Oral Frenum Composition and Clinical Implication in Bone Regeneration

Successful bone augmentation relies on primary wound closure. Labial frenum is a soft tissue that connects the lip to alveolar mucosa or gingiva. However, frenum may exert biomechanical forces to the wound edge, causing wound instability. The aim of this study is to (1) review the frenum composition and classifications; (2) understand the significance of frenum in wound stability upon bone regeneration. An electronic search was conducted through the three online databases together with manual search on studies published until September 2022. A total of 300 articles were identified and 11 studies were included in this review. Two of the included six studies discovered that 35-37.5% of the labial frenum had muscle fibers. Other studies showed that labial frenum was mainly composed of connective tissue with elastic fibers. There are two widely used classifications for frenum based on morphology and position of attachment. No studies specifically evaluated the impact of frenum on bone regeneration. Frenum location intercorrelated with the amount of keratinized tissue, which could influence wound stability. A modified frenum classification for the edentulous ridge and a decision diagram to manage the frenum is proposed for research and evidenced practice.

A conceptual review on reconstructive peri-implantitis therapy: Challenges and opportunities

OBJECTIVES

The current strategies to reconstruct lost peri-implant tissues due to the disease have been largely unpredictable. The aim of this conceptual review is to discuss relevant biological and biomechanical challenges of applying reconstructive means to treat peri-implantitis. Additionally, opportunities to improve treatment predictability are presented.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A narrative review was conducted to fulfill the aim.

RESULTS

The four interrelated negative conditions hampering effective reconstruction are: inferior tissue perfusion, unfavorable bone topography, ineffective surface treatment, and unstable wound. First, peri-implant tissues resemble scars with reduced cellularity and vascularity, coupled with the absence of the periodontal ligament plexuses and the avascular implant and biomaterials, maintaining primary closure is a challenge, which is critical for regeneration. Second, defect morphology and bone topography surrounding implants determine the reconstructive potential. Unfortunately, noncontained defects are frequently encountered, with a combination of suprabony (horizontal bone loss) and infrabony (vertical usually involving circumferential bone loss) defects. Third, current attempts for implant surface decontamination are insufficient due to inaccessible macrostructure and rough surfaces in the micro-scale. Histologic evaluation has shown bacteria aggregation and calcified deposits around implants. Lastly, wound stability is difficult to achieve due to inherent soft tissue biomechanical quality and quantity deficiencies and mobile bone particulates. Opportunities to tackle the abovementioned challenges include the use of novel imaging technologies, such as high-frequency dental ultrasound and laser speckle imaging to evaluate tissue perfusion, soft tissue quality/quantity, and bone topography pre-surgically. The use of the operating microscope could allow better visualization and removal of etiologic factors. Strategies to improve soft tissue quality may include preoperative control of soft tissue inflammation and the potential use of biologics. Methods such as fixation to stabilize the biomaterials could be beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

A more nuanced understanding of the current challenges and opportunities can lead to more effective preoperative and postoperative care protocols, ultimately improving the success rate of reconstructive procedures.

Overview of Ultrasound in Dentistry for Advancing Research Methodology and Patient Care Quality with Emphasis on Periodontal/Peri-implant Applications

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, cross-sectional imaging technique emerging in dentistry. It is an adjunct tool for diagnosing pathologies in the oral cavity that overcomes some limitations of current methodologies, including direct clinical examination, 2D radiographs, and cone beam computerized tomography. Increasing demand for soft tissue imaging has led to continuous improvements on transducer miniaturization and spatial resolution. The aims of this study are (1) to create a comprehensive overview of the current literature of ultrasonic imaging relating to dentistry, and (2) to provide a view onto investigations with immediate, intermediate, and long-term impact in periodontology and implantology.

METHODS

A rapid literature review was performed using two broad searches conducted in the PubMed database, yielding 576 and 757 citations, respectively. A rating was established within a citation software (EndNote) using a 5-star classification. The broad search with 757 citations allowed for high sensitivity whereas the subsequent rating added specificity.

RESULTS

A critical review of the clinical applications of ultrasound in dentistry was provided with a focus on applications in periodontology and implantology. The role of ultrasound as a developing dental diagnostic tool was reviewed. Specific uses such as soft and hard tissue imaging, longitudinal monitoring, as well as anatomic and physiological evaluation were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Future efforts should be directed towards the transition of ultrasonography from a research tool to a clinical tool. Moreover, a dedicated effort is needed to introduce ultrasonic imaging to dental education and the dental community to ultimately improve the quality of patient care.