Human palatal and tuberosity mucosa as donor sites for ridge augmentation.

Since different clinical outcomes of periodontal bilaminar surgeries using the palate or the maxillary tuberosity as connective tissue (CT) donor sites have been observed, tissues grafted with CT from the palate or the tuberosity 1 year after surgical procedures for ridge augmentation were compared with nongrafted tissues by using morphologic and molecular methods. Collagen content and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 expression were similar in tissues and cultured fibroblasts from the palate and tuberosity, although with interindividual differences. In contrast, differences in collagen cross-linking and maturation in the tuberosity fibroblasts were observed, suggesting a possible role in determining hyperplastic responses in some patients.

Soft tissue surrounding switched platform implants: an immunohistochemical evaluation.

Objectives: This clinical and immunohistochemical study was designed to characterize the cellular and molecular patterns for bone loss of soft tissues surrounding implants restored with different implant platform configurations.

Material And Methods: A total of 32 implants were restored using abutments with the following mismatches: 0 mm (control group), 0.25 mm (test group(1)), 0.

Soft tissues around long-term platform switching implant restorations: a histological human evaluation. Preliminary results.

Background: Switching platform restorations seems to reduce the peri-implant bone resorption and to preserve the peri-implant soft tissues.

Aim: The aim of the present human study was to compare histologically the peri-implant soft tissue in switching and traditional platform implants 4 years after restoration.

Materials And Methods: Forty-eight months after implant restoration, 37 peri-implant soft tissue samples from 14 patients were harvested from traditionally restored implants (control group) and from three different platforms mismatching 0.

A photographic system for the three-dimensional study of facial morphology.

Objectives: To test whether digital photographs supported by three-dimensional (3D) software are suitable for measuring the facial soft tissues of healthy subjects as compared with data obtained by a certified 3D computerized electromagnetic digitizer.

Materials And Methods: Three-dimensional soft tissue facial landmarks were obtained from the faces of 15 healthy young adults, using a 3D computerized electromagnetic digitizer and a new low-cost photogrammetry system. Twelve linear and 18 angular measurements were computed.

Oral health conditions in Italian Special Olympics athletes.

During three Italian Special Olympics National Games, 365 athletes were screened. Dental and medical conditions and demographic data were recorded. The athletes were divided into two groups: those with Down syndrome (DS) and those without DS but who had intellectual disabilities (non-DS).