Modern drug discovery methods led to evolving new agents with significant therapeutic potential. However, their properties, such as solubility and administration-related challenges, may hinder their benefits. Moreover, advances in biotechnology resulted in the development of a new generation of molecules with a short half-life that necessitates frequent administration. In this context, controlled release systems are required to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient compliance. Innovative drug delivery systems are promising tools that protect therapeutic proteins and peptides against proteolytic degradation where controlled delivery is achievable. The present review provides an overview of different approaches used for drug delivery.

Aims and Background: Gingival phenotype has a crucial impact on the peri-implant marginal bone stability. The aim of this clinical trial is to assess and compare the efficacy of the sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in improving the peri-implant soft tissue phenotype and enhancing esthetic outcomes. Materials and Methods: The present study was a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of ten patients who had bilateral missing teeth in the maxillary esthetic zone with a thin gingival phenotype were included in this study. For each study participant, one randomly selected site was treated with SCTG, while the other was treated with PRF membrane during dental implant placement. Treatment outcomes included the assessment of the facial gingival thickness using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at the baseline (T0) and 6 months postoperatively (T1), and the Pink esthetic score (PES) at T1 and 3 months later after prosthesis placement (T2). Results and Discussion: Both treatment options resulted in a significant increase in gingival tissue thickness at T1 compared with T0, and in PES at T2 compared with T1 (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: PRF is an effective alternative to SCTG in augmenting peri-implant soft tissue phenotype and improving esthetic outcomes. This would help overcome the complications associated with harvesting the SCTG and increasing patients’ satisfaction. Clinical Trial Registration ID: ISRCTN11961919.

Maxillary sinus lift surgery is applied to compensate for the reduced vertical height in the posterior maxilla to facilitate placing a dental implant of a suitable length. Pathological conditions may be accidentally discovered, which necessitate careful assessment and management to prevent the infection of the maxillofacial complex and eventually bone grafting and dental implant failure. This case report describes an approach for the management of Schneiderian membrane perforation associated with the removal of an antral pseudocyst for successful dental implant therapy. A 70-year-old healthy Caucasian male presented for implant therapy to replace a non-restorable maxillary molar. Initial examination revealed the need for a sinus lift procedure to prepare the site for implant placement. A 3D CBCT evaluation before surgery revealed an incidental finding of a pathological lesion at the surgical site. The histological analysis of a biopsy specimen retrieved during implant site preparation showed findings consistent with antral pseudocyst. The resulting perforation of the sinus membrane was treated, and an adequate period of healing was given. A thickened sinus membrane was detected upon surgical exposure for implant placement. The novel technique illustrated could result in a fibrotic repaired sinus membrane and help shorten the time required for dental implant treatment.