Evaluating the Role of Nanoparticles in Enhancing Bone Regeneration in Dental Implantology.

Background: Dental implantology has witnessed substantial progress in recent years, driven by a growing emphasis on optimizing bone regeneration around dental implants. Nanoparticles have emerged as a potential tool for enhancing osseointegration and bone tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: This human clinical trial enrolled 60 adult participants requiring dental implants. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving conventional dental implants, and an experimental group receiving dental implants with nanoparticle-coated surfaces. Radiographic imaging, histological analysis of bone biopsies, and implant stability assessments were conducted at three and six months post-implantation. Results: Histological examination of bone biopsies revealed a statistically significant increase in new bone formation in the experimental group compared to the control group at both three and six months (P < 0.05). Radiographic assessment demonstrated a 25% higher bone density around nanoparticle-coated implants (P < 0.01) at the six-month mark. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) measurements indicated a 20% greater stability in the experimental group (P < 0.05) at the same time point. Conclusion: This human clinical trial provides strong evidence that the incorporation of nanoparticles on dental implant surfaces enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration in a human population.

Assessment of Platelet-Rich Plasma Alone and Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Bioactive Glass in the Management of Intrabony Defect.

Objectives: To assess the function of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) both only and in combination with bioactive glass in intrabony defects. Materials and Method: Twenty patients were split into two groups with 10 samples each: group I with PRP alone, whereas group II was done with PRP in addition to bioactive glass. Following local anesthesia, full-thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated in the afflicted site, the defect was debrided, and root planning with curettes was performed. Irrigation was then used while in group II- PRP along with bone graft (BG) preservationwas done. Suturing in group I was contained. At day 0 (baseline) and 6 months after surgery, the clinical parameters for probing depth, clinical attachment stage, and radiographic assessment were noted for both groups. Result: When comparing both groups, there was no statistically considerable variation. However, the intragroup comparison for pocket depth and clinical attachment level between baseline and 6 months was significant. Radiographic bone level was not considerably dissimilar across groups; however, it was significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Reduced probing depth, higher clinical attachment level, and radiographic evidence of bone fill are clinical outcome measures that are associated with effective regenerative therapy.

Association of Peri-Implant Health Status With COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to evaluate peri-implant health status in patients infected with COVID-19 and control patients (individuals without COVID-19). METHODS: This observational investigation was performed in adults with (test group) and without (control group) COVID-19 infection having at least 1 functional dental implant. Self-reported education status and daily frequency of toothbrushing and flossing was determined. A questionnaire was administered to record demographic data, brushing/flossing frequency, and education status. Periodontal examination comprised full-mouth assessment of clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and gingival index (GI). Peri-implant PD, modified PI, and modified gingival index were recorded. Loss of marginal and crestal bone around teeth and implants was also measured. Significance level was established for P < .05. RESULTS: Seventy-three (41 males) and 71 (44 males) individuals were included in the test and control groups, respectively. Average ages of patients and controls were 44.6 ± 5.2 and 40.1 ± 3.1 years, respectively. University-level education was attained by 52 (75.3%) and 50 (70.4%) individuals in the test and control groups, respectively. Seventy (95.9%) and 68 (95.7%) patients and controls were brushing twice a day. Once-daily interproximal flossing was reported by 44 (60.3%) and 48 (67.6%) individuals in test and control groups. All participants had healthy periodontal and peri-implant tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that there are no short-term adverse effects on the peri-implant tissues due to acute COVID-19 infection, and further well-controlled longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effect of the infection on these tissues.

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) in the Remineralization of Early Dental Caries: A Scoping Review.

(1) Background: Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) has been reported to have a remineralizing effect on early carious lesions. The objective of this scoping review was to analyze the remineralization potential of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp)-containing dentifrices, by mapping the existing literature. (2) Methods: This review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, which is an extension of the PRISMA Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. In this study, the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework was used to find relevant papers published between 2010 and 2021. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and dentifrices containing nHAp as one of the ingredients were the two main concepts of the research question. MeSH phrases, keywords, and other free terms relevant to nano-hydroxyapatite and dentifrices were used to search the literature databases. (3) Results: Preliminary searches yielded 59 studies; the title and abstract screening results excluded 11 studies. The remaining studies were thoroughly reviewed by two reviewers on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 28 studies were included, and 20 studies were excluded. Most of the studies that were included reported that when nHAp was used alone, it had many different effects, such as remineralization, caries prevention, less demineralization, brighter teeth, less pain, and remineralization of enamel after orthodontic debonding. (4) Conclusions: Dentifrices that contain nHAp offer a variety of therapeutic and preventative effects. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of nHAp dentifrices in primary teeth. Additional long-term investigations using standardized protocols are required to reach decisive conclusions about the effects of nHAp dentifrices on primary and permanent dentitions.

Role of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in reducing subgingival oral yeasts colonization in patients with peri-implant mucositis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the role of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing subgingival oral yeasts colonization (OYC) in patients with peri-implant mucositis (PIM). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PIM were included. Patient demographics were recorded and implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation protocols were retrieved from patients' records. Peri-implant clinical parameters (modified plaque index [mPI], modified bleeding index [mBI] probing depth [PD]) and subgingival OYC and were assessed using standard techniques. All patients were randomly divided into test- and control-groups. In the test-group, patients underwent mechanical debridement (MD) of implant surfaces and supra and sub-gingival peri-implant sulci peri-implant immediately followed by a single session of aPDT. In the control-group, patients underwent MD alone. Peri-implant clinical parameters and OYC were re-assessed at 3-months' follow-up. Sample-size estimation was done on data from a pilot investigation and group-comparisons were done using the paired t- and Mann Whitney U-tests. Correlation between age, mPI, mBI, PD and OYC at baseline and 3-months' follow-up was assessed using regression analysis models. A statistically significant difference between the groups was recorded when P-values were less than 0.01. RESULTS: Thirty-four individuals (17 and 17 in the test- and control groups, respectively) were included. There was no significant difference in the mean age, scores of mPI, mBI, PD and OYC among patients in the test- and control-groups at baseline. At 3-months of follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in scores of mPI (P<0.001), mBI (P<0.001), PD (P<0.001) and OYC (P<0.001) among patients in the test- compared with the control-groups. There was no significant correlation between age, mPI, mBI, PD and OYC in both groups. CONCLUSION: In the short term, a single session of aPDT as an adjunct to MD is effective in reducing peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and OYC in patients with PIM.

Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in reducing oral yeasts carriage among individuals using electronic nicotine delivery systems.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing oral yeasts carriage among individuals using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). METHODS: Self-reported ENDS users and non-users (individuals that reported to have never used any nicotinic product) were included. Demographic data was collected using a questionnaire. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups: (a) aPDT group; and (b) sham aPDT group. aPDT was performed using a curcumin-based photosensitizer that was exposed to a central wavelength of 660 nm and an estimated average fluency of 200 J/cm2. The system delivered light by uniform diffusion for 5 min. Sham aPDT was performed using a non-activated laser tip. Oral yeasts colony forming units were determined using standard techniques. Oral yeasts were assessed at baseline and at 3-months of follow-up. Level of significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-three ENDS-users (19 males and 4 females) and 23 controls (17 males and 6 females) were included. ENDS-users were vaping for 8.3 ± 0.6 years and were using their ENDS devices 13.6 ± 2.7 times daily. Toothbrushing twice daily was reported by 8.7% and 21.7% of ENDS-users and controls, respectively. Tongue brushing was reported by none of the individuals. At baseline, oral yeasts CFU/ml were significantly higher among ENDS-users in the PDT (P<0.05) and sham PDT (P<0.05) groups compared with controls (Table 2; Figure 1). At 3-months of follow-up, CFU/ml were significantly higher among ENDS-users in the PDT (P<0.05) and sham PDT (P<0.05) groups compared with controls CONCLUSION: : A single session of aPDT is ineffective in reducing the oral yeasts CFU/ml in ENDS-users. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of multiple sessions of aPDT in reducing the oral yeasts CFU/ml in ENDS-users.

Comparison of RANKL and osteoprotegerin levels in the gingival crevicular fluid of young cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers and individuals using electronic nicotine delivery systems.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present observational case-control study was to compare the levels of Receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers and electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems (ENDS)-users. METHODS: Demographic data was collected using a questionnaire. Clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment loss [CAL]) were measured; and GCF samples were collected from the deepest periodontal pocket of the mandibular right first molar. The GCF volume was determined and levels of RANKL and OPG were determined. Group comparisons were performed and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty male individuals (30 cigarette-smokers, 30 waterpipe users, 30 ENDS-users and 30 non-smokers) were included. Scores of PI (P < 0.01) and PD (P < 0.01) were significantly higher among cigarette- and waterpipe smokers, and ENDS-users than non-smokers. The GCF volume was significantly higher among cigarette- (0.92 ±â€¯0.05 µl) (P < 0.01) and waterpipe-smokers (0.66 ±â€¯0.08 µl) (P < 0.001) and ENDS-users (0.62 ±â€¯0.03 µl) (P < 0.01) than non-smokers (0.21 ±â€¯0.007 µl). The GCF RANKL levels were significantly higher among cigarette- (14.9 ±â€¯8.2 pg/ml) (P < 0.001) and waterpipe-smokers (12.6 ±â€¯8.8 pg/ml) (P < 0.01) and ENDS-users (11.5 ±â€¯8.4 pg/ml) (P < 0.01) than non-smokers (3.5 ±â€¯0.7 pg/ml). The GCF OPG levels were significantly higher among cigarette- (95.9 ±â€¯7.2 pg/ml) (P < 0.001) and waterpipe-smokers (86.6 ±â€¯5.8 pg/ml) (P < 0.01) and ENDS-users (77.5 ±â€¯3.4 pg/ml) (P < 0.05) than non-smokers (21.5 ±â€¯10.7 pg/ml). There was no significant difference in GCF RANKL and OPG levels among cigarette- and waterpipe smokers, ENDS users. CONCLUSION: Cigarette- and waterpipe smoking and ENDS usage is associated with an increased expression of RANKL and OPG in the GCF.

Correction to: The accuracy and reliability of digital measurements of gingival recession versus conventional methods.

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The accuracy and reliability of digital measurements of gingival recession versus conventional methods.

BACKGROUND: An apical shift in the position of the gingiva beyond the cemento-enamel junction leads to gingival recession. This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of digital measurements of gingival recession when compared to conventional measurements taken clinically using periodontal probes. METHODS: Gingival recession was measured at 97 sites in the oral cavity by four examiners using the following methods: CP, direct measurement of gingival recession using William's periodontal probe intraorally; CC, measurements on cast models using a caliper; DP, digital measurement on virtual models obtained by intraoral scanning, and DC, digital measurements on virtual models of dental casts. Intra-class and inter-rater correlations were analyzed. Bland Altman plots were drawn to visually determine the magnitude of differences in any given pair-wise measurements. RESULTS: In this study, good inter-methods reliability was observed for almost all the examiners ranging from 0.907 to 0.918, except for one examiner (0.837). The greatest disagreements between the raters were observed for methods; CP (0.631) followed by CC (0.85), while the best agreements were observed for methods DP (0.9) followed by DC (0.872). CONCLUSION: Variations in measurements between examiners can be reduced by using digital technologies when compared to conventional methods. Improved reproducibility of measurements obtained via intraoral scanning will increase the validity and reliability of future studies that compare different treatment modalities for root coverage.

Microbiome of dental implants and its clinical aspect.

Although dental implants are most common prosthetic treatment used to replace missing tooth, it gained considerable importance over a decade owing to the availability of advanced imagery techniques that can help in achieving a greater success rate and much better osseointegration. However, the chances that the implanted tooth can be rejected due to inflammation caused by oral microflora still persist. This review gives the viewers an overall idea of the dental implants, role of advanced imaging in implantation and instances of peri-implantitis that occur after implantation process. This review also entails the latest research on the different treatment modalities against peri-implantitis documented in peer-review journals.

Xerostomia in geriatric patients: a burgeoning global concern.

Saliva plays a key role in maintaining oral homeostasis, function, and health. The prevalence of xerostomia and its consequences are rising due to the increasing aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, medical management, and commonly-prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. When salivary function is diminished, patients are at a greater risk of developing caries, discomfort in wearing dentures, and opportunistic diseases, such as candidiasis. The psychosocial aspects of xerostomia can range from a mild effect on self-rated oral health to frustration, embarrassment, unhappiness, or substantial disruptions in quality of life. This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, and prevalence of dry mouth, as well as its treatment strategies.

Combined Treatment Effects Using Bioactive-Coated Implants and Ceramic Granulate in a Rabbit Femoral Condyle Model.

BACKGROUND: Resolution of peri-implant defects resulting from implant placement in the freshly extracted site demands for a bone graft substitute that stimulates bone regeneration and hence facilitates implant integration. In view of this, the addition of silica to hydroxyapatite (HASi) could enhance the bioactive behavior of ceramic materials and implant surfaces coated with bioactive ceramics might benefit the interaction between bone and implant. PURPOSE: To evaluate the bone response to implants coated with hydroxyapatite-silica (HASi) or hydroxyapatite (HA) and either or not combined with HASi and HA ceramic bone substitute particles, respectively, on bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone formation using a rabbit femoral condyle implant model with a gap design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 custom-made, titanium implants (Ti: diameter 5 mm, length 8 mm) with two-sided gaps were fabricated and coated with either HASi or HA using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The implants were installed bilaterally in the femoral condyles of 16 New Zealand white rabbits. According to a randomization protocol, one gap of HASi-coated and HA-coated implants was filled with HASi particles and HA particles, respectively, and the other gap was left empty. After an implantation period of 8 weeks, the retrieved specimens were analyzed via histology and histomorphometry (i.e., bone to implant contact [BIC] and bone volume [BV]). RESULTS: The BIC and BV around the implants were analysed for HASi- and HA-coated implants with and without the use of HASi and HA bone substitute material. Comparison of HASi- and HA-coated implants showed similar BIC for HASi- (55.7 + 11.0) and HA-coated implants (50.3 + 19.7). When coated implants were combined with bone substitute materials, HASi-coated and particle-filled implants showed higher BIC (64.3 ± 6.8%) compared with HA-coated and HA-filled implants (54.5 ± 10.9%). Similarly, the BV within the region of interest showed significantly higher values for the HASi-coated and HASi-filled implants (21.1 ± 1.7%) compared with HA-coated and HA-filled implants (12.8 ± 4.9%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that silicon substitution in HA favors bone regeneration compared with HA, especially when used as bone substitute material. Further studies using different healing periods will elucidate the resorption pattern of HASi granules in comparison with HA.

Osseointegration of oral implants after delayed placement in rabbits: a microcomputed tomography and histomorphometric study.

PURPOSE: This study compared osseointegration of implants placed 14 days after implant site preparation with that of immediately placed implants in rabbit femurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants were placed bilaterally in the femoral condyles of 12 rabbits. On one side, the implants were placed 14 days after osteotomy, and the other side received implants immediately after osteotomy. Healing was assessed by microcomputed tomography and histomorphometry. RESULTS: The delayed implants (placed 14 days after osteotomy) showed better osseointegration than the immediately placed implants. Bone-to-implant contact and bone volume, as assessed by histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography, were significantly higher for the implants placed after 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it can be concluded that early osteotomy bed preparation and placement of implants after a 2-week delay predisposes to better bone-implant interface healing.

Impact of osteoporosis and its treatment on oral health.

Osteoporosis has emerged as a major health problem affecting middle-aged and older individuals. It is characterized by a reduced bone mass and strength, resulting in increased susceptibility to fractures. The disease is associated with several risk factors, and increasing evidence suggests that it may be associated with oral health conditions such as periodontal disease, reduced jaw bone density and tooth loss. Besides the effects of osteoporosis on oral health, bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is a major concern to the dentist. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is a recently described adverse effect of bisphosphonate therapy. The exact mechanisms by which these drugs cause necrosis of the jaws remain unclear, and a true cause-and-effect relationship between osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphosphonate use has not yet been established. Hence, any form of invasive dentoalveolar treatment should be performed with caution in patients taking bisphosphonates. This review discusses current evidence on osteoporosis and its treatment implications as a risk factor in the development of various oral diseases.