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Rehabilitation of the atrophic alveolar ridge is often problematic. Bone augmentation surgery may be hindered by a lack of surfaces from which blood vessels can spread during the initial stages of bone regeneration. Ifheterologous biomaterials are used as an alternative to autologous bone grafts, the standard delivery formats--blocks or granules--both have significant limitations. The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an alternative material, a flexible equine bone sheet, for vertical ridge augmentation. Forty-nine implants were placed in 18 patients whose vertically atrophic maxillary or mandibular ridges were simultaneously augmented with flexible cortical bone sheets derived from equine femurs. After 4 months, the ridge volume for all patients was completely restored, all implants had successfully osseointegrated, and definitive prostheses were placed. These parameters remained unchanged throughout 3 years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world of dentistry is approaching graphene-based nanomaterials as substitutes for tissue engineering. Apart from its exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity and thermal stability, graphene and its derivatives can be functionalized with several bioactive molecules. They can also be incorporated into different scaffolds used in regenerative dentistry, generating nanocomposites with improved characteristics. This review presents the state of the art of graphene-based nanomaterial applications in the dental field. We first discuss the interactions between cells and graphene, summarizing the available in vitro and in vivo studies concerning graphene biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. We then highlight the role of graphene-based nanomaterials in stem cell control, in terms of adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Particular attention will be given to stem cells of dental origin, such as those isolated from dental pulp, periodontal ligament or dental follicle. The review then discusses the interactions between graphene-based nanomaterials with cells of the immune system; we also focus on the antibacterial activity of graphene nanomaterials. In the last section, we offer our perspectives on the various opportunities facing the use of graphene and its derivatives in associations with titanium dental implants, membranes for bone regeneration, resins, cements and adhesives as well as for tooth-whitening procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]