There are no data to contraindicate the use of dental implants in osteoporotic patients; however, a proper adjustment of the surgical technique and a longer healing period may be considered in order to achieve osseointegration. Data on the use of biphosphonates in osteoporotic patients and implant outcomes are very limited, and no conclusions can be drawn. In addition, large prospective studies investigating the long-term success of dental implants in osteoporotic individuals are required.

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of different forms of bone defects using direct observation during periodontal surgery. 286 patients with moderate or advanced adult periodontitis diagnosed during clinical and radiographic examination provided a sample of 5476 teeth. After full thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were raised, osseous defects were explored and classified according to their morphology as interdental craters, hemisepta and infrabony defects with 1, 2, 3 or 4 osseous walls. 981 defects were detected; 533 were in the maxilla and 448 in the mandible (15.4% and 22.4%, respectively, of the teeth examined). The posterior mandibular segment had the highest % of teeth with defects (33.8%) followed by the posterior maxillary segment (19.9%). The proportions of teeth with defects in the anterior segments of both arches were similar. The comparison between maxilla and mandible showed a highly significant difference for the posterior segments (p= 0.00001) but no difference for the anterior segments (p=0.88). The distribution of defects differed between the maxilla and the mandible, both for the posterior and anterior segments. Craters accounted for almost half the defects, being more prevalent in posterior segments, while hemisepta formed the lowest proportion. Anatomical variations in shape and the original morphology of the alveolar bone between the maxilla and the mandible and the anterior and posterior regions might have been the reason for the differences observed.

Lasers nowadays have several applications in many research fields. In the life sciences and especially in Periodontology, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has proven to be particularly interesting. Low intensity radiation in specific wavelengths has been known to trigger cellular proliferation and differentiation, through molecular mechanisms that are still not fully elucidated. These effects might be triggered by mitochondria and through Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These in turn, can activate other molecular pathways and signaling cascade, resulting in the activation of a plethora of transcriptional factors. In this review we aim to highlight the mechanism of action and the effects of LLLT. We also aim to highlight how different wavelengths and energy applied can have a distinct impact on the effectiveness of LLLT. Finally, we provide insight on its current and potential future applications.

Syndecan-1 expression in the junctional/pocket epithelium or the oral epithelium can exhibit a significant positive correlation with the severity/degree of histologically evaluated local gingival inflammation, but in general is not significantly correlated with age, smoking, full-mouth and local clinical (probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level) and radiographical parameters (radiographical bone loss) of periodontal status.