Radiologic bone loss in patients with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws: a case–control study

Objectives

Most patients with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BP-ONJ) report a previous tooth extraction at the necrosis site before the diagnosis was made. At older ages, most teeth are extracted due to periodontal disease, which is per se another BP-ONJ trigger factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status of BP-ONJ patients using panoramic radiographs compared to a control.

Materials and methods

All patients treated for BP-ONJ up to January 1, 2010 comprised the study. The very first panoramic radiograph was analyzed. The number of remaining teeth and the radiographic bone loss from the cemento-enamel junction to the crestal bone were measured. For each patient, one control was analyzed (matching for gender and age).

Results

One hundred twenty-nine BP-ONJ panoramic radiographs and 129 controls were analyzed (68 women, 61 men; 67.3?±?9.7 years; osteoporosis [n?=?11], breast cancer [n?=?33], multiple myeloma [n?=?61], prostate cancer [n?=?24]). The average number of remaining teeth was 12.9?±?8.4 for BP-ONJ and 16.4?±?9.4 for the control (p?=?0.02). The average radiographic bone loss was 5.5?±?2.3 mm for BP-ONJ and 3.1?±?1.1 mm for the control (p?<?0.001); 96.6 % of BP-ONJ and 77.5 % had radiographic bone loss of more than 5 mm. Radiographic bone loss in the molar region was the highest for both groups (BP-ONJ 6.0?±?2.3 mm; control 3.6?±?1.4 mm).

Conclusion

Prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in patients with BP-ONJ is higher compared to healthy controls.

Clinical relevance

Patients with periodontal disease might be at a higher risk of developing BP-ONJ; therefore, periodontal disease therapy in patients who are about to receive bisphosphonates should be undertaken.     

Analysis of bone formation after sinus augmentation using β-tricalcium phosphate

Implant placement in the edentulous maxilla often represents a clinical challenge due to insufficient bone height after crestal bone resorption and maxillary sinus pneumatization. Several graft materials have been evaluated for augmenting the maxillary sinus to compensate for the lost vertical dimension. Allografts are readily available without the risk of disease transmission and the need for a second site surgery. The aim of this case series was to systematically evaluate the development and maturation of augmented bone in the maxillary sinus using beta-tricalcium phosphate. In 21 to 40 weeks post-sinus elevation, bone biopsies were taken and implants placed simultaneously. All specimens were demineralized and subjected to staining procedures (ie, Hematoxylin and Eosin [H&E], Goldner's staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP]). Total bone increased over time, whereas the amount of graft material diminished. A lack of inflammatory reaction was noticed with the use of this graft material. In addition, TRAP staining revealed the presence of osteoclasts surrounding the remaining particles. During a 12-month follow-up, no implant failure or complications were observed.     

Somatosensory profiling of patients with plaque-induced gingivitis: a case–control study

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the mechanical and thermal sensory thresholds of the gingiva in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis compared with a control group to help characterize effects of an inflammatory condition in the oral mucosa on somatosensory function.

Materials and methods

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) was used in 22 patients (men 10, women 12, age 20–30 years) with plaque-induced gingivitis at the lower lateral incisors and in 22 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers as a control group. One lower lateral incisor (32 or 42) was randomly identified for each included subject. Cold detection threshold (CDT), warm detection threshold (WDT), cold pain threshold (CPT), and heat pain threshold (HPT) of the attached gingiva at the identified lower lateral incisors were assessed in both groups. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the teeth was also tested from vertical and lateral directions and analyzed. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean values of the identified lower lateral incisors between the two groups.

Results

The results showed that the CDT (P = 0.027), WDT (P = 0.021), and HPT (P = 0.005) at the gingiva and PPT (P < 0.001) at the identified lower lateral incisors from the vertical direction were significantly less sensitive, whereas the PPT (P = 0.016) at the gingiva of the identified lateral incisors were significantly more sensitive in the gingivitis group compared to the control group. Plaque-induced gingivitis and the inflammatory response appear to be associated with significant changes in somatosensory sensitivity at the gingiva and periodontal tissue in a bidirectional mode, i.e., both increased and decreased sensitivity to different types of stimuli.

Conclusions

Inflammatory reactions in the gingiva seem to be associated with demonstrable changes in somatosensory function including both hypo- and hyperesthesia.

Clinical relevance

These findings may have significance for general oral health and well-being in patients with even plaque-induced gingivitis.

     

Microcomputed tomography analysis of particular autogenous bone graft in sinus augmentation at 5 months: differences on bone mineral density and 3D trabecular structure

Objectives

This study investigated the effects of gender on the three-dimensional (3D) bone mineral density (BMD) and micromorphology of the trabeculae of matured autogenous bone grafts after sinus floor augmentation, and compared them to those of adjacent native bone.

Materials and methods

Ten bone biopsy samples were removed from the implant placement areas of patients who had received second-stage sinus floor augmentation, and analyzed by microcomputed tomography. BMD phantoms with two calcium hydroxyapatite densities (0.25 and 0.75 g/cm³) were used to determine the BMD of the grafted and native bone samples. The 3D structural parameters of the trabeculae, including percentage of bone volume (bone volume/tissue volume, BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number, trabecular separation, trabecular pattern factor (Tb.Pf), and structure model index, were analyzed between males and females and between grafted bone and native bone.

Results

No significant gender-specific differences in BMD and 3D trabecular structure of either native or grafted bone were found (P?>?0.05). Compared to the adjacent native bone, the autogenous grafted bone exhibited lower BV/TV and Tb.Th as well as a higher Tb.Pf (P?<?0.05). Additionally, there was a weak positive correlation between the Tb.Th values of grafted and native bone (R ²?=?0.58).

Conclusions

In the maxillary sinus, autogenous grafted bone exhibited lower BV/TV, Tb.Th, and trabecular connectivity than the adjacent native bone. No significant gender-specific differences were found for either the BMD or 3D trabecular structure of grafted bone.

Clinical relevance

After bone remodeling, autogenous grafted bone revealed different 3D trabecular structure as compared to native bone.     

Levels of salivary IgA in patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a matched case–control study

Objectives

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral mucosal disease. Despite plenty of studies on aetiopathogenesis of RAS, a definite cause is not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the potential changes of salivary IgA and salivary flow rate in patients affected with minor form of RAS.

Materials and methods

Levels of salivary IgA in 33 patients with acute RAS (minor form) and 33 matched healthy controls were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Resting salivary flow rates were determined too. Both measurements, levels of salivary IgA and resting salivary flow rate, were performed again for each RAS patient in remission phase.

Results

Levels of salivary IgA were significantly increased in acute phase of RAS [median (interquartile range)—124.94 μg/mL (106.22–136.31)] in comparison with the levels in healthy controls [88.92 μg/mL (76.85–93.91; P?<?0.001)] and with the levels in remission phase [102.4 μg/mL (84.6–120.16; P?=?0.01)]. Even in the disease-free period (remission phase), levels of salivary IgA remained significantly higher in comparison with the levels in healthy controls (P?=?0.01). Salivary flow rates, on the other side, were not influenced by the disease state (RAS vs. healthy), phase (acute vs. remission) or even gender (males vs. females).

Conclusion

Marked increase of salivary IgA in acute and remission phases of the minor RAS may suggest a potential role for this immunoglobulin in pathogenesis of the disease.

Clinical relevance

Salivary IgA may be an important aetiological agent in the pathogenesis of RAS, and hence, its immunomodulation may help prevent the disease.     

Association between periodontitis and chronic migraine: a case–control study

Odontology - The aim of this investigation was to examine whether chronic periodontitis (CP) is a risk indicator of chronic migraine (CM). We performed a case–control study consisted of 102...     

Dental risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaws: a CONDOR case–control study

Background

Reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) have associated this lesion to treatment with bisphosphonates (BPs) and dental procedures. In this study, we investigated the association of specific dental diagnoses and procedures with ONJ among patients with past BP use.

Methods

Dentists from three practice-based research networks provided ONJ cases and controls (1:3). Data gathered from patients and dental offices with two respective standard questionnaires included demographic, medical, pharmaceutical, and dental information. Diagnoses and procedures up to 3 years prior to ONJ (prior to interview for controls) were analyzed within risk strata, defined by BP use and cancer status, using interaction terms within conditional logistic regression models.

Results

We enrolled 191 ONJ cases and 573 controls from 119 dental offices. Among participants who had used only oral BP, extraction was the only dental risk factor for ONJ (odds ratio (OR)?=?12, p?=?0.01). Suppuration was also more prevalent in cases (18 %) than in controls (9 %), but not statistically significant (OR?=?9, p?=?0.06). Among participants who had not used either oral or IV BP (a majority of whom received radiation therapy to the head and neck), suppuration was the only dental risk factor for ONJ (prevalence?=?34 % for cases and 8 % for controls; OR?=?7, p?=?0.01). The prevalence of extractions in this group was also higher, but not statistically significant (44 vs 10 %; OR?=?3). Limited power precludes definitive findings among participants exposed to IV BP.

Conclusions

Among patients taking oral BP, extraction was the only dental procedure associated with subsequent ONJ development

Clinical relevance

Results of this study suggest that routine dental procedures are not associated with development of ONJ in patients exposed to BPs.     

Effects of Choukroun’s platelet-rich fibrin on bone regeneration in combination with deproteinized bovine bone mineral in maxillary sinus augmentation: A histological and histomorphometric study

PurposeThe potential effect of Choukroun’s platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in combination with allograft on promoting bone regeneration has been discussed in previous publications. This study aims to evaluate an influence of PRF on bone regeneration in sinus augmentation in combination with a xenograft, deproteinised bovine bone.Materials and methodsEleven sinuses from 10 patients with posterior maxillary bone atrophy were selected for the study. As a test group, six sinus floor elevations were grafted with a Bio-Oss and PRF mixture, and as control group, five sinuses were treated with Bio-Oss alone. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed pre- and postoperatively. After 6 months of sinus augmentation, bone biopsies were obtained from the grafted posterior maxilla, and un-decalcified ground sections were prepared. Bone characteristics were evaluated using histological observation and histomorphometric analyses.ResultsNo adverse effect was observed in any case within the follow-up period of 6 months after sinus augmentation. Histological observation showed similar morphological characteristics for both the PRF and control groups. The percentage of new bone formation in the PRF group was about 1.4 times of that in control (18.35% ± 5.62% vs. 12.95% ± 5.33%), while the percentage of residual bone substitute in the control group was about 1.5 times higher as that in the PRF group (28.54% ± 12.01% vs. 19.16% ± 6.89%). The percentage of contact length between newly formed bone and bone substitute in the PRF group was 21.45% ± 14.57% vs. 18.57% ± 5.39% in the control. No significant statistical differences between the two groups were found in these observed parameters.ConclusionsOur preliminary result demonstrated neither an advantage nor disadvantage of the application of PRF in combination with deproteinised bovine bone mineral in sinus augmentation after a healing period of 6 months.     

Influence of the use of autogenous bone particles to close the access window after maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a micro‐computed tomography and positron emission tomography study in rabbits

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - The purpose of this study was to evaluate using microCT and positron emission tomography (PET) analysis, the influence on bone healing of the placement of...     

Long-term effects of tongue piercing — a case control study

The aim of this study was to evaluate tooth and periodontal damage in subjects wearing a tongue piercing (TP) in comparison to matched control subjects without tongue piercing. Members of the German Federal Armed Forces who had TP (group TP) and a matched control group (group C) volunteered to take part in the study. The time in situ, localization and material of TP were documented. Dental examinations included DMF-T, oral hygiene, enamel fissures (EF), enamel cracks (EC) and recessions. Statistical analysis was determined by χ ² test and the t test. Both groups had 46 male subjects (mean age 22.1 years). The piercings had been in situ for 3.8 ± 3.1 years. Subjects in the TP group had a total of 1,260 teeth. Twenty-nine subjects had 115 teeth (9.1%) with EF (67% lingual). In group C (1,243 teeth), 30 subjects had 60 teeth with EF (4.8%, 78% vestibular) (p < 0.01). Thirty-eight subjects belonging to group TP had EC in 186 teeth (15%). In group C, 26 subjects with 56 teeth (4.5%) were affected by EC (p < 0.001). Twenty-seven subjects in group TP had 97 teeth (7.7%) with recessions. Lingual surfaces of anterior teeth in the lower jaw were affected most frequently (74%). In group C, 8 subjects had 19 teeth (1.5%) with recessions (65% vestibular). Differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Tongue piercing is correlated with an increased occurrence of enamel fissures, enamel cracks and lingual recessions. Patients need better information on the potential complications associated with tongue piercing.     

Polymorphisms in genes expressed during amelogenesis and their association with dental caries: a case–control study

Clinical Oral Investigations - Dental caries is a widespread multifactorial disease, caused by the demineralization of hard dental tissues. Susceptibility to dental caries is partially genetically...     

The relationship between head injury and facial trauma: a case–control study

Introduction

In spite of anatomic proximity of the facial skeleton and cranium, there is paucity of information in the literature regarding the relationship between head injuries and facial trauma. The objective of our investigation was to evaluate the pattern of head injuries in patients with maxillofacial trauma, and to study their relationship.

Material and methods

We evaluated 2,692 patients with maxillofacial trauma admitted to the Besat hospital, Hamedan, Iran between 2007 and 2010. Patients with associated head injury (302 cases; study group) were compared with those without head injury (2,390 cases; control group).

Results

In our cohort, the rate of head injuries associated with facial bone fractures was 23.3 %. The most common associated head injury was concussion, followed by cerebral contusion and skull fractures. In the unadjusted analysis, motorcycle and car accidents were significantly more frequent in the study group, while stumbling, sports injuries, and work-related injuries were significantly more common in the control group (p?<?0.001). Except for Lefort III fractures which was not significantly different between groups, all facial fractures occurred more frequently in the study group (p?<?0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that motorcycle accidents (211-fold), car accidents (139-fold), violence (69-fold), falls (66-fold), frontal sinus fractures (84.5-fold), and Lefort II fractures (27-fold) were the strongest predictors of head injuries.

Discussion

Present study revealed that fracture of facial bones, especially bones that are in anatomic proximity to the cranium and need a high magnitude of trauma energy to be fractured, was marker for an increased risk of head injuries.     

Saliva flow rates and clinical characteristics of patients with burning mouth syndrome: A case–control study

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain condition that most commonly affects postmenopausal women older than 50 years of age. Xerostomia is a common complaint among BMS patients. However, previous studies showed inconsistent findings regarding saliva flow rate reduction. This study examined saliva flow rates, degree of mucosal hydration, xerostomia, and clinical characteristics in BMS patients compared with healthy controls. Unstimulated whole saliva (USWS) was collected through passive drooling; residual mucosal saliva (RMS) was collected using filter paper strips. Stimulated whole saliva (SWS) was collected while chewing on gum base. Oral exam and self-report data were collected. A total of 50 women (22 BMS cases and 28 healthy controls) aged 50 years or older were included in the analysis of this study. Mean age was 62 years for cases and 56 years for controls (P = 0.05). Compared with controls, cases had significantly lower USWS flow rates (P < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of xerostomia (P = 0.001), gastrointestinal disease (P < 0.001), and vaginal dryness (P = 0.01). These data show that oral and vaginal dryness are common among BMS patients. Further studies are needed to investigate potential pathophysiological mechanisms related to the quality of saliva and mucosal barrier status among these patients.     

Temporomandibular pain and depression in adolescents—a case–control study

This study compared the depression status of adolescents with temporomandibular (TM) pain to those without, considering the influence of age, sex, and other pain conditions. From a general population sample of 455 adolescents, 29 cases (mean age, 15.3 years) with current TM pain were compared with 44 age-matched controls without such pain. Study participants were examined for general health status, additional pain sites (back, abdomen, and head) in the previous month, and depression, using a 15-item German-language depression questionnaire. Cases had a statistically significant higher average depression score than controls (14.2 ± 7.1 vs. 9.7 ± 6.3; t test, p < 0.01), and they reported more often additional pain. The more pain sites were mentioned, the higher was the depression score [no pain, 4.0 ± 2.8; four pains, 17.3 ± 8.0; analysis of variance (ANOVA), p < 0.001]. We conclude that TM pain assessment among adolescents should include a whole-body pain drawing as well as a screening questionnaire to identify pain-related depressive symptoms.     

Mastication and oral sensory function in frail edentulous elderly: a case–control study

Objective: To evaluate the maximum bite force (MBF), masticatory performance and oral sensory function (OSF) of frail edentulous elderly. The correlation of MBF with maximum grip strength (MGS) was also assessed. Methods: Twenty edentulous elderly [10 with and 10 without the frailty phenotype (FP)] were selected to participate in this case–control study. The FP was diagnosed using the criteria of Fried et al., which consider weight loss, exhaustion, physical activity level, weakness and slowness to the evaluation. All volunteers received new complete dentures (CDs) to standardise the occlusal status, and after 2 months of use with no complaint, all variables were assessed. MBF was measured by pressure sensors positioned bilaterally on the first artificial molars. Masticatory performance was assessed using the sieving method and was expressed as the median particle size (X₅₀) of Optocal after 40 masticatory cycles. OSF was evaluated using the oral stereognosis test, and MGS was measured using a dynamometer. Groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The Pearson coefficient of correlation between MBF and MGS was calculated. Results: Frail elderly people showed reduced MBF (P = 0.0431) and larger X₅₀ values (P = 0.0053) than did non-frail elders, while OSF did not differ between the groups. MBF had a moderate positive correlation with MGS (r = 0.690, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Frail elderly had reduced MBF and impaired mastication. On the other hand, OSF does not seem to be affected by frailty. MBF was moderately correlated with MGS.     

Evaluating the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and periodontal disease: a case–control study

Clinical Oral Investigations - This study aimed to determine the possible relationship between periodontal disease and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by evaluating clinical periodontal measurements...     

The use of autologous bone for augmentation procedures leads to low prevalence of peri-implantitis–a retrospective study over a 20-year period

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of peri-implantitis in implants inserted into pristine bone (control) to implants where autologous bone was used for grafting procedures (study).All patients who underwent implant surgery during a 20 years interval by one maxillofacial implant surgeon and received a prosthodontic rehabilitation afterwards were eligible for inclusion in the study. Periimplant bone resorption and periimplant disease were assessed.Of 421 patients 384 (91.2%) patients responded to a recall after having been treated over a 20-year period by one maxillofacial surgeon and several dentists. A total of 110 patients had 239 implants in pristine bone, and 274 patients had 607 implants placed in combination with autologous bone grafting procedures. Mean time in function was 74 months (range 15–236 months). In all, 342 implants (34.8%) were in function for longer than 7 years. A total of 64 implant sites (7.6%) in 39 patients (10.2%) showed signs of peri-implant mucositis. In addition, 17 implants (2.0%) in 14 patients (3.6%) revealed signs of peri-implantitis, of which five implants were in the control group (2.09%) whereas 12 implants were in the study group (1.98%), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.8405). More than half of the patients with peri-implantitis had a history of periodontitis. Three implants were lost due to peri-implantitis and four implants failed for other reasons, resulting in an overall success rate of 99.2% in 846 implants.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the study it seems that the use of autologous bone still is a relevant option when performing augmentation procedures because of the low prevalence of peri-implantitis.