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Background: Oral appliances embedding sensors can be interesting tools for monitoring tooth contact bruxism in a home environment, as they address some of the usability limitations of portable electromyography (EMG) systems. In this study, an oral appliance for sleep bruxism monitoring was compared to an electromyograph. Methods: Simulated bruxism events with tooth contact, specifically clenching and grinding, and other occlusal activities unrelated to bruxism, were measured in 23 subjects with the two instruments simultaneously. The recordings were analyzed automatically by a computer program in order to compare the two techniques. Results: The two instruments were found to be strongly correlated in terms of detecting events (r = 0.89), and estimating their duration (r = 0.88) and their intensity (r = 0.83). Conclusions: The two techniques were in agreement in measuring event frequency, duration and intensity in the studied group, suggesting that force-sensing oral appliances have the potential to be easy-to-use tools for home monitoring of bruxism, alone or as complements to portable EMGs.

Aim: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 (ProDentis®, BioGaia), to avoid the recurrence of black stains (BS) in children and young adults. The purpose of this work is also to propose an oral hygiene protocol that could hinder or slow down the formation of these pigments. Materials and methods: Twenty patients aged between 8 years and 24 years with extrinsic pigmentations on one or more dental elements and with black lines attributable to chromogenic bacteria were divided into two groups randomly: the first (group I with 10 patients, test group) received a professional oral hygiene session and a therapy with a probiotic food supply containing L. reuteri for a duration of 2 months. The second group (group II with 10 patients, control group) received only a professional oral hygiene session. Data were collected using the Lobene modified index. Results: The mean Lobene index is lower in the test group compared to the control group after both 1 and 2 months from the beginning of the treatment. Conclusion: Black stain formation could be prevented by administering an L. reuteri-based probiotic food supply. Clinical significance: The use of probiotics is a relatively undeveloped strategy for the prevention and treatment of BS.

Aim and objective The purpose of this work is to investigate by electromyographic (EMG) surface analysis whether and how the variations in the occlusion due to the correction of the posterior crossbite using a rapid palatal expander (RPE) is accompanied by changes in the activity of the elevator muscles in the pediatric patients. Background Posterior crossbite is a disgnathic jaw relationship common in patients undergoing growth. In the last 10 years, several studies demonstrated the effectiveness and reproducibility of surface EMG in the objective evaluation of temporal muscle and masseter activity and how this evidence can be an interesting aid in dental clinical practice. Case description The case subject BF is an 11-year-old boy with a right I class relationship and a left II class relationship treated with a rapid palatal expansion protocol with a turn of the transversal screw twice a day (0.25 mm each turn) for a week. In this case report, EMG was used to evaluate the temporal muscle and masseter activity immediately before, immediately after, and 4 months after the RPE protocol. Conclusion Four months after the treatment, a condition of well-being and neuromuscular equilibrium such as that of starting was preserved. Clinical significance Electromyography is a noninvasive exam which evaluates the masticatory muscle activity by facial application of electrodes on masseter and temporal muscles. It can be an interesting aid in orthodontic clinical practice to evaluate preservation of a good muscular balance following orthodontic and orthognathic movements. How to cite this article Maddalone M, Nanussi A, Varisco M, et al. Electromyographic Evaluation of Masticatory Muscles in a Young Patient with Crossbite Treated with Rapid Palatal Expander: A Case Report. J Contemp Dent Pract 2020;21(11):1279–1283.

Introduction: Alveolar split crest is an established surgical technique to enable implant insertion into narrow and atrophic alveolar crest. This surgical technique is adopted to position standard or large implants so that postextractive anatomy compromises with this attempt. The aim of this study was to evaluate the horizontal alveolar bone augmentation and its stability along time with a minimally invasive flapless technique. Materials and methods: Twenty-four implants were inserted in 10 patients during a 15-month period. Clinical parameters such as horizontal bone augmentation, intrasurgical complications, patient morbidity, implant loss, and vertical bone loss (VBL) were recorded in the first 3 years after surgery. Using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT), alveolar bone width was measured for both implants position and bone reconstructions. 6 months later, at the time of implant integration, a new low-dose CBCT was performed. Implant survival (IS) and VBL were evaluated radiographically for 3 years. Results: The initial bone thickness measured on the ridge is between 0.82 mm and 5.40 mm (average 2.43 mm), after the split crest the bone width is between 4.65 mm and 8.09 mm (average 6.39 mm). This leads to an increase in the alveolar bone width of between 0.80 mm and 6.01 mm (average 3.71 mm) on the ridge. No implant was lost at 3 years, and all implants are stable at the end of the study. Three years after the surgery, controls showed a VBL of between 0.0 mm and 1.2 mm (average 0.63 mm) around the inserted implants. These parameters suggest using a flapless technique to reduce bone resorption around the implant neck. Conclusion: A minimally invasive approach allows to reduce the surgical trauma and postsurgical discomfort. The complete vascular supply is maintained, the bone resorption is reduced, and the connective epithelium does not undergo postsurgical retraction, achieving the full maintenance of the residual keratinized gingiva. Clinical significance: A technique such as split crest can be a valid option to avoid autologous or heterologous bone grafts.

Aim The aim of this work is to investigate the quality of root canal seals obtained by comparing two bioceramic cements, GuttaFlow bioseal and BioRoot RCS, focusing on the presence of voids created during the canal obturation procedure. Materials and methods The voids are analyzed using a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) device. The study will be performed using images of the endodontic space before and after filling of a selected group of elements. Furthermore, the average thickness of the cement, the average quantity of gutta-percha compared to the total shaped volume, and the average quantity of the two cements, GuttaFlow bioseal and BioRoot RCS, with respect to the total shaped volume were considered. The apical, middle, and coronal thirds have been investigated in a sectorial manner. Images have been analyzed using a CT-An™ software and visualized through a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the slices by the software CT-Vol™. Shapiro-Wilk test/Test D'Agostino-Pearson/Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used to ensure the reliability of results. Results No significant differences were observed in the amount of gutta-percha compared to the shaped volume between the GuttaFlow bioseal group and BioRoot RCS. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of voids. Conclusion The data obtained from this study allowed to conclude that the samples filled with GuttaFlow bioseal and BioRoot RCS have a similar seal capacity since no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups. No sample showed the absence of voids within the root canal obturation. Clinical significance Even if the two cements tested showed differences in terms of void volume and ability to fill thin spaces, they should be considered both acceptable and equivalent in terms of clinical sealing ability.

Aim: Evaluation of oral lesions in COVID-hospitalized patients, analyzing the potential etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Materials and methods: We evaluated a total of 58 hospitalized COVID patients in the time span from April 2021 to May 2021. The group analyzed consists of 38 male patients (66%) and 20 female patients (34%), aged between 22 and 92, with a preponderance of 60–80 years. All patients underwent an oral evaluation in order to detect the various oral manifestations; moreover, the onset time of these lesions has been correlated with the time of manifestation of the general symptoms of COVID infection. Results: Xerostomia has been the most frequent oral manifestation detected (30 patients, 51.7% of the sample), followed by ageusia (16 patients, 27.6%), and white tongue (13 patients, 22.4%). Other oral manifestations observed were aphthous lesions, fissured tongue, metallic taste, tingling in the lip and chin, and burning mouth syndrome. Conclusion: Our findings show a significant correlation between the oral manifestations and the burst of viral replication phase in COVID patients. Clinical significance: Awareness of the possible oral manifestations of COVID infection is important to conduct a correct diagnosis in oral pathology.

Rett syndrome is a progressive pediatric neurodevelopmental disorder, predominantly affecting females, characterized by a seemingly normal prenatal and perinatal period, followed by neurodevelopmental stagnation, and then rapid regression.The purpose of this study was to provide an update of the literature on the oral aspects of Rett syndrome and their possible treatment in patients suffering from this pathology. After an electronic and manual search in MEDLINE (PubMed) and the Cochrane Library, 12 articles were found, for a total of 142 patients affected by Rett syndrome. A high prevalence of bruxism, anterior open bite, ogival palate, sucking habits, and difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene was noted. There were also oral findings related to the pharmacological treatment, which included xerostomia, glossitis, erythema multiforme, gingival hyperplasia, dysphagia, and lingual paralysis. It is important for the dentist to know what problems related to the oral cavity can be encountered in a patient diagnosed with Rett syndrome and what preventive measures can be applied.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the Gingival Index and the Plaque Index in a population treated with 2 probiotic food supplies (Reuterin Os® and Carioblis®) for two months. Material and Methods: The sample was composed of 92 patients suffering from gingivitis, divided into 4 groups: the first received only causal treatment (group A – control group), the second and the third (group B and C – test group) took respectively 1 and 2 tablet of probiotic food supplement Ruterin Os® every day for 60 days, the fourth (group D– test group) took 1 tablet of probiotic food supplement Carioblis® every day for 60 days. The patients were visited every 14 days. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the control group to test groups after 2 months and to compare each index from the beginning to the end of treatment. Result: The study showed that the use of the probiotics RuterinOs® or Carioblis® in combination with causal treatment in patients with gingivitis led to a statistically significant improvement in plaque indices (PI) and gingival inflammation indices (GI) compared to the control group subjected only to causal treatment. The analysis of the data also highlighted a better result for patients who took 1 tablet of RuterinOs® every day for 2 months. Conclusion: The Authors can deduce that the somministration of one daily tablet of ReuterinOs® can bring benefits to oral health.

Aim: Nowadays, guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a predictable technique in both vertical and horizontal bone defects treatment. GBR Pocket Technique is an original surgical approach adopted in order to reduce the invasiveness of traditional procedures. The aim of this work is to describe the surgical procedure of GBR Pocket Technique in vertical bone augmentation and to compare the clinical outcomes of this technique with the results reported in literature of vertical bone augmentation and crestal bone remodeling achieved after 1 year after implants insertion. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight patients were recruited for this study and received 28 GBR procedures in the posterior region due to vertical and horizontal defects. A 50/50 mixture of autologous bone component and heterologous bone of equine origin was then made with the use of a bone scraper tunnel with internal reservoir. A PTFE-d membrane with titanium reinforcement was then fixed to the residual bone structure with screws in order to maintain the graft in place. Radiographic checks were made before graft procedures and implants insertion, then 6 months later and 1 year after implants placement. Results: The average bone augmentation after surgery seems to be aligned, or even better, than the average reported in literature with alternative surgical approach; in addition, the mean crestal remodeling after 1 year and the rate of complications are aligned with other previous surgical techniques with a vertical bone augmentation of 8.78 mm ± SD 2.39 and a bone remodeling after 1 year of 0.59 mm ± SD 0.29. Conclusions: The advantages of this technique are preservation of blood circulation and consequently risk of flap necrosis, dehiscence, and graft exposure. This technique also reduces mucosal healing times even if it takes longer surgical time. Clinical significance: GBR Pocket Technique is the use of a minimal-invasive surgical wound to reduce patient morbidity and compliance.

Aim The development of a class II malocclusion is usually related to a reduced oropharyngeal airway space. In order to prevent airway obstruction, functional appliances are commonly used for orthodontic therapy. The aim of the article is to verify if these appliances could positively influence oropharyngeal diameters preventing the onset of future respiratory disorders. Materials and methods A group of 10 patients treated at the Dental Clinic of San Gerardo Hospital in Monza with mandibular activator was selected. Ten similar untreated class II subjects with retrognathic mandible were used as control group. The cephalometric tracings were made on lateral teleradiographs of the skull before and after the active therapy with functional devices for the treated group and before and after growth peak for the control one. Descriptive statistical analysis was calculated for all the cephalometric values in both study cases and control group using Excel worksheet. The data distribution was evaluated with Shapiro-Wilk test and the in-between group discrepancies were evaluated with Mann-Whitney U test. Results At T1 period, both case and control groups showed a class II pattern. At T2 period, the study group shows an improvement in bones relationship with reduced ANB angles and OVJ measurements. The control group otherwise did not show any important changes in maxillo-mandibular discrepancies. The airway size increased in either group in most cases. No significant differences between the treated and control groups were detected for airway size neither in the upper, middle, nor lower level at the T1-T2 interval. Conclusion The upper airway values did not show any significant discrepancies between the two groups during the observation period. Clinical significance Functional devices were effective in solving class II relationships, but there is no evidence of successful breathing disorders prevention by using mandibular activators, probably due to the stability of airway tissues reached in pubertal age in both groups.

Aim Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws (ORNJs) is aseptic bone necrosis that develops in post-irradiated bone tissue of patients who underwent radiotherapy for head-neck tumors. The present study aims to clinically assess the regenerative ability of the ozone in the form of oil-based gel applied to the exposed bone area in the treatment of ORNJ. Materials and methods Eight patients who underwent radio- therapy for the treatment of cervical or neck cancer were diagnosed with ORN of the jaws at our Department, for a total of 11 sites of necrotic bone exposure (3 patients were diagnosed with more than one site of osteoradionecrosis). In the therapeutic protocol, the exposed bone lesion and osteomucosal margin were cleaned with manual debridement. Then the ORN lesion was treated with topical applications of ozone delivered as oil suspension (Ozosan® - Sanipan, Clivio, Italy) on the exposed bone for 10 minutes. The application was repeated each week until movement of the necrotic fragment was noted Results: In six patients on 8 (75%) lesions resolved with complete mucosal healing with 3 to 19 ozone applications. Total sequestration of the necrotic bone with spontaneous expulsion was observed. One patient improved his conditions shifting from a stage B2S1 to B1S1 according to He et al. classification. A patient only worsened his conditions with treatment. No toxicity was reported or observed. Conclusion These results showed the efficacy of ozone oil suspensions in the non-invasive treatment of ORN, probably related to its properties of stimulation of local revascularization and antibacterial activity, and the good tolerability of the related protocol used. Clinical significance The use of this kind of medication should be included in ORNJ treatments as effective, noninvasive and self-administered.

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate if the use of a silicone device for muscular rebalancing (Alifix®) can be useful in treating of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) of muscular origin and improving the electromyographic indexes of the chewing muscles. Materials and methods: Thirteen patients (11 F and 2 M aged between 24 years and 65 years) with TMD of muscular origin according to diagnostic criteria (DC)/TMD were involved. At the first visit (T0), each patient reported the pain intensity of masseters and temporal muscles. A surface electromyography (EMG) was performed using Teethan® (Teethan S.p.A.) and then Alifix® was delivered instructing the patient on its use. Each subject was visited again after 1 month (T1) and 2 months (T2). New EMG had been made at T1 and T2, and patients were asked again to report the pain intensity. Statistical analysis was calculated between T0 and T1, T1 and T2, and T0 and T2 for all EMG, and muscle pain measurements by Wilcoxon test with statistical significance p < 0.05. Results: Regarding the pain values between T0 and T1, T1 and T2, and T0 and T2, the difference is statistically significant, since the intensity of pain between T0 and T2 is decreased, if not disappeared, in 90% of cases. The use of Alifix® also determined a gradual improvement in the values of the EMG indexes, which, however, is not statistically significant. Conclusion: The effectiveness of Alifix® is demonstrated clinically but not at an instrumental level. Further studies involving a larger sample and taking longer therapy duration are needed. Clinical significance: Alifix® works by improving the blood circulation of the muscle, which allows the removal of catabolites with a consequent reduction of the algic symptomatology and promotes a greater supply of oxygen. It also encourages a conversion of IIA type muscle fibers into slow-twitch type I fibers that are more resistant to neuromuscular fatigue

Introduction Guided bone regeneration (GBR) aims to restore adequate bone volume for the placement of implants in an ideal location. In this article, we analyze different surgical techniques for tissue management during GBR and a modified partialthickness surgical approach. Materials and methods In a year's time span, five patients were enrolled in the study: Four women and one man (aged 44–59 years). In four patients, a GBR with simultaneous implant placement was adopted, whereas in another patient, a delayed implant placement was done. The flap was of full thickness and overturned on the side palatal with the aim of a retractor, thus exposing the bone crest. The graft material was covered and protected with a resorbable collagen membrane (Geistlich Bio- Gide®, Switzerland). The periosteal layer of the flap was then positioned above the resorbable membrane without traction. The sutures as vertical mattress were then positioned. Each patient received an intramuscular betamethasone dose (4 mg/50 kg) and antibiotic therapy for 7 days (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid 1 gm every 12 hours) and was instructed to maintain oral hygiene and appropriate wound cleaning. The patients were recalled at different times to monitor the healing. Results No cases of tissue dehiscence were observed during the period of wound healing. One patient, however, showed a delayed exposure 4 months after surgery. This occurrence was managed without complications for the patient. Conclusion The design of proposed flap seems to be effective in controlling the risk of dehiscence during the healing time in the GBR. The vascular supply was rarely compromised. The results we obtained are encouraging even if further studies on this technique are needed. Clinical significance Lateral partial-thickness flaps seem to be effective in controlling tissue tension and consequently the risk of dehiscence. The incision vestibularly performed should favor the soft tissue healing. How to cite this article Porcaro G, Busa A, Bianco E, Caccianiga G, Maddalone M. Use of a Partial-thickness Flap for Guided Bone Regeneration in the Upper Jaw. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(12):1117-1121.

Based on some experiences of Brazilian designers and international companies, the aim of this paper is to present the meta- creative design and Design-Driven Innovation as radical strategies able to redefine the dominant meanings in the sector in which they operate, before the competition does it. In this way, designers and companies can lead the market competition. In recent decades, researches indicate that radical innovation, even though risky, is a major source of competitive advantage in the long term. Moreover, these studies demostrate that consumers do not buy products, but meanings: people use things for emotional, psychological and socio-cultural reasons, as the practices. Perhaps, this is the kind of contribution that Brazilian meta-creativity can give to the civil development of the consumption society: creating objects and environments able to bring with themselves, a bit of transcendence in order to help human beings to better decipher their world.