Search

AIM Tooth-level prognostic systems can be used for treatment planning and risk assessment. This retrospective longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of 10 different tooth-level risk assessment systems in terms of their ability to predict periodontal-related tooth loss (TLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were retrieved retrospectively from patients who received surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment. Data on medical history and smoking status at baseline and the last maintenance visit were collected. Ten tooth-level prognostic systems were compared using both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models to analyse the prognostic capability of each system for predicting TLP risk. RESULTS One-hundred and forty-eight patients with 3787 teeth, followed-up for a mean period of 26.5 ± 7.4 years, were evaluated according to 10 different tooth-level prognostic systems, making up a total of 37,870 individual measurements. All compared prognostic systems were able to stratify the risk of TLP at baseline when different classes of association were compared. After controlling for maintenance, age, and gender, all systems exhibited excellent predictive capacity for TLP with no system scoring a Harrell's C-index less than 0.925. CONCLUSIONS All tooth-level prognostic systems displayed excellent predictive capability for TLP. Overall, the Miller and McEntire system may have shown the best discrimination and model fit, followed by the Nunn et al. system.

Bleeding on probing (BOP) is regarded as an indispensable diagnostic tool for evaluating periodontal disease activity; however, its role in peri-implant disease is more intricate. Much of the confusion about the interpretation originates from drawing parallels between periodontal and peri-implant conditions. BOP can originate from two forms of probing in implants: traumatic or pathologic induction. This, in addition to the dichotomous scale of BOP can complicate diagnosis. The objective of this commentary is to discuss the following: 1) the value of BOP as a diagnostic tool for peri-implant diseases; 2) the reasons it should be distinct from value for diagnosing periodontal and peri-implant diseases; and 3) the current best evidence on how to implement it in daily clinical practice. A comprehensive bleeding index is proposed for evaluating and monitoring peri-implant conditions. BOP should be used in addition to other parameters such as visual signs of inflammation, probing depth, and progressive bone loss before a peri-implant diagnosis is established.

PURPOSE Percutaneous injuries (PIs) are woefully underreported and the risk at dental academic institutions is higher due to lack of knowledge and experience of students. The aims of this study are to (1) present data on the prevalence of PIs and exposures over a 10-year period in a dental teaching institution; (2) provide information on areas with increased risk as it relates to personnel and instruments; and (3) improve the awareness of the risk of occupational PIs and exposures in dentistry. METHODS Data presented were collected as a part of an infection control program. A description of the incident reporting and collecting methodology is provided. Distribution tables and confidence intervals for injuries by year were calculated. Overall associations were produced using either Fisher's exact or Chi-square test. RESULTS Between 2009 and 2019, a total of 342 PIs (338) and mucosal exposures (4) were reported. A significant number of injuries occurred while reaching for an instrument (15.2%), injecting local anesthetic (13.2%), and cleaning an instrument (11.7%). About 31% of the injuries were caused by needlesticks followed by burs (22.8%). There was a statistically significant association between work practice controls and activity type (p