Jordi Gargallo-Albiol

Lingual nerve protection during surgical removal of lower third molars : A prospective randomised study

A prospective randomised study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of protecting the lingual nerve by subperiosteal insertion of a retractor in 300 patients. All operations were performed under local anaesthesia and only one molar was removed at a time. In one group, the lower third molar was removed with protection of the lingual nerve and in another group, without protection. Molars which did not need to be sectioned were excluded from the study. The position of the molar, the degree of surgical difficulty and patient gender and age were also recorded. The results indicate 1.33% incidence of temporary lingual nerve dysaesthesia--this being low in comparison with other studies. No permanent disturbances were found. The intergroup percentage difference was not significant. It is suggested that routine application of a lingual protecting instrument during surgical removal of a third molar is not necessary in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

Efficacy of methylprednisolone injected into the masseter muscle following the surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of methylprednisolone, as a single 40-mg dose, injected into the masseter muscle upon completion of extraction of impacted lower third molars. A prospective, randomized cross-over study was made of 35 healthy patients. The difficulty of extraction was similar in all cases. The study group received 40 mg of methylprednisolone injected into the masseter muscle via the intrabuccal approach, immediately after suturing of the surgical wound. The control group received no intramuscular corticoid. Evaluations were made of postoperative pain, trismus and swelling. Oral aperture was measured, along with the following distances for the assessment of swelling: tragus-lip commissure, gonion-lip commissure and gonion-external canthus of the eye, before and 2 and 7 days after surgery. The patients administered methylprednisolone showed superior results after surgery in terms of oral aperture, pain and all the facial swelling parameters, with statistically significant differences versus the controls (p<0.05). The results obtained show that 40 mg of methylprednisolone injected into the masseter muscle in the immediate postoperative period reduces swelling, trismus and pain.

On the Feasibility of Utilizing Allogeneic Bone Blocks for Atrophic Maxillary Augmentation

Purpose. This systematic review was aimed at assessing the feasibility by means of survival rate, histologic analysis, and causes of failure of allogeneic block grafts for augmenting the atrophic maxilla. Material and Methods. A literature search was conducted by one reviewer in several databases. Articles were included in this systematic review if they were human clinical trials in which outcomes of allogeneic bone block grafts were studied by means of survival rate. In addition other factors were extracted in order to assess their influence upon graft failure. Results. Fifteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and subsequently were analyzed in this systematic review. A total of 361 block grafts could be followed 4 to 9 months after the surgery, of which 9 (2.4%) failed within 1 month to 2 months after the surgery. Additionally, a weighed mean 4.79 mm (95% CI: 4.51–5.08) horizontal bone gain was computed from 119 grafted sites in 5 studies. Regarding implant cumulative survival rate, the weighed mean was 96.9% (95% CI: 92.8–98.7%), computed from 228 implants over a mean follow-up period of 23.9 months. Histologic analysis showed that allogeneic block grafts behave differently in the early stages of healing when compared to autogenous block grafts. Conclusion. Atrophied maxillary reconstruction with allogeneic bone block grafts represents a reliable option as shown by low block graft failure rate, minimal resorption, and high implant survival rate.

Clinical evidence on titanium-zirconium dental implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The use of titanium implants is well documented and they have high survival and success rates. However, when used as reduced-diameter implants, the risk of fracture is increased. Narrow diameter implants (NDIs) of titanium-zirconium (Ti-Zr) alloy have recently been developed (Roxolid; Institut Straumann AG). Ti-Zr alloys (two highly biocompatible materials) demonstrate higher tensile strength than commercially pure titanium. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the existing clinical evidence on dental NDIs made from Ti-Zr. A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline database to find relevant articles on clinical studies published in the English language up to December 2014. Nine clinical studies using Ti-Zr implants were identified. Overall, 607 patients received 922 implants. The mean marginal bone loss was 0.36±0.06mm after 1 year and 0.41±0.09mm after 2 years. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 36 months. Mean survival and success rates were 98.4% and 97.8% at 1 year after implant placement and 97.7% and 97.3% at 2 years. Narrow diameter Ti-Zr dental implants show survival and success rates comparable to regular diameter titanium implants (>95%) in the short term. Long-term follow-up clinical data are needed to confirm the excellent clinical performance of these implants.

Platelet-rich plasma for periodontal regeneration in the treatment of intrabony defects: a meta-analysis on prospective clinical trials

OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the regeneration of periodontal intrabony defects by means of evaluating clinical and radiographic outcomes in prospective human clinical trials. BACKGROUND PRP is a high concentration of platelets suspended in a small volume of plasma and has been used for periodontal tissue regeneration. However, although it has been broadly studied, there is much controversy on its efficacy when used to treat infrabony periodontal defects. METHODS An electronic literature search was conducted by two reviewers (AR and AM) in several databases up to February 2014. The PICO question was: Does PRP have a higher or similar efficacy of regenerating periodontal intrabony defects compared with other conventional periodontal regeneration treatments (e.g., bone grafts, barrier membranes)? Articles were included in this systematic review if they were prospective clinical trials with 10 or more human patients, reporting the radiographic and/or clinical outcomes PRP for regeneration intrabony periodontal defects. Random effects meta-analyses of the selected studies were applied to avoid any bias being caused by methodologic differences among studies. RESULTS Twenty-two papers were obtained and reviewed. Of these, 21 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and subsequently were qualitatively analyzed. Eighteen of these could be meta-analyzed. Fourteen articles were included for evaluating of probing pocket depth (PPD). The weighted mean difference (WMD) was 0.55 mm, with a 95% CI=-0.09 to 1.20 mm (P=.09). For bone level (BL), 2 articles measured BL in millimeters, and the other two articles measured BL in percentage. The WMD was 0.76 mm (95% CI=0.21-1.31 mm; P=.007) and 47.41% (95% CI=32.48%-62.33%; P<.0001), respectively. For attachment level (AL) changes, 12 articles were included. The WMD was 0.58 mm, with a 95% CI=0.24 to 0.91 mm (P=.0008). Sixteen articles were included for evaluation of marginal gingival level (MGL). The WMD -0.10 mm, with a 95% CI=-0.19 to -0.01 (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS High heterogeneity among studies made it difficult to draw clear conclusions. Nonetheless, within the limitations of this review, PRP might offer some beneficial effects on clinical and radiographic outcomes for regeneration of periodontal intrabony defects.

Alveolar Ridge Split on Horizontal Bone Augmentation: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE Many techniques have been proposed to overcome the limitations displayed by maxillary atrophy. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the predictability, dimensional changes, and associated factors to successfully perform the alveolar ridge split (ARS) technique of augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS An electronic and manual literature searches was conducted by two independent reviewers in several databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, for articles written in English up to February 2014. A manual search was also performed to ensure a thorough screening process. Based on the PICO (problem, intervention, comparison, outcome) model, the chief question of this study was: Can patients with horizontal ridge deficiency be successfully treated with the ARS technique and implant therapy? RESULTS Overall, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria, and a subsequent meta-analysis was performed. A Cohen kappa interagreement rate of 0.82 was reached. The implant survival rate of the included studies was 97.0% (range, 94.4% to 100%) with the full-thickness flap (FTF) approach and 95.7% (range, 86.6% to 100%) with the partial-thickness flap (PTF) approach. The weighted mean (WM) of horizontal bone width gain was calculated for included studies using FTF for the ARS technique. Four studies that had data were included in the meta-analysis. The WM ± standard deviation of bone width gain was 3.19 ± 1.19 mm (range, 2.00 to 4.03 mm). For studies using PTF for ARS, only one study provided mean and standard deviation of horizontal bone width gain (4.13 ± 3.13 mm); hence, meta-analysis could not be performed. Buccal wall fracture represented the most frequent postoperative complication, followed by postoperative ridge resorption. CONCLUSION In selected scenarios, the ARS technique might represent a predictable approach as demonstrated by a high implant survival rate, adequate horizontal bone gain, and minimal intra- and postoperative complications. Further research is needed to determine the influence of the grafting materials inserted and flap tissue biotype, as well as the anatomical characteristics on final bone augmentation outcomes.

Central odontogenic fibroma: retrospective study of 8 clinical cases.

Introduction and Objectives: The central odontogenic fibroma (COF) is a benign odontogenic tumour derived from the dental mesenchymal tissues. It is a rare tumour and only 70 cases of it have been published. Bearing in mind the rareness of the tumour, 8 new cases of central odontogenic fibroma have been found by analyzing the clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics of COF. Patients and Method: A retrospective study was carried out on 3011 biopsies in the Service of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Dental Clinic of Barcelona University between January 1995 and March 2008. 85 odontogenic tumours were diagnosed of which 8 were central odontogenic fibroma. The radiological study was based on orthopantomographs, periapical and occlusal radiographies and computerised tomographics. The variables collected were: sex, age, clinical characteristics of the lesion, treatment received and possible reappearances of the tumour. Results: The central odontogenic fibroma represents 9.4% of all odontogenic tumours. Of the 8 cases, 5 were diagnosed in men and 3 in women. The average age was 19.9 years with an age range of 11 to 38 years. The most common location of the tumour was in the mandible. All cases were associated with unerupted teeth. Of the 8 tumours, 3 provoked rhizolysis of the adjacent teeth and 4 cases caused cortical bone expansion. 50% of the patients complained of pain associated to the lesion. No case of recurrence was recorded up to 2 years after the treatment. Conclusions: Central odontogenic fibromas usually evolve asymptomatically although they can manifest very aggressively provoking dental displacement and rhizolysis. Radiologically, COF manifest as a uni or multilocular radiotransparent image although they can be indistinguishable from other radiotransparent lesions making diagnosis more difficult. COF treatment involves conservative surgery as well as follow-up patient checks. Key words: Odontogenic tumour, central odontogenic fibroma.

Effect of implant macro-design on primary stability: A prospective clinical study

Background Implant restorations have become a high predictable treatment option. Several caracteristics such as surgical technique and implant design can influence the treatment outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of implant macro-design on primary stability measured with resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and insertion torque (IT). Material and Methods A total of 47 implants divided in two groups: Test group (TI): 22 Tapered MIS® Seven implants; Control group (CI): 25 cylindrical Astra® Osseospeed implants. All implants were inserted following the manufacturers’ standard protocols. Implant primary stability was measured at the moment of implant placement by registering insertion torque values (ITv) and ISQ values by means of Osstell™ Mentor (ISQv) (Integration Diagnostic Ltd., Goteborg, Sweden). Results In the mandible, mean ISQv for tapered implants (TI) was 71.67±5.16 and for cylindrical implants (CI) 57.15±4.83 (p=0.01). Mean insertion torque was 46.67±6.85 Ncm for TI and 35.77±6.72 Ncm for CI (p=0.01). In the maxilla, mean ISQ was 67.2±4.42 for tapered implants and 49.17±15.30 for cylindrical implants (p=0.01). Mean insertion torque for TI was 41.5±6.26 Ncm and for CI 39.17±6.34 Ncm (p>0.05). For tapered implants, no correlation could be found between implant diameter and primary stability. But for cylindrical implants there was a statistically significant correlation between implant diameter and primary stability: ITv (p=0.03); ISQv (p=0.04). Conclusions Within the limits of the present study, tapered shaped implants achieve higher primary stability measured through ISQ and insertion torque values. Moreover, for cylindrical implants positive correlation has been established between implant diameter and primary stability. Key words:Primary stability, tapered, cylindrical, conical, implant macro-design.

Diagnostic predictability of digital versus conventional panoramic radiographs in the presurgical evaluation of impacted mandibular third molars

Panoramic radiographs are the most widely used radiological diagnostic technique in dental practice, offering full vision of the maxillas and adjacent regions, but there are shortcomings regarding detailed dentoalveolar exploration. This study compared the precision of digital versus conventional panoramic radiographs in the presurgical evaluation of impacted lower third molars. 390 mandibular third molars were studied in 287 patients; their position, morphology and surgical technique used were recorded. 84 molars were evaluated with digital panoramic radiographs, and 306 with conventional panoramic radiographs. Four observers compared the presurgical data with the surgical findings and the diagnostic precision was established. There were statistically significant differences between the techniques; digital panoramic radiographs were more precise than conventional radiographs in providing the correct presurgical evaluation of the impacted third molars. Surgeon experience had a statistically significant influence on planning the presurgical study. Panoramic radiographs distort the position and morphology of the lower third molar, which may affect the presurgical strategy used. In this context, and because of their lesser experience, first year residents consider the operation to be more complicated, and tend to act less conservatively and cause increased trauma. In conclusion, digital panoramic radiographs offer significantly greater diagnostic precision than conventional panoramic radiographs.

Anatomical and radiological approach to pterygoid implants: a cross-sectional study of 202 cone beam computed tomography examinations

The aim of this study was to define the three-dimensional angulation of the pterygomaxillary corridor in which pterygoid implants should ideally be placed. A secondary objective was to study the bone density in the tuberosity area and pterygoid plate. Two hundred and two cone beam computed tomography files of atrophic posterior maxillae were evaluated. Implant placement was guided by the individual anatomy of each patient. The mean implant angulation was 74.19±3.13° in the anteroposterior axis and 81.09±2.65° in the buccopalatal axis, relative to the Frankfort plane. Density in the tuberosity area ranged from 285.8 to 329.1DV units and density in the pterygoid plate area from 602.9 to 661.2DV units, with a 95% confidence interval. The density in the pterygoid area was 139.2% greater than in the tuberosity zone. Implant placement should be guided by the individual anatomy of each patient. Statistically significant differences were found between the tuberosity and pterygoid plate in terms of bone density. Based on the results of this study, an implant of at least 15mm long should be used in order to take advantage of the quantity and quality of the bone in this region.