Design, synthesis and evaluation of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel potent CDK7 inhibitors.

The targeting of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has become a highly desirable therapeutic approach in the field of oncology due to its dual role in regulating essential biological processes, encompassing cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. We have previously identified a highly selective thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-based CDK7 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal model. In this study, we sought to optimize the thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core to discover a novel series of CDK7 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Through extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, compound 20 has emerged as the lead candidate due to its potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and remarkable efficacy on MDA-MB-453 cells, a representative triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, 20 has demonstrated favorable oral bioavailability and exhibited highly desirable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, making it a promising lead candidate for further structural optimization.

Development and validation of a rule-based algorithm to identify periodontal diagnosis using structured electronic health record data.

AIM: To develop and validate an automated electronic health record (EHR)-based algorithm to suggest a periodontal diagnosis based on the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using material published from the 2017 World Workshop, a tool was iteratively developed to suggest a periodontal diagnosis based on clinical data within the EHR. Pertinent clinical data included clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival margin to cemento-enamel junction distance, probing depth, furcation involvement (if present) and mobility. Chart reviews were conducted to confirm the algorithm's ability to accurately extract clinical data from the EHR, and then to test its ability to suggest an accurate diagnosis. Subsequently, refinements were made to address limitations of the data and specific clinical situations. Each refinement was evaluated through chart reviews by expert periodontists at the study sites. RESULTS: Three-hundred and twenty-three charts were manually reviewed, and a periodontal diagnosis (healthy, gingivitis or periodontitis including stage and grade) was made by expert periodontists for each case. After developing the initial version of the algorithm using the unmodified 2017 World Workshop criteria, accuracy was 71.8% for stage alone and 64.7% for stage and grade. Subsequently, 16 modifications to the algorithm were proposed and 14 were accepted. This refined version of the algorithm had 79.6% accuracy for stage alone and 68.8% for stage and grade together. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a rule-based algorithm for suggesting a periodontal diagnosis using EHR data can be implemented with moderate accuracy in support of chairside clinical diagnostic decision making, especially for inexperienced clinicians. Grey-zone cases still exist, where clinical judgement will be required. Future applications of similar algorithms with improved performance will depend upon the quality (completeness/accuracy) of EHR data.

The association between Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans JP2 clone and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To appraise the literature on the prevalence of the JP2 clone of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) and on its association with presence and progression of periodontitis in different populations. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library for studies reporting data on detection of the JP2 clone of A.a. A total of 56 papers were included in the review, from an initial search of 685 titles. Studies were carried out in populations with a mean age of 26.34 years (range 6.24-53.85 years). Just over 16% of the overall population assessed (n = 13 751) had the JP2 clone detected. Meta-analyses included 16 studies and 1775 patients, and revealed an association between detection of the JP2 clone and diagnosis of periodontitis (RR = 1.86, 95% 1.43-2.42) from saliva and plaque, with high heterogeneity (I2  = 85%, p < .00001). Meta-analyses included 5 studies and 616 patients, and revealed an association between baseline detection of the JP2 clone and onset of periodontitis over 2 to 5 years (RR = 4.12, 95% 2.42-7.00), with high heterogeneity (I2  = 81%, p < .0003). From the overall risk of bias score, 29 papers were judged as low risk of bias, whilst the remaining papers were judged to have an overall medium or high risk of bias. Detection of the JP2 clone of A.a. in subgingival plaque and saliva samples is associated with increased odds of diagnosis of periodontitis and may be able to predict onset of periodontitis. This systematic review provides clear evidence that in certain populations, the JP2 clone of A.a. is associated with early-onset periodontitis. Furthermore, detection of this bacterium seems to be predictive of disease onset.

Comparison of the efficacy of periodontal prognostic systems in predicting tooth loss.

AIM: The aim of this analysis was to assess how different tooth-prognosis systems could predict tooth loss in a cohort of periodontitis patients followed up prospectively during supportive periodontal care (SPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiographic data of 97 patients undergoing regular SPC for 5 years were used to assign tooth prognosis using four different systems (McGuire & Nunn, 1996; Kwok & Caton, 2007; Graetz et al., 2011; Nibali et al., 2017). Three independent examiners assigned tooth prognosis using all four systems, following a calibration exercise. The association between prognostic categories and tooth loss was tested for each prognostic system separately and across prognostic systems. RESULTS: All four systems showed good reproducibility and could identify teeth at higher risk of being lost during 5 years of SPC; the risk of tooth loss increased with the worsening of tooth-prognosis category (p < .0001). Although specificity and negative predictive values were good, low sensitivity and positive predictive values were detected for all systems. CONCLUSIONS: Previously published periodontal prognostic systems exhibited good reproducibility and predictive ability for tooth retention. However, low sensitivity was detected, with several teeth in the worst prognosis category being retained at 5 years. Some modifications in the number of categories and their definitions are suggested.

Periodontal infectogenomics: a systematic review update of associations between host genetic variants and subgingival microbial detection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically update the evidence for associations between host genetic variants and subgingival microbial detection and counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following a previous systematic review (Nibali et al. J Clin Periodontol 43(11): 889-900, 15), an update of a systematic search of the literature was conducted in Ovid Medline, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane Library for studies reporting data on host genetic variants and detection of microbes subgingivally published in the last 6 years. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were included in the review, from an initial search of 2797 titles. Studies consisted mainly of candidate gene studies and of one genome-wide analysis. A total of 62 studies were considered for summary findings, including 43 identified in the previous systematic review of studies published up to 2015. Meta-analyses were done when appropriate including both papers in the original review and in the update. Meta-analyses revealed lack of associations between IL1 composite genotype and subgingival detection of Aggregatibacter acinomycetemcomitans, Poprhyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia. Promising evidence is emerging from other genetic variants and from sub-analyses of data from genome-association studies. Among other studies with candidate-gene, target SNPs were mainly within the IL10, IL6, IL4, IL8, IL17A, and VDR gene. CONCLUSIONS: IL1 composite genotype does not seem to be associated with subgingival microbial detection. Promising associations should be pursued by future studies, including studies employing -OMICS technologies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better knowledge of which host genetic variant predispose to subgingival microbial colonization and to the development of progression of periodontal disease could potentially help to better understand periodontal disease pathogenesis and help with its management.

Changes in deep neck muscle length from the neutral to forward head posture. A cadaveric study using Thiel cadavers.

Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most common postural deviations. Deep neck muscle imbalance of individuals with FHP is of primary concern in clinical rehabilitation. However, there is scarce quantitative research on changes in deep neck muscle length with the head moving forward. This study aimed to investigate changes in deep neck muscle length with different severity levels of FHP. Six Thiel-embalmed cadavers (four males and two females) were dissected, and 16 deep neck muscles in each cadaver were modeled by a MicroScribe 3D Digitizer in the neutral head posture, slight FHP, and severe FHP. The craniovertebral angle was used to evaluate the degrees of FHP. Quantitative length change of the deep neck muscles was analyzed using Rhinoceros 3D. In slight FHP significant changes in length occurred in four muscles: two shortened (upper semispinalis capitis, rectus capitis posterior minor) and two lengthened (longus capitis, splenius cervicis). In severe FHP all occipital extensors were significantly shortened (10.6 ± 6.4%), except for obliquus capitis superior, and all cervical extensors were significantly lengthened (4.8 ± 3.4%), while longus capitis (occipital flexor) and the superior oblique part of the longus colli (cervical flexor) were lengthened by 8.8 ± 3.8% and 4.2 ± 3.1%, respectively. No significant length change was observed for the axial rotator. This study presents an alternate anatomical insight into the clinical rehabilitation of FHP. Six muscles appear to be important in restoring optimal head posture, with improvements in FHP being related to interventions associated with the occipital and cervical extensors.

Treatment planning considerations in the older adult with periodontal disease.

Periodontal health in the elderly is influenced by numerous factors, including systemic conditions, patient compliance, age-associated changes, and restorative procedures. The numerous comorbidities seen in the elderly necessitate individualized approaches for treatment planning. In this paper, we review how age, comorbidities, oral hygiene, and restorative dental procedures collectively influence the treatment and management of the periodontium in the elderly. The elderly population is predicted to double in 30 years, which will have an economic impact the dental profession needs to plan for. Preventative and noninvasive treatment, supportive periodontal therapy, and patient-specific maintenance plans are imperative to maintaining oral health in the older population. Multiple coexisting changes, including xerostomia, altered wound healing, altered bone physiology, altered microbiome, and diminished plaque control, can add complexity to periodontal management. Considerations of the patient's general health, the selected periodontal treatment plan, and the selected completed restorative procedures need to be considered. The influence of caries, fixed prosthodontics, partial dentures, shortened dental arch, and implant therapy can have unintended impacts on periodontal health in the elderly. Adverse periodontal outcomes in the elderly can be minimized by carefully assessing the patient's medical history, impact of medications, functional needs, properly finishing and contouring restorations to avoid plaque accumulation, and designing restorations to allow access for hygiene. Partial dentures can be a source of plaque accumulation leading to periodontal disease, caries, and recession around abutment teeth. A shortened dental arch should be considered as a functional and cost-effective alternative to partial dentures. With dental implants, the patient's tissue phenotype, keratinized tissue quantity, risk of peri-implantitis, and patient access for maintaining adequate oral hygiene are all important to consider. Implant risk-assessment tools show promise by providing a systematic approach for early diagnosis to avoid future complications.

Periodontal infrabony defects: Systematic review of healing by defect morphology following regenerative surgery.

BACKGROUND: It is thought that infrabony defect morphology affects the outcome of periodontal regenerative surgery. However, this has not been systematically investigated. AIMS: To investigate how well defect morphology is described in papers reporting regenerative therapy of periodontal infrabony defects and to investigate its effect on clinical and radiographic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted in 3 electronic databases for publications reporting clinical and radiographic outcomes of periodontal intra-bony defects after regenerative therapy, divided by defect morphology. RESULTS: The initial search resulted in 4487 papers, reduced to 143 after first and second screening. Fifteen of these publications were suitable for a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Initial defect depth was found to influence radiographic bone gain 12 months post-surgery, while narrower angles and increased number of walls influenced both radiographic bone gain and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain at 12 months. These associations seemed to occur irrespective of biomaterials used. Risk of bias ranged from low to high. CONCLUSION: Deeper defects with narrower angles and increased number of walls exhibit improved CAL and radiographic bone gain at 12 months post-regenerative surgery. More data are needed about other aspects of defect morphology such as extension to buccal/lingual surfaces.

Connective Tissue Graft with or without Enamel Matrix Derivative for Treating Gingival Recession Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review is to compare the root coverage outcomes of using a connective tissue graft (CTG) with and without the application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD). METHODOLOGY: An electronic search was performed up to July 2020 in 4 databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central. Human clinical studies with data on comparing outcomes of root coverage using CTG with and without the application of EMD were included. Meta-analyses for the recorded parameters were performed and the weighted mean difference (WMD) between the 2 groups and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. RESULTS: Nine clinical studies were selected for inclusion in this review. The WMD of clinical attachment level gain was 0.78 mm (95% CI of 0.23-1.34 mm, P = .005) and the WMD of recession depth reduction was 0.28 mm (95% CI of 0.06-0.51 mm, P = .01), favoring the CTG + EMD approach. However, the comparisons for the percentage of complete root coverage and mean root coverage between the 2 approaches were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although the use of a CTG with and without the application of EMD in root coverage procedures achieved a similar percentage of complete root coverage and mean root coverage, the addition of EMD to CTG may improve the outcome of recession depth reduction and clinical attachment level gain.

Probiotics, including nisin-based probiotics, improve clinical and microbial outcomes relevant to oral and systemic diseases.

The effects of probiotic supplementation on systemic health and gastrointestinal diseases have been investigated in numerous studies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of probiotics and their effects on periodontal health. Probiotics show beneficial effects as adjunctive therapeutics and as stand-alone agents in the treatment and prevention of gingivitis as well as specific clinical parameters of periodontitis. This review focuses on the clinical and microbiological aspects of probiotics in the context of health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. In addition, a special focus on nisin-producing probiotics and nisin itself showcase their significant potential for oral and systemic use.

Soft-Tissue Conditions Around Dental Implants: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to review the current understanding regarding periimplant soft-tissue conditions to minimize risk of periimplant mucositis and periimplantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed in 4 different databases. Articles were reviewed and summarized if the following criteria were met: published evidence with recommendations on soft-tissue conditions around dental implants. RESULTS: An evaluation of various soft-tissue parameters, including the need of keratinized mucosa, periimplant mucosal height and phenotype, midfacial tissue level, and papillary fill, was performed based on the currently available evidence. COMMENTS: The need of keratinized mucosa is the parameter investigated the most. A trend favors a need of a wide band of nonmobile keratinized mucosa is seen with the benefit of less incidence of periimplant mucositis. In addition, the influence of the mucosal height and tissue phenotype on periimplant tissue health remains inconclusive. Although other soft-tissue parameters, including papillary fill and midfacial tissue level, are not yet proven to be related to periimplantitis, they play a crucial role to achieve successful esthetics. CONCLUSION: A limited amount of evidence was identified to correlate periimplant soft-tissue parameters with periimplantitis. However, a wide band of nonmobile keratinized mucosa, an adequate periimplant mucosal height, and a thick tissue phenotype might reduce the incidence of tissue inflammation and future complications.

Effect of membrane exposure on guided bone regeneration: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: This review aimed at investigating the effect of membrane exposure on guided bone regeneration (GBR) outcomes at peri-implant sites and edentulous ridges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted by two independent reviewers using four databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, for articles up to February 2017. Articles were included if they were human clinical trials or case series reporting outcomes of GBR procedures with and without membrane exposure. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, and the weighted mean difference (WMD) between the two groups and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. RESULTS: Overall, eight articles were included in the quantitative analysis. The WMD of the horizontal bone gain at edentulous ridges was -76.24% (95% CI = -137.52% to -14.97%, p = .01) between sites with membrane exposure and without exposure. In addition, the WMD of the dehiscence reduction at peri-implant sites was -27.27% (95% CI of -45.87% to -8.68%, p = .004). Both analyses showed significantly favorable outcomes at the sites without membrane exposure. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, membrane exposure after GBR procedures has a significant detrimental influence on the outcome of bone augmentation. For the edentulous ridges, the sites without membrane exposure achieved 74% more horizontal bone gain than the sites with exposure. For peri-implant dehiscence defects, the sites without membrane exposure had 27% more defect reduction than the sites with exposure.

The effect of partially exposed connective tissue graft on root-coverage outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the root-coverage outcomes of using a partially exposed connective tissue graft (CTG) technique with a fully covered CTG technique for root coverage. An electronic search up to February 28th , 2017, was performed to identify human clinical studies with data comparing outcomes of root coverage using CTG, with and without a partially exposed graft. Five clinical studies were selected for inclusion in this review. For each study, the gain of keratinized gingiva, reduction of recession depth, number of surgical sites achieving complete root coverage, percentage of root coverage, gain of tissue thickness, and changes of probing depth and clinical attachment level were recorded. Meta-analysis for the comparison of complete root coverage between the two techniques presented no statistically significant differences. A statistically significant gain of keratinized tissue in favor of the sites with an exposed CTG and a tendency of greater reduction in recession depth were seen at the sites with a fully covered CTG. Based on the results, the use of a partially exposed CTG in root-coverage procedures could achieve greater gain in keratinized gingiva, while a fully covered CTG might be indicated for procedures aiming to reduce recession depth.

Periodontitis and the Presence of Adjacent Teeth may be Associated With a Higher Incidence of Early Implant Failure.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Estimating the importance of significant risk factors for early dental implant failure: A Monte Carlo simulation. Buhara O, Pehlivan S. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2018;33(1):161-8. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not applicable TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

Periodontal infectogenomics: systematic review of associations between host genetic variants and subgingival microbial detection.

BACKGROUND: Recent research is increasingly showing that host genetic variants can affect the colonization by specific microbes. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the associations between host genetic variants and subgingival microbial detection and counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in Ovid Medline, Embase, LILACS and Cochrane Library for studies reporting data on host genetic variants and detection of microbes subgingivally. RESULTS: A total of 43 studies were included in the review, from an initial search of 3887 titles. Studies consisted mainly of candidate gene studies and of one genome-wide analysis. Some promising associations were detected between single nucleotide polymorphisms and microbial detection. The only feasible meta-analysis failed to show any association between Interleukin 1 (IL1) genetic variants and detection of periodontopathogenic bacteria subgingivally. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence yet that neither IL1 genetic polymorphisms nor other investigated genetic polymorphisms are associated with presence and counts of subgingival bacteria. Further studies on large populations with replication samples should clarify the possible effects of other genetic variants on the subgingival microbiota.

Tooth loss in molars with and without furcation involvement - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate risk of tooth loss in molars with furcation involvement (FI) based on initial diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in Ovid Medline, Embase, LILACS and Cochrane Library for longitudinal studies with at least 3 years follow-up including measures of FI and data on tooth loss. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included in the review, from an initial search of 1207 titles. The relative risk of tooth loss during maintenance therapy attributable to FI was 1.46 (95% CI = 0.99-2.15, p = 0.06) for studies up to 10 years and 2.21 (95% CI = 1.79-2.74, p < 0.0001) for studies with a follow-up of 10-15 years. A gradual increase in the risk of tooth loss was observed for molars with degree II and III FI. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of FI approximately doubles the risk of tooth loss for molars maintained in supportive periodontal therapy for up to 10-15 years. However, most molars, even with grade III FI respond well to periodontal therapy, suggesting that every effort should be made to maintain these teeth when possible. Long-term studies reporting patient-reported outcomes are needed to substantiate this conclusion.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 outcomes for maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To study the effect of the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) on sinus volumetric and histometric changes after sinus floor augmentation compared to a conventional approach of non-biologic bone grafting materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search of 4 databases (January 1990-February 2015), including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central, and a hand search of peer-reviewed journals for relevant articles were performed. Human clinical trials with data on comparison of sinus volumetric and/or histometric outcomes with and without the use of rhBMP-2 in sinus grafting procedures, with ≥10 augmentation sites in each study group, and with a follow-up period of at least 6 months, were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to analyze weighted mean difference (WMD) and confidence interval (CI) for the recorded variables according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The results of the meta-analyses showed that the WMD of vertical bone height gain was -0.14 mm (95% CI = -1.91 to 1.62 mm, P = 0.87), the WMD of bone density was -142.42 mg/cm3 (95% CI = -310.62-25.78 mg/cm3 , P = 0.10), the WMD of the percentage of vital bone was -4.59% (95% CI = -11.73-2.56%, P = 0.21), and the WMD of the percentage of residual bone grafting materials was -9.90% (95% CI = -26.38-6.58%, P = 0.21). The comparison of implant survival rate presented an overall risk ratio of 1.00 (95% CI = 0.94-1.07). The two approaches (conventional bone grafting compared to BMPs) demonstrated comparable effectiveness for both clinical and histomorphometric measures. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review revealed that the use of rhBMP-2 in maxillary sinus floor augmentation achieved similar clinical and histometric outcomes when compared to conventional sinus grafting procedures after a healing period of 6-9 months. However, previous studies showed the morbidity and other patient-reported outcomes were improved in rhBMP-2 approaches as compared to bone autograft procedures (both intraoral and extraoral bone harvesting because no donor site is required). Long-term studies are required to determine the cost-benefit of sinus floor augmentation procedures for patients requiring implant reconstruction.

Outcomes of regenerative treatment with rhPDGF-BB and rhFGF-2 for periodontal intra-bony defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the effects of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) and recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) on treating periodontal intra-bony defects, compared to the control (carrier alone). METHODS: Electronic and hand searches were performed to identify eligible studies. The weighed mean differences of linear defect fill (LDF), probing depth (PD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and gingival recession (GR) were calculated using random effect meta-analysis. RESULTS: The searches yielded 1018 articles, of which seven studies were included. Only one included study was considered at low risk of bias. The outcomes that reached statistical significance in comparison to carriers alone included: LDF (0.95 mm, 95% CI: 0.62-1.28 mm or 20.17%, 95% CI: 11.81-28.54%) and CAL gain (0.34 mm, 95% CI: 0.03-0.65 mm) for PDGF, and LDF (21.22%, 95% CI: 5.82-36.61%) for FGF-2. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this review, rhPDGF-BB demonstrated significantly more LDF and CAL gain; rhFGF-2 resulted in significantly higher percentage of LDF.

A Prognosis System for Periimplant Diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Periimplant diseases have slowly become a common complication in implant patients. Here, we present a prognosis system to aid clinicians and researchers in the evaluation and treatment of periimplant diseases. This prognosis system divides periimplant disease into favorable, questionable, unfavorable, and hopeless cases based on the level of bone loss, pocket depth, mobility, bleeding on probing, and suppuration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To test the accuracy of our prognostic scale, the authors designed and conducted a database search to compile articles allowing for testing of the proposed prognostic scale. DISCUSSION: The literature search returned 101 articles, of which two reported all relevant values for the prognostic system and were used to evaluate its reliability and accuracy. The prognostic system correctly predicted the likely outcome of periimplant disease up to 1 year posttreatment for all examined implants. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed prognostic system can be used as a tool for clinicians as they develop a treatment plan for all stages of periimplant disease.

Measure bone volume and density changes of sites grafted with bone allografts and a titanium mesh on cone-beam computed tomography: a technique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to introduce a novel method to evaluate volumetric and density changes of the augmented sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A ridge augmentation procedure, using particulate bone allografts and a titanium mesh, was performed on the posterior edentulous mandible of 3 participants. Cone-beam computed tomography was taken preoperatively (1st scan), immediately (2nd scan), and 5 months (3rd scan) after the surgery. The grafted area was segmented on the 2nd and 3rd scans, using the 1st scan as the reference. The volume of the grafted area and the newly formed bone-graft complex that is defined by a preselected threshold was then determined. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the grafted area was determined by comparing gray-scale histograms of the grafted area for the 2nd and 3rd scans using the cortical bone adjacent to the grafted area as the reference. RESULTS: The mean volumetric shrinkage was 13.5%. The BMD increase was 4.65%. The mean error in determining cortical bone density between the scans was 1.69%. CONCLUSIONS: A novel technique to measure bone volume and density changes after bone augmentation was described. The low measurement/scanning error suggested that this technique is reliable and reproducible.