Accuracy and reliability of lower dental arch reconstructions

Introduction: In the literature, there is information regarding the accuracy of models generated by conventional impression materials and intraoral scanners, but data on the accuracy of 3D models generated from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is still lacking.Aim: The aim of this article is to investigate and compare the accuracy of tooth reconstructions made on 3D models generated from CBCT and intraoral scanning, as well as on plaster models from conventional impression materials, to the results of intraoral measurements using a digital caliper.Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 38 individuals (16 males and 22 females). After the initial examination, we scheduled appointments for the approved participants to undergo clinical procedures and imaging studies in the following sequence: 1. placement of composite markers; 2. physical measurements; 3. intraoral scanning; 4. CBCT; 5. capturing a conventional impression; 6. removal of composite markers. Following are the laboratory and measurement stages for the study: 7. casting gypsum models; 8. measurements on gypsum models; 9. converting the DICOM files from CBCT scans to STL files; 10. conducting measurements on digital models from CBCT and intraoral scanning.Results: Results from the reliability assessment of the researcher’s measurements for the studied modalities indicate a correlation coefficient ranging from moderate to excellent with very high statistical significance. Concerning accuracy, differences are observed between individual modalities. Conclusion: In summary, conventional methods and materials still outperform intraoral scanners in terms of the accuracy of the obtained reconstructions. 3D models generated from CBCT scans are generally the least satisfactory among the tested modalities, with deviations typically within clinically acceptable values

Microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations—a review of staining protocols

Introduction: Various kinds of dye infiltration protocols for the inspection of microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations have been described in the literature.Aim: The aim of this article is to briefly present the different staining methods used to inspect microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations.Materials and Methods: This review includes articles searched without date restriction in the Medline/PubMed database. A variety of keywords and their combinations were used: “microleakage”, “staining methods”, “ceramic restorations”, “fuchsine”, “methylene blue”, “silver nitrate”, “composite restorations”, “dye infiltration”.Results: The review was based upon 71 references. The literature provided information regarding the different staining protocols used for the inspection of microleakage in composite and ceramic restorations.Conclusion: Numerous types of protocols have been reported. The most common staining agents used for research purposes are fuchsine, methylene blue, and silver nitrate. In order to make the results between different experimental studies comparable, it will be beneficial to have standardized methodologies

Bone block augmentation - a long-term follow-up

IntroductionAutogenous bone block grafting is used for both vertical and horizontal augmentation of the upper and lower jaw. The bone block could be provided using extraoral or intraoral donor location.AimThe aim of this study was to observe the survival rate, the marginal bone level and the bleeding on probing (BOP) for a period of 4 to 6 years of implants, inserted in autogenous bone block graft.Materials and MethodsWe considered advanced horizontal bone loss, where guided bone regeneration with simultaneous implant placement could not be performed and/or vertical bone loss, where vertical augmentation of the alveolar  bone of more than 3 to 6 mm is required,  as indications for the bone block grafting procedure. As an intraoral donor site was used the mental area.Results and Discussion The mean observation period was 4.81 years. The mean marginal bone loss was 0.442 mm, as bone resorption was established in 48% of all cases, BOP was observed in 17.7 % of the cases. No correlation was found between BOP and bone loss. The survival rate of the implants placed into bone augmented using autogenous bone block graft was 98.7 %.ConclusionFor an implant placement we considered a period of 4 months after the procedure enough to provide high survival rate of the implants. The implants placed in bone augmented using autogenous bone block grafting according to our methodology demonstrated high survival rate and unstable marginal bone level

Effect on pain and facial edema of platelet-rich plasma in removed radicular cysts

The effect on pain scores of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applied alone or in combination either with collagen or with autologous bone was followed up on the first, third and seventh day in 42 patients, 26 males and 16 females, with removed radicular cysts as well as in 15 patients without this treatment. The degree of postoperative facial edema on the first day was examined, too. An increased frequency of slightly expressed pain (with a summary score of 1 and 2 according to the visual analogue scale) was established in the radicular cysts during the initial seven days by means of PRP alone as well as by means of both PRP and collagen, and both PRP and autologous bone, respectively. The mean pain scores between the first and seventh day after treatment were statistically significantly lower with the use of PRP alone (t=9.665; р<0.00001), PRP with collagen (t=10.175; р<0.00001) and PRP with autologous bone (t=12.516; р<0,00001). There was no statistical significance in terms of the mean differences between the effect on the degree of postoperative edema of these three treatment methods of radicular cysts one towards another and towards the control patients. The application of PRP alone or in combination with collagen or autologous bone exerted a favorable influence on pain and facial edema in the patients with removed radicular cysts

Carbonate apatite as a bone substitute material. A review

INTRODUCTION:The reconstruction of bone defects, caused by traumas, tumors, infections, and genetic disorders, is a major problem in orthopedic surgery, maxillofacial and oral surgery, plastic surgery, dental implantology, otorhinolaryngology, etc. Although autogenous bone grafts are still regarded as the gold standard in bone reconstructive surgery, alloplastic materials are more commonly applied due to their accessibility. Recently, the utilization of carbonate apatite as a bone substitute has been a matter of interest for researchers in the field, and its physical and biological properties are currently being tested and evaluated.AIM:The present review aims to evaluate the application of carbonate apatite as a bone substitute concerning its fabrication, physical properties, and biological behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An electronic search using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect was conducted up to November 2022. The article summarizes the current knowledge on the application of carbonate apatite as a bone substitute material, identifies the research gaps in the existing literature, and gives some recommendations for further assessments. RESULTS:We could assume that the mechanical and biological properties of carbonate apatite depend on the method of its fabrication and recommend further long-term research and evaluation to optimize the synthesis protocols and, thus, the qualities of the material. CONCLUSION:It has been suggested that carbonate material has the potential to replace autologous bone grafts in bone reconstruction. The material has excellent biocompatibility, resorbability, and osteoconductive capacity, and could be regarded as a promising bone substitute material

Application of autogenous platelet-rich plasma in periodontology

INTRODUCTION:Autogenous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet-rich substance obtained after specific processing of peripheral blood.AIM:The purpose of the present study is to describe and examine the autogenous platelet-rich plasma and its application in periodontology.DISCUSSION:In the last decade, PRP has gained wide popularity and is used in a variety of fields of medicine. The implementation of PRP is basically a regenerative procedure using an autogenous graft. Therefore, it is believed that there is no danger of genetic interference, sensitization, or any kind of disease transmission. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a safe and effective option with no known risks or side effects. In the last decade or two, the amount of published studies focused on the joined use of barrier membranes and bone repair materials with PRP has increased. One of the main benefits of using PRP to administer damaged tissues is that it activates and releases growth factors, which can enhance collagen and elastin formation by fibroblasts, boost blood supply and metabolism in the affected area, as well as help promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). In this way, PRP therapy can effectively restore lost tissue.CONCLUSION:The presented study shows that the implementation of autogenous PRP is an innovative method for periodontal regenerative therapy based on the fact that regenerative therapy methods show different success rates and different long-term results, depending on the materials that are used

Modern diagnostic techniques implemented at the audiovestibular laboratory of the University Medical and Dental Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Varna

IntroductionThe audiovestibular laboratory of the University Medical and Dental Center in the Faculty of Dental Medicine was established in 2020. Its purpose is diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hearing, balance and sleep disorders of patients of all ages. It was set up thanks to the joint efforts of the academic management of the Medical University of Varna and the Faculty of Dental Medicine. The audiovestibular laboratory is equipped with the most modern and up-to-date electrophysiological diagnostic and rehabilitation devices. Since 2015, MU-Varna has conducted a number of interdisciplinary forums with international participation on the topics of audiological and vestibular disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), newborn hearing screening. The audiovestibular laboratory works in close relationship with laboratories in the field situated in Europe, USA, the Russian Federation, Asia, and Australia.Materials and MethodsThe most important features of the different diagnostic systems will be briefly summarized in the following text, so as to express the specific diagnostic options they provide clinicians with.DiscussionDifferent diagnostic features of the systems used are described, pointing out the features of the most frequently used ones.ConclusionPatients should be given different, adequate and clear diagnostic solutions. Universities play an important role in becoming centers for providing full medical care—diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation in the specific field of medicine

Application of platelet-rich plasma for alveolar ridge preservation. A review article

INTRODUCTION: Bone quality and quantity are key prerequisites for dental implant surgery. The methods of reducing tissue resorption after tooth extraction are called alveolar ridge preservation and have recently gained increasing popularity. One of them is the application of autologous platelet concentrates. They release an abundance of growth factors with the potential to accelerate the healing process.AIM:The present review aims to observe the application of platelet-rich plasma in postextraction dental sockets and evaluate its efficacy for hard and soft tissue healing and preservation according to the literature. We carefully analyzed, compared, and summarized the collected data and found numerous research and methodological gaps that can explain the heterogeneity in the studies.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review is based on the existing scientific database and includes 222 studies. It provides a comparative analysis and guidelines for further research. RESULTS: There is high heterogeneity among studies, regarding the effect of platelet concentrates and platelet-rich plasma in particular on alveolar ridge preservation. Most of them validate its beneficial impact on tissue healing and volumetric preservation, which facilitate the subsequent implant placement.       CONCLUSION: The scientific data about the efficacy of platelet concentrates for soft tissue healing and preservation of the alveolar ridge are not univocal. Further research, longitudinal studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses are required to evaluate its efficacy and determine whether it is superior to other methods for socket preservation

Bone histomorphometry as a diagnostic tool. A review article

INTRODUCTION:Various diagnostic modalities are used in the study of bone structure and metabolism. These include radiological examinations, laboratory and biochemical testing, histological and histomorphometric assessments, immunohistochemistry, and some non-invasive techniques. Bone histomorphometry is regarded as the gold standard in the diagnostics of bone-related conditions. It is a reliable method for detailed quantitative assessment of bone microarchitecture and physiology. It allows observation of cell types and their activity and provides essential information on bone healing, modeling, and remodeling.    AIM:The present review aims to summarize the applications and limitations of bone histomorphometry and define its role in the diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment of various bone-related conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An electronic search using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect was conducted up to July 2022. The article is based on the existing scientific database and includes 198 studies. It summarizes the current knowledge on bone histomorphometry, highlights its advantages and limitations, and gives some recommendations for further research.RESULTS: Bone histomorphometry is a key diagnostic tool in the field of bone research. It is used for the detection and monitoring of metabolic bone diseases, for establishing the safety of the pharmaceutical agents that affect bone metabolism, and for the effects of different biomaterials, used for guided bone regeneration and implant treatment.CONCLUSION:Bone histomorphometry is applied in various scientific fields. Although some innovative non-invasive techniques have been suggested, the method remains a significant component in the study of bone structure and physiology

Immediate implant placement using customized healing abutments as a method of hard and soft tissue preservation. A review article

INTRODUCTION: Dental implant placement with its excellent and predictable results is becoming the treatment of choice after tooth removal. A key step in creating a proper environment and conditions for it is the process of tissue preservation after the extraction. Various ridge preservation procedures have been suggested and performed, one of which is the application of immediate implant protocol using customized healing abutments. AIM: This review observes immediate implants not only as a definitive treatment after tooth extraction but also as a method for ridge preservation, especially in conjunction with customized healing abutments. We compared and evaluated the reports on their application and summarized their features, advantages, and limitations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present article is based on 61 articles. A manual and electronic search using PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted until June 2022. RESULTS: The majority of studies support the concept of immediate implant placement with customized healing abutments as a successful and reliable strategy for tissue preservation. It has numerous advantages, some of which are reduced healing time and post-operative discomfort, and excellent aesthetic results without the need for additional surgical stages. CONCLUSION: Further investigation is still necessary to clarify the exact protocols and indications for this treatment, and to point out the conditions, which demand greater caution