This multicenter study aimed to identify the different implant- and patient-related risk factors for long-term short dental implant success. Through a retrospective chart review of three centers, patient information regarding demographic variables, smoking habits, history of periodontitis, systemic diseases, and medications in addition to the parameters for short implant placement including implant manufacturer, design, anatomical location, diameter and length, and type of placement was collected. For statistical analysis, univariate regression models were used at the implant and patient levels. A total of 460 short implants placed in 199 patients followed up for up to 9 years were reviewed. Survival rates of the short implants were 95.86% and 92.96% and success rates were 90% and 83.41% for implant- and patient-based analysis, respectively. Peri-implantitis was reported as the primary cause of short dental implant failure (34/46, 73.91%). Univariate regression models revealed that female sex was strongly related to short implant success. In addition, smoking and history of periodontitis were found to have a significant negative influence on short implant success at the implant and patient levels. Taken together, these results support the use of short implants as a predictable longterm treatment option; however, smoking and history of periodontitis are suggested to be the potential risk factors for short implant success. Therefore, clinicians need to assess these potential risk factors and make treatment decisions accordingly.

Management of a Recurrent Pyogenic Granuloma of the Hard Palate with Diode Laser: A Case Report

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of diode laser surgery and the scalpel surgery in the removal of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH). Background data: Diode laser systems are proposed as an alternative to scalpel surgery on surgeries involving oral soft tissues. Some of the advantages of the laser systems are ease of application, adequate coagulation, reduced postoperative pain, and decreased scarring. In addition, there are increasing data on the antibacterial effects of the diode lasers in dentistry; however, the direct bactericidal role of the diode laser in oral soft tissue procedures has not yet been investigated. Materials and methods: A total of 22 patients were enrolled in this study. One side of IFH was randomly assigned for excision with scalpel blade or with diode laser. Perioperative bleeding, postoperative pain, wound healing, and bacterial counts were evaluated for both methods. Results: The bleeding on the side treated by diode laser was found significantly lower ( p < 0.05). A notable reduction in total bacterial counts was observed in the laser group after the first postoperative day. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were recorded regarding subjective postoperative pain between the groups ( p = 0.065). The healing of the postoperative wounds was significantly faster in the conventional group at each time point. Conclusions: Diode laser has offered some advantages over conventional method in the management of IFH. However, large-cohort comparative studies are required to provide additional data regarding the wound healing capacity of the diode laser.

Background. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effect of various dental and maxillary sinus variables on maxillary sinus mucosal thickness (MT). The variables included periodontal bone loss (PBL), periapical status, dental restorations of posterior maxillary teeth, and the distance from the root apices to the sinus mucosa. Methods. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxillary sinuses (n=600) in 300 patients were examined. The sinus MT and the distance of the roots from maxillary sinuses were measured. Apical lesions of the roots, PBL, and situations of adjacent teeth were recorded. The relationships between these conditions and MT and characterization of MT were evaluated. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to compare groups due to the non-normal distribution of the data. The relationship between categorical variables was analyzed using chi-squared test. Results. There was a significant correlation between maxillary sinus MT and periapical lesions, PBL, and restorations (P<0.05). MT increased as the apical lesions of premolar teeth enlarged (P<0.05, P=0.022). MT increased in cases of mild PBL of molar teeth (P=0.041). Conclusion. In this retrospective study, the MT significantly increased in patients with periapical lesions, inadequate endodontic treatment, increased PBL, and inadequate dental restorations.