Alveolar Grafting Research Articles

Enamel Hypomineralization in Children With Clefts and the Relationship to Treatment: A Cross-sectional Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study was to determine whether molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is greater in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who underwent primary alveolar grafting (PAG) as compared with CLP waiting for secondary alveolar grafting (SAG) and with controls. A retrospective analysis of intraoral photographs of 13 CLP patients who underwent a PAG, 28 CLP prior to SAG, and 60 controls without CLP was performed. Mantel-Haenszel χ tests were used to compare the 3 groups for differences in MIH scores, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare the groups for differences in average MIH scores. A 5% significance level was used for all tests. Molar incisor hypomineralization scores were significantly higher for the PAG and SAG groups compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The PAG group had significantly higher incisor MIH (P = 0.016) compared with the SAG group. Molar incisor hypomineralization average scores were significantly higher for the 2 graft groups compared with the controls (P < 0.0001). The PAG group had significantly higher average MIH score and average MIH score for incisors compared with the SAG group (P = 0.03). Cleft lip and palate patients have significantly greater MIH compared with controls, and CLP patients with PAGs have significantly greater MIH in the incisor region compared with CLP patients with SAGs, indicating that subjects with PAGs have more severely affected dentition.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Combined with Autogenous Bone Graft in the Quality and Quantity of Maxillary Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the quality and quantity of bone formation in unilateral maxillary alveolar cleft reconstruction using cone beam computed tomography. This study was conducted on 10 non-syndromic patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate within the age group of 9-12 years. The study population was randomly assigned into two groups of PRF and control, each of which entailed 5 cases. In the PRF group, the autogenous anterior iliac crest bone graft was used in combination with PRF gel. On the other hand, the control group was subjected to reconstruction only by bone graft. The dentalcone beam CT images were obtained immediately (T0) and 3 months (T1) after the operation to assess the quality and quantity of the graft. Independent and paired sample t-tests and analysis of covariance were used to analyze and compare the data related to the height, thickness, and density of the new bone. The mean thickness difference of the graft in both PRF and control groups at T0 and T1 was not significantly different (P>0.05). Furthermore, the reduction changes of bone height at the graft site from T0 to T1 were not statistically significant for both groups (P=0.78). The mean total bone loss of the regenerated bone from T0 to T1 was lower in the control group than that in the PRF group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The usage of PRF exerted no significant effect on the thickness, height, and density of maxillary alveolar graft.

Bioactive glass 45S5 ceramic for alveolar cleft reconstruction, about 58 cases

BackgroundSecondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with clefts lip and palate is usually performed with iliac crest bone harvesting, however using bone substitute allow to avoid harvesting morbidity. The purpose of our study was to assess if the use of a bioactive glass ceramic is an acceptable alternative to iliac crest bone harvesting in alveolar clefts treatment. MethodsA prospective study including all patients who have benefited of alveolar grafting by GlassBONE™ (Noraker, France), a synthetic resorbable bioactive glass 45S5 ceramic was conducted. The patients underwent clinical assessments and imaging check-up by dental panoramic radiography and CBCT. ResultsFifty-eight graftings were performed. The mean age at the time of the graft was 7.6 years. Hospitalization, social eviction and antalgic consumption were reduced. Bone continuity was achieved in 63.8% of the cases. Bilateral cleft and dental agenesia increased grafting failure. In the subgroup of 25 patients with isolated unilateral cleft without dental agenesis, 80% had bone continuity at one year. We noted 10.3% of alveolar fistula recurrence. ConclusionThe use of GlassBONE™ in alveolar grafts simplifies the surgery procedure and the postoperative management, and ensures satisfactory mucosal healing, tooth eruption and bone continuity in two thirds of the followed grafts.

Outcomes of Alveolar Graft With Rhbmp-2 in CLP: Influence of Cleft Type and Width, Canine Eruption, and Surgeon.

To evaluate the influence of cleft type and width, canine eruption stage, and surgeon on the outcomes of alveolar graft with rhBMP-2. Cross-sectional. Tertiary craniofacial center. Ninety individuals submitted to alveolar graft in late mixed or early permanent dentition. The 90 individuals (mean age: 16.8 years) were submitted to alveolar graft with rhBMP-2. Periapical radiographs were obtained before and 6 months after surgery. Surgeries were performed by 4 experienced maxillofacial surgeons. The alveolar grafts were assigned as success or failure by 3 blinded raters based on the modified Bergland and Chelsea scales. Permanent canines adjacent to the defect were assigned as erupted and not erupted. The greatest cleft width was measured on preoperative periapical radiographs. The influence of 4 independent variables (cleft type, cleft width, canine eruption phase, and surgeon) on the outcome of alveolar graft was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression ( P < .05). All independent variables presented significant influence on alveolar graft outcome. The subgroup of unerupted maxillary canines demonstrated better outcomes than erupted canines ( P = .001). The group with cleft lip and alveolus (CL/A) demonstrated better outcomes than complete cleft lip and palate (CLP; P < .001). The greater the alveolar cleft width, the less favorable were the graft outcomes ( P = .027). The surgeon also had a significant influence on the surgery success ( P = .003 and .001). The type and width of CLP, the eruption of permanent canines, and the surgeon influenced the outcome of alveolar graft surgeries performed with rhBMP-2.

Bony bridge resorption after secondary alveolar grafting and correlation with success of orthodontic treatment: A prospective volumetric cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study

BackgroundCleft lip/palate is the second most observed congenital defect which constitutes a serious dental–medical–social problem. Successful uptake and stability of alveolar graft is required to achieve closure of the oro-nasal fistula and continuity of the dental arches. Resorption of bone graft may compromise the results achieved. This study determined the bony bridge volume required for successful repair of alveolar cleft, evaluated the resorption after 3 months of grafting and correlated the success of orthodontic treatment. Methods30 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate requiring secondary alveolar bone grafting and orthodontic correction were included in the study. After arch expansion and before alveolar grafting using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of maxilla was recorded and was repeated after 3 months of alveolar bone grafting to estimate the volume of grafted bone in the cleft. ResultsThe bridge bone volume resorption after 3 months post-operative ranged from 14% to 100% with a mean of 36.46%. The percentage of resorption of alveolar bone graft after 3 months of surgery was statistically significant. Success of orthodontic treatment was statistically significant when correlated with percentage of resorption. ConclusionThe accurate localization and estimation of the size and extent of alveolar cleft area is important for treatment planning. Post-operative it is important to analyze the outcome of transplanted bone as early as possible. Early evaluation can help to predict the outcome of transplanted bone and may guide to re-grafting of the site immediate or to restart any interrupted orthodontic procedure, if necessary.

Linear and Volumetric Radiographic Assessment of Particulate Iliac bone grafts following Secondary Grafting of Unilateral Alveolar Clefts

Background: Particulate autogenous bone grafts remain to be the gold standard for reconstruction of alveolar. The success of alveolar bone grafting is assessed clinically and radiographically. Among the radiographic measures of success is the bone bridging across the cleft, maintenance of the bucco-palatal / vertical linear dimensions of the graft and the stability of the total volume of regenerated bridge of bone. Computed tomography (CT) scans provide a better tool for three-dimensional evaluation of the residual bone following the reconstruction procedure.Aim of the study: This study aimed at assessing the linear (horizontal, vertical) and volumetric changes that occur in particulate iliac bone grafts 6 months after secondary grafting of unilateral alveolar clefts.Patients and Methods: Six patients with unilateral alveolar clefts who received particulate autogenous iliac crest grafts were included in this study. On a surgical planning software, their immediate and six-months postoperative CT scans were superimposed onto each other using the cranial base as a reference. On the axial cuts, the linear bucco-palatal dimensions of the reconstructed alveolar cleft were recorded, whereas on the coronal cuts the vertical height of the reconstructed alveolar cleft was measured for both scans. The software was also used to calculate the volume of the bone graft on the immediate postoperative CT and that of the remaining bone graft 6 months after. The data was statistically analyzed in the form of means ± standard deviation and paired T-test used to compare the measurements immediately and six-months postoperatively. The percentage change in the alveolar ridge dimensions over the six months follow up period was then calculated.Results: The horizontal dimension of the grafted alveolar cleft decreased by an average of 24.4% over the six months period. The difference between the means showed a highly statistically significant difference with a P value < 0.01. While for the vertical dimension, the mean decreased by 21.6% over the six months period and the difference between the means was statistically significant with a P value Conclusions: Radiographic assessment of alveolar cleft reconstruction using CT scans are useful tools, not just for making accurate measurements and better evaluation of the formed bone within the reconstructed alveolar cleft, but also it provides a useful tool for analyzing the outcomes of the secondary alveolar grafting procedure for future correlation and optimization of the whole grafting procedure and expected outcomes.

Volumetric Cleft Changes in Treatment With Bone Morphogenic Protein/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Versus Grafts From the Iliac Crest or Symphysis

To compare the volumetric changes in successfully treated clefts with secondary alveolar grafting using recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) delivered in β-tricalcium phosphate (βTCP) scaffold versus autogenous grafts obtained from the iliac crest and mandibular symphysis. We performed a retrospective cohort study of cone-beam computed tomography scans of 25 subjects with unilateral or bilateral clefts. Of the 25 patients, 7 received an iliac crest bone graft, 9 received a mandibular symphyseal bone graft, and 9 subjects received the rhBMP-2/βTCP bone substitute. Volumetric rendering software was used to calculate the amount of new bone formation and residual bone defect present in the cleft area. The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The mean percentage of new bone formation for the iliac crest, symphysis, and rhBMP-2/βTCP was 85.47, 80.56, and 81.22%, respectively (P=.0854). The initial cleft volume had a weak positive correlation with the percentage of new bone formation (r=0.18), but the postoperative residual cleft volume had a strong negative correlation (r=0.71). rhBMP2 delivered in a βTCP scaffold in alveolar cleft patients can be a viable alternative to autogenous iliac crest and symphysis grafts, eliminating donor site morbidity.

212 Bovine Dental Graft as a Cause of Secondary Membranous Nephropathy

212 Bovine Dental Graft as a Cause of Secondary Membranous Nephropathy

Connective tissue graft to improve aesthetic peri-implant area: modified clinical technique.

This article reports a clinical case with a 4-years follow-up in which sub epithelial connective tissue graft harvested by two different technique was used to recuperate the aesthetic conditions of the two-previous implanted anterior areas which presented soft tissue fenestration and osseous dehiscence promoted by dental extraction. The highly compromised areas were treated using sub epithelial connective tissue grafts which due the necessity of the quantity and quality were harvested by using two different surgical techniques: dental wedge and free gingival graft. After 4-years of follow-up the goal of treatment was fully reached. The gingival soft tissue around perimplantar area is stable and seems to be normal. The two techniques applied to harvest sub epithelial connective tissue in this case were essential to obtain a large amount of tissue to be grafted. Quality and quantity of the sub epithelial graft are critical conditions to maintain stability during the early phase of healing process, allowing and improving initial revascularization.

Correction of Secondary Alveolar Clefts with Iliac Bone Grafts.

Introduction:Cleft lip and palate deformities are one of the most common birth defects. The alveolar cleft requires bony repair to allow proper eruption of dentition. The purpose of this study is to evaluate success in the repair of alveolar clefts with iliac bone grafts.Aim:The aim of this study is to restore the function and form of both arches with a proper occlusal relationship and eruption of tooth in the cleft area.Subjects and Methods:Five patients were selected irrespective of sex and socioeconomic status and whose age was within the mixed dentition period. The iliac crest is grafted in the cleft area and subsequently evaluated for graft success using study models, periapical, and occlusal radiographs.Results:At the time of evaluation, teeth were erupted in the area and good alveolar bone levels were present. Premaxilla becomes immobile with a good arch form and arch continuity. There are no major complications regarding pain, infection, paresthesia, and hematoma formation at donor site without difficulty in walking. There is no complication regarding pain, infection, exposure of graft, rejection of graft, and wound dehiscence at the recipient site except in one case.Conclusions:Long-term follow-up is required to achieve maximum advantage of secondary alveolar grafting; the age of the patient should be within the mixed dentition period, irrespective of sex and socioeconomic status. It may be unilateral or bilateral.

Wound Condition of Iliac Crest after the Harvest for Alveolar Grafting Relates to Rohrer Index

Wound Condition of Iliac Crest after the Harvest for Alveolar Grafting Relates to Rohrer Index

Alveolar Bone Graft: Clinical Profile and Risk Factors for Complications in Oral Cleft Patients

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical aspects and predisposing factors for alveolar bone graft complications in persons born with oral clefts. A total of 105 patients, aged 7 to 57 years old, who received alveolar bone graft at the Cranio-maxillofacial Surgery Center in the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics (INTO), Rio de Janeiro (RJ) from 2009 to 2014 were selected. Data were collected concerning the type of oral cleft, family history of cleft, medical and dental exam, donor area, type of graft material, repaired surgical treatment done, and postoperative follow-up examinations. Postoperative complications developed in 31 patients (32.9%). The mean age at grafting was 16.79 years for the group without complications (n = 63) and 20.13 years for the group with postoperative complications (n = 31). There was a positive association between age and type of graft and cases with alveolar bone graft complications. Patients aged 12 years or more had a four times more chance of developing alveolar bone graft complications. Particulate bone graft from iliac crest demonstrated better results compared with block graft or mixed graft. Patients with cleft lip and palate who were 12 years or older had a greater chance of developing complications after grafting the alveolar bone. Furthermore, particulate alveolar graft from iliac crest had significantly better outcomes.

Effects of Primary Alveolar Grafting on Alveolar Bone Thickness in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

The purpose of this study was to compare alveolar bone thickness around the teeth adjacent to the cleft using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who underwent primary alveolar grafting (PAG) as compared with CLP waiting for secondary alveolar grafting (SAG) and to determine the associations with other factors such as the patient's age, sex, and type of cleft. CBCTs of 39 CLP patients were divided into either group 1 (PAG, N = 11) or group 2 (SAG, N = 28). Measurements of bone thickness around the closest tooth to the cleft were performed on the axial sections on each subject's CBCT at 3, 6, and 9 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction along the root length. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate intrarater reliability. Bone measurements with 95% confidence intervals for the mean were estimated using analysis of variance models with a random patient effect to account for correlation among multiple measurements within a patient. Similar models were used to test the associations of age, sex, and type of the graft with the bone measurements. No statistically significant associations of the factors were found with mesial or distal bone measurements. Buccal bone thickness was significantly greater only at 9 mm in the primary bone graft subjects compared with secondary bone graft subjects (P = 0.009). Unilateral cleft subjects showed significantly greater buccal bone thickness at the level of 9 mm compared with bilateral cleft subjects (P = 0.046) and lingual bone thickness at the level of 6 mm (P = 0.0026) and 9 mm (P = 0.0096). In conclusion, PAG does not add benefits to the bone width on the cleft sides of the closest teeth to the cleft as compared with children with CLP who have not undergone alveolar grafts yet.

Evaluation of graft uptake from the iliac crest in secondary alveolar bone grafting: Bergland’s criteria revisited

Back groundThe secondary alveolar grafting is an integral part in the management of alveolar cleft defect. Particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) graft obtained from iliac crest are considered as the gold standard. AimAim of the study was to evaluate the graft uptake clinically and radiologically using the Bergland’s radiographic scale. Material and methodsA longitudinal descriptive study was conducted on twenty patients of unilateral CLP in the age group of 6–13 years, presenting with residual/secondary alveolar cleft defect with unerupted maxillary lateral incisor/canine adjacent to the defect. Autologous PCBM graft obtained from iliac crest was used in all cases. Post operative clinical and radiological evaluation was carried out using the Bergland’s radiographic scale at intervals of 1 week, 1 month and 6 months. Data collection and resultClinical evaluation consisted of assessment for infection, exposure of graft, rejection of graft, wound dehiscence and status of oronasal communication. A four-point Bergland’s radiographic scale was used to compare the interdental height of the bone graft with unaffected side and categorized from grade I to IV. After six months, 6 cases were graded as grade I, 11 cases as grade II and 2 cases were grade III. Only one case deteriorated to grade IV which is considered as failure. Summary and conclusionSatisfactory results were obtained in 95% cases. Bergland’s radiographic assessment scale is a valuable, easily available and inexpensive diagnostic tool to assess the condition of the grafted bone in SABG.

Dental implants and grafting success remain high despite large variations in maxillary sinus mucosal thickening

BackgroundAlthough mucosal thickening is the most common radiographic finding observed regarding sinus pathology, the knowledge regarding its clinical significance on the outcomes of dental implants and grafting in the maxillary sinuses is still limited. We hypothesized that mucosal thickening would not alter the predictability for sinus floor augmentation and dental implant placement. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of dental implant placement in sinus-augmented areas with preexisting sinus mucosal thickening.MethodsThis study involved the review of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans taken on patients that underwent both maxillary sinus elevation with grafting and implant placement at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry from 2004 to 2014. Cases with documented radiographic and clinical follow-up were included. The data analyses revealed the following.ResultsA total of 29 CBCT scans met the inclusion criteria for evaluation, and 93.1% of them had maxillary sinus mucosal/tissue thickening. Specifically, 6.9% of cases exhibited no thickening, 6.9% had minimal thickening (1–2 mm), 20.7% of cases had moderate thickening (2–5 mm), and 65.5% had severe thickening (>5 mm). We propose these categorical measurements of tissue thickening as a new “mucosal thickening index.” The tissue thickening did not vary based on gender, age, or smoking status, nor did it relate to the underlying alveolar ridge height. However, patients with a history of periodontal diseases demonstrated a significant association with mucosal thickening (p = 0.0043). These data indicate that there is high implant and grafting success rate (100%) in the maxillary sinus despite large and varied physiologic sinus mucosal/tissue thickening.ConclusionsBased on study findings, this research will help guide dental practitioners regarding cases that exhibit mucosal thickening. These data support the concept that physiologic mucosal thickening in varied ranges is not associated with implant or grafting failure in the maxillary sinus.

Autologous alveolar bone graft integration based on the Bergland scale in patients with primary lip and palate cleft: Experience in a third level hospital in Mexico City

Introduction: Alveolar bone graft surgery is of crucial importance in the cleft lip and palate patient. Adequate integration of the bone promotes dentition and esthetic of the face. The aim of this study is to evaluate the integration of the bone graft in patients with primary palate cleft. Patients and Methods: We made a retrospective analysis of medical records and plain X-ray films of 37 patients undergoing bone graft surgery in a tertiary care center. To assess the integration rate, we used the Bergland scale. Integration of alveolar bone graft evaluated with orthopantomography and relation between sex and the type of alveolar cleft surgery in the bone integration. Results: About 65% of the patients in our series were male (24). There was no statistical difference between the age, sex, and diagnosis. Mean age of the patients was 10.2 years. Successful integration (Bergland scale I and II) was achieved in 49% of the patients (Grade I: 30% and Grade II: 19%). Unfavorable integration (Bergland scale III and IV) was demonstrated in 51% of the patients, (Grade III: 43% and Grade IV: 8%). We found no difference between the integration rate and the type of alveolar graft surgery (primary, conventional secondary, and late secondary). Conclusions: Using the Bergland scale, we demonstrated 49% successful integration of the alveolar bone analyzed by two experts. Age has no impact on the integration rates in these groups of patients.

An Analysis of Mandibular Symphyseal Graft Sufficiency for Alveolar Cleft Bone Grafting.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sufficiency of the mandibular symphysis as a donor site for unilateral and bilateral alveolar grafting, measuring both the alveolar cleft volume and maximum bone graft volume that can be harvested from the mandibular symphysis using 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and software in children and adults. Computed tomography data obtained from 20 unilateral and bilateral cleft lip palates patients in the preoperative period were used in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: children (female, n = 5; male, n = 5) and adults (female, n = 5; male, n = 5). The required bone graft volume for grafting and the maximum bone graft volume that can be harvested from the mandibular symphysis were measured based on cone beam CT data and software. The average required bone graft volume (cleft volume) for unilateral alveolar grafting was 963.51 ± 172.31 mm in the children and 1001.21 ± 268.16 mm in the adults. The average required bone graft volume for bilateral alveolar grafting was 1457.82 ± 148.18 mm in the children and 2189.59 ± 600.97 mm in the adults. The average the mandibular symphysis bone graft volume was 819.29 ± 330.85 mm in the children and 2164.9 ± 1095.86 mm in the adults. The results demonstrated that the mandibular symphysis region provided an adequate bone volume for alveolar grafting in adults with unilateral alveolar clefts. However, it is difficult to standardize these results, due to cleft volume and graft volume that could be harvested from the mandibular symphysis are highly variable among individuals.

The three-dimensional reconstruction of the jaw with �bone slat technique� in conjunction with third molar removal

The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of the management of both horizontal and vertical defects of alveolar crest using the bone slat technique approach in conjunction with third molar removal prior to implant placement in the aesthetic area. We present a 20-year-old female patient who lost a maxillary lateral incisor. The objective of treatment was to replace the lateral incisor with an implant-supported crown restoration without interfering with the integrity and topography of the adjacent gingival tissues. Because the future implant site showed horizontal and vertical bone defect the Authors decided to perform bone regeneration. The need for such bone augmentation in the younger patient often coincides with the timing for third molar removal. By combining third molar extraction with bone harvest and alveolar grafting, the patient undergoes only one surgical approach. The bone height (9.5 mm) and width (5.7 mm) were measured at the point of interest (tooth 12) both before and after implant placement in the reconstructed panoramic and parasagittal views by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. The final results demonstrated an increase in length of 5 mm after bone slat technique (from 9.5 mm to 13.5 mm) and an increase in width of 1 mm (from 5.7 mm to 6.7 mm). ISQ measurements were recorded at the time of implant placement (the mean was: 68.5) and immediately after individualized screw-retained provisional crown (the mean was: 77). This technique is reliable and aesthetic and functional results appear to be stable and respect this requisite: simple and fast graft harvesting and low risk of morbidity especially in conjunction with third molar removal.

The evaluation of the effects of rapid palatal expansion on nasomaxillary complex in patients with complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the effects of rapid palatal expansion (RPE) in children with complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate (UCCLP/BCCLP), compared with noncleft patients. Materials and Methods: This study includes 45 patients aged between 8 and 11 years old (15 patients with UCCLP; mean age: 9 years 2 months, 15 patients with BC-CLP; mean age: 9 years, 15 patients with noncleft; mean age: 9 years 1 month), in Ege University, Department of Orthodontics. RPE was applied before secondary alveolar grafting. Posteroanterior cephalograms were taken before and after expansion. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences among the groups, whereas the paired t-test was used to evaluate the changes in each group. Results: In all groups, RPE causes a significant increase of the internasal dimension and maxillary width (Ln-Ln', Mx-Mx'). In the cleft groups, especially in the bilateral CLP group, the nasal width (Ln-Ln') and maxillary width (Mx-Mx') show a statistically significant increase according to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the unilateral CLP group shows an increase according to the control group (P < 0.001).(Um-Um') and (Lm-Lm') show a statistically significant increase all in three groups compared before the treatment (P < 0.001).(Um-Um') show the most increase in bilateral CLP group (P < 0.001). In the bilateral CLP group, (Zyg-Zyg'), (Cdl-Cdl'), (Go-Go') show a statistically significant increase (P < 0.001). The control and unilateral CLP group also show an increase, but the unilateral CLP group is not found statistically significant. Conclusion: When the facial morphologies were evaluated after RPE, the facial width measurements of the bilateral CLP patients showed a greater increase than the unilateral CLP and control group. Nasal width measurements were wider in cleft groups compared to the control group contributing to a widened airway, which may have an effect on breathing and speaking in cleft patients. More studies are needed.

Comparative Evaluation of the Radiopacity of Bone Graft Materials used in Dentistry

ABSTRACTIntroductionAmple radiopacity in order to distinguish from the surrounding tissues is a desirable property of dental graft materials. A total of 15 bone graft materials’ (BGMs) opacities were analyzed in this study.Materials and methodsGraft materials were placed in the implant cavity (5 × 10 mm) in cadaver's mandible respectively. Cavity was exposed by using periapical film and a dental X-ray machine at 70 kVp and 8 mA. The optical density of the radiographic images was measured with a transmission densitometer. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for statistical analysis.ResultsAmong the materials tested, the most radiolucent bone grafts were Grafton and Allogenix with a statistical significance of p ≥ 0.05. 4Bone and Bego Oss exhibited the highest radiopacity with a statistical significance of p ≥ 0.05. Inadequate radiopacity of the dental graft materials may lead to confusion among clinicians in the radiographical follow-up. Among 15 BGMs tested, only three had higher density than bone tissue.ConclusionThe radiopacity of the BGM was found to be higher than bone at only three of them.How to cite this articleKursun-Çakmak ES, Akbulut N, Öztas DD. Comparative Evaluation of the Radiopacity of Bone Graft Materials used in Dentistry. J Contemp Dent 2017;7(3):150-155.