Influence of ceramic crown design (translucent monolithic zirconia vs. bilayered) of implant-supported single crowns after mechanical cycling.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the influence of translucent monolithic versus bilayered crowns and whether the use of a CoCr base abutments affects the fatigue and fracture resistance of screwed implant-supported single crowns with external connections under mechanical cycling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty specimens were divided into groups: (1) metal-ceramic (MC) crown, (2) veneered zirconia crown (Zr), (3) veneered zirconia crown with a CoCr base abutment (ZrB), (4) monolithic translucent zirconia crown (MZr), and (5) monolithic translucent zirconia crown with a CoCr base abutment (MZrB). Specimens underwent mechanical cycling (5 × 106 cycles; 150 N) evaluating fatigue resistance (number of failures) and those that failed were subsequently subjected to fractographic analyses (stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope) to evaluate failure location and area, and maximum fracture load was also measured. RESULTS: The failure-related survival rate (100%) and maximum fracture resistance of the MZrB were significantly higher than those of MC and Zr (50%; p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the failure rate and fracture resistance when a CoCr base abutment was used or not in the translucent monolithic Zr groups (p > 0.05;MZrB vs. MZr). Failure location, with MC crowns' fractures, noted at the screw area (p = 0.043), while all-ceramic crowns were mostly in the cuspid and to failure area, the Zr group had the largest mean (15.55 ± 9.17 mm2) among the groups, significant difference only when compared with MC (1.62 ± 0.81 mm2) (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Translucent monolithic zirconia crowns exhibited significantly higher fatigue and fracture resistance compared with conventional MC and bilayered crowns. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The appropriate choice of material and manufacturing technique is crucial for predicting the higher clinical performance of single crowns. Enhanced mechanical resistance in terms of fatigue and fracture resistance can be achieved by replacing MC and bilayered restorations with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing monolithic zirconia.

Targeting Biomechanical Endurance of Dental-Implant Abutments Using a Diamond-Like Carbon Coating.

Abutment components (i.e., fixtures associated with oral implants) are essentially made of titanium (Ti), which is continuously exposed to the hash oral environment, resulting in scratching. Thus, such components need to be protected, and surface treatments are viable methods for overcoming long-term damage. Diamond-like carbon (DLC), an excellent protective material, is an alternative surface-treatment material for Ti abutments. Here, we demonstrate that a silicon interlayer for DLC film growth and the pulsed-direct current plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (DC-PECVD) method enables the deposition of an enhanced protective DLC film. As a result, the DLC film demonstrated a smooth topography with a compact surface. Furthermore, the DLC film enhanced the mechanical (load-displacement, hardness, and elastic modulus) and tribological properties of Ti as well as increased its corrosion resistance (16-fold), which surpassed that of a bare Ti substrate. The biofilm formed (Streptococcus sanguinis) after 24 h exhibited an equal bacterial load (∼7 Log colony-forming units) for both the groups (Ti and DLC). In addition, the DLC film exhibited good cytocompatibility, owing to its noncytotoxicity toward human gingival fibroblast cells. Therefore, DLC deposition via DC-PECVD can be considered to be a promising protective and cytocompatible alternative for developing implant abutments with enhanced mechanical, tribological, and electrochemical properties.

Incidence of peri-implant disease associated with cement- and screw-retained implant-supported prostheses: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Implant-supported fixed dental prostheses can be cement- or screw-retained on the implant or abutment, with advantages and disadvantages for each method. Cemented prostheses have been associated with peri-implant disease because cement remnants act as a reservoir for bacteria and hinder biofilm control. However, contrasting evidence has been presented regarding this association based on studies with varying designs, and a systematic review and meta-analysis is required. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to answer the focused question: In patients who received implant-supported prostheses, is the incidence of peri-implant diseases higher in cemented implant-supported prostheses than in screw-retained ones? MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE-PubMed), SCOPUS, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assessed the incidence of peri-implant disease in cement- and screw-retained prostheses were included. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts, and analyzed the full texts, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The findings were summarized using meta-analyses with random effects, and the level of certainty of the evidence was determined using the grading of recommendations, assessments, development, and evaluations (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: The search yielded 4455 articles that met the inclusion criteria based on the title and/or abstract selection. A total of 6 RCTs were included for analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between cement- and screw-retained prostheses for the risk of peri-implant mucositis (RR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.42-4.38, P=.61). Similarly, no significant difference was observed between cement- and screw-retained prostheses for the incidence of peri-implantitis (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.23-4.31, P=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate certainty evidence suggests that cement- and screw-retained prostheses present a similar risk for peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

The Inflammation Level and a Microbiological Analysis of the Anophthalmic Cavities of Unilateral Ocular Prosthesis Users: A Blind, Randomized Observational Study.

Irritation and biofilm adhesion are complaints associated with ocular prosthesis use. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prosthesis repolishing on several conditions of anophthalmic volunteers. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 10) and nonintervention (NIG, n = 6) groups. The anophthalmic cavity, contralateral eye, and prosthesis surface were evaluated at initial, day 15, and day 30 after repolishing. Microbiological analysis (colony-forming units), exfoliative cytology (conjunctiva inflammatory cells), sensory analysis (quantitative mechanical sensory test), tear production (Schirmer's test), and conjunctival inflammation (clinical evaluation) were performed. Nonparametric tests were used to compare groups in the initial period and to analyze periods for the IG (p < 0.05). More microorganisms were formed in the anophthalmic socket and prosthesis than in the contralateral eye in the initial period. For IG, the anophthalmic cavity exhibited more microorganisms and inflammatory clinical signs in the initial period than at 15 and 30 after repolishing. The prosthesis showed greater accumulations of total bacteria and Candida albicans in the initial period than at 15 and 30 days after repolishing. The anophthalmic cavity had more palpebral inflammation than the contralateral eye. In conclusion, repolishing reduced the number of microorganisms and inflammatory signs over time.

Is atomic layer deposition of silver possible on N95 masks?

Due to the COVID19 outbreak, there has been increasing interest in tailoring, modifying and improving conventional personal protective equipment to increase their service life and make them more effective against viruses and bacteria. Here, atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to functionalize the filter of N95 mask with nano-islands of silver. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption fine structure were used for ALD silver characterization; microbiological assay was conducted to study the effectiveness of the deposited silver against the air-borne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Results showed that silver ALD successfully functionalized the N95 mask at 90 and 120 °C for two different numbers of ALD cycles (1100 and 1500 cycles). The deposited silver nano-islands were stable on the N95 filter media against washing. The leaching of silver nano-islands was studied using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of phosphate-buffered saline solution after soaking the mask in it over predetermined times. <9% of Ag was removed after a maximum time of 4 h that was investigated. Antimicrobial tests showed that for samples functionalized with 1100 ALD cycles of Ag, 76% reduction in S. aureus colony-forming units content was observed after 24 h of biofilm development on the mask surfaces.

Bone Tissue Engineering Using Osteogenic Cells: From the Bench to the Clinical Application.

The use of tissue engineering to restore and to build new bone tissue is under active research at present. The following review summarizes the latest studies and clinical trials related to the use of osteogenic cells, biomaterials, and scaffolds to regenerate bone defects in the human jaws. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) combined with scaffolds have provided a range of advantages not only to transport the target cells to their desired destination but also to support the early phases of the mineralization process. The mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of scaffolds have been evaluated as they affect the quantity of bone regeneration, particularly in the oral cavity. This review also highlighted the mechanisms underlying bone homeostasis, including the key transcription factors and signaling pathways responsible for regulating the differentiation of osteoblast lineage. Furthering understanding of the mechanisms of cellular signaling in skeletal remodeling with the use of mesenchymal stem cells and the proper scaffold properties are key-factors to enable the incorporation of new and effective treatment methods into clinical practice for bone tissue regeneration using BTE. Impact Statement The use of mesenchymal stem cells able to differentiate in osteoblast lineage for bone tissue engineering (BTE) remains a major challenge. Viable cells and signaling pathways play an essential role in bone repair and regeneration of critical size defects. Recent advances in scaffolds and biological factors such as growth factors (e.g., cytokines and hormones) controlling the osteogenic signaling cascade are now becoming new players affecting the osteogenic potential of cells. Such techniques will significantly impact the maxillofacial bone tissue replacement, repair, and regeneration for patients without having to rely on donor banks or other surgical sites.

Do smokers have a different gingival crevicular fluid cytokine/chemokine profile than nonsmokers in clinically healthy periodontal sites? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Assessing the evidence and comparing the levels of cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal healthy sites of smokers and nonsmokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven databases were surveyed for observational studies up to April 8, 2021. Studies comparing cytokine levels on GCF in periodontally healthy sites of smokers vs. nonsmokers were included in the study. The risk of bias was evaluated using NIH (2014) tool. For meta-analyses, levels in GCF were analyzed, followed by evidence certainty assessment using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included for qualitative evaluation, and eight were included in meta-analysis. Qualitatively, despite high heterogeneity and risk of bias observed among the studies, most of them presented no significant difference in the gingival crevicular cytokine fluid levels between groups. Regarding meta-analyses, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in GCF were analyzed. The significant difference was observed only in SOD levels, where heavy smokers had lower levels compared to nonsmokers (MD - 30.06 [- 40.17, - 19.96], p = 0.07, 95%CI), as well as light smokers had lower levels compared to nonsmokers (MD - 15.22 [- 16.05, - 14.39], p < 0.00001, 95%CI). CONCLUSION: No distinct GCF cytokine profiles were detected for smokers and non-smokers. However, despite the limitations observed in the included studies, lower levels of SOD were identified in smokers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Indicating a distinct GCF profile of cytokines in periodontal healthy smokers may help to understand the mechanism whereby smoking may affect the host response.

Clinical efficacy of anodized dental implants for implant-supported prostheses after different loading protocols: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the clinical performance of anodized implants connected to different prostheses design after immediate/early (IL) or conventional loading (CL) protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven databases were surveyed for randomized (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs). Studies comparing IL vs. CL protocol of anodized implants supporting single crown, fixed partial denture (FPD), full-arch fixed dental prosthesis (FDP), or overdenture were included. Risk-of-bias was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration tools. Meta-analyses for different follow-up were analyzed, followed by heterogeneity source assessment and GRADE approach. The outcomes included implant survival rate, marginal bone loss (MBL), implant stability quotient (ISQ), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), and peri-implantitis prevalence. RESULTS: From 24 eligible studies, 22 were included for quantitative evaluation. Most RCTs (58%, n = 11) and all the 5 CCTs had high and serious risk-of-bias, respectively. Overall, pooling all prosthesis design, no difference between IL vs. CL protocols was observed for all outcomes (p > .05). However, according to prosthesis type subgroups, CL reduced MBL for full-arch FDP (p < .05). In a point-in-time assessment, with overdenture, although IL presented higher PI (12 months), it showed lower MBL (≥24 months), higher ISQ (3 months), and lower PD (6 and 12 months) (p < .05). Conversely, PD was higher for IL in single crown (3 and 6 months) (p < .05). Regarding MBL, IL demonstrated higher mean difference for full-arch FDP (36 months) and FPD (12 and 36 months) (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, overall, there is no significant difference in the outcomes between IL and CL loading protocols.

Targeting implant-associated infections: titanium surface loaded with antimicrobial.

Implant devices have = proven a successful treatment modality in reconstructive surgeries. However, increasing rates of peri-implant diseases demand further examination of their pathogenesis. Polymicrobial biofilm formation on titanium surfaces has been considered the main risk factor for inflammatory processes on tissues surrounding implant devices, which often lead to implant failure. To overcome microbial accumulation on titanium surfaces biofilm targeting strategies have been developed to modify the surface and incorporate antimicrobial coatings. Because antibiotics are widely used to treat polymicrobial infections, these agents have recently started to be incorporated on titanium surface. This review discusses the biofilm formation on titanium dental implants and key factors to be considered in therapeutic and preventative strategies. Moreover, a systematic review was conducted on coatings developed for titanium surfaces using different antibiotics. This review will also shed light on potential alternative strategies aiming to reduce microbial loads and control polymicrobial infection on implanted devices.

Long-term outcomes of different loading protocols for implant-supported mandibular overdentures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Evidence provided by implant-supported mandibular overdenture research on different loading protocols is important. However, methodological inconsistency, as well as inadequate reporting of results, hampers a consistent decision in terms of clinical applicability. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether immediate or early loading protocols can achieve comparable clinical outcomes when compared with a conventional loading protocol in edentulous patients rehabilitated with mandibular overdentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In accordance with the Participant, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome strategy, prospective clinical studies without restrictions as to language or follow-up period were included. The Cochrane collaboration and ROBINS-I tools were used for quality assessment and risk-of-bias evaluation. The follow-up for the different outcomes ranged from 3 to 168 months, with the focus on implant success and survival rates, marginal bone loss, bleeding on probing, probing depth, plaque index, and the implant stability quotient. Statistical analyses in which standard mean differences were applied with a 95% confidence interval when continuous data were included were performed. For dichotomous data, risk difference was adopted. RESULTS: The search strategy resulted in 14 234 references. Twenty-three studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences for plaque index at 12 months (standard mean difference=0.284 [0.022, 0.545], P=.033, I2=35%), probing depth at 36 months (standard mean difference=0.460 [0.098, 0.823], P=.013, I2=0%), and on pooled results for plaque index (standard mean difference=0.157 [0.031, 0.284], P=.015, I2=18%) in which the conventional loading protocol presented lower indices than those of immediate loading protocol or early loading protocol. Implant stability quotient presented a statistically significant difference only at 3 months (standard mean difference=0.602 [0.309, 0.895], P<.001, I2=0%) with higher values for the conventional loading protocol. For the other parameters, statistically significant differences (P>.05) were not found. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate loading protocol or early loading protocolfor mandibular overdentures has been determined to be a well-established treatment and worthy of consideration in clinical practice.

Antimicrobial and protective effects of non-thermal plasma treatments on the performance of a resinous liner.

OBJECTIVE: Overcoming substantial shortcomings of soft liners as physico-chemical changes and liner-biofilm-related infections remains a challenge in the rehabilitation treatment. In this study, protective non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatments were developed on the soft liner surface to improve its surface and physico-chemical properties and to reduce fungal colonization after biofilm inhibition challenge. METHODS: Resinous liner specimens (Coe-Soft) were prepared and distributed in 3 groups according to the surface treatments: (1) untreated (control); (2) treated with sulfur hexafluoride-based NTP (SF6); and (3) treated with hexamethyldisiloxane-based NTP (HMDSO). To test the NTP stability and their protective and antimicrobial effect on the liner surface over time, the morphology, chemical composition, roughness, water contact angle, shore A hardness, sorption and solubility were evaluated before and after the specimens were exposed to dual-species biofilm of Candida albicans and Streptococcus oralis for 14 days. Colony forming units and biofilm structure were assessed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Both treatments modified the surface morphology, increased hydrophobicity and roughness of the liner, and were effective to reduce C. albicans adhesion without affecting the commensal health-associated S. oralis. HMDSO presented chemical stability and lower hardness in both periods, whereas SF6 exhibited higher initial hardness than control and the highest sorption; contrarily, similar solubility was noted for all groups. CONCLUSION: HMDSO-based film showed improved physico-chemical properties and inhibited C. albicans biofilm. Thus, it has potential for use to control candida-related stomatitis and improve liner's stability even after being exposed to biofilm inhibition challenge.

Photofunctionalization as a suitable approach to improve the osseointegration of implants in animal models-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether photofunctionalization influences dental implant osseointegration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on osseointegration rates were extracted from 8 databases, based on bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and pushout tests. Internal validity was accessed through the SYRCLE risk of bias tool for animal experimental studies. Meta-analyses were performed for investigation of the influence of photofunctionalization on implant osseointegration, with a random effect and a confidence interval of 95%. The certainty of evidence was accessed through the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Thirty-four records were identified, and 10 were included in the meta-analysis. Photofunctionalized implants showed higher mean values for BIC in rabbits (MD 6.92 [1.01, 12.82], p = .02), dogs (MD 23.70 [10.23, 37.16], p = .001), rats (MD 20.93 [12.91, 28.95], p < .0001), and in the pooled BIC analyses (MD 14.23 [7.80, 20.66], p < .0001) compared to those in control implants in the overall assay. Conversely, at late healing periods, the pooled BIC meta-analyses showed no statistically significant differences (p > .05) for photofunctionalized and control implants at 12 weeks of follow-up. For pushout analysis, photofunctionalized implants presented greater bone strength integration (MD 19.92 [13.88, 25.96], p < .0001) compared to that of control implants. The heterogeneity between studies ranged from "not important" to "moderate" for rabbits I2  = 24%, dogs I2  = 0%, rats I2  = 0%, and pooled BIC (I2  = 49%), while considerable heterogeneity was observed for pushouts (I2  = 90%). CONCLUSION: Photofunctionalization improves osseointegration in the initial healing period of implants, as summarized from available data from rabbit, dog, and rat in vivo models.

Can Nonthermal Plasma Improve the Adhesion between Acrylic Resin for Ocular Prostheses and Silicone-Based Relining Material?

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of nonthermal plasma (NTP) treatment on the tensile bond strength between heat-polymerized acrylic resin for ocular prostheses and silicone reliner, with and without the use of an adhesive primer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and sixty-four acrylic resin specimens were fabricated and randomly distributed into four groups according to the type of surface treatment: Sofreliner Primer, NTP, Sofreliner Primer + NTP, and NTP + Sofreliner Primer. Two specimens interposed with relining material (Sofreliner) formed one test sample to perform the tensile bond strength tests, before (initial) and after storage (final) in saline solution (37°C, 90 days, n = 10). Surface characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The failure type was classified as cohesive, adhesive, or mixed. The data were analyzed statistically using the two-way ANOVA and Tukey test, as well as the chi-squared test (α = 0.05), Bonferroni correction (α = 0.005), and Spearman correlation coefficient (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The SEM and EDS analyses showed the presence of a thin, homogenous organic film in the groups treated with NTP. The NTP + Sofreliner Primer group presented the largest bond strength mean values in the initial period (p < 0.05). Sofreliner Primer and NTP + Sofreliner Primer groups presented the first and second largest tensile bond strength mean values in the final period (p < 0.05), respectively. NTP + Sofreliner Primer group also had the largest number of cohesive (70%, initial) and mixed (90%, final) failures. CONCLUSIONS: The NTP treatment performed before the primer application enhanced the bond between the acrylic resin ocular prosthesis and the Sofreliner silicone-based reliner, even after 90 days of immersion in saline solution.

Fratura de côndilo mandibular não tratada e disfunção temporomandibular: relato de caso / Untreated mandibular condyle fracture and temporomandibular dysfunction: a case report

A fratura de côndilo mandibular é um dos tipos de traumas faciais mais comuns, podendo ser diagnosticado por diversos meios, sendo que uma variedade de planos de tratamentos podem ser instaurados. Este tipo de fratura configura também uma das etiologias da disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), portanto, é indispensável que o profissional realize exames minuciosos, inclusive por meio de exames complementares de imagem para o correto diagnóstico e conduta curativa, tanto da fratura, quanto da disfunção. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever um caso de fratura de côndilo mandibular não tratada seguida de DTM. Paciente de 36 anos do gênero masculino com histórico de acidente automobilístico há cinco anos, resultando em fratura de côndilo, com diagnóstico tardio e consolidação em posição inadequada buscou tratamento na Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba - UNESP. A conduta por meio do uso de placa interoclusal levou à eliminação da sintomatologia dolorosa(AU)

The condylar fracture is one of the most common types of facial trauma and can be diagnosed by different methods, and a variety of treatment plans can be used. This type of fracture also constitutes one of the etiologies of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Therefore, it is essential that the professional conduct thorough examinations, including complementary imaging tests for the correct diagnosis and treatment of the fracture and the dysfunction. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe a case of untreated condylar fracture followed by the development of TMD. A 36-year-old male patient with a history of automobile accident five years ago, resulting in condylar fracture, sought treatment at the Aracatuba Dental School - UNESP. The fracture had late diagnosis and consolidation in a wrong position. The conduct treatment through the use of occlusal splint led to the elimination of the painful symptomatology(AU)

In vitro analysis of different properties of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis submitted to accelerated aging with or without photopolymerized glaze.

The effect of a photopolymerized glaze on different properties of acrylic resin (AR) for ocular prostheses submitted to accelerated aging was investigated. Forty discs were divided into 4 groups: N1 AR without glaze (G1); colorless AR without glaze (G2); N1 AR with glaze (G3); and colorless AR with glaze (G4). All samples were polished with sandpaper (240, 600 and 800-grit). In G1 and G2, a 1200-grit sandpaper was also used. In G3 and G4, samples were coated with MegaSeal glaze. Property analysis of color stability, microhardness, roughness, and surface energy, and assays of atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were performed before and after the accelerated aging (1008h). Data were submitted to the ANOVA and Tukey Test (p<0.05). Groups with glaze exhibited statistically higher color change and roughness after aging. The surface microhardness significantly decreased in groups with glaze and increased in groups without glaze. The surface energy increased after the aging, independent of the polishing procedure. All groups showed an increase of surface irregularities. Photopolymerized glaze is an inadequate surface treatment for AR for ocular prostheses and it affected the color stability, roughness, and microhardness. The accelerated aging interfered negatively with the properties of resins.

A influência da radioterapia e da quimioterapia sobre próteses obturadoras retidas por implante: revisão de literatura / The influence of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on obturator prosthesis retained by implants: literature review

A prótese obturadora é uma alternativa para a reabilitação funcional e estética de pacientes que se submeteram a ressecção cirúrgica total ou parcial da maxila. Para a obtenção de maior estabilidade e retenção desta prótese, faz-se necessário a associação de implantes osseointegrados para a maioria dos pacientes. Porém, quando se trata de pacientes com história de câncer de cabeça e pescoço, ainda não há consenso na literatura quanto a essa associação, devido ao envolvimento da radioterapia e/ou quimioterapia durante o tratamento, as quais possuem efeitos secundários como: xerostomia, diminuição do suprimento vascular, dificuldade na abertura de boca e deglutição, e a dificuldade em tolerar a prótese. Contudo, a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica tem sido utilizada como um recurso para melhorar a osseointegração dos implantes, aumentando a oxigenação dos tecidos irradiados. Pode-se verificar que a associação da prótese obturadora com implantes osseointegrados, conjuntamente com a radioterapia e/ou quimioterapia, resultaram em melhora na qualidade de vida da maioria dos pacientes estudados

The obturator prosthesis is an alternative for functional and esthetic rehabilitation of patients who have been submitted total or partial surgical resection of the jaw. To obtain increased stability and retention of this prosthesis, osseointegrated implants are due for most patients. However, when dealing with patients with head and neck cancer history, there is no consensus in the literature about this association due to the involvement of radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy during treatment, which have side effects such as: dry mouth, decreased vascular supply, difficulty of mouth opening and swallowing, and difficulty tolerating the prosthesis. Although, the hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used as a resource to improve osseointegration of the implants, increasing the oxygenation of the irradiated tissues. It was shown that the combination of obturator prosthesis with osseointegrated implants in conjunction with radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy, resulted in improved quality of life for most patients