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ABSTRACT Aim Materials and Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the clinical outcomes of moderate intrabony defects treated with minimally invasive non‐surgical technique (MINST) with or without adjunctive delivery of cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) gel.Forty‐two patients with 42 interdental intrabony defects were randomly assigned to test (MINST + xHyA) or control procedures (MINST alone). Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR) and bleeding on probing (BOP) at the treated sites were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS) and full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS) were recorded at baseline and after 6 months. Radiographic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 6 months, assessing the defect fill (DF) and radiographic defect angle (RDA). The primary outcome variable was PD change.Thirty‐eight patients completed the trial without any adverse events. At 6 months, a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) was measured in all clinical parameters except GR (p > 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control procedures (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences between the test and control sites were observed at 3 months for PD and CAL changes (p < 0.05). The DF change was statistically significant when comparing experimental and control procedures at 6 months (p < 0.05). Both procedures failed to show statistically significant differences in terms of RDA changes at 6 months (p > 0.05).Within their limitations, the present results indicate that (a) treatment of intrabony defects with MINST, with or without application of xHyA gel, resulted in statistically significant improvements in the investigated clinical parameters at 3 and 6 months after therapy, and (b) although the adjunctive use of xHyA gel to MINST improved the clinical outcomes compared with MINST alone up to 3 months, statistically significant differences were not observed at 6 months. The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT05188898). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the pericapsular nerve group block and local infiltration analgesia (LIA) combination as the only anesthesia technique for the total hip arthroplasty (THA). We considered the anesthetic plan, postoperative analgesia, hospital length of stay, functional recovery, bleeding, complications and the adverse events. We reported 10 ASA I-II patients admitted for elective primary THA, receiving LIA during (5) and at the end of surgery (5). For the PENG block we used a single injection of 40 ml levobupivacaine 0.25% and dexamethasone 4 mg. For LIA, a mixture of 0.25% levobupivacaine, ketorolac, epinephrine, and morphine was injected into periarticular tissues. The pain intensity was evaluated with a numeric rating scale. All patients were fully satisfied and improvement in pain relief, symptoms, and functional activity was remarkable. Intraoperative blood losses ranged 100-600 ml. No intraoperative complications or signs of toxicity occurred. The median duration of surgery was 59.5 ± 4.5 min and the hospital stay ranged between 2 and 3 days. PENG block and LIA could be hypothesized as an effective and safety anesthesia technique for the THA surgery, facilitating hip functional recovery and limit intraoperative blood losses and adverse events., Author(s): Micol Sandri [sup.1], Andrea Blasi [sup.1], Roberto Alberto De Blasi [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) Domun Nova Hospital, , Ravenna, Italy (2) grid.7841.a, Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Translational Medicine, [...]

This retrospective study compares clinical and radiographic results of implants with and without a laser-microtextured collar placed in patients with a past history of periodontitis after 10 years of follow-up. A total of 57 implants (29 implants with laser-microtextured collar, 28 implants with a smooth collar) were placed in 35 patients. After 10 years of follow up, the survival rates (SRs) were 87.9% and 84.8% for implants with and without a laser-microtextured collar, respectively. No statistically significant differences (P > .05) were found between groups in terms of full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores. However, a statistically significant difference (P < .05) was recorded in terms of probing depth (PD) and marginal bone loss (mBL). Within the limitations of this study, implants with a laser-microtextured collar and implants with a smooth collar placed in patients with a past history of periodontitis yielded no statistically significant differences in SRs after 10 years of follow-up. However, implants with a laser-microtextured collar showed lower PD and mBL compared to implants with a smooth collar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of coronally advanced flap (CAF) in combination with connective tissue graft (CTG) in the treatment of gingival recessions. Method and materials: Periodontal charts of 13 patients with single and multiple gingival recessions treated by means of CAF and CTG with a follow-up of 7 years were selected for the study. Full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), gingival recession depth (GRD), gingival recession width (GRW), height of keratinized gingiva (KG), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed at baseline, and after 1 and 7 years of follow-up. Complete root coverage (CRC) was evaluated at 1 year and after 7 years of follow-up. A comparison of gingival recessions with or without non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) was also performed. Results: All clinical variables showed a significant improvement (P < .05) between baseline and after 7 years of follow-up. CRC was achieved in 69.2% and 53.8% of sites after 1 and 7 years of follow-up, respectively. The comparison between gingival recessions with and without NCCL did not show statistically significant differences (P > .05) in terms of all parameters. Conclusions: Within limits of the present study, the combination of CAF and CTG for the treatment of single and multiple recessions yielded positive outcomes in terms of GRD reduction and CRC after 7 years. These findings were independent of the presence of NCCLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore knowledge, practice, and attitude on oral cancer (OC) among a cohort of Italian dental hygienists, in consideration of their role in the field of early diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 150 Italian dental hygienists was performed to assess the participant's knowledge, practice, and attitude on OC. Data were collected using a structured self‐administered questionnaire (through Google Forms). The questionnaire included four sections: sociodemographic information, disease knowledge, answers related to attitudes toward OC, and a questionnaire assessing the practice of dental hygienists on oral screening. Results: Responses were received from 137 participants (83 women and 54 men). Overall, there is a good knowledge of the real risk factors among the participants (98.5%, 98.5%, and 94.2% regard smoking, alcohol, and HPV, respectively). The analysis related to the knowledge of non‐risk factors, oral potentially malignant disorders, and clinical features of OC showed more heterogeneous results. Only 60% considered university education to be adequate. The totality of dental hygienists considered continuing education necessary, but despite this, only half took updating courses. Finally, 90% performed intraoral screening visits, and 95% and 69% investigated smoking and alcohol consumption, respectively. Conclusions: Our data showed the need to implement OC training courses by re‐evaluating pre‐ and post‐graduate training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the stability of soft tissues around implants by comparing mucosal recessions in patients with keratinized mucosa (test) with patients without keratinized mucosa (control) around osseointegrated dental implants. Method and materials: The PICO criteria used were as follows: Population, patients with osseointegrated dental implants; Intervention/exposure, presence of a keratinized mucosa; Comparison/control, absence of keratinized mucosa; Outcome, presence or absence of peri-implant mucosal recessions (mm). Data sources: An electronic search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Oral Health Group specialist trials supplemented by manual searching was conducted to identify studies reporting outcomes of at least 5 years on the presence of mucosal recessions at implants with or without attached mucosa. Mucosal recession (MR) was set as primary outcome. Prospective cohort studies published in English language up to October 2018, with a mean follow-up period of at least 5 years, reporting keratinized tissue height = 2 mm and < 2 mm or presence/absence of keratinized tissue, with fixed implant-supported prostheses. The homogeneity of studies was assessed by DerSimonian and Laird test (Q test). The differences in terms of gingival recession around implants reported between test groups (keratinized mucosa = 2 mm) and control (keratinized mucosa < 2 mm or no keratinized mucosa) were compared. Two studies reporting 201 patients with 514 tissue level implants were selected for the final analysis. Results: Due to the high heterogeneity between the selected studies, no statistical test could be performed. However, in both studies a deeper mucosal recession occurred when keratinized mucosa was < 2 mm: 0.61 ± 0.10 (-0.90; -0.32) and -1.92 ± 0.12 (-2.16; -1.68), respectively. Conclusion: Within their limitations, the findings indicate that after a mean observation period of at least 5 years, the presence of keratinized mucosa may lead to less mucosal recession at dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare resolution of inflammation of naturally occurring peri‐implant mucositis (PM) at tissue‐level (TL) and bone‐level (BL) implants after non‐surgical mechanical debridement. Materials and Methods: Fifty‐four patients with 74 Implants with PM were allocated in two groups (39 TL and 35 BL implants) and treated by means of subgingival debridement using a sonic scaler with a plastic tip without adjunctive measures. At baseline and at 1, 3, 6 months, the full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS), full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and modified plaque index (mPlI) were recorded. The primary outcome was BOP change. Results: After 6 months, the FMPS, FMBS, PD, and number of implants with plaque decreased statistically significantly in each group (p <.05); however, no statistically significant differences were found between TL and BL implants (p >.05). After 6 months, 17 (43.6%) TL and 14 (40%) BL implants showed a BOP change in (17.9%) and (11.4%), respectively. No statistical difference was recorded between groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of present study, the findings showed no statistically significant differences in terms of changes in clinical parameters following non‐surgical mechanical treatment of PM at TL and BL implants. A complete resolution of PM (i.e., no BOP at all implant sites) was not achieved in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the healing of periodontal intrabony defects treated using enamel matrix derivative (EMD) after at least 5 years of follow-up. Six patients with seven intrabony defects were included in the study. Treatment with EMD yielded a mean clinical attachment level gain of 4.3 ± 2.4 mm, a mean probing depth reduction of 4.7 ± 2.1 mm, and a mean gingival recession increase of 0.7 ± 1.8 mm. Reentry measurements showed a complete resolution of the intrabony defect in five cases, while in two cases a residual intrabony component was recorded. The present study indicates that treatment using EMD provided good clinical outcomes maintained in most cases over a period of at least 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the onset and severity of pain and other complications following lower impacted third molar extraction and to identify potential risk predictors. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients were treated with at least one lower impacted third molar extraction. The primary outcome was the onset of post-operative pain, evaluated at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days. The secondary outcomes (trismus, edema, alveolitis, dehiscence, neuralgic injury, and suppuration) were recorded at 3, 7 and 21 days after oral surgery. A correlation analysis was performed to identify potential associations between patient- and tooth-related factors and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) scale. When a statistically significant correlation was identified, a regression analysis was performed. Results: Most of the patients were female (84%) with a mean age of 25 ± 3 years; the reason for oral surgery was dysodontiasis in 60% of cases, while the most frequent Pell and Gregory class was BII (36%). The VAS scale showed the onset of mild pain at 6 h (44%), 12 h (48%), 24 h (68%) and 48 (68%) after surgery. Trismus, edema, and alveolitis were observed at 3-day (20%, 64% and 12%, respectively) and at 7-day (16%, 12% and 4%, respectively) follow-up. Neuralgic injury was reported in one case (4%). The linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the duration of oral surgery and VAS scores at 6 and 12 h. Finally, the binary logistic regression identified systemic disease, Pell and Gregory classification, duration of oral surgery, VAS at 6 and 12 h, trismus, and edema at 3 and 7 days as predictive factors of post-operative complications. Conclusions: Within their limits, the results of this study suggest that the onset of post-operative complications increases in proportion to the duration of the surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the periodontal tissue inflammation indexes in patients undergoing different orthodontic treatment. Method and Materials: The Cochrane Oral Health Group specialist trials, Medline, and Embase databases were used for the research. All the included studies had to report bleeding on probing (BOP) depth as primary outcome. Changes in probing depth, clinical attachment level, Gingival Index, and Periodontal Index were included in the review as secondary outcome measurements. Results: Ten studies reporting on 421 patients and different types of orthodontic treatment were selected for the analysis. Owing to the heterogeneity of studies present in the literature, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis. Conclusion: Within their limits, the results showed an increase of periodontal parameters after orthodontic treatment, indicating that it influences the accumulation and composition of the subgingival microbiota and subsequently induces more inflammation and higher BOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various irrigation techniques for cleansing the endodontic space have been proposed, and internal heating combined with ultrasonic activation (3D cleaning technique) is considered an effective technique. This prospective multicenter clinical study aims to evaluate healing rates for teeth after root canal treatment utilizing the 3D cleaning technique and to report predictive values for success. Material and Methods: Ninety patients referred for a root canal treatment were included. All enrolled patients were treated with the 3D cleaning protocol. Four endodontists performed the clinical procedures and follow-up evaluations. Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up data were gathered from the consented patients. Each patient was assessed for any clinical signs or symptoms. Afterwards, two trained, blinded, and independent evaluators scored the subject's periapical radiographs. This score was made by checking for the presence or absence of apical periodontitis using the periapical index (PAI). Then, the teeth were classified as healing or healed and were considered a success based on a cumulative success rate of healing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher's exact test, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression analyses of the preoperative prognostic factors at a 0.05 significance level. Results: 90 patients were evaluated at two years with a follow-up rate of 97.7%. The cumulative success rate of healing was 95.4%. Eight predicting aspects were identified by employing bivariate analyses. Then, using logistic analyses, the two prognostic significant variables directly correlated to healing were the preoperative presence of periapical index (p value = 0.016). Conclusions: In this two-year clinical study, the cumulative success rate of healing was 95.4% when patients were treated with the 3D cleaning protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An adequate blood supply plays a leading role in the healing process of the post-extractive socket; its coagulation leads to fibrin clot formation, which acts as a physical barrier able to prevent postoperative bleeding and microbial infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antiaggregant drugs in healing post-extraction sockets compared to natural wound healing. Methods: This was a single-center prospective clinical trial. Extraction sockets allocated in healthy patients and in patients assuming antiplatelet drugs were considered. Thirty consecutive patients under (treated with/in treatment with) oral antiplatelet treatment were enrolled in the test group. In order to provide a control group, 30 consecutive patients meeting all the exclusion and inclusion criteria were enrolled. The extraction of the mono-radicular tooth was atraumatically performed without gingivoplasty or osteotomy procedures that could influence the healing process. Photographs were obtained before and immediately after surgery and at 3-, 7-, 14- and 28-days follow-up. Results: All patients assumed the prescribed therapy and their post-operative recovery was uneventful without any kind of post-extractive complications. The results of inter-group comparison show that on the third and seventh days of follow-up, the antiplatelet group expressed a statistically significant higher level of healing compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while no statistically significant differences were recorded at 14- and 28-days follow-up. Conclusions: Patients treated with antiplatelet agents seemed to show that this therapy can positively affect the healing process after tooth extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical remodeling of the alveolar socket following the application of bovine-derived xenograft collagen and collagen membrane compared to natural spontaneous healing during the first 6 months following tooth extraction. A total of 20 patients with 20 fresh alveolar sockets were randomly allocated into a test or control group. After a 6-month follow-up period, surgical reentry was performed and implants were placed. Significant statistical differences were recorded in terms of vertical and horizontal bone changes between the test and control groups. Within the limitations of this study, socket preservation procedures may provide more favorable conditions for subsequent implant placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Evidence on the awareness and knowledge level of oral cancer and its associated risk factors among dental hygienists is scarce; this systematic review aimed to synthesize their available evidence of the level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Methods: PubMed and Scopus were searched for publications from any year up to January 2021. Studies about knowledge and/or attitudes and/or practices of dental hygienists have been taken into account. Overall, 14 studies have been selected for the systematic review. Results: Excluding tobacco use (99.8%–100%), considerable variability were found among dental hygienists about important oral cancer risk factors such as alcohol consumption (30.0%–90.0%), human papilloma virus (23.0%–90.0%), oldness (37.7%–69.3%), diet (30.0%–42.2%) and betel quid chewing (5.0% and 98.0%). There was a good level of awareness among dental hygienists regarding leukoplakia (86.5%), instead less than half recognized erythroplakia as a precancerous lesion. Moderate knowledge was recorded about frequent sites of oral cancer development. Most of dental hygienists reported to perform intraoral screening (85.2%–100%). To regard attitude, a great variability was found about adequacy of undergraduate training (15.7%–75.0%) and most of dental hygienists expressed the need for continuing education (92.7%–99.0%). Conclusions: Dental hygienists play a key role in oral cancer detection. Low knowledge of oral cancer among dental hygienists is strongly associated with the low levels of early detection. These findings provide useful information to improve continuing education programmes pre‐ and post‐graduation targeted at the prevention of oral cancer in order to reduce oral cancer morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A papilla preservation crown-lengthening procedure (PPCL) was proposed for treatment of the maxillary anterior teeth (canine to canine) and compared to two traditional techniques. Method and Materials: Thirty patients were assigned to three treatment groups: PPCL, the apically positioned flap with buccal approach (APF-B), and the apically positioned flap with buccal and palatal approach (APF-BP). Several clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Results: Although no statistically significant differences were reported in many of the clinical parameters examined, APF-B and APF-BP showed a significantly higher interproximal clinical attachment loss when compared to PPCL. In the PPCL group, there was a significant increase in esthetic appraisal by the patients. Conclusion: Crown lengthening using a papilla-preservation flap approach and osseous recontouring is a viable alternative approach and could be useful in esthetic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this case series study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic changes of soft and hard tissues around tapered, platform-switched, laser-microtextured implants 24 months after crown placement. Materials and Methods: Twenty tapered, platform-switched, laser-microtextured collar implants were placed in 20 patients. Full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, probing depth, and mucosal recession were recorded at the time of crown cementation and after 24 months follow-up. The marginal bone-level changes at the mesial and distal aspects of the implants were calculated by subtracting from baseline and 24-month implant marginal bone level. Results: In terms of the full-mouth plaque score and full-mouth bleeding score, tapered, platform-switched, laser-microtextured implants showed statistically significant improvements at 6 months when compared to baseline (P < .001). Statistically significantly deeper probing depths (P < .001) were found when comparing baseline and at 24 months at mesial, lingual, and distal sites. However, no statistically significant difference was found at the buccal aspects (P = .064). Radiographic marginal bone loss at 2-year follow-up for tapered, platform-switched, laser-microtextured implants was 0.72 ± 0.16 mm and 0.67 ± 0.15 mm at the mesial and distal sites, respectively. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, tapered, platform-switched, laser-microtextured implants maintained marginal bone level (less than 1 mm radiographic bone loss) as well as limited mucosa recession over a 2-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the pulp tissue dissolution from isthmus of a two‐rooted maxillary premolar using different final irrigation protocols. After root canal preparation, the surface of the tooth was reduced to an extent that the isthmus could be observed, and 1 mg of pulp tissue was introduced into the isthmus which was covered with a glass slide. Following six groups were tested: syringe and needle; subsonic activation; sonic activation; ultrasonic activation; heating followed by sonic activation; and heating followed by ultrasonic activation. Before and after each experiment a photograph of the isthmus was taken at 30× to register the area of the pulp tissue. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests (P < 0.05). Syringe and needle group showed the lower value of pulp tissue dissolution followed by subsonic irrigation procedures. Pulp tissue dissolution was significantly higher when heating was followed by sonic or ultrasonic activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: the aim of this study was to evaluate if dental anxiety can be measured objectively using thermal infrared imaging. (2) Methods: Patients referred to the Department of Oral Surgery of the University of Naples Federico II and requiring dental extractions were consecutively enrolled in the study. Face thermal distribution images of the patients were acquired before and during their first clinical examination using infrared thermal cameras. The data were analyzed in relation to five regions of interest (ROI) of the patient's face (nose, ear, forehead, zygoma, chin). The differences in the temperatures assessed between the two measurements for each ROI were evaluated by using paired T-test. The Pearson correlation and linear regression were performed to evaluate the association between differences in temperatures and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) questionnaire score, age, and gender; (3) results: sixty participants were enrolled in the study (28 males and 32 females; mean age 57.4 year-old; age range 18–80 year-old). Only for nose and ear zone there was a statistically significant difference between measurements at baseline and visit. Correlation between the thermal imaging measurements and the scores of the MDAS questionnaire was found for nose and ear, but not for all of the other regions. (4) Conclusions: the study demonstrated a potential use of thermal infrared imaging to measure dental anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histologic and clinical studies confirm that laser-microtextured implant collars favor the attachment of connective fibers and reduce probing depth and periimplant bone loss when compared with machined collars. This prospective study aimed at assessing the alveolar dimensional changes after immediate placement of a transmucosal implant with a Laser-Lok microtextured collar associated with bone regenerative procedures. Thirteen implants were placed immediately into single-rooted extraction sockets. Peri-implant defects were treated with bovinederived xenografts and resorbable collagen membranes. At 6-month surgical reentry, the Laser-Lok microtextured collar provided more favorable conditions for the attachment of hard and soft tissues and reduced the alveolar bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of ultrasonic activation of intracanal‐heated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on its dentinal tubular penetration and root canal cleanliness in vitro. In experiment 1, mandibular premolars were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 8): group A, ultrasonic activation; group B, ultrasonic activation of intracanal‐heated NaOCl and group C, syringe‐and‐needle irrigation. Penetration of the fluorescent‐labelled NaOCl was investigated using light microscopy. In experiment 2, mandibular premolars were randomly allocated to group B or C (n = 10), for histological analysis of the remaining pulp tissue and debris. Data were statistically analysed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests (P = 0.05). The highest penetration of NaOCl was observed in group B, followed by group A (P < 0.05). Group B showed significantly less amount of debris than group C (P < 0.05). Dentinal tubule penetration of NaOCl and root canal cleanliness were significantly improved by ultrasonic activation of intracanal‐heated NaOCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate in vitro, using artificial lateral canals, the rate of dissolution of the pulp tissue through different protocols of canal irrigation. Materials and Methods: One hundred artificial canals provided with lateral canals have been used. Each lateral canal was filled with pulp tissue and calibrated to 0.002 mg. All canals were irrigated using five different protocols. Five groups have been used for the experiment: Group A, distilled water (control); Group B, preheated NaOCl; Group C, NaOCl heated inside the canal; Group D, NaOCl ultrasonically activated and Group E, NaOCl heated inside the canal with ultrasonic activation. All samples were weighed through professional microbalance in three different phases: before insertion of the pulp tissue into the lateral canal, after insertion of the pulp tissue and, finally, after different protocols of irrigation. A statistical analysis with Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test was performed. Results: The partial dissolution of the pulp tissue inside the artificial lateral canal occurs only using the protocol with NaOCl heated inside the canal with ultrasonic activation. Other irrigation protocols are not able to dissolve the pulp tissue. Discussion and Conclusions: The main objective of endodontic therapy is the removal of damaged tissues and bacteria. Modern literature highlights that it is impossible to remove all the pulp tissues and bacteria from the whole endodontic space. Hence, to achieve excellence and get positive results in the short and long term, it is necessary to use techniques and technologies that may increase the degree of root canal detersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate surface roughness alterations at the smooth neck of dental implants after the use of eight different prophylactic procedures. Materials and methods 50 tissue level implants (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) were used for the present investigation. The smooth collar of each implant was divided into two segments, each treated with one of eight cleaning procedures: use of a rubber cup ( RCZ) or a brush ( BZ) combined with an abrasive paste containing zirconium or a paste derived from perlite ( RCP, BP); use of 2 composite resin burs reinforced by zirconium glass fibers (F1, F2); and use of an air-polishing system with glycine powder and two power settings ( AP1, AP2). The qualitative alterations were recorded by means of a laser profilometer and the mean roughness ( Ra) and mean roughness profile depth ( Rz) were reported. Twenty untreated surfaces were used as controls. Results The implant collars treated with RCZ ( Ra = 0.33 μm, Rz = 2.43 μm) or BZ ( Ra = 0.30 μm, Rz = 3.70 μm) yielded the highest roughness values, followed by the surfaces treated with RCP ( Ra = 0.28 μm, Rz = 2.02 μm), with BP ( Ra = 0.25 μm, Rz = 2.16 μm) and by the use of F1 ( Ra = 0.27 μm, Rz = 2.22 μm) and F2 ( Ra = 0.27 μm, Rz = 2.04 μm). The lowest roughness values were observed in the AP1 ( Ra = 0.23 μm, Rz = 1.60 μm) and AP2 ( Ra = 0.16 μm, Rz = 1.06 μm) group, respectively. Implant collars treated with AP2 yielded statistically significantly lower ( P = 0.01) Rz values compared with untreated surfaces. Conclusion All tested procedures did not increase implant surface roughness significantly. Treatment with an air-powder abrasive system at high-pressure setting resulted in a smoothening of the implant collar surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the clinical results obtained over four years and incidence of complications associated with one- versus two-piece custom made zirconia anchorages, in single tooth implant-supported restorations of the maxillary anterior region. Sixty-five patients, with a total of 74 missing maxillary teeth, were selected in the period from February 2007 to July 2010. Two different ways of custom made zirconia abutment and final prosthetic restoration were evaluated: a standard zirconia abutment associated with a pressed layer of lithium disilicate with an all-ceramic cemented restoration versus one-piece restoration with the facing porcelain fired and pressed straight to the custom made zirconia abutment. In 29 cases, the restoration consisted of an all-ceramic restoration for cementation (two pieces); in 45 cases the restoration was a screw-retained restoration (one piece). Three all-ceramic restorations broke during the observation time. Two one-piece restorations fractured after 26 months. At follow-up examination there were no significant differences between one-piece and two-piece groups regarding the PI, BI, and MBL. Awaiting studies with longer follow-up times, a careful conclusion is that zirconia anchorages for single-implant restorations seem to demonstrate good short-term technical and biological results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes in the treatment of deep non-contained intrabony defects (i.e., with ≥70% 1-wall component and a residual 2- to 3-wall component in the most apical part) using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) combined with either enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) or collagen membrane (CM). Methods: Forty patients with multiple intrabony defects were enrolled. Only one non-contained defect per patient with an intrabony depth ≥3 mm located in the interproximal area of single- and multirooted teeth was randomly assigned to the treatment with either EMD + DBBM (test: n = 20) or CM + DBBM (control: n = 20). At baseline and after 12 months, clinical parameters including probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. The primary outcome variable was the change in CAL between baseline and 12 months. Results: At baseline, the intrabony component of the defects amounted to 6.1 ± 1.9 mm for EMD + DBBM and 6.0 ± 1.9 mm for CM + DBBM sites (P= 0.81). The mean CAL gain at sites treated with EMD + DBBM was not statistically significantly different (P = 0.82) compared with CM + DBBM (3.8 + 1.5 versus 3.7 ± 1.2 mm). No statistically significant difference (P = 0.62) was observed comparing the frequency of CAL gain ≥4 mm between EMD + DBBM (60%) and CM + DBBM (50%) or comparing the frequency of residual PD ≥6 mm between EMD + DBBM (5%) and CM + DBBM (15%) (P= 0.21). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, regenerative therapy using either EMD + DBBM or CM + DBBM yielded comparable clinical outcomes in deep non-contained intrabony defects after 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess soft and hard tissues healing at immediate transmucosal implants placed into maxillary molar region with collagen membranes uncovered. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects received 20 immediate transmucosal implants placed in maxillary molar extraction sockets. Periimplant marginal defects were treated according to the principles of guided bone regeneration by means of deproteinized bovine bone mineral particles in conjunction with collagen membrane. Flaps were repositioned and sutured, allowing nonsubmerged, transmucosal soft tissues healing. The collagen membranes adapted around implant neck were uncovered. Results: No implants were lost during the 1-yecir observation period yielding a survival rate of 100%. No postsurgical wound healing complications were observed. No degranulation of grafting material was reported. Conclusions: The results of this 12-month prospective study showed that the exposure of collagen membrane at time of the flap suturing does not represent a limitation for the soft and hard tissues healing at immediate transmucosal implants placed into maxillary molar extraction sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this report is to present the clinical outcomes and patients' satisfaction of full-mouth rehabilitation using computer- aided flapless implant placement and immediate loading of a prefabricated prosthesis. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 consecutive fully edentulous patients who received 312 implants. Mandible and maxilla were treated in the same surgical session with computer-guided flapless approach using the Nobel- Guide protocol. Prefabricated screw-retained fixed prostheses were inserted at the end of surgery. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were assessed at 6, 12, and 36 months. At baseline and 6 months after surgery, patients answered Oral Health Impact Profile in Eden tulous Adults questionnaire to assess satisfaction. Results: The implant survival rate was 97.9%, whereas the average marginal bone loss was 1.9 ± 1.3 mm after 3 years. At 6 months, patients showed significantly greater satisfaction with their fixed rehabilitation when compared with conventional dentures. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that rehabilitation with a prefabricated fixed prosthesis supported by implants placed with NobelGuide protocol is a viable and predictable treatment and increases patients' satisfaction and improves oral health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the healing of deep, non-contained intrabony defects (i.e., with a ≥80% 1-wall component and a residual 2- to 3-wall component in the most apical part) treated with either an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) after 12 months. Methods: In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 40 subjects with 40 defects affecting single-rooted teeth were treated. The defects were treated with EMD alone or with a non-resorbable titanium-reinforced membrane. No grafting materials were used. At baseline and after 12 months, clinical parameters including probing depths (PDs) and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded. The difference in CAL gain was the primary outcome. Results: At baseline, the intrabony component of the defects amounted to 8.5 ± 2.2 mm at EMD-treated sites and 8.6 ± 1.7 mm at GTR-treated sites (P = 0.47). The mean CAL gain at sites treated with GTR was significantly greater (P<0.001) than that at sites treated with EMD (4.1 ± 1.4 mm versus 2.4 ± 2.2 mm, respectively). GTR therapy, compared to EMD application alone, significantly (P= 0.01) increased the probability of CAL gain ≥4 mm (79.2% versus 11.3%, respectively) and significantly (P=0.01 ) decreased the probability of residual PDs ≥6 mm (3% versus 79.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Although the outcomes of open-flap debridement alone were not investigated, the application of EMD alone appeared to yield less PD reduction and CAL gain compared to GTR therapy in the treatment of deep, non-contained intrabony defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common secondary solid malignancy after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). OSCC following HSCT is frequently preceded by chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). The aim of this study was to describe a cohort of post-HSCT patients and to evaluate the onset of oral epithelial dysplasia and/or OSCC over time. In this retrospective cohort study, we present a cohort of hematological patients that underwent HSCT. Demographic variables, clinical hematological data, data regarding acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and cGVHD, and oral clinical features were analyzed. We focused on clinicopathological features of a subgroup of 22 patients with oral cGVHD and OSCC after HSCT. Among 80 included patients, 46 patients (57.5%) developed aGVHD and 39 patients (48.7%) developed cGVHD. Oral mucosa was involved in 17 patients with aGVHD (36.9%) and in 22 patients (56.4%) with cGVHD. Out of a total of 22 oral biopsies, roughly 40% revealed mild to moderate dysplasia, and 32% were OSCC. In the absence of international agreement on the best timing of oral follow-up after HSCT, it is mandatory to establish a close multidisciplinary evaluation in order to prevent the onset of HSCT-related OSCC and to reduce post-transplant mortality due to secondary tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited data exist on the longitudinal crestal bone changes around teeth compared with implants in partially edentulous patients. This study sought to compare the 10-year radiographic crestal bone changes (bone level [BL]) around teeth and implants in periodontally compromised (PCPs) and periodontally healthy (PHPs) patients. Methods: A total of 120 patients were evaluated for the radiographic crestal BL around dental implants and adjacent teeth at time of implant crown insertion and at the 10-year follow-up. Sixty patients had a previous history of periodontitis (PCPs), and the remaining 60 were PHPs. In each category (PCP and PHP), two different implant systems were used. The mean BL change at the implant and at the adjacent tooth at the interproximal area was calculated by subtracting the radiographic crestal BL at the time of crown cementation from the radiographic crestal BL at the 10-year follow-up. Results: At 10 years after therapy, the survival rate ranged from 80% to 95% for subgroups for implants, whereas it was 100% for the adjacent teeth. In all eight different patient categories evaluated, teeth demonstrated a significantly more stable radiographic BL compared with adjacent dental implants (teeth BL, 0.44 ± 0.23 mm; implant BL, 2.28 ± 0.72 mm; P <0.05). Radiographic BL changes around teeth seemed not to be influenced by the presence or absence of advanced bone loss (≥3 mm) at the adjacent implants. Conclusions: Natural teeth yielded better long-term results with respect to survival rate and marginal BL changes compared with dental implants. Moreover, these findings also extend to teeth with an initial reduced periodontal attachment level, provided adequate periodontal treatment and maintenance are performed. As a consequence, the decision of tooth extraction attributable to periodontal reasons in favor of a dental implant should be carefully considered in partially edentulous patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]