A prospective randomized study comparing two techniques of bone augmentation: onlay graft alone or associated with a membrane.

Two techniques of ridge augmentation using onlay bone graft alone or associated with a non-resorbable membrane have been previously described. This prospective, randomized study compared these two techniques at 6 months, in terms of bone gain, resorption and quality obtained at edentulous sites. Osseous measurements were taken using stents, callipers and CT-scans. Membrane exposure occurred at one site, 4 weeks after placement. Endosseous implants were successfully placed at all grafted sites. The mean graft thickness for all subjects was 4.7 mm (range: 2.3-6.2 mm). Overall mean resorption was 1.5 mm (range: 0-4.6 mm) whereas overall mean width gain was 3.2 mm (range: 0.8-6.2 mm). Six months following surgery, the membrane group experienced significantly less bone resorption than the graft alone group (P<0.01). Width augmentation did not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, combining a membrane with an onlay graft demonstrates less bone resorption with a minimal risk of complications. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm the benefits of using a non-resorbable membrane.

Longitudinal study on oral health of dental students at Paris VII University.

This survey was conducted on young dental students, with the aim of evaluating the influence of scientific information dispensed during their studies on their own oral state and on their behavior towards it. Therefore, various parameters were considered at the very beginning of their university studies and at the end of their studies. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the socioeconomic origin and oral hygiene habits of the students. In order to assess actual improvement in oral health standardized clinical examinations were utilized. The comparison of parameters measured at the beginning and at the end of the clinical studies of the students revealed that the OHI-S and the GI scores had decreased highly significantly (P less than 0.01), and that the DMFT score had increased significantly (P less than 0.01). The increase in the DMFT score was mainly due to a high number of fillings. The answers to the questionnaire were indicative of a favorable modification in hygiene habits. At the end of their clinical studies the students were on an average more aware of their oral health, the quality and the duration of their toothbrushing had improved, and they more often sought early treatment and preventive care than at the beginning of their studies.