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Purpose: To investigate the subgingival microbiological profiles of patients with periodontitis, to determine their stage and grade scores and to evaluate the differences in the microbiota among different stages and grades. Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven (n = 67) periodontitis patients were selected. Periodontitis staging and grading, following the 2018 classification system, were defined. Following a clinical examination, subgingival samples were taken from the deepest periodontal pocket of each quadrant for cultivation, identification and quantification. The prevalence, proportion and counts of nine selected periodontal pathogens were determined, and differences between periodontitis stages III and IV and grades B and C were assessed. Results: All nine cultivable periodontal bacteria were detected, of which the most prevalent was P. intermedia (91.0%) and the least prevalent were E. corrodens (9.0%) and C. ochracea (9.0%). The frequency of detection of the two main target pathogens, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, was 41.8% and 76.1%, respectively. The prevalence (grade B: 80.6%, grade C: 55.6%, p = 0.035) and total counts (grade B: 19.8 colony forming units - CFU/ml-4 (1.9-52.8); grade C: 4.0 CFU/ml-4 (0.0-26.4); p = 0.022) of F. nucleatum were statistically significantly higher in grade B than in grade C periodontitis patients, whereas the counts of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans were similar between grades and stages. Conclusion: Our study suggests that relevant differences between the various grades of periodontitis exist only in the numbers of F. nucleatum. Prevalence and quantities of other cultivable species between different stages and grades of periodontitis seem to be similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this project were to establish the outcomes for dental implant research that are important to people with lived experience (PWLE) and to achieve consensus with those developed by dental professionals (DPs) for a core outcome set (COS). This paper reports the process, outcomes and experiences of involving PWLE in developing a COS for dental implant research: the Implant Dentistry Core Outcome Sets and Measures project. Materials and Methods: Overall methods were guided by the Core Outcome Set Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative. Initial outcome identification was achieved from focus groups with PWLE employing calibrated methods across two low‐middle‐income countries (China and Malaysia) and two high‐income countries (Spain and the United Kingdom). Following consolidation of the results, the outcomes were incorporated into a three‐stage Delphi process with PWLE participation. Finally, consensus between PWLE and DPs was achieved using a mixed live and recorded platform. The experiences of PWLE involvement in the process was also evaluated. Results: Thirty‐one PWLE participated in four focus groups. Thirty‐four outcomes were suggested across the focus groups. Evaluation of the focus groups revealed a high level of satisfaction with the engagement process and some new learning. Seventeen PWLE contributed to the first 2 Delphi rounds and 7 to the third round. The final consensus included 17 PWLE (47%) and 19 DPs (53%). Out of the total of 11 final consensus outcomes considered essential by both PWLE and health professionals, 7 (64%) outcomes mapped across to ones that PWLE initially identified, broadening their definition. One outcome (PWLE effort required for treatment and maintenance) was entirely novel. Conclusions: We conclude that engaging PWLE in COS development can be achieved across widely different communities. Furthermore, the process both broadened and enriched overall outcome consensus, yielding important and novel perspectives for health‐related research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Lack of consistently reported outcomes limits progress in evidence‐based implant dentistry and quality of care. The objective of this initiative was to develop a core outcome set (COS) and measurements for implant dentistry clinical trials (ID‐COSM). Materials and Methods: This Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET)‐registered international initiative comprised six steps over 24 months: (i) systematic reviews of outcomes reported in the last 10 years; (ii) international patient focus groups; (iii) a Delphi project with a broad range of stakeholders (care providers, clinical researchers, methodologists, patients and industry representatives); (iv) expert group discussions organizing the outcomes in domains using a theoretical framework and identifying the COSs; (v) identification of valid measurement systems to capture the different domains and (vi) final consensus and formal approval involving experts and patients. The methods were modified from the best practice approach following the Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trial and COMET manuals. Results: The systematic reviews and patient focus groups identified 754 (665 + 89, respectively) relevant outcome measures. After elimination of redundancies and duplicates, 111 were formally assessed in the Delphi project. By applying pre‐specified filters, the Delphi process identified 22 essential outcomes. These were reduced to 13 after aggregating alternative assessments of the same features. The expert committee organized them into four core outcome areas: (i) pathophysiology, (ii) implant/prosthesis lifespan, (iii) life impact and (iv) access to care. In each area, core outcomes were identified to capture both the benefits and harms of therapy. Mandatory outcome domains included assessment of surgical morbidity and complications, peri‐implant tissue health status, intervention‐related adverse events, complication‐free survival and overall patient satisfaction and comfort. Outcomes deemed mandatory in specific circumstances comprised function (mastication, speech, aesthetics and denture retention), quality of life, effort for treatment and maintenance and cost effectiveness. Specialized COSs were identified for bone and soft‐tissue augmentation procedures. The validity of measurement instruments ranged from international consensus (peri‐implant tissue health status) to early identification of important outcomes (patient‐reported outcomes identified by the focus groups). Conclusions: The ID‐COSM initiative reached a consensus on a core set of mandatory outcomes for clinical trials in implant dentistry and/or soft tissue/bone augmentation. Adoption in future protocols and reporting on the respective domain areas by currently ongoing trials will contribute to improving evidence‐informed implant dentistry and quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To obtain input from multiple stakeholders and generate agreement on essential outcomes in implant dentistry using the Delphi methodology and incorporate them into an international consensus defining a core outcome set. Materials and Methods: Candidate outcomes in implant dentistry were generated from scientific evidence through five commissioned systematic reviews and from people with lived experience in dental implants (PWLE) through four international focus groups. A steering committee identified stakeholders among representatives from dental professionals, industry‐related experts and PWLE. Participants underwent a three‐round Delphi survey using a multi‐stakeholder approach; they assessed candidate outcomes and additional outcomes identified in the first Delphi round. The process followed the COMET methodology. Results: From the 665 potential outcomes identified in the systematic reviews and 89 in the PWLE focus group, the steering committee selected 100 and organized them into 13 categories, to be included in the first‐round questionnaire as candidate outcomes. A total of 99 dental experts, 7 dental‐industry‐related experts and 17 PWLE participated in the first round, and 11 additional outcomes were added to the second round. There was no attrition between the first and second rounds, where 61 (54.9%) outcomes exceeded the pre‐established threshold of agreement. PWLE and experts participated in the third round that applied "a priori" standard filters to distil a list of candidate essential outcomes. Conclusion: This Delphi study utilized a standardized, transparent and inclusive methodology and preliminarily validated 13 essential outcomes organized into four core areas. These results informed the final stage of the ID‐COSM consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of doxycycline-and dexamethasone-doped collagen membranes on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Background: Collagen barrier membranes are frequently used to promote bone regeneration and to boost this biological activity their functionalization with antibacterial and immunomodulatory substances has been suggested. Methods: The design included commercially available collagen membranes doped with doxycycline (Dox-Col- M) or dexamethasone (Dex-Col- M), as well as undoped membranes (Col-M) as controls, which were placed in contact with cultured MG63 osteoblast-like cells (ATCC). Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-( 4,5-dimethylthiazol -2- yl)- 2,5- diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and differentiation by measuring the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity using spectrophotometry. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to study the expression of the genes: Runx-2, OSX, ALP, OSC, OPG, RANKL, Col-I, BMP-2, BMP-7, TGF-β1, VEGF, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, and TGF-βR3. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study osteoblast morphology. Data were assessed using one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis tests, once their distribution normality was assessed by Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests (p > .05). Bonferroni for multiple comparisons were carried out (p < .05). Results: Osteoblast proliferation was significantly enhanced in the functionalized membranes as follows: (Col-M < Dex-Col- M < Dox-Col- M). ALP activity was significantly higher on cultured osteoblasts on Dox-Col- M. Runx-2, OSX, ALP, OSC, BMP-2, BMP-7, TGF-β1, VEGF, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, and TGF-βR3 were overexpressed, and RANKL was down-regulated in osteoblasts cultured on Dox-Col- M. The osteoblasts cultured in contact with the functionalized membranes demonstrated an elongated spindle-shaped morphology. Conclusion: The functionalization of collagen membranes with Dox promoted an increase in the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flapless and fully guided implant placement has the potential to maximize efficacy outcomes and at the same time to minimize surgical invasiveness. The aim of the current systematic review was to answer the following PICO question: "In adult human subjects undergoing dental implant placement (P), is minimally invasive flapless computer‐aided fully guided (either dynamic or static computer‐aided implant placement (sCAIP)) (I) superior to flapped conventional (free‐handed implant placement (FHIP) or cast‐based/drill partially guided implant placement (dPGIP)) surgery (C), in terms of efficacy, patient morbidity, long‐term prognosis, and costs (O)?" Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) fulfilling specific inclusion criteria established to answer the PICO question were included. Two review authors independently searched for eligible studies, screened the titles and abstracts, performed full‐text analysis, extracted the data from the published reports, and performed the risk of bias assessment. In cases of disagreement, a third review author took the final decision during ad hoc consensus meetings. The study results were summarized using random effects meta‐analyses, which were based (wherever possible) on individual patient data (IPD). A total of 10 manuscripts reporting on five RCTs, involving a total of 124 participants and 449 implants, and comparing flapless sCAIP with flapped FHIP/cast‐based partially guided implant placement (cPGIP), were included. There was no RCT analyzing flapless dynamic computer‐aided implant placement (dCAIP) or flapped dPGIP. Intergroup meta‐analyses indicated less depth deviation (difference in means (MD) = −0.28 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.59 to 0.03; moderate certainty), angular deviation (MD = −3.88 degrees; 95% CI: −7.00 to −0.77; high certainty), coronal (MD = −0.6 mm; 95% CI: −1.21 to 0.01; low certainty) and apical (MD = −0.75 mm; 95% CI: −1.43 to −0.07; moderate certainty) three‐dimensional bodily deviations, postoperative pain (MD = −17.09 mm on the visual analogue scale (VAS); 95% CI: −33.38 to −0.80; low certainty), postoperative swelling (MD = −6.59 mm on the VAS; 95% CI: −19.03 to 5.85; very low certainty), intraoperative discomfort (MD = −9.36 mm on the VAS; 95% CI: −17.10 to −1.61) and surgery duration (MD = −24.28 minutes; 95% CI: −28.62 to −19.95) in flapless sCAIP than in flapped FHIP/cPGIP. Despite being more accurate than flapped FHIP/cPGIP, flapless sCAIP still resulted in deviations with respect to the planned position (intragroup meta‐analytic means: 0.76 mm in depth, 2.57 degrees in angular, 1.43 mm in coronal, and 1.68 in apical three‐dimensional bodily position). Moreover, flapless sCAIP presented a 12% group‐specific intraoperative complication rate, resulting in an inability to place the implant with this protocol in 7% of cases. Evidence regarding more clinically relevant outcomes of efficacy (implant survival and success, prosthetically and biologically correct positioning), long‐term prognosis, and costs, is currently scarce. When the objective is to guarantee minimal invasiveness at implant placement, clinicians could consider the use of flapless sCAIP. A proper case selection and consideration of a safety margin are, however, suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the association between periodontitis and edentulism with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Methods: Baseline data of 506 subjects including 256 angiographically verified coronary artery disease patients and 250 matched participants in cardiovascular health from the Kuopio Oral Health and Heart study were collected from 1995–1996. Mortality data were accrued until May 31, 2015, and related to baseline periodontal health and edentulism, assessed as exposure and collected by means of clinical and radiographic examination by a single examiner. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fit using covariates such as age, gender, smoking, BMI, and education. The final sample size for the periodontitis models ranged from 358 to 376, while the edentate models included 413 to 503 subjects for CVD and all-cause mortality, respectively with no missing values in the predictor, confounders, and outcome. Results: The strongest association was found between edentulism and CVD and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.9 CVD, HR: 1.6all-cause; p < .01). Conclusions: Edentulism considered as a poor oral health marker was associated strongly with CVD mortality while periodontitis was not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate osteogenic markers and alveolar ridge profile changes in guided bone regeneration (GBR) of chronic noncontained bone defects using a nonresorbable TiO2 block. Materials and Methods: Three buccal bone defects were created in each hemimandible of eight beagle dogs and allowed to heal for 8 weeks before GBR. Treatment was assigned by block randomization: TiO2 block: TiO2‐scaffold and a collagen membrane, DBBM particulates: Deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and a collagen membrane, Empty control: Only collagen membrane. Bone regeneration was assessed on two different healing timepoints: early (4 weeks) and late healing (12 weeks) using several immunohistochemistry markers including alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), osteopontin, osteocalcin, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, and collagen type I. Histomorphometry was performed on Movat Pentachrome‐stained and Von Kossa/Van Gieson‐stained sections. Stereolithographic (STL) models were used to compare alveolar profile changes. Results: The percentage of α‐SMA and osteopontin increased in TiO2 group after 12 weeks of healing at the bone‐scaffold interface, while collagen type I increased in the empty control group. In the defect area, α‐SMA decreased in the empty control group, while collagen type I increased in the DBBM group. All groups maintained alveolar profile from 4 to 12 weeks, but TiO2 group demonstrated the widest soft tissue contour profile. Conclusions: The present findings suggested contact osteogenesis when GBR is performed with a TiO2 block or DBBM particulates. The increase in osteopontin indicated a potential for bone formation beyond 12 weeks. The alveolar profile data indicated a sustained lateral increase in lateral bone augmentation using a TiO2 block and a collagen membrane, as compared with DBBM and a collagen membrane or a collagen membrane alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents a histologic assessment of guided bone regeneration for dehiscence defects treated with bovine bone mineral or a combination of autogenous and synthetic bone. The samples were obtained from an autopsy specimen donated by a patient, which is a rare opportunity to evaluate longterm results of guided bone regeneration and osseointegration. The values for bone-to-implant contact were similar in both sites. The augmentation with bovine bone mineral demonstrated bone reconstruction after 1 year, whereas the augmentation with autogenous and synthetic bone failed to maintain the augmented volume, eventually leading to mucosal recession after 5.5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]