Development and validation of the Italian version of the Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES-I).

OBJECTIVE: To develop an Italian version of the Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES-I), validated in a prosthodontic and non-prosthodontic patients' cohort, for clinicians and researchers to use in their practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OES-I was obtained with a process of translation and back translation from the English version of the questionnaire (OES-E). The psychometric properties of the obtained version were then observed in a group of 70 prosthodontic and 70 non-prosthodontic patients. Validity (discriminative and convergent) and reliability (internal and external) were measured. Also, CFA (confirmatory factor analysis) was run, and several models were obtained. RESULTS: The OES-I scores were much higher for patients who were not scheduled for an esthetic prosthodontic treatment (p < 0.05); similarly, the same analysis conducted by a clinicians provided similar results (Pearson's coefficient = 0.93, p < 0.05). Reliability results show that the different items of the questionnaire are consistent within the test (Cronbach alpha = 0.93) and that the obtained results are stable within a reasonable time period (test-retest reliability = 0.98). The Final CFA model showed that OES score can properly characterize orofacial esthetic. CONCLUSIONS: The OES-I is a reliable means both for clinicians and researchers to assess patients' self-perceived esthetic. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The OES-I can be used effectively for measuring the self-perceived esthetic appearance in all areas of dental practice and research.

Histomorphometric Comparison of New Bone Formed After Maxillary Sinus Lift With Lateral and Crestal Approaches Using Periostal Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated clinical and histomorphometric data after sinus lift procedures performed with and without mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) added to a graft. Twenty-four patients underwent maxillary sinus lift for implant placement. Twelve patients each were assigned to control (Group 1) and test (Group 2) groups. An MSC suspension was added to the graft used in patients of Group 2. Five of 12 patients in both groups underwent crestal-approach sinus lift with immediate implant placement, while seven patients received a lateral-approach sinus lift. The MSC suspension was obtained using the Rigenera protocol. Samples from the grafted site were evaluated, processed, and stained using three staining techniques 90 days after surgery. Histomorphometric analysis was performed using an imaging software (ImageJ). Two types of tissues were defined: Type 1 'mature bone' and Type 2 'osteoid tissue'. The mean Type 1 tissue percentage was 27.24% in Group 1 and 44.45% in Group 2 (P < 0.05). The mean Type 2 tissue percentage was 10.86% and 7.04% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean Type 1 tissue percentages for the crestal approach were 24.52% for Group 1 and 50.78% for Group 2, while the mean Type 1 tissue percentages for the lateral approach were 29.18% for Group 1 and 39.92% for Group 2. Patients treated with grafts containing MSCs showed 63.18% increased bone formation compared to those treated with grafts not containing MSCs (P < 0.05). Although our data showed a positive trend in patients treated with MSCs, differences between subgroups were not significant (P > 0.05).

Permeability of P. gingivalis or its metabolic products through collagen and dPTFE membranes and their effects on the viability of osteoblast-like cells: an in vitro study.

Membrane exposure is a widely reported and relatively common complication in Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) procedures. The introduction of micro-porous dPTFE barriers, which are impervious to bacterial cells, could reduce the technique sensitivity to membrane exposure, even if there are no studies investigating the potential passage of bacterial metabolites through the barrier. Aim of this study was the in vitro evaluation of the permeability of three different GBR membranes (dPTFE, native and cross-linked collagen membranes) to Porphyromonas gingivalis; in those cases, where bacterial penetration could not be observed, another purpose was the analysis of the viability and differentiation capability of an osteosarcoma (U2OS) cell line in presence of bacteria eluate obtained through membrane percolation. A system leading to the percolation of P. gingivalis broth culture through the experimental membranes was arranged to assess the permeability to bacteria after 24 and 72 h of incubation. The obtained solution was then added to U2OS cell cultures which underwent, after 10 days of incubation, MTT and red alizarin essays. The dPTFE membrane showed resistance to bacterial penetration, while both types of collagen membranes were crossed by P. gingivalis after 24 h. The bacteria eluate filtered through dPTFE membrane didn't show any toxicity on U2OS cells. Results of this study demonstrate that dPTFE membranes can contrast the penetration of both P. gingivalis and its metabolites toxic for osteoblast-like cells. The toxicity analysis was not possible for the collagen membranes, since permeability to bacterial cells was observed within the first period of incubation.

Patient preference and clinical working time between digital scanning and conventional impression making for implant-supported prostheses: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The technology behind optical scanners has greatly improved recently, making their dental application advantageous. While their accuracy is now comparable with that of conventional impression materials, whether these techniques have other advantages is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether digital scanning for implant-supported restorations is more time-efficient and convenient for the patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on September 23, 2020 using 4 different databases (Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus) searching for clinical studies that compared the time needed and/or patient perceptions between those who had undergone the digital scanning procedure and those who had undergone conventional impression making. RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Outcome variables were measured as standard mean differences (SMDs) by following a fixed-effects model or random-effects model (in the case of high heterogeneity). Digital scanning was more time-efficient and was preferred by patients for all 4 analyzed outcomes (comfort, anxiety, nausea, time perception). CONCLUSIONS: Digital scanning was found to be more time-efficient and convenient than conventional impression making for implant-supported restorations. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings of this review.

Proximal Contact Loss in Implant-Supported Restorations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence.

PURPOSE: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the overall prevalence of proximal contact loss (PCL) and determine the distribution and clinical features of PCL. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. As this was a systematic review of prevalence, the condition, context, and population framework was followed. The focus question was: What is the prevalence and distribution of PCL in implant-supported restorations? Two investigators independently examined the literature in four databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) for suitable articles published before November 11, 2020, with no start-date restriction; an additional search was conducted by hand. A standardized data extraction chart was utilized to extract the relevant information from the selected studies. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 11,699 restorations were evaluated in the final sample. The overall prevalence was 20% at the implant restoration level (among 4984 implants) and 26.6% at the contact point level (among 2603 contact points). The frequency of PCL was higher on the mesial side, both at the implant restoration level (13.8%) and at the contact point level (21.9%), than on the distal side, where the prevalence was 3.3% and 11.0%, respectively. The event rate in the maxilla and in the mandible at the contact level was 21.4% and 21.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PCL is a frequent complication. Approximately 29% of contact points develop this condition, which may cause food impaction and damage to the interproximal tissues.

Hard and Soft Tissue Evaluation of Different Socket Preservation Procedures Using Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Retrospective Clinical and Volumetric Analysis.

PURPOSE: The extraction of a tooth is followed by hard and soft tissue changes that can compromise implant placement. The aim of the present retrospective study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of different ridge preservation procedures based on the use of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of all patients who had undergone surgery from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018 for alveolar ridge preservation on single posterior teeth using 3 clinical protocols: L-PRF alone, L-PRF mixed with a bone xenograft, and bone xenograft alone. Clinical and radiographic measures were recorded preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively to determine the horizontal and vertical ridge resorption. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were included in the present study. All the surgeries were performed successfully, and no intraoperative complications developed. The L-PRF group experienced significantly greater horizontal and vertical bone resorption. The L-PRF plus bone xenograft group had less vertical and horizontal bone resorption than the bone xenograft alone group. Statistically significant differences in postoperative pain and wound healing were observed, with the bone xenograft alone group, in particular, having higher values for pain and experiencing delayed wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present retrospective study, the use of a bone xenograft alone or L-PRF combined with a bone xenograft to perform alveolar ridge preservation procedures significantly limited bone resorption.

Management of Single Uncomplicated Dental Extractions and Postoperative Bleeding Evaluation in Patients With Factor V Deficiency: A Local Antihemorrhagic Approach.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the management of single dental extractions and postoperative bleeding in patients with a diagnosis of factor V deficiency. A careful evaluation of each case will allow the team to categorize the risk and operate safely, minimizing the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. If necessary, the oral-maxillofacial surgeon can choose to do so in collaboration with the hematologist on a case-by-case basis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study included 5 patients with mild congenital factor V deficiency who had undergone at least 1 dental extraction. Mouth rinse with tranexamic acid, nonresorbable sutures, and gelatin sponge packed in the alveolar socket were used to obtain hemostasis. No systemic therapies, such as fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrate, or recombinant activated factor VII, were administered. RESULTS: Twenty-five teeth were extracted. The factor V plasma levels ranged from 14.1 to 22.4%. Local antihemorrhagic treatments resulted in good hemostasis. No hemorrhagic complications or intraoperative or postoperative major bleeding was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Dental extractions appear to be safe procedures for patients with mild factor V deficiency when a bleeding risk assessment has been performed in conjunction with a hematologist and an appropriate treatment protocol is followed. Our treatment protocol was found to be effective and well tolerated by all the patients.

Management of Surgical Third Lower Molar Extraction and Postoperative Progress in Patients With Factor VII Deficiency: A Clinical Protocol and Focus on This Rare Pathologic Entity.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the management of surgical third molar extraction and postoperative progress in patients with a diagnosis of factor VII deficiency. Close collaboration between the oral-maxillofacial surgeon and hematologist will allow the team to categorize the risk and operate safely, thereby minimizing the incidence and severity of intraoperative and postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study included 7 patients with factor VII deficiency who had undergone third lower molar surgery. Their factor VII deficiency ranged from 10.5 to 21.0%. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) (coagulation factor VIIa [recombinant]; NovoSeven RT; Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) was transfused intravenously in a single dose of 25 µg/kg body weight, 30 minutes before surgical extractions. After the surgery, betamethasone, an analgesic, and an ice pack were administered. RESULTS: Pretreatment with recombinant activated factor VII resulted in excellent hemostasis. No hemorrhagic complications and no postoperative major bleeding were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The extraction of the third lower molar appears to be a safe procedure for patients with factor VII deficiency when appropriate prophylaxis with rFVIIa is used.

Primary stability, insertion torque, and bone density of conical implants with internal hexagon: is there a relationship?

Between implants and peri-implant bone, there should be a minimum gap, without micromotions over a threshold, which could cause resorption and fibrosis. The higher the implant insertion torque, the higher will be the initial stability. The aim was to evaluate in vitro the correlation between micromotions and insertion torque of implants in bone of different densities. The test was performed on bovine bone of hard, medium, and soft density: 150 implants were used, 10 for each torque (20, 35, 45, 70, and 100 N/cm). Samples were fixed on a loading device. On each sample, we applied a 25-N horizontal force. Insertion torque and micromotions are statistically correlated. In soft bone with an insertion force of 20 and 35 N/cm, the micromotion resulted significantly over the risk threshold, which was not found with an insertion force of 45 and 70 N/cm and in hard and medium bones with any insertion torque. The increase in insertion torque reduces the amount of micromotions between implant and bone. Therefore, the immediate loading may be considered a valid therapeutic choice, even in low-density bone, as long as at least 45 N/cm of insertion torque is reached.

The Effects of a Mandibular Overdenture on Edentulous Patients' Quality of Life: A Clinical Study.

Edentulous patients' quality of life can be greatly diminished by the use of a badly fitting removable prosthesis, as many aspects of social life become notably impaired. The object of this study was to evaluate if treating these patients with a two implants mandibular overdenture could improve their quality of life as measured with the Italian version of the OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile). Edentulous patients, in good clinical condition, were selected. Two implants were placed following the recommended guidelines and three months after new mandibular dentures were manufactured, implants were uncovered and connected to the prosthesis using LOCATOR abutments. OHIP-14 was measured at baseline, one month after delivery and one year after delivery. An improvement was observed even after one month (with a mean reduction of 17 points in OHIP) and that improvement appeared to be stable at the one-year follow-up. Mandibular overdentures can improve a patient's quality of life when compared to a tissue-supported removable complete denture, as long as the patient is subjected to an appropriate follow-up as the retentive rings of the attachment can deteriorate even after two years and lose a great deal of retentive capabilities.

The Use of a CAD/CAM Thermoformed Splints System in Closed Reduction of Condylar Fractures.

(1) Background: Mandibular fractures are very common. Common indications of closed treatment for mandibular fractures are non-displaced or minimally displaced simple fractures in adult compliant patients with good dentition, the absence of occlusal disruption, and fractures in growing children. In closed treatment, the mandible is maintained in centric occlusion with a maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) with orthodontic elastics. Many methods of MMF have been described, often using orthodontic appliances. In recent years, CAD-CAM technology has improved many procedures used in maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. The device we present is manufactured following a digital workflow, and was designed specifically for MMF. (2) Materials: Two patients with mandibular fractures were treated with an MMF method whose procedure comprised scanning of the dental arches, followed by construction of thermoformed splints on which buttons for the elastics and retention holes are made. The splints were fixed on the dental arches with composite resin at the level of the holes, and were kept in place for the period of healing of the fracture, with the intermaxillary elastics hooked to the buttons. (3) Results: The application time of the splints was very quick. The splints remained stable for the necessary time, without causing particular discomfort to the patients. (4) Conclusions: From our experience, this technique has proved to be reliable and reproducible and could represent a valid tool in the closed treatment of mandibular fractures.

Oral microbiota in human health and disease: A perspective.

The evolution of medical knowledge about oral microbiota has increased awareness of its important role for the entire human body health. A wide range of microbial species colonizing the oral cavity interact both with each other and with their host through complex pathways. Usually, these interactions lead to a harmonious coexistence (i.e. eubiosis). However, several factors - including diet, poor oral hygiene, tobacco smoking, and certain medications, among others - can disrupt this weak homeostatic balance (i.e. dysbiosis) with potential implications on both oral (i.e. development of caries and periodontal disease) and systemic health. This article is thus aimed at providing an overview on the importance of oral microbiota in mediating several physiological and pathological conditions affecting human health. In this context, strategies based on oral hygiene and diet as well as the role of probiotics supplementation are discussed.

The Effect of Hyperlipidemia on Peri-implant Health: A Clinical and Radiographical Prospective Study.

High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides may have a negative effect on the immune system and bone health, leading to lower bone mineral density, an increased risk of osteoporosis, and bone fractures, and could therefore also be related to a significant worsening of peri-implant health. The purpose of the following study was to evaluate whether the altered lipid profile in patients who undergo implant insertion surgery represents a prognostic factor capable of influencing clinical outcomes. This prospective observational study was conducted on 93 subjects; patients were required to have taken blood tests to obtain triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels prior to the surgical procedure to classify them according to current American Heart Association guidelines. The outcomes considered were marginal bone loss (MBL) 3 years after implant placement, full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), and full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) 3 years after surgery. A statistically significant correlation was found between hypertriglyceridemia and MBL as well as between total cholesterol and MBL. There is no statistically significant correlation between the variables analyzed and the secondary outcomes 3 years after implant placement. Peri-implant marginal bone loss may be influenced by hyperlipidemia. However, further studies are needed, with larger samples and more extensive follow-ups, to confirm these results.

The Cortical Shield for Facial Bone Reconstruction of Severely Damaged Sockets with Simultaneous Implant Placement: A Feasibility Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel proof-of-principle technique of simultaneous bone regeneration and implant placement in severely damaged sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of patients who required a single implant and presented with severe facial bone loss. Individuals were randomly assigned to either the immediate or delayed implant placement protocol. Socket reconstruction and simultaneous implant placement were performed through periosteal-guided bone regeneration. Implants were encased in a customized shield of autogenous cortical bone harvested from an adjacent site. Re-entry surgery was performed at 12 to 18 weeks. Peri-implant tissues and pink esthetics were assessed following established success criteria. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients treated, 28 patients-consisting of 15 women and 13 men with an average age of 50.8 ± 4.5 years-continued to the final follow-up. All individuals showed new facial cortical bone regeneration at second-stage implant surgery after an average healing time of 14.9 ± 2.2 weeks (range: 12 to 18 weeks). Implants remained stable after loading. Success rates were 100% at 12 months. Mean pink esthetic score (PES) was 7.8 ± 1.2 (range: 6 to 9 on a scale of 0 to 10). Linear regression analysis showed that provisionalization and attachment loss are independent risk factors affecting pink esthetics (P < .01). Mild and moderate/severe attachment loss decrease pink esthetic scores by 0.9 and 1.7 points, respectively (95% CI: 0.2-1.5; P < .01). The use of provisional restorations improves pink esthetic scores by 1.6 points (95% CI: 0.8-2.4; P < .001). A PES > 7 was four and five times more likely to be expected for delay and immediate implants, respectively, if the implant had a provisional restoration delivered post-second-stage (RR = 4 to 5; 95% CI: 1-31; P = .07; P = .02). Cramér's V test showed a strong association between lack of implant provisionals and low pink esthetic scores (≤ 7, value = 0.7; P = .02). Facial implant transparency at follow-up was absent, and all implants had a band of keratinized tissue > 2 mm. CONCLUSION: Facial bone regeneration and simultaneous implant placement is feasible in severely damaged sockets through periosteal-guided bone regeneration after a short healing period following immediate or delayed protocols. The assisted regenerated intrasocket bone allows for functional implant stability. Adjacent tooth attachment loss and lack of implant provisionalization negatively impacts pink esthetics. The proposed approach decreases costs, morbidity, and treatment duration and eliminates the need for multi-stage approaches.

Analysis of Proximal Contact Loss Between Implant Restorations and Adjacent Teeth: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Restoring the proximal contacts is important for a restoration's long-term success. A frequently observed late complication of implant restoration is proximal contact loss. At present, there is a lack of sufficient research for determining the prevalence of proximal contact loss and for identifying the causative factors. The purpose of this clinical retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of proximal contact loss between implant restorations and adjacent teeth and to identify the causative factors. Partially edentulous patients who had received single crowns or fixed dental prostheses on implants were selected; the rehabilitations were metal-ceramic or all-ceramic, screw- or cement-retained. The primary study outcome was clinical evaluation of mesial and distal proximal contact tightness. The secondary outcome was evaluation of patient awareness of proximal contact loss, food impaction, and occurrence of biologic complications. In total, 237 single crowns and 83 fixed partial dentures were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression model was adopted. The overall prevalence of proximal contact loss was 51%. Among the patients with proximal contact loss, 107 (65%) were aware of its presence, while 58 (35%) reported food impaction. Within the limits of the present study, proximal contact loss between implant prostheses and adjacent teeth can be considered a frequent event, even at a 10-year follow-up, that should be carefully considered and monitored by patients and operators.

Clinical Comparison of Diode Laser Assisted "v-Shape Frenectomy" and Conventional Surgical Method as Treatment of Ankyloglossia.

(1) Background: Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie is a condition, in which the tip of tongue cannot protrude beyond the lower incisor teeth because of short frenulum linguae, often containing scar tissue. Limitations of movement are the most important clinical symptoms of this condition, together with feeding, speech, and mechanical problems. (2) Methods: the present study included two groups of patients (group A and group B) including, respectively, 29 and 32 patients (61 patients total), aged from 8 to 12 and presenting ankyloglossia classified according to the Kotlow's classification. The patients in group A underwent a common surgical procedure. For the patients of group B, a diode laser device (K2 mobile laser, Dentium, Korea) with a micro-pulsed wavelength of 980 ± 10 nm and power of 1.2 watts was used. The post-surgical discomfort of the patients (recording the pain perceived immediately after the end of the anesthesia and during the following week, using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) system) and healing characteristics (recorded using the Early Wound Healing Score or EHS) were evaluated. (3) Results: The results shows that the pain in the patients who underwent laser-assisted frenectomy is significantly reduced (p < 0.001) when compared to those who underwent conventional surgical frenectomy, both immediately after surgery (with a reduction in the average NRS of 80.6%) and after the first week (with a reduction in the average NRS of 86.58%). Additionally, in the same patients, an augmentation in the average value of the EHS of 45% was recorded, highlighting significantly (p < 0.001) better quality in the healing of the wound within the 24 h after surgery. Moreover, other advantages observed in the use of laser assisted-frenectomy are the absence of bleeding and, consequently, a clear operative field; no need to use sutures; no need to take painkillers or antibiotics after surgery; and having a faster recovery and less time needed to perform the operation. (4) Conclusions: within the limits of the present study, it seems possible to assert that the laser frenectomy performed using the v-shape technique presents a series of advantages if compared to the conventional surgical method.

Hard and soft tissue evaluation of alveolar ridge preservation compared to spontaneous healing: a retrospective clinical and volumetric analysis.

PURPOSE: The remodeling process following tooth extraction can be observed as horizontal and vertical bone reduction of the alveolar ridge. Preservation procedures such as alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) aim to maintain the 3D volume of the extraction site. This retrospective study analyzed differences in the hard and soft tissue changes in patients treated with either spontaneous healing or ARP. METHODS: After tooth extraction, the patients were treated either by spontaneous socket healing (SH group) or with ARP using a xenograft and a resorbable membrane (ARP group). One week before and 6 months after extraction, the patients underwent cone beam computed tomography. A volumetric analysis was performed by superimposing the digital models of the two time points. Intraoral radiography was performed after implant placement, upon prosthesis delivery, and at 1-year post-treatment. An esthetic assessment was conducted using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES). The patients' overall satisfaction with the implant restoration was investigated at 12 months. RESULTS: Intragroup comparisons revealed significant differences between baseline and the 6-month follow-up in both groups at the measured locations (1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm below the most coronal aspect of the alveolar ridge) showing a reduction of the horizontal width (P < 0.05). Additionally, after treatment, the horizontal width at 1 mm was significantly different in the SH and ARP groups (P < 0.001), with mean changes of 2.03 ± 0.54 mm and 0.86 ± 0.49 mm, respectively. ARP was associated with an increased PES (11.6 ± 2.2) and a reduction in patients requiring additional grafting procedures in subsequent treatment phases (9% vs 26%; P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: In both groups, significant horizontal and vertical bone loss was observed after the extraction. ARP can reduce linear and volumetric shrinkage of the alveolar ridge, leading to improved outcomes. It can also simplify implant restoration.

Volumetric Evaluations of Full-Arch Implant Supported Restorations and Their Role on Patients' Quality of Life: A Mixed-Model Analysis.

Introduction: Full-arch, implant-supported hybrid restorations, employing tilted implants, can offer an efficient way of treating edentulous patients. Several factors, such as the timing of implant placement and the inclination of the fixture, can have a detrimental effect on their stability. This retrospective study is aimed at discerning the role played by those factors. Materials and Methods: Patients treated with full-arch, implant supported restorations were selected for this study; cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, taken 3 months and 3 years after delivery of the final restoration, as well as peri-implant values, were obtained and compared; bone loss was measured on four sites for each implant and then averaged. These patients were recalled, and the OHIP-5 questionnaire was administered. Results: 21 patients, with a mean age of 53 years, were included in the present analysis. 108 implants were placed, and 25 Toronto prostheses were delivered. According to a mixed-model analysis, tilted implants (0.51, p < 0.001) had a higher rate of bone loss, while implants placed in a healed ridge suffered less bone loss than immediate implants (-0.21, p < 0.001). Patient-level variables have a significant effect on this variable, as implants coming from the same subject share a similar risk of bone loss. The mean response to the self-administered OHIP-5 questionnaire was 1.53 ± 0.29; other variables did not have a statistically significant effect on this outcome. Discussion/Conclusions. The results of the present study show that Toronto bridges prostheses are an efficient procedure for treating edentulous patients, as their oral-related quality of life is reported as satisfactory even 7 years after delivery of the restoration. Tilted and immediate implants are more at risk of bone loss. Implants coming from the same subject share a similar risk of bone loss.

Implant Placement with Simultaneous Guided Bone Regeneration Using Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin and a Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral: A 2-Year Retrospective and Comparative Study.

A lack of bone volume may compromise a correct three-dimensional implant placement. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of simultaneous horizontal guided bone regeneration (GBR) performed using autogenous bone or blood-derived products mixed with a bone xenograft. The study population consisted of patients operated on using one of two clinical protocols for GBR: group A, which used autogenous bone mixed with a bone xenograft, and group B, which used advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) mixed with a bone xenograft. The primary outcome was the clinical gain in the peri-implant defect. The secondary outcomes included an analysis of the postoperative healing, periodontal parameters, marginal bone loss, and occurrence of adverse events. All of the surgeries were carried out successfully. One patient in each group experienced a case of early implant loss, and three patients (one in group A and two in group B) presented biologic complications. The mean peri-implant vertical defect heights at baseline in group A and group B were 3.6 ± 0.9 mm and 4 ± 1.5 mm, respectively (P = .382). No statistically significant differences in the mean residual defect heights (P = .521) or in the postoperative wound healing (P = .611) were observed. Stable peri-implant marginal bone levels were recorded after loading in both groups. The use of A-PRF combined with a particulate bone xenograft and covered with a fixed collagen membrane may provide clinical results similar to those obtained via autogenous bone mixed with bone xenograft.

Association between Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Periodontal Bacteria: A Clinical Pilot Study.

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by microorganisms involving the supporting tissues of the teeth. Gene variants may influence both the composition of the biofilm in the oral cavity and the host response. The objective of the study was to investigate the potential correlations between the disease susceptibility, the presence and the quantity of periodontopathogenic oral bacterial composition and the VDR gene polymorphisms. Methods: Fifty (50) unrelated periodontal patients and forty-one (41) healthy controls were selected for genomic DNA extraction. DNA concentration was measured and analyzed. The periodontopathogenic bacterial species were identified and quantified using a Real Time PCR performed with species-specific primers and probes. Results: Genotype distribution showed a different distribution between the groups for BsmI rs1544410 genotypes (p = 0.0001) with a prevalence of the G(b) allele in periodontal patients (p = 0.0003). Statistical significance was also found for VDR TaqI rs731236 (p ≤ 0.00001) with a prevalence of the T(T) allele in periodontal patients (p ≤ 0.00001). The average bacterial copy count for the periodontitis group was significantly higher than that of control group. Dividing patients into two groups based on high or low bacterial load, FokI rs2228570 T allele (f) was statistically more represented in patients with high bacterial load. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest the involvement of the VDR gene BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms in periodontal disease, while FokI and BsmI may be involved in determining an increased presence of periodontopathogens.