The Outcomes of Vertical Alveolar Bone Augmentation by Guided Bone Regeneration with Titanium Mesh: A Systematic Review.

AIM: This study aimed to systematically review the published studies on vertical alveolar bone augmentation (VABA) by guided bone regeneration (GBR) with titanium mesh (TM). BACKGROUND: Guided bone regeneration is a procedure that can be used for VABA of the alveolar ridge. Titanium mesh is used as a barrier due to its ability to maintain a space that the newly formed bone will occupy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computerized literature search was conducted on the databases PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library to review the published article on VABA by TM from 2011 to 2021. REVIEW RESULTS: Eight out of 574 retrieved articles were included in the qualitative analysis, three randomized clinical trials, two prospective clinical trials, and three retrospective trials. They were assessed for risk of bias using the critical appraisal skills program checklist. Titanium mesh was utilized as a barrier in three different ways, adapted directly on the alveolar bone, bent preoperatively on three-dimensional (3D) models, and 3D-printed. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reported 20.8% bone gain, while the other studies reported the means ranging from 2.56 to 4.78 mm. All studies reported TM exposure that ranged from 7.69 to 66.66%. Exposure during the four postoperative weeks led to inadequate bone regeneration. However, late exposure had no effect or caused only slight bone resorption. Early TM removal was performed in two studies, one case per each, ranging from 2.4 to 11.1%. Infection was presented in three studies, one case per each, and the percentages were 5, 11.1, and 25%. CONCLUSION: All types of TM had exposure, which was the most common complication, but early removal was indicated only in a few cases. Titanium mesh showed reliability and efficacy as a barrier for VABA by GBR. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: By this procedure, bone height can be restored, however, meticulous follow-up is recommended for the detection and management of TM exposures.

A survey of awareness related to the use of antibiotics for dental issues among non-medical female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to adverse side effects. This cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude of female non-medical students regarding the medical and dental use of antibiotics. Four hundred validated self-administered questionnaires were distributed in Princess Norah Bint-Abdurrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included questions about accessibility, attitude toward usage, efficacy, side effects, resistance, and usage for dental issues. Knowledge was estimated for every respondent by counting the correct answers, which were considered as points. The scores were categorized as poor, moderate, and high. Of the respondents, 77.8% answered they get antibiotics according to a doctor's prescription; however, 31% stops taking antibiotics when they feel well. Only 38.8% of respondents knew that antibiotics may cause allergic reactions while 59.8% believed the human body can be resistant to antibiotics. The percentages of answers related to dental issues were: antibiotics relieve dental pain (68.8%), antibiotics can be harmful for children's teeth (27.3%), antibiotics are best avoided in pregnancy (56.7%) and no need for antibiotics after scaling (33.8%), root canal treatment (16%), or simple extraction (40.3%). Of respondents, 68% had poor scores about antibiotics efficacy, side effects, and resistance while 86.8% had poor scores related to dental problems. This study noticed a bad attitude related to antibiotics usage, with many misconceptions and poor knowledge. Moreover, the necessity of antibiotics for treatment of dental disease or after dental procedures was totally unclear for the respondents. Community campaigns are recommended every university semester to educate students about the indications, efficacy, and side effects of antibiotics.