Clinical efficacy of Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) for treatment of multiple gingival recession defects: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the efficacy of Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) compared to other methods for treating multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed through June 2023, to identify clinical trials investigating VISTA for root coverage on MAGRs. A meta-analysis with meta-regression model was employed on the primary outcomes of mean and complete root coverages (MRC, CRC), comparing VISTA with other techniques. Clinical efficacy of various graft materials was assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included, 8 of which met the criteria for quantitative assessment. The cumulative MRC (88.15% ± 20.79%) and CRC (67.85% ± 21.72%) of VISTA were significantly higher compared to the tunneling technique (SMD = 0.83 (95% CI [0.36, 1.30], p < 0.01). The baseline recession depth showed a negative correlation with CRC, whereas baseline keratinized gingiva width exhibited a positive correlation with this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The VISTA technique, particularly with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or connective tissue graft (CTG) materials, offers superior outcomes compared to the tunneling technique. The capacity of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to substitute for connective tissue graft (CTG) in VISTA-root coverage was noteworthy, provided there is adequate keratinized tissue width. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VISTA in concert with acellular dermal matrix or CTG resulted in improved root coverage, surpassing the outcomes achieved through tunneling. PRF emerged as a viable alternative to CTG, when used in conjunction with VISTA, demonstrating comparable mean root coverage. This is particularly evident in situations where sufficient keratinized gingiva is available and when patient comfort is taken into consideration.

Marginal bone level and survival of short and standard-length implants after 3 years: An Open Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The present multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial sought to compare the marginal bone level (MBL) changes and survival of 6- and 11-mm implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-five patients receiving a total of 209 dental implants were enrolled. Subjects were randomly allocated to two cohorts: test (4.0 × 6 mm; N = 108) or control (4.0 × 11 mm; N = 101) implant groups. To be randomized, all edentulous sites were anatomically qualified to receive 11 mm implant. Two to three implants were placed in maxillary or mandibular posterior regions and loaded with splinted provisional restoration after 6 weeks and definitive restoration 6 months thereafter. Test and control implants were followed by clinical and radiographic examinations on an annual basis up to 3 years. RESULTS: Radiographic assessment of MBL 3 years after loading revealed the bone to be located at 0.27 mm (±0.40) and 0.44 mm (±0.74) apical to the implant platform in the test and control groups, respectively. During the 3 years of follow-up since loading, 0.04 mm (±0.43) MBL gain and 0.02 mm (±0.76) of MBL loss were observed in the 6-mm (test) and 11-mm (control) groups, respectively. The MBL's for test and control were significantly different (p = 0.000) in favor of short implants. The cumulative survival rates from placement after 3 years were 96% and 99% for the 6- and 11-mm implants, respectively, with no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of partially edentulous posterior maxilla or mandible with 6- or 11-mm implants led to stable marginal bone level and high implant survival rate after 3 years.

Histological and Histomorphometric Response to SocketKAP™ and SocketKAGE™ Used for Ridge Preservation and Repair: Results From a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the histologic tissue response to SocketKAP and SocketKAGE as novel devices designed for ridge preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial recruited participants among patients who presented to a university dental clinic. The study protocol entailed randomization into 5 intervention groups after tooth extraction: unassisted healing of intact sockets (group A), SocketKAP (group B), anorganic bovine bone minerals (ABBM) plus SocketKAP (group C), unassisted healing of sockets with dehiscence (group D), and SocketKAGE plus ABBM plus SocketKAP (group E). The primary outcome variable was bone volume fraction of total volume (BV/TV). Secondary outcome variables were percentages of residual graft material (RG) and void volume (VV). One-way analysis of variance was run on BV/TV, RG, and VV based on the independent variable (treatment groups). RESULTS: Bone core samples were harvested from participants (N = 22) who presented for implant installation at 6 months after extraction. Sockets without biomaterial filler (groups A and B) showed more mature bone compared with grafted sockets. In groups in which sockets were filled with biomaterial (groups C and E), vital bone was observed in direct apposition to the graft particles. In group E, remnants of SocketKAGE were not readily discernable at 6 months. No substantial inflammatory infiltrate or other adverse histologic patterns were detected. Quantitative analysis showed a statistically significant difference in BV/TV between groups A and C (P = .028) and between groups A and E (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Histologic and histomorphometric results showed that the application of SocketKAP and SocketKAGE did not interfere with wound healing of extraction sockets. In agreement with previous reports, the percentage of BV/TV within sites with ABBM was smaller than within sites without biomaterial. The favorable histologic response to SocketKAP and SocketKAGE observed in the present study provided additional insights to the authors' previous studies showing the benefits of these devices in decreasing postextraction dimensional alterations of alveolar bone and tissue contour.

Treatment of multiple recession defects with vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA): A retrospective pilot study utilizing digital analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the correlation between initial site-specific characteristics of patients with multiple gingival recession defects and the outcome of root coverage therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretherapy and post-therapy study models of 21 patients (154 teeth) with multiple gingival recession defects, treated with Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA), were optically scanned. Three-dimensional analysis of superimposed preoperative and postoperative images was performed. Linear and surface root coverage were calculated and correlated to various clinical and/or anatomical parameters. A multilevel statistical analysis was conducted, adjusting for the correlation among multiple observations. RESULTS: The mean percentages of linear root coverage were 96.2 ± 13.1% and 84.3 ± 14.4% for Miller Class I/II and Class III recessions, respectively. The mean percentages of root surface area coverage were 92.1 ± 12.0% and 78.6 ± 15.7% for Miller Class I/II and III defects, respectively. Root prominence, initial recession width and posterior tooth type were negatively correlated with linear and root surface area coverage. Initial recession depth was negatively correlated with root surface area coverage. Initial gingival margin thickness was positively associated with both linear and root surface area coverage. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study identified important positive and negative site-specific characteristics that may have utility in predicting the outcome of root coverage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study used sensitive 3-dimensional digital analysis tools to examine the correlation between initial site-specific characteristics of patients with multiple gingival recession defects and the outcome of periodontal root coverage therapy. Results demonstrated that initial root prominence, loss of interdental tissue (Miller Class III), molar tooth type, initial recession depth and width were negatively correlated with the outcome of periodontal root coverage achieved. Conversely, initial gingival margin thickness was associated with increased percentage of root coverage. These site-specific characteristics may serve as important risk indicators to predict the outcome of root coverage procedure.

Minimizing the discrepancy between implant platform and alveolar bone for tilted implants with a sloped implant platform: A clinical report.

In a patient with edentulism, distally tilted implants with a novel sloped implant platform were used to minimize the discrepancy between the implant platform and alveolar bone crest and to restore complete-arch monolithic zirconia implant-supported fixed prostheses.

The influence of initial alveolar ridge defect morphology on the outcome of implants in augmented atrophic posterior mandible: an exploratory retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Clinicians commonly consider atrophic site topography as an important determinant in deciding the augmentation technique to utilize, as well as forecasting the likelihood of success. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the influence of initial atrophic posterior mandible morphology on the outcome of implants placed following augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 patients contributed 71 edentulous sites, and 185 implants were placed with mean follow-up of 37.97 months. The initial defect morphology was classified according to ABC classification (Journal of Oral Implantology, 37, 2013a and 361). Ridge augmentation was performed by "cortical autogenous tenting" (CAT) followed by either simultaneous or delayed implant placement after 4-6 months of healing. The European Academy of Osseointegration success criteria were used to evaluate implant outcomes. RESULTS: The overall survival and success rates of dental implants were 98.91% and 80%, respectively. Cumulative success and survival rates in CAT group were 95% and 100% after 2 years of follow-up. The highest marginal bone loss (MBL) was observed (1.26 mm ± 0.99) around implants placed in augmented edentulous sites with initially narrow and flat alveolar crest (defect class CII). Conversely, least MBL (0.48 mm ± 0.78) was detected around implants placed into edentulous sites with two sloped boney walls (defect class AII). Differences between MBL observed around implants placed into initial defect class C, initial defect type and class A (I, II), as well as class BII, were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among all implants, 148 were considered as successful, 26 exhibited satisfactory survival, nine with compromised survival, and two implants failed. CONCLUSION: The present data confirmed the effect of initial ridge morphology on the outcome of implants placed into augmented bone. Specifically, class A and class B atrophic ridge defects, with one and two vertical boney walls, respectively, may be considered as more favorable recipient sites than class C defects with flat morphology. This conclusion is based on least MBL around implants placed into initial defect class A and class B augmented sites, and higher MBL in implants placed into class C recipient sites. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to examine these exploratory observations.

Alveolar ridge dimensional changes following ridge preservation procedure with novel devices: part 3 - histological analysis in non-human primate model.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the histological changes following tooth extraction, ridge preservation and augmentation, using novel devices designed to obturate the oral orifice of extraction sockets (SocketKAP™) and provide structural support for sockets with defective bony walls (SocketKAGE™) in a non-human primate model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six Macaca fascicularis were imaged by cone beam computed tomography to register their preoperative alveolar bone. Three teeth were extracted in each animal, yielding intact socket walls and were divided into three intervention groups: unassisted healing negative control (Group A); SocketKAP™ (Group B); filled with anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) + SocketKAP™ (Group C). Three additional teeth were extracted in each animal, followed by surgical resection of the entire buccal alveolar bone and divided into three groups: negative control (Group D); SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™ (Group E); ABBM + SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™ (Group F). Animals were euthanized after 12 weeks, and treatment sites were examined by histology and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Control sockets with unassisted healing (Groups A and D) underwent severe loss of bone width, height and total area (approximately 40-60% loss). Application of SocketKAP™ in sites with intact walls, as well as SocketKAP™ plus SocketKAGE™ in sites with defective buccal walls lead to higher preservation of alveolar bone height after 12 weeks post-intervention. Addition of ABBM leads to the highest degree of alveolar bone dimensional preservation. Control sites with unassisted healing (Groups A and D), as well as sites treated with extraction socket devices (Groups B and E) without ABBM yielded higher percentage of vital bone, compared with sites filled with ABBM (Groups C and F). No adverse histological responses were noted to SocketKAP™ or SocketKAGE™ devices. CONCLUSIONS: SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™ devices proved effective in reducing post-extraction alveolar bone resorption mediating favorable wound healing within sockets. Addition of ABBM was associated with reduced volumetric loss, although the bone fill was characterized by less mature as well as more woven bone.

An open randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate ridge preservation and repair using SocketKAP(™) and SocketKAGE(™) : part 2 - three-dimensional alveolar bone volumetric analysis of CBCT imaging.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the efficacy of ridge preservation and repair procedures involving the application of SocketKAP(™) and SocketKAGE(™) devices following tooth removal and (ii) to evaluate alveolar bone volumetric changes at 6 months post-extraction in intact sockets or those with facial wall dehiscence defects using 3-dimensional pre- and postoperative CBCT data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients required 61 teeth extracted. Five cohorts were established: Group A: Intact Socket Negative Control Group B: Intact Socket + SocketKAP(™) Group C: Intact Socket Filled with Anorganic Bovine Bone Mineral (ABBM) + SocketKAP(™) Group D: Facial Dehiscence Socket Negative Control Group E: Facial Dehiscence Socket Filled with ABBM + SocketKAP(™) + SocketKAGE(™) . Preoperative CBCT scans were obtained followed by digital subtraction of the test teeth. At 6 months post-extraction, another CBCT scan was obtained. The pre- and postoperative scans were then superimposed, allowing highly accurate quantitative determination of the 3D volumetric alveolar bone volume changes from baseline through 6 months. RESULTS: Significant volumetric bone loss occurred in all sockets, localized mainly in the 0-3 mm zone apical to the ridge crest. For intact sockets, SocketKAP(™) + ABBM treatment led to a statistically significant greater percentage of remaining mineralized tissue volume when compared to negative control group. A significant difference favoring SocketKAP(™) + SocketKAGE(™) + ABBM treatment was observed for sockets with facial dehiscence defects compared to the negative control group. CONCLUSIONS: SocketKAP(™) , with ABBM, appears effective in limiting post-extraction volumetric bone loss in intact sockets, while SocketKAP(™) + SocketKAGE + ABBM appears effective in limiting post-extraction bone loss in sockets with dehiscence defects.

An open randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate ridge preservation and repair using SocketKAP(™) and SocketKAGE(™) : part 1-three-dimensional volumetric soft tissue analysis of study casts.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate (i) the efficacy of ridge preservation and repair involving SocketKAP(™) and SocketKAGE(™) devices following tooth removal; and (ii) ridge contour changes at 6 months post-extraction in intact sockets and sockets with dehiscence defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients required a total of 61 teeth to be extracted. Five cohorts were established with groups A-C involving intact sockets and groups D and E involving facial dehiscence: (A) Negative Control; (B) SocketKAP(™) alone; (C) Anorganic Bovine Bone Mineral (ABBM) + SocketKAP(™) ; (D) Negative Control; and (E) ABBM + SocketKAP(™)  + SocketKAGE(™) . Preoperative CBCT and laser-scanned casts were obtained. Teeth segmented from preoperative CBCT were merged with study cast images to allow for digital removal of teeth from the casts. Volumetric measurements of ridge contour were performed. Images of preoperative and 6 months post-operative casts were superimposed to measure ridge contour changes. RESULTS: Post-extraction contour loss occurred in all sockets primarily in the crestal 3 mm but was also detected up to 6 mm from alveolar crest. For intact sockets, SocketKAP(™) or SocketKAP(™)  + ABBM interventions led to greater percentages of remaining ridge contour when compared to controls. A significant difference favoring SocketKAP(™)  + SocketKAGE(™)  + ABBM treatment was observed for sockets with facial dehiscence when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: SocketKAP(™) , with or without ABBM, significantly limited post-extraction ridge contour loss in intact sockets. In the absence of a group treated with only the SocketKAGE(™) , it is not possible to determine its efficacy, although the combination of SocketKAGE(™)  + SocketKAP(™)  + ABBM was effective in limiting post-extraction ridge contour loss in sockets with dehiscence defects.

Alveolar ridge dimensional changes following ridge preservation procedure: part-2 - CBCT 3D analysis in non-human primate model.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ridge preservation involving novel devices used for obturation of socket orifice (Socket cap; SocketKAP(™) ) and resorbable cage used for space maintenance in sites with facial wall dehiscence (Socket cage; SocketKAGE(™) ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight teeth were extracted in each of six Macaca fascicularis non-human primates. Six intervention groups consisted of the following: Group A: intact socket negative control. Group B: intact socket: socket cap. Group C: intact socket filled with anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) + socket cap. Group D: dehiscence: negative control. Group E: dehiscence: socket cap + socket cage. Group F: dehiscence: filled with ABBM + socket cap + socket cage. CBCT scans were obtained preoperatively and at 6 and 12 weeks following intervention. The pre- and postoperative scans were superimposed, to quantify 3D volumetric alveolar bone changes. RESULTS: Volumetric bone loss occurred in all sockets, not only within the cretal zone (0-3 mm) to the ridge crest, as has been commonly reported by other investigators, but significant bone loss was also detected in the zone which was 3-6 mm apical to the alveolar crest. For intact sockets, socket cap + ABBM led to significantly greater percentages of remaining bone volume when compared to groups A and B. A significant difference favoring socket cap + socket cage + ABBM treatment was observed for sockets with facial dehiscence defects compared to groups D and E. CONCLUSIONS: Socket cap in conjunction with ABBM appears effective in limiting post-extraction volumetric bone loss in intact sockets, while socket cap + socket cage + ABBM appears effective in limiting post-extraction bone loss in sockets with dehiscence defects.

Alveolar ridge dimensional changes following ridge preservation procedure with novel devices: Part 1--CBCT linear analysis in non-human primate model.

AIM: This study sought to investigate dimensional changes to the alveolar bone following extraction and application of novel devices used for obturation of socket orifice (socket cap) and space maintenance in sockets with facial dehiscence (socket cage). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six Macaca fascicularis had six teeth each removed according to the following intervention groups (groups A-C intact alveolar bone; D-E facial dehiscence): negative control (A); socket obturated with cap (B); filled with anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) + socket cap (C); dehiscence negative control (D); socket cap + socket cage (E); ABBM + socket cap + socket cage (F). Serial CBCT scans at preoperatively, 6 and 12 weeks following intervention were compared to quantify linear alveolar bone alterations. RESULTS: Without therapeutic intervention, intact sockets exhibited significant reduction in width at the crestal 2 mm of the ridge crest within 6 weeks. Compared with the negative control sites which lost up to 52% of crestal bone width, sites treated with socket cap + ABBM lost at most 4% of bone width at the crestal 2 mm. Similar results were seen in the dehiscence groups, with the combination of socket cap + socket cage + ABBM maintaining the greatest socket width and height dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the current non-human primate study suggest that the socket cap and socket cage devices, when used in conjunction with xenograft proved effective in minimizing post-extraction socket width loss and height seen in both intact sockets and sockets with facial dehiscence defects.

Alveolar ridge dimensional changes following ridge preservation procedure using SocketKAP(™) : exploratory study of serial cone-beam computed tomography and histologic analysis in canine model.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this pilot study was to examine the kinetics of alterations in alveolar ridge width and height following tooth extraction with and without ridge preservation, using anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) and a novel device (SocketKAP(™) ) designed for obturation of socket orifice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary left and right PM1 and mandibular right PM2 and PM4 were extracted on six beagle dogs and treated as follows: Group A: negative control; Group B: SocketKAP(™) alone; Group C: ABBM + SocketKAP(™) . Serial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was taken at 0-, 1-, 2-, 4-, 8- and 12-week intervals to calculate the rate of alveolar bone loss, followed by histologic and histomorphometric analyses at 12 weeks. Across group outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Without additional intervention, the crestal-most 3 mm of alveolar bone width lost approximately 0.21-0.28 mm per week. The rate of alveolar buccal bone height loss was 0.19 mm per week. Comparatively, in group C, the alveolar bone was relatively stable, with loss of only 0.003-0.13 mm of width and 0.12 mm of height per week. These differences were statistically significant. The alveolar bone in sites treated by SocketKAP(™) alone was significantly different from control only at select time points and locations of the ridge, presumably due to small sample size. CONCLUSION: Without additional intervention, tooth extraction was accompanied by rapid loss of alveolar ridge width and height. Applications of SocketKAP(™) and ABBM were effective in reducing alveolar crestal width and height loss following tooth extraction.

Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cell (GMSC) Delivery System Based on RGD-Coupled Alginate Hydrogel with Antimicrobial Properties: A Novel Treatment Modality for Peri-Implantitis.

PURPOSE: Peri-implantitis is one of the most common inflammatory complications in dental implantology. Similar to periodontitis, in peri-implantitis, destructive inflammatory changes take place in the tissues surrounding a dental implant. Bacterial flora at the failing implant sites resemble the pathogens in periodontal disease and consist of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of a silver lactate (SL)-containing RGD-coupled alginate hydrogel scaffold as a promising stem cell delivery vehicle with antimicrobial properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) or human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) were encapsulated in SL-loaded alginate hydrogel microspheres. Stem cell viability, proliferation, and osteo-differentiation capacity were analyzed. RESULTS: Our results showed that SL exhibited antimicrobial properties against Aa in a dose-dependent manner, with 0.50 mg/ml showing the greatest antimicrobial properties while still maintaining cell viability. At this concentration, SL-containing alginate hydrogel was able to inhibit Aa growth on the surface of Ti discs and significantly reduce the bacterial load in Aa suspensions. Silver ions were effectively released from the SL-loaded alginate microspheres for up to 2 weeks. Osteogenic differentiation of GMSCs and hBMMSCs encapsulated in the SL-loaded alginate microspheres were confirmed by the intense mineral matrix deposition and high expression of osteogenesis-related genes. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings confirm that GMSCs encapsulated in RGD-modified alginate hydrogel containing SL show promise for bone tissue engineering with antimicrobial properties against Aa bacteria in vitro.

Regulation of the Stem Cell-Host Immune System Interplay Using Hydrogel Coencapsulation System with an Anti-Inflammatory Drug.

The host immune system is known to influence mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-mediated bone tissue regeneration. However, the therapeutic capacity of hydrogel biomaterial to modulate the interplay between MSCs and T-lymphocytes is unknown. Here it is shown that encapsulating hydrogel affects this interplay when used to encapsulate MSCs for implantation by hindering the penetration of pro-inflammatory cells and/or cytokines, leading to improved viability of the encapsulated MSCs. This combats the effects of the host pro-inflammatory T-lymphocyte-induced nuclear factor kappaB pathway, which can reduce MSC viability through the CASPASE-3 and CAS-PASE-8 associated proapoptotic cascade, resulting in the apoptosis of MSCs. To corroborate rescue of engrafted MSCs from the insult of the host immune system, the incorporation of the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin into the encapsulating alginate hydrogel further regulates the local microenvironment and prevents pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that the encapsulating hydrogel can regulate the MSC-host immune cell interplay and direct the fate of the implanted MSCs, leading to enhanced tissue regeneration.

Pluronic F-127 hydrogel as a promising scaffold for encapsulation of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide an advantageous therapeutic option for tissue engineering due to their high accessibility and bioavailability. However, delivering MSCs to defect sites while maintaining a high MSC survival rate is still a critical challenge in MSC-mediated tissue regeneration. Here, we tested the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in a thermoreversible Pluronic F127 hydrogel scaffold encapsulation system in vitro. DPSCs were encapsulated in Pluronic (®) F-127 hydrogel and stem cell viability, proliferation and differentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic tissues were evaluated. The degradation profile and swelling kinetics of the hydrogel were also analyzed. Our results confirmed that Pluronic F-127 is a promising and non-toxic scaffold for encapsulation of DPSCs as well as control human bone marrow MSCs (hBMMSCs), yielding high stem cell viability and proliferation. Moreover, after 2 weeks of differentiation in vitro, DPSCs as well as hBMMSCs exhibited high levels of mRNA expression for osteogenic and adipogenic gene markers via PCR analysis. Our histochemical staining further confirmed the ability of Pluronic F-127 to direct the differentiation of these stem cells into osteogenic and adipogenic tissues. Furthermore, our results revealed that Pluronic F-127 has a dense tubular and reticular network morphology, which contributes to its high permeability and solubility, consistent with its high degradability in the tested conditions. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that Pluronic F-127 is a promising scaffold for encapsulation of DPSCs and can be considered for cell delivery purposes in tissue engineering.

A Novel 3D Volumetric Method of Analyzing Gingival Positional and Dimensional Alterations During Orthodontic Therapy: A Pilot Study.

The aim of the present study was to develop a 3D digital image-analysis method to quantitatively assess gingival changes after clear-aligner orthodontic therapy. Using teeth as fixed reference points, 3D image analysis tools have been used to quantify mucosal level changes after specific therapies. This technology has not been applied to orthodontic therapy, primarily because orthodontic tooth movement precludes using teeth as fixed reference points. Rather than superimposing the pre- and posttherapy volumes for the entire dentition, the methodology presented herein superimposed the pre- and post-therapy volumes for individual teeth. The lingual tooth surfaces, which remained unaltered, were used as fixed references. Intraoral scans taken before and after clear-aligner orthodontic therapy were imported for comparison. Volumes were created for each 3D image and were superimposed in a 3D image-analysis software that allowed quantitative measurements. The results demonstrated this technique's ability to measure very small changes in the apicocoronal position of the gingival zenith, as well as alterations of gingival margin thickness, following clear-aligner orthodontic therapy. The present 3D image-analysis method offers a useful tool for investigating the periodontal dimensional and positional changes that accompany orthodontic therapy.

Maxillary sinus elevation by lateral window approach: evolution of technology and technique.

CONTEXT: The maxillary sinus elevation procedure has become an important pre-prosthetic surgical procedure for the creation of bone volume in the edentulous posterior maxilla for the placement of dental implants. Research and clinical experience over the past 30 years has increased the predictability of this procedure as well as reduced patient morbidity. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Data on grafting materials and implant survival rates comes from 10 published evidence-based reviews that include all relevant published data from 1980 to 2012. Supporting clinical material comes from the experience of the authors. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The evidence-based reviews report and compare the implant survival rates utilizing various grafting materials, implant surfaces, and the use or non-use of barrier membranes over the lateral window. Clinical studies report on complication rates utilizing piezoelectric surgery and compare them to complication rates with rotary instrumentation. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusions of all the evidence-based reviews indicate that the utilization of bone replacement grafts, rough-surfaced implants, and barrier membranes result in the most positive outcomes when considering implant survival. Further, the utilization of piezoelectric surgery, rather than rotary diamond burs, for lateral window preparation and membrane separation leads to a dramatic reduction in the occurrence of the intraoperative complications of bleeding and membrane perforation.

Fibrin immobilization vestibular extension (FIVE): A case series.

AIMS: The objective of the present case series is to report on the rationale, surgical technique and outcome of a protocol for peri-implant mucosal phenotype modification therapy, referred to as "fibrin immobilization vestibular extension (FIVE)". MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocol utilized entailed apical positioning and stabilization of peri-implant flap with modular screws. The screws were also used for the immobilization of solid matrix platelet-rich fibrin to fill the gap created between apically positioned flap and the crestal margin of the flap. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (12 male, 18 females) with 93 implants were treated with FIVE protocol for various indications, including for vestibular extension following alveolar ridge augmentation (N = 6), preprosthetic (N = 9), postprosthetic (N = 2), and peri-implantitis (N = 13). The keratinized mucosal width preoperatively was 1.67 mm with 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.46, 1.88). Immediately following FIVE surgery, the vestibule was extended to 9.10 with 95% CI (8.44, 9.76). At 3 months, 4.9 mm (95% CI: 4.5-5.2 mm) of peri-implant keratinized mucosal width was present. The keratinized mucosal width remained relatively stable thereafter and was 4.0 mm (95% CI: 3.5-4.5 mm) at 3 years post-FIVE surgery. When overall group means across all time points were analyzed, maxilla had mean of 6.1 mm (95% CI: 5.8-6.5) versus mandible exhibited mean of 5.1 mm (95% CI: 4.6-5.6 mm). The mean of maxilla was significantly higher than that of the mandible (p < 0.0001) across all time points. Treatment of peri-implantitis with FIVE lead to significant pocket reduction and wide band of keratinized mucosa. Seven of 38 implants in 3 of 13 peri-implantitis patients were removed due to advanced peri-implantitis. DISCUSSION: The present case series provides proof-of-principle data for efficacy of FIVE for peri-implant phenotype modification therapy that generated attached keratinized mucosa in a variety of applications. This protocol provides an alternative to procedures involving harvesting of autogenous mucosal graft.

Shortened Treatment Time for Maxillary Sinus Grafting with Simultaneous Implant Placement: Retrospective Analysis with 10-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the outcome of a maxillary sinus lateral window augmentation protocol, which sought to shorten the treatment time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This protocol entailed sinus augmentation with deproteinized bovine bone minerals (DBBM) and simultaneous implant placement in patients with minimal residual bone height. A total of 89 sinus augmentation procedures were performed in 74 patients, in whom 160 implants were placed between 2005 and 2013. The mean residual bone height was 2.6 ± 0.6 mm. The healing time before loading was 4.18 ± 0.63 months. RESULTS: In a first evaluation in 2014 the early implant survival rate (EIsR) was 96.8% after a mean period of 5.4 ± 2.2 years. A second evaluation in 2019 after a mean period of 10.4 ± 2.2 years showed a late implant survival rate (LIsR) of 83.1%. The failures after 2014 were all caused by peri-implantitis, which affected 14.6% and 16.8% of patients and implants, respectively. This prevalence of peri-implantitis does not appear to be higher than that usually observed in nonaugmented sites. CONCLUSION: This reduction in the duration of treatment compared to the usual duration of 9 to 12 months does not seem to affect the predictability of the technique.

Solid PRF Serves as Basis for Guided Open Wound Healing of the Ridge after Tooth Extraction by Accelerating the Wound Healing Time Course-A Prospective Parallel Arm Randomized Controlled Single Blind Trial.

Systematic evaluations regarding the influence of PRF in ridge sealing are still lacking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systemic randomized, controlled, clinical approach dealing with the potential of a systematic applied solid PRF on soft tissue socket healing of molar and premolar extraction sockets with evaluation for up to 90 days. Qualitative and quantitative image analysis showed that PRF contributed to a significantly faster ridge sealing, within the period of 7-10 days in both tooth types. This led to a visibly less contraction at the PRF-treated group sites at day 90. Patients' pain perception demonstrated no statistic significance between both groups (PRF vs. natural healing), but the patients in PRF group seemed to have had less pain throughout the observational period. It becomes evident that PRF is able to serve as a promotor of the secondary wound healing cascade. The guiding capacity of PRF accelerating the process of open ridge healing makes it possible to act as a natural growth factor drug delivery system, providing a more predictable guided open wound healing of the ridge with less contraction of the soft tissue, the latter being a key factor for the subsequent successful dental implantation and oral rehabilitation.