Epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and management of MRONJ: A European multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this European multicenter study was to describe the general characteristics and risk factors of MRONJ lesions as well as their clinical diagnosis and management at different European Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery centers, in order to minimize selections biases and provide information about the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and the current trends in the treatment of MRONJ across Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data were registered for each patient: gender; age at MRONJ diagnosis; past medical history; indication for antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapy; type of antiresorptive medication; local risk factor for MRONJ; MRONJ Stage; anatomic location and symptoms; treatment; surgical complications; recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 537 patients (375 females, 162 males) with MRONJ were included. Statistically significant associations were found between patients with metastatic bone disease and recurrences (P < 0.0005) and between advanced MRONJ stages (stages 2 and 3) and recurrences (P < 0.005). Statistically significant associations were also found between male gender and recurrences (P < 0.05), and between MRONJ maxillary sites and recurrences (P < 0.0000005). CONCLUSIONS: A longer mean duration of antiresorptive medications before MRONJ onset was observed in patients affected by osteoporosis, whereas a shorter mean duration was observed in all metastatic bone cancer patients, and in particular in those affected by prostate cancer with bone metastases or multiple myeloma. Surgery plays an important role for the management of MRONJ lesions.

Cell viability assessment and ion release profiles of GICs modified with TiO2- and Mg-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the cell viability and ion release profiles of two conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs), Fuji IX and Ketac Molar EasyMix, modified with TiO2 and Mg-doped-HAp nanoparticles (NPs). METHODS: TiO2 NPs, synthesized via a sol-gel method, and Mg-doped hydroxyapatite, synthesized via a hydrothermal process, were incorporated into GICs at a concentration of 5 wt.%. The biocompatibility of prepared materials was assessed by evaluating their effects on the viability of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), together with monitoring ion release profiles. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way analysis of variance, with significance level p < 0.05. RESULTS: The addition of NPs did not significantly affect the biocompatibility of GICs, as evidenced by comparable decreased levels in cell viability to their original formulations. Distinct variations in cell viability were observed among Fuji IX and Ketac Molar, including their respective modifications. FUJI IX and its modification with TiO2 exhibited moderate decrease in cell viability, while other groups exhibited severe negative effects. While slight differences in ion release profiles were observed among the groups, significant variations compared to original cements were not achieved. Fluoride release exhibited an initial "burst release" within the initial 24 h in all samples, stabilizing over subsequent days. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of NPs did not compromise biocompatibility, nor anticariogenic potential of tested GICs. However, observed differences among FUJI IX and Ketac Molar, including their respective modifications, as well as induced low viability of DPSC by all tested groups, suggest the need for careful consideration of cement composition in their biological assessments. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings contribute to understanding the complex interaction between NPs and GIC matrices. However, the results should be interpreted recognizing the inherent limitations associated with in vitro studies. Further research avenues could explore long-term effects, in vivo performance, and potential clinical applications.

Risk of dentoalveolar surgery postoperative bleeding in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists: A prospective observational study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) increase the risk of postoperative bleeding after dentoalveolar surgery. Patients were classified into two groups: one taking DOAC and the other taking VKA with a therapeutic INR range. The control group comprised non-anticoagulated subjects. Participants were matched regarding dentoalveolar procedure. The primary predictor was anticoagulant status. The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding. The DOAC group comprised 77 patients, while the VKA group and control group each consisted of 103 participants. In each group, 103 dentoalveolar surgical procedures were conducted. Postoperative bleeding was recorded in 3/103 (2.9%), 5/103 (4.8%), and 1/103 (0.97%) occasions in the DOAC, VKA, and control groups, respectively, without significant difference (χ2; p = 0.54). The fully adjusted odds ratio for postoperative bleeding was 0.14 (CI 0.01-1.61; p = 0.05) for patients taking DOAC and 0.19 (CI 0.02-1.65; p = 0.285) for those taking VKA compared with non-anticoagulated controls. In conclusion, there was no increase in risk for clinically significant postoperative bleeding after dentoalveolar surgery in patients taking DOAC or VKA compared with non-anticoagulated subjects. Dentoalveolar surgery in patients taking DOAC and VKA can be performed safely without therapy cessation. The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04505475).

Dental management of people with complex or rare inherited bleeding disorders.

Advances in haematological therapies for people with complex or rare inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) have resulted in them living longer, retaining their natural teeth with greater expectations of function and aesthetics. Dental management strategies need to evolve to meet these challenges. Utilising low level laser diode therapy to reduce pre-operative inflammation to reduce the intraoperative and postoperative burden on haemostasis is described in a case series of 12 patients. For these individuals who previously required further medical management to support haemostasis or experienced such prolonged haemorrhage sufficient to warrant hospital admission, haemostasis was achieved in the dental surgery such that they were able to return home with no further medical intervention or overnight stays. Global inequities in accessing novel treatments for complex or rare IBD necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the local haemostatic agents available to dentists and the most commonly used agents and techniques are described including the use of single tooth anaesthesia (STA). STA is a computerised delivery mechanism that allows routine dental procedures that would previously have required block injections needing factor replacement therapy to be undertaken safely and effectively with no additional haemostatic intervention. The challenges of inhibitors in oral surgery are explained and discussed although more research and evidence is required to establish new treatment protocols. The importance of establishing good dental health in the quality of life of people with complex or rare IBD is highlighted with respect to the dental specific impact that more novel therapies may have on people with IBD.

Biocompatibility of mesoporous SBA-16/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite and dentin demineralized particles on human dental pulp stem cells.

In the present work, a biomaterial (SBA-16/HA) based on the growth of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles within an organized silica structure SBA-16 (Santa Barbara Amorphous-16) was developed to evaluate its application to act as a porous microenvironment promoting attachment and viability of human dental pulp stem cells of healthy deciduous teeth (SHED). First, SHED were isolated and their phenotypes were evaluated by flow cytometry. The samples of SBA-16/HA were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectra detector (EDS). Afterward, cells were cultured in the eluates of the above-mentioned biomaterial aged for 24 hr, 7. and 14 days. Bio-Oss® and dentin particles are involved for comparison and cells are cultured in the eluates of these two materials also. Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium bromide assay-MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide assay) was used for the determination of cell viability. The results obtained by all aforementioned characterization methods of SBA-16/HA, revealed a uniform spherical mesoporous structure, an intrinsic characteristic of this material. This material displayed excellent biocompatibility on SHEDs, and even proliferative potential, indicating that SBA-16/HA could potentially serve as a suitable substrate for bone regeneration. Contrary to SBA-16/HA, dentin particles showed low cytotoxicity at all time points, compared to control and Bio-Oss®groups. Our results substantiate the idea that SBA-16/HA has a beneficial effect on SHEDs, thus paving the way toward developing new material for bone replacement.

Scanning electron microscopy analysis of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate, tricalcium silicate cement, and dental amalgam as a root end filling materials.

The aim of this research was to examine marginal adaptation of three root end filling materials mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine and amalgam. Ninety single-rooted extracted human teeth of the maxillary intercanine sector were used in the study. After the endodontic treatment and retrograde preparation, teeth were divided into three groups, depending on the root-end filling material. Teeth were cut in longitudinal manner. Measurements of the total width of the marginal gap in micrometers were performed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that MTA and Biodentine have better marginal adaptation compared to amalgam expressed through the mean value of the measured edge crack, however without significant difference (p > .05). Mean value of the measured edge crack in Group 1 (MTA) was 8.17 µm, in Group 2 (Biodentine) 8.53 µm, and in Group 3 (amalgam) 9.13 µm. All tested materials show a satisfactory degree of marginal adaptation, but MTA and Biodentine proved to be superior to amalgam.

Dental implant surgery and risk of bleeding in patients on antithrombotic medications: A review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: This literature review was performed to assess the risk of bleeding in dental implantation procedures in patients taking antiplatelet drugs (APs), oral anticoagulants (OACs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). STUDY DESIGN: MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were searched for English language publications through October 2019, using the keywords "dental implants," "dental implantation," "anticoagulants," "platelet aggregation inhibitors," and "hemorrhage." Reference lists of relevant articles were also hand searched. Collected data regarding dental implantation procedures, type of medications (APs, OACs and DOAC), and postoperative bleeding episodes were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the review. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 10 (2.2%) of 456 of cases involving dental implant placements; in all of those cases, bleeding was controlled with the use of local hemostatic agents. The bleeding incidence in patients on antiplatelet medications was 0.4% (range 1 of 253 to 1 of 261). Among those taking oral anticoagulants, the bleeding incidence was 5.7% (range 6 of 105 to 6 of 113), and among those on direct oral anticoagulants, the bleeding incidence was 3.3% (3 of 90). The numbers of more extensive surgical procedures (i.e., sinus lift and bone augmentation procedures) were small, and additional information regarding the surgery, the specific antithrombotic used, or bleeding was often not provided, so further analysis was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supports continuing OACs, DOACs, or APs during dental implant surgery.

Current state of play regarding dental extractions in patients with haemophilia: Consensus or evidence-based practice? A review of the literature.

Due to the global prevalence of oral disease, tooth extraction is the most common surgical procedure required in general population thus likely to be similarly common in patients with haemophilia, especially those in older age and those living in countries with restricted resources. There are little or no consensus about optimal level and duration of factor replacement (FRP) therapy required to prevent bleeding complication following surgery and low levels of evidence to inform protocols and guidelines. The goal of this article was to review the literature regarding haematological treatment protocols and to assess their effectiveness in prevention of bleeding complications during and after tooth extractions in people with haemophilia. A total number of 29 articles were identified. Only two of the studies were randomized controlled trials, and meta-analysis was not possible. Significant heterogeneity regarding haematological regimes, dental surgical procedures, disease severity and sample size of published studies which are unable to reliably inform the provision of safe dental surgery was noted. Based on the haematological regimens, all studies were classified into one of three groups: pre- and postoperative FRP or DDAVP, single preoperative FRP or DDAVP, and no FRP treatment. The overall reported bleeding rate in case of both pre- and postoperative FRP and single dose FRP preoperative is similar, 11.9% and 11.4%, respectively, indicating that minimizing the use of clotting factor concentrate is possible if proper local haemostatic measures are provided. Strictly designed prospective studies with higher number of patients are necessary to get firm conclusions about optimal FRP treatment required to prevent bleeding complications during and after oral surgery in patients with haemophilia.

Influence of decreased fibrinolytic activity and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G polymorphism on the risk of venous thrombosis.

: Objective of our study is to determine whether decreased fibrinolytic activity or plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 4G/5G polymorphism influence the risk of venous thrombosis.Our case-control study included 100 patients with venous thrombosis, and 100 random controls. When patients were compared with random controls, unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Decreased fibrinolytic activity yielded a 2.7-fold increase in risk for venous thrombosis than physiological fibrinolytic activity (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.22-5.98), when comparing patients with random controls. Adjustment for several putative confounders did not change the estimate (OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.26-7.22). Analysis of venous thrombotic risk influenced by PAI-1 genotype, showed no influence of PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant in comparison with 5G/5G genotype (OR 0.57 95% CI; 0.27-1.20).Decreased fibrinolytic activity increased, whereas PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism did not influence venous thrombosis risk in this study.

The influence of bone mineral density and bisphosphonate therapy on the determinants of oral health and changes on dental panoramic radiographs in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of oral health including the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and periodontal indices in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonate therapy, and control group and to examine the correlation between dental panoramic indices (Mental Index-MI, Mandibular Cortical Index-MCI) and bone mineral density in these three groups of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presented non-interventional study involved 120 postmenopausal women: women with osteoporosis (O) (n = 45), women with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates (OBP) (n = 45), and control group (C) (n = 30). DMFT, plaque, gingival and papilla bleeding index, pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and the presence of periodontitis were evaluated for each patient. MI and MCI of all participants were measured on a dental panoramic radiograph. RESULTS: Group OBP showed significantly higher gingival, bleeding index and deeper pocket depth than C and/or O group. No significant differences were found in MI (p = .303) or MCI (p = .06) in all the examined groups. Also, there were no significant differences between the three groups in the presence of periodontitis as well as in the DMFT index. CONCLUSION: BP therapy could have a negative influence on periodontal health. Further, MI and MCI are not precise diagnostic tools for diagnosing low BMD in postmenopausal women. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BP therapy could have a negative influence on the determinants of oral health in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Unmet oral health needs among persons with intellectual disability.

The aim of this study was to examine the factors affecting oral health status among intellectually disabled individuals in Serbia. The sample population was categorized according to age, sex, living arrangements, general health and the level of intellectual disability (ID). The diagnosis of dental caries was performed using the DMFT/dmft criteria. The oral hygiene and gingival health were assessed with the plaque index (Silness&Löe) and gingival index (Löe&Silness), respectively. Descriptive analysis, step-wise and logistic regression were performed to analyze related influential factors for caries presence, number of extracted teeth, teeth restored, the oral hygiene level and the extent of gingival inflammation. Odds ratios for caries were significantly higher among adult persons with ID, in persons with co-occurring developmental disorders (DDS) and increased with the level of ID. Group with DDS was associated with a 1.6 times greater odds of untreated decay, while the institutionalization was associated with 2.4 times greater odds of untreated decay. Institutionalization and co-occurring disabilities have been found to be significantly associated with a higher probability of developing gingivitis. Targeting oral health services to individuals with ID are encouraged and may help to reduce overall negative effect on oral and general health associated with delayed treatments, chronic dental pain, emergency dental care, tooth loss and advanced periodontal disease.

Risk factors for bleeding after oral surgery in patients who continued using oral anticoagulant therapy.

BACKGROUND: The authors assessed the incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients who were highly anticoagulated and in patients who underwent extensive oral surgical procedures and who continued using oral anticoagulant therapy. METHODS: The authors placed 125 patients receiving anticoagulant therapy into 1 of 3 groups. Group A had 54 patients who were highly anticoagulated (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥ 3.5) in whom up to 3 teeth were extracted. Group B had 60 patients with INR 2.0 to less than 3.5 in whom higher-risk dentoalveolar surgery (extraction of more than 3 teeth or other oral surgery procedure involving raising a mucoperiosteal flap, osteotomy, or biopsy) was performed. Group C had 11 patients whose INR values were 3.5 or higher and who required higher-risk dentoalveolar surgery. Eighty-five healthy participants who underwent surgical procedures similar to those performed in group A and group B were the control group. RESULTS: Two patients in group A (3.7%), 3 in group B (5.0%), and 2 in group C (18.2%) experienced postoperative bleeding. In the control group, a single bleeding event (1.2%) occurred. All cases of hemorrhage were mild and easily controlled using local hemostatic measures. CONCLUSIONS: Dental extractions in patients who are highly anticoagulated (INR, 3.5-4.2), as well as more extensive oral surgical procedures in patients who are therapeutically anticoagulated, can be performed safely without interruption or modification of the therapy. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Tooth extractions and even more extensive surgical procedures can be performed safely in patients who continue using anticoagulant therapy if proper local hemostatic measures are used and if no other coagulopathies are present.

Dental extractions and risk of bleeding in patients taking single and dual antiplatelet treatment.

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of single and dual antiplatelet treatment on postoperative bleeding in patients having dental extractions. The prospective clinical study included 160 patients who were taking antiplatelet drugs. The first group (n=43) were taking 2 drugs, mostly aspirin and clopidogrel, and the second group (n=117) were taking a single antiplatelet drug in the form of aspirin (n=84), clopidogrel (n=20), and ticlopidine (n=13). All patients had simple dental extractions, and local haemostasis was with resorbable collagen sponges, without suturing of the wound. The control group comprised 105 healthy subjects with a similar number of dental extractions. Bleeding was an "event" if it continued for more than 12h, made the patient call or return to the dental practice or emergency department, induced a large haematoma or ecchymosis within the oral soft tissues, or required blood transfusion. A total of 110 teeth were extracted on 59 occasions in the dual drug group, and 232 teeth on 128 occasions in the single drug group. Bleeding was recorded after extraction in only one patient on dual aspirin-clopidogrel treatment, which was mild and easily controlled by local haemostasis. The incidence of postoperative bleeding did not differ significantly among the three groups (χ(2)=4.3, p=0.11). However, the wound was sutured to achieve effective initial local haemostasis in 4/59 (6.8%) and 2/128 (1.6%) occasions of tooth extractions in the dual and single drug groups, respectively, and none in the control group (χ(2)=10.02, p=0.007). Patients taking single or dual antiplatelet drugs may have teeth extracted safely without interruption of treatment using only local haemostatic measures.

Comparison of efficacy of local hemostatic modalities in anticoagulated patients undergoing tooth extractions.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Patients receiving long-term oral anticoagulant therapy pose a clinical challenge during invasive dental procedures. The goal of this study was to compare different local hemostatic modalities after tooth extraction in patients receiving chronic Vitamin-K antagonist therapy. METHODS: Totally 90 patients with International Normalized Ratio (INR) ≤ 3.0 requiring simple extraction of one or two teeth were randomized into three groups, 30 patients in each group. The patients with the mean INR value of 2.35 ± 0.37, in whom extraction wound was sutured comprised the group A. In the group B with the mean INR of 2.43 ± 0.4, local hemostasis was achieved by placing absorbable gelatin sponges into the wound without suturing. The group C consisted of the patients with the mean INR of 2.36 ± 0.34 in whom neither gelatin sponge nor suturing were used for providing local hemostasis. Bleeding was registered as an event if other than initial hemostatic measure was needed or additional oral surgeon intervention required. RESULTS: The obtainded results show that 1 (3.3%) patient in the group A, 2 (6.7%) patients in the groups B and C manifested post-extraction bleeding. All cases of hemorrhage were easily solved with local hemostatic measures and all, except one case, were registered in the first two hours after the procedure until the dismissal. A difference between the groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = .42, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In therapeutically anticoagulated patients tooth extractions can be safely performed without altering the dose of anticoagulant medication if efficient local hemostasis is provided. In most cases; in patients with INR ≤ 3.0 after extraction of one or two teeth postoperative bleeding can be controlled with local pressure, without any additional local hemostatic measures.

[Impact of the level of metabolic control on the non-surgical periodontal therapy outcomes in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients--clinical effects].

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus as a complex metabolic disease influences functioning of numerous organs. Chronic periodontitis is one of frequent diabetic complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy between diabetes mellitus type 2 patients (DM type 2) and non-diabetic individuals (control group). METHODS: Our study included 41 DM type 2 subjects and 21 non-diabetic individuals, all of them with chronic periodontitis. The diabetic group was divided into two subgroups based on the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as follows: D1 - 18 subjects with good metabolic control (HbA1c < 7%), and D2 - 23 subjects with poor metabolic (HbA1c > or = 7%). State of oral hygiene and periodontal clinical parameters of subjects, such as: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), papilla bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), were evaluated at the baseline and 3 months after scaling and root-planning. RESULTS: ANOVA test showed that there was no statistically significant difference of treatment success between studied groups in relation to GI (p = 0.52), PBI (p = 0.36) and CAL (p = 0.11). Reduction of PI and PPD in the control group (deltaPI = 0.84; deltaPPD = 0.35 mm) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the reduction of PI and PPD in patients with the diabetes (group D1 deltaPI = 0.60, deltaPPD = 0.11 mm; group D2 deltaPI = 0.53, deltaPPD = 0.11 mm). CONCLUSION: Although there were differences in treatment success between DM subjects and non-diabetic individuals, they were not significant for the most measured parameters. The results of this study did not absolutely support the assumption that the level of glycemic control significantly affected the periodontal therapy outcome in diabetics.

The effects of combined oral anticoagulant-aspirin therapy in patients undergoing tooth extractions: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a study to evaluate the effect of combined oral anticoagulant-aspirin therapy on postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing tooth extractions. METHODS: A total of 213 patients were divided into three groups of 71 participants each. Patients in group A received combined anticoagulant-aspirin (100-milligram prophylactic dose) therapy. Patients in group B received oral anticoagulant therapy. Patients in group C received aspirin therapy (100-mg prophylactic dose). Bleeding was marked as an "event" if it met the following criteria: the bleeding continued beyond 12 hours, patient had to call the surgeon or return to dental practice or emergency department, bleeding resolved with large hematoma or ecchymosis within the oral soft tissues, or required a blood transfusion. RESULTS: Mean international normalized ratio (INR) (standard deviation) was 2.43 (0.61) in group A, and 2.45 (0.60) in group B. Postoperative bleeding occurred in three (4.2 percent) participants in group A, two (2.8 percent) participants in group B and no (0.0 percent) participants in group C. The authors found no statistical significance in postoperative bleeding between these three groups (χ(2) = 2.867, P = .238). All cases of hemorrhage were controlled easily by using local hemostatic measures. CONCLUSION: Tooth extractions can be performed safely while patients continue to receive combined anticoagulant-aspirin therapy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In patients receiving combined anticoagulant-aspirin therapy, simple tooth extractions can be performed safely without discontinuing either oral anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy if their INRs are within therapeutic range and appropriate local hemostasis measures are provided.

[Orthodontic-surgical therapy of retained upper canine].

INTRODUCTION: Therapy of impacted teeth is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing issues for the experts in the field of dentistry. General dental practitioners, as well as specialists in the field of pediatric dentistry, periodontology, orthodontics and particularly oral and maxillofacial surgery have been facing this challenge throughout past several years. Each of these experts can contribute to solving this problem; however, each of them alone can solve only a limited number of cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Since recently, the fate of impacted tooth has been determined mainly by the competence, experience and skill of the orthodontist to apply light traction in an appropriate direction once the tooth has been made surgically exposed. Oral surgeon and orthodontist should share the responsibility for a patient with impaction as they together have the necessary skill and competence required for an effective therapy. In addition, dental age of the child is to be taken into consideration, as well as his/her overall health status and potential interference with other anomalies of dental arch.