Factors influencing the impact of randomized clinical trials on dental implants: A bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze bibliometrics, characteristics, and the risk of bias of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on dental implants published in six high-impact factor journals and to identify factors contributing to citation number. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic electronic search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) to identify RCTs on dental implants published in six dental journals between 2016 and 2017. Twenty-five bibliometric variables and paper characteristics were extracted to evaluate their contribution to the citation count. Risk of bias analysis was performed using the RoB2 tool. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the effects of predictor variables on the Citation count. Significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: A total of 150 RCTs included received a cumulative citation count of 3452 until July 2022. In the negative binomial regression analysis, open-access RCTs exhibited 60% more citations, and RCTs that presented statistical significance received 46% more citations. Conversely, first author affiliations from Africa, Asia and Oceania continents showed 49% fewer citations than publications from Europe. Regarding the risk of bias, 73.3% of the RCTs had some concerns, while 26% were deemed to have a high risk of bias. Only one RCT (0.07%) showed a low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the study, factors such as open access, statistically significant results, and country influence the number of citations received by the RCTs on dental implants.

Digital surveillance: The interest in mouthwash-related information.

BACKGROUND: The comprehension of the interests of Internet users regarding their health-related searches may reveal the community's demands about oral health. The study aimed to characterize the interests of Google users related to mouthwash in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Mexico, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Saudi Arabia and South Africa applying the Google Trends. METHODS: This longitudinal retrospective study analysed the mouthwash-related interest of Google users from January 2004 to December 2020. The monthly variation of relative search volume (RSV) and the main queries related were determined using Google Trends. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting models were built to establish the predictive RSV values for mouthwash for additional 12 months. Auto-correlation plots and a general additive model (GAM) were used to diagnose trends and seasonality in RSV curves. In addition, the influence of social isolation related to the outbreak of COVID-19 were analysed. RESULTS: The RSVs curves showed a considerable increase in searches related to mouthwash to AUS, BRA, JAP, MEX, GBR and USA (RSV > 25), while the growth was slight to CHI, KSA, RSA and RUS (RSV < 25) over the years, without influence of monthly seasonality. All countries showed a significant increase in mouthwash interest after the outbreak of COVID-19, except for KSA and RUS. The mouthwash-related searches were associated to specific brands or chemical compositions, treatments, whitening agents, homemade mouthwash and indications for the 'best mouthwash'. CONCLUSIONS: In general, there was an increasing interest of Google users in mouthwash-related topics between 2004 and 2020. In addition, in most countries, there was an expansion in searches during the social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemics.

Decision-making on peri-implant mucositis management and treatment approaches.

Peri-implant mucositis is characterised by inflammation of soft tissues surrounding a dental implant without associated bone loss beyond initial remodelling. Early detection and timely intervention are critical to prevent its progression to peri-implantitis. This paper focuses on various treatment options for treating peri-implant mucositis. The cornerstone of professional treatment lies in the mechanical disruption and removal of microbial biofilms around the implant. This can be achieved through careful use of manual or powered instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers or air polishing devices. However, there is a need for further research to determine the most effective single approach for treating peri-implant mucositis. Current evidence does not support the combination of mechanical debridement with locally administered antibiotics. Contrarily, evidence strongly supports the removal, cleaning, and modifications of prostheses to improve both self-performance and professional cleanability. The use of adjunctive therapies like photodynamic therapy and diode laser, in conjunction with mechanical instrumentation, is not currently recommended due to the limited strength of available evidence. Preventive measures emphasise the importance of comprehensive oral hygiene care, encompassing professional guidance and at-home practices, to manage biofilms effectively. This encompasses oral hygiene instruction, regular debridement, and maintenance care. Supporting peri-implant therapy is also vital for ongoing implant monitoring, preventing the recurrence of mucositis, and halting its progression to peri-implantitis. This multifaceted approach is key to effectively managing and treating peri-implant mucositis.

The effect of a multicomponent oral care regimen on gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral care regimens can be explored to improve oral health in patients with gingivitis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent oral care regimen with a dual zinc plus arginine (DZA) toothpaste and cetylpyridinium chloride with zinc lactate (CPC + Zn) mouthwash in reducing gingival bleeding in patients with gingivitis. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 94 participants with gingivitis who were randomized into two groups: the DZA/CPC + Zn group, which used a 1450-ppm fluoride toothpaste containing 0.96% zinc plus 1.5% arginine and a fluoride-containing mouthwash with 0.075% CPC and 0.28% zinc lactate, and the control group, which used a 1450-ppm fluoride toothpaste and a placebo mouthwash for 6 months. All participants were examined by a blinded examiner who measured the gingival index, plaque index, and gingival severity index. Data were analyzed using paired t test, independent t test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: Both groups presented statistically significant reductions in all clinical parameters compared to baseline. The DZA/CPC + Zn group exhibited significantly greater reductions in gingival index, gingival severity index, proximal gingival index, plaque index and proximal plaque index compared to the control group at 1, 3, and 6 months. Furthermore, DZA/CPC + Zn significantly decreased the percentage of patients with generalized gingivitis over a 6-month follow-up period. However, differences between the DZA/CPC + Zn and the control groups were not maintained after both groups established similar regimens with fluoride toothpaste. CONCLUSION: The multicomponent oral care regimen consisting of DZA toothpaste and CPC + Zn mouthwash is effective in reducing gingival inflammation and supragingival biofilm in patients with gingivitis.

Tissue integration of collagen-based matrices: an experimental study in mice.

OBJECTIVES: To test whether or not tissue integration, biodegradation, and new blood vessel formation in two collagen-based matrices depend on the level of chemical cross-linking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two collagen matrices with high (CM1) and low (CM2) levels of chemical cross-linking were randomly implanted in two pouches in 14 athymic nude mice. Three and 6 weeks later, the animals were euthanized. Histologic and histomorphometric measurements were performed on paraffin-embedded sections. RESULTS: Both collagen matrices integrated well into the surrounding soft tissues. The level of cross-linking and duration of implantation had an effect on the formation of new blood vessels. More blood vessels (n = in absolute numbers) were found in outer compartments compared to the central compartments of the matrices, reaching 5.6 (CM2) vs. 4.3 (CM1) at 3 weeks, and 5.3 (CM2) vs. 7.3 (CM1) at 6 weeks. Similarly, connective tissue formation increased for both matrices between 3 and 6 weeks, whereas the amount of remaining collagen network gradually decreased over time being more pronounced for CM1 (-50%) compared to CM2 (-15%). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of cross-linking was negatively correlated for all outcome measures resulting in improved tissue integration, superior matrix stability and enhanced angiogenic patterns for the less cross-linked collagen matrix (CM2) in this experimental study in mice.

Periodontopathogenic bacteria in subglottic samples from patients undergoing elective intubation for general anesthesia: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Translocation of periodontal pathogens into the respiratory tract could either cause pneumonia or disrupt local defense mechanisms, predisposing the host to infection by respiratory pathogens. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the levels of periodontopathogenic bacteria in subglottic samples of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients and the impact of oral decontamination with chlorhexidine (CHX) on subglottic levels of these microorganisms. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo elective surgical procedures requiring endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for at least 3 hours were included. Following full-mouth periodontal examination, patients were randomly assigned to groups that rinsed preoperatively with 0.12% CHX or 0.9% saline (control). After 3 hours of orotracheal intubation, subglottic contents were collected. Quantification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), and Tannerella forsythia (T. forsythia) in subglottic samples was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed by Fisher Exact Probability, unpaired Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Of the 69 patients included, 43 completed study participation. There were no differences between control and CHX groups in subglottic detection rates and abundance levels of P. gingivalis (P = 0.59), T. forsythia (P = 0.83) and A. actinomycetemcomitans (P = 0.07). Moreover, our data indicate that periodontal health has no impact on subglottic levels of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and A. actinomycetemcomitans. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal pathogens were detected in subglottic samples of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients. Moreover, a single CHX rinse prior to endotracheal intubation may have no effect on subglottic contamination by P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Osseous Healing Around Immediate Implants Placed Using Contour Augmentation: A Prospective Case Series.

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the dimensional bone changes around implants placed immediately with buccal contour augmentation. Patients with hopeless maxillary anterior teeth were treated with extraction, immediate implant placement, and simultaneous buccal contour augmentation. Hard tissue measurements were recorded at the time of implant placement and after 3 months of healing. All implants (N = 18) successfully osseointegrated with a mean buccal bone thickness of 2.94 ± 0.21 mm (mean ± SE) at the implant platform. This was significantly greater compared to previous data on immediate implants placed without contour augmentation (2.32 ± 0.17 mm). Buccal contour augmentation in conjunction with immediate implant placement significantly increased peri-implant buccal bone thickness after 3 months of healing.

Effectiveness of Intraoral Chlorhexidine Protocols in the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is common in critical patients and related with increased morbidity and mortality. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, with intention-to-treat analysis, of randomized controlled clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of different intraoral chlorhexidine protocols for the prevention of VAP. METHODS: Search strategies were developed for the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases. MeSH terms were combined with Boolean operators and used to search the databases. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of mechanically ventilated subjects receiving oral care with chlorhexidine or standard oral care protocols consisting of or associated with the use of a placebo or no chemicals. Pooled estimates of the relative risk and corresponding 95% CIs were calculated with random effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochran Q statistic and I(2). RESULTS: The 13 included studies provided data on 1,640 subjects that were randomly allocated to chlorhexidine (n = 834) or control (n = 806) treatments. A preliminary analysis revealed that oral application of chlorhexidine fails to promote a significant reduction in VAP incidence (relative risk 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.07, I(2) = 45%). However, subgroup analyses showed that chlorhexidine prevents VAP development when used at 2% concentration (relative risk 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.91, I(2) = 0%) or 4 times/d (relative risk 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.81, I(2) = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: We found that oral care with chlorhexidine is effective in reducing VAP incidence in the adult population if administered at 2% concentration or 4 times/d.

Matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, and inflammation in cyclosporine A-induced gingival enlargement: a pilot in vitro study using a three-dimensional model of the human oral mucosa.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that cyclosporine A (CsA) induces gingival enlargement by promoting an increase in the gingival extracellular matrix (ECM). Nonetheless, the variable occurrence of CsA-induced gingival enlargement in patients receiving this medication indicates a multifactorial pathogenesis. Clinical observations suggest that local inflammation is associated with the development and severity of CsA-induced gingival enlargement. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of CsA and inflammation on the production of ECM homeostatic mediators. METHODS: The effects of CsA and inflammation (as assessed using interleukin [IL]-1ß) on the secretion of mediators involved in ECM homeostasis were determined using fibroblast monolayers and three-dimensional (3D) models of the human oral mucosa. Fibroblast monolayers and 3D cultures were treated with CsA alone or in combination with IL-1ß for up to 72 hours, and the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and 13 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) 1, 2, and 4 into the culture medium was assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassay-based antibody arrays. RESULTS: Fibroblast monolayers responded to CsA with no changes in the secretion of ECM mediators. Conversely, 3D cultures responded to CsA treatment with a reduction in MMP-10 secretion. IL-1ß alone triggered higher secretory levels of MMPs in both fibroblast monolayers (MMP-3 and MMP-10) and 3D cultures (MMP-9 and MMP-10). Importantly, fibroblast monolayers and 3D cultures treated with a combination of IL-1ß and CsA showed a decrease in the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the hypothesis that inflammation may alter the pathogenesis of CsA-induced gingival enlargement by promoting a synergistic decrease in the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio.

Regeneration of periodontal tissues: guided tissue regeneration.

The concept that only fibroblasts from the periodontal ligament or undifferentiated mesenchymal cells have the potential to re-create the original periodontal attachment has been long recognized. Based on this concept, guided tissue regeneration has been applied with variable success to regenerate periodontal defects. Quantitative analysis of clinical outcomes after guided tissue regeneration suggests that this therapy is a successful and predictable procedure to treat narrow intrabony defects and class II mandibular furcations, but offers limited benefits in the treatment of other types of periodontal defects.