PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Liran Levin

Publications and source records attributed to Liran Levin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Comfort and Usability of Digital Versus Conventional Custom-Fit Mouthguards: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The use of mouthguards protects teeth and the supporting tissues against impacts. Digital impressions and 3D-printed models can reduce manufacturing steps and minimize discomfort. This study evaluated the fit, comfort, and usability of custom-made mouthguards, obtained by conventional and digital workflow, in amateur athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amateur athletes were recruited for this randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study. Each participant received two 4-mm-thick custom-fit mouthguards made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets using two protocols: conventional impression using alginate to produce dental stone cast (CMP) and intraoral digital scanning to produce 3D-printed resin models (DMP). Each mouthguard was worn during all training and matches over 3&#x2009;months. The order of mouthguard use was randomly assigned. Patient satisfaction with the impression protocol and mouthguard use, model accuracy, and mouthguard fit were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 46 participants completed the study. The DMP protocol required less execution time (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.023), caused less discomfort (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.018), anxiety (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.008), nausea (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.027), difficulty breathing (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), and unpleasant taste (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.006) compared to the CMP protocol. The pain (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.971) perceived by the participants was similar in both impression protocols. The CMP-mouthguards were considered to be better fitting by the majority of participants (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.027). Between-group comparisons revealed that DMP-mouthguard caused less discomfort immediately postadaptation (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.034), with no significant differences observed at 30 or 90&#x2009;days. CONCLUSIONS: The digital workflow demonstrated to be efficient in the fabrication of mouthguards. Digital impression was more comfortable, requiring less execution time, with more accurate printed models and produced mouthguards with reported comfort and fit levels similar to those manufactured conventionally.

Humans↗
PubMed2007

Success of dental implants placed in intraoral block bone grafts.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival and success of dental implants placed in alveolar bone following augmentation using intraoral block bone grafts. METHODS: A consecutive retrospective study was conducted on patients who had onlay bone grafts for vertical or horizontal augmentations followed by dental implantation from 1999 to 2001. Files of 50 healthy patients who received 129 implants in augmented sites were reviewed. Implant survival, radiologic implant success (marginal bone loss), and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Follow-up from time of implantation ranged from 6 to 67 months (mean: 24.3 +/- 11.2 months). Ranges of implant widths and lengths were 3.25 to 4.7 mm and 10 to 16 mm, respectively. The overall survival rate was 96.9% (four implants were removed). Marginal bone loss around implants ranged from 0 to 3.3 mm (average: 0.22 +/- 0.45 mm). Only 5% of the implants presented marginal bone loss > or =1.5 mm over the follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral bone block graft surgery is a predictable operation for the use of dental implants. Implant placement in augmented areas presents high survival and radiologic success rates with minimal bone loss.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Etodolac versus dexamethasone effect in reduction of postoperative symptoms following surgical endodontic treatment: a double-blind study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study was to analyze the effect of etodolac versus dexamethasone in reducing postoperative pain in patients who had surgical endodontic treatment using a strict protocol. STUDY DESIGN: The study consisted of 90 patients (38 males and 52 females) referred for surgical endodontic treatment. All procedures were performed using a microsurgical technique with a strict protocol. Patients were randomly premedicated with placebo or with one of both protocols: either a single dose of oral dexamethasone, 8 mg, preoperatively and 2 single doses, 4 mg, 1 and 2 days postoperatively, or a single dose of etodolac, 600 mg, and 2 single doses, 600 mg, 1 and 2 days postoperatively. Pain was recorded at 8, 24, and 48 hours, as well as 7 days postoperatively, on a 1-10 scale. The influence of different variables on postoperative sequelae was analyzed. RESULTS: On a 1-10 scale, the mean values of pain report recorded were 3.8 +/- 2.9 (8 hours postoperatively), 2.93 +/- 2.4 (24 hours), 2.31 +/- 2.2 (48 hours), and 1.4 +/- 0.9 (7 days postoperatively). One day postoperatively, 41.8% of the patients reported no or very mild pain (score 1 or 2), whereas after 7 days, 87.9% reported no or very mild pain (score 1 or 2). Both etodolac and dexamethasone had a significant effect of reducing postoperative pain in patients who had surgical endodontic procedure compared with placebo (P < or = .001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative pain following endodontic surgical treatment is not uncommon. Etodolac as well as dexamethasone might serve as a pain relief measure for postoperative pain in these patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Posttraumatic dental implant placement in a patient with maple syrup urine disease.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inborn error of metabolism resulting from a defect in the oxidation of the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Patients present in early infancy with brain edema; delay in diagnosis and treatment is common and associated with residual neurologic damage, which includes alternating muscular hypotonia and hypertonia, dystonia, and seizures. These signs can result in trauma, especially to the anterior maxilla, which is the most traumatized region. In patients with MSUD, a fixed prosthesis is recommended because a removable one can be dangerous because of the risk of aspiration. Rehabilitation, using dental implants, is especially challenging in these patients because of the strong muscular forces of the tongue and lips. An implant-supported fixed prosthesis might provide an effective functional, esthetic, and predictable solution for patients with late-treated MSUD. The present report describes a 10-year follow-up of the successful, posttraumatic use of a dental implant to replace an anterior maxillary tooth in a patient with MSUD.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Physician and emergency medical technicians' knowledge and experience regarding dental trauma.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of physicians and emergency medical technicians (EMT) regarding primary treatment for dental trauma and to assess the experience they have in treating dental injuries. The study population consisted of 70 military physicians and EMT during their military service. A questionnaire was distributed relating to demographic data, such as age, gender, position, and type of military service, as well as the following issues: past experience in treating or witnessing dental trauma, former education regarding diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma, assessment of knowledge regarding dental trauma, etc. Of all participants, only 4 (5.9%), all physicians, received education regarding dental trauma. Nevertheless, 42 (61.8%) reported they witnessed such an injury during their military service. Dental injuries were first seen by the EMT in 41.2% of the cases, by the physician in 25%, and by a dentist in only 7.3%. Overall, 58 (85.3%) of the physicians and EMT stated that it was important to educate the primary health care providers regarding diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma. Special emphasis should be given to providing primary caregivers with the relevant education to improve their knowledge and ability of dealing with diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2006

Dental anxiety among young Israeli male adults as related to treatment received during childhood.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate dental fear and anxiety among young male adults treated during childhood either by a certified pediatric dentist or a general dental practitioner. METHODS: A structured questionnaire that included information regarding issues related to dental fear and anxiety (Intake Interview Questionnaire and the Dental Anxiety Scale) was completed by 497 young male army recruits (18 years old). RESULTS: During childhood, 59 (11.9%) of the participants were treated on a regular basis by a certified pediatric dentist and 344 (69.2%) by a general dental practitioner. Sporadic care (not regular care) by general dental practitioners was given to 94 participants (18.9%). Average level of dental anxiety among participants treated by certified pediatric dentists was 7.9 compared to 8.2 (general dentists) and 8.7 (sporadic care by general dentists). There were no significant differences between the groups. However, significant differences were found in the prevalence of high dental anxiety between participants treated by a regular dentist in childhood and those treated sporadically (15.4% vs. 23.4%, respectively). Negative emotions were common. Environmental etiologic factors were infrequently reported. CONCLUSIONS: The general level of dental anxiety among young Israeli males was normal. No relation was found between level of dental anxiety and the professional education of the treating dentist in childhood. Regular dental care in childhood has more effect on preventing the development of high dental anxiety than the professional education of the early caregiver.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Aggressive periodontitis among young Israeli army personnel.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of aggressive periodontitis among young Israeli army recruits and to evaluate its association with smoking habits and ethnic origin. METHODS: The study population consisted of 642 young army recruits (562 men [87.5%] and 80 women [12.5%]), aged 18 to 30 years (average: 19.6 +/- 1.6 years), who arrived at a military dental clinic for dental examinations between January and December 2004. Subjects filled out a questionnaire regarding their ethnic origin and family periodontal history, followed by radiographs and a clinical periodontal examination of four first molars and eight incisors. RESULTS: Aggressive periodontitis was found in 5.9% of the subjects (4.3% localized and 1.6% generalized). At least one site with a probing depth > or =5 mm was found in 20.1% of the subjects. A radiographic distance between crestal bone height and the cemento-enamel junction >3 mm was found in 43 (6.7%) subjects. Current smokers (39.9%) (P = 0.03) and subjects of North African origin (P <0.0001) correlated with a high prevalence of aggressive periodontitis. CONCLUSION: A relatively high prevalence of aggressive periodontitis was found in young Israeli army recruits, which was particularly associated with smoking and ethnic origin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Long-term success of implants replacing a single molar.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term success and survival rates of implants replacing a single molar between two natural teeth and to evaluate the influence of implant characteristics on implant success. METHODS: The study was based on a consecutive cohort of 81 patients who received implants to replace a single molar between the years 1994 and 2004. Inclusion criteria for patients were having an implant replacing a molar between two natural teeth and follow-up data of at least 6 months. Data were recorded regarding the incidence of complications and success and survival rates of these implants. RESULTS: The range of follow-up was from 6 to 125 months (mean: 36 months). Smoking was reported by 18.5% of patients. The replacement of a mandibular molar was more frequent (87.7%), with 25.9% of the implants placed immediately after tooth extraction. Two implants were used to replace a single molar in seven patients (8.6%). The failure rate was 7.4% (six implants failed: three had broken necks, and three failed because of infection or bone loss). Complications included suppuration in 11.1% of implants and a pocket around the implant in two patients (2.5%). No relation was found among failure, complications, timing of implant placement, and smoking habits. CONCLUSION: A single implant can serve as a good long-term and predictable treatment modality to replace a single molar with low complication and failure rates.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A retrospective evaluation of 1,387 single-tooth implants: a 6-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall survival rate and factors that affect the clinical outcome of 1,387 consecutively placed implant-supported single restorations up to 6 years. METHODS: During 6 years (1999 to 2005), 1,387 implants were placed in 1,215 subjects (1,073 males and 142 females) who required single-tooth replacements. The average time from implant placement was 2.7 +/- 3.27 years. Implants were mostly placed in the maxillary premolar area (39.5%) followed by the anterior maxillary area (28.7%). Implant survival and location, need for bone augmentation, and implant dimensions were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Failed implants totaled 96, resulting in an overall survival rate of 93.1%. The vast majority of failures (94.8%) occurred during the first year following implant placement. Bone augmentation was performed in 9.7% of the implants with a 92.5% survival rate, similar to the survival rate of non-augmented areas (93.1%; P = 0.79). The average implant length was 13.3 mm, ranging from 8 to 16 mm. Longer implants (> or =11 mm) showed similar survival rates as implants <11 mm (93.2% versus 90.2%, respectively; P = 0.4). Implant width ranged between 3.25 to 5 mm (mean 3.9), with no effect on implant survival (P = 0.43). There was a significant difference in implant survival according to the anatomic zone of implant placement (P = 0.0075). The maxillary premolar area showed the highest survival rate (96.2%). CONCLUSION: Implant-supported single-tooth replacement is a predictable procedure with good survival rates up to 6 years.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

In vitro antibacterial efficacy of a new chlorhexidine slow-release device.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide slow-release devices on oral bacteria. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The agar diffusion test was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the slow-release devices Activ Point (chlorhexidine; Roeko) and Calcium Hydroxide Plus Point (Roeko) on 8 anaerobic and 2 facultative oral bacterial strains, as well as 2 bacterial cultures randomly sampled from necrotic root canals and incubated in anaerobic and aerobic broth for 48 hours. The efficiency of the medicaments against the various strains was evaluated using a nonparametric test (Friedman type) and a second nonparametric test (Wilcoxon's signed rank test). RESULTS: Activ Point produced significantly larger inhibition zones (P < .001) than the calcium hydroxide slow-release device around all tested bacterial strains. CONCLUSION: The chlorhexidine slow-release device (Activ Point) exhibited significant antibacterial activity in the agar diffusion test and merits study as an intracanal medicament.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed2006

Post-operative pain and use of analgesic agents following various dental procedures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and duration of post-operative pain and the use of analgesic agents in adults with regard to gender, type of injection, dental procedure performed, and tooth history. METHODS: Frequency and duration of post-operative pain and use of analgesic agents were examined in 255 patients, aged 18-42 years, who received routine dental treatment, including amalgam and composite restorations, root canal treatment (instrumentation), root canal filling (obturation), posts, and extractions. Teeth were anesthetized by either local infiltration (for maxillary teeth) or inferior alveolar nerve block (for mandibular teeth). Information regarding post-operative pain and use of analgesic agents was obtained though a phone call, 24 hours after treatment. RESULTS: The overall incidence of post-operative pain was 40.4% (103 patients) of whom 36.9% (38 patients) reported a low level of pain. Pain-relieving medication was used by 32% of the patients who reported post-operative pain (12.9% of the population). Incidence and severity of post-operative pain were significantly correlated with specific dental treatment: the highest after root canal filling (52.8%, 21% reported a low level of pain) and lowest after restorations (36.1%, 42.4% reported a low level of pain). Post-operative pain was reported more often by females (52.2%) than males (33.7%) (P= 0.012). Incidence of post-operative pain was not correlated with depth and extension of the restoration performed. However, the severity of post-operative pain as indicated by analgesic usage was more frequent following deep restorations (over 3 mm).

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Surgical success of intraoral autogenous block onlay bone grafting for alveolar ridge augmentation.

This article evaluates the surgical success of alveolar bone augmentation using intraoral block bone graft prior to dental implantation and measures the amount of bone accumulation using this technique. A consecutive retrospective study was conducted on patients who had onlay bone grafts from 1999 to 2001. Files of 56 healthy patients reporting 64 bone graft operations were reviewed. Medical history, smoking status, area of surgery, bone origin (donor sites) and complications were recorded. Panoramic and tomographic radiographs were measured for the vertical and horizontal bone addition and mesiodistal dimension of the graft. Graft exposure or/and graft removal were defined as failure; hematoma, swelling, inflammation, or temporary paresthesia were defined as complications. The average vertical addition was 5.6 mm measured from the bottom of the vertical lesion before bone grafting to the top of the graft. The average faciolingual addition was 3.8 mm. The mesiodistal graft length ranged from 4 mm to 67 mm (average 15.2 mm). According to our criteria, 56 (87.5%) of the 64 bone grafts were successful, 46 (71.9%) were totally uneventful, and 10 (15.6%) had complications. Smoking and diabetes were associated with a high rate of complications and graft failure. More complications were observed in the vertical than in the horizontal bone grafts. Intraoral bone block graft is a predictable operation with high success rates that provides faciolingual and vertical bone addition. Onlay bone grafting has a low rate of complications and failures. Intraoral bone graft should not be recommended for diabetic patients and smokers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

The effect of cigarette smoking on dental implants and related surgery.

Cigarette smoking is still considered a common habit. Of smokers, increased plaque accumulation, higher incidence of gingivitis and periodontitis, higher rate of tooth loss, and increased resorption of the alveolar ridge have been found in the oral cavity. Cigarette smoking may adversely affect wound healing, and, thus, jeopardize the success of bone grafting and dental implantation. Bone grafts and sinus lift operations are both common and well-documented procedures before dental implant placement. Heat as well as toxic by-products of cigarette smoking, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide, have been implicated as risk factors for impaired healing, and, thus, may affect the success and complications of those surgical procedures. An association among dental implants, grafting procedures (i.e., bone grafts, maxillary sinuses augmentation), and history of smoking has been reported. A higher degree of complication, or implant failure rates, were found in smokers with and without bone grafts. The relationship between cigarette smoking and implant-related surgical procedures, including the incidence of complications associated with these procedures, will be described and discussed based on relevant literature and results of our recent studies.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed2005

Oral and dental complications of intra-oral piercing.

The present study assessed the prevalence of oral piercing among young adults and revealed the types and rate of complications following oral piecing, as well as the awareness of the complications. The study included 400 consecutive patients, who randomly arrived at a military dental office. Before dental examination, patients were requested to fill out a questionnaire regarding oral piercing, their awareness of its complications, and the occurrence of complications related to piercing. Intra-oral examination included special attention to piercing-related complications, such as tooth fractures, gingivitis, bleeding, infections, gingival recessions, etc. A total of 389 patients, 210 (54%) males and 179 (46%) females agreed to participate (97.3% response rate), with an average age of 20.08 +/- 1.1 years. Of the participants, 79 (20.3%) reported having at least one type of oral piercing; lingual piercing was the most common. Swelling and bleeding after piercing were reported by 41 (51.9%) and 36 (45.7%) participants, respectively. Among the participants, 225 (57.8%) were unaware of the dangers of intra-oral piercing. Clinical examination revealed 15 fractured teeth in 11 (13.9%) participants with piercing. Gingival recessions were observed in 21 (26.6%), mostly in the mandibular incisor area. Dentists should be aware of the increasing number of patients with pierced intra- and peri-oral sites and to provide appropriate guidance to patients who contemplate body piercing involving oral sites.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of long-term implant success.

Implant success criteria, regarding marginal bone loss and other parameters, were first suggested in 1986 and today are still frequently referred to as the gold standard for implant success. However, according to the recent abundance of data on marginal bone loss and a better understanding of bone and soft tissue behavior around the implant neck and body, these criteria are inaccurate for the wide variety of implant systems. The purpose of this article is to review some of the relevant literature regarding marginal bone loss and to propose guidelines for a novel approach to evaluate the long-term success of implants regarding marginal bone loss. Four hypothetical patterns of implant marginal bone loss after the first year are suggested: a low-rate marginal bone loss over the years (Albrektsson's pattern); low-rate marginal bone loss in the first few years followed by a rapid loss of bone support; high-rate marginal bone loss in the first few years followed by almost no bone loss; and continuous high-rate marginal bone loss leading to a complete loss of bone support.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed2005

Intraoral autogenous block onlay bone grafting for extensive reconstruction of atrophic maxillary alveolar ridges.

BACKGROUND: Endosseous implants require sufficient bone volume for complete bone coverage. Alveolar deficiency can prevent ideal implant placement. Local bone grafts are a convenient source of autogenous bone in alveolar reconstruction. The aim of this study was to describe a technique, and to evaluate the success of extensive bone reconstruction of atrophic maxillary alveolar ridges using only intraoral block bone grafts prior to dental implantation. METHODS: Files of 10 healthy patients with extensive bone reconstruction of the maxillary alveolar ridge using intraoral block bone graft operations were reviewed. Medical history, smoking status, bone origin (donor sites), number of bone blocks, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 10 extensive bone maxillary reconstructions, four were uneventful, two required additional bone augmentation at the time of dental implant placement, two had a minimal graft exposure, one had a minor adverse effect (temporary paresthesia), and one operation partially failed and required partial graft removal. CONCLUSION: Intraoral bone block grafting is a predictable operation with a high success rate for long-span augmentation, up to complete jaw augmentation/ extensive bone reconstruction of the maxillary alveolar ridge.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed2005

Aesthetic versus surgical success of single dental implants: 1- to 9-year follow-up.

Anterior maxillary implantation is a challenging treatment. The authors examined the aesthetic and surgical success of a single dental implant in the anterior by studying 52 implants with a mean follow-up of 37.5 months. Marginal bone loss (MBL), aesthetic parameters, and examiners' satisfaction from the aesthetic outcome were examined. The total surgical survival and success rates as well as the average examiner's aesthetic satisfaction and success rates are presented. Implantation in the anterior has high surgical survival and success rates, as well as a considerably high aesthetic success rate. The high surgical success and survival rates cannot, however, predict aesthetic success.

Adolescent↗