Search Results (5)

Objectives: The impact of dental and oral health conditions on the oral health state and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) in geriatric in-hospital (GIH) patients requires clarification. For this reason, this exploratory and hypothesis-generating study aimed to examine the associations between intra-oral risk factors (IRFs), masticatory functions (MFs), and treatment satisfaction (TS) in this context. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled a total of 81 patients requiring immediate prosthetic treatment (IPT) by consultant dentists at Sana Hospital, Coburg, Germany. The evaluation focused on oral and dental state and MFs such as a modified DMFT and Eichner Index (EI), as well as on IRFs such as inflammation, mucogingival junction insufficiency (MGJI), severe bone crest atrophy (SBCA), and oral pain. The outcomes were measured after IPT using MF improvement (MFI) as the primary outcome and TS as the secondary outcome. Results: The outcomes (p < 0.05) were evaluated using objective measures such as the calculations of the EI, the EI modifications and the modified DMFT index. The results were associated, respectively, with the different IRFs and with specific SBCA. A total of 85% of GIH patients suffered from severe bone crest atrophy (SBCA), which showed a significant association with MF measured using EI after IPT (p = 0.001). MFI after IPT was associated with the EI before IPT (p < 0.000). The achieved MFI was finally associated with the untreated sample (all patients, p < 0.000) and with the presence or absence of the following IRFs at baseline: inflammation (p < 0.003), absence of oral pain (p < 0.000), presence of SBCA (p < 0.000), and absence of MFI (p < 0.000). A total of 78% of GIH patients confirmed treatment satisfaction (TS) after IPT, which was significantly and strongly associated with SBCA (p < 0.003). Conclusions: Oral health was primarily impaired by SBCA and can be measured by the analysis of EI and DMFT associations, which provided MFI and TS as outcomes for OHRQL. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gingival recession poses significant challenges in periodontal therapy, particularly in procedures aimed at achieving predictable root coverage and long-term stability of grafts. Conditioning of the root surface plays a crucial role in improving biomaterial adhesion and facilitating periodontal regeneration. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the morphological and microroughness alterations of root cementum following different mechanical and chemical conditioning protocols commonly used in mucogingival surgery. Methods: Forty extracted human single-rooted teeth were randomly allocated into eight groups: untreated control, mechanical scaling alone, and scaling combined with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, phosphoric acid, tetracycline, doxycycline, or saline. Surface roughness was measured using contact profilometry, while structural modifications were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Results: Statistically significant intergroup differences (p < 0.05) were observed. Baneocin treatment produced the most conservative changes, with limited surface roughness and minimal structural alteration, whereas phosphoric acid, tetracycline, and EDTA caused pronounced demineralization and surface porosity. Citric acid and doxycycline induced moderate alterations, with partial preservation of cementum integrity. The null hypothesis assuming no surface or morphological changes was rejected. Conclusions: These findings indicate that low-aggressiveness agents may achieve an optimal balance between surface decontamination and cementum preservation, which is critical for enhancing graft integration and improving clinical outcomes in root coverage surgery. Full article

Mixed dentition represents a critical phase in the oral development of pediatric patients, characterized by the simultaneous presence of primary and permanent teeth. This article proposes a comprehensive systematic review of the application of aligners as an innovative methodology in managing mixed dentition. The primary objective is to explore the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of this emerging orthodontic technology in the evolving age group. This systematic review focuses on randomized controlled trials, cohorts, and observational studies investigating the use of aligners in patients with mixed dentition. Clinical, radiographic, and psychosocial parameters will be considered to assess the overall impact of aligner therapy in this critical phase of dental development. An in-depth analysis of such data aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential of this technology in pediatric orthodontics. Expected outcomes may contribute to outlining practical guidelines and targeted therapeutic strategies for orthodontists involved in managing mixed dentition. Furthermore, this article aims to identify gaps in the current research and suggest future directions for studies exploring the use of transparent aligners in patients with mixed dentition, thereby contributing to the ongoing evolution of evidence-based orthodontic practices. Full article

Among the complications of orthodontic treatment, mucogingival problems with gingival recession in the mandibular anterior teeth are challenging for clinicians. Mucogingival problems can lead to esthetic deficits, thermal hypersensitivity, tooth brushing pain, and complicated plaque control. Herein, we present a case of a 16-year-old female with gingival recession in the left mandibular central incisor after orthodontic treatment. The preoperative clinical findings showed a thin soft tissue biotype with root prominence in the mandibular anterior area. The interdental area was relatively depressed. After reflection of the full-thickness flap, root coverage using a bone graft substitute and subepithelial connective tissue graft obtained from the palatal mucosa was performed. The 6-month and 5-year postoperative clinical findings showed improved soft tissue phenotype. The cross-sectional CBCT scans 5 years after surgery showed a well-maintained labial bone plate in the mandibular incisors. Within the limitations of this case report, for patients with gingival recession in the mandibular incisors after orthodontic treatment, a successful biotype modification can be achieved with a combined procedure using subepithelial connective tissue graft with bone graft substitutes. Full article

The aim of the study was to assess modifications of gingival morphology at the end of Phase I treatment with Invisalign First. Eighteen subjects (ten females, eight males, mean age nine years) treated with Invisalign First were selected. The following parameters were measured on intraoral photographs before treatment (T0) and after the first set of aligners (T1) at level of permanent incisors, deciduous canines and molars: gingival margin height (GMH) and deciduous canine inclination (DCI). A paired t-test was used to evaluate T1-T0 changes. The level of significance was established at 5%. Deciduous canines’ GMH showed a major reduction between T1 and T0 accounting for 0.87 mm and 0.86 mm, respectively on the right and left sides. DCI increased for all patients in the interval T0–T1 on both sides, +7.11° on the right and +7.5° on the left. Tooth movement during Invisalign First induced significant modifications of gingival contour resulting in a more harmonious smile. Full article