Long-term stability of gingival margin and periodontal soft-tissue phenotype achieved after mucogingival therapy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was two-fold: (i) to evaluate the long-term (≥5 years) stability of the gingival margin position, keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) in sites that underwent root coverage (RC) or gingival augmentation (GA); and (ii) to assess the influence of different local variables on the long-term stability of dental and gingival tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs reporting short-term (i.e., 6-12 months after baseline surgical intervention) and long-term (≥5 years) follow-up data after surgical treatment of adult patients presenting single or multiple mucogingival deformities, defined as sites presenting gingival recession defects (GRDs) and/or (KTW) deficiency (i.e., <2 mm), were considered eligible for inclusion. MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for articles published up to 15 May 2023. Mixed-effects multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between KTW, type of surgical procedure and time (i.e., independent variables) on the stability of the gingival margin in sites that received RC or GA therapy. RESULTS: Of the 2569 potentially eligible records, 41 (reporting 40 studies) met the eligibility criteria. Graphical estimates including data from all RC procedures found an upward trend in recession depth (RD) increase over time. Conversely, it was observed that in 63.63% of RC studies and in 59.32% of RC treatment arms KTW increased over time, particularly in sites treated with subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs). Conversely, sites that underwent GA procedures generally exhibited an overall reduction of KTW over time. However, sites treated with free gingival grafts (FGGs) showed a decrease in RD after 10 years of follow-up. Three main findings derived from the pooled estimates were identified: (i) Gingival margin stability was associated with the amount of KTW present during short-term assessment (i.e. the greater the KTW at 6-12 months after treatment, the more stable the gingival margin). (ii) The use of autogenous soft-tissue grafts was associated with lower RD increase over time. (iii) Treatment approaches that contribute to the three-dimensional enhancement of the gingival phenotype, as clearly demonstrated by FGG, were associated with gingival margin stability. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of apical migration of the gingival margin appears to be directly related to the amount of KTW and GT upon tissue maturation. Interventions involving the use of autogenous grafts, either SCTG or FGG, are associated with greater short-term KTW gain and lower RD increase over time.

Effects of the GingivalStat approach on early gingival margin remodeling following esthetic clinical crown lengthening: A case series.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case series is to present the potential applications of the GingivalStat approach, that is, the use of temporary gingival stabilizers, to favor early gingival margin remodeling and prevent the occurrence of gingival rebound following esthetic clinical crown lengthening. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Four patients requiring clinical crown lengthening were treated for esthetical and functional reasons. The surgical approach included: (a) gingival margin recontouring; (b) full-thickness flap elevation; (c) osteotomy (to achieve an adequate dimension between the alveolar bone crest and the CEJ) and osteoplasty (to reduce the bone thickness and improve the buccal bone anatomic profile, where indicated); (d) temporary gingival stabilizer placement using a block-out resin or a composite (the GingivalStat approach); and (e) flap repositioning, adaptation, and suture. One- to five-year follow-ups, reported in the different case scenarios, show evidence of clinically stable gingival margins around the treated teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this case series, it can be concluded that the GingivalStat approach appears as a further maneuver to cope with clinical crown lengthening procedures at esthetic sites. GingivalStat seems to favor gingival margin contour remodeling during the early phase of healing as well as prevent the occurrence of gingival rebound. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: GingivalStat approach may guide gingival margin remodeling and prevent gingival rebound after wound healing of sites submitted to esthetic clinical crown lengthening.

Why is there a lack of evidence regarding errors and complications in periodontal and implant therapy?

The occurrence of errors, complications, and adverse effects may occur as a consequence of single or multiple events related to the clinician and/or patient. Apparently, the amount of dental literature on these undesirable outcomes has not been as prolific as that obtained for conventional primary periodontal outcome measures. This review explores the potential reasons for the lack of studies reporting on errors and complications in periodontal and implant therapy, as well as other noteworthy methodological aspects, to enlighten their impact on the selection of the best (or most appropriate) "gold standard" periodontal/implant-related treatment options, and on the overall decision-making process. The following points were addressed: (a) the importance of reporting errors and complications in clinical research; (b) the adequate reporting of errors and complications in periodontology and dental implantology; and (c) efficacy trials vs effectiveness studies and their impact on the assessment and report of periodontal and implant treatment-related risks and complications.

Complications and treatment errors in periodontal and implant therapy.

The assortment of periodontal and implant-related treatments has been continuously improved over the last 50 years. Once the decision-making process has been established and the treatment procedure applied, the partial or complete resolution of the problem (eg, periodontal probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, gingival recession reduction, dental hypersensitivity decrease) and a diagnosis change with no or minimal occurrence of adverse events (ie, complications, harms, technical errors, or adverse/side effects) can be expected. The clear identification of the potential types of adverse effects, complications, or even errors is important for contemporary decision-making processes, as they may be related to different local, systemic, and technical aspects. This chapter focused on four core components: (a) providing periodontal definitions for errors, complications, harms, and side effects; (b) defining the types of risk and the clinical impact of adverse effects, errors, and complications in periodontal and peri-implant therapies; (c) evaluating the influence of accidental errors versus the lack of a proper treatment planning; and (d) reporting on the importance of establishing the "net benefit ratio" between the clinical improvements promoted by the therapy and the occurrence of potential adverse events.

Errors and complications in clinical periodontal practice due to methodologic bias and bad interpretation of the evidence.

Different types of errors and complications may arise during and after the execution of periodontal or implant-related procedures. Some of the most relevant, although also controversial, and less commented, causative agents of errors and complications are methodological biases and bad interpretation of the evidence. Proper assessment of the literature requires of solid clinical knowledge combined with a systematic approach built on the recognition of common methodological biases and the avoidance of interpretive errors to critically retrieve, dissect, and judiciously apply available information for the promotion of periodontal and peri-implant health. This review addresses common types of methodological bias and interpretive errors that can alter the reader's perceptions on the real effect and potential ramifications of the reported outcomes of a given therapeutic approach due to bad interpretation of the available evidence: (1) types of methodological biases; (2) spin and interpretive bias; (3) interpretation pitfalls when assessing the evidence (4) choice of relevant endpoints to answer the question(s) of interest; and (5) balance between statistical significance and clinical relevance.

Outcome measures and methods of assessment of soft tissue augmentation interventions in the context of dental implant therapy: A systematic review of clinical studies published in the last 10 years.

AIM: To identify and report outcome measures and methods of assessment on soft tissue augmentation interventions in the context of dental implant therapy reported in clinical studies published in the last 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protocol of this Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020-compliant systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021252214). A literature search was conducted to identify articles that met the pre-established eligibility criteria. Data of interest, with an emphasis on outcome measures, were extracted. For each outcome, specific methods and timing of assessment were described in detail. Following a critical qualitative analysis of the data, outcome measures were categorized. Primary outcomes were identified, and the frequency of reporting in the selected articles was calculated. Additionally, risk-of-bias assessments were performed for individual articles and primary outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-two articles, of which 39 reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 20 non-RCTs, and 33 case series studies, were selected. Outcome measures were categorized into either investigator-evaluated outcome measures (i.e., clinical, digital imaging, aesthetic, histological, biomarker, and safety) or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Clinical outcomes were the most frequently reported type of outcome. Considering all categories, the most frequently reported primary outcomes were facial mucosa thickness assessed with clinical methods (22.83%), facial keratinized mucosa width assessed with clinical methods (19.57%), facial mucosal margin position/recession assessed with clinical methods (18.48%), facial mucosa thickness assessed with digital imaging methods (11.96%), facial soft tissue volume assessed with digital imaging methods (9.78%), and supracrestal tissue height assessed with clinical methods (9.78%). No distinguishable patterns of association between specific types or quality (level of bias) of clinical studies and the choice of primary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical research on peri-implant soft tissue augmentation has progressively increased in the last 10 years. Although clinical outcome measures were the most frequently reported outcomes in the selected literature, trends in the field are indicative of a shift from traditional clinical assessment methods to the use of digital technologies. PROMs were generally under-reported but should be considered an integral methodological component in future clinical studies.

Prevalence of periodontitis in dentate people between 2011 and 2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of periodontitis in dentate people between 2011 and 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PUBMED, Web of Science, and LILACS were searched up to and including December 2021. Epidemiological studies reporting the prevalence of periodontitis conducted between 2011 and 2020 were eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies were grouped according to the case definition of confidence as confident (Centers for Disease Control [CDC] AAP 2012; CDC/AAP 2007; and Armitage 1999) and non-confident (community periodontal index of 3 or 4, periodontal pocket depth >4 mm, and clinical attachment level ≥1 mm). Random effects meta-analyses with double arcsine transformation were conducted. Sensitivity subgroup and meta-regression analyses explored the effect of confounding variables on the overall estimates. RESULTS: A total 55 studies were included. The results showed a significant difference, with confident case definitions (61.6%) reporting nearly twice the prevalence as non-confident classifications (38.5%). Estimates using confident periodontal case definitions showed a pooled prevalence of periodontitis of 61.6%, comprising 17 different countries. Estimates reporting using the CDC/AAP 2012 case definition presented the highest estimate (68.1%) and the CDC/AAP 2007 presented the lowest (48.8%). Age was a relevant confounding variable, as older participants (≥65 years) had the highest pooled estimate (79.3%). CONCLUSION: Between 2011 and 2020, periodontitis in dentate adults was estimated to be around 62% and severe periodontitis 23.6%. These results show an unusually high prevalence of periodontitis compared to the previous estimates from 1990 to 2010.

Histological assessment and gene expression analysis of intra-oral soft tissue graft donor sites.

AIM: To determine the structural and gene expression features of different intra-oral soft tissue donor sites (i.e., anterior palate, posterior palate, maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized mucosal tissue punch biopsies were collected from at least one donor site per subject. Histological processing was performed to determine tissue morphometry and quantify collagen composition. Site-specific gene distribution was mapped using targeted gene expression analysis and validated using real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: A total of 50 samples from 37 subjects were harvested. Epithelial thickness did not differ between sites. However, lamina propria was thicker in the maxillary tuberosity (2.55 ± 0.92 mm) and retromolar pad (1.98 ± 0.71 mm) than in the lateral palate. Type I collagen was the predominant structural protein in the lamina propria (75.06%-80.21%). Genes involving collagen maturation and extracellular matrix regulation were highly expressed in the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad, while lipogenesis-associated genes were markedly expressed in the lateral palate. The retromolar pad showed the most distinct gene expression profile, and the anterior and posterior palate displayed similar transcription profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue samples harvested from the anterior and posterior palate differed morphologically from those from the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad. Each intra-oral site showed a unique gene expression profile, which might impact their biological behaviour and outcomes of soft tissue augmentation procedures.

Outcome measures and methods of assessment of soft-tissue augmentation interventions in the context of dental implant therapy: A systematic review of clinical studies published in the last 10 years.

AIM: The aim of the study was to identify and report outcome measures and methods of assessment on soft-tissue augmentation interventions in the context of dental implant therapy reported in clinical studies published in the last 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocol of this PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021252214). A literature search was conducted to identify articles that met the pre-established eligibility criteria. Data of interest, with an emphasis on outcome measures, were extracted. For each outcome, specific methods and timing of assessment were described in detail. Following a critical qualitative analysis of the data, outcome measures were categorized. Primary outcomes were identified and the frequency of reporting in the selected articles was calculated. Additionally, risk of bias assessments were performed for individual articles and primary outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-two articles, of which 39 reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 20 reported non-RCTs, and 33 reported case series studies, were selected. Outcome measures were categorized into either investigator-evaluated outcome measures (i.e., clinical, digital imaging, esthetic, histologic, biomarker, and safety) or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Clinical outcomes were the most frequently reported type of outcome. Considering all categories, the most frequently reported primary outcomes were facial mucosa thickness assessed with clinical methods (22.83%), facial keratinized mucosa width assessed with clinical methods (19.57%), facial mucosal margin position/recession assessed with clinical methods (18.48%), facial mucosa thickness assessed with digital imaging methods (11.96%), facial soft-tissue volume assessed with digital imaging methods (9.78%), and supracrestal tissue height assessed with clinical methods (9.78%). No distinguishable patterns of association between specific types or quality (level of bias) of clinical studies and the choice of primary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION: Clinical research on peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation has progressively increased in the last 10 years. Although clinical outcome measures were the most frequently reported outcomes in the selected literature, trends in the field are indicative of a shift from traditional clinical assessment methods to the use of digital technologies. PROMs were generally underreported but should be considered an integral methodological component in future clinical studies.

Current landmarks for gingival thickness evaluation in maxillary anterior teeth: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and report the current landmarks used for measuring gingival thickness (GT) in healthy maxillary anterior teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocol of this Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020-compliant systematic review was registered in PROSPERO. A literature search was conducted to identify articles that met the eligibility criteria published up to 2022. The methods of assessing gingival thickness and the landmarks adopted on the studies were described. Primary outcomes were identified, and the frequency of reporting in the selected articles was calculated. Additionally, risk-of-bias assessments were performed for individual articles. RESULTS: Fifty-eight articles (34 with low risk of bias and 24 with medium risk of bias) were selected. A total of 3638 individuals had their gingival thickness measured. Thirty-nine different landmarks were adopted in the studies. Fifty-six articles with 22 landmarks were included in the meta-analysis. A higher heterogeneity was found between the studies (GT ranged from 0.48 to 2.59 mm, mean GT 1.074; 95% CI: 1.024-1.104). The 3 most used landmarks were 2 mm from gingival margin (10 studies, mean GT 1.170 mm, 95% CI: 1.085-1.254), bone crest (9 studies, mean GT 1.01 mm; 95% CI: 0.937-1.083), and cemento-enamel junction (7 studies, mean GT 1.172 mm; 95% CI: 1.105, 1.239). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, a large heterogeneity in GT was found, and there was no consensus on the ideal landmark for GT measurement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The landmark 2 mm from gingival margin, located at attached gingiva, can be used for GT measurement by clinical and image-based devices. This is an important step for a quantitative instead of a qualitative evaluation of phenotypes.

Periodontal phenotype modification of complexes periodontal-orthodontic case scenarios: A clinical review on the applications of allogenous dermal matrix as an alternative to subepithelial connective tissue graft.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to address the potential applications of allogenous dermal matrix (ADM), as an alternative to subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), in promoting periodontal phenotype modification (PPM) of challenging periodontal-orthodontic clinical scenarios. OVERVIEW: The rationale behind the need of changing thin to thick gingival tissues is associated to the superior and more stable treatment outcomes promoted by PPM therapy. PPM, via soft tissue grafting, leads to clinical and histological changes of the pre-established original genetic conditions of the gingiva. Although SCTG-based procedures are recognized as the "gold standard" for the treatment of sites requiring root coverage and gingival augmentation, ADM has been recognized as the most suitable alternative to SCTG, particularly in clinical scenarios where the use of autogenous grafts is not possible. Thus, ADM is considered an optimal option for the treatment of patients with a history (or in need) of orthodontic tooth movement, due its two-fold potential indication: (1) the promotion of periodontal soft tissue phenotype modification; and (2) its use, as a barrier membrane, in hard tissues augmentation procedures. CONCLUSIONS: ADM is a viable option for soft tissue augmentation, as well as for treatment approaches involving buccal bone gain. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Periodontal phenotype modification therapy, when applied in challenging periodontal-orthodontic clinical scenarios, promotes root coverage and prevents the onset and development clinical attachment loss.

Clinical efficacy of adjunctive methods for the non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of different adjunctive methods/therapies to the non-surgical treatment (NST) of peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protocol of the review was registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42022339709) and was designed according to PRISMA statement. Electronic and hand searches were performed to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis alone versus NST plus any adjunctive method/treatment. The primary outcome was probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs were included. Only 2 out of 1189 implants were lost and follow-up ranged from 3 to 12 months. PPD reduction across the studies varied from 0.17 to 3.1 mm, while defect resolution from 5.3% to 57.1%. Systemic antimicrobials were associated to higher PPD reduction (1.56 mm; [95% CI 0.24 to 2.89]; p = 0.02) with high heterogeneity, and treatment success (OR = 3.23; [95% CI 1.17 to 8.94]; p = 0.02), compared to NST alone. No differences were found with adjunctive local antimicrobials and lasers for PPD and bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical treatment with or without adjunctive methods may reduce PPD and BoP even if complete resolution of the pocket is unpredictable. Among possible adjunctive methods, only systemic antibiotics seems to provide further benefits, but their usage should be considered with caution.

The beyond the gap filling approach: Modeling facial and interproximal tissues and improving esthetics for anterior flapless immediate implant placement.

OBJECTIVE: Maintenance of adequate interproximal tissue height between an implant and a natural tooth or between adjacent implants represents an esthetic challenge in implant dentistry. The aim of this case report is to describe a modified technique referred to as the beyond the gap filling (BGF) approach designed to improve the horizontal and vertical components of the facial aspect and particularly the height of interproximal bone peaks around immediately placed implants into fresh extraction sockets. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Four patients (five teeth) requiring anterior tooth extraction were treated with the BGF approach that included: (a) minimally traumatic tooth extraction; (b) immediate implant placement without flap elevation; (c) installation of a narrow profile healing abutment to protect the implant during grafting; (d) grafting with a construct with 90% bovine bone granules and 10% porcine collagen packed coronally to the facial and interproximal bone walls above the level of the bone crest; and (e) delivery of an immediate restoration. CONCLUSIONS: The current report suggests that the level/height of the interproximal bone crests between an implant and a natural tooth or between two adjacent implants can be improved by the BGF approach and, consequently, papilla height can be maintained in cases with a high risk of papilla height collapse and, consequently, esthetic outcomes can be maximized. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The BGF is a simple technique to be used by clinicians to prevent significant papilla collapse in anterior immediate implants and consequently achieve maximum esthetic outcomes in implant dentistry.

Post-extraction dimensional changes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To analyse the evidence pertaining to post-extraction dimensional changes in the alveolar ridge after unassisted socket healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protocol of this PRISMA-compliant systematic review (SRs) was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020178857). A literature search to identify studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria was conducted. Data of interest were extracted. Qualitative and random-effects meta-analyses were performed if at least two studies with comparable features and variables reported the same outcome of interest. RESULTS: Twenty-eight articles were selected, of which 20 could be utilized for the conduction of quantitative analyses by method of assessment (i.e. clinical vs radiographic measurements) and location (i.e. non-molar vs molar sites). Pooled estimates revealed that mean horizontal, vertical mid-facial and mid-lingual ridge reduction assessed clinically in non-molar sites was 2.73 mm (95% CI: 2.36-3.11), 1.71 mm (95% CI: 1.30-2.12) and 1.44 mm (95% CI: 0.78-2.10), respectively. Mean horizontal, vertical mid-facial and mid-lingual ridge reduction assessed radiographically in non-molar sites was 2.54 mm (95% CI: 1.97-3.11), 1.65 mm (95% CI: 0.42-2.88) and 0.87 mm (95% CI: 0.36-1.38), respectively. Mean horizontal, vertical mid-facial and mid-lingual ridge reduction assessed radiographically in molar sites was 3.61 mm (95% CI: 3.24-3.98), 1.46 mm (95% CI: 0.73-2.20) and 1.20 mm (95% CI: 0.56-1.83), respectively. CONCLUSION: A variable amount of alveolar bone resorption occurs after unassisted socket healing depending on tooth type.

Predictors of tooth loss during long-term periodontal maintenance: An updated systematic review.

AIM: To evaluate the risk factors / predictors of tooth loss in patients with periodontitis who underwent periodontal therapy and long-term periodontal maintenance (PM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS and Scholar were searched up to and including September 2020. Studies limited to periodontitis patients who underwent active periodontal therapy (APT) and followed a regular PM programme with 5 years follow-up minimum were eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies were included if they reported data on tooth loss during PM. Random effects meta-analyses of number of tooth loss per patient per year were conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-six papers regarding thirty-three studies were included in this review, with three prospective 30 retrospective trials. Subgroup meta-analysis showed no differences between prospective and retrospective studies, with an average of 0.1 tooth loss per year per patient (p < 0.001). Maxillary and molar teeth were more susceptible to be extracted during long-term PM. Baseline characteristics (smoking, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, being male and teeth with furcation lesions) showed no significance as predictor of tooth loss through meta-regression. The percentage of tooth loss due to periodontal reasons ranged from 0.45% to 14.4%. The individual outcomes in each study evidenced different patient-related factors (age and smoking) and tooth-related factors (i.e. tooth type and location) were associated with tooth loss during PM. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients undergoing long-term PM have not lost teeth. On average, long-term PM effectively causes the loss of 1 tooth per patient every 10 years. Additional prospective trials may confirm these results.

Effect of herbal mouthrinses on dental plaque formation and gingival inflammation: A systematic review.

To evaluate the effect of herbal mouthrinses as an adjuvant to oral hygiene on dental plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects with gingivitis. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane-CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS/BIREME, Clinical Trials Registry and grey literature for Randomised Clinical Trials (RCTs) published up to April 2018 without language restrictions. From 4,013 paper found, 20 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. The herbal mouthrinses achieved significant reductions in dental plaque and gingival inflammation compared to placebo rinses. Five herbal products (Camelia sinensis, Azadirachta indica, Anacardium occidentale Linn, Schinus terebinthifolius and Curcuma longa) showed better results than chlorhexidine in dental plaque and gingival inflammation reductions. However, the unclear risk of bias of most included RCTs precludes definitive conclusions. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the design of future RCT in other reduced potential bias that may affect the degree of precision of treatment outcomes in order to evaluate the effect size and clinical relevance of herbal mouthrinses.

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical visualization and light-based tests in precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity and oropharynx: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and compare the performance of autofluorescence, chemiluminescence, and clinical visual examination in the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), oral cancer (OC), and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis based on diagnostic test studies. A literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through August 30, 2020. For this review, the quality assessment tool of diagnostic precision studies (QUADAS-2) was used. Hierarchical regression models were used to estimate pooled diagnostic precision values in a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 40 studies were identified for this review according to each test evaluated: 5.562 samples for autofluorescence, 1.353 samples for chemiluminescence, and 1.892 samples for clinical examination. The summary measures sensitivity and specificity of the clinical examination were 63% and 78%, respectively, AUC = 0.78 95% CI (0.74-0.81). In the autofluorescence test, these were 86% and 72%, respectively, AUC = 0.86 95% CI (0.83-0.89); and the chemiluminescent test were 67% and 48%, respectively, AUC = 0.59 95% CI (0.54-0.63) CONCLUSIONS: Autofluorescence devices displayed superior accuracy levels in the identification of premalignant lesions and early neoplastic changes compared to clinical examination and chemiluminescent test. Overall, biopsy remains the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of OPMD, OC, and OPC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Light-based clinical methods such as autofluorescence and chemiluminescence techniques have been used in clinical diagnosis for the differentiation of OPMD and malignant and benign lesions; although detailed visual examination appears to be effective in identifying, previous systematic reviews have not evaluated a relevant number of studies and they did not evaluate the accuracy of the clinical examination.

Degree of Risk of Bias in Randomized Controlled Trials: Does It Have an Impact on Root Coverage Outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: Improvement over time in mean (MRC) and complete root coverage (CRC) reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been documented. Our objective was to assess the effect that the ROB has on relevant outcomes reported in RCTs evaluating the efficacy of a commonly performed root coverage procedure. METHODS: RCTs that involved the use of a bilaminar technique of coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft were selected. The following data were extracted: MRC, CRC, whether conflict of interest was addressed (yes/no), adequacy of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, and blinding of outcome assessment. Trials were categorized into four groups as per different time periods: before Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) (before 1996), CONSORT (1997 to 2001), CONSORT 2001 (2002 to 2010), and CONSORT 2010 (2011 to 2019). Differences between group means were assessed using statistical analyses. RESULTS: The search yielded a total of 47 RCTs published between 1993 and 2019 that met the inclusion criteria. A trend toward lower ROB over time in the selected RCTs was observed. However, differences in MRC and CRC with respect to the degree ROB of included trials were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Degree of ROB did not influence MRC and CRC reported in the RCTs included in this investigation. This finding suggests that the observed improvement of clinical outcomes over time should be attributed to other factors, such as refinement of surgical techniques.

Static computer-aided, partially guided, and free-handed implant placement: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of static computer-aided implant placement (sCAIP) compared to partially guided (PGIP) and free-handed (FHIP) implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019131397). A comprehensive literature search was performed by two independent examiners. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Treatment modalities included sCAIP, PGIP, and FHIP. Data pertaining to the outcomes of interest were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were feasible for a subset of outcomes. RESULTS: From an initial list of 2,870 records, fourteen articles for a total of ten RCTs were selected. Data from 7 of these studies allowed for the conduction of three meta-analyses comparing accuracy of implant placement across modalities. Survival rate up to 12 months post-loading was high (>98%) and comparable between treatments (low-quality evidence). No tangible differences in terms of patient perception of intra- or postoperative discomfort were observed (low-quality evidence). Quantitative analyses revealed significantly lower angular (MD = 4.41°, 95% CI 3.99-4.83, p < .00001), coronal (MD = 0.65 mm, 95% CI 0.50-0.79, p < .00001), and apical (MD = 1.13 mm, 95% CI 0.92-1.34, p < .00001) deviation values for sCAIP as compared to FHIP (8 studies, 383 patients, 878 implants, high-quality evidence). A similar discrepancy, in favor of sCAIP, was observed for angular deviation only as compared to PGIP (MD = 2.11°, 95% CI 1.06-3.16, p < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: sCAIP is associated with superior accuracy compared to PGIP and FHIP.

The impact of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the impact of nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The focused question for this systematic review was: in adults patients with periodontitis, does NSPT improve oral health-related quality of life? MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five databases (PubMed, CIHNL, EMBASE, LILACS and CENTRAL) were searched up to April 2019 (PROSPERO CRD42018103393). Intervention trials and cohort studies assessing the OHRQoL data of adults with periodontitis, enduring non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) were eligible for inclusion. Subgroup random-effects meta-analysis was conducted methodically. RESULTS: Overall, 491 studies were retrieved, out of which 19 met the inclusion criteria. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and ten cohort studies were further analysed. Seven cohort studies were included in the statistical analysis. Subgroup meta-analyses of cohort studies revealed that NSPT improves in average 2.49 (95% CI 0.95-4.02), 8.94 (95% CI 6.89-10.99) and 6.49 (95% CI 5.11-7.88) OHRQoL levels at 1-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks and 6-12 weeks of post-treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NSPT procedures greatly improve the oral health-related quality of life within a short time, remaining stable after 3 months of treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This systematic review brings forward summary evidence that NSPT improves the OHRQoL in adults with periodontitis from a patient-centred perception and remain stable in the short term.