Comparing Direct Measurements and Three-Dimensional (3D) Scans for Evaluating Facial Soft Tissue.

The inspection of patients' soft tissues and the effects of various dental procedures on their facial physiognomy are quite challenging. To minimise discomfort and simplify the process of manual measuring, we performed facial scanning and computer measurement of experimentally determined demarcation lines. Images were acquired using a low-cost 3D scanner. Two consecutive scans were obtained from 39 participants, to test the scanner repeatability. An additional ten persons were scanned before and after forward movement of the mandible (predicted treatment outcome). Sensor technology that combines red, green, and blue (RGB) data with depth information (RGBD) integration was used for merging frames into a 3D object. For proper comparison, the resulting images were registered together, which was performed with ICP (Iterative Closest Point)-based techniques. Measurements on 3D images were performed using the exact distance algorithm. One operator measured the same demarcation lines directly on participants; repeatability was tested (intra-class correlations). The results showed that the 3D face scans were reproducible with high accuracy (mean difference between repeated scans <1%); the actual measurements were repeatable to some extent (excellent only for the tragus-pogonion demarcation line); computational measurements were accurate, repeatable, and comparable to the actual measurements. Three dimensional (3D) facial scans can be used as a faster, more comfortable for patients, and more accurate technique to detect and quantify changes in facial soft tissue resulting from various dental procedures.

Regeneration of Horizontal Bone Defect in Edentulous Maxilla Using the Allogenic Bone-Plate Shell Technique and a Composite Bone Graft-A Case Report.

An insufficient volume of the alveolar bone may prevent implants from being placed in the prosthetically optimal position. Complex restoration of bony structures is required to achieve long-term peri-implant bone stability and represents an adequate prosthetic solution. Background and Objectives: The shell technique has become a widespread and important method for guided bone regeneration in dentistry. Allogeneic bone materials appear to be the most similar substitution for autogenous bone transplants. However, there are few studies using cortical bone allografts in combination with a mix of autogenous and xenograft materials for the augmentation of horizontal ridge defects. This combination offers the advantage of reduced patient morbidity while adding adequate volume and contour to the alveolar ridge. Case report: The present case study aimed to clinically and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of allogenic cortical bone lamina combined with a composite bone graft in the augmentation of a horizontal bone defect in the edentulous maxilla during a 6-year follow-up period. Three CB CT scans taken before treatment, 6 months after the augmentation period/before implant placement, and after a 6-year follow-up period, were analyzed using stable referent points. After the 6 -year follow-up period, the average resorption rate was 21.65% on the augmented buccal side, with no implant exposure being observed. Conclusions: The bone shell technique used in conjunction with allogenic bone plates combined with autogenous bone, xenografts, and collagen membranes is an effective technique to manage horizontal ridge defects.

Evaluation of the Photoactivation Effect of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in the Disinfection of Dental Implants: In Vitro Study.

Photoactivation of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a 445 nm diode laser represents a relatively new, insufficiently researched antimicrobial method in the treatment of peri-implantitis. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effect of photoactivation of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a 445 nm diode laser, and to compare the obtained results with 0.2% chlorhexidine treatment and 3% hydrogen peroxide treatment without photoactivation, in vitro, on the surface of dental implants contaminated with S. aureus and C. albicans biofilms. Previously, 80 infected titanium implants with S. aureus and C. albicans cultures were divided into four groups: G1-negative control (no treatment), G2-positive control (0.2% chlorhexidine), G3 (3% hydrogen peroxide), and G4 (photoactivated 3% hydrogen peroxide). The number of viable microbes in each sample was determined by the colony forming unit (CFU) count. The results were statistically processed and analyzed, showing a statistically significant difference across all groups compared to the negative control (G1), and the absence of a statistically significant difference between groups G1-G3. The new antimicrobial treatment, according to the results, could be worthy of further analysis and research.

Oligomicrodontia in a Pediatric Cancer Survivor after Chemotherapy: A Case Report.

Chemotherapy used on pediatric patients especially those below 3 years of age causes disturbances in dental development. The aim of this case report was to present the late dental effects of chemotherapy in a patient treated for anaplastic ependymoma (WHO III) at an early age. Radiographic findings at the age of 9 years showed oligomicrodontia of six teeth, maxillary lateral incisors, and maxillary and mandibular first premolars. Pediatric cancer survivors after chemotherapy have an increased risk of one or more dental development disorders. To ensure proper dental care and to assess the long-term effects on oral health, tooth development, and occlusion, the involvement of a dentist is crucial. Adequate diagnosis and well-planned treatment of the dental defect can significantly improve patient oral health-related quality of life.

A Novel Technique for Disinfection Treatment of Contaminated Dental Implant Surface Using 0.1% Riboflavin and 445 nm Diode Laser-An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been introduced as a potential option for peri-implantitis treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of a novel technique involving a combination of 445 nm diode laser light with 0.1% riboflavin solution (used as a photosensitizing dye) as applied on a bacterial-fungal biofilm formed on implants and to compare the performance of this technique with that of the commonly used combination of 660 nm diode laser with 0.1% methylene blue dye. METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted on 80 titanium dental implants contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Candida albicans (CA) species. The implants were randomly divided into four groups: negative control (NC), without surface treatment; positive control (PC), treated with a 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX)-based solution; PDT1, 660 nm (EasyTip 320 µm, 200 mW, Q power = 100 mW, 124.34 W/cm2, 1240 J/cm2) with a 0.1% methylene blue dye; and PDT2, 445 nm (EasyTip 320 µm, 200 mW, Q power = 100 mW, 100 Hz, 124.34 W/cm2, 1.24 J/cm2) with a 0.1% riboflavin dye. RESULTS: The PDT1 and PDT2 groups showed greater reduction of SA and CA in comparison to the NC group and no significant differences in comparison to the PC group. No statistically significant differences between the PDT1 and PDT2 groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A novel antimicrobial treatment involving a combination of 445 nm diode laser light with riboflavin solution showed efficiency in reducing SA and CA biofilm formation on dental implant surfaces comparable to those of the more commonly used PDT treatment consisting of 660 nm diode laser light with methylene blue dye or 0.2% CHX treatment.

Extremely Rare Intraoral Presentation of Localized Amyloidosis.

PURPOSE: To present an extremely rare case of localized amyloidosis of the mucosa of the maxillary alveolar ridge. Case Report. A 71-year-old man was referred to the Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, for a persistent nodular formation in the edentulous ridge of the anterior maxillary region. The nodular formation had a reddish color, solid consistency, and an approximate size of 40 × 15 mm. Orthopantomographic imaging excluded bone resorption and defects. Histopathological assessments of the biopsy specimen showed that the stroma was occupied by a multiplied, partially hyalinized connective tissue. The samples were subsequently stained with Congo red, and collagen accumulation under polarized light showed an apple-green birefringence indicating amyloid. Subsequently, the nodular formation was completely excised and a maxillary total denture was made. The patient showed normal tissue healing with no sign of recurrence at a follow-up assessment 1.5 years after the procedure. CONCLUSION: This is only the third reported case of localized amyloidosis of the alveolar ridge mucosa. Histopathological analysis is the first step for diagnosis, but systemic tests, blood counts, urinalysis, bone marrow biopsy, electrocardiography, and digestive endoscopy are recommended to rule out a systemic disease.

Presence and Maturation Dynamics of Mandibular Third Molars and Their Influence on Late Mandibular Incisor Crowding: A Longitudinal Study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the absence, presence and dynamics of mandibular third molar development and the occurrence and amount of late mandibular incisor crowding. Dental plaster casts and panoramic radiographs of 72 orthodontically untreated subjects from the Nittedal growth study, Norway were analyzed. The subjects were recalled for a checkup at 12, 15, 18 and 21 years of age. Mandibular incisor crowding was assessed using Little's irregularity index and dental maturation of the third molars by the Cameriere's index. The majority of the subjects (64%) had ≥1 mm increase in irregularity; 22% experienced an increase of 0.1-0.9 mm and 14% had unchanged or decreased irregularity. Incisor irregularity increased with age, regardless of absence or presence of third molars. The amount of change in incisor irregularity from 12 to 21 years did not differ significantly between subjects with hypodontia of third molars, extraction and those with third molars present. No differences were observed between erupted, unerupted or impacted third molars. No correlation was found between the amount of change in irregularity and maturation of the third molars. In conclusion, occurrence and amount of mandibular late incisor crowding is not significantly influenced by the presence of mandibular third molars or their development dynamics.