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Introduction. Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are the most common developmental epithelial non-odontogenic cysts of the upper maxilla. Their etiological origin is still uncertain; NPDCs are often asymptomatic and are usually found randomly through local radio-diagnostic investigations carried out for other reasons. Main body. The aim of this investigation is to analyze and discuss the etiology, differential diagnosis, clinic-pathological characteristics of these lesions as well as to report the relative frequency and distribution of nasopalatine duct cysts in general population (NPDCs) with a literature’s review on the topic. The retrospective study was carried out using 52 clinical cases, with histopatological confirmation for NPDC, radiographs and oral photographs. Data included age and gender of the patient, radiographic findings, etiological factors, treatment, and prognosis of NPDC. Few surgical consideration are discussed. The study results report a NPDCs’ incidence of 2.39% and a male predilection with a 2:1.25 ratio. No statistically significant correlation was observed between the size of the lesion and patient’s gender. Lesions were usually asymptomatic (73%). All cysts were located in the anterior maxillary midline region. Panoramic X-rays and computed tomography was used to identify the lesion. Surgical treatment was performed under local anesthesia including the dissection and the removal of the cyst, usually adopting a palatine approach with an enveloping flap from 1.4 to 2.4. Relapse occured in 15.4% of the cases. Conclusions. The etiology of NPDC is unclear and a male predilection was observed. The histological analysis of cystic lesions was fundamental for the final diagnosis. Simple surgical resection was recommended, followed by clinical and radiological control to ensure the correct and complete resolution of the case.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of partial or total edentulous patients is today a challenge for clinicians and dental practitioners. The application of dental implants in order to recover areas of missing teeth is going to be a predictable technique, however some important points about the implant angulation, the stress distribution over the bone tissue and prosthetic components should be well investigated for having final long term clinical results. Two different system of the prosthesis fixation are commonly used. The screw retained crown and the cemented retained one. All of the two restoration techniques give to the clinicians several advantages and some disadvantages. Aim of this work is to evaluate all the mechanical features of each system, through engineering systems of investigations like FEM and Von Mises analyses. The FEM is today a useful tool for the prediction of stress effect upon material and biomaterial under load or strengths. Specifically three different area has been evaluated through this study: the dental crown with the bone interface; the passant screw connection area; the occlusal surface of the two different type of crown. The elastic features of the materials used in the study have been taken from recent literature data. Results revealed an adequate response for both type of prostheses, although cemented retained one showed better results over the occlusal area.

Dental infections have recently been related with a possible risk factor for Neurodegenerative pathologies like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Even if there are no specific studies investigating orofacial pain in this patient group, dental health is known to be a potential cause of pain and to influence quality of life and disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate how the AD patients’ oral health status may influence their quality of life. 158 patients affected by AD were evaluated using Decayed Missed Filled Teeth (DMFT), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Clinical Investigation consisting in the detection of cavities and measurement of the probing depth in each patient; other parameters like gingival bleeding, biofilm index and tooth mobility degree test have been recorded. The ratio between diagnosis of periodontal disease and impact on quality of life was significant in individuals with periodontitis (p < 0.001) and missed filled teeth. Gingival bleeding, and probing depth > 4 mm were associated with intensely negative impact on quality of life (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012 respectively). Moreover, the absence of more than 2 molar teeth increases the chewing inability decreasing the patient quality of life. Conclusion: It was observed a correlation between the age and the high index of pathologies analyzed, due to the progressive nature of the disease. Concepts of health and disease determined by clinical diagnostic criteria may influence the assessment of the impact of periodontal disease on Alzheimer’s quality of life.

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the survival rate, the marginal bone level, and the aesthetic outcome; at 3 years' follow-up, of dental implants placed into a high-esthetic aesthetic zone by comparing 2 techniques of postextraction implant with immediate loading: The socket shied technique and the conventional insertion technique. Several clinical studies suggested that the avulsion of a dental element causes dimensional alterations of both soft and hard tissues at the postextractive site. To increase the aesthetic outcomes, the "socket-shield technique" has been proposed. This method involves maintaining the vestibular root portion and immediate insertion of the dental implant in close proximity to the root. Patients enrolled in this study were randomized to receive a postextraction implant in the aesthetic zone, either with the socket shied technique or with the conventional insertion technique. Implant survival, marginal bone level, and the pink aesthetic score were the outcomes evaluated. Implant survival rate was 100% in both the groups at 3 years. Implants inserted with the socket shield technique showed better values of both marginal bone level and pink aesthetic score (P < 0.05). Although such preliminary results need to be further confirmed, the socket shield technique seems to be a safe surgical technique that allows an implant rehabilitation characterized by better aesthetic outcomes. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the survival rate, the marginal bone level, and the aesthetic outcome; at 3 years' follow-up, of dental implants placed into a high-esthetic aesthetic zone by comparing 2 techniques of postextraction implant with immediate loading: The socket shied technique and the conventional insertion technique. Several clinical studies suggested that the avulsion of a dental element causes dimensional alterations of both soft and hard tissues at the postextractive site. To increase the aesthetic outcomes, the "socket-shield technique" has been proposed. This method involves maintaining the vestibular root portion and immediate insertion of the dental implant in close proximity to the root. Patients enrolled in this study were randomized to receive a postextraction implant in the aesthetic zone, either with the socket shied technique or with the conventional insertion technique. Implant survival, marginal bone level, and the pink aesthetic score were the outcomes evaluated. Implant survival rate was 100% in both the groups at 3 years. Implants inserted with the socket shield technique showed better values of both marginal bone level and pink aesthetic score (P < 0.05). Although such preliminary results need to be further confirmed, the socket shield technique seems to be a safe surgical technique that allows an implant rehabilitation characterized by better aesthetic outcomes.