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Background: Saliva is secreted by the major and minor salivary glands. There are a number of physiological factors that can reduce this secretion such as age, sex, body weight, number of teeth present in the mouth or time of day. This decrease may also be caused by the use of certain drugs, radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, chronic rheumatic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome and other systemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of type 2 DM on salivary secretion and its relation to the sensation of xerostomia. Methods: Forty-seven patients with type 2 DM and 46 healthy individuals, aged 40-80, participated in the study. Samples of saliva were collected, at rest and after stimulation, at baseline and after the administration of a meal. A questionnaire of 10 items was used to define the patients’ sensations of xerostomia. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney test was used to assess the difference in salivary flow between the two groups and the relationship between the response to each of the questions and salivary flow levels. The degree of the patients’ sensation of xerostomia was analysed by the Fisher test. Results and Conclusions: There was a significant decrease in total saliva levels at rest in patients with type 2 DM compared to the control group. The study group also experienced higher levels of dryness at night and on waking as well as a greater sensation of lingual burning compared to the control group. Background: Saliva is secreted by the major and minor salivary glands. There are a number of physiological factors that can reduce this secretion such as age, sex, body weight, number of teeth present in the mouth or time of day. This decrease may also be caused by the use of certain drugs, radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, chronic rheumatic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome and other systemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of type 2 DM on salivary secretion and its relation to the sensation of xerostomia. Methods: Forty-seven patients with type 2 DM and 46 healthy individuals, aged 40-80, participated in the study. Samples of saliva were collected, at rest and after stimulation, at baseline and after the administration of a meal. A questionnaire of 10 items was used to define the patients’ sensations of xerostomia. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney test was used to assess the difference in salivary flow between the two groups and the relationship between the response to each of the questions and salivary flow levels. The degree of the patients’ sensation of xerostomia was analysed by the Fisher test. Results and Conclusions: There was a significant decrease in total saliva levels at rest in patients with type 2 DM compared to the control group. The study group also experienced higher levels of dryness at night and on waking as well as a greater sensation of lingual burning compared to the control group.

The extraction of teeth results in rapid bone resorption both vertically and horizontally in the first month. The loss of alveolar ridge reduces the chance of implant rehabilitation. The atraumatic extraction, implant placement in extraction socket, and an immediate prosthesis have been proposed as alternative therapies to maintain the volume and contours tissue and reduce time and cost of treatment. Thus, this paper aims to present a clinical case where the extraction was performed using interradicular septum as guide for pilot drill in postextractive implantology with implant placement and immediate provisionalization in a inferior molar. The advantages of this technique are to place the implant exactly in the center of the alveolar ridge, to mantain the edges of the alveolar ridge and reduce postextractive bone resorption, and has great advantages in final prosthetic rehabilitation. How to cite this article Haddad EE, Lauritano D, Carinci F. Interradicular Septum as Guide for Pilot Drill in Postextractive Implantology: A Technical Note. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(1):81-84.

Purpose The aim of this paper is to describe epidemiology and clinical manifestations of oral infection by Human papillomavirus (HPV), with particular attention to potential malignant lesions. Materials and methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted to describe the state of the art about HPV infection in oropharyngeal mucosa and its modalities of transmission, with particular attention to possible simultaneous infection in multiple anatomic sites. The aspects of prevention and control of infection by administering vaccines and the diffusion of sexual education campaigns are discussed also. Therapeutic protocols are also described where necessary. Results In recent years there has been a growing interest in HPV oral medicine, suggesting a role of such a family of viruses in the development of neoplasms of the oropharyngeal district as well as of the uterine cervix. Even if the mass media have increasingly faced the problem, causing frequent alarming among patients, the dentist therefore needs a complete and up-to-date knowledge of this infectious condition that is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted mucous membrane infections (e.g. genital, anal and oral). Conclusions Recent studies about HPV infection are a basic requirement in order to promote the health of patients and provide them with the most exhaustive indications from dentists.

Purpose. The surgical-orthodontic treatment of impacted maxillary canine (IMC) remains a challenge to today’s clinicians. The aim of the present paper is to describe an unconventional treatment of IMC with insertion of implant into the retained canine and 3 years follow-up. Case report. A 55-year-old female patient attended to rehabilitate her maxillary left canine site. An unconventional approach was proposed to the patient. A large diameter tapered implant (Ø 5 x 18 mm) was inserted (Nobel Active, Kolten, Swisse). An immediate loading prosthetic rehabilitation was performed. After checking for implant stability the prosthetic steps were carried out and a single crown was delivered with Procera system. Conclusion. The patient was happy of this kind of single non-invasive session for treating IMC. At the 3-year control, the implant did not show any mobility or signs of peri-implantitis clinically or radiographically. In addiction patient was satisfied of aesthetic results

The implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous upper jaws has always been complex for surgeons and dentists. The lack of bone in both vertical and horizontal dimension does not allow the correct insertion of dental implants. In addition, patients with edentulous upper and lower arch have a loss of vertical dimension of the face and an aged expression. Many surgical techniques have been proposed to increase the bone volume, height and thickness, such as the Le Fort I osteotomy, the bone grafts and the placement of dental implants. Planning these surgical procedures is difficult, because it is not possible to reproduce the movements of osteotomized bone segments in three planes of space. This article describes the treatment of severe atrophy maxilla with a new approach using a new instrument named “Surgiplanner”. Surgiplanner is a method that, only using a computerized axial tomography (CAT), allows to obtain a totally predetermined therapeutic result from both an aesthetic and functional point of view, with surgery of severe resorbed jaws. Surgiplanner allows repositioning of segment of the skeleton of the patient’s face in a predetermined and controlled way for the best implant- supported oral rehabilitation

The aerosol produced during the use of dental instruments can spread pathogens potentially harmful to health. Most of the pathogens found in hydraulic system are Gram-negative aerobic heterotrophic environmental bacterial species exhibiting very low pathogenicity, although they may be of concern in the treatment of vulnerable patients, such as immunocompromised, medically compromised individuals and dental team. Dental team can be exposed to pathogenic microorganisms including cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus and Legionella spp. Legionella spp. are ubiquitous in hydraulic system, in fact surveys have shown that the percentage of samples taken at different dental chairs that were positive for Legionella spp. and ranged from 0 to 100%. The concentration of Legionella spp. in hydraulic system may reach 1000 organisms per ml. The primary route of Legionella spp. transmission is inhalation or aspiration of environmentally contaminated aerosols. All dentists are required to conduct a statutory risk assessment of their hydraulic system, in fact to comply with their legal duties, dentists must identify and assess the sources of risk and prepare a scheme for preventing and controlling risks. Moreover, they must monitor the quality of their hydraulic system at least annually to ensure that they are "legionellae free".

Background This review aims to address procedures and indications for the application of the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for regenerative dentistry. ADSCs have rarely been used in this particular field; conversely, experience from other clinical fields and basic research seems to recommend the suitability of this application. Aims and methods We reviewed 32 out of 193 articles on Medline sorted by the relevance option. The main purpose of this paper is to perform a short review of the application of stem cells in regenerative dentistry, describing a multilineage differentiation as a safe and useful alternative way of harvesting and selection of ADSCs. Results and conclusion The most common derivation of stem cells for regenerative dentistry is from the adipose tissue. There are conditions in which the levy adipose cannot be easily achieved, or where large amount of grafting is not needed. For this purpose, the possibility of selecting stromal stem cells directly from the lax subcutaneous connective tissue, preferably of the head region, would allow a technical simplification.

Periodontal disease (PD) is an inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth. PD affects 65 million adults over the age of 30 years in the USA, and worldwide 5 to 70% of adults. Women who develop PD during pregnancy, it’s estimated 1 woman in 5, may have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. PD during pregnancy starts by dental plaque and is increased by the action of pregnancy hormones. In order to study the effect of PD on adverse pregnancy outcomes, we have performed this narrative review summarising the current studies about the influence of PD on pregnancy. Periodontal pockets are a reservoir of oral microbiota. Modifications in oral microbiota may be considered as a potential mechanism for developing PD during pregnancy. PD is surely caused by bacteria, but the progression and worsening are due to a host immune response. The inflammation caused by PD is not limited to the oral cavity. It is hypothesized that episodes of bacteraemia and dissemination of endotoxins from periodontal pockets can induce the activation of the systemic immune response. In conclusion our narrative review shows that there’s no relationship between PD and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and PD treatment during pregnancy does not confer a general protection against adverse pregnancy outcomes

The enamel defects (EDs) may present with a variety of clinical manifestations with increasing severity from the sole appearance of pale discoloration to remarkable structural alterations. EDs are responsible for higher caries receptivity. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) allows to image in vivo at microscopic resolution of the dental surface, thus avoiding the tooth extraction and the sample preparation because of its ability to optically scan living tissues along their depth. Aim of this study is the in vivo assessment at microscopic resolution of dental surfaces affected by EDs without resorting to invasive methods such as teeth extractions, to define histological findings occurring in chromatic and/or structural EDs. For the purpose, 15 children, referring at the Dental Clinic of the Second University of Naples, affected by several degrees of EDs, were enrolled and underwent in vivo RCM imaging to microscopically define the ED confocal features using a commercially available hand-held reflectance confocal microscope with neither injuries nor discomfort. Totally, 29 teeth were imaged. Results demonstrated images good in quality and the capability to detect EDs such as unevenness, grooves, and lack of mineralization according to their clinical degree of disarray. The present in vivo microscopic study on EDs allowed to highlight structural changes in dental enamel at microscopic resolution in real-time and in a non-invasive way, with no need for extraction or processing the samples. Further experiments could define the responsiveness to remineralizing procedures as therapeutic treatments The enamel defects (EDs) may present with a variety of clinical manifestations with increasing severity from the sole appearance of pale discoloration to remarkable structural alterations. EDs are responsible for higher caries receptivity. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) allows to image in vivo at microscopic resolution of the dental surface, thus avoiding the tooth extraction and the sample preparation because of its ability to optically scan living tissues along their depth. Aim of this study is the in vivo assessment at microscopic resolution of dental surfaces affected by EDs without resorting to invasive methods such as teeth extractions, to define histological findings occurring in chromatic and/or structural EDs. For the purpose, 15 children, referring at the Dental Clinic of the Second University of Naples, affected by several degrees of EDs, were enrolled and underwent in vivo RCM imaging to microscopically define the ED confocal features using a commercially available hand-held reflectance confocal microscope with neither injuries nor discomfort. Totally, 29 teeth were imaged. Results demonstrated images good in quality and the capability to detect EDs such as unevenness, grooves, and lack of mineralization according to their clinical degree of disarray. The present in vivo microscopic study on EDs allowed to highlight structural changes in dental enamel at microscopic resolution in real-time and in a non-invasive way, with no need for extraction or processing the samples. Further experiments could define the responsiveness to remineralizing procedures as therapeutic treatments.

Background. The world population is aging. This phenomenon is accompanied by an increase in the number of elderly with dementia, whose oral hygiene care is a challenge. Objective. This paper presents a literature review of oral health status and the need for oral care in people with dementia, as compared to people without dementia and also of the relationship between periodontal disease and cognitive impairment. Methods. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Fifty-six articles met the inclusion criteria and were consequently included for quality assessment and data extraction. Results. No significant differences were found between both groups with regard to the number of present teeth, DMFT Index, edentulousness/use of denture, and orofacial pain. Coronal/root caries and retained roots were more common in people with dementia than in those without dementia. Most of the participants with dementia presented gingival bleeding or inflammation and they suffered from the periodontal disease more than people without dementia. Conclusions. Poor oral health is a common condition among the elderly with dementia. The education process of caregivers might improve the oral health status of people with dementia. Finally, periodontal disease might contribute to the onset or progression of dementia.

Systemic mastocytosis in various forms is characterized by mast cell (MC) infiltration of the bone marrow and other internal organs. The most common form is the indolent one with life expectancy similar to the normal population, while the systemic aggressive myeloproliferative type presents serious damage to various organs and is associated with mature and immature atypical mast cells. In systemic mastocytosis patients, MCs could be activated with consequent severe anaphylactic reactions, along with other symptoms. MCs, which are reactive to a variety of external factors such as allergens or other inflammatory or physical stimuli, derive from pluripotent cellular progenitor CD34+ which leaves the bone marrow as CD34+/CD17+ for implantation in the tissues where they reach maturation. MCs participate in the innate and adaptive immune system where they play a role in host defense. Activation of MCs occurs through the binding of IgE to FcεRI receptor, and initiates the phosphorylation and activation of the p38 tyrosine MAP kinase. After various reactions there is a subsequent translation and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are strongly linked to allergic inflammation and mastocytosis. Human cytokine interleukin-37 (IL-37), a unique IL-1β family member, has strong protective and anti-inflammatory properties, influencing cellular metabolism. We investigated the effect of IL-37 on inflammation in mastocytosis and report that the hematopoietic expression of IL-37 can reduce the inflammatory state in this disease. IL-37 limits excessive inflammation, which suggests that IL-37 may be beneficial to the metabolic and inflammatory process and is a candidate as a potential new therapeutic agent.

Purpose: The clinical success and longevity of endosseous implants, after their prosthetic finalization, mainly depends on mechanical factors. Excessive mechanical stress has been shown to cause initial bone loss around implants in the presence of a rigid implant-prosthetic connection. The implant abutments are manufactured with high elastic modulus materials such as titanium, steel, precious alloys, or esthetic ceramics. These materials do not absorb any type of shock from the chewing loads or ensure protection of the bone-implant interface, especially when the esthetic restorative material is ceramic rather than composite resin. Materials and Methods: The mechanical resistance to cyclical load was evaluated in a tooth-colored fiber-reinforced abutment prototype (TCFRA) and compared to that of a similarly shaped titanium abutment (TA). Eight TCFRAs and eight TAs were adhesively cemented on as many titanium implants. The swinging the two types of abutments showed during the application of sinusoidal load was also analyzed. Results: In the TA group, fracture and deformation occurred in 12.5% of samples, while debonding occurred in 62.5%. In the TCFRA group, only debonding was present, in 37.5% of samples. In comparison to the TAs, the TCFRAs exhibited greater swinging during the application of sinusoidal load. In the TA group extrusion prevailed, whereas in the TCFRA group intrusion was more frequent. Conclusion: TCFRA demonstrated a greater elasticity than did TAs to the flexural load, absorbing part of the transversal load applied on the fixture during the chewing function and thus reducing the stress on the bone-implant interface.

Mandibular implant placement (MIP) has been accepted and widely used for decades all over the world, and has reached a very high level of therapeutic reliability. MIP is used mostly in elderly edentulous patients who lost their teeth when dentistry was not oriented to fixed or removable prosthetic. Notwithstanding this, every year cases of severe complications during MIP due to haemorrhage causing life-threatening airway’s obstruction are reported. These severe complications of MIP need immediate therapy, usually with hospitalization, and may be potentially fatal. A 56-year-old man presented to the private practice requesting the placement of two dental implants at 41 and 31 previously lost for periodontal disease. Two implants of 3.3 mm of diameter, and 10 mm of length were inserted replacing teeth 31 and 41. Two hours after surgery and home delivery, the patient came to the emergency room complaining of dyspnoea and edema at the floor of the mouth. The maxillo-facial surgeon decided to perform tracheostomy and haemostasis under general anaesthesia. Two weeks after demission a complete healing was performed. This is important for dental practitioners to avoid severe bleeding complications during the MIP in the interforaminal region, especially on the midline. Moreover, when mandibles are severely atrophic, practitioners should be aware of this fact and the possible implications. The evaluation of these data is essential in the correct preoperative planning of implant procedures in the mandible, and with the increasing demand for MIP, the variations of the lingual foramen of the mandible should receive more attention.

Purpose In this study we wanted to observe the improvement in the healing of periodontal tissues in a group of diabetic patients treated with traditional methods compared to another group treated with the addition of oxygen.The potential of oxygen has long been known in the field of plastic surgery, where it is used to treat burns and skin lesions. Materials and methods This study consists in a split mouth study which involved 30 patients. We carefully treated them with periodontal therapy using manual and mechanical instrumentation. Then, we applied oxygen in half mouth according to randomization list. Finally we checked up patients after some weeks. Results Our results highlight that all areas treated with oxygen application healed more rapidly and better than no treated areas. Conclusions All in all, we have demonstrated that oxygen can improve the outcome of non-surgical periodontal treatment in diabetic subjects.

Background Patients scheduled for heart valve surgery should be free of any oral infectious disorders that might pose a risk in the postoperative period. Few studies have been made on the dental conditions of such patients prior to surgery. The present study describes the most frequent prior oral diseases in this population group. Material and Methods A prospective, observational case-control study was designed involving 60 patients (30 with heart valve disease and 30 controls, with a mean age of 71 years in both groups). A dental exploration was carried out, with calculation of the DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) index and recording of the periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, periodontal pocket depth, and attachment loss). The oral mucosa was also examined, and panoramic X-rays were used to identify possible intrabony lesions. Results Significant differences in bacterial plaque index were observed between the two groups (p

Background. Titanium is the gold standard for dental implants, since it has demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and osseointegration properties. The rate of osseointegration is however affected by the surface morphology and peri-implant infections may affect fixture and the long-term osseointegration outcome. Thus chemical composition of a coating at the implant-abutment junction (IAJ) surface is expected to play a key role in preventing bacterial infection. Purpose. In the present study a new antimicrobial polysiloxane coating functionalized with chlorexidine digluconate (PXT) has been tested in an in vitro model. Materials and methods. Twenty implants were coated in the internal chamber with PXT and twenty were used as controls. Results and conclusions. Ten of the coated implants, preliminarily tested against Gram positive and negative bacteria and fungi, showed a complete inactivation of the microbial species after a 15 min contact. On the remaining ten treated implants a series of microbiological tests and PCR analysis, after contamination of the implant external medium, in which the implant have been immersed, with genetic modified Tannerella forsythia (TF) and Porphyromonas Gingivalis (PG), leads to the conclusion that the coating is capable of inactivating the microbial species penetrating the internal of the implant through the implant abutment junction.

During a sinus lift procedure the main requirement in order to position an implant is to have a maxillary sinus floor cortical bone thick enough to guarantee a primary stability in the implant inserted. In this way, the healing process is facilitated and osseointegration of the titanium surface may occur simultaneously, thus reducing the waiting time for the engraftment of the implant into the body. Unfortunately, these conditions are not always present. Hence, the need of developing an alternative approach that could simultaneously allow to perform sinus floor elevation along with an implant placement. Here we present the case of a 62-year-old patient that requires implant-prosthetic rehabilitation from 1.2 to 1.6 at diagnosis. In this study, we reported a novel application derived from the use of a heterologous bone scaffold (SmartBone@) in a sinus lift procedure. We showed the successful implant along with sinus lift with SmartBone@, both at the time of the surgery and after follow-up of the patient at 10 months from the implant. The possibility to perform simultaneously the contextual implant along with sinus lift dramatically reduced the waiting time for the patient of minimum 5-6 months required for osseointegration of the grafted biomaterials, before performing the implant procedure. This surgery represents an advance both in terms of medical technique and as life-benefit for the patient.

Spiral dental implant (SDI) is an implant with a conical internal helix that confers the characteristic of self-drilling, self-tapping, and self-bone condensing. These proprieties offer better control during insertion of SDI giving a high primary stabilization, even in poor quality bone. A shorter diameter of SDI results in reduced drilling during insertion and consequently less trauma and minimal bone loss. To address the research purpose, the investigators designed a retrospective cohort study. The study population was composed of 25 patients, 11 males and 14 females that have been treated by Dr. Balan with 187 SDI positioned in mandible and into maxilla bone. The implants were placed during the years 2013 to 2014 in Dr. Balan clinic. All patients underwent the same surgical protocol. Several variables are investigated: demographic (age and gender), anatomic (upper/lower jaws and tooth site), implant (length and diameter and type) variables, edentulism (partial or total), and comorbid status of health (i.e.: hypothyroidism, parodontitis, hypertension, diabetes, presence of cancer, heart disease, hepatitis and rheumatologic disease). Pearson Chi-Square test was used to investigate variables and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistically it has been shown that females have a higher possibility of unsuccessful respect of male, with a "p value" of 0.014. Another important impact factor for success of implant insertion has been represented by concomitants pathologies: cancer represents the most negative high factor risk with a percentage of unsuccessful of 50%, followed by heart disease (15%), and diabetes (3.7%). SDIs are reliable tools for difficult cases of oral rehabilitation. They have a higher success and survival rate, which means stable results over time. No differences were detected among SDI lengths, implant/crown ratio. In addition, the insertion of SDIs in banked bone can be performed without adverse effects. Finally, flapless and computer tomography-planned surgery does not significantly increase the clinical outcome of SDIs in complex rehabilitation. Cancer represents the most important variable to consider when a patient wants to do oral rehabilitation because of its high risk of unsuccessful.

Treatment of severe maxillary atrophy with implants has achieved important successes in recent years. The limit of implant insertion is related to inadequate bone quantity (i.e. height and width). Alveolar bone grafting, sinus lifting and major grafting via Le Fort I osteotomy have used in the past to restore bone volume prior of implant insertion. However successes do not always occur and a second stage surgery is necessary in most cases. Immediate loading cannot be performed in all grafted bone. In recent years a new treatment approach has been proposed by using zygomatic implants. This new technique can provide a better stability to the prosthesis and less morbidity for patient. Here a cases series of eighteen patients rehabilitated with zygomatic together with standard implants and immediate loading is reported.

Purpose This study evaluated the effects of different dowel space (DS) diameters on pull-out bond strength of a cylindrical post, of threaded steel, to dentin. Materials and methods Forty-five extracted human teeth were divided in 3 groups with DSs, with the same depth (6 mm), differing for the diameter (i.e. 1.5 mm, Group 1; 1.75 mm, Group 2; 2.00 mm, Group 3). Both the diameter of the post (1.3 mm) and the composite resin cement (Panavia 21) were the same for all the samples. The samples were submitted to pull-out test by means an Universal Testing Machine (Mod. 1193, Instron) (1KN load cell, crosshead speed 0.5 mm/min). Results The mean values of the bond strength (BS) were: Group 1, 442±128.3N; Group 2, 411.3±111N; Group 3, 448.7±142.29N. While the calculated average shear bond strengths (SBSs) were: Group 1, 14.7±4.27MPa; Group 2, 11.6±3.14MPa; Group 3, 11±3.5MPa. ANOVA test showed not significative differences, among the groups, concerning the BS: Group 1 vs Group 2 (p = 0.490); Group 1 vs Group 3 (p = 0.894); Group 2 vs Group 3 (p = 0.431). Significative differences were observed, among the groups, concerning the SBS for Group 1 vs Group 2 (p = 0.032) and Group 1 vs Group 3 (p = 0.014). While a not significative difference was found, concerning this parameter, for Group 2 vs Group 3 (p = 0.641). Conclusion The cement thickness can influence the SBS of the adhesively luted posts, in our setting, the best values were obtained with a thickness of 100 μm.

Purpose To present the most frequent occult pathologies unexpectedly encountered via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), with particular reference to the diagnostic role of the dentist and that of the radiographer, with a view to clarifying where the diagnostic responsibility lies. Material and methods A narrative literature review on the most diffused occult pathologies under CBCT was conducted, with iconographical guide as an example for each category. Results The most frequent forms of unexpected pathologies encountered are: the presence of foreign bodies, airway anomaly, and the presence of radio-opacity or -transparency in the maxillofacial district. Conclusions The orthodontists must know that they are responsible to recognize these frequent, and potentially serious, pathologies of the head and neck. If the dentist feels unable to take on this responsibility, he or she should, however, be sure to have the scans read by a specialist radiologist.

Diagnosis of focal disease, the theory that the human oral microbial (HOM) could affect the onset and development of systemic diseases, was very popular in the past, but the lack of scientific evidence has led to the abandonment of this idea. Interestingly, increasing evidence over the past 3 or so decades suggests that HOM can indeed serve as a reservoir for systemic dissemination of pathogenic bacteria and their toxins in distant body sites, favouring the developments of malignant tumours. Malignant tumours are complex communities of oncogenically transformed cells with aberrant genomes, associated nonneoplastic cells including immune and stromal cells, and sometimes HOM, including bacteria and viruses. Recent data suggest that HOM and periodontal disease play an active role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, in fact HOM has been found within the colorectal cancer microenvironment, and the composition of the HOM was different from that of adjacent non- neoplastic tissue. An association of fusobacterium nucleatum with the colonic mucosa of colorectal cancer has been proven. Several questions thus arise. Is periodontal disease a risk factor for colorectal carcinoma? Given the connectivity of the digestive tract, could fusubacterium nucleatum or other HOM be involved in additional gastrointestinal disorders? Furthermore, based on the “mobility” of Fusubacterium nucleatum and the omnipresence of cadherins, could this organism be involved in cancers beyond the gastrointestinal tract? Answers to these questions will shed new lights on the role of the HOM in onset of diseases.

Long-term success rate of implants inserted in atrophic maxilla is ensured through sufficient bone volume in edentulous sites. Reconstructive surgery is necessary before implant placement to regenerate bone defects caused by atrophy, dental trauma, extractions or periodontal disease. Success rate of implants is related to the correct position and angulation of implants in residual crest, so that height and thickness of bone augmentation can allow predictable results. The most popular surgical procedures to obtain bone augmentation are: bone grafts, guided bone regeneration, maxillary sinus floor elevation, and bone osteogenesis distraction. Bone graft is the gold standard technique to achieve bone augmentation of edentulous crests and to obtain appropriate bone volume and morphology. Guided bone regeneration is a surgical technique that uses barrier membranes to promote osteoblast cells proliferation and exclude other cells such as epithelium and connective tissue cells. Guided bone regeneration is often combined with bone grafting procedures. Sinus floor elevation procedures are elective treatments when there is insufficient bone height for implant insertion in maxilla. Sinus floor elevation for implant insertion in maxilla in conjunction with autologous bone was described with long-term follow-up. Bone osteogenesis distraction is the process of bone generation between two bone segments in response to tensile stress. The aim of this short review is to analyze the different methods of increasing bone in atrophic maxilla: bone grafts, guided bone regeneration, maxillary sinus floor elevation, and bone osteogenesis distraction.

The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate survival rate (SVR - i.e. fixtures still in place at the end of the observation period) and success rate (SCR - i.e. bone resorption around the implant neck) of two tapered implant systems. Both systems were equipped with a tapered connection, one requiring bone-level (BL) placement, while the other required soft-Tissue-level (STL) placement. In the period between January 1996 and October 2011, 133 fixtures were inserted, 90 in females and 43 in males, with a mean age of 60±11 years. The mean post-surgical follow-up was 64±38 months. Several clinical parameters were evaluated as potential outcome conditioners. An SPSS program was used for statistical analysis and a Cox analysis was performed. The SVR was 100% since no fixtures were lost. SCR, expressed through the mean marginal bone loss, was 88%. No significant differences were found, for most of the variables investigated with the exception of bone grafting and implant type: STL implants showed a better clinical outcome than BL implants when bone grafting was performed simultaneously with implant placement. Tapered implants are reliable devices for oral rehabilitation of jaws.

Riassunto Obiettivi Lo scopo di questo lavoro e di illustrare le conseguenze del trattamento chirurgico in pazienti che assumono o che hanno assunto bisfosfonati per via endovenosa. Materiali e metodi Un paziente di 52 anni, affetto da mieloma multiplo, viene trattato con Zometa per un anno. Alla fine della terapia subisce estrazioni chirurgiche che esitano, a distanza di qualche mese, in due aree di osteonecrosi a livello mandibolare. Gli autori hanno ottenuto il consenso informato riguardante il trattamento dei dati e delle immagini del paziente. Risultati Il paziente viene trattato nelle due sedi di esposizione in modo differenziale e tuttora il trattamento e in corso. Dopo 5 mesi di terapia, e stato possibile osservare un leggero miglioramento delle zone di esposizione ossea. Conclusioni Nella gestione del paziente con osteonecrosi dei mascellari e importante valutare il rapporto costi-benefici, cercando di migliorare le aspettative e le prospettive di salute di un soggetto che presenta gia una patologia sistemica.

The use of chemical devices for periodontitis treatment has led to new strategies aiming primarily to control infections. Over the last few years, new chemical devices have been subjected to many scientific and medical studies. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of a new silver based chemical devices gel named &ldquo, Hydrosilver Plus Gel&rdquo, abbreviated here as Hydrosilver, on the pathogenic microorganisms, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for microbiological analysis. Materials and methods: Ten patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis in the age group &gt, 25 years were selected. None of these patients had received any surgical or non-surgical periodontal therapy, and demonstrated radiographic evidence of moderate bone loss. After scaling and root planning, patients received Hydrosilver to be used at home. Four non-adjacent sites in separate quadrants were selected in each patient for monitoring, based on criteria that the sites localise chronic periodontitis. Microbial analysis was analysed at baseline and at Day 15. SPSS program was used for statistical purposes and a paired samples correlation was performed at the end of the observation period. Results: Mean amounts of bacterial loading before and after Hydrosilver treatment reduced statistically significantly (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that Hydrosilver has a good impact on oral biofilm. Additional studies are needed to detect the efficacy of this chemical device.

Peri-implantitis is the main cause of implant failures. Peri-implantitis is provoked by the presence of bacterial infiltration around Implant-Abutment Connection (IAC). Reduction of bacterial leakage may be achieved by improving the accuracy and precision of the two pieces of IAC. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate bacterial microleakage from the inside to the outside of the IAC, testing the efficacy of three new designs of internal conical connection (FN - nano-fix -, NQ - uNiQo - and Elisir implant systems by FMD, Rome, Italy). To identify the efficacy of three new IAC, the passage of genetically modified Escherichia coli across IAC was evaluated. A total of 17 implants were used (5 FN, 6 NQ and 6 Elisir). All implants were immerged in a bacterial culture for 48 h and bacteria amount was then measured inside and outside IAC with Real-time PCR. Bacterial quantification was performed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction using the absolute quantification with the standard curve method. In all the tested implants, bacteria were found in the inner side, with a median percentage of 1.9% FN, 1.4% NQ and 2.6% Elisir. The analysis revealed that in both cases (internally and externally), bacteria grew in the first 48 hours but subsequently started to die, probably due to nutrient consumption. Of the three, the most efficacious connection was NQ. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the best implant connection reducing bacterial leakage al IAC level was NQ (NQ implant system by FMD, Rome, Italy).

Background: Oral lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving skin and mucous membranes. Its etiology is still uncertain whilst an autoimmune mechanism is known to be implicated. OLP is commonly considered a geriatric disease and gender differences in prevalence are clear, whereby females are generally more frequently affected than males more often during the 5th and 6th decades of life. Lesions are symmetrical and bilateral and the buccal mucosa is frequently involved. The risk of malignant transformation is extremely low. This study aims to describe both the clinical characteristics and the prevalence of OLP among a group of patients from Southern Italy. The results of the present study were compared to analogous retrospective studies. Methods: Eighty-seven (31 man and 56 woman) cases of OLP were retrospectively reviewed and demographic and clinical data were collected. Data about OLP as clinical forms, oral and extraoral sites involved and Visual Analogue Scale were also recorded. Results: The average age of OLP onset was 59.2 years. The most common clinical presentation was the hyperkeratosic type. Symptomatic OLP was noted in 26.8 % of the patiens. The most frequently affected oral sites were buccal mucosa, tongue, gums. The most frequently associated systemic diseases were diabetes, hypertension, C hepatitis and thyroiditis. Only one patient developed a malignant transformation (1.2 %). Conclusions: Previous retrospective studies report data partially comparable with our results. Different geographic area, number of enrolled patients and OLP classification criteria may justify the observed differences. Background: Oral lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving skin and mucous membranes. Its etiology is still uncertain whilst an autoimmune mechanism is known to be implicated. OLP is commonly considered a geriatric disease and gender differences in prevalence are clear, whereby females are generally more frequently affected than males more often during the 5th and 6th decades of life. Lesions are symmetrical and bilateral and the buccal mucosa is frequently involved. The risk of malignant transformation is extremely low. This study aims to describe both the clinical characteristics and the prevalence of OLP among a group of patients from Southern Italy. The results of the present study were compared to analogous retrospective studies. Methods: Eighty-seven (31 man and 56 woman) cases of OLP were retrospectively reviewed and demographic and clinical data were collected. Data about OLP as clinical forms, oral and extraoral sites involved and Visual Analogue Scale were also recorded. Results: The average age of OLP onset was 59.2 years. The most common clinical presentation was the hyperkeratosic type. Symptomatic OLP was noted in 26.8 % of the patiens. The most frequently affected oral sites were buccal mucosa, tongue, gums. The most frequently associated systemic diseases were diabetes, hypertension, C hepatitis and thyroiditis. Only one patient developed a malignant transformation (1.2 %). Conclusions: Previous retrospective studies report data partially comparable with our results. Different geographic area, number of enrolled patients and OLP classification criteria may justify the observed differences.

Implant oral rehabilitation has become one of the most successful dentistry techniques over the last 30 years. However, peri-implantitis is the most important complication in implant dentistry. Peri-implantits can be caused by inadequate implant-Abutment connections (IAC). The aim of our study is to evaluate the influence of "conical plus octagonal" (i.e. I-Fix connection) on implant survival and success rate. All the implants included in this study were of a completely new type (I-Fix implants and abutments by FMD Falappa Medical Devices S.p.A. Rome, Italy). Sixty-six implants were inserted in males and females. The implants were of different diameters and lengths, inserted both in the mandible and in the maxilla with immediate or delayed loading, with guided bone regeneration (GBR), and post-extractive surgery. All implants were provided with I-Fix connection, 64 abutments using passing screws and 2 using full screws. None of the 66 implants were lost (i.e. survival rate - SVR = 100 %). Cox-regression analysis demonstrated that diabetes (p=0.0074), GBR (p=0.0115), maxilla (p=0.0117) and smoking (p=0.0194) have a statistical significant impact on clinical outcome (i.e. greater bone resorption around implant neck). Our data show that I-Fix connection did not influence SVR. This finding demonstrates that I-Fix design seemed to significantly affect the survival rate of the implants in a recent meta-Analysis. In spite of the limits of our study, I-Fix connection has been demonstrated to be efficient in closing the gap between implant and abutment and maintaining a good connection over time.

Periodontal diseases (PD) affect about half of the adult population all over the world. PD is caused by bacterial infection which induces an inflammatory response with progressive destruction of the periodontal tissues and finally the loss of teeth. Tobacco smoking (TS), alcohol consumption, and systemic diseases (SDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, malnutrition and stress, are considered additional risk factors. This short review examines the potential causal association between PD, TS and SDs. There is strong evidence that PD is associated with an increased risk of SDs. In addition, many patients with SDs are also affected by PD, which can be mild or severe, and tobacco smokers manifest a greater risk of developing PD. The aim of this manuscript is to investigate the effects of periodontal therapy on the management of SDs and influence of TS on PD. This manuscript includes many randomized controlled trials and reviews to test the effects of different periodontal therapies for patients with SDs. A definite conclusion on the relationship between PD and SDs is lacking, however, there is sufficient evidence to justify periodontal treatment to prevent SDs; in fact, PD is prevalent in the middle-aged population and can have a significant impact on systemic health.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mean bacterial load of some periodontal pathogenic bacteria in Italian patients affected by chronic periodontitis. The sample consisted of 1,762 patients with a clinical diagnosis of chronic periodontitis based on the criteria of the American Academy of Periodontology sampled in the period 2013-2015; 1,323 patients were from Northern Italy, 317 from Central Italy and 122 from Southern Italy. Samples for microbiological analysis were collected from the four sites of the greatest probing depth in each patient and then processed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Periodontal pathogens have the following percentage respect to total bacteria load: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans 0.1%, Campylobacter rectus 2%, Fusobacterium nucleatum 8%, Porphyromonas gingivalis 6%, Treponema denticola 2%, and Tannerella forsythia 1.5%. There are significant differences in bacterial load among the different geographical areas both for the total bacterial and for the single species. The results of our study in this Italian population showed that a different geographic distribution exists among periodontal pathogens. We hypothesize that these differences in bacterial load could be related to genetic and environmental factors. Additional studies are necessary to confirm these data and to get more insight on additional factors, which may play a role in periodontal pathogens in different geographic areas.

Oral rehabilitation with implant-supported restorations has become a successful therapy resulting in high survival rate (SR). Recently, some reports have stated that submerged implants have no differences in SR compared to transmucosal implants. It was also reported that a reduction in timing of implant loading (from 12-24 weeks to 6-8 weeks) does not affect the predictability and SR of the implants. In particular, the reduction of the loading period is well accepted by the full edentulous patient, due to the functional and aesthetic problems related to denture wearing. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the SR of immediate loading implants (ILIs) compared to placing implants in native bone, with bone graft, in post-extraction sites, with the help of computer guided implant dentistry. The aim of this short review is therefore, to assess whether ILIs achieve similar clinical outcomes when compared to conventional loading protocols. As stated in preview reviews, we can affirm that there is no difference in SR at ILIs against delayed implants and with respect to placing implants in native bone, with bone graft, in post-extraction sites, with the use of computer guided implant dentistry. Keeping in mind the limitations of the present review, we can affirm that ILIs have a similar SR when compared to conventional loading protocols.

Purpose. The Authors analyzed the effect of spherical glass mega fillers (SGMF) on reducing contraction stress in dental composite resins, by means of a cavity model simulating the cuspal deflection which occurs on filled tooth cavity walls in clinical condition. Materials and methods. 20 stylized MOD cavities (C-factor = 0.83) were performed in acrylic resin. The inner surface of each cavity was sand blasted and adhesively treated in order to ensure a valid bond with the composite resin. Three different diameter of SGMF were used (i.e. 1, 1,5, 2 mm). The samples were divided in 4 groups of 5 each: Group 1 samples filled with the composite only; Group 2 samples filled with composite added with SGMFs, Ø1mm (16 spheres for each sample); Group 3 samples filled with composite added with SGMFs, Ø1,5 mm (5 spheres for each sample); Group 4 samples filled with composite added with SGMFs, Ø2 mm (2 spheres for each sample). Digital pictures were taken, in standardized settings, before and immediately after the polymerization of the composite material, placed into the cavities. With a digital image analysis software the distances from the coronal reference points of the cavity walls were measured. Then the difference between the first and second measurement was calculated. The data were analyzed by means of the ANOVA test. Results. A significative reduction on cavity walls deflection, when the composite resin is used in addiction with the SGMFs was observed. The SGMFs of smallest diameter (1mm) showed the better outcome. Conclusion. The SGMFs are reliable in reducing contraction stress in dental composite resins.

Since the laser and photomodulation were discovered over 50 years, they have been used for many applications in medicine and in dentistry also. In particular, light-emitting diodes therapy (LT) achieved a great success in medical treatment and photo-Therapy. In the decades, LT has been used for several therapeutic purposes. Many beneficial effects have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, including antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, cell differentiation, immune potentiating and tissue repair activities. Beneficial effects of LT have also been observed in clinical settings. Although there are lots of cell culture studies in low-level laser therapy, there are only a few cell culture studies in LT that have similar characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LT on primary human gingival fibroblast cells (HGF) on elastin (ELN) gene activation using Real Time PCR. ELN gene activation is directly connected with elastin protein production and HGF functionality. Human gingival tissue biopsies were obtained from three healthy patients during tooth extraction. The gingival specimens were fragmented with a scalpel and transferred in culture dishes containing Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with 20% fetal calf serum (FBS) and antibiotics, i.e. penicillin 100U/ml and streptomycin 100μg/ml. Cells were incubated in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 at 37C. The medium was changed the next day and twice a week. After 15 days, the samples of gingival tissue were removed from the culture dishes. Cells were harvested after an additional 24 h incubation. Human gingival fibroblasts at the second passage were seeded on multiple 6-well plates. The cells stimulation was performed with a light-emitting diodes (LEDs) medical device type E-Light. The LED irradiation seems to be directly correlated with the elastin (ELN) gene activation. Interestingly, ELN gene expression in the cultured human gingival fibroblasts seems to be inversely related to the patients' age; in fact, its expression tends to decrease with aging. In summary, the result of the present study shows that LED irradiation promoted ELN gene expression more in elderly than in younger adults.

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is one of the most common gastric infections in the world, affecting about half the world's population, and is the principal cause of adenocarcinoma of the distal stomach. It seems that HP infects the subject early in life and is transmitted from person to person. The HP reaches the stomach through oral ingestion, and because of its non-invasive nature, the stomach is the ultimate site of colonization. Recently, it has been debated whether the oral cavity is a reservoir of HP bacteria participating in infection transmission, or representing a nidus of re-infection after eradication of the bacterium. HP and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) show similar clinical and histological findings, and the discovery of HP in RAS ulcers support the idea of a correlation between the two diseases. Another important relationship between RAS and HP is the high incidence of anemia in patients with RAS that may be caused by HP-positive stomach disease. In fact, antibiotic therapy and treatment of anemia can reduce the frequency of RAS ulcer recurrence. HP is considered a carcinogenic agent type 1 of the stomach by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In conclusion, the oral cavity is an extra-gastric reservoir of HP and periodontal therapy associated with systemic therapy can better eradicate HP from the mucosa of all gastro-enteric tract, reducing relapse of HP infection. Prospective cohort studies are needed to demonstrate the bacterial action in the oral cavity.

Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of supportive periodontal therapy (i.e., scaling and root planning [SRP]) alone versus Aquolab ® ozone therapy used in association with SRP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in adult patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis (40 localized chronic periodontitis sites) were enrolled. None of these patients have previously received any surgical or nonsurgical periodontal therapy and demonstrated radiographic evidence of moderate bone loss. Two nonadjacent sites in separate quadrants were selected in each patient to verify treatment efficacy (split-mouth design). Microbial analysis was analyzed at baseline and the 7 th day after treatment. SPSS program and paired simple statistic t-test were used to detect statistically significant differences. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction of Tannerella forsythia loading in sites treated with ozone therapy respect to those treated with SPR alone. A similar trend was obtained also for additional 5 species and for total bacterial loading (CBT). These results were obtained with a single local application of ozone therapy just after SPR and with a molecular control 7 th day after treatment. Conclusion : Aquolab ® ozone therapy in is effective in reducing the CBT in pockets of patients affected by periodontitis. It is an efficacy medical device to be used as adjuvant therapy to be added to SRP in the management of moderate to severe chronic periodontitis.

Dental implants have emerged as a first line of treatment to replace missing teeth for both the edentulous and partially dentate patients. The anticipated high degree of success is somewhat challenged by the onset of peri-implantitis. Peri-implant diseases are a cluster of “contemporary” oral infections in humans; they are characterized by the inflammatory destruction of the implant-supporting tissues, as a result of biofilm formation on the implant surface. It is still not clear how the roles of its etiologic agents work. A history of periodontitis, poor oral hygiene, and smoking are considered as risk factors for peri-implant diseases. Occasionally failing implants are associated with iatrogenic factors, that, only recently, have been acknowledged as direct cause of peri-implant complications, i.e.: non-parallel adjacent implants or the presence of a gap, between fixture and prosthetic components. The use both of traditional protocols of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and the diode laser seems to be an effective alternative treatment modality for peri-implantitis. By the application of laser-assisted non-surgical peri-implant therapy the periodontal pocket depth was reduced. Intraoral periapical radiographs, taken at 6 months and 1 year post nonsurgical treatment, seemed to provide evidence of some improvement of the bone level. The present article illustrates the nonsurgical management of one case, where failure to remove residual cement, from an implant-supported dental prosthesis, seemed to cause peri-implant inflammation.

The use of chemical devices for non-surgical periodontal therapy has led to new treatment strategies aimed primarily at controlling infection. Over the last few years, titanium dioxide (TiO2) with monovalent silver ions (A) covalently linked and added to benzalkonium (B) (named TIAB) has been subjected to medical studies, especially in dermatology. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of TIAB on the red complex bacteria using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for microbiological analysis. A split mouth study was conducted, and 10 subjects were enrolled. TIAB as topical medication was placed at study sites after scaling and root planing. Sub-gingival plaque samples were collected after 2 weeks, and red complex micro-organisms were studied using PCR. SPSS program was used for statistical purposes and a paired sample correlation was performed at the end of the observation period between treated and untreated sites. The results showed statistically significant reduction of red complex organisms in the study compared to the control group. TIAB can be used as an effective local drug along with supportive periodontal therapy in treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Insulin is a powerful and important hormone involved in the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have the ability to self-expand and differentiate in preosteoblast, producing in vitro autologous bone tissue. The aim of our study is to investigate whether insulin can influence differentiation of DPSCs in osteoblast and bone tissue. Dental germ pulp was extracted from third molars of healthy subjects, following informed consent. DPSCs were treated with insulin at the concentration of 100 ng/μl for 24 and 48 h. Gene expression in treated DPSCs was compared with untreated cells (control) in order to check the effect of insulin on stem cell differentiation. After 24 h, significant up-regulated genes (Fold change > 2) in DPSCs were the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins BMP3, BMP4 and their receptor BMPR1A. BMP1 results over-expressed after 48 h of treatment. Significantly down-regulated genes were BMP4, BMP7 and TGFBR2 after 24 h of treatment and BMP5 and BMP7 after 48 h. Insulin was demonstrated to influence proliferation of DPSC, differentiation and expansion in osteoblasts. Further studies are needed to explore this new way of creating bone tissue.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of supportive periodontal therapy [i.e. scaling and rooth planing (SRP)] alone versus a chemical silica dioxide (SiO2) colloidal solution (SDCS) device used in association with SRP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in adult patients. A total of 20 patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis (40 localized chronic periodontitis sites) in the age group of 35 to 55 were selected. None of these patients had previously received any surgical or non-surgical periodontal therapy and had radiographic evidence of moderate bone loss. Two non-adjacent sites in separate quadrants were selected in each patient to monitorize treatment efficacy (split mouth design). Clinical pocket depth (PD) and microbial analysis (MA) were analyzed at baseline and on 15th day. SPSS program and paired simple statistic t-test were used to detect significant differences. Total bacteria loading, Tannerella forsitia and Treponema denticola loading were statistically reduced when SiO2 was locally delivered. SDCS gel is an adjuvant therapy which should be added to SRP in the management of moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of hyaluronic acid in bio-revitalization by testing several extracellular matrix biological parameters in cultured dermal fibroblasts. To this aim, fibroblastic expressed genes after exposition to three hyaluronic acid medical devices were evaluated. Cells were seeded on a layer of three different medical devices containing 6.2, 10 and 20 mg/ml of hyaluronic acid for 24 h. Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed to investigate gene expressions. Genes encoding hyaluronic acid synthesis and degradation, Metalloproteinases 2 and 3 and Desmoplakin production as well as GDF6, and IGF1 were activated by hyaluronic acid products. The in vitro study showed similar effects on tested genes despite a different concentration of hyaluronic acid contained in the medical devices and the simultaneous presence of other additives. Based on the reported data, gene activations are an aspect of metabolic modulation of signalling pathways rather than the proportional production of a specific connective tissue molecule. Indeed different hyaluronic acid concentration and the presence of other additives did not change the overall effect on the studied genes. We believe that the optimization of extracellular matrix micro-environment, obtained by enhanced structural support with hyaluronic acid, leads to functional and metabolic improvement.

An effective treatment for aphthous stomatitis is not still available and its treatment consists only of therapeutic measures to suppress its symptoms. We report a case of a 60-year caucasian woman presented a 16-year history of episodes of multiple major recurrent ulcers in the oral mucosa. Topical application of Oralmedic® caused an improvement of pain, discomfort and healing of the aphthous ulcer. No adverse events or side effects were recorded. Oralmedic® is an effective topical device for the major aphthous ulcers treatment.

Introduction: About 30% of the general population manifests periodontal disease (PD). Patients with parents with a compromised periodontal condition may need prosthetic or implantology treatment (PIT), therefore those patients are at increased risk of developing PD during or after dental treatment. Hence the use of a genetic test for identify those most at risk of PD and submit them to very closely oral hygiene protocols, is mandatory. PIT of these patients must be done safely having previously assessed the risk of developing PD. Polymorphisms of IL6 and IL10 constitute risk factors for chronic periodontitis, so the use of a genetic test is fundamental to ensure a correct preventive protocol and plaque control in healthy patients.

The objective was to compare toluidine blue (TB) and autofluorescence (AF) for the detection of oral dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in clinically suspicious lesions according to conventional examination. Fifty-six clinically suspicious lesions were subjected to AF and TB examination. Data were compared using two different scenarios: in the first, mild dysplasia was considered as positive, while in the second, it was considered as negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and concordance were calculated. AF sensitivity and specificity were 70.0 and 57.7%, respectively, while TB showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 61.5%. The sensitivity increased in the second scenario in both AF (76.5%) and TB (88.2%). The specificity decreased in AF and TB, showing the same value (51.3%). PPV was higher in TB than in AF (70.6 versus 65.6%) and similarly for NPV (72.7 versus 62.5%). In the second scenario, TB PPV was 44.1% and NPV was 90.9%; AF PPV was 40.6% and NPV was 83.3%. TB showed greater accuracy than AF in the first scenario (62.5 versus 58.9%). AF and TB are both sensitive but not specific in OSCC and dysplasia diagnosis.

The extraction of teeth results in rapid bone resorption both vertically and horizontally in the first month. The loss of alveolar ridge reduces the chance of implant rehabilitation. Atraumatic extraction, implant placement in extraction socket, and an immediate prosthesis have been proposed as alternative therapies to maintain the volume and contours tissue and reduce time and cost of treatment. The immediate load of implants is a universally practiced procedure; nevertheless a successful procedure requires expertise in both the clinical and the reconstructive stages using a solid implant system. Excellent primary stability and high bone-implant contact are only minimal requirements for any type of implant procedure. In this paper we present a case report using a new type of implants. The new type of implants, due to its sophisticated control system of production, provides to the implantologist a safe and reliable implant, with a macromorphology designed to ensure a close contact with the surrounding bone.

Glucosamine (Gluc) is a drug used as an anti-inflammatory in moderate forms of knee arthrosis. A further off label use of Gluc is in the anti-aging treatments associated with Polideoxirybonucleotide (PDRN) through intra-dermal injection for a procedure called bio-stimulation. An unexpected effect on cultured dermal fibroblasts, during an experimental study on the gene activation in aesthetic bio-stimulation, was observed. The results have potential application in orthopaedic medical therapy. Fibroblast primary cultures were carried out, seeding cells on a layer of Gluc or PDRN alone or in combination for 24 h. Real Time-PCR was performed to investigate several gene expressions. The MMP13 and the IGF-I gene expression in fibroblast cultures were strongly inhibited after 24 h of incubation with the association of Gluc and PDRN, whereas Gluc and PDRN alone produced a modest inhibition of IGF-I and an activation of MMP13. MMP13 is present in osteoarthritic cartilage and this enzyme plays a significant role in cartilage collagen degradation. IGF1 is involved in growth and development and is successfully used in tissue-engineering for cartilage repair. Based on the reported data, we infer that the association of Gluc and PDRN has a potential application in cartilage therapy. Additional basic science and clinical studies are needed to confirm this preliminary report.

Conclusion The platelet-rich plasmas failed to demonstrate significant benefits that justify the daily use, and the use of platelet-rich fibrin is limited to some very specific applications in which satisfactory results were achieved. Only a new simple, inexpensive and efficient technique such as the leucocyteand platelet-rich fibrin will continue to develop in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the next years.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of palifermin, an N-terminal truncated version of endogenous keratinocyte growth factor, in the control of oral mucositis during antiblastic therapy. Twenty patients undergoing allogeneic stem-cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were treated with palifermin, and compared to a control group with the same number of subjects and similar inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis were performed to compare the outcomes in the treatment vs. control groups. In the treatment group, we found a statistically significant reduction in the duration of parenteral nutrition (P=0.002), duration of mucositis (P=0.003) and the average grade of mucositis (P=0.03). The statistical analysis showed that the drug was able to decrease the severity of mucositis. These data, although preliminary, suggest that palifermin could be a valid therapeutic adjuvant to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from leukaemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of palifermin, an N-terminal truncated version of endogenous keratinocyte growth factor, in the control of oral mucositis during antiblastic therapy. Twenty patients undergoing allogeneic stem-cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were treated with palifermin, and compared to a control group with the same number of subjects and similar inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis were performed to compare the outcomes in the treatment vs. control groups. In the treatment group, we found a statistically significant reduction in the duration of parenteral nutrition (P=0.002), duration of mucositis (P=0.003) and the average grade of mucositis (P=0.03). The statistical analysis showed that the drug was able to decrease the severity of mucositis. These data, although preliminary, suggest that palifermin could be a valid therapeutic adjuvant to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from leukaemia. © 2014 WCSS.

Purpose The crestal sinus lifting by means of hydraulic technique associated with a nano-cristalline hydroxyapatite in an aqueous medium is investigated. Materials and methods A specific purpose-made instrument is used, consisting of a syringe with a micrometrically controlled piston connected to a dispenser used to inject, in a calibrated and precise manner, noted volumes of graft material into the sub-schneiderian space. Adopting such a technique the Authors performed 7 future site developments, on 7 patients (2 males; 5 females; mean age 49.29±8.08 years), using a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. In the second stage, performed at 5.71±1.52 months, 7 implants were placed, after harvesting bone biopsies from the regenerated sites. The samples underwent histological and histomorphometric analysis. Results The average percentage of vital bone was of 33.27±5.98%, while the bone marrow and graft material were 60.84±5.93% and 5.87±3.05%, respectively. Conclusions The results confirm the effectiveness of this method in restoring bone volume in the sub-antral region. Furthermore nano-cristalline hydroxyapatite is a proper material for sinus floor augmentation.