Patient-reported outcomes following dental implant rehabilitation according to reason for missing teeth: A survey from a Norwegian population 8 years following treatment.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess patient-reported outcomes (PROs) 8 years after dental implant rehabilitation in a sample with tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP) and a sample with missing teeth for other reasons (MTOR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Norwegian National Insurance Scheme registry of subsidized dental implant therapy was searched, and patients (n = 3083) rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014 were mailed a questionnaire. PROs were described by relative frequencies, and the TLP and MTOR subsamples were compared using chi-square test. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate variables potentially predicting PROs. RESULTS: Of the respondents (n = 1299), more than 90% were partly or fully satisfied with the treatment outcome. Complications were reported by 44.2%. Patients who lost teeth due to periodontitis (n = 784) reported greater oral function improvement and better pre-treatment information, and were more likely to experience complications when compared with patients who lost teeth for other reasons (n = 515). Age, level of education, self-funded cost, pre-treatment information, history of complications and the reason for missing teeth were found to predict PROs. CONCLUSIONS: In a Norwegian population rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014, satisfaction with the treatment outcome and the aesthetic outcome was high, irrespective of the reason for missing teeth. Self-report of complications and lack of pre-treatment information were the strongest predictors of inferior patient satisfaction and also predicted inferior oral function.

Attitude of Italian dental practitioners toward bruxism assessment and management: A survey-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Bruxism is a spectrum of masticatory muscles activities. According to the recent evidence and international consensus, there is no indication to treat bruxism unless clinical consequences are present. The aim of the present study was to investigate the approach of Italian dentists to bruxism in their clinical practice. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was developed, composed by 26 items grouped into five sections: (1) Characteristics of the respondent (Q1-Q6); (2) Bruxism frequencies (Q7-Q11); (3) Bruxism assessment (Q12-Q15); (4) Bruxism management (Q16-Q20); (5) Occlusal splints therapy (Q21-Q26). RESULTS: A total of 384 practitioners, including specialists and non-specialists, participated in this survey. The majority of the respondents reported that 1-3 out of ten patients presented with bruxism. The diagnosis is mainly performed with non-instrumental methods, and facial pain and dental wear are the major clinical consequence associated with bruxism. Almost the entire sample of respondents report to offer occlusal splints to bruxism patients, and 41% refer to perform occlusal adjustments. Almost half of the respondents have never proposed any form of cognitive-behavioural therapy. CONCLUSION: The results of the current survey highlighted several inconsistencies in Italian dentists' approaches to bruxism, suggesting the need for better education of practitioners and for the development of a standardized protocol to assess and manage bruxism in dental practices.

Analysis of the Improvement Effect of Combined Application of Oral Rehabilitation Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pediatric Swallowing Disorders.

Pediatric swallowing disorders are common yet often overlooked neuro-muscular system diseases that significantly impact the quality of life and development of affected children. This study aims to explore the effect of combined application of oral rehabilitation training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on improving pediatric swallowing disorders. Children meeting the inclusion criteria for swallowing disorders were divided into control and experimental groups based on different intervention protocols. The experimental group received combined oral rehabilitation training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, while the control group received only oral rehabilitation training. Results showed that the intervention was more effective in the experimental group, with shorter recovery time for normal swallowing function and improved nutritional status and quality of life. This study provides scientific evidence for clinical treatment of pediatric swallowing disorders. In conclusion, the combined application of oral rehabilitation training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation effectively improves pediatric swallowing disorders, with superior efficacy compared to single treatment methods. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action and optimize treatment protocols to enhance the therapeutic outcomes and prognosis of pediatric swallowing disorders.

Chewing performance of patients with worn dentition before and after restorations: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Tooth wear is a multifactorial complex process related to the loss of dental tissue, due to chemical or mechanical processes, by abrasion, attrition, erosion. Restorative treatment represents an attempt to rebuild and recreate the lost structure. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to investigate whether restorative treatment of worn dentition (either with direct or indirect adhesive composite adhesive procedures or with prosthetic techniques) can have an impact on the masticatory performance parameters. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted on multiple databases (Pubmed, Medline CENTRAL, ICTRP), following the PRISMA guidelines. Abstracts of research papers were screened for suitability, and full-text articles were obtained for those who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Only one article meet the inclusion criteria of the review. Restorative treatment of worn dentition although have a positive impact on the self-report ability to chew, has no effect on the masticatory performance test. CONCLUSION: At the moment, not enough evidence to comment on the actual therapeutic role of restorative treatment on tooth wear is available. Clinicians, before taking any clinical decision, should carefully discuss with patients the needs and expectations of the treatment plan.

Contact point marking with the OccluSense system-an in vitro study on reliability and validity.

BACKGROUND: Occlusal contacts can be stained and thereby visualised employing occlusal indicators. Qualitative and quantitative indicators are differentiated. The hybrid system OccluSense supposedly combines analogue contact marking and digital registration of contacts. The reliability and validity of its contact marking have not yet been validated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this controlled randomised in-vitro study was to examine the reliability and validity of analogue contact staining with OccluSense compared to Arti-Fol and the reference standard Gnatho-Film. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental apparatus was designed to simulate static occlusion. The occlusal contacts were stained 50 times with Gnatho-Film to determine the average number and location of contacts registered. For comparison, the contacts were pre-stained with Gnatho-Film and then registered with Arti-Fol or OccluSense 50 times each. Every staining was statistically evaluated and compared to Gnatho-Film alone, regarding the number and location of contacts. Based on the observed characteristic staining behaviour of OccluSense, a modified evaluation strategy was developed for its colour markings (OccluSense (mod.)). RESULTS: Both evaluations of OccluSense determine that the same number of contacts was registered in over 94% of all cases. Neither OccluSense nor Arti-Fol stain the exact same number of contacts as Gnatho-Film, but the modified evaluation OccluSense (mod.) did improve the results for validity. CONCLUSION: When employing the modified evaluation strategy, OccluSense staining achieves similar reliability and validity as the reference standard. Pre-colouring of occlusal contacts with Gnatho-Film and the modified evaluation strategy, might become standard for analysing occlusal contacts stained by OccluSense in the future.

Pain-free bite force in a healthy population: Within-session test-retest reliability in different sitting positions.

BACKGROUND: Pain-free bite force (PFBF) is a promising measure to evaluate bite function in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), yet the reliability of the measure is unknown. OBJECTIVES: Establish the (1) within-session test-retest reliability of PFBF in a healthy population for a single and mean of three trials in supported and unsupported sitting; (2) standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). METHODS: Thirty healthy participants (n = 15 female, mean [SD] age = 34.4 [11.0] years) completed two sessions (30-60 min apart) comprising three PFBF trials on each side, in both supported and unsupported sitting, to provide data for 60 (30 participants × two sides) test-retest assessments. Test-retest reliability for the first trial and mean of three trials in each position were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), before calculating the corresponding SEM and MDC for males (M) and females (F) respectively. RESULTS: Within-session reliability was considered excellent for a single trial in supported sitting (ICC = 0.85; SEM M/F = 99/84 N; MDC M/F = 275/232 N) and unsupported sitting (ICC = 0.91; SEM M/F = 72/59 N, MDC M/F = 200/163 N), and for a mean of three trials in supported sitting (ICC = 0.89; SEM M/F = 66/79 N, MDC M/F = 182/220 N) and unsupported sitting (ICC = 0.92; SEM M/F = 64/59 N, MDC M/F = 177/164 N). CONCLUSION: Single and a mean of three trials in supported and unsupported sitting appear reliable methods to measure PFBF in a healthy population. Testing PFBF using a mean of three trials in unsupported sitting appears superior over other methods though due to higher test-retest reliability, and lower SEM and MDC. Future studies should examine the reliability of PFBF in TMD populations.

Does increasing vertical dimension of occlusion in centric relation affect muscular activity? An electromyographic study.

OBJECTIVE: In many esthetic treatments, clinicians may consider the option to modify the maxillo mandibular position. A raise of the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) may help restore esthetics, increase the space for dental materials, and reduce the invasiveness of dental procedures. Traditionally, VDO increases are done by using the centric relation (CR) position. Despite a long history of use, the neuromuscular effects of different maxillo mandibular relations are not fully studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alterations of maxillo-mandibular relation from maximal intercuspal position (MIP) to a raised VDO CR position on jaw-elevator muscle activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy individuals were asked to carry out maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) in MIP and in CR on individual splints. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles was assessed in µV as the root mean square of the amplitude. Specific indexes and ratios were also computed. Data analyzed in MIP and CR were compared by paired student's t-tests. RESULTS: MVC levels were not negatively affected by a VDO increase in CR position. On the contrary masseter muscles showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.005). No significant effect on the anterior temporalis was observed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that no immediate negative effect on maximum voluntary clenching was induced by a VDO increase in CR position. A slight increase observed in EMG clenching levels could be explained by the increase in VDO when clenching on the splint. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study support the use of CR position as a pragmatic reference position due to the absence of relevant or negative changes in neuromuscular function.

Validation of the conceptual framework and intervention scope of oral function rehabilitation exercise.

OBJECTIVES: This study used a Delphi survey to define the concept of oral function rehabilitation exercise (OFRE) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and to categorise intervention domains for community-dwelling older adults. BACKGROUND: While numerous studies have been conducted to improve oral function through exercise interventions, the conceptual definition of oral exercise remains unclear and there is a lack of systematic categorisation of oral exercise intervention domains. METHODS: A preliminary model was developed based on the key findings of 19 papers selected from a prior systematic review. Its validity was confirmed through a Delphi survey conducted twice with eight expert panellists. Consensus was achieved by evaluating the validity of the OFRE conceptual framework, the accuracy of OFRE conceptual definitions, and intervention domains. RESULTS: Through expert consensus, an ICF-based OFRE conceptual framework was developed that includes 21 factors that affect the oral health status of the older adults. The OFRE intervention domain for improving the health status consisted of oral function rehabilitation warm-up exercise, masticatory function exercise, swallowing function exercise, articulatory function exercise, salivary function exercise, and oral function rehabilitation cool-down exercise, and 11 specific intervention methods were derived. CONCLUSIONS: The OFRE intervention can be used for planning and applying successful interventions to improve oral function and life function of older adults.

Assessment of oral hypofunction and its association with age among Korean community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing proportion of older adults in Korea and growing interest in aging, the concepts of oral aging and oral hypofunction have recently been introduced. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the age-specific oral function levels of Korean older adults and develop expert intervention methods for healthy aging. METHODS: Dysphagia, independence of daily living, and oral hypofunction were assessed in 206 older adults living in Wonju, Gangwon State, South Korea. Subjective dysphagia was assessed through self-report questionnaires using the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), the Korean version of Eating Assessment Tool-10, and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index. In addition, the oral hypofunction assessment items included decreased chewing ability, occlusal pressure, tongue pressure, oral dryness, and oral cleanliness. RESULTS: DHI increased significantly with age, with those in their 80 s reporting the most difficulty swallowing. Oral function in terms of chewing ability (maximum occlusal pressure and number of remaining teeth), maximum occlusal pressure, and maximum tongue pressure also declined with increasing age. While there was no significant difference in oral dryness by age, those in their 80 s had dry mouth according to the criteria of the oral moisture checking device. CONCLUSIONS: In an assessment of oral function in community-dwelling, independent Korean older adults, the number of items that were assessed as oral hypofunction increased with age. The findings can be used to standardize the oral hypofunction assessment item and develop age-based individualized intervention plans for the early management of oral health and individual oral myofunctional rehabilitation in Korean community-dwelling older adults.

Post sterilization of intraoral scan body and the effect it has on the axes and distances between three adjacent implants: in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this pilot in-vitro study was to assess the effect of sterilization on the intra-implant axis, inter-implant axis, intra-implant distance and inter-implant distance of three implants in a straight line by using laboratory scanner (LBS) versus intra-oral scanner (IOS) with intra-oral scan bodies (ISB). METHODS: A printed 3D model with three internal hex analogs in the positions 15#,16#,17# was used. Zirkonzhan (ZZ) intra-oral scan body (ISB), two-piece titanium was used. The ZZ ISBs were scanned by 7 Series dental wings (LBS) and 30 times by Primescan (IOS) pre sterilization and 30 times post sterilization. For each scan (pre and post) stereolithography (STL) file was created and a comparison between all the scans pre sterilization and post sterilization were superimposed on the laboratory scan by using a 3D analyzing software. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test performed followed by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. (p < 0.05) Results: Post sterilization of the ZZ ISB, the mean errors were significantly increased for the inter-implant distances (p < 0.0005), intra-implant distances 1,2,3 (p < 0.0005), intra-implant axis 1,3 (p < 0.0005) and inter-implant axes 13,23 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the mean errors for intra-implant axis 2 (p < 0.0005) and inter-implant axis 12 (p < 0.0005) were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: ZZ ISB showed changes in all four parameters after sterilization. The middle ISB had the largest changes in mean error regarding all four parameters. Sterilization process may affect the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the ZZ ISB after three cycles. There is a lack in the literature in this field and there is a need for further studies to explore the effect of sterilization (multiple cycles) on different ISBs and for creating an approved guidelines regarding the amount of sterilization for each ISB in the industry.

Is Periodontal and Peri- Implant Disease Associated with Fixed Partial Denture Use? A 25-year Prospective Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: The association of the periodontium with the fixed prosthesis is the basis of prosthetic rehabilitation. This prospective case series aimed to evaluate periodontal health through the relation between periodontal/peri-implant disease progression and the use of fixed partial dentures (FPDs). METHODS: Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) on either teeth or implants were evaluated at up to 25-year follow-up and compared with the baseline. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier test (p⟨0.05). RESULTS: The prospective evaluation showed that the patients maintained adequate periodontal health. Failure (severe periodontal stages) occurred in 12.5% of patients. The survival rate for 107 teeth/implants was 80.48%. The comparisons for clinical parameters revealed no statistically significant difference (p⟩ 0.05). At T1, the measurements for anterior and posterior regions, respectively, were PD =2.7mm and 3.1mm; CAL= 3.3mm and 3.6mm; GI=0.5 (both regions); and PI=0.79 and 0.62. Periodontal/peri-implant disease progression did not relate to the use of prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with more frequent follow-up appointments and lower GI and PI showed periodontal health for longer periods. Patients with different oral hygiene levels present different periodontal disease progression. Periodic hygiene control and motivation are vital factors for extensive oral rehabilitation success.

Single and partial tooth replacement with fixed dental prostheses supported by dental implants: A systematic review of outcomes and outcome measures used in clinical trials in the last 10 years.

AIM: To evaluate outcome measures, methods of assessment, and analysis in clinical studies on fixed single- and multiple-unit implant restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three independent electronic database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane) were done to identify prospective and retrospective clinical studies published from January 2011 up to June 2021 with ≥20 patients and minimum 1-year follow-up period on technical and clinical outcomes of implant-supported single crowns (SCs) and partial fixed dental prostheses (P-FDPs). An entire data extraction was performed to identify primarily the most reported outcome measures and later to define the choice of assessment methods of those outcome measures. The outcomes were analysed descriptively, and the strength of association was evaluated using the Pearson chi-square test (p ≤ .05). RESULTS: In a total 531 studies, 368 on SCs (69.3%), 70 on P-FDPs (13.1%), and 93 on both restoration types (17.5%) were included; 56.3% of all studies did not clearly define a primary outcome. The most frequent primary outcome was marginal bone level (MBL) (55.2%) followed by implant survival (5.3%), professional aesthetic evaluation (3.4%), and technical complications (2.1%). Peri-implant indices were the most reported secondary outcome (55.1%), followed by implant survival (39.9%), MBL (36%), and implant success (26.4%). Prosthetic failure (seven studies [3.9%]) was one of the least reported outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome measures and their assessment methods showed high heterogeneity among studies. Primary outcomes were not often defined clearly, and the most frequently selected primary outcome was marginal bone loss. Prosthetic outcomes, implant survival, and patient-related outcomes were only infrequently reported.

Single and partial tooth replacement with fixed dental prostheses supported by dental implants: A systematic review of outcomes and outcome measures used in clinical trials in the last 10 years.

AIM: To evaluate outcome measures, methods of assessment, and analysis in clinical studies on fixed single- and multiple-unit implant restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three independent electronic database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane) were done to identify prospective and retrospective clinical studies published from January 2011 up to June 2021 with ≥20 patients and minimum 1-year follow-up period on technical and clinical outcomes of implant-supported single crowns (SCs) and partial fixed dental prostheses (P-FDPs). An entire data extraction was performed to identify primarily the most reported outcome measures and later to define the choice of assessment methods of those outcome measures. The outcomes were analysed descriptively, and the strength of association was evaluated using the Pearson chi-square test (p ≤ .05). RESULTS: In a total 531 studies, 368 on SCs (69.3%), 70 on P-FDPs (13.1%), and 93 on both restoration types (17.5%) were included; 56.3% of all studies did not clearly define a primary outcome. The most frequent primary outcome was marginal bone level (MBL) (55.2%) followed by implant survival (5.3%), professional aesthetic evaluation (3.4%), and technical complications (2.1%). Peri-implant indices were the most reported secondary outcome (55.1%), followed by implant survival (39.9%), MBL (36%), and implant success (26.4%). Prosthetic failure (seven studies [3.9%]) was one of the least reported outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome measures and their assessment methods showed high heterogeneity among studies. Primary outcomes were not often defined clearly, and the most frequently selected primary outcome was marginal bone loss. Prosthetic outcomes, implant survival, and patient-related outcomes were only infrequently reported.

Randomised controlled trial on testing an increased vertical dimension of occlusion prior to restorative treatment of tooth wear.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of a new vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) in complex restorative treatments is considered a necessary step prior to placement of restorations. OBJECTIVES: This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the effects of using an evaluation of a VDO increase before restorative treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe tooth wear, on OHRQoL, freeway space (FWS) and interventions to restorations. METHODS: Forty-two patients with tooth wear were included and randomly allocated to either a test phase with a Removable Appliance (RA) or no test phase. Restorative treatment consisted of restoration of all teeth using composite restorations in an increased VDO. OHIP-score, freeway space (FWS) and clinical acceptability of restorations were assessed at baseline and at recall appointments (1 month and 1 year). Intervention to restoration was scored in case of material chipping or when the abutment tooth had increased sensitivity that could be linked to occlusal overloading. ANCOVA analyses, Univariate Cox regression, t-tests and descriptive analyses were performed (p < .05). RESULTS: Clinical follow-up after 1 year was completed for 41 patients. No significant effect of testing the VDO with a RA could be found on the OHIP-score (p = .14). Reduction of FWS in the RA group, compared to the control group, was significantly lower at 1 year (p = .01, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.15). No effect on early interventions to restorations was found (p = .94). CONCLUSION: This RCT showed that a removable appliance is not indicated to functionally test the increased VDO prior to restorative treatment in patients with tooth wear.

Implant-Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Mandibular Posttraumatic Severe Dentoalveolar Loss With a Reconstructive Staged Approach: A Clinical Report With 3-Year Follow-Up.

This clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a 25-year-old male patient who lost the lower incisors, right canine, and a significant amount of anterior mandibular bony and soft tissue following severe dentoalveolar trauma due to a car accident. The patient's young age, anterior esthetic zone in the lower jaw, previous mandibular fracture, and extended bony and soft-tissue defect hindering ideal 3-dimensional implant placement oriented the therapeutic plan toward a staged approach, with several reconstructive surgical procedures before implant rehabilitation. The treatment involved deepening the labiobuccal vestibule and lingual sulcus to correct cicatricial shrinkage due to previous surgical fixation of the mandibular fracture, vertical guided bony augmentation to regenerate adequate volumes of bone, free gingival graft to achieve sufficient height and thickness of peri-implant soft tissues, and a prosthetic-driven surgical procedure to place the implants in a good functional and esthetic position. This therapeutic approach restored function and esthetics and achieved outcome stability at 3-year follow-up.

Oral mycotic infection caused by a rare Verticillium species - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Deep-seated fungal infections of the oral cavity present a diagnostic challenge as the clinical presentation is usually aggressive leading to misdiagnosis of malignancy. Nevertheless, the species of fungi responsible for such diseases in immunocompromised individuals are varied thus, further complicating the diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: Presented below is a case regarding the diagnosis and management of deep mycotic infection of the oral cavity caused by a fungus that very rarely causes disease in humans, the Verticillium species. CONCLUSIONS: The case highlights the fact that rare pathogens should also be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with debilitating conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. Likewise, histopathological evaluation and microbiological investigations are of paramount importance and remain the gold standard to reach a definitive diagnosis.

Successful complete oral rehabilitation of a patient with osteopetrosis with extensive pre-treatments, bone grafts, dental implants and fixed bridges: a multidisciplinary case report.

BACKGROUND: Osteopetrosis comprises a group of inherited disorders that are rare and result in abnormal bone structure. Bone remodeling is extremely inhibited because osteoclasts are nonfunctional or lacking. This condition causes overgrowth of bone with disappearance of the bone marrow, leading to aplastic anemia; obstruction of nerve passages in the skull leads to blindness and often hearing impairment. In most cases, osteopetrosis results in oral complications such as tooth deformation, hypomineralization, and delayed or absent tooth eruption. The only curative treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The main treatment of the oral complications during childhood and adolescence consists in protecting the erupted teeth against caries disease through prophylactic treatment aimed at optimal oral hygiene through frequent regular dental visits throughout life. Many patients with osteopetrosis require major oral rehabilitation to treat complications of the disease. Improved results of HSCT increase the likelihood that dental professionals will encounter patients with osteopetrosis. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we show that individuals with osteopetrosis who have severe oral complications can be treated successfully if they are treated for osteopetrosis at an early age. The boy had his dental care in pedodontics, and regular multidisciplinary meetings were held for future treatment planning. At the age of 15, he was then referred for rehabilitation. The initial evaluations revealed no further growth in the alveolar bone. The rehabilitation was done stepwise, with extraction of malformed and malpositioned teeth. Initially, the patient received a removable partial denture followed by reconstruction of the width of the alveolar process, titanium implants, temporary fixed bridges, and finally screw-retained titanium-ceramic bridges with titanium frames for the upper and lower jaws. CONCLUSIONS: The three-year follow-up after loading indicated a stable marginal bone level and optimal oral hygiene as a result of frequent professional oral hygiene care. The patient showed no signs of symptoms from the temporomandibular joint and has adapted to the new jaw relation without any functional or phonetical issues.

Full-Mouth Rehabilitation of a Patient with Gummy Smile-Multidisciplinary Approach: Case Report.

The impairment of aesthetic function leads to a decreased quality of life. An unaesthetic smile due to excessive gingival exposure demands, most of the time, a complex treatment in which the objective is the vertical reduction of the amount of exposed fixed gingiva by obtaining a complete exposure of the anatomical crown of the teeth and restoring the ideal dimensions of the biological width. This paper presents a case of a 48-year-old female patient who was unsatisfied with her aesthetics and had disturbed masticatory function due to the absence of some posterior teeth. The cone beam computed tomography was performed to evaluate the facial and dental morphology. The treatment plan included diode laser and piezo-surgery utilization for the frontal area of the upper arch and implants to restore the distal area of the lower and upper arch. Zirconia ceramic was used for the final restorations. This complex and multidisciplinary full-mouth rehabilitation lasted for two years, and the patient was pleased with the result. This case showed that a well-established treatment plan is necessary to obtain long-lasting results. The use of adequate procedures and equipment ensures a predictable result.

Chewing and its influence on swallowing, gastrointestinal and nutrition-related factors: a systematic review.

The study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that chewing is a mechanical and physiological contributor to swallowing, physiologic/pathologic processes of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and nutrition-related factors. A search strategy was applied to three different databases to investigate if chewing function in adults affects the swallowing, physiologic/pathologic processes of the GIT, and nutrition-related factors compared to controls with no exposure. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality and risk of bias and certainty of evidence. The results showed 71 eligible studies. Overall, the results showed that 46 studies supported the hypothesis while 25 refuted it. However, the GRADE analysis showed low to very low certainty of the evidence to support the hypothesis that chewing is an important contributor in the swallowing process, and physiologic/pathologic processes in the GIT. The GRADE analysis also showed a moderate to very low certainty of the evidence to suggest that chewing function contributes to nutrition-related parameters. The overall results of the current study showed that a majority (64.7%) of the studies (46 out of 71) supported the hypothesis. However, robust studies with proper design, adequate sample size, and well-defined outcome parameters are needed to establish conclusive evidence.

Changing trends in the microvascular reconstruction and oral rehabilitation following maxillary cancer.

PURPOSE: The maxillectomy defect is complex and the best means to achieve optimal reconstruction, and dental rehabilitation is a source of debate. The refinements in zygomatic implant techniques have altered the means and speed by which rehabilitation can be achieved and has also influenced the choice regarding ideal flap reconstruction. The aim of this study is to report on how the method of reconstruction and oral rehabilitation of the maxilla has changed since 1994 in our Institution, and to reflect on case mix and survival. METHODS: Consecutive head and neck oncology cases involving maxillary resections over a 27-year period between January 1994 and November 2020 were identified from hospital records and previous studies. Case note review focussed on clinical characteristics, reconstruction, prosthetic rehabilitation, and survival. RESULTS: There were 186 patients and the tumour sites were: alveolus for 56% (104), hard palate for 19% (35), maxillary sinus for 18% (34) and nasal for 7% (13). 52% (97) were Brown class 2 defects. Forty-five patients were managed by obturation and 78% (142/183) had free tissue transfer. The main flaps used were radial (52), anterolateral thigh (27), DCIA (22), scapula (13) and fibula (11). There were significant changes over time regarding reconstruction type, use of primary implants, type of dental restoration, and length of hospital stay. Overall survival after 24 months was 64% (SE 4%) and after 60 months was 42% (SE 4%). CONCLUSION: These data reflect a shift in the reconstruction of the maxillary defect afforded by the utilisation of zygomatic implants.