Lateral augmentation of the sinus floor followed by regular implants versus short implants in the vertically deficient posterior maxilla: a systematic review and timewise meta-analysis of randomized studies.

The aim of this study was to perform a timewise meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of short implants (≤6 mm) versus lateral sinus floor augmentation followed by regular implants (≥10 mm) in the deficient posterior maxilla. Eleven RCTs with 1, 3, and 5 years of follow-up were reported in 21 articles. There was no significant difference in the implant loss rate at the patient level after 1 and 3 years between the two groups (risk ratio 0.50, P = 0.17; risk ratio 1.71, P = 0.51). After 5 years, the risk ratio was in favour of regular implants with augmentation and approached significance (3.28, P = 0.06). Excluding the results of two studies on ultrashort implants, the risk ratio for complications was in favour of short implants, but without significance (0.33, P = 0.08). Mean marginal bone loss was significantly lower at 1, 3, and 5 years for the short implants when compared to regular implants with augmentation. The residual osseointegration length of implants was between 3.4 mm and 5.9 mm in the short implants group and between 10.1 mm and 12.5 mm in the regular implants group after 5 years. In conclusion, short implants in the atrophic posterior maxilla demonstrate comparable outcomes to regular implants within the first 5 years. Patients who are fit for surgery should be informed about the risks and benefits of both options.

Conventional and anti-erosion fluoride toothpastes: effect on enamel erosion and erosion-abrasion.

New toothpastes with anti-erosion claims are marketed, but little is known about their effectiveness. This study investigates these products in comparison with various conventional NaF toothpastes and tin-containing products with respect to their erosion protection/abrasion prevention properties. In experiment 1, samples were demineralised (10 days, 6 × 2 min/day; citric acid, pH 2.4), exposed to toothpaste slurries (2 × 2 min/day) and intermittently stored in a mineral salt solution. In experiment 2, samples were additionally brushed for 15 s during the slurry immersion time. Study products were 8 conventional NaF toothpastes (1,400-1,490 ppm F), 4 formulations with anti-erosion claims (2 F toothpastes: NaF + KNO(3) and NaF + hydroxyapatite; and 2 F-free toothpastes: zinc-carbonate-hydroxyapatite, and chitosan) and 2 Sn-containing products (toothpaste: 3,436 ppm Sn, 1,450 ppm F as SnF(2)/NaF; gel: 970 ppm F, 3,030 ppm Sn as SnF(2)). A mouth rinse (500 ppm F as AmF/NaF, 800 ppm Sn as SnCl(2)) was the positive control. Tissue loss was quantified profilometrically. In experiment 1, most NaF toothpastes and 1 F-free formulation reduced tissue loss significantly (between 19 and 42%); the Sn-containing formulations were the most effective (toothpaste and gel 55 and 78% reduction, respectively). In experiment 2, only 4 NaF toothpastes revealed significant effects compared to the F-free control (reduction between 29 and 37%); the F-free special preparations and the Sn toothpaste had no significant effect. The Sn gel (reduction 75%) revealed the best result. Conventional NaF toothpastes reduced the erosive tissue loss, but had limited efficacy regarding the prevention of brushing abrasion. The special formulations were not superior, or were even less effective.