Validation of the pink esthetic score/white esthetic score at single tooth-supported prostheses in the esthetic zone: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the reproducibility and inter/intra-observer variability of the Pink Esthetic Score/White Esthetic Score (PES/WES) of single tooth-supported prostheses in the maxillary esthetic zone (13-23). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment options (15 patients per group) receiving each one a different crown type: Porcelain fused to metal (PFM), monolithic zirconia, and lithium disilicate. Eight observers from each of four different specialties (Prosthodontists, Orthodontists, Periodontists, and Oral Surgeons) were recruited and assessed twice and four weeks apart (i.e., T1 and T2) 45 photographs of the single tooth-supported prosthesis using PES/WES and compared them with contralateral teeth. RESULTS: According to the ANOVA and post hoc tests, the zirconia crown type obtained the highest mean score by all observers, with a mean value of 16.70 ± 2.94. The prosthodontists and oral surgeons assigned the lowest mean score to PFM crowns, 13.03 ± 3.47 and 13.80 ± 3.17, respectively. Notably, the prosthodontists awarded the highest scores, specifically 17.50 ± 2.81 for the zirconia crowns. Intraobserver agreement was calculated utilizing the paired t-test. Pairwise comparisons between observers of different specialties revealed significant intraobserver agreement. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores were statistically significant among four specialties. No difference was detected concerning the interobserver agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The PES/WES index remains consistent across various observers from different specializations, yielding uniform results in the overall esthetic evaluation. Consequently, in light of the presented preliminary positive results, its use might also be considered for the esthetic assessment of single-tooth-supported prostheses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The PES/WES index may be employed clinically to evaluate single tooth-supported prostheses as it emerged as a reproducible esthetic scoring system.

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy of Jaws: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is an uncommon pigmented neural crest tumor primarily found in infants. We presented a case report of successful surgical management of MNTI in an 11-month-old female. A total of 178 articles discussing 249 cases of MNTI were identified through literature search. Literature review of 250 cases of MNTI including the current case report was conducted considering study parameters such as age and gender of the patient, location of the lesion, levels of vanillylmandelic acid, management options, and outcome after treatment. Statistical review of the data showed that MNTI predominantly affects the anterior maxilla in infants less than six months of age. Recurrence of the lesion shows a significant association with age of the individual and treatment method employed. This study reports a 2.4% mortality rate, 2% malignancy rate, and a recurrence rate of 15.2%, with recurrence times ranging from 15 days to 20 months. We advocate a minimum follow-up of four months to two years to monitor recurrence.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Autogenous Inlay Graft vs Autogenous Onlay Graft for Anterior Maxillary Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: A Randomized Control Clinical Study.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of autogenous onlay and inlay grafts for anterior maxillary horizontal ridge augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 14 patients with a deficient partially edentulous anterior maxillary ridge (3-5 mm in width). Patients were randomized and grouped into two equal groups: Group A was treated with symphyseal autogenous bone block, which was placed and fixed buccally as an onlay graft, and group B: was treated with symphyseal autogenous bone block, which was interpositioned and fixed in space created between buccal and lingual cortex as inlay graft. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically to evaluate the increase of bone width at [Baseline, immediate postoperative (T0)] and six months post-graft (T6). RESULTS: A total of 14 patients (8 males and 6 females) with age range from 20 to 43 years old with a mean of 42.1 years were involved in our study. Radiographically, there was a significant statistical difference in comparing between two groups for the creation of a horizontal alveolar bone at T0. In the inlay group, the mean preoperative bone width was 3.9 ± 0.3 mm at T0 and 5.7 ± 0.5 mm at T6. While in the onlay group, the mean preoperative bone width was 3.7 ± 0.7 mm at T0 while at T6 the mean bone width was 6.1 ± 0.8 mm. This was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Inlay block graft appears to be a successful treatment option for horizontal ridge augmentation in the maxillary arch. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: both techniques are viable techniques for augmentation of atrophic alveolar ridge with uneventful healing. How to cite this article: Elsayed AO, Abdel-Rahman FH, Ahmed WMAS, et al. Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Autogenous Inlay Graft vs Autogenous Onlay Graft for Anterior Maxillary Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: A Randomized Control Clinical Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):107-113.

Comparison of biomechanical behaviors of different designs and configurations of titanium and zirconium dental implants with finite elements analysis.

Finite element analysis helps to understand the biomechanical behavior of implants with different designs and material characteristics. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical behaviors of different designs and configurations of titanium (tapered or cylindric) and zirconia dental implants in the edentulous anterior maxilla through this analysis. Three-dimensional models of the edentulous maxilla, dental implants, and prosthetic structures were modeled, and different loading conditions were applied to simulate realistic conditions. A total of 6 different models were evaluated: the model (M1) in which tapered implants were located in bilaterally central-canine; the model (M2) in which tapered implants were located in bilaterally lateral-canine; the model (M3) in which cylindric implants were located in bilaterally central-canine; the model (M4) in which cylindric implants were located in bilaterally lateral-canine; the model (M5) in which zirconia implants were located in bilaterally central-canine and the model (M6) in which zirconia implants were located in bilaterally lateral-canine. Maximum tensile and compressive stress values were recorded at M4 under vertical loading and at M6 under oblique loading, while minimum stress values were recorded at M1 under all loading conditions. Maximum von Mises stress values under vertical and oblique loading conditions were observed at M3 and M4, while the minimum stress was observed at M1 and M2. In conclusion, zirconia implants may present a biomechanically convenient and aesthetical alternative treatment option in edentulous anterior maxilla rehabilitation compared to tapered and cylindric implants.

The Utility of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans in Diagnosing and Treating Anterior Lesions of the Maxilla and Mandible.

BACKGROUND: The standard screening protocol for radiographic examination in dentistry as per the American Dental Association recommendations is a panoramic radiograph (PAN) and four horizontal bitewings. PAN inherently suffers from several shortcomings like the superimposition of anatomic structures, especially of the cervical spine that obscures a significant portion of the anterior maxilla and mandible. This region has a significant amount of pathology that is not adequately imaged. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging provides circumferential information on the area of interest and adds value to the diagnosis and treatment planning of pathology, especially in the anterior maxilla and mandible. However, there is not an adequate number of well-designed studies that articulate the true value addition of 3D imaging for the evaluation of this region. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the value addition of 3D imaging in diagnosing pathologies in the anterior maxilla and mandible when compared to two-dimensional PAN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 cases that had a diagnosis of anterior pathology and had both a PAN and a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan were collected for this study. An institutional review board approval to retrospectively evaluate these data was obtained. The PAN and CBCT scans were randomly evaluated by a second-year dental student, an oral and maxillofacial radiology resident in training, and a board-certified oral radiologist. The scans were evaluated using a three-point modified Likert scale, where 1 represents "not visible or clear," 2 represents "visible but not clear," and 3 represents "visible and clear." The lesions were evaluated for characteristics like lesion location, size & shape, internal contents, borders of the lesion, cortical integrity, locularity, and effect on adjacent structures like root resorption. After the evaluation was completed, a comparison of the lesion diagnosis was done with histopathology to confirm the diagnosis. The evaluators were also asked to comment on the specific feature that 3D imaging provided that added value to the case. Kappa analysis was done to evaluate inter-operator reliability. RESULTS: PAN demonstrated significantly lower efficacy in identifying and diagnosing lesions. Only 56% of cases were analyzed using PAN, with 44% deemed undetectable or poorly visualized. These challenging cases necessitated CBCT scans for accurate diagnosis, which successfully diagnosed all 25 cases. The p-value of 0.0002 for PAN implies a highly significant difference from histopathology, suggesting the distinctions are not due to chance. Conversely, the p-value of 0.3273 for CBCT implies that observed differences may be random, lacking sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis. CBCT scans consistently outperformed PAN in visualizing various lesion characteristics, underscoring their superior diagnostic capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, with a small sample size, 3D imaging provided a significant value addition to the diagnosis and treatment planning by providing additional information regarding the location, extent, internal content, and effect on adjacent structures. The practical implications for clinical settings, along with comparisons to current literature, underscore the study's distinctiveness.

A Rare Case of Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma: A Case Report.

Benign fibro-osseous lesions are a group of pathological conditions characterized by the replacement of normal bone with cellular fibrous connective tissue that undergoes mineralization. The most common types of benign fibro-osseous lesions include fibrous dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, and osseous dysplasia. However, diagnosing these lesions can be challenging due to their overlapping clinical, radiological, and histological features, which can cause a diagnostic dilemma for surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. One rare type of benign fibro-osseous lesion is the cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF), which is a definitive form of a benign fibro-osseous tumor that affects the craniofacial region, particularly the jaws (70%). Here, we present a case of COF in a 61-year-old female patient in the maxillary anterior region. Due to a clear distinction between the lesion and healthy bone, the lesion was treated with conservative surgical excision followed by curettage and primary closure. However, differential diagnosis of COF can be highly challenging for clinicians due to its overlapping features with other fibro-osseous lesions like Paget's disease and fibrous dysplasia. Ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia often present a histopathological, clinical, and radiological overlap. The post-operative follow-up after eight months was unpredictable, with a radiological picture showing the increased thickness of the frontal bone, parietal bone, and maxilla with obliteration of marrow spaces, alteration of the trabecular pattern with a cotton wool/ground glass appearance, and reduced maxillary sinus space. Proper evaluation and diagnosis of fibro-osseous lesions are necessary before arriving at a final conclusion. Cemento-ossifying fibroma in the maxillofacial skeleton is uncommon, and after eight months, the recurrence rate is rare. This case highlights the importance of considering COF as a differential diagnosis for fibro-osseous lesions in the maxillofacial region and the necessity for proper evaluation and diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment plan and prognosis. In summary, the diagnosis of benign fibro-osseous lesions can be challenging due to their overlapping features, but early diagnosis and proper evaluation are essential for successful treatment outcomes. COF is a rare type of benign fibro-osseous lesion where other fibro-osseous lesions in the maxillofacial region should be considered as a differential diagnosis, and the necessary steps should be taken to confirm the diagnosis before arriving at a final conclusion.

Controversies in the dental implant treatment planning for anterior maxillary aesthetic zone - A review.

The anterior maxillary region being an aesthetic zone remains critical in decision-making when it comes to replacing a tooth. Treatment planning to place dental implants in aesthetic zone like anterior maxilla needs paramount attention in order to provide best of the treatment outcomes from aesthetic point of view. As the field of dental implants tend to evolve continuously, newer concepts with inadequate research come into practise on regular basis. In this article, some of the controversies regarding dental implant placement and treatment process related to anterior maxillary aesthetic zone are discussed with literature to support evidence.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Thickness and Root Angulation in Anterior Maxilla for Planning Immediate Implant Placement.

OBJECTIVE:  This retrospective study aimed to measure the labial, palatal, mesial, and distal bone thickness around maxillary central and lateral incisors and canines and height from crest to apex, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and compare the results based on gender. The second objective of the study was to measure root angulation on CBCT images and its relation with the labial cortical thicknesses.  Material and Methods: After the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, a total of 140 CBCT volumes were included in this study according to the set criteria. On each scan, right-side maxillary central, lateral incisors, and canine were selected for the measurements. All the measurements were done at three levels at the alveolar crest (L1), mid-root (L2), and apical region (L3) for each tooth.  Results: The Student's t-test was performed to compare the result of buccal, palatal, mesial, and distal bone thickness, angulation, and height of all subjects. Buccal alveolar bone thickness was minimum at the mid-root region, and the palatal bone thickness was minimum at the crestal region. The mesial bone thickness was minimum at the mid-root level, and distal bone thickness was minimum at the crest level. The available bone height was maximum at the lateral incisor and equal for the central incisor and canine. The canine was the most angulated tooth. CONCLUSION:  Cone beam computed tomography is a reliable imaging modality to evaluate pre-surgical immediate implant sites and measure alveolar bone thickness. The canine was the most angulated tooth with more buccal alveolar bone thickness.

A Case of Supernumerary Incisors in a Young Male Child: A Rare Occurrence of Four Central Incisors in the Maxillary Anterior Region.

Multiple supernumerary teeth in the central incisor region are an uncommon occurrence; the most frequently occurring type of supernumerary teeth are mesiodens. A 10-year-old male had reported to Sharad Pawar Dental College with the chief complaint of extra teeth. An intraoral examination revealed the presence of two labially placed incisors and two palatally placed incisors at a transitional phase of dentition. During a radiographic examination, the maxillary occlusal view revealed four incisors with similar morphology. Extraction of the palatally placed incisor was done under local anaesthesia which was followed by alignment of the anterior teeth and closure of space. Supernumeraries that have erupted should always be removed, unless the teeth next to them are absent, in which case they should be left in place. After alignment, closure of spaces was done since the permanent canines had not yet erupted; it was decided against trying to completely close any gaps between the teeth.

Immediate implant positioning using tooth-derived bone substitute material for alveolar ridge preservation: Preliminary results at 6 months.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study we evaluated the effectiveness of the use of a novel autologous bone substitute derived directly from processing the extracted tooth in the upper premolar area to preserve a suitable esthetic score and functionality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen bone-level implants with platform switching were inserted in 12 patients immediately after atraumatic extraction of premolars for restorative or endodontic reasons. The implant buccal bone gap was filled using autologous tooth extracted-derived material. Clinical and radiographic parameters, including Pink Esthetic Score (PES) were evaluated at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients accounting for 11 implants were included. PES showed a suitable esthetic result, and all the implant-prosthetic rehabilitation reported full satisfaction for masticatory function, phonetics, and aesthetics. Bone levels were stable and not affected by implant location, lesion type, or bone quality. CONCLUSION: Radiographically the autologous bone substitute used appears stable in the surgical site and there is good continuity between the autologous bone and the graft. No adverse effects such as periodontal inflammation, infection, or graft rejection was reported.

Anterior Maxillary Labial Bone Thickness on Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

AIM: The objective of this research was to measure the labial bone thickness (LBT) in relation to the 6 anterior maxillary teeth at different levels along the long axis and the distance between cementoenamel junction and bone crest (CEJ-BC) based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans retrieved from patients of Arab ethnicity and identify any association with patients' characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 CBCT scans were evaluated by one calibrated examiner. The thickness of the labial bone was measured perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth at 1, 3, and 5 mm from the alveolar crest (LBT-1, LBT-3, and LBT-5, respectively) and CEJ-BC using a medical imaging viewer. RESULTS: CBCT scans of 58 female patients and 42 male patients with a mean age of 39.7 ± 9.5 years were included. A high variation of CEJ-BC was observed (range, 0.55-3.90 mm). Statistically significant higher CEJ-BC values were associated with men and increased age (>50 years). The overall means of LBT-1 were 0.76 ± 0.26, 0.79 ± 0.26, and 0.83 ± 0.37 mm; LBT-3: 0.92 ± 0.36, 1.05 ± 0.46, and 1.03 ± 0.48 mm; LBT-5: 1.17 ± 0.52, 0.80 ± 0.45, and 0.81 ± 0.40 mm for central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines, respectively. The LBT was <1 mm in 74.2% of all maxillary anterior teeth, with central incisors showing the highest predilection (85% with LBT <1 mm). No significant association between LBT and patient characteristics was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The CEJ-BC distance is greater in men and increases with age, particularly in those aged 50 years and older. The LBT in the 6 maxillary anterior teeth is predominantly thin (<1 mm) and has no correlation to age or sex. An increased LBT was observed at a 3-mm level when compared with LBT-1 and LBT-5. Such variability should be taken into consideration when planning for implant placement.

The soft tissue esthetic outcome with and without immediate provisionalization in immediate implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at checking influences of immediate provisionalization on the primary esthetic outcome by Pink Esthetic Score (PES) as well as other secondary soft tissue outcomes such as bleeding on probing, probing depth, plaque index, mesial papillary recession, distal papillary recession, and midfacial mucosal recession of the peri-implant mucosa around immediately placed implants in the anterior maxilla. Setting and Design: This systematic review and meta-analysis was evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Materials and Methods: The relevant studies were found in the databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The search was restricted to studies published in English only, with no time constraints. A second hand search was conducted on individual journals and study reference lists. The Evidence Project risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias in included studies. The level of evidence was determined using the GRADEpro GDT: GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool (software). McMaster University, 2020 (developed by Evidence Prime, Inc.,). Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical meta-analysis was conducted by using Review Manager (RevMan) (Computer Program). Version 5.4. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, the Cochrane Collaboration, 2020. Results: Nine studies were finalized. Seven studies were selected out of nine in the meta-analysis for PES. The results of the current meta-analysis for primary outcome observed that immediate implant placement (IIP) followed by immediate provisionalization improves the esthetic outcome, with forest plot favoring immediate provisionalization and demonstrating a statistically significant difference (mean difference [MD] =1.54, [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-2.27], P < 0.0001). Statistically insignificant result was observed for secondary outcomes; bleeding on probing (MD = 4.00, [95% CI: -1.15-9.15], P = 0.13), probing depth (MD = 0.17, [95% CI: -0.13-0.48], P = 0.26), plaque index (MD = -1.00, [95% CI: -7.56-5.56], P = 0.77), mesial papillary recession (MD = -0.10, [95% CI: -0.31-0.10], P = 0.33), midfacial mucosal recession (MD = -0.47, [95% CI: -1.01-0.07], P = 0.09). However, for distal papillary recession (MD = -0.32, [95% CI: -0.50--0.13], P = 0.0007), the result was statistically significant with forest plot favoring immediate provisionalization. Conclusion: When the implant is placed in the esthetic zone, IIP with immediate provisionalization provides the best gingival (pink) esthetics.

Peri-implant bone resorption risk of anterior maxilla narrow single implants: a finite-element analysis.

Statement of the problem: Narrow implants have been recommended in high esthetic demand regions to ensure greater buccal bone thickness (BBT) and minimize soft-tissue recession due to insufficient bone support. However, a limited area of bone-implant interface can increase the risk of peri-implant bone resorption due to occlusal forces. Purpose: This article encourages the use of evidence-based finite element analysis to optimize the aesthetic outcomes in maxillary lateral incisor single-supported implant crown by accurate biomechanical planning. This study aimed to analyze the best implant dimensions that would preserve the maximum BBT and avoid peri-implant bone resorption due to occlusal forces. Materials and methods: A maxilla segment was constructed based on anthropological measurements. Four implant diameters (Ø = 3.25; 3.50; 3.75 or 4.00 mm) and two lengths (L = 10 or 13 mm) were simulated. The occlusal force parameters were defined to simulate clinical conditions. The bone resorption risk analysis was based on Frost's mechanostat theory altering the strain output to strain energy density (SED). The peri-implant bone resorption risk indexes (PIBRri) were calculated by dividing the average of the top ten SED elements of the cortical and trabecular buccal wall by the pathologic resorption limit for each bone. Results: For trabecular bone, only the model Ø4.00L13 exhibited a low PIBRri. For cortical bone, all models presented a low PIBRri, except for models Ø3.25. Conclusion: The selection of a 3.25 mm dental implant to preserve a 2 mm BBT should be avoided since it generates a high peri-implant bone resorption risk induced by occlusal overload.

Immediately provisionalized tapered conical connection implants for single-tooth restorations in the maxillary esthetic zone: a 5-year prospective single-cohort multicenter analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This open, single-cohort, multicenter, prospective study investigated the efficacy of immediately provisionalized tapered conical connection implant for single-tooth restorations in the anterior and premolar regions of the maxilla after 5 years of function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All implants were placed in healed sites and immediately provisionalized. MBLs, soft-tissue parameters, and oral-health impact profile (OHIP) were evaluated at implant insertion, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for statistical and implant survival/success analyses, respectively. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (81 implants) completed the 5-year follow-up. The 5-year cumulative survival and success rates were 97.8%, and the mean MBL change from implant insertion to 5 years was - 0.80 ± 1.13 mm. Optimal papilla index scores were observed at 90.1% of sites at 5 years compared with 32.8% of sites at insertion. Pink esthetic score, modified bleeding and plaque indices, and OHIP showed statistically significant improvement at the 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Immediately provisionalized tapered conical connection implants promote marginal bone stability and excellent esthetic outcomes after 5 years of function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This treatment is a viable option for patients requiring immediately provisionalized single-tooth restorations in the esthetic zone and shows favorable long-term clinical outcomes, including marginal bone stability and excellent esthetics.

Immediate Implant Placement in the Maxillary Aesthetic Zone: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study.

This study aimed to investigate the factors that could be associated with the risk of labial cortical bone wall perforation with immediate implant placement (IIP) in the maxillary aesthetic zone, in a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) virtual study. CBCT exams from 126 qualified subjects (756 teeth) were included. Implants were virtually positioned in two different positions: in the long axis of the tooth (prosthetically-driven position) and in an ideal position in relation to adjacent anatomical structures (bone-driven position). Two different implant diameters were planned for each tooth position, namely, 3.75 and 4.3 mm for central incisors and canines, and 3.0 and 3.3 mm for lateral incisors. The incidence of perforation was nearly 80% and 5% for prosthetically- and bone-driven position, respectively. Factors associated with a higher risk of cortical bone wall perforation (bone-driven position), according to logistic regression analysis, were women, wider implants, Sagittal Root Position class IV, and decrease of the labial concavity angle. Perforation of the labial cortical bone wall can be greatly minimized when the implant is placed in a bone-driven position compared to a prosthetically-driven position. It is important to preoperatively evaluate the morphological features of the implant site for risk assessment and to individualize the treatment plan.

Multi-Layer Technique (MLT) with Porcine Collagenated Cortical Bone Lamina for Bone Regeneration Procedures and Immediate Post-Extraction Implantation in the Esthetic Area: A Retrospective Case Series with a Mean Follow-Up of 5 Years.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation of the edentulous atrophic anterior region is a challenging situation. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effectiveness of a collagenated cortical bone lamina of porcine origin for horizontal ridge augmentation in patients with inadequate alveolar ridge width undergoing immediate post-extraction implantation in the anterior sites, and to report on implant survival rates/complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases were extracted electronically from a large database according to these specific inclusion criteria: patients with inadequate alveolar ridge width in the anterior maxilla or mandible, who underwent immediate post-extraction implant placement and simultaneous alveolar bone reconstruction using xenogeneic cortical bone lamina. An additional layer of palatal connective tissue graft was inserted between lamina and the vestibular mucosa, for improving soft tissue healing. A collagenated bone substitute was additionally placed in the gap between the lamina and implant surface in all patients. The main outcomes were implant survival and complications. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with 65 implants were included. Patients' mean age at the time of implant surgery was 60.0 ± 13.6 years. The mean follow-up was 60.5 ± 26.6 months after implant placement. The implant survival was 100%. Four postoperative complications occurred in four patients. No specific factor was found to be associated with complication occurrence. CONCLUSION: The use of collagenated cortical bone lamina can be considered as a successful option for alveolar reconstruction in immediate post-extraction implant insertion procedures in anterior regions with inadequate alveolar ridge width.

Morphological and Morphometric Characteristics of Anterior Maxilla Accessory Canals and Relationship with Nasopalatine Canal Type-A CBCT Study.

This study aimed to evaluate principal morphological and morphometric characteristics of accessory canals (ACs) of the anterior maxilla, as well as to analyze the relationship with nasopalatine canal (NPC) type. The results of our study showed that ACs were observed in almost 50% of participants. They were mostly presented bilaterally and in a curved shape, with a palatal foramen position. The morphometric characteristics of ACs were significantly influenced by NPC type. NPC type had the strongest impact on the distance between the NPC and AC, as well as on the distance between the AC and the facial aspect of buccal bone wall, in inferior parts of the alveolar ridge. On the other hand, the distance between the AC and central incisors was not significantly influenced by NPC shape in the lower region of the anterior maxilla. However, the participants with the banana-type of the NPC expressed the reduction in distance from the AC to the central incisor at the upper part in comparison with the subjects with the cylindrical-type of the NPC. On the basis of the results of this study, the simultaneous estimation of ACs and the NPC seems reasonable, as this approach may be useful in the prevention of complications which could occur during implant surgery interventions.