A rural teledentistry care experience: a geriatric approach to assessing oral health status and treatment needs in older adults from a Mapuche community in Chile.

Background: Limited attention has been given to oral health challenges faced by older Indigenous populations, especially in rural settings, where disparities exist. This study aims to assess oral health in a rural Mapuche community in southern Chile, utilizing geriatric technology support, and exploring the connection between geriatric health and oral well-being to fill a gap in this context. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 76 independent older adults from a rural Mapuche community who required dental care. Assessments were in a remote care setting gathering extensive data including comprehensive geriatric assessments, medical and dental conditions using a geriatric teledentistry platform (TEGO®). Statistical analysis involved descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and both multiple correspondence analysis and k-means cluster analysis. Results: The sample comprised individuals with limited formal education and a high degree of vulnerability. Geriatric assessments unveiled cognitive deterioration, frailty, depression risk, and multimorbidity. A distribution of the DMFT index, number of remaining teeth, number of occluding pairs, number of teeth with restorative needs and other relevant clinical findings was conducted based on sociodemographic, and medical-geriatric-dental characteristics, and additionally, a Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis of Dentition Variables in Relation to Geriatric Assessments was performed. The dental burden was substantial, with an average DMFT index of 25.96 (SD 4.38), high prevalence of non-functional dentition (89.3%), periodontal disease (83%), xerostomia (63.2%) and oral mucosal lesions (31.5%). Age, lower education, depression, daily medication number and sugary consumption frequency were associated with a decreased average number of teeth (p < 0.05). Multiple correspondence analysis and k-means cluster analysis identified 4 clusters, with the edentulous and functional dentition groups being the most distinct. Conclusion: This study uncovers a substantial dental burden and intricate medical-geriatric conditions interlinked among Indigenous older adults in a rural Chilean Mapuche community. The implementation of a geriatric technological ecosystem in the community enabled the resolution of less complex oral health issues and facilitated remote consultations with specialists, reducing the necessity for travel to health centers. This underscores the need for innovative dental public health initiatives to address health disparities and improve the overall well-being of older Indigenous adults.

Development of a teledentistry system for the elderly in the context of the covid-19 pandemic: 3d diagnostic models integration in a web platform / Desarrollo de un sistema de teleodontología para adultos mayores en el contexto de la pandemia de covid-19: integración de modelos de diagnóstico 3d en una plataforma web

Objective: To recognize the usefulness of incorporating Three-Dimensional models of standardized humans in electronic health records, in the context of the development of a teledentistry web platform designed for the attention of the elderly population in COVID-19 pandemic context. Material and Methods: A teledentistry web platform designed with different modules for clinical records. Through a new user-computer interface with a standardized virtual 3D phantom, an extraoral physical examination, an intraoral examination section was modeled. A label-associated marker is allowed to record descriptive aspects of the findings. A 3D odontogram represents multiple patient's conditions for each of the 32 dental positions. Results: From a total of 135 patients registered on the platform, 51 markers and 33 photographs associated with the surface of the virtual 3D phantoms were recorded. For the Location parameter: Hard palate 27.6%, inserted gingiva 15.7%, tongue 15.6%. For the Type of lesion parameter (according to the information entered in the pathology selector): unidentified 35.3%, sub-prosthetic stomatitis 23.5%, irritative fibroma 9.8%. Through the registration of the exact location of the finding in the virtual phantom by a 3D marker, the 3D modeling of the oral pathologies contributed to a better diagnosis, improving the remote communication between the attending dentist and specialists. Conclusion: The combination of the 3D modeling and anatomical-referencing in a teledentistry platform can become a powerful tool for the dental practice, due to their utility and specificity.

Objetivo: Reconocer la utilidad de incorporar modelos tridimensionales de humanos estandarizados en registros electrónicos de salud, en el contexto del desarrollo de una plataforma web de teleodontología diseñada para la atención de la población adulta mayor en contexto de pandemia por COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Una plataforma web de teleodontología diseñada con diferentes módulos para historias clínicas. A través de una nueva interfaz usuario-computadora con un fantoma 3D virtual estandarizado, se modeló un examen físico extraoral, una sección de examen intraoral. Se permite un marcador asociado a la etiqueta para registrar aspectos descriptivos de los hallazgos. Un odontograma 3D representa múltiples condiciones del paciente para cada una de las 32 posiciones dentales.Resultados: De un total de 135 pacientes registrados en la plataforma, se registraron 51 marcadores y 33 fotografías asociadas a la superficie de los fantomas virtuales 3D. Para el parámetro Ubicación: Paladar duro 27,6%, encía insertada 15,7%, lengua 15,6%. Para el parámetro Tipo de lesión (según la información ingresada en el selector de patología): no identificado 35,3%, estomatitis subprotésica 23,5%, fibroma irritativo 9,8%. A través del registro de la ubicación exacta del hallazgo en el fantoma virtual mediante un marcador 3D, el modelado 3D de las patologías orales contribuyó a un mejor diagnóstico, mejorando la comunicación remota entre el odontólogo tratante y los especialistas. Conclusión: La combinación del modelado 3D y la referenciación anatómica en una plataforma de teleodontología puede convertirse en una poderosa herramienta para la práctica odontológica, debido a su utilidad y especificidad.

In situ endoscopic analysis of bone microstructure and vascularization in post-extraction sites immediately after a minimally invasive vertical tooth extraction in teeth with different periodontal status / Análisis endoscópico in situ de la microestructura ósea y vascularización en alvéolos post-extracción inmediatamente después de una extracción dental mínimamente invasiva en dientes con diferente estado periodontal

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to perform an in situ endoscopic analysis of the vascularization of post-extraction sites immediately after a non-traumatic extraction in terms of the number of blood vessels per field (NBV), relative area of blood vessels (RABV) and relative area of unmineralized bone (RAUB) in teeth with different periodontal status (PS). This assessment was performed using short distance support immersion endoscopy (SD-SIE). Ten patients (4 men/ 6 women, aged between 25 and 44) were selected. From them, 10 teeth were extracted due to periodontal reasons or other motives. These teeth were then categorized into 2 groups according to their PS, either as periodontally compromised (PC) (clinical attachment loss (CAL) > 7 mm and probing depth (PD) > 5 mm) or periodontally healthy (PH) (CAL < 7 mm and PD < 5 mm, without bleeding or suppuration during periodontal probing), and mobile (M) (> 1 mm horizontally) or immobile (I) (< 1 mm horizontally). The minimally invasive vertical tooth extractions were performed using the Benex ® extractor. Immediately after extraction, a rigid immersion endoscope with a diameter of 2.7 mm was introduced, and a video-alveoloscopy was carried out. This video was analyzed by ImageJ software for the quantification of NBV, RABV and RAUB per field of the post-extraction sites with different PS (PC, PH, M, I) were quantified. In the PC group, significantly greater values for RAUB were observed (33.45 %) compared to those from the PH group (19.65 %). Compared with the M group, the I group did not show significant differences in terms of RAUB or RABV. There were also no differences in NBV in both groups (Means: 33.8 vs. 30.5, respectively).

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un análisis endoscópico in situ de la vascularización de los alvéolos post-extracción inmediatamente después de una extracción atraumática en términos de número de vasos sanguíneos por campo de observación (NBV), área relativa de vasos sanguíneos (RABV) y el área relativa de espacios no mineralizados (RAUB) en dientes con diferente estado periodontal (PS). Esta evaluación se realizó mediante endoscopía de inmersión de corta distancia (SD-SIE). Se seleccionaron diez pacientes (4 hombres / 6 mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre 25 y 44). De ellos, se extrajeron 10 dientes debido a razones periodontales u otros motivos. Estos dientes se clasificaron en 2 grupos según su PS, ya sea como periodontalmente comprometidos (PC), los que presentaban un nivel de inserción clínica (CAL) ≥ 7 mm y una profundidad de sondaje (PD) ≥ 5 mm; o periodontalmente sanos (PH) (CAL <7 mm y PD <5 mm, sin sangramiento o supuración durante el sondaje periodontal). También se categorizaron según su movilidad como móvil (M) (≥ 1 mm horizontalmente) o inmóvil (I) (<1 mm horizontalmente). Las extracciones verticales mínimamente invasivas se realizaron con el extractor Benex ®. Inmediatamente después de la extracción, se introdujo un endoscopio rígido de inmersión con un diámetro de 2.7 mm, con el cual se realizó una video-alveoloscopía. Este video fue analizado por el software ImageJ para la cuantificación de NBV, RABV y RAUB por campo, de los alvéolos post-extracción con diferente estado periodontal. En el grupo de dientes PC, se observaron valores significativamente mayores para RAUB (33.45%) en comparación con los del grupo PH (19.65 %). En comparación con el grupo M, el grupo I no mostró diferencias significativas en términos de RAUB o RABV. Tampoco hubo diferencias en el NBV en ambos grupos (Media: 33.8 frente a 30.5, respectivamente).

In Situ Endoscopic Analysis of Vascular Supply and Regenerated Alveolar Bone in ß-TCP Grafted and Ungrafted Postextraction Sites before Implant Placement: A Prospective Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy has seen a significant development over recent years in various medical fields with its application expanding from the support of minimal invasive surgery to in situ imaging. In this context, the application of endoscopic techniques to assess the quality of the regenerated bone in situ in the drill hole before implant placement is an appealing approach. AIM: The aim of this study was to use short distance support immersion endoscopy (SD-SIE) to compare the quality of regenerated bone in healed postextraction sites, which are grafted with an in situ hardening ß-TCP, against ungrafted sites, before implant placement. This assessment was based on microscopic bone analysis in combination with the blood vessel count. METHOD: 13 spontaneously healed and 13 grafted postextraction sites in 3 men and 6 women, aged 26-83 years, were evaluated using SD-SIE after 4-6 months. SD-SIE was applied in drill holes before implant placement, and videos were taken from representative central buccal areas. The video recordings were analyzed using Image J software for (1) number of blood vessels per area (NBV), (2) relative area of vessels (VA), (3) relative area of mineralized bone (MBA), (4) relative area of unmineralized bone (UMBA), and (5) relative area of bone substitute (BSA). RESULTS: The grafted sites showed more (1) NBV as well as (2) VA (8.6 ± 1.1; 2.03 ± 0.28%) than the ungrafted sites (2.5 ± 0.6; 1.18 ± 0.36%) (independent t-test; p < 0.05); (3) MBA and (4) UMBA were similar to those in the grafted sites (86.3 ± 2.2 %; 13.7 ± 2.2 %) and to the ungrafted sites (89.5 ± 3.7%; 10.5 ± 3.6%) (independent t-test; p > 0.05); and (5) BSA in the grafted sites was 18.2 ± 5.4%. CONCLUSION: SD-SIE is an interesting new approach for in situ assessment of bone quality and blood supply before implant placement. The regenerated bone in ß-TCP grafted extraction sockets showed an increased vascularization compared to ungrafted sites providing a vital support for subsequent implant placement.

Sinus Floor Augmentation by Intraoral Endoscopic Approach for Biomaterial Study in a Rabbit Model.

AIM: To develop a new surgical model for sinus floor augmentation (SFA) in rabbit for experimental purposes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight adult rabbits were used, two for a surgical design using the anatomical dissection study, and the other six for an endoscopically assisted intraoral approach of SFA unilaterally, creating a subantral space where an allograft biomaterial was deposited. SFA was verified through cone-beam computerized tomography. Healing, weight, food, feces, and behavior were evaluated for 4 weeks post-operatively. RESULTS: All animals survived. There was no bleeding or infection; inflammation was mild. No changes were observed in terms of feeding, weight, feces, or behavior. Tissue healing was normal. CONCLUSION: This model is a refinement of the experimental technique and is a real option for SFA, without compromising animal morbidity because of its conservative design. The minimally invasive approach with endoscopic assistance reduces bias and improves surgical predictability.

Immediate small-diameter implants as abutments for an overdenture in the edentulous atrophic mandible: report of immersion endoscopic bone in vivo, and histologic bone-implant evaluation after 6 months of function / Implantes de pequeño diámetro como soporte inmediato de sobredentaduras en hueso alveolar mandibular atrófico: reporte de endoscopía de inmersion in vivo y evaluación histológica a los 6 meses de función

The aim of this report was to endoscopically evaluate bone quality in vivo in the immediate installation of temporary small-diameter implants, and again after 6 months of function, through an attachments system for overdenture, in the atrophic mandible of a patient. We also histologically evaluated bone-implant interaction in these temporary small-diameter implants, once the success of the osseointegration of the submerged implants was guaranteed. A patient received a total of 6 implants in the atrophic mandible, two of which were immediately loaded with a provisional prosthesis, and four were left to heal in a submerged way. Further, an immersion endoscopic evaluation was performed during bone drilling, and this showed a compact bone structure with limited vascularization and predominantly cortical structure.This immediate loading protocol involving an overdenture retained by two small-diameter implants of 2.9 mm in the atrophic mandible proved to be successful after 6 months of loading. Clinical and histologic osseointegration was consistently achieved for both of the retrieved immediately loaded implants. This modality allows the patient to be restored with a stable, functional, and aesthetic prosthesis during the osseointegration period of submerged implants and soft-tissue healing, before the removal of the provisional implants. The histological evaluation of bone-implant contact found that the space between the implant threads closer to the surface was filled with woven bone and lamellar bone, but the tissue in contact with the cervical portion of the implants was compatible with cortical bone organization. Also, the newly formed bone has a regular cell distribution and characteristics of advanced maturation after 6 months of function in the atrophic mandible. Anchored overdentures in 2 to 4 small-diameter implants (2.9 mm) for edentulous patients with severe atrophy of the mandible with cortical bone would be a minimally invasive alternative.

Endoscopic Approach to Remove a Dental Implant With Simultaneous Laser-Cystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Removal of dental implants from the maxillary sinus may require surgical treatment of comorbidities. METHOD: Canine fossa endoscopy with an additional laterobasal access originally has been used for flapless sinus floor augmentation. The combined technique is presented to remove a titanium screw from the maxillary sinus. The same portals served for dissection of a mucocele using a diode laser. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of canine fossa endoscopy and laterobasal access allows an appropriate instrumentation and triangulation of the scope for the endoscopically assisted implant removal and dissection of the mucocele.

Hard Tissue Preservation in Minimally Invasive Mandibular Third Molar Surgery Using In Situ Hardening TCP Bone Filler.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of hard tissue in the case of impacted third molars (M3M) with close relationship to the mandibular canal is still a surgical challenge which may be overcome using the inward fragmentation technique. METHODS: A consecutive case series of 12 patients required the extraction of 13 impacted M3M with a close relationship to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Via occlusal miniflaps, M3M were exposed occlusal under endoscopic vision and removed by inward fragmentation. All patients received socket preservation with resorbable in situ hardening TCP particles to reduce the risk of pocket formation at the second molar. RESULTS: All 13 sites healed uneventfully. Bone height was assessed using CBCT cross-sectional reformats pre- and 3 months postoperatively. The bone height was reduced by 1.54 mm lingual (SD 0.88), 2.91 mm central (SD 0.93), and 2.08 mm buccal (SD 1.09). Differences were significant at a 0.05% level. No tissue invagination at the extraction sites was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Major bone defects can be avoided safely using inward fragmentation surgery. The self-hardening bone filler appears to enhance the mineralization of the intrabony defect.

Inward fragmentation and socket preservation in complex mandibular third molar surgery - a case report

Open extraction sockets following inward fragmentation of partially erupted mandibular third molars may compromise the hard tissue regeneration and lead to postoperative complications. in the case report, we present socket preservation to seal the open alveolous without flap displacement. a female patient aged 22, presented for removal of a partially erupted M3M was operated on via occlusal inward fragmentation under magnifying endoscopic vision. critical nerve structures were identified and protected before socket preservation with resorbable in situ hardening TCP particles was performed. the alveolar bone site healed uneventful, panoramic and cross-sectional conebeam reformats confirmed an complete hard tissue maintanence. endoscopically assisted inward fragmentation combined with socket preservation leads to the maintenance of adjacent hard tissues without need for flap transposition in complex anatomical sites.

Accuracy of Navigation-Guided Dental Implant Placement with Screw Versus Hand Template Fixation in the Edentulous Mandible.

PURPOSE: Preoperative planning of the implant position as part of a coordinated prosthetic and surgical concept is becoming increasingly important regarding function and esthetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the transmission accuracy of template fixation during surgery in edentulous arches with hand fixation in comparison to intermediary screw fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperatively, 10 implant positions were planned using computed tomography (CT) with the system med3D for implant placement in four mandible models of the Goettingen study model, using a prosthetic diagnostic template. A total of 40 implant insertions were created. For every 20 insertions, the template was temporarily fixed with three screws and compared with the insertion using a hand-fixed template. The precision of the transmission was evaluated with and without screw fixation by re-evaluating the preimplant planning with additional CT scanning of the respective models. RESULTS: Compared with the hand-fixed procedure (HFG) in the model situation, there were no significant differences between the deviations of planned and final implant position in the screw-fixed group (FG). According to the study results, the fixed procedure leads to less depth deviation and lateral error of the implant base in relation to the HFG. Within both groups, there were significant differences between the radial deviation tendencies from the implant base to the implant apex (P = .033 for FG and P = .001 for HFG). CONCLUSION: The use of CT-based implant planning succeeds in fixed and hand-fixed surgical procedures with high precision in the atrophic, edentulous mandible model. According to the results of this study, in cases demanding high depth precision, screw-fixation of the template can be helpful.

Novel use of cranial epidural space in rabbits as an animal model to investigate bone volume augmentation potential of different bone graft substitutes.

BACKGROUND: The success of bone augmentation to a major degree depends on the biomechanics and biological conditions of the surrounding tissues. Therefore, an animal model is needed providing anatomical sites with similar mechanical pressures for comparing its influence on different biomaterials for bone regeneration. The present report describes the new bone formation associated to biomaterial in a bursa created in the epidural space, between dura mater and cranial calvaria, under the constant pressure of cerebrospinal fluid. METHODS: Five adult California rabbits were used for the trial. In each animal, two bursae were created in the epidural spaces, in the anterior part of the skull, below both sides of the interfrontal suture. The spaces between dura mater and cranial calvaria were filled with in-situ hardening biphasic calcium phosphate containing hydroxyapatite and beta tricalcium-phosphate (BCP), in-situ hardening phase-pure beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) or without any biomaterials (sham). After 90 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the defect sites were extracted and processed for histomorphometric analysis by optical and backscattered electron microscopy. RESULTS: The cranial epidural spaces created (n = 10) could be preserved by the application both BCP (n = 3) and ß-TCP biomaterials (n = 3) in all experimental sites. The sites augmented with BCP showed less new bone formation but a trend to better volume preservation than the sites augmented with ß-TCP. However, the bone in the BCP sites seemed to be more mature as indicated by the higher percentage of lamellar bone in the sites. In contrast, the created space could not be preserved, and new bone formation was scarce in the sham-operated sites (n = 4). CONCLUSION: The experimental bursae created bilaterally in the epidural space allows comparing objectively bone formation in relation to biomaterials for bone regeneration under permanent physiological forces from cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

Can tongue shadow in panoramic radiographs be avoided by using the tongue repositioning maneuver?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the tongue repositioning maneuver (TRM) during panoramic radiography so as to avoid the error of tongue shadow. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 300 panoramic radiographs were evaluated. One hundred and fifty orthopantomograms with conventional positioning technique were used as a control group, while other 150 were taken with the patient performing the TRM. The tongue shadow was measured in each radiograph in the first molar regions bilaterally and in the midsagittal plane. Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U-Test was used to test the significance difference between the groups. RESULTS: The tongue-palate distance in the study group was reduced from a mean value of 6.4 mm to 1 mm in the right first molar, 8.0 mm to 2.2 mm in the midsagittal region, and 6.6 mm to 1.2 mm in the left first molar position. Statistical evaluation exhibited significant differences of tongue shadow at all measuring sites between study and control group (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that the TRM leads to a substantial reduction of the tongue position error in panoramic radiography.

Interaction between deglutition, tongue posture, and malocclusion: A comparison of intraoral compartment formation in subjects with neutral occlusion or different types of malocclusion.

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis of no significant difference in terms of intraoral pressure curve characteristics assessed simultaneously at the subpalatal space (SPS) and the vestibular space (VS), during different oral postures, between four groups with either an Angle Class II/1 (II1), Angle Class II/2 (II2), anterior open bite (O) malocclusion, or a neutral occlusion control group (I). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraoral pressure recordings were performed simultaneously in the VS and SPS of 69 consecutive subjects (nII1  =  15; nII2  =  17; nO  =  17; nI  =  20; mean age/standard deviation 18.43/6.60 years). Assessments included defined sections of open mouth posture (OMP, 30 seconds), anteriorly closed mouth condition (60 seconds), dynamics by a tongue-repositioning maneuver (TRM, 60 seconds), swallowing, and positive pressure generation (PP, 10 seconds). Interactions of malocclusion, compartment location, and posture on pressure curve characteristics were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests, adopting an α level of 5%. RESULTS: Globally significant group differences were detected at the VS (plateau duration and median peak heights during TRM; area under pressure curve [AUC] during PP) and SPS (AUC during TRM and PP). Subjects with anteriorly nonopen dental configurations (groups I and II2) were able to keep negative pressure levels at the VS for longer time periods during TRM, compared to groups O and II1. CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis was rejected for mean VS plateau durations and peak heights and for SPS AUC. Negative pressures at the VS may stabilize outer soft tissues passively and may explain the dental arch form shaping effect by mimic muscles.

Presurgical orthopedics by drink plates does not significantly normalize deglutition in infants with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis of no significant difference between intraoral pressure characteristics in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) with or without presurgical orthopedic (PSO) plates (groups CLP and CLP-PSO), compared with noncleft infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraoral atmospheric pressure assessments were performed on 17 subjects with preoperative CLP (m/f, 11/6; mean/SD, 4.76/0.92 months) and a matched control group (n = 24; m/f, 15/9; mean/SD, 4.88/0.9 months), for 200 seconds, simultaneously at the vestibulum (vestibular space [VS]) and at the palate (subpalatal space [SPS]), using a prepared pacifier connected to a digital manometer. Areas under the pressure curves (AUC), frequencies, durations, and magnitudes of swallowing peaks and pressure resting plateaus were compared between trial groups and locations (VS, SPS) using a two-factor analysis of variance for repeated measures, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test (α = .05). RESULTS: The null hypothesis was rejected: Globally, there were statistically significant differences in intraoral pressure characteristics between groups CLP, CLP-PSO, and control (all P < .01), with significantly higher negative pressures (AUC) in the control subjects compared with those of CLP or CLP-PSO. There were significant effects by the location of pressure recordings (VS, SPS) and their interaction with all treatment groups. Differences between noncleft and CLP subjects were more pronounced in the VS than in the SPS. There was no significant effect by PSO. CONCLUSION: PSO does not improve deviated swallowing characteristics during suction in CLP infants.

Support Immersion Endoscopy in Post-Extraction Alveolar Bone Chambers: A New Window for Microscopic Bone Imaging In Vivo.

Using an endoscopic approach, small intraoral bone chambers, which are routinely obtained during tooth extraction and implantation, provide visual in vivo access to internal bone structures. The aim of the present paper is to present a new method to quantify bone microstructure and vascularisation in vivo. Ten extraction sockets and 6 implant sites in 14 patients (6 men / 8 women) were examined by support immersion endoscopy (SIE). After tooth extraction or implant site preparation, microscopic bone analysis (MBA) was performed using short distance SIE video sequences of representative bone areas for off-line analysis with ImageJ. Quantitative assessment of the microstructure and vascularisation of the bone in dental extraction and implant sites in vivo was performed using ImageJ. MBA revealed bone morphology details such as unmineralised and mineralised areas, vascular canals and the presence of bleeding through vascular canals. Morphometric examination revealed that there was more unmineralised bone and less vascular canal area in the implant sites than in the extraction sockets.

Description of intraoral pressures on sub-palatal space in young adult patients with normal occlusion.

Under normal conditions, the oral cavity presents a perfect system of equilibrium between teeth, soft tissues and tongue. The equilibrium of soft tissues forms a closed capsular matrix, generating differences with the atmospheric environment. This difference is known as intraoral pressure. Negative intraoral pressure is fundamental to the stabilization of the soft palate and tongue, reducing neuromuscular activity for the permeability of the respiratory tract. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the variations of intraoral pressure of the sub-palatal space (SPS) under different physiological conditions and biofunctional phases. A case series was conducted with 20 individuals aged between 18 and 25. The intraoral pressures were measured through a system of cannulae connected to a digital pressure meter in the SPS during seven biofunctional phases. Descriptive statistics were used based on the mean and standard deviation. The data recorded pressure variations under physiological conditions, reaching 65 mbar as the intraoral peak in forced inspiration. In the swallowing phase, peaks reached -91.9 mbar. No pressure variations were recorded in terms of atmospheric changes with the mouth open and semi-open. The data obtained during the swallowing and forced inspiration phases indicated forced lingual activity. In the swallowing phase, the adequate position of the tongue creates negative intraoral pressure, which represents a fundamental mechanism for the physical stabilization of the soft palate. This information could contribute to subsequent research into the treatment of primary roncopathies.

In vitro visualization of human endodontic structures using different endoscope systems.

Different endoscope optics for the visualization of interradicular structures were evaluated as a diagnostic tool. A sample of 20 extracted human lower molar teeth was used. Only teeth with fully formed apices were included. All samples were evaluated with three different endoscopic procedures: pulp endoscopy (PE), canal entrance endoscopy (CEE) and root canal endoscopy (RCE). All pulp chambers could be observed using PE (100%), however, only 41 of 60 (68.3%) canals were observed. With CEE, all entrances could be observed, and the middle third of the canals could be visualized in 85% of the canals. The semiflexible endoscope for RCE allowed successful observation of 91.6% of the middle third of the canals. The application of the endoscope may be useful in the identification of root canals even under difficult visual work field conditions. The combined use of a set of various optics might enable the operator to enhance the quality of non-surgical endodontic procedures.

Changes in morphology of alveolar buccal walls following atraumatic internal root fragmentation / Cambios en la morfología de las paredes alveolares bucales después de fragmentación radicular interna atraumática

The buccal alveolar wall represents the most important structure to provide shape and volume of the alveolous following tooth extraction. The aim of the study was the evaluation of buccal alveolar bone structures following minimally invasive surgery. In 15 patients (3 male, 12 female), aged 20­67 years, 3 central incisors, 5 lateral incisors, and 7 bicuspids were removed using flapless enucleation. The enucleation comprised endoscopically assisted mesiodistal root sectioning with inward fragmentation of the oral and apical parts followed by internal reduction of the buccal root lamella. Buccal bone height before extraction was 10.61 mm, following extraction 10.50 mm. Crestal width of the buccal bone plate was 1.11 mm before and 1.40 mm after tooth removal. Apical buccal bone width before was 0.66 mm and after extraction 0.40 mm. Gingival height was 13.58 mm before and 13.56 mm following extraction. Following transalveolar enucleation, the buccal alveolar bone wall remains unchanged concerning height and crestal width.

La pared alveolar bucal representa la estructura más importante para proveer la forma y el volumen de los alveólos dentales posterior a la extracción dental. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las estructuras de hueso alveolar bucal después de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva. En 15 pacientes (3 hombres, 12 mujeres), con edades entre 20 a 67 años, 3 incisivos centrales, 5 incisivos laterales y 7 premolares fueron removidos utilizando enucleación sin colgajo. La enucleación comprende el seccionamiento mesio-distal de la raíz dental endoscópicamente asisitido a través de fragmentación interna de la porción lingual y apical radicular y posteriomente una reducción interna de la lamela de raíz bucal. La altura ósea bucal antes de la extracción fue 10,61 mm y después de la extracción fue 10,50 mm. La anchura de la cresta ósea bucal fue 1,11 mm y 1,40 mm después de la extracción del diente. El grosor del hueso apical antes de la extracción fue 0,66 mm y 0,40 mm después de la extracción. La altura gingival fue 13,58 mm antes de la extracción y 13,56 mm después de la extracción. Después de la enucleación transalveolar, la pared del hueso alveolar bucal se mantiene sin cambios en relación con la altura y del grosor del reborde alveolar.

Compressive resistance of abutments with different diameters and transmucosal heights in Morse-taper implants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compressive resistance under oblique loads of abutments with two different diameters and transmucosal heights used for cement-retained implant-supported prostheses in Morse-taper implants. Forty Morse-taper implants were divided into four groups with different abutment sizes for cement-retained prostheses in order to perform the compressive test. The groups were divided by abutment diameter and transmucosal height as follows: Group 1: 4.5 x 2.5 mm; Group 2: 4.5 x 3.5 mm; Group 3: 3.3 x 2.5 mm; and Group 4: 3.3 x 3.5 mm. An oblique compressive loading test was performed on each sample located in a platform at 30° using a universal testing machine with a load cell of 1,000 kgf and 0.5 mm/min speed until achieving the deformation of abutment's neck. The compressive resistance and its mechanical behavior were recorded for each group and the data were analyzed using ANOVA, the Shapiro-Wilk and Scheffé tests. In addition, the detailed damage of all samples was recorded with a conventional camera linked to the endoscopic equipment. Significant differences were observed among the groups, except between Groups 2 and 3 (p>0.005). All the abutments showed permanent deformations in the upper region and at the transmucosal portion, but the threads of the screws were intact. Fractures were only identified in Groups 3 and 4. Stronger mechanical behavior and compressive resistance was observed in the abutments with 4.5 mm diameter and 2.5 mm transmucosal height.

Compressive Resistance of Abutments with Different Diameters and Transmucosal Heights in Morse-Taper Implants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compressive resistance under oblique loads of abutments with two different diameters and transmucosal heights used for cement-retained implant-supported prostheses in Morse-taper implants. Forty Morse-taper implants were divided into four groups with different abutment sizes for cement-retained prostheses in order to perform the compressive test. The groups were divided by abutment diameter and transmucosal height as follows: Group 1: 4.5 x 2.5 mm; Group 2: 4.5 x 3.5 mm; Group 3: 3.3 x 2.5 mm; and Group 4: 3.3 x 3.5 mm. An oblique compressive loading test was performed on each sample located in a platform at 30° using a universal testing machine with a load cell of 1,000 kgf and 0.5 mm/min speed until achieving the deformation of abutment's neck. The compressive resistance and its mechanical behavior were recorded for each group and the data were analyzed using ANOVA, the Shapiro-Wilk and Scheffé tests. In addition, the detailed damage of all samples was recorded with a conventional camera linked to the endoscopic equipment. Significant differences were observed among the groups, except between Groups 2 and 3 (p>0.005). All the abutments showed permanent deformations in the upper region and at the transmucosal portion, but the threads of the screws were intact. Fractures were only identified in Groups 3 and 4. Stronger mechanical behavior and compressive resistance was observed in the abutments with 4.5 mm diameter and 2.5 mm transmucosal height.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência compressiva sob carga oblíqua em pilares com dois diferentes diâmetros e alturas de transmucoso usados para prótese implanto-suportada cimentada em implantes de cone Morse. Quarenta implantes de cone morse foram divididos em quatro grupos com diferentes tamanhos de pilares para próteses cimentadas a fim de realizar o teste compressivo. Os grupos foram divididos pelo diâmetro do pilar e altura de transmucoso como segue: 1) 4,5 x 2,5 mm; 2) 4,5 x 3,5 mm; 3) 3,3 x 2,5 mm; e 4) 3,3 x 3,5 mm. Um ensaio de compressão oblíqua foi realizado em cada amostra localizada numa plataforma a 30º utilizando uma máquina de ensaios universal, com célula de carga de 1.000 kgf e 0,5 mm/min de velocidade até atingir a deformação do pescoço do pilar. A resistência compressiva e seu comportamento mecânico foram registrados para cada grupo e os dados foram analisados utilizando os testes Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA e Scheffé. Além disso, a deformação detalhada de todas as amostras foi registrada com uma câmera convencional conectada ao equipamento endoscópico. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos, com exceção dos Grupos 2 e 3 (p>0,005). Todos os pilares mostraram deformação permanente na região superior e na porção transmucosa; porém, as roscas dos parafusos estavam intactas. Fraturas foram apenas identificadas nos Grupos 3 e 4. Foi observado melhor comportamento mecânico e resistência compressiva nos pilares com diâmetro de 4,5mm e altura de transmucoso de 2,5mm.