Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial Research Articles

Mini-implant supported canine retraction with micro-osteoperforation: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

To investigate, using a split-mouth randomized clinical design, the effect of micro-osteoperforation (MOP) on mini-implant supported canine retraction using fixed appliances. Thirty subjects (seven males and 23 females) with a mean age of 22.2 (3.72) years were randomized into three canine retraction groups: Group 1 (MOP 4-weekly maxilla/8-weekly mandible; n = 10); Group 2 (MOP 8-weekly maxilla/12-weekly mandible; n = 10) and Group 3 (MOP 12-weekly maxilla/4-weekly mandible; n = 10) measured at 4-week intervals over 16 weeks. Subjects also completed pain (5-point Likert scale) and pain impact (Visual Analogue Scale) questionnaires. The primary outcome was the amount of canine retraction over 16 weeks at MOP (experimental) and non-MOP (control) sites. Mean overall canine retraction was 4.16 (1.62) mm with MOP and 3.06 (1.64) mm without. After adjusting for differences between jaws, all MOP groups exhibited significantly higher canine distalization than the control group: 0.89 mm more (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19 to 1.59 mm; P = .01) in the MOP-4 group, 1.08 mm more (95% CI = 0.49 to 1.68 mm; P = .001) in the MOP-8 group and 1.33 mm more (95% CI = 0.55 to 2.10 mm; P = .002) in the MOP-12 group. All subjects reported pain associated with MOP with 60% classifying it as moderate and 15% severe. The main impact of this reported pain was related to chewing and speech. MOP can increase overall mini-implant supported canine retraction over a 16-week period of observation but this difference is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Guided bone regeneration to reduce root migration after coronectomy of lower third molar: a randomized clinical trial.

Root migration occurs after most third molar coronectomy and a portion may be exposed in the oral cavity. This study compared the root migration rate, surgical morbidities after third molar coronectomy with or without adjunctive guided bone regeneration (GBR). A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with bilateral lower third molars close to the inferior alveolar nerve. One side of the lower third molars was randomized to receive coronectomy with adjunctive GBR (study group) and the other side received coronectomy alone (control group). The cases were followed up for 2years. Root migration, root exposure rate, surgical morbidities, and adjacent second molar periodontal regeneration were analyzed. Forty-eight subjects (19 males, 29 females) with a mean age of 2.6years (SD 5.8years) were recruited. There was no root exposure in the review period. There were no statistical differences in pain and infection rate between the two groups at all time-points. The root migration was significantly less in the study group than the control group from 3months onwards, and migrated only 1mm (SD 1.3mm) in 2years (versus 3.5mm (S.D.1.9mm) in the control group). There were no differences in the periodontal attachment regeneration between the two groups. Root migration in coronectomy with adjunctive GBR was less when compared with coronectomy alone, and with similar surgical morbidities and periodontal regeneration of adjacent second molars. Minimal root migration occurred in coronectomy with adjunctive GBR. The chance of long-term (3years or more) root exposure and the need of subsequent second operation to remove the exposed root would be reduced.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Simvastatin in Bone Regeneration after Surgical Removal of Bilaterally Impacted Third Molars—A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Simvastatin has been reported to promote osteoblastic activity, inhibit osteoclastic activity, and support osteoblast differentiation induced by bone morphogenetic protein. This split-mouth randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of local application of simvastatin (10mg) on bone regeneration after surgical removal of bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars. A randomized, split-mouth, single-blinded, single-center trial was performed in 30 patients 18 to 40years old requiring surgical extraction of bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars. These patients underwent 2 surgical sessions, with extraction of 1 third molar during each session. Each participant was randomly assigned to receive Gelfoam soaked with normal saline or with the drug simvastatin (10mg) at the first session and were blinded to the use of drug for that particular socket. The alternate regimen was used during the second session. The study was conducted over a period of 3months. Patients were evaluated for pain, postoperative swelling, and bone density measurement and analysis using intraoral periapical radiographs at the end of 1, 4, 8 and 12weeks, respectively. In addition, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images were obtained for every fifth patient at the end of 12weeks. Mean gray-level histographic values were significantly higher for the study sockets at the end of 1, 4, 8, and 12weeks (P=.001) compared with the control sockets (30 sockets each). CBCT analysis further substantiated accelerated bone regeneration in the study sockets. The study was statistically and radiographically in favor of the drug, indicating that local application of simvastatin could be a cost-effective and simple way to stimulate and hasten osseous regeneration.

Effectiveness of Resin-Based Sealants with and without Fluoride Placed in a High Caries Risk Population: Multicentric 2-Year Randomized Clinical Trial

A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of sealants in preventing carious ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) 3–6 lesions within a 2-year follow-up. We evaluated the effectiveness of 2 types of resin-based sealants, with and without fluoride, their retention rates, and the caries risk factors related to their outcomes. The study included 663 tooth pairs in 400 children (aged 5–15 years) considered to be at high individual caries risk (ICR) and presenting permanent molars free of caries or affected by ICDAS 1–2 lesions. In the first randomization, molars were either randomized to the treatment group receiving a dental sealant or the control group (nontreatment), and in the second randomization the sealant material to be used in the intervention group was selected. Uni- and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were employed. At the 2-year follow-up, 483 tooth pairs were assessed: sealed molars had 83% (adjusted HR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.15–0.20) less risk of developing ICDAS 3–6 lesions than molars without sealant. The magnitude of the protective effect was lower among teeth with ICDAS 1–2 lesions or with occlusal deep fissures than without. If the total retention rate of sealants was 70% at 2 years, sealant loss was not associated with the risk of caries (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.92–1.79, p = 0.14). Sealants allow the prevention of new ICDAS 3–6 lesions or progression of noncavitated carious lesions in children at high ICR, and the effect of the sealant was similar regardless of whether it contained fluoride or not.

Effect of warming anesthetic on pain perception during dental injection: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of warming anesthesia on the control of the pain produced during the administration of dental anesthesia injection and to analyze the role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 nociceptor channels in this effect.Patients and methodsA double-blind, split-mouth randomized clinical trial was designed. Seventy-two volunteer students (22.1±2.45 years old; 51 men) from the School of Dentistry at the Universidad Austral de Chile (Valdivia, Chile) participated. They were each administered 0.9 mL of lidocaine HCl 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 (Alphacaine®) using two injections in the buccal vestibule at the level of the upper lateral incisor teeth. Anesthesia was administered in a hemiarch at 42°C (107.6°F) and after 1 week, anesthesia was administered by randomized sequence on the contralateral side at room temperature (21°C–69.8°F) at a standardized speed. The intensity of pain perceived during the injection was compared using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS; Wilcoxon test p<0.05).ResultsThe use of anesthesia at room temperature produced an average VAS for pain of 35.3±16.71 mm and anesthesia at 42°C produced VAS for pain of 15±14.67 mm (p<0.001).ConclusionThe use of anesthesia at 42°C significantly reduced the pain during the injection of anesthesia compared to its use at room temperature during maxillary injections. The physiological mechanism of the temperature on pain reduction could be due to a synergic action on the permeabilization of the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 channels, allowing the passage of anesthetic inside the nociceptors.

Clinical effects of photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to full-mouth ultrasonic scaling and root planing in treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential strategy to eliminate infection in the specific tissue. It uses lower-power laser to activate a photosensitizing agent. Studies have shown the benefit of PDT in the periodontal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal changes after applying PDT as an adjunct to one visit full-mouth SRP (scaling and root planing) with subgingival piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler compared with full-mouth SRP alone. A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was designed. Twenty patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were treated with subgingival piezoelectric ultrasonic device alone in control group and adjunct treated with PDT in the test group. Probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI) and gingival inflammation index (GI) were evaluated at baseline, 1 month, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Only sites with PD ≥ 4 mm at baseline were calculated. All periodontal parameters were significantly improved in both groups at 1 month, 3 and 6 months after treatment. All parameters in test group were better than that control group, with statistically significant differences of GBI and GI (P < 0.05) at 3 and 6 months after treatment but no statistically significant differences of PD, CAL and PI. One visit full-mouth ultrasonic SRP seems to have good enough effort for the periodontal status till 6 months. The adjunct treatment of PDT provided positive effect in term of GBI and GI.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of diode laser pulpotomy on human primary teeth.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate clinical and radiographic effects of diode laser pulpotomy on young human primary molars. This double-blind, split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted on 14 children, aged 3-9 years. In total, 20 pairs of teeth were selected from those with pulpal exposure due to caries. Case selection was conducted based on clinical and radiographic criteria with similar teeth in each patient. One tooth was randomly assigned to diode laser pulpotomy as case and the other tooth was pulp-treated using formocresol as control. Diode laser at a 10-W power was applied on the remaining pulp tissue following coronal pulp amputation in the case group, while a cotton pellet with diluted formocresol was placed over the amputated pulp in the control group. Reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol paste was then placed over the pulp stump and the tooth was restored with stainless steel crown. A 6- and 12-month followed-up was conducted clinically and radiographically in order to assess the success rates. Data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test. Clinical failure rate was almost zero when the cases were followed and examined clinically (100% success), with 95% and 90% of the cases in the case group (diode laser) being judged as successful in radiographic examination after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Cases in the control group (formocresol) had almost the same clinical success rate (100%) with no failure judged by radiographic evaluation at 6 and 12 months. These results did not show any significant differences when analyzed using Fisher's exact test (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between diode laser pulpotomy and formocresol pulpotomy of human primary teeth after 6 and 12 months. Only a fraction of cases (5%) had radiographic problems at their follow-up in the laser group.

Influence of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the outcomes of impacted mandibular third molar removal surgery: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) extraction wound healing, patient postoperative discomfort, and incidence of alveolar osteitis. Thirty-four patients (20 female, 14 male) who met the inclusion criteria for this split-mouth randomized clinical trial were enrolled and 30 patients completed the study. Patients were randomized and underwent bilateral IMTM surgical extractions. Following extraction, one socket randomly received L-PRF, and the other socket served as a regular blood clot control. Postoperatively, the soft tissue healing index (HI), pain according to visual analog scale (VAS), facial swelling using a horizontal and vertical guide, and incidence of alveolar osteitis were evaluated 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Sites treated with L-PRF resulted in improved HI (P = .001) and lower pain VAS scores (P = .001) in the first postoperative week. Significant reduction of facial swelling was recorded on first (P = .035) and third (P = .023) postoperative days in L-PRF sites versus controls, ceasing to nonsignificant difference at day 7 (P = .224). None of the L-PRF sites and four control sites were affected by alveolar osteitis (P = .001). Within the limitations of this split-mouth study, L-PRF improved soft tissue healing and reduced postoperative pain, swelling, and incidence of alveolar osteitis after IMTM surgical extractions.

Effects of single-dose, low-level laser therapy on pain associated with the initial stage of fixed orthodontic treatment: A randomized clinical trial.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the analgesic effect of a single application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on spontaneous pain and pain on chewing after placement of initial archwires.MethodsForty-two patients (26 women, 16 men) were randomly recruited for this split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Each patient received super-elastic nickel-titanium (NiTi) initial archwires (0.012, 0.014, 0.016, and 0.018-inch [in]) in the maxilla for leveling and alignment for an interval of 4 weeks between archwires. One side of the mouth was randomly designated as experimental, while the other side served as placebo. After insertion of each archwire, the experimental side was irradiated with a diode laser for 3 seconds each on 5 points facially and palatally per tooth, from the central incisor to first molar. On the placebo side, the laser device was held the same way but without laser application. A numerical rating scale was used to assess the intensity of spontaneous and masticatory pain for the following 7 days. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare pain scores between sides.ResultsPatients in the LLLT group exhibited significantly lower mean scores for spontaneous pain after insertion of the initial two archwires (0.012-in and 0.014-in NiTi; p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference for 0.016-in and 0.018-in wires between the LLLT and placebo groups. LLLT significantly reduced chewing pain scores (p < 0.05) for all archwires.ConclusionsA single dose of LLLT considerably lessened postoperative pain accompanying the placement of super-elastic NiTi wires for initial alignment and leveling.

Does platelet-rich fibrin increase the stability of implants in the posterior of the maxilla? A split-mouth randomized clinical trial

The effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on bone healing around dental implants in areas of poor bone quality has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of implants placed in the posterior maxilla, with or without the use of PRF, during the healing period. A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was performed. Twenty patients with missing teeth in the molar region of the maxilla, requiring bilateral implants, were included. PRF was used on one side (group 1); no PRF was used on the other (group 2). Implant stability was assessed by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after placement. At 2 weeks, the mean ISQ was 60.60±3.42 in group 1 and 58.25±3.64 in group 2; at 4 weeks it was 70.30±3.36 in group 1 and 67.15±4.33 in group 2; at 6 weeks it was 78.45±3.36 in group 1 and 76.15±2.94 in group 2. Significant differences in RFA were found between the groups at 2 weeks (P=0.04), 4 weeks (P=0.014), and 6 weeks (P=0.027) after placement. The study results suggest that the use of PRF may enhance the post-insertion stability of dental implants placed in the posterior maxilla during the healing period.

Efficacy of elastic memory chains versus nickel–titanium coil springs in canine retraction: A two-center split-mouth randomized clinical trial

The use of newly-introduced elastic memory chains (EMCs) in space closure is increasingly gaining popularity. However, no clinical studies have evaluated their efficacy. Therefore, this study was conducted. In this two-center split-mouth single-blind randomized controlled trial, 21 jaws were divided into 42 quadrants. The two treatments [canine retraction using EMCs versus nickel-titanium (NiTi) coil springs (as control)] were randomly assigned to two quadrants of each jaw. The premolar space was measured at the baseline, and in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months of canine retraction, by a blinded orthodontist. Space closure rates were compared using a paired t-test. The rates of space closure using NiTi springs were 1.93±0.62, 1.71±0.75, and 1.36±0.51mm/month, during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months of treatment, respectively. The 3-month average rates of space closure were 1.67±0.39 and 1.89±0.36mm/month in the NiTi and elastic groups, respectively (faster in the elastic group, P=0.022). The application of elastic memory chains is as effective as NiTi springs.

Color stability of ceramic laminate veneers cemented with light-polymerizing and dual-polymerizing luting agent: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial

Statement of problemThe color stability of luting agents influences the esthetics of ceramic laminate veneers. Clinical studies that have evaluated the color changes of veneers cemented to enamel with light- and dual-polymerizing resin cement are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this split-mouth randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the color change and marginal discoloration of dual- and light-polymerizing cement used for cementation of ceramic laminate veneers. Material and methodsIn 10 participants, 0.3-mm-thick ceramic laminate veneers were cemented on the buccal surface of the second premolars without tooth preparation. A randomized application of light-polymerized cement was used on one side and a dual-polymerized cement on the contralateral side. The operator and participants were blinded to the activation mode. Color was evaluated by a blinded evaluator with a spectrophotometer at 24 hours and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after cementation. The CIELab (ΔE*ab) and CIEDE2000 (ΔE*00) formulas were used to quantify color alteration, and Δa*, Δb*, and ΔL* were calculated between the first and subsequent measurements. US Public Health Service guidelines were used to evaluate the marginal discoloration. ResultsWilcoxon tests did not show a statistical difference in ΔE*ab and ΔE*00 between the groups (P>.05). At 24 months, the median ΔE*ab was 2.31 (interquartile ranges [IQR]: 3.34) for the light-polymerizing mode and 1.57 (IQR: 0.41) for the dual-polymerizing mode, while the median ΔE*00 was 1.65 for the light-polymerizing mode (IQR: 2.34) and 1.18 for the dual-polymerizing mode (IQR: 0.25). The thresholds for clinically acceptable color changes ΔE*ab>3.46 and ΔE*00>2.25 were found for both curing modes. Marginal discoloration was observed from the 2-year assessment. ConclusionsThe color stability of ceramic laminate veneers was similar for both of the polymerizing modes for all evaluated periods. Marginal discoloration increased over a 2-year period for both the light- and the dual-polymerizing modes.

Effectiveness of school-based dental sealant programs among children from low-income backgrounds: a pragmatic randomized clinical trial with a follow-up of 3 years.

A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a school-based dental sealant (SBDS) program for French children from low-income backgrounds within 3 years of follow-up. The secondary objectives were to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of new carious lesions (ICDAS 3-6) on first permanent molars, to evaluate the effectiveness of the program according to risk factors and to assess sealant retention. The study included 276 6- to 7-year old pupils (457 pairs of first permanent molars) from Nice. The sealing was performed in first- or second-grade children. The first permanent molars were randomized into two groups: One received resin-based sealant and the other formed a nontreatment group. Carious lesions ICDAS 3-6 on permanent and primary teeth, visible plaque, streptococcus mutans and/or lactobacillus counts were recorded at baseline to assess individual caries risk (ICR). The putative confounders recorded at baseline were sex, grade level, and characteristics of first permanent molars. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed, where the study outcome was the occurrence of new carious lesions within 3 years of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models (hazard risk, HR) using the procedure PHREG with the option of Covsandwich were performed in SAS to assess the effectiveness of the SBDS program. At 3 years of follow-up, 228 children (378 tooth pairs) remained in the analysis. The survival analysis showed that first permanent molars that received sealants had 67% (adjusted HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.24-0.46) less risk of developing new carious lesions during all the follow-up than molars without sealant. In addition, children with carious lesions ICDAS 3-6 on permanent and primary teeth, that is, high ICR, had three times the risk of having a new carious lesion than others without, independently of the sealant treatment (adjusted HR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.55-5.75). Effectiveness of the SBDS program at 3 years of follow-up depended on the presence of carious lesions ICDAS 3-6 (HR in 173 children with carious lesions: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.23-0.46) at baseline (HR in 103 children without carious lesions: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.16-1.12). Finally, the overall retention rate was 32.3%. The effectiveness of the SBDS program was demonstrated in low socioeconomic areas. Selection of schoolchildren according to the presence of carious lesions ICDAS 3-6 should be considered in a SBDS program.

A comparative assessment of enamel mineral content and Streptococcus mutans population between conventional composites and composites containing nano amorphous calcium phosphate in fixed orthodontic patients: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this 'split-mouth design' trial was to evaluate the effect of the nano amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) containing composite on enamel mineral contents and streptococcus mutans population in fixed orthodontic patients. Randomized, prospective, single-center controlled trial. Twenty-four patients between the ages of 13-18 years participated in this study. The control and test sides were randomly selected by a coin toss (1:1 ratio). On the control side orthodontic brackets were bonded on the buccal surfaces of upper premolars and laterals using an orthodontic composite (Transbond XT), and on the study side NACP-containing composite was used. Outcome measures were the mineral content around the brackets and S.mutans count. The later were calculated in the plaque around the brackets by real-time PCR at 3 months, and 6 months after the initiation of treatment. All stages of the study were blind using coding system. Paired t-test and repeated measurements were used for data analysis. In the third and sixth month, the bacterial population was significantly lower in the study side than the control side (P = 0.01 and 0.000).The mineral content of the study side was significantly higher than the controls, 6 months after brocket bonding (P = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the premolars and lateral teeth for all measurements. This research was performed in a single-center by one experienced clinician. NACP-containing composites have the potential to inhibit mineral content loss and S.mutans colonization around orthodontic brackets during fixed orthodontic treatments. This trial was not registered. The protocol was not published before trial commencement.

Survival analysis of banding and bonding molar tubes in adult patients over a 12-month period: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

This split-mouth randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the survival rate of bonding and banding molar tubes in adult orthodontic patients. Eligibility criteria included adults (aged >18 years), no active caries, restorations, or fractures in the upper and lower molars. The main outcome was any type of first-time failure in molar tubes. A computer-generated randomization scheme was used in a 1:1 ratio. The survival rate was estimated for 32 adult patients, in whom a tube was bonded to a molar tooth using composite resin on one side and a band was cemented with glass ionomer onto the same tooth in the contralateral arch. A total of 59 banded and 59 bonded molars were followed up for 12 months. Blinding was not applicable. Survival analysis including Cox regression was used at p < 0.05. The survival rate of bonded molars was not statistically different from that of banded molars (log-rank test, p = 0.97). Hazard ratio (HR) was 0.72 (95%CI, 0.38-1.31). Bonded upper molars yielded a survival rate of 81.25% (26 out of 32) compared to 71.87% (23 out of 32) for banded upper molars. The survival rate was 66.66% (18 out of 27) for banded lower molars and 59.25% for bonded lower molars (16 out of 27). The HR for lower vs. upper arch was 2.16 (95%CI, 1.18-3.98). No serious problem was observed other than gingivitis associated with plaque accumulation. In contrast to previous studies in young patients, in adults, bonding orthodontic tubes to molars is similar to molar banding. However, both procedures had a high failure rate in the lower arch.

The effect of indocyanine green-mediated photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A comparative split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of adjunctive photodynamic therapy (PDT) (using 810 nm diode laser and Indocyanine green as photosensitizer) in chronic periodontitis. Patients with untreated chronic periodontitis were included. Treatment was done according to a split mouth design. All sites received periodontal treatment comprising scaling and root-planing (SRP). Test group were additionally treated with PDT. Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Relative Attachment Level (RAL) were evaluated at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. Mean baseline values for PI, GI, PPD and RAL were not different in the test group and control group. Statistical significant difference in PPD and RAL, 3 months after treatment was seen in test group as compared to the control group. In patients with chronic periodontitis, clinical outcomes of conventional SRP can be improved by adjunctive PDT.

Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of one self-adhesive composite in dental hypersensitivity.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness over 12weeks of Vertise Flow(™), a self-adhering composite, in dental hypersensitivity (DH). The study was conducted as a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Vertise Flow™ was compared to the following: (1) Universal Dentine Sealant, (2) Clearfil Protect Bond, and (3) Flor-Opal® Varnish. A total of 46 patients with 116 hypersensitive teeth were studied. Pain experience was generated by a cold stimulus and assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) of pain. The response was recorded before the application of the materials (pre-1), immediately after (post-1), at 1- (post-2), 2- (post-3), and 12-week controls (post-4). Statistical differences in VAS were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis at the different time-points (P < 0.05), adjusting statistical significances for multiple comparisons (Bonferroni correction). All the materials showed any statistically significant differences at the baseline. After the application of each material, a VAS decrease was demonstrated at every post-control. VF showed significant hypersensitivity reduction in post-1. Statistically significant relief was also observed in post-2 while no significant differences were detected in post-3 and post-4. After 12-week controls, there was no statistically significant hypersensitivity reduction using VF in respect to the other materials. On the other hand, any significant differences were detected in the decrease of the VAS irrespective of the desensitizing agent employed at the 12-week controls. The significant increase in VAS scores within the 12-weeks of environment suggested there is instability of VF when used as desensitizing agent.

A split-mouth randomized clinical trial of conventional and heavy flowable composites in class II restorations

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the 2-year clinical performance of class II restorations made with a composite resin with two different viscosities. Methods47 patients received two class II restorations (n=94), one made with GrandioSO (conventional viscosity – CV), and the other with GrandioSO Heavy Flow (flowable viscosity – FV), subjecting both materials to the same clinical conditions. The self-etching adhesive Futurabond M was used for all restorations. The composites were inserted using the incremental technique. The restorations were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria according to the periods: baseline, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after restorative procedures. ResultsAfter 24 months, 40 patients attended the recall and 78 restorations were evaluated. In all periods, no secondary caries was observed. After 6 months, there were slightly overall changes of scores for most parameters. After 24 months, the higher number of changes from score Alfa to Bravo was observed for marginal discolouration (32.5% – CV and 39.5% – FV) and colour match (15% – CV and 31.6% – FV), followed by proximal contact (25% – CV and 23.7% – FV) and marginal adaptation (20% – CV and 21.1% – FV). For wear, surface texture and postoperative sensitivity the changes were very small. Just two restorations were lost during the 24-month follow up. Less than 5% of all restorations showed postoperative sensitivity. Chi-square test showed no significant differences between the two materials for all parameters analysed. ConclusionAfter 2 years of clinical service, no significant differences were observed between GrandioSO conventional and GrandioSO Heavy Flow for the parameters analysed. Both materials provided acceptable clinical behaviour in class II restorations. Clinical SignificanceThis study presents the possibility of using a flowable composite with high filler content, for performing class II restorations.

Platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of localized gingival recessions: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in combination with coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the treatment of localized gingival recessions. Twenty-two patients with localized gingival recession defects (Miller I, II) participated in this split-mouth trial. Forty-four defects received either CAF + PRF (test) or CAF with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) (control). Gingival recession depth (RD), gingival recession width (RW), keratinized tissue width (KTW), recession area (RA), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival thickness (GT) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months. RD, RW, RA and KTW were calculated on standardized photographs with a computer image analysis program. Percentage of root coverage in test group was 92.7 % and in control group was 94.2 % (p > 0.05). Percentage of complete root coverage of the test and control groups was 72.7 and 77.3 %, respectively (p > 0.05). KTW and GT were increased in both groups from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups (p > 0.05). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that localized gingival recessions could be successfully treated with CAF + PRF as well as CAF + SCTG. The digital measuring method provided high accuracy and precision in the evaluation of treatment outcomes after both surgical procedures. PRF might be suggested as an alternative to SCTG for the treatment of localized gingival recessions.

Single-Dose Intra-Alveolar Chlorhexidine Gel Application, Easier Surgeries, and Younger Ages Are Associated With Reduced Dry Socket Risk

Although dry socket (DS) is commonly investigated, many of its risk factors remain highly controversial. In addition, few studies are available to show the preventive effect of chlorhexidine gel on DS. Moreover, multivariable analyses of DS risk factors are scarce, and their interactions have not been assessed previously. Therefore, the simultaneous effect of chlorhexidine gel and 4 DS risk factors and their interactions were analyzed within a multivariable framework. Using a split-mouth randomized clinical trial design, the investigators enrolled a cohort of patients requiring extraction of 2 mandibular third molars. The primary predictor variable was extraction socket treatment status, classified as experimental or standard. Experimental treatment was the insertion of chlorhexidine gel (0.2%) into the extraction socket. Each patient had 1 third molar randomly selected as the treatment site. The contralateral third molar served as the control socket and was treated in the usual manner. The primary outcome variable was DS status, present or absent, assessed on postoperative day 3. Other study variables were categorized as demographic, smoking, and surgical difficulty according to the Pederson scale. Appropriate bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistics were used to measure the association between risk for DS and chlorhexidine gel use, age, gender, smoking, and surgical difficulty and their interactions (α = 0.05). The sample consisted of 90 bilateral extraction sockets in 45 patients (24 men; 21 smokers; mean age, 21.1 ± 2.7 yr). Regression analysis showed that when other factors and their interactions were controlled for, chlorhexidine gel application lowered the risk of DS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.05; P = .004). Increasing age (OR = 2.9; P = .030) was associated with an increased risk for DS. A similar association existed between increased difficulty level of extraction and DS risk (OR = 3.8; P = .051). The effect of gender was marginally significant (P = .091), whereas smoking did not have a significant influence (P = .4). Intra-alveolar application of chlorhexidine gel and practicing less traumatic surgeries are advocated, particularly in older patients. Smoking seems unlikely to affect DS frequency. The role of gender is inconclusive.