SRP combined with LLLT improved radiographic bone density and short-term PPD reduction in patients with chronic periodontitis, but did not significantly affect either the gingival crevicular fluid of IL-1β or the gingival or plaque index.

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The current available data provide insufficient and weak evidence to form a solid and firm conclusion. There is poor, very low-quality evidence regarding the positional and dimensional effects of posterior crossbite correction on the TMJs.

Background: Being a science of beauty, beautiful smile is an integral part of contemporary dental practice. Gingival hyperpigmentation is considered an esthetic problem that needs a patient centered management. Dental operators are attracted to laser benefits not only during surgery but also for postoperative status. This review aimed to assess laser use in esthetic removal of gingival hyperpigmentation in comparison to conventional methods. Materials and Methods: An electronic database search on PubMed and Cochrane library without date restriction was done and clinical studies in which laser was used for esthetic gingival depigmentation were selected and evaluated. Out of the initial search that yielded 183 studies, 21 were considered potentially relevant for the present review, out of which only 4 were finally selected. They studied the effect of laser on depigmentation, chair time, bleeding index, patient satisfaction and repigmentation. Results: The analysis of the results shows that the assessed studies are too limited in number beside exhibiting small sample sizes. They are clinically heterogeneous so that a solid evidence based conclusion cannot be reached. Conclusion: Researchers should be attracted to this research gap. Randomized clinical trials with a larger sample size, different laser parameters and longer follow up are strongly recommended.

Objective: To analyze preoperative CBCT assessment of intraoral donor sites (symphysis, ramus buccal shelf of bone, zygomatic buttress and maxillary tuberosity) for purpose of autogenous block graft. Materials and Methods: Twenty (5 for each graft) participants were included in the study, (informed consent was signed by each participant) Participants were recruited according to certain eligibility criteria. Results: The measurements of the block grafts showed that there was a significant difference between different sites (p<0.001). The highest value was found in mandibular symphysis (1.56±0.44), followed by mandibular ramus (0.99±0.19), then zygomatic buttress (0.49±0.06), while the lowest value was found in maxillary tuberosity (0.31±0.07). Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed value of mandibular symphysis to be significantly higher than other sites (p<0.05). In addition, they showed mandibular ramus value to be significantly higher than values of zygomatic buttress and maxillary tuberosity (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to this study, mandibular donor sites showed larger segmented pieces and larger volumes than their maxillary counterparts. For multiple missing teeth, the most appropriate block grafts will be the symphysis and ramus spanning the largest mesio-distal dimension. In terms of implant stability, the rami and maxillary tuberosities showed the largest thicknesses, which will ultimately help in implant stability.

Objectives: This study was undertaken as an attempt to assess radiographic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes in relation to rheumatoid factor (RF), anticitrullinated protein (ACCP) antibodies and disease activity score 28 (DAS28) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to find the best predictor of rheumatoid affection of the TMJ with the ultimate goal of maintaining TMJ function and preventing joint damage. Methods: 20 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients as well as 20 volunteers were included in this study. RA group were assessed for RF, ACCP, DAS28. Both groups were assessed by CBCT for TMJ dimensions and radiographic osteoarthritic changes. All data were statistically analyzed. Results: Rheumatoid Arthritis group showed significantly less condylar height and more radiographic osteoarthritic changes than the control group. RF showed no significant correlation with either TMJ measurements or TMJ radiographic osteoarthritic changes. ACCP showed significant inverse correlation with condylar height and anteroposterior (AP) dimensions, but non-significant relation with mediolateral dimension and radiographic osteoarthritic changes. DAS28 showed significant inverse correlation with condylar AP and mediolateral dimensions. It also showed significant correlation with flattening of the TMJ condylar head and flattening of the articular fossa. Patients with high and moderate disease activity showed significantly smaller AP TMJ dimension than patients with low disease activity. Disease activity showed statistically significant direct correlation with all osteoarthritic changes except for erosions of the glenoid fossa and condyle. Conclusion: Disease Activity Score28 score and disease activity are strong indicators of TMJ affection in RA patients when compared to RF and ACCP. ACCP is a better indicator of changes in condylar measurements than TMJ osteoarthritic changes. While RF is the least efficient indicator of TMJ involvement in RA patients.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of electric potential difference (kVp), with and without the use of metal artifacts reduction tool (MAR), Can the usage of MAR protocols and electric Potential Difference (kVp) reduce the metallic artifacts resulting from metallic structures in CBCT?Methodology: Jaw models with the same radiodensity as the normal average human jaw bones with full veneered crowns attached to them, and were scanned by using Planmeca ProMax® 3D Mid CBCT machine, using different values of kVp, with and without the activation of MAR tool. Romexis® software was used for image analysis. For each crown restoration, the length of the alveolar bone affected by the artifacts under the crown from the crest of the ridge till the inferior border of the mandible was assessed quantitatively. Results:The activation of the MAR tool in the software effectively reducing the effect of the artifacts in the CBCT images when compared to the effect of the different kVp values alone without MAR activation. Conclusions:The activation of MAR tool in the software should be considered to reduce the effect of CBCT artifacts when scanning multiple metallic objects.