Microsurgery in periodontics and oral implantology: a systematic review of current clinical applications and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively explore the current trends and therapeutic approaches in which an operating microscope (OM) is used in periodontics and dental implant surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search strategy was built to detect studies including various surgical techniques performed under an OM. PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched. No limitations in terms of time and language were applied. The data regarding the study design, type of procedure, treatment groups, and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed descriptively. In addition, a bibliometric analysis was performed concerning the co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence network. RESULTS: Out of 1985 articles, finally, 55 met the inclusion criteria. Current periodontal and implant microsurgery trends consist of: periodontal therapy, dental implant microsurgery, soft tissue grafting and periodontal plastic surgery, bone augmentation, ridge preservation, and ortho-perio microsurgery. The bibliometric analysis revealed "guided tissue regeneration", "periodontal regeneration" and "root coverage" being the most repeated keywords (landmark nodes). 132 authors within 29 clusters were identified, publishing within the frameworks of "periodontal and implant microsurgery". CONCLUSION: Within its limitations, this systematic review provides an overview of the latest trends in periodontal and implant microsurgery when considering the use of an OM as the magnification tool. Also, it discusses the reported success and outcomes of the mentioned procedures.

Efficacy of autogenous platelet concentrates in immediate implant therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective controlled clinical trials.

PURPOSE: To provide an overview of the outcomes of the use of autogenous platelet concentrates in immediate implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on an a priori protocol, a systematic search was performed of the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE via PubMed), Embase and Scopus databases. Randomised and non-randomised controlled clinical trials on immediate implant placement including at least one study arm with use of platelet-rich fibrin or platelet-rich plasma as a gap filler between immediately placed implants and the alveolar bone were included. A random-effects meta-analysis model was built to assess the primary outcomes of marginal bone loss and probing pocket depths between test (platelet concentrates) and control (no graft or other graft materials) groups. A risk of bias assessment was performed and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 20 trials (595 immediate implants placed in 454 individuals) were included in the meta-analytic model. Based on the data from studies with a minimum post-prosthetic loading period of 6 months after immediate implant placement, overall, the application of platelet concentrates was associated with significantly lower marginal bone loss and probing pocket depth compared to the control groups (mean difference -0.36 mm; P < 0.01 and mean difference -0.47 mm; P < 0.01, respectively). No additional benefit of application of platelet concentrates was detected regarding primary stability of immediate implants. Subgroup analysis revealed significantly lower marginal bone loss with xenogeneic bone alone compared to platelet concentrates alone as grafting material in immediate implant placement (mean difference 0.66 mm; P < 0.01). Evidence on soft tissue outcomes and aesthetic parameters was scarce. CONCLUSIONS: A low level of certainty based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach indicates superior outcomes in terms of marginal bone loss and probing pocket depth in immediate implant placement with the use of platelet concentrates versus no graft. Future research should be tailored towards a standardised protocol for preparation of platelet concentrates and inclusion of soft tissue and aesthetic outcomes as well.

A systematic review of oral wound healing indices.

Wound healing monitoring for abnormality identification and intervention is crucial to securing a successful surgical outcome. Indices have been used to summarize the degree of healing. Given the increasing frequency of regenerative procedures which preserve dentition and implant stability, and the higher esthetic demands, an appraisal of the available indices is needed to identify the current knowledge gap. This study aimed to systematically review published oral wound healing indices and scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A complete literature electronic search in 5 databases was conducted by two reviewers. A combination of keywords related to oral wound healing was used. RESULTS: A total of 11 articles were included in the evaluation of various procedures (conventional periodontal procedures, guided tissue regeneration, soft tissue reconstruction procedures, and tooth extractions), at different time points (1 day to 12 weeks), with a focus on diverse clinical signs and symptoms. Frequently evaluated parameters included wound dehiscence/epithelialization (91%), tissue color (redness) (73%), suppuration (55%), swelling/edema (55%), and hemostasis (55%). Other less commonly used parameters include esthetics-related and patient-centered outcomes. CONCLUSION: The available indices evaluate a diverse group of subjective clinical signs and symptoms to estimate the underlying biological healing events and assess the degree of clinical success. The majority of the included indices are not validated. Quantitative and objective subclinical parameters including blood perfusion, biomaterial stability, and completeness of epithelialization, are needed for customized wound healing care and better outcome prediction.

A Narrative Review on Oral Mucosa Biomechanics and Clinical Implications of Periodontal and Implant-related Regenerative Procedures.

Healing outcomes of periodontal and implant-related regenerative procedures are closely related to wound stability, which is partially determined by biomechanical properties and behaviors of oral mucosal tissues. Studies on soft tissue behaviors under biomechanical forces in oral regeneration models are scarce. The aims of this review article are to (1) contrast the microstructural differences between the attached gingiva (AM) and lining (LM) mucosa, (2) evaluate biomechanical behaviors of the two mucosal types,and (3) relate residual flap tension to the prevalence of wound opening after regenerative procedures. Results: Compositional and structural differences between the AM and LM explain the biomechanical property differences between AM and LM. Wound destabilizers, including tissue recoil stemming from its viscoelastic property, muscle pull, and inflammatory edema created after the flap releasing procedure for primary wound closure interfere with wound stability. Residual flap tension <0.05 N is a prerequisite for sustained wound closure. Tissues under stress can exert negative cellular changes, resulting in necrosis and wound dehiscence. Conclusion: Biomechanical properties and the variations between AM and LM dictate the degree of wound stability. Efforts should be made to reduce the negative impact of the potential destabilizers to optimize wound stability.

Analysis of risk factors for early crestal bone loss in osseointegrated, submerged implants prior to restoration.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the etiology behind bone loss around submerged, prosthetically nonloaded implants is still limited. The long-term stability and success of implants with early crestal bone loss (ECBL), especially when placed as two-stage implants, is uncertain. Hence, the aim of this retrospective study is to analyze the potential patient-level, tooth- and implant-related factors for ECBL around osseointegrated, submerged implants, before restoration as compared with healthy implants with no bone loss. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected from patient electronic health records between 2015 and 2022. Control sites included healthy implants with no bone loss and test sites included implants with ECBL, both of which were submerged. Patient, tooth and implant level data were collected. ECBL was assessed using periapical radiographs obtained during implant placement and second-stage surgeries. Generalized estimating equation logistic regression models were used to account for multiple implants within patients. RESULTS: The total number of implants included in the study was 200 from 120 patients. Lack of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) was shown to have nearly five-times higher risk of developing ECBL and was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures before implant placement had a protective effect with an odds ratio of 0.29 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of SPT was significantly associated with ECBL, while sites that received GBR procedures prior to implant placement were less likely to exhibit ECBL. Our results underscore the importance of periodontal treatment and SPT for peri-implant health, even when the implants are submerged and unrestored.