Tissue Dimensions Research Articles

Determination of Optical Coefficients and Fractal Dimensional Parameters of Cancerous and Normal Prostate Tissues

Optical extinction and diffuse reflection spectra of cancerous and normal prostate tissues in the 750 to 860 nm spectral range were measured. Optical extinction measurements using thin ex vivo prostate tissue samples were used to determine the scattering coefficient (μ(s)), while diffuse reflection measurements using thick prostate tissue samples were used to extract the absorption coefficient (μ(a)) and the reduced scattering coefficient (μ'(s)). The anisotropy factor (g) was obtained using the extracted values of μ(s) and μ'(s). The values of fractal dimension (D(f)) of cancerous and normal prostate tissues were obtained by fitting to the wavelength dependence of μ'(s). The number of scattering particles contributing to μ(s) as a function of particle size and the cutoff diameter d(max) as a function of g were investigated using the fractal soft tissue model and Mie theory. Results show that d(max) of the normal tissue is larger than that of the cancerous tissue. The cutoff diameter d(max) is observed to agree with the nuclear size for the normal tissues and the nucleolar size for the cancerous tissues. Transmission spectral polarization imaging measurements were performed that could distinguish the cancerous prostate tissue samples from the normal tissue samples based on the differences between their absorption and scattering parameters.

Influence of buccal bony crest width on marginal dimensions of peri‐implant hard and soft tissues after implant installation. An experimental study in dogs

To evaluate the influence of the width of the buccal bony wall on hard and soft tissue dimensions following implant installation. Mandibular premolars and first molars of six Labrador dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 3months of healing, two recipient sites, one on each side of the mandible, were prepared in such a way as to obtain a buccal bony ridge width of about 2mm in the right (control) and 1mm in the left sides (test), respectively. Implants were installed with the coronal margin flush with the buccal alveolar bony crest. Abutments were placed and the flaps were sutured to allow a non-submerged healing. After 3months, the animals were euthanized and ground sections obtained. All implants were completely osseointegrated. In respect to the coronal rough margin of the implant, the most coronal bone-to-implant contact was apically located 1.04±0.91 and 0.94±0.87mm at the test and control sites, respectively, whereas the top of the bony crest was located 0.30±0.40mm at the test and 0.57±0.49mm at the control sites. No statistically significant differences were found. A larger horizontal bone resorption, however, evaluated 1mm apically to the rough margin, was found at the control (1.1±0.7mm) compared to the test (0.3±0.3mm) sites, the difference being statistically significant. A thin peri-implant mucosa (2.4-2.6mm) was found at implant installation while, after 3months of healing, a biological width of 3.90-4.40mm was observed with no statistically significant differences between control and test sites. A width of the buccal bony wall of 1or 2mm at implant sites yielded similar results after 3months of healing in relation of hard tissue and soft tissues dimensions after implant installation.

Impact of surrounding tissue on conductance measurement of coronary and peripheral lumen area.

Parallel conductance (electric current flow through surrounding tissue) is an important determinant of accurate measurements of arterial lumen diameter, using the conductance method. The present study is focused on the role of non-uniform geometrical/electrical configurations of surrounding tissue, which are a primary source of electric current leakage. Computational models were constructed to simulate the conductance catheter measurement with two different excitation electrodes spacings (i.e. 12 and 20 mm for coronary and peripheral sizing, respectively) for different vessel-tissue configurations: (i) blood vessel fully embedded in muscle tissue, (ii) blood vessel superficially embedded in muscle tissue, and (iii) blood vessel superficially embedded in muscle tissue with fat covering half of the arterial vessel (anterior portion). The simulations suggest that the parallel conductance and accuracy of measurement is dependent on the inhomogeneous/anisotropic configuration of surrounding tissue, including the asymmetric dimension and anisotropy in electrical conductivity of surrounding tissue. Specifically, the measurement was shown to be accurate as long as the vessel was superficial, regardless of the considerable total surrounding tissue dimension for coronary or peripheral arteries. Moreover, it was shown that the unfavourable impact of parallel conductance on the accuracy of conductance catheter measurement is decreased by the combination of a lower transverse electrical conductivity of surrounding muscle tissue, a smaller electrode spacing and a larger lumen diameter. The present findings confirm that the conductance catheter technique provides an accurate platform for sizing of clinically relevant (i.e. superficial and diseased) arteries.

Asymmetric implants for breast asymmetry

The indications, advantages, and disadvantages of round and anatomical implants have previously been described. The principles of biodimensional implant selection have been developed by several authors, where the objective choice of breast prosthesis for augmentation is based on the patient's breast tissues. This process has largely been applied to anatomical implant selection. We report a case of breast asymmetry, where we have applied the same concepts in the selection of implants based on tissue dimension. This resulted in an anatomical implant being used to augment the left breast, and a round implant on the right. To our knowledge a round implant and an anatomical implant have not previously been employed in the same patient to correct breast asymmetry. This resulted in excellent postoperative symmetry.

A New Approach of In Vivo Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Using the Epigastric Artery as Central Core Vessel of a 3-Dimensional Construct

The creation of musculoskeletal tissue represents an alternative for the replacement of soft tissue in reconstructive surgery. However, most of the approaches of creating artificial tissue have their limitations in the size as the maximally obtainable dimension of bioartificial tissue (BAT) is limited due to the lack of supporting vessels within the 3-dimensional construct. The seeded myoblasts require high amounts of perfusion, oxygen, and nutrients to survive. To achieve this, we developed a 3-dimensional scaffold which features the epigastric artery as macroscopic core vessel inside the BAT in a rat model (perfused group, n = 4) and a control group (n = 3) without the epigastric vessels and, therefore, without perfusion. The in vivo monitoring of the transplanted myoblasts was assessed by bioluminescence imaging and showed both the viability of the epigastric artery within the 3-dimensional construct and again that cell survival in vivo is highly depending on the blood supply with the beginning of capillarization within the BAT seven days after transplantation in the perfused group. However, further studies focussing on the matrix improvement will be necessary to create a transplantable BAT with the epigastric artery as anastomosable vessel.

Comparative cephalometric study of Class I malocclusion in Egyptian and Japanese adult females

Orthodontic diagnosis is the key factor for conducting a successful orthodontic treatment. It typically includes comparing a patient's cephalometric measurements to standard values. However, lateral cephalometric norms, may be specific to an ethnic group and cannot always be applied to other ethnic types. Thus the purpose of this study was to compare the cephalometric features of Class I malocclusion in Egyptian and Japanese adult females inorder to understand the ethnic differences between these two groups. The lateral cephalograms of 50 Egyptian adult females and 50 Japanese adult females were traced and digitized by one investigator. Seventeen angular measurements and thirteen linear measurements of facial form were computed. A comparison of the vertical dimensions showed that, the Japanese had a significantly steeper mandibular plane angle. Also, Japanese females had a significantly larger lower face height together with increased distances of the posterior teeth to the mandibular plane. For the soft tissue dimensions, the Japanese subjects had a significantly less prominent nose, protruded lip positions, and a more retruded chin compared with Egyptians. These characteristic skeletal and soft tissue different features should be taken into consideration when formulating an orthodontic treatment plan for patients of varying ethnic backgrounds to optimize the final results.

Deposition of nanometer scaled calcium‐phosphate crystals to implants with a dual acid‐etched surface does not improve early tissue integration

To evaluate hard and soft tissue healing to implants with a dual acid-etched surface with and without deposition of calcium-phosphate crystals. Three months after extraction of mandibular premolars in six Labrador dogs, four osteotomy preparations, 8 mm deep and 3 mm wide, were performed. The prepared canals were widened in the marginal 4 mm zone to 3.74 mm. Implants with an 8 mm long and 3.75 mm wide intraosseous portion and a 5.0 mm high and 4.0 mm wide transmucosal part were placed in such a way that the base of the wider neck-portion of the implant coincided with the crestal bone. The implants were dual acid - etched (Osseotite(®); Biomet 3i). The surface of the test implants was, in addition, modified by a discrete deposition of calcium-phosphate crystals (Nanotite™; Biomet 3i). Every second implant placed was a test unit. After 2 weeks the implant installation procedure was repeated in the opposite side of the mandible. Two weeks later the animals were euthanized and biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis. The degree of bone-to implant contact (BIC%) was larger at implants without (Osseotite) than in those with (Nanotite) calcium-phosphate crystals. No differences were found regarding soft tissue dimensions and composition between the two types of implants. It is suggested that deposition of nanometer-sized calcium-phosphate crystals to implants with a dual acid-etched surface does not improve early tissue integration.

Three Dimensional Visualization and Fractal Analysis of Mosaic Patches in Rat Chimeras: Cell Assortment in Liver, Adrenal Cortex and Cornea

The production of organ parenchyma in a rapid and reproducible manner is critical to normal development. In chimeras produced by the combination of genetically distinguishable tissues, mosaic patterns of cells derived from the combined genotypes can be visualized. These patterns comprise patches of contiguously similar genotypes and are different in different organs but similar in a given organ from individual to individual. Thus, the processes that produce the patterns are regulated and conserved. We have previously established that mosaic patches in multiple tissues are fractal, consistent with an iterative, recursive growth model with simple stereotypical division rules. Fractal dimensions of various tissues are consistent with algorithmic models in which changing a single variable (e.g. daughter cell placement after division) switches the mosaic pattern from islands to stripes of cells. Here we show that the spiral pattern previously observed in mouse cornea can also be visualized in rat chimeras. While it is generally held that the pattern is induced by stem cell division dynamics, there is an unexplained discrepancy in the speed of cellular migration and the emergence of the pattern. We demonstrate in chimeric rat corneas both island and striped patterns exist depending on the age of the animal. The patches that comprise the pattern are fractal, and the fractal dimension changes with the age of the animal and indicates the constraint in patch complexity as the spiral pattern emerges. The spiral patterns are consistent with a loxodrome. Such data are likely to be relevant to growth and cell division in organ systems and will help in understanding how organ parenchyma are generated and maintained from multipotent stem cell populations located in specific topographical locations within the organ. Ultimately, understanding algorithmic growth is likely to be essential in achieving organ regeneration in vivo or in vitro from stem cell populations.

A systematic review of post‐extractional alveolar hard and soft tissue dimensional changes in humans

Removal of teeth results in both horizontal and vertical changes of hard and soft tissue dimensions. The magnitude of these changes is important for decision-making and comprehensive treatment planning, with provisions for possible solutions to expected complications during prosthetic rehabilitation. To review all English dental literature to assess the magnitude of dimensional changes of both the hard and soft tissues of the alveolar ridge up to 12 months following tooth extraction in humans. An electronic MEDLINE and CENTRAL search complemented by manual searching was conducted to identify randomized controlled clinical trials and prospective cohort studies on hard and soft tissue dimensional changes after tooth extraction. Only studies reporting on undisturbed post-extraction dimensional changes relative to a fixed reference point over a clearly stated time period were included. Assessment of the identified studies and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Data collected were reported by descriptive methods. Weighted means and percentages of the dimensional changes over time were calculated where appropriate. The search provided 3954 titles and 238 abstracts. Full text analysis was performed for 104 articles resulting in 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria. In human hard tissue, horizontal dimensional reduction (3.79 ± 0.23 mm) was more than vertical reduction (1.24 ± 0.11 mm on buccal, 0.84 ± 0.62 mm on mesial and 0.80 ± 0.71 mm on distal sites) at 6 months. Percentage vertical dimensional change was 11-22% at 6 months. Percentage horizontal dimensional change was 32% at 3 months, and 29-63% at 6-7 months. Soft tissue changes demonstrated 0.4-0.5 mm gain of thickness at 6 months on the buccal and lingual aspects. Horizontal dimensional changes of hard and soft tissue (loss of 0.1-6.1 mm) was more substantial than vertical change (loss 0.9 mm to gain 0.4 mm) during observation periods of up to 12 months, when study casts were utilized as a means of documenting the changes. Human re-entry studies showed horizontal bone loss of 29-63% and vertical bone loss of 11-22% after 6 months following tooth extraction. These studies demonstrated rapid reductions in the first 3-6 months that was followed by gradual reductions in dimensions thereafter.

Biomechanical and Histological Evaluations of the Doubled Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Sheep

Background: A sheep or goat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction model with the semitendinosus tendon autograft has not as of yet been established. Hypothesis: The semitendinosus tendon graft may be necrotized after ACL reconstruction until 12 weeks. Structural properties of the femur-graft-tibia complex may not be restored to the normal ACL level even at 12 months after surgery. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Thirty-eight mature sheep were used. In each animal, the right knee underwent ACL reconstruction using the semitendinosus tendon autograft. Two of them were not tested because of pneumonia. Twenty of 36 sheep were used for biomechanical evaluations. Five randomly selected animals were sacrificed at 0, 12, 24, or 52 weeks after surgery. In each animal, both the knees were harvested, and the left knee was used to obtain the control data. The remaining 16 sheep were used for histological evaluation. Two or 3 randomly selected animals were sacrificed at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, or 52 weeks after surgery. Results: The tendon graft was predominantly acellular at 2 weeks. Although cell infiltration increased at 6 weeks, the core portion remained necrotic even at 12 weeks. At 24 and 52 weeks, the necrotic lesion disappeared in the core portion. In each period, the anteroposterior translation of the reconstructed knee remained significantly greater than that of the control (P < .0001). At 52 weeks, the maximum load of the femur-graft-tibia complex was significantly lower than that of the femur-ACL-tibia complex (P < .0001), although there was no significant difference in the cell density, the tissue dimensions, the stiffness, and the elongation at failure between the 2 complexes. Conclusion: The sheep ACL reconstruction model showed predominant intrinsic fibroblast necrosis in the tendon autograft until 12 weeks. Although the structural properties of the femur-graft-tibia complex gradually improved, they were not completely restored to the femur-ACL-tibia complex level even at 52 weeks. Clinical Relevance: Remodeling of the semitendinosus tendon autograft after ACL reconstruction is not different from that of the bone-tendon-bone graft. This study has suggested that vigorous activity should not be permitted for patients in the early periods after ACL reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autografts, which are necrotized and weakened after surgery.

Effect of mismatching abutments on implants with wider platforms – an experimental study in dogs

To evaluate the effect of mismatching abutments on implants with a wider platform on the peri-implant hard tissue remodeling and the soft tissue dimensions. Mandibular premolars and first molars of six Labrador dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 3months of healing, one tapered implant was installed on each side of the mandibular molar region with the implant shoulder placed at the level of the buccal alveolar bony crest. On the right side of the mandible, an abutment of reduced diameter in relation to the platform of the implant was used, creating a mismatch of 0.85mm (test), whereas an abutment of the same diameter of the implant platform was affixed in the left side of the mandible (control). The flaps were sutured to allow a non-submerged healing. After 4months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were obtained for histometric assessment. All implants were completely osseo-integrated. Bone levels were superior at the test than at the control sites. However, statistically significant differences were found only at the buccal and proximal aspects. The soft tissue vertical dimension was higher at the control compared with the test sites. However, statistically significant differences were demonstrated only at the buccal aspects. A mismatch of 0.85mm between the implant and the abutment yielded more coronal levels of bone-to-implant contact and a reduced height of the peri-implant soft tissue (biologic width), especially at the buccal aspect, if the implant shoulder was placed flush with the level of the buccal alveolar bony crest.

Alveolar process preservation at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets using deproteinized bovine bone mineral – an experimental study in dogs

To evaluate the soft tissue and the dimensional changes of the alveolar bony crest at sites where deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles, concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane, were used at implants installed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction. The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of (3) P(3) was removed in six Labrador dogs, and the root canals were filled. Flaps were elevated bilaterally, the premolars hemi-sectioned, and the distal roots removed. Recipient sites were prepared in the distal alveolus, and implants were placed. At the test sites, DBBM particles were placed in the residual marginal defects concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane. No treatment augmentation was performed at the control sites. A non-submerged healing was allowed. Impressions were obtained at baseline and at the time of sacrifice performed 4 months after surgery. The cast models obtained were analyzed using an optical system to evaluate dimensional variations. Block sections of the implant sites were obtained for histological processing and soft tissue assessments. After 4 months of healing, no differences in soft tissue dimensions were found between the test and control sites based on the histological assessments. The location of the soft tissue at the buccal aspect was, however, more coronal at the test compared with the control sites (1.8 ± 0.8 and 0.9 ± 0.8 mm, respectively). At the three-dimensional evaluation, the margin of the soft tissues at the buccal aspect appeared to be located more apically and lingually. The vertical dislocation was 1 ± 0.6 and 2.7 ± 0.5 mm at the test and control sites, respectively. The area of the buccal shrinkage of the alveolar crest was significantly smaller at the test sites (5.9 ± 2.4 mm(2) ) compared with the control sites (11.5 ± 1.7 mm(2) ). The use of DBBM particles concomitantly with the application of a collagen membrane used at implants placed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction contributed to the preservation of the alveolar process.

Influence of implants with different sizes and configurations installed immediately into extraction sockets on peri‐implant hard and soft tissues: an experimental study in dogs

To study the influence on the healing of soft and hard peri-implant tissues when implants of different sizes and configurations were installed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction. Transmucosal cylindrical implants, 3.3mm in diameter in the control sites, and conical 5mm in diameter in the test sites, were installed into the distal socket of the fourth mandibular premolars in dogs immediately after tooth extraction. After 4months, the hard and soft tissue healing was evaluated histologically. All implants were integrated in mineralized mature bone. Both at the test and control sites, the alveolar crest underwent resorption. The buccal bony surface at the implant test sites (conical; 3.8mm) was more resorbed compared with the control sites (cylindrical; 1.6mm). The soft tissue dimensions were similar in both groups. However, in relation to the implant shoulder, the peri-implant mucosa was located more apically at the test compared with the control sites. The present study confirmed that the distance between the implant surface and the outer contour of the buccal alveolar bony crest influenced the degree of resorption of the buccal bone plate. Consequently, in relation to the implant shoulder, the peri-implant mucosa will be established at a more apical level, if the distance between the implant surface and the outer contour of the alveolar crest is small.

Periodontal regeneration following implantation of cementum and periodontal ligament‐derived cells

The periodontal regeneration of bone defects is often unsatisfactory and could be largely improved by cell therapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of implanting canine cementum-derived cells (CDCs) and canine periodontal ligament-derived cells (PDLDCs) in experimentally created periodontal intrabony defects in beagle dogs. Cells were obtained from premolars extracted from four beagle dogs. Three-wall intrabony periodontal defects, 3 mm wide and 4 mm deep, were surgically created in their second and fourth premolars and plaque was allowed to accumulate. Once the defects were surgically debrided, periodontal regeneration was attempted by random implantation of collagen sponges embedded with 750,000 CDCs, 750,000 PDLDCs or culture medium. After 3 mo of healing, specimens were obtained and periodontal regenerative outcomes were assessed histologically and histometrically. The histological analysis showed that a minimal amount of new cementum was formed in the control group (1.56 ± 0.39 mm), whereas in both test groups, significantly higher amounts of new cementum were formed (3.98 ± 0.59 mm in the CDC group and 4.07 ± 0.97 mm in the PDLDC group). The test groups also demonstrated a larger dimension of new connective tissue, resulting in a significantly more coronal level of histological attachment. This proof-of-principle study suggests that cellular therapy, in combination with a collagen sponge, promoted periodontal regeneration in experimental intrabony periodontal defects.

Dimensions of buccal bone and mucosa at immediately placed implants after 7 years: a clinical and cone beam computed tomography study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dimensions of buccal bone and soft tissue at immediately placed implants over a 7-year period. Twenty-four patients, that participated in a clinical prospective study and received implants immediately placed into extraction socket, were enrolled for this study. Residual bone defects were grafted with xenogenic bone substitute and covered by means of collagen membrane. Baseline examination included measurements of full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores, width of keratinized mucosa, and dimensions of residual bone defects at the buccal aspect. Seven years after implant placement, full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, width of keratinized mucosa, and probing pocket depth were assessed and cone beam computed tomography images acquired. Dimensions of buccal bone and soft tissue were evaluated on the cross-sectional cone beam computed tomography reconstructions. Differences between two time-points were tested using the two-sided t-test. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the influence of baseline bone defect dimensions on the bone dimensions measured at the 7-year follow-up. Fourteen patients attended the follow-up examination. In five implants almost no buccal bone was detected, whereas in the remaining nine implants the buccal bone was found covering the rough implant surface. No correlation was found between initial bone defects and bone dimensions at the follow-up examination. The sites without radiographically detectable buccal bone at the 7-year control presented with 1 mm more apical mucosal level in comparison to implants with intact buccal bone.

Traitement orthodontique des récessions parodontales : critères de traitement

Gingival recession is a complex phenomenon. Root coverage results can be predictable regarding to the anatomy of the area. This includes the width of keratinized and attached gingiva, the buccolingual dimension of both soft tissue and alveolar bone, and the position and angulation of the teeth. If the tooth is out of the envelope of the alveolar process, with alveolar bone dehiscence and low thickness of the marginal soft tissue, the recession risk is important. Many techniques have been introduced to treat gingival recession. But lots of failures are linked to tooth position. An adequate orthodontic therapy, with controlled tooth movement, can improve periodontal tissues and thus improves the esthetical outcome. In some cases, orthodontic treatment is suggested to lead to an improved periodontal condition without pre-orthodontic gingival augmentation.

A Validated Hybrid Computational Fluid Dynamics-Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Respiratory Tract Vapor Absorption in the Human and Rat and Its Application to Inhalation Dosimetry of Diacetyl

Diacetyl vapor is associated with bronchiolar injury in man but primarily large airway injury in the rat. The goal of this study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for inspired vapor dosimetry and to apply the model to diacetyl. The respiratory tract was modeled as a series of airways: nose, trachea, main bronchi, large bronchi, small bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli with tissue dimensions obtained from the literature. Airborne vapor was allowed to absorb (or desorb) from tissues based on mass transfer coefficients. Transfer of vapor within tissues was based on molecular diffusivity with direct reaction with tissue substrates and/or metabolism being allowed in each tissue compartment. In vitro studies were performed to provide measures of diacetyl metabolism kinetics and direct reaction rates allowing for the development of a model with no unassigned variables. Respiratory tract uptake of halothane, acetone, ethanol and diacetyl was measured in male F344 rat to obtain data for model validation. The human model was validated against published values for inspired vapor uptake. For both the human and rat models, a close concordance of model estimates with experimental measurements was observed, validating the model. The model estimates that limited amounts of inspired diacetyl penetrate to the bronchioles of the rat (<2%), whereas in the lightly exercising human, 24% penetration to the bronchioles is estimated. Bronchiolar tissue concentrations of diacetyl in the human are estimated to exceed those in the rat by 40-fold. These inhalation dosimetric differences may contribute to the human-rat differences in diacetyl-induced airway injury.

Shrinkage and Color Change during Microwave Vacuum Drying of Carrot

Microwave vacuum drying (MVD) was applied to carrot slices and the radial shrinkage and changes in color and shape of its main tissues were evaluated. Tissue dimensions were obtained using computer vision; their visual color was quantified from Hunter Lab coordinates and their carotenoids contents were determined spectrophotometrically. The drying time varied from 24 to 42 min when the microwave power was changed from lower to higher values. MVD samples showed high rehydration capacity. The radial shrinkage values ranged from 36.2 ± 5.0 to 46.1 ± 4.6%, where higher values were seen in the core and under high microwave power. Circularity, solidity, and major and minor axes were shape descriptors of carrot slices that varied significantly during drying, changing from 0.58 to 44.3% of their initial values. In both fresh and dried products the cortex color exhibited superior color than that of the core. MVD incurred a significant whitening index and carotenoids losses.

Current Status and Perspectives of Mucogingival Soft Tissue Measurement Methods

The morphologic and metric assessment of mucogingival soft tissue dimensions is of great multidisciplinary clinical and academic interest, in order to quantify and monitor gingival changes while in treatment, e.g., during periodontal, restorative, prosthetic, orthodontic, or implant therapy. Pink esthetics play an increasingly important role in the overall treatment success, and therefore have to be monitored throughout therapy. The purpose of this article was to identify and summarize methods, which aim at quantifying gingival dimensions in terms of morphology, thickness, and volume, with respect to their accuracy and practicability. The introduced measurement methods should further facilitate personalized treatment planning and monitoring. Mucogingival esthetics play an increasingly important role whenever treatment results are evaluated. Several qualitative and (semi)quantitative methods for measuring soft tissue dimensions are available. New methods like CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) technologies are emerging and allow practitioners to reliably monitor their patient's soft tissues throughout therapy. Future improvements may help to develop better treatment strategies in terms of optimized preservation and creation of gingival morphology, especially in the esthetic zone.

Soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading: an experimental study in the beagle dog

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading. This study was carried out on six beagle dogs. Four implants were placed (two per side) immediately after tooth extraction (third and fourth premolars). Flapless immediate implant placement was performed in one hemimandible (control). The same procedure was performed in the contralateral side and immediate prosthesis was connected (test). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed. None of the implants and prosthesis were lost. Barrier epithelium in the loaded group was 2.51 mm at the buccal and 2.34 mm at the lingual aspect. In the no loaded group, the results were similar, 2.54 and 2.2 mm at the buccal and lingual side, respectively. Connective tissue in the loaded group was 1.38 mm at the buccal and 0.65 mm at the lingual aspect, and in the no loaded group 1.48 mm at the buccal and 0.53 mm at the lingual side. Biological width dimensions were 3.9 mm at the buccal and 2.95 mm at the lingual aspect for the loaded group, and 4.01 and 2.64 mm at the buccal and lingual aspect for the no loaded group. The results of the present study suggested that soft tissues dimensions around immediate implants with immediate loading were similar to immediate implants without loading.