Oronasal Fistula Closure and Defect Reconstruction: Two Case Reports Using Periodontal Plastic Surgery Principles.

OBJECTIVES: Oronasal fistulas are common sequelae following cleft lip and palate surgery and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. They result from various factors, including surgical techniques, tissue management, and patient-specific factors. This case report explores the modern approach to oronasal fistula closure using periodontal plastic surgery principles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The report presents two cases of patients with oronasal fistulas due to previous maxillofacial surgical intervention. These patients underwent microsurgical procedures that involved partial flap thickness preparation of the fistula areas, the use of connective tissue grafts from the palate, and meticulous suturing techniques to ensure graft integrity. The procedures were performed in stages, and postoperative care was provided. RESULTS: Both cases demonstrated successful fistula closure and graft survival. The patients reported improvements in breathing, speech, aesthetics, and quality of life. The second case also included guided bone regeneration and implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: Oronasal fistulas resulting from maxillofacial surgery can be effectively treated using periodontal plastic surgery techniques, significantly improving patients' quality of life and aesthetic outcomes. This approach represents a valuable addition to the existing repertoire of oronasal fistula closure methods.

Factors associated with furcation involvement and fixed prostheses: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to explore the relationship between horizontal and vertical furcation involvement (FI) in teeth with or without a single unit fixed prosthesis (FP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult subjects presenting to the periodontics department requiring cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis were recruited for this study. 79 patients, with a total of 200 teeth, were split into two groups based on the presence or absence of FP within the same patient. Our analysis considered patient-level factors like smoking, diabetes, and periodontal severity and tooth-level factors including root trunk length (RTL), probing depth (PD), periodontal supracrestal tissue height (STH), supracrestal tissue attachment (STH-PD), interproximal bone distance (IPBD) to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) (control) or crown margin (Test), and the distance from the furcation to the CEJ (control) or crown margin (Test). Subsequently, we developed a predictive model for FI. RESULTS: The presence of a prosthesis had a significant association with FI, with an odds ratio (OR) of 12.8 (p < 0.001). Other factors significantly correlated with FI were periodontitis (OR = 10.9; p = 0.006), buccal furcation site (OR = 5.70; p < 0.001), and PD (OR = 1.90; p = 0.027). FP placement increased IPBD by 1.08 mm (p < 0.001). The predictive model built for FI demonstrated a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 66.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Fixed prosthesis significantly influenced FI only in periodontitis patients. Factors such as periodontitis Stage, probing depth, and buccal site contribute to FI. The high sensitivity of the predictive model highlights the importance of considering these correlations during treatment planning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Comprehending FI factors is vital for devising customised treatment plans to halt disease progression and enhance outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapies.

Association between asthma and periodontitis: A case-control analysis of risk factors, related medications, and allergic responses.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between asthma, related allergies and medication use, and the presence and severity of periodontitis among individuals at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. METHODS: Employing a case-control design, the study analyzed data from 892 patients, half with asthma and half without asthma. Data collection included demographics, asthma history, medication use, allergies, and periodontal examination outcomes, including probing pocket depth (PPD), mobility, furcation involvement, and radiographic bone loss (RBL). Logistic regression models assessed the relationship between asthma and periodontitis, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Asthmatic patients exhibited significantly lower odds of periodontitis (OR = 0.10, p < .001) and were less likely to present with advanced stages (OR = 0.23, p < .001) and grades of the disease (OR = 0.31, p < .001) compared to non-asthmatic patients. The study also found a higher proportion of females in the asthmatic group (67% vs. 51.8%, p < .001). Smoking was identified as a significant factor associated with periodontitis in patients with asthma, with former smokers at more than double the odds (OR = 2.28, p = .035) and current smokers at a slightly lower yet significant odds (OR = 1.87, p = .050). Additionally, asthmatic patients on adrenergic inhalers had an increased likelihood of developing periodontitis (OR = 1.76, p = .045). Allergies to codeine and latex were associated with higher odds of periodontitis, with ORs of 3.41 and 6.09, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma was found to be associated with lower odds of periodontitis. However, this association appears to be modified by smoking habits and the use of certain asthma medications, which are related to an increased likelihood of periodontitis among asthmatic patients.

Oral Frenum Composition and Clinical Implications in Bone Regeneration: A Review.

Successful bone augmentation relies on primary wound closure. The labial frenum is a soft tissue that connects the lip to the alveolar mucosa or gingiva. However, the frenum may exert biomechanical forces to the wound edge, causing wound instability. The aim of this study is to review the frenum composition and classifications and to understand the significance of the frenum in wound stability upon bone regeneration. Together with a manual search, an electronic search was conducted through three online databases on studies published until September 2022. A total of 300 articles were identified, and 9 studies were included in this review. Two of the included studies discovered that 35% to 37.5% of the labial frenum had muscle fibers. Other studies showed that the labial frenum was mainly composed of connective tissue with elastic fibers. There are two widely used classifications for the frenum based on its morphology and attachment position. No studies specifically evaluated the impact of the frenum on bone regeneration, but the frenum location intercorrelated with the amount of keratinized tissue, which could influence wound stability. A modified frenum classification for the edentulous ridge and a decision diagram to manage the frenum is proposed for research and evidence-based practice.

Maxillary sinus opacification after surgery in asymptomatic patients: Transient swelling of the sinus mucosa or graft dispersion into the maxillary sinus. A radiographic report of three cases after a follow-up period of at least 5 years.

Maxillary sinus grafting is a predictable regenerative technique to facilitate maxillary posterior implant placement when there is insufficient vertical bone height inferior to the maxillary sinuses to allow placement of implants of adequate dimensions. It enables an increase in vertical bone height, which makes implant placement easier. Maxillary sinus mucosal membrane perforation is one of the most common intraoperative complications during maxillary sinus grafting and may result in extrusion of graft material into the sinus. When this occurs, the mucociliary function of the maxillary sinus may expel the extruded graft material through its natural ostium, though graft particles may remain in the sinus or possibly occlude the natural ostium. After grafting, transient maxillary sinus mucosal oedema may occur. A postoperative CBCT scan may reveal varying degrees of sinus opacification, namely partial, subtotal or total. Although it is always possible to identify graft material, which may enter the sinus as a result of membrane perforation that might not even be visible to the implantologist during the surgical procedure, it is challenging to assess whether sinus opacification is due to mucosal thickening or mucus accumulation. The aim of the present case series was to offer a pragmatic approach to managing asymptomatic patients whose CBCT scans demonstrated partial, subtotal or total maxillary sinus opacification with bone graft particles that seemed to have been extruded into the sinus.

Utilizing Individualized Titanium Frames for Protected Alveolar Bone Augmentation: A Feasibility Case Series.

Despite the various treatments proposed with barrier membranes, one of the main challenges for guided bone regeneration (GBR) is maintaining space for large defects and ensuring an adequate blood supply. The presented feasibility case series aims to introduce an original titanium frame (TF) design, customized for each defect, as a modification of well-known principles and materials for GBR to achieve an enhanced and more predictable horizontal and vertical bone augmentation. Three patients with significant horizontal defects were treated with pre-trimmed TFs to create needed space, and then a 50/50 mixture of autograft and bovine xenograft was placed and covered with a collagen membrane. After 8 months of healing, the sites were reopened, and the titanium screws were removed with the frame. An average of 8.0 ± 1.0 mm of horizontal and 3.0 ± 0.0 mm of vertical bone gain were achieved at the time of reentry and implant placement surgery. Bone core biopsy sample was obtained during the implant placement. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that 42.8% of the sample was new vital bone, 18.8% was residual bone graft particles, and 38.4% was bone marrow-like structures. After 3 to 4 months from implant placement, the implants were restored with provisional crowns and then finalized with zirconia screw-retained crowns. This case series suggests that GBR utilizing TFs with or without collagen membranes can be considered a suitable approach for horizontal and vertical bone augmentation. However, based on only three reported cases, the results should be carefully interpreted.

Tooth autotransplantation outcomes using platelet-rich fibrin: A promising approach; case study.

BACKGROUND: Autogenous tooth transplantation refers to a surgical procedure involving the relocation of a tooth within the same individual. Incorporating platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in this procedure holds the potential to improve healing, accelerate recovery, and optimize treatment outcomes. METHODS: In this article, the authors illustrate a PRF-based approach for autogenous tooth transplantation through two case scenarios. These cases outline the surgical steps of tooth transplantation and demonstrate the potential role of PRF in enhancing soft tissue healing. Furthermore, the article provides insights from a long-term follow-up spanning over 7 years. RESULTS: Tooth transplantation in young adults is promising but depends on factors such as root development stage and donor tooth size matching. Including PRF may improve healing, at least in the short term, due to its rich concentration of growth factors and cytokines, promoting effective tissue regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous tooth transplantation has shown to be a viable treatment option for replacing the missing dentition. Adding PRF to the autogenous tooth transplantation procedure may speed up and enhance the treatment outcome. While the favorable results of these cases might be partially attributed to the use of PRF, the contribution of PRF to the healing process of tooth transplant remains conjectural and requires validation through additional research. KEY POINTS/HIGHLIGHTS: Tooth autotransplantation can be performed in younger patients without requiring root canal treatment, while also potentially benefiting from the incorporation of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).

25 years of Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research (CIDRR): A modern bibliometric and Altmetrics network analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Since its establishment in 1999, the journal of Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research (CIDRR) has consistently disseminated notable clinical and translational research within the domain of oral implantology. As the journal approaches its milestone 25th anniversary, this study endeavors to systematically delineate the publication trends, level of evidence, and bibliometric indices characterizing the initial quarter-century of CIDRR's scholarly activity. Notably, the investigation adopts a contemporary methodology by incorporating Altmetric analysis, thereby enriching the evaluation with an assessment of the broader societal and online impact of the published research. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed in SCOPUS and PubMed to access the bibliographic data of all articles published in the journal from 1999 to 2024. Additionally, Altmetric database was used to obtain social media attention scores (AAS). Journal's overall performance via impact factor and quartile range was assessed. Most cited papers were identified and the most prolific authors, institutions and countries and the collaboration networks among those were assessed. The level of evidence of all articles was determined based on Oxford level of evidence scale. All articles were categorized based on their major topic in the field of implant dentistry. RESULTS: Throughout its first 25 years of activity, CIDRR published 1912 articles with an annual growth rate of 2.67% and consistently being ranked at Q1 quartile in "Dentistry (miscellaneous)" and "Oral Surgery" journal categories. When clinical studies are considered, level I and II evidence constituted 22.82% and 11.82% of all articles, respectively. Sweden, the USA, and Italy as well as Göteborgs Universitet, Sahlgrenska Akademin. and Malmö Högskola were the most prolific countries and institutions respectively. "Implant system/design/characteristics," "Bone Augmentation," and "Implant Prosthesis" were the top most investigated topics. CONCLUSIONS: The examination of the journal's initial 25 years highlighted that CIDRR has surpassed similar dental research journals in publishing a greater number of high-level evidence articles. It also showcased diverse country- and author-collaboration networks. However, the journal's social media presence is still evolving. This article, presenting a comprehensive overview of the journal's scientometric and bibliographic activities, serves as a valuable reference for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders, offering insights into both traditional and contemporary perspectives.

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.

Calibrated intraoral scan protocol (CISP) for full-arch implant impressions: An in vitro comparison to conventional impression, intraoral scan, and intraoral scan with scan-aid.

OBJECTIVE: To assess a newly developed intraoral scan protocol in enhancing the accuracy of complete-arch implant impressions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four impression approaches were applied to the same maxillary edentulous model with 6 implants: (1) intraoral scan (IOS), (2) intraoral scan with scan aid (IOS-SA), (3) calibrated intraoral scan protocol (CISP), and (4) conventional splinted open-tray impression (CONV). Each approach was repeated 10 times, and a direct scan of the model with a desktop scanner was used as a reference model. The alignment of scans and the reference model was conducted by two methods: (a) aligning all scan bodies to evaluate the overall fit, and (b) aligning the first and second scan bodies to simulate the Sheffield fit test for passive fitting of multiple implant-supported prostheses. Linear deviations from the reference model (trueness) and within each group (precision) were analyzed using Python scripts. RESULTS: When aligned by all scan bodies, the CISP group exhibited comparable mean trueness (38.33 µm) and precision (45.97 µm) to the CONV group (44.30 and 47.92 µm respectively), both of which significantly outperformed the IOS group (86.82 and 83.17 µm, respectively). Furthermore, in the virtual Sheffield fit test, the CISP group achieved the highest levels of mean trueness at the end span (121.7 µm), making a linear deviation reduction of 36.7%, 60%, and 41.4% when compared to the CONV, the IOS, and the IOS-SA groups, respectively. Moreover, the CISP group (104.3 µm) displayed a remarkable 65, 182, and 86 µm advantage in precision over the CONV, IOS, and IOS-SA groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: CISP demonstrated comparable accuracy to the gold standard, the conventional splinted open-tray impression. Furthermore, it excelled in the virtual passive fitting test.

Decision Tree for Reconstructive Treatment of Peri-implantitis Defects.

Peri-implantitis, a common complication among patients receiving implant-supported restorative therapy, often requires surgical intervention for effective treatment. Understanding the specific configuration of peri-implant bony defect and adjacent bone peaks is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies and improving outcomes. A decision tree for reconstructive peri-implantitis therapy has been developed based on the new classification of defect configurations (Class I to V), guiding clinicians in selecting treatment options, including biomaterials, techniques, and healing approaches. Furthermore, clinicians are encouraged to consider various factors such as local predisposing factors (such as soft tissue characteristics, prosthetic design, and implant position in three-dimensional perspective), clinical factors (surgeon skill and experience), and patient-related factors (such as local and systemic health, preferences, and cost) when evaluating reconstructive therapy options.

Influence of Ti-base Supported Implant Restoration on Peri-implant Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the impact of titanium base supported single implant restorations on peri-implant conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising a total of 274 implants that met the inclusion criteria, were chosen for data analysis. A random effects model was employed for the metaanalysis. RESULTS: Data from this study revealed that the Ti-base group exhibited a slightly but statistically significant increase in peri-implant marginal bone loss (difference in means = 0.088, 95% confidence interval = 0.003 to 0.17, p = 0.041) compared to the one-piece-abutment group. These effects were consistent in the subgroup analysis of regular-threaded implants comparing to the microthreaded subgroup. However, no significant differences were observed between the Ti-base group and the abutment group concerning probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the risk of prosthetic-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of Ti-base in single-implant supported restoration is associated with a slight increase in peri-implant marginal bone loss, while other periimplant health parameters show no significant correlation. Therefore, to determine the impact of Tibase on peri-implant condition of single implant-supported restoration is insufficient based on the findings of this meta-analysis.

Half- and full-grafting alveolar ridge preservation with different sealing materials: A three-arm randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of different alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) approaches on bone resorption and their potential for facilitating implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent one or two tooth extractions with a desire for restoration were included in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups for ARP. The groups were as follows: (1) Half grafting of bovine bone mineral (DBBM-C) covered with non-resorbable dense polytetrafluoroethylene (dPTFE) membrane (Test 1 group); (2) Half grafting of bovine bone mineral (DBBM-C) covered with collagen membrane (Test 2 group); and (3) Full grafting with collagen membrane (DBBM-C + Collagen membrane) as the Control group. After 6-month healing period, the evaluation encompassed clinical, radiographic, implant-related outcomes, and the factors contributing to hard and soft tissue alterations. RESULTS: Enrollment in this study comprised 56 patients. At the 6-month follow-up, radiographic analysis in computed beam computed tomography images was conducted for 18, 19, and 19 patients with 18, 20, and 20 tooth sites in Test 1, Test 2, and Control groups, respectively. Additionally, a total of 15, 17, and 17 patients with 15, 18, and 17 implants were evaluated. Based on radiographic analysis, all groups showed limited ridge resorption at 1 mm from crest horizontally (Test 1: 1.29 ± 1.37; Test 2: 1.07 ± 1.07; Control: 1.54 ± 1.33 mm, p = 0.328), while the Control group showed greater radiographic bone height gain in mid-crestal part vertically (Test 1: 0.11 ± 1.02; Test 2: 0.29 ± 0.83; Control: -0.46 ± 0.95 mm, p = 0.032). There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of keratinized mucosal width, bone density, insertion torque, and the need of additional bone graft. However, the use of a dPTFE membrane resulted in a significantly higher vertical mucosal thickness (Test 1: 2.67 ± 0.90; Test 2: 3.89 ± 1.08; Control: 2.41 ± 0.51 mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed comparable dimensional preservation with limited vertical shrinkage, while thin buccal bone plate, non-molar sites, and large discrepancy between buccal and palatal/lingual height may contribute to greater shrinkage. Thicker mucosa with dPTFE membrane required further investigation for interpretation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06049823. This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization.

Marginal Bone Loss in Posterior Implants Placed at Different Levels and Different Prosthetic Designs: A Retrospective Study With a Minimum of 1-Year Follow-Up.

Various factors influence marginal bone loss after implant placement. This study explored the association between marginal bone loss and posterior implants positioned at different bone levels. Computer records and radiographs of patients with at least 2 adjacent implants were retrieved. Cases were categorized into nonsplinted prosthesis and splinted prosthesis groups. Radiographic measurements were conducted at the time of abutment placement (T0), 1-3 years follow-up (T1), and the last visit (T2), measuring the vertical distance between adjacent implants. Multilevel linear regression models using generalized estimating equations were employed, with a significance level set at 5% (α = 0.05). Fifty-six patient records were included, comprising 120 implants: 84 nonsplinted (70%) and 36 splinted (30%). In the nonsplinted group, marginal bone loss progression significantly depended on crestal height differences. For the mesial sides of posterior implants, marginal bone loss measured 1.0 ± 0.6 mm from T0 to T1, 2.4 ± 1.1 mm from T1 to T2, and 3.4 ± 1.2 mm from T0 to T2. Similarly, the distal sides of the most anteriorly placed implant exhibited marginal bone loss of 1.0 ± 0.7 mm from T0 to T1, 2.4 ± 1.0 mm from T1 to T2, and 3.5 ± 1.2 mm from T0 to T2. Nonsplinted implants demonstrated a higher progression of marginal bone loss. This study suggests that nonsplinted implants may lead to a more pronounced progression of marginal bone loss, particularly concerning crestal height differences, underscoring the need for further research.

Accuracy of open-sleeved vs. closed-sleeved static computer-assisted implant systems in immediate maxillary molar implant placement: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is (1) to compare the accuracy of an open-sleeved static computer-assisted implant system (sCAIS) with a closed-sleeve sCAIS and free-hand approach in immediate implant placement (IIP) of maxillary molar sites and (2) to investigate the influence of socket morphology on these approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety partially edentulous duplicated maxillary models simulating three different molar sockets (type A, B, and C based on Smith and Tarnow's classification) were investigated. Three modalities, including sCAIS with open-sleeves, sCAIS with closed-sleeves, and free-hand approach, were applied separately to 30 models with 120 sockets. A customized Python script automatically measured the deviations between the virtual and actual implant positions for all 360 implants. RESULTS: The 3D deviations of sCAIS were significantly influenced by the socket and sleeve types. Both guided groups exhibited significantly less deviation than the free-hand approach. Type A and C sockets resulted in better implant positions than type B socket sites. In type B sockets, the open-sleeve group achieved significantly less deviation compared to the closed-sleeve group, with respect to apical global (1.34 ± 0.53 vs. 1.84 ± 0.59 mm), coronal horizontal (0.68 ± 0.36 vs. 0.93 ± 0.34 mm), apical horizontal (1.21 ± 0.59 vs. 1.74 ± 0.63 mm), and angular (3.30 ± 1.41 vs. 4.41 ± 1.96°) deviations. CONCLUSIONS: Guided implant surgery significantly reduces deviations during molar IIP compared to free-hand procedures. Furthermore, the use of open-sleeve sCAIS appears to be more effective in minimizing deviations in type B sockets when compared with the closed-sleeve guided system.

Five decades of research on immediate implant therapy: A modern bibliometric network analysis via Altmetric and level of evidence mapping.

AIM: To conduct a bibliometric network analysis to explore the research landscape of immediate implant placement (IIP) and provide insights into its trends and contributors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Scopus database was utilized as the bibliographic source, and a search strategy was implemented to identify relevant research articles. Various bibliometric parameters were extracted, including publication year, journal, authors, citations, and funding. The analysis involved examining authorship patterns, international collaborations, level of evidence, Altmetric data, and funding analysis. RESULTS: We identified a steady annual growth rate of 6.49% in IIP research. The top three countries contributing to research output were the USA, Italy, and China. Prolific authors were identified based on publication and citation metrics. International collaborations among different countries were observed. The level of evidence analysis revealed that over 30% of the articles fell into higher levels of evidence (levels 1 and 2). Altmetric data analysis indicated no significant correlations between citation counts and Altmetric Attention Score (AAS), and conversely a significant association with Mendeley readers count. Funding and open access did not significantly impact the bibliometric indices of the papers. CONCLUSIONS: The focus of research on IIP has been evolving as indicated by an exponential growth rate in this study. Only approximately 16% of the articles fit into level 1 evidence, therefore, emphasizing on higher quality level research study shortage in this field. Modern indices can be used as new bibliometric indicators as they also cover social media and online attention scores.

Biological shaping as a conservative alternative for crown lengthening: A review.

OBJECTIVES: The perio-restorative approach to maintaining supracrestal tissue attachment (STA; formerly known as biologic width) is a fundamental goal in modern dentistry. This article aims to review the clinical impact of biologic shaping (BS) as an innovative alternative to traditional crown lengthening procedures, reflecting over two decades of clinical experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As a review paper, it is crucial to highlight that BS stands as a unique approach designed to optimize STA while emphasizing minimal to no removal of supporting bone. The review spans over two decades, consistently demonstrating clinical efficacy and predictability. Remarkably, BS focuses on addressing issues such as root concavities, developmental grooves, irregularities, furcation lips, and CEJ offering a remarkable level of clinical precision. RESULTS: The reviewed literature underscores that BS has consistently achieved substantial clinical success in fulfilling its objectives. This method presents a biologically sound alternative to traditional crown lengthening, placing a strong emphasis on the preservation of essential bone tissue and the establishment of durable STA. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that BS is a logical and biologically driven approach for maintaining STA, making it a promising alternative to traditional crown lengthening. The method offers a predictable and reproducible way to preserve bone tissue while achieving durable STA. This innovation holds great promise in the field of periodontal and restorative dentistry.

Mucosal cyst aspiration in conjunction with maxillary sinus elevation: A clinical cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with mucosal cysts in the maxillary sinus require special consideration in patients who require implant therapy for the restoration when undergoing implant therapy for the restoration of the posterior maxillary dentition. Treatment strategies for these clinical situations remain controversial in the literature. Thus, this study seeks to describe a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for sinus augmentation in patients with pre-existing maxillary antral cysts. METHODS: A total of 15 patients and 18 sinuses were consecutively enrolled in this cohort study and underwent maxillary antral cyst treatment by needle aspiration and simultaneous maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA). During surgical procedures, threeimplants (Zimmer Biomet, Indiana, USA) were positioned in 11 sinuses and two implants (Zimmer Biomet, Indiana, USA) were positioned in 5 sinuses. RESULTS: Overall implant success and survival rates were 100% and 97.8%, respectively at 1 year and 5-year follow-ups. Crestal bone resorption averaged 0.3 ± 0.2 mm 5-year post-loading, showing bone stability. Implant survival rate at 5-year follow-up expressed predictability of the technique comparable to historical data when MSA was performed alone. Crestal bone resorption averaged 0.3 ± 0.2 mm 5 years post-loading and shows bone stability utilizing mucosal cyst aspiration with concomitant MSA procedures. Quality of life evaluation at 1-week post-op showed similar results to published historical data. In 81% (13 sinuses), the CBCT examination at 5-year follow-up showed no cyst reformation, in 19% (3 sinuses) cyst reformation was visible, but smaller in size when compared to the pre-op CBCT evaluation, and all the patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary sinus mucosal cyst aspiration with concomitant MSA, may be a viable option to treat maxillary sinus cyst.

Indications for implant-supported rehabilitation of the posterior atrophic maxilla: A multidisciplinary consensus among experts in the field utilising the modified Delphi method.

PURPOSE: To establish consensus-driven guidelines that could support the clinical decision-making process for implant-supported rehabilitation of the posterior atrophic maxilla and ultimately improve long-term treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 participants were enrolled (18 active members of the Italian Academy of Osseointegration and 15 international experts). Based on the available evidence, the development group discussed and proposed an initial list of 20 statements, which were later evalu-ated by all participants. After the forms were completed, the responses were sent for blinded ana-lysis. In most cases, when a consensus was not reached, the statements were rephrased and sent to the participants for another round of evaluation. Three rounds were planned. RESULTS: After the first round of voting, participants came close to reaching a consensus on six statements, but no consensus was achieved for the other fourteen. Following this, nineteen statements were rephrased and sent to participants again for the second round of voting, after which a consensus was reached for six statements and almost reached for three statements, but no consensus was achieved for the other ten. All 13 statements upon which no consensus was reached were rephrased and included in the third round. After this round, a consensus was achieved for an additional nine statements and almost achieved for three statements, but no consensus was reached for the remaining statement. CONCLUSION: This Delphi consensus highlights the importance of accurate preoperative planning, taking into consideration the maxillomandibular relationship to meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of the final restoration. Emphasis is placed on the role played by the sinus bony walls and floor in providing essential elements for bone formation, and on evaluation of bucco-palatal sinus width for choosing between lateral and transcrestal sinus floor elevation. Tilted and trans-sinus implants are considered viable options, whereas caution is advised when placing pterygoid implants. Zygomatic implants are seen as a potential option in specific cases, such as for completely edentulous elderly or oncological patients, for whom conventional alternatives are unsuitable.

Accuracy of edentulous full-arch implant impression: An in vitro comparison between conventional impression, intraoral scan with and without splinting, and photogrammetry.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the trueness and precision of complete arch implant impressions using conventional impression, intraoral scanning with and without splinting, and stereophotogrammetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An edentulous model with six implants was used in this study. Four implant impression techniques were compared: the conventional impression (CI), intraoral scanning (IOS) without splinting, intraoral scanning with splinting (MIOS), and stereophotogrammetry (SPG). An industrial blue light scanner was used to generate the baseline scan from the model. The CI was captured with a laboratory scanner. The reference best-fit method was then applied in the computer-aided design (CAD) software to compute the three-dimensional, angular, and linear discrepancies among the four impression techniques. The root mean square (RMS) 3D discrepancies in trueness and precision between the four impression groups were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis test. Trueness and precision between single analogs were assessed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Significant differences in the overall trueness (p = .017) and precision (p < .001) were observed across four impression groups. The SPG group exhibited significantly smaller RMS 3D deviations than the CI, IOS, and MIOS groups (p < .05), with no significant difference detected among the latter three groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Stereophotogrammetry showed superior trueness and precision, meeting misfit thresholds for implant-supported complete arch prostheses. Intraoral scanning, while accurate like conventional impressions, exhibited cross-arch angular and linear deviations. Adding a splint to the scan body did not improve intraoral scanning accuracy.