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Background: Topical applications have long been regarded as precise methods for delivering drugs to soft tissues, such as the periodontal ligament, as well as hard structures, including the alveolar bone and cementum. Recently, the combination of hyaluronic acid (HA) and ozone therapy has gained popularity as a supportive treatment for chronic inflammation, in addition to its established role in enhancing healing after dental procedures. Methods: To gather the necessary research for our study, we conducted a systematic search across several databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid. Our study was registered under Prospero number CRD42024569641. The research, which began in June 2015 and concluded in May 2024, systematically examined the potential benefits of topical HA application in the management of both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Using relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings, we selected 28 pertinent studies: three related to gingivitis, thirteen on chronic periodontitis, seven involving dental surgeries such as implants and sinus lifts, and three on oral ulcers. Results: The risk of bias among the analyzed studies was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. Regarding the randomization process, 75% of the studies exhibited a high risk of bias. However, all studies (100%) had a low risk of bias concerning allocation concealment. Only 25% of the studies adequately addressed performance bias, and another 25% reported all outcome data. Nevertheless, 85% of the included studies showed a low risk of reporting bias. Conclusions: The results indicate that the use of topical HA in combination with ozone therapy is highly effective not only in promoting post-operative healing following dental procedures but also in providing positive outcomes for individuals dealing with chronic gingivitis, periodontal inflammation, and oral ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess possible histomorphometric differences in new bone formation and in remaining graft particles when hyaluronic acid (HA) was added and mixed with graft materials in bone regeneration. Materials and methods: This review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) of the National Institute of Health Research (registration number CRD42024530030). Electronic research was performed, and involved studies published up to 29 February 2024 using a specific word combination. The primary outcome was to assess possible histomorphometric differences in new bone formation and in remaining graft particles when HA was added and mixed with graft materials in bone regeneration. The search resulted in 138 potential studies. Meta-analyses were performed using the fixed and random effects model to identify significant changes in new bone formation and in the remaining graft particles. Results: After screening procedures, only three randomized controlled trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The effect size of HA in the new bone formation was not statistically significant at 95% CI (Z = 1.734, p-value = 0.083, 95 % CI -,399; 6516). The effect size of HA in the remaining graft particles was not statistically significant at 95% CI (Z = −1.042, p-value = 0.297, CI -,835; 255). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present systematic review and meta-analysis, the addition of HA to bone graft did not result in significant changes in bone regeneration procedures in terms of new bone formation and residues, even if the included studies showed encouraging and promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study analyzes the clinical aspects of the use of small-diameter implants for the fixation of total overdenture-type prostheses on both totally edentulous dental arches. Materials and methods: This is a review of all randomized controlled trials of at least ten patients with a control group in which at least two narrow implants were placed, published between January 2010 and July 2023. Most databases were analyzed, and clinical studies involving the insertion of at least two narrow implants (<3.5 mm in diameter) were analyzed. Results: Studies showed that the survival rate of narrow implants varied from 78% to 100%. Conclusions: The results indicated that narrow-type implants have satisfactory and predictable clinical performance for the long-term stability of overdenture-type prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci are commonly found in the environment and humans as a part of the normal microbiota. Among these, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium can convert into opportunistic pathogens, making them a major cause of nosocomial infections. The rapid diffusion of vancomycin-resistant strains and their impact on nosocomial settings is of considerable concern. Approximately one-third of the E. faecium infections in Italy are caused by vancomycin-resistant strains. This study explored the hypothesis that the oral cavity could represent a silent reservoir of virulent enterococci. A sample of 862 oral flora specimens collected from healthy human volunteers in Central Italy was investigated by real-time PCR to detect E. faecalis and E. faecium, as well as the genetic elements that most frequently determine vancomycin resistance. The prevalence of E. faecalis was 19%, a value that was not associated with alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, or age of the subjects. Less frequently detected, with an overall prevalence of 0.7%, E. faecium was more common among people older than 49 years of age. The genes conferring vancomycin resistance were detected in only one sample. The results indicate that the oral cavity can be considered a reservoir of clinically relevant enterococci; however, our data suggest that healthy individuals rarely carry vancomycin-resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete edentulous arches have been considered as one of the main limitations of intraoral scanners (IOSs). In these clinical scenarios, the accuracy of IOSs can be reduced because of several anatomical factors. To overcome these limitations, some studies have proposed several techniques to increase the accuracy of the impressions by means of various materials and instruments. The aim of this narrative review was to describe these techniques and to compare the obtained results to understand if it is currently feasible to increase the accuracy of the digital impressions of complete edentulous arches. An accurate analysis of the literature was performed using PubMed (National Library of Medicine) as well as manual searching without time and language restrictions. The results showed that there are few articles in the indexed literature on this topic, and that all are in vitro studies. Although the results of the analyzed studies were encouraging and reported useful in vitro results for artificial landmarks as well as for the use of an auxiliary geometry part related to the splinting of intraoral scan bodies (ISBs), clinical trials are needed to confirm that these techniques are feasible in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the use of Straumann Orthosystem implants for orthodontic anchorage.

Dysphagia is defined as difficulty in swallowing food (semi-solid or solid), liquid, or both. Difficulty in swallowing affects approximately 7% of population, with risk incidence increasing with age. There are many disorder conditions predisposing to dysphagia such as mechanical strokes or esophageal diseases even if neurological diseases represent the principal one. Cerebrovascular pathology is today the leading cause of death in developing countries, and it occurs most frequently in individuals who are at least 60 years old. Swallowing disorders related to a stroke event are common occurrences. The incidence ranging is estimated from 18% to 81% in the acute phase and with a prevalence of 12% among such patients. Cerebral, cerebellar, or brain stem strokes can influence swallowing physiology while cerebral lesions can interrupt voluntary control of mastication and bolus transport during the oral phase. Among the most frequent complications of dysphagia are increased mortality and pulmonary risks such as aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition, and long-term hospitalization. This review article discusses the epidemiology of dysphagia, the normal swallowing process, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostics, and dental management of patients affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]