Osseodensification: An Alternative to Conventional Osteotomy in Implant Site Preparation: A Systematic Review

Osseodensification is an innovative method of preparing the implant osteotomy using drills that promote bone self-compaction. The main objective of this technique is to promote peri-implant bone densification and compaction of autologous bone and to increase the primary stability of the implant due to the viscoelastic characteristics of the alveolar bone using Densah® burs in a counterclockwise direction at a speed of 800 to 1500 rpm. The objective of this review is the analysis of the scientific literature regarding the applicability of the osseodensification technique in oral implantology. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used and registered at PROSPERO. The search strategy included electronic databases from 2016 to 2023 and was performed by two independent reviewers. The results demonstrate the advantage of the osseodensification technique in relation to conventional drilling, allowing an increase in the bone density and primary stability of the implant, bone density, and bone-implant contact. The osseodensification technique can be applied in different clinical situations: sub-antral bone grafts, narrow alveolar bone crests, low-density bone areas, and immediate implant placement in post-extraction sockets.

Treatment of epulis fissuratum with carbon dioxide laser in a patient with antithrombotic medication

Epulis fissuratum is a pseudotumor growth located over the soft tissues of the vestibular sulcus caused by chronic irritation from poorly adapted dentures. Treatment indication for these lesions is surgical excision with appropriate prosthetic reconstruction. The hemostatic capacity of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser is well described in the literature as a useful tool in oral surgery, especially in patients with clotting disorders. This paper presents a case of a 72-year-old female patient referred to the 'Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Valongo Hospital' at Porto, Portugal, with a massive growth of vestibular oral mucosa in the mandible and maxilla associated with ill-fitting dentures, suggestive of epulis fissuratum. The patient was taking antithrombotic medication. The lesions were excised with CO(2) laser, and no significant complications, such as hemorrhage, pain, swelling or infection, were recorded. Twenty days after surgery, both areas were completely reepithelizaded. Prosthetic rehabilitation and function were achieved with the fabrication of new maxillary and mandibular dentures. Follow-up 1 month and 1 year after treatment revealed the areas free of recurrence. The use of CO(2) lasers is currently the gold standard in the excision of this type of lesion, especially in patients with hemorrhagic diathesis or under antithrombotic therapy.