Degenerative and regenerative morphological aspects in peri-implantitis.

The purpose of this study was to describe the tissues surrounding two early failed dental implants morphologically and ultrastructurally. In the first case, the implant's surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using an environmental scanning electron microscope and the surrounding tissues were analyzed by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy. In the second case we used only LM. By SEM analysis, very thin connective tissue was seen at the implant's apex; in the middle part, highly vascularized connective tissue and poorly mineralized areas were found, and there were fewer mineralized areas at the implant's base. Histologically and ultrastructurally, we identified a heterogeneous cellular population including fibroblast-like cells and osteoblasts with abundant amorphous extracellular matrix, as well as a number of inflammatory cells, predominantly neutrophils. In a small area around the implant, microorganisms classified as Actinomyces were identified. In this case, degenerative aspects were predominantly caused by infection. In the second case, our observations focused on recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells, their proliferation and differentiation into epithelial cells with keratinocyte phenotype, and formation of de novo capillaries from mesenchymal progenitors of endothelial cells. These regenerative events were accompanied by multiple areas of mineralization, culminating in bone formation around the implant. Correlative microscopic observations are necessary to conduct in future studies, in various clinical conditions and post-operative stages, to better define the cellular events involved in healing and osseointegration; our observations clearly depict significant regenerative aspects despite the degenerative ones.

Patients perceptions of recovery after maxillary sinus augmentation with a minimally invasive implant device.

OBJECTIVE: Patients' perceptions of recovery following sinus augmentation procedures have scarcely been documented. The aim of the present prospective pilot clinical study was to evaluate the patient's perception of immediate postoperative recovery after sinus augmentation, using a minimally invasive implant device. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eighteen patients (8 men, 10 women), average age 52 (median 48, range 38 to 72), who had been scheduled for sinus augmentation procedures, were asked to enroll in a prospective clinical study. A healthrelated quality-of-life questionnaire was given to the patient. The questionnaire was designed to assess patient's perception of recovery in four main areas: pain, oral function, general activity, and other symptoms. The questionnaire was compared to the surgical chart that described the surgical details and to the outcome. RESULTS: Patients' perceptions of postoperative symptoms in the four tested areas: pain, oral function, general activity, and other symptoms were mostly scored "not at all" or "very little" from postoperative day (POD) 1. Most patients returned to work on POD 1. CONCLUSION: The current results offer a preliminary indication that patients undergoing sinus augmentation using a minimally invasive implant device can expect to experience minimum discomfort and immediate return to everyday activity.

Minimally invasive sinus lift implant device: a multicenter safety and efficacy trial preliminary results.

PURPOSE: In cases of advanced maxillary sinus atrophy of the bone (pneumatization), the sinus floor has to be augmented in order to obtain acceptable bone volume for implantation. The objective of the present study is to evaluate a new procedure and device, designed as a closed sinus lift using a dedicated dental implant that allows for Schneiderian membrane elevation and the placement of a flowable bone replacement graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (8 males, 10 females) underwent 23 procedures. All procedures were completed successfully, with elevation of the sinus membrane and insertion of bone graft and the dental implant at the planned site. No membrane tears were noted. No intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were observed in any of the cases. There were no postprocedural emergency or distress calls. RESULTS: The patients' average age was 52 (range 38-72). The mean residual alveolar ridge height was 5.5 mm (range 4.0-7.0). The average bone gain was 11.2 mm (range 9-13) after an average healing period of 8.7 months (range 6.7-13.1). All implants achieved clinical stability and prosthetic rehabilitation was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: A closed sinus floor elevation procedure can be accomplished using a dedicated dental implant that allows for hydraulic elevation of the Schneiderian membrane and placement of a flowable bone replacement graft and dental implant placement all at the same time with minimal patient discomfort.

Healing kinetics of periapical lesions enhanced by the apexum procedure: a clinical trial.

The new Apexum procedure (Apexum Ltd, Or-Yehuda, Israel) is based on a minimally invasive removal of periapical chronically inflamed tissues through a root canal access. Its goal is to enhance healing kinetics of periapical lesions. This clinical study was conducted to explore the safety and efficacy of this procedure. The Apexum procedure was applied, as a supplementary step, during conventional root canal treatment in 48 teeth with periapical lesions. Safety and efficacy were clinically and radiographically assessed and teeth of the Apexum-treated group were compared with 39 similar teeth treated by the same endodontic procedure with no additional intervention. No adverse events occurred in either the Apexum-treated or conventional treatment groups. Furthermore, healing kinetics was significantly enhanced in the Apexum-treated group (p < 0.005). At 3 and 6 months, 87% and 95% of the lesions in the Apexum-treated group, respectively, presented advanced or complete healing, whereas only 22% and 39% of the lesions in the conventional treatment group presented this degree of healing at 3 and 6 months, respectively.