Effectiveness of Autologous Platelet Concentrates in the Sinus Lift Surgery: Findings from Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Maxillary sinus augmentation is one of the most predictable procedures for the rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla. The current overview aimed to summarize the findings provided by systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in sinus lift and to assess the methodological quality of the included SRs. Three electronic databases have been explored. SRs and meta-analyses addressing the effectiveness of APCs in sinus lift technique were included. Clinical, radiographic and histomorphometric findings were considered for APCs as solely grafting materials and APCs in combination with biomaterials. Outcomes were implant survival rate (ISR), implant stability (IS), implant failure (IF), postoperative complications, histomorphometric findings, radiographic bone gain, bone volume and bone density. The methodological quality of the included SRs was assessed using the updated version of "A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Review" (AMSTAR-2). Thirty SRs were included. The methodological quality of the included reviews ranged from critically low (3 studies) to high (9 studies). The included SRs showed favorable clinical outcomes, short-term new bone formation and no biological complications when APCs were used both as solely graft material or in combination with other biomaterials. However, no significant additional effects in the long-term period were observed. APCs did not add any further positive effects compared to the physiological healing derived by the natural blood clot. The current overview of SRs highlighted the need for high-quality SRs evaluating the role of APCs in sinus lift though network meta-analyses, in order to identify the most powerful material for sinus lift augmentation. The use of APCs improves the healing of soft tissues and the postoperative quality of life in the short-term period. Thus, its application can be recommended.

Perceived Job Insecurity and Depressive Symptoms among Italian Dentists: The Moderating Role of Fear of COVID-19.

Containment measures adopted to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have produced a general perception of job insecurity. Dentists have been highly affected by such measures, as they represent an easy source of contagion. As perceived job insecurity is associated with psychological distress and Italian dentists have been highly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of potential financial loss and the risk of being infected, this study aimed at assessing whether the fear of COVID-19 moderated the effect of perceived job insecurity on depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional online study has included 735 Italian dentists recruited during the lockdown and ranging in age from 27 to 70 years old (495 men and 240 women). A quantile regression model with an inference based on the median and with an interaction term between the fear of COVID-19 and perceived job insecurity has been used to estimate the hypothesized associations. The results indicated that both perceived job insecurity and fear of COVID-19 were positively associated with depressive symptoms, and that the effect of perceived job insecurity on depressive symptoms was weaker among those with a low fear of COVID-19. The findings may inform public health policies for dentists in relation to reducing the risk of developing negative mental health outcomes.

Treatment of periodontal pockets at the distal aspect of mandibular second molar after surgical removal of impacted third molar and application of L-PRF: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Presence of clinical attachment loss on the distal aspect to the second molar may be associated with malposition of the third molar. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of clinical attachment loss at the distal aspect of the second molar after third molar extraction and application of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eighteen subjects with a clinical attachment loss on the distal site to the second molar associated with impacted third molar in both sides of the jaw were recruited for the study. For each subject the teeth were randomly allocated in test and control groups. After surgical removal of the impacted third molar, the L-PRF was inserted in the fresh alveolar socket of test sites; in the control sites no graft was inserted after extraction. Full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth, and gingival recession were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. RESULTS: After 6 months, mean CAL change was 1.99 ± 1.18 mm in the test group and 1.15 ± 1.01 mm in the control group; probing depth change was 1.33 ± 0.87 mm in the test group and 0.50 ± 0.63 mm in the control group. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were observed between groups in terms of CAL and probing depth changes. No differences were found in gingival recession changes. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, the sites treated by means of application of L-PRF after impacted third molar extraction showed better results in terms of CAL gain and probing depth reduction when compared with control sites.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following closed sinus floor elevation procedure: mallet osteotomes vs. screwable osteotomes. A triple blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare mallet osteotomes with screwable osteotomes determining benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) following the osteotome closed sinus floor elevation procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This triple-blind randomized controlled trial involved 196 patients affected by edentulous atrophic ridges (107 males and 89 females; mean age 62.05±7.10; age range 49-79 years), requiring an osteotome closed sinus floor elevation procedure. Patients were randomly allocated to either a mallet-osteotomes group (Group 1, n=98) or a screwable osteotomes group (Group 2, n=98). Two different surgeons, blind to the study, performed the closed sinus lift procedure according to the blocks allocation. A complete post-surgical examination, including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, was performed on 196 patients before and after surgery. The diagnosis of BPPV was supported by the existence of ageotropic nystagmus concurrent with vertigo. RESULTS: Three patients of Group 1 (3/98-3.06%) showed a BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal omo-lateral to the implanted side 1 or 2 days after the surgical procedure, which was promptly solved using the Epley re-positioning maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: Preparation of implant beds with osteotome and mallet transmits percussive and vibratory forces capable of detaching the otoliths from their normal location; moreover, the patient's surgical head position favors the displacement of otoliths into the posterior semicircular canal. Implant surgeons should be aware of this possible complication following closed sinus lift procedure and patients should always be informed before undergoing surgery.

Mandibular lingual vascular canals (MLVC): evaluation on dental CTs of a case series.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the anatomy of the mandibular lingual foramen (MLF) and its linked canals (mandibular lingual vascular canals - MLVC), describing their frequency, diameter, location, and course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fourteen computed tomography (CT) images of the mandible (57 male and 57 female; mean age 44.70±12.53; age range 13-75 years, were evaluated. The CT sections were obtained on axial plane by using a bone reconstruction algorithm and then processed with dedicated software (Dentascan), with a standard protocol. RESULTS: 103 patients (90.35%) had at least one lingual vascular canal and 52 (45.61%) had multiple (two or three) canals. The typical locations of MLVC were the midline of the mandible (median lingual canal [MLC]). The mean diameter of the lingual canals in the midline (MLC) was 0.8mm±0. The direction of MLC progresses in an anterior and slightly caudal sense. CONCLUSIONS: Dental CT examination easily demonstrates the presence, position, direction and size of the lingual foramen and of the lingual vascular canals of the mandible. Radiologists and oral surgeons should be aware of these canals and their importance, in order to prevent bleeding complications during implants placement and other surgical procedures.