Evaluation of masticatory efficiency and OHRQoL in implant-retained overdenture with different numbers of implant in the edentulous mandible: a one-year follow-up prospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to evaluate to the masticatory function performance and Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in implant-retained overdenture compared with different implant number placements in the edentulous mandible. METHODS: From 2013 to 2015, each patients received 3 implants (iSy-Implant, Camlog, Wimsheim, Germany) in intraforaminal mandible (34, 41/31, 44). After operation, inserted implants were gradually loaded and incorporated into an overdenture with a self-aligning attachment system (Locator abutments) in 3 + 3 + 3 months. Five checked points were performed chewing cycle test with multicolored chewing gum and OHIP-G14 questionnaire and a sum score questionnaire as following: pre-operation, one implant load (41/31), two implants loaded (33,43), three implants loaded and 1-year follow up. RESULT: A total of 10 patients with 30 implants were placed, the survival rate of the implants was 100% within 1-year follow-up. Regarding the masticatory function analysis, for the higher number of chewing cycles, the higher mixing rate was observed. After 1 year, the inter-mixing rate without significant changes was found compared to the time after three implants were loaded with attachment system. The mean value of OHIP-G14 was 30.4 preoperatively, 21.1 after loading the first locator, 10.7 after loading two locator abutments, and 3.2 after loading all three locator abutments. After 1 year, OHIP-G14 was 2.6 without significantly changed. The mean of the sum score was 15.5 preoperatively, 27.8 after activation of the first locator, 39.4 after activation of two locators, 46.2 after activation of all three locators, and 47.3 after 1 year. An increase of 0.7 sum score units per time point was observed. No significance was detectable, analogous to OHIP-G14, compared to the time of activation of all three locator setups (p-value = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement in masticatory function performance and OHRQoL was evaluated with the increasing number of implants with locator attachment in edentulous mandible. With the investigation of the OHIP-G14 and sum score, the results of patient report outcome might be associated with the increase in the number of implants.

The feasibility of ultrasonography for the measurement of periodontal and peri-implant phenotype: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Screening ultrasonography was proposed for monitoring periodontal soft tissues in the early 1960s, owing to its nonionizing, real-time, and cost-effective properties. Studies have provided convincing preliminary evidence for the use of ultrasound (US) in implant dentistry. PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of ultrasonography (US) for measuring the buccal thickness of periodontal and peri-implant tissues. The secondary objective was to evaluate the reliability of US measurements compared to classic techniques, such as CBCT and directly measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted by three independent reviewers through February 2023. The inclusion criteria were articles investigating at least five patients/cadavers with US measurements in periodontal or peri-implant buccal tissues. Compliance with methodological reporting standards and risk of bias was assessed using EULAR and QUADAS-C tools, respectively. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, using Bland-Altman analysis. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: The final selection included 12 studies examining 458 patients and 13 cadavers, with a total of 226 implants, 1958 teeth and 60 edentulous sites. The body of evidence was assessed as partially compliant with methodological reporting standards for US studies and had an unclear to high risk of bias. Meta-analysis of five comparative studies showed no evidence of clinically significant bias between US and direct measurements (very low certainty), and between US and CBCT (very low certainty) for soft-tissue thickness. Likewise, for bone thickness, there is no evidence of clinically significant bias between US and CBCT (low certainty). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the CBCT and direct measurements, ultrasonography might be a reliable approach for monitoring on periodontal and peri-implant phenotype. However, there is uncertainty about estimates of the actual effect, so further standardized and larger sample size of clinical research is needed.

Short implants compared to regular dental implants after bone augmentation in the atrophic posterior mandible: umbrella review and meta-analysis of success outcomes.

PURPOSE: To assess the body of evidence of short versus regular implants after bone augmentation (BA) in the atrophic posterior mandible in the context of implant treatment success outcomes. METHODS: Seven databases, two registries, and reference lists were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (SR/MA), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies published in English, Spanish or German since 2012. Confidence in the SR/MA methodology was evaluated using AMSTAR-2 and the risk of bias of primary studies using Cochrane's RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I. A random-effects meta-analysis and a meta-regression were performed for continuous and dichotomous outcomes. GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Eighteen SRs/MAs, most of them "critically low" and "low" confidence with substantial overlap, included 14 relevant RCTs with a high risk of bias. A cohort study with moderate risk of bias was added. Quantitative synthesis of 595 implants and 281 hemiarches/patients indicates that the use of short implants (< 10 mm) compared to regular implants and BA may reduce implant failure at 1-year follow-up, and marginal bone loss (MBL) at 3-, 5-, and 8-year follow-up; is likely to reduce the risk of biological complications at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-year follow-up; and may be the patient's preferred alternative. There is a correlation between bone height, MBL and biological complications. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence partially suggests that the use of short implants could decrease implant failure, MBL, and biological complications, and increase patient satisfaction. However, given the need for further RCTs and real-world evidence to fully evaluate short- and long-term outcomes, it would be prudent for clinicians to carefully consider the individual needs and circumstances of the patients before deciding whether to use short implants. Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42022333526.

Minimally Invasive Navigation-Guided Quad Zygomatic Implant Placement: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

Purpose: Zygomatic implants (ZIs) have been considered a reliable alternative treatment for patients with maxillary atrophy and/or maxillary defects. The use of a navigation system for assisting ZI placement could be a reliable approach for enhancing accuracy and safety. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of a new dynamic surgical navigation system with its minimally invasive registration guide for quad zygomatic implant placement in comparison with a gold standard navigation approach. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 zygomatic implants were placed in 10 3D-printed models based on the CBCT scans of edentulous patients. For registration, a surgical registration guide with a quick response plate was used for the test group, and five hemispheric cavities as registered miniscrews in the intraoral area were used for the control group. In each model, a split-mouth approach was employed (two ZIs in bilateral zygomata) to test both systems. After ZI placement, a CBCT scan was performed and merged with pre-interventional planning. The deviations between planned and placed implants were calculated as offset basis, offset apical, and angular deviation and compared between the systems. Results: The offset basis, offset apical, and angular deviation were 1.43 ± 0.55 mm, 1.81 ± 0.68 mm, and 2.32 ± 1.59 degrees in the test group, respectively. For the control group, values of 1.48 ± 0.57 mm, 1.76 ± 0.62 mm, and 2.57 ± 1.51 degrees were measured without significant differences between groups (all P < .05). The accuracy of ZI positions (anterior and posterior) were measured without significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Two navigation systems with different registration techniques seem to achieve comparable acceptable accuracy for dynamic navigation of zygomatic implant placement. With the test group system, additional pre-interventional radiologic imaging and invasive fiducial marker insertion could be avoided.

Ludwig's Angina: Higher Incidence and Worse Outcomes Associated With the Onset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Background: Ludwig's angina (LA) is a diffuse cellulitis of the submandibular space and adjacent tissues. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, odontogenic treatments were often delayed because of the implementation of safety measures to avoid the spread of the virus. We hypothesized that delayed odontogenic treatments associated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic would be associated with an increase in the incidence of LA and worse outcomes related to these infections. Patients and Methods: Patients from June 2018 to June 2022 with computed tomography images suggestive of LA and confirmed by ear, nose, throat (ENT) consult were included. We abstracted demographics, outcomes, clinical management, and microbiology. Patients were stratified into pre-COVID and COVID-onset. Our primary outcome, incidence of LA, was defined as: (new LA cases) ÷ (ED evaluations of oral or dental infections × 1.5 years). Results: In the pre-COVID group, we identified 32 of 1,301 patients with LA for an incidence of 0.02 per year. The COVID-onset group consisted of 41 of 641 patients, with an incidence of 0.04 per year. In the COVID-onset group, progression to necrotizing fasciitis was more likely (0% vs. 15%; p < 0.024), and they returned to the operating room for repeated debridement (3% vs. 22%; p < 0.020). Likewise, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and ventilator days were higher (4.3 ± 3.5 vs. 9.5 ± 11.3; 1.1 ± 1.2 vs. 9.5 ± 7.1; 0.3 ± 1 vs. 3.6 ± 7.1; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although the prognosis for dental infections diagnosed early is generally favorable, we observed a notable increase in the incidence of LA after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, complications stemming from these infections became more severe in the COVID-onset era. Specifically, the likelihood of necrotizing fasciitis showed a substantial increase, accompanied by an increased risk of respiratory failure and mediastinitis.

Open Mandible and Maxillary Fractures Associated with Higher Risk of Infection in Victims of Assault.

Background: Victims of assault (VOA) often present with fractures of the mandible and maxilla. They represent a complex challenge because of possible compromise of the airway, and infection-related complications because of potential involvement of the oral cavity. We hypothesized that open mandible and maxillary fractures in VOA are associated with a higher rate of infection compared with non-VOA patients with open facial fractures. Patients and Methods: Patients admitted to our level 1 trauma center from 2005 to 2020 with a diagnosis of open mandible and maxillary fractures were included. Demographics, mechanisms of injury, fracture location, cultures, infectious complications, antibiotic treatments, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. Patients were stratified by their mechanism of injury into VOA or non-VOA and were compared using χ2 and Student t-test using SPSS (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). Results: We identified 316 patients with open mandible and maxillary fractures. There were 198 patients categorized as being VOA, and 118 as non-VOA. Nineteen of 316 patients were diagnosed with infection related to the fracture (3.8% abscesses, 1.9% cellulitis, and 1.9% osteomyelitis). Although the Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher in non-VOA patients (5.8 ± 2.6 vs. 4.9 ± 1.8; p < 0.013), most of the infections were in the VOA cohort (17/19; 89.5%; p < 0.013). Conclusions: Open fractures of the mandible and maxilla in VOA are associated with a greater risk of infection compared with non-victims of assault. The relation between VOA and poor SDH has been studied recently; clinicians should be aware of this association and implement special considerations and appropriate follow-up visits to decrease the rate of infection in this currently expanding population.

Does vitamin D have an effect on osseointegration of dental implants? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the available evidence to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation or vitamin D depletion on the osseointegration of implants in animals and humans. METHODS: The focus questions addressed were "Do vitamin D deficient subjects treated with (dental) implants have an inferior osseointegration than subjects with adequate serum vitamin D level?" and "Do vitamin D supplemented subjects treated with (dental) implants have a superior osseointegration than subjects with adequate serum vitamin D level?" Humans and animals were considered as subjects in this study. Databases were searched from 1969 up to and including March 2021 using different combination of the following terms: "implant", "bone to implant contact", "vitamin D" and "osseointegration". Letters to the editor, historic reviews, commentaries and articles published in languages other than English and German were excluded. The pattern of the present systematic review was customize to primarily summarize the pertinent data. RESULTS: Thirteen experimental studies with animals as subject, two clinical studies and three case reports, with humans as subjects, were included. The amount of inserted titanium implants ranged between 24 and 1740. Results from three animal studies showed that vitamin D deficiency has a negative effect on new bone formation and/or bone to implant contact (BIC). Eight animal studies showed that vitamin D supplementation has a enhancing effect on BIC and/or new bone formation around implants. Furthermore, enhancing the impact of vitamin D supplementation on the osseointegration of implants in subjects with diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were assessed. Studies and case reports involving human subjects showed that patients with a low serum vitamin D level have a higher tendency to exhibit an early dental implant failure. When supplemented with vitamin D the osseointegration was successful in the case reports and a beneficial impact on the changes in the bone level during the osseointegration were determined. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency seems to have a negative effect on the osseointegration of implants in animals. The supplementation of vitamin D appears to improve the osseointegration in animals with systemic diseases, such as vitamin D deficiency, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and CKD. Slight evidence supports the hypothesis that humans similarly benefit from vitamin D supplementation in terms of osseointegration. Further investigation is required to maintain these assumptions.

Rendimiento y fuerza masticatoria máxima funcional en pacientes con prótesis parcial removible dentomucosoportadas y dentoimplantosoportadas

Introducción: Debido al desdentamiento, el rendimiento y la fuerza masticatoria disminuyen, lo que implica una desorganización y descompensación del sistema estomatognático con fuerzas provocadas por la masticación, que se distribuyen en el hueso a través de dientes y mucosas y provocan la reabsorción ósea en zonas edéntulas. Objetivo: Comparar el rendimiento masticatorio y la fuerza masticatoria máxima funcional en pacientes desdentados parciales portadores de prótesis parcial removible dentomucosoportadas, antes y después de la instalación quirúrgica de implantes oseointegrados como pilares protésicos auxiliares. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 10 pacientes rehabilitados mediante prótesis parcial removibles. Se les realizaron el test biomecánico de medición de fuerza masticatoria y test de Manly para la evaluación del rendimiento masticatorio antes de la instalación del implante y a los tres y seis meses poscirugía. Resultados: Se obtuvo un valor promedio de rendimiento masticatorio de 24,2 ( 9,73 % antes de la cirugía de implantes, de 44,1 ( 13,28 % a los tres meses y de 45,6 ( 14,33 % a los seis meses posterior a esta (p = 0,001). Antes de la cirugía implantaria se obtuvo como promedio una fuerza masticatoria de 10,6 ( 4,34 kg, de 12,5 ( 4,28 kg a los tres meses y de 15,1 ( 5,12 kg a los seis meses posterior a esta (p = 0,008). Conclusiones: La utilización de implantes oseointegrados como pilares auxiliares en prótesis removibles dentomucosoportadas se asocian a un mayor rendimiento masticatorio y a un aumento de la fuerza masticatoria máxima funcional, asociado al alivio de la carga directa sobre los rebordes maxilares edéntulos.

Introduction: Due to edentulousness, masticatory performance and masticatory force decrease, which implies a disorganization and decompensation of the stomatognathic system with forces provoked by mastication, which are distributed in the bone through teeth and mucous membranes and cause bone resorption in edentulous areas. Objective: To compare masticatory performance and maximum functional masticatory force in partially edentulous patients with dentomucosally supported removable partial dentures before and after surgical installation of osseointegrated implants as auxiliary prosthetic abutments. Methods: Ten patients rehabilitated with removable partial dentures were selected. The biomechanical test of masticatory force measurement and the Manly test were performed to evaluate masticatory performance before implant installation and at three- and six-months post-surgery. Results: An average masticatory performance value of 24.2 ( 9.73 % was obtained before implant surgery, 44.1 ( 13.28 % at three months and 45.6 ( 14.33 % at six months after implant surgery (p = 0.001). Before implant surgery, an average masticatory force of 10.6 ( 4.34 kg, 12.5  4.28 kg at three months and 15.1 ( 5.12 kg at six months after implant surgery was obtained (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The use of osseointegrated implants as auxiliary abutments in dentomucosally supported removable prostheses are associated with increased masticatory performance and increased maximum functional masticatory force, associated with relief of direct load on edentulous maxillary ridges.

Teledentistry protocol for the elderly in the context of the covid-19 pandemic through a web platform/mobile app: approach from the general dentist / Protocolo de teleodontología para adultos mayores en el contexto de la pandemia de covid-19 a través de una plataforma web/aplicación móvil: abordaje desde el odontólogo general

Objective: To generate teledentistry protocols for urgent and priority dental care for the elderly population through a technological web platform and mobile application in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Teledentistry protocols were developed in five sequential steps: Staff training, Patient recruitment, Patient admission, Patient reception and Patient care. Reasons for admission were categorized in urgencies and priority dental treatment. Results: The most prevalent reasons for consultation were prosthesis mismatch (18.37%), dental pain (16.33%) and fractured teeth (14.29%). In urgencies by need for treatment: due to infection or pain (24.44%) or to avoid pulp involvement (26.67%). The rest of the care did not require immediate attention. Regarding the OHIP-14Sp survey prior to care, in which patients were consulted for problems with their teeth, mouth or prosthesis, two questions were answered per dimension, for each dimension the following values were obtained: functional limitation (71.30% and 50.44%), physical pain (68.97% and 70.18%), psychological discomfort (75.00% and 74.14%), physical disability (57.39% and 46.09%), psychological disability (37.72% and 53.91%), social disability (33.91% and 30.97%) and handicap (27.83% and 25.86%). Conclusion: A teledentistry protocol for urgent and priority dental care of the elderly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on a general dentist remotely supported specialists was a useful tool to effectively systematize the care of elderly patients, reducing risk of exposure to COVID-19 and solving dental urgencies in this population

Objetivo: Generar protocolos de teleodontología para la atención odontológica urgente y prioritaria de la población adulta mayor a través de una plataforma web tecnológica y aplicación móvil en el contexto de la pandemia del COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Los protocolos de teleodontología se desarrollaron en cinco pasos secuenciales: capacitación del personal, reclutamiento de pacientes, admisión de pacientes, recepción de pacientes y atención al paciente. Los motivos de ingreso se categorizaron en urgencias y tratamiento odontológico prioritario. Resultados: Los motivos de consulta más prevalentes fueron desajuste de prótesis (18,37%), dolor dental (16,33%) y dientes fracturados (14,29%). En urgencias por necesidad de tratamiento por infección o dolor (24,44%) o para evitar afectación pulpar (26,67%). El resto de los cuidados no requirieron atención inmediata. En cuanto a la encuesta OHIP-14Sp previa a la atención, en la que se consultaba a los pacientes por problemas en sus dientes, boca o prótesis, se respondieron dos preguntas por dimensión, para cada dimensión se obtuvieron los siguientes valores: limitación funcional (71,30% y 50,44%), dolor físico (68,97% y 70,18%), malestar psicológico (75,00% y 74,14%), discapacidad física (57,39% y 46,09%), discapacidad psicológica (37,72% y 53,91%), discapacidad social (33,91% y 30,97%) y handicap (27,83% y 25,86%). Conclusión: Un protocolo de teleodontología para la atención odontológica urgente y prioritaria del adulto mayor, en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 con un enfoque en un odontólogo general con especialistas apoyados de forma remota, fue una herramienta útil para sistematizar de manera efectiva la atención de los pacientes adultos mayores, reduciendo el riesgo de exposición al COVID-19 y resolviendo las urgencias odontológicas en esta población.

Potencial de transformación maligna de las lesiones blanquecinas bucales / Potential for malignant transformation of whitish oral lesions

Introducción: Las lesiones blanquecinas bucales con potencial maligno, son un grupo reconocible de enfermedades de las mucosas, que preceden a la aparición de cánceres invasivos de la cavidad bucal. Objetivo: Determinar el potencial de transformación maligna de las lesiones blanquecinas de la cavidad bucal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, de enero del año 2016 hasta enero de 2020, de todos los pacientes que acudieron al servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, con lesiones blanquecinas bucales. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, tiempo de evolución, sitio de la lesión, diagnóstico histológico y potencial de transformación maligna. Se exploró asociación mediante ji cuadrado. Resultados: Se encontraron lesiones con potencial de transformación maligna en el 24 por ciento de los mayores de 50 años, en el 24,3 por ciento de los hombres y en el 40 por ciento de pacientes con queilitis actínicas. El 83,3 por ciento fueron leucoplasias y entre ellas, el 20 por ciento con potencial de transformación maligna. Conclusiones: La leucoplasia es el diagnóstico histológico más común. Las lesiones con potencial de transformación maligna aumentan con la edad, son mayores en los hombres y en pacientes con queilitis actínicas. Los sitios anatómicos en que más aparecen son: paladar blando y labio superior; entre los factores de riesgo de mayor asociación está la exposición al sol(AU)

Introduction: Potentially malignant whitish oral lesions are a recognizable group of mucosal diseases that precede the appearance of invasive cancers of the oral cavity. Objective: To determine the potential malignant transformation of whitish lesions in the oral cavity. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried, from January 2016 to January 2020, of all patients who attended the Maxillofacial Surgery service with whitish oral lesions. The variables used were: age, sex, risk factors, time of evolution, and site of the lesion, histological diagnosis and potential for malignant transformation. To explore the association between categorical variables, the Chi square distribution was used. Results: Lesions with the potential for malignant transformation were found in 24 percent of those over 50 years of age, in 24,3 percent of men and in 40 percent of patients with actinic cheilitis. 83,3 percent were leukoplakia, and among them 20 percent with the potential for malignant transformation. Conclusions: Leukoplakia was the most common histological diagnosis. Lesions with the potential for malignant transformation increased with age, were greater in men and in actinic cheilitis patients. The anatomical sites in which they appeared most were on the soft palate and upper lip and among the risk factors with the greatest association was sun exposure(AU)

Manejo multidisciplinario de rinosinusitis bacteriana aguda posterior a elevación de seno maxilar: reporte de caso rehabilitado a tres años de seguimiento / Multidisciplinary management of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis after maxillary sinus lift: three years follow-up: case report

La cirugía de elevación de seno maxilar se considera como la técnica de aumento óseo más predecible. Sin embargo, no está exenta de complicaciones las cuales deben ser manejadas adecuadamente. Se presenta un caso clínico rehabilitado, con un seguimiento de 3 años, en el cual se realizó un manejo multidisciplinario y resolutivo de complicaciones asociadas a la técnica quirúrgica de elevación de membrana sinusal vía ventana lateral. Frente a una infección postoperatoria, como la presentada en el caso, hay que considerar iniciar un tratamiento antibiótico en el momento adecuado para impedir el agravamiento del cuadro clínico o un cambio de esquema en caso de resistencia antimicrobiana.

Maxillary sinus lift surgery is considered the most predictable bone augmentation technique. However, this procedure is not without complications, which must be handled properly. We present a rehabilitated clinical case, with a 3-year follow-up, in which a multidisciplinary and resolutive management of complications associated with the surgical technique of sinus lift procedure, using lateral window approach, was performed. In case of postoperative infection, such as the one presented in this report, it is necessary to consider starting an antibiotic treatment at the adequate moment to prevent the aggravation of the illness or change the pharmacological treatment in case of antimicrobial resistance.

Método simplificado para cuantificar el área oseointegrable de implantes dentales / Simplified method to quantify the osseointegration area of dental implants

Introducción: Se han realizado muchas investigaciones sobre los implantes dentales, sin embargo, el área oseointegrable aún es un tema poco tratado en la literatura científica. Objetivo: Diseñar un método para el cálculo del área oseointegrable en la colocación de implantes dentales. Métodos: Las áreas de los implantes se calcularon sobre la base de modelos de implantes de tamaño cuatro veces el real, utilizando las fórmulas conocidas para mantos de cilindro, troncos de cono, círculo (entre otras) y aplicando relaciones lineales para las alturas y para los diámetros al cuadrado (asimilación a teoría de modelos). Se emplearon un calibrador de metales, una lupa y un escalímetro. Los implantes fueron divididos en sectores según su diferente configuración geométrica, la suma de superficies permitió obtener el área total del implante. Las superficies se compararon con el área teórica total de los mismos implantes. Luego se extrapolaron los datos para todos los modelos según sus dimensiones particulares. Resultados: Las áreas obtenidas para implantes tipo tornillo y tipo cónico (diámetro/largo en mm) fueron respectivamente: 3,75/7 = 129 mm2; 3,75/13 = 234 mm2; 3,75/15 = 270 mm2; 4/15 = 306 mm2; 5/7 = 224 mm2 y 3,5/13 = 143 mm2; 4,3/10 = 166 mm2; 4,3/13 = 215 mm2; 4,3/16 = 265 mm2. Conclusiones: La metodología usada en este estudio pareciera ser una buena alternativa para calcular el área final de oseointegración(AU)

Introduction: Many studies have been conducted about dental implants. However, the osseointegration area is a topic not commonly dealt with in the scientific literature. Objective: Design a method to estimate the osseointegration area in the placement of dental implants. Methods: The implant areas were estimated with implant models four times as large as real size, using known formulas for cylinder mantles, cone trunks and circles (among others). Linear relationships were applied for heights and square diameters (assimilation to model theory). Use was made of a metal calibrator, a magnifying glass and a scalimeter. The implants were divided into sectors according to their different geometric configuration. The sum of the surfaces made it possible to obtain the total implant area. The surfaces were compared with the total theoretical area of the same implants. The data were then extrapolated for all the models in keeping with their particular dimensions. Results: The areas obtained for screw and cone implants (diameter / length in mm) were, respectively: 3.75/7 = 129 mm2; 3.75/13 = 234 mm2; 3.75/15 = 270 mm2; 4/15 = 306 mm2; 5/7 = 224 mm2 and 3.5/13 = 143 mm2; 4.3/10 = 166 mm2; 4.3/13 = 215 mm2; 4.3/16 = 265 mm2. Conclusions: The methodology used in the study seems to be a good alternative to estimate the final osseointegration area(AU)

Tooth decay detection using a fiber optic sensor / Detección de caries dental usando un sensor de fibra óptica

ABSTRACT Introduction: tooth decay has become one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, but ironically it is one of the most neglected. Currently, adequate and effective caries treatment is based on early diagnosis and procedures such as sealants, crowns, and root canal treatment. Methods: This study examined the behavior of carious and non-carious areas of critical dental units (premolars and molars) subjecting them to a wavelength of 830 nm in adult humans who agreed to a dental exam and had at least one tooth affected by dental caries. Underage persons and patients in medical treatment were excluded. After finding a behavior that helped differentiate decayed tissue from healthy areas, the used experimental system was characterized and tested in volunteers. The implemented system contains a fiber optic sensor comprised of a trifurcated fiber and a photodetector to perform optical power measurements. Results: This sensor detected 100% of dental caries samples on premolar and molar occlusal surfaces. It also showed the ability to diagnose buccal cavities. Conclusions: The results showed that caries can be identified in dental units by means of a fiber optic sensor and infrared light at 830 nm.

RESUMEN. Introducción: la caries se ha manifestado como una de las enfermedades con mayor prevalencia mundial, pero paradójicamente es una de las más desatendidas. En la actualidad, el tratamiento adecuado y eficaz contra la caries se basa en el diagnóstico temprano y en procedimientos como obturaciones, coronas y tratamiento de conductos. Métodos: esta investigación se centró en examinar el comportamiento de zonas cariadas y no cariadas de piezas dentales vitales (premolares y molares) al someterlas a una longitud de onda de 830 nm en seres humanos mayores de edad que aceptasen una revisión odontológica y que presentaran al menos un caso de caries dental. Fueron excluidos menores de edad y personas bajo tratamientos médicos. Tras encontrar un comportamiento que permitió diferenciar entre zonas cariadas y sanas, se caracterizó el sistema experimental usado y se probó en voluntarios. El sistema implementado se basa en un sensor de fibra óptica compuesto por una fibra trifurcada y un fotodetector para realizar mediciones de potencia óptica. Resultados: este sensor detectó el 100% de las muestras de caries dental en superficies oclusales de premolares y molares. Asimismo, exhibió indicios de la capacidad de diagnosticar caries vestibulares. Conclusiones: los resultados mostraron que se puede establecer la presencia de caries en piezas dentales mediante la implementación de un sensor de fibra óptica y luz infrarroja de 830 nm.

Self-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays: synthesis by anodization in an ionic liquid and assessment of photocatalytic properties.

Self-organized TiO(2) nanotube (NT) arrays were produced by anodization in ethylene glycol (EG) electrolytes containing 1-n-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMI.BF(4)) ionic liquid and water. The morphology of the as-formed NTs was considerably affected by changing the anodization time, voltage, and water and ionic liquid electrolyte concentrations. In general, a nanoporous layer was formed on the top surface of the TiO(2) NTs, except for anodization at 100 V with 1 vol % of BMI.BF(4), where the NT's mouth was revealed. The length and bottom diameter of the NTs as well as the pore diameter of the top layer showed a linear relationship with increased anodization voltage. These TiO(2) NTs were tested as photocatalysts for methyl orange photodegradation and hydrogen evolution from water/methanol solutions by UV light irradiation. The results show that the TiO(2) NTs obtained by anodization in EG/H(2)O/BMI.BF(4) electrolytes are active and efficient for both applications.