Soft tissue healing outcomes in dentistry with acellular dermal collagen matrix

Background and objectives: The collagen matrices are widely used for regeneration procedures alone or in combination with other dental regeneration materials. The aim of this work was to evaluate the soft tissue healing with acellular dermal collagen matrix (ADCM) being used in various defects. Materials and Methods: The ADCM - mucoderm® was used in peri-implant soft tissue augmentation, hard and soft tissue management in immediate restoration and sealing of extraction socket. For that reason, five patients were retrospectively analysed. Results: The collagen matrix underwent active remodelling into new soft tissue and successful soft tissue healing was observed. Conclusion: The use of mucoderm® led to successful soft tissue treatment in various defects

Horizontal and Vertical Defect Management with a Novel Degradable Pure Magnesium Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) Membrane—A Clinical Case

Background and objectives: In guided bone regeneration (GBR), large defects comprising both horizontal and vertical components usually require additional mechanical support to stabilize the augmentation and preserve the bone volume. This additional support is usually attained by using non-resorbable materials. A recently developed magnesium membrane presents the possibility of providing mechanical support whilst being completely resorbable. The aim of this case report was to describe the application and outcome of the magnesium membrane in combination with a collagen pericardium membrane for GBR. Materials and methods: A 74 year old, in an otherwise good general health condition, was presented with stage 2 grade A periodontitis and an impacted canine. After extraction of the impacted canine, a defect was created with both vertical and horizontal components. The defect was augmented using the magnesium membrane to create a supportive arch to the underlying bone graft and a collagen pericardium membrane was placed on top to aid with the soft tissue closure. Results: Upon reentry at 8 months, complete resorption of the magnesium devices was confirmed as there were no visible remnants remaining. A successful augmentation outcome had been achieved as the magnesium membrane in combination with the collagen membrane had maintained the augmented bone well. Two dental implants could be successfully placed in the healed augmentation. Conclusions: In this case, the magnesium membrane in combination with a collagen pericardium membrane presented a potentially viable alternative treatment to titanium meshes or titanium-reinforced membranes for the augmentation of a defect with both horizontal and vertical components that is completely resorbable. It was demonstrated that it is possible to attain a good quality and quantity of bone using a resorbable system that has been completely resorbed by the time of reentry

Guided periodontal surgery: a novel approach for the treatment of gummy smile. A case report

An excessive gingival display, which commonly influences the appearance of the smile and the social behavior of patients, can be the result of various factors, including vertical maxillary excess, alterated passive eruption (APE), and a short or hyperactive upper lip. Surgical stents and guides have been used more frequently in clinical crown lengthening procedures during recent years to promote a higher level of precision and more predictable results. The aim of this article is to describe a novel approach for treating patients with APE who have high esthetic demands

Snoring and Sleep-Related Symptoms: A Novel Non-Invasive 808 nm Wavelength Diode Laser Non-Ablative Outpatient Treatment. A Prospective Pilot-Study on 45 Patients

Background: Surgical treatments for snoring and sleep-related symptoms are invasive, may have complications, have inconstant success rates, and may have a significant relapse rate. Methods: We evaluated the effectiveness of a non-surgical, non-invasive outpatient 808 nm diode laser treatment. Forty-five patients with snoring and sleep disorders were treated with an Elexxion-Claros® 50W Diode Laser 808-nm using the specific SNORE3 application. The possible presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients was diagnosed with Polysomnography. The Epworth sleepiness scale was reported pre- and post-laser treatments. Patients were classified according to both Friedman tongue position and Mallampati classification. During treatment, the pain reported by patients was measured on a visual analogue scale. Results: The following data improved significantly: visual analogue scale for the loudness of snoring, Epworth sleepiness scale, waking up during sleep because of snoring, dreaming during the night, dry mouth on awakening, daytime sleepiness, tiredness on awakening, Mallampati score, Friedman tongue position and degree of oropharynx at nose, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx classification (p < 0.001). A cessation of choking in 89% of the patients and of restless legs syndrome in 83% of the patients (p ≤ 0.005 and p ≤ 0.025) was also noted after the laser treatments. All of the patients who reported suffering from headaches upon waking (10 subjects) reported the complete cessation of this phenomenon after laser therapy. Conclusions: diode laser treatment is a promising procedure not only in reducing the loudness of snoring, but also in raising the global quality of sleep, a statistically significant reduction of AHI, and a cessation of bothersome phenomenon related to apnea. Results were sustainable at one year post-treatment

Consensus Report by the Italian Academy of Osseointegration on the Use of Graft Materials in Postextraction Sites

Purpose: After tooth extraction, a modeling and remodeling phase of bone and soft tissues occurs. It has been fully demonstrated that bone resorption as high as 50% can take place regarding ridge width and a variable amount concerning ridge height, making it difficult to perform implant surgery. Materials and Methods: Active members of the Italian Academy of Osseointegration (IAO) participated in this Consensus Conference, and three systematic reviews were conducted before the meeting to provide guidelines on alveolar ridge preservation procedures. The systematic reviews covered the following topics: (1) What material best preserves the dimensions of the ridge horizontally and vertically?; (2) what material favors the formation of the highest quantity of new bone?; (3) which technique would best seal the socket?; and (4) what effect does alveolar ridge preservation have on soft tissues? Results: The main conclusions reached by the assembly were that alveolar ridge preservation is advisable after dental extraction, particularly in esthetic areas, in proximity of anatomical structures (ie, maxillary sinus, inferior alveolar nerve, and mental foramen), whenever the treatment plan requires delayed placement, and whenever patients ask to postpone implant insertion for various reasons. Socket debridement is advised before the use of a "regenerative material," and xenograft is considered the gold standard material to maintain ridge dimensions. Another indication is antibiotic therapy, which is recommended in the case of alveolar ridge preservation (amoxicillin 2 g 1 hour before the intervention and 1 g every 12 hours for 6 days). A membrane or autologous soft tissue should be used to seal the socket and protect the regenerative material, and the indicated reentry time (implant insertion) is 4 to 6 months. Conclusion: This Consensus Conference agreed that the adoption of alveolar ridge preservation can effectively prevent physiologic bone loss, especially in esthetic areas. It is recommended to cover the xenograft material with a membrane or autologous soft tissue, and antibiotic therapy is advisable