Search

Maxillary sinus augmentation is one of the most predictable procedures for the rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla. The current overview aimed to summarize the findings provided by systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in sinus lift and to assess the methodological quality of the included SRs. Three electronic databases have been explored. SRs and meta-analyses addressing the effectiveness of APCs in sinus lift technique were included. Clinical, radiographic and histomorphometric findings were considered for APCs as solely grafting materials and APCs in combination with biomaterials. Outcomes were implant survival rate (ISR), implant stability (IS), implant failure (IF), postoperative complications, histomorphometric findings, radiographic bone gain, bone volume and bone density. The methodological quality of the included SRs was assessed using the updated version of "A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Review" (AMSTAR-2). Thirty SRs were included. The methodological quality of the included reviews ranged from critically low (3 studies) to high (9 studies). The included SRs showed favorable clinical outcomes, short-term new bone formation and no biological complications when APCs were used both as solely graft material or in combination with other biomaterials. However, no significant additional effects in the long-term period were observed. APCs did not add any further positive effects compared to the physiological healing derived by the natural blood clot. The current overview of SRs highlighted the need for high-quality SRs evaluating the role of APCs in sinus lift though network meta-analyses, in order to identify the most powerful material for sinus lift augmentation. The use of APCs improves the healing of soft tissues and the postoperative quality of life in the short-term period. Thus, its application can be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental implants have become the standard for replacing missing teeth. However, patients' demands for shorter treatment times and the desire for aesthetics in their results can complicate the rehabilitation process, particularly when poor-quality bone is involved. In order to address these challenges, new methods of treating implant surfaces have been introduced. These methods aim to make the implants superhydrophilic and bioactive, enhancing their functionality and interactions with the surrounding tissues. Aim: The aim of the study was to retrospectively examine the efficacy of a superhydrophilic and bioactive implant for treatment of the edentulous maxillary anterior area. The study also aimed to evaluate whether this improved implant surface, by enhancing the osseointegration processes, could serve as a factor in speeding up the loading protocols. Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, a total of 13 implants were included: 6 delayed restored implants and 7 immediately loaded implants placed in the anterior maxillary area. Clinical, radiographic, and esthetic outcomes were assessed. Baseline measurements of the insertion torque value (ITV) and stability implant quotient (ISQ) were recorded for all implants. In the early-loaded group, these measurements were also taken 30 days (t30) and 45 days (t45) after the placement of the implant to monitor their changes over time. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was calculated according to the changes in marginal bone level on intraoral X-rays taken at two different time points: at baseline and one year after loading. To evaluate the esthetic results, the pink esthetic score (PES) and the white esthetic score (WES) were assessed. For this evaluation, intraoral photographs were taken one year after implant loading. Results: A total of 7 implants were immediately restored, with a mean ITV of 32.29 ± 9.01 Ncm and a mean ISQ of 72.71 ± 2.81. These implants were placed in a bone environment with a mean density of 410.00 ± 194.42 HU. On the other hand, 6 implants with delayed loading had a mean ITV of 28.50 ± 3.27 Ncm, an ISQ of 67.92 ± 8.43, and a mean bone density of 607.50 ± 140.83 HU. The mean PES and WES after 1 year were, respectively, 8.71 ± 1.89 and 8.57 ± 0.79 for immediate and 8.33 ± 1.36 and 9.17 ± 1.33 for delayed-loaded implants. At 12 months after loading, the immediately loaded group had a MBL of 0.29 ± 0.29 mm, while the delayed-loaded group had a MBL of 0.33 ± 0.25. No statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups were found for any of the evaluated outcomes. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this study, the obtained results may support the use of a superhydrophilic and bioactive implant surface for implant-prosthetic rehabilitation in critical loading protocols with satisfactory esthetic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main types of oral MSCs include dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs), apical papilla stem cells (SCAPs), gingival stem cells (GMSCs), and human periapical cyst stem cells (hPCy-MSCs) [[4]]. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied for their potential roles in tissue homeostasis, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Tissue engineering has developed with an increased impact on medical procedures, involving last-generation biomaterials, newly discovered stem cell lines, and biologically active substances (e.g., MiRNA or Circular-RNA), to aid the physiological processes leading to tissue repair. [Extracted from the article]

Background: An adequate blood supply plays a leading role in the healing process of the post-extractive socket; its coagulation leads to fibrin clot formation, which acts as a physical barrier able to prevent postoperative bleeding and microbial infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antiaggregant drugs in healing post-extraction sockets compared to natural wound healing. Methods: This was a single-center prospective clinical trial. Extraction sockets allocated in healthy patients and in patients assuming antiplatelet drugs were considered. Thirty consecutive patients under (treated with/in treatment with) oral antiplatelet treatment were enrolled in the test group. In order to provide a control group, 30 consecutive patients meeting all the exclusion and inclusion criteria were enrolled. The extraction of the mono-radicular tooth was atraumatically performed without gingivoplasty or osteotomy procedures that could influence the healing process. Photographs were obtained before and immediately after surgery and at 3-, 7-, 14- and 28-days follow-up. Results: All patients assumed the prescribed therapy and their post-operative recovery was uneventful without any kind of post-extractive complications. The results of inter-group comparison show that on the third and seventh days of follow-up, the antiplatelet group expressed a statistically significant higher level of healing compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while no statistically significant differences were recorded at 14- and 28-days follow-up. Conclusions: Patients treated with antiplatelet agents seemed to show that this therapy can positively affect the healing process after tooth extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The achievement of an optimal implant position is still a critical consideration in implantology, especially in the aesthetic area. Dynamic navigation is a computer-aided procedure that allows the surgeon to follow on a screen the three-dimensional position of instruments in real time during implant site preparation. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to assess the clinical and radiographical performance and accuracy of the surgical workflow during maxillary immediate implant placement assisted by DTX studio Implant software planning and X-Guide Navigation. (2) Methods: Twelve consecutive patients requiring at least one implant in the maxillary aesthetic region were treated. Clinical outcome measures were biological complications and implant or prosthetic success rate. The accuracy was measured by calculating the deviation between the real implant position obtained from the postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan and the planned implant position. (3) Results: The average deviation at the implant shoulder was 0.77 ± 0.25 mm and at the apical point was 1.2 ± 0.61 mm. The depth error was 0.5 ± 0.21 mm. The axis deviation was 2.5 ± 0.41 degrees. No biological complications or implant and prosthetic failures occurred after mean 6-month follow-up. (4) Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it seems that the dynamic navigation system for implant placement in the maxillary aesthetic region is accurate for prosthetically driven implant placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar osteitis (AO) is one of the complications that occur after tooth extraction. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the efficacy of Advanced Platelet-rich Fibrin (A-PRF) in the management of pain and the acceleration of wound healing in the treatment of AO. Consecutive patients who were diagnosed with AO, recruited from patients referred to the Oral Surgery Department of the University of Naples Federico II, were enrolled. After local anesthesia, the dry socket was curetted and irrigated with saline. The Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) clot was placed in the socket and then covered with an A-PRF membrane. Clinical parameters, such as the degree of pain and rate of granulation tissue (GT) formation, were measured before treatment and after 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. The Friedman test for dependent samples was used to detect the treatment and time effect. Four patients with established AO were included. On all the examination days, the post-operative recovery was uneventful. The pain scores progressively reduced, from an average of 8.5 before treatment to 0.25 on the third day, and the GT formation improved over time. The use of A-PRF in the treatment of AO significantly reduced the pain level and enhanced the wound-healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of three different titanium (Ti) implant surfaces on the viability and secretory functions of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from a Bichat fat pad (BFP-MSCs). Methods: Four different Ti disks were used as substrate: (I) D1: smooth Ti, as control; (II) D2: chemically etched, resembling the Kontact S surface; (III) D3: sandblasted, resembling the Kontact surface; (IV) D4: blasted/etched, resembling the Kontact N surface. BFP-MSCs were plated on Ti disks for 72 h. Cell viability, adhesion on disks and release of a panel of cytokines, chemokines and growth factor were evaluated. Results: BFP-MSCs plated in wells with Ti surface showed a viability rate (~90%) and proliferative rate comparable to cells plated without disks and to cells plated on D1 disks. D2 and D4 showed the highest adhesive ability. All the Ti surfaces did not interfere with the release of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors by BFP-MSCs. However, BFP-MSCs cultured on D4 surface released a significantly higher amount of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) compared either to cells plated without disks and to cells plated on D1 and D2. Conclusions: The implant surfaces examined do not impair the BFP-MSCs cell viability and preserve their secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to define the implant surface parameters able to assure the chemokines' optimal release for a real improvement of dental implant osseointegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: the aim of this study was to evaluate if dental anxiety can be measured objectively using thermal infrared imaging. (2) Methods: Patients referred to the Department of Oral Surgery of the University of Naples Federico II and requiring dental extractions were consecutively enrolled in the study. Face thermal distribution images of the patients were acquired before and during their first clinical examination using infrared thermal cameras. The data were analyzed in relation to five regions of interest (ROI) of the patient's face (nose, ear, forehead, zygoma, chin). The differences in the temperatures assessed between the two measurements for each ROI were evaluated by using paired T-test. The Pearson correlation and linear regression were performed to evaluate the association between differences in temperatures and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) questionnaire score, age, and gender; (3) results: sixty participants were enrolled in the study (28 males and 32 females; mean age 57.4 year-old; age range 18–80 year-old). Only for nose and ear zone there was a statistically significant difference between measurements at baseline and visit. Correlation between the thermal imaging measurements and the scores of the MDAS questionnaire was found for nose and ear, but not for all of the other regions. (4) Conclusions: the study demonstrated a potential use of thermal infrared imaging to measure dental anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The blood wettability of titanium implant surfaces favors primary osseointegration and tissue healing in peri-implantitis. The current study aims to evaluate this property on the main different kinds of surfaces, brand new and after treatments. Methods: grade IV titanium disks were used, five machined, five laser-treated, five sandblasted. The experiment was on four steps. Between each step, specimens were sterilized. At the end of each step, a 4 µL blood drop was put on the samples, and contact angles were calculated. The steps consisted of—1: no treatment; 2: surface instrumentation with an ultrasonic titanium tip; 3: platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) coating and drying with sterile gauze; 4: etching with phosphoric acid, rinse and saline solution and air-drying. At the end of each phase, a blood drop was placed on the surfaces. Blood for PRF preparation and for calculation of contact angles was collected from a single source. Results: average wettability decreased after instrumentation, and increased after the PRF application to a superior level both to the first and second steps. The highest wettability was obtained after etching. This trend is statistically significant for machined and sandblasted surfaces. Conclusions: In the clinical environment, PRF and phosphoric acid used for conditioning exposed implant surfaces can be used for the healing of peri-implant tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The conventional drill technique is the most commonly used for the implant site preparation of the desired diameter and length. Ultrasonic implant site preparation (UISP) can also be used to perform an implant site preparation of the desired dimensions. Methods: Implant sites were prepared in fresh bone ribs with two different implant site preparation techniques: implant surgical drills and piezoelectric tips. Samples were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for evaluating the peri-implant bone damage. Result: In the surgical drills group, the cortical bone surface showed several cracks and the bone vascular canals were hidden by a dense smear layer. Cancellous bone showed large irregularities and trabecular fractures. The piezoelectric group showed a clean and smooth cortical bone surface with opened bone vascular canals; the cancellous bone presented a regular morphology, and the trabecular spaces, clearly visible, were free of debris. Conclusions: Ultrasonic implant site preparation showed cleaner bone surfaces and lower bone trauma compared with the preparation using implant surgical drills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Repairing a restoration is a more advantageous and less invasive alternative to its total makeover. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of chemical and mechanical surface treatments aimed at increasing the roughness of a supra-nano composite resin. Methods: 27 cylindrical blocks of microhybrid composite were made. The samples were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 3). The samples' surface was treated differently per each group: acid etching (35% H3PO4, 30 s and 60 s), diamond bur milling, sandblasting and the combination of mechanical treatment and acid etching. The samples' surface was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a confocal microscope for observational study, and surface roughness (Ra) was recorded for quantitative analysis. Results: The images of the samples sandblasted with Al2O3 showed the greatest irregularity and the highest number of microcavities. The surfaces roughened by diamond bur showed evident parallel streaks and sporadic superficial microcavities. No significant roughness differences were recorded between other groups. The difference in roughness between the control group, diamond bur milled group and sandblasted group was statistically significant. (p < 0.01). Comparison between the diamond bur milled group and the sandblasted group was also significant (p < 0.01). Conclusion: According to our results, sandblasting is the best treatment to increase the surface roughness of a supra-nano composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This study presents the Italian version of the Level of Exposure-Dental Experiences Questionnaire (LOE-DEQ), a self-report checklist on dental and non-dental distressing events, allowing Italian researchers and dentists to benefit from the use of the LOE-DEQ in their research and clinical practice. The aim of this monocentric cross-sectional study was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Italian version of the Level of Exposure-Dental Experiences Questionnaire (LOE-DEQ) in an Italian sample of 253 dental patients ranging from 18–80 years of age. The LOE-DEQ assesses 16 potential dental distressing experiences and 7 general traumatic life events through 4 subscales: (1) dentists' behaviour and patients' emotions (DBPE); (2) distressing dental procedures (DDP); (3) other distressing dental events (ODDE); and (4) general traumatic events (GTE). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original 4-factor model had adequate fit to the data obtained from the Italian sample. Criterion validity was partially confirmed as only DBPE and DDP positively correlated with dental anxiety. Similarly, convergent validity was also partially confirmed as DBPE, DDP, and ODDE correlated with negative beliefs towards the dentist and the dental treatment. Discriminant validity was fully confirmed, as all correlations were below 0.60. Finally, DDP was the factor most associated with high dental anxiety. This study offers evidence of the reliability and validity of the LOE-DEQ in the Italian context, providing Italian researchers and dentists with a tool to assess dental and general distressing experiences in dental patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-transfusional hemocomponents for surgical use are autogenous products prepared through the centrifugation of a blood sample from a patient. Their potential beneficial outcomes include hard and soft tissue regeneration, local hemostasis, and the acceleration of wound healing. Therefore, they are suitable for application in different medical fields as therapeutic options and in surgical practices that require tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sleep disorders have been increasingly investigated in several medical illnesses as their presence may affect patients' quality of life. However, the research examining sleep disorders in oral cancer is relatively weak. Indeed, the majority of the available studies present a cross-sectional or retrospective designs. Moreover, very few of them have evaluated quality of sleep in oral cancer survivors (OC survivors). We aimed to carry out a case-control study with the purpose to investigate sleep disorders and mood impairment in 50 OC survivors. Our research has shown that quality of sleep is significantly affected in OC survivors compared to a healthy population and that OC survivors suffers from higher levels of anxiety and depression. Our results may suggest that an appropriate assessment of quality of sleep and psychological profile should be performed in OC survivors as a prompt treatment for both sleep and mood disorders is crucial for the overall improvement of patients' quality of life. Quality of sleep (QoS) and mood may impair oral cancer survivors' wellbeing, however few evidences are currently available. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders, anxiety and depression among five-year oral cancer survivors (OC survivors). 50 OC survivors were compared with 50 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D, HAM-A), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI) were administered. The global score of the PSQI, ESS, HAM-A, HAM-D, NRS, T-PRI, was statistically higher in the OC survivors than the controls (p-value: <0.001). QoS of OC survivors was significantly impaired, especially with regard to some PSQI sub-items as the subjective sleep quality, sleep latency and daytime dysfunction (p-value: 0.001, 0.029, 0.004). Moreover, poor QoS was negatively correlated with years of education (p-value: 0.042 *) and positively correlated with alcohol consumption (p-value: 0.049 *) and with the use of systemic medications (p-value: 0.044 *). Sleep disorders and mood disorders are common comorbidities in OC survivors; therefore, early assessment and management before, during and after treatment should be performed in order to improve the quality of life of OC survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary cause of tooth loss in the industrialized world is periodontitis, a bacterial anaerobic infection whose pathogenesis is characterized by composite immune response. At present, the diagnose of periodontitis is made by a complete status check of the patient's periodontal health; full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, recessions, mobility, and migration are evaluated in order to provides a clear picture of the periodontal conditions of a single patient. Chair-side diagnostic tests based on whole saliva could be routinely used by periodontists for a very early diagnosis of periodontitis, monitoring, prognosis, and management of periodontal patients by biomarker detection, whose diagnostic validity is related to sensitivity and specificity. Recent paper reviews and meta-analyses have focused on five promising host derived biomarkers as candidate for early diagnosis of periodontitis: MMP-8 (Metalloproteinase-8), MIP-1α (Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha), IL-1 β (Interleukin-1 beta), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), and HB (Hemoglobin), and their combinations. Chair-side Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology may soon become an important part of efforts to detect such biomarkers in saliva medium to improve worldwide periodontal health in developed nations as well as in underserved communities and poor countries. Their applications in preventive and predictive medicine is now fundamental, and is aimed at the early detection of risk factors or the presence or evolution of the disease, and in personalized medicine, which aims to identify tailor-made treatments for individual patients. The aim of the present paper is to be informative about host derived periodontal biomarkers and, in particular, we intend to report information about the most important immune response derived biomarkers and Hemoglobin as candidates to be routinely utilized in order to obtain a chair-side early diagnosis of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The histological and histomorphometrical results were evaluated between vital whole and non-vital endodontically treated teeth used as autologous grafts in post-extractive socket preservation procedures. Methods: Twenty-eight patients (average age 51.79 ± 5.97 years) with post-extractive defects were enrolled in five dentistry centers. All patients were divided into two groups: with whole teeth (Group 1) and teeth with endodontical root canal therapy (Group 2). The extracted teeth were processed with the Tooth Transformer device to obtain a demineralized and granulated graft material used with a resorbable collagen membrane for socket preservation. After four months, 32 bone biopsies were obtained for histological, histomorphometric, and statistical analysis. Results: During the bone healing period, no infection signs were observed. Nineteen biopsies in group 1 and 13 biopsies in group 2 were detected. The histological analysis showed neither inflammatory nor infective reaction in both groups. Autologous grafts surrounded by new bone were observed in all samples and, at high magnification, partially resorbed dentin and enamel structures were detected. No gutta-percha or cement was identified. Small non-statistically significant differences between the groups, in total bone volume (BV), autologous graft residual, and vital bone percentage were detected. Conclusions: The study showed that the TT Transformer grafts were capable of producing new vital bone in socket preservation procedures. The histomorphometric results showed no statistical differences comparing whole and endodontically treated teeth in bone regeneration. Further studies will be carried out in order to understand the advantages of the autologous graft materials obtained from the tooth compared with the current biomaterials in bone regeneration treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the esthetic and physical changes produced on colored titanium Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) laser treated surfaces to be used in implant dentistry for esthetic success. Materials and methods: Colored titanium surfaces were obtained with laser treatment. The physical and topographic properties were evaluated by stereo, light, and electron microscopy and profilometric analyses. L*a*b* colorimetric coordinates were measured by spectrometry, and the superficial chemical characteristics were evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Results: Within the complete palette of titanium colors, pinks (P1-P2), incarnadine (I), and white (W) obtained by laser were selected. The topography, texture, hues, saturation, roughness, and porosity of the samples were compared with those of machined (M) and sand-blasted and etched (SBAE) control surfaces. P1, P2, and I, similar in hue and roughness (Ra ≅ 0.5 μm), had a microgroove spacing of 56 μm and a decreasing porosity. The W sample with a "checkerboard" texture and a light color (L* 96.31) was similar to the M samples (Ra = 0.32 μm), but different from SBAE (Ra = 1.41 μm, L* 65.47). Discussion: The aspects of hard and soft tissue could result in an esthetic failure of the dental implant by showing the dark color of the fixture or abutment. The two different pinks and incarnadine surfaces showed favorable esthetic and physical features to promote dental implant success even in the maxillary anterior area with gingival recession, asymmetry, and deficiency. Conclusion: Titanium colored laser surfaces represent a valid alternative to those currently traditionally obtained and interesting and potential perspectives in the management of dental implants' esthetic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hardness is considered an important parameter for evaluating the clinical performance of dental implant bone drills. It is connected to the chemical composition, microstructure conformation and manufacture of the surgical drills. Methods: Microstructure of five dental implant drills using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) integrated with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Vickers microhardness was measured using a CV 2000 microhardness tester with an indentation force of 500 g. Results: Composition of the implant drills was typical of martensitic stainless steel (MSS). The drills contained 13%–17% of Cr; Mo, Si and Mn were present as minor ligands. The examined bone drills showed different external surface conformation and hardness in relation to the different industrial production processes. A rougher external surface and a higher hardness value are characteristics of the surgical bone drills produced by hot forming; the implant drills produced by machining showed mailing lines on their external surface and a lower hardness. Conclusions: Different compositions and treatments were used by the manufacturers to improve the hardness of the external layer of the dental implant drills making them prone to a diverse heat generation during the implant site preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bone-implant interface influences peri-implant bone healing and osseointegration. Among various nano-engineering techniques used for titanium surface modification, anodization is a simple, high-throughput and low-cost process, resulting in a nanoporous oxide coating which can promote osseointegration and impart antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. We anodized rounded tip dental implants of commercial grade titanium in aqueous phosphoric acid modified with calcium and potassium acetate, and characterized the resulting surface morphology and composition with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The appearance of nanopores on these implants confirmed successful nanoscale morphology modification. Additionally, the metal cations of the used salts were incorporated into the porous coating together with phosphate, which can be convenient for osseointegration. The proposed method for surface nanostructuring of titanium alloy could allow for fabrication of dental implants with improved biocompatibility in the next stage of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Titanium dental implants are today widely used with osseointegration mainly dependently on the implant surface properties. Different processing routes lead to different surface characteristics resulting, of course, in different in situ behaviors of the implants. Materials: The effect of different treatments, whether mechanical or chemical, on the surface morphology of titanium implants were investigated. To this aim, various experimental methods, including roughness analysis as well scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, were applied. Results: The results showed that, in contrast to the mechanical treatments, the chemical ones gave rise to a more irregular surface. SEM observations suggested that where commercial pure titanium was used, the chemical treatments provided implant surfaces without contaminations. In contrast, sandblasted implants could cause potential risks of surface contamination because of the presence of blasting particles remnants. Conclusions: The examined implant surfaces showed different roughness levels in relation to the superficial treatment applied. The acid-etched surfaces were characterized by the presence of deeper valleys and higher peaks than the sandblasted surfaces. For this reason, acid-etched surfaces can be more easily damaged by the stress produced by the peri-implant bone during surgical implant placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of standardization of clinically compliant culture protocols of mesenchymal stem cells for re-implantation in humans have hindered clinical progress in the field of tissue regeneration to repair maxillofacial and orthopedic defects. The goal of this study was to establish a clinically relevant osteogenic protocol for collection and expansion of autologous stem cells to be used at Marshall University for re-implantation and repair of maxillofacial and orthopedic conditions. Human bone marrow (hBM) samples were collected from patients undergoing intramedullary nail fixation for closed femoral fractures. hBM mesenchymal cells were expanded by growing them first in Petri dishes for two weeks, followed by a week of culture using Perfecta 3D Hanging Drop Plates®. Various scaffold materials were tested and analyzed for cellular integration, vitality, and differentiation capacity of harvested hBM-MSCs including: 60/40 blend of hydroxyapatite biomatrix; Acellular bone composite discs; Allowash®, cancellous bone cubes; PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid); and Woven chitin derived fiber. We found that the 3D spheroid culture allowed production of hBM mesenchymal cells that retained osteoblast differentiation capacity over a monolayer culture of hBM-MSCs without the need to use chemical or hormonal modulation. We also observed that hydroxyapatite and Allowash cancellous bone scaffolds allowed better cell integration and viability properties as compared to other materials tested in this study. In conclusion, the multimodal culture methodology we developed creates actively differentiating stem-cell spheroids that can then be readily utilized in clinical practices to improve the regeneration of tissues of the head and the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considerations about implant surface wear and metal particles released during implant placement have been reported. However, little is known about implant surface macro- and microstructural components, which can influence these events. The aim of this research was to investigate accurately the surface morphology and chemical composition of commercially available dental implants, by means of multivariate and multidimensional statistical analysis, in order to predict their effect on wear onset and particle release during implant placement., Methods: The implant surface characterization (roughness, texture) was carried out through Confocal Microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis; the quantitative surface quality variables (amplitude and hybrid roughness parameters) were statistically analyzed through post hoc Bonferroni's test for pair comparisons., Results: The parameters used by discriminant analysis evidenced several differences in terms of implant surface roughness between the examined fixtures. In relation to the observed surface quality, some of the investigated implants showed the presence of residuals due to the industrial surface treatments., Conclusions: Many structural components of the dental implant surface can influence the wear onset and particles released during the implant placement.