Search

Objective Age estimation of living or dead individuals has a strategic importance in medicine, anthropology, and forensic science, in the context of mass disasters and in civil or criminal matters such as adoption or asylum. Teeth play a major role in this context in particular, the third molars are useful for determining whether an individual has reached the legal age of 18 years because they are still in development from the age of 14. Materials and Methods In this study, a sample of 307 panoramic radiographs performed on healthy subjects aged between 13 and 23 was analyzed to consider the correlation between the maturity index of the third molar (I3M) and age to verify the reliability of the cutoff 0.08 indicated by Cameriere et al in a sample of Italian subjects living in the Province of Messina (Sicily, South Italy) to discern the adult subjects from the minors. Statistical Analysis The analysis of 307 panoramic radiographs resulted in a sensitivity of 89.2% with a confidence interval of 95%, a specificity of 96.5% with a confidence interval of 95%, and a positive predictive value of 96.7%. Results The method proved itself reliable in estimating adulthood in the population of the Messina- Sicily, but the I3M should not be used as the sole indicator to determine whether a person is younger or older than 18 years because age estimation based on dental methods alone has limitations as the third molars suffer from many variations related to their morphology, their location, and their development. Conclusion We recommend a combination of several methods that are available to increase accuracy of age estimation, depending on the different legal requirements in civil or criminal cases.

In recent years the science of dental materials and implantology have taken many steps forward. In particular, it has tended to optimize the implant design, the implant surface, or the connection between implant and abutment. All these features have been improved or modified to obtain a better response from the body, better biomechanics, increased bone implant contact surface, and better immunological response. The purpose of this article, carried out by a multidisciplinary team, is to evaluate and understand, through the use also of bioengineering tests, the biomechanical aspects, and those induced on the patient's tissues, by dental implants. A comparative analysis on different dental implants of the same manufacturer was carried out to evaluate biomechanical and molecular features. Von Mises analysis has given results regarding the biomechanical behavior of these implants and above all the repercussions on the patient's tissues. Knowing and understanding the biomechanical characteristics with studies of this type could help improve their characteristics in order to have more predictable oral rehabilitations.

Background and Objectives. About 5% of the world’s population is affected by diabetes; these patients must be further treated during medical and surgical treatments. These patients, due to the glycemic conditions, realize during their life multiorgan changes, in different body districts. Moreover, this condition obliges them to undertake hypoglycemic therapies. Diabetes is a risk factor for many diseases, including those concerning the oral district with immunological implications. Materials and Methods. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines accessing the NCBI PubMed database. Authors conducted the search of articles in English language. The results of the last 10 years have been considered, which present useful information regarding the oral conditions. A total of 17 relevant studies were included in the review. The study evaluated only papers with specific inclusion criteria regarding oral health. The works initially taken into consideration were 782; subsequently applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, there were 42 works. After a careful analysis of the work obtained by two academics who have worked separately, there have been 17 studies. All data from the studies were compared and many of these confirmed alteration in the oral district. Results. The studies taken into consideration evaluated different factors, such as OHRQoL, QoL, and oral alterations, involving soft tissue, dental structures, and postrehabilitative complications, as well as immunological alterations. Conclusions. We can affirm, in conclusion, that this study has brought to light those that are complications due to diabetic pathology, from different points of view. The psychological and psychosocial alterations, certainly present in these patients, are probably due to local and systemic alterations; this is confirmed by the correlation between oral health and quality of life reported by the patients.

Background Currently in dentistry, scientific research has been conducted in the study of dental implants. Being able to optimize dental implants, in all its mechanical and biological components, is the main objective of the research. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the structure and the molecular features of dental implant titanium alloy. Methods Two different internal hexagonal connection systems belonging to FDS76® have been used as sample. Beyond the literature search, fixture and abutment surface through an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) method have been analyzed. Results The surfaces have achieved an excellent level of quality and low impurity, according to commercial pure titanium alloy. Conclusions This information will surely bring useful information to evaluate the quality of this type of alloy and possibly improve its features.

Riassunto Obiettivi Lo studio sperimentale condotto dagli autori e stato realizzato allo scopo di valutare l’utilita degli occhialini ingrandenti nella realizzazione e nella rifinitura di restauri in composito di Classe V. Materiali e metodi Per lo studio sono stati utilizzati 24 premolari estratti. Dopo aver realizzato in ogni dente estratto una cavita di Classe V, i campioni sono stati suddivisi in due gruppi per il successivo restauro: Gruppo A (test), 12 campioni con sistema ingrandente 4X, con una distanza di lavoro di 300 mm; Gruppo B (controllo), 12 campioni restaurati senza l’ausilio di alcun sistema di ingrandimento. Risultati Al termine del restauro i campioni del Gruppo A hanno presentato gap marginali compresi tra 0 e 2,7 mm, mentre quelli del Gruppo B gap marginali compresi tra 0 e 10,2 mm. L’utilizzo di sistemi di ingrandimento ha influenzato la percentuale di irregolarita nell’interfaccia dente-restauro con un errore medio pari a 8,14 ± 6,01% nel Gruppo A rispetto al 42,12 ± 9,83% del Gruppo B. I risultati dimostrano inoltre una differenza statisticamente significativa (p Conclusioni L’uso dei sistemi di ingrandimento ha influenzato tutti i diversi aspetti dei restauri effettuati, riducendo notevolmente le irregolarita superficiali e marginali cavitarie, con ottimi risultati. Un uso costante e prolungato degli strumenti di ingrandimento e quindi consigliabile per una pratica clinica con eccellenti risultati.

Aim.The aim of this study was to assess the success and the survival rate of dental implants placed in augmented bone after sinus lifting procedures.Material and Methods.31 patients were mainly enrolled for a residual upper jaw crest thickness of 3 mm. CBCT scans were performed before and after the augmentation technique and at the follow-up appointments, at 3, 6, 12, 24, and up to 60 months. The follow-up examination included cumulative survival rate of implants, peri-implant marginal bone loss, and the height of sinus floor augmentation.Results.This retrospective study on 31 patients and 45 implants later inserted in a less than 3 mm crest showed excellent survival rates (99.5%), one implant was lost before loading due to an acute infection after 24 days, and two implants did not osteointegrate and were removed after 3 months. The radiological evaluation showed an average bone loss of 0.25 mm (±0.78 mm) at the first follow-up appointment (3 months) up to 0.30 mm (±1.28 mm) after 60-month follow-up.Conclusion.In this study it was reported how even in less than 3 mm thick crest a transcrestal technique can predictably be used with a long-term clinical and radiological outcome, giving patients excellent stability of the grafted material and healthy clinical results.

Background Halitosis represents a common dental condition, although sufferers are often not conscious of it. The aim of this study was to examine behavior in a sample of Italian subjects with reference to self-reported halitosis and emotional state, and specifically the presence of dental anxiety. Methods The study was performed on Italian subjects (N = 1052; range 15-65 years). A self-report questionnaire was used to detect self-reported halitosis and other variables possibly linked to it (sociodemographic data, medical and dental history, oral hygiene, and others), and a dental anxiety scale (DAS) divided into two subscales that explore a patient's dental anxiety and dental anxiety concerning dentist-patient relations. Associations between self-reported halitosis and the abovementioned variables were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Correlations between the two groups, with self-perceived halitosis and without, were also investigated with dental anxiety and with the importance attributed to one's own mouth and that of others. Results The rate of self-reported halitosis was 19.39%. The factors linked with halitosis were: anxiety regarding dentist patient relations (relational dental anxiety) (OR = 1.04, CI = 1.01-1.07), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.47, CI = 0.34-0.66), gum diseases (OR = 0.39, CI = 0.27-0.55), age > 30 years (OR = 1.01, CI = 1.00-1.02), female gender (OR = 0.71, CI = 0.51-0.98), poor oral hygiene (OR = 0.65, CI = 0.43-0.98), general anxiety (OR = 0.66, CI = 0.49-0.90), and urinary system pathologies (OR = 0.46, CI = 0.30-0.70). Other findings emerged concerning average differences between subjects with or without self-perceived halitosis, dental anxiety and the importance attributed to one's own mouth and that of others. Conclusions Halitosis requires professional care not only by dentists, but also psychological support as it is a problem that leads to avoidance behaviors and thereby limits relationships. It is also linked to poor self care. In the study population, poor oral health related to self-reported halitosis was associated with dental anxiety factors.