Search

Objective: This study aimed to compare the alveolar sealing performance between free gingival graft (FGG) and porcine collagen membrane (MS) and qualitatively assess patient-centered outcomes via a visual analog scale. Method and materials: Eighteen patients were randomly divided into control (FGG) and test (MS) groups. After extraction, all the alveoli were filled with bovine bone grafts (small granules) and sealed. Follow-up was during the immediate postoperative period and after 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. After 180 days, before implant placement, tissue samples were obtained for histologic analysis. The epithelial tissues were morphometrically measured for each sample. Qualitative information on the patient's perception of the treatment was collected after 7 days. Results: A faster healing was observed for the MS group. After 60 days, all the sites from the MS were partially healed, in contrast with only five from the FGG. The histologic results after 120 days showed for the FGG group a predominant acute inflammatory process, whereas chronic processes were observed for the MSgroup. The mean epithelial heights found for the FGG and MS were 535.69 pm and 495.33 pm, respectively (P = .54). The intragroup analysis showed significant variance among the data (P<.001) for both groups. The qualitative result showed statistically more significative comfort for the MS group (P < .05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, both techniques effectively promote alveolar sealing. However, the visual analog scale result was superior and more signiffcant for the MS group, with faster wound healing and lower discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries is a global oral health issue that is prevalent and preventable. Biotics (probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, and postbiotics) are recommended as low‐cost methods for preventing dental caries. This scoping review aimed to critically review the scientific evidence concerning the role of biotics in caries prevention and maintaining oral health benefits. A systematic search was conducted in several databases from 2012 onward, using specific keywords. The search resulted in 69 articles. While there is limited research on the mechanism of biotics in preventing caries, numerous studies have investigated the impacts of probiotics on decreasing caries risk factors. Probiotics can reduce cariogenic bacteria, reduce acidogenic bacteria, increase pH, and produce antimicrobial compounds. Probiotics can be used as a therapeutic approach to manage caries by restoring eubiosis at the host–microbial interface, which may not be accomplished with traditional therapies. Its positive effect on reducing dental caries is influenced by the choice of potent probiotic strains, appropriate dosage, treatment period, vehicle, and microbial interaction with the host. Specific oral bacteria have also been shown to utilize prebiotics such as urea and arginine, increasing pH levels. This highlights the potential of combining prebiotic and probiotic bacteria for caries prevention. In addition, this review is focused on bacterial‐derived compounds, namely postbiotics, due to their valuable effects in preventing caries. Biotics have demonstrated potential in preventing dental caries and maintaining oral health. Further research is needed to optimize their use and explore the potential of postbiotics for caries prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this systematic review was to identify the mechanisms associated with the enzymatic degradation of collagen and gelatin biomaterials and the possible associated flaws. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, B-On, Cochrane Library, and ResearchGate) were used for the bibliographic search of articles. The research question was formulated using the PCC method, (P): collagen or gelatin sponges, hydrogels, and scaffolds; concept (C): enzymatic degradation of collagen or gelatin sponges, hydrogels, and scaffolds; and context (C): effect of enzymatic action on degradation time of collagen or gelatin sponges, hydrogels, and scaffolds. The search was contextualized according to PRISMA recommendations. The identification and exclusion of evidence followed the PRISMA criteria, with specific inclusion and exclusion factors being stipulated for the selection of articles. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the QUIN Scale. Results: The initial search was composed of 13,830 articles after removing duplicates; 56 articles followed for the full-text reading; 45 were excluded; then, 11 articles were obtained, constituting the results of this systematic review. All studies evaluated the materials using gravimetric analysis, and collagenases were the proteases used for the degradation solution. The materials tested were as follows: human-like collagen (HLC) hydrogel with microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), gelatin sponges subjected to different types of crosslinking, and collagen scaffolds with different types of crosslinking. The period of analysis varied between 0.25 h and 35 days. It was possible to highlight the lack of uniformity in the protocols used, which varied largely, thus influencing the degradation times. The risk of bias was low in nine studies and medium in two studies. Conclusions: This systematic review identified a gap in the literature, highlighting the absence of in vitro studies using human saliva and a collagenase concentration close to the physiological levels to simulate oral dynamics. However, based on existing literature, the mechanisms associated with collagen enzymatic degradation in collagen and gelatin biomaterials were comprehensively understood, answering the first research question postulated. In response to the second research question, the main shortcomings identified in the laboratory evaluation of mechanisms associated with collagen enzymatic degradation in collagen and gelatin biomaterials included the lack of standardization in degradation test protocols; this limited inter-study comparisons, which increased heterogeneity. Additionally, variations in collagenase concentrations and types influenced collagen degradation rates, and inappropriate evaluation intervals hindered the identification of total degradation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether there were clinically relevant differences in the treatment of edentulous areas comparing zirconia (Zr) and titanium (Ti) dental implants. The null hypothesis is that no differences can be observed in terms of the clinical parameters; the positive hypothesis I is that Zr implants have generally better results compared to Ti implants; and the positive hypothesis II is that Ti implants have a generally superior result than Zr implants. Methods: This review work was registered on the PROSPERO platform, and its development was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. The electronic search process was conducted on three databases (PubMed/Scopus/Web of Science), including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the past 10 years (up to April 2024). Identified articles were analyzed and included/excluded based on pre-defined selection and exclusion criteria. The quality assessment and risk of bias were evaluated using a Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool specifically designed for randomized trials (RoB2). A meta-analysis was conducted to correlate different treatment options based on the described outcomes; a random-effects model was used in the analysis of the variables. The analysis of heterogeneity was conducted by means of Cochran's Q-test and Higgins' I2 statistic. Results: Six RCTs were enrolled; 152 patients (90 males and 62 females) and 448 implants (267 Zr and 181 Ti) were included. Dental implant placement involved both the maxillary and mandibular arches. The implant sites showed heterogeneity in receiving Zr and Ti dental implants; in particular, 22 dental implants were placed in the mid-palatal region and 426 dental implants in the alveolar region (255 were in Zr and 171 in Ti). Regarding the success rate, it was better for Zr but with no statistical difference (p > 0.05); bleeding on probing had slight differences between Ti with 0.34% ± 0.42 and Zr with 0.26% ± 0.36 (p > 0.05); plaque score showed 0.46 ± 0.47 for Ti compared to 0.44 ± 0.49 for Zr (p > 0.05); no statistically significant difference was observed for pink esthetic score (PES). Statistically significant results were found for survival rate, which favored Ti implants (77.6%) compared to Zr (70.3%) (p < 0.05), and for marginal bone loss, which showed less loss in Ti implants (0.18 mm ± 0.47) compared to 0.42 mm ± 0.40 in Zr at 12 months (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present systematic review and meta-analysis identified the positive hypothesis I and rejected the null and positive hypothesis II; it was possible to conclude that Ti dental implants have a better survival rate and less marginal bone loss than Zr dental implants after 1-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this comprehensive review was to verify if the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) bacteria in patients with dyspepsia is higher in the oral cavity of periodontal or non-periodontal patients. The bibliographic search was conducted on scientific studies published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and BVS. The focus question was: "In patients with dyspepsia and periodontitis, is the prevalence of Hp bacteria in the oral cavity higher than in patients with only dyspepsia or without any disease?" The inclusion criteria were human studies in English, Portuguese, or Spanish languages, published between 2000 and 2022, that included patients over the age of 18 and aimed to evaluate the presence of Hp bacteria in the oral cavity and in the protective mucosal layer of the gastric lining of patients with the diseases (periodontitis and dyspepsia) or without disease; clinical trials, randomized controlled clinical trials, comparative studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and cohort studies. The methodological quality evaluation of the included articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The final scores could be of "Low" quality (at least two "no" [red] or ≥ five "unclear" found), "Moderate" quality (one "no" [red] was found or up to four "unclear" criteria were met), or "High" quality (all green [yes] or at maximum two "unclear"). Of 155 potentially eligible articles, 10 were included in this comprehensive review after the application of the eligibility criteria. The selected studies were scrutinized regarding the relationship between Hp colonization in the oral cavity and stomach, its impact on severity and complications of gastric infection, as well as the effect of the presence of oral and gastric Hp on dental and systemic parameters. Hp can colonize periodontal pockets regardless of its presence in the stomach. There was a higher prevalence of oral biofilm in dyspeptic patients with periodontal disease, and worse control of bleeding and low oral hygiene was observed in periodontal compared to non-periodontal patients. For que quality assessment, the scientific studies included presented low to moderate methodological quality. Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that Hp is a bacterium that can colonize dental plaque independently of the stomach and vice versa; however, when both diseases are found, its presence may be more significant. Supra and subgingival dental plaque may be a reservoir of Hp, suggesting that patients with gastric infections are more likely to have Hp in the oral cavity. The results must be carefully analyzed due to the limitations present in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the mechanical behavior of five designs of Morse taper (MT) connections with and without the application of loads. For this, the detorque of the fixing screw and the traction force required to disconnect the abutment from the implant were assessed. A total of 100 sets of implants/abutments (IAs) with MT-type connections were used, comprising five groups (n = 20/group): (1) Group Imp 11.5: IA sets with a cone angulation of 11.5°; (2) Group SIN 11.5: with a cone angulation of 11.5°; (3) Group SIN 16: with a cone angulation of 16°; (4) Group Neo 16: with a cone angulation of 16°; and (5) Group Str 15: with a cone angulation of 15°. All sets received the torque recommended by the manufacturer. After applying the torque, the counter torque of the fixing screws was measured in ten IA sets of each group without the application of cyclic loads (frequencies ≤ 2 Hz, 360,000 cycles, and force at 150 Ncm). The other ten sets of each group were subjected to cyclic loads, after which the detorque was measured. Afterwards, the force for disconnection between the implant and the abutment was measured by traction on all the samples. The untwisting of the abutment fixation screws showed a decrease in relation to the initial torque applied in all groups. In the unloaded samples, it was found to be −25.7% in Group 1, −30.4% in Group 2, −36.8% in Group 3, −29.6% in Group 4, and −25.7% in Group 5. After the applied loads, it was found to be −44% in Group 1, −43.5% in Group 2, −48.5% in Group 3, −47.2% in Group 4, and −49.8% in Group 5. The values for the IA sets were zero for SIN 16 (Group 3) and Neo16 (Group 4), both without and with loads. In the other three groups, without loads, the disconnection value was 56.3 ± 2.21 N (Group 1), 30.7 ± 2.00 N (Group 2), and 26.0 ± 2.52 N (Group 5). After applying loads, the values were 63.5 ± 3.06 N for Group 1, 34.2 ± 2.45 N in Group 2, and 23.1 ± 1.29 N in Group 5. It was concluded that in terms of the mechanical behavior of the five designs of MT IA sets, with and without the application of loads, the Imp 11.5, SIN 11.5, and Srt 15 groups showed better results compared to the SIN 16 and Neo 16 groups, showing that lower values of cone angulation increase the friction between the parts (IA), thus avoiding the need to maintain the torque of the fixing screw to maintain the union of the sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This systematic review was carried out with the primary objective of verifying which suture (polyamide or silk) of two non-resorbable suture materials with different structures had better/greater tensile strength/resistance to tension, thereby presenting better mechanical behavior. The secondary objective was to verify which one had better performance. The null hypothesis was that both types of sutures had the same behavior. Methods: This systematic study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. The focused clinical question was: "In patients that underwent oral surgery treatment (P), is there significantly higher tensile strength/resistance for silk sutures (I) or for polyamide sutures (C) when comparing the outcomes (O)?". The bibliographic search was conducted on ScienceDirect, B-On, and PubMed/MedLine between March and May 2023. The following MeSH terms were defined: sutures, breaking strength, tensile strength, oral surgery, and dentistry, which were articulated and combined using Boolean operators. There were restrictions, such as articles published in Portuguese, Spanish, or English between 1 January 2018 and 3 April 2023. The quality assessment involved the use of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for RCTs and the QUIN tool (Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies) for in vitro assays. Results: Ten articles were included in this review (eight in vitro studies and two RCTs). For the RCTs, there were moderate and high levels of bias, whereas in the in vitro studies, three were classified as having a high risk of bias and five as moderate risk. The results proved that suture thread with a monofilament polyamide physical structure causes a less inflammatory reaction owing to less bacterial retention and capillarity, while multifilament sutures, such as silk, have superior mechanical characteristics. Regarding hydration, the evidence demonstrated that the preservation and stability of mechanical properties lacked uniformity. Otherwise, hyaluronic acid (HA) presents a promising solution with the same characteristics and antibacterial capabilities. Conclusion: It was possible to reject the null hypothesis that both types of sutures had the same behavior and result. It was proven by the results above that sutures with a monofilament polyamide physical structure cause a less inflammatory reaction owing to less bacterial retention and capillarity. In contrast, multifilament sutures (silk) have superior mechanical characteristics. Regarding hydration using chlorohexidine in surgical sites, the evidence demonstrated in the preservation and stability of mechanical properties lacks uniformity and congruence. However, HA seems to present a promising option with the same characteristics and antibacterial capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review assessed the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, offering a transparent overview of developments across dental fields. Covering articles in prosthodontics, orthodontics, implantology, surgery, and radiology, the review included 39 articles on robotics and 16 on AI. Screening adhered to PRISMA guidelines, with searches conducted on Medline, Google Scholar, and IEEE. Incorporating the search strategy, the review used keywords related to dentistry, robotics, and AI. For robotics, 296 articles were screened, resulting in 39 qualifying for qualitative synthesis. A separate AI search on PubMed identified 142 studies within the last decade, with 16 studies selected for a detailed full-text analysis, offering a consolidated overview of the current state-of-the-art knowledge in the AI domain. Geographic distribution highlighted East Asia as a major research contributor. The findings indicate an increasing trend in dentistry robotics since 2000 and, particularly since 2016, in AI dentistry. The majority of the literature fell under the category of basic research. The technology readiness level did not cross "three" (proof of concept) in 41% of all articles. Therefore, the overall literature quality remains low, particularly regarding clinical validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the newly formed bone and the remnant biomaterial by comparing four different bone grafts used to treat critical‐size defects, associated or not with the non‐resorbable membrane. Materials and Methods: Two calvaria critical‐size bone defects were created in 50 male Wistar rats. They were divided into blood (G1), autogenous (G2), bioglass (G3), hydroxyapatite (G4), and xenograft (G5) groups, associated or not with e‐PTFE. The experimental periods were 15 and 45 days. Sections were prepared for histomorphometric assessment. All data were analyzed by the mixed‐effects model with multiple comparisons (significance level, p <.05). Results: A similar level of new bone was observed for all groups, associated with a high level of vascularization. G1 and G2 ensured sovereignty over the greater quantity of new bone. A non‐significant result was reported comparing groups with and without membranes. No significant result was found between the experimental synthetic biomaterials (G3 and G4). G5L achieved 22.0% of new bone after 45 days (p >.05). All groups had a stable volume of biomaterial kept in the short term (p >.05). G2 was the best material for new bone formation and final volume of biomaterial, followed by G4 < G5 < G3. Thus, it is possible that G4 had a better degradation profile among the experimental groups. Conclusions: The best results were found in the autogenous group, with higher resorption and integration; non‐significative new bone was found among the experimental groups; and the regeneration of critical bone defects using an e‐PTFE barrier did not present significant results on new bone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]