Oral Soft Tissue Regeneration Using Nano Controlled System Inducing Sequential Release of Trichloroacetic Acid and Epidermal Growth Factor

Background@#The effect of nano controlled sequential release of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the oral soft tissue regeneration was determined. @*Methods@#Hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan (HGC) nano controlled system was developed for the sequential release of TCA and EGF, and the release pattern was identified. The HGC-based nano controlled release system was injected into the critical-sized defects created in beagles’ palatal soft tissues. The palatal impression and its scanned body was obtained on various time points post-injection, and the volumetric amount of soft tissue regeneration was compared among the three groups: CON (natural regeneration control group), EXP1 (TCA-loaded nano controlled release system group), EXP2 (TCA and EGF individually loaded nano controlled release system). DNA microarray analysis was performed and various soft tissue regeneration parameters in histopathological specimens were measured. @*Results@#TCA release was highest at Day 1 whereas EGF release was highest at Day 2 and remained high until Day 3. In the volumetric measurements of impression body scans, no significant difference in soft tissue regeneration between the three groups was shown in two-way ANOVA. However, in the one-way ANOVA at Day 14, EXP2 showed a significant increase in soft tissue regeneration compared to CON. High correlation was determined between the histopathological results of each group. DNA microarray showed up-regulation of various genes and related cell signaling pathways in EXP2 compared to CON. @*Conclusion@#HGC-based nano controlled release system for sequential release of TCA and EGF can promote regeneration of oral soft tissue defects.

Comparison of implant stability measurements between a resonance frequency analysis device and a modified damping capacity analysis device: an in vitro study

PURPOSE: A stability-measuring device that utilizes damping capacity analysis (DCA) has recently been introduced in the field of dental implantology. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and reliability of this device by measuring the implant stability of ex vivo samples in comparison with a resonance frequency analysis (RFA) device.METHODS: Six implant beds were prepared in porcine ribs using 3 different drilling protocols to simulate various implant stability conditions. Thirty-six pork ribs and 216 bone-level implants measuring 10 mm in height were used. The implant beds were prepared using 1 of the following 3 drilling protocols: 10-mm drilling depth with a 3.5-mm-diameter twist drill, 5-mm drilling depth with a 4.0-mm-diameter twist drill, and 10-mm drilling depth with a 4.0-mm-diameter twist drill. The first 108 implants were external-connection implants 4.0 mm in diameter, while the other 108 implants were internal-connection implants 4.3 mm in diameter. The peak insertion torque (PIT) during implant placement, the stability values obtained with DCA and RFA devices after implant placement, and the peak removal torque (PRT) during implant removal were measured.RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the implant stability quotient (ISQ) results obtained using the RFA device at the medial, distal, ventral, and dorsal points were 0.997, 0.994, 0.994, and 0.998, respectively. The ICCs of the implant stability test (IST) results obtained using the DCA device at the corresponding locations were 0.972, 0.975, 0.974, and 0.976, respectively. Logarithmic relationships between PIT and IST, PIT and ISQ, PRT and IST, and PRT and ISQ were observed. The mean absolute difference between the ISQ and IST values on a Bland-Altman plot was −6.76 (−25.05 to 11.53, P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of ex vivo studies, measurements made using the RFA and DCA devices were found to be correlated under a variety of stability conditions.

Oral Soft Tissue Regeneration Using Nano Controlled System Inducing Sequential Release of Trichloroacetic Acid and Epidermal Growth Factor

Background@#The effect of nano controlled sequential release of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the oral soft tissue regeneration was determined. @*Methods@#Hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan (HGC) nano controlled system was developed for the sequential release of TCA and EGF, and the release pattern was identified. The HGC-based nano controlled release system was injected into the critical-sized defects created in beagles’ palatal soft tissues. The palatal impression and its scanned body was obtained on various time points post-injection, and the volumetric amount of soft tissue regeneration was compared among the three groups: CON (natural regeneration control group), EXP1 (TCA-loaded nano controlled release system group), EXP2 (TCA and EGF individually loaded nano controlled release system). DNA microarray analysis was performed and various soft tissue regeneration parameters in histopathological specimens were measured. @*Results@#TCA release was highest at Day 1 whereas EGF release was highest at Day 2 and remained high until Day 3. In the volumetric measurements of impression body scans, no significant difference in soft tissue regeneration between the three groups was shown in two-way ANOVA. However, in the one-way ANOVA at Day 14, EXP2 showed a significant increase in soft tissue regeneration compared to CON. High correlation was determined between the histopathological results of each group. DNA microarray showed up-regulation of various genes and related cell signaling pathways in EXP2 compared to CON. @*Conclusion@#HGC-based nano controlled release system for sequential release of TCA and EGF can promote regeneration of oral soft tissue defects.

Bone healing dynamics associated with 3 implants with different surfaces: histologic and histomorphometric analyses in dogs

PURPOSE: This study evaluated differences in bone healing and remodeling among 3 implants with different surfaces: sandblasting and large-grit acid etching (SLA; IS-III Active®), SLA with hydroxyapatite nanocoating (IS-III Bioactive®), and SLA stored in sodium chloride solution (SLActive®). METHODS: The mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars of 9 dogs were extracted. After 4 weeks, 9 dogs with edentulous alveolar ridges underwent surgical placement of 3 implants bilaterally and were allowed to heal for 2, 4, or 12 weeks. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed on 54 stained slides based on the following parameters: vertical marginal bone loss at the buccal and lingual aspects of the implant (b-MBL and l-MBL, respectively), mineralized bone-to-implant contact (mBIC), osteoid-to-implant contact (OIC), total bone-to-implant contact (tBIC), mineralized bone area fraction occupied (mBAFO), osteoid area fraction occupied (OAFO), and total bone area fraction occupied (tBAFO) in the threads of the region of interest. Two-way analysis of variance (3 types of implant surface×3 healing time periods) and additional analyses for simple effects were performed. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed across the implant surfaces for OIC, mBIC, tBIC, OAFO, and tBAFO. Statistically significant differences were observed over time for l-MBL, mBIC, tBIC, mBAFO, and tBAFO. In addition, an interaction effect between the implant surface and the healing time period was observed for mBIC, tBIC, and mBAFO. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that implant surface wettability facilitates bone healing dynamics, which could be attributed to the improvement of early osseointegration. In addition, osteoblasts might become more activated with the use of HA-coated surface implants than with hydrophobic surface implants in the remodeling phase.

Influence of implant-abutment connection structure on peri-implant bone level in a second molar: A 1-year randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two different implant-abutment connection structures with identical implant design on peri-implant bone level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical study was a patient-blind randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT 2010 checklists. This trial was conducted in 24 patients recruited between March 2013 and July 2015. Implants with internal friction connection were compared to those with external hex connection. One implant for each patient was installed, replacing the second molar. Implant-supported crowns were delivered at four months after implant insertion. Standardized periapical radiographs were taken at prosthesis delivery (baseline), and one year after delivery. On the radiographs, distance from implant shoulder to first bone-to-implant contact (DIB) and peri-implant area were measured, which were the primary and secondary outcome, respectively. RESULTS: Eleven external and eleven internal implants were analyzed. Mean changes of DIB from baseline to 1-year postloading were 0.59 (0.95) mm for the external and 0.01 (0.68) mm for the internal connection. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups, medium effect size was found in DIB between the connections (Cohen's d = 0.67). CONCLUSION: Considering the effect size in DIB, this study suggested the possibility of the internal friction connection structure for more effective preservation of marginal bone.

Chemical Regeneration of Wound Defects: Relevance to the Canine Palatal Mucosa and Cell Cycle Up-Regulation in Human Gingival Fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is an agent widely applied in dermatology for skin regeneration. To test whether TCA can offer an advantage for the regeneration of oral soft tissue defects, the cellular events following TCA application were explored in vitro and its influence on the oral soft tissue wound healing was evaluated in a canine palate model.METHODS: The cytotoxicity and growth factor gene expression in human gingival fibroblasts were tested in vitro following the application of TCA at four concentrations (0.005%, 0.05%, 0.5% and 1%) with different time intervals (0, 3, 9 and 21 h). One concentration of TCA was selected to screen the genes differentially expressed using DNA microarray and the associated pathways were explored. TCA was injected in open wound defects of the palatal mucosa from beagle dogs (n = 3) to monitor their healing and regeneration up to day 16-post-administration.RESULTS: While the 0.5–1% concentration induced the cytoxicity, a significantly higher expression of growth factor genes was observed after 3 and 9 h following the 0.5% TCA application in comparison to other groups. DNA microarray analysis in 0.5% TCA group showed 417 genes with a significant 1.5-fold differential expression, involving pathways of cell cycle, FoxO signaling, p53 signaling, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis and cAMP signaling. In vivo results showed a faster reepithelialization of TCA-treated wounds as compared to spontaneous healingCONCLUSION: TCA promoted the healing and regeneration of oral soft tissue wound defects by up-regulating the cell cycle progression, cell growth, and cell viability, particularly at a concentration of 0.5%.

A clinical pilot study of jawbone mineral density measured by the newly developed dual-energy cone-beam computed tomography method compared to calibrated multislice computed tomography

PURPOSE: This clinical pilot study was performed to determine the effectiveness of dual-energy cone-beam computed tomography (DE-CBCT) in measuring bone mineral density (BMD).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The BMD values obtained using DE-CBCT were compared to those obtained using calibrated multislice computed tomography (MSCT). After BMD calibration with specially designed phantoms, both DE-CBCT and MSCT scanning were performed in 15 adult dental patients. Three-dimensional (3D) Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data were imported into a dental software program, and the defined regions of interest (ROIs) on the 3-dimensional surface-rendered images were identified. The automatically-measured BMD values of the ROIs (g/cm³), the differences in the measured BMD values of the matched ROIs obtained by DE-CBCT and MSCT 3D images, and the correlation between the BMD values obtained by the 2 devices were statistically analyzed.RESULTS: The mean BMD values of the ROIs for the 15 patients as assessed using DE-CBCT and MSCT were 1.09±0.07 g/cm³ and 1.13±0.08 g/cm³, respectively. The mean of the differences between the BMD values of the matched ROIs as assessed using DE-CBCT and calibrated MSCT images was 0.04±0.02 g/cm³. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the BMD values of DE-CBCT and MSCT images was 0.982 (r=0.982, P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The newly developed DE-CBCT technique could be used to measure jaw BMD in dentistry and may soon replace MSCT, which is expensive and requires special facilities.

Periodontal pathogens and the association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis in Korean adults

PURPOSE: Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) share a similar inflammatory pathogenesis. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) can induce anticyclic-citrullinated peptide autoantibodies (anti-CCP antibodies), a key factor in the development of RA. This study aimed at evaluating the relationships between the 2 diseases and identifying the clinical implications thereof, with a focus on periodontal pathogens in Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 260 RA patients and 86 age- and sex-matched control patients without arthritis were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Periodontal indices and the prevalence and amount of periodontal pathogens were compared between the groups. Correlations between periodontal and RA indices were examined, as were correlations between 9 periodontal pathogens and RA indices. RESULTS: The RA group had significantly higher values than the control group for all investigated periodontal indices (P < 0.05) except the number of teeth. The gingival index (GI) was correlated with the disease activity score 28 (DAS28) (r = 0.125, P = 0.049), RA disease duration (r = 0.253, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r = 0.162, P = 0.010), and anti-CCP antibody titer (r = 0.205, P = 0.004). Probing pocket depth (PPD) was correlated with ESR (r = 0.139, P = 0.027) and anti-Pg antibody titer (r = 0.203, P = 0.001). Bleeding on probing (BOP) was correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.137, P = 0.030), RA disease duration (r = 0.202, P = 0.001), ESR (r = 0.136, P = 0.030), anti-Pg antibody titer (r = 0.177, P = 0.005), and anti-CCP antibody titer (r = 0.188, P = 0.007). Clinical attachment level (CAL) and periodontitis severity were correlated with anti-Pg antibody titer (the former r = 0.201, P = 0.002; the latter r = 0.175, P = 0.006). The quantity of Pg was positively correlated with the serum anti-Pg antibody titer (r = 0.148, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The GI, BOP, and PPD showed positive relationships with several RA indices. The anti-Pg antibody titer had positive relationships with PPD, BOP, CAL, and periodontitis severity. Thus, increasing values of periodontal indices could be used as a risk indicator of disease development in RA patients, and an increasing anti-Pg antibody titer could be considered as a warning sign in RA patients suffering with periodontitis.

Oral tissue response to soft tissue expanders prior to bone augmentation: in vitro analysis and histological study in dogs

PURPOSE: To determine whether the swelling and mechanical properties of osmotic self-inflating expanders allow or not the induction of intraoral soft tissue expansion in dogs. METHODS: Three different volumes (0.15, 0.25, and 0.42 mL; referred to respectively as the S, M, and L groups) of soft tissue expanders (STEs) consisting of a hydrogel core coated with a silicone-perforated membrane were investigated in vitro to assess their swelling behavior (volume swelling ratio) and mechanical properties (tensile strength, tensile strain). For in vivo investigations, the STEs were subperiosteally inserted for 4 weeks in dogs (n=5). Soft tissue expansion was clinically monitored. Histological analyses included the examination of alveolar bone underneath the expanders and thickness measurements of the surrounding fibrous capsule. RESULTS: The volume swelling ratio of all STEs did not exceed 5.2. In tensile mode, the highest mean strain was registered for the L group (98.03±0.3 g/cm), whereas the lowest mean value was obtained in the S group (81.3±0.1 g/cm), which was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In addition, the S and L groups were significantly different in terms of tensile strength (1.5±0.1 g/cm for the S group and 2.2±0.1 g/cm for the L group, P < 0.05). Clinical monitoring showed successful dilatation of the soft tissues without signs of inflammation up to 28 days. The STEs remained volumetrically stable, with a mean diameter in vivo of 6.98 mm, close to the in vitro post-expansion findings (6.69 mm). Significant histological effects included highly vascularized collagen-rich fibrous encapsulation of the STEs, with a mean thickness of 0.67±0.12 mm. The bone reaction consisted of resorption underneath the STEs, while apposition was observed at their edges. CONCLUSIONS: The swelling and mechanical properties of the STEs enabled clinically successful soft tissue expansion. A tissue reaction consisting of fibrous capsule formation and bone loss were the main histological events.

Comparison of marginal bone loss between internal- and external-connection dental implants in posterior areas without periodontal or peri-implant disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study with 4–12 years of follow-up was to compare the marginal bone loss (MBL) between external-connection (EC) and internal-connection (IC) dental implants in posterior areas without periodontal or peri-implant disease on the adjacent teeth or implants. Additional factors influencing MBL were also evaluated. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed using dental records and radiographic data obtained from patients who had undergone dental implant treatment in the posterior area from March 2006 to March 2007. All the implants that were included had follow-up periods of more than 4 years after loading and satisfied the implant success criteria, without any peri-implant or periodontal disease on the adjacent implants or teeth. They were divided into 2 groups: EC and IC. Subgroup comparisons were conducted according to splinting and the use of cement in the restorations. A statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test for comparisons between 2 groups and the Kruskal-Wallis test for comparisons among more than 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 355 implants in 170 patients (206 EC and 149 IC) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this study. The mean MBL was 0.47 mm and 0.15 mm in the EC and IC implants, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Comparisons according to splinting (MBL of single implants: 0.34 mm, MBL of splinted implants: 0.31 mm, P=0.676) and cement use (MBL of cemented implants: 0.27 mm, MBL of non-cemented implants: 0.35 mm, P=0.178) showed no statistically significant differences in MBL, regardless of the implant connection type. CONCLUSIONS: IC implants showed a more favorable bone response regarding MBL in posterior areas without peri-implantitis or periodontal disease.

A randomized controlled clinical study of periodontal tissue regeneration using an extracellular matrix-based resorbable membrane in combination with a collagenated bovine bone graft in intrabony defects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of regenerative therapy with a collagenated bone graft and resorbable membrane in intrabony defects, and to evaluate the effects of the novel extracellular matrix (ECM)-based membrane clinically and radiologically. METHODS: Periodontal tissue regeneration procedure was performed using an ECM-based resorbable membrane in combination with a collagenated bovine bone graft in intrabony defects around the teeth and implants. A novel extracellular matrix membrane (NEM) and a widely-used membrane (WEM) were randomly applied to the test group and the control group, respectively. Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained on the day of surgery and 6 months after the procedure. Alginate impressions were taken and plaster models were made 1 week and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The quantity of bone tissue, the dimensional changes of the surgically treated intrabony defects, and the changes in width and height below the grafted bone substitutes showed no significant difference between the test and control groups at the 6-month examination. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NEM for periodontal regeneration with a collagenated bovine bone graft showed similar clinical and radiologic results to those obtained using WEM.

Alveolar ridge preservation with an open-healing approach using single-layer or double-layer coverage with collagen membranes

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective pilot study was to compare alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedures with open-healing approach using a single-layer and a double-layer coverage with collagen membranes using radiographic and clinical analyses. METHODS: Eleven molars from 9 healthy patients requiring extraction of the maxillary or mandibular posterior teeth were included and allocated into 2 groups. After tooth extraction, deproteinized bovine bone mineral mixed with 10% collagen was grafted into the socket and covered either with a double-layer of resorbable non-cross-linked collagen membranes (DL group, n=6) or with a single-layer (SL group, n=5). Primary closure was not obtained. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken immediately after the ARP procedure and after a healing period of 4 months before implant placement. Radiographic measurements were made of the width and height changes of the alveolar ridge. RESULTS: All sites healed without any complications, and dental implants were placed at all operated sites with acceptable initial stability. The measurements showed that the reductions in width at the level 1 mm apical from the alveolar crest (including the bone graft) were −1.7±0.5 mm in the SL group and −1.8±0.4 mm in the DL group, and the horizontal changes in the other areas were also similar in the DL and SL groups. The reductions in height were also comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, single-layer and double-layer coverage with collagen membranes after ARP failed to show substantial differences in the preservation of horizontal or vertical dimensions or in clinical healing. Thus, both approaches seem to be suitable for open-healing ridge preservation procedures.

Periodontal and endodontic pathology delays extraction socket healing in a canine model

PURPOSE: The aim of the present exploratory study was to evaluate extraction socket healing at sites with a history of periodontal and endodontic pathology. METHODS: The mandibular 4th premolar teeth in 5 adult beagle dogs served as experimental units. Periodontal and endodontic lesions were induced in 1 premolar site in each animal using wire ligatures and pulpal exposure over 3 months (diseased sites). The contralateral premolar sites served as healthy controls. The mandibular 4th premolar teeth were then extracted with minimal trauma, followed by careful wound debridement. The animals were sacrificed at days 1, 7, 30, 60, and 90 post-extraction for analysis, and the healing patterns at the healthy and diseased extraction sites were compared using radiography, scanning electron microscopy, histology, and histometry. RESULTS: During the first 7 days of healing, a significant presence of inflammatory granulation tissue was noted at the diseased sites (day 1), along with a slightly accelerated rate of fibrin clot resolution on day 7. On day 30, the diseased extraction sites showed a greater percentage of persistent fibrous connective tissue, and an absence of bone marrow formation. In contrast, healthy sites showed initial signs of bone marrow formation on day 30, and subsequently a significantly greater proportion of mature bone marrow formation on both days 60 and 90. Radiographs exhibited sclerotic changes adjoining apical endodontic lesions, with scanning electron microscopy showing collapsed Volkmann canals protruding from these regions in the diseased sites. Furthermore, periodontal ligament fibers exhibited a parallel orientation to the alveolar walls of the diseased sites, in contrast to a perpendicular arrangement in the healthy sites. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it appears that a history of periodontal and endodontic pathology may critically affect bone formation and maturation, leading to delayed and compromised extraction socket healing.

Comparative, randomized, double-blind clinical study of alveolar ridge preservation using an extracellular matrix-based dental resorbable membrane in the extraction socket

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to radiographically and clinically compare the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) membranes on dimensional alterations following a ridge preservation procedure. METHODS: One of 2 different ECM membranes was applied during a ridge preservation procedure. A widely used ECM membrane (WEM; Bio-Gide, Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) was applied in the treatment group and a newly developed ECM membrane (NEM; Lyso-Gide, Oscotec Inc., Seongnam, Korea) was applied in the control group. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and alginate impressions were obtained 1 week and 6 months after the ridge preservation procedure. Results were analyzed using the independent t-test and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the ECM membranes in the changes in the dimension, width, and height of the extraction socket or the quantity of bone tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The NEM showed comparable clinical and radiographic results to the WEM following the ridge preservation procedure.

Rescue of a periodontally compromised tooth by non-surgical treatment: a case report

PURPOSE: This article describes a case of the successful non-surgical management of a periodontally compromised maxillary premolar. METHODS: A combination therapy, including root planing, occlusal adjustment, and tooth splinting, was applied. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed during the 16-month follow-up period. RESULTS: All periodontal parameters were improved. There were dramatic decreases (3–6 mm) in the probing pocket depth, tooth mobility, and marginal bone loss. Interestingly, gradual resolution of the periapical radiolucency and alveolar bone regeneration were observed in the radiographs, and the periodontal condition was maintained during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, these results demonstrate the importance of natural tooth preservation through proper periodontal treatment and occlusal adjustment of the periodontally compromised tooth, which is typically targeted for tooth extraction and dental implantation.

New method of assessing the relationship between buccal bone thickness and gingival thickness

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between buccal bone thickness and gingival thickness by means of a noninvasive and relatively accurate digital registration method. METHODS: In 20 periodontally healthy subjects, cone-beam computed tomographic images and intraoral scanned files were obtained. Measurements of buccal bone thickness and gingival thickness at the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines were performed at points 0–5 mm from the alveolar crest on the superimposed images. The Friedman test was used to compare buccal bone and gingival thickness for each depth between the 3 tooth types. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between buccal bone thickness and gingival thickness. RESULTS: Of the central incisors, 77% of all sites had a buccal thickness of 0.5–1.0 mm, and 23% had a thickness of 1.0–1.5 mm. Of the lateral incisors, 71% of sites demonstrated a buccal bone thickness <1.0 mm, as did 63% of the canine sites. For gingival thickness, the proportion of sites <1.0 mm was 88%, 82%, and 91% for the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines, respectively. Significant differences were observed in gingival thickness at the alveolar crest level (G0) between the central incisors and canines (P=0.032) and between the central incisors and lateral incisors (P=0.013). At 1 mm inferior to the alveolar crest, a difference was found between the central incisors and canines (P=0.025). The lateral incisors and canines showed a significant difference for buccal bone thickness 5 mm under the alveolar crest (P=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The gingiva and buccal bone of the anterior maxillary teeth were found to be relatively thin (<1 mm) overall. A tendency was found for gingival thickness to increase and bone thickness to decrease toward the root apex. Differences were found between teeth at some positions, although the correlation between buccal bone thickness and soft tissue thickness was generally not significant.

The hidden X suture: a technical note on a novel suture technique for alveolar ridge preservation

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the impact of 2 different suture techniques, the conventional crossed mattress suture (X suture) and the novel hidden X suture, for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) with an open healing approach. METHODS: This study was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Fourteen patients requiring extraction of the maxillary or mandibular posterior teeth were enrolled and allocated into 2 groups. After extraction, demineralized bovine bone matrix mixed with 10% collagen (DBBM-C) was grafted and the socket was covered by porcine collagen membrane in a double-layer fashion. No attempt to obtain primary closure was made. The hidden X suture and conventional X suture techniques were performed in the test and control groups, respectively. Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images were taken immediately after the graft procedure and before implant surgery 4 months later. Additionally, the change in the mucogingival junction (MGJ) position was measured and was compared after extraction, after suturing, and 4 months after the operation. RESULTS: All sites healed without any complications. Clinical evaluations showed that the MGJ line shifted to the lingual side immediately after the application of the X suture by 1.56±0.90 mm in the control group, while the application of the hidden X suture rather pushed the MGJ line slightly to the buccal side by 0.25±0.66 mm. It was demonstrated that the amount of keratinized tissue (KT) preserved on the buccal side was significantly greater in the hidden X suture group 4 months after the procedure (P<0.05). Radiographic analysis showed that the hidden X suture had a significant effect in preserving horizontal width and minimizing vertical reduction in comparison to X suture (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided clinical and radiographic verification of the efficacy of the hidden X suture in preserving the width of KT and the dimensions of the alveolar ridge after ARP.

Efficacy of sonic-powered toothbrushes for plaque removal in patients with peri-implant mucositis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of powered toothbrushes for plaque control in patients with peri-implant mucositis, in comparison with manual toothbrushes. METHODS: This randomized, prospective, controlled, clinical parallel study compared the efficacy of manual and powered toothbrushes for plaque control in implant restorations. Patients with bleeding on probing, no residual pocket depth (as indicated by a pocket probing depth > or = 5 mm), and no radiological peri-implant bone loss were eligible for this study. Patients were requested to complete a questionnaire describing their oral hygiene habits. The duration and frequency of tooth brushing were recorded by subjects in order to assess their compliance. Clinical parameters, including the modified plaque index (mPI), the modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), and clinical photographs (buccal and lingual views) were recorded at baseline and at one-month and two-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between patients who used manual toothbrushes and those who used powered toothbrushes were found regarding the frequency of tooth brushing per day and the duration of brushing at one-month and two-month follow-up visits, while no statistically significant differences were found relating to other oral hygiene habits. A statistically significant difference in patient compliance for tooth brushing was found at one month, while no difference was found at two months. Statistically significant decreases in the mPI and the mSBI were observed in both groups from baseline to the one- and two-month follow-ups. The overall reduction of these parameters was not significantly different between the two groups, except for mPI reduction between baseline and one month of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Sonic-powered toothbrushes may be a useful device for plaque control in patients with peri-implant mucositis.

Evaluation of the correlation between insertion torque and primary stability of dental implants using a block bone test

PURPOSE: Implant stability at the time of surgery is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. Primary stability is considered of paramount importance to achieve osseointegration. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the insertion torque and primary stability of dental implants using artificial bone blocks with different bone densities and compositions to mimic different circumstances that are encountered in routine daily clinical settings. METHODS: In order to validate the objectives, various sized holes were made in bone blocks with different bone densities (#10, #20, #30, #40, and #50) using a surgical drill and insertion torque together with implant stability quotient (ISQ) values that were measured using the Osstell Mentor. The experimental groups under evaluation were subdivided into 5 subgroups according to the circumstances. RESULTS: In group 1, the mean insertion torque and ISQ values increased as the density of the bone blocks increased. For group 2, the mean insertion torque values decreased as the final drill size expanded, but this was not the case for the ISQ values. The mean insertion torque values in group 3 increased with the thickness of the cortical bone, and the same was true for the ISQ values. For group 4, the mean insertion torque values increased as the cancellous bone density increased, but the correlation with the ISQ values was weak. Finally, in group 5, the mean insertion torque decreased as the final drill size increased, but the correlation with the ISQ value was weak. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that primary stability does not simply depend on the insertion torque, but also on the bone quality.

Effect of microthreads on removal torque and bone-to-implant contact: an experimental study in miniature pigs

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of microthreads on removal torque and bone-to-implant contact (BIC). METHODS: Twelve miniature pigs for each experiment, a total of 24 animals, were used. In the removal torque analysis, each animal received 2 types of implants in each tibia, which were treated with sandblasting and acid etching but with or without microthreads at the marginal portion. The animals were sacrificed after 4, 8, or 12 weeks of healing. Each subgroup consisted of 4 animals, and the tibias were extracted and removal torque was measured. In the BIC analysis, each animal received 3 types of implants. Two types of implants were used for the removal torque test and another type of implant served as the control. The BIC experiment was conducted in the mandible of the animals. The P1-M1 teeth were extracted, and after a 4-month healing period, 3 each of the 2 types of implants were placed, with one type on each side of the mandible, for a total of 6 implants per animal. The animals were sacrificed after a 2-, 4-, or 8-week healing period. Each subgroup consisted of 4 animals. The mandibles were extracted, specimens were processed, and BIC was analyzed. RESULTS: No significant difference in removal torque value or BIC was found between implants with and without microthreads. The removal torque value increased between 4 and 8 weeks of healing for both types of implants, but there was no significant difference between 8 and 12 weeks. The percentage of BIC increased between 2 and 4 weeks for all types of implants, but there was no significant difference between 4 and 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The existence of microthreads was not a significant factor in mechanical and histological stability.