Prevalence of erosive tooth wear in risk group patients: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review investigates the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in individuals classified as risk groups (gastroesophageal reflux disease, eating disorders, special diets, acidic beverage, drugs and alcohol, legal drugs and medications, and occupational or sports). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was conducted in nine databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, LILACS/BVS, SciELO, Scopus, Science Direct, Open Grey, and Web of Science) up to April 2024 (PROSPERO CRD42021270150), along with a manual search of grey literature. Observational studies involving children and adults from these previously mentioned risk groups, which provided data on ETW prevalence, were included without date or language restrictions. The methodological quality of studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Prevalence Data Critical Appraisal Tool. General and subgroup data were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Overall, 4403 studies were retrieved, out of which 148 met the inclusion criteria. Each risk group showed higher prevalences of ETW in these patients in general and subgroup analysis; although subgroup analysis was not possible for all risk groups due to the heterogeneity of the indices found. CONCLUSIONS: The Legal drugs and Medications risk group showed lower overall prevalence values (30%), while the Drugs and Alcohol risk group obtained higher values (67%). Prevalence rates for other groups were: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (54.1%), Eating Disorders (65%), Special Diets (65.9%), Acidic Beverages (40%), Occupational and Sports (51%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This systematic review highlights that risk groups are indeed at significant risk for the development of ETW and greater preventive care and dental monitoring are needed.

Influence of ceramic crown design (translucent monolithic zirconia vs. bilayered) of implant-supported single crowns after mechanical cycling.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the influence of translucent monolithic versus bilayered crowns and whether the use of a CoCr base abutments affects the fatigue and fracture resistance of screwed implant-supported single crowns with external connections under mechanical cycling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty specimens were divided into groups: (1) metal-ceramic (MC) crown, (2) veneered zirconia crown (Zr), (3) veneered zirconia crown with a CoCr base abutment (ZrB), (4) monolithic translucent zirconia crown (MZr), and (5) monolithic translucent zirconia crown with a CoCr base abutment (MZrB). Specimens underwent mechanical cycling (5 × 106 cycles; 150 N) evaluating fatigue resistance (number of failures) and those that failed were subsequently subjected to fractographic analyses (stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope) to evaluate failure location and area, and maximum fracture load was also measured. RESULTS: The failure-related survival rate (100%) and maximum fracture resistance of the MZrB were significantly higher than those of MC and Zr (50%; p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the failure rate and fracture resistance when a CoCr base abutment was used or not in the translucent monolithic Zr groups (p > 0.05;MZrB vs. MZr). Failure location, with MC crowns' fractures, noted at the screw area (p = 0.043), while all-ceramic crowns were mostly in the cuspid and to failure area, the Zr group had the largest mean (15.55 ± 9.17 mm2) among the groups, significant difference only when compared with MC (1.62 ± 0.81 mm2) (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Translucent monolithic zirconia crowns exhibited significantly higher fatigue and fracture resistance compared with conventional MC and bilayered crowns. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The appropriate choice of material and manufacturing technique is crucial for predicting the higher clinical performance of single crowns. Enhanced mechanical resistance in terms of fatigue and fracture resistance can be achieved by replacing MC and bilayered restorations with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing monolithic zirconia.

Mucoadhesive delivery systems for oral candidiasis treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical and mycological effectiveness of mucoadhesives as vehicles for drugs or natural products in the treatment of oral candidiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search for articles was carried out in the Medline/PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO databases before August 2023. We selected the studies, extracted the data, evaluated the study quality, graded the evidence, performed the risk of bias, and carried out meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 389 potentially relevant articles were identified, and 11 studies (1869 participants) met the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. The overall risk of bias was considered low. The most common presentation of mucoadhesives was tablets, with miconazole being the most frequently drug used in the delivery system. Mucoadhesives demonstrated comparable efficacy with topical or systemic antifungal agents, with no significant differences between treatments in terms of clinical (RR = 0.907; 95CI = 0.3-1.297; p = 0.591; I2 = 64.648) or mycological (RR = 0.95; 95CI = 0.667-1.360; p = 0.789; I2 = 73.271) efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Mucoadhesives may be a suitable alternative to conventional treatments, with the advantage of reducing the frequency of application by up to 5 times and the daily dosage by up to 20 times.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical performance of implant-supported overdentures retained by CAD-CAM bars.

Currently, there is no consensus on the indications and clinical performance of implant-supported overdentures (IODs) involving computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) bars. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of IODs involving CAD-CAM bars. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive search of studies published until May 2023 was conducted in many databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was: "How do IODs retained by bars fabricated by CAD-CAM technology perform in daily clinical practice?" The meta-analysis included clinical studies based on effect size and a two-tailed null test with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among them, nine reported a 100% implant survival rate for all CAD-CAM milled bars. Complications were reported in two studies with CAD/CAM-milled titanium bars, and one study reported more fractures in soldered gold bars used in maxillary rehabilitation. However, no fractures were observed in IODs retained by PEEK and zirconia bars. According to six studies, biological complications, including peri-implantitis, were minimal in the BioHPP and PEEK bar groups, while no cases were reported in the titanium or zirconia bar groups. CAD-CAM-milled zirconia bars had higher plaque and bleeding indices compared with titanium bars, as evidenced by findings from five studies. All four studies that evaluated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) scores showed a positive effect of IODs retained by CAD-CAM milled titanium bars on quality of life. Patient satisfaction and acceptance by prosthodontists were significantly high, according to the results of five studies. CONCLUSION: Overdentures retained with CAD-CAM milled titanium bars show great potential for use in daily clinical practice. Moreover, patient and practitioner satisfaction was very high when this method was used.

Comparison of Manual (2D) and Digital (3D) Methods in the Assessment of Simulated Facial Edema.

BACKGROUND: An edema assessment following dental surgeries is essential to improving the dental surgeon's technique and, consequentially, patient comfort. PURPOSE: Two-dimensional (2D) methods are limited in analyzing 3-dimensional (3D) surfaces. Currently, 3D methods are used to investigate postoperative swelling. However, there are no studies that directly compare 2D and 3D methods. The goal of this study is to directly compare 2D and 3D methods used in the assessment of postoperative edema. STUDY DESIGN AND SAMPLE: The investigators implemented a prospective, cross-sectional study with each subject serving as its own control. The sample was composed of dental student volunteers without facial deformities. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The predictor variable is the method used to measure edema. After simulating edema, manual (2D) and digital (3D) techniques were used to measure edema. The manual method used direct facial perimeter measurements. The two digital methods were photogrammetry using a smartphone (iPhone 11, Apple Inc, Cupertino, California), and facial scanning with a smartphone application (Bellus3D FaceApp, Bellus3D Inc, Campbell, California) [3D measurements] MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The coefficient of variation (CV) (CV = standard deviation /mean) was used to assess homogeneity of edema measurements. ANALYSIS: The Shapiro-Wilk and equal variance tests were applied to assess data homogeneity. Next, one-way analysis of variance was performed, followed by a correlation analysis. Finally, the data were submitted to Tukey's test. The statistical significance threshold was set at 5% (P < .05). RESULTS: The sample was composed of 20 subjects aged 18-38 years. The CV showed higher values using the manual (2D) method (47%; 4.88% ± 2.99), compared with the photogrammetry method (18%; 8.55 mm ± 1.52) and the smartphone application (21%; 8.97 mm ± 1.93). A statistically significant difference was observed between the manual method values and those of the other two groups (P < .001). There was no difference between the facial scanning and photogrammetry groups (3D methods) (P = .778) CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Both digital measuring methods (3D) demonstrated greater homogeneity than the manual method in analyzing facial distortions caused by the same swelling simulation. Therefore, it can be affirmed that digital methods may be more reliable that manual methods for assessing facial edema.

Evaluation of the clinical performance of dentures manufactured by computer-aided technology and conventional techniques: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The introduction of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology for complete denture fabrication may have improved clinical outcomes compared with conventional techniques. However, systematic reviews comparing these techniques are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, compare, and synthesize the outcomes of published clinical studies related to complete denture fabrication, with respect to the differences between CAD-CAM technology and conventional techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of studies published up to March 16, 2020, was conducted by using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Embase databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement criteria and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID 42020202614). The population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) question was: Do CAD-CAM complete dentures have a similar functional performance to those fabricated by conventional techniques? The quality of publications was appraised by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. RESULTS: Of the 1232 titles, 6 articles were selected. The studies reported better retention of digitally manufactured complete dentures without denture adhesives than that of conventional complete dentures with or without denture adhesives. Other studies reported that dentures manufactured with digital systems were better adapted to tissue surfaces, required less clinical time, were lower in cost, and provided better experience and satisfaction to patients. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of CAD-CAM planning and manufacturing through clinical studies is ongoing. However, preliminary results indicate better clinical performance and lower overall costs of digital complete dentures than conventional dentures.

Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of denture stomatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Photodynamic therapy is widely used in dentistry, but limited evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in treating denture stomatitis. High resistance to antifungals has been reported, and photodynamic therapy could be an alternative treatment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether photodynamic therapy is effective in reducing denture stomatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and recorded in the prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020205589) to answer the population, intervention, control, outcome (PICO) question: "Is photodynamic therapy effective in the treatment of denture stomatitis when compared with the use of antifungal agents?" Electronic searches were performed in databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for articles published until February 2021 by using the following terms: (denture stomatitis OR oral candidiasis) AND (low-level light therapy OR laser therapy OR lasers OR photodynamic therapies OR photochemotherapy) AND (antifungal drugs OR antifungal agents OR antimicrobial OR treatment). Clinical trials and randomized clinical trials, studies in the English language, and studies comparing antifungal agents with photodynamic therapy were included. RESULTS: In total, 5 articles were selected for the qualitative analysis and 3 for the meta-analysis. No significant difference was detected between antifungal therapy and photodynamic therapy in the reduction of colony-forming units on the palate. In a subgroup analysis, a significant difference was found in the reduction of colony-forming units on the palate at 15 days and at the denture surface at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy is effective in the treatment of denture stomatitis, but after 30 days and 15 days, the antifungals demonstrated better performance.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical performance of implant-supported overdentures retained by CAD-CAM bars

Abstract Currently, there is no consensus on the indications and clinical performance of implant-supported overdentures (IODs) involving computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) bars. Objective: To evaluate the performance of IODs involving CAD-CAM bars. Methodology: A comprehensive search of studies published until May 2023 was conducted in many databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was: "How do IODs retained by bars fabricated by CAD-CAM technology perform in daily clinical practice?" The meta-analysis included clinical studies based on effect size and a two-tailed null test with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among them, nine reported a 100% implant survival rate for all CAD-CAM milled bars. Complications were reported in two studies with CAD/CAM-milled titanium bars, and one study reported more fractures in soldered gold bars used in maxillary rehabilitation. However, no fractures were observed in IODs retained by PEEK and zirconia bars. According to six studies, biological complications, including peri-implantitis, were minimal in the BioHPP and PEEK bar groups, while no cases were reported in the titanium or zirconia bar groups. CAD-CAM-milled zirconia bars had higher plaque and bleeding indices compared with titanium bars, as evidenced by findings from five studies. All four studies that evaluated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) scores showed a positive effect of IODs retained by CAD-CAM milled titanium bars on quality of life. Patient satisfaction and acceptance by prosthodontists were significantly high, according to the results of five studies. Conclusion: Overdentures retained with CAD-CAM milled titanium bars show great potential for use in daily clinical practice. Moreover, patient and practitioner satisfaction was very high when this method was used.

Fixed partial dentures in adult patients with cleft lip and palate and their relationship with the quality of life: A cross-sectional clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Reports on the impact of fixed partial denture treatments on the quality of life of patients with cleft lip and palate are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-sectional clinical study was to assess the impact of fixed partial dentures on the quality of life of adults with cleft lip and palate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 52 participants (23 women and 29 men) with cleft lip and palate, aged between 20 and 50 years old, and who required treatment with fixed partial dentures were enrolled in the study. They responded to the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire before and 30 days after the fixed prosthodontic treatment. The final value from the OHIP-14 was generated by totaling the 14 answers, giving a range from 0 to 56, with higher values indicating a worse relationship between oral health and the quality of life. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon test (α=.05). RESULTS: Forty-six participants reported some negative experience before the fixed partial denture, and 48 indicated an improved quality of life 30 days after delivery. All domains assessed showed significant quality of life improvements between the periods compared (P≤.014). CONCLUSIONS: Oral treatment with fixed partial dentures improved the quality of life in adults with cleft lip and palate.

Complications in intraoral versus external approach for surgical treatment of Eagle syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical treatment of Eagle syndrome involves an intra- or extraoral approach. This systematic review set out to consolidate current knowledge on the prevalence of complications associated with intraoral and external approaches. METHODS: Seven main electronic and two gray literature databases were searched. Studies were blindly selected by two reviewers based on pre-defined eligibility criteria. Studies evaluating any type of complication in the treatment of Eagle syndrome were considered eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for studies reporting prevalence data, case reports, and case series. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Software version 3.0 - Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA) was used to perform all meta-analyses. RESULTS: Out of 1728 articles found on all databases, 36 were included for qualitative analysis. Twenty were included for quantitative analysis and meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: In this study, the highest rate of complications was found in the intraoral approach.

Does microwave disinfection affect the dimensional stability of denture base acrylic resins? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effect of microwave disinfection on the dimensional stability of denture base acrylic resins. BACKGROUND: Microwave disinfection has been considered as an alternative method for disinfecting complete dentures to help prevent and treat denture stomatitis. However, data on the impact of microwave disinfection on the dimensional stability of acrylic resins are still scarce. METHODS: The PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS and EMBASE databases were searched in order to assess articles published in English up to January 2021 (CRD42021212267). We included studies that have assessed the effect of microwave disinfection, on the dimensional stability of acrylic resins, comparing them with negative or positive controls. RESULTS: A total of seven in vitro studies were included. The qualitative synthesis demonstrated that, in general, microwave disinfection produced more distortion on the materials than do immersion in sodium hypochlorite, chloride solution, chlorhexidine, and water immersion. However, considering the dimensional stability of the specimens, microwave disinfection at 500 W for 3 minutes, and at 450 W for 5 minutes, produced similar or better outcomes than did control groups. CONCLUSION: In general, microwave disinfection promotes changes in the dimensional stability of denture base acrylic resins, and should thus be used with caution. However, microwave disinfection protocols at lower power settings (500 and 450 W) and exposure times (3 and 5 minutes) produces similar or less distortion than chemical disinfection. More studies are still required in order to evaluate the clinical and long-term implications of microwave disinfection.

Toxicity potential of denture adhesives: A scoping review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Denture adhesives are widely used products, but limited evidence regarding their toxicity is available. PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to map the existing literature on the toxic potential of denture adhesives. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This scoping review was structured based on the 5-step methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and The Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The methods were registered on the Open Science Framework (). The following research question was formulated: Are there any toxic effects related to the use of denture adhesives? The electronic literature search was performed independently by 2 authors in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The inclusion criteria were in vitro and clinical studies; studies that evaluated the cytotoxic properties of denture adhesives as local or systemic implications; and studies published in English. RESULTS: The search conducted in October 2020 provided 1099 articles. In total, 33 studies were included, 14 in vitro and 19 clinical studies. Commercially available denture adhesives have a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, with poor cell recovery noted in older human fibroblasts. Patients presented different levels of neurologic or hematological alterations associated with the excessive use of denture adhesives. CONCLUSIONS: Most commercially available denture adhesives have a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, and the use of well-adapted removable dental prostheses, proper patient follow-ups, and correct instructions for their use when indicated should be a priority.

Computer-aided technology for fabricating removable partial denture frameworks: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A consensus that establishes the indications and clinical performance of removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks designed and manufactured with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the currently published literature investigating different CAD-CAM methods and techniques for RPD manufacturing and their clinical performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of studies published up to September 2019 was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA Statement) criteria and was registered and approved in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020152197). The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was "Do the CAD-CAM frameworks have similar performances to those fabricated by conventional techniques?" The meta-analysis included clinical and in vitro studies based on the effect size and test of Null (2-Tail) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Clinical and in vitro studies were selected and analyzed separately. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles out of 358 were selected. For clinical studies, quantitative analysis with a sample of 25 participants showed a mean discrepancy between occlusal rests and rest seats of 184.91 µm (95% CI: 152.6 µm-217.15 µm) and heterogeneity (I2) of 0%. Clinical data considered that frameworks were acceptable for continuity of treatment. The predominant materials were cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and studies using Co-Cr reported that the structure required adjustments. In addition, it has been reported that the indirect technique was time-consuming and selective laser melting (SLM) can be costly. PEEK structures have been more widely accepted because of improved esthetics. Quantitative data from the in vitro studies revealed that the additive manufacturing technique (2.006 mm: 95% CI: -2.021 mm to 6.032 mm) was not significantly different from the indirect technique (0.026 mm; P=.455; random: I2: 98.402%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical studies and in vitro research on CAD-CAM planning and manufacturing of removable prosthesis frameworks are still sparse. However, preliminary data indicate a similar fit and esthetic improvement when compared with the conventional technique.

Photoelastic analysis of conventional and locking system for treatment of mandibular angle fractures with a single plate.

BACKGROUND: This photoelastic analysis evaluated stress distribution in different osteosynthesis systems, conventional and locking, used for treatment of mandibular angle fractures with a single plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Angle fractures were simulated in mandibles made of photoelastic resin. Following Champy's method, plate osteosynthesis was performed. The samples were divided into five groups: Group 1, non-fractured mandible; Group 2, two screws were installed in each segment using a conventional system; Group 3, two screws were installed in each segment using a locking system; Group 4, three screws were installed in the proximal segment and four screws in the distal segment using a conventional plate; Group 5, three screws were installed in the proximal segment and four screws in the distal segment using a locking plate. In an universal testing machine coupled to a polariscope, a load was applied to the first molar 10 times. The 50 images were randomly numbered and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by two raters. RESULTS: The locking system promoted better stress distribution along the osteosynthesis. The locking system reduced stress magnitude in the distal segment, with a significant between-group difference (P≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The locking plate/screw system can distribute stress more evenly throughout the osteosynthesis, especially when long seven-hole plates are used. Key words:Internal fracture fixation, osteosynthesis, mandibular fracture, bone plates.

Efficiency of different protocols for oral hygiene combined with the use of chlorhexidine in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: In ICU patients on mechanical ventilation (MV), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common infection. However, such infection can be prevented through oral care protocols. The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of the use of chlorhexidine and oral hygiene protocols (brushing and clinical procedures) with that of the use of chlorhexidine alone (intervention group and control group, respectively) in decreasing the prevalence of VAP in patients ≥ 18 years of age admitted to the ICU and requiring MV. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies were identified through searches of various national and international databases, as well as of the gray literature, and were selected in accordance with eligibility criteria. RESULTS: We evaluated six studies, involving a collective total of 1,276 patients. We classified the risk of bias as low in three studies, high in two, and uncertain in one; among the six risk domains evaluated, a low risk of bias was predominant in five. The results for random risks were similar in terms of direction and statistical magnitude-chi-square = 6.34; risk difference: -0.06 (95% CI: -0.11 to -0.02); I2 = 21%; p = 0.007. There was a decrease in the prevalence of VAP in the intervention group (n = 1,276) included in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Protocols that include the mechanical removal of oral biofilm in combination with the use of chlorhexidine can reduce the incidence of VAP among ICU patients requiring MV.

Efficiency of different protocols for oral hygiene combined with the use of chlorhexidine in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia / Eficiência de diferentes protocolos de higiene bucal associados ao uso de clorexidina na prevenção da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica

ABSTRACT Objective: In ICU patients on mechanical ventilation (MV), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common infection. However, such infection can be prevented through oral care protocols. The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of the use of chlorhexidine and oral hygiene protocols (brushing and clinical procedures) with that of the use of chlorhexidine alone (intervention group and control group, respectively) in decreasing the prevalence of VAP in patients ≥ 18 years of age admitted to the ICU and requiring MV. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies were identified through searches of various national and international databases, as well as of the gray literature, and were selected in accordance with eligibility criteria. Results: We evaluated six studies, involving a collective total of 1,276 patients. We classified the risk of bias as low in three studies, high in two, and uncertain in one; among the six risk domains evaluated, a low risk of bias was predominant in five. The results for random risks were similar in terms of direction and statistical magnitude-chi-square = 6.34; risk difference: −0.06 (95% CI: −0.11 to −0.02); I2 = 21%; p = 0.007. There was a decrease in the prevalence of VAP in the intervention group (n = 1,276) included in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: Protocols that include the mechanical removal of oral biofilm in combination with the use of chlorhexidine can reduce the incidence of VAP among ICU patients requiring MV.

RESUMO Objetivo: A pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (PAVM) é uma infecção frequente em UTI. No entanto, essa infecção pode ser evitada através de protocolos de cuidados orais. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficiência de protocolos de higiene bucal (escovação e procedimentos clínicos) aliados ao uso de clorexidina (grupo intervenção) com a de protocolos que fazem uso somente de clorexidina (grupo controle) na diminuição da prevalência da PAVM em pacientes adultos (≥ 18 anos) internados em UTI sob VM. Métodos: Nesta revisão sistemática e meta-análise, várias bases de dados nacionais e internacionais foram utilizadas para a identificação e seleção de estudos e literatura cinza seguindo critérios de elegibilidade. Resultados: Foram incluídos seis estudos, envolvendo 1.276 pacientes. Após a classificação dos estudos, três apresentaram baixo risco de viés, dois apresentaram risco de viés alto, e o risco foi incerto em um; entre os seis domínios avaliados houve predomínio de baixo risco de viés em cinco deles. Os resultados para riscos aleatórios foram semelhantes em direção e magnitude estatística - qui-quadrado = 6,34; diferença de risco: −0,06 (IC95%: −0,11 a −0,02); I2 = 21%; p = 0,007. Houve diminuição na prevalência de PAVM no grupo intervenção (n = 1.276) incluídos na meta-análise. Conclusões: Protocolos que incluem a remoção mecânica do biofilme associada ao uso de clorexidina podem reduzir a incidência de PAVM em pacientes internados em UTI sob VM.

Laser surgery in management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) treatment. METHODS: This study followed PRISMA standards, and an electronic search was performed on the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Eighty-nine articles were found. After reading the manuscripts, 15 articles remained for the review. Three of them were selected for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Female gender was predominant (72.5%), and mean age was 66.5 years. Follow-up varied between 3 and 80 months, and the most used bisphosphonate was zoledronic acid (71.6%). Stage II of MRONJ was the most prevalent (68.9%), and the mandible was the most affected site (64.5%). Qualitative data showed that treatment with laser surgery (Er:YAG) was most effective regarding complete healing of the lesion (90%) compared with other treatments. Meta-analysis data showed that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was more effective than medical treatment (P = 0.006), and surgical treatment was more effective than LLLT (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Laser surgery was significantly superior to LLLT (p < 0.00001). Therefore, laser surgical therapy seems to be a great management strategy for MRONJ treatment from stage II. LLLT was shown to improve conservative management in earlier MRONJ stages.

Materials Sealing Preventing Biofilm Formation in Implant/Abutment Joints: Which Is the Most Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the literature available for materials exhibiting the best efficacy in preventing biofilm formation in the interior of implants. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. This review is registered with the PROSPERO database and followed the suitability of the PRISMA protocol. The initial search resulted in 326 articles from the databases. After they were read, 8 articles remained, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Six of these 8 articles were classified as in vitro and 2 were classified as in situ. The regions of the implants evaluated ranged from the interface of the pieces to the occlusal upper access of the abutment. The implant connections evaluated the Morse taper, external connection, and internal connection. Meta-analysis of the quantitative data was performed at a significance level of .05. Cotton exhibited poor control of infiltration, even in combination with other materials. Isolated gutta-percha (GP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape with composite resin (CR) or GP performed better as physical barriers. The best results for chemical barriers were observed by the application of 1% chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) gel, thymol varnish, and the deposition of Ag films onto the surface. The applied meta-analysis did not show a significant difference in comparison between the different types of implant connections (P > .05). The application of CG and thymol varnish antimicrobials was effective in preventing biofilm formation and easy clinical execution; these could be used in combination with CR, GP, and PTFE.

Inflammatory response and macrophage polarization using different physicochemical biomaterials for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction.

Knowledge about the action of immune system in the recognition of biomaterials has been extremely helpful when it comes about understanding host response and biomaterials' fate in human body. This study aimed to investigate inflammatory response and macrophage polarization during bone healing process of rat's calvaria critical defects using different bone materials in order to evaluate their influence on bone repair and on the quality of the newly formed bone tissue. Eighty male albinus Wistar rats underwent surgical procedure for the confectioning of a 5-mm diameter bone defect in their right parietal bone, and divided in four groups (n = 20 each), according the biomaterial: AG - Control, particulate intramembranous autogenous bone graft, HA/TCP - particulate biphasic calcium phosphate with HA/TCP (60/40), DBB - particulate deproteinized bovine bone, VC - particulate bioactive vitroceramic. After 3, 7, 21, and 45 days, the specimens were removed and prepared for microcomputed tomography (microCT), light and polarized microscopy, immunohistochemical analysis, and histomorphometry. No significant differences were detected considering percentage of leukocytes among the groups and periods, as well as in relation to immunolabeling for inflammatory (M1) and reparative (M2) macrophages. However, immunolabeling for bone marker indicated a delayed osteoblast differentiation in VC group, resulting in a decrease in mineralized bone matrix parameters in this group, revealed by microCT. In addition, AG and HA/TCP presented a satisfactory bone collagenous content. Despite the distinct origins and physicochemical properties of the tested biomaterials, they presented similar immune-inflammatory responses in the present experimental model, influencing bone-related proteins and bone quality, which must be considered according to their use.