Implant Stability Outcomes After Immediate and Delayed Revascularized Free Fibula Flaps: A Preliminary Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: This pilot study investigated the retrospective outcomes of implants placed immediately or with a delayed protocol in revascularized free fibula flaps (FFF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing FFF between 2014 and 2017 were included in the study. Implants were inserted either immediately or 23.63 ± 10.61 months after reconstructive surgery. Resonance frequency analyses were recorded at the time of implant placement (first control) and 4 months postoperatively while uncovering and screwing the gingiva formers (second control). The statistical significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Eight patients (four men, four women, mean age: 46.75 ± 12.96 years) were included in the study. Twenty-six implants were placed in FFF (14 immediate, 12 delayed), and 28 were placed in the alveolus. All implant stability quotient (ISQ) scores were in high stability ranges. Statistically significant differences were observed between delayed (79.25 ± 4.77) and immediate implant placement (73.14 ± 7.42) at first controls, but not at second controls (79.17 ± 3.59 and 76.00 ± 6.18). The ISQ values of immediate implant placement significantly increased from first to second controls (P = .018). Bicortically placed implants showed significantly higher scores than unicortical implants (P < .05). ISQ values of FFF and alveolar bone groups were similar (P > .05). CONCLUSION: High stability scores similar to alveolar bone could be achieved by both immediate and delayed implant placement. Bicortical implantation results in better implant stability.

Evaluation of Significant Radiographic Findings and Their Impact on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Complete Dentures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and location of positive radiographic findings in edentulous patients and to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and complacency of patients with positive radiologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,349 asymptomatic edentulous patients were retrospectively evaluated using a digital panoramic system for the presence of retained root fragments, impacted teeth, foreign bodies, radiolucencies, radiopacities, mental foramen at or near the alveolar crest, and maxillary sinus pneumatization. The patients with positive findings were called for a follow-up to take a new panoramic radiograph. The functional status and symptoms of participants were measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). RESULTS: At least one or more of the radiographic findings were observed in 35.21% of the evaluated radiographs. The most frequent finding was sinus pneumatization (20.9%). The mean total OHIP score was 9.74 ± 8.34. There was no statistically significant difference observed for gender, age, education levels, marital status, or having surgical interventions for total OHIP-14 scores (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that routine radiographic examination of edentulous patients may not be crucial before rehabilitation, and using a total percentage of positive radiographic findings may result in the exaggeration of the disease risk in edentulous patients.

Dental patients' knowledge and awareness about transmission ways of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patients' attitude, knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS. And secondary aim was to assess the need for further education about HIV/AIDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of 39 items was used to evaluate the patients' knowledge. 301 patients were included (mean age 37.12±7.85 years, 41.5% male, 58.5% female) in the study. Results were calculated by Students t-test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Most of the patients had accurate knowledge about transmission ways, however transmission through breastfeeding (31.6%), public restrooms (44.9%), and insects and mosquitos bite (47.2%) were less recognized. Saliva (32.2%), urine (36.9%), tears (58.5%), sweat (54.5%), breast milk (30.6%), feces (36.9%) and cerebrospinal fluid (7.3%) were less recognized body fluids. Generally university and postgraduate educated patients had more accurate knowledge than other groups. 63.1% of patients thought that they need further education about HIV/AI DS. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the knowledge level about HIV/AIDS was almost agreeable. However, the patients had deficiencies with respect to their knowl-edge. Therefore the authors of this study believe that there must be education programs related to HIV/AIDS.

New bone formation by orthodontic tooth movement for implant placement.

Bone defects at the anterior regions of the jaws often cause esthetic problems such as gingival disharmonies and longer crowns than neighboring teeth. Variety of procedures can be used in this region for achieving sufficient bone volume with or without different bone graft materials. All of these procedures has their own advantages and disadventages. New bone formation was defined with orthodontic tooth movement in different regions. In this case we present the use of orthodontic tooth movement, for achieving sufficient bone volume, in anterior maxillary region, for esthetic and functional results.