The Impact of Masticatory Function on Cognitive Impairment in Older Patients:A Population-Based Matched Case-Control Study

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the changes in masticatory function and cognitive impairment by analyzing longitudinal data of older Korean patients. @*Materials and Methods@#Patients aged over 60 years with dental records between 2005 to 2010 (baseline; T1) and 2014 to 2020 (follow-up; T2) were selected in a single medical center. Based on the dementia diagnosis after T2, the cohort was classified into two groups, the dementia group (n=122) and the control group (n=366). Changes in masticatory function were calculated using the total functional tooth unit (T-FTU) in both groups. The incidence of tooth extraction (%) and the subsequent rehabilitation during the observation period were also evaluated. @*Results@#In the dementia group, T-FTU significantly decreased from T1 to T2 (9.81±2.78 to 9.11±3.16, respectively, p=0.008), while no significant change was observed in the control group. During the mean observation period of 9 years, significantly more teeth were extracted and neglected to be prosthetically restored in the dementia group than in the control group. Regression analysis revealed that the number of missing teeth neglected [odds ratio (OR)=1.195, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.025–1.393, p=0.023] and previous alcohol consumption (OR=4.445, 95% CI=1.831–1.795, p=0.001) were the most significant risk factors of dementia. @*Conclusion@#There might be a causative relationship between the neglected missing dentition and the onset of dementia.

Degradation Properties of a Bi-layered Crosslinked Collagen Membrane for Localized Bone Regeneration: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Purpose@#(i) To evaluate the biologic properties of a bi-layered 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride-cross-linked collagen membrane (CCM) In Vitro. (ii) To assess the efficacy of CCM for localized bone regeneration In Vivo. @*Materials and Methods@#Biodegradation of CCM compared to a native collagen membrane (NCM) was assessed In Vitro. In Vivo, twelve male New Zealand White rabbits were used. Four calvarial, circular defects (diameter 8 mm) were created in each animal. The sites were randomly allocated to i) CCM+biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) (CCM-BCP group), ii) CCM alone (CCM), iii) BCP alone (BCP) and, iv) negative control (control). Animals were sacrificed at 2 (n=6) and 8 weeks (n=6). Outcome measures included: micro-computed tomography (μCT) analysis (total augmented volume [TAV], new bone volume) and histomorphometry (total augmented area [TAA], newly formed bone, remaining membrane thickness [RMT]).Result: CCM was more resistant to degradation than NCM. μCT analysis showed CCM-BCP (196.43±25.30 mm 3 ) and BCP (206.23±39.13 mm 3 ) groups had significantly (P<0.01) larger TAV than the control (149.72±12.28 mm 3 ) after 8 weeks. Histomorphometrically, CCM-BCP group (17.75±5.97 mm 2 ) had significantly (P<0.01) greater TAA compared to the CCM group (7.74±2.25 mm 2 ) and the control (8.13±1.81 mm 2 ) after 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, RMT was reduced by 67%. @*Conclusion@#CCM can be a favorable choice of barrier membrane when performing guided bone regeneration (GBR) in localized bone defects. CCM has better resistance to degradation than the natural collagen membrane, In Vitro. In Vivo, CCM provides an advantageous integration of prolonged barrier function and biocompatibility for GBR.

Histopathological Analysis of Irritation Fibroma Occurred in Young Male Gingiva: A Case Report

Irritation fibroma is a reactive hyperplastic lesion caused by chronic stimuli with low intensity in the oral cavity. Irritation fibroma is common in middle-aged females but it may also occur at any age and sex. Clinical characteristics of irritation fibroma are similar to other reactive lesions or benign tumors, therefore, histological examination is essential to make an accurate diagnosis. This case report presents two cases of irritation fibroma occurred on the gingiva in young males. Two male patients in their 20s and 30s of age visited the clinic for the evaluation and treatment of painless gingival overgrowth in the anterior region. Clinically, the lesions were well-defined and firm, with similar color and texture to the adjacent normal gingiva. Excisional biopsy under local anesthesia was conducted with a scalpel, and the lesions were completely removed. Histopathologically, connective tissue consisting of dense collagen bundles, proliferation of fibroblasts and minor infiltrated inflammatory cells were observed. Based on the clinical and histopathological findings, the diagnosis of irritation fibroma was confirmed in both cases.

Distinctive bone regeneration of calvarial defects using biphasic calcium phosphate supplemented ultraviolet-crosslinked collagen membrane

PURPOSE: To overcome several drawbacks of chemically-crosslinked collagen membranes, modification processes such as ultraviolet (UV) crosslinking and the addition of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) to collagen membranes have been introduced. This study evaluated the efficacy and biocompatibility of BCP-supplemented UV-crosslinked collagen membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR) in a rabbit calvarial model.METHODS: Four circular bone defects (diameter, 8 mm) were created in the calvarium of 10 rabbits. Each defect was randomly allocated to one of the following groups: 1) the sham control group (spontaneous healing); 2) the M group (defect coverage with a BCP-supplemented UV-crosslinked collagen membrane and no graft material); 3) the BG (defects filled with BCP particles without membrane coverage); and 4) the BG+M group (defects filled with BCP particles and covered with a BCP-supplemented UV-crosslinked collagen membrane in a conventional GBR procedure). At 2 and 8 weeks, rabbits were sacrificed, and experimental defects were investigated histologically and by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).RESULTS: In both micro-CT and histometric analyses, the BG and BG+M groups at both 2 and 8 weeks showed significantly higher new bone formation than the control group. On micro-CT, the new bone volume of the BG+M group (48.39±5.47 mm3) was larger than that of the BG group (38.71±2.24 mm3, P=0.032) at 8 weeks. Histologically, greater new bone area was observed in the BG+M group than in the BG or M groups. BCP-supplemented UV-crosslinked collagen membrane did not cause an abnormal cellular reaction and was stable until 8 weeks.CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced new bone formation in GBR can be achieved by simultaneously using bone graft material and a BCP-supplemented UV-crosslinked collagen membrane, which showed high biocompatibility and resistance to degradation, making it a biocompatible alternative to chemically-crosslinked collagen membranes.

Alveolar bone height according to the anatomical relationship between the maxillary molar and sinus

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the available alveolar bone height between the maxillary molars and the sinus floor according to their anatomical relationship using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images.METHODS: A total of 752 maxillary first (M1) and second molars (M2) on CBCT scans of 188 patients were selected. First, each maxillary molar was categorized as type 1, 2, 3, or 4 according to the relationship of the molar root with the maxillary sinus floor. The frequency distribution of each type was analyzed. Second, the shortest vertical distance (VD) of each molar was measured from the furcation midpoints of the roots to the lowest point of the sinus floor by 2 observers. Intraclass correlation coefficients and the t-test were calculated for the VD measurements.RESULTS: For M1, type 3 was the most frequent, followed by type 2. For M2, type 3 was the most common, followed by type 1. The VD measurements of type 1 were 9.51±3.68 mm and 8.07±2.73 mm for M1 and M2, and those of type 3 were 3.70±1.52 mm and 4.03±1.53 mm for M1 and M2, respectively. The VD measurements of M2 were significantly higher in female patients than in male patients.CONCLUSIONS: Type 3 was the most frequent anatomical relationship in the maxillary molars, and showed the lowest alveolar bone height. This information will help clinicians to prevent complications related to the maxillary sinus during maxillary molar treatment and to predict the available bone height for immediate implant planning.

Effects of soft tissue grafting prior to orthodontic treatment on preventing gingival recession in dogs

Purpose@#This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of prophylactic gingival grafting in the mandibular anterior labial area for preventing orthodontically induced gingival recession. @*Methods@#Eight mongrel dogs received gingival graft surgery at the first (I1) and third (I3) mandibular incisors on both sides based on the following group allocation: AT group (autogenous connective tissue graft on I1), AT-control group (contralateral side in the AT group), CM group (xenogeneic cross-linked collagen matrix graft on I3) and CM-control group (contralateral side in the CM group). At 4 weeks after surgery, 6 incisors were splinted and proclined for 4 weeks, followed by 16 weeks of retention. At 24 weeks after surgery, casts were made and compared with those made before surgery, and radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed. @*Results@#Despite the proclination of the incisal tip (by approximately 3 mm), labial gingival recession did not occur. The labial gingiva was thicker in the AT group (1.85±0.50 mm vs.1.76±0.45 mm, P>0.05) and CM group (1.90±0.33 mm vs. 1.79±0.20 mm, P>0.05) than in their respective control groups. @*Conclusions@#The level of the labial gingival margin did not change following labial proclination of incisors in dogs. Both the AT and CM groups showed enhanced gingival thickness.

Effects of soft tissue grafting prior to orthodontic treatment on preventing gingival recession in dogs

Purpose@#This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of prophylactic gingival grafting in the mandibular anterior labial area for preventing orthodontically induced gingival recession. @*Methods@#Eight mongrel dogs received gingival graft surgery at the first (I1) and third (I3) mandibular incisors on both sides based on the following group allocation: AT group (autogenous connective tissue graft on I1), AT-control group (contralateral side in the AT group), CM group (xenogeneic cross-linked collagen matrix graft on I3) and CM-control group (contralateral side in the CM group). At 4 weeks after surgery, 6 incisors were splinted and proclined for 4 weeks, followed by 16 weeks of retention. At 24 weeks after surgery, casts were made and compared with those made before surgery, and radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed. @*Results@#Despite the proclination of the incisal tip (by approximately 3 mm), labial gingival recession did not occur. The labial gingiva was thicker in the AT group (1.85±0.50 mm vs.1.76±0.45 mm, P>0.05) and CM group (1.90±0.33 mm vs. 1.79±0.20 mm, P>0.05) than in their respective control groups. @*Conclusions@#The level of the labial gingival margin did not change following labial proclination of incisors in dogs. Both the AT and CM groups showed enhanced gingival thickness.

The effects of hard and soft tissue grafting and individualization of healing abutments at immediate implants: an experimental study in dogs

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intra-alveolar socket grafting, subepithelial connective tissue grafts, and individualized abutments on peri-implant hard and soft tissue outcomes following immediate implant placement. METHODS: This randomized experimental study employed 5 mongrel dogs, with 4 sites per dog (total of 20 sites). The mesial roots of P3 and P4 were extracted in each hemimandible and immediate dental implants were placed. Each site was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 different treatment groups: standardized healing abutment (control group), alloplastic bone substitute material (BSS) + standardized healing abutment (SA group), BSS + individualized healing abutment (IA group), and BSS + individualized healing abutment + a subepithelial connective tissue graft (IAG group). Clinical, histological, and profilometric analyses were performed. The intergroup differences were calculated using the Bonferroni test, setting statistical significance at P<0.05. RESULTS: Clinically, the control and SA groups demonstrated a coronal shift in the buccal height of the mucosa (0.88±0.48 mm and 0.37±1.1 mm, respectively). The IA and IAG groups exhibited an apical shift of the mucosa (−0.7±1.15 mm and −1.1±0.96 mm, respectively). Histologically, the SA and control groups demonstrated marginal mucosa heights of 4.1±0.28 mm and 4.0±0.53 mm relative to the implant shoulder, respectively. The IA and IAG groups, in contrast, only showed a height of 2.6 mm. In addition, the height of the mucosa in relation to the most coronal buccal bone crest or bone substitute particles was not significantly different among the groups. Volumetrically, the IA group (−0.73±0.46 mm) lost less volume on the buccal side than the control (−0.93±0.44 mm), SA (−0.97±0.73 mm), and IAG (−0.88±0.45 mm) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The control group demonstrated the most favorable change of height of the margo mucosae and the largest dimensions of the peri-implant soft tissues. However, the addition of a bone substitute material and an individualized healing abutment resulted in slightly better preservation of the peri-implant soft tissue contour.

Long-term assessment of periodontal disease progression after surgical or non-surgical treatment: a systematic review

The primary aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence on periodontal disease progression after treatment in patients receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to identify predictors of clinical attachment level (CAL) loss. A protocol was developed to answer the following focused question: In adult patients treated for periodontitis, what is the disease progression in terms of CAL loss after surgical or non-surgical treatment? Randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and longitudinal observational human studies with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up after surgical or non-surgical treatment that reported CAL and probing depth changes were selected. Seventeen publications reporting data from 14 investigations were included. Data from 964 patients with a follow-up range of 5–15 years was evaluated. When the CAL at the latest follow-up was compared to the CAL after active periodontal therapy, 10 of the included studies reported an overall mean CAL loss of ≤0.5 mm, 3 studies reported a mean CAL loss of 0.5–1 mm, and 4 studies reported a mean CAL loss of >1 mm. Based on 7 publications, the percentage of sites showing a CAL loss of ≥2 mm varied from 3% to 20%, and a high percentage of sites with CAL loss was associated with poor oral hygiene, smoking, and poor compliance with SPT. The outcomes after periodontal therapy remained stable over time. Disease progression occurred in a reduced number of sites and patients, mostly associated with poor oral hygiene, poor compliance with SPT, and smoking.

Maxillary sinus augmentation using biphasic calcium phosphate: dimensional stability results after 3–6 years

PURPOSE: This study was designed to observe the resorption pattern of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) used for maxillary sinus augmentation over a 3- to 6-year healing period, and to investigate factors affecting the resorption of BCP. METHODS: A total of 47 implants placed in 27 sinuses of 22 patients were investigated. All patients had residual bone height less than 5 mm at baseline. The modified Caldwell-Luc approach was used to elevate the maxillary sinus membrane, and the sinus cavity was filled with BCP (70% hydroxyapatite and 30% β-tricalcium phosphate). Implant placement was done simultaneously or in a staged manner. Serial radiographic analysis was performed up to 6 years postoperatively. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, no implant loss was reported. The mean reduced height of the augmented sinus (RHO) was 0.27±1.08 mm at 36 months, and 0.89±1.39 mm at 72 months postoperatively. Large amounts of graft material (P=0.021) and a long healing period (P=0.035) significantly influenced the amount of RHO. In particular, there was a significant relationship between a healing period longer than 40 months and RHO. CONCLUSIONS: BCP can achieve proper dimensional stability with minimal reduction of the graft height in a 3- to 6-year healing period after maxillary sinus augmentation. The healing period and the amount of graft material influenced the resorption of BCP.

Schematic of mean thickness distribution on the lateral aspect of the canine frontal sinus as an experimental model of sinus surgery / 대한해부학회지

The dog frontal sinus may represent an alternative model dental implant research; its topographical resemblance to the maxillary sinus renders it a potentially favorable experimental environment. The aim of this study was thus to elucidate the anatomical configuration of the canine frontal sinus and histological characteristics, and to determine whether it could be a new canine experimental model for dental implant research. Twenty-four sides of canine frontal bones were harvested. The distance from the nasion to the emerging point of the lateral aspect of the canine frontal sinus was measured with the aid of Lucion software. The thicknesses of the canine frontal sinus wall were measured, and the two specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The mean distance from the nasion to the emerging point of the lateral aspect of the canine frontal sinus was 16.0 mm. The mean thicknesses of the canine frontal bone at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 mm lateral to the midsagittal plane were 2.3, 2.7, 3.2, 3.8, and 3.7 mm, respectively. The canine frontal sinus was lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. These data suggest that the canine frontal sinus is a suitable alternative to the canine maxillary sinus as a model for studying various sinus augmentation protocols.

Biomimetic characteristics of mussel adhesive protein-loaded collagen membrane in guided bone regeneration of rabbit calvarial defects

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and barrier function of mussel adhesive protein (MAP)-loaded collagen membranes in guided bone regeneration (GBR). METHODS: Eight male New Zealand white rabbits were used. Four circular defects (diameter: 8 mm) were created in the calvarium of each animal. The defects were randomly assigned to 1) a negative control group, 2) a cyanoacrylate (CA)-loaded collagen membrane group (the CA group), 3) a MAP-loaded collagen membrane group (the MAP group), and 4) a group that received a polycaprolactone block with MAP-loaded collagen membrane (the MAP-PCL group). Specimens were harvested at 2 weeks (n=4) and 8 weeks (n=4) postoperatively for observational histology and histometric analysis. RESULTS: In the histologic analysis, MAP was completely absorbed without any byproducts. In contrast, some of the CA adhesive remained, showing an inflammatory reaction, at 8 weeks. In the MAP-PCL group, the MAP-loaded collagen membranes served as a barrier membrane despite their fast degradation in GBR. No significant difference was found in the amount of new bone between the MAP-PCL and MAP groups (1.82±0.86 mm2 and 2.60±0.65 mm2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The MAP-loaded collagen membrane functioned efficiently in this rabbit calvarial GBR model, with excellent biocompatibility. Further research is needed to assess clinical applications in defect types that are more challenging for GBR than those used in the current model.

Tissue integration of zirconia and titanium implants with and without buccal dehiscence defects

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to validate an experimental model for assessing tissue integration of titanium and zirconia implants with and without buccal dehiscence defects. METHODS: In 3 dogs, 5 implants were randomly placed on both sides of the mandibles: 1) Z1: a zirconia implant (modified surface) within the bony housing, 2) Z2: a zirconia implant (standard surface) within the bony housing, 3) T: a titanium implant within the bony housing, 4) Z1_D: a Z1 implant placed with a buccal bone dehiscence defect (3 mm), and 5) T_D: a titanium implant placed with a buccal bone dehiscence defect (3 mm). The healing times were 2 weeks (one side of the mandible) and 6 weeks (the opposite side). RESULTS: The dimensions of the peri-implant soft tissue varied depending on the implant and the healing time. The level of the mucosal margin was located more apically at 6 weeks than at 2 weeks in all groups, except group T. The presence of a buccal dehiscence defect did not result in a decrease in the overall soft tissue dimensions between 2 and 6 weeks (4.80±1.31 and 4.3 mm in group Z1_D, and 4.47±1.06 and 4.5±1.37 mm in group T_D, respectively). The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) values were highest in group Z1 at both time points (34.15%±21.23% at 2 weeks, 84.08%±1.33% at 6 weeks). The buccal dehiscence defects in groups Z1_D and T_D showed no further bone loss at 6 weeks compared to 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The modified surface of Z1 demonstrated higher BIC values than the surface of Z2. There were minimal differences in the mucosal margin between 2 and 6 weeks in the presence of a dehiscence defect. The present model can serve as a useful tool for studying peri-implant dehiscence defects at the hard and soft tissue levels.

Bone Regeneration Using Block-type Deproteinized Porcine Bone Mineral with Collagen Membrane Using 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine as Bone Adhesive

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the adhesiveness and cytotoxicity of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), and to evaluate the role of collagen membrane with DOPA in the guided bone regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peel resistance and cell cytotoxicity test were performed. Four defect types in nine rabbit calvaria were randomly allocated: i) control, ii) membrane, iii) deproteinized porcine bone mineral (DPBM) covered by membrane with DOPA, and iv) DPBM covered by membrane with cyanoacrylate. Animals were sacrificed at 2 (n=4) and 8 weeks (n=5) for microcomputed tomography and histomorphometric analysis. DOPA showed low peel resistance but high cell viability. RESULT: Cyanoacrylate and DOPA groups showed significantly higher mineralized tissue volume (MTV) compared to control and membrane groups at 2 weeks (P < 0.05). At 8 weeks, DOPA group showed the highest MTV. Significantly higher new bone area was found in DOPA group at 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Bone formation increased from 2 to 8 weeks in DOPA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DOPA showed high cell viability and in vivo study revealed predictable performance in bone regeneration.

Synthesis and Biocompatibility Characterizations of in Situ Chondroitin Sulfate–Gelatin Hydrogel for Tissue Engineering

Novel hydrogel composed of both chondroitin sulfate (CS) and gelatin was developed for better cellular interaction through two step double crosslinking of N-(3-diethylpropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) chemistries and then click chemistry. EDC chemistry was proceeded during grafting of amino acid dihydrazide (ADH) to carboxylic groups in CS and gelatin network in separate reactions, thus obtaining CS–ADH and gelatin–ADH, respectively. CS–acrylate and gelatin–TCEP was obtained through a second EDC chemistry of the unreacted free amines of CS–ADH and gelatin–ADH with acrylic acid and tri(carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP), respectively. In situ CS–gelatin hydrogel was obtained via click chemistry by simple mixing of aqueous solutions of both CS–acrylate and gelatin–TCEP. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy showed formation of the new chemical bonds between CS and gelatin in CS–gelatin hydrogel network. SEM demonstrated microporous structure of the hydrogel. Within serial precursor concentrations of the CS–gelatin hydrogels studied, they showed trends of the reaction rates of gelation, where the higher concentration, the quicker the gelation occurred. In vitro studies, including assessment of cell viability (live and dead assay), cytotoxicity, biocompatibility via direct contacts of the hydrogels with cells, as well as measurement of inflammatory responses, showed their excellent biocompatibility. Eventually, the test results verified a promising potency for further application of CS–gelatin hydrogel in many biomedical fields, including drug delivery and tissue engineering by mimicking extracellular matrix components of tissues such as collagen and CS in cartilage.

Sinus augmentation using rhBMP-2-loaded synthetic bone substitute with simultaneous implant placement in rabbits

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-loaded synthetic bone substitute on implants that were simultaneously placed with sinus augmentation in rabbits. METHODS: In this study, a circular access window was prepared in the maxillary sinus of rabbits (n=5) for a bone graft around an implant (Ø 3×6 mm) that was simultaneously placed anterior to the window. Synthetic bone substitute loaded with rhBMP-2 was placed on one side of the sinus to form the experimental group, and saline-soaked synthetic bone substitute was placed on the other side of the sinus to form the control group. After 4 weeks, sections were obtained for analysis by micro-computed tomography and histology. RESULTS: Volumetric analysis showed that the median amount of newly formed bone was significantly greater in the BMP group than in the control group (51.6 mm3 and 46.6 mm3, respectively; P=0.019). In the histometric analysis, the osseointegration height was also significantly greater in the BMP group at the medial surface of the implant (5.2 mm and 4.3 mm, respectively; P=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, an implant simultaneously placed with sinus augmentation using rhBMP-2-loaded synthetic bone substitute can be successfully osseointegrated, even when only a limited bone height is available during the early stage of healing.

Association between periodontal flap surgery for periodontitis and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction in Koreans

PURPOSE: The National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort and medical checkup data from 2002 to 2013 were used to evaluate the association between periodontal surgery for the treatment of periodontitis (PSTP) and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED). METHODS: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to a longitudinal retrospective database to assess the association between PSTP and VED while adjusting for the potential confounding effects of sociodemographic factors (age, household income, insurance status, health status, residence area, and smoking status) and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, angina pectoris, cerebral infarction, and myocardial infarction). RESULTS: Among the 7,148 PSTP within the 268,296 recruited subjects, the overall prevalence of VED in PSTP was 1.43% (n=102). The bivariate analysis showed that VED was significantly related to PSTP (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–2.06; P<0.001), and this was confirmed in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06–1.58; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with a history of periodontal flap surgery had a significantly higher risk of VED, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Further studies are required to identify the key mechanisms underlying the association between severe periodontal disease and VED.

Treatment concepts for the posterior maxilla and mandible: short implants versus long implants in augmented bone

The aim of this narrative review is to describe treatment options for the posterior regions of the mandible and the maxilla, comparing short implants vs. longer implants in an augmented bone. The dental literature was screened for treatment options enabling the placement of dental implants in posterior sites with a reduced vertical bone height in the maxilla and the mandible. Short dental implants have been increasingly used recently, providing a number of advantages including reduced patient morbidity, shorter treatment time, and lower costs. In the posterior maxilla, sinus elevation procedures were for long considered to be the gold standard using various bone substitute materials and rendering high implant survival rates. More recently, implants were even placed without any further use of bone substitute materials, but the long-term outcomes have yet to be documented. Vertical bone augmentation procedures in the mandible require a relatively high level of surgical skill and allow the placement of standard-length dental implants by the use of autogenous bone blocks. Both treatment options, short dental implants, and standard-length implants in combination with vertical bone augmentation procedures, appear to result in predictable outcomes in terms of implant survival rates. According to recent clinical studies comparing the therapeutic options of short implants vs. long implants in augmented bone, the use of short dental implants leads to a number of advantages for the patients and the clinician.

Comparisons of the diagnostic accuracies of optical coherence tomography, micro-computed tomography, and histology in periodontal disease: an ex vivo study

PURPOSE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that may be useful for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the periodontium. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is another noninvasive imaging technique capable of providing submicron spatial resolution. The purpose of this study was to present periodontal images obtained using ex vivo dental OCT and to compare OCT images with micro-CT images and histologic sections. METHODS: Images of ex vivo canine periodontal structures were obtained using OCT. Biologic depth measurements made using OCT were compared to measurements made on histologic sections prepared from the same sites. Visual comparisons were made among OCT, micro-CT, and histologic sections to evaluate whether anatomical details were accurately revealed by OCT. RESULTS: The periodontal tissue contour, gingival sulcus, and the presence of supragingival and subgingival calculus could be visualized using OCT. OCT was able to depict the surface topography of the dentogingival complex with higher resolution than micro-CT, but the imaging depth was typically limited to 1.2–1.5 mm. Biologic depth measurements made using OCT were a mean of 0.51 mm shallower than the histologic measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Dental OCT as used in this study was able to generate high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the superficial portions of periodontal structures. Improvements in imaging depth and the development of an intraoral sensor are likely to make OCT a useful technique for periodontal applications.

Diagnostic accuracy of a combination of salivary hemoglobin levels, self-report questionnaires, and age in periodontitis screening

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the predictive performance of a combination of self-report questionnaires, salivary hemoglobin levels, and age as a non-invasive screening method for periodontitis. METHODS: The periodontitis status of 202 adults was examined using salivary hemoglobin levels, responses to 10 questions on a self-report questionnaire, and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The ability of those two variables and the combination thereof with age to predict the presence of CPI scores of 3-4 and 4 was assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: CPI scores of 3-4 and 4 were present among 79.7% and 46.5% of the sample, respectively. The area under the ROC curves (AUROCs) of salivary hemoglobin levels for predicting prevalence of CPI scores of 3-4 and 4 were 0.63 and 0.67, respectively (with sensitivity values of 71% and 60% and specificity values of 56% and 72%, respectively). Two distinct sets of five questions were associated with CPI scores of 3-4 and 4, with AUROCs of 0.73 and 0.71, sensitivity values of 76% and 66%, and specificity values of 63% and 69%. The combined model incorporating both variables and age showed the best predictive performance, with AUROCs of 0.78 and 0.76, sensitivity values of 71% and 65%, and specificity values of 68% and 77% for CPI scores of 3-4 and 4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of salivary hemoglobin levels and self-report questionnaires was shown to be a valuable screening method for detecting periodontitis.