Antibiotic prescribing patterns among dentists in Italy and Albania: A comparative questionnaire analysis.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic and prophylactic use of antibiotics in dentistry in two countries. Methods: This study used questionnaires to examine the prescribing habits of dentists in Italy (9th country in Europe for systemic antibiotic administration) and Albania an Extra European Union Country. A total of 1300 questionnaires were sent to Italian and Albanian dentists. Results: In total, 180 Italian and 180 Albanian dentists completed the questionnaire. Penicillin use was higher in Italy (96.6 %) than Albania (82.8 %). Only 26.1 % of Italian dentists and 32 % of Albanian dentists followed the national guidelines for antibiotic administration. Conclusions: Dentists tend to overprescribe antibiotics for treating existing conditions or as prophylaxis. They also highlighted a lack of adherence to established guidelines for antibiotic use. In addition, factors such as age, nationality, and sex appeared to influence the choice of antibiotics. Clinical significance: Recently, the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a global concern. The authors of this article highlight how dentists often prescribe antibiotics without a real need. Limiting the use of antibiotics in this category may help mitigate antibiotic resistance.

Treatment of Multiple RT1 Gingival Recessions Using a Coronally Advanced Flap Associated with L-PRF or Subgingival Connective Tissue Graft from Maxillary Tuberosity: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

The goal of plastic periodontal surgery is to obtain complete root coverage, increasing gingival thickness (GT), a positive prognostic factor for gingival margin stability over time. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) in RT1 (GR; gingival recession with no loss of interproximal attachment) when associated with a connective tissue graft from the maxillary tuberosity (tCTG) or with leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes in obtaining root coverage and increasing the thickness and width of the keratinized tissue, along with aesthetic improvement, taking into account a number of patient-related outcomes. Thirty patients with two adjacent RT1 GRs (GRs with no loss of interproximal attachment) were each treated using CAF associated with tCTG (15 patients) or L-PRF. The main outcome was a GT increase; secondary outcomes were keratinized tissue width (KT), gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), root coverage percentage (RC%), complete root coverage (CRC), and root coverage esthetic score (RES). Patient-reported outcomes were discomfort (D), dentine hypersensitivity (DH), patient-related esthetic score (PRES), and overall treatment satisfaction (OTS). After 12 months, clinical and patient-reported parameters did not show significant differences between groups, with the only exception being a GT gain, which was significantly greater in the CAF + tCTG group. Our results showed that both techniques were effective in treating RT1 GRs, with comparable patient-related outcomes. However, the use of tCTG produces significantly thicker tissue, covering the exposed root surface.

Evaluation of Post-Operative Morbidity and Palatal Wound Healing after Implant Uncovering Surgical Procedure Performed with Apically Positioned Flap (APF) and Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich-Fibrin (L-PRF): An Original Technique.

Background and Objectives: Dental implants are recognized as an effective treatment in the management of edentulous patients; controversies surround the connection between the sufficiency of keratinized gingiva (KG) and peri-implant health. Maintaining an ample amount of peri-implant KG is crucial for minimizing gingival inflammation, highlighting the need for regular consideration of soft-tissue augmentation. Among the diverse periodontal plastic surgical procedures, the apically positioned flap (APF) is notable for its ability to enhance the width of keratinized tissue while minimizing patient morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of L-PRF on palatal wound healing and patient discomfort after surgery. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with two adjacent submerged fixtures in the maxilla and buccal keratinized gingiva widths < 2 mm were treated with APF and L-PRF. Clinical evaluations were performed at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks post-surgery, focusing on parameters such as complete wound epithelialization (CWE), postoperative discomfort (D), changes in feeding habits (CFH), alteration of sensitivity (AS) around the wound area, and the consumption of analgesics. Results: Our data revealed CWE in 5 patients by the end of the second week, with the remaining 15 achieving CWE by the end of the third week. For D and CHF, a statistically significant improvement was recorded for all cases between the first and second weeks, as well as AS, although less substantial, by the third week. No significant changes were noted for AS over the initial two weeks. Conclusions: These findings suggest that L-PRF may enhance wound healing and decrease patient discomfort following APF for fixture uncovering.

A systematic review on removal of osseointegrated implants: un update.

BACKGROUND: Today dental implants represent an effective therapy in case of partial or total edentulism, with an excellent success rate. Despite the results obtained, there may be biological or mechanical complications during the therapy, which lead to the loss of the implant. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current state of the art in the literature on techniques used for the removal of dental implants. Various aspects will be analyzed, such as the success of the technique, any complications, and the advantages and disadvantages of their use. METHODS: Two reviewers conducted a literature analysis (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) of the last 20 years (2003-2023). The main criterion analyzed was the success of the technique, while secondary outcomes such as complications and risks of the technique were also analyzed. 258 articles were identified in the various search databases. 42 eligible articles were subsequently identified after an article screening. Only 18 full texts were subsequently included in the review. RESULTS: A total of 18 articles were selected and 1142 implants and 595 patients were included. The main techniques used were the Counter-Torque Ratchet Technique (CTRT), Piezoelectric bone surgery (PBS), trephine drills, carbide burs, Erbium, Chromium, Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium, Garnett (Er:Cr:YSGG) laser and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Combined uses of techniques have been identified such as: PBS and trephine burs or carbide burs, trephine burs with the use of a 3d-printed guide, CTRT and trephine burs. The technique with the highest success rate, less morbidity for the patient, and less removal of bone appears to be the CTRT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of conservative techniques, especially CTRT, in bone removal is useful to allow for immediate implant placement in the removal area. However, further studies with a high sample size are needed to be performed on all techniques, particularly new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that allow for the analysis of the success of alternative techniques such as Laser and Piezosurgery, which appear to be very promising.

Clinical Applications and Mechanical Properties of CAD-CAM Materials in Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry: A Systematic Review.

Clinical outcomes of dental restorations depend primarily on the choice of materials used, and nowadays, dental CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing) materials have strongly changed daily clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze CAD-CAM dental materials according to their mechanical properties and in relation to their clinical applications. A literature review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library. Articles addressing at least one of the following topics regarding dental materials for CAD-CAM systems: manufacturers, mechanical features, materials' composition, optical properties, clinical indications, and/or outcomes were included in the review. A flowchart was performed as described in the PRISMA guidelines. Among the 564 articles found, 63 were analyzed and evaluated. Within the limitations of this systematic review, it can be concluded that CAD-CAM materials present a wide range of clinical applications due to their improved mechanical properties. Specifically, in addition to materials that have been in use for a long time (such as feldspathic ceramics), resin block composites can also be used for permanent restorations.

Gingival phenotype changes after different periodontal plastic surgical techniques: a single-masked randomized controlled clinical trial.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: Aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effects on gingival thickness of three surgical techniques for root coverage: the coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone, with a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) or with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes. METHODS: Sixty patients with RT1 single maxillary gingival recession were treated with CAF + L-PRF (20 patients), CAF + SCTG (20 patients) or CAF alone (20 patients). At baseline and 6-month after treatment, gingival thickness (GT), keratinized tissue width (KT), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), PROMs, and the aesthetic outcome were recorded. RESULTS: CAF + SCTG and CAF + L-PRF groups showed a significantly greater mean GT increase than CAF alone (0.31 ± 0.10 mm) with no significant differences between CAF + SCTG (0.99 ± 0.02 mm) and CAF + L-PRF (0.92 ± 0.52 mm) groups (p = 0.55). CAF + SCTG was associated with a significantly greater KT gain (3.85 ± 1.04 mm), while in CAF + L-PRF (2.03 ± 0.53 mm) and CAF (1.50 ± 0.69 mm) groups, KT was not significantly increased. Both GR and CAL showed a significant within groups' improvement, without among-groups differences. No significant among-groups difference for the aesthetic outcome but greater discomfort and pain-killer consumption in CAF + SCTG group was detected. CONCLUSION: All investigated surgical techniques produced significant GR reduction and CAL gain. GT was similarly augmented by CAF + L-PRF and CAF + SCTG techniques; however, the CAF + SCTG technique produced a more predictable KT and GT increase. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of our study suggest that the CAF + SCTG technique represents the most predictable method for the clinician to improve the gingival phenotype, an important factor for long term gingival margin stability.

Accuracy of DICOM-DICOM vs. DICOM-STL Protocols in Computer-Guided Surgery: A Human Clinical Study.

Guided implant surgery can enhance implant placement positioning, increasing predictability and decreasing postoperative complications., To date, the best protocol to be used for template realization is still unknown. Thus, the aim herein was to clinically compare the accuracy of two different protocols. A total of 48 implants were divided into Group A (24 implants), in which a stereolithographic template was realized using the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data arrived from cone beam computer tomographies (CBCTs) (patients and prothesis alone), and Group B (24 implant), in which a standard intraoral stent with a standardized extraoral support was used for patients' intraoral impressions and CBCT. The preimplant virtual planning and postsurgery CBCT images of both groups were superimposed, and differences were registered in terms of average deviations at the platform (a) and implant apex (b), mean depth change (c), and angular deviation (d). The results demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences between groups (p = 0.76) for the parameters measured. However, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between maxillary and mandible implant surgery, as the latter showed greater accuracy. Additional studies are necessary to further reduce discrepancies between planning and surgical procedures.

Added benefit of L-PRF to autogenous bone grafts in the treatment of degree II furcation involvement in mandibular molars.

BACKGROUND: Tissue regeneration within the periodontally involved furcation area is one of the most challenging aspects of periodontal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the additional benefit of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) to autogenous bone grafts (ABGs) in the treatment of mandibular molar degree II furcation involvement, comparing the clinical outcomes with those from open flap debridement (OFD)+ABG and OFD alone treatments. METHODS: Fifty-four patients, exhibiting one buccal or lingual mandibular molar furcation defect, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: OFD+ABG+L-PRF (n = 18); OFD+ABG (n = 18); and OFD (n = 18). Clinical (probing depth [PD], horizontal clinical attachment level [HCAL], vertical clinical attachment level [VCAL], gingival recession [GR]) and radiographic (vertical bone level [VBL]) parameters were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after treatment. HCAL change was the primary outcome. RESULTS: No significant differences within each group were reported for GR changes, but statistically significant improvements in HCAL, VCAL, PD, and VBL were observed in all groups, except for VBL in the OFD group. At 6 months, the mean HCAL gain was 2.29 ± 0.18 mm in the OFD+ABG+L-PRF group, which was significantly greater than that in the OFD+ABG (1.61 ± 0.18 mm) and OFD (0.86 ± 0.18 mm) groups. Both OFD+ABG+L-PRF and OFD+ABG therapies produced a significantly greater clinical and radiographic improvement than OFD. CONCLUSION: The addition of L-PRF to ABG produces a significantly greater HCAL gain and PD reduction as compared with OFD+ABG treatment in mandibular degree II furcation involvements.

Effects of Natural Ventilation and Saliva Standard Ejectors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Analysis of Aerosol Produced during Dental Procedures.

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has renewed attention to aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Dental-care workers are at high risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard saliva ejectors and natural ventilation in reducing particulate matter (PM) concentration during different routine dental procedures in the pandemic period. The DustTrak monitor was used to measure PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and breathable (<4 microns) total dust during 14 procedures performed with and without the presence of natural ventilation in a dental unit. Moreover, measurements were performed near the practitioners or near the standard saliva ejectors during the different procedures. In the latter condition, reduced levels of PM10 were recorded (82.40 ± 9.65 µg/m3 vs. 50.52 ± 0.23 µg/m3). Moreover, higher levels of PM (53.95 ± 2.29 µg/m3 vs. 27.85 ± 0.14 µg/m3) were produced when the dental unit's windows were open. At the same time, the total level of PM were higher during scaling than during other procedures (data suggest not to adopt natural ventilation-both window and door opened-during dental procedures). It was also demonstrated that the use of standard saliva ejectors can considerably reduce the total released amount of PM10.

Access to Dental Care-A Survey from Dentists, People with Disabilities and Caregivers.

The literature highlights differences in the dental conditions of people with disabilities compared with the general population. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the dental health of people with disabilities in order to understand if their needs are met and to identify their most critical issues as per dentists. A paper and a Google Form platform were used in conducting a survey in Central Italy (the Abruzzo region), by performing an analysis on different points of view as reported by people with disabilities and dentists. The results showed that only 69.2% of dentists treat persons with disabilities. Of these, 73.5% treat less than 10 patients with physical disabilities per year. However, 54% of dentists do not treat people with cognitive impairment and a poor ability to collaborate during treatment. More than 80% of respondent dentists report that people with disabilities do not have good oral hygiene. On the other hand, 49.1% of people with disabilities (or their caregivers in cases where the patient was unable to answer) report that they rarely or never go to the dental office. Moreover, when they do go, it is mainly for emergencies. Despite this, respondents are well aware of their dental problems. However, they have difficulties in communicating their dental problems to their dentist. The 50% of dentists who treat people with cognitive impairment do not include them in follow-up, while only 20% of these patients reported being regularly recalled. This illustrates the importance of the implementation of follow-up. In addition, training courses could help clinicians to reduce this gap and create barrier-free dental offices.

Efficacy of inorganic bovine bone combined with leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin or collagen membranes for treating unfavorable periodontal infrabony defects: Randomized non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence shows the efficacy of platelet concentrates in periodontal therapy. This study aimed to demonstrate that an inorganic bovine bone graft (IBB) in combination with a leukocyte and platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) is non-inferior to a combination with a collagen membrane (CM) when managing unfavorable infrabony defects (IBDs). METHODS: All patients exhibited at least one unfavorable IBD; they were randomly assigned to two groups, 31 treated with L-PRF+IBB and 31 with CM+IBB. A clinical and radiographic examination was performed at baseline and 12 months later. Clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), and radiographic defect bone level (DBL) post-therapy changes were compared between the two treatments. A non-inferiority margin = 1 mm was set to determine the efficacy of the test treatment (-1 mm for GR); a second non-inferiority margin = 0.5 mm (-0.5 mm for GR) was chosen for clinical relevance. RESULTS: Twelve months after surgery a significant improvement of clinical and radiographic parameters was observed at both experimental sites. The 90% confidence intervals of the CM+IBB-L-PRF+IBB mean difference for CAL gain (-0.810 mm [-1.300 to -0.319]) and DBL gain (-0.648 mm [-1.244 to -0.052]) were below the 0.5 mm non-inferiority margin; GR increase (1.284 mm [0.764 to 1.804]) remained above the -0.5 mm, while PD reduction (0.499 mm [0.145 to 0.853]) crossed its 0.5-mm margin. CONCLUSIONS: The L-PRF+IBB treatment of unfavorable IBDs offers non-inferior efficacy for CAL gain, showing less GR and more DBL gain too, while for PD reduction it is inferior to the CM+IBB treatment.

Multiple Free Flap Reconstruction of a Complex Intraoral Defect after Squamous Cell Carcinoma Excision: A Case Report.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant cancer of the oral cavity. Metastasis involvement is one of the most relevant prognostic factors in terms of survival probability. Patients with oral cancers often undergo extensive en bloc resective surgery of the mandible and maxilla, with or without cervical nodal dissection, based on the presence or occult risk of regional metastases. Several factors affect the choice of flap, to recover aesthetics and function. Case Presentation: The case of a 60-year-old man who underwent maxillectomy with neck dissection as well as a reconstruction with a combination of multiple vascularized free flaps is presented. Conclusions: The excellent integration of the free flaps and the total absence of complications led to a high-quality aesthetic and functional performance of the reconstruction obtained through two different flaps. More specifically, the fibular free flap for bone reconstruction allows a two-team approach and maintains an excellent vascularization, even in case of several osteotomies for the maxillary reconstruction as reported. In addition, the use of free radial forearm flap for soft tissue reconstruction permits to obtain long caliber vessels, thus facilitating surgery without repositioning of the patient during surgery and therefore, consequently reducing surgery times.

SARS-CoV-2 and Oral Manifestation: An Observational, Human Study.

The correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and oral manifestations is still controversial. The aim of this observational study was to determine the oral manifestation of the hospitalized patients for COVID-19. A total of 20 patients met the inclusion criteria and gave their signed informed consent. A questionnaire of 32 questions regarding the oral and systemic health condition was administrated to these patients during the convalescence. A descriptive statistic was performed. Data were analysed through the use of χ2 test, to assess the statistical significance. A statistically significant increase of about 30% of reporting xerostomia during hospitalization was observed (p = 0.02). Meanwhile, a decrease of oral hygiene was observed during the hospitalization, even if a non-statistically significant difference was shown between the two study time points (before and after hospitalization). During the hospitalization period, 25% of patients reported impaired taste, 15% burning sensation, and 20% difficulty in swallowing. An interesting result was that among the systemic conditions, hypertension was observed in 39% of patients and mostly in female patients (62.5%). Further studies are necessary to better understand the symptoms of this new virus in order to faster detect its presence in humans. Probably, a multidisciplinary team following the COVID-19 patients could be of key importance in treating this disease.

The Impact of COVID-19 Related Lockdown on Dental Practice in Central Italy-Outcomes of A Survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives and professions worldwide. We aimed to determine the behavior of dentists during the lockdown in Central Italy through an online survey. We demonstrated that the most frequent of urgencies, not otherwise manageable through telemedicine, was dental pulp inflammation. Although a statistically significant increase in the use of some of the personal protective equipment (PPE) from pre to during lockdown was shown, dentists were afraid of being infected during the dental procedures. Moreover, we showed that digital dentistry, telemedicine, use of the rubber dam, distancing of the appointments and further structural changes at the dental office are necessary to reduce the contagion among dentists and patients. No significant differences were shown between gender.

Influence of Dentine Pre-Treatment by Sandblasting with Aluminum Oxide in Adhesive Restorations. An In Vitro Study.

Dentine pretreatment through sandblasting procedures has been widely studied but no curve test results are currently available. Thus, the aim herein was to in vitro compare the adhesive strength in sandblasted or not samples using a universal testing machine. Thirty -two bovine teeth were divided into two groups, namely test (n = 16 bars), sandblasting with aluminum oxide particles (50 µm) was performed before the adhesion procedures), and control (n = 16 bars), where no sandblasting procedure was performed. A bi-material curve test was used to evaluate the characteristics of the dentine pretreatment in terms of tensile stress and fracture strength. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the fracture topography in the composite, bonding, dentin, and at the relative interfaces. The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of tensile stress at maximum load showing values of 84.300 ± 51.342 MPa and 35.071 ± 16.609 MPa, respectively for test and control groups (p = 0.033). Moreover, a fracture strength test showed values of 18.543 ± 8.145 MPa for test and 8.186 ± 2.833 MPa for control group (p = 0.008). In conclusion, the sandblasting treatment of the dentine significantly influenced the mechanical resistance of the adhesion in this in vitro study.

Artificial Saliva in Diabetic Xerostomia (ASDIX): Double Blind Trial of Aldiamed® Versus Placebo.

Xerostomia is a symptom frequently present in patients with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present trial, the activity of an artificial saliva (aldiamed® spray) in comparison to a placebo spray were used to evaluate the xerostomia and the saliva antioxidant capacity (SAT). Sixty patients of both genders with T1DM or T2DM were randomized into two groups of 30 subjects each. The experiment was a double-blind study approved by the Ethics Committee of the "G. d'Annunzio University" of Chieti and Pescara. Moreover, measurements of the stimulated saliva flow rate and the ultrasonography of the submandibular and parotid glands were performed at both the study time points. The results demonstrated statistically significant differences between the treatments in terms of the xerostomia average score. Specifically, the values were at baseline and after 30 days 2.9 ± 1.31 and 3.0 ± 1.44 and 1.4 ± 1.48 and 2.4 ± 0.99 for aldiamed® spray and the placebo, respectively. Meanwhile, no statistically significant differences were shown between the two groups for the other variables, such as the salivary flow rate, the antioxidant capacity of the saliva, and the ultrasonography of the major salivary glands.

A 4 Year Human, Randomized, Radiographic Study of Scalloped versus Non-Scalloped Cemented Implants.

Marginal bone loss (MBL) is a key factor in long-term implant success rate. Among the different factors that influence MBL, it is the different implant shoulder designs, such as scalloped or non-scalloped, which have been widely studied on screw retained but not on cemented retained implants. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the MBL around scalloped and non-scalloped cemented retained dental implants after 4 years of loading, in humans. A total of 15 patients were enrolled in the present study. A radiographic and clinical examination was performed after implant placement (T0) and after 4 years from it (T1). The results demonstrated a differential MBL (T1-T0) of 2.436 ± 1.103 mm and 1.923 ± 1.021 mm, respectively for test (scalloped) and control (non-scalloped) groups with a statistically significant difference between them. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of prosthetic complication and abutment decementation, whilst ceramic crowns chipping was shown in both groups. In conclusion, the use of a scalloped platform did not provide better results on the maintenance of MBL after 4 years follow-up. In this study, this probably was determined by multiple factors, among which was the subcrestal insertion of scalloped implants.

Fracture Resistance of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramic Crowns Cemented with Conventional or Adhesive Systems: An In Vitro Study.

In recent years, Zirconia-reinforced Lithium Silicate ceramic (ZLS), combining lithium-silicate and zirconia features, has shown to have excellent mechanical and aesthetic characteristics. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the fracture strength of ZLS single crowns cemented with two different cementation techniques. Twenty crowns were realised and cemented on teeth replicas achieved from an extracted premolar human tooth. The samples were divided into two groups of 10 specimens each, Glass-ionomeric cement (GIC) group and Self-Adhesive Resin Cement (ARC) group. The mechanical test was performed using a universal testing machine. The specimens were then evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify for all crowns and related abutments the pattern of fracture after the breaking point. The data obtained were statistically analysed. The mean fracture toughness values and standard deviations (±SD) were 2227 ± 382 N and 3712 ± 319 N respectively for GIC and ARC groups. In fact, t-test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, the SEM results demonstrated portions of abutments still attached to the crown fragments in the ARC group, whilst these were not present in the GIC group. Within the limitations of this study, these results suggest the use of adhesive cementation for ZLS crowns, which significantly increase the compressive strength of ZLS restorations compared to GIC.