Restoration of posterior teeth by narrow diameter implants in hyperglycemic and normoglycemic patients - 4-year results of a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the four-year clinical outcome and marginal bone loss around narrow-diameter implants in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and normo-glycemic individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 11 T2DM patients with a concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) > 6.5% (test group) and 15 normoglycemic patients (HbA1C < 6.0%; control group), one narrow-diameter tissue level implant, placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible, was investigated. The clinical parameters probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), attachment loss (CAL), recession, and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed manually after 24 and 48 months of function. The paired digital periapical radiographs were analyzed regarding the change in marginal bone level (MBL) from baseline to 48 months post-op. The technical complications were recorded. RESULTS: In the T2DM group, 11 patients were available for follow-ups. The overall implant survival rate after 48 months was 100%. The differences in means for the clinical parameters and the MBL between the T2DM and normo-glycemic patients for the observation period were statistically non-significant. No technical complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated an encouraging clinical outcome with ND implants in patients with uncontrolled T2DM compared to non-diabetics after 48 months' post loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with HbA1C > 6.5% may benefit from the treatment with narrow-diameter implants by avoiding complex surgical interventions with augmentation procedures. REGISTRATION NUMBER (CLINICALTRIALS.GOV): NCT04630691.

Microbiological Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite/-Amino Acids and Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Adjunctive to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment.

PURPOSE: To investigate the microbiological outcomes obtained with either subgingival debridement (SD) in conjunction with a gel containing sodium hypochlorite and amino acids followed by subsequent application of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel (xHyA) gel, or with SD alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients diagnosed with stages II-III (grades A/B) generalised periodontitis were randomly treated with either SD (control) or SD plus adjunctive sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and xHyA gel (test). Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the deepest site per quadrant in each patient at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Pooled sample analysis was performed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for the identification of detection frequencies and changes in numbers of the following bacteria: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Tannerella forsythia (T.f), Treponema denticola (T.d), and Prevotella intermedia (P.i). RESULTS: In terms of detection frequency, in the test group, statistically significant reductions were found for P.g, T.f, T.d and P.i (p < 0.05) after 6 months. In the control group, the detection frequencies of all investigated bacterial species at 6 months were comparable to the baseline values (p > 0.05). The comparison of the test and control groups revealed statistically significant differences in detection frequency for P.g (p = 0.034), T.d (p < 0.01) and P.i (p = 0.02) after 6 months, favouring the test group. Regarding reduction in detection frequency scores, at 6 months, statistically significant differences in favour of the test group were observed for all investigated bacterial species: A.a (p = 0.028), P.g (p = 0.028), T.f (p = 0.004), T.d (p <0.001), and P.i (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The present microbiological results, which are related to short-term outcomes up to 6 months post-treatment, support the adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and xHyA to subgingival debridement in the treatment of periodontitis.

Reconstructive Approach in Residual Periodontal Pockets with Biofunctionalized Heterografts-A Retrospective Comparison of 12-Month Data from Three Centers.

The regenerative capacity of well-preserved blood clots may be enhanced by biologics like enamel matrix derivative (EMD). This retrospective analysis compares outcomes reported by three centers using different heterografts. Center 1 (C1) treated intrabony defects combining cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (xHyA) with a xenograft; center 2 (C2) used EMD with an allograft combination to graft a residual pocket. Center 3 (C3) combined xHyA with the placement of a resorbable polymer membrane for defect cover. Clinical parameters, BoP reduction, and radiographically observed defect fill at 12-month examination are reported. The 12-month evaluation yielded significant improvements in PPD and CAL at each center (p < 0.001, respectively). Analyses of Covariance revealed significant improvements in all parameters, and a significantly greater CAL gain was revealed for C2 vs. C1 (p = 0.006). Radiographic defect fill presented significantly higher scores for C2 and C3 vs. C1 (p = 0.003 and = 0.014; C2 vs. C3 p = 1.00). Gingival recession increased in C1 and C3 (p = 1.00), while C2 reported no GR after 12 months (C2:C1 p = 0.002; C2:C3 p = 0.005). BoP tendency and pocket closure rate shared similar rates. Within the limitations of the study, a data comparison indicated that xHyA showed a similar capacity to enhance the regenerative response, as known for EMD. Radiographic follow-up underlined xHyA's unique role in new attachment formation.

The "HAT-TRICK" technique: A modification of soft tissue grafting using volume stable collagen matrix and cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Part A: The pontic site.

Vertical soft tissue augmentation between implants can be clinically challenging and burdensome for patients when employing conventional techniques. Recently, with the introduction of xenogenic collagen matrices, the principle of single-site surgery has become more common. However, some issues persist regarding graft stability and tissue integration. In the present technical note, the authors introduce the "HAT-TRICK" technique to address these observed difficulties. As the name suggests, this technique is believed to provide improved stability, volumetric gain, and histological integration of the implanted matrix by shaping it appropriately resembling a hat over the crest with apical bevels, stabilized with fixation pins and infused with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHya). A two-month observation of a bi-maxillary case is presented with detailed description of the technique and digitalized comparison methods for an easier explanation of the introduced technique.

Prenyltransferase gene expression reveals an essential role of prenylation for the inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Prenyltrasferases (PTases) are a class of enzymes known to be responsible for promoting posttranslational modification at the carboxyl terminus of proteins containing a so-called CaaX-motif. The process is responsible for proper membrane localization and the appropriate function of several intracellular signaling proteins. Current research demonstrating the pathomechanistic importance of prenylation in inflammatory illnesses emphasizes the requirement to ascertain the differential expression of PT genes under inflammatory settings, particularly in periodontal disease. METHODS: Telomerase-immortalized human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-hTert) were cultured and treated with either inhibitors of prenylation (PTI) lonafarnib, tipifarnib, zoledronic acid, or atorvastatin at concentrations of 10 µM in combination with or without 10 µg Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. Prenyltransferase genes FNTB, FNTA, PGGT1B, RABGGTA, RABGGTB, and PTAR1 as well as inflammatory marker genes MMP1 and IL1B were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Immunoblot and protein immunoassay were used to confirm the results on the protein level. RESULTS: RT-qPCR experiments revealed significant upregulation of IL1B, MMP1, FNTA, and PGGT1B upon LPS treatment. PTase inhibitors caused significant downregulation of the inflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, FNTB expression was significantly upregulated in response to any PTase inhibitor in combination with LPS, but not upon LPS treatment only, indicating a vital role of protein farnesyltransferase in the proinflammatory signaling cascade. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, distinct PTase gene expression patterns in pro-inflammatory signaling were discovered. Moreover, PTase inhibiting drugs ameliorated inflammatory mediator expression by a significant margin, indicating that prenylation is a major pre-requisite for innate immunity in periodontal cells.

Alveolar ridge alterations after lateral guided bone regeneration with and without hyaluronic acid: a prospective randomized trial with morphometric and histomorphometric evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To clinically and histologically evaluate the potential effect of a cross-linked, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (xHyA) on the outcomes of guided bone regeneration performed with a demineralized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) covered with a natural collagen membrane. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eleven patients (eight females and three males, mean age 53 years) with a total of 27 surgical sites were treated. Treatments were performed with either DBBM and natural collagen membrane fixed with tacks (group A) or DBBM mixed with xHyA and subsequently covered with natural collagen membrane (group B). Clinical evaluations were made at baseline (T1), immediately after guided bone regeneration (T2), and at the time of implant placement (T3). Additionally, at the time of implant placement, core biopsies were retrieved and submitted for histologic analysis. RESULTS: Healing was uneventful in all cases. At 6 months, group B revealed a statistically significantly higher crestal ridge dimension compared to group A (P = .007). The histologic analysis revealed a tendency for greater mineralized tissue formation in group B compared to group A (67.5% versus 41.6%) and contained a higher amount of new bone (37.2%) and less DBBM residues (20.9%) than group A (12.8% new bone and 28.8% DBBM residues, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Within their limits, the present data indicate that, during guided bone regeneration with natural collagen membrane, the combination of DBBM and xHyA may improve the quality and quantity of bone formed with DBBM alone.

The "Tunneled Sandwich" Technique for Preserving the Buccal Tissue Volume After Immediate Implantation: A Retrospective Report of 10 Cases.

Tooth loss or extraction is associated with significant reduction in alveolar ridge volume, extensively expressed in the anterior zone, and immediate implant placement is insufficient to overcome this problem. The proposed approach combined immediate implant placement with buccal tissue enhancement by applying a crosslinked collagen matrix hydrated with crosslinked hyaluronic acid (xHyA). All 10 cases presented with a retained but narrow buccal socket wall, so immediate implant placement with the "tunneled sandwich" technique was performed after tooth extraction. The tunneled sandwich technique helped create a subperiosteal pouch for insertion of the collagen matrix buccal to the alveolar bone crest. The implants healed transmucosally by receiving either a gingiva former or an immediate temporary restoration. Ten sites in 10 patients demonstrated stable, noninflamed peri-implant conditions and suitable ridge volume at the implant neck and achieved high pink esthetic scores 6 months after implant loading. The tunneled sandwich technique is a suitable method to preserve buccal volume, which biologically and esthetically contributes to favorable long-term results.

Clinical and radiographic assessment of cross-linked hyaluronic acid addition in demineralized bovine bone based alveolar ridge preservation: A human randomized split-mouth pilot study.

PURPOSE: To investigate clinically and radiographically at 4 months post-operatively the outcomes of mixing demineralized bovine bone material (DBBM) with cross-linked hyaluronic acid in alveolar ridge preservation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients presenting bilateral hopeless teeth (14 teeth) were enrolled in the study, the test site contained demineralized bovine bone material (DBBM) mixed with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) while the control site contained only DBBM. 4 months post-operatively prior to implant placement a Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was recorded and compared to the initial scan to assess the volumetric and linear bone resorption that occurred in both sites. Clinically, sites that needed further bone grafting at the implant placement stage were recorded. Differences in volumetric and linear bone resorption between both groups were assessed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. McNemar test was also used to evaluate difference in bone grafting need between both groups. RESULTS: All sites healed uneventfully, volumetric and linear resorption differences between the baseline and 4 months post-operatively were obtained for each site. The mean volumetric and linear bone resorption were respectively 36.56 ± 1.69%, 1.42 ± 0.16 mm in the controls sites and 26.96 ± 1.83%; 0.73 ± 0.052 mm in the tests sites. The values were significantly higher among controls sites (P=0.018). No significant differences were observed in the need for bone grafting between both groups. CONCLUSION: Cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) appears to limit the post-extractional alveolar bone resorption when mixed with DBBM.

Microcirculation and neutrophil-related cytokine concentrations are not altered around narrow diameter implants in T2DM patients during wound healing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the microcirculation and the expression patterns of wound-healing-related cytokines around narrow-diameter implants in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and normo-glycemic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients, 16 of which diagnosed with T2DM (HbA1c > 6.5) and 15 normo-glycemic patients, received narrow diameter implants in the posterior mandible or maxilla. During the 3-month healing period, soft-tissue perfusion was monitored via laser Doppler flowmetry. Peri-implant fluid (PICF) was harvested and analyzed for concentrations of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-23 (IL-23), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) by a multiplex, bead-based immunoassay. RESULTS: Microcirculatory perfusion patterns during wound healing exhibited no significant differences throughout the observation period. IL-1ß concentrations were expectedly elevated during the early phases of wound healing. At the first visit after surgery, IL-23 concentrations were significantly higher in implants of diabetic patients. This difference was diminished over the course of the observation period. For the other tested analytes, no differences were observable between both groups. CONCLUSION: Wound healing after implant surgery was similar in T2DM and healthy patients. Hydrophilic-surface titanium-zirconium implants with reduced diameter may be considered for implant therapy of diabetes mellitus type II patients. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04630691 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Adjunctive Application of Hyaluronic Acid in Combination with a Sodium Hypochlorite Gel for Non-Surgical Treatment of Residual Pockets Reduces the Need for Periodontal Surgery-Retrospective Analysis of a Clinical Case Series.

The comprehensive treatment of periodontitis stage 2 to 4 aims at the resolution of periodontal inflammation and "pocket closure", which implies a residual probing depth of ≤4 mm and a negative BoP. However, supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) regularly leaves behind persistent periodontal pockets with 5 or more mm in residual PPD and sites that often re-colonize and re-infect. Various adjunctive options for subgingival instrumentation have been proposed to enhance the antimicrobial effects to better control the re-infection of these residual sites. The locally applied adjuncts, based on their anti-inflammatory effect, are sodium hypochlorite antiseptic cleaning gel and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA). Both recently moved into the focus of clinical research on non-surgical and surgical therapy for periodontitis. The surgical use of xHyA indicates regenerative potential, supporting periodontal regeneration. This case series retrospectively analyzes the clinical benefits of the consecutive flapless application of sodium-hypochlorite-based cleaning gel and xHyA at the SPT to achieve pocket closure, thereby reducing the need for periodontal surgery. In 29 patients, 111 sites received the treatment sequence. At 6-month re-evaluation, an overall PPD reduction exceeding 2 mm was achieved, associated with a similar CAL gain (2.02 mm); the bleeding tendency (BoP) was reduced by >60%. Pocket closure occurred in almost 25% of all the sites. Within their limits, the present data suggest that the proposed combined adjunctive treatment of residual active periodontal sites yielded significant improvement in the clinical parameters. Further studies in RCT format are required to confirm these observations.

Impact of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid on Osteogenic Differentiation of SAOS-2 Cells in an Air-Lift Model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cross-linked hyaluronic acid on osteoblast-like cells seeded on top of two collagen substrates, native porcine pericardium membrane (substrate A) and ribose cross-linked collagen membranes (substrate B), in an air-lift model. Substrates A or B, saturated with three hyaluronic acid concentrations, served as membranes for SAOS-2 cells seeded on top. Cultivation followed for 7 and 14 days in the air-lift model. Controls used the same substrates without hyaluronic pre-treatment. Cells were harvested, and four (Runx2, BGLAP, IBSP, Cx43) different osteogenic differentiation markers were assessed by qPCR. Triplicated experiment outcomes were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, t-test; SPSS). Supplementary histologic analysis confirmed the cells' vitality. After seven days, only few markers were overexpressed on both substrates. After 14 days, targeted genes were highly expressed on substrate A. The same substrate treated with 1:100 diluted xHyA disclosed statistically significant different expression level vs. substrate B (p = 0.032). Time (p = 0.0001), experimental condition as a function of time (p = 0.022), and substrate (p = 0.028) were statistically significant factors. Histological imaging demonstrated vitality and visualized nuclei. We conclude that the impact of hyaluronic acid resulted in a higher expression profile of SAOS-2 cells on substrate A compared to substrate B in an air-lift culture after two weeks.

Implant stability of narrow diameter implants in hyperglycemic patients-A 3-month case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective case-control study was to compare the development of implant stability quotients of narrow diameter implants in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthy individuals within the first 3 months after implant insertion. METHODS: Sixteen patients with T2DM (HbA1C > 6.5%) as test group and 16 nondiabetic patients (HbA1C < 5.9%) as the control group were evaluated. All patients received narrow-diameter tissue level implants in an edentulous area posterior to the canine. The implant stability was measured by means of resonance frequency analysis after 3 days, 7 days, 4 weeks, and 3 months postplacement. Statistical analysis of intergroup differences and correlation to HbA1c values and treated jaw was performed in PRISM 8. RESULTS: The means for implant stability quotients showed a significant increase between Day 3 and 3-month assessment in both groups. No significant differences between study groups and no correlation of implant stability to HbA1c were found. CONCLUSION: The present study shows encouraging clinical outcomes for narrow-diameter implants inserted in the posterior zone in patients with uncontrolled T2DM.

Evidence-based selection of reference genes for RT-qPCR assays in periodontal research.

OBJECTIVE: To underline the necessity of adequate reference genes for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and evaluate a novel tool for condition-specific reference gene selection. BACKGROUND: RT-qPCR is a commonly used experimental technique that allows for highly sensitive analysis of gene transcription. Moreover, the use of internal reference genes as a means for relative quantification has rendered RT-qPCR a straightforward method for a variety of sciences, including dentistry. However, the expressional stability of internal reference genes must be evaluated for every assay in order to account for possible quantification bias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herein, we used the software tool RefGenes to identify putatively stable reference genes with the help of microarray datasets and evaluated them. Additionally, we propose an evidence-based workflow for adequate normalization of thusly identified genes. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-hTert), human acute leukemia-derived monocytes (THP-1), and telomerase immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGKs) were subjected to set-ups simulating various glycemic conditions and lipopolysaccharide challenges. Five common housekeeping genes (HKGs) and five genes from RefGenes were selected as targets and RT-qPCR was performed subsequently. Then, normalization algorithms Bestkeeper, Normfinder, and geNorm were used for further analysis of the putative reference gene stability. RESULTS: RefGenes-derived targets exhibited the highest stability values in THP-1 and TIGK cell lines. Moreover, unacceptable standard variations were observed for some common HKG like ß-actin. However, common HKG exhibited good stability values in HGF-hTert cells. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that microarray-based preselection of putative reference genes is a valuable refinement for RT-qPCR studies. Accordingly, the present study proposes a straightforward workflow for evidence-based preselection and validation of internal reference genes.

Gingival phenotype distribution in young Caucasian women and men - An investigative study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between gingival phenotype and tooth location based on selected index teeth ("Ramfjord") and assess possible differences between women and men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six women and 20 men voluntarily participated in this investigation with an average age of 23 years (min: 19; max: 37). Gingival phenotypes (GP) were assessed by transparency of a periodontal probe through the buccal gingival margin. RESULTS: A comparable and similar GP on all index teeth was only found in seven out of the 56 subjects, that is, thin or thick only: Five participants (three male/two female) showed a uniform and constantly thick and two females a constantly thin GP. While the majority of molars (94.6%; p = 0.006) showed a thick GP, premolars (61.6%; p = 0.09) as well as incisors (70.5%; p = 0.046) were predominantly categorized as thin. In addition, significantly thicker GP was in general observed for maxillary teeth (p = 0.001) but without differences between genders (p = 0.722). CONCLUSION: No constant GP can be expected within one dentition. The use of the "Ramfjord teeth" may serve as a quick overview and reliable method to screen GP distribution.

One-year performance of posterior narrow diameter implants in hyperglycemic and normo-glycemic patients-a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the performance of narrow diameter implants in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and normo-glycemic individuals during the first 12 months after implant loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 16 T2DM patients with HbA1C > 6.5% (test group) and 16 normo-glycemic patients (HbA1C < 6.0%; control group), one to two narrow diameter tissue level implants were placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible. After 3-month lasting integration period, implants were loaded by fixed dentures. The clinical parameters probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), attachment loss (CAL), recession and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed manually at loading and after 12 months of function. The paired digital periapical radiographs were analyzed with regard to the change in marginal bone level (MBL) from baseline to 12 months' control. The mean values calculated for both patient groups were statistically analyzed. The technical complications were recorded. RESULTS: The T2DM group accounted 13 patients due to 3 dropouts. The overall implant survival rate after 12 months was 100%. The differences in means for the clinical parameters and the MBL were statistically non-significant between the T2DM and normo-glycemic patients for the short period of loaded function reported here. No technical complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated an encouraging clinical outcome with narrow diameter implants in patients with uncontrolled T2DM compared to non-diabetics after 12 months post loading. For the short observation period, no biological and technical complications were reported regardless the glycemic status. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with HbA1C > 6.5% may benefit from the treatment with narrow diameter implants by avoiding complex surgical interventions with augmentation procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT04630691.

An In Vitro Evaluation of Primary Stability Values for Two Differently Designed Implants to Suit Immediate Loading in Very Soft Bone.

The achievement of sufficient implant stability in poor quality bone seems to be a challenge. Most manufacturers develop special dental implants, which are claimed to show higher stability even in very soft bone. The aim of this experimental study was to compare two recently introduced dental implants with differing thread designs. A total of 11 implants of each group were inserted in the part of the fresh bovine ribs, corresponding to very soft bone. The primary stability was measured with resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and Periotest; the average of two measurements for each method and for each implant was taken and statistical analysis was applied. The highest stability values were obtained with the ICX Active Master implants, followed by the Conelog® Progressive-Line implants placed with the very soft bone protocol. The primary stability values of the Conelog® Progressive-Line implants inserted by the very soft bone protocol and the ICX Active Master implants placed with the standard protocol showed sufficient stability for immediate loading in low-density bone. Within the limitations of this study, the thread design of the implants and underdimensioned implant bed preparation seem to be effective for better primary stability in cancellous bone.

Horizontal Augmentation of Chronic Mandibular Defects by the Guided Bone Regeneration Approach: A Randomized Study in Dogs.

Various biomaterial combinations have been studied focusing on their ability to stabilize blood clots and maintain space under soft tissue to support new bone formation. A popular combination is Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral (DBBM) placed with a native collagen membrane (NCM) tacked to native bone. In this study, we compared the outcome of this treatment option to those achieved with three different graft/membrane combinations with respect to total newly occupied area and the mineralized compound inside. After bi-lateral extraction of two mandibular premolars in five adult beagles L-shaped alveolar defects were created. A total of 20 defects healed for 6 weeks resulting in chronic type bone defects. At baseline, four options were randomly allocated to five defects each: a. DBBM + NCM with a four-pin fixation across the ridge; b. DBBM + RCLC (ribose cross-linked collagen membrane); c. DBBM + NPPM (native porcine pericardium membrane); and d. Ca-sulfate (CS) + RCLC membrane. Membranes in b/c/d were not fixed; complete tensionless wound closure was achieved by CAF. Termination after 3 months and sampling followed, and non-decalcified processing and toluidine blue staining were applied. Microscopic images obtained at standardized magnification were histomorphometrically assessed by ImageJ software (NIH). An ANOVA post hoc test was applied; histomorphometric data are presented in this paper as medians and interquartile ranges (IRs). All sites healed uneventfully, all sites were sampled and block separation followed before Technovit embedding. Two central sections per block for each group were included. Two of five specimen were lost due to processing error and were excluded from group b. New bone area was significantly greater for option b. compared to a. (p = 0.001), c. (p = 0.002), and d. (p = 0.046). Residual non-bone graft area was significantly less for option d. compared to a. (p = 0.026) or c. (p = 0.021). We conclude that collagen membranes with a prolonged resorption/barrier profile combined with bone substitutes featuring different degradation profiles sufficiently support new bone formation. Tacking strategy/membrane fixation appears redundant when using these biomaterials.

GTR Treatment in Furcation Grade II Periodontal Defects with the Recently Reintroduced Guidor PLA Matrix Barrier: A Case Series with Chronological Step-by-Step Illustrations.

Molars with a furcation involvement (FI) exceeding grade 1 according to Hamp's classification are at approximately doubled risk of tooth loss. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a regenerative approach in the treatment of periodontal defects and is aimed at achieving new clinical attachment formation. The aim of this case series was to assess the efficacy of a newly reintroduced polylactic acid (PLA) matrix barrier and to evaluate the feasibility of the surgical approach. 11 patients with an average age of 58.7 years were treated with GTR using a PLA matrix barrier. Patients were instructed not to brush and chew on the treated side for 4 weeks. A gentle clinical probing was performed after 6 months for the first time after surgery. The patients were included into individual maintenance program at three months' interval. The clinical improvement was expressed by reduced horizontal penetration of the probe accompanied by vast resolution of the vertical defect component. The change from grade II to grade I or complete resolution of the FI could be seen in 8 from 11 sites included. The newly reintroduced PLA matrix barrier showed promising results after a 12-month observation period with clinical attachment gain.

Open healing of contained and non-contained extraction sockets covered with a ribose cross-linked collagen membrane: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated whether the placement of ribose cross-linked collagen (RCLC) membranes without primary soft tissue closure predictably resulted in sufficient alveolar ridge preservation in contained and non-contained extraction sockets. METHODS: Membranes were positioned across extraction sockets, undermining full-thickness flaps, and the gingival margins were fixed by double-interrupted sutures without crossed horizontal mattress sutures for 1 week. In non-contained sockets, a bone substitute was used to support the membrane within the bony envelope. Radiographs and clinical images obtained 4 months later were analyzed by ImageJ software using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: In 18 patients, 20 extraction sockets healed uneventfully and all sites received standard-diameter implants (4.1, 4.8, or 5.0 mm) without additional bone augmentation. Soft tissues and the muco-gingival border were well maintained. A retrospective analysis of X-rays and clinical photographs showed non-significant shrinkage in the vertical and horizontal dimensions (P=0.575 and P=0.444, respectively). The new bone contained vital bone cells embedded in mineralized tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study, open healing of RCLC membranes may result in sufficient bone volume for implant placement without additional bone augmentation in contained and non-contained extraction sockets.