The components and dimensions of the periodontal and peri-implant phenotype have a high relevance in contemporary dental research and should be taken into consideration in the decision-making process in the management of a variety of clinical scenarios to optimize the outcomes of therapy. Various assessment methods for quantifying and classifying the phenotypical dimensions have emerged and developed in recent decades. Nevertheless, the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans remains the most commonly used approach worldwide. However, the accuracy to adequately imaging and measuring the dimensions of the hard and soft tissue components around teeth may represent a significant challenge in different clinical scenarios due to factors such as the age of the patient and motion during the scan, presence of metallic artifacts causing streaks and gray-value distortion, overlapping of soft tissue structures, machine performance, file processing, and small voxel size among others. These factors pose a particular challenge when tiny structures are under investigation, for example, the buccal/lingual bony or soft tissue layer of lower/upper incisors. Therefore, this review addresses the underlying technical information of the use of CBCT scans, and suggests some recommendations on the utilization of this method of assessment to optimally use it despite its' system-inherent limitations.
Racial disparities in the prevalence of periodontal disease are consistent and persistent. The epidemiology of periodontal disease demonstrates racial inequities: non-Hispanic Black (14.7%), Mexican American (13.4%), and other Hispanic adults (7.8%) experience a higher prevalence of severe periodontal disease than non-Hispanic White adults (5.9%). Epidemiologic and clinical research on periodontal health suffers from the same problem that has plagued the health equity movement, an over emphasis on describing racial inequities coupled with few interventions that reduce racial health inequity. Over the decades that racial inequities in periodontal disease have been observed, many have argued that systemic racism is the fundamental driver of racial health inequity. This paper interrogates the roles of systemic racism, dental education, clinical treatment, and patient behavior in periodontal disease. We describe how, together, these mechanisms contribute to racial disparities in periodontal outcomes. However, it is insufficient for oral health equity scientists to only describe and discuss the negative effects of systemic racism. The imperative is to create antiracist strategies designed to eliminate systemic racism. Health equity scientists must also specify how dental systems operate in a racist manner and create effective clinical strategies designed to reduce racial disparities in periodontal disease.
Post-treatment change in the form of true relapse and physiological and maturational effects is common following orthodontics. The unpredictable nature of these manifestations dictates a conservative, near-universal approach to retention. Both fixed and removable forms of retention are popular with the latter constrained by variable levels of adherence particularly in the medium- to long-term. Fixed retention may offer a more predictable means of preservation of orthodontic outcomes; however, this advantage is offset by the requirement for prolonged supervision and the potential for adverse changes including periodontal breakdown. Nevertheless, while examples of severe complications are common, a clear causal relationship between intact, passive retainers and periodontal issues does not appear to exist. Nevertheless, the importance of diligent maintenance and careful supervision during fixed retention, in particular, cannot be disregarded.
Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) applied alone or combined with other biomaterials are popular bioactive factors employed in regenerative medicine. The main biological rationale of using such products is to concentrate blood-derived growth factors and cells into the wound microenvironment to enhance the body's natural healing capacity. First-generation APC is represented by platelet-rich plasma (PRP). While different protocols have been documented for PRP preparation, they overall consist of two cycles of centrifugation and have important limitations related to the use of an anticoagulant first and an activator afterward, which may interfere with the natural healing process and the release of bioactive molecules. The second generation of platelet concentrates is represented by leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). L-PRF protocols involve a single centrifugation cycle and do not require the use of anticoagulants and activators, which makes the preparation more straight forward, less expensive, and eliminates potential risks associated with the use of activators. However, since no anticoagulant is employed, blood undergoes rapid clotting within the blood collection tube; hence, a timely management of L-PRF is crucial. This review provides an overview on the most documented protocols for APC preparations and critically discusses the main differences between first- and second-generation APCs in terms of cell content, protein release, and the formation of a 3D fibrin network. It appears evident that the inconsistency in reporting protocol parameters by most studies has contributed to conflicting conclusions regarding the efficacy of different APC formulations and has significantly limited the ability to interpret the results of individual clinical studies. In the future, the use of a standardized classification system, together with a detailed reporting on APC protocol parameters is warranted to make study outcomes comparable. This will also allow to clarify important aspects on the mechanism of action of APCs (like the role of leukocytes and centrifugation parameters) and to optimize the use of APCs in regenerative medicine.
Understanding the impact of oral health on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will inform how best to manage patients with both periodontitis and RA. This review seeks to provide an update on interventional and mechanistic investigations, including a brief summary of European Research programs investigating the link between periodontitis and RA. Recent clinical studies are described that evaluate how the treatment of one disease impacts on the other, as are studies in both humans and animal models that have sought to identify the potential mechanisms linking the two diseases.