Exploring the effect of chlorhexidine concentration on the biocorrosion behavior of Ti6Al4V for dental implants.

Corrosion of dental implants is one of the most critical factors in the failure of implant treatments. Generally, corrosion depends on the type of material used in implants and the chemical composition of the oral environment. Due to the antibacterial activities, mouthwashes and chlorhexidine gels are often used after implant surgery. Ti6Al4V is commonly used in manufacturing dental implants. The present study aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of the Ti6Al4V alloy under different concentrations of chlorhexidine (0.12%, 0.2%,and 2%) during 2- and 24-h immersion. This way corrosion may be minimized while obtaining an antibacterial environment around the implant. In this regard, the electrochemical behavior of the specimens was investigated using polarization and impedance tests, and then their morphology, cross-section and nano-tribological behavior were evaluated using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and nano-scratch test. The results show that using chlorhexidine solution with a concentration of 0.12% could yield a lower corrosion rate and material loss after implant surgery. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Open circuit potential values increase with immersion time, which suggests multistage passivation of the surface during immersion in chlorhexidine. Specimens in 0.12% chlorhexidine show improved thermodynamic corrosion resistance. Nano-scratch testing demonstrates higher scratch resistance for specimens in 0.12% chlorhexidine solution after 2-h immersion. Higher chlorhexidine concentration than 0.12% and longer immersion times decrease the resistance of the formed passive layer.

Comparing the activity level of salivary matrix metalloproteinase-8 in patients with diabetes and moderate to severe chronic generalized periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: The response of the host to plaque can be affected by systemic diseases like diabetes, hormonal changes, or immunological deficits, which can hasten the progression and severity of periodontitis. This study aimed to compare the activity of salivary matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in patients with moderate to severe generalized chronic generalized periodontitis between healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes who were referred to the Tabriz School of Dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, 90 patients were randomly divided into three groups based on inclusion and exclusion criteria: patients with chronic generalized periodontitis with diabetes, patients with generalized chronic periodontal disease with normal blood glucose, and a control group of 30 healthy individuals. Participants were instructed not to brush their teeth for 12 h and not to eat or drink for 90 min before saliva sampling. Saliva samples were immediately stored at -80°C and analyzed using an ELISA test. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant difference in salivary MMP-8 levels among the three groups. Patients with periodontitis and diabetes had the highest levels of salivary MMP-8, while the control group had the lowest levels. This indicates that chronic generalized periodontitis is strongly associated with the activity level of salivary MMP-8, and elevated levels of MMP-8 in diabetic patients demonstrate the impact of diabetes on periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of monitoring salivary MMP-8 levels in patients with periodontitis, especially those with diabetes. It also emphasizes the need for proper management of systemic diseases to prevent or slow down the progression of periodontal disease.

Anatomic evaluation of the posterior superior alveolar artery using cone-beam computed tomography: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review examined the detection of the posterior superior alveolar artery, along with various anatomic characteristics, on cone-beam computed tomography images. Materials and Methods: Studies were identified electronically through the Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using a 5-item binary scale. The detection rate, location, and classified diameter of the posterior superior alveolar artery were estimated as prevalence values. The diameter of this artery, as well as the distances from the artery to the alveolar crest and sinus floor, were estimated as means with associated 95% confidence intervals. Results: Thirty-seven studies were enrolled, with 34 of these included in the meta-analysis. The mean detection rate was 79% (range: 72%-84%), and the mean diameter was 1.06±0.05 mm (range: 0.96-1.16 mm). The posterior superior alveolar artery was located intraosseously in 64% of cases. The mean distance of the artery from the alveolar crest was 16.71±0.49 mm (range: 15.75-17.68 mm), while the mean distance from the artery to the sinus floor was 8.85±0.4 mm (range: 8.05-9.64 mm). Conclusion: According to the findings of this meta-analysis regarding various anatomic characteristics of the posterior superior alveolar artery, severe hemorrhage after damage to this artery during sinus augmentation procedures is not a substantial clinical problem.

Effectiveness of Bromelain in the control of postoperative pain after periodontal surgery: A crossover randomized clinical trial.

Background: This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of Ibuprofen and bromelain after periodontal surgery. Methods: A double-blinded crossover clinical trial was conducted on 22 patients needing two crown lengthening surgeries without bone surgery or with limited bone surgery on two quadrants of the maxilla, with control and test sides. Each quadrant was randomly assigned to bromelain (500 GUD) or ibuprofen (400 mg). Immediately after the surgery and 6 hours after it, the first dose of the drugs was packaged in the same capsules in A and B. Postoperative pain was evaluated during the first 8 hours and on the following day using a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Using the VAS, the Ibuprofen group showed significantly lower mean pain scores than the bromelain group at 4 hours (P=0.047). In contrast, there were no significant differences between the two groups at 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, and 48 hours (P>0.05). Conclusion: The effectiveness of bromelain for pain control following periodontal surgery was comparable to that of Ibuprofen. Therefore, bromelain can be an efficient replacement for ibuprofen in managing pain after periodontal surgery, especially in patients with gastric ulceration and increased bleeding tendency.

Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Chronic Periodontitis in Postmenopausal Women after Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy.

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency appears to have a major effect on periodontal tissue health. The present study aimed to assess the association of the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and chronic periodontitis in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This research was done on 30 postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis who all had at least 20 natural teeth. Intravenous blood samples were taken from the study population at baseline and after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment. This was followed by assessment of serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Next, clinical parameters of all teeth except for third molars were measured, which included pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI). Data were analyzed by paired t-test and its non-parametric equivalent, the Wilcoxon test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean PD, PI and GI before and after the intervention were significantly different (P<0.05). There was, however, no significant difference between the mean vitamin D concentrations before and after treatment (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results obtained in the present study, there is no association between serum vitamin D concentrations and chronic periodontitis in postmenopausal women.

Histological examination of the effect of concentrated growth factor (CGF) on healing outcomes after maxillary sinus floor augmentation surgery.

A double-blind clinical trial was conducted to examine the effect of concentrated growth factor (CGF), a new generation of platelet derivatives, on the healing outcome of maxillary sinus floor augmentation during maxillary sinus lift surgery. The study included 9 patients referred to the Tabriz University, Faculty of Dentistry, aged 30-80 years, with bilateral posterior partial edentulous or edentulous maxilla who underwent the procedure using a split-mouth technique. After lifting the Schneiderian membrane, bovine xenograft was randomly applied on one side (for example, left maxillary sinus) and CGF on the other side (for example, right maxillary sinus). Results from alizarin red and hematoxylin-eosin staining methods showed that the percentage of bone formed in the CGF group (112.41±26.34% and 96.16±24.49%, respectively) was significantly higher than in the control group (64.99±24.96% and 60.16±16.39%, respectively) (P<0.05). In addition, after 6 months, the amount of residual graft material in the control group (xenograft) was significantly higher than in the CGF group (P<0.05). These findings demonstrate that the use of CGF during open sinus lift surgery is reliable for the placement of dental implants.

Comparison of the effects of Diplen LX membrane and Coe-Pak on pain, wound healing, and patient preference after the periodontal flap surgery in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis.

Background. After periodontal surgery, in most cases, the surgical area is covered with a surgical pack. It has been suggested that these packs might minimize complications. This study aimed to compare the effects of Diplen LX membrane and Coe-Pak on pain, wound healing, and patient preference after a periodontal flap surgery in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 26 patients were evaluated. Pain scores were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) on the 3rd and 7th days postoperatively and compared between the two dressings. On the 7th and 14th days after both flap surgeries, surgical site healing was evaluated using the wound healing index (WHI). Results. The mean age of the patients was 31. It was observed that the severity of pain in the studied patients on the 3rd and 7th days postoperatively was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. It was also observed that the value of WHI in the studied patients on the 7th and 14th days postoperatively was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion. The pain was less severe in both groups using periodontal dressing and also lower in the Diplen LX membrane group. In addition, based on WHI, wound healing score in patients was also higher and more favorable in the Diplex LX membrane group. Due to the above factors, the majority of patients preferred the use of the Diplen LX membrane.

Evaluation of antibacterial effect of concentrated growth factor on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Introduction: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis are the two main bacteria that cause periodontitis which is an inflammatory disease of periodontal tissues. Numerous antibacterial agents have been introduced to fight against these periodontal pathogens, but the antibacterial efficacy of concentrated growth factor has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the antibacterial impact of concentrated growth factor on the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methods: In this study, concentrated growth factor was obtained from blood samples of healthy people with no systemic disease and no antibiotics used for at least 3 months before the experiments. The concentrated growth factor from each blood sample was divided into two parts, i.e., three samples in P. gingivalis group and three samples in A. actinomycetemcomitans group, and a positive control group to verify the accuracy of the procedure and a negative group to rule out any contamination. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of CGF against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were determined by the broth microdilution method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software, and P value significance was set to 0.05. Results: The antibacterial property of CGF on the studied bacteria in concentrations of MIC and » MIC is the same for both bacteria, but in ½ MIC, its impact on A. actinomycetemcomitans is significantly higher than P. gingivalis. Examining the MBC showed that no MBC dose was obtained. Results of the disk diffusion test indicated the lack of the zones of bacterial growth inhibition. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of our study, it can be concluded that CGF has antibacterial effectiveness against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis with no significant difference between two bacteria.

Effect of Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation on the Stability of Dental Implants in Bone Grafted Cases: a Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: The high success rate of implants has made implant-based prostheses attractive to edentulous patients. Osseointegration lasts 4-6 months, increasing to 6-8 months in cases requiring bone grafts and guided bone regeneration. Many efforts have been made to accelerate osseointegration, including low level laser (LLL) and light emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation. Material and methods:Twelve patients underwent bimaxillary immediate implant surgery with particulate bone grafts between the socket wall and the implant, and the transmucosal abutment was attached on implants at the same time. The intervention side was exposed to LED radiation for 20 minutes a day one day preoperatively and 10 consecutive sessions, starting from the day of surgery. A trained operator measured and recorded the implant stability quotient (ISQ) value on both sides immediately after surgery as well as one month and three months postoperatively. Results: The ISQ value was 37.54 on the non-irradiated side immediately after surgery; it decreased to 35.09 one month postoperatively and increased to 46.45 at three months after the operation. The ISQ value was 36.73 on the irradiated side immediately after surgery and it increased to 47.36 and 71.18 at one month and three months postoperatively, respectively. There were significant differences between the ISQ values on the irradiated side at all the three time intervals, but also a significant difference on the non-irradiated side, except for two other two time intervals of immediately and one month after surgery. Although there was no significant difference between the two sides in terms of the ISQ value immediately after surgery, the ISQ value was significantly higher on the irradiated versus non-irradiated side at one month and three months postoperatively. Conclusion:Low level laser radiation resulted in a favorable increase in the ISQ value in three months. Light emitting diode has lso led to a clinically significant increase in the ISQ value after three months because implants with ISQ values >54 could be loaded.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on serum ferritin levels in postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis.

Background. Ferritin is a positive acute phase protein (APP) in inflammation and chronic infections, including chronic periodontitis. Two key factors that can regulate ferritin expression are iron and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Serum ferritin levels increase after menopause, affecting women's health. This study aimed to evaluate serum ferritin levels in postmenopausal women upon undertaking non-surgical periodontal treatment. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, blood samples of 38 postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis were collected before any treatment. The serum ferritin levels and periodontal parameters, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline and three months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Wilcoxon test was used to compare serum ferritin levels before and after treatment. T-test was used for comparison of periodontal parameters, with a P value of ≤0.05 considered significant. Results. A decrease was observed in the serum ferritin level (from 108.55 mcg/L to 98.28 mcg/L) after treatment compared to baseline (P < 0.001). Also, significant improvements in periodontal parameters were observed compared to the baseline (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Based on the results, it can be concluded that non-surgical periodontal treatment significantly reduces serum ferritin levels in postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis.

The effect of adjunctive use of melatonin as a supplement on serum ferritin level in periodontal patients: A randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ferritin is an acute-phase protein that is increased in inflammatory diseases. Melatonin has been studied due to its antioxidant effects and the elimination of free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin supplement as an adjunct to routine periodontal treatment on serum ferritin levels in patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with chronic periodontitis were included in this randomized controlled clinical trial study. Twenty patients received nonsurgical periodontal treatment and twenty patients received nonsurgical periodontal treatment with adjunctive use of melatonin. Serum ferritin concentrations and periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and 3 months after periodontal therapy. Serum ferritin level and periodontal parameters comparison at baseline and 3 months after periodontal treatment was done by Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired sample t-test, respectively. Differences between test and control groups were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U-test for ferritin level and independent t-test for periodontal parameters, and a P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Serum ferritin level decreased in both the control and test group in 3 months follow-up compared to baseline (P < 0.001). The reduction in ferritin levels in the test group was more than the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.414). Improvement in periodontal parameters were not significant between two groups (P = 0.489), but improvement rates in the test group were more than control. CONCLUSION: Melatonin, as an adjunct to periodontal therapy, showed additional benefits in the reduction of serum ferritin levels and improvement of periodontal parameters.

Comparison of radiographic changes in the alveolar crest after extraction of fully and partially erupted premolars during orthodontic treatment: A retrospective analytical study.

Background. The alveolar process plays an essential role in providing dental support and gradually disappears with tooth loss. Space deficiency can cause one premolar to remain semi-erupted adjacent to a fully-erupted premolar. During orthodontic treatment, each of these premolars can be extracted. This retrospective study aimed to compare radiographic changes of the alveolar crest due to orthodontic movements of fully-erupted and semi-erupted premolars into the extraction sites before and after treatment. Methods. The patients were divided into the fully-erupted premolar extraction (first) group and the semi-erupted premolar extraction (second) group. The distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar crest, from the distal aspect of the canine to the mesial aspect of the first molar, was measured on panoramic radiographs of 78 patients (39 from each group) before and after treatment with a digital caliper. Changes in the alveolar crest were compared between the two groups. Finally, the height differences of the alveolar crest in mesial and distal aspects of the remaining premolars in both groups were calculated at the end of treatment. Descriptive statistical analyses and paired and independent t tests were used in the study. Results. The distance from the CEJ to the alveolar crest at mesial and distal aspects in the first group and the distal aspect of the extraction site in the second group increased significantly. However, changes at the mesial aspect were not significant in the second group. Comparing the alveolar crest height between the two groups and between the mesial and distal aspects of the remaining premolar tooth indicated no significant differences. Conclusion. No significant difference was observed between the extraction of a fully-erupted or semi-erupted premolar to obtain greater alveolar height.

Effect of photobiomodulation on pain control after clinical crown lengthening surgery.

Background: Photobiomodulation is a novel technique to reduce pain following different surgeries and treatments. This study aimed to investigate the effect of photobiomodulation on pain control after clinical crown lengthening procedures. Methods: Twenty patients were included and randomly assigned to two groups in this single-blind randomized clinical trial. The patients had been referred to the Periodontics Department, Tabriz Faculty of Dentistry, for crown lengthening surgery. In the laser group, diode laser therapy with a wavelength of 860 nm and a power of 100 mW was applied immediately after the surgery on the surgery day and three and seven days after the surgery. In the control group, the laser was turned off, and passive radiation was applied to the area as the test group for 30 seconds per session in non-contact mode. The pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire on the study timelines. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20 using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. Results: Twenty patients were included in each study group, where the pain was relieved significantly over time. On the first (5.50±1.18) and seventh (1.8±0.42) days, the pain intensity was similar in the test and control groups. However, on the third day, the laser group (2.90±0.74) experienced a significantly lower pain intensity than the control group (4.0±0.67). Conclusion: Photobiomodulation relieved pain after clinical crown lengthening surgeries.

Complete excision and soft tissue augmentation after recurrence of a peripheral ossifying fibroma as a pyogenic granuloma: A case report.

Reactive lesions of soft tissue are common oral lesions that are usually non-neoplastic growths without pain; however, they can interfere with oral hygiene and plaque control, and if present in the anterior segment, they can cause esthetics problems. In this case, there was a reactive lesion at the gingiva of the left maxillary central incisor area. The particular consideration about this case was the recurrence of a peripheral ossifying fibroma as a pyogenic granuloma, indicating the association between reactive gingival lesions. The history of several recurrences due to incomplete removal shows the importance of complete excision for preventing recurrence. Therefore, the lesion was completely excised, and the mucogingival defect was successfully augmented with periodontal plastic surgery.

Comparing the Levels of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Prostaglandin E2 in Generalized Chronic Periodontitis Between Healthy and Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Case-Control Study

Objective: To compare the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels of gingival crevicular fluid in generalized chronic periodontitis between healthy and type 2 diabetic patients. Material and Methods: 56 diabetic and non-diabetic participants with generalized chronic periodontitis were selected randomly. They were divided into two groups (G1: generalized chronic periodontitis patients with normal blood sugar; and G2: generalized chronic periodontitis patients with diabetes). Gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained from both groups. The average of 2 samples per day were centrifuged in a laboratory at 2500 rpm and temperature of 4°C for 5 minutes and placed in a refrigerator at -20°C. The level of PGE2 was measured using ELISA and Abcam kit. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U Test, Pearson and independent T tests. The significant amount was considered 0.05 in this test (α<0.05). Results: The mean level of PGE2 was significantly different in the two groups and the mean level of PGE2 in the control group was lower than the case group. There was no statistically significant relationship between PGE2 with pocket depth, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HBA1C (p>0.05). Conclusion: PGE2 level of diabetic patient group with chronic generalized periodontitis was significantly more than non-diabetic group with generalized chronic periodontitis.

Efect of Anaheal (Bromelain) Drug on the Periodontal Clinical Indices in Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment of Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Anaheal (Bromelain) drug on the periodontal clinical indices in nonsurgical periodontal treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods: In this double blind clinical trial, 80 patients with chronic moderate periodontitis and a healthy systemic status were chosen, and divided into two 40-subject groups. Thereafter, the standard treatment of periodontitis including scaling and root planning in one session by the unit operator was performed for all patients. Eventually, one group of the patients was administered Bromelain medication (500-mg capsule twice a day) one hour before food, while the other group was given placebo. Four and eight weeks after the treatment, the clinical periodontal indicators were measured and recorded in both groups. The data were assessed using descriptive statistics and analytical test methods (Mann-U-Whitney and Chi-square). P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Gingival index, probing depth and plaque index before the treatment were similar in both groups (Anaheal and placebo). However, four and eight weeks after the treatment, the three studied indices were significantly lower in the Anaheal group as compared to the placebo (p<0.05). The index of bleeding on probing was also similar before the treatment and four weeks after the treatment in both groups. However, eight weeks after the treatment, this index was significantly lower in the Anaheal group as compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of oral Anaheal medication after nonsurgical periodontal treatments reduced all the clinical periodontal indices among patients with chronic periodontitis as compared to the control group. Therefore, it can be a suitable substitute for the common oral industrial antibiotics.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on serum albumin levels in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Background: Albumin is a protein whose serum levels decrease in inflammatory conditions such as periodontal diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate changes in serum albumin levels in patients with and without periodontal diseases prior and subsequent to non-surgical periodontal treatment and its relationship with clinical parameters of periodontal disease. Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed as having chronic periodontitis and 20 periodontally healthy subjects, referring to Tabriz Faculty of Dentistry, were selected. Serum albumin levels and clinical variables of periodontal disease (probing pocket depth, gingival index, bleeding index, clinical attachment level and plaque index) were determined before treatment and three months subsequent to non-surgical periodontal treatment. Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses (mean ± SD). Serum levels of albumin and clinical parameters were compared between the two groups with independent-samples t-test. Paired-samples t-test was applied to compare the variables before and after treatment in the case group. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. Results: The mean serum albumin level of chronic periodontitis patients (3.62±0.11 mg/dL) exhibited a significantly lower value compared to subjects who were periodontally healthy (4.17±0.29 mg/dL), with the serum albumin levels increasing significantly three months postoperatively (3.78±0.33 mg/dL), approaching the level in subjects who were periodontally healthy (P<0.05). Conclusion: Decreases and increases in serum albumin levels under the effect of periodontal disease and its treatment indicated an inverse relationship between the albumin levels of serum and chronic periodontitis.

Clinical evaluation of the effect of acentric double pedicle graft with and without the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on root coverage outcomes in class I and II Miller root recessions: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Acentric double pedicle graft is an alternative to double pedicle graft, which can improve clinical outcomes by removing tension in sutures. This study examined the effect of using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the success rate of acentric double pedicle graft in treating patients with Miller Class I and II recessions. Methods: A total of 16 Miller Class I and II lesions were studied in 8 patients. The samples were divided into two groups in terms of PRF use: with PRF and without PRF. Indices, including recession depth, width of keratinized gingiva and pocket depth, were measured with a standard Michigan O probe with Williams marking. Six months later, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Wilcoxon nonparametric test were applied with SPSS17 to analyze data. Results: The recession depth, width of keratinized gingiva, and increased root coverage exhibited a significant difference between the two groups after surgery, but no significant difference was found in pocket depths. Conclusion: Applying PRF with acentric double pedicle graft reduced the recession depth, increased the width of keratinized gingiva and enhanced the extent of root coverage when compared with the situation where PRF was not used. Therefore, this study supports the use of PRF with acentric double pedicle graft in root coverage treatments.

Evaluation of surface changes of dental implants after irradiation with diode laser beams with different energies: A SEM study.

Background: The aim of the current study was to evaluate implant surface changes following radiation with diode laser beams at various energy levels. Methods: Twenty implants (Dentis, Korea) were irradiated with diode laser, and two implants were considered as controls. The samples were irradiated at energies of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 W for 5 and 10 seconds. Then surface implant changes were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: At irradiation with laser beam energies of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 W, there were no significant morphologic changes and any melting on implants and the surfaces in SEM analyses were similar to the control group surfaces. However, irradiation with 4.5 and 5.5 W for 5 and 10 seconds resulted in surface changes. In particular, after irradiation with 5.5-W diode laser beams for 10 seconds, extensive melting was visible. Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that diode laser beams up to 3.5 W did not damage implant surfaces; therefore, they might be useful for treatment of peri-implantitis.

Association between demographic and radiographic characteristics of the schneiderian membrane and periapical and periodontal diseases using cone-beam computed tomography scanning: A retrospective study.

Background. This study was undertaken to assess the pathological and spatial associations between periapical and periodontal diseases of the maxillary first molars and thickening of maxillary sinus mucosa with cone-beam computed tomography. Methods. A total of 132 CBCT images of subjects 20‒60 years of age were evaluated retrospectively. The patients' sex and age and demographic and pathologic findings of the maxillary sinus in the first molar area were recorded, graded and analyzed. Results. Approximately 59% of patients were male and 41% were female, with no significant difference in the thickness of schneiderian membrane between males and females. Based on the periapical index scoring, the highest frequency was detected in group 1. Based on the results of ANOVA, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of endodontic‒periodontal lesions and an increase in schneiderian membrane thickness. There were significant relationships between periapical and periodontal infections (P<0.001) and schneiderian membrane thickness. Furthermore, a significant relationship was detected between the thickness of the schneiderian membrane and the distance between the sinus floor and the root apices (P=0.38). Conclusion. A retrospective inspection of CBCT imaging revealed that periapical lesions and periodontal infections in the posterior area of the maxilla were associated with thickening of the schneiderian membrane. In addition, there was a significant relationship between the location of maxillary posterior teeth, i.e. the thickness of bone from the root apex to the maxillary sinus floor, and schneiderian membrane thickness.