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The aim of this study was to present an optimal diagnostic protocol by comparing and analyzing a conventional examination and the quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technique. Selected were 297 teeth of 153 patients to take QLF images and bitewing radiographs. Occlusal dental caries, proximal dental caries and cracks were evaluated and scored using QLF, X-ray and/or visual criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic analysis were calculated. Two fluorescence parameters (|ΔFmax| and ΔRmax) were utilized to evaluate the fluorescence pattern according to the severity of lesions based on QLF or X-ray criteria. QLF showed higher scores for detecting occlusal dental caries and cracks than the conventional method. ΔRmax increased more clearly than ΔFmax did with occlusal dental caries. The |ΔFmax| values of occlusal dental caries, proximal dental caries and cracks showed good AUC levels (0.84, 0.81 and 0.83, respectively). The ΔRmax of occlusal dental caries showed the highest AUC (0.91) and the ΔRmax of proximal dental caries showed a fail level (0.59) compared to bitewing radiographs. The QLF image could visualize and estimate the degree of occlusal dental caries or cracks. Consequently, the QLF technique may be an adjunct tool to conventional methods for the detection of occlusal caries and peripheral cracks.

Background: This study aimed at developing and validating polymer-based reference materials with varying amounts of porphyrin to accurately assess and calibrate quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) device. Methods: Reference materials with porphyrin concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.08 wt.% were prepared. The surface properties of the materials were analyzed via gloss and roughness measurements. Color analysis of the specimens was performed on black and white backgrounds with or without filters using a spectrophotometer. This approach revealed the correlations between fluorescence and color. The fluorescence emitted by the specimens was analyzed by measuring ΔR and ΔRmax values using a QLF-D Biluminator™. Results: The surface gloss and roughness of the reference materials were not affected by the porphyrin content (p > 0.005). Spectrophotometric measurements revealed significant color differences among most specimen groups depending on the background color and the presence of a filter. QLF-D imaging revealed significant differences in fluorescence (ΔR and ΔRmax) among all specimen groups regardless of the background. The fluorescence values observed on the black backgrounds were higher than those observed on the white backgrounds (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The developed polymer-based porphyrin-incorporated materials serve as reliable reference standards for accurate assessment and calibration of QLF devices. This study demonstrates the importance of background conditions in fluorescence detection and highlights the potential of these materials as standards for QLF device calibration.

This study evaluated the immediate provisionalization of mini-implants with friction-engaging abutments in the mandibular anterior region. A total of 43 mini-implants placed in 30 consecutive patients had a survival rate of 100% over a follow-up period of 1 to 4 years. The overall change in marginal bone level from definitive restoration delivery to 1 year for a single-tooth mini-implant replacement was –0.17 ± 0.42 mm, demonstrating bone gain. The mean changes in marginal bone level on the mesial and distal aspects were –0.18 ± 0.46 mm and –0.16 ± 0.40 mm, respectively, also representing bone gain. The difference between the mesial and distal change in bone level was not statistically significant (P = .93). The peri-implant soft tissue remained relatively unchanged at 1 year posttreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the bone growth pattern in surgically created coronal defects with various depths around implants in dogs. Methods: Four mongrel dogs were used. All mandibular premolars were extracted under general anesthesia and left to heal for 2 months. After ostectomy, bony defects were prepared in test sites, using a stepped drill with a diameter of 6.3 mm and two depths: 2.5 mm (test sites 1 [T1]) and 5.0 mm (test sites 2 [T2]). In the control sites, the implants were placed after ostectomy without any coronal defects. T1, T2, and control sites were prepared in the right and left sides of the mandible. Six implants, 3.3 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, were placed in each dog; the implants were submerged completely. Two dogs were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery, and the other two dogs were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery. The stability of all implants was measured with a resonance frequency analyzer after placement and after sacrifice. All sites were block-dissected for ground sectioning and histologic examination. Results: After 12 weeks of healing, only T2 were not filled fully with bone. At week 8, the mean bone-to-implant contact (BIC) was 47.7% for control, 43.6% for T1, and 22.2% for T2. At week 12, the control BIC was 56.7% and the 2.5-mm defect had a greater BIC (58.8%). However, in the 5 mm defect, the EIC was 35.1%. At insertion, stability was reduced at sites with a greater defect depth. Similar stability was noted in all specimens after 8 and 12 weeks of healing. Conclusion: Bone healing between an implant and marginal bone was compromised at sites with a deeper defect when the width of the bone defect was 1.5 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]