Evaluating the precision and accuracy of digital dental models with a low-cost structured light device.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the accuracy and precision of digital models acquisition using a home-built, low-cost scanning system based on the structured light method. METHODS: a plaster model (PM) was scanned using the experimental device (SL) and a dental desktop scanner (DS). The teeth dimensions of PM and SL models were measured in triplicate, with a caliper and digitally, respectively. The agreement of the measurements of each model was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the validity between the different measurement techniques was assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis. The accuracy and precision of the models were qualitatively investigated using the mesh superposition of the SL and DS models. RESULTS: A high intraclass correlation coefficient was observed in all models (PM=0.964; SL1=0.998; SL2=0.995; SL3=0.998), and there was no statistical difference between the measurements of the SL models (p>0.05). PM and SL model measurements were found to be in good agreement, with only 3.57% of the observed differences between the same measurement being located outside 95% limits of agreement according to Bland and Altman (0.43 and -0.40 mm). In the superimpositions of SL-SL and SL-DS models, areas of discrepancy greater than 0.5 mm were observed mainly in interproximal, occlusal, and cervical sites. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the home-built SL scanning system did not possess sufficient accuracy and precision for many clinical applications. However, the consistency in preserving the dental proportions suggests that the equipment can be used for planning, storage, and simple clinical purposes.

Chitosan-Calcium Aluminate as a Cell-homing Scaffold: Its Bioactivity Testing in a Microphysiological Dental Pulp Platform.

In vitro models of the dental pulp microenvironment have been proposed for the assessment of biomaterials, to minimise animal use in operative dentistry. In this study, a scaffold/3-D dental pulp cell culture interface was created in a microchip, under simulated dental pulp pressure, to evaluate the cell-homing potential of a chitosan (CH) scaffold functionalised with calcium aluminate (the 'CHAlCa scaffold'). This microphysiological platform was cultured at a pressure of 15 cm H2O for up to 14 days; cell viability, migration and odontoblastic differentiation were then assessed. The CHAlCa scaffold exhibited intense chemotactic potential, causing cells to migrate from the 3-D culture to its surface, followed by infiltration into the macroporous structure of the scaffold. By contrast, the cells in the presence of the non-functionalised chitosan scaffold showed low cell migration and no cell infiltration. CHAlCa scaffold bioactivity was confirmed in dentin sialophosphoprotein-positive migrating cells, and odontoblastic markers were upregulated in 3-D culture. Finally, in situ mineralised matrix deposition by the cells was confirmed in an Alizarin Red-based assay, in which the CHAlCa and CH scaffolds were adapted to fit within dentin discs. More intense deposition of matrix was observed with the CHAlCa scaffold, as compared to the CH scaffold. In summary, we present an in vitro platform that provides a simple and reproducible model for selecting and developing innovative biomaterials through the assessment of their cell-homing potential. By using this platform, it was shown that the combination of calcium aluminate and chitosan has potential as an inductive biomaterial that can mediate dentin tissue regeneration during cell-homing therapies.

Evaluating the precision and accuracy of digital dental models with a low-cost structured light device

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy and precision of digital models acquisition using a home-built, low-cost scanning system based on the structured light method. Methods: a plaster model (PM) was scanned using the experimental device (SL) and a dental desktop scanner (DS). The teeth dimensions of PM and SL models were measured in triplicate, with a caliper and digitally, respectively. The agreement of the measurements of each model was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the validity between the different measurement techniques was assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis. The accuracy and precision of the models were qualitatively investigated using the mesh superposition of the SL and DS models. Results: A high intraclass correlation coefficient was observed in all models (PM=0.964; SL1=0.998; SL2=0.995; SL3=0.998), and there was no statistical difference between the measurements of the SL models (p>0.05). PM and SL model measurements were found to be in good agreement, with only 3.57% of the observed differences between the same measurement being located outside 95% limits of agreement according to Bland and Altman (0.43 and -0.40 mm). In the superimpositions of SL-SL and SL-DS models, areas of discrepancy greater than 0.5 mm were observed mainly in interproximal, occlusal, and cervical sites. Conclusion: These results indicate that the home-built SL scanning system did not possess sufficient accuracy and precision for many clinical applications. However, the consistency in preserving the dental proportions suggests that the equipment can be used for planning, storage, and simple clinical purposes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a acurácia e a precisão da aquisição de modelos digitais utilizando um sistema de digitalização caseiro e de baixo custo baseado no método de luz estruturada. Material e Métodos: Para isso, um modelo de gesso (MG) foi digitalizado utilizando o dispositivo experimental (LE) e um scanner dental de mesa (SD). As dimensões dos dentes dos modelos MG e LE foram medidas em triplicata com um paquímetro e digitalmente, respectivamente. A concordância das medidas de cada modelo foi avaliada usando o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, e a validade entre as diferentes técnicas de medição foi avaliada usando a análise de Bland-Altman. A acurácia e a precisão dos modelos foram investigadas qualitativamente usando a sobreposição de malhas dos modelos LE e SD. Resultados: Um alto coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi observado em todos os modelos (MG=0,964; LE1=0,998; LE2=0,995; LE3=0,998) e não houve diferença estatística entre as medições dos modelos LE (p>0,05). As medições dos modelos MG e LE mostraram boa concordância, com apenas 3,57% das diferenças observadas entre as mesmas medições localizadas fora dos limites de concordância de 95% de acordo com a análise de Bland-Altman (0,43 e -0,40 mm). Nas sobreposições dos modelos LE-LE e LE-SD, foram observadas áreas de discrepância maiores que 0,5 mm principalmente nos sítios interproximais, oclusais e cervicais. Conclusões: Esses resultados indicam que o sistema de digitalização por luz estruturada caseiro não possui precisão e acurácia suficientes para muitas aplicações clínicas. No entanto, a consistência na preservação das proporções dentárias sugere que o equipamento pode ser usado para planejamento, armazenamento e propósitos clínicos simples.

Assessment of the regenerative potential of macro-porous chitosan-calcium simvastatin scaffolds on bone cells.

This study evaluated the bioactive potential of a macro-porous chitosan scaffold incorporated with calcium hydroxide (CH-Ca) and functionalized with bioactive doses of simvastatin (SV) for bone tissue regeneration. Initially, the bioactive dose of SV in osteoblastic cells (SAOS-2) was determined. For the direct contact experiment, SAOS-2 cells were plated on scaffolds to assess cell viability and osteogenic differentiation. The second assay was performed at a distance using extracts from scaffolds incubated in culture medium to assess the effect of conditioned medium on viability and osteogenic differentiation. The initial screening showed that 1 µM SV presented the best biostimulating effects, and this dose was selected for incorporation into the CH-Ca and pure chitosan (CH) scaffolds. The cells remained viable throughout the direct contact experiment, with the greatest cell density in the CH-Ca and CH-Ca-SV scaffolds because of their higher porosity. The CH-Ca-SV scaffold showed the most intense bio-stimulating effect in assays in the presence and absence of osteogenic medium, leading to an increased deposition of mineralized matrix. There was an increase in the viability of cells exposed to the extracts for CH-Ca, CH-SV, and CH-Ca-SV during the one-day period. There was an increase in ALP activity in the CH-Ca and CH-Ca-SV; however, the CH-Ca-SV scaffold resulted in an intense increase in the deposition of mineralized nodules, approximately 56.4% at 7 days and 117% at 14 days, compared with CH (control). In conclusion, functionalization of the CH-Ca scaffold with SV promoted an increase in bioactivity, presenting a promising option for bone tissue regeneration.

Assessment of the regenerative potential of macro-porous chitosan-calcium simvastatin scaffolds on bone cells

Abstract This study evaluated the bioactive potential of a macro-porous chitosan scaffold incorporated with calcium hydroxide (CH-Ca) and functionalized with bioactive doses of simvastatin (SV) for bone tissue regeneration. Initially, the bioactive dose of SV in osteoblastic cells (SAOS-2) was determined. For the direct contact experiment, SAOS-2 cells were plated on scaffolds to assess cell viability and osteogenic differentiation. The second assay was performed at a distance using extracts from scaffolds incubated in culture medium to assess the effect of conditioned medium on viability and osteogenic differentiation. The initial screening showed that 1 μM SV presented the best biostimulating effects, and this dose was selected for incorporation into the CH-Ca and pure chitosan (CH) scaffolds. The cells remained viable throughout the direct contact experiment, with the greatest cell density in the CH-Ca and CH-Ca-SV scaffolds because of their higher porosity. The CH-Ca-SV scaffold showed the most intense bio-stimulating effect in assays in the presence and absence of osteogenic medium, leading to an increased deposition of mineralized matrix. There was an increase in the viability of cells exposed to the extracts for CH-Ca, CH-SV, and CH-Ca-SV during the one-day period. There was an increase in ALP activity in the CH-Ca and CH-Ca-SV; however, the CH-Ca-SV scaffold resulted in an intense increase in the deposition of mineralized nodules, approximately 56.4% at 7 days and 117% at 14 days, compared with CH (control). In conclusion, functionalization of the CH-Ca scaffold with SV promoted an increase in bioactivity, presenting a promising option for bone tissue regeneration.

Mineral-induced bubbling effect and biomineralization as strategies to create highly porous and bioactive scaffolds for dentin tissue engineering.

The objective of the study was to assess the biological and mechanical characteristics of chitosan-based scaffolds enriched by mineral phases and biomineralized in simulated body fluid (SBF) as a possible biomaterial for dentin regeneration. Thus, porous chitosan scaffolds were prepared by the mineral-induced bubbling-effect technique and subjected to biomineralization to create biomimetic scaffolds for dentin tissue engineering. Suspensions containing calcium hydroxide, nanohydroxyapatite, or ß-tricalcium phosphate were added to the chitosan (CH) solution and subjected to gradual freezing and freeze-drying to obtain CHCa, CHnHA, and CHßTCP porous scaffolds, respectively, by the bubbling effect. Then, scaffolds were incubated in SBF for 5 days at 37°C, under constant stirring, to promote calcium-phosphate (CaP) biomineralization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed increased pore size and porosity degree on mineral-containing scaffolds, with CHCa and CHnHA presenting as round, well-distributed, and with an interconnected pore network. Nevertheless, incubation in SBF disrupted the porous architecture, except for CHCaSBF , leading to the deposition of CaP coverage, confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analyses. All mineral-containing and SBF-treated formulations presented controlled degradation profiles and released calcium throughout 28 days. When human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were seeded onto scaffold structures, the porous and interconnected architecture of CHCa, CHnHA, and CHCaSBF allowed cells to infiltrate and spread throughout the scaffold structure, whereas in other formulations cells were dispersed or agglomerated. It was possible to determine a positive effect on cell proliferation and odontogenic differentiation for mineral-containing formulations, intensely improved by biomineralization. A significant increase in mineralized matrix deposition (by 8.4 to 18.9 times) was observed for CHCaSBF , CHnHASBF , and CHßTCPSBF in comparison with plain CH. The bioactive effect on odontoblastic marker expression (ALP activity and mineralized matrix) was also observed for HDPCs continuously cultivated with conditioned medium obtained from scaffolds. Therefore, biomineralization of chitosan scaffolds containing different mineral phases was responsible for increasing the capacity for mineralized matrix deposition by pulpal cells, with potential for use in dentin tissue engineering.

The In Vitro Evaluation of Preosteoblast Migration From 3-D-printed Scaffolds to Decontaminated Smooth and Minimally Rough Titanium Surfaces: A Pilot Study.

In vitro evaluations are essential to gaining a better understanding of re-osseointegration, while reducing animal use and the overall costs of peri-implantitis studies. This pilot study evaluated preosteoblast migration from 3-D-printed scaffolds to decontaminated titanium microimplants, creating a system that tries to mimic the bone-implant interface. Smooth (S) and minimally rough (R) titanium microimplants were incubated in Escherichia coli cultures and divided into six groups according to the decontamination protocol applied: EDTA gel (EDTA); chlorhexidine (CHL); chlorhexidine-soaked gauze (GCHL); scaling (SC); titanium brush (TiB); and implantoplasty (IP). Pristine S and R microimplants were used as the controls (C). After the decontamination procedures, the microimplants were inserted in 3-D-printed polyurethane-based scaffolds previously inoculated with preosteoblast cell cultures. Cellular migration was assessed after 24, 72 and 120 hours by ATP quantification. At the 120-hour time point, there was no statistically significant difference between S-C, S-EDTA, S-CHL, S-GCHL and S-SC (p > 0.05), and between R-C, R-EDTA and R-GCHL (p > 0.05). The in vitro model developed in this pilot study successfully demonstrated cell migration on the different decontaminated surfaces. This methodology suggests that on smooth microimplants, EDTA, GCHL, SC and TiB decontamination may have a reduced impact on preosteoblast migration, while on minimally rough microimplants, EDTA and GCHL decontamination affected cell migration the least. However, when selecting a decontamination protocol, the effectiveness of the decontamination per se must also be considered.

The influence of implant surface roughness on decontamination by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and chemical agents: A preliminary study in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this preliminary study was to analyze the effectiveness of three different protocols of decontamination on five commercial moderate rough implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The types of implants investigated were: Neoporos Drive CM (CM; Neodent®), Drive CM Acqua (ACQ; Neodent®), SLActive (SLA; Straumann®), Osseotite (OT; Biomet 3i®) and Nanotite (NT; Biomet 3i®). Implant surface properties (n = 2/type of implant; control groups) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images to determine surface roughness parameters (SRP) and energy disperse X-ray spectrometry to determine the chemical composition. Implants were then inoculated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetencomitans in vitro (n = 6/type of implant;experimental groups) and the contaminated areas were determined in SEM images (500x magnifications). Decontamination of implants was performed in duplicate by three protocols: antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), EDTA associated with citric acid (EDTA + CA) and 0.12 % chlorhexidine (CHX). The remaining contaminated area (rCtA) was determined in SEM images (500x magnifications). All quantitative analysis through SEM images were analyzed in ImageJ® software for two-dimensional parameters. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in SRP among implants (control group), except for Rv (lowest valley) between SLA vs. OT (p=0.0031; Kruskal Wallis post hoc Dunn). NT implants showed highest contaminated area vs. ACQ implants (68.19 % ± 8.63 % and 57.32 % ± 5.38 %, respectively; p = 0.0016, Tukey's test). SRP after decontamination showed statistical difference for Ra (arithmetical mean deviation) for all decontamination groups when compared to control (p < 0.05; ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's multiple comparisons test), only CM implants showed statistical difference when compared decontamination protocols to control with highest modification of SRP for EDTA + AC group. For decontamination analysis, for applicability of different protocols in the same type of implant, only SLA showed statistical significant difference for aPDT vs. EDTA + CA (p = 0.0114; ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's multiple comparisons test) with lowest rCTA for aPDT, however for ACQ implants the aPDT showed lowest rCTA with no statistical difference (p > 0.05; ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's multiple comparisons test). No statistical difference was observed between the decontamination protocols at other implant types. CONCLUSION: It can be suggested that the chemical-physical characteristics of dental implants can be effected by the process of contamination and decontamination by aPDT and chemical agents.

Uso de agentes antimicrobianos como solução refrigerante no ultrassom para tratamento das doenças periodontais: uma revisão de literatura / The use of antimicrobial agents as a cooling solution in ultrasound devices for periodontal diseases treatment: a literature review

Objetivo: revisar a literatura quanto ao uso de soluções no reservatório líquido do ultrassom (US) para o tratamento das doenças periodontais, avaliando as contribuições dessa associação e as soluções mais eficazes para essa terapêutica. Métodos: foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Public Medline (PubMed), Lilacs, Science Direct e ISI web of knowledge. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: "periodontal disease", "ultrasonic", "cooling solution", "antimicrobial" e "irrigation". Como critérios de inclusão, foram selecionados estudos prospectivos, retrospectivos, caso controle, transversal e relatos de casos, publicados em inglês. Resultados: após pesquisa e minuciosa revisão por título e resumo de cada estudo, 15 estudos foram selecionados para avaliação dos desfechos investigados. As principais soluções associadas ao US foram povidono-iodo (PVPI), clorexidina, óleos essenciais, bicarbonato de sódio. O irrigante mais utilizado foi o PVPI, seguido por clorexidina e óleos essenciais. Os agentes podem conferir discretas melhoras no nível clínico de inserção e profundidade de sondagem, porém os resultados são controversos, já que nem todos os ensaios demonstraram efeitos positivos. Uma importante evidência observada foi em relação à redução dos níveis de microrganismos derivados do aerossol do US quando essas substâncias foram utilizadas no reservatório de água, sendo esse um aspecto positivo de seu uso como solução refrigerante ao US. Considerações finais: de modo geral, não puderam ser confirmados benefícios adicionais dos irrigantes antimicrobianos nos principais parâmetros periodontais avaliados, porém não se pode descartar o potencial uso desses agentes para a redução da dispersão de microrganismos advindos do aerossol, promovendo assim maior proteção ao paciente e ao profissional.(AU)

Objective: to review the literature regarding the use of solutions in the liquid ultrasonic (US) reservoir devices for the treatment of periodontal diseases, evaluating the benefits of this association, and the most effective solution for this therapy. Methods: bibliographic research was carried out in the Public Medline (PubMed), Lilacs, Science Direct, and ISI web of knowledge databases. The keywords used were: "periodontal disease", "ultrasonic", "cooling solution", "antimicrobial", and "irrigation". Inclusion criteria were prospective, retrospective, case-control, cross-sectional studies, and case reports published in English. Results: after a meticulous analysis of each paper by title and summary, 15 studies were selected for further investigation of clinical outcomes. The main solutions associated with US devices as coolant were PVPI, Chlorhexidine, Essential Oils and Sodium Bicarbonate. The most used coolant agent was PVPI, followed by chlorhexidine and essential oils. It has been shown that irrigating solutions can provide improvements in the clinical attachment level and probing depth, but the results are controversial since not all trials showed positive effects. Important evidence observed was the reduction of the levels of microorganisms derived from the US aerosol when these substances were used as a cooling solution. Conclusions: in general, additional benefits of coolant solutions could not be confirmed in the main periodontal parameters evaluated, however, the potential use of these agents to reduce the dispersion of microorganisms derived from the aerosol cannot be ruled out, thus promoting additional protection to the patient and professional.(AU)

Implantes de altura reduzida devem ser esplintados em região posterior de mandíbula? / Should implants with reduced height be splinted in the posterior mandible?

A reabilitação de pacientes parcialmente desdentados é um tratamento viável e com excelente prognóstico. Todavia, a disponibilidade óssea em altura é um fator crucial para o sucesso desse tratamento. O levantamento de seio maxilar, apesar da baixa qualidade óssea da maxila posterior, é considerado um procedimento bastante previsível. Entretanto, técnicas reconstrutivas em mandíbula não possuem a mesma previsibilidade, além de apresentar maior morbidade pós-operatória. Apesar da alta previsibilidade dos implantes com altura reduzida, poucos são os estudos que avaliam a real necessidade da esplintagem do mesmo em mandíbula posterior atrófica. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a necessidade de um implante curto ser esplintado a outro. Após análise criteriosa da literatura concluiu-se que os implantes com altura reduzida unitários apresentam igual previsibilidade em relação ao esplintado. Todavia, a heterogeneidade dos estudos e a falta de ensaios clínicos randomizados justifica a elaboração de novas pesquisas.(AU)

Rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients is a viable treatment with an excellent prognosis. However, bone height availability is a crucial factor in the treatment success. The maxillary sinus lift, despite poor bone quality of posterior maxilla, is considered a predictable procedure. However, reconstructive techniques in the mandible do not have the same predictability and present more postoperative morbidity. Despite the high predictability of short implants, there are few studies evaluating the real necessity for splinting implants in posterior atrophic mandible. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the need for a short implant to be splinted to another. After analysis of the literature, this review concluded that unitary short implants presented equal predictability compared to splinted implants. However, the heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of randomized clinical trials justify the development of new research.(AU)

A relação entre doença periodontal e o câncer oral / The relationship between periodontal disease and oral cancer

Objetivo: O objetivo deste artigo foi revisar os dados na literatura sobre possíveis mecanismos que estabeleçam uma relação entre o câncer oral e a doença periodontal. Material e Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scopus e Web of Science por publicações até abril de 2016. Resultados: Os artigos analisados apontaram evidências que corroboram com o papel da doença periodontal na carcinogênese. Esta atuação baseia-se na liberação de mediadores inflamatórios e de periodontopatógenos das bolsas periodontais até sítios sadios através do sangue e da saliva, sendo capaz alterar o padrão epigenético do hospedeiro. Em consequência, esta alteração na expressão gênica pode inibir regiões relacionadas à supressão tumoral, crescimento celular, reparo do DNA, ligação intracelular, inibição de metástase, entre outros. Conclusão: É possível concluir que há bases biológicas para sustentar uma relação entre doença periodontal e o câncer oral, porém mais estudos são necessários para avaliar seu real impacto

Objective: The aim of this article was to review the extant literature about possible mechanisms for a relationship between periodontal disease and oral cancer. Material and Methods: A search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published through April 2016. The articles showed evidence supporting the role of periodontal disease in carcinogenesis. Results: The relationship between periodontal disease and oral cancer is based on the release of inflammatory mediators and periodontopathogens from periodontal pockets to healthy sites via the blood and saliva, thereby changing the host's epigenetic patterns. Consequently, these changes in gene expression can inhibit genetic regions related to tumor suppression, cell growth, DNA repair, intracellular binding, and inhibition of metastasis, among other processes. Conclusion: There is sufficient biological evidence to support the relationship between periodontal disease and oral cancer; however, more studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this relationship on patients

Existe associação entre doença periodontal e câncer? Análise investigativa clínica / Is there association between periodontal disease and cancer? A clinical investigative analysis

Os tumores na região de cabeça e pescoço são frequentes ao redor do mundo, estando relacionados a altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Recentemente, alguns estudos propuseram a associação entre doença periodontal, risco de câncer e piora na qualidade de vida de pacientes oncológicos. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a possível associação clínica entre doença periodontal e neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço antes e após seu tratamento. Para isso, foram incluídos no grupo teste 40 pacientes de ambos os sexos, ≥18 anos e com diagnóstico de câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Estes pacientes foram subdivididos em dois subgrupos: antes (T1; n=20) e após (T2; n=20) o tratamento quimio e/ou radioterápico. O grupo controle foi formado por 40 pacientes sistemicamente saudáveis selecionados aleatoriamente, sem diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação à idade e sexo. Os pacientes responderam a um questionário de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde oral (OHIP-14) e foram examinados periodontalmente em boca toda quanto às medidas de profundidade de sondagem (PS), recessão (REC)/hiperplasia (HP), nível de inserção clínica (NIC), índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) e índice de placa (IPl) e número de dentes perdidos. O nível ósseo proximal foi determinado a partir de imagens radiográficas pela distância entre junção cemento-esmalte e crista óssea alveolar (JCE-CA). O desfecho primário foi definido pelo diagnóstico de câncer pela equipe médica responsável, enquanto que a medida de exposição foi a doença periodontal. Houve maior número de dentes perdidos (p= 0.0017; ANOVA pós-teste Tukey) e maior quantidade de placa (p= 0.0003; Kruskal Wallis pós-teste Dunn) no grupo T2 comparativamente ao controle, porém sem diferenças em relação ao grupo T1. Não houve diferença entre os grupos (p> 0.05) quanto ao ISG, PS, REC/HP, NIC e prevalência de doença periodontal. A distância JCE-CA (p= 0.007; teste exato de Fischer) e a extensão da doença periodontal...

Malignant tumors in the head and neck region are frequently observed all around the world, and are related to high morbidity and mortality rates. Recently, some studies have proposed an association among periodontal disease, risk of cancer and worsening of quality of life of oncologic patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible clinical association between periodontal disease and neoplastic lesions in head and neck before and after its treatment. It was included in the test group 40 patients, both genders, ≥18 years old, diagnosed with cancer in the head and neck region. Patients were divided into two subgroups: before (T1; n= 20) and after (T2; n= 20) oncologic treatment. Control group was constituted by 40 systemically healthy patients randomly selected, with no significant differences in age and gender when compared with test group. All patients answered a quality of life questionnaire (OHIP-14) and were periodontally full-mouth examined according to probing depth (PD), recession (REC)/hyperplasia (HP), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival bleeding index (GBI) and plaque index (PlI) and number of lost teeth. Interproximal bone level was determined from X-ray images as the distance between cementum-enamel junction and alveolar crest (CEJ-AC). Primary outcome was defined by the diagnosis of cancer in the head and neck region by medical staff, and the measure of exposure was periodontal disease. A higher number of missing teeth (p= 0.0017; ANOVA post hoc Tukey) and plaque accumulation (p= 0.0003; Kruskal Wallis post hoc Dunn) was observed at T2 compared to control, but with no differences when compared to T1. No differences between groups (p> 0.05) were found in GBI, PD, REC/HP, CAL and prevalence of periodontal disease. CEJ-AC (p= 0.007; Fischers exact test) and extension of periodontal disease in ≥ 50% of sites (p= 0.0033; Fischers exact test) were significantly higher in test than control group. It was observed a significant...