Understanding exosomes: Part 3-therapeutic + diagnostic potential in dentistry.

Exosomes are the smallest subset of extracellular signaling vesicles secreted by most cells with the ability to communicate with other tissues and cell types over long distances. Their use in regenerative medicine has gained tremendous momentum recently due to their ability to be utilized as therapeutic options for a wide array of various diseases. Over 5000 publications are currently being published on this topic yearly, many of which in the dental space. This extensive review article is the first scoping review aimed at summarizing all therapeutic uses of exosomes in regenerative dentistry. A total of 944 articles were identified as using exosomes in the dental field for either their regenerative/therapeutic potential or for diagnostic purposes derived from the oral cavity. In total, 113 research articles were selected for their regenerative potential (102 in vitro, 60 in vivo, 50 studies included both). Therapeutic exosomes were most commonly derived from dental pulps, periodontal ligament cells, gingival fibroblasts, stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth, and the apical papilla which have all been shown to facilitate the regenerative potential of a number of tissues including bone, cementum, the periodontal ligament, nerves, aid in orthodontic tooth movement, and relieve temporomandibular joint disorders, among others. Results demonstrate that the use of exosomes led to positive outcomes in 100% of studies. In the bone field, exosomes were found to perform equally as well or better than rhBMP2 while significantly reducing inflammation. Periodontitis animal models were treated with simple gingival injections of exosomes and benefits were even observed when the exosomes were administered intravenously. Exosomes are much more stable than growth factors and were shown to be far more resistant against degradation by periodontal pathogens found routinely in a periodontitis environment. Comparative studies in the field of periodontal regeneration found better outcomes for exosomes even when compared to their native parent stem cells. In total 47 diagnostic studies revealed a role for salivary/crevicular fluid exosomes for the diagnosis of birth defects, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gingival recession detection, gingivitis, irritable bowel syndrome, neurodegenerative disease, oral lichen planus, oral squamous cell carcinoma, oropharyngeal cancer detection, orthodontic root resorption, pancreatic cancer, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, Sjögren syndrome, and various systemic diseases. Hence, we characterize the exosomes as possessing "remarkable" potential, serving as a valuable tool for clinicians with significant advantages.

Understanding exosomes: Part 2-Emerging leaders in regenerative medicine.

Exosomes are the smallest subset of extracellular signaling vesicles secreted by most cells with the ability to communicate with other tissues and cell types over long distances. Their use in regenerative medicine has gained tremendous momentum recently due to their ability to be utilized as therapeutic options for a wide array of diseases/conditions. Over 5000 publications are currently being published yearly on this topic, and this number is only expected to dramatically increase as novel therapeutic strategies continue to be developed. Today exosomes have been applied in numerous contexts including neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, central nervous system, depression, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injury, peripheral nerve injury), damaged organs (heart, kidney, liver, stroke, myocardial infarctions, myocardial infarctions, ovaries), degenerative processes (atherosclerosis, diabetes, hematology disorders, musculoskeletal degeneration, osteoradionecrosis, respiratory disease), infectious diseases (COVID-19, hepatitis), regenerative procedures (antiaging, bone regeneration, cartilage/joint regeneration, osteoarthritis, cutaneous wounds, dental regeneration, dermatology/skin regeneration, erectile dysfunction, hair regrowth, intervertebral disc repair, spinal cord injury, vascular regeneration), and cancer therapy (breast, colorectal, gastric cancer and osteosarcomas), immune function (allergy, autoimmune disorders, immune regulation, inflammatory diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). This scoping review is a first of its kind aimed at summarizing the extensive regenerative potential of exosomes over a broad range of diseases and disorders.

The development of non-resorbable bone allografts: Biological background and clinical perspectives.

Bone grafts are typically categorized into four categories: autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic alloplasts. While it was originally thought that all bone grafts should be slowly resorbed and replaced with native bone over time, accumulating evidence has in fact suggested that the use of nonresorbable xenografts is favored for certain clinical indications. Thus, many clinicians take advantage of the nonresorbable properties/features of xenografts for various clinical indications, such as contour augmentation, sinus grafting, and guided bone regeneration, which are often combined with allografts (e.g., human freeze-dried bone allografts [FDBAs] and human demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts [DFDBAs]). Thus, many clinicians have advocated different 50/50 or 70/30 ratios of allograft/xenograft combination approaches for various grafting procedures. Interestingly, many clinicians believe that one of the main reasons for the nonresorbability or low substitution rates of xenografts has to do with their foreign animal origin. Recent research has indicated that the sintering technique and heating conducted during their processing changes the dissolution rate of hydroxyapatite, leading to a state in which osteoclasts are no longer able to resorb (dissolve) the sintered bone. While many clinicians often combine nonresorbable xenografts with the bone-inducing properties of allografts for a variety of bone augmentation procedures, clinicians are forced to use two separate products owing to their origins (the FDA/CE does not allow the mixture of allografts with xenografts within the same dish/bottle). This has led to significant progress in understanding the dissolution rates of xenografts at various sintering temperature changes, which has since led to the breakthrough development of nonresorbable bone allografts sintered at similar temperatures to nonresorbable xenografts. The advantage of the nonresorbable bone allograft is that they can now be combined with standard allografts to create a single mixture combining the advantages of both allografts and xenografts while allowing the purchase and use of a single product. This review article presents the concept with evidence derived from a 52-week monkey study that demonstrated little to no resorption along with in vitro data supporting this novel technology as a "next-generation" biomaterial with optimized bone grafting material properties.

Hyaluronic acid enhances cell migration, viability, and mineralized tissue-specific genes in cementoblasts.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It has been repeatedly demonstrated that cementum formation is a crucial step in periodontal regeneration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix which regulates cells functions and cell-cell communication. Hyaluronic acid/derivatives have been used in regenerative periodontal therapy, but the cellular effects of HA are still unknown. To investigate the effects of HA on cementoblast functions, cell viability, migration, mineralization, differentiation, and mineralized tissue-associated genes and cementoblast-specific markers of the cementoblasts were tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cementoblasts (OCCM-30) were treated with various dilutions (0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128) of HA and examined for cell viability, migration, mineralization, and gene expressions. The mRNA expressions of osteocalcin (OCN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein (BSP), collagen type I (COL-I), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cementum protein-1 (CEMP-1), cementum attachment protein (CAP), and small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) -1, 2, 3, 6, 7, ß-catenin (Ctnnb1) were performed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Total RNA was isolated on days 3 and 8, and cell viability was determined using MTT assay on days 1 and 3. The cell mineralization was evaluated by von Kossa staining on day 8. Cell migration was assessed 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours following exposure to HA dilutions using an in vitro wound healing assay (0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8). RESULTS: At dilution of 1:2 to 1:128, HA importantly increased cell viability (p < .01). HA at a dilution of 1/2 increased wound healing rates after 4 h compared to the other dilutions and the untreated control group. Increased numbers of mineralized nodules were determined at dilutions of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 compared with control group. mRNA expressions of mineralized tissue marker including COL-I, BSP, RunX2, ALP, and OCN significantly improved by HA treatments compared with control group both on 3 days and on 8 days (p < .01). Smad 2, Smad 3, Smad 7, and ß-catenin (Ctnnb1) mRNAs were up-regulated, while Smad1 and Smad 6 were not affected by HA administration. Additionally, HA at dilutions of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 remarkably enhanced CEMP-1 and CAP expressions in a dilution- and time-dependent manner (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The present results have demonstrated that HA affected the expression of both mineralized tissue markers and cementoblast-specific genes. Positive effects of HA on the cementoblast functions demonstrated that HA application may play a key role in cementum regeneration.

Histological evaluation of osseointegration between conventional and novel bone-level tapered implants in healed bone-A preclinical study.

AIMS: To histologically compare osseointegration and crestal bone healing between newly introduced tapered, self-cutting bone-level test implants and tapered bone-level control implants in sites with fully healed sites. METHODS: Sixty-six implants (33 test, 33 control) were placed 1 mm subcrestally in a minipig model and underwent qualitative histologic and quantitative histometric analyses after 3, 6 and 12 weeks of submerged healing. The primary and secondary outcomes were the bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and first bone-to-implant contact (fBIC). Outcomes between the test and control implants were statistically compared. RESULTS: The BIC values of the test implants were comparable and non-inferior over the time points studied, except for the 12 weeks time point which showed statistically significantly higher BIC values of the test (88.07 ± 5.35%) compared to the control implants (80.88 ± 7.51%) (p = .010). Similarly comparable and non-inferior were the fBIC values, except for the 6-week outcome, which showed statistically higher values for the test (-546.5 ± 450.80 µm) compared to the control implants (-75.7 ± 100.59 µm). fBIC results for the test implants were qualitatively more stable and consistent between test time points. CONCLUSION: Novel self-cutting bone-level test implants demonstrated superior osseointegration and similar bone levels compared to conventional bone-level implants after a healing period of 12 weeks in healed ridges.

Preclinical evaluation of a new synthetic carbonate apatite bone substitute on periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of a novel synthetic carbonate apatite bone substitute (CO3 Ap-BS) on periodontal regeneration. BACKGROUND: The use of various synthetic bone substitutes as a monotherapy for periodontal regeneration mainly results in a reparative healing pattern. Since xenografts or allografts are not always accepted by patients for various reasons, a synthetic alternative would be desirable. METHODS: Acute-type 3-wall intrabony defects were surgically created in 4 female beagle dogs. Defects were randomly allocated and filled with CO3 Ap-BS (test) and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) or left empty (control). After 8 weeks, the retrieved specimens were scanned by micro-CT, and the percentages of new bone, bone substitute, and soft tissues were evaluated. Thereafter, the tissues were histologically and histometrically analyzed. RESULTS: Healing was uneventful in all animals, and defects were present without any signs of adverse events. Formation of periodontal ligament and cementum occurred to varying extent in all groups without statistically significant differences between the groups. Residues of both bone substitutes were still present and showed integration into new bone. Histometry and micro-CT revealed that the total mineralized area or volume was higher with the use of CO3 Ap-BS compared to control (66.06 ± 9.34%, 36.11 ± 6.40%; p = .014, or 69.74 ± 2.95%, 42.68 ± 8.68%; p = .014). The percentage of bone substitute surface covered by new bone was higher for CO3 Ap-BS (47.22 ± 3.96%) than for DBBM (16.69 ± 5.66, p = .114). CONCLUSIONS: CO3 Ap-BS and DBBM demonstrated similar effects on periodontal regeneration. However, away from the root surface, more new bone, total mineralized area/volume, and higher osteoconductivity were observed for the CO3 Ap-BS group compared to the DBBM group. These findings point to the potential of CO3 Ap-BS for periodontal and bone regeneration.

Consensus report of the second European Consensus Workshop on Education in Periodontology.

BACKGROUND: The second European Consensus Workshop on Education in Periodontology was commissioned, as a result of the changes in the discipline and the advances in educational methods/technology, to update the 2009 Consensus report of the first European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) Workshop on the same topic that was jointly authored by the Association for Dental Education in Europe. AIM: To identify and propose changes necessary in periodontal education at three levels, namely undergraduate, specialist and continuing professional development (CPD), with respect to learning outcomes, competencies and methods of learning/training and evaluation. METHODS: Four working groups (WGs) considered education in periodontology at the undergraduate, specialist and CPD levels, and education methods. Four commissioned position papers, one per WG, summarized the relevant information. Workshop participants gathered at an in-person consensus meeting to discuss the individual reviews, and this consensus report summarizes the conclusions. RESULTS: The learning outcomes for undergraduate and specialist education in periodontology have been updated, and a proposal for learning outcomes for CPD programmes was made. Learning/teaching/training and evaluation methods were proposed for each level of education, which included face-to-face, virtual and blended learning methods. CONCLUSION: Developments in oral/dental medicine and in contemporary educational technologies have been translated into updated learning outcomes and learning/teaching/ training/evaluation methods relevant to education in periodontology.

Comparative osseointegration of hydrophobic tissue-level tapered implants-A preclinical in vivo study.

PURPOSE: To histometrically compare the osseointegration and crestal bone healing of a novel tapered, self-cutting tissue-level test implant with a standard tissue-level control implant in a submerged healing regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a mandibular minipig model, implants were inserted and evaluated histometrically after a healing period of 3, 6, and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the evaluation of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and secondary outcomes were primary stability as per insertion torque and first BIC (fBIC). Outcomes for the test and control implants were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and mixed linear regression models. RESULTS: Insertion torque values were significantly higher for the test (50.0 ± 26.4 Ncm) compared to the control implants (35.2 ± 19.7 Ncm, p = .0071). BIC values of test implants were non-inferior to those of control implants over the investigated study period. After 12 weeks, the corresponding values measured were 81.62 ± 11.12% and 90.41 ± 4.81% (p = .1763) for test and control implants, respectively. Similarly, no statistical difference was found for fBIC values, except for the 12 weeks outcome that showed statistically lower values for the test (-675.58 ± 590.88 µm) compared to control implants (-182.75 ± 197.40 µm, p = .0068). CONCLUSIONS: Novel self-cutting tissue-level implants demonstrated noninferior osseointegration and crestal bone height maintenance to the tissue-level implants. Histometric outcomes between both implants demonstrated test implants were statistically noninferior to control implants, despite substantial differences in the bone engagement mechanism and resulting differences in insertion torque and qualitative bone healing patterns.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite gel on bacteria associated with periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVES: An adjunct in non-surgical periodontal therapy might be sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-based agents. The purpose of the present in vitro study was to get deeper knowledge on the influence of different parameters as time after mixing, pH, and chemical composition of an amino acid 0.475% NaOCl (AA-NaOCl) gel consisting of two components on its anti-biofilm activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six-species biofilms were cultured for 5 days, before AA-NaOCl gel was applied. In the different series, the influence of the time after mixing of the two components before application, of the concentration of NaOCl in the gel mixture, of the pH of the gel mixture, and of an exchange of the amino acid component by hyaluronic acid (HA), was analyzed. RESULTS: Mixing time point experiments showed that the AA-NaOCl gel is capable of statistically significantly reducing colony-forming unit (cfu) counts up to 30 min after mixing, but only up to 20 min after mixing the reduction was more than 2 log10 cfu. The pH experiments indicate that a reduced pH results in a reduced activity of the NaOCl formulation. NaOCl concentrations in the formulation in the range from 0.475 to 0.2% provide adequate activity on biofilms. A HA/NaOCl gel was equally active against the biofilm as the AA-NaOCl gel. CONCLUSION: Mixing of the components should be made in a timeframe of 20 min before applications. An optimization of the composition of the NaOCl formulation might be possible and should be a topic in further in vitro studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The AA-NaOCl gel formulation can be mixed up to 20 min before application. Further, the study indicates that the composition of the NaOCl gel formulation can be optimized.

Adjunctive use of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of gingival recessions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficacy of Hyaluronic acid as an adjunctive in treatment of gingival recessions (GR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in several electronic databases, including Medline/ PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and LILACS. Recession improvement was evaluated through multiple outcome variables. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the ROBINS-I tool were used to assess the quality of the included trials. Weighted Mean Differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between test and control sites were estimated through meta-analysis using a random-effect model for the amount of Relative Root Coverage (RRC). RESULTS: A total of 3 randomised studies were deemed as eligible for inclusion. Their data were also used for pooling the effect estimates. Overall analysis of RRC (3 studies) presented a WMD of 7.49% (p = 0.42; 95% CIs -10.88, 25.86) in favour of adjunctive use of hyaluronic acid during Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) technique, although statistical significance was not reached. Statistical heterogeneity was found to be high (I2 = 80%). CONCLUSIONS: Within their limitations, the present data indicate that the local application of Hyaluronic acid does not lead to additional clinical benefits when used as an adjunctive to the treatment of GR with CAF. However, due to the high heterogeneity among the studies, additional well-designed RCTs are needed to provide further evidence on this clinical indication for the use of Hyaluronic acid. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the frame of the current review, the adjunctive use of Hyaluronic acid does not additionally improve the clinical outcomes obtained during treatment of GR with CAF.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on early wound healing after recession coverage surgery with the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique and a connective tissue graft: A 6-month, triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or ubiquinone is one of a cell's most important electron carriers during oxidative phosphorylation and many other cellular processes. As a strong anti-oxidant with further anti-inflammatory effects CoQ10 is of potential therapeutical value. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to investigate the effect of topical CoQ10 on early wound healing after recession coverage surgery using the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and palatal connective tissue graft (CTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with buccal gingival recessions were evaluated after being randomly allocated to: 1) MCAT and CTG with topical application of a coenzyme Q10 spray for 21 days or 2) MCAT and CTG with placebo spray. Wound healing was evaluated by the early wound healing index (EHI). Patient-reported pain was analyzed by a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) at day 2, 7, 14 and 21 post-surgically. Mean recession coverage, gain of keratinized tissue and esthetic outcomes were assessed at 6 months. RESULTS: EHI and pain scores showed no significant differences. Time to recovery defined as VAS<10 mm was shorter in the test group. Mean root coverage after 6 months was 84.62 ± 26.57% and 72.19 ± 26.30% for test and placebo, p=0.052. Complete root coverage was obtained in 9 (60%) test and in 2 (13.3%) placebo patients. Increase in keratinized tissue width and esthetical outcomes were similar for both groups. CONCLUSION: CoQ10 had no significant effect on early wound healing and on mean root coverage after 6 months. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Early wound healing: in young healthy patients with no inflammatory oral conditions topical CoQ10 does not improve early healing.

Nano-superhydrophilic and bioactive surface in poor bone environment. Part 1: transition from primary to secondary stability. A controlled clinical trial : Bioactive implant surfaces in poor density bone.

OBJECTIVES: Bioactive surfaces were designed to increase the interaction between the surface and the cells. This may speed up the biological stability and loading protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 patients with D3-D4 bone density were recruited and allocated into two groups. 30 bioactive (test group) and 30 traditional (control group) surfaced implants were placed. Insertion torque value (Ncm), insertion torque curve integral (cumulative torque, Ncm), torque density (Ncm/sec), implant stability quotient (ISQ) measured at three timepoints (baseline (T0), 30 (T30) and 45 (T45) days after surgery), and marginal bone loss (MBL) at 6 months of loading were assessed. RESULTS: The mean ISQ and standard deviation at T0, T30, T45 were respectively 74.57 ± 7.85, 74.78 ± 7.31, 74.97 ± 6.34 in test group, and 77.12 ± 5.83, 73.33 ± 6.13, 73.44 ± 7.89 in control group, respectively. Data analysis showed significant differences between groups in ΔISQ at T0-T30 (p = 0.005) and T30-T45 (p = 0.012). Control group showed a significant decrease in ISQ at T30 (p = 0.01) and T45 (p = 0.03) compared to baseline, while no significant change was observed in test group. Due to the stability of the ISQ value ≥ 70, 26 test group and 23 control group implants were functionally loaded after 45 days. Conversely, due to the ISQ < 70 at T45, four test group implants and one control group implant were loaded after 90 days, and 6 control group implants were loaded after 180 days. Neither insertion torque nor ISQ at baseline were correlated with bone density (in Hounsfield units). There was no significant correlation between cumulative torque and ISQ at baseline. There was a significant positive slope in the correlation between torque density and ISQ at baseline, more accentuated in D3 than D4. This correlation remained significant for the test group in D3 bone at day 30 and 45 (p < 0.01 in both time frames), but not in D4 bone, and it was not significant in CG. CONCLUSIONS: The bioactive surface showed better behavior in terms of implant stability in D3-D4 bone quality in the early stages of bone healing. Clinical relevance This study demonstrated that the transition from primary to secondary stability is improved using bioactive surface, especially in cases of poor bone environment (D3/D4 bone).

Assessment of gingival translucency at the mandibular incisors with two different probing systems. A cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidence indicates that the thickness of periodontal soft tissues plays an important role in various clinical scenarios, thus pointing to the need of further clinical research in this area. Aim of the present study was to assess gingival thickness at the mandibular incisors by translucency judgement with two different probes and to validate if these methods are comparable and applicable as diagnostic tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 participants were included; gingival tissue thickness was measured by judging probe translucency at both central mandibular incisors, mid-facially on the buccal aspect of each tooth using a standard periodontal probe and a set of color-coded probe, each with a different color at the tip, i.e. Colorvue Biotype Probe (CBP). Frequencies and relative frequencies were calculated for probe visibility. Agreement between the standard periodontal probe and the CBP was evaluated via the kappa statistic. RESULTS: When the periodontal probe was visible, the frequency of CBP being visible was very high. Kappa statistic for the agreement between the standard periodontal probe and the CBP was 0.198 (71.5% agreement; p-value < 0.001) for tooth 41 and 0.311 (74.0% agreement; p-value < 0.001) for tooth 31, indicating a positive association of the two methods. CONCLUSIONS: An agreement that reached 74% was estimated between the standard periodontal probe and the color-coded probe at central mandibular incisors.  CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the context of the present study, the two methods of evaluating gingival thickness seem to produce comparable measurements with a substantial agreement. However, in the 1/4 of the cases, the visibility of the color-coded probe could not assist in the categorization of the gingival phenotype.

Autogenous graft versus collagen matrices for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation. A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this review is to compare autogenous soft tissue grafts (connective tissue graft - CTG and free gingival graft-FGG) with different type of matrices (acellular dermal matrix-ADM, xenograft collagen matrix-XCM, volume-stable collagen matrix-VCMX) used to increase peri-implant soft tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search on electronic databases was performed to identify randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs and CCTs, respectively) with either parallel or split-mouth design, and treating ≥ 10 patients. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to compare different matrices. Soft tissue thickness dimensional changes and keratinized width (KMW) changes were the primary outcome measures. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate: a) PROMs; b) volumetric changes; c) surgical operating time; and d) different periodontal measurements. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 16 studies (11 RCTs and 5 CCTs) in the quantitative analysis. A total of N = 573 sites were evaluated for NMA. CTG resulted the best material for increasing peri-implant soft tissue thickness, at 180 and 360 days after surgery. The use of an ADM showed good results for buccal thickness increase, primarily in the first three months after surgery. Vestibuloplasty + FGG resulted in the most effective technique for peri-implant KMW augmentation, after 180 days. CONCLUSIONS: While CTG demonstrated better performance in all the comparison and FGG showed to be the best graft to increase keratinized mucosa up to 90 days, ADM and VCMX may be used to increase soft tissue horizontal thickness with lower patients' morbidity. LIMITATIONS: The limits of this NMA are the following: a) limited number of included studies; b) high heterogeneity among them (number of patients, treatment sites, surgical techniques, outcome measures, and follow-ups). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many studies compared the efficacy of autogenous and non-autogenous grafts in terms of gingival thickness, volume, and keratinized width increase. However, there is still not clear overall evidence on this topic. This NMA helps clinicians to choose the right material in different peri-implant soft tissue procedures. Recommendations for future studies are mandatory.

In-vitro effects of novel periodontal scalers with a planar ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer on periodontal biofilm removal, dentine surface roughness, and periodontal ligament fibroblasts adhesion.

OBJECTIVES: To compare ultrasonic scaler prototypes based on a planar piezoelectric transducer with different working frequencies featuring a titanium (Ti-20, Ti-28, and Ti-40) or stainless steel (SS-28) instrument, with a commercially available scaler (com-29) in terms of biofilm removal and reformation, dentine surface roughness and adhesion of periodontal fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A periodontal multi-species biofilm was formed on specimens with dentine slices. Thereafter specimens were instrumented with scalers in a periodontal pocket model or left untreated (control). The remaining biofilms were quantified and allowed to reform on instrumented dentine slices. In addition, fibroblasts were seeded for attachment evaluation after 72 h of incubation. Dentine surface roughness was analyzed before and after instrumentation. RESULTS: All tested instruments reduced the colony-forming unit (cfu) counts by about 3 to 4 log10 and the biofilm quantity (each p < 0.01 vs. control), but with no statistically significant difference between the instrumented groups. After 24-hour biofilm reformation, no differences in cfu counts were observed between any groups, but the biofilm quantity was about 50% in all instrumented groups compared to the control. The attachment of fibroblasts on instrumented dentine was significantly higher than on untreated dentine (p < 0.05), with the exception of Ti-20. The dentine surface roughness was not affected by any instrumentation. CONCLUSIONS: The planar piezoelectric scaler prototypes are able to efficiently remove biofilm without dentine surface alterations, regardless of the operating frequency or instrument material. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonic scalers based on a planar piezoelectric transducer might be an alternative to currently available ultrasonic scalers.

Histological evaluation of nonsurgical periodontal treatment with and without the use of sodium hypochlorite / amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate periodontal wound healing following scaling and root planing (SRP) in conjunction with the application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) gels in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In four beagle dogs, 2-wall intrabony defects were created and metal strips were placed around the teeth. Clinical parameters were measured 4 weeks after plaque accumulation. The experimental root surfaces were subjected to SRP with either the subgingival application of a sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and a xHyA gel (test group) or SRP alone (control group) using a split-mouth design. Clinical parameters were re-evaluated at 6 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 8 weeks for histological analysis. RESULTS: The test group showed significant improvements in all clinical parameters compared to the control group. Histologically, the test group exhibited statistically significantly greater new bone formation [i.e., length of newly formed bone, new bone area] compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, statistically significantly greater formation of new attachment [i.e., linear length of new cementum adjacently to newly formed bone with inserting collagen fibers] and new cementum was detected in the test group compared with the control group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: The adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid and xHyA gels to SRP offers an innovative novel approach to enhance periodontal wound healing/regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present findings have for the first-time shown histologic evidence for periodontal regeneration in support of this novel treatment modality.

Complications and treatment errors related to regenerative periodontal surgery.

Regenerative periodontal surgical procedures are an important component in the treatment of advanced periodontitis. They aim to improve the long-term prognosis of teeth that are periodontally compromised by the presence of intrabony and/or furcation defects, resulting biologically in formation of root cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone and evidenced clinically by reduction of deep pockets to maintainable probing depths and/or improvements of vertical and horizontal furcation depth. Over the last 25 years, substantial clinical evidence has been accumulated to support the value of regenerative procedures in periodontally compromised dentitions. However, treatment success requires close attention to certain factors on the level of the patient, the tooth/defect, and the operator. Ignoring these factors in case selection, treatment planning, and treatment execution will increase the risk of complications that may jeopardize clinical success and may even be considered as treatment errors. Based on the currently available evidence from clinical practice guidelines, treatment algorithms, and on expert opinion, the present article provides an overview on the main factors, which influence the outcomes of regenerative periodontal surgery and gives recommendations on how to prevent complications and treatment errors.

Complications and treatment errors involving periodontal tissues related to orthodontic therapy.

In this review, typical clinical complications involving periodontal tissues are illustrated that can be encountered in conjunction with orthodontic therapy (OT). Special considerations are given for various clinical scenarios, such as the patient presenting in periodontal health, with periodontitis, or with mucogingival conditions. While some of the complications are seen as common side effects of OT, other, more severe, problems that could have been avoided may be viewed as treatment errors. Recommendations are made on how to prevent these complications, based on the currently available evidence, on clinical practice guidelines, and on expert opinion. In conclusion, while there are several areas in which OT can have unwanted adverse effects on periodontal/mucogingival conditions, there is also great potential for synergies, offering opportunities for close cooperation between the two specialties (periodontics and orthodontics) for the benefit of patients affected by tooth malpositioning and/or periodontal or mucogingival problems.

Complications and treatment errors in implant positioning in the aesthetic zone: Diagnosis and possible solutions.

Incorrect implant positioning can lead to functional and aesthetic compromise. Implant positioning errors can occur in three dimensions: mesiodistal, corono-apical, and orofacial. Treatment solutions to manage adverse outcomes through positioning errors require an understanding of the underlying conditions and of those factors that may have led to the error being committed in the first place. These types of complications usually occur because of human factors. If errors do occur with adverse aesthetic outcomes, they are difficult and sometimes impossible to correct. Connective tissue grafts to reverse recession defects are only feasible in defined situations. The option to remove and replace the implant may be the only recourse, provided the removal process does not further compromise the site. Error in judgment by the clinician.

Optimization of platelet-rich fibrin.

The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has gained tremendous popularity in recent years owing to its ability to speed wound healing postsurgery. However, to date, many clinicians are unaware of methods designed to optimize the technology. This overview article will discuss the advancements and improvements made over the years aimed at maximizing cell and growth factor concentrations. First, a general understanding explaining the differences between RPM and RCF (g-force) is introduced. Then, the low-speed centrifugation concept, fixed angle versus horizontal centrifugation, and methods to maximize platelet concentrations using optimized protocols will be discussed in detail. Thereafter, the importance of chemically modified PRF tubes without the addition of chemical additives, as well as regulation of temperature to induce/delay clotting, will be thoroughly described. This article is a first of its kind summarizing all recent literature on PRF designed to optimize PRF production for clinical treatment.