Ultrasound-based jawbone surface quality evaluation after alveolar ridge preservation.

Background: Bone readiness for implant placement is typically evaluated by bone quality/density on 2-dimensional radiographs and cone beam computed tomography at an arbitrary time between 3 and 6 months after tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation (ARP). The aim of this study is to investigate if high-frequency ultrasound (US) can classify bone readiness in humans, using micro-CT as a reference standard to obtain bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume fraction (BVTV) of healed sockets receiving ARP in humans.

Methods: A total of 27 bone cores were harvested during the implant surgery from 24 patients who received prior extraction with ARP.

A systematic review of oral wound healing indices.

Unlabelled: Wound healing monitoring for abnormality identification and intervention is crucial to securing a successful surgical outcome. Indices have been used to summarize the degree of healing. Given the increasing frequency of regenerative procedures which preserve dentition and implant stability, and the higher esthetic demands, an appraisal of the available indices is needed to identify the current knowledge gap.

Ultrasonography-Derived Elasticity Estimation of Live Porcine Oral Mucosa.

Objectives: To investigate the biomechanical properties of porcine oral tissues with in vivo ultrasonography and to compare the difference between oral alveolar mucosa and gingival tissue concerning compressional and tensile mechanical strain.

Materials And Methods: Sinclair minipigs (6 females and 4 males, 6 to 18 months of age) were anesthetized for ultrasonography. In vivo high-frequency tissue harmonic ultrasound (12/24 MHz) cine-loops were obtained while inducing mechanical tissue stress (0 to 1 N).

Anatomy-driven complexity classification for soft-tissue tunneling procedures.

Background: The tunnel technique (TUN) preserves the integrity of the papilla by creating envelope flaps that allow for the insertion of a connective tissue graft, and/or biomaterials.

Methods: (1) A comprehensive overview of tunneling flap procedures in the treatment of gingival recessions (GRs) for soft tissue coverage is presented and (2) A classification system for soft and hard tissue anatomy of GR sites which may aid the clinician in determining the surgical complexity is being introduced.

Results: A novel clinical classification system is proposed to illustrate complexity levels determined by soft and hard tissue anatomy of GR sites such as the mucogingival junction proximity to the gingival margin, bone morphotype, and mucosal margin thickness.