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This prospective study investigated clinically and radiologically the effectiveness of the use of a combined hard and soft tissue graft retrieved from the maxillary tuberosity and designed for alveolar ridge preservation following tooth extraction. Seven patients scheduled for a single mono-rooted tooth extraction were included in the study. After atraumatic extraction, sockets were filled with a "one-piece" dual tissue graft harvested from the tuberosity using an adjusted trephine. CBCTs were performed before the extraction and 4 months after ridge preservation, to analyze the vertical and horizontal alterations of the ridge, using ITK-Snap software. Clinical measurements of both soft and hard tissues were also assessed during the extraction and implant placement. All sites healed uneventfully. After 4 months, the 3D super-imposition of both CBCTs showed a mean bone volume resorption of 65 ± 76.7 mm3 (10.2 ± 10%). The mean horizontal reduction at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the top of the crest was respectively 1.5 ± 1.3 mm, 0.47 ± 1.4 mm and 0.57 ± 0.7 mm, while the mean vertical loss was 0.026 mm ± 2 mm. The mean soft tissue horizontal gain was 1.73 ± 1.12 mm. The "one-piece" autologous tuberosity graft was proven to be a safe and effective alveolar ridge preservation technique and may represent a feasible, user-friendly, time saving, low-cost solution for minimizing dimensional loss following tooth extraction.
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Proceso Alveolar , Resorción Ósea , Humanos , Alveolo Dental/diagnóstico por imagen , Alveolo Dental/cirugía , Proyectos Piloto , Estudios Prospectivos , Resorción Ósea/patología , Extracción Dental/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Purpose: A buccal bone thickness (BBT) of at least 1.8-2 mm is necessary to ensure long-term implant stability, and a bone grafting procedure is commonly needed to restore this BBT. This study aims to prove the effectiveness of a novel bone augmentation technique in which minero-organic bone substitutes are solely used to restore adequate BBT, excluding the need for coverage membranes. Methods: Fifty partially edentulous patients having a residual bone width ranging between 5 and 6 mm were enrolled in this study. The horizontal buccal defects were grafted simultaneously at implant placement. Minero-organic collagen bovine bone blocks (CBBB) were placed on the outer side of the buccal bone wall, and adapted to the defect morphology through slow compressive movements. The grafted sites were not covered with any type of membrane nor stabilized with fixation pins. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were obtained pre-operatively, immediately post-surgery, and four months later. Scans were superimposed on the ITK-Snap software to measure the amount of bone gain and assess the percentage of CBBB resorption. Measurements were effectuated at four different levels apically to crestal level. Results: Radiographic findings showed BBT increase and CBBB resorption in all cases, four months post-grafting. A mean horizontal bone gain of 1.39 mm was calculated at a crestal level. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it appears that this novel and user-friendly bone grafting technique can achieve positive outcomes from both clinical and radiographic perspectives.
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Vertical soft tissue augmentation between implants can be clinically challenging and burdensome for patients when employing conventional techniques. Recently, with the introduction of xenogenic collagen matrices, the principle of single-site surgery has become more common. However, some issues persist regarding graft stability and tissue integration. In the present technical note, the authors introduce the "HAT-TRICK" technique to address these observed difficulties. As the name suggests, this technique is believed to provide improved stability, volumetric gain, and histological integration of the implanted matrix by shaping it appropriately resembling a hat over the crest with apical bevels, stabilized with fixation pins and infused with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHya). A two-month observation of a bi-maxillary case is presented with detailed description of the technique and digitalized comparison methods for an easier explanation of the introduced technique.
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the implant position (IP), the interradicular septum width (ISW) and radiographic bone to implant contact (BIC), when simulating an immediate implant placement in first and second mandibular molars. STUDY DESIGN: 75 patients (150 sites) were studied using cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) and computer aided design software. Implants were placed in a prosthetically driven position; subsequently, IP and BIC were digitally calculated. Linear ISW was also analyzed at 2, 4 and 6mm apically to the highest septal bony peak. Multiple linear regressions were performed to assess relationships between BIC and the different predictive variables. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to create a model for BIC based on the ISW at 2mm. RESULTS: BIC in implants replacing first molars was the highest at the septal (S) position when compared to those in septal-mesial (S-M) position (p-value 0.001). As for the second molar, the highest percentage of BIC was recorded at the septal (S) position, followed by those in S-M and mesial (M) positions (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the proposed classification, clinician must consider the ISW and IP when placing immediate implant in the first and second mandibular molar sites. When tackling first molars, S position is predominant, while S-M position is the most common in the second molars. ISW at 2mm should be at least respectively 2mm and 2.5mm at the first and second molar sites to achieve 50% of BIC.
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Implantes Dentales , Humanos , Diente Molar/diagnóstico por imagen , Diente Molar/cirugía , Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico/métodos , Programas Informáticos , Mandíbula/diagnóstico por imagen , Mandíbula/cirugíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To compare the three-dimensional (3D) effects of canine traction on the maxillary teeth when using two different traction methods, the continuous and the segmented arch wire techniques; then to test whether adding a transpalatal arch (TPA) would affect their response to traction. DESIGN: Finite element analysis. METHODS: A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of a patient with bilateral palatally impacted canines was chosen, from which a 3D model was derived and imported into ABAQUS. Two arch wires were modelled, a continuous round one and a segmented rectangular one. Four models were obtained by adding a TPA to both techniques. A 100° imposed rotation was then applied at the intersection between the vertical loop and the horizontal segment of each wire. Initial displacement of the maxillary tooth in the labio-lingual and in the vertical directions was measured. The absolute maximum principal stress of the periodontal ligament (PDL) was also assessed. RESULTS: Traction using a continuous arch wire led to different movement patterns of all teeth, some of them were tipped in a labial direction while others were lingually tipped. Traction using a segmented arch wire resulted in a retroclination of the posterior teeth and a proclination of the anterior teeth with a high level of stress on the premolars' PDL. Adding the TPA only affected the displacement of the first molars. The right side showed a maximum displacement of the first premolar, while the left side showed it on the lateral. The total displacement on the right side was higher than the left side. CONCLUSION: The segmented technique caused a uniform displacement of all teeth while the continuous one showed a non-uniform displacement. The angulation and position of the vertical loop affected the displacement of the maxillary teeth. The addition of a TPA acted only on the first molars.
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A void-free obturation during root canal treatment on primary teeth is currently very difficult to attain. In this study, the pulpectomy filling abilities of Bio-C Pulpecto (Angelus, Basil, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil) and of zinc oxide eugenol, or "ZOE" (DenPro, Prevest, New York, NY, USA), were compared using several in vitro techniques. Therefore, 30 primary anterior teeth were used in the present in vitro study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), including a multiple comparison procedure (Holm-Sidak method, Dunn's Method, or Tukey test), was used. On micro-CT, Bio-C Pulpecto exhibited higher void percentages than did ZOE (10.3 ± 3.8%, and 3.5 ± 1.3%), respectively (p < 0.05). With digital microscopy, higher total void percentages were found in the BC (13.2 ± 26.7%) group compared to the ZOE (2.7 ± 2.8%) group (p < 0.05). With the CLSM, mean tubular penetration depths were higher for Bio-C Pulpecto than for ZOE in all canal thirds (p < 0.05). SEM images demonstrated no tags into dentinal tubules in either group throughout the three thirds. Moreover, higher statistically significant flowability was found for Bio-C (2.657 ± 0.06 mm) compared to ZOE (1.8 ± 0.13 mm) (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that neither ZOE nor Bio-C Pulpecto appears to meet the criteria for an ideal root canal filling paste for primary teeth. This study laid the groundwork for future research by determining how micro-CT, digital microscopy, SEM, and CLSM contribute to our understanding of the filling process of primary teeth. More thorough research on the mechanism of root canal obturation on primary teeth is required to achieve a long-term successful root canal therapy in young children.
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PURPOSE: To assess volumetrically, the impact of vertical facial growth types (VGFT) on the retromolar area as a bone donor site MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of adult individuals were classified in three groups according to their SN-GoGn angle: hypodivergent group (hG) (33.33%), normodivergent group (NG) (30%) and hyperdivergent group (HG) (36.67%). Total harvestable bone volume and surface (TBV and TBS respectively), total cortical and cancellous bone volume (TCBV and TcBV respectively) and the percentage of cortical and cancellous bone volume (CBV and cBV respectively) were evaluated. RESULTS: The whole sample showed a mean TBV of 1220.99±448.81mm³ and a mean TBS of 940.29±259.93mm². Statistically significant differences were found between the different outcome variables and the vertical growth patterns (p<0.001). TBS differs for the different vertical growth patterns with the highest mean of TBS observed in the hG group. TBV also significantly differs between the different vertical growth patterns (p<0.001) with the highest mean observed for the hG individuals. Significant differences in percentages of cBV and CBV were present between the hyper-divergent groups and the other groups (p<0.001) with the hyper-divergent group having the lowest percentage of CBV and the highest percentage of cBV. CONCLUSION: hypodivergent individuals tend to have thicker bone blocks that can be used in onlay technique while thinner bone blocks harvested from hyperdivergent and normodivergent individuals can be used in three-dimensional grafting approach.
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Cara , Mandíbula , Adulto , Humanos , Cefalometría/métodos , Mandíbula/diagnóstico por imagen , Cara/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico/métodosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To investigate clinically and radiographically at 4 months post-operatively the outcomes of mixing demineralized bovine bone material (DBBM) with cross-linked hyaluronic acid in alveolar ridge preservation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients presenting bilateral hopeless teeth (14 teeth) were enrolled in the study, the test site contained demineralized bovine bone material (DBBM) mixed with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) while the control site contained only DBBM. 4 months post-operatively prior to implant placement a Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was recorded and compared to the initial scan to assess the volumetric and linear bone resorption that occurred in both sites. Clinically, sites that needed further bone grafting at the implant placement stage were recorded. Differences in volumetric and linear bone resorption between both groups were assessed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. McNemar test was also used to evaluate difference in bone grafting need between both groups. RESULTS: All sites healed uneventfully, volumetric and linear resorption differences between the baseline and 4 months post-operatively were obtained for each site. The mean volumetric and linear bone resorption were respectively 36.56 ± 1.69%, 1.42 ± 0.16 mm in the controls sites and 26.96 ± 1.83%; 0.73 ± 0.052 mm in the tests sites. The values were significantly higher among controls sites (P=0.018). No significant differences were observed in the need for bone grafting between both groups. CONCLUSION: Cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) appears to limit the post-extractional alveolar bone resorption when mixed with DBBM.
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Pérdida de Hueso Alveolar , Aumento de la Cresta Alveolar , Humanos , Animales , Bovinos , Proyectos Piloto , Ácido Hialurónico , Alveolo Dental/diagnóstico por imagen , Alveolo Dental/cirugía , Aumento de la Cresta Alveolar/métodos , Extracción Dental/efectos adversos , Pérdida de Hueso Alveolar/diagnóstico por imagen , Pérdida de Hueso Alveolar/cirugía , Proceso Alveolar/diagnóstico por imagen , Proceso Alveolar/cirugíaRESUMEN
In this study, some physicochemical and antibacterial properties of three root canal filling materials for primary teeth, Calplus "CP" (Prevest DenPro, Lewes, DE, USA), Bio-C Pulpecto "Bio-CP" (Angelus, Basil, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil), and Zinc Oxide and Eugenol "ZOE" (Prevest DenPro, Lewes, DE, USA) were compared. For each material, the pH, solubility, contact angle, and crystalline microstructure under SEM were evaluated. Their antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis was determined through direct tests. The Kruskal−Wallis test was used to analyze the results using a one-way analysis of variance on ranks. All the materials had an alkaline pH at 3, 24, and 72 h, with CalPlus having the highest (p < 0.05). Bio-CP was more soluble during the evaluation period (24 h) than ZOE and CalPlus (p < 0.05). Bio-CP and ZOE demonstrated the creation of crystallite structures on their surfaces after immersion in PBS at 37 °C, whereas CalPlus showed none. The lowest contact angle was observed for Bio-CP (53 ± 1.5°); contact angles of (86 ± 4°) and (96 ± 1°), respectively, were observed after 10 s of the deposition of the water drop for CalPlus and ZOE. In conclusion, according to this study, there is still a need to develop new filling materials for primary teeth. ZOE, CalPlus and Bio-CP demonstrated different physicochemical and antibacterial properties, but none of the materials had optimal properties and could be considered the most suitable filling material for primary teeth pulpectomy. Bioceramics in their current state are not an alternative. The physicochemical and antibacterial properties still need improvement to fit the intricate anatomy of primary teeth.
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Objectives: The aim of this prospective study was to assess marginal bone level (MBL), buccal and palatal bone thickness reduction (BTR) around implants in delayed and immediate placement protocols, 6 months after loading. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients were assigned to two treatment groups, and treated with an immediate (Test) or delayed implant placement (Control). Baseline and 6 months post-loading periapical and Cone Beam Computed Tomography radiographs were used to measure mesial, distal, buccal, and palatal MBL change, and buccal and palatal BTR. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups, in MBL change, mesially (p = 0.4220), distally (p = 0.774), buccally (p = 0.221), and palatally (p = 0.195). There was more MBL change on the buccal side than on the palatal side in both groups, control (p = 0.012) and test (p = 0.005). Buccal bone thickness decreased significantly in both groups, and at all four levels (p < 0.05). Buccal BTR was higher in test implants at 0, 2, and 4 mm (p = 0.005, p = 0.0018, p = 0.006) on the buccal side, and at 0 mm (p = 0.006) on the palatal side. Implant stability increased in both groups (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between insertion torque and stability in the control group (p = 0.024). Conclusions: Within the study limitations, MBL changes occur around implants and are comparable between groups. More buccal than palatal MBL change occurs in both groups. Buccal BTR is higher in immediate cases. Implant stability augmented in both groups. Clinical Relevance: This data call for additive therapy to compensate for the expected bone loss, particularly in esthetically demanding cases. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04346706 Registered 14 April 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicalTrials.gov.
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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess lower third molar space using four different radiographic reconstructed Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images: orthopantomogram, lateral cephalogram, multiplanar CBCT and a newly introduced three-dimensional (3D) simulation technique. METHODS: The CBCT scans of 32 individuals (20.97 ± 2.152 years) with a total of 50 lower third molars were collected and analyzed. The ratio between the necessary space and available space for lower third molars was calculated on each radiographic reconstructed image. Repeated-measure analysis of variance followed by multiple comparison tests were used. RESULTS: The mean ratio was significantly smaller with cephalograms (0.611 ± 0.263), followed respectively by orthopantomograms (0.756 ± 0.221), multiplanar CBCT (0.789 ± 0.191) and 3D simulation technique (0.807 ± 0.193) (p < 0.001). The lowest mean difference was recorded between multiplanar CBCT and 3D simulation technique (0.017). Intraclass correlation coefficient was strong (>0.90) for all techniques except cephalograms. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of the lower third molar space differs according to the adopted imaging technique. Three-dimensional simulation technique is a useful novel technology that allows an exploration of the crown in many different dimensions and orientations, giving more predictable results than the conventional methods.
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Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico , Tercer Molar , Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico/métodos , Humanos , Imagenología Tridimensional/métodos , Diente Molar , Tercer Molar/diagnóstico por imagen , Radiografía Panorámica/métodosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The extraction of maxillary first premolars is usually the treatment of choice to resolve crowding, alveolar protrusion, or Class II malocclusion. The demand for a lingual orthodontic treatment is increasing because of its esthetic value; therefore, understanding lingual biomechanics is essential to every clinician. This study compared the 3-dimensional (3D) effects of sliding mechanics in labial and lingual orthodontics using the finite element method. METHODS: Twelve 3D finite element models were created with different power arm heights and miniscrew positions. A 150 g of retraction force was applied from the head of the miniscrew to the power arm. The 3D displacement of the original nodes was measured, and the stress distribution on defined element zones of the periodontal ligament. RESULTS: Different force directions led to different movement patterns and stress distribution. The lingual models showed a more important lingual crown tipping, extrusion, and higher stress values than the labial models. Results were not affected by the vertical position of the miniscrew. CONCLUSIONS: Bodily en-masse retraction was not achieved in all models. Adding extra torque to the archwires is essential to prevent excessive lingual crown tipping. The lingual appliance induced more lingual tipping and extrusion of the anterior teeth. Expanding the archwire is important to minimize the risk of intercanine width reduction. The vertical position of the miniscrew does not affect the results of en-masse retraction.
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Incisivo , Técnicas de Movimiento Dental , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Estética Dental , Análisis de Elementos Finitos , Humanos , Estrés Mecánico , Técnicas de Movimiento Dental/métodosRESUMEN
AIMS: The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), sonic irrigation, and mechanic dynamic activation on the removal of debris and smear layer from primary mandibular second molars during pulpectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mesial roots of 48 primary mandibular second molars were prepared with an R-motion 21 mm file (30/0.04) (FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and divided into four groups (n = 24 canals) according to the final irrigation activation technique: control group without activation, PUI with Ultra-X (Eighteeth, Changzhou, China), mechanical activation with XP-endo Finisher (FKG), and sonic irrigation with EQ-S (Meta Biomed, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea). The roots were split longitudinally and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of debris and smear layer was assessed using a 5-grade scoring scale with 200× and 1000× magnification, respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The activation of the irrigant significantly improved debris and smear layer removal (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between Ultra-X, XP-endo Finisher, and EQ-S (p > 0.05). No activation technique was able to completely eliminate debris and smear layer from the root canals of primary mandibular second molars. CONCLUSIONS: During pediatric pulpectomy, the irrigation protocol must include activation of the irrigation solutions using either ultrasonic, sonic, or mechanical activation techniques to enhance the removal of debris and smear layer for a better prognosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: During root canal treatment on primary teeth, the clinician must incorporate an activation technique in the irrigation protocol to enhance the removal of debris and smear layer and increase the success of the treatment.
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Capa de Barro Dentinario , Humanos , Niño , Preparación del Conducto Radicular/métodos , Cavidad Pulpar , Irrigantes del Conducto Radicular/uso terapéutico , Ácido Edético/uso terapéutico , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Diente Molar , Hipoclorito de Sodio/uso terapéutico , Irrigación Terapéutica/métodosRESUMEN
The purpose of this study was to evaluate vertical and horizontal alveolar resorption after the extraction of eight single maxillary molars using solvent-dehydrated bone allograft (Puros) covered with a nonresorbable membrane for ridge preservation. At implant placement 4 months later, ridge dimensions were measured clinically and radiographically and compared to baseline, and a histologic analysis was performed. The mean buccal height decreased by 1.51 mm at midpoint, 0.88 mm mesially, and 1.16 mm distally. The implants were placed without additional ridge augmentation, and six of eight required an internal sinus elevation. Within the limits of this study, this technique succeeded in preserving the alveolar bone.
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Aumento de la Cresta Alveolar , Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico Espiral , Aloinjertos , Proceso Alveolar/diagnóstico por imagen , Proceso Alveolar/cirugía , Trasplante Óseo , Humanos , Diente Molar/diagnóstico por imagen , Diente Molar/cirugía , Proyectos Piloto , Politetrafluoroetileno , Solventes , Extracción Dental , Alveolo Dental/cirugíaRESUMEN
The aim of this article is to describe a large mandibular cyst treated with decompression followed by surgical enucleation. Furthermore, we described the utility of cyst volume measurements by using a 3D reconstruction on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The dentigerous cyst is the most common cyst type of epithelial origin, arising from remnants of odontogenic epithelium, asymptomatic and associated with the crown of an unerupted or partially or completely impacted tooth. However, after a long duration and extension of the cyst volume it may provoke significant bone resorption, cortical expansion, tooth displacement and the vitality of neighboring teeth may be affected. The regular treatment of this lesion is enucleation and extraction of the involved tooth. Marsupialization and decompression are proposed when the volume of the cyst is well developed to release the cystic pressure and allow the bone cavity to progressively decrease in volume with the gradual apposition of bone. This report presents a large dentigerous cyst related to impacted mandibular third molar of a 21-year-old male patient. The cyst was treated successfully by decompression and later by surgical enucleation with surgical extraction of the related molar. In conclusion, the combination of decompression and surgical approach showed on the three-dimensional CBCT investigation a significant correlation between the treatment and volume reduction of the cyst. The clinical case described allows us to observe bone formation after decompression and surgical enucleation was performed with less risk on vital anatomic elements.
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We assessed the efficiency of two shaping file systems and two passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) devices for removing filling material during retreatment. The mesial canals from 44 extracted mandibular molars were prepared and obturated. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups, and then one group was retreated with Reciproc R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) (n = 44) and the other group was retreated with 2Shape (TS, Micro Mega, Besançon, France) (n = 44). A micro-computed tomography (CT) scan was taken before and after the retreatment to assess the volume of the filling material remnants. The teeth were then randomly divided into four groups to test two different PUI devices: Irrisafe (Satelec Acteon Group, Merignac, France) and Endo Ultra (Vista Dental Products, Racine, WI, USA). The teeth in Group A were retreated with 2Shape to test the Endo Ultra (n = 22) device, the teeth in Group B were retreated with 2Shape in order to test the Irrisafe (n = 22) device, the teeth in Group C were retreated with Reciproc to test the Endo Ultra (n = 22) device, and Group D was retreated with Reciproc to test the Irrisafe (n = 22) device. A third micro-CT scan was taken after the retreatment to test the PUIs. The percentage of Gutta-Percha (GP) and sealer removed was 94.75% for TS2 (p < 0.001) and 89.3% for R25 (p < 0.001). The PUI significantly enhanced the removal of the filling material by 0.76% for Group A (p < 0.001), 1.47% for Group B (p < 0.001), 2.61% for Group C (p < 0.001), and by 1.66% for Group D (p < 0.001). 2Shape was more effective at removing the GP and sealer during retreatment (p = 0.018). The supplementary approach with PUI significantly improved filling material removal, with no statistical difference between the four groups (p = 0.106).
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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to measure the facial bone thickness overlying maxillary anterior teeth according to the periodontal biotype, the tooth position, and the bucco-palatal inclination of the tooth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCTs of 47 patients were included. The periodontal biotype and the bucco-palatal inclination were examined for all maxillary anterior teeth as well as the sagittal tooth position according to the classification of Kan et al. Buccal bone thickness was measured at 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm apical to the cement-enamel junction (CEJ). RESULTS: At 4 mm from the CEJ, mean buccal bone thickness was 1.0 mm for all teeth and it decreased gradually and significantly in apical direction (6, 8, and 10 mm). A thin biotype was associated with a labial plate thickness half that of a thick biotype at all 4 distances from the CEJ. Class IV of Kan et al classification presented the thinnest facial bone (0.32-0.54 mm), whereas Class III demonstrated the thickest one (1.26-2.09 mm) at all distances from the CEJ. At 10 mm from the CEJ, the facial bone thickness increased with the vestibulo-palatal inclination of the tooth. CONCLUSION: A thin facial bone wall overlies almost all maxillary anterior teeth.