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Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare disease caused by telomerase dysfunction classically characterised by the triad: skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and mucosal leukoplakia. Few cases are described in literature regarding patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma affected by dyskeratosis congenita, and the therapeutic decisions are not yet well defined. A review of the literature of the last 20 years (2001–2021) was performed, and it was analysed the case of a 38-year-old male patient affected by dyskeratosis congenita diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma of the inferior alveolar ridge, treated with surgery. The absence of complications and the good postoperative recovery of the patient comfort in saying that resection and reconstructive surgery can be safely performed. The occurrence of disseminated disease 6 months after the treatment warns about the extreme aggressiveness of the pathology, its often systemic nature and the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach as well as further studies.

Patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS) experience difficulties in wearing conventional dentures. After removal of all teeth, the oral rehabilitation is challenging and time consuming using conventional treatment protocols. Although implant-retained overdentures are beneficial for this specific patient group, the average total oral rehabilitation time (TORT) usually takes at least 9 months and needs to be reduced to increase patients' quality of life (QoL). In this paper, we report on a new treatment concept for immediate implant-based oral rehabilitation in a 77-year-old patient with partial edentulous SS. Because of persistent pain, discomfort, and retention problems with the conventional prosthetic devices, full clearance of the remaining mandibular dentition and immediate oral rehabilitation with an implant-retained overdenture were suggested. The treatment protocol included virtual surgical planning (VSP), combining a guided bone reduction of the mandibular alveolar process, immediate dental implant placement, and restoration using a prefabricated bar and placement of the overdenture. This method demands the use of ionizing 3D imaging optionally combined with an optical dental scan or a conventional impression. Furthermore, one needs to gain experience using VSP software. This novel treatment concept for immediate implant-based oral rehabilitation using VSP proved to be feasible and safe in a patient with SS, resulting in a significantly reduced TORT and improved QoL. Further research is needed to what extent this treatment concept could be beneficial to other patient groups, such as patients with head and neck cancer.

Purpose The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate changes in alveolar bone crest (ABC) levels and differences in resorption rates (RR) between the tested grafting materials following alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) after tooth extraction after 1, 2, and 3 years (T1–T8) of clinical function. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to two different bone allografts (group 1 maxgraft®, group 2 Puros®) for ARP. Non-restorable teeth were minimal traumatically extracted. Sockets were augmented with the tested materials and covered with a pericardium membrane. After 4 months of healing, 36 implants were placed and sites were clinically and radiographically monitored in the mesial (ABC-M), the distal (ABC-D, T1–T8), the bucco-lingual (ABC-BL), buccal (ABC-B) and oral (ABC-O) aspect (T1–T4). Results Changes in (ABC-M), (ABC-D), (ABC-BL), (ABC-B), and (ABC-O) levels showed statistically highly significant differences between T1 and T2 for both bone allografts (p p Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this study is within its limitations the first study to directly compare ABC-changes and differences in RR of two different allogeneic grafting materials for a period of 3 years after ARP. It was demonstrated to be, despite significant differences in RR, a successful method of preserving increased ABC levels through 1, 2, and 3 years of clinical function. Trial registration DRKS00013010, registered 07/30/2018, http://apps.who.int/trialsearch

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a metabolic disease characterized by impaired bone mineralization and early exfoliation of primary teeth. This study was performed to develop a method for quantitatively evaluating alveolar bone hypomineralization using orthopantomographic images. Alveolar bone density was defined according to the pixel values and corrected by brightness shown by an indicator applied to the orthopantomographic device. Images of 200 healthy subjects (aged 2–15 years) were classified into five age groups. The corrected pixel values were significantly lower in the younger group than in those aged 14–15 years (2–4, 5–7, and 8–10 years versus 14–15 years: P P

Our aim was to evaluate resorption of the alveolar ridge using the socket shield technique (SST) without immediate placement of dental implants. This randomised controlled clinical trial included 27 patients: 14 maxillary non-molar teeth were partially extracted using the SST (test group) and 13 were extracted using a minimally traumatic extraction approach (control group). Alterations in height and thickness of the alveolar ridge were evaluated by cone beam computed tomograms taken immediately after, and 100 days after, surgery. Minor resorption was observed in the height of the buccal and palatal plates, without intergroup difference (p ≥ 0.10). The test group showed significantly better preservation of the buccal-to-palatal crest dimension (p ≤ 0.05). In the control group, preservation of buccal plate thickness was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05), but intragroup vertical resorption of the buccal plate and reduction in the buccal-to-palatal crest distance were greater (p ≤ 0.05). The SST without the immediate placement of implants showed greater preservation of the buccal-to-palatal crest dimension and lower preservation of buccal wall thickness compared with minimally traumatic extraction. In addition, it provided superior maintenance of the baseline buccal wall height. The modified SST is a promising approach, but factors that interfere with the results should be investigated.

Background It is unclear if an intact buccal bony plate is a prerequisite for immediate implant placement in post-extraction sockets. The aim of this 5-year randomized controlled trial was therefore comparison of peri-implant soft and hard tissue parameters, esthetic ratings, and patient-reported satisfaction of immediate implant placement in post-extraction sockets with buccal bony defects of >= 5 mm in the esthetic zone, with delayed implant placement after ridge preservation.Methods Patients presenting a failing tooth in the esthetic region and a buccal bony defect of >= 5 mm after extraction were randomly assigned to immediate (Immediate group, n = 20) or delayed (Delayed group, n = 20) implant placement. Second-stage surgery and placement of a provisional restoration occurred 3 months after implant placement in both groups, followed by definitive restorations 3 months thereafter. The follow-up was 5 years. Marginal bone level (primary outcome), buccal bone thickness, soft tissue parameters, esthetics, and patient-reported satisfaction were recorded.Results Mean marginal bone level change was -0.71 +/- 0.35 mm and -0.54 +/- 0.41 mm in respectively the Immediate group and the Delayed group after 5 years (P = 0.202). This difference, and in other variables, was not significant.Conclusions Marginal bone level changes, buccal bone thickness, clinical outcomes, esthetics, and patients' satisfaction following immediate implant placement, in combination with bone augmentation in post-extraction sockets with buccal bony defects of >= 5 mm, were comparable to those following delayed implant placement after ridge preservation in the esthetic zone.

The resultant anemia in hemoglobinopathies like thalassemia can lead to expansion of the bone marrow cavities due to compensatory hyperplasia. This article reports a case of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the left maxillary alveolus in a patient with β-Thalassemia intermedia. The area affected presented as areas of osteosclerosis on the radiographic examination and sequestrectomy of the left maxillary alveolus was performed after consultation with his hematologist. The exact pathogenesis for the osteonecrosis is unclear. One possible postulation for the cause of osteonecrosis in our case could be that the alveolar bone suffered ischemic infarction secondary to occlusion of the microvasculature within the expanded cancellous bone.

Objective This study investigated the impact of a single piezocision in the maxillary alveolar process on the speed of tooth movement. The null hypothesis was that the speed of tooth movement will be equal with and without piezocision. Methods All maxillary molars on one side were moved against the combined incisors in 10 ten-week-old male Wistar rats. Under general anesthesia, a force of 25 cN was applied on either side using a Sentalloy closed coil spring. After placing the orthodontic appliance, vertical corticision was performed using a piezotome under local anesthesia, 2 mm mesial from the mesial root of the first molar on a randomly selected side; the other side served as the control. At the beginning of the treatment, and 2 and 4 weeks later, skull micro-computed tomography was performed. After image reconstruction, the distance between the mesial root of the first molar and the incisive canal, and the length of the mesial root of the first maxillary molar were measured. Moreover, the root resorption score was determined as described by Lu et al. Results Significantly higher speed of tooth movement was observed on the corticision side; thus, the null hypothesis was rejected. The loss of root length and root resorption score were significantly more pronounced after piezocision than before. A strong correlation was observed between the speed of tooth movement and root resorption on the surgical side, but the control side only showed a weak correlation. Conclusions Piezocision accelerates orthodontic tooth movement and causes increased root resorption.

Background For completely impacted teeth, it is of great significance to locate teeth accurately, preserve hard tissue and recovering the height of alveolar ridge. This can be effectively solved by the digital three-dimensional printing guide technology. Methods Ten patients with completely impacted tooth were selected in this experiment. After cone-beam computed tomography scan, the dicom formal computed tomography data was analyzed for three-dimensional reconstruction by mimics 17.0 software. Then determining the surgical plan and making surgical guide plate. Three-dimensional printing guide plate assisted piezosurgery was used to remove bone and extract impacted teeth. After that, the removed bone cap was back to the original position. Cone-beam computed tomography was used for each operated patients after 1 week and 6 months. Result The surgical guide plates can locate teeth accurately and the surgery time was reduced for all patients. A week later, all patients healed well and removed the stitches on time. Cone-beam computed tomography showed that the retention of bone caps was good and there was no displacement. All patients showed a normal parameter of pain. Six months later, cone-beam computed tomography showed good bone formation in the extraction area, which filled with new bones completely. The recovery of bone outline and height of alveolar crest at the surgical site were basically consistent with those before the operation. Conclusions Three-dimensional printing guide plates combining with fenestration and bone-cap restoration can locate impacted teeth accurately, reduce the extraction volume of bone, shorten surgery time, and alleviate complications. This was conducive to preserve and restore hard tissue and had great prospective.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted to compare different bone-substitute materials used for alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction. The electronic search was carried out on Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and grey literature up to March 22, 2020 (registration number INPLASY202030005). Only randomized controlled trials were included to answer the following PICOS question: ‘What grafting materials produce greater alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction?’ The primary outcomes were the alveolar width resorption 1 mm below the alveolar crest and buccal height resorption in millimeters. Of the 4379 studies initially identified, 31 studies involving 1088 patients were included in the quantitative analyses. Out of 25 revised biomaterials, eight showed a statistically significant difference compared with unassisted healing in both alveolar width and height measurements (mean width differences: ApatosⓇ, 2.27 [1.266–3.28]; Bio-OssⓇ, 0.88 [0.33–1.42]; Bio-Oss CollⓇ, 0.53 [0.04–1.01]; Bond-apatiteⓇ, 2.20 [1.30–3.11]; freeze-dried bone allograft, 1.35 [0.44–2.26]; Gen-OsⓇ, 1.90 [0.60–3.20]; platelet-rich fibrin, 1.66 [0.66–2.67]; and MP3Ⓡ, 2.67 [1.59–3.75]). Overall, xenograft materials should be considered as among the best of the available grafting materials for alveolar preservation after tooth extraction.

Background: Congenital bifid tongue without other craniofacial abnormalities is a very rare malformation. Here, we discuss a case of the bifid tongue with cleft palate, reported in a 7-month-old girl with no other syndromes or craniofacial abnormalities. Case Reports: This case report described a 7-month-old girl with an anterior bifid tongue, separated medially by a soft, solitary sublingual mass measuring 3 cm x 2 cm in size. There was also an associated incomplete cleft palate. A soft solitary mass measuring 2 cm x 2 cm in size was also seen within the cleft palate. Results: Computed facial tomography (CT) revealed a midline hard palate defect with an intact alveolar process of the maxilla. Pedunculated cystic lesion suspected with epulis was noted to arise on premaxillary alveolar mucosa. Excision of the tongue and hard palate mass and repair of the bifid tongue were done. Summary: Congenital bifid tongue with a cleft is a very rare malformation with different variations. Early surgical intervention is critical to prevent speech impairment and swallowing disorders. A multidisciplinary approach, including well-planned staged operations and rehabilitation, is important to achieve favorable outcomes.

Background Alveolar bone plays a vital role in mastication and supporting the teeth. The alveolar process is one of the most challenging regions of facial bone to reconstruct due to the deformity involves both hard and soft tissues. However, the etiology, gender, and age distribution vary between different regions, cultures, and countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of alveolar trauma in Shahid Rajaee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, for three years. Methods In a retrospective cross-sectional study, patients with alveolar fractures referred to Shahid Rajaei Hospital in Shiraz were included in the study. Age, sex, site of alveolar fractures, and etiology factors of trauma explored. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS software. Mean $$\pm$$ ± SD calculated for the inferential statistics, and the data compared using Chi-square and Exact Fisher. A p-value of Results A total of 165 patients had alveolar fractures in this study. We found that the most common cause of alveolar fracture was road accidents (32.3%) and the lowest reason was violence (9%). Most people with alveolar trauma were male and in the 21–30 years. The prevalence of mandibular and maxillary alveolar fractures was 17.61 and 17.01%, respectively, with the most anterior area of injury. Conclusion Alveolar trauma is one of the most common injuries among trauma patients. Early diagnosis and treatment plans are necessary to reduce the complications of facial trauma. Early training for a young adult is essential to prevent the severity of trauma.

Background To apply CBCT to investigate the anatomical relationship between the mandibular molar and alveolar bone, aimed to provide clinical guidelines for the design of implant restoration. Methods 201 CBCT data were reevaluated to measure height of the alveolar process (EF), width of the alveolar process (GH), width of the basal bone (IJ), the angle between the long axis of the first molar and the alveolar bone (∠a) and the angle between the long axis of the alveolar bone and basal bone (∠b). The angle and width were measured to determine the implant-prosthodontic classification of the morphology in the left lower first molar (36) and right lower first molar (46). All measurements were performed on the improved cross-sectional images. Results EF, GH and IJ were measured as (10.83 ± 1.31) mm, (13.93 ± 2.00) mm and (12.68 ± 1.96) mm for 36, respectively; and (10.87 ± 1.24) mm, (13.86 ± 1.93) mm and (12.60 ± 1.90) mm for 46, respectively. No statistical significance was observed in EF, GH, IJ, ∠a and ∠b between 36 and 46 (all P > 0.05). The morphology was divided into three categories including the straight (68.7–69.2%), oblique (19.9–20.4%) and concave types (11%). Each type was consisted of two subcategories. Conclusions The proposed classification could provide evidence for appropriate selection and direction design of the mandibular molar implant in clinical. The concave type was the most difficult to implant with the highest risk of lingual perforation. The implant length, width, direction required more attention.

Background This study aimed to assess the interradicular distance and alveolar bone thickness of Persian adults with different sagittal skeletal patterns for miniscrew insertion using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on maxillary and mandibular CBCT scans of 60 patients (18–35 years) in three groups (n = 20) of class I, II and III sagittal skeletal pattern. Anatomical and skeletal parameters were measured at 2, 4 and 6 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) by one examiner. The intra- and inter-class correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the intra, and interobserver reliability. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (alpha = 0.05). Results The intra- and interobserver reliability were > 0.9 for all parameters. The largest inter-radicular distance in the maxilla was between the central incisors (1–1) in classes I and III, and between premolars (4–5) in class II patients. The largest inter-radicular distance in the mandible was between molar teeth (6–7) in all three classes. The buccal cortical plate thickness was maximum at the site of mandibular first and second molars (6–7). The posterior maxilla and mandible showed the maximum thickness of cancellous bone and alveolar process. Wide variations were noted in this respect between class I, II and III patients. Conclusions The area with maximum inter-radicular distance and optimal alveolar bone thickness for miniscrew insertion varies in different individuals, depending on their sagittal skeletal pattern.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:30:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-10-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is expressed by several cell types and is a crucial factor for angiogenic-osteogenic coupling. However, the immunolocalization of VEGF-A during the early stages of the alveolar process formation remains underexplored. Thus, we analyzed the spatio-temporal immunolocalization of VEGF-A and its relationship with Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osterix (Osx) during the early steps of intramembranous ossification of the alveolar process in rat embryos. Embryo heads (E) of 16, 18 and 20-day-old rats were processed for paraffin embedding. Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry to detect VEGF-A, Runx2, and Osx (osteoblast differentiation markers) were performed. The volume density of bone tissue including bone cells and blood vessels increased significantly in E18 and E20. Cells showing high VEGF-A immunoreactivity were initially observed within a perivascular niche in the ectomesenchyme; afterwards, these cells were diffusely located near bone formation sites. Runx2-and Osx-immunopositive cells were observed in corresponded regions of cells showing strong VEGF-A immunoreactivity. Although these immunostained cells were observed in all specimens, this immunolocalization pattern was more evident in E16 specimens and gradually decreased in E18 and E20 specimens. Double immunofluorescence labelling showed intracellular co-localization of Osx and VEGF-A in cells surrounding the developing alveolar process, indicating a crucial role of VEGF-A in osteoblast differentiation. Our results showed VEGF-A immunoexpression in osteoblasts and its precursors during the maxillary alveolar process formation of rat embryos. Moreover, the VEGF-A-positive cells located within a perivascular niche at the early stages of the alveolar process development suggest a crosstalk between endothelium and ectomesenchymal cells, reinforcing the angiogenic-osteogenic coupling in this process. Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP Escola Paulista de Medicina - EPM Departamento de Morfologia e Genética Disciplina de Histologia e Biologia Estrutural Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP Escola Paulista de Medicina - EPM Departamento de Ginecologia São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Dentistry Araraquara - Department of Morphology Genetics Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry - Laboratory of Histology and Embryology São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Dentistry Araraquara - Department of Morphology Genetics Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry - Laboratory of Histology and Embryology CAPES: 001 FAPESP: 2012/22666-8

Dental implants are cylindrical metallic screws inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Their location may affect the pattern of fractures that occur as a result of the traumatic forces to the mandible. The aim of this study was to investigate possible influences of dental implants on the patterns of mandibular fractures triggered by external forces. In this observational cross-sectional study, a total of 390 patients with mandibular fractures diagnosed between February 2016 and December 2020 were examined and the presence or absence of dental implants in the fracture gap was noted. Clinical and radiological data were analyzed in relation to the fracture line, the dental status, and the location of any implants. A total of 16 patients (4.1%) had previously placed dental implants in the mandible. Various fracture patterns were observed. Some yielded typical fracture lines located in the anatomically weak areas along the roots of the incisors, the mental foramina, and long-rooted molars. Occasionally, fracture lines were detected in combination with condylar fractures. Dental implants were not directly involved in any fracture line, except one. In that case, the fracture line extended from the alveolar process straight along the implant body, mimicking initial disintegration of the implant, with erosion of the surrounding bone. Once dental implants have osseointegrated, mandibular fractures are rarely projected along the implant surface. This observational retrospective cross-sectional study failed to associate mandibular fracture lines with the presence of dental implants.

Objectives: To test whether early implant placement with alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) results in different esthetic, clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) compared with early implant placement without ARP. Material and methods: Seventy-five patients requiring single tooth extraction in the anterior maxilla were recruited. Following tooth extraction, the patients were randomly allocated to three groups: (a) ARP using demineralized bovine bone mineral containing 10% collagen (DBBM-C) covered by a collagen matrix (CM) (n = 25), (b) ARP using DBBM-C covered with a palatal graft (PG) (n = 25) and (c) spontaneous healing (control) (n = 25). Eight weeks after tooth extraction, a CBCT was taken and early implant placement was performed in all patients. Esthetic, clinical and PROMs were evaluated one year post-loading. Results: A total of 70 patients were available for re-examination at one year post-loading. The median mid-facial mucosal margin change amounted to −0.02 mm (IQR −0.27–0.46) in the CM group, −0.13 mm (IQR −0.44–0.25) in the PG group and −0.14 mm (IQR −0.29–0.07) in the control group, with no significant differences between the groups. Mean PES scores amounted to 7.0 ± 1.4 in the CM group, 7.1 ± 1.5 in the PG group and 7.3 ± 1.7 in the control group without significant differences between the groups. Plaque, bleeding on probing and probing depth did not differ between treatment groups. PROMs in general revealed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: Early implant placement with ARP using either a collagen matrix or a palatal graft rendered similar esthetic, clinical and PROMs to early implant placement without ARP. When a failing tooth can be replaced with an implant within 2 months after tooth extraction, the added value of ARP might be clinically negligible.

Introduction Appropriate radiographic evaluation is a fundamental step for determining the topography of the defect before the surgical intervention for alveolar bone grafting. Evaluation of cleft volume by CBCT has been done in dry skull samples in previous studies and it was recommended as an effective tool in the volumetric evaluation of the bone defect prior to the surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative clinical use of CBCT 2 imaging in determining the alveolar cleft volume. Material and methods We performed a clinical study. 20 patients with unilateral alveolar cleft underwent preoperative radiographic evaluation using CBCT scan. Volumetric measurement was performed by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist using 0.5, 1, and 2 mm slices and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon using 2 mm slices. After the closure of the nasal floor and palatal mucosa, the alveolar defect was clinically measured with putty impression material. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed and the p-value was set at 0.05. Results This study showed that there is a statistically significant difference between CBCT-estimated and clinical volumes of the alveolar cleft (paired T-test, p-value Conclusion Considering the significant difference between clinical and CBCT-estimated volumes of the alveolar cleft, CBCT imaging is not considered an accurate tool for pre-operative volumetric assessment of the alveolar cleft.

Background: Most materials used clinically for filling severe bone defects either cannot induce bone re-generation or exhibit low bone conversion, therefore, their therapeutic effects are limited. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) exhibit good osteoinduction. However, the mechanism by which combining a heterogeneous bone collagen matrix with hUC-MSCs to repair the bone defects of alveolar process clefts remains unclear.Methods: A rabbit alveolar process cleft model was established by removing the bone tissue from the left maxillary bone. 48 young Japanese white rabbits (JWRs) were divided into normal, control, material and MSCs groups. An equal volume of a bone collagen matrix alone or combined with hUC-MSCs was implanted in the defect. X-ray, micro-focus computed tomography (micro-CT), blood analysis, histochemical staining and TUNEL were used to detect the newly formed bone in the defect area at 3 and 6 months after the surgery. Results: The bone formation rate obtained from the skull tissue in MSCs group was significantly higher than that in control group at 3 months (PPPPConclusions: Combining bone collagen matrix with hUC-MSCs promoted the new bone regeneration in the rabbit alveolar process cleft model through promoting osteoblasts formations and chondrocyte growth, and inducing type 1 collagen formation and BMP-2 generation.

To evaluate the morphometric changes in maxillary and mandibular anterior alveolar bone after orthodontic treatment and retention for 18-24 months by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Thirty-four adolescent patients (12 males and 22 females; mean age: 14.29 ± 1.24 years) diagnosed with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion and with extractions of the 4 first premolars were included.The labial and lingual (palatal) alveolar bone thickness, height and root length of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth were assessed using CBCT imaging at the pre-treatment (T1), post-treatment (T2) and retention phases (T3). Voxel-based superimpositions of the T2 and T3 images were performed, and the distances of incisal and apical movement between T2 and T3 were measured to determine whether relapses occurred.After orthodontic treatment, the labial and lingual (palatal) bone height decreased significantly (P .05) and the labial thickness at the crestal (L1), midroot (L2), and apical levels (L3) had no significant change, while the lingual (palatal) bone thickness at all three levels decreased significantly (P .05). After 18-24 months of retention, the lingual (palatal) height and the lingual (palatal) thickness at the crestal (L1) level increased significantly (P .05). There were no obvious incisal and apical movements of the anterior teeth between T2 and T3 (P .05), indicating that no relapses occurred.Even though lingual (palatal) alveolar loss occurred due to the orthodontic treatment, the cervical alveolar bone seemed to recover over time. Therefore, appropriate camouflage treatment can be used in patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion, and this treatment will not irreversibly deteriorate periodontal health and affect the orthodontic treatment stability.

Introduction. Partial maxillectomy involves resection of 1 or 2 walls of the upper jaw, usually medial and anterior ones. The main purposes of reconstruction include the formation of an adequate support for the eyeball; isolation of the orbit from the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and anterior skull base; normal symmetry; good aesthetic result.Materials and methods. Between 2014 and 2020, we followed up 13 patients. Nine of them (69 %) had combined defects involving the inferior orbital, anterior, and medial walls of the maxilla (class V according to according to the Brown–Shaw classification, 2010), as well as skin on the buccal and zygomatic areas; 1 patient also had lower eyelid affected. Four individuals (31 %) had isolated defects involving the inferior orbital, anterior, and medial walls of the maxilla (class V according to according to the Brown–Shaw classification, 2010). Twelve patients have undergone preoperative 3D-computer simulation. We divided patients into 2 groups according to the size of their defects and resection areas in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. Group 1 included 5 patients with partial maxillary defects (involving 25–40 % of the total area), whereas Group 2 comprised 7 patients with limited maxillary defects (involving 25–40 % of the total area).Five patients have undergone reconstructive surgeries with fasciocutaneous flaps, including anterolateral thigh flaps used in 4 individuals (31 %) and thoracodorsal flap used in 1 individual (8 %). Eight patients had their defects repaired using radial fasciocutaneous flaps. The inferior orbital wall was reconstructed using an individual titanium mesh implant.Results. All patients from Group 1 after defect repair with anterolateral thigh flaps and thoracodorsal flaps (4 individuals) had satisfactory aesthetic result. One patient had an unsatisfactory aesthetic result after reconstruction with a radial fasciocutaneous flap due to mesh implant protrusion and formation of an opening in the nasal cavity. The assessment of the eyeball position demonstrated that symmetry was achieved in 4 patients (80 %) after reconstruction using anterolateral thigh flaps (3 patients) and thoracodorsal flap (1 patient). Five patients from Group 2 (72 %) had excellent results, while 2 patients (28 %) had satisfactory results. The assessment of the eyeball position demonstrated that symmetry was achieved in 5 patients (70 %); two participants (28 %) had lower eyelid ectropion.Conclusion. Patients with large maxillary defects (involving 41–60 % of the total area of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus and the alveolar process of the maxilla) should undergo reconstructive surgeries with fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps. In case of relatively small defects (involving 25–40 % of the total area of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus and the alveolar process of the maxilla) the best option is defect repair with radial fasciocutaneous flaps. Such strategy ensures excellent aesthetic and functional results in 75 % of patients.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine osseous changes following lateral bone augmentation using a novel Ossix Volumax (OV) scaffold alone and compare it to combination therapy using freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and resorbable collagen membrane (FDBA/CM). METHODS Thirty patients completed this 9-months prospective two-center cohort clinical trial. Before surgery and 9-months re-entry, linear measurements were performed, and impressions taken. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were done at baseline and 9 months. DICOM slice data were converted into volumetric images using 3D Slicer. Following 3D volumetric image construction, pre- and post-op Standard Triangle Language files were superimposed and volumetric data were extracted for a 10-mm region of interest. Linear measurements were compared similarly. RESULTS Baseline clinical parameters were similar in both groups (4.22 and 4.53 mm for OV and FDBA/CM at -2 mm, respectively). Following treatment, vertical distance from the stent had changed minimally (-0.36 and -0.12 mm, respectively). Similarly, lateral bone gain ranged from 0 to 0.4 mm, for both groups. To the contrary, the CBCT measurements showed a significantly greater increase in horizontal width in the control at -2 mm (0.95 ± 0.2 mm) compared with -0.62 mm for the OV (P = 0.000). Similar changes were observed at -5 mm (0.63 and -0.41 mm, respectively, P = 0.01). Sites volume had increased from 266 ± 149 mm3 to 360 ± 138 mm3 (P = 0.001) for FDBA/CM with negligible changes for OV (from 334 to 335 mm3 , P = 0.952). these between-group changes being statistically significant (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION FDBA/CM yielded better albeit moderate increase in the volume of the edentulous ridge, while OV scaffolds failed to produce similar results.

In this report, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the Invisalign® system in the treatment of severe gingival recession and bone dehiscence through torque, translation, and intrusion movements in a young woman. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to assess bone parameters and check the teeth during treatment. The root of the mandibular right central incisor, which was buccally positioned and exhibited bone dehiscence of 9.4 mm, was moved toward the center of the alveolar process by using the Invisalign® system and SmartForce® features. The patient was monitored by a periodontist throughout the orthodontic treatment period. Her gingival recession reduced, while the bone dehiscence reduced from 9.40 mm to 3.14 mm. Thus, movement of the root into the alveolus promoted bone neoformation and treated the gingival recession. The findings from this case suggest that orthodontic treatment using the Invisalign® system, along with periodontal monitoring, can aid in the treatment of gingival recession and alveolar defects.

Objectives. The dental alveolus is lined by a thin cortical layer (“bundle bone”, “alveolar bone proper”, “cribriform plate”, “lamina dura”), that can impede access to the bone marrow and its vasculature. During unassisted socket healing, the alveolar bundle bone is gradually resorbed allowing tissue resources from the bone marrow to enter into the socket space. An optimized wound healing process, either during unassisted socket healing or during ridge preservation procedures, with autogenous bone and/or any bone/collagen substitute material, depends at least partly on an adequate vascularization of the socket space. This ensures sufficient recruitment of osteoblast and osteoclast precursor cells and facilitates fast bone regeneration and/or uneventful integration of the augmentation material. Methods. The present technical note describes an easy treatment step after tooth extraction aiming to improve socket healing with or without any ridge preservation procedure, by facilitating an increased blood inflow into the dental alveolus. Specifically, after tooth extraction the alveolar bundle bone is perforated several times – mainly in a palatally/lingually – by a small round bur (diameter < 1 mm) extending into the trabecular bone. Results and conclusions. By means of this relatively simple treatment step, an increased blood inflow into the alveolus is achieved after tooth extraction, which might enhance socket healing and corticalization of the entrance, and in turn result in a lower complication rate (e.g., dry socket), in an enhanced graft incorporation, and/or in a reduced loss of alveolar ridge volume.

A extração dentária é um dos procedimentos mais frequentes em cirurgia oral e maxilofacial e está relacionada a mudanças fisiológicas no processo alveolar. Neste sentido, entre as principais complicações transoperatórias está a hemorragia, que ocorre geralmente devido a lesões de vasos sanguíneos presentes no alvéolo dentário onde se realizou a exodontia. Uma alternativa para se obter a hemostasia é a utilização da Fibrina Rica em Plaquetas (PRF), um concentrado leucoplaquetário, obtido através do sangue do paciente. A membrana obtida é rica em leucócitos, plaquetas e fatores de crescimento que promovem a modulação de células envolvidas no processo de cicatrização, favorecendo um melhor e mais rápido reparo das lesões cirúrgicas. Esta matriz de fibrina apresenta diversas utilidades para a odontologia, demonstrando bons resultados, além do baixo custo e fácil obtenção. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever a técnica de obtenção da PRF usada como agente hemostático após exodontia, orientando assim, sua reprodutibilidade e utilização. Palavras-chave: Fibrina Rica em Plaquetas; hemostático; odontologia; exodontia.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) according to cleft width (CW) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). In this retrospective study, 32 newborns with nonsyndromic UCLP treated with PNAM were allocated to 2 groups based on CW (group A, CW ≤5 mm; and group B, CW >5 mm). The following measurements were carried out using standardized photographs taken before and after PNAM therapy (before primary lip surgery): nostril axis inclination of healthy (NAI-NC) and cleft sides (NAI-C), columellar angle (CA), nasal base inclination (NBI), nasal floor width ratio (NFWR), alar base height ratio (ABHR), and columellar length ratio. Before PNAM therapy, there were significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to NAI-C, NBI, NFWR, and ABHR, indicating greater deformation of the nose in group B. After PNAM therapy, CA, NAI-C, NAI-NC, NFWR, and columellar length ratio were significantly improved in both the groups, whereas NBI and ABHR significantly worsened in group B. The improvement in CA, NAI-C, and NFWR was significantly greater in group B. Although a larger CW had some negative effects on the outcome of PNAM, it was found to be advantageous for nasal symmetry, if initiated as early as possible. Nevertheless, it is important to consider those aspects of the nasolabial area that are involved in the perception of symmetry when evaluating the effect of CW on PNAM outcomes in UCLP.

Background Ridge preservation is performed by placing a biocompatible product, following tooth extraction, to maintain bone volume. However, current ridge preservation therapies do not always maintain the volume required for future implant placement. Variations in surgical technique and material selection contribute to determining clinical outcomes. The wide variety of grafting materials available and conflicting efficacy reports make selecting the appropriate graft materials challenging. To investigate how different commercially available ridge preservation products might perform clinically: Helistat¶ (collagen control) (Material 1), OsteoGen# Plug (Material 2), Bio-Oss Collagen** (Material 3), and J-Bone†† (native bone) (Material 4) were evaluated. Methods These products underwent field emission scanning electron microscopy, microcomputed tomography, helium pycnometry, and infrared spectra analysis. Human osteosarcomas were incubated on products and proliferation was monitored with CCK-8 and visualized with confocal microscopy. Scaffold osteoconductivity was evaluated cellular production of osteocalcin, osteonectin, and osteopontin. Results Results indicated that products varied in porosity and pore interconnectivity. Although Material 3 was chemically similar to Material 4, Material 2 demonstrated significantly better biocompatibility. Functionally, Material 1 and Material 2 elicited higher osteonectin release than Material 3 and Material 4 which suggests the latter products suppress endogenous osteonectin secretion. Furthermore, osteopontin secretion was minimal for all products, while osteocalcin was elevated. This seems to suggest that high levels of mineralization might be deleterious for bone regeneration. Conclusions Although all products are marketed as effective preservation products, the results demonstrated high variability in physical, chemical, and biological effects; however this study suggests a product with higher ratio of collagen to mineral component may have the most desirable effects for the use in alveolar ridge preservation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The conventional crestal implants are used only when there is adequate jawbone height and width. Results of conventional implants are good in patients with healthy bone at the time of treatment, but prognosis gets deteriorated when surgical augmentation of bone is included with implant placement. These augmentation procedures have surgical risks and are costlier to the patients. Patients with atrophied jawbones are given no treatment, until crestal implants are seen as the last option. In this article, the indications for basal implants and functional differences between basal implants and crestal implants have been discussed.Patients with extreme jawbone atrophy do not benefit from crestal implants. The basal bone is the (cortical) osseous tissue of the mandible and maxilla, and lies below the alveolar process, which has a relatively strong and no resorbing framework.Basal osseointegrated and basal cortical screw (BCS) are two types of implants designed to take anchorage from the cortical bone of the jaw. BCS implants have long shafts and can be placed immediately in the socket after extraction and provided with immediate loading within 72 hours of implant placement. Basal implants are also called bicortical or cortical implants as they utilize the cortical portion of the jawbones for anchorage and implant stability. The basal bone has better quality and quantity of cortical bone for retention of these unique and highly advanced implants. The other names for these implants are lateral implants or disk implants.

The rate of atrophy is significantly lower with the included dentition defects than with the final ones, as the teeth that limit the newly formed defect are natural constraints for bone resorption. However, the comprised dentition defects are not able to prevent the pathological process in the inflammatory-destructive process and generalized diseases in parodontal tissues, which in the future will affect the choice of prosthetic restoration and patient’s aesthetic appearance. Therefore, in the complex treatment of parodontal diseases, functional occlusion plays a remarkable role, which is achieved by rational prosthetics with prosthetic restoration made in articulators customized for individual function by CAD/CAM technology to eliminate traumatic interference and evenly distribute the masticatory load on the dentition and parodontal tissues. The aim of the study is to increase the therapeutic efficacy for patients with alveolar ridge atrophy in generalized parodontal diseases due to the inflammatory-destructive process from the use of bone augmentation followed by prosthetic rehabilitation of such patients and the development of a treatment approach. Materials and methods: Preliminary examination of patients was carried out according to the generally accepted methods of subjective and objective examination. Spot-film radiography, computed tomography, diagnostics were performed in an individually adjusted articulator, orthopantomogram, Vita Easyshade Advance 4.0 device. A digital database has been created in Microsoft Excel for the calculations. Statistical processing of the results was performed by the "Statistica 6.0" software. The canine guide on the laterotrusion side causes the distal-buccal surface of the lower canine of the working side to slide along the palatal slope of the upper canine of the working side. According to the table, among 25 patients of female patients 15 patients dominate in the gender assessment of the results, including 11 patients who underwent a comprehensive treatment of parodontal diseases with apical complications from the use of bone augmentation, which estimated 73.3% (p

Aim To determine the healing outcome following grafting with deproteinized porcine bone mineral (DPBM) with or without collagen membrane coverage in two‐wall (both buccal and lingual)‐damaged extraction sockets. Materials and methods Distal roots of three mandibular premolars in six beagle dogs were extracted, and the whole buccal and lingual bony walls were surgically removed. Three treatment protocols were then applied according to the following group allocation: no graft (None), grafting DPBM (BG), and grafting DPBM with coverage by a collagen membrane (BG + M). Two observational periods (2 and 8 weeks) were used with the split‐mouth design, and quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed by microcomputed tomography and histology. Results The dimensions of the alveolar ridge at both grafted sites (BG and BG + M) remained similar to those of the pristine ridge in the histologic and radiographic analyses, whereas the ungrafted sites (None) collapsed both vertically and horizontally. Both grafting protocols produced substantial bony regeneration, but the addition of a covering membrane enhanced the proportion of mineralized tissue within the augmented area, and the BG + M group also showed a significantly larger area of regenerated ridge than the None group (p

Inter-alveolar augmented corticotomies with bone grafting may be used before orthodontic treatment in cases of root out or in major proclination movements in the lower anterior region. Bone graft particle spreading with reduced confinement and strong labial muscle contractions may cause graft resorption. Herein we describe a combined orthodontic corticotomy technique involving periosteal flap grafting confinement and a surgical muscle-weakening flap to avoid resorption.

Background The present study aims to assess the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on stability in implants placed in healed sites. Material and methods The present study followed the SPIRIT statement and is reported according to CONSORT. Patients were randomly allocated to LLLT or control groups. LLLT consisted in the application of 808-nm GaAlA laser applied before the preparation of the implant bed and after suturing (80 seconds; 11J/cm2). Implant stability quotient (ISQ) and the distance between the implant platform to the alveolar bone crest (millimeters) were assessed at implant placement (T0) and the abutment selection phase (4–6 months, Ta). Results A total of 64 implants were placed in 33 patients. The insertion torque ranged from 10 to 70 N.cm (mean 43.23; SD ±16.82). The T0 ISQ ranged from 18 to 95.5 (mean 61.7; SD ±18.23) and the crestal bone radiographic distance was 2.03 mm (SD±1.27). At Ta, the ISQ ranged from 39 to 90 (mean 64.2; SD±9.84), and the mean crestal bone radiographic loss was 1.70mm (SD±1.65). However, no differences were observed when LLLT and control groups were compared with ISQ difference (Ta–T0; p=0.598) or radiographical peri-implant alterations (p=0.531). Conclusion LLLT did not influence the implant stability in implants placed in healed sites compared to a control group. Trial registration ReBEC, RBR-35TNJ7. Registered May 23, 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze the morphologic features of alveolus in relatively healthy maxillary and mandibular incisors using cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 318 patients were retrospectively acquired. Alveolar bone in incisive area was divided into: type 1 (thick), type 2 (relatively thick with mono-plate concavity), type 3 (thin with double-plate concavities), and type 4 (vulnerably thin). Alveolus prevalence and widths were analyzed statistically relative to age, gender, and molar relationship. Prevalence of type 1 alveolus was 78.9% in maxillary central incisors, 15.1% in maxillary lateral incisors, 24.1% in mandibular central incisors, and 5.0% in mandibular lateral incisors. Type 2 alveolus was commonly observed in the maxillary lateral incisors (82.2%), mandibular central incisors (66.2%), and mandibular lateral incisors (87.9%). Prevalence of type 3 and 4 alveoli ranged from 0.0 to 9.4%. As for maxillary central incisors, type 1 was the widest both at the alveolar crest (7.77 ± 0.58 mm) and apical area (9.05 ± 1.86 mm), while type 3 had the lowest width at the apical region (4.08 ± 0.51 mm). Among maxillary central incisors, prevalence of type 1 tended to decrease with age. At all maxillary and mandibular incisor sites, alveolus widths were significantly thicker in males than in females. At maxillary lateral incisor and mandibular incisor sites, prevalence of alveolus type was significantly different among three molar relationships. A 4-type classification system was suggested for alveolus morphology in incisive region. Identification of alveolus type might aid in the corresponding treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to analyse the outcomes of early implant placement after 6 and 12 weeks of healing in ridge preserved sites in a canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants were placed in second maxillary incisors sites in 9 dogs 6 weeks after grafting of the sockets with 90% deproteinized bovine bone mineral in 10% collagen matrix (DBBMC) and closure with resorbable type I/III porcine collagen matrix (PCM). The implants were randomly assigned to 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) weeks of healing. RESULTS: The percentage of bone-to-implant contact (%BIC), old bone, new bone and residual DBBMC was similar between T6 and T12. In relation to the implant shoulder (IS), the original bone crest (IS-ROB) was more apical on the buccal than the palatal side. The regenerated bone crest (IS-C) and IS-ROB were similar between groups. However, the distance from IS to first bone-to implant contact (IS-fBIC) was significantly less in T12 compared with T6 (p = .022; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The bucco-palatal ridge dimensions between T6 and T12 were similar. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that implants can successfully be placed early in ridge preserved maxillary second incisor sites and are osseointegrated by 6 weeks. There were significantly lower IS-fBIC values at 12 weeks than at 6 weeks on the buccal aspect. The original buccal bone crest underwent greater corono-apical resorption than the palatal crest. The %BIC, relative proportions of mineralized tissues and dimensions of the alveolar ridge demonstrated stability between 6 and 12 weeks of healing.

Objective To investigate the effect of local injection of mineralized hybrid nanoparticles loading dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) complex (P-NPs) on the bone remodeling on atrophic alveolar ridges (AAR) ahead of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Settings and sample population Four beagles were randomly allocated into Group C (OTM only) and Group NP (OTM with P-NPs injection). Experimental model of AAR was prepared in 8 mandibular quadrants after extraction of the third premolars (n=4 per Group). Materials and methods Reciprocal traction of the second and fourth premolars was performed toward AAR for 8 weeks. P-NPs were prepared by loading recombinant DMP-1 and MMP-13 complex into calcium carbonate (CaCO3 )-mineralized hybrid nanoparticles, and injected at 0, 3, 6 weeks. The rate of OTM and the bone remodeling characteristics were compared between Groups using fluorescent microscopic analysis and micro-structural histomorphometric analysis. Results Group NP revealed higher bone volume fraction and higher trabecular ratio with lower bone mineral density than Group C on AAR area. Meanwhile, the root movement towards AAR was facilitated in Group NP representing more bodily movement than Group C. Conclusion Non-invasive intervention of P-NPs injection suggested a clinical potential to facilitate translational movement into the AAR with sustaining woven bone-like microstructural environment.

Objective To investigate the effect of a bone substitute material combined with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) loaded barrier membrane on the preservation of alveolar ridge after tooth extraction. Materials and methods Four dogs were included. Six extraction sockets of each animal received the 3 treatments and were randomly divided into three groups. Group A: negative control; Group B: bovine xenografts + membrane; Group C: bovine xenografts +FGF-2-loaded membrane. CBCT and histological analysis were performed to evaluate changes in the width and height of alveolar ridges and extraction socket bone healing 8 weeks post-extraction. Results CBCT showed that the alveolar bone in Group A was significantly thinner than that in Group B and Group C at 1 and 3 mm apically from the alveolar crest. The alveolar width at 1 mm in Group C (60.99 ± 15.36%) was significantly thicker than that in Group B (39.75 ± 30.18%). Histomorphmetrical measurements showed that the buccal alveolar width at 1 mm was significantly thicker in Groups B and C than in Group A. Additionally, buccal bone height and lingual bone width at 1 mm in Group C (87.06 ± 10.34%, 89.09 ± 10.56%) were significantly greater than in Group A (53.48 ± 23.94%, 82.72 ± 12.59%). Conclusion The present findings indicate that application of bovine bone combined with barrier membrane with or without FGF-2 over tooth sockets can effectively reduce ridge absorption, especially in terms of ridge width and FGF-2 modified membrane seems to improve the outcomes obtained with membrane alone.

In dental implant surgery, bone grafts are used for the reconstruction and reestablishment of alveolar bone volume and to improve bone architecture for better positioning of an implant. The present report describes the use of the bone ring technique for vertical and horizontal bone augmentation with simultaneous implant placement. This is a simple technique for acquiring donor bone in a ring shape and performing 3D reconstruction of bone defects, with an increase in the alveolar crest, using autogenous bone in a surgical procedure together with implant placement. Block bone grafts taken from the mentum can be used for predictable bone augmentation of up to 6 mm in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The thickness of the bone ring collected from the mentum is very important. It cannot be too thin due to the risk of fracture, nor can it be too thick, as its contour could become deformed when placed in the receptor site. For stabilization and synthesis, a horizontal mattress suture is performed at the receptor site without promoting tension, and simple sutures are used for the complete co-optation of the flap and consequent stabilization of the clot. In the present type of bone defect, single-stage implant placement may be useful to shorten the overall treatment period.

Purpose: To compare the amount of bone expansion, bone density change, and implant primary stability with an osseodensification technique to a conventional drilling protocol. Materials and methods: Twenty-four bovine rib segments (20 × 25 × 4 mm) with a 1-mm outer layer of cortical bone were randomly divided into two groups: an osseodensification group and a conventional drilling group. Each bone sample received one 4.1 × 10-mm implant. The density of the peri-implant bone before and after osteotomy was measured. After implant placement, primary stability was assessed. A laser surface scanner was used before and after implant placement to compare the dimension of crestal bone width and volumetric expansion. Histomorphometric analysis was performed to compare the bone-to-implant contact percentage (BIC%) of the two groups. Results: The peripheral and apical bone mineral density around the implants was significantly increased, and a statistically significantly higher peripheral BIC% was found in the osseodensification group. A significant increase in volume and bone width after implant placement was found in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in volume and bone width change at all three locations and in implant stability between the osseodensification and conventional drilling protocols. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the osseodensification protocol increased the bone mineral density and primary bone-to-implant contact. Also, this study suggests that implant placement by osseodensification or conventional drilling can increase ridge dimensions in narrow alveolar ridges.

Background/Aims Autotransplantation of developing premolars is an established treatment to replace missing teeth in the anterior maxilla in growing patients with a reported success rate of over 90%. The normal shape of the alveolus is observed after transplantation, but data on the presence and amount of alveolar bone after healing has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to look for potential differences in alveolar bone dimensions between sites where autotransplanted premolars replaced missing incisors and control sites of contralateral incisors. Material/Methods There were 11 patients aged between 10 and 12 years five months (mean age: 10 years and 7 months) who underwent autotransplantation of a premolar to replace a central incisor. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) performed at least 1 year after transplantation served to evaluate bone at sites of autotransplanted premolars and controls (contralateral maxillary central incisor). The thickness of the labial bone, plus the height and width of the alveolar process were measured on scans and compared at transplant and control sites. Results Mean thicknesses of the labial bone at the transplant and control sites were 0.78 mm and 0.82 mm respectively. Mean alveolar bone height was 15.15 mm at the transplant sites and 15.12 mm at the control sites. The mean marginal thickness of the alveolus was 7.75 mm at the transplant sites and 7.98 mm at the control sites. Mean thicknesses of the alveolus for half of its vertical dimension at the transplant and control sites were 7.54 mm and 8.03 mm, respectively. Conclusion The mean values of bone thickness, width and height of the alveolar process at sites of transplanted premolars were comparable to the mean values for the control incisors. Successful autotransplantation of developing premolars to replace missing central incisors allowed preservation of alveolar bone in the anterior maxilla. Plakwicz, P (corresponding author), Med Univ Warsaw, Dept Periodontol, Fac Dent, Ul Binieckiego 6, PL-02097 Warsaw, Poland. info@plakwicz.com

Implant-supported restorations have proven to be a predictable option for replacing missing teeth. In cases of inadequate bone quantity, the bone volume can be increased by bone augmentation procedures. Several factors can affect bone regeneration, including the morphology of the defect at the implant site. A defect surrounded by bony walls (an intraosseous defect) is known to yield a highly successful regeneration. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to present a new step-by-step surgical procedure known as the Custom Alveolar Ridge-Splitting (CARS) technique for maxillary anterior ridge augmentation. This technique creates an intraosseous defect while splitting and augmenting an atrophic ridge. Sixteen consecutive cases were treated with the CARS procedure. All implants were restored and followed for 12 to 24 months after loading, and all cases were effectively treated with successful implant placement. According to this retrospective study, the CARS procedure is simple, successful, and predictable and may be used as a surgical option for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation in the anterior maxilla.

The outcome of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) can be affected by pterygomaxillary disjunction (PMD) and the distractor position. In this study, SARPE was performed, with or without PMD, in 20 fresh cadaver heads. Transverse expansion was conducted twice using a bone-borne distractor in the anterior and posterior positions, resulting in four groups (n=10). Cone beam computed tomography scans were completed before and after SARPE to evaluate maxillary changes. A comparative anterior decrease and posterior increase in midpalatal opening resulted from SARPE with PMD combined with a posteriorly placed distractor. Significant differences in the internal transverse changes were found between the two SARPE techniques combined with an anterior distractor at the level of the premolars and molars for alveolar ridge width (P=0.040, P=0.024), and at the level of the molars for the dental crown width (P=0.017) and corresponding tooth cusp width (P=0.018). In contrast, using a posteriorly placed distractor led to a significant difference for tooth cusp width only (P=0.050). No statistically significant differences were found between external transverse changes or between distractor positions. PMD is more important in achieving a more uniform and parallel transverse expansion pattern than the distractor position. However, a posterior distractor seems to intensify the effects of PMD.