Soft Tissue Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography: A Novel Method for the Measurement of Gingival Tissue and the Dimensions of the Dentogingival Unit

ABSTRACT

The dimensions and relationships of the structures of the dentogingival unit have been greatly overlooked because of the inability to easily and precisely determine them. The purpose of the present study was to develop a soft tissue cone‐beam computed tomography (ST‐CBCT) to improve soft tissue image quality and allow the determination of the dimensions and relationships of the structures of the dentogingival unit. Two separate CBCT scans were obtained from three patients with different periodontal biotypes. The first was a scan following standard methods; however, for the ST‐CBCT the patients wore a plastic lip retractor and retracted their tongues toward the floor of their mouths. With the first scan, only measurements of the distance of the cementoenamel junctional (CEJ) to the facial bone crest, and the width of the facial alveolar bone were possible. In contrast, ST‐CBCT allowed measurements of the distance of the gingival margin to the facial bone crest, the gingival margin to the CEJ, and width of the facial gingiva. ST‐CBCT scans allowed a clear visualization, measurement of the dimensions, and analysis of the relationship of the structures of the periodontium and dentogingival attachment apparatus.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The dimensions and relationships of the structures of the dentogingival attachment apparatus are essential aspects in many fields of dentistry and this report describes a simple, novel, and noninvasive technique to determine them. This technique may aid clinicians in the planning and execution of procedures in several dental specialties.     

The Dentoalveolar Prosthesis: A Novel Approach in the Reconstruction of Hard and Soft Tissue Deficiencies

A clinical problem commonly encountered by the advanced restorative dentist is a requirement to replace missing teeth and the supporting alveolus in areas adjacent to healthy or manageable dentition. A potential solution could utilize a dentoalveolar prosthesis fabricated on two or more implants in the edentulous area. The implant substructure, or framework, may be cast, milled, or selectively laser melted from a variety of metals. A superstructure, or ceramic overlay incorporating a ceramic or composite resin gingival tissue component, is constructed to fit over the implant substructure and luted to the substructure with resin cement. This implant‐supported fixed dental prosthesis identifies a solution for the replacement of both teeth and supporting alveolar bone. It restores comfort, function, and esthetics to the patient.     

Platelet Rich Fibrin: A Novel Approach for Osseous Regeneration

 

To evaluate the efficacy of autologous platelet rich fibrin in soft tissue healing and bone regeneration in mandibular third molar extraction sockets.

Method

The study was conducted in 20 patients visiting in outpatient department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, requiring extraction of bilateral mandibular third molar, following extraction platelet rich fibrin (PRF) was placed in one extraction sockets, the other socket was studied as the control sites with no PRF. The patient were assessed for post operative pain, soft tissue healing and trabecular pattern in healing bone. Radiological assessment of the extraction site was done for period of 3 months to evaluate the change in bone density.

Results

Pain was less in study side compare to control site soft tissue was healing was better in study site. Evaluation of trabecular bone formation started earlier in PRF site compare to control site. The evaluation of bone density by radiological assessment showed the grey level value calculated after 3 months at the PRF site well comparatively higher than the average baseline value of the bone density at the extraction site in control site.

Conclusion

The study showed that autologous PRF is biocompatible and has significantly improved soft tissue healing. Bone regeneration and increase in bone density in extraction sockets. However, a more elaborate study with a large number of clinical cases is essential to be more conclusive regarding its efficacy.     

A Focus on Soft Tissue in Dental Implantology

Most of the focus in the early dental implant literature is on the bone to titanium interface because a successful Osseo integrated implant requires direct bone contact to the implant surface. The importance of soft tissue in the ability of dental implants to restore function and esthetics has often been underestimated. This paper reviews the pertinent literature on soft tissue healing and management in partially edentulous dental implant patients. Patients seek treatment to replace missing teeth and to improve comfort, function and/or esthetics. Healing around dental implants is affected by the patient’s health, soft and hard tissue contours, and the use and care of the prosthesis, surgical augmentation and placement, and the design of the definitive prosthesis. Several surgical and non-surgical procedures have been proposed to treat the soft tissue deformities in the interproximal areas. This review also discusses the interdental papilla and various approaches to preserve and restore the same. Most of the research was based on scientifically legitimate sources of information obtained from primary literature, other appropriate technical references and searching using various online resources.     

Guided Tissue Regeneration in Class IV External Cervical Resorption: A Case Report

External cervical resorption (ECR) is a type of dental resorption that originates from the loss of the cementum's protective layer. The direct exposure of dentin to the periodontal ligament may lead to the invasion of clastic cells through an entry point on the external root surface into the dentinal tissue, causing resorption. Depending on the extension of ECR, different treatments are proposed. Although the literature presents distinct materials and methods for restoring ECR areas, an existing gap is related to care in the treatment of the supporting periodontal tissue. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)/guided bone regeneration includes the stimulation of bone formation in bone defects using different types of membranes (resorbable and nonresorbable), regardless of its association with bone substitutes or grafts. Despite the benefits of guided bone regeneration, the application of this method in cases of ECR is still under-explored in the literature. Thus, the present case report uses GTR with xenogenic material and polydioxanone membrane in a case of class IV ECR. The success of the present case is related to the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Complete debridement of resorption areas and restoration with biodentine were effective in tooth repair. GTR contributed to the stabilization of supporting periodontal tissues. The association of the xenogeneic bone graft with the polydioxanone membrane proved to be a viable option for restoring the health of the periodontium.     

Soft Tissue Reconstruction After Hemimandibulectomy in Oral Malignancies: A Retrospective Study

Aims  

The present study was under taken to evaluate the efficacy of various local and regional soft tissue flaps used for reconstruction after excision of various malignant lesions of the mouth and also to evaluate complications with length of hospital stay after the reconstruction.     

Management of Root Fenestration Using Buccal Decortication and Guided Tissue Regeneration: A Case Report and 3-dimensional Analysis

The management of patients with apical fenestration and clinical symptoms has always been limited to apical root resection and placement of the root tip within the bony crypt. This result would often present resolution of clinical symptoms based on a few case studies. In this case report, we present a case in which apical resection alone did not resolve the patient’s discomfort; on the contrary, it resulted in further bone loss and persistence of clinical symptoms. A corrective surgery was performed with the use of guided bone regeneration in conjunction with decortication of the cortical plate to induce bleeding. The patient symptoms resolved within a few weeks after the surgery, and the follow-up scan showed apical root coverage. Three-dimensional analysis was performed to compare the bony changes between the 2 surgeries and showed a significant amount of bone gain of around 200 mm³ and a 2-mm linear bone gain opposite the distobuccal root. The case presents a conservative approach to manage root fenestration of the buccal plate without further compromising the root apex.