The objective of this work was to perform an integrative review of the inspection of peri-implant bone defects using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). An electronic search was performed in the PubMed database using the following scientific terms: CBCT or Cone Beam computed tomography; dental implant; peri-implant; bone loss; defects. The survey identified 267 studies, of which 18 were considered relevant to this study. These studies provided important data taking into account the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in the detection and measurement of peri-implant bone defects such as fenestrations, dehiscence and intraosseous circumferential defects. The effectiveness of CBCT in aiding in geometric bone calculations and in the diagnosis of peri-implant defects was influenced by factors such as artefacts, defect size, bone wall thickness, implant material, adjustment of acquisition parameters and observer experience. A not insignificant number of studies compared intraoral radiography to CBCT in the detection of peri-implant bone loss. CBCT was clearly superior to intraoral radiography in the detection of all peri-implant bone defects, except for defects located in the interproximal zone. In general, studies have shown that peri-implant bone measurements adjacent to the implant surface can be correctly determined, as well as the diagnosis of peri-implant bone defects with an average discrepancy of less than 1 mm from the actual measurement of the defect.

Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Nystatin, fluconazole, and miconazole are the most widely used antifungal drugs in dentistry, but in recent years, they have been shown to be less effective due to the increase in the resistance to antifungal drugs. The growing challenge of antifungal resistance emphasizes the importance of exploring not only alternative strategies in the fight against Candida spp. infections but also supportive treatment for pharmacological treatment for oral candidiasis. This review aims to evaluate and compare the in vitro reports on antifungal efficacy against Candida spp. exhibited by mouthwashes distributed on the European market. The research question was elaborated through the PEO framework recommended by PRISMA 2020. A bibliographic search strategy was developed for the scientific online databases Pubmed and ScienceDirect. According to the eligibility criteria, 21 papers were included in this study over a 27-year period. Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine digluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, hexetidine, and fluorine compounds among others, and natural antimicrobials, such as menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts, have demonstrated antifungal effectiveness. Nonetheless, the methodological variance introduces ambiguity concerning the comparative efficacy of distinct molecules or mouthwash formulations and complicates the evaluation and the comparison of results between studies. Some mouthwashes commercially available in Europe have the potential to be used in anti-Candida therapy and prevention since they have shown antifungal effect.

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infections in the immunocompromised. Biofilms of Candida species can make treatments difficult, leading to oral infection recurrence. This research aimed to isolate a Lactobacillus with anti-Candida effects from the oral cavity. An oral Lactobacillus was isolated in caries-free individuals. The best isolate was evaluated against Candida spp. planktonic and biofilm forms. The bacterial impacts on Candida biofilms’ adhesion to acrylic discs were analyzed through an in vitro test. L. reuteri AJCR4 had the best anti-Candida activity in the preliminary screening. Results were promising in both planktonic and biofilms, particularly with C. albicans SC5314 and C. tropicalis ATCC750, where no viable cells were detected when using the cell-free supernatant (undiluted). In C. glabrata ATCC2001 and C. parapsilosis ATCC22019 biofilms, reductions of 3 Log₁₀ and more than 2 Log₁₀, respectively, were noted when using a cell suspension of L. reuteri ACJR4 (10⁸ CFU/mL). On polymethyl methacrylate acrylic discs, the cell-free supernatant reduced Candida adhesion, resulting in no viable cell detection on the surface. In conclusion, L. reuteri AJCR4 demonstrated notable antifungal activity against Candida biofilms. This oral isolate and its postbiotic can be a potential alternative strategy to oral candidiasis, especially to treat recalcitrant infections.

Several techniques have been described for maxillary sinus graft augmentation, including the lateral window technique and crestal approach with osteotomes or osseodensification. Platelet-rich fibrin has been used in maxillary sinus lift procedures due to its ability to accelerate soft and hard tissue healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of PRF in combination with the synthetic hydroxyapatite NanoBone^® to enhance bone regeneration in sinus floor elevation with the lateral window technique. Out of the 50 individuals screened in a preoperative assessment visit from the CESPU—Famalicão clinical unit and intervened upon between January 2023 and December 2023, only 6 patients who met the study’s inclusion criteria consented to participate. In a split-mouth study, twelve sinus graft surgeries were carried out. Our observations reveal that for the test group (NanoBone^®/PRF), there is a 27.5 ± 4.9% increase new vital bone, 23.0 ± 3.7% increase in inert bone particles, and 49.4 ± 2.8% increase in connective tissue. Meanwhile, for the control group (NanoBone^®), there is a 19.5 ± 3.0% increase in new vital bone, 23.4 ± 5.7% increase in inert bone particles, and 57.0 ± 3.5% increase in connective tissue. The results strongly indicate that mixing liquid PRF with NanoBone^® does not have a negative influence on the amount of viable bone formation, and it seems to slightly increase the amount of new bone formation and revascularization in sinus bone graft procedures with the lateral window technique compared to the single use of NanoBone^®.

Introduction: Osseodensification is a non-extraction technique using specially designed drills to increase bone density while extending an osteotomy, allowing bone to be preserved and condensed by compacting autograft during osteotomy preparation, increasing bone density around implants, and improving mechanical stability. Aim: The objective of this study is to compare conventional osteotomy and osseodensification protocols in implant placement and analyze whether there are differences in bone density. Materials and Methods: Study variables were defined, namely, osseodensification technique, conventional osteotomy technique, bone density, sex, area of location, implant dimensions, implant dimensions, and implant stability. Eligibility and exclusion criteria were defined. A step-by-step surgical protocol was developed. The surgeon and radiologist underwent intra-examiner calibration. A total of 15 patients were selected according to the eligibility criteria, and a total of 41 implants were inserted, 20 implants by conventional osteotomy and 21 by osseodensification. A cone beam computed tomography was performed one year after prosthetic rehabilitation to estimate bone density. Data were collected and recorded, and in the analysis of the association of variables, non-parametric tests were applied. Results: Significant statistical results were found in bone density values, with higher values being obtained with the osseodensification technique, that is, median density values of 1020, and median density values of 732 for the bone drilling technique. The results of the correlation between bone density in both techniques and sex, primary implant stability, implant dimensions and location area were statistically non-significant. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, there are differences in bone density between conventional osteotomy and osseodensification protocols. Bone density is increased with osseodensification over a study period of one year.

Background: The dependence on the illicit drugs has been proven to be harmful to the oral cavity and may lead to a series of abnormal manifestations. The main objective of this study was to observe the effects caused by the consumption of illicit drugs in the oral cavity, in a prison population in the North of Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 91 male inmates aged 25-75 years (mean age 41.14 ± 8.98), from Paços de Ferreira Prison. The participants were subjected to a medical interview and a clinical examination. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used to assess the association between the qualitative variables. The level of statistical significance used was α ≤ 0.05. Results: The consumption of illicit drugs proved to be a common practice (86.8%), where cannabis, heroin and cocaine were the most prevalent (29.1%). Thirty-one inmates were attending the methadone rehabilitation program (34.1%). Most of patients consuming illicit substances, were also smokers (93.7%) (p<.001). Of the 91 participants, 82 (90.1%) presented oral manifestations, with caries lesions being the most prevalent (61.0%) and oral mucosa lesions the least observed (3.7%). Heavy drug consumption was related with rampant caries lesion (p=.011) and chewing difficulty (p=.024) when compared with cannabis consumption. Conclusion: The main oral manifestations found, associated to the consumption of illicit drugs were caries lesions, tooth loss and sensitivity, periodontal diseases, temporomandibular disorders, xerostomia, and bruxism.