Survival analysis of root-resected molars from 1 to 13.4 years: A retrospective cohort study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: While root resective therapy may extend the longevity of a molar, data on patient selection and outcomes of root resection are scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the survival of root-resected molars and investigate factors affecting the decision and outcomes of the therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient- and tooth-related data from participants who had received root resection between 1999 and 2022 were collected. Cox regression was used to build predictive models for time-to-tooth loss based on predictors-initial diagnoses (carious, endodontic, periodontal, or endodontic-periodontal lesions), the presence of a complete-coverage crown, and the location of the tooth in the arch (P<.001). RESULTS: Of 60 teeth, all from different participants, 31 molars were resected because of endodontic lesions. The failure rate was 35% with 21 teeth extracted. At 5 years, the survival probability was 0.58, considering all predictors. The survival of molars resected because of carious or endodontic lesions was significantly lower than those because of periodontal or endodontic-periodontal lesions (P<.05). The hazard ratio for tooth loss in the resected teeth was 15.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) (3.7 to 83.2) without complete-coverage crowns and 8.6, 95% CI (2.2 to 43.2) at the most posterior location. CONCLUSIONS: Root resection provided to manage a localized periodontal lesion had the highest prognosis. The absence of a crown and the location as the most posterior tooth in the arch were associated with poor survival following resection.

Early crestal bone loss around implants placed at previously failed sites compared with initially integrated implants: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is minimal information on early crestal bone loss (CBL) associated with implants placed at failed sites. PURPOSE: This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate CBL of surviving and restored implants placed at previously failed sites (replaced implants [RIs]) compared to that of implants initially integrated and restored (pristine implants [PIs]), within the same subjects from implant placement to 17 months post-delivery of restoration. METHODS: Subjects who had both PI(s) and RI(s) were recruited. The following data were retrieved: patient demographics, implant locations, types of implant failure, use of bone graft procedure(s), and intraoral radiographs at implant placement (T0), restoration delivery (T1), and the post-restoration follow-up (T2). A blinded evaluator measured crestal bone levels at T0, T1, and T2. RESULTS: Forty-four implants (22 in the RI and 22 in the PI group) from the 22 subjects were reviewed. The 22 implants in the RI group were placed either at early failure (17) or late failure (5) sites. There was a 4.6 times higher likelihood of bone graft procedures performed in association with RIs compared to PIs when using a generalized linear mixed model. Differences in crestal bone levels were compared between the two groups at each time point. There were no significant differences in the mesial and mean crestal bone levels between the PI and RI groups. The RI group exhibited lower crestal bone levels on the distal side compared to the PI group at all time points. However, this difference was due to crestal bone level at T0 (p = 0.039) not due to implant replacement (p = 0.413) or bone graft procedure (p = 0.302) when using mixed regression modeling. CONCLUSION: The effect of replacements of implants at failed sites on CBL was not significant. RIs, once integrated, exhibited the same pattern of CBL as pristine implants.

Repeated delivery of chlorhexidine chips for the treatment of peri-implantitis: A multicenter, randomized, comparative clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implantitis is a challenging condition to manage and is frequently treated using non-surgical debridement. The local delivery of antimicrobial agents has demonstrated benefit in mild to moderate cases of peri-implantitis. This study compared the safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate 2.5 mg chip (CHX chips) as an adjunctive treatment to subgingival debridement in patients afflicted with peri-implantitis. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, single-blind, two-arm, parallel Phase-3 study was conducted. Peri-implantitis patients with implant pocket depths (IPD) of 5-8 mm underwent subgingival implant surface debridement followed by repeated bi-weekly supragingival plaque removal and chlorhexidine chips application (ChxC group) for 12 weeks, or similar therapy but without application of ChxC (control group). All patients were followed for 24 weeks. Plaque and gingival indices were measured at every visit whereas IPD, recession, and bleeding on probing were assessed at 8, 12, 16, 24 week. RESULTS: A total of 290 patients were included: 146 in the ChxC group and 144 in the control. At 24 weeks, a significant reduction in IPD (P = 0.01) was measured in the ChxC group (1.76 ± 1.13 mm) compared with the control group (1.54 ± 1.13 mm). IPD reduction of ≥2 mm was found in 59% and 47.2% of the implants in the ChxC and control groups, respectively (P = 0.03). Changes in gingival recession (0.29 ± 0.68 mm versus 0.15 ± 0.55 mm, P = 0.015) and relative attachment gain (1.47 ± 1.32 mm and 1.39 ± 1.27 mm, P = 0.0017) were significantly larger in the ChxC group. Patients in the ChxC group that were < 65 years exhibited significantly better responses (P < 0.02); likewise, non-smokers had similarly better response (P < 0.02). Both protocols were well tolerated, and no severe treatment-related adverse events were recorded throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with peri-implantitis that were treated with an intensive treatment protocol of bi-weekly supragingival plaque removal and local application of chlorhexidine chips had greater mean IPD reduction and greater percentile of sites with IPD reduction of ≥2 mm as compared with bi-weekly supra-gingival plaque removal.

Evaluation of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid-coated ß-tricalcium phosphate for alveolar ridge preservation: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar ridge preservation via socket grafting (ARP-SG) is indicated to attenuate physiologic alveolar bone resorption as a consequence of tooth extraction. However, a specific bone grafting material that is patently superior has not been identified yet. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a moldable alloplastic graft, Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid-Coated ß-Tricalcium Phosphate (PLGA-ß-TCP), for ARP purposes [Group A] compared to freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) particles covered with a rapidly absorbable collagen dressing (RACD) (Group B) in function of a panel of radiographic, histomorphometric, and implant-related outcomes. METHODS: Patients in need of extraction of a single posterior tooth (premolar or molar) and subsequent replacement with a dental implant were recruited and randomly allocated into one of the two treatment groups. Follow-up visits took place at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained at baseline and at 16 weeks. Sites were re-entered at 20 weeks for bone core biopsy harvesting and subsequent implant placement. After delivery of the final implant-supported restoration, follow-up visits were scheduled at 6 and 12 months to monitor peri-implant tissue health and marginal bone levels using standardized intraoral periapical radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were initially enrolled in the study, of whom 43 received an implant and 32 completed the study. Healing was uneventful in all sites after ARP-SG and implant placement. No site required bone augmentation to allow for implant placement. CBCT scan analyses showed no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of reduction of horizontal width, midbuccal / midlingual height and ridge volume. Histomorphometric assessments revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of mineralized tissue formation (Group A = 27.0% ± 22.1% versus Group B = 38.2% ± 12.5%; P < 0.05). On the contrary, no significant differences were observed regarding percent of remaining bone grafting material and non-mineralized tissue. No implant failed throughout the study period and marginal bone level change was negligible in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although a higher proportion of mineralized tissue was associated with the use of FDBA+RACD compared to PLGA-ß-TCP alone, both ARP-SG approaches rendered comparable outcomes in terms of maintenance of alveolar bone dimensions, feasibility of implant placement, implant survival, and peri-implant bone level stability up to 12 months post-loading.

Survival of dental implants at sites after implant failure: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Despite an overall high survival rate for dental implants, the effectiveness of implant retreatment remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the survival rate of implants placed at sites which had an implant failure and to investigate factors that might affect outcomes after retreatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of electronic databases limited to English language articles was conducted using the following MeSH terms: "dental implants," "dental implantation," or "dental restoration failure," combined with "retreatment," "replacement," or "reoperation." A hand search of selected journals was also performed. Of the retrieved 668 publications, 8 retrospective clinical studies met the inclusion criteria, providing the survival outcome for 673 implants in 557 patients after retreatment. Implant- and patient-related characteristics related to implant failures were assessed. RESULTS: The weighted mean survival rate for implants after retreatment was 86.3%, with follow-up ranging from less than 1 year to over 5 years. The survival rates of smooth-surfaced and rough-surfaced implants were compared in 217 retreated implants, revealing a significantly higher survival rate for rough-surfaced implants than for smooth-surfaced implants (90% versus 68.7%). Insufficient data were available to evaluate the effect of patient- or treatment-related characteristics on the survival of implants after retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate of retreated implants is lower than that generally reported after initial implant placement. Higher survival rates were reported with rough-surfaced implants than with smooth-surfaced implants in retreatment. An overall implant survival rate of 86.3% after retreatment suggests that most initial implant failures are likely attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as implant architecture, anatomic site, infection, and occlusal overload.

Limited Evidence Suggests That Adjunctive Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy May Not Provide Additional Clinical Benefit to Conventional Instrumentation Strategy Alone in Periodontitis and Peri-implantitis Patients.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for the treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis: An American Academy of Periodontology best evidence review. Chambrone L, Wang H-L, Romanos GE. J Periodontol 89(7):783-803. SOURCE OF FUNDING: The publication was affiliated with the American Academy of Periodontology Best Evidence Consensus meeting on lasers was sponsored by J. Morita USA (Irvine, California), a manufacturer of dental laser products. Manuscript acknowledges that the funding was garnered through support from the individual authors' institutions. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Evaluation of a Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic) Acid-Coated ß-Tricalcium Phosphate Bone Substitute for Alveolar Ridge Preservation: Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: ß-Tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) is a synthetic osteoconductive scaffold that is used as an alternative to autogenous bone grafts. The purpose of this case series was to examine the effectiveness of a polymer-coated ß-TCP particulate graft in preserving alveolar ridge height after tooth extraction. Effectiveness was evaluated using radiographic measurements, together with a histomorphometric evaluation of bone formation. CASE SERIES: Eight patients, treatment planned for extraction and dental implant placement in the posterior region, were consecutively enrolled in the case series. Study teeth were extracted, and an alloplastic bone substitute, consisting of synthetic ß-TCP granules coated with a biodegradable polymer (i.e., poly[lactic-co-glycolic] acid [PLGA]), was placed and adapted into the extraction socket. Patients were recalled at 1, 2, and 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively to evaluate wound healing and at 4 to 5 months for implant placement. Bone specimens were collected at osteotomy preparation. Healing was uneventful at each graft site. Five sites were available for surgical reentry and implant placement; the sites exhibited ≤10% reduction in radiographic bone height. Histologic evidence of vital bone growth was evident at each grafted site. CONCLUSIONS: The PLGA-coated ß-TCP bone substitute exhibited good stability and retention after socket grafting. Extraction sites healed with clinical and radiographic evidence of ridge preservation.

Management of peri-implant disease: a current appraisal.

UNLABELLED: While the clinical science of managing peri-implant diseases is progressing, careful monitoring and preventive care of peri-implant tissue health during maintenance is paramount. BACKGROUND: Implants have become a routine treatment option for missing dentition. The biological complications of restored dental implants and associated supra-structures share similarities with the biofilm infections of natural dentition. Our existing paradigms of periodontal disease treatment can partially be applied to management of peri-implant disease. APPROACH: A critical analysis of the peri-implant disease literature was conducted, anchored by a search on the MEDLINE database (2005 to present) by way of Ovid Medline(®). Search terms peri-implantitis, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implant diseases were utilized. Select references within bibliographies of review articles were sought. CONCLUSION: The dental team must play a critical role in educating patients to control plaque-biofilm associated with peri-implant tissues and associated restorations. Routine assessments at maintenance appointments allow early treatment intervention to prevent escalation of peri-implant disease. Given the infancy of clinical science surrounding peri-implantitis treatment, further, high-quality evidence based studies are expected.

Influence of sex steroids on inflammation and bone metabolism.

Sex steroids are central to sexual development and reproduction, exerting pleiotropic effects on multiple tissues and organs throughout the lifespan of humans. Sex steroids are fundamental to skeletal development, bone homeostasis and immune function. The composite effect of sex-specific genetic architecture and circulating levels of sex-steroid hormones closely parallels differences in the immune response and may account for corresponding sex-related differences in risk for chronic periodontitis, with men exhibiting greater susceptibility than women. Age-associated reductions in sex steroids also provide insight into apparent temporal increases in susceptibility to periodontitis and alveolar bone loss, particularly among women. Chronic infection and inflammatory conditions, such as periodontal disease, provide a unique platform for exploring the interface of sex steroids, immunity and bone metabolism.

Dentin hypersensitivity.

CONTEXT: In dental practice, dentin hypersensitivity is a commonly presenting condition, which consists of sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to a varied assortment of stimuli; for example, dietary factors, such as an ice-cold beverage, to even environmental considerations, such as the exposure to atmospheric air on a cold winter's day. The heterogeneity of this presentation, ranging from minor inconvenience to the patient, to a near incapacitating quality-of-life disturbance, as well as the wide range of treatment strategies, as is discussed in this article, certainly pose a challenge to the clinician. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A search was performed on the MEDLINE database (2002 to present) by way of OVID. Search terms, such as dentin hypersensitivity and variants (eg, dentinal hypersensitivity, cervical dentin hypersensitivity) were used. Select references of review-type articles from the original search were sought. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Efforts were made to identify multiple comparative clinical treatment studies that were of highest quality study design-specifically, randomized control trials. Efforts also were made to identify rigorous meta-analysis in the literature on the subject of dentin hypersensitivity treatment. CONCLUSION: Although multiple treatment approaches appear to provide clinical success in managing dentin hypersensitivity, the entire body of clinical research literature is far from being unequivocal in pronouncing one superior strategy. Equally as important is the clinician's consideration of the predisposing factors that initially localized the lesion on the tooth surface. Together, personalized preventive measures and therapies focusing on disrupting pathophysiology form the core of effective dentin hypersensitivity management.

Sex differences in destructive periodontal disease: exploring the biologic basis.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies provide broad-based evidence that men are at greater risk for developing destructive periodontal disease than women, even after adjusting for behavioral and environmental factors, such as oral hygiene practice and smoking. What requires clarification, however, is whether sex-specific differences in immune function provide a plausible biologic basis for a sexual dimorphism in susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease. This review examines evidence that might provide an underlying biologic basis for a sexual dimorphism in the prevalence and severity of destructive periodontal disease. METHODS: A narrative review of the literature related to sexual dimorphism in pathogen-mediated inflammatory diseases and immune response was retrieved from searches of computerized databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, and SCOPUS). RESULTS: Sex steroids exert profound effects on multiple immunologic parameters regulating both the amplification and resolution of inflammation. Strong evidence exists for sexual dimorphisms in immune function, involving both innate and acquired immunity. Injury and infection have been associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α, in men than women, paralleling observed sex-specific differences in periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Differential gene regulation, particularly in sex steroid-responsive genes, may contribute to a sexual dimorphism in susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease.

Sex differences in destructive periodontal disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dimorphisms exist in the prevalence and severity of many human conditions and diseases. Models of risk assessment for periodontitis, however, are inconsistent with respect to the inclusion of sex as a risk factor. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analyses estimates sex-related differences in the prevalence of periodontitis. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched for population surveys (sample size >500, half-mouth minimum, clinical attachment level) containing prevalence data on destructive periodontal disease in males and females. RESULTS: Data were stratified by disease thresholds (3, 4, 5, and 7 mm) representing 50,604 subjects from 12 population surveys meeting selection criteria. Using a ≥ 5-mm clinical attachment loss threshold, seven studies provided data, permitting computation of mean-weighted sex differences in prevalence. Four studies provided data enabling a meta-analysis of prevalence rates. Sex exhibited a significant association with prevalence, reflecting a 9% difference between males and females (37.4% versus 28.1%, respectively), although the overall effect of sex in the meta-analysis was comparatively small (d = 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.16 and 0.22). This mean difference in prevalence between males and females was similar regardless of severity of disease threshold and after adjustment for other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Men appear at greater risk for destructive periodontal disease than women; however, men do not appear at higher risk for more rapid periodontal destruction than women.