Sonographic Imaging of Oral and Dental Anatomical Structures (A Pilot Study)

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The overall purpose of this study is to establish an ultrasound technique to aid in oral and dental examination of soft and hard tissues. Ultrasound is currently not used in Dentistry and associated oral examinations and its usefulness for clinical practice will be explored. This study will investigate the use of ultrasonic imaging for planning and placing dental implants, as well as evaluate the use of ultrasonic imaging for monitoring marginal bone loss around dental implants.

Detailed Description
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This study will involve two different groups of subjects: Patients scheduled for a dental implant procedure, and patients scheduled for a revision surgery after developing infection after implant surgery. Twenty subjects examining only specific aim one is funded and will be studied. If future funding is granted and additional 30 subjects for aim one and 40 for aim two will be studied Subjects in both groups will receive an ultrasound examination of the oral cavity prior to their clinically-scheduled dental surgery. Subjects in group 1 also may receive a CBCT scan if not previously clinically-ordered.

Official Title
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Sonographic Imaging of Oral and Dental Anatomical Structures (A Pilot Study)

Conditions
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Ultrasound, Oral Mucosa, Gingival Recession, Alveolar Bone Loss

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Subjects 18 years of age and older who will be scheduled to have an implant surgery from premolar to premolar with bilateral adjacent teeth present will be recruited. Exclusion Criteria: Patients under 18 years of age. Unwilling or unable to read and sign this informed consent document. Do not have a tooth on each side of the implant that will be placed. Women who are pregnant or unsure of their pregnancy status.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 99 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| patients with 1 missing tooth<br>Patients with 1 missing anterior or premolar tooth and planned for implant surgery were recruited. Gingiva and alveolar bone were ultrasound scanned and compared to CT scans and direct measures during implant surgery. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ultrasound soft tissue thickness | soft tissue thickness at the missing tooth gap and adjacent teeth were measured with ultrasound | At least 6 months after implant crown placement (1 time point) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ultrasound alveolar bone height | alveolar bone height at the missing tooth gap and adjacent teeth was measured | At least 6 months after implant crown placement (1 time point) |