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.

Critical-size defects reconstruction with four different bone grafts associated with e-PTFE membrane: A histomorphometric experimental in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the newly formed bone and the remnant biomaterial by comparing four different bone grafts used to treat critical-size defects, associated or not with the non-resorbable membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two calvaria critical-size bone defects were created in 50 male Wistar rats. They were divided into blood (G1), autogenous (G2), bioglass (G3), hydroxyapatite (G4), and xenograft (G5) groups, associated or not with e-PTFE. The experimental periods were 15 and 45 days. Sections were prepared for histomorphometric assessment. All data were analyzed by the mixed-effects model with multiple comparisons (significance level, p < .05). RESULTS: A similar level of new bone was observed for all groups, associated with a high level of vascularization. G1 and G2 ensured sovereignty over the greater quantity of new bone. A non-significant result was reported comparing groups with and without membranes. No significant result was found between the experimental synthetic biomaterials (G3 and G4). G5L achieved 22.0% of new bone after 45 days (p > .05). All groups had a stable volume of biomaterial kept in the short term (p > .05). G2 was the best material for new bone formation and final volume of biomaterial, followed by G4 < G5 < G3. Thus, it is possible that G4 had a better degradation profile among the experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: The best results were found in the autogenous group, with higher resorption and integration; non-significative new bone was found among the experimental groups; and the regeneration of critical bone defects using an e-PTFE barrier did not present significant results on new bone formation.

Root coverage of multiple gingival recessions treated with coronally advanced flap associated with xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix or connective tissue graft: a 6-month split-mouth controlled and randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare xenogeneic dermal matrix (XDM) to connective tissue graft (CTG) associated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) in treating Miller's class I and II (RT1) multiple gingival recession in a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with bilateral Miller's class I and II multiple recessions were selected. The patient's side receiving each treatment was randomly allocated to receive XDM or CTG. The clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At 6 months, no significant difference in the root coverage (RC) (95.28 ± 6.89% for CTG and 92.68 ± 7.35% for XDM) and the keratinized tissue (KT) gain (0.91 ± 0.46 mm for CTG and 0.74 ± 0.39 mm for XDM) was observed between groups (p > 0.05). The CTG group presented higher complete root coverage (CRC) than XDM (60% and 33%, respectively) (p = 0.045). Multiple logistic regression indicated that the XDM (p = 0.01) and the XDM and KT interaction (p = 0.02) negatively interfered in the CRC. A 1-mm increase in the baseline KT when using XDM increases almost 6 times the chance of achieving CRC, and XDM reached a similar CRC probability to CTG when the receptor area presented at least 2 mm of KT. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments were effective for treating multiple gingival recession; similar KT gain, GR reduction, and RC were obtained for CTG and XDM, while CTG promoted higher CRC than XDM. Moreover, the amount of KT at baseline was determinant for CRC when treating multiple gingival recession with XDM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: XDM produces limited CRC in sites with a reduced amount of KT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC) number RBR-56NZQ6.

Influence of Transmucosal Height on Loss of Prosthetic Abutment Torque After Mechanical Cycling.

The aim of this study was to measure and record the universal transmucosal abutment height, and then evaluate whether it influenced loosening of the abutment screw by analyzing the torque and detorque values after mechanical cycling. Thirty-six implants, model CM Unitite, with internal conical connections (3.5 × 10 mm) and respective universal prosthetic abutments (n = 36, 3.25 × 6 mm), were divided into three groups (n = 12 each) with respective transmucosal heights of 0.8, 3.5, and 5.5 mm. Insertion torque of 20 Ncm was used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Afterward, the samples were submitted to fatigue tests consisting of 500,000 cycles at a frequency of 2Hz, a dynamic compressive load of 120N, and an angle of 30°. The detorque values were measured with a digital torque meter and tabulated to perform statistical analyses; a level of significance of 5% was adopted. The mean detorque values (SD) obtained were 22.83 (6.30), 22.5 (5.45), and 19.41 (4.69) Ncm for transmucosal abutments with heights of 0.8, 3.5, and 5.5 mm, respectively, and showed no statistically significant difference ( P = .262). The authors of this study concluded that the transmucosal height of prosthetic abutments submitted to mechanical fatigue did not influence the detorque values.

In Vitro Microbiological Analysis of Bacterial Seal in Hybrid Zirconia Abutment Tapered Connection.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial seal at the implant-hybrid zirconia abutment interface and Morse taper-type connections through in vitro microbiological analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen implants and their respective abutments were divided into 3 groups: test (10 sets), positive control (3 sets), and negative control (3 sets). In the test group, 10 implants were contaminated with Escherichia coli using a sterile inoculating loop to the inner portion of the implants, followed by torque application to the abutment (30 N·cm). The positive controls were also contaminated, but no torque was applied to the abutment screw. The negative control consisted of uncontaminated sets. All specimens were immersed in test tubes containing 5 mL brain heart infusion (BHI) broth, maintained in a microbiological incubator for 14 days at 37°C under aerobic conditions, and monitored every 24 hours for evidence of bacterial growth. RESULTS: During the 14 days of incubation, no significant increase in the number of cloudy culture media was observed in the test group (P = 0.448). No significant difference in broth turbidity ratio was observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hybrid zirconia abutments can create an effective seal at the tapered abutment-implant interface with a 30-N·cm installation torque.

Biomechanical and histomorphometric analysis of osseodensification drilling versus conventional technique: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to search the literature for the answer to the following questions. In human studies: Does the osseodensification technique increase the resonance frequency analysis given in implant stability quotient value and the insertion torque value compared to the conventional technique? In animal studies: Does the osseodensification technique increase implant stability quotient, bone-to-implant contact, and bone area fraction occupancy values over the conventional technique? DATA SOURCES: A search for studies was carried out in eight databases until August 2021. Out of the 447 publications found, 11 were included. RESULTS: In human studies, osseodensification technique showed better results for implant stability quotient values with a summarized median difference of 8.57. As for secondary stability, there was no significant difference, with summarized median difference of 4.49 in favor of the osseodensification technique. In animal studies, all results were favorable to the osseodensification technique. Regarding insertion torque, bone-to-implant contact, and bone area fraction occupancy between counterclockwise osseodensification technique vs conventional, the mean difference was 46.79 for insertion torque, 2.17 for bone-to-implant contact, and 2.11 for bone area fraction occupancy. High heterogeneity was observed between the studies. The risk of bias in humans was moderate in three studies and low in one; and in animal studies, four presented moderate risk, two low risk, and one high risk. The certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. CONCLUSION: The osseodensification technique showed improvement concerning the resonance frequency and the insertion torque value of implants in human studies. In addition, it increased the values of bone-to-implant contact, bone area fraction occupancy, and implant stability quotient in animal studies, when compared to the conventional technique.

Clinical and histomorphometric soft tissue assessment comparing free gingival graft and a collagen matrix as alveolar-sealer materials: a randomized controlled pilot clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the alveolar sealing performance between free gingival graft (FGG) and porcine collagen membrane (MS) and qualitatively assess patient-centered outcomes via a visual analog scale. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eighteen patients were randomly divided into control (FGG) and test (MS) groups. After extraction, all the alveoli were filled with bovine bone grafts (small granules) and sealed. Follow-up was during the immediate postoperative period and after 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. After 180 days, before implant placement, tissue samples were obtained for histologic analysis. The epithelial tissues were morphometrically measured for each sample. Qualitative information on the patient's perception of the treatment was collected after 7 days. RESULTS: A faster healing was observed for the MS group. After 60 days, all the sites from the MS were partially healed, in contrast with only five from the FGG. The histologic results after 120 days showed for the FGG group a predominant acute inflammatory process, whereas chronic processes were observed for the MS group. The mean epithelial heights found for the FGG and MS were 535.69 µm and 495.33 µm, respectively (P = .54). The intragroup analysis showed significant variance among the data (P < .001) for both groups. The qualitative result showed statistically more significative comfort for the MS group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, both techniques effectively promote alveolar sealing. However, the visual analog scale result was superior and more significant for the MS group, with faster wound healing and lower discomfort.

Effect of ozone therapy on the modulation of inflammation and on new bone formation in critical defects of rat calvaria filled with autogenous graft.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ozone therapy on new bone formation and inflammation modulation in defects of rat calvaria filled with autogenous bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Critical size defects were created in the calvaria of 24 male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into four groups according to the treatment: G1: clot; G2: clot and covered with xenogenic membrane; G3: particulate autogenous bone graft; G4: autogenous bone graft and application of 3 mL O2/O3 gas mixture (10 µg/ml). The defects were filled immediately after surgery with a bilateral retroauricular application, in the region immediately above the incision. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized, and the samples were processed for morphometric evaluations designed to measure both the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, and the presence of new bone formation in the defect. RESULTS: The results showed a lower inflammation score and higher mean of newly formed bone in the region of the defect for the group associated with ozone therapy (G4). The bone formed in the region of the defect could be observed as being more lamellar and mineralized in the case of associated ozone therapy. CONCLUSION: Ozone therapy represents a promising adjuvant therapy to accelerate tissue regeneration.

A Lip Repositioning Technique Using Polyester Threads for Gummy Smile Treatment.

A new technique is proposed in this study to correct the gummy smile (GS) with myotomy, combining lip repositioning with the insertion of polyester threads at the surgical site to act as a physical barrier and control relapse. 11 patients were clinically assessed (30.2 ± 7.43 years old, 90.9% females and 9.10% males). All patients presented gingival display (GD) greater than 4 mm. Hypermobile upper lip (HUL), vertical maxillary excess (VME) + HUL, altered passive eruption (APE) + HUL, and VME + APE were the etiologies identified. Three polyester threads were inserted in each patient one month after the surgery. The GS was measured before, 6 months, and 12 months after the surgery. The results showed a reduction in the mean GD of the patients, 4.42 mm after 6 months (p value = 0.000) and 4.13 mm after 12 months (p value = 0.000). The largest relapse was 0.29 mm and was not statistically significant (p value = 0.07). The Friedman test with pairwise comparisons was used to determine the existence of statistically significant differences in GD between the periods analyzed. The results showed that the proposed technique was successful in treating GS, presenting significant reductions in the GD 12 months after surgery and controlling the relapse.

Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of two biomaterials of xenogenous origin for maxillary sinus elevation: a clinical study.

Objective: This study analyzed two xenogenous biomaterials based on deproteinized bovine bone mineral applied for maxillary sinus elevation. Method and materials: Fourteen patients were submitted to maxillary sinus augmentation with one of the following biomaterials: Criteria Lumina Bone Porous (test group) or Geistlich Bio-Oss (control group), both of large granules (1 to 2 mm). After 6 months, trephine biopsies were collected at the time of implant placement: 27 samples (11 patients) in the test group; 7 samples (3 patients) in the control group. Biopsies were analyzed by descriptive histology and histomorphometry, in which the percentages of newly formed bone, residual biomaterial particles, and connective tissue were evaluated. Results: Histomorphometry showed means for test and control groups, respectively, of 32.41% ± 9.42% and 26.59% ± 4.88% for newly formed bone, 22.89% ± 4.58% and 25.00% ± 4.81% for residual biomaterial, and 44.70% ± 9.54% and 48.41% ± 3.36% for connective tissue. There were no differences between groups (P > .05). Conclusion: This study concluded that Criteria Lumina Bone Porous presented similar histologic and histomorphometric characteristics to Geistlich Bio-Oss 6 months after sinus elevation surgery, identifying the tested biomaterial as an interesting alternative for bone augmentation in the maxillary sinus.

Low concentrations of caffeic acid phenethyl ester stimulate osteogenesis in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on osteoblast-like cell cultures (SAOS-2). METHODS: SAOS-2 were exposed to CAPE at 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 µM, and 10 µM. Non-exposed cultures were used as control. The following parameters were assayed: 1) cell viability at 1, 3, and 7 days; 2) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 5 and 10 days; 3) matrix mineralization at 14 days; and 4) Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), ALP, osteopontin (SPP1), and osteocalcin (BGLAP) gene expression at 5 and 10 days. The data were analyzed by ANOVA two-way or Kruskal-Wallis (α = 5%). RESULTS: At day 1, cell viability was similar among all groups (p > 0.05). At days 3 and 7, cultures exposed to CAPE at 10 µM exhibited a significant reduction in cell viability compared with the others groups (p < 0.05). At day 5, ALP activity was similar among all experimental groups; at day 10, however, the stain intensity was higher in cultures exposed to CAPE at 100 nM and 10 nM in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.05). At days 5 and 10, RUNX2, ALP, SPP1, and BGLAP gene expression was greater in cultures exposed to CAPE in comparison with the control (p < 0.05). At day 14, matrix mineralization was similar in cultures exposed to CAPE at 1 nM and 10 nM (p > 0.05), but superior to those ones observed in the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CAPE at low concentrations can positively module the osteogenesis in vitro.

Guided bone regeneration in staged vertical and horizontal bone augmentation using platelet-rich fibrin associated with bone grafts: a retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The use of guided bone regeneration (GBR) for vertical and horizontal bone gain is a predictable approach to correct the bone defects before implant installation; however, the use of different protocols is associated with different clinical results. It is suggested that platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) could improve the outcomes of regenerative procedures. Thus, this study aimed to describe the bone gain associated with GBR procedures combining membranes, bone grafts, and PRF for vertical and horizontal bone augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients who needed vertical or horizontal bone regeneration before installing dental implants were included in the study. The horizontal bone defects were treated with a GBR protocol that includes the use of a mixture of particulate autogenous and xenogenous grafts in the proportion of 1:1, injectable form of PRF (i-PRF) to agglutinate the graft, an absorbable collagen membrane covering the regenerated region, and leukocyte PRF (L-PRF) membrane covering the GBR membrane. The vertical bone defects were treated with the same grafted mixture protected by a titanium-reinforced non-resorbable high-density polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE-Ti) membrane and covered by L-PRF. The bone gain was measured using a cone-beam computed tomography at baseline and after a period of 7.5 (± 1.0) months. RESULTS: All patients underwent surgery to install implants after this regenerative protocol. The GBR produces an increase in bone thickness (p < 0.001) and height (p < 0.005) after treatment, with a bone gain of 5.9 ± 2.4 for horizontal defects and 5.6 ± 2.6 for vertical defects. In horizontal defects, the gain was higher in the maxilla than in mandible (p = 0.014) and in anterior than the posterior region (p = 0.033). No differences related to GBR location were observed in vertical defects (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: GBR associated with a mixture of particulate autogenous and xenogenous grafts and i-PRF is effective for vertical and horizontal bone augmentation in maxillary and mandibular regions, permitting sufficient bone gain to future implant placement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: REBEC, RBR-3CSG3J . Date of registration-19 July 2019, retrospectively registered. http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3csg3j/.

Inflammatory cell profile using different autologous fibrin protocols.

Autologous fibrin has been widely used in surgical procedures for both soft and hard tissue repair. There are different protocols and devices to obtain this matrix, with varying centrifugal time, gravity force, speed, angle of the sample tube and spinning radius. The aim of this study was to compare three methods of obtaining autologous fibrin: L-PRF using the Intra-Spin L-PRF centrifuge (Dohan protocol), the advanced PRF (A-PRF) using the Intra-Spin L-PRF centrifuge and autologous leukocyte fibrin (ALF), using the Kasvi centrifuge. Venous blood was collected from 7 healthy volunteers, which were submitted to the 3 different methods of centrifugation. The membranes were tissue-processed and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD20, CD68 and CD138. For CD68+, a lower number of cells was immunolabelled in the L-PRF group when compared to the other groups (A-PRF and ALF). For CD3+, a lower number of immunolabellated cells was observed in the ALF group when compared to the remaining groups (p < 0.05). In the A-PRF group, the CD20+ cell count was lower than in the remaining groups. No difference was observed in CD138+ cell counts between the groups. The 3 protocols tested are suitable for obtaining autologous fibrin membranes.

DC-STAMP and TACE Levels are Higher in Patients with Periodontitis.

Although periodontitis is one of the commonest infectious inflammatory diseases in humans, the mechanisms involved with its immunopathology remain ill understood. Numerous molecules may induce inflammation and lead to bone resorption, secondary to activation of monocytes into osteoclasts. TACE (TNF-α converting enzyme) and DC-STAMP (dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein) appear to play a role on bone resorption since TACE induces the release of sRANKL (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-ß ligand) whereas DC-STAMP is a key factor in osteoclast induction. The present study evaluated the levels of TACE and DC-STAMP in patients with and without periodontitis. Twenty individuals were selected: 10 periodontally healthy participants undergoing gingivectomy for esthetic reasons and 10 diagnosed with periodontitis. Protein levels of such molecules in gingival tissue were established using Western blotting. Protein levels of both TACE and DC-STAMP were higher in the periodontitis group than in the control group (p<0.05; Student t-test). In conclusion, TACE and DC-STAMP protein levels are elevated in patients with periodontitis, favoring progression of bone resorption.

Viability and collagen secretion by fibroblasts on titanium surfaces with different acid-etching protocols.

BACKGROUND: From the consolidation of surface treatments of dental implants and knowledge on the cellular mechanisms of osseointegration, studies have highlighted the importance of a connective tissue seal against the implant to prevent contamination from the oral environment and consequent biofilm formation. OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate whether different titanium surface treatments using acid solutions promoted an increase in collagen secretion, proliferation, and viability of fibroblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Commercially pure grade-4 titanium disks (6 × 2 mm) were treated with different acid solutions (hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric) for 20 and 60 min, respectively, obtaining mean surface roughness of 0.1 to 0.15 µm and 0.5 to 0.7 µm. Human fibroblasts were seeded onto different surfaces and assessed after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h for cell proliferation and viability using Trypan blue staining and MTT, respectively, as well as the secretion of type I collagen on to such surfaces using ELISA. Machined titanium surfaces were used as controls. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD test for multiple comparisons, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in cell proliferation for the different surfaces analyzed. Cell viability was significantly lower on the machined surface, after 48 h, when compared to the groups treated with acid for 20 or 60 min, which did not differ from each other. The expression of type I collagen was lowest on the acid-treated surfaces. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the acid treatment proposed did not promote fibroblast proliferation and viability nor favor type I collagen synthesis.

Histologic Evaluation of Leucocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Inflammatory Process and Repair of Noncritical Bone Defects in the Calvaria of Rats.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the inflammatory process, tissue repair, and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on bone defects in the calvaria of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: L-PRF was obtained from three animals submitted to cardiac puncture to prepare the membranes. Two noncritical defects with a diameter of 2 mm were created in the calvaria of 15 Wistar rats. The defects on the right side were filled with a blood clot (CTRL) and the left side with L-PRF. After 5, 15, and 30 days, the animals were euthanized and the specimens processed for histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. In order to measure the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate and VEGF expression, scores were assigned from 0 to 3, with 0 being no expression, 1 discrete (up to 25%), 2 moderate (between 25% and 50%), and 3 intense (> 50%) expression. The area of bone neoformation at the edges of the defects was also quantified. RESULTS: A less intense inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the defects filled with L-PRF compared with CTRL at all times analyzed (P < .05). At 5 days, no bone neoformation was observed in any of the groups evaluated. After 15 and 30 days, greater bone neoformation was observed in the group treated with L-PRF compared with the CTRL group (P < .05). At 15 days, 3,871.8 (1,070.15) µm2 were recorded for the CTRL and 49,978.5 (14,360.7) µm2 in the L-PRF. At 30 days, 62,284.5 (3,579.5) µm2 were observed in the CTRL and 154,076.6 (31,464.9) µm2 in the L-PRF. At all evaluated times, a lower inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the group treated with L-PRF compared with the CTRL. VEGF expression was observed in the initial phase and throughout the tissue repair process in both groups. At 5 days, there was no difference in VEGF expression between the groups. VEGF was present at the initial phase and throughout the tissue repair process in both groups. In the L-PRF group, a decrease in VEGF expression was observed at 15 and 30 days compared with the CTRL group. CONCLUSION: L-PRF had a positive effect on the regenerative process of bony defects, with a reduced inflammatory response and greater bone neoformation.

Peri-implant bone loss around posterior mandible dental implants placed after distraction osteogenesis: preliminary findings.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluates implant survival and peri-implant bone loss around posterior mandible dental implants placed at sites of distraction osteogenesis. METHODS: On removal of the distraction devices, 34 dental implants were inserted into 14 posterior mandible sites in 10 healthy, non-smoking female patients. Prosthetic treatment was performed 4 months after implant placement using fixed implant prostheses. After 6 to 16.5 months, periapical radiographs were taken and evaluated for peri-implant bone loss and radiolucency. The distance between the implant margin and the first visible bone-implant contact was measured on the mesial and distal aspects of the implants using imaging software. Radiographic dimensional distortion was corrected as a function of the known true dimension of the implant. RESULTS: Of the 34 implants placed, two (5.9%) failed to integrate at reentry surgery. Both were replaced and restored during the course of the study so that a total of 34 implants was followed for 12.1 +/- 3.8 months post-restoration and 16.1 +/- 3.8 months post-insertion. Mean loss of marginal bone height was 2.6 +/- 1.0 mm. During the follow-up period, radiolucent lines along the implant surface were absent. CONCLUSIONS: The mean peri-implant bone loss in areas of alveolar bone distraction was 1.9 mm/year. A high implant survival rate was observed.

Microbiological Sealing Analysis of a Tapered Connection and External Hexagon System.

Considering the variety of implant connection systems available in the market and the contrasting literature regarding tapered connection systems in terms of bacterial leakage, the aim of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of the bacterial seal at the implant/abutment interface between an external hexagon and a tapered connection system. Twelve sets of indexed tapered connection components and twelve sets of external hexagon connection components were used for microbiological analysis. In addition, for each model, an implant with its respective prosthetic abutment was used as a negative control and another as a positive control of microbial contamination. Failure of the abutment/implant interface seal was observed via turbidity or presence of deposits in the culture. Descriptive analysis of the data and relative frequency (percentage) as well as Fisher's exact test were used at a significance level of 5%. Two of ten (20%) external hexagon specimens showed contamination against 0/10 (0%) tapered connection implants. In conclusion, both implant/abutment connections were able to prevent bacterial leakage in vitro.

Coronally positioned flap with subepithelial connective tissue graft for root coverage: various indications and flap designs.

Aesthetic concerns and functional abnormalities, such as dentin hypersensitivity, are often associated with gingival recession defects. Root coverage procedures aim to restore both gingival aesthetics and function in recession defects. The coronally positioned flap combined with the subepithelial connective tissue graft is one of the most widely used root coverage procedures. The present report illustrates four different indications where this procedure has been successfully employed. An isolated Miller class II recession defect associated with frenum pull, multiple adjacent Miller class I defects in the aesthetic zone, an isolated Miller class I defect associated with dentin hypersensitivity, and an isolated Miller class II defect on a retained deciduous tooth are the four diverse conditions treated by periodontal plastic surgery. Different approaches were used to create the coronally positioned flap. Treatment resulted in complete root coverage, resolution of hypersensitivity, and satisfaction of the patients' aesthetic concerns. An effective and predictable treatment modality, such as the coronally positioned flap combined with the subepithelial connective tissue graft, should be considered when treatment planning for gingival recession defects.

Microbiological Seal of Two Types of Tapered Implant Connections.

Tapered implant connections have gained wide popularity for being more resistant to fatigue and for promoting a better seal against bacterial infiltration than conventional connections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial seal at the implant-abutment interface using two Morse taper implant models, by in vitro microbiological analysis. Eleven non-indexed and 11 indexed abutments were selected and connected to their respective implants with a 20 N torque, according to manufacturer's recommendation. Microbiological analysis was carried out using colonies of Escherichia coli transported directly from a culture dish to the prosthetic component. For control, one non-contaminated abutment-implant set from each group (negative control) and one contaminated implant with no abutment (positive control) were used. The specimens were immersed in BHI broth and maintained in an incubator at 37 °C for 14 days to assess the development of bacterial contamination. The results revealed that 36.4% (n=4) of the indexed components and 90.9% (n=10) of the non-indexed components allowed bacterial leakage, with significant difference between groups (p=0.0237). In conclusion, both tapered components failed to provide adequate sealing to bacterial leakage, although the indexed type components showed a superior seal compared with non-indexed components.