Evaluation of the Photoactivation Effect of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in the Disinfection of Dental Implants: In Vitro Study

Photoactivation of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a 445 nm diode laser represents a relatively new, insufficiently researched antimicrobial method in the treatment of peri-implantitis. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effect of photoactivation of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a 445 nm diode laser, and to compare the obtained results with 0.2% chlorhexidine treatment and 3% hydrogen peroxide treatment without photoactivation, in vitro, on the surface of dental implants contaminated with S. aureus and C. albicans biofilms. Previously, 80 infected titanium implants with S. aureus and C. albicans cultures were divided into four groups: G1-negative control (no treatment), G2-positive control (0.2% chlorhexidine), G3 (3% hydrogen peroxide), and G4 (photoactivated 3% hydrogen peroxide). The number of viable microbes in each sample was determined by the colony forming unit (CFU) count. The results were statistically processed and analyzed, showing a statistically significant difference across all groups compared to the negative control (G1), and the absence of a statistically significant difference between groups G1-G3. The new antimicrobial treatment, according to the results, could be worthy of further analysis and research.

Regeneration of Horizontal Bone Defect in Edentulous Maxilla Using the Allogenic Bone-Plate Shell Technique and a Composite Bone Graft—A Case Report

An insufficient volume of the alveolar bone may prevent implants from being placed in the prosthetically optimal position. Complex restoration of bony structures is required to achieve long-term peri-implant bone stability and represents an adequate prosthetic solution. Background and Objectives: The shell technique has become a widespread and important method for guided bone regeneration in dentistry. Allogeneic bone materials appear to be the most similar substitution for autogenous bone transplants. However, there are few studies using cortical bone allografts in combination with a mix of autogenous and xenograft materials for the augmentation of horizontal ridge defects. This combination offers the advantage of reduced patient morbidity while adding adequate volume and contour to the alveolar ridge. Case report: The present case study aimed to clinically and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of allogenic cortical bone lamina combined with a composite bone graft in the augmentation of a horizontal bone defect in the edentulous maxilla during a 6-year follow-up period. Three CB CT scans taken before treatment, 6 months after the augmentation period/before implant placement, and after a 6-year follow-up period, were analyzed using stable referent points. After the 6 -year follow-up period, the average resorption rate was 21.65% on the augmented buccal side, with no implant exposure being observed. Conclusions: The bone shell technique used in conjunction with allogenic bone plates combined with autogenous bone, xenografts, and collagen membranes is an effective technique to manage horizontal ridge defects.

Comparing Direct Measurements and Three-Dimensional (3D) Scans for Evaluating Facial Soft Tissue

The inspection of patients' soft tissues and the effects of various dental procedures on their facial physiognomy are quite challenging. To minimise discomfort and simplify the process of manual measuring, we performed facial scanning and computer measurement of experimentally determined demarcation lines. Images were acquired using a low-cost 3D scanner. Two consecutive scans were obtained from 39 participants, to test the scanner repeatability. An additional ten persons were scanned before and after forward movement of the mandible (predicted treatment outcome). Sensor technology that combines red, green, and blue (RGB) data with depth information (RGBD) integration was used for merging frames into a 3D object. For proper comparison, the resulting images were registered together, which was performed with ICP (Iterative Closest Point)-based techniques. Measurements on 3D images were performed using the exact distance algorithm. One operator measured the same demarcation lines directly on participants; repeatability was tested (intra-class correlations). The results showed that the 3D face scans were reproducible with high accuracy (mean difference between repeated scans <1%); the actual measurements were repeatable to some extent (excellent only for the tragus-pogonion demarcation line); computational measurements were accurate, repeatable, and comparable to the actual measurements. Three dimensional (3D) facial scans can be used as a faster, more comfortable for patients, and more accurate technique to detect and quantify changes in facial soft tissue resulting from various dental procedures.

Presence and Maturation Dynamics of Mandibular Third Molars and Their Influence on Late Mandibular Incisor Crowding: A Longitudinal Study

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the absence, presence and dynamics of mandibular third molar development and the occurrence and amount of late mandibular incisor crowding. Dental plaster casts and panoramic radiographs of 72 orthodontically untreated subjects from the Nittedal growth study, Norway were analyzed. The subjects were recalled for a checkup at 12, 15, 18 and 21 years of age. Mandibular incisor crowding was assessed using Little's irregularity index and dental maturation of the third molars by the Cameriere's index. The majority of the subjects (64%) had ≥1 mm increase in irregularity; 22% experienced an increase of 0.1-0.9 mm and 14% had unchanged or decreased irregularity. Incisor irregularity increased with age, regardless of absence or presence of third molars. The amount of change in incisor irregularity from 12 to 21 years did not differ significantly between subjects with hypodontia of third molars, extraction and those with third molars present. No differences were observed between erupted, unerupted or impacted third molars. No correlation was found between the amount of change in irregularity and maturation of the third molars. In conclusion, occurrence and amount of mandibular late incisor crowding is not significantly influenced by the presence of mandibular third molars or their development dynamics.