Objectives: Dimensional changes occur in the alveolar ridge after tooth loss, due to bone resorption. Bioactive ceramic scaffolds are available for bone alveolar augmentation, but their mechanical properties are still an issue during implantation. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanical properties of synthesized β-TCP hybrid scaffolds coated with bioabsorbable collagen or PDLLA.
Methods: β-TCP powder was obtained by reactive milling. Scaffolds were produced by the replica method from polyurethane foam patterns. Type I collagen or poly (D,L- lactic acid) (PDLLA) were used to coat the scaffolds by dip coating. The hybrid scaffolds were then divided into four groups: non-coated (GA); double immersion in collagen type I (GB); double immersion in PDLLA (GC); and ten immersions in PDLLA (GD). Samples were characterized by compressive tests, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDS). Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA(p
Results: Chemical and microscopic analyses revealed proper morphology of powder particles and scaffolds with or without polymeric coatings. Hybrid scaffolds of PDLLA had higher compressive strength (0.11 MPa ± 0.054) (p
Conclusion: β-TCP scaffolds synthesised by the replica method showed proper morphology and size of interconnected pores. The PDLLA scaffold-coating method increased mechanical strength of the porous ceramic material, showing desirable properties such as high compressive strength, biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. These properties are essential in alveolar preservation procedures for resisting compression from soft tissues and occlusal stress from mastication.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the histological effectiveness of a low level laser therapy (LLLT) with respect to the acceleration of bone regeneration after surgical treatment of intrabony defects. Methods: Twenty patients with intrabony defects, aged between 20-45, non-smokers, good health condition present at the time of the surgery, were randomly divided in two groups. Informed consent was obtained. Each patient had at last one periodontal defect treated by bone allograft. The test group received a postsurgical treatment with low lever laser therapy (LLLT). The equipment used was OsseoPulse AM300 (extra oral light emitting diode), at an intensity of 20mW/cm2 for 20 minutes per day for 21 consecutive days. The control group received no treatment with LLLT. The bone formation were evaluated in both groups at baseline and 6 months postoperative by the means of a biopsy of tissue followed by a histological analysis. Results: The histological study of the control sample harvested 6 months postoperative showed of irregular fragments of bone in loose fibrous connective tissue. The diagnosis of this tissue sample are evaluated to be a vital lamellar bone with chronic inflammation of the narrow spaces. The histological study of the test sample at 6 months after regeneration showed bone formation without inflammatory cells and occasional nonviable bone consistent with regenerating bone. No evidence of the grafted material is present. Conclusion: With all the limitations regarding the number of patients and the follow up period, the histological analysis showed that the intrabony defects regenerated by bone allograft and treated with LLLT produces more significantly bone that the non-treated defects. Histological study suggests that in 6 months there is new bone formation in the defects treated with LLLT. Clinical data indicate the possibility of more rapid wound closure and subsequent healing in zones treated with LLLT as compared with control - inflammatory cells and occasional nonviable bone consistent with regenerating bone. No evidence of the grafted material is present.

On the occasion of the Osteology Board Meeting on June 22, 2015 in Zurich, the presidency of the Osteology Foundation was officially handed over from Christoph Hmmerle to Mariano Sanz. Professor Christoph Hmmerle served as president of the Osteology Foundation for 12 years, ever since it was established. Looking back at his term of office, he said in an interview prior to the meeting in Zurich: The Osteology Foundation has grown to be a highly respectable organization over recent years. I think the key elements for this success have been the excellent teamwork among the members of the Foundation Board, the dedication of those working in the office and, very importantly, the support and the academic freedom granted by the Founder. Read the full interview with Christoph Hmmerle Even though his term of office as president of the Osteology Foundation has ended, Christoph Hmmerle will remain a member of the Board for two more years, contributing to the development of the Foundation and its activities with his great experience and knowledge. Professor Mariano Sanz, who in Zurich officially took over as new president of the Osteology Foundation, has been a member of the Board for 12 years, he also served as Chairmen of the Education Committee and Member of the Executive Board for several years. For him, the Foundation and its activities are therefore already familiar - with Mariano Sanz, the Osteology Foundation is in the best hands, said Christoph Hmmerle. Mariano Sanz thanked him, and said that in the past 12 years Christoph Hmmerle has done a superb job. Not only as a result of his vision and work, but also through his personal and social skills has the Foundation become a friendly family of leaders all striving for the same objective, which is to fulfil the mission of the Osteology Foundation. Mariano Sanz does not intend to change the strategy of the Osteology Foundation. We will continue the successful work, and wherever possible extend it to other parts of the world, he said in an interview, and added: we shall consolidate our accomplishments, but at the same time open up to new technologies and improve communications media with the goal of widening our reach in order to better fulfil our mission. Read the full interview with Mariano Sanz