Introduction: Different implant–abutment connections have been developed to reduce mechanical and biological failure. The most frequent complications are loss of preload, screw loosening, abutment or implant fracture, deformations at the different interfaces, and bacterial microleakage. Aim: To review the evidence indicating whether the implant–abutment connection type is significant regarding the following issues: (1) maintenance of the preload in static and dynamic in vitro studies; (2) assessment of possible deformations at the implant–abutment interfaces, after repeated application of the tightening torque; (3) evaluation of the sealing capability of different implant connections against microleakage. Materials and Methods: In June 2020, an electronic literature search was performed in Medline, EBSCO host, and PubMed databases. The search was focused on the ability of different implant connections to maintain preload, resist deformation after tightening and retightening, and prevent microleakage. The related titles and abstracts available in English were screened, and the articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected for full-text reading. Results: The literature search conducted for this review initially resulted in 68 articles, among which 19 articles and 1 systematic review fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. The studies were divided according to the three proposed objectives, with some studies falling into more than one category (maintenance of preload, surface abutment–implant deformation, and resistance to microleakage). Conclusions: Conical abutment appears to result in fewer mechanical complications, such as screw loosening or fractures, and higher torque preservation. After SEM evaluation, damage was observed in the threads of the abutment screws, before and after loading in internal and external connections. Internal hexagon implants and predominantly internal conical (Morse taper) implants showed less microleakage in dynamic loading conditions. We suggest further studies to guarantee excellence in methodological quality.

Although a number of inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be associated with periodontal pathogenesis, it is important to investigate further whether these biomarkers are associated with the degree of success in nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to quantify the total levels of interleukin (IL)‑1α, ‑1β, ‑6, ‑10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‑α in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis patients prior to and following nonsurgical periodontal therapy. In total, 52 GCF samples from disease sites of patients with chronic periodontitis, prior to and following periodontal therapy, and ten non‑disease sites from non‑periodontitis subjects, were collected and cytokine concentrations were determined using a multiplex method. Periodontal parameters, including bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and the clinical attachment level, in all the sites were recorded. Untreated disease sites exhibited higher cytokine levels in the GCF when compared with the non‑disease sites. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the total levels of IL‑1α, ‑1β and ‑6 in the GCF, but not in IL‑10 or TNF‑α. The results support the hypothesis that proinflammatory cytokines, including IL‑1α, IL‑1β and IL‑6, are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and are good markers to evaluate the success of nonsurgical therapy in disease sites of patients with periodontitis.

To explore severity and progression biomarkers, we examined the clinical relevance of multiple cytokines and mediators involved in the inflammatory response in periodontitis. A cohort of 68 patients was enrolled in the study and periodontal status assessed by the current classification of periodontal diseases. Immune mediators present in saliva, of both patients and healthy controls, were quantified using a Legendplex-13 panel. Clinic parameters were significantly higher in PD patients compared with HC, with a strong significant association with the disease severity (stage) (p < 0.001), but not with progression (grade). The panel of immune mediators evidenced elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β as disease established (p < 0.01). IL-1β/IL-1RA ratio was increased in PD patients, being associated with disease stage. An anti-inflammatory response was spotted by higher IL-10. Lower levels of IL-23 and IP-10 were associated with disease severity. No significant statistical differences were found by grade classification. Moreover, salivary IL-1β and IL-6 exhibited significant positive correlations with several clinical measurements (PI, BOP, PPD, CAL), while IP-10 showed a statistical negative correlation with BOP, PPD, and CAL. These insights highlight the complexity of the periodontitis inflammatory network and the potential of cytokines as biomarkers for refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Background: We aim to evaluate the presence of histological artefacts in the surgical margins of human oral fibro-epithelial hyperplasias excised with lasers of different wavelengths, and also electrosurgical scalpel and cold scalpel. Moreover. we aim to determine if some of these instruments could impair the normal histological diagnosis of these lesions. Material and Methods: We included 130 consecutive surgical samples of 80 females and 50 males (mean age of 53.82 +/- 16.55) with a histological diagnosis of an oral benign fibrous-epithelial hyperplasias. The samples were categorized into 6 groups according to the type of instrument used: CO2 laser group, diode laser group, Er:YAG laser group. Nd:YAG laser group, electrosurgical scalpel group and cold scalpel group. Histological instrument-induced changes were microscopic evaluated and related with clinical and pathological variables. Results: The instrument with highest tissue damage extension (TDE) was the electrosurgical scalpel (1002.2 mu m +/- 434.92), followed by diode laser (913.73 mu m +/- 322.45). Nd:YAG (899.83 mu m +/- 327.75). CO2 laser (538.37 mu m +/- 170.50), Er:YAG laser (166.47 mu m +/- 123.85), and at last with fewer alterations the cold scalpel group (2.36 mu m +/- 7.27) (P < 0.001). The most regular incision was observed in CO2 laser group, followed by Er:YAG laser. Nd:YAG laser, electrosurgical scalpel and diode laser group with the less regular incision using cold scalpel as comparison (P < 0.001). A correlation was found between the incision score and TDE (P < 0.001). Regarding histological diagnosis, no case showed any limitation of diagnosis related with the use of any instrument evaluated. Conclusions: Our results suggest that lasers can be used for the excision of oral benign fibrous-epithelial hyperplasias, without hispathological diagnosis limitations, as long as the physical properties of each laser are known and respected. Er:YAG laser have shown to be a laser with few tissue damage extension and with good incision regularity, been a possible instrument of choice for the surgical removal of these lesions.

We conducted a questionnaire survey among 602 subjects in order to analyze the awareness and knowledge on oral cancer among residents of the city of Valongo in Portugal. The cancer that most subjects were aware of was breast cancer (99%). Oral cancer was the least mentioned cancer (68.6%). There was awareness of the relationship between oral cancer and smoking among 89.5% subjects, but less of the association with alcohol misuse (63.3%). Nonhealing mouth ulcers were identified as a sign or symptom of oral cancer by 90.0% and red or white patch by only 52.8% subjects. Whereas 94.5% agreed that early detection could improve the treatment outcome, a disheartening 28.1% believed that whether a person developed an oral cancer or not is a matter of luck and therefore is unavoidable. Surprisingly only 1.7% were ever submitted to or had knowledge of receiving a consultation regarding oral cancer. In conclusion, this survey demonstrates a general lack of awareness and knowledge on oral cancer in a population of Valongo. An oral health promotion strategy should involve elements of basic education on oral cancer for this population, and regular oral cancer screenings should be implemented in Valongo.