Quintessence International, 03/2022

Objectives: To compare the operative time and presence of air voids on Class II restorations fabricated by dental practitioners with 1 to 5 years of experience using incremental and bulk-filling techniques. Method and materials: Four techniques were evaluated: incremental, bulk-filling, bulk-filling with heated composite, and snowplow technique. Standardized mandibular first molars with a MOD (mesial, occlusal, and distal) cavity were used. Voluntary operators made two restorations using each technique and the time required for each restoration was recorded. The restorations were scanned by micro-computed tomography to calculate the volume of the restoration occupied by air voids. The “operative time” and “volume of air voids” were analyzed individually by two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc (α = .05) for the factors operator and insertion technique. A correlation between “operative time” and “volume of air voids” was evaluated using Pearson coefficient (α = .05). Results: The incremental technique required significantly longer time, yet no differences were observed between the bulk-filling techniques. There were no significant differences between techniques regarding the volume of air voids. A significant, but weak, and inverse linear correlation (P = .0059; r = −.29; r2 = 8.41%) was found between the operative time and volume of air voids. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the volume of air voids among the evaluated techniques, although bulk-filling techniques required a shorter operative time. Hence, implementing bulk-filling techniques by dental schools and restorative dental practitioners with different levels of expertise may reduce chair time and produce a volume of air voids similar to the incremental technique. Keywords: composite resins, computed tomography, dental materials, dental restoration, filling materials, operative dentistry

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of lockdown due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic on the periodontal status of patients with periodontitis in supportive periodontal therapy. Method and materials: A retrospective analysis of patients affected by periodontitis stage III–IV-grade A, B, and C, who had their supportive periodontal therapy to September 2020, after a period of 6 months from the planned maintenance recall (March 2020) was performed. Clinical parameters full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), and probing depth (PD) were evaluated. Patients were assigned to three groups: A (nonsmokers); B (< 10 cigarettes/day); and C (> 10 cigarettes/day). Statistical analysis was used to compare intra-group and inter-group differences. Results: In total, 55 subjects with the mean age of 47.7 ± 7.0 years were enrolled. The number of participants in group A and group B decreased, respectively, from 25 (45.5%) to 20 (36.4%) and from 17 (30.9%) to 13 (23.6%). The C group increased from 13 (23.6%) to 22 (40.0%). A statistically significant increase in mean FMPS was recorded in group A (from 22.5 ± 3.5 to 30.0 ± 28.3; P < .0001); group B (from 22.5 ± 12.7 to 42.5 ± 3.5; P < .0001); and group C (from 22.5 ± 25.5 to 42.5 ± 10.6; P < .0001). A statistically significant increase in mean FMBS was recorded in group A (from 15.0 ± 7.1 to 25.0 ± 21.2; P < .0001); group B (from 15.0 ± 0.0 to 37.5 ± 3.5; P < .001); and group C (from 12.5 ± 3.5 to 30.0 ± 7.1; P < .0001). A statistically significant increase in mean PD was recorded in group A (from 4.48 ± 0.5 to 5.25 ± 1.2; P < .001); in group B (from 4.71 ± 0.7 to 5.38 ± 1.31; P < .0001); and group C (from 6.00 ± 0.0 to 7.09 ± 1.1; P < .0001). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study the results showed that the pandemic period resulted in an increase in probing depth for the patients in regular SPT, possibly due to increased tobacco consumption. Keywords: connective tissue, gingival recession, surgical flaps, tooth root

Objectives: To assess the development of halitosis in participants wearing new removable complete dentures (RCD). Method and materials: Seventy-five completely edentulous patients receiving RCD were recruited. Halitosis was assessed by means of FitScan Breath Checker on the day of denture insertion (T0), as well as after 1 month (T1), and after 2 months (T2). Risk factors were studied using a validated questionnaire about oral and denture hygiene, and tongue scoring followed for each participant. A modified plaque scoring technique assessed the percentage of newly formed biofilms accumulated on all surfaces of the RCD. Results: At T0, 44% of the participants revealed halitosis. This percentage insignificantly increased at T1 (66.7%) and T2 (65.6%), respectively (P > .109). At T1, halitosis was significantly lower among persons who reported tongue brushing compared to refraining participants (14.3% vs 72.6%; P = .002). At T2, halitosis was significantly higher among patients suffering from moderate to heavy tongue coatings compared to those with no or only light coatings (83.3% vs 50.0%; P = .006), those who did wear their dentures during sleeping (77.5% vs 45.8%; P = .010), and those who did not brush their tongues at all (87.5% vs 29.2%; P < .0001). With a 16-fold increased probability (95% CI 10.0 to 23.31; P < .001), the multivariate analysis revealed that non-brushing the tongue was the only variable significantly linked to halitosis at both follow-ups. Conclusion: Non-brushing of tongues as well as sleeping with dentures seems to be the main causes of halitosis in new RCD wearers. Keywords: complete denture, denture hygiene, denture plaque scoring, halitosis, malodor, tongue cleaning, tongue coating index

Objectives: The present retrospective study assessed the width of keratinized mucosa (WKM) and vestibular depth (VD) adjacent to dental implants subsequent to vestibular extension procedure in patients exhibiting inadequate WKM. A correlation between these two parameters with peri-implant soft tissue stability and the incidence of peri-implant soft tissue dehiscence (PSTD) was also examined. Method and materials: The study included 36 patients (age range 30 to 50 years) with implant restoration. The patients with an inadequate WKM and VD underwent vestibular extension procedure in areas of implant placement. The Modified Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, WKM, VD, and the peri-implant probing depth were measured and compared at baseline, 3 months, and after 1 and 2 years post vestibular extension procedure. Results: A significant enhancement was observed in VD dimensions for both men and women from baseline (1.73 ± 1.10 mm and 1.57 ± 0.98 mm, respectively) to 2 years posttherapy (6.93 ± 0.88 mm and 7.95 ± 1.12 mm, respectively). Similarly, there was an increase in WKM of 4.14 ± 0.24 mm in men and 4.84 ± 0.14 mm in women. However, a weak and insignificant negative correlation was observed between WKM, VD, and PSTD after 2 years. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the vestibular extension procedures around dental implants enable the clinician to achieve greater WKM and VD posttherapy, which is maintainable for a considerable time. The peri-implant soft tissue stability achieved thereafter ensures proper oral hygiene at the site and also negatively correlates with the PSTD. Keywords: dental implants, implant success, keratinized gingiva, oral vestibuar depth, peri-implant tissues

Objective: To compare the changes in periodontal parameters after orthodontic treatment in patients having isolated gingival recession treated with and without pre-orthodontic gingival recession coverage. Method and materials: Thirty-six patients requiring orthodontic treatment with a facially positioned mandibular anterior tooth with labial recession were randomly allocated to either test group: root coverage by subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) followed by orthodontic treatment, or control group (orthodontic treatment only). Primary clinical parameters included recession depth, keratinized tissue width, root coverage, root esthetic score, and gingival phenotype. The patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Results: Level of gingival margin attained in test group teeth after SCTG were maintained at end of orthodontic treatment (P = .727). Root coverage achieved was 69.33 ± 30.74% versus 22.36 ± 27.70% in test and control group, respectively (P = .000), and gain in keratinized tissue width was 1.59 ± 0.73 mm in test versus 0.41 ± 0.49 mm in control group (P = .000). The number of teeth with improved gingival phenotype and decreased hypersensitivity was also observed to be statistically significant in the test group (P = .049, P = .002). Conclusion: Root coverage procedure may be performed before the planned orthodontic treatment as graft stability is preserved throughout the course of orthodontic treatment. Keywords: alignment, connective tissue, fixed orthodontics, gingival recession, phenotype

Objectives: Third molar extractions may affect the periodontal health of the adjacent second molars as well as the patient’s comfort. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of type-1 collagen cone (CC) on periodontal health and postoperative sequelae following extraction of third molars with secondary healing. Method and materials: This was a randomized, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial. Sixty mandibular third molars (30 patients) were subdivided according to side. A collagen cone was randomly inserted into one side and the other side was the control. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Trismus and facial swelling were determined on postoperative days 2, 7, and 30. The alveolar osteitis (AO) incidence was recorded on days 2 and 7. The Plaque Index, Gingival Index, clinical attachment level, and pocket probing depth of the second molars were evaluated at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6. Results: No significant differences were found between groups regarding postoperative pain, trismus, facial swelling, or the incidence of AO. However, AO developed in 10% of control side cases, while no sign of AO was observed on the experimental side. Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and clinical attachment level were comparable in both groups. Pocket probing depths for the distobuccal surface of the second molar was significantly higher on the control side at 6 months (P = .017). Conclusion: Insertion of a type-1 collagen cone into an extraction socket did not show a significant clinical improvement in extraction socket healing and postoperative sequelae after the third molar extraction. Keywords: alveolar osteitis, collagen cone, periodontal health, pocket depth, postoperative sequelae, third molar surgery

Objective: Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a benign odontogenic tumor with an excellent prognosis, often seen in children and young adults. The aim was to examine the spectrum of clinical, radiographic, and histologic attributes of AOT and assess clinician recognition of this entity. In addition, diagnostic considerations and treatment modalities were explored. Method and materials: With Institutional Review Board approval, archival cases of AOT from the University of Florida Oral Pathology Biopsy Service (1994–2019) were examined. Clinical and demographic data along with accompanying radiographs and original slides were reviewed. Results: A total of 28 cases of AOT were identified. These were all solitary in nature, with a mean age of 20.6 years (range 12–67 years). Most patients were under 20 (75.0%) with a definite female predilection (64.3%). Anterior jaws remained the most common location (85.2%), with a higher maxillary predilection (57.1%). Clinical impression included odontogenic lesions such as dentigerous cyst, lateral periodontal cyst, and odontogenic keratocyst. Conclusion: The spectrum of features of AOT is described. As clinicians were unfamiliar with AOT, highly characteristic features of AOT and more unique variants are discussed extensively to improve diagnostic aptitude. Clinicians must remain aware of this entity, as treatment is minimal compared to other odontogenic entities. Keywords: histology, neoplasms, odontogenic, odontogenic cyst, odontogenic tumor, radiology

Chorea-acanthocytosis is a rare neurological disorder that produces involuntary body movements, along with a condition of misshapen red blood cells that is characterized by appearing in early adulthood. There are numerous orofacial manifestations linked to chorea-acanthocytosis that the dental practitioner must consider in early and late stages of the disease, such as chronic oral ulcerations, chronic mouth grinding, difficulty swallowing, and biting the lip and tongue, among others. This case, the first to the authors’ knowledge to address the area of orofacial pain, provides general signs and symptoms of the disorder and management following a multidisciplinary approach. The life span of patients with this disorder is generally shortened, and correct management is essential to improve the quality of life. Keywords: chorea, dyskinesia, multidisciplinary approach, oral appliance, ulcerations