A novel universal device "LINGUAL RING Ri.P.A.Ra" for TMDs and cranio-cervico-mandibular pains: preliminary results of a randomized control clinical trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate functionality and clinical application of a novel immediate device in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). To address the research purpose, authors developed and implemented a randomized control clinical trial

Peri-implant diseases and metabolic syndrome components: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a spectrum of conditions associated with an increased risk of developing CVD and type 2 diabetes. MetS include: hyperglycemia, hypertension, visceral obesity, dyslipidemia with elevated values of triglycerides (TG) and low levels of HDL. The aim of this review is to provide current knowledge of the relationship between MetS, its components and peri-implant diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted in the English language in several databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment of cohort and cross-sectional studies; while systematic reviews were evaluated through AMSTAR; results were reported according to the PRISMA Statement. RESULTS: A total of 272 records were identified through database searching, six studies were included for qualitative analysis. No study directly related to MetS was found, there was inconsistent and controversial evidence regarding association with cardiovascular disease. A higher risk of peri-implantitis was detected in people with hyperglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should be orientated in assessing the risk of peri-implant diseases, evaluating patient's therapeutic response, analyzing directionality of the relationship between MetS, its components and biologic implant complications. Few studies have investigated the possible relationship between systemic conditions and peri-implant diseases. The aim of this review is to present, in a systematic manner, current evidence and knowledge regarding possible association between cardiovascular disease and implant biologic complications. Out of the one-hundred-eighty-nine studies screened, just five studies were selected for qualitative analysis: three cohort studies (one prospective and two retrospectives) and two cross-sectional studies. According to their results, there is inconsistent and controversial evidence regarding association of cardiovascular disease and implant biologic complications. Future research should be orientated in conducting longitudinal studies, evaluating patients affected by cardiovascular disease rehabilitated with dental implants

The use of a non-absorbable membrane as an occlusive barrier for alveolar ridge preservation: A one year follow-up prospective cohort study

The aims of this study were to obtain preliminary data and test the clinical efficacy of a novel nonporous dense-polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membrane (permamem®, botiss) in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedures with a flapless approach. A traumatic extraction was performed in the premolar maxillary area, and a d-PTFE membrane was used to seal the alveolar cavity: no biomaterial was used to graft the socket and the membrane was left intentionally exposed and stabilized with sutures. The membrane was removed after four weeks and dental implants were placed four months after the procedure. The primary outcome variables were defined as the dimensional changes in the ridge width and height after four months. A total of 15 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean width of the alveolar cavity was 8.9 ± 1.1 mm immediately after tooth extraction, while four months later a mean reduction of 1.75 mm was experienced. A mean vertical reduction of 0.9 ± 0.42 mm on the buccal aspect and 0.6 ± 0.23 mm on the palatal aspect were recorded at implant placement. Within the limitations of this study, the d-PTFE membrane proved to be effective in alveolar ridge preservation, with the outcomes of the regeneration not affected by the complete exposure of this biomaterial

Clinical Reliability of Complete-Arch Fixed Prostheses Supported by Narrow-Diameter Implants to Support Complete-Arch Restorations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of fixed screw-retained complete-arch rehabilitations supported by four narrow-diameter implants (NDIs). The records of patients treated with complete-arch prostheses screwed onto four NDIs treated with an immediate loading protocol between 2010 and 2020 with at least 1 year of follow-up after the positioning of the definitive restoration were reviewed. The implants were placed according to the final prosthetic design and were immediately loaded. The interim prostheses were replaced after the healing period by definitive acrylic resin titanium-supported prostheses. Patients were followed to evaluate treatment success, the implant survival rate (ISR), and the prosthetic survival rate (PSR). A total of 121 NDIs were positioned in 30 patients to restore 30 complete arches (18 maxilla and 12 mandible). One implant did not achieve osseointegration, resulting in an overall ISR of 99.2%. No prosthetic or implant failures occurred during the 1 to 11 years of follow-up. Three biological and four prosthetic complications occurred, resulting in a treatment rehabilitation survival of 94.1% and a PSR of 86.7%. Despite the limitations of the present retrospective study, such as the use of one single type of dental implant and patients treated in a single rehabilitation center, complete-arch rehabilitation with fixed prostheses supported by four NDIs seems to be a reliable treatment in the medium to long term

Clinical reliability of complete-arch fixed prostheses supported by narrow-diameter implants to support complete-arch restorations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of fixed screw-retained complete-arch rehabilitations supported by four narrow-diameter implants (NDIs). The records of patients treated with complete-arch prostheses screwed onto four NDIs treated with an immediate loading protocol between 2010 and 2020 with at least 1 year of follow-up after the positioning of the definitive restoration were reviewed. The implants were placed according to the final prosthetic design and were immediately loaded. The interim prostheses were replaced after the healing period by definitive acrylic resin titanium-supported prostheses. Patients were followed to evaluate treatment success, the implant survival rate (ISR), and the prosthetic survival rate (PSR). A total of 121 NDIs were positioned in 30 patients to restore 30 complete arches (18 maxilla and 12 mandible). One implant did not achieve osseointegration, resulting in an overall ISR of 99.2%. No prosthetic or implant failures occurred during the 1 to 11 years of follow-up. Three biological and four prosthetic complications occurred, resulting in a treatment rehabilitation survival of 94.1% and a PSR of 86.7%. Despite the limitations of the present retrospective study, such as the use of one single type of dental implant and patients treated in a single rehabilitation center, complete-arch rehabilitation with fixed prostheses supported by four NDIs seems to be a reliable treatment in the medium to long term

Changes in behaviour during the inter-nesting period and post-nesting migration for Ascension Island green turtles

Satellite transmitters were attached to green turtles Chelonia mydas while they were nesting on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic (7°57\u27S, 14°22\u27W) and individuals were subsequently monitored during the inter-nesting period and the post-nesting migration to Brazil. During the inter-nesting period, data from the transmitters suggested that turtles generally stayed within 5 km of the nesting beach on which they had originally been observed. During both the inter-nesting period and migration, turtles were submerged the vast majority (>95%) of the time, suggesting that they neither basked at the surface nor drifted passively during migration to any great extent. There was a clear dichotomy in submergence behaviour, with submergences tending to be of short duration during post-nesting migration (mean = 7.3 min, 3318 h of data from 5 individuals) and of longer duration during the inter-nesting period (mean = 22.1 min, 714 h of data from 5 different individuals). As submergence duration is generally linked to activity levels in sea turtles, this pattern suggests that turtles were comparatively inactive during the inter-nesting period and comparatively active during migration. During both the inter-nesting period and the post-nesting migration, diel submergence patterns were detected with dive duration tending to be longer at night. As the turtles migrated WSW from Ascension Island, there was a reduction in their speed of travel. A numerical model of the near-surface currents suggested that this reduction was associated with the weakening of the WSW flow of the prevailing South Atlantic Equatorial Current

Prevalence and treatment of retrograde peri-implantitis: a retrospective cohort study covering a 20-year period

Objectives: The aims of this retrospective study were to report data on the prevalence of retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI) in a single-center in a 20-year observation period and to evaluate implant survival after surgical treatment. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted screening all patients who underwent implant treatment in a private practice. Patients were enrolled if they had one or more implants showing a radiolucency around the implant apex, without implant mobility. Furthermore, clinical symptoms of RPI and days from symptoms’ appearance after implant placement were also collected, as well as periodontal and endodontic status of nearby teeth. All patients were treated with the same surgical approach: antibiotic therapy, mechanical curettage, chemical decontamination and xenograft application. Results: Out of the 1749 implants placed, only 6 implants were classified as affected by RPI, with a prevalence of 0.34%. Clinical symptoms of RPI (pain, swelling, dull percussion or fistula presence) varied among patients and were reported after a mean period of 51.83 ± 52.43 days. Conclusions: RPI was successfully treated with surgical curettage and bone substitute application and all implants are still in place after a mean follow-up of 8.83 ± 5.34 years. Clinical relevance: Bacteria from teeth with failed endodontic treatment or residual lesions might be reactivated by drilling for implant osteotomy, with subsequent colonization of the implant apex and possible failure before prosthetic loading. Therefore, it might be recommended to take a periapical x-ray at implant placement and after 6–8 weeks in order to intercept RPI before prostheses delivery