiotics in reducing gastro-intestinal symptoms associated with antibiotic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 159 patients were enrolled in this trial. After tooth extractions, patients were allocated to one of the groups: group 1 received postoperatively amoxicillin + clavulanic acid; group 2 received the same antibiotic therapy with an adjunctive probiotic treatment; and group 3 received neither antibiotics nor probiotics. Follow-up visits were planned at 7, 14, and 21 days after tooth extractions (T1, T2, and T3), and parameters assessed were pain, presence of abscess, edema, fever, alveolitis, trismus, pain, difficulty in daily routine activities, and gastro-intestinal symptoms. RESULTS: The number of patients reporting pain at T1 was significantly higher in the control group when compared to group 2 (p = .016), while no difference for pain intensity was observed between groups. No surgical site infection was observed in any of the groups. Intestinal symptoms seemed to be tackled by probiotic administration. CONCLUSIONS: Pain was the most important symptom in the control group. Antibiotics were not necessary after non-impacted tooth extractions, and probiotics can reduce gastro-intestinal symptoms associated with antibiotics.

A perspective on dental activity during COVID-19: The Italian survey.

OBJECTIVES: During the months of March and April 2020, Italy saw an exponential outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic. Dental practitioners were particularly limited in their routine activity, and the sole performance of urgent treatments was strongly encouraged during the peak of the epidemic. A survey among dental professionals was performed between 6th and 13th of April, in order to evaluate the status of dental practice during COVID-19 in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online anonymous questionnaire was administered to retrieve data on the dental procedures performed, the preventive measures adopted, and the predictions on the future changes in dentistry following the pandemic. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 3,254 respondents and, according to the results obtained, dental activity was reduced by the 95% and limited to urgent treatments. The majority of the surveyed dentists employed additional personal protective equipment compared to normal routine, although in a non-negligible number of cases difficulty in retrieving the necessary equipment was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The survey provided a snapshot of dental activity during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Overall, following the peak of the epidemic, it is probable that dental activities will undergo some relevant changes prior to fully restart.

Psychological profile and unexpected pain in oral lichen planus: A case-control multicenter SIPMO studya.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze psychological profiles, pain, and oral symptoms in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 300 patients with keratotic OLP (K-OLP; reticular, papular, plaque-like subtypes), 300 patients with predominant non-keratotic OLP (nK-OLP; erythematosus atrophic, erosive, ulcerative, bullous subtypes), and 300 controls were recruited in 15 universities. The number of oral sites involved and oral symptoms were recorded. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and for Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered. RESULTS: The OLP patients, especially the nK-OLP, showed higher scores in the NRS, T-PRI, HAM-D, HAM-A and PSQI compared with the controls (p-value < .001** ). A positive correlation between the NRS, T-PRI, HAM-A, HAM-D, and PSQI was found with the number of oral symptoms and number of oral sites involved. Pain was reported in 67.3% of nK-OLP and 49.7% of K-OLP cases with poor correspondence between the site of lesions and the site of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Mood disorders are frequently associated with OLP with an unexpected symptomatology correlated with the number of oral symptoms and with the extension of disease suggesting a peripheral neuropathy.

Ultra-high frequency ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of oral pemphigus and pemphigoid: An explorative study.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoral ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) is an emerging technique in oral medicine, due to its possibility to provide submillimeter resolution imaging of superficial mucosal structures. In this study, the potential role of UHFUS in the diagnosis of oral pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with suspected oral PV or MMP were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical examination, laboratory tests, intraoral UHFUS scan, and biopsy. Histology and direct immunofluorescence were set as benchmark for diagnosis confirmation. The sensitivity and specificity of UHFUS compared to histology were assessed. Mann-Whitney test was performed to evaluate the presence of differences in the echogenicity of PV and MMP. P-value was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included. Thirteen patients were diagnosed with PV, and twelve with MMP. The UHFUS features of PV and MMP lesions were described. Image analysis showed statistically significant differences between the echogenicity of PV and MMP lesions (P < 0.05). Good concordance between UHFUS and histology was found. UHFUS showed 75% sensitivity in the diagnosis of PV and 66.7% in the diagnosis of MMP. CONCLUSIONS: UHFUS appears a valuable tool in the diagnosis of PV and MMP. Although histology and immunofluorescence remain the gold standard, UHFUS role in the diagnostic algorithm of PV and MMP seems promising as a chair-side tool consistently enhancing clinical evaluation of oral bullous lesions.

Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound, A Promising Diagnostic Technique: Review of the Literature and Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique which finds several applications in diverse clinical fields. The range of frequencies between 30 and 100 MHz allows for high spatial resolution imaging of superficial structures, making this technique suitable for the imaging of skin, blood vessels, musculoskeletal anatomy, oral mucosa, and small parts. However, the current clinical applications of UHFUS have never been analyzed in a consistent multidisciplinary manner. The aim of this study is to revise and discuss the current applications of UHFUS in different aspects of research and clinical practice, as well as to provide some examples of the current work-in-progress carried out in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in order to retrieve articles reporting the applications of UHFUS both in research and in clinical settings. Inclusion criteria were the use of frequencies above 30 MHz and study design conducted in vivo on human subjects. RESULTS: In total 66 articles were retrieved. The majority of the articles focused on dermatological and vascular applications, although musculoskeletal and intraoral applications are emerging fields of use. We also describe our experience in the use of UHFUS as a valuable diagnostic support in the fields of dermatology, rheumatology, oral medicine, and musculoskeletal anatomy. CONCLUSION: Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography application involves an increasing number of medical fields. The high spatial resolution and the superb image quality achievable allow to foresee a wider use of this novel technique, which has the potential to bring innovation in diagnostic imaging.

Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography of labial glands is a highly sensitive tool for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) has been recently introduced in oral medicine due to its ability to image small anatomical structures including labial salivary glands (LSG). To date no ultrasonography morphological studies of labial salivary glands (LSG) have been carried out in SS. In this pilot study we aimed at analysing the distribution of UHFUS findings in LSG of patients with suspected SS, focusing in particular on the association with patients' oral dysfunction, antibody profiles and histopathology. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing a LSG biopsy for clinically suspected SS were included in this study between January 2018 and January 2020. Intraoral UHFUS scan of the lip mucosa was performed with Vevo MD equipment, using a 70 MHz probe with a standardised protocol. LSG were assessed by using a four-grade semiquantitative scoring system (0-3), similar to the OMERACT scoring system used for major salivary glands. The distribution of UHFUS grades was compared in patients stratified according their final diagnosis, patients antibody profiles and LSG histopathology. RESULTS: We included 128 patients with suspected SS: out of them, 54 (42.2%) received a final diagnosis of SS, made according to the ACR 2016 criteria and 74 (57.8%) were diagnosed as no-SS sicca controls. We found that LSG inhomogeneity was significantly greater in patients with SS than in no-SS subjects (p<0.0001). We also found that higher UHFUS pattern of inhomogeneity (i.e. grade 2 and 3) were significantly more frequent in both SSA+/SSB- and SSA+/SSB+ patients (p=0.001). A normal UHFUS pattern, by contrast, was significantly more common in SSA-/SSB- subjects (i.e. 15/83 (18.1%) vs. 1/33 (3%) vs. 0/12 (0%), p=0.001). Finally, LSG inhomogeneity was significantly associated with both the number of foci (p<0.001) and focus score (p<0.001). Particularly, we found that both the number of foci and the FS were significantly higher in patients presenting a UHFUS grading of 2 and 3 with respect to those presenting a UHFUS grading of 0 and 1 (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study demonstrates the optimal feasibility of UHFUS and its high sensitivity in identifying negative patients on subsequent lip biopsy, thus avoiding invasive procedures in selected cases. Further studies are in progress to define the clinical and predictive role of the various patterns observed and their added value with respect to traditional salivary gland ultrasonography.

Intraoral Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound study of oral lichen planus: A pictorial review.

BACKGROUND: Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique involving the use of higher frequencies compared to conventional ultrasound. Among the several fields of application, intraoral usage of UHFUS appears still limited. We report the intraoral evaluation of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) by means of UHFUS and describe typical UHFUS aspect of different forms of presentation of OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with clinical and histological diagnosis of OLP were enrolled in the study. OLP lesions were evaluated by means of intraoral UHFUS performed at 70 MHz, using B-mode and C-mode, in order to characterize the echostructure of each form of presentation. RESULTS: Fifty patients in total were enrolled, and UHFUS features were described for different OLP forms. All the lesions showed a thick, hypoechoic superficial layer in the mucosal stratum, suggesting that such UHFUS alteration can be pathognomonic of OLP. CONCLUSION: Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound was able to differentiate superficial alterations of the oral mucosa, giving insight on possible applications of UHFUS in the study of OLP beyond clinical and histological investigations. Due to a limited study sample, we cannot draw firm conclusions. However, it is reasonable to think that UHFUS evaluation of OLP may provide useful information to the clinician.

Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastases to the Oral Cavity: Report of 2 Cases and Review of Literature.

The localization of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastases in the oral cavity has been reported, accounting for about 15% of patients with metastasizing renal disease. In this work, we report 2 cases of oral metastases of renal carcinoma and provide a review of the current literature on the occurrence of oral metastases of renal origin. The first patient (a 61-year-old man) presented with a tumefaction of the body of the tongue. The second patient (a 71-year-old man) showed a large mass localized in the buccal mucosa. In both patients, incisional biopsy was performed to better characterize the nature of the lesions. Histologic evaluation showed the metastatic origin of the 2 lesions, which were distant metastases of clear cell RCC. After systemic evaluation, a second surgical procedure was performed to obtain a wider resection of the mass to reduce the development of complications and improve the patients' quality-of-life. After the second surgical treatment, both patients showed an improvement in symptoms, and no further complications and/or signs of recurrence were detected. At present, 132 cases of oral metastases of RCC have been described in the literature. This article reviews and discusses the clinical, diagnostic, and pathologic features and the treatment options reported in the literature. Localization of renal metastases to the tongue was the most frequently described localization in the literature. In general, surgical treatment appears to be effective in controlling metastasis development and associated symptoms. Although relatively rare, renal metastases to the oral cavity should be taken into account when creating the differential diagnosis of oral lesions of unknown origin.

Surgical Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Patients Related to Dental Implants.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to report a case series of patients with peri-implant medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), in particular describing the onset of the condition and surgical treatment outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of peri-implant MRONJ were retrospectively included in the study. The sample was stratified on the base of oral, pharmacological, and general health variables. The number of affected implants was recorded in all patients, and MRONJ staging applied. Surgical treatment was performed with a standardized operative protocol, involving implant removal, sequestrectomy, debridement of soft tissue, and bone curettage. Follow-up evaluating surgical outcome was performed at twelve months after surgery. RESULTS: in our study sample, patients were almost equally distributed in terms of underlying diseases in osteoporotic and oncologic patients. All MRONJ lesions were symptomatic, and in 6 patients bone exposure was detected. 40 implants in total were evaluated, with MRONJ being present around 29 implants. 12 patients were diagnosed with Stage III MRONJ, and 3 patients with Stage II MRONJ. Surgical treatment leads to complete healing in 86.7% of cases, with 100% success for maxillary MRONJ. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment seems to have a positive impact on MRONJ treatment also in cases of peri-implant involvement. However, monitoring and prevention are fundamental in patients under pharmacological treatment with anti-resorptive/antiangiogenic drugs, as peri-implant MRONJ can develop also in absence of specific traumatic events.

Feasibility of intraoral ultrasonography in the diagnosis of oral soft tissue lesions: a preclinical assessment on an ex vivo specimen.

OBJECTIVES: The early detection of oral soft tissue lesions is an important prognostic factor, and the possibility of using ultrasonography (US) as a diagnostic tool may improve the diagnosis and characterization of tissue alterations at an early stage. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of intraoral US by performing a preclinical assessment of an ex vivo specimen in which focal lesions were simulated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen lesions were simulated on a freshly extracted calf tongue, by introducing in the tongue different materials mimicking the appearance of various focal lesions. The specimen was scanned with a 8 MHz US probe and computed tomography (CT) was performed to compare the two imaging techniques. Later, the specimen was dissected to set a benchmark for size assessment. RESULTS: US was able to identify all the simulated lesions within the tongue, resulting in one case more accurate than CT. Statistical analysis demonstrated high correlation between the measurements of the simulated lesions performed on the US images and the real size of the materials introduced in the tongue (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical study proves that US performs well in the detection and characterization of simulated lesions of the tongue. These findings suggest that US could be effectively used in clinical applications. However, further research is mandatory to assess the reliability of in vivo US in the detection and characterization of tongue lesions as well as of other oral soft tissue alterations.

Bleeding Rate After Tooth Extraction in Patients Under Oral Anticoagulant Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this single-cohort prospective study was to evaluate the risk of adverse outcomes after tooth extraction in patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders and under oral anticoagulant therapy with an international normalized ratio within the value of 3.0. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-three patients (mean age of 58.7 years) were enrolled and 560 tooth extractions were performed. Fresh extraction sockets were treated with collagen tablets and sutures. The risk of increased bleeding rate was evaluated for type of drug therapy (acenocoumarol or warfarin), type of cardiovascular diseases, and number of tooth extractions. Level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The overall bleeding event rate was 6.8%. Among patients who had bleeding events, 4 suffered from valvular disorders, whereas 11 suffered from arrhythmias (8) or cardiomyopathies (3). The remaining 5 patients had a history of cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia.The bleeding events in patients who had more than 2 tooth extractions were significantly higher than those observed in patients who had only 1 tooth extraction (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients who received more than 2 tooth extractions, who were under treatment with acenocoumarol, and who suffered from multiple cardiovascular diseases were at high risk for bleeding events.

Acute-phase response following full-mouth versus quadrant non-surgical periodontal treatment: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: A moderate acute-phase response occurs 24-h following full-mouth non-surgical treatment (FM-SRP). The aim of this study was to compare acute-phase (24-h) and medium-term (3 months) inflammation after quadrant scaling (Q-SRP) versus FM-SRP. MATERIAL & METHODS: Thirty-eight periodontitis-affected subjects were randomly allocated to FM-SRP or Q-SRP after a baseline visit. Periodontal and anthropometric parameters were collected at baseline and 3 months. Serum samples were drawn at baseline, 1, 7, and 90 days after treatment. High-sensitivity assays of inflammation and endothelial assays were performed. RESULTS: FM-SRP produced a greater acute-phase response after 24 h [threefold increase in C-reactive protein (CRP), twofold increase in interleukin (IL-6), and a slight increase in tumour necrosis factor]. No differences in systemic biomarkers were noted between groups at any later follow-ups. Both periodontal treatments produced a comparable improvement in clinical periodontal parameters with no between-group differences. Treatment time was positively associated with the relative 24-h increase in CRP (R = 0.5, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (R = 0.5, p = 0.002), while the number of deeper (>6 mm) pockets predicted only the relative increase in IL-6 (R = 0.4, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FM-SRP triggers a moderate acute-phase response of 24 h duration compared to Q-SRP. Further research is needed to assess the eventual impact of such findings on the risk of vascular events is advocated. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01857804).

Clinical performance of access flap in the treatment of class II furcation defects. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the performance of access flap (OFD) in the treatment of class II furcation defects (FD). METHODS: RCTs evaluating surgical treatment of class II FD with OFD, minimum 6 months follow-up were identified. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by three reviewers. The primary outcomes were tooth survival and change in the horizontal clinical attachment level (HCAL). Changes in vertical clinical attachment level (VCAL), reduction of pocket probing depth (PPD), recession increase (REC), horizontal (HBL), and vertical bone level (VBL) were also collected. RESULTS: The search identified 1571 studies out of which 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed on 199 patients and 251 FD. Tooth survival was seldom reported. Altogether with inflammatory amelioration, the weighted mean differences were for HCAL 0.96 mm [CI: (0.60, 1.32), p < 0.001], 0.55 mm [CI: (0.00, 1.10), p = 0.05] for VCAL gain. PPD reduction over 6 months was 1.38 mm [CI: (0.91, 1.85), p < 0.01]. Potential risk of bias was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth with mandibular class II furcation involvement treated with OFD show significant clinical improvements 6 months after surgery. Nevertheless, in order to better understand the magnitude of these changes and their clinical relevance, prospective long-term trials are needed.

Dental plaque, gingival inflammation and tooth -discolouration with different commercial -formulations of 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse: a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of various formulations of chlorhexidine 0.2% (CHX) in terms of plaque and gingival bleeding control compared to each other and to saline rinse (CTRL) over a 35-day rinsing period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy subjects were randomly allocated to one of 4 groups rinsing twice daily for 35 days. The different groups used CHX 0.2% rinse with alcohol (CHX1) and without alcohol (CHX2), with an antidiscolouration system (CHX3) or saline rinse (CTRL). Clinical examinations to evaluate full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS) and periodontal parameters were performed at baseline, 7, 21 and 35 days. Tooth discolouration (TD) was measured at each time point using digital photographs and spectrophotometric analysis. RESULTS: At 35 days, CTRL showed the highest levels of plaque. The mean changes in FMPS from baseline were 69.8% ± 6.8 for CHX1, 57.5% ± 9.8 for CHX2, 43.7% ± 9.8 for CHX3 and 25.8% ± 7.7 for CTRL. Statistically significant differences were demonstrated between CHX1 and CHX3 (p = 0.02), CHX2 vs CHX3 (p ≤ 0.05) and CHX1/CHX2 vs CHX3 (p < 0.05). In contrast, CHX3 appeared more effective in reducing inflammatory indexes. TD increased over time in 60% to 70% of participants, although lighter staining was found in the CHX3 group. Greater FMPS reduction was observed in participants with staining vs without staining (26.0% ± 12.3, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Conventional CHX appeared more effective in terms of plaque reduction. Interestingly, the newest formulation showed a higher control of gingival inflammation. Staining was associated with lower plaque levels.

Clinical performance of access flap surgery in the treatment of the intrabony defect. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

AIM: To systematically review the literature and to determine the clinical performance of conservative surgery (CS) for the treatment of intrabony defects (ID). METHODS: RCTs on ID treatment with 12 months of follow-up were identified through electronic databases and hand-searched journals. Primary outcomes were tooth survival, clinical attachment (CAL) gain, probing depth (PD) reduction and gingival recession increase (REC). Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for each outcome variable 12 months after surgery. Long-term stability was explored with RCTs of at least 24 months of follow-up. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of flap. RESULTS: Twenty-seven trials reporting 647 subjects and 734 defects were identified. Twelve months after CS, tooth survival was 98% (IQ: 96.77-100), CAL gain 1.65 mm (95% CI: 1.37-1.94; p < 0.0001), PD reduction 2.80 mm (CI: 2.43-3.18; p < 0.0001) and REC increase 1.26 mm (CI: 0.94-1.49; p < 0.0001). Longer follow-up showed similar findings. CI of CAL gain were 1.44-3.52 for recently introduced papilla preservation flaps and 1.25-1.89 mm for access flaps. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of intrabony defect with CS is associated with high tooth retention and improvement of periodontal clinical parameters. Clinical performance may vary according to the type of surgical flap used.

Resective surgical approach shows a high performance in the management of advanced cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a retrospective survey of 347 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) in a large cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort multicenter study was designed. Patients were enrolled if they were diagnosed with BRONJ and received operative treatment. Data on demographic, health status, perioperative, and surgical factors were collected retrospectively. The primary outcome variable was a change in BRONJ staging (improvement, worsening, or no change). Interventions were grouped by local debridement and resective surgery. Data were collected for other variables as cofactors. Univariate analysis and logistic regressions were then performed. RESULTS: Of the 347 BRONJ-affected subjects, 59% showed improvement, 30% showed no change, and 11% showed worsening. Improvement was observed in 49% of cases treated with local debridement and 68% of cases treated with resective surgery. Multivariate analysis indicated that maxillary location, resective surgery, and no additional corticosteroid treatment were associated with a positive outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of BRONJ appeared to be more effective when resective procedures were performed. Nonetheless, other factors, such as the absence of symptoms and the types of drug administration, should be taken into account before clinical decisions are made.