Periodontal regeneration using platelet-rich fibrin. Furcation defects: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The objective of the study was to compare the treatment outcomes of periodontal furcation defects by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with other commonly utilized modalities. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with those of other modalities for the treatment of furcation defects. Studies were classified into 11 categories in 3 different groups as follows: Group I (addition of PRF): (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF, (2) OFD/bone graft (OFD/BG) versus OFD/BG/PRF; Group II (comparative studies to PRF): (3) OFD/BG versus OFD/PRF, (4) OFD/collagen membrane versus OFD/PRF, (5) OFD/PRP versus OFD/PRF, (6) OFD/rhBMP2 versus OFD/PRF; and Group III (addition of biomaterial/biomolecule to PRF): OFD/PRF versus … (7) OFD/PRF/BG, (8) OFD/PRF/amniotic membrane (AM), (9) OFD/PRF/metformin, (10) OFD/PRF/bisphosphonates, (11) OFD/PRF/statins. Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for the reduction of probing pocket depth (PPD), gain of vertical and horizontal clinical attachment levels (VCAL and HCAL), gain in vertical and horizontal bone levels (VBL, HBL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). From 45 articles identified, 21 RCTs reporting on class II furcations were included. The use of OFD/PRF and OFD/BG/PRF statistically significantly reduced PPD and improved VCAL and HCAL when compared to OFD or OFD/BG, respectively. The comparison between OFD/PRF alone versus OFD/BG, OFD/CM, OFD/PRP, or OFD/rhBMP2 led to similar outcomes for all investigated parameters, including a reduction in PPD, VCAL/HCAL gain, and RBF. The additional incorporation of a BG to OFD/PRF only mildly improved outcomes, whereas the addition of AM improved clinical outcomes. The addition of small biomolecules such as metformin, bisphosphonates, or statins all led to significant improvements in PPD, VCAL, and HCAL when compared to OFD/PRF alone. Noteworthy, a very high heterogeneity was found in the investigated studies. The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in class II furcation defects when compared to OFD alone, with similar levels being observed between OFD/PRF and/or OFD/BG, OFD/CM, OFD/PRP, or OFD/rhBMP2. Future research geared toward better understanding potential ways to enhance the regenerative properties of PRF with various small biomolecules may prove valuable for future clinical applications. Future histological research investigating PRF in human furcation defects is largely needed. The use of PRF in conjunction with OFD statistically significantly improved PPD, VCAL, and HCAL values, yielding comparable outcomes to commonly used biomaterials. The combination of PRF to bone grafts or the addition of small biomolecules may offer additional clinical benefits, thus warranting future investigation.

Effects of magnification on restorative dental preparation performance: a scoping review and level of evidence mapping.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to identify and describe the available evidence on the effect of magnifying devices (loupe or microscope) on the performance of restorative dental preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and registered on the INPLASY database. An electronic search was performed in four databases and Grey literature for articles published until November 2023. Eligibility criteria were determined using the PICOS strategy and comprised studies that evaluated the performance of magnification devices for restorative dental preparations. A bibliographic mapping of the evidence was conducted. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies (n = 12) compared the performance of dental preparations using magnification loupes vs. no magnification. The magnification for loupes and microscopes ranged from 2.5x to 4.0x and 6.4x to 10x, respectively. The use of magnifying loupes improved the performance of restorative preparations in 66.6% of the evaluated studies. However, when the magnifications were compared, the greater magnification provided by microscopes did not improve preparation performance compared to magnification loupes. Regarding the place of publication, the American continent concentrates the most significant number of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Although evidence for magnification improving the performance of dental preparations has increased over the last decade, basically only in vitro studies (most of which have taken place in the Americas) have been reported in the literature. The evidence suggests that magnification significantly improves restorative preparation performance when compared to non-magnification. However, higher magnifications (e.g., microscopes) do not appear to improve tooth preparation performance compared with lower magnification devices (e.g., magnification loupes). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Available evidence supports that using magnification can improve the performance of restored tooth preparations. However, high magnifications have no advantages over lower magnifications.

Accuracy of artificial intelligence in implant dentistry: A scoping review with systematic evidence mapping.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry has grown. However, the accuracy of clinical applications in implant dentistry is still unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review with systematic evidence mapping was to identify and describe the available evidence on the accuracy and clinical applications of AI in implant dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed in 4 databases and nonpeer-reviewed literature for articles published up to November 2023. The eligibility criteria comprised observational and interventional studies correlating AI and implant dentistry. A bibliographic mapping and quality analysis of the included studies was conducted. Additionally, the accuracy rates of each AI model were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. A significant increase in evidence has been observed in recent years. The most commonly found applications of AI in implant dentistry were for the recognition of implant systems followed by surgical implant planning. The performance of AI models was generally high (mean of 88.7%), with marginal bone loss (MBL) prediction models being the most accurate (mean of 93%). Regarding the place of publication, the Asian continent represented the highest number of studies, followed by the European and South American continents. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence involving AI and implant dentistry has grown in the last decade. Although still under development, all AI models evaluated demonstrated high accuracy and clinical applicability. Further studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of AI models in implant dentistry are essential.

Antimicrobial effect of platelet-rich fibrin: A systematic review of in vitro evidence-based studies.

This systematic review (SR) aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of different types of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) often used in regenerative treatments. An electronic search was performed in four databases and in Gray literature for articles published until January, 2023. The eligibility criteria comprised in vitro studies that evaluated the antimicrobial effect of different types of PRF. For the analysis of the risk of bias within studies, the modified OHAT (Office of Health Assessment and Translation) tool was used. For the evaluation of the results, a qualitative critical analysis was carried out in the synthesis of the results of the primary studies. Sixteen studies published between 2013 and 2021 were included in this SR. The antimicrobial effects of PRF variations (PRF, injectable PRF [I-PRF], PRF with silver nanoparticles [agNP-PRF], and horizontal PRF [H-PRF]), were analyzed against 16 types of bacteria from the oral, periodontal, and endodontic environments. All types of PRF showed significant antimicrobial action, with the antibacterial efficacy being more expressive than the fungal one. The I-PRF, H-PRF, and agNP-PRF subtypes improve antimicrobial activity. According to the OHAT analysis, no study was classified as having a high risk of bias. Evidence suggests that PRF variations have significant antimicrobial activity, with bacterial action being greater than fungal. Evolutions such as I-PRF, H-PRF, and agNP-PRF improve antimicrobial activity. Future studies analyzing the clinical effect of these platelets are fundamental. This SR was registered in INPLASY under number INPLASY202340016.

A multifunctional guided surgery to assist in the 3-dimensional positioning of dental implants and in obtaining a palatal gingival graft.

Parameters such as the correct 3-dimensional positioning and the quality of peri-implant soft tissues are fundamental to the success of implant-supported restorations. Digital planning and guided surgery techniques can make the implant placement more accurate, and modifying the periodontal phenotype is often fundamental to increasing esthetics and peri-implant health, mainly in esthetic areas. This article describes a guided surgery technique that assists in the 3-dimensional positioning of implants and identifies the best anatomic area (volume and safety) for obtaining a palatal gingival graft.

Does implant location influence the risk of peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is characterized by nonreversible and progressive loss of supporting bone and is associated with bleeding and/or suppuration on probing. Peri-implant disease is considered as the main etiologic factor related to implant failure. Peri-implant disease has a pathogenesis similar to that of periodontal disease, both being triggered by an inflammatory response to the biofilm accumulation. Although the prevalence of peri-implantitis has been evaluated by several clinical studies with different follow-ups, there are currently little data on the impact of implant location and the prevalence of peri-implantitis. The aim of this review, therefore, was to summarize the evidence concerning the prevalence of peri-implantitis in relation to implant location and associated risk predictors. Even though most studies evaluating the prevalence of peri-implantitis in relation to implant location are cross-sectional or retrospective, they suggest that the occurrence of peri-implantitis is most prevalent in the anterior regions of the maxilla and mandible. Moreover, it seems that there is a higher prevalence of peri-implantitis in the maxilla than in the mandible.

Do the progression of experimentally induced gingivitis and peri-implant mucositis present common features? A systematic review of clinical human studies.

This systematic review evaluated the features of the progression of experimentally induced gingivitis and peri-implant mucositis in humans. Included were studies that evaluated clinical, immunological, or microbiological responses between experimentally induced gingivitis and peri-implant mucositis in periodontally healthy patients. A total of 887 articles were initially identified, but only 12 were included in the final analysis. Implants accumulate less biofilm and suffer the most heterogeneous alterations in the microbiota, in the abstinence of oral hygiene, compared with the tooth. Interestingly, although dental implants presented less biofilm accumulation, the peri-implant mucosa showed a more exacerbated clinical response than the gingival tissue. The risk of bias of the selected studies was moderate to low, with one study presenting serious risk. The progression events of peri-implant mucositis were similar to those of experimental gingivitis but led to a different host response. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database CRD420201 123360.

Long-term prevalence of taste and olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to investigate the long-term prevalence of taste disorder (TD) and olfactory disorder (OD) and associated risk factors in the non-hospitalized southeastern Brazil population of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional open survey evaluated possible long-term OD and TD in non-hospitalized patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 for more than 30 days, through an online self-report questionnaire. Demographic data, comorbidities, symptoms, and the intensity of OD and TD at the time of diagnosis and at the time of completing the questionnaire were evaluated. RESULTS: Three hundred five responses were included. The reported prevalence of OD and TD was 72.9% and 67.4%, respectively, in the moment of diagnosis; after a mean follow-up period of 179 days, 45% and 50% still had some degree of the symptoms. There was a positive correlation between age and the high prevalence of OD (p = 0.02). However, there was no correlation between age and TD (p = 0.961) and weight in relation to OD/TD (p = 0.500 and p = 0.636, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study observed a high long-term prevalence of OD and TD associated with COVID-19, with a low recovery rate during the study period. There was a positive association between older participants and the prevalence of OD.

Combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review of randomized clinical studies.

Lasers are increasingly utilized in the non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease. The aim of the present systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate the combination use of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser therapy in the treatment of severe periodontitis. A systematic review of the literature including searches in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Grey Literature databases, as well as manual searches, was performed until November 1, 2021. Only studies a combination of lasers during non-surgical treatment of pockets ≥ 6mm were included. The eligibility criteria for meta-analysis comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of combination laser therapy with/without adjunctive mechanical for the non-surgical management of periodontitis. From 57 initial articles, 6 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Two studies were excluded, one study was not a randomized clinical trial (case series), and one study was an in vitro study. Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. It was shown that combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG may be beneficial for non-surgical periodontal therapy with an additional average reduction in pocket depth and clinical attachment level reported at 1.01 and 0.77 mm respectively when compared to controls. The findings suggest that the combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers may lead to additional clinical improvements compared to nonsurgical treatment alone. Future research is needed to substantiate these findings and optimize clinical guidelines including more specific laser protocols. Preliminary data suggest favorable outcomes following the combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers for non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Digital replication of the peri-implant soft tissue contour of implant-supported crowns: A dental technique.

Making an intraoral digital scan of the emergence profile is a clinical challenge. The peri-implant soft tissue collapses after removal of an interim prosthesis, which compromises the correct design of a definitive implant-supported prosthesis. Although techniques are available for digitally reducing such a distortion, achieving a correct alignment of scans to replicate the internal and external characteristics of the peri-implant tissue is still challenging. This article describes an alternative technique for achieving a precise alignment of the peri-implant soft tissue emergence profile generated with an interim prosthesis.

Does Melatonin Associated with Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Improve Alveolar Bone Repair?

Background and objectives: Calcium phosphates have been widely used as bone substitutes, but their properties are limited to osteoconduction. The association of calcium phosphates with osteoinductive bioactive molecules has been used as a strategy in regenerative medicine. Melatonin has been studied due to its cell protection and antioxidant functions, reducing osteoclastic activity and stimulating newly formed bone. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical application of melatonin associated with nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres in the alveolar bone repair of Wistar rats through histological and histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats (300 g) were used, divided randomly into three experimental groups (n = 10), G1: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres associated with melatonin gel (CHA-M); G2: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA); G3: blood clot (without alveolar filling). The animals were euthanized after 7 and 42 days of the postoperative period and processed for histological and histomorphometric evaluation. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-test were applied to investigate statistical differences between the groups at the same time point for new bone and connective tissue variables. Mann-Whitney was used to assess statistical differences between different time points and in the biomaterial variable. Results: Results showed a greater volume of residual biomaterial in the CHA-M than the CHA group (p = 0.007), and there were no significant differences in terms of newly formed bone and connective tissue between CHA and CHA-M after 42 days. Conclusions: This study concluded that both biomaterials improved alveolar bone repair from 7 to 42 days after surgery, and the association of CHA with melatonin gel reduced the biomaterial's biodegradation at the implanted site but did not improve the alveolar bone repair.

Weak evidence for the management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Although several therapies are proposed for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), to date there is no consensus or treatment protocol for MRONJ. This overview aims to summarize the available evidence on the management and outcomes of MRONJ. METHODS: An electronic search without language or date restrictions occurred in five databases and gray literature for articles published until March 2020. This overview was performed according to the PICO format. The eligibility criteria comprised systematic reviews (RS) with or without meta-analyses that analyzed treatments outcomes for MRONJ. The methodological quality of each SR was evaluated using AMSTAR 2. RESULTS: Fifteen studies published between 2014 and 2020 were included in this overview. The summary of the evidence showed that conservative treatment and low level laser therapy can yield favorable results for early stages of MRONJ whereas surgical treatment seems to be better for advanced stages. However, qualitative assessment of the SRs highlighted a global low level of quality. CONCLUSIONS: There is weak evidence to support treatment protocols for MRONJ. Because of the low quality of the SRs, highlighted by this overview, no insightful therapeutic recommendations can be issued for any intervention for MRONJ.

Clinical efficacy of simvastatin gel combined with polypropylene membrane on the healing of extraction sockets: A triple-blind, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate dimensional changes, level of soft tissue healing, and pain/discomfort perception in post-extraction sockets filling with 1.2% simvastatin (SIM) gel covered with polypropylene membranes (PPPM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six post-extraction sockets of posterior teeth were randomly allocated in two groups: (a) socket filling with 1.2% SIM gel and covered with PPPM (n = 13) and (b) socket filling with placebo gel and covered with PPPM (n = 13). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images before and 90 days after the extraction enabled alveolar bone dimensional changes calculation using horizontal and vertical measurements. The measurements occurred at three different levels for thickness located 1, 3, and 5 mm from the top of the bone crest. The vertical (depth) measure was assessed from the most apical portion of the socket to the bone crest's most coronal portion. Seven days after the extractions, the level of soft tissue healing and pain perception were also analyzed. RESULTS: After 90 days of extractions, the dimensional changes in thickness in the test group were significantly smaller in sections A (p = .044), B (p = .036) and C (p = .048) when compared to the control group. The test group showed a significantly lower height-dimensional change than the control group (p < .0001). Soft tissue healing index (p = .63), perception of pain (p = .23), and number of analgesics consumed (p = .25) were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin at 1.2% compared with placebo effectively reduced the dimensional changes in post-extraction sockets covered with PPPM. There was no significant difference in the level of soft tissue healing and postoperative pain between the test and control groups.

Is the use of platelet-rich fibrin effective in the healing, control of pain, and postoperative bleeding in the palatal area after free gingival graft harvesting? A systematic review of randomized clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review (SR) was conducted to answer the following focused question based on PICO strategy: In patients who were submitted to harvesting palatal free gingival graft, could platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application in comparison with another method improve the healing, pain, and control of postoperative bleeding in the palatal area in randomized clinical trials? METHODS: A SR was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched, and hand searches were made, covering the period up to August 2020, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting the effect of PRF membrane in postoperative palatal healing management compared with any other methods. The risk of bias (RoB) of the studies included was assessed by using the RoB 2 tool. RESULTS: The electronic search strategy identified 150 articles. After title screening and abstract reading, 141 studies were excluded, and 9 full-text publications were comprehensively evaluated. Finally, 8 articles were included in the systematic review. Six studies showed that the PRF membrane was effective in improving wound healing during the first 2 weeks. As regards patient-centered outcomes, five studies showed that PRF promoted less postoperative pain. Finally, five studies that evaluated bleeding showed that the PRF membrane improved control of postoperative bleeding. RoB was classified as low in 4 studies, 3 with some concerns, and only one study did not describe the outcome data, and as this was missing, it was not possible to verify the protocol of data analysis for this study; therefore, it was classified as having high RoB. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the collective evidence emerging from this SR may support the use of PRF membrane in the palatal area after free gingival graft harvesting. The results of this review must be interpreted with caution, due to the low number of RCTs included and high degree of heterogeneity among the PRF protocols. Further well-designed RCTs with accurate protocol and standard PRF parameters are required in order to gain clear understanding of the influence of PRF on wound healing and patient-centered outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of PRF membrane for the protection of the palatal donor site following free gingival graft harvesting procedures improves wound healing and patients' quality of life.

Use of platelet-rich fibrin for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the treatment outcomes of periodontal intrabony defects by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with other commonly utilized modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with that of other modalities. Studies were classified into 10 categories as follows: (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF; (2) OFD/bone graft (OFD/BG) versus OFD/PRF; (3) OFD/BG versus OFD/BG/PRF; (4-6) OFD/barrier membrane (BM), OFD/PRP, or OFD/enamel matrix derivative (EMD) versus OFD/PRF; (7) OFD/EMD versus OFD/EMD/PRF; (8-10) OFD/PRF versus OFD/PRF/metformin, OFD/PRF/bisphosphonates, or OFD/PRF/statins. Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). RESULTS: From 551 articles identified, 27 RCTs were included. The use of OFD/PRF statistically significantly reduced PD and improved CAL and RBF when compared to OFD. No clinically significant differences were reported when OFD/BG was compared to OFD/PRF. The addition of PRF to OFD/BG led to significant improvements in CAL and RBF. No differences were reported between any of the following groups (OFD/BM, OFD/PRP, and OFD/EMD) when compared to OFD/PRF. No improvements were also reported when PRF was added to OFD/EMD. The addition of all three of the following biomolecules (metformin, bisphosphonates, and statins) to OFD/PRF led to statistically significant improvements of PD, CAL, and RBF. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in intrabony defects when compared to OFD alone with similar levels being observed between OFD/BG and OFD/PRF. Future research geared toward better understanding potential ways to enhance the regenerative properties of PRF with various small biomolecules may prove valuable for future clinical applications. Future research investigating PRF at histological level is also needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of PRF in conjunction with OFD statistically significantly improved PD, CAL, and RBF values, yielding to comparable outcomes to OFD/BG. The combination of PRF with bone grafts or small biomolecules may offer certain clinical advantages, thus warranting further investigations.

A completely digital approach to replicating functional and esthetic parameters in mandibular implant-supported complete-arch prostheses.

Making an intraoral digital scan for fixed mandibular implant-supported complete-arch prostheses is a clinical challenge. The absence of references in the mandibular arch for precise scan alignment may complicate the correct digital design of the prosthesis framework. This article presents a straightforward method that allows a completely digital approach to digital scanning for fixed mandibular implant-supported prostheses.

Atrophic Maxilla Rehabilitation Through Dental Implants Using the V-4 Strategy Associated With Guided Surgery: A Case Report and Technique Description.

Atrophic maxilla rehabilitation through dental implants is always a challenging procedure. However, alternative approaches such as guided surgery and the installation of short implants are progressively supplanting more invasive bone regeneration procedures. A V-4 technique described in 2016 facilitates the installation of dental implants in patients with atrophic maxilla; however, its authors recommend incision, flap opening, and elevation of the anterior area of the maxillary sinuses. This case report describes a less invasive proposal for modifying the technique through the association of guided surgery, which improves implant placement accuracy, shortens surgical time, and reduces morbidity.

Immunological response of allogeneic bone grafting: A systematic review of prospective studies.

BACKGROUND: Although widely used, the potential for immunological sensitization of allogeneic bone grafts is still controversial in the literature. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the immune response of allogeneic bone graft procedures in humans. METHODS: An electronic search without language or date restrictions occurred in four databases for articles published until July 2019. Eligibility criteria included prospective cohort studies, controlled clinical trials, and randomized clinical trials that evaluated the potential of allogeneic bone grafts in sensitized immune system in humans through immunological or biological analysis. The protocol number of this SR registered in PROSPERO is CDR42019135491. RESULTS: The search and selection process yielded eight prospective cohort studies published between 1984 and 2019. The percentage of patients' sensitization analyzed by human leukocyte antigens ranged from 21% to 67%, with a cumulative mean of 48 ± 17.3%. Bone soluble protein analysis demonstrates the sensitization of 55% of patients after allograft bone grafts. Also, a high level of circulating cell-free DNA took place in the immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Although studies report a low incidence of local complications, an average of 48% of the patients remain with the immune system sensitized after receiving allogeneic bone grafts. Future studies should better address the local and systemic consequences of such sensitization.

Clinical efficacy of xenogeneic collagen matrix in augmenting keratinized mucosa round dental implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) in augmenting keratinized mucosa width (KMW) around dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles that were published before or during April 2020 were electronically searched in four databases without any date or language restrictions and manually searched in regular journals and grey literature. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective studies that analysed the clinical efficacy of XCM for augmenting KMW around dental implants. This systematic review (SR) was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42018115399. RESULTS: Eleven studies published between 2009 and 2019 were included in this SR. There was no significant difference in KMW increase (p = 0.14), probing depth (PD) decrease (p = 0.17) or participants' aesthetic satisfaction (PAS) (p = 0.32) when XCM was compared to connective tissue graft (CTG). However, the increase in gingival thickness (GT) was significantly higher (p = 0.001) with the use of CTG. CONCLUSIONS: The use of XCM improved KMW and PD with rates comparable to those for CTG. XCM showed lower results for GT when compared to CTG. XCM presented similar results in terms of PAS when compared to CTG. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of a KMW around dental implants is associated with better peri-implant tissue health.

Effectiveness of connective tissue graft substitutes for the treatment of gingival recessions compared with coronally advanced flap: a network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to conduct a network comparison of the clinical effect of connective tissue graft (CTG) substitutes on the treatment of gingival recessions using coronally advanced flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search without language or dates restrictions was performed in five databases and in Grey literature for articles published until May, 2020. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that analyzed the clinical outcomes of CTG substitutes when compared with coronally advanced flap (CAF) for the treatment of Miller class I and II (Cairo RT I) gingival recessions. A pairwise and network meta-analysis were conducted for each periodontal parameters to assess and compare the outcomes among different treatment arms for the primary and secondary outcomes. This systematic review (SR) was registered in INPLASY under number INPLASY202060075. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included in the present SR. All analyzed CTG substitutes showed superior results when comparing with CAF alone for all periodontal parameters. However, when compared in a network, the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) demonstrated the best treatment ranking of probability results, followed by platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), enamel matrix derivative (EMD), and xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) for root coverage (RC). CONCLUSION: This SR observed that the association of biomaterials increases the effectiveness of RC in comparison with CAF alone. Based on the treatment ranking, although all the biomaterials analyzed showed a positive effect for RC, the ADM demonstrated the best results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To know the effectiveness of CTG substitutes for the treatment of gingival recessions.