Debridement of contaminated implants using air-polishing coupled with pH-responsive maximin H5-embedded metal-organic frameworks.

The primary goal of peri-implantitis treatments remains the decontamination of implant surfaces exposed to polymicrobial biofilms and renders biocompatibility. In this study, we reported a synergistic strategy for the debridement and re-osteogenesis of contaminated titanium by using erythritol air abrasion (AA) coupled with an as-synthesized pH-responsive antimicrobial agent. Here, the anionic antibacterial peptide Maximin H5 C-terminally deaminated isoform (MH5C) was introduced into the Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF-8) via a one-pot synthesis process. The formed MH5C@ZIF-8 nanoparticles (NPs) not only possessed suitable stability, but also guarantee the slow-release effect of MH5C. Antibacterial experiments revealed that MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial abilities toward pathogenic bacteria of peri-implantitis, confirming ZIF-8 NPs as efficient nanoplatforms for delivering antibacterial peptide. To evaluate the comprehensive debridement efficiency, single-species as well as mixed-species biofilms were successively established on commercially used titanium surfaces and decontaminated with different methods: removed only by erythritol air abrasion, treated merely with MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs, or received both managements. The results demonstrated that only erythritol air abrasion accompanied with MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs at high concentrations eliminated almost all retained bacteria and impeded biofilm rehabilitation, while neither erythritol air abrasion nor MH5C@ZIF-8 NPs alone could achieve this. Subsequently, we evaluated the re-osteogenesis on previously contaminated surfaces which were treated with different debridement methods afterwards. We found that cell growth and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the group received both treatments (AA + MH5C@ZIF-8) were higher than those in other groups. Our work emphasized the great potential of the synergistic therapy as a credible alternative for removing microorganisms and rendering re-osseointegration on contaminated implant surfaces, boding well for the comprehensive applications in peri-implantitis treatments.

Deep learning based dental implant failure prediction from periapical and panoramic films.

Background: Dental implant failure is a critical condition that can seriously compromise therapeutic efficacy. Insufficient bone volume, unfavorable bone quality, periodontal bone loss, and systemic conditions, including osteopenia/osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus, have been associated with implant failure. Early indicators of potential implant failure could help mitigate the risk of severe complications. This study aimed to develop an effective implant outcome prediction model using dental periapical and panoramic films. Methods: A total of 248 patients (89 with failed implants and 159 with successful implants) were examined. A total of 529 periapical images and 551 panoramic images were collected from the patients for a deep learning-based model. Based on radiographic peri-implant alveolar bone pattern, implant outcome was divided into three categories: implant failure with marginal bone loss, implant failure without marginal bone loss, and implant success. We extracted features using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and built a hybrid model to combine periapical and panoramic images. A comparison among three categories of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was performed. The diagnostic accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score of the dataset were assessed. Results: Our model achieved an AUC (area under the ROC curve) of 0.972 for failure with marginal bone loss, 0.947 for failure without marginal bone loss and 0.975 for success. In all conditions, for periapical images alone, the diagnostic accuracy was 78.6%; the precision was 0.84, recall was 0.73, and F1-score was 0.75. For panoramic images alone, the diagnostic accuracy was 78.7%; the precision was 0.87, recall was 0.63, and F1-score was 0.66. Both periapical and panoramic images were used in our novel method, and the prediction accuracy was 87%. The precision was 0.85, recall was 0.88, and F1-score was 0.85. Conclusions: The deep learning model used features from periapical and panoramic images to effectively predict the occurrence of implant failure and might facilitate early clinical intervention for potential dental implant failures.

Clinical esthetic comparison between monolithic high-translucency multilayer zirconia and traditional veneered zirconia for single implant restoration in maxillary esthetic areas: Prosthetic and patient-centered outcomes.

Background/purpose: Clinical esthetic evidence for the performance of monolithic high-translucency multilayer zirconia is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare monolithic high-translucency multilayer zirconia with traditional veneered zirconia in clinical situation. Material and methods: A total of 30 participants who were provided with both monolithic zirconia crowns (Group 1) and traditional veneered crowns (Group 2) for single implant restoration in maxillary esthetic areas were enrolled. Patients' subjective outcome (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) were recorded. Photos were taken and then evaluated by 9 evaluators with Pink and White Esthetic Score (WES). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for comparison between Group 1 and Group 2 in VAS, WES and five variables in WES. Kendall's coefficient of concordance test was used to calculate inter-rater reliability of WES variables. Spearman correlation was used to analyze association between patients' outcome and evaluators' scores. Results: There was no significant difference in patients' subjective outcome between monolithic zirconia and traditional veneered crowns: overall VAS were 9.0 (8.0-9.0) and 9.0 (8.5-9.5), respectively (P > 0.05). However, in professional view, significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in WES was observed: 7.5 (6.0-8.0) and 8.0 (6.5-8.5), respectively (P < 0.05). Kendall's test showed, among WES variables, translucency demonstrated the highest agreement. Professionally reported evaluations did not correlate with patient-reported outcomes (Spearman correlation were 0.246 and 0.224 for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that monolithic high-translucency multilayer zirconia restoration might be a treatment modality.

Intra- and inter-observer agreements in detecting peri-implant bone defects between periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Information regarding agreements between periapical radiograph (PA) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting peri-implant defect is still scarce. The aim of this clinical study was to compare agreements between PA and CBCT in detecting peri-implant bone defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective clinical study enrolled 32 patients with both PA and CBCT filmed right after implant placement. Four modalities were used for film reading: PA1 (original), PA2 (enhanced brightness/contrast), CBCT1 (selected axial and mesial-distal direction images) and CBCT2 (all data with software). 2 experienced and 2 inexperienced observers scored all films. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were estimated with Cohen's kappa coefficient. Categorized agreements were compared and differences among four modalities were calculated. RESULTS: Agreements of PA were better than CBCT when detecting peri-implant bone defects in inter-observer agreements (median kappa 0.471 vs. 0.192; p = 0.016). Moreover, agreements in experienced observers were better than inexperienced observers (median kappa 0.883 vs. 0.567; p < 0.001). There was significant difference among four modalities except for experienced observer 2 (p = 0.218). CONCLUSION: Agreements of PA are better than CBCT when detecting peri-implant bone defects, especially for inter-observer agreements. Experienced observers are more consistent in assessment than inexperienced ones.

Influence of Different Factors on the Accuracy of Digital Impressions of Multiple Implants: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of implant angulation, non-free-end partial edentulism, and number of scan bodies on the accuracy of digital impressions of multiple implants in partially edentulous arches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four reference models of partially edentulous mandibles with implants (RM1, RM2, RM3, and RM4) representing different intraoral situations were each scanned 10 times by an intraoral scanner. Reference scans were obtained by a laboratory scanner. Test scans were compared with reference scans to obtain the distance deviations (Δd) and angular deviations (Δθ) between scan bodies for trueness assessment. Differences among the repeated test scans of each model were measured and recorded as Δdp and Δθp for precision assessment. The Student t test (α = .05) was used to compare Δd, Δθ, Δdp, and Δθp of different reference models, including RM2 vs RM1 (effect of non-free-end partial edentulism), RM3 vs RM1 (effect of implant angulation), and RM4 vs RM1 (effect of number of scan bodies). RESULTS: The implant with 17-degree angulation in RM3 showed significantly lower Δd, Δθ, and Δθp compared with the parallel implant in RM1 (Δd: P = .0382, Δθ: P = .0267, Δθp: P = .0417). The RM2 of non-free-end partial edentulism had lower distance and angular deviations than RM1, but without a significant difference. The number of scan bodies had no significant effect on the Δd, Δθ, Δdp, and Δθp of RM4 and RM1. CONCLUSION: Angulated implants showed better accuracy of digital impressions in partially edentulous arches compared with parallel implants. Non-free-end partial edentulism was attributed to improved accuracy, while the number of scan bodies showed no effect.

Improved response of human gingival fibroblasts to titanium coated with micro-/nano-structured tantalum.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the ability of tantalum-coated titanium to improve human gingival fibroblasts' adhesion, viability, proliferation, migration performance, and the potential molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium plates were divided into two groups: (1) no coating (Ti, control), (2) Tantalum-coated titanium (Ta-coated Ti). All samples were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, surface roughness, and hydrophilicity. Fibroblasts' performance were analyzed by attached cell number at 1 h, 4 h, and 24 h, morphology at 1 h and 4 h, viability at 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days, recovery after wounding at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. RT-PCR, western blot were applied to detect attachment-related genes' expression and protein synthesis at 4 h and 24 h. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Tantalum-coated titanium demonstrates a layer of homogeneously distributed nano-grains with mean diameter of 25.98 (± 14.75) nm. It was found that after tantalum deposition, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) adhesion, viability, proliferation, and migration were promoted in comparison to the control group. An upregulated level of Integrin ß1 and FAK signaling was also detected, which might be the underlying mechanism. CONCLUSION: In the present study, adhesion, viability, proliferation, migration of human gingival fibroblasts are promoted on tantalum-coated titanium, upregulated integrin ß1 and FAK might contribute to its superior performance, indicating tantalum coating can be applied in transmucosal part of dental implant. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tantalum deposition on titanium surfaces can promote human gingival fibroblast adhesion, accordingly forming a well-organized soft tissue sealing and may contribute to a successful osseointegration.

Peri-implant tissue alteration around tissue-level and bone-level implants in fresh extraction sockets: a histomorphometric study in dogs.

BACKGROUND: To compare tissue alteration in fresh extraction sockets between bone-level and tissue-level implants with different neck designs. METHODS: Bilateral premolars of 6 adult Labrador dogs were extracted, and 24 bone-level and tissue-level implants with two different neck designs were immediately placed. At the same time, buccal bony wall thickness in fresh extraction sockets was also recorded. The Straumann® Bone Level (BL) and Standard Plus (SP) implants were positioned at two insertion depths: 1mm below and flush with the alveolar crest. All animals were sacrificed 6 months after the implant placement. Undecalcified block sections were obtained for histological measurement. Vertical bone resorption and biological widths were documented. Statistical analysis consisted of two sample t-test and Wilcoxon sign-rank test. RESULTS: All implants were histologically osseointegrated. There was no significant difference between BL implants and SP implants in vertical bone resorption regardless of the insertion depths (P>0.05). Meanwhile, significant difference was found in lingual biological width between BL (3.16 mm) and SP (2.43 mm) implants when placed 1mm below the alveolar crest (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits, it seemed that different implant neck designs had little effect on bone remodeling in fresh extraction sockets. However, longer biological width was found in bone-level implants.

Accuracy of dynamic navigation in implant surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search up to March 2020 was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial to identify studies using dynamic navigation in implant surgery, and additional manual search was performed as well. Clinical trials and model studies were selected. The primary outcome was accuracy. A single-arm meta-analysis of continuous data was conducted. Meta-regression was utilized for comparison on study design, guidance method, jaw, and systems. RESULTS: Ten studies, four randomized controlled trials (RCT) and six prospective studies, met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1,298 drillings and implants were evaluated. The meta-analysis of the accuracy (five clinical trials and five model studies) revealed average global platform deviation, global apex deviation, and angular deviation were 1.02 mm, 95% CI (0.83, 1.21), 1.33 mm, 95% CI (0.98, 1.67), and 3.59°, 95% CI (2.09, 5.09). Meta-regression shown no difference between model studies and clinical trials (p = .295, 0.336, 0.185), drilling holes and implant (p = .36, 0.279, 0.695), maxilla and mandible (p = .875, 0.632, 0.281), and five different systems (p = .762, 0.342, 0.336). CONCLUSION: Accuracy of dynamic computer-aided implant surgery reaches a clinically acceptable range and has potential in clinical usage, but more patient-centered outcomes and socio-economic benefits should be reported.

The responses of human gingival fibroblasts to magnesium-doped titanium.

The titanium (Ti) implant is widely used in implant dentistry; yet peri-implantitis has always been one of the most common and serious complications. Here, we demonstrated that magnesium-doping would be an effective way of enhancing the integration between implant surfaces and gingival tissues, which is critical to peri-implant health. The magnesium (2.76-6.35 at %) was immobilized onto the titanium substrate by a magnesium plasma immersion ion implantation (Mg-PIII) technique. Mg-PIII treatments did not alter surface topographies of the original titanium substrate but improved its hydrophilicity. The in vitro study including cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, migration, and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays disclosed improved adhesion, proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix remodeling abilities of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on the magnesium-doped titanium. The results of western blot suggested that the Mg-modified titanium induced the phosphorylation of AKT through the activation of PI3K. Our results revealed that magnesium-doping would potentially enhance soft tissue sealings by promoting cellular functions of HGFs in a dose-dependent manner, boding well for its applications on surfaces of implant necks in early peri-implant soft tissue integrations.

Ta-Coated Titanium Surface With Superior Bacteriostasis And Osseointegration.

BACKGROUND: Although tantalum (Ta)-based coatings have been proven to have good antibacterial activity, the underlying mechanism and in vivo biological performance remain unclear, which are essential for the clinical application of Ta-coated biomaterials as dental implants. PURPOSE: The main objective of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of Ta-modified titanium (Ti) implants against peri-implantitis-related microbes and the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis were selected to evaluate the antibacterial activity and potential antibacterial mechanism of Ta modification. The in vivo biocompatibility of Ta-modified implants was also evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that Ta-modified surface performed excellent antimicrobial activity against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Micro galvanic might be formed between the incorporated Ta and the Ti base, which could consume the protons and result in decreased ATP synthesis and increased ROS generation. The gene expression of bacterial virulence factors associated with cellular attachment, invasion and viability as the target of ROS was downregulated. Importantly, in vivo biological studies showed that Ta modification significantly promoted the osseointegration of implants by stimulating the expression of bone-forming proteins. CONCLUSION: This study may provide some insights into clinical applications of Ta-coated Ti implants, especially in possibly infected situations.

[Effect of photodynamic therapy on interleukin in gingival crevicular fluid from patients receiving oral implantation].

PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been applied in treatment of peri-implantitis for its antimicrobial effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a Denfotex PAD Light System's photodynamic therapy on prevention of peri-implantitis. METHODS: Twenty patients with implants in molar area were treated with photoactivated disinfection right after completion of suprastructures. The irradiation time was 30 seconds for mesial, distal, buccal and lingual/palatal sites respectively at a power output of 100mW. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from these patients were obtained before photodynamic treatment, 2 weeks and 3 months after treatment. GCF was collected using paper points, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the cytokine (IL-1ß, ΤΝF-α, IL-6 and ΙL-17) levels. The data were analyzed with SPSS 23.0 software package. RESULTS: ELISA showed IL-1ß and ΤΝF-α levels of all patients were decreased 2 weeks and 3 months after treatment. Reduction of IL-1ß, ΤΝF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 from 2 weeks to 3 months and from baseline to 3 months all showed a significant difference (P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Denfotex PAD light system is effective in reducing peri-implant inflammatory mediators and can work as an effective treatment to prevent peri-implantitis.

Evaluation of Mandibular Lingual Foramina With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of 3 kinds of mandibular lingual foramina through cone beam computed tomography images to analyze its diameter, frequency, location and its correlation with age in southeast Chinese mainland population. Lingual foramina in 299 patients were grouped into midline lingual foramina (MLF), lateral lingual foramina (LLF), and nutrient foramina (NF) with diameters and frequency measured. Vertical distances from foramina to mandibular inferior border were recorded as Hinf. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, independent sample t tests and Pearson correlation. Results showed that MLF had a frequency of 99.3% at midline symphysis. Average diameter and Hinf of MLF were 0.65 ±â€Š0.19 and 13.79 ±â€Š2.15 mm, respectively. Lateral lingual foramina had a frequency of 63.2% with the majority observed in premolar region. Average diameter and Hinf of LLF were 0.62 ±â€Š0.19 and 6.90 ±â€Š1.88 mm, respectively. Nutrient foramina had a frequency of 91.3% and was most frequently detected between mandibular incisors. Average diameter and Hinf of NF were 0.57 ±â€Š0.15 and 28.39 ±â€Š2.38 mm, respectively. Mean diameter of MLF and NF of each patient correlated with age (r = 0.174 and 0.201, respectively, P < 0.05). No statistical correlation was observed between average diameter of LLF and age (r = 0.114, P > 0.05). Preoperative cone beam computed tomography is a valuable aid in locating lingual foramina, which could be used as an indication to avoid unwanted hemorrhage in implant surgery.

Long-term exposure to ethanol downregulates tight junction proteins through the protein kinase Cα signaling pathway in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells.

Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) are the primary component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Tight junction (TJ) proteins, including claudin, occludin and zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2 and ZO-3, maintain the structural integrity of BMECs. Ethanol activates the assembly and disassembly of TJs, which is a process that is regulated by protein kinase C (PKC). In addition, ethanol treatment leads to the loss of structural integrity, which damages the permeability of the BBB and subsequently affects central nervous system homeostasis, thus allowing additional substances to enter the brain. However, the mechanisms underlying ethanol-induced loss of BBB structure remain unknown. It has been hypothesized that long-term exposure to ethanol reduces the expression of claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 via the PKC signaling pathway, thereby affecting BBB structural integrity. In the current study, the human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line, HCMEC/D3, was treated with 50, 100, 200 and 400 mM ethanol for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability was determined using an MTS assay. The expression of claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 protein and mRNA was measured using western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Following the pretreatment of HCMEC/D3 cells with the PKCα-specific inhibitor, safingol (10 µmol/l), the expression of claudin-5, occludin, ZO-1 and phosphorylated (p)-PKCα was measured using western blot analysis, and PKCα localization was determined by immunofluorescence. With increasing concentrations of ethanol, the expression of claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 protein decreased, while the expression of claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 mRNA increased. Exposure to ethanol significantly increased the expression of p-PKCα, whereas no significant effect on the expression of PKCα was observed. Following 48 h treatment with 200 mM ethanol, the expression of claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 protein was significantly decreased when compared with the control. By contrast, the expression of p-PKCα was increased, and increased translocation of PKCα from the cytoplasm to the nuclear membrane and nucleus was observed. In addition, the results demonstrated that safingol significantly reversed these effects of ethanol. In conclusion, long-term exposure to ethanol downregulates the expression of claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 protein in HCMEC/D3 s, and this effect may be mediated via activation of PKCα.

Assessing the Interdental Septal Thickness in Alveolar Bone Grafting Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the interdental septal thickness of grafted bone bridges using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). PATIENTS: Of 71 patients with cleft lip and/or palate having undergone alveolar bone grafting for the first time at least 6 months previously, 52 patients with 57 grafted sites rated type I or II based on the Bergland scale using occlusal radiographs were selected. INTERVENTIONS: CBCT was performed for each bone-grafted alveolar cleft within 1 week after the occlusal radiographs were taken. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The thickness of the grafted bone bridge was evaluated using CBCT according to the relationship between crest thickness and the root width of cleft-adjacent teeth, and the results were classified into four categories, with scores of 1 to 4 indicating that the thickness of the bony bridge was ≥100%, ≥75%, ≥50%, and <50% of the root width of the cleft-adjacent teeth, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 34 grafted sites rated type I on the Bergland scale, 15 (44.12%), 10 (29.41%), 4 (11.76%), and 5 (14.71%) clefts were scored 1 to 4 on interdental septal thickness using CBCT, respectively. Of the 23 cases of type II, 3 (13.04%), 9 (39.13%), 1 (3.45%), and 10 (43.48%) clefts were scored 1 to 4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The interdental septal thickness of grafted bone bridges with clinically successful heights based on the Bergland scale (type I or II) using occlusal radiographs varied significantly in the evaluation using CBCT.

miR-375 inhibits cell growth and correlates with clinical outcomes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

miR-375 has been implicated in various types of cancers. However, its role in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-375 on cell growth and the prognosis of TSCC patients. Using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we evaluated miR-375 expression in TSCC samples and TSCC cell lines. The results showed that miR-375 expression was significantly reduced in the TSCC tissues and cell lines. A low level expression of miR-375 in TSCC patients was related to poor of prognosis. Moreover, the effects of miR-375 overexpression on cell proliferation, the cell cycle and the expression of Sp1 and cyclin D1 were examined in TSCC cells. We demonstrated that overexpression of miR-375 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in TSCC cell lines. Overexpression of miR-375 inhibited Sp1 expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region of the Sp1 transcript. The knockdown of Sp1 expression resulted in the subsequent downregulation of cyclin D1. Taken together, our study suggests that miR-375 inhibits the cell growth, and its expression is correlated with clinical outcomes in TSCC.