Single implant overdenture reinforced with a metallic framework: A 2-year clinical follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: To prevent single-implant overdenture (SIO) fracture, the inclusion of a framework in the overdenture has been suggested. However, no investigations verified their benefits. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prosthetic maintenance events, patient satisfaction, and mastication of SIO reinforced by metallic framework users. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen volunteers had a new set of complete dentures converted into an SIO containing a framework. Maintenance events were recorded, while patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analog scale. Masticatory performance (MP) was evaluated using the sieving method, maximum bite force (MBF) by pressure sensors, and masseter thickness by ultrasound. Measurements were performed 2, 12, and 24 months after SIO use. Repeated-measures ANOVA and paired Student's t-tests (p < 0.05) were applied. RESULTS: Matrix exchange was the most prevalent maintenance event (83.6%), and no SIO was fractured during the entire follow-up. Satisfaction with the SIO stability decreased (p < 0.01) after 12 months. MP did not change between evaluations (p > 0.05). Conversely, MBF and masseter thickness improved after 12 and 24 months of SIO use (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reinforced SIO did not fracture during 2 years but requires maintenance. It improves bite force and muscle thickness, maintaining MP values. Satisfaction with SIO stability decreased in the first year of use.

Is there enough evidence to use botulinum toxin injections for bruxism management? A systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature assessing the effects of botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) injections in the management of bruxism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Search for articles involved the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, Scielo and Lilacs databases. Specific terms were used and the search carried out from 1980 to March 2016 by three independent researchers. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs), prospective and before-after studies that applied BoNT-A at the masseter and/or temporalis muscles were included. RESULTS: Three RCTs and two uncontrolled before-after studies out of 904 identified citations were included in this review. All five articles dealt with sleep bruxism and featured a small sample size. None of them was about awake bruxism. Two randomized clinical trials were double-blinded, with a control group using saline solution. Two studies used polysomnography/electromyography for sleep bruxism diagnosis, whilst others were based on history taking and clinical examination. All studies using subjective evaluations for pain and jaw stiffness showed positive results for the BoNT-A treatment. In contrast, the two studies using objective evaluations did not demonstrate any reduction in bruxism episodes, but a decrease in the intensity of muscles contractions. CONCLUSION: Despite the paucity of works on the topic, BoNT-A seems to be a possible management option for sleep bruxism, minimizing symptoms and reducing the intensity of muscle contractions, although further studies are necessary especially as far as the treatment indications for bruxism itself is concerned. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BoNT-A has been increasingly diffused in dentistry over recent years, being also used for pain management in patients with bruxism. Nonetheless, there is no consensus about its effects in this disorder.