A Randomized Clinical Trial of Monolithic Single-Tooth Crowns: 1-Year Preliminary Results.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical results of single-tooth ceramic crowns in the posterior region produced from three different monolithic materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 posterior single-tooth crowns were fabricated from lithium silicate glass-ceramic (LSGC; n = 12), lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDGC; n = 12), and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN; n = 12) in 27 patients. Restorations were evaluated for prosthetic and periodontal criteria at baseline (0) and after 6 and 12 months. Prosthetic evaluation was performed according to the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria, and probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival bleeding time index (GBTI), and gingival (GI) and periodontal indices (PI) were evaluated in the periodontal assessment. Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analyses (P = .05). RESULTS: All restorations were evaluated according to survival and success rates. No dropouts occurred. The survival rate of all three materials was 100% after 1 year. However, in the PICN group, a statistically significant difference was found between baseline and 12 months for color match (from A to B) and surface texture (from A to C; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although long-term clinical follow-up periods are needed, all three ceramics showed clinically acceptable survival and success rates over 1 year. The ceramics evaluated in the present study could be preferred for single-tooth full-crown restorations in the posterior region.

Possible Association between the Quantity of Peri-implant Crevicular Fluid, Clinical Indices, and the Dimensions of Endosseous Implants.

Objectives: The objectives of this clinical observational study are to measure peri-implant crevicular fluid volume based on dental implant diameter and length, and to evaluate the possible relationship between peri-implant crevicular fluid/gingival crevicular fluid volumes and clinical periodontal indices. Material and Methods: The information about length and diameter of dental implants was noted. Clinical indices (probing depth, plaque index, gingival bleeding time index, and gingival index) were recorded. Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF)/gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volumes were measured from 4 sites (mesial, buccal, distal, and lingual/palatal) of each dental implant including its one or more equivalent natural tooth/teeth. Results: One-hundred-sixty-one loaded dental implants and 221 natural teeth of 101 patients were evaluated. The length of dental implant had no effect on PICF volume (P > 0.05). However, PICF volumes of narrow (< 3.5 mm) and wide (> 4.5 mm) diameter implants were higher than standard diameter implants (≥ 3.5 mm, and ≤ 4.5 mm) (P < 0.05). PICF and GCF volumes of areas with peri-implant/periodontal diseases were significantly higher than healthy areas (P < 0.05). PICF and GCF volumes showed positive correlations with clinical indices (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In accordance with the results of the present study, the implant diameter, not the implant length, affects peri-implant crevicular fluid volume.

The Relationship between Maxillary Sinus Lateral Wall Thickness, Alveolar Bone Loss, and Demographic Variables: A Cross-Sectional Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography Study.

OBJECTIVES: Sinus floor elevation and augmentation surgery is widely used as a reliable procedure to increase insufficient bone height in the posterior maxillary area. The purpose of the present clinical study was to determine the associations between periodontal bone loss (PBL), maxillary sinus lateral bone wall thickness, age, and gender using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current retrospective study consists of 716 maxillary sinus CBCT images of 358 patients. The CBCT scans were assessed to detect the relationship between lateral wall thickness and PBL. ANOVA and Student t test analysis were used to determine the influence of PBL on sinus lateral wall thickness. RESULTS: Sinus lateral wall thickness was significantly associated with PBL (p < 0.05) at 3, 13, and 15 mm height. There was no significant association between lateral wall thickness and gender (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant association between lateral wall thickness at 3 and 13 mm and age (p < 0.05). There were significant associations between PBL and age (p < 0.001), and PBL and gender (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PBL might have an association with maxillary sinus lateral bone wall thickness. Further studies are needed to confirm this possible relationship.

Clinical Guidelines and Implementation into Daily Dental Practice.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to assess the extent of the familiarity, attitude and perceptions of dental professionals regarding clinical dental guidelines and their implementation into daily dental practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, a questionnaire which was developed by the members of the World Dental Federation, European Regional Organization Working Group - 'Relation Between Dental Practitioner and Universities', was implemented by the National Dental Associations of six European Regional Organization-zone countries (Georgian Stomatological Association - Georgia, Associazione Nazionale Dentisti Italiani - Italy, Portuguese Dental Association - Portugal, Russian Dental Association - Russia, Swiss Dental Association - Switzerland, and Turkish Dental Association - Turkey. The questionnaire was filled by a total of 910 dental professionals who are members of one of these national dental associations and who voluntarily wanted to participate to this survey. RESULTS: Most of the survey participants were familiar with clinical dental guidelines (68%), claimed that they implemented them into daily practice (61.7%), and generally acknowledged their benefits (81.8%). Many participants believed that clinical dental guidelines could help to improve the clinical treatment plan (50.6 %) and the accuracy of diagnosis (39.4%); which increased with age and years of practice (p < 0.05). The most frequently perceived barrier to the effective implementation of clinical dental guidelines was expressed as 'lack of awareness', while participants suggested a role for national dental associations in spreading clinical dental guidelines. DISCUSSION: A better understanding of the perceptions and attitudes of dentists towards clinical dental guidelines and the potential impact of factors affecting such perceptions and attitudes may be of particular importance for attempts aiming at overcoming the barriers for effective implementation of clinical dental guidelines into daily practice. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant familiarity and a common positive attitude, dental professionals are likely to have different perceptions towards clinical dental guidelines, especially regarding their effective implementation into daily practice, benefits and barriers.

Introdução: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a abrangência da familiaridade, das atitudes e das perceções dos profissionais da área da saúde oral em relação às normas clínicas dentárias e a sua implementação na prática da Medicina Dentária diária. Material e Métodos: Com esta finalidade, desenvolveu-se um questionário pelos membros da Federação Dentária Mundial, pelo Grupo de Trabalho da Organização Regional Europeia - "Relação entre Médicos Dentistas e as Universidades" e, foi implementado pelas Associações de Medicina Dentária/Estomatologia Nacionais de seis países da Organização Regional Europeia (Associação Estomatológica da Geórgia - Geórgia, Associação Nazionale Dentisti Italiani - Itália, Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas - , Associação Dentária Russa - Rússia, Associação Dentária Suíça - Suíça e Associação Dentária Turca - Turquia. O questionário foi preenchido por um total de 910 profissionais da área da saúde oral, membros de uma dessas associações de medicina dentária/estomatologia Nacionais e que, voluntariamente quiseram participar neste inquérito. Resultados: A maioria dos entrevistados estava familiarizada com os normas clínicas dentárias (68%) e implementam-nas na clínica diária (61,7%) reconhecendo os seus benefícios (81,8%). Muitos participantes acreditavam que as normas clínicas dentárias poderiam ajudar a melhorar o plano de tratamento clínico (50,6%) e a precisão do diagnóstico (39,4%); que aumentou com a idade e os anos de prática (p < 0,05). A barreira mais frequentemente percecionada para a implementação efetiva dos normas clínicas dentárias foi expressa como 'falta de conscientização'. Os participantes sugeriram o papel das associações de medicina dentária/estomatologia nacionais na disseminação das normas clínicas dentárias. Discussão: Uma melhor compreensão das atitudes e perceções dos médicos dentistas em relação às normas clínicas dentárias, e do impacto potencial dos fatores que afetam tais atitudes e perceções, pode ser particularmente importante tendo em vista a necessidade de superar as barreiras existentes quando da implementação efetiva das normas clínicas dentárias na clínica diária. Conclusão: Apesar da familiaridade significativa e de uma atitude positiva comum, os profissionais de saúde oral têm perceções diferentes em relação às normas clínicas dentárias, especialmente em relação à sua implementação efetiva na prática diária, benefícios e barreiras.

The effect of demographic and disease variables on Schneiderian membrane thickness and appearance.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sinus mucosal thickening (MT) and mucosal appearance (MA) in a patient population as detected with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to determine the effects of various disease and demographic factors on MT and MA. STUDY DESIGN: The retrospective study consisted of CBCT images of 1000 maxillary arches in 500 patients. The arches were divided into 3 groups (atrophic, partially atrophic, and nonatrophic) according to the type of the maxillary dental crest. The CBCT scans were assessed to detect the prevalence of maxillary sinus MT and MA. χ2 analysis was used to determine the significance of association of periodontal bone loss (PBL), periapical (PA) status, alveolar crest type, age, and gender on sinus MT and MA. RESULTS: MT was significantly associated with PBL (P = .004), PA status (P = .001), and gender (P < .01). MA was significantly associated with PBL (P = .038), PA status (P = .009), and gender (P < .020). There were no significant associations between age or crest type and either MT or MA. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal bone loss, PA lesions, and gender may have an association with MT of the maxillary sinus.

Comparison of implant versus tooth-supported zirconia-based single crowns in a split-mouth design: a 4-year clinical follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the 4-year clinical performance of tooth versus implant-supported single-unit zirconia crowns (LAVA™) placed on posterior region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients (10 men and 14 women) who had received 48 single crowns (24 implant-supported and 24 tooth-supported) from January 2007 to December 2009, were included. California Dental Association (CDA) quality assessment system, plaque and gingival index scores were used to evaluate the performance of the crowns at baseline and at all follow-up examinations. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, no fracture of zirconia coping has occurred. Major complication was chipping in three patients that required a new crown fabrication. Except for the failure ones, all crowns in both groups were rated as satisfactory at the follow-up examinations based on the CDA quality assessment criteria. There were no statistically significant differences between tooth and implant-supported crowns in terms of periodontal parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The present 4-year follow-up clinical study demonstrates that single-unit tooth- and implant-supported zirconia crowns have similar prosthetic and periodontal outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Single-unit implant or tooth-supported zirconia crowns may be considered acceptable treatment modalities for restoration of either missing or compromised posterior teeth.

Resolution of anterior scleritis after periodontal therapy.

Scleritis is a chronic inflammation that involves the outermost coat and the skeleton of the eye. Scleritis may be associated with a systemic or immune mediated disease and it might be caused by an infection, trauma or drug reaction. This case presents a patient with generalized chronic periodontitis and anterior diffuse scleritis. A 30-year-old female complained of pain and persistent scleritis in the left eye was referred to the Periodontology department due to her periodontal problems. She was treated with oral non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and topical medications (corticosteroid) for her scleritis during last two years. However, these treatments failed to control the progression of the disease. After periodontal examination, deep periodontal pockets and serious bone loss was detected radiographically. She was treated by flap procedures and 3 teeth were extracted. After a 4-month healing period, scleritis was resulted in rapid resolution.

Periodontal disease in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and periodontal disease (inflammatory diseases of the tissues around teeth) are common disorders associated with diabetes and cardiometabolic risk. Comprehensively examining the periodontal status in PCOS, this study suggests that the susceptibility for periodontal disease may significantly increase in patients with PCOS compared with healthy young women, and that local/periodontal oxidant status appears to be affected in PCOS.

Intentional replantation of a hopeless tooth with the combination of platelet rich plasma, bioactive glass graft material and non-resorbable membrane: a case report.

Intentional replantation can be an alternative choice for periodontally involved hopeless tooth at least for a period of time. This technique may help to restore an original tooth to function in the mouth instead of replacing it with prosthesis. The combination of one or more techniques currently available for periodontal therapy may have the potential to enhance clinical results as compared to any of the techniques used alone. In this case report, intentional replantation was combined with regenerative techniques. A very popular agent, platelet rich plasma was used in combination with bioactive glass graft material and non-resorbable PTFE membrane. The technique and one year results of treatment were discussed radiographically and clinically.