Radiographic assessment of the peri-implant site.

While peri-implant mucositis relies solely on clinical parameters, radiological assessment becomes indispensable for diagnosing peri-implantitis. Intraoral radiography, with its simplicity of application, low radiation exposure, and adequate representation of peri-implant structures, stands out as the standard of care for both immediate and follow-up assessments. Standardization by custom-made radiologic splints allows for excellent comparability with previous images and allows for the determination of even small changes in contour and density of the peri-implant bone. Furthermore, other radiographic modalities like panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) may provide useful features for specific patients and clinical cases while also showing innate limitations. Beyond the assessment of the marginal peri-implant bone level as the crucial parameter of clinical relevance, radiologic assessment may reveal various other findings related to the prosthetic restoration itself, the precision of its fit to the implant, and the peri-implant soft and hard tissues. Since such findings can be crucial for the assessment of peri-implant health and the implants' prognosis, a systematic diagnostic evaluation pathway for a thorough assessment is recommended to extract all relevant information from radiologic imaging. This article also provides an overview of the clinical and chronological indications for different imaging modalities in peri-implant issues.

Is there a rise of prevalence for Molar Incisor Hypomineralization? A meta-analysis of published data.

Since Molar Incisor Hypomineralization was first described as a pathologic entity, public perception often suggests a considerable rise in prevalence of the respective disease. Since there are still considerable doubts regarding the etiology and-accordingly-prevention of MIH and respective therapeutic approaches are difficult this question is of considerable clinical and public interest. Accordingly, a systematic literature search in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews on Medline, Cochrane Database, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Google scholar, Scopus was performed to retrieve original articles reporting the prevalence of MIH as defined by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD). From initially 2360 retrieved titles, 344 full texts were assessed for possible inclusion and finally 167 articles of mainly moderate to high quality and based on data of 46'613 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. All studies published before 2001 had to be excluded since it was not possible to align the findings with the EAPD classification. Studies varied considerably regarding cohort size (25 to 23'320, mean 1'235)) and age (5.6-19 y, mean 9.8 y). Over all studies, the weighted mean for the prevalence for MIH was 12.8% (95% CI 11.5%-14.1%) and no significant changes with respect to either publication year or birthyear were found. A sub-analysis of eleven studies reporting on the prevalence in different age groups, however, revealed strong evidence for an increasing prevalence between the years 1992 (3%) and 2013 (13%).Therefore, based on data from cross-sectional studies a possible rise in prevalence of MIH remains unclear. Future prospective large-scale studies under standardized examination conditions with an emphasis on examiner calibration are needed to gain better understanding in the evolution of the prevalence of MIH.

Photo/mechanical and physical implant surface decontamination approaches in conjunction with surgical peri-implantitis treatment: A systematic review.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive/alternative photo/mechanical and physical implant-surface decontamination approaches compared to standard instrumentation in conjunction with surgical peri-implantitis treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials investigating the efficacy of adjunctive or alternative photo/mechanical/physical measures for implant surface decontamination in conjunction with surgical peri-implantitis treatment without (PICOS 1) or with (PICOS 2) additional decontamination methods performed in test and control groups with changing inflammation parameters were covered. Changes in bleeding scores (i.e., bleeding index, or bleeding on probing [BOP]), suppuration, and probing depth (PD) were considered the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Six articles describing five original RCTs were eligible for analysis. Based on two RCTs, the adjunctive/alternative use of air polishing with glycine or erythritol powder did not improve BOP reduction compared to standard instrumentation (PICOS 1). Based on one RCT, alternative use of titanium brushes resulted in significantly higher BOP reduction compared to either air polishing or standard instrumentation (PICOS 1). During reconstructive therapy and as an adjunct to implantoplasty, use of a titanium brush did not have any benefit on the BOP and mean PD reductions compared to the control group (i.e., implantoplasty + mechanical and chemical implant surface decontamination; one RCT; PICOS 2). Use of the Er:YAG laser resulted in significantly higher PD reduction after 6 months (one RCT), whereas no difference between the test and respective controls could be detected after 1 and 2 years (one RCT). Additionally, the use of the Er:YAG laser was not associated with improved BOP reductions over respective controls (two RCTs; PICOS 2). CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the limited available data, clinical efficacy of photo/mechanical and physical implant surface decontamination in conjunction with surgical peri-implantitis therapy is inconclusive. However, titanium brushes may be beneficial in reducing signs of inflammation.

Nonsurgical cleaning potential of deep-threaded implants and titanium particle release: A novel in vitro tissue model.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the efficiency of three cleaning modalities on two implant designs with similar diameters but different thread depths as well as the presence of titanium particles. METHODS: Sixty dyed implants (30 × 4.8 apically tapered (ATAP) and 30 × 5.0 fully tapered (FTAP)) were fixed in plastic models. The horizontal bone defects were surrounded with porcine soft tissue. Three instrumentation modalities were used to clean for 150 s: Curette (CUR), ultrasonic scaler (US), and air powder waterjet device (APWJ) with erythritol powder. Afterward, implants were photographed and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images were taken. Titanium in the soft tissues was quantified in dissolved samples and histologically confirmed. RESULTS: For ATAP and FTAP implants, the percentage of the cleaned surface was 26.4 ± 3.0 and 17.1 ± 2.4% for CUR, 33.7 ± 3.8% and 28.1 ± 2.3% for US, and 45.5 ± 4.1% and 24.7 ± 3.8% for APWJ, respectively. SEM images showed significant implant surface changes, especially after instrumentation with CUR and US, whereas APWJ had little to no effect. Most titanium residues were found after cleaning ATAP implants with CUR (152.0 ± 75.5), followed by US (89.5 ± 73.8) and APWJ (0.3 ± 0.8). For the FTAP implants, respective values accounted for 129.5 ± 58.6 µg and 67.0 ± 14.4 µg for CUR and US, respectively. No titanium residues were detected on ATAP with APWJ. CONCLUSION: Based on in vitro data, erythritol-powered APWJ still appears to be the most efficient and gentle cleaning method. All three instruments, however, were found to have unprocessed areas depending on different implant designs, hence, clinical relevance for non-surgical approaches remains challenging and warrants further improvement.

Implantoplasty Improves Clinical Parameters over a 2-Year Follow-Up: A Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Peri-implantitis treatment is still undefined. Regenerative treatment is expensive and technically demanding due to the need to handle biomaterials, membranes and different methodologies of decontamination. Resective treatment and implantoplasty might be a viable solution. This case series presents a 24 month retrospective observational study of 10 peri-implantitis patients treated with implantoplasty. Materials and Methods: In the present case series, 10 peri-implantitis patients (20 implants) were treated with a resective approach and implantoplasty. Previous to implantoplasty, all patients underwent non-surgical treatment. This surgery consisted in a full-thickness flap and implant surface exposure. The exposed non-osseointegrated implant body was submitted to implantoplasty. The flap was apically repositioned and sutured. Patients were accompanied for 24 months. Results: The mean initial probing depth (PD) (PD = 5.37 ± 0.86 mm), bleeding on probing (BoP = 0.12 ± 0.06%) and suppuration (Sup = 0.01 ± 0.01%) decreased significantly at the 12 month evaluation (PD = 2.90 ± 0.39 mm; BoP = 0.01 ± 0.01% and Sup = 0.00 ± 0.00%). Between the 12 and 24 month evaluations, there were no significant clinical changes (PD = 2.85 ± 0.45 mm; BoP = 0.01 ± 0.01% and Sup = 0.00 ± 0.00%). Mucosal recession (MR) had a significant increase between the baseline and the first 12 months (0.69 ± 0.99 mm vs. 1.96 ± 1.33 mm), but there were no significant changes between the 12th and 24th month (1.94 ± 1.48 mm). The success rate was 100% without implant fracture or loss. Conclusions: Resective surgery and implantoplasty might be a valid option in some specific peri-implantitis cases. Properly designed clinical trials are needed to confirm this possibility.

Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent posterior teeth.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, amalgam has been used for filling cavities in posterior teeth, and it continues to be the restorative material of choice in some low- and middle-income countries due to its effectiveness and relatively low cost. However, there are concerns over the use of amalgam restorations (fillings) with regard to mercury release in the body and the environmental impact of mercury disposal. Dental composite resin materials are an aesthetic alternative to amalgam, and their mechanical properties have developed sufficiently to make them suitable for restoring posterior teeth. Nevertheless, composite resin materials may have potential for toxicity to human health and the environment. The United Nations Environment Programme has established the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which is an international treaty that aims "to protect the [sic] human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds". It entered into force in August 2017, and as of February 2021 had been ratified by 127 governments. Ratification involves committing to the adoption of at least two of nine proposed measures to phase down the use of mercury, including amalgam in dentistry. In light of this, we have updated a review originally published in 2014, expanding the scope of the review by undertaking an additional search for harms outcomes. Our review synthesises the results of studies that evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of amalgam versus composite resin restorations, and evaluates the level of certainty we can have in that evidence. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects (i.e. efficacy and safety) of direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings. SEARCH METHODS: An information specialist searched five bibliographic databases up to 16 February 2021 and used additional search methods to identify published, unpublished and ongoing studies SELECTION CRITERIA: To assess efficacy, we included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing dental composite resin with amalgam restorations in permanent posterior teeth that assessed restoration failure or survival at follow-up of at least three years. To assess safety, we sought non-randomised studies in addition to RCTs that directly compared composite resin and amalgam restorative materials and measured toxicity, sensitivity, allergy, or injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We included a total of eight studies in this updated review, all of which were RCTs. Two studies used a parallel-group design, and six used a split-mouth design. We judged all of the included studies to be at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding and issues related to unit of analysis. We identified one new trial since the previous version of this review (2014), as well as eight additional papers that assessed safety, all of which related to the two parallel-group studies that were already included in the review. For our primary meta-analyses, we combined data from the two parallel-group trials, which involved 1645 composite restorations and 1365 amalgam restorations in 921 children. We found low-certainty evidence that composite resin restorations had almost double the risk of failure compared to amalgam restorations (risk ratio (RR) 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 2.35; P < 0.001), and were at much higher risk of secondary caries (RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.74; P < 0.001). We found low-certainty evidence that composite resin restorations were not more likely to result in restoration fracture (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.64; P = 0.66). Six trials used a split-mouth design. We considered these studies separately, as their reliability was compromised due to poor reporting, unit of analysis errors, and variability in methods and findings. Subgroup analysis showed that the findings were consistent with the results of the parallel-group studies. Three trials investigated possible harms of dental restorations. Higher urinary mercury levels were reported amongst children with amalgam restorations in two trials, but the levels were lower than what is known to be toxic. Some differences between amalgam and composite resin groups were observed on certain measures of renal, neuropsychological, and psychosocial function, physical development, and postoperative sensitivity; however, no consistent or clinically important harms were found. We considered that the vast number of comparisons made false-positive results likely. There was no evidence of differences between the amalgam and composite resin groups in neurological symptoms, immune function, and urinary porphyrin excretion. The evidence is of very low certainty, with most harms outcomes reported in only one trial. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Low-certainty evidence suggests that composite resin restorations may have almost double the failure rate of amalgam restorations. The risk of restoration fracture does not seem to be higher with composite resin restorations, but there is a much higher risk of developing secondary caries. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that there may be no clinically important differences in the safety profile of amalgam compared with composite resin dental restorations. This review supports the utility of amalgam restorations, and the results may be particularly useful in parts of the world where amalgam is still the material of choice to restore posterior teeth with proximal caries. Of note, however, is that composite resin materials have undergone important improvements in the years since the trials informing the primary analyses for this review were conducted. The global phase-down of dental amalgam via the Minamata Convention on Mercury is an important consideration when deciding between amalgam and composite resin dental materials. The choice of which dental material to use will depend on shared decision-making between dental providers and patients in the clinic setting, and local directives and protocols.

Reduced fracture load of dental implants after implantoplasty with different instrumentation sequences. An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the mechanical stability of implants after implantoplasty and thermocyclic loading, the residual thickness of the instrumented areas and neighbouring tooth injury due to implantoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a phantom head simulator and maxillary model implants were subjected to an implantoplasty procedure. Thirty implants were randomly assigned to receive one of three instrumentation sequences. After instrumentation, injury on neighbouring teeth was assessed. Instrumented implants and non-instrumented controls were subjected to 1.2 million cycles of thermo-mechanical loading in a chewing machine. Afterwards, maximum fracture load for all implants and an additional five pristine control implants was tested. RESULTS: Generally, damage of neighbour teeth was a frequent finding (33 ± 56% of all cases) with considerable inter-group differences. No considerable inter-group difference for the residual implant thickness was found for different areas assessed. No implant fractured during cyclic loading. Fracture load was reduced after cyclic loading of uninstrumented implants from 2,724 ± 70 N to 2,299 ± 127 N, and after implantoplasty to 1,737 ± 165 N, while no effect by the instrumentation sequence could be observed. CONCLUSIONS: Both implantoplasty and cyclic loading were shown to reduce the implants' maximum bending strength. Cyclic loading in a laboratory masticator, simulating a five-year equivalent of chewing, did not result in fractured implants. Since neighbouring tooth injury was assessed often, care should be taken with the selection of suitable instruments.

Assessment of implant surface and instrument insert changes due to instrumentation with different tips for ultrasonic-driven debridement.

BACKGROUND: To assess the changes of implant surfaces of different roughness after instrumentation with ultrasonic-driven scaler tips of different materials. METHODS: Experiments were performed on two moderately rough surfaces (I-Inicell® and II-SLA®), one surface without pre-treatment (III) and one smooth machined surface (IV). Scaler tips made of steel (A), PEEK (B), titanium (C), carbon (D) and resin (E) were used for instrumentation with a standardized pressure of 100 g for ten seconds and under continuous automatic motion. Each combination of scaler tip and implant surface was performed three times on 8 titanium discs. After instrumentation roughness was assessed by profilometry, morphological changes were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, and element distribution on the utmost surface by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. RESULTS: The surface roughness of discs I and II were significantly reduced by instrumentation with all tips except E. For disc III and IV roughness was enhanced by tip A and C and, only for IV, by tip D. Instrumentation with tips B, D and E left extensive residuals on surface I, II and III. The element analysis of these deposits proved consistent with the elemental composition of the respective tip materials. CONCLUSION: All ultrasonic instruments led to microscopic alterations of all types of implants surfaces assessed in the present study. The least change of implant surfaces might result from resin or carbon tips on machined surfaces.

Changes of radiopacity around implants of different lengths: Five-year follow-up data of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To follow-up the radiographic changes in peri-implant bone of short (6 mm, test group) and long (10 mm, control group) single-unit implants five years after loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three implants of the test and 44 implants of the control group could be reassessed from 96 originally included implants. Standardized areas of interest (AOI) were defined in the peri-implant bone at pre-defined locations at mid-length on both sides of the implants, and at the apex. An arbitrary mean grey scale value (GSV) was calculated for the AOI after brightness calibration of the radiographs. Changes for GSV were calculated and tested for possible inter- and intra-group differences using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: The calculated intra-group differences between baseline and 5 years in the test group accounted for 2.4 ± 19.6 (i.e. slight brightening) and -6.2 ± 20.2 for the control group (i.e. slight shading), which resulted in a statistically significant difference in GSV change (p < .05). Crown-to-implant ratio was the only parameter showing an effect on GSV change (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing conventional radiographs, longer implants showed a slightly stronger change of radiopacity of the peri-implant bone (slight loss of density) than short ones (slightly enhanced density) after five years of loading.

Effectiveness of adjunctive hyaluronic acid application in coronally advanced flap in Miller class I single gingival recession sites: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the possible advantages of adjunctive hyaluronic acid (HA) application in the coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedure in single Miller class I/recession type 1 (RT1) gingival recession treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with one recession were enrolled; 15 were randomly assigned CAF + HA and 15 to CAF alone. The recession reduction (RecRed), clinical attachment level gain (CAL-gain), changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and in the width of keratinized tissue (KT), complete root coverage (CRC), and mean root coverage (MRC) were calculated after 18 months. Post-operative morbidity (pain intensity, discomfort, and swelling) was recorded 7 days after treatment using visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: After 18 months, RecRed was statistically significantly higher in the test group (2.7 mm [1.0]) than in the control group (1.9 mm [1.0]; p = 0.007). PPD were found to be slightly but statistically significantly increased in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found for KT gain between treatments. CRC was 80% for test and 33.3% for control sites (p < 0.05). A MRC of 93.8 ± 13.0% for test and 73.1 ± 20.8% for control sites was calculated (p < 0.05). The test group reported lower swelling and discomfort values 7-days post-surgery (p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference was not found for pain intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of HA was effective in obtaining CRC for single Miller class I/RT1 gingival recession sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adjunctive application of HA in the coronally advanced flap procedure may improve the reduction of the recessions and increase the probability of CRC in Miller class I recessions.

Dentin tubule obturation of a bioglass-based dentin desensitizer under repeated exposure to lactid acid and brushing.

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity is a frequent finding especially in periodontitis patients. Conventional treatment aims for obstruction of dentin tubules by disabling liquid and osmotic fluctuation to and from the pulpal chamber. A novel bioglass-based desensitizer was shown to obstruct tubules and to resist periodic exposure to lactic acid. Whether this obstruction is resistant to brushing had not been tested so far. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess dentin tubule obstruction after repeated acid exposure and brushing. METHODS: Sixty dentin discs were cleaned with 17% EDTA, mounted into a pulp fluid simulator and randomly divided into 3 groups: No surface treatment in Group A, Seal&Protect® in group B and DentinoCer in group C. Discs were exposed to 0.1 M non-saturated lactic acid thrice and standardized brushing twice a day for 12 days. At baseline and after 2, 4 and 12 d samples were removed from the setting and prepared for top-view SEM analysis to assess tubule obstruction using the Olley score. Discs were then vertically cut and the section surface morphologically assessed using backscatter imaging. For both vertical and sectional surfaces EDX analysis was used to characterize the surface composition in the tubular and inter-tubular area. RESULTS: Group A showed clean tubular lumina at all time points. From day 2 onwards dentin showed exposed collagen fibers. Group 2 initially showed a complete surface coverage that flattened out during treatment without ever exposing tubules. At baseline, samples of Group C displayed a complete homogeneous coverage. From day 2 on tubules entrances with obstructed lumen became visible. While on day 4 and 12 the dentin surface exposed collagen fibers the lumina remained closed. EDX analysis of the vertical and horizontal views showed that P and Ca were predominant elements in both the inter- and tubular dentin while Si peaks were found in the tubule plugs. CONCLUSION: While group B displayed a packed layer on the surface during the whole investigation time group C samples lost their superficial layer within 48 h. Tubule plugs containing considerable Si proportions indicated previous presence of DentinoCer, while high Ca and P proportions suggest obturation by dentin-like material.

Correction to: Performance of a bioglass-based dentine desensitizer under lactid acid exposition: an in-vitro study.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported their family and given names have been mismatched. The correct names can be found below.

Assessment of peri-implant defects at titanium and zirconium dioxide implants by means of periapical radiographs and cone beam computed tomography: An in-vitro examination.

OBJECTIVE: To test the accuracy of measurement of interproximal peri-implant bone defects at titanium (Ti) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2 ) implants by digital periapical radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 18 models, each containing one Ti and one ZrO2 implant, were cast in dental stone. Six models each were allocated to following defect groups: A-no peri-implant defect, B-1 mm width defect, C-1.5 mm width defect. The defect width was measured with a digital sliding caliper. Subsequently, the models were scanned by means of PR and CBCT. Three examiners assessed the defect width on PR and CBCT. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied to detect differences between imaging techniques and implant types. RESULTS: For PR, the deviation of the defect width measurement (mm) for groups A, B, and C amounted to 0.01 ± 0.03, -0.02 ± 0.06, and -0.00 ± 0.04 at Ti and 0.05 ± 0.02, 0.01 ± 0.03, and 0.09 ± 0.03 at ZrO2 implants. The corresponding values (mm) for CBCT reached 0.10 ± 0.11, 0.26 ± 0.05, and 0.24 ± 0.08 at Ti and 1.07 ± 0.06, 0.64 ± 0.37, and 0.54 ± 0.17 at ZrO2 implants. Except for Ti with defect A, measurements in PR were significantly more accurate in comparison to CBCT (p ≤ 0.05). Both methods generally yielded more accurate measurements for Ti than for ZrO2 . CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of interproximal peri-implant defect width at Ti and ZrO2 implants was more accurate in PR in comparison to CBCT. Measurements in CBCT always led to an overestimation of the defect width, reaching clinical relevance for ZrO2 implants.

Correction to: Effectiveness of adjunctive hyaluronic acid application in coronally advanced flap in Miller class I single gingival recession sites: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

The figure 2 of the original version of this article was incorrect. Correct figure is presented below.

Peri-implant bone density around implants of different lengths: A 3-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Short dental implants are frequently placed, however, little is known about the effect of the loading force regarding an enhanced crown-to-implant ratio. The aim of this study was therefore to assess bone density changes after a 3-year period, on radiographs acquired from a randomized, controlled two-centre clinical study comparing implants of 6 and 10 mm of length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three predefined areas were chosen on standardized X-rays in order to assess grey-scale values of the peri-implant bone: One at the tip of the apex and two at half-length on the mesial and distal sides of the implant. Radiographs at all follow-up appointments had previously been calibrated using control fields in areas of constant density. RESULTS: Around short implants, peri-implant bone displayed significantly higher differences in grey-scale values (p = .031) after 3 years, indicating a higher degree of mineralization. This phenomenon was not observed around long implants. CONCLUSIONS: A higher degree of mineralization around short implants was recorded. Whether this finding goes along with hampered bone adaptability, and accordingly, higher failure rates of short implants must be studied further in long-term clinical trials.

In vitro cleaning potential of three implant debridement methods. Simulation of the non-surgical approach.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the cleaning potential of commonly used implant debridement methods, simulating non-surgical peri-implantitis therapy in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred-and-eighty dental implants were ink-stained and mounted in combined soft and hard tissue models, representing peri-implantitis defects with angulations of 30, 60, and 90° covered by a custom-made artificial mucosa. Implants were treated by a dental school graduate and a board-certified periodontist for 120 s with following instruments: Gracey curette, ultrasonic scaler, and an air powder abrasive device with a nozzle for sub-mucosal use utilizing glycine powder. All procedures were repeated 10 times for each instrumentation and defect morphology respectively. Images of the implant surface were taken. Areas with color remnants were planimetrically determined and their cumulative surface area was calculated. Results were tested for statistical differences using two-way anova and Bonferroni correction. Micro-morphologic surface changes were analyzed on scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. RESULTS: The areas of uncleaned surfaces (%, mean ± standard deviations) for curettes, ultrasonic tips, and air abrasion accounted for 74.70 ± 4.89%, 66.95 ± 8.69% and 33.87 ± 12.59% respectively. The air powder abrasive device showed significantly better results for all defect angulations (P < 0.0001). SEM evaluation displayed considerable surface alterations after instrumentation with Gracey curettes and ultrasonic devices, whereas glycine powder did not result in any surface alterations. CONCLUSION: A complete surface cleaning could not be achieved regardless of the instrumentation method applied. The air powder abrasive device showed a superior cleaning potential for all defect angulations with better results at wide defects.

Location of unaccessible implant surface areas during debridement in simulated peri-implantitis therapy.

BACKGROUND: An in vitro model for peri-implantitis treatment was used to identify areas that are clinically difficult to clean by analyzing the pattern of residual stain after debridement with commonly employed instruments. METHODS: Original data from two previous publications, which simulated surgical (SA) and non-surgical (NSA) implant debridement on two different implant systems respectively, were reanalyzed regarding the localization pattern of residual stains after instrumentation. Two blinded examiners evaluated standardized photographs of 360 initially ink-stained dental implants, which were cleaned at variable defect angulations (30, 60, or 90°), using different instrument types (Gracey curette, ultrasonic scaler or air powder abrasive device) and treatment approaches (SA or NSA). Predefined implant surface areas were graded for residual stain using scores ranging from one (stain-covered) to six (clean). Score differences between respective implant areas were tested for significance by pairwise comparisons using Wilcoxon-rank-sum-tests with a significance level α = 5%. RESULTS: Best scores were found at the machined surface areas (SA: 5.58 ± 0.43, NSA: 4.76 ± 1.09), followed by the tips of the threads (SA: 4.29 ± 0.44, NSA: 4.43 ± 0.61), and areas between threads (SA: 3.79 ± 0.89, NSA: 2.42 ± 1.11). Apically facing threads were most difficult to clean (SA: 1.70 ± 0.92, NSA: 2.42 ± 1.11). Here, air powder abrasives provided the best results. CONCLUSION: Machined surfaces at the implant shoulder were well accessible and showed least amounts of residual stain. Apically facing thread surfaces constituted the area with most residual stain regardless of treatment approach.

Clinical association of Spirochaetes and Synergistetes with peri-implantitis.

OBJECTIVES: The microbial composition of peri-implantitis-associated biofilms may resemble that of periodontitis, with some distinctive differences, as identified by various conventional or molecular detection methods. Yet, the complete microbiome of peri-implantitis awaits further characterization. The present clinical study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the association of Spirochaetes, and the more recently identified phylum Synergistetes, with peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Submucosal biofilms were obtained from single sites of patients with peri-implantitis (n = 43) or individuals with peri-implant health (n = 41). The samples were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and epifluorescence microscopy, using 16S rRNA-based oligonucleotide probes for Synergistetes cluster A, subclusters A1 and A2, and Treponema groups I-III and IV. RESULTS: Treponema group IV was barely detectable, whereas Treponema groups I-III were detected at low prevalence in health, but their prevalence and numbers were significantly increased in peri-implantitis by 48% and 2.4-log, respectively. Synergistetes cluster A was detected in half of the healthy sites, and its prevalence and numbers were significantly increased in peri-implantitis by 30% and 2.5-log, respectively. No quantitative differences were found between Synergistetes subclusters A1 and A2 numbers, as both increased by 2.8-log. Synergistetes cluster A displayed strong correlations with several clinical peri-implant parameters, but Treponema groups I-III only with probing pocket depth. CONCLUSION: The present clinical cross-sectional study demonstrates that Spriochaetes of the Treponema groups I-III, but not group IV, and Synergistetes of the cluster A are highly associated with peri-implantitis. Synergistetes cluster A appears to display a stronger association with peri-implantitis than Spirochaetes.

Influence of different post-interventional maintenance concepts on periodontal outcomes: an evaluation of three systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: To selectively review the existing literature on post-interventional maintenance protocols in patients with periodontal disease receiving either non-surgical or surgical periodontal treatment. METHODS: Three systematic reviews with different periodontal interventions, i.e. scaling and root planing (SRP), SRP with adjunctive antibiotics or regenerative periodontal surgery were evaluated focusing on their post-interventional maintenance care. Due to the early publication of one review an additional literature search update was undertaken. The search was executed for studies published from January 2001 till March 2015 through an electronic database to ensure the inclusion of resent studies on SRP. Two reviewers guided the study selection and assessed the validity of the three reviews found. RESULTS: Within the group of scaling and root planing alone there have been nine studies with more than three appointments for maintenance care and five studies with more than two appointments in the first 2 months after the intervention. Chlorhexidine was the most frequently used antiseptic agent used for 2 weeks after non-surgical intervention. Scaling and root planing with adjunctive antibiotics showed a similar number of visits with professional biofilm debridement, whereas regenerative studies displayed more studies with more than three visits in the intervention group. In addition, the use of antiseptics was longer and lasted 4 to 8 weeks after the regenerative intervention. The latter studies also showed more stringent maintenance protocols. CONCLUSIONS: With increased interventional effort there was a greater tendency to increase frequency and duration of the maintenance care program and antiseptic agents.

Influence of obesity on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and periodontitis are important chronic health problems. Obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of periodontitis. Whether obesity also affects the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy is to date still unclear. METHODS: A systematic review of studies referenced in SCOPUS, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Biosis and Web of Science was performed. Titles, abstracts and finally full texts were scrutinized for possible inclusion by two independent investigators. Quality and heterogeneity of the studies were assessed and the study designs were examined. Probing pocket depth reduction was analyzed as primary surrogate parameter for therapeutic success after non-surgical periodontal therapy. RESULTS: One-hundred-and-fifty-nine potentially qualifying studies were screened. Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Three of eight studies failed to show an influence of obesity on pocket depth reduction after non-surgical therapy. The remaining five studies documented a clear negative effect on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy. The finally included studies did not correspond to the highest level of quality (RCTs). Due to the heterogeneity of the data a meta-analysis was not possible. CONCLUSION: The literature on the effect of obesity on the treatment outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy remains controversial. The data, however, support that obesity is not only a factor associated with poorer periodontal health but might also result in inferior response to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis.