Radiographic assessment of maxillary sinus membrane and lateral wall thickness using cone-beam CT in different facial types in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

The anatomy of the edentulous posterior maxilla and maxillary sinus possess unique challenges in implant dentistry. The purpose of this study was to assess maxillary sinus membrane thickness (MT) and lateral wall thickness (LWT) in different facial index profiles and to describe the clinical implications. A retrospective image analysis of 75 CBCT scans was done, which yielded a total of 150 sinus images. The facial index was calculated as per the formula given in the text and grouped as euryprosopic, mesoprosopic and leptoprosopic. The images obtained were of 36 women (48%) and 39 men (52%), with maximum subjects in 30-39 years age group. MT and LWT were measured at three different points on the radiograph at every 3mm from the base of the sinus floor in premolar and molar regions of each image. Results showed females had significant differences from males in LWT in both premolar and molar regions (p = 0.018 and 0.032 respectively). Subjects in 40-49 years of age had significant differences (p = 0.021) in MT in premolar region only. Also, difference in MT in premolar and molar regions were also statistically significant. Lastly, the present study did not find any statistically significant difference in MT and LWT in all three facial indices groups. It can be concluded that different facial indices have no positive correlation with maxillary sinus membrane thickness and lateral wall thickness. Hence, surgical complications are avoidable with proper detailed knowledge and appropriate identification of the anatomic structures characteristic to the maxillary sinus.

Radiographic Evaluation in Implant Patients: A Review.

Diagnostic imaging is crucial in assessing dental implant patients. The height, width, and shape of the bone are precisely depicted and measured by these tests, which help pinpoint the locations of significant anatomical structures adjacent to the implant placement sites. The type of implant to be utilized, the positioning of the remaining dentition, and the degree to which bone quality or quantity is in question all play a role in determining the radiologic approach that is most suited for a given patient. This review is an update on the current knowledge in the field of radiographic evaluation in implant placement. Considering the radiation exposure and the expense of each test, it is important to carefully determine whether pre-implant imaging is acceptable in each situation. Although multislice computed tomography is the gold standard from the authors' perspective, not every implant situation can justify such a test.

Surgical Excision of Localized Gingival Overgrowth Using Laser: A Case Report.

Gingival overgrowth, localized or generalized, is one of the leading causes of poor maintenance of oral hygiene. Excision of growth using laser should be the choice of treatment because laser helps maintain a blood-free surgical site during treatment and provides more patient comfort during and after the procedure. Lasers are commonly employed in many different applications, including scaling, root planning, cavity preparation, and excision of soft tissue growths in surgery. Laser therapy offers numerous benefits over traditional methods of treatment. These benefits have led to the growing use of lasers as dental treatment options in a variety of dental fields. In this case report, we are presenting a case of excision of localized gingival growth using a laser. Postoperative healing and maintenance of oral health were satisfied after laser surgery.

Laser-Assisted Gingival Depigmentation: A Case Report.

The gingiva's colour varies in different individuals and is assumed to be related to cutaneous pigmentation. The most frequent natural pigment causing endogenous gingival pigmentation is melanin, a brown pigment. Depigmentation is a therapy of choice when individuals are concerned about their appearance and demand it for their aesthetic satisfaction. It is not a clinical indication. This article demonstrates gingival depigmentation using a laser diode with a 90-day follow­up. A 23-year-old male patient visited the Periodontology Department, complaining of poor aesthetics owing to dark-coloured gums. Depigmentation with a laser diode was selected as the treatment plan for both the maxillary and mandibular arches, at an interval of a week. The choice of a procedure is largely influenced by the gingival thickness, the clinician's experience, the patient's preferences, and the rate of recurrence. According to reports, using lasers produces better aesthetic outcomes and has a low recurrence rate.

In-Vitro Inhibitory Efficacy of 3 Types of Probiotics on the Growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Amongst the specific plaque pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) ATCC 43718 serotype b is one of the highly virulent bacteria that causes periodontitis. Probiotic therapy is a treatment in which the lactic acid bacteria in are utilized to impede the colonization and growth of the pathogenic bacteria to prevent the further formation of dental plaque. OBJECTIVE: The present research aimed to evaluate inhibiting effect of purified bacteria from various commercially available yogurt product containing bacteria named (Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota; Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus; Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis) on the growth of Aa. METHODS: The research made use of the diffusion method by fixing Aa on BHIB (brain heart infusion broth) medium, incubated at 37 °C and 24 hours later planted on MHA (Mueller-Hinton agar) media. Aa were divided into four subgroups each with a paper disk; group 1 consists of untreated bacteria (i.e., control group), group 2 with purified bacteria from Yakult 0.5 µL, group 3 with purified bacteria from Cimory Yogurt Drink 0.5 µL and group 4 with purified bacteria from BioGaia Prodentis 0.5 µL. All commercially available yogurt were treated to get the purified probiotic. Additionally, it was incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C and later the inhibition zone diameter was observed. RESULTS: In the research, it was found that the average impeding ability, so-called inhibition zone, in group 1 indicated 0 mm, group 2 indicated 12.70 mm, group 3 indicated 16.60 mm and group 4 indicated 19.60 mm. The statistical test outcomes showed a significance of 0.000 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The purified bacteria from three probiotics indeed inhibit the growth of the Aa bacteria and a substantial difference in the diameter of the inhibition zone were found among the three probiotics.

Assessment of Periodontal Health Among Removable and Fixed Partial Denture Wearers in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND Prosthetic rehabilitation will have harmful effects on periodontal structure if the patient fails to maintain an oral hygiene protocol. This study aimed to evaluate oral hygiene in fixed and removable partial denture wearers in the Aseer Province of Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study done on 286 prosthesis wearers aged between 25 and 55 years; 142 were men and 144 women. Clinical examination was done using 3 periodontal parameters: plaque index, gingival index, and calculus surface index. RESULTS It was found that 72% and 25% of patients used fixed and removable partial prostheses, respectively. Most patients were in the 45-55 year age group (38.1%), were medically fit (78%), and used toothbrush and paste (70.6%). Most patients were instructed regarding the use of oral hygiene measures for their prostheses (71.3%). However, around half of the study group (52.8%) had odor from their prostheses. Most fixed prostheses were in the posterior teeth (73.2%) and had 3 units or more (58.7%). Removable partial dentures were mostly tooth-tissue supported (74%). A statistically significant difference was found for plaque index and gingival index between natural teeth and abutments in terms of various prosthetic parameters (P£0.001). The higher prevalence of gingival inflammation, plaque, and calculus accumulation in this study may be correlated to improper oral hygiene methods used by patients. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that there is a need to reinforce meticulous oral hygiene practices among patients using prosthodontic appliances.

Single Tooth Replacement Using Immediately Loaded Basal Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis in a Hyperdense Lesion: A Case Report.

Osseous modifications in the periapical areas are related to chronic endodontic infections. Often, teeth with periapical infections and hopeless prognosis are removed and replaced with dental implants. In this clinical report, a patient with a radiopaque lesion on the root apex of the mandibular right first molar root is presented. Bone- and tissue-borne lesions were the differential diagnoses for the radiopaque mass. Based on the clinical and radiological characteristics, condensing osteitis (CO) was the final diagnosis of osseous growth (bone density and trabeculation of the bone). Under local anesthesia, tooth 46 was atraumatically extracted, and the immediate basal implant was placed. This case report investigated the effectiveness and safety of dental implantation in the vicinity of hyperdense lesions.

A blind randomized controlled pilot trial on recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in combination with a bioresorbable membrane on periodontal regeneration in mandibular molar furcation defects.

OBJECTIVES: In preparation of a definitive randomized clinical trial (RCT), the current parallel-grouped triple-blind pilot RCT assessed the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) with polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid (PLA/PGA) membrane for improvement of periodontal tissue regeneration in Class II furcation type defects. METHOD AND MATERIALS: With the present single-center investigation, 24 patients/24 mandibular molars revealing Class II furcation lesions with involved buccal surfaces were randomly allocated and treated surgically, using either a PLA/PGA membrane alone (control, n = 12) or in combination with rhBMP-2 (n = 12). Assessors, participants, and the statistician were blinded to the treatment groups. Clinical parameters including Plaque Index (PI), Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI), clinical attachment level, vertical probing depth, horizontal probing depth, and gingival recession were assessed at baseline and 6 months postsurgery. RESULTS: Baseline values concerning the investigated parameters were comparable between both groups (P > .05). After 6 months, clinical attachment level gain was similar (P = .76), while greater reductions in vertical probing depth (P = .01) and horizontal probing depth (P = .05), along with less gingival recession (P = .03) were observed in the PLA/PGA + rhBMP-2 group (compared to the controls). An increased number of completely closed furcation type defects was observed in the PLA/PGA + rhBMP-2 group (with no adverse effects). CONCLUSIONS: When treating Class II furcation lesions, the use of rhBMP-2 (combined with PLA/PGA membranes) seems advantageous. The presented set-up seems feasible with regards to recruitment, randomization, acceptance, retention, and adherence to the study protocol. (Quintessence Int 2023;54:112-124; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b3631815).

A Case Report of Atraumatic Tooth Extraction Followed by Ridge Preservation for Implant-Supported Prosthetic Rehabilitation Using an Alloplastic Bone Graft.

Exodontia is a painful treatment that frequently causes the alveolar bone and surrounding soft tissues to be immediately destroyed and lost. With regard to the amount of resorption taking place after extraction, various treatment protocols aimed at preventing or decreasing alveolar ridge collapse have been presented over the past three decades. Ridge preservation is a clinical technique used to prevent the socket walls' bone resorption after tooth extraction. A 43­year­old female patient with a non-significant medical history visited the Department of Periodontology and Implantology with a chief complaint of a decayed tooth in the upper left back region (26) for three years and wants to get it replaced. The treatment option that was given to the patient was atraumatic extraction, followed by ridge preservation. A cautious and conservative treatment strategy is necessary to preserve the oral structures as they currently exist and are intact for a successful outcome; careful case selection and thorough treatment planning are crucial. Atraumatic tooth extraction is a procedure used to delicately remove a tooth while upholding the fundamental principles of preserving the surrounding bone and gingival structure. This will ultimately maximize the success of implant placement in terms of appearance and functionality.

Interleukin-17 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis patients.

Context: Interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays an important function in initiation, progression of any inflammatory condition. It is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and considered to be founding member. Periodontitis being an inflammatory condition of periodontium, IL-17 does have a potential role in periodontitis. The current research has shown positive correlation between the IL-17 and severity of periodontitis. Therefore, this research study aimed to evaluate the levels of IL-17 in aggressive periodontitis (AgP), chronic periodontitis (CP), and "healthy gingival sites." Materials and Methods: A total of 45 selected subjects (90 samples) were equally divided into three different groups. Group 1 (Healthy gingiva on clinical examination): Subjects with healthy gingiva and no evidence of periodontal attachment level (PAL), probing pocket depth (PPD) <3 mm papillary bleeding index (PBI) <1. Group 2 (AgP): Subjects having age <35 years with at least six permanent teeth apart from the incisors and first molars with PPD and PAL ≥5 mm. Group 3 (CP): It consist of subjects with clinical features of inflammation of gingiva with minimum six teeth in each jaw, with PPD ≥4 mm, PAL ≥4 mm. IL-17 levels were analyzed by using Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). It was collected from the sulcus of first maxillary molar sites for quantitative analysis. Results: GCF IL-17 levels in AgP were found to be 1.12 ± 0.29, 1.96 ± 1.71 in CP and 0.64 ± 0.23 in healthy gingival sites. Clinical parameters such as (1) plaque index (Turesky et al., modification of Quigley-Hein), (2) PPD, (3) PBI were higher (significantly) in periodontitis group as compared to healthy gingiva. Positive correlation was found to be significant between levels of IL-17 with PAL and PPD in AgP however in cases of CP, positive correlation of IL-17 levels was found only with PAL but not PPD. Conclusion: Our study shows that the IL-17 levels were comparatively higher in GCF of AgP, CP in comparison to healthy gingiva, but the GCF IL-17 levels were higher in CP as compared to AgP.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Instruments Over Manual Instruments for Scaling and Root Planing in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Periodontal disease is a chronic, complex, and infectious condition that affects the periodontium. Its progressive form can be identified by the loss and destruction of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, respectively. Periodontal disease, one of the most prevalent oral cavity diseases, is responsible for tooth loss. Scaling and root planing (SCRP) is a standard, non-invasive periodontal therapy for treating patients with periodontitis. However, there have also been connections to disputed results. According to reports, SCRP alone is ineffective in removing pathogenic microorganisms and their by-products from periodontal pockets. In light of this, our current study aims to determine if using manual or ultrasonic instruments for SCRP in patients with a clinical diagnosis of chronic periodontitis is preferable. This systematic evaluation compares the effectiveness of manual and ultrasonic devices for SCRP, a line of therapy for individuals with a clinical diagnosis of chronic periodontitis. The databases searched were Prospero, PubMed, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library, which exclusively included English-language papers. The articles were also manually searched for any information missed during the search process.

Combined Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) and Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA) in Immediate Implant Placement: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial.

Introduction Placement of immediate implants in contrast to delayed implant placement may be favorable. The factors contributing to this are shortened overall treatment time, aid in ideal orientation and fixture placement, bone preservation following extraction, and achieving optimal aesthetics involving soft tissue. However, the gap distance between the surface of the implant and the buccal bony wall during implant placement is critical for subsequent bone healing in a fresh extraction socket. Considering that as the gap broadens, the amount of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) decreases, causing an apical shift of the highest bone-implant contact. Incorporating a bone substitute material (BSM) within the fixture-socket gap preserves alveolar ridge volume by minimizing socket remodeling and encouraging de-novo bone formation. Aim and objectives To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in fresh extraction socket with simultaneous implant placement. Methods Implants were immediately placed in 12 patients following a two-stage submerged protocol. The combination of PRFM and DFDBA was used to fill the gap between the implant body and the surrounding socket wall. The final restoration was placed after 3 months following implant placement. The full mouth plaque, gingival bleeding index, and gingival esthetics scores were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. The crestal changes were evaluated using intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPA) at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained at baseline and 6 months after implant loading to analyze the buccolingual changes. Results At 6 months follow-up, the coronal bone remodeling detected on CBCT revealed a minimal (0.1 mm) narrowing of the alveolar ridge in a buccolingual direction, with a mean bone loss of 0.10+0.09, which was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). Implant success was 100% at 6 months after loading as determined by Akbrektsson's criteria for implant success. Conclusions The adjunctive use of PRFM with DFDBA following immediate implant placement yielded a significant reduction in bone resorption and maintenance of buccolingual dimensions.

Pre-procedural Antimicrobial Mouth Rinse: A Concise Review.

Mouth rinses are therapeutic solutions utilized for gargling and rinsing the oral cavity. Several oral disorders need a mouth rinse, which can differ from halitosis to diseases of the periodontium. It is essential for the management of secondary infections, for example, oral mucositis. A mouth rinse may be suggested as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent, topical analgesic, or for caries prevention. Several different mouth rinses are accessible nowadays. Selection of a suitable mouth rinse depends on the patient's requirement, disease threat and competence, and safety of mouth rinse. The application of antiseptics to the skin or mucous membranes before surgery or injections has been practised for many years. The goal of such an application is to reduce the number of microorganisms on the surface to prevent their entry into underlying tissues, which could cause bacteremia, septicemia, or harmful local infections. A similar idea of minimizing oral bacteria underlies the patient's usage of an antibiotic mouthwash before dental treatments. This decrease in microflora also reduces the possibility of pathogens entering the patient's mouth through direct contact, splatter, or aerosols during dental treatment. The main aim of this review is to aid oral health care professionals in making the correct selection of mouthwash while dealing with different conditions of the oral cavity.

A Comparison Between the Efficacy of Scalpel and Laser Procedures for Treating Gingival Hyperpigmentation: A Case Report.

Gingival hyperpigmentation is a hereditary feature in populations. Gingival pigmentation not only affects aesthetics but also has a negative psychological effect. For many people, gingival hyperpigmentation is a severe cosmetic problem. Although black gums are not a medical issue, many individuals find them unsightly. The pigmentation of gingiva contributes to the harmony of the smile in a significant way. A periodontal plastic surgery procedure called gingival depigmentation eliminates or reduces hyperpigmentation. Different treatment approaches for gingival depigmentation have been documented, such as scalpel, electrosurgery, diamond burs, chemical methods, cryosurgery, and lasers. According to studies, cryosurgery and lasers are the best procedures since they provide better aesthetic outcomes and low recurrence rates. The coordination of treatment plans and the choice technique are influenced by the patient's skin tone, the degree of gingival pigmentation, the lip line, the upper lip curvature, aesthetic concern, and treatment expectations. This case report, which involves a 23-year-old female patient, provides a comparison between the efficacy of scalpel and laser procedures for treating gingival hyperpigmentation. The patient's left side received diode laser treatment, while the right received scalpel treatment. Scalpel depigmentation caused the treated area to recover without incident. The benefits of laser depigmentation include a bloodless surgical field and recovery without complications. No postoperative pain, bleeding, infection, or scars were seen on the first and consequent visits. The recovery went smoothly. The patient was satisfied with the treatment modality, and the outcomes were outstanding, according to the patient. There was no re-pigmentation throughout the follow-up period. This split-mouth study will provide information regarding soft tissue healing using two different approaches in the same patient.

Comparative Analysis of Sedative Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam in Pediatric Dental Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Children are particularly terrified of having dental treatment. They are physically resistant, frail, and unwilling to cooperate. This severe distress during the pre-operative phase could cause the dentist to have issues with behavior control. Additionally, it may make pediatric dental treatments less effective. In order to reduce anxiety and control behavior in children receiving dental care, sedation is a pharmacological management technique that supports the provision of effective and high-quality dental services. The aim is to compare and evaluate the efficacy of sedative agents like dexmedetomidine and midazolam in pediatric dental practice. A thorough review of the literature was conducted using electronic databases like "MEDLINE, PubMed, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), as well as the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, www.clinicaltrials.gov, conference proceedings abstracts, a bibliography of pertinent references, and manual searches of journals, conferences, and books". There were no restrictions on the language or the date of publication when searching the electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials were included which compared dexmedetomidine and midazolam in children up to 16 years of age subjected to dental treatment. Information on procedures, participants, interventions, outcome measures, and results were independently extracted by three review writers (TS, SL, and RO). Trial authors were contacted for papers that were confusing or lacking information. The risk of bias was evaluated for each study. We adhered to the Cochrane statistical recommendations. Three trials totaling 229 participants were included. All three studies were rated as having a low risk of bias, with none of them having a high or unclear risk. Meta-analysis was done for the available data for the primary outcomes like sedation level and recovery time. We searched for randomized controlled trials up to Jan 31, 2020. Participants are randomly assigned to an intervention or control group in randomized controlled trial research. While patients in the control group often get a placebo therapy or procedure, those in the interventional group receive the treatment being studied. We found three studies eligible to include in the review. One study evaluated 73 individuals who received general anesthesia for dental treatment. There were 72 and 84 individuals in the second and third investigations, respectively. All the participants of the three studies were divided randomly into two groups and were subjected to dexmedetomidine and midazolam as sedative agents. We gave the evidence an "extremely low certainty" rating. Because there are just three short trials with unusual parameters for comparison, the results are questionable. Overall, the results do not allow us to draw any firm conclusions. Three randomized controlled trials included in this systematic review reported data with varying conclusions; hence we recommend more randomized controlled trials to be conducted on this subject matter.

Platelet rich fibrin in combination with bioabsorbable guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane and GTR membrane alone using double lateral sliding bridge flap for treatment of multiple gingival recession defects in humans: A randomized controlled clinical trail.

Background: Marginal tissue recession is a frequent clinical scenario that creates substantial compromise in esthetic appearance of the patient. The current randomized, double-blind interventional trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of "platelet rich fibrin (PRF)" membrane with bioresorbable guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane as compared to GTR membrane alone utilizing "double lateral sliding bridge flap (DLSBF) technique" for the management of simultaneous GR defects in human subjects. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects were randomly allotted in two groups: Group 1 (test): 10 subjects treated with PRF + GTR membrane using DLSBF technique and Group 2 (control): 10 subjects treated with GTR membrane alone using DLSBF technique. Clinical measurements such as relative gingival marginal level, "relative clinical attachment level (R-CAL)," "probing pocket depth (PPD)," "gingival recession (GR)," and "width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) and gingival thickness (GT)" were evaluated at the initiation of the study and 6 months thereafter. Results: Two groups showed statistically significant differences with respect to probing depth reduction, CAL gain, and increase in WKG and GT. No significant result was observed with mean root coverage (RC) and complete RC for test (84.80% ± 19.53% and 54.99% ± 38.53%) and control group (75.69% ± 18.86% and 35.83% ± 39.29%), respectively. Conclusions: The combination of PRF membrane used along with GTR membrane provides no additional benefits over GTR membrane alone. However, the DLSBF technique convincingly shows simultaneous elimination of multiple problems associated with GR, shallow vestibule, hypersensitivity, and aberrant frenum pull in a single stage with meticulous performance.

Extraction socket grafting using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-clinical implications and histological observations.

OBJECTIVES: Rehabilitation of edentulous ridges to promote the insertion of dental implants has been the key indicator for retaining osseous structures since tooth extraction. Recombinant Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2(rhBMP-2) is exploited for bone augmentation due to its osteoinductive capacity. The objective of the study to determine the effectiveness of bone induction for implant placement by rhBMP-2 delivered on beta-tricalcium phosphate graft (ß-TCP) and PRF following tooth extraction. RESULTS: Minimal changes in the width of the crestal bone relative to baseline values were found three months after socket grafting. A bone loss in the mesiodistal and buccolingual aspects of 0.6 ± 0.13 mm and 0.5 ± 0.13 mm was found, respectively. While drilling before the implant placement, the bone's clinical hardness evaluated through tactile was analogous to drilling into spruce or white pine wood. Total radiographic bone filling was seen in 3 months and no additional augmentation was needed during implant placement. Besides, histology shows no residual graft of bone particles. Therefore, the data from this study demonstrated that the novel combination of rhBMP-2 + ß-TCP mixed with PRF has an effect on de novo bone formation and can be recommended for socket grafting before implant placement.

Evaluation of survival of 8 mm-length implants in posterior resorbed ridges: A pilot study.

CONTEXT: Rehabilitation of jaws with reduced bone height is technically demanding and expensive. Short implants are emerging as an alternate in such cases. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the survival of implants of 8 mm in length (short implants), clinically and radiographically, in posterior resorbed ridges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 11 patients with single missing posterior tooth, having 9-10 mm of residual bone height determined using radiographs, were selected for the study. Twelve implants of 8 mm length were inserted in the resorbed alveolar ridges following standard operating procedure. A second-stage surgery was performed 4-6 months after implant placement for placement of gingival former. This was followed by placement of prosthesis. Twelve months after prosthesis placement, all the patients were examined clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: According to Albrektsson et al.'s criteria, all implants were successful with mean bone loss of 1.1 ± 0.32 mm mesially and 0.83 ± 0.35 mm distally with healthy gingival condition at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Short implants (8 mm in length) can be a viable alternative in cases of atrophic alveolar ridges.

Piezosurgery®-assisted periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics.

Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontic procedure has become useful adjunct to reduce orthodontic treatment time as compared with conventional orthodontics. This case demonstrates the use of Piezosurgery® to facilitate rapid tooth movement with relatively shorter treatment time. A 23-year-old male with Angles Class I malocclusion having spaced anterior teeth and protrusion requested orthodontic treatment with reduced time period. Before surgery, presurgical orthodontic treatment was done to do initial alignment of the teeth. This was followed by piezosurgical corticotomy and final space closure was achieved by active orthodontic tooth movement. The total treatment time required to complete the orthodontic treatment was 5 months. 1-year follow-up revealed no evidence of any adverse periodontal effects or relapse. Thus, Piezosurgery®-assisted corticotomy may prove to be a noble and effective treatment approach to decrease the orthodontic treatment time.

Soft tissue expansion before vertical ridge augmentation: Inflatable silicone balloons or self-filling osmotic tissue expanders?

Recent advances in periodontal plastic surgical procedures allow the clinician to reconstruct deficient alveolar ridges in more predictable ways than previously possible. Placement of implant/s in resorbed ridges poses numerous challenges to the clinician for successful esthetic and functional rehabilitation. The reconstruction frequently utilizes one or combination of periodontal plastic surgical procedures in conjunction with autogenous bone grafting, allogenic bone block grafting, ridge split techniques, distraction osteogenesis, or guided bone regeneration (GBR) for most predictable outcomes. Current surgical modalities used in reconstruction of alveolar ridge (horizontal and/or vertical component) often involve the need of flap transfer. Moreover, there is compromise in tissue integrity and color match owing to different surgical site and the tissue utilized is insufficient in quantity leading to post surgical graft exposition and/or loss of grafted bone. Soft tissue expansion (STE) by implantation of inflatable silicone balloon or self filling osmotic tissue expanders before reconstructive surgery can overcome these disadvantages and certainly holds a promise for effective method for generation of soft tissue thereby achieving predictable augmentation of deficient alveolar ridges for the implant success. This article focuses and compares these distinct tissue expanders for their clinical efficacy of achieving excess tissue that predominantly seems to be prerequisite for ridge augmentation which can be reasonably followed by successful placement of endosseous fixtures.