Human palatal and tuberosity mucosa as donor sites for ridge augmentation.

Since different clinical outcomes of periodontal bilaminar surgeries using the palate or the maxillary tuberosity as connective tissue (CT) donor sites have been observed, tissues grafted with CT from the palate or the tuberosity 1 year after surgical procedures for ridge augmentation were compared with nongrafted tissues by using morphologic and molecular methods. Collagen content and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 expression were similar in tissues and cultured fibroblasts from the palate and tuberosity, although with interindividual differences. In contrast, differences in collagen cross-linking and maturation in the tuberosity fibroblasts were observed, suggesting a possible role in determining hyperplastic responses in some patients.

Soft tissue surrounding switched platform implants: an immunohistochemical evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical and immunohistochemical study was designed to characterize the cellular and molecular patterns for bone loss of soft tissues surrounding implants restored with different implant platform configurations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 implants were restored using abutments with the following mismatches: 0 mm (control group), 0.25 mm (test group(1)), 0.5 mm (test group(2)) and 0.85 mm (test group(3)). Four years after, loading all sites were clinically healthy, and soft tissue samples were harvested and processed for immunohistochemical analysis. Amounts of lymphocytes T (LyT) -B (LyB), IL-17 and RANKL were assessed. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between groups (P > 0.05) in terms of infiltrated T and B cell counts, IL-17 and RANKL expressions. When pooled data were analysed, lymphocytes T counts and IL-17 were higher than lymphocytes B counts and RANKL. LyT and LyB counts were highly negatively correlated (Pearson's r > 0.7) and IL-17 was correlated (Pearson's r > 0.4, <0.7) to LyT and LyB. CONCLUSIONS: After prolonged exposure of abutments in the oral cavity, the configuration of the implant abutment interface does not seem to affect the inflammatory cellular and molecular pattern responsible for bone loss.

Soft tissues around long-term platform switching implant restorations: a histological human evaluation. Preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Switching platform restorations seems to reduce the peri-implant bone resorption and to preserve the peri-implant soft tissues. AIM: The aim of the present human study was to compare histologically the peri-implant soft tissue in switching and traditional platform implants 4 years after restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight months after implant restoration, 37 peri-implant soft tissue samples from 14 patients were harvested from traditionally restored implants (control group) and from three different platforms mismatching 0.25-0.85 mm (test groups). At the harvesting time, all sites were clinically healthy. Samples were processed to evaluate the inflammatory infiltrate area [inflamed connective tissue (ICT)], the microvascular density (MVD) and the collagen content (AA%). RESULTS: At the analyses, no significant differences were found between groups in terms of ICT, MVD and AA% (p>0.05). In all groups, most samples with a well-preserved junctional epithelium showed a small and localized inflammatory infiltrated associated with not-well-oriented collagen fibres and an increased MVD. CONCLUSIONS: Forty-eight months after restoration, switching and traditional platform implants had similar histological peri-implant soft tissue features, despite different bone level changes detected radiographically and published in a previous parent study. The present study seems to confirm platform switching as a safe prosthetic concept leading to better maintenance of peri-implant bone levels. However, further histological studies are required to longitudinally confirm the present data.

A photographic system for the three-dimensional study of facial morphology.

OBJECTIVES: To test whether digital photographs supported by three-dimensional (3D) software are suitable for measuring the facial soft tissues of healthy subjects as compared with data obtained by a certified 3D computerized electromagnetic digitizer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional soft tissue facial landmarks were obtained from the faces of 15 healthy young adults, using a 3D computerized electromagnetic digitizer and a new low-cost photogrammetry system. Twelve linear and 18 angular measurements were computed. Errors between methods and repeatability of the new method were calculated. RESULTS: Systematic errors between methods were found for only two distances and three angles (paired t-test, P < .05). The mean absolute differences between methods were always lower than 3 mm and 3 degrees. Repeated digitization of photographs showed that the method was repeatable (no systematic differences; random errors lower than 1.6 mm and 3 degrees). Repeated sets of photographs showed random errors of up to 5.3 mm and 5.6 degrees, without systematic biases. CONCLUSION: The 3D photogrammetry system can provide reliable facial measurements. The method is relatively fast and requires only inexpensive equipment. It is simple to use for private practice, research, or other practice.

Oral health conditions in Italian Special Olympics athletes.

During three Italian Special Olympics National Games, 365 athletes were screened. Dental and medical conditions and demographic data were recorded. The athletes were divided into two groups: those with Down syndrome (DS) and those without DS but who had intellectual disabilities (non-DS). Most of the subjects were in good systemic health. Total DMFt was 10.3 (SD 5.8; D=1.3; M=6.1; F=2.8). Decayed and filled teeth were significantly more frequent in athletes who did not have DS compared to those with DS. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of subjects with filled, sealed, or traumatized teeth. Athletes with DS and without DS who participated in the Italian Special Olympics had a similar oral status, which was better than Italian persons who were institutionalized and who had an intellectual disability.