Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with dendrosomal curcumin and blue laser against Porphyromonas gingivalis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the loss of tooth-supporting structures. Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the main pathogens responsible for periodontitis. Because of the limitations of antibiotic use, various alternative approaches have been developed. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy uses photosensitizers and light to eliminate pathogens. Curcumin is a promising photosensitizer, but has low bioavailability and water solubility. However, dendrosomes can efficiently encapsulate curcumin, overcoming these obstacles. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with blue laser and dendrosomal curcumin against Porphyromonas gingivalis. METHODS: In this in vitro experiment, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of dendrosomal curcumin was determined using a serial dilution approach. Porphyromonas gingivalis suspensions were subjected to blue laser irradiation (447 nm, output power 100 mW) for 30 to 180 s. Finally, several subMIC dendrosomal curcumin concentrations and blue laser irradiation periods were applied to the bacterial suspensions. The negative control group received no therapy, whereas the positive control group was treated with 0.2% chlorhexidine. Consequently, the colony count of each group was calculated. RESULTS: Treatment of Porphyromonas gingivalis with dendrosomal Curcumin at concentrations of 8-250 µg/mL significantly reduced bacterial growth compared to untreated group. 90 second exposure to a blue laser (31.8 J/cm2) completely inhibited the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Blue laser irradiation for 60 s (21.2 J/cm2) markedly reduced bacterial growth but did not completely prevent its survival. Photodynamic therapy using dendrosomal curcumin at concentrations of 2-4 µg/mL and irradiation for 30-90 s resulted in complete eradication of Porphyromonas gingivalis compared to controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The reduction in survival of Porphyromonas gingivalis following photodynamic therapy with dendrosomal curcumin and blue laser indicates that this technique could be a useful approach to eradicate Porphyromonas gingivalis infections.

A Retrospective Analysis of Dentofacial Deformities and Orthognathic Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Information regarding the prevalence of surgical osteotomies used for the correction of dentofacial deformities in Iran is lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the distribution of orthognathic surgeries performed (2011-2015) at major University hospital in Iran. Records of 103 orthognathic surgery patients were assessed (58 female, 45 males, aged = 23.47 [6.44] years). RESULTS: Class III malocclusion (incisor classification, 45.6%) and Class II skeletal pattern (based on ANB angle, 51.5%) were the most prevalent type. Overall, 4.8%, 51.5%, and 43.7% of subjects had Class I, II, and III sagittal skeletal patterns, respectively. The most prevalent (66%) osteotomy was the bimaxillary osteotomy. The frequencies of reported and corrected asymmetries in the lower third of the face (35%) were similar among patients with different malocclusions (χ2 = 4.134, P = 0.127) or sagittal skeletal patterns (χ2 = 2.133, P = 0.344), as well as between Class II and III malocclusions (P = 0.125) or sagittal skeletal patterns (P = 0.149). CONCLUSION: Compared to Class II subjects, Class III (malocclusions or sagittal skeletal patterns) subjects had more bimaxillary osteotomies, indicating the higher prevalence of skeletal discrepancies affecting both jaws in Class III subjects.

Assessment of Iranian orthodontists' practice with regard to the prevention and treatment of white spot lesions.

INTRODUCTION: White spot lesions (WSLs) are common adverse effect of orthodontic treatment, which can be prevented and treated by orthodontists. This study was conducted to assess Iranian orthodontists' practice regarding the prevention and treatment of WSLs in their patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 109 Iranian orthodontists were selected from the Iranian Association of Orthodontists' directory by cluster sampling. For data collection, a questionnaire was designed and its validity and reliability was confirmed (Cronbach's α =0.85). The questionnaire included eight general questions and eight questions about practice with regard to the prevention and treatment of WSL. Data were analyzed by descriptive tests, ANOVA test, and t-test in SPSS 20 software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean score of orthodontists' practice was 7.62 (range: 0-8), and 94.4% of the participants were rated as good, while 3.7% and 1.9% were rated as moderate and weak, respectively. Women's score was significantly higher than that of men (P = 0.001). With increasing participants' age, their practice has been improved (P = 0.001), but there was no significant relation between years of experience and their practice (P = 0.230). Nearly 94.4% of the orthodontists prescribed fluoride products. Toothpastes and fluoride mouth rinses were the most common prescribed products (34%). CONCLUSIONS: With regard to Iranian orthodontists' practice, it was fortunate to note that majority of the respondents were taking care of their patients with regarding to the prevention and treatment of WSLs. For enhancing their competencies, it is recommended to plan educational courses which are useful for promoting their knowledge and practice about new products and procedures used for the prevention and treatment of WSLs.

Functional needs of subjects with dentofacial deformities: A study using the index of orthognathic functional treatment need (IOFTN).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the functional needs of orthognathic patients treated in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals using the index of orthognathic functional treatment need (IOFTN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using 2011-2015 records of 103 patients [58 female, 45 males, 16-45 years, mean (SD) age = 23.47 (6.44) years] who had orthognathic surgery. Malocclusion type (incisor classification), sagittal skeletal pattern (ANB angle), IOFTN score, and Dental Health Component of the IOTN [IOTN (DHC)] were recorded. RESULT: Overall, 92.2% and 82.5% of subjects scored 4 or 5 for IOFTN and IOTN (DHC), respectively, and no gender differences detected for both indices (P > 0.05). Gender differences detected for malocclusions/skeletal patterns (P < 0.05). Class III malocclusions (45.6%) and Class II skeletal patterns (51.5%) were the most prevalent type. Subjects with Class I, Class II, and Class III sagittal skeletal bases formed 4.8%, 51.5%, and 43.7% of the sample, respectively. IOFTN score of 5.3 (reverse OJ ≥ 3 mm, 27.2%) was the most prevalent, followed by 4.2(19.4%), 4.3(13.6%), 4.10 (12.6%), and 5.2 (8.7%). Subjects with Class III sagittal skeletal patterns or malocclusions had higher percentages of grade 5 IOFTN scores (62.2% and 59.6%), compared to Class II sagittal skeletal patterns or malocclusions (18.9% and 21.2%) and the distribution of functional needs between malocclusions or sagittal skeletal patterns were different (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: IOFTN identified 92.2% of orthognathic surgery patients as having great and very great functional needs and appeared to be reliable tool to identify patients in need of orthognathic surgery. Higher percentages of Class III subjects scored grade 5 of IOFTN, indicating higher functional need for orthognathic surgery in this group.