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.

Echo-intensity characterization at implant sites and novel diagnostic ultrasonographic markers for peri-implantitis.

AIM: To apply high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) echo intensity for characterizing peri-implant tissues at healthy and diseased sites and to investigate the possible ultrasonographic markers of health versus disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients presenting 60 implants diagnosed as healthy (N = 30) and peri-implantitis (N = 30) were assessed with HFUS. HFUS scans were imported into a software where first-order greyscale outcomes [i.e., mean echo intensity (EI)] and second-order greyscale outcomes were assessed. Other ultrasonographic outcomes of interest involved the vertical extension of the hypoechoic supracrestal area (HSA), soft-tissue area (STA) and buccal bone dehiscence (BBD), among others. RESULTS: HFUS EI mean values obtained from peri-implant soft tissue at healthy and diseased sites were 122.9 ± 19.7 and 107.9 ± 24.7 grey levels (GL); p = .02, respectively. All the diseased sites showed the appearance of an HSA that was not present in healthy implants (area under the curve = 1). The proportion of HSA/STA was 37.9% ± 14.8%. Regression analysis showed that EI of the peri-implant soft tissue was significantly different between healthy and peri-implantitis sites (odds ratio 0.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.94-0.99], p = .019). CONCLUSIONS: HFUS EI characterization of peri-implant tissues shows a significant difference between healthy and diseased sites. HFUS EI and the presence/absence of an HSA may be valid diagnostic ultrasonographic markers to discriminate peri-implant health status.

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.

Impact of keratinized mucosa on implant-health related parameters: A 10-year prospective re-analysis study.

AIM: To investigate whether the lack of keratinized mucosa (KM) affects peri-implant health after 10 years of loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 74 patients with 148 implants from two randomized controlled studies comparing different implant systems were included and analyzed. Clinical parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), plaque index, marginal bone loss (MBL), and KM width (KMW) at buccal sites were collected at baseline (time of the final prosthesis insertion), 5-year and 10 years postloading. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models by means of a generalized estimated equation (GEE) were used to evaluate the influence of buccal KM on peri-implant clinical parameters; BOP, MBL, PD, and adjusted for implant type (one-piece or two-piece) and compliance. RESULTS: A total of 35 (24.8%) implants were healthy, 67 (47.5%) had mucositis and 39 (27.6%) were affected by peri-implantitis. In absence of buccal KM (KM = 0 mm), 75% of the implants exhibited mucositis, while in the presence of KM (KMW >0 mm) 41.2% exhibited mucositis. Regarding peri-implantitis, the corresponding percentages were 20% (KM = 0 mm) and 26.7% (KM >0 mm). Unadjusted logistic regression showed that the presence of buccal KM tended to reduce the odds of showing BOP at buccal sites (OR: 0.28 [95% CI, 0.07 to 1.09], p = 0.06). The adjusted logistic regression model revealed that having buccal KM (OR: 0.21 [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.85], p = 0.02) and using two-piece implants (OR: 0.34 [95% CI, 0.15 to 0.75], p = 0.008) significantly reduced the odds of showing BOP. Adjusted linear regression by means of GEE showed that KM and two-piece implants were associated with reduced MBL and MBL changes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The lack of buccal KM appears to be linked with peri-implant parameters such as BOP and MBL, but the association is weak. The design of one-piece implants may account for their increased odds of exhibiting BOP.

Risk indicators for gingival recession in the esthetic zone: A cross-sectional clinical, tomographic, and ultrasonographic study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the risk indicators associated with midfacial gingival recessions (GR) in the natural dentition esthetic regions. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) results of thirty-seven subjects presenting with 268 eligible teeth were included in the cross-sectional study. Clinical measurements included presence/absence of midfacial GR; the depth of the midfacial, mesial, and distal gingival recession; the recession type (RT); keratinized tissue width (KT); and attached gingiva width (AG). Questionnaires were utilized to capture patient-reported esthetics and dental hypersensitivity for each study tooth. Buccal bone dehiscence (cBBD) and buccal bone thickness (cBBT) were measured on the CBCT scans. High-frequency ultrasonography was performed to assess gingival thickness (GT) and buccal bone dehiscence (uBBD). Intraoral optical scanning was obtained to quantify the buccolingual position of each study site (3D profile analysis). Multilevel logistic regression analyses with generalized estimation equations were performed to assess the factors associated with the conditions of interest. RESULTS: The presence of midfacial GR was significantly associated with the history of periodontal treatment for pocket reduction (OR 7.99, p = 0.006), KT (OR 0.62, p < 0.001), cBBD (OR 2.30, p = 0.015), GT 1.5 mm from the gingival margin (OR 0.18, p = 0.04) and 3D profile 1 mm from the gingival margin (OR 1.04, p = 0.001). The depth of midfacial GR was significantly correlated to previous history of periodontal treatment (OR 0.96, p = 0.001), KT (OR -0.18, p < 0.001), presence of bone fenestration (OR 0.24, p = 0.044), and cBBD (OR 0.43, p < 0.001). The depth of midfacial GR was also the only factor associated with patient-reported esthetics (OR -3.38, p = 0.022), while KT (OR 0.77, p = 0.018) and AG (OR 0.82, p = 0.047) were significantly correlated with patient-reported dental hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Several risk indicators of midfacial and interproximal GR in the esthetic region were identified. The use of imaging technologies allowed for detection of parameters associated with the conditions of interest, and, therefore, their incorporation in future clinical studies is advocated. Ultrasonography could be preferred over CBCT for a noninvasive assessment of periodontal phenotype.

Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of tissue revascularization following connective tissue graft at implant sites.

AIM: To assess the Doppler ultrasonographic tissue perfusion at dental implant sites augmented with connective tissue graft (CTG) using coronally advanced flap (CAF) or tunnel technique (TUN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients presenting with isolated healthy peri-implant soft-tissue dehiscence (PSTD) were included in this randomized clinical trial. PSTDs were treated with either CAF + CTG or TUN + CTG. Ultrasound scans were taken at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months. Tissue perfusion at the mid-facial, mesial and distal aspects of the implant sites was assessed by colour Doppler velocity (CDV) and power Doppler imaging (PDI). Early vascularization of the graft and the flap at 1 week and at 1 month were evaluated via dynamic tissue perfusion measurements (DTPMs), including flow intensity (FI), mean perfusion relief intensity (pRI) and mean perfused area (pA). RESULTS: Regression analysis did not reveal significant differences in terms of mid-facial CDV and PDI changes between CAF and TUN over 12 months (p > .05), while significant differences between the two groups were observed at the interproximal areas (p < .001 for both CDV and PDI changes). Higher early DTPMs were observed at the TUN-treated sites in terms of mean FI of the graft (p = .027) and mean FI (p = .024) and pRI of the flap (p = .031) compared with CAF-treated sites at 1 week. Assessment of the FI direction showed that CTG perfusion at 1 week and at 1 month mainly occurred from the flap towards the implant/bone. Early tissue perfusion outcomes were found to be associated with the 12-month mean PSTD coverage and mucosal thickness gain. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler ultrasonography shows tissue perfusion changes occurring at implant sites augmented with CTG. The main differences in tissue perfusion between CAF and TUN were observed at the interproximal sites, with early perfusion associated with clinical and volumetric outcomes at 12 months.

Group 1 ITI Consensus Report: The role of bone dimensions and soft tissue augmentation procedures on the stability of clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of implant treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of Working Group 1 were to address the role (i) of the buccolingual bone dimensions after implant placement in healed alveolar ridge sites on the occurrence of biologic and aesthetic complications, and (ii) of soft tissue augmentation (STA) on the stability of clinical, radiographic, and patient-related outcomes of implant treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two systematic reviews were prepared in advance of the Consensus Conference and were discussed among the participants of Group 1. Consensus statements, clinical recommendations, recommendations for future research, and reflections on patient perspectives were based on structured group discussions until consensus was reached among the entire group of experts. The statements were then presented and accepted following further discussion and modifications as required by the plenary. RESULTS: Dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge occurred after implant placement in healed sites, and a reduction in buccal bone wall thickness (BBW) of 0.3 to 1.8 mm was observed. In healed sites with a BBW of <1.5 mm after implant placement, increased vertical bone loss, and less favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes were demonstrated. Implants with buccal dehiscence defects undergoing simultaneous guided bone regeneration, showed less vertical bone loss, and more favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes, compared to non-augmented dehiscence defects during initial healing. At healthy single implant sites, probing depths, bleeding and plaque scores, and interproximal bone levels evaluated at 1 year, remained stable for up to 5 years, with or without STA. When single implant sites were augmented with connective tissue grafts, either for soft tissue phenotype modification or buccal soft tissue dehiscence, stable levels of the soft tissue margin, and stable or even increased soft tissue thickness and/or width of keratinized mucosa could be observed from 1 to 5 years. In contrast, non-augmented sites were more prone to show apical migration of the soft tissue margin in the long-term. Favorable aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes after STA were documented to be stable from 1 to 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge occur after implant placement in healed sites and that sites with a thin BBW after implant placement are prone to exhibit less favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes. In addition, it is concluded that STA can provide stable clinical, radiographic, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes in the medium and long-term.

Do soft tissue augmentation techniques provide stable and favorable peri-implant conditions in the medium and long term? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To review the available literature on the medium- and long-term effects of soft tissue augmentation (STA) at implant sites and to explore the effects of the different approaches on clinical-, patient-reported, and health-related parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic and manual search was performed to identify prospective clinical studies that assessed the medium- and long-term (≥36 months) outcomes following STA, including number of sites maintaining peri-implant health and number of sites developing peri-implant disease, incidence of complications, stability of the clinical, volumetric, and radiographic parameters, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis. STA was performed with either a bilaminar- or an apically positioned flap (APF) approach, in combination with autogenous grafts (free gingival graft [FGG] and connective tissue graft [CTG]) or substitutes (acellular dermal matrix [ADM] and xenogeneic cross-linked collagen matrix [CCM]). An overall high survival rate was observed. Most of the augmented implant sites maintained peri-implant health in the medium and long term, with the incidence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis ranging from 0% to 50% and from 0% to 7.14%, respectively. The position of the soft tissue margin following APF + FGG and bilaminar approaches involving CTG or CCM was found to be stable over time. No substantial changes were reported for plaque score/index, bleeding on probing/bleeding index, and probing depth between early time points and following visits. CTG-based STA procedures resulted in a stable or increased dimension of keratinized mucosa width (KMW) and mucosal thickness (MT)/volumetric outcomes over time, when compared with early follow-ups. Most of the included studies described stable marginal bone levels at the grafted implant sites over time. No substantial changes for patient-reported outcomes and professionally assessed esthetic results were reported at different time points. CONCLUSIONS: Implants that received STA showed overall high survival rate and relatively low incidence of peri-implantitis in the medium and long term. Augmented sites seem to maintain the level of soft tissue margin and marginal bone over time, while non-augmented implants may exhibit apical shift of the soft tissue margin. The overall favorable early outcomes obtained with STA are maintained in the medium and long term, with an increase in KMW and MT that may be expected over time at CTG-augmented sites.

Twenty-five years of recombinant human growth factors rhPDGF-BB and rhBMP-2 in oral hard and soft tissue regeneration.

Contemporary oral tissue engineering strategies involve recombinant human growth factor approaches to stimulate diverse cellular processes including cell differentiation, migration, recruitment, and proliferation at grafted areas. Recombinant human growth factor applications in oral hard and soft tissue regeneration have been progressively researched over the last 25 years. Growth factor-mediated surgical approaches aim to accelerate healing, tissue reconstruction, and patient recovery. Thus, regenerative approaches involving growth factors such as recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) have shown certain advantages over invasive traditional surgical approaches in severe hard and soft tissue defects. Several clinical studies assessed the outcomes of rhBMP-2 in diverse clinical applications for implant site development and bone augmentation. Current evidence regarding the clinical benefits of rhBMP-2 compared to conventional therapies is inconclusive. Nevertheless, it seems that rhBMP-2 can promote faster wound healing processes and enhance de novo bone formation, which may be particularly favorable in patients with compromised bone healing capacity or limited donor sites. rhPDGF-BB has been extensively applied for periodontal regenerative procedures and for the treatment of gingival recessions, showing consistent and positive outcomes. Nevertheless, current evidence regarding its benefits at implant and edentulous sites is limited. The present review explores and depicts the current applications, outcomes, and evidence-based clinical recommendations of rhPDGF-BB and rhBMPs for oral tissue regeneration.

The "Iceberg" Connective Tissue Graft Technique for Peri-implant Papilla Augmentation Following Interproximal Bone Reconstruction.

Implants with deficient papillae and black triangle are common findings. The treatment of these esthetic complications is considered challenging, and with limited predictability. Therefore, the aim of the present report is to describe a novel technique for papilla augmentation (the "Iceberg" connective tissue graft [iCTG]) after extraction and interproximal bone reconstruction in the anterior region. A 35-year-old patient presented with a hopeless tooth with interproximal clinical attachment loss extending up the apical third of the adjacent tooth. Interproximal bone reconstruction was performed through alveolar ridge preservation by directly applying recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) to the exposed root surface of the adjacent tooth. A mixture of autogenous bone chips (obtained from the ramus) and bovine bone xenograft particles, previously mixed with the growth factor, was also used. The patient was able to come back for implant therapy only 2 years later. An incomplete regeneration of the interproximal bone was observed. Therefore, to compensate the interproximal deficiency, the iCTG approach, involving a double layer CTG with different origins, was utilized. Two small grafts from the tuberosity were sutured to the mesial and distal ends of a wider CTG harvested from the palate, aiming at gaining additional volume at the interproximal sites. The composite graft was then sutured on top of the implant platform, with the flap that was then released and closed by primary intention. After conditioning of the peri-implant tissues, the case was finalized with a satisfactory outcome. The described iCTG could be an effective approach for reconstructing peri-implant papilla following interproximal bone reconstruction.

Volumetric Outcomes of Peri-implant Soft Tissue Augmentation with a Xenogeneic Cross-Linked Collagen Scaffold: A Comparative Clinical Study.

Performing soft tissue augmentation (STA) at implant sites to improve esthetics, patient satisfaction, and peri-implant health is common. Several soft tissue grafting materials can be used to increase soft tissue thickness at the second-stage surgery, including human dermal matrices and xenogeneic collagen scaffolds. This study assessed and compared the volumetric outcomes, from second-stage surgery to crown delivery, around implants that received STA with a xenogeneic cross-linked collagen scaffold (XCCS) vs nonaugmented implant sites. Thirty-one patients (31 implant sites) completed the study. Intraoral digital scans were taken at the second stage and prior to crown delivery, and the STL files were imported in an image-analysis software to assess volumetric changes. XCCS-augmented implants showed significantly greater volumetric changes compared to control sites, which showed volume loss. The mean thickness of the XCCS-augmented area was 0.73 mm. There was no difference in patient-reported esthetic evaluations between groups. STA with XCCS provided significantly greater volumetric outcomes compared to nonaugmented sites. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term behavior of the augmented peri-implant mucosa and the effects of STA on peri-implant health.

Soft-Tissue Reconstruction at Anterior Implant Sites With Soft-Tissue Dehiscences.

The treatment of a peri-implant soft-tissue dehiscence (PSTD) can be quite challenging for many clinicians and leave gravely disappointing esthetic remarks for patients to bear. The present article describes the treatment of two adjacent PSTDs in the forefront of the anterior region, where papilla deficiency also was exhibited. The case was treated with a coronally advanced flap and connective tissue graft (CTG) with submerged healing. The implant-supported crowns and abutments were removed, and soft-tissue augmentation was performed using a CTG that was sutured to the buccal site of the implants. The flap was released and sutured over the implants, which were submerged aiming for a closure by primary intention. After 3 months, a combination of an apically positioned flap and roll flap was performed to increase keratinized mucosa width around the implants and augment the peri-implant papilla. Clinical and esthetic satisfactory outcomes were obtained at 1 year.

Facial Mucosal Level Change Following Maxillary Anterior Single Immediate Tooth Replacement in Extraction Sockets With Facial Bone Wall Defects: A 4- to 15-Year Retrospective Study.

An intact extraction socket has been considered a prerequisite for an immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) procedure. Recent studies, however, have shown successful outcomes when IIPP was performed in sockets with a facial bone wall defect. This retrospective study evaluated the facial implant mucosal stability following IIPP in extraction sockets with a facial bone wall defect in the esthetic zone. The study included 16 cases in 16 patients who received maxillary anterior single IIPP with contour bone graft (C-BG) and contour connective tissue graft (C-CTG) in compromised extraction sockets (V- or U-shaped defect). After a mean follow-up of 6 years, the implant success rate was 100% (16/16). Minimal and non-statistically significant changes were noted in the facial implant mucosal and marginal bone level. Statistically significant changes were observed in facial implant mucosal thickness gain (2.5 mm [1.8 mm to 3.5 mm]) and midfacial bone sounding reduction (6 mm). Within the confines of this study, IIPP with simultaneous C-BG and C-CTG in fresh extraction sockets exhibiting a V- or U-shaped facial bone wall defect can lead to long-term successful outcomes in terms of mucosal stability, contour bone gain, and marginal bone level stability.

Hard- and Soft-Tissue Reconstruction in the Anterior Maxilla for Esthetic Implant Therapy.

Implant rehabilitation in the esthetic zone is often challenged by vertical bone defects and soft-tissue deformities. This article describes a combined hard- and soft-tissue restorative approach that involves staged guided bone regeneration, implant placement, and two soft-tissue augmentation procedures to achieve optimal esthetic outcomes at multiple implant sites in the anterior zone. The staged bone augmentation procedure, performed with a mixture of autogenous and xenogeneic bone graft and a nonresorbable membrane, allowed for the placement of three implants in ideal positions after 9 months. Further soft-tissue augmentation involved the use of multiple connective tissue grafts (CTGs) stabilized on the occlusal aspect of the implants and between the implants to enhance peri-implant papillae (ie, the "iceberg" CTG approach). Then, a second soft-tissue grafting procedure was executed to reposition the mucogingival junction and re-establish an adequate amount of keratinized mucosa at the implant sites. The article highlights the importance of performing both hard- and soft-tissue augmentation for implant therapy in the esthetic zone.

Echo intensity and gray-level co-occurrence matrix analysis of soft tissue grafting biomaterials and dental implants: an in vitro ultrasonographic pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize different allogeneic and xenogeneic soft tissue graft substitutes and to assess their echo intensity and grayscale texture-related outcomes by using high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS). METHODS: Ten samples from each of the following biomaterials were scanned using HFUS: bilayered collagen matrix (CM), cross-linked collagen matrix (CCM), multilayered cross-linked collagen matrix (MCCM), human-derived acellular dermal matrix (HADM), porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM), collagen tape dressing (C) and dental implants (IMPs). The obtained images were then imported in a commercially available software for grayscale analysis. First-order grayscale outcomes included mean echo intensity (EI), standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis, while second-order grayscale outcomes comprised entropy, contrast, correlation, energy and homogeneity derive from the gray-level co-occurrence matrix analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed for visualization of results, and one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed to relative assessments of the biomaterials. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference among the groups for EI (p < .001), with the group C showing the lowest EI, and the IMP group presenting with the greatest EI values. All groups showed significantly higher EI when compared with C (p < .001). No significant differences were observed for energy, and correlation, while a statistically significant difference among the groups was found in terms of entropy (p < 0.01), contrast (p < .001) and homogeneity (p < .001). IMP exhibited the highest contrast, that was significantly higher than C, HADM, PADM, CCM and CM. CONCLUSIONS: HFUS grayscale analysis can be applied to characterize the structure of different biomaterials and holds potential for translation to in-vivo assessment following soft tissue grafting-related procedures.

Root Coverage and Volumetric Outcomes of a Novel Porcine-Derived Acellular Dermal Matrix with the Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap (TCAF) for Treatment of Multiple Adjacent Gingival Recessions: A Clinical Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) are commonly treated with autogenous grafts. However, several intra- and post-surgical complications have been described following autogenous grafts, leading clinicians to explore the use of different biomaterials for the treatment of these conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the root coverage outcomes of a novel porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) in combination with the tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF) for the treatment of MAGRs. METHODS: Ten patients with 33 type 1 recession defects (RT1) were treated with PADM, in combination with the tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF). The outcomes of interest included the mean root coverage (mRC), the frequency of complete root coverage (CRC), changes in keratinized tissue width, volumetric gain at the treated sites assessed with digital intraoral scanning, as well as patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: All treated sites healed uneventfully, and no complications were noted throughout the study. At 6 months, a statistically significant reduction in recession was noted at the treated sites, exhibiting an overall mRC of 89.14 ± 19.15% and a CRC of 72.7%. The average volume gain after 6 months was 26.28 ± 11.71 in mm3 (Vol) and 0.63 ± 0.28 in mm (ΔD). The region-specific volumetric analysis revealed an overall higher linear dimensional gain at the Mid-Root aspect (ranging from 0.72 mm to 0.78 mm when assessed 1-4 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction) compared to the other regions. CONCLUSIONS: The present study presents the clinical and volumetric outcomes of PADM, in combination with TCAF for the treatment of MAGRs. A significant amount of volumetric gain was also observed as a result of the treatment at 6 months, along with satisfactory, esthetic and patient-reported outcomes.

How to avoid intraoperative and postoperative complications in maxillary sinus elevation.

Maxillary sinus floor elevation, via the lateral approach, is one of the most predictable bone augmentation procedures performed in implant dentistry. but both intra- and postoperative complications can occur, and some of them are severe. Our aim is as follows: To review the pertinent literature on the topic, especially assessing the risk factors related to complications. To give clinical recommendations to minimize intra- and postoperative complications with the ultimate scope of improving the standard of clinical care and patient safety.

3D surface defect map for characterising the buccolingual profile of peri-implant tissues.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel, noninvasive, intraoral optical scanning-based approach for characterising the buccolingual profile of peri-implant tissues using a 3D surface defect map. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraoral optical scans of 20 isolated dental implants with peri-implant soft tissue dehiscence in 20 subjects were captured. The digital models were then imported into image analysis software, where an examiner (LM) performed a 3D surface defect map analysis characterising the buccolingual profile of the peri-implant tissues in respect to the adjacent teeth. Ten linear divergence points that were 0.5 mm apart in a corono-apical direction were identified at the midfacial aspect of the implants. Based on these points, the implants were grouped into three different buccolingual profiles. RESULTS: The method for creating the 3D surface defect map of isolated implant sites was outlined. Eight implants displayed pattern 1 (coronal profile of peri-implant tissues more lingual/palatal than their apical portion), six implants exhibited pattern 2 (opposite of pattern 1) and six sites showed pattern 3 (relatively uniform and "flat"). CONCLUSIONS: A novel method for assessing the buccolingual profile/position of peri-implant tissues using a single intraoral digital impression was proposed. The 3D surface defect map visualises the volumetric differences in the region of interest compared to the adjacent sites, allowing for objective quantification and reporting of profile/ridge deficiencies of isolated sites.

Coronally Advanced Flap with Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix for the Treatment of Gingival Recessions at Sites Presenting with Cervical Restorations or Noncarious Cervical Lesions: A Clinical and Ultrasonographic Study.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of a cross-linked xenogeneic volume-stable collagen matrix (CCM) in treating gingival recessions (GRs) at teeth presenting with cervical restorations or noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Fifteen patients with esthetic concerns for multiple sites with GRs and cervical restorations were consecutively enrolled. The sites were treated with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) design in combination with a CCM. When present, the previous restoration was removed, and the cementoenamel junction was reconstructed with a composite material. The CCM was stabilized on the root surface(s) previously occupied by the restoration. The CAF was sutured to completely cover the graft. Clinical measurements and intraoral digital and ultrasonographic scans were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months postsurgery. Limited postoperative discomfort was reported by patients during the healing. The mean root coverage at 6 months was 74.81%. Average increases in gingival thickness of 0.43 mm and 0.52 mm were observed when measured with ultrasonography 1.5 mm and 3 mm apical to the gingival margin, respectively (P < .05). Relatively high patient-reported satisfaction and esthetics were associated with the treatment outcomes. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in dental hypersensitivity (mean: 33 VAS points). The present study demonstrated that CAF + CCM is an effective approach for treating GRs at sites with cervical restorations or NCCLs. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2023;43:147-154. doi: 10.11607/prd.6448.

Living cellular constructs for keratinized tissue augmentation: A 13-year follow-up from a split-mouth randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A 13-year follow-up was conducted of a short-term investigation of the use of living cellular construct (LCC) versus free gingival graft (FGG) for keratinized tissue width (KTW) augmentation in natural dentition, to evaluate the long-term outcomes and assess the changes occurring since the end of the original 6-month study. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects out of the original 29 enrolled participants were available at the 13-year follow-up. The primary endpoint was the number of sites demonstrating stable clinical outcomes from 6 months to 13 years (defined as KTW gain, stability, or ≤0.5 mm of KTW loss, together with reduction, stability, or increase of probing depth, and recession depth [REC] ≤0.5 mm). Secondary outcomes included the assessment of KTW, attached gingiva width (AGW), REC, clinical attachment level, esthetics, and patient-reported outcomes at the 13-year visit, assessing the changes from baseline to 6 months. RESULTS: Nine sites per group (42.9%) were found to have maintained stable (≤0.5 mm or improved) clinical outcomes from 6 months to 13 years. No significant differences were observed for the clinical parameters between LCC and FGG from 6 months to 13 years. However, the longitudinal mixed model analysis showed that FGG delivered significantly better clinical outcomes over 13 years (p < 0.01). LCC-treated sites exhibited superior esthetic outcomes compared to FGG-treated sites at 6 months and 13 years (p < 0.01). Patient-evaluated esthetics were significantly higher for LCC over FGG (p < 0.01). Patient overall treatment preference was also in favor of LCC (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A similar stability of the treatment outcomes from 6 months to 13 years was found for LCC- and FGG-treated sites, with both approaches shown to be effective in augmenting KTW and AGW. However, superior clinical outcomes were found for FGG over 13 years, while LCC was associated with better esthetics and patient-reported outcomes than FGG.