Oral Manifestations of Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal condition that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by its clinical heterogeneity and irregularities in its course. The etiology and pathogenesis are not well established, so it is difficult to establish an early diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. The objective of this systematic review was to present a qualitative synthesis of the studies referring to the oral manifestations of CD. This systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guide. Research was conducted in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and Cocrahne Library databases on 23 February 2023, and updated on 1 September 2023. Articles published between 2012 and 2023 were selected. Articles that analyzed the oral manifestation of CD patients and met the established search terms. In addition, the quality of all the selected studies was analyzed following the CARE guidelines for case reports and the STROBE scale for observational studies. A total of 19 articles were included in this review that met the inclusion criteria. Regarding the oral manifestation of CD, oral ulcers, angular cheilitis, and gingivitis stand out. Periodontitis and vegetative pyostomatitis were the least representative manifestations. The most prevalent locations were lips, mucosa, and gingivae. Ulcers, gingivitis, and angular cheilitis are the most frequent oral manifestations in patients with CD. Their early identification and possible relationship with the disease are important for an early diagnosis and an adequate treatment plan.

Use and efficacy of mouthwashes in elderly patients: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: A higher prevalence of oral problems has been observed in the elderly population. One of the treatment options for some of these pathologies is the administration of mouthwashes combined with mechanical removal techniques. Besides, each type of oral rinse treats certain oral diseases, and it should be selected for each specific situation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the use and efficacy of mouthwashes in the elderly as a treatment for various pathologies, to indicate the most common kinds of mouth-rinses used, the diseases treated with them, their efficacy in each treatment, and their effectiveness when they are combined with other treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The review has been carried out following the PRISMA 2020 Statement. Individualized bibliographic searches were performed in five databases. Randomized clinical trials are included in patients over 60 years old where mouthwashes were administered to treat or prevent specific diseases. The PICO question aimed to assess what type of mouthwashes elderly patients use, what they use them for, and their efficacy. Study selection, data extraction, and quality analysis were achieved using the RoB-2 guide. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were chosen to perform the qualitative analysis. The bibliometric analysis was carried out. We have eleven randomized controlled clinical trials and two uncontrolled. The mouthwash more used was chlorhexidine, followed by essential oils and fluorides. The most studied pathologies were a periodontal disease, caries, candidiasis, denture stomatitis, and xerostomia. Chlorhexidine used weekly is effective as antiplaque and antigingivitis. Fluorides effectively prevent and reverse caries; nystatin and essential oils to treat candidiasis; and pilocarpine rinse to manage xerostomia. CONCLUSIONS: The included studies show that mouthwashes are widely extended in the elderly population, and each sort is specifically designed for treating a particular condition.

Effectiveness and abrasiveness of activated charcoal as a whitening agent: A systematic review of in vitro studies.

INTRODUCTION: Tooth whitening is currently one of the most requested treatments to change the color of teeth. There are different types of whitening in the dental office and at home. There are also many whitening agents on the market. Nowadays, the public has shown great interest in a new natural compound: activated charcoal. It has an abrasive effect and it is included in toothpastes to whiten teeth quickly and easily. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the systematic review is to perform a qualitative synthesis of the available literature on the use of activated charcoal-based toothpaste for tooth whitening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search included the terms (charcoal-based OR activated charcoal OR charcoal OR soot) AND (toothpaste OR dentifrices OR bleaching OR oral hygiene OR enamel OR teeth). Inclusion criteria were articles that were published in English, that included activated charcoal toothpastes, that assessed the efficacy of activated charcoal bleaching and/or the safety of using activated charcoal toothpastes, that were conducted on humans or extracted teeth regardless of their origin and the year of publication. RESULTS: Out of 208 articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria, the Risk of Bias of the selected studies was determined as medium-high. Regarding the whitening effect, there is a variety of results depending on the study: in some there are no significant differences between the proposed treatments and in others activated charcoal is not the most whitening agent. Regarding the abrasive effect, most studies agree that activated charcoal toothpaste has a higher abrasive potential. CONCLUSION: Toothpastes based on activated charcoal possess a lower whitening effect than other alternatives and can be considered as less safe due to its high abrasive potential.

Scientific production on silicate-based endodontic materials: evolution and current state: a bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a bibliometric analysis on silicate-based biomaterials in endodontics; to elucidate the evolution and distribution of scientific production regarding research on these biomaterials, the authors and institutions involved, and the most used descriptors/keywords in this field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A general advanced broad search was performed in Web of Science Core Collection, using the terms "Silicate" and "Endod*." By means of the "Analyze Results" and "Citation Analysis" tools from Web of Science, bibliometric data were extracted. Bibliometric networks on co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence were illustrated using VOSviewer software tool. RESULTS: Research in the field of silicate-based endodontic materials in endodontics has followed an exponential crescent tendency over the period between 1995 and 2020. Two major co-authorship networks lead the research production in the field, headed by Gandolfi MG and Prati C, and Rodríguez-Lozano FJ and Forner L; respectively. "Mineral trioxide aggregate," "MTA", "Biocompatibility," "Biodentine," and "In vitro" were the terms with the highest occurrence. The modal study type in this research area are laboratory studies, representing 77.7% of the total number of records. The relationship between keywords illustrates the recent tendency to assess biological properties of MTA and Biodentine, which could be extrapolated to other silicate-based materials. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present study highlight the exponential increase and distribution of scientific production on silicate-based materials in endodontics, along with the modal keywords used as descriptors and the major authorship networks involved. The predominance of laboratory studies in this research field reinforces the need for clinical studies, to extrapolate the reported performance and characteristics of silicate-based materials into the clinical setting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study may aid the clinician's continuing education and evidence-based practice by providing knowledge and facilitating the literature search on the field of silicate-based biomaterials in endodontics.

In vitro biocompatibility testing of 3D printing and conventional resins for occlusal devices.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the in vitro biocompatibility of new resins (Keysplint Soft (Keystone Industries), NextDent Ortho Rigid (3D System), and Freeprint Splint (Detax)) and traditional resins (Orthocryl (Dentaurum)) used for dental splints. METHODS: Standardized discs (n = 40) and 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 extracts of the tested materials were prepared. Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were isolated from gingival tissues. Different biological tests were carried out, including MTT assays to assess cell metabolic activity, cell migration assays, cell cytoskeleton staining, cell apoptosis, generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (p<0.05). RESULTS: MTT experiments showed that Freeprint Splint significantly reduces the hGF metabolic activity (***p<0.001), whereas SEM analysis showed almost no cells adhered on its surface. Cell migration was significantly lower after exposure to undiluted extracts of Freeprint Splint at 48 and 72 h (***p<0.001). Cell cytoskeleton staining assays showed fewer attached cells in 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions of Freeprint Splint. Annexin-V and 7-AAD staining assays showed that only cells exposed to Keysplint Soft extracts displayed similar cell viability to the control group. Finally, ROS levels detected in undiluted extracts of all resins were significantly enhanced compared to the control group (***p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-printed resins and the conventional dental resin showed a similar biocompatibility, except for Freeprint Splint, which was the most cytotoxic on hGFs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: 3D printing has been on the rise in recent years and its use in daily clinical practice is expanding over time. Two of the three 3D-printed resins tested in this study performed as well in the cytotoxicity tests as the conventional one, supporting their use, but caution and further testing are required.

Current Status and Trends in Research on Caries Diagnosis: A Bibliometric Analysis.

There are a wide variety of devices for the detection and diagnosis of caries from the initial stages. The purpose of this study was to perform a bibliometric study on research regarding caries diagnosis by identifying the contributing researchers, organizations, countries or regions, journals, and to provide an analysis of keyword co-occurrence and co-authorship networks. An advanced search was performed in Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, using the terms "caries diagno*" and "caries detect*" in the "topic" field, from 2013 to 2021. Bibliometric parameters were extracted using WOS's analyze results tools and VOSviewer software. A total of 816 documents were identified. Most of them, (61.3%) are included in "Dentistry Oral Surgery & Medicine" category within WOS. The largest scientific production on the subject is observed between 2018 and 2021, with a total of 344 records. The most productive author is Mendes FM, followed by Braga MM. The journal with the most articles published on caries diagnosis is Caries Research, with 55 articles (6.74%). The terms with the highest co-occurrence refer to the validity of diagnostic methods, tools or principles used in diagnosis or general aspects related to caries detection and diagnosis.

Scaffolds for pulp revitalisation: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

AIMS: The main objective of this systematic review is to carry out a qualitative synthesis of the available bibliography on the use of scaffolds used in dentistry for the revitalisation treatment of immature teeth with open apex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search was carried out in the MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane databases. The search included the terms 'Pulp regeneration' OR 'Pulp revitalisation' AND 'scaffold'. The inclusion criteria were articles published in English, which carry out revitalisation treatments, with analysis of the results obtained and comparison of them, carried out in humans, in immature permanent teeth with open apex, and randomised clinical trials. The risk of bias assessment was performed with the RoB2 guideline. RESULTS: Of 769 studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria. The scaffolds used were blood clot, platelet-rich plasma, platelet-rich fibrin, and blood clots combined with different membranes such as collagen membrane, collagen membrane and placentrex, chitosan membrane and hydrogel with basic growth factor for fibroblasts. The clinical success rate is excellent for all scaffolds used. The best scaffold for root development is platelet-rich plasma and it is the scaffold with the highest percentage of response to vitality test. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that platelet-rich plasma is the preferred scaffold of choice, although all the scaffolds analysed have acceptable results.

Comparison of the effectiveness of professionally delivered and OTC whitening toothpastes. An in vitro study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of five whitening toothpastes applied three times a day for 4 weeks. METHODS: 25 human extracted teeth were selected. Two peroxide-based dental bleaching pastes (professionally delivered): Enawhite 2.0 (En), Whitekin (Wk); and three over the counter whitening toothpastes: Opalescence whitening toothpaste (Op), Colgate max White expert White (Cg) Premium activated charcoal (Cr) were used. Teeth were brushed for 4 weeks, three times a day. Color was measured with a spectrophotometer according to the CIELab system. ΔEab, W* and ΔE00 values were calculated at baseline, at the end of the treatment, and 1 week after the end of treatment. Data analysis was performed using a generalized estimating equations model, evaluating the effect of treatment, time and interaction (P< 0.05). RESULTS: ΔEab values ranged from 5.01 for En to 3.22 for Wk after the 4-week treatment period. One week after the end of treatment, ΔEab ranged from 5.91 for Cr to 3.62 for Op (P> 0.05 between groups). The closest to pure white (W* differences between baseline and after 1 week from the end of treatment) was for En and Wk. ΔE00 values after 4 weeks of treatment ranged from 3.23 for En to 1.79 for Wk. One week after the end of treatment, the ΔE00 ranges were between 3.31 for Cr to 2.03 for Op (P> 0.05 between groups). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: All the evaluated whitening toothpastes improved dental color values higher than those perceptible and acceptable at the 50:50 threshold.

Influence of dual-cure and self-cure abutment cements for crown implants on human gingival fibroblasts biological properties.

AIMS: To analyze the biological effects of the cements Relyx Unicem 2, Panavia V5, Multilink Hybrid Abutment and SoloCem on human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HGFs were exposed to different eluates (n = 40) of the studied resin-based cements. Their cytotoxic effects and influence on cell migration were assessed using MTT and wound-healing assays, respectively. Level of HGF attachment, cell morphology and F-actin cytoskeleton content after exposition to the different eluates were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy analysis, respectively. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the eluates of the different cements were also determined by flow cytometry. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey´s test. RESULTS: Eluates of SoloCem significantly reduces the viability of HGFs (69% reduction compared to control at 48 h). Cell migration of HGFs in presence of undiluted SoloCem eluates was significantly lower than in the control (88% open wound area at 24 h). Contrarily, migration speed with Multilynk eluates was similar to that of the control group at all periods of time and all dilutions studied. SEM analysis showed very few cells in SoloCem group, and a moderate cell growth in Multilink, Panavia and Relyx groups were detected. Finally, ROS levels detected in HGFs treated with the more concentrated SoloCem and Relyx dilutions were significantly enhanced compared with that in the control cells or the other groups (44% and 11% ROS positive cells, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in the present work suggest that Multilink hybrid abutment has better biological properties and lower cytotoxicity for cementing implant crowns on abutments.

Association between Pulpal-Periapical Pathology and Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Several studies have linked apical periodontitis and systemic diseases. The aim of this study is to present a systematic review of the available literature investigating whether there is an association between pulpal-periapical pathology and autoimmune disease. The review was conducted following the PRISMA statement. A literature search was performed in five databases. Studies involving patients with pulpal-periapical pathology and autoimmune diseases were included in the review. Based on the PICO model, the research question aimed to assess whether there is an increased risk of developing pulpal-periapical pathology in patients with autoimmune disease. Article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed using an adapted version of the STROBE guidelines. A total of seven studies were included in our review. The types of articles were five case-control and two cross-sectional studies. Periapical pathologies were associated to three autoimmune diseases (diabetes mellitus I, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease). Among the included studies, four show a low risk of bias, while three present a moderate risk. There could be an association between apical periodontitis and autoimmune diseases, although most studies report statistically non-significant associations.

Dental Healthcare Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The hustle and bustle of the planet Earth have come to a halt thanks to the novel coronavirus. The virus has affected approximately 219 million people globally; taken the lives of 4.55 million patients as of September 2021; and created an ambiance of fear, social distancing, and economic instability. The purpose of this review article is to trace the historical origin and evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is highly contagious with a unique feature of rapid mutations-the scientific research is paving the way for discoveries regarding novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) diagnosis, features, prevention, and vaccination. The connections between the coronavirus pandemic and dental practices are essential because COVID-19 is transmitted by aerosols, fomites, and respiratory droplets, which are also produced during dental procedures, putting both the patient and the dentist at risk. The main emphasis of this paper is to highlight the psychological, economic, and social impact of this pandemic on dental practices throughout the world and under what circumstances and guidelines can dental health care be provided. In the current situation of the pandemic, an appropriate screening tool must be established either by using rapid molecular testing or saliva point-of-care technology, which will be effective in identifying as well as isolating the potential contacts and carriers in hopes to contain and mitigate infection. The blessing in disguise is that this virus has united the leaders, scientists, health care providers, and people of all professions from all around the world to fight against a common enemy.

Laterally rotated flap for soft tissue augmentation around maxillary loaded osseointegrated dental implants: preliminary results of a pilot study.

A minimal width and thickness of keratinized and attached soft tissue is desirable to prevent peri-implant diseases. This report describes the preliminary results of a pilot study of a surgical approach for soft tissue augmentation around loaded dental implants in the partially or totally edentulous maxilla. Four patients presenting eight maxillary implants with a buccal peri-implant soft tissue deficiency received a laterally rotated flap. A buccal mesial and apical recipient area was created around each implant, and a pediculated keratinized graft was rotated 90° from the distopalatal and positioned and sutured on the peri-implant buccal aspect. All implants treated showed a gain in buccal clinical peri-implant attachment (1.37 ± 0.44 mm) and buccal soft tissue levels (2.06 ± 1.40 mm) and interproximal soft tissue levels (1 ± 0.75 mm). The technique provided quality soft tissue with a gain in soft tissue thickness (3.06 ± 0.68 mm) and keratinized wide tissue (4.69 ± 0.80 mm) with minimal morbidity (1575 ± 549.67 mg of ibuprofen) and maintenance of prosthetic loading. Peri-implant soft tissue stability was maintained for 13.5 ± 1.87 months. Laterally rotated flap can be applied and provide clinical benefits to compromised implants due to the presence of buccal peri-implant soft tissue deficiency. Further studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.

Biological interactions between calcium silicate-based endodontic biomaterials and periodontal ligament stem cells: A systematic review of in vitro studies.

BACKGROUND: Most recently, the biological interactions, that is cytocompatibility, cell differentiation and mineralization potential, between calcium silicate-based biomaterials and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have been studied at an in vitro level, in order to predict their clinical behaviour during endodontic procedures involving direct contact with periodontal tissues, namely root canal treatment, endodontic surgery and regenerative endodontic treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present systematic review was to present a qualitative synthesis of available in vitro studies assessing the biological interaction of PDLSCs and calcium silicate-based biomaterials. METHODOLOGY: The present review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. An advanced database search was performed in Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and SciELO on 1 July 2020 and last updated on 22 April 2021. Studies assessing the biological interactions of PDLSCs with calcium silicate-based sealers (CSSs) and/or cements (CSCs) at an in vitro level were considered for inclusion. The evaluation of the 'biological interaction' was defined as any assay or test on the cytotoxicity, cytocompatibility, cell plasticity or differentiation potential, and bioactive properties of PDLSCs cultured in CSC or CSS-conditioned media. Quality (risk of bias) was assessed using a modified CONSORT checklist for in vitro studies of dental materials. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included for the qualitative synthesis. CSCs and CSSs, as a group of endodontic materials, exhibit adequate cytocompatibility and favour the osteo/cementogenic differentiation and mineralization potential of PDLSCs, as evidenced from the in vitro studies included in the present systematic review. DISCUSSION: The influence of the compositional differences, inclusion of additives, sample preparation, and varying conditions and manipulations on the biological properties of calcium silicate-based materials remain a subject for future research. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the in vitro nature of the included studies, this work supports the potential use of calcium silicate-based endodontic materials in stem cell therapy and biologically based regenerative endodontic procedures. REGISTRATION: OSF Registries; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/SQ9UY.

Comparative Biological Properties and Mineralization Potential of 3 Endodontic Materials for Vital Pulp Therapy: Theracal PT, Theracal LC, and Biodentine on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the biological properties and mineralization potential of the new Theracal PT (Bisco Inc, Schaumburg, IL) compared with its predecessor Theracal LC (Bisco Inc) and the hydraulic silicate-based cement Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France) on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in vitro. METHODS: Standardized sample discs were obtained for each material (n = 30) together with 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 material eluates. Previously characterized hDPSCs were cultured with the different materials in standardized conditions, and the following assays were performed: a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, a wound healing assay, Annexin-V-FITC and 7-AAD staining (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA), reactive oxygen species production analysis, cell adhesion and morphology evaluation via scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, quantification of the expression of osteo/odontogenic markers via real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and alizarin red S staining. Statistical significance was established at P < .05. RESULTS: All of the tested dilutions of Theracal LC exhibited a significantly higher cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species production (P < .001) and a lower cell migration rate than the control group (hDPSCs cultured in growth medium without material extracts) at all of the measured time points (P < .001). Both 1:4 Theracal PT and Biodentine-treated hDPSCs exhibited similar levels of cytocompatibility to that of the control group, a significant up-regulation of at least 1 odontogenic marker (Biodentine: dentin sialophosphoprotein (P < .05); Theracal PT: osteonectin and runt-related transcription factor 2 [P < .001]), and a significantly higher mineralized nodule formation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The newly introduced TheraCal PT offers an improved in vitro cytocompatibility and mineralization potential on hDPSCs compared with its predecessor, TheraCal LC, and comparable biological properties to Biodentine.

Immediate Post-Extraction Short Implant Placement with Immediate Loading and without Extraction of an Impacted Maxillary Canine: Two Case Reports.

For the treatment of impacted maxillary canines, traction associated with a complete orthodontic treatment is the first choice in young patients. However, in adults, this treatment has a worse prognosis. The surgical extraction of the impacted tooth can result in a series of complications and a compromised alveolar bone integrity, which may lead to the requirement of a bone regeneration/grafting procedure to replace the canine with a dental implant. These case reports aimed to describe an alternative treatment procedure to the surgical extraction of impacted maxillary canines in adults. Following clinical and computerized tomography-scan (CT-Scan) examination, the possibility of maintaining the impacted canine in its position and replacing the temporary canine present in its place with a dental implant was planned. A short dental implant with an immediate provisional crown was placed, without contacting the impacted canine. At 3 months follow-up, a definitive metal-ceramic restoration was placed. Follow-up visits were performed periodically. The implant site showed a physiological soft tissue color and firmness, no marginal bone loss, no infection or inflammation, and an adequate aesthetic result in all follow-up visits. These results suggest that the treatment carried out is a valid option to rehabilitate with an osseointegrated short implant area where a canine is included, as long as there is a sufficient amount of the remaining bone.

Biocompatibility of a HA/ß-TCP/C Scaffold as a Pulp-Capping Agent for Vital Pulp Treatment: An In Vivo Study in Rat Molars.

Bioceramic materials possess desirable biological properties, highlighting their non-reactivity and osteoconductivity. Their use has been extended in vital pulp treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA), and collagen (C) scaffold with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on the vital pulp of rat molars. Thirty-two molars of Sprague-Dawley rats underwent direct pulp capping with ß-TCP/HA/C (n = 16) and MTA (n = 16). After 30 days, the following parameters were evaluated in the tested samples: the degree of pulp inflammation and pulp vitality, the presence of reparative dentin, the homogeneity of the odontoblastic layer, and the presence of pulp fibrosis. No statistically significant differences were observed between HA/ß-TCP/C and MTA in terms of the degree of inflammation (p = 0.124). Significant differences were found in reparative dentin formation between the treatment groups (p = 0.0005). Dentin bridge formation was observed in the MTA-treated group. The local action of HA/ß-TCP/C is similar to that of MTA when used as an agent for pulp vital treatment in terms of absence of inflammation and maintenance of pulp vitality, although there are significant differences between both materials regarding the formation of dentin bridges.

Topical fluoride varnishes promote several biological responses on human gingival cells.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the in vitro cytotoxicity of four commercial topical fluoride varnishes widely used in daily dental practice for the prevention of caries on human fibroblasts: Cervitec F, Fixofluor, Fluor Protector S and Duraphat. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) were exposed to different concentrations of fluoride varnishes extracts. Biological assays, including MTT and IC50 value determination, annexin-V/7-AAD staining, cell migration and F-actin staining with phalloidin were carried out. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: At 4% concentration, all of the fluoride varnishes extracts affected fibroblasts metabolic activity, exhibiting a high degree of cytotoxicity at all measured time points. At 0.1% and 1%, Duraphat and Fixofluor or Fluor Protector S and Cervitec F exerted the lowest or highest cytotoxic effects, respectively. Similar effects were evidenced when induction of apoptosis/necrosis and cell migration assays were analyzed. Immunocytochemical assays revealed a similar number of fibroblasts, without changes in the morphology and F-actin content at 0.1% concentration of all tested materials, while at 1% concentration, Fluor Protector S and Cervitec F showed few cells with aberrant morphology or non-adhered cells, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Different commercial topical fluoride varnishes with the same therapeutic indication may exhibit different biological effects and cytotoxicity on fibroblasts.

Could the Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer Presentation Form Influence Dentinal Sealing? An In Vitro Confocal Laser Study on Tubular Penetration.

Dentinal tubule penetration influences root canal treatment sealing. The aim of this study was to compare dentinal penetration of two clinical presentations of silicate-based sealers using confocal laser. Sixty single-rooted human teeth from 50-70 year-old patients extracted for orthodontic/periodontal reasons were used. Canals were prepared using Mtwo system up to 35/0.04, with 5.25% NaOCl irrigation and final irrigation using 17% EDTA. Teeth were randomly assigned into study groups (ni = 20): EndoSequence BC sealer (ES, group 1), BioRoot RCS (BR, group 2); and a control group (nc = 20) with AH Plus (AHP). Root canals were obturated with 35/0.04 gutta-percha (single-cone technique). The samples were obtained from apical, middle, and coronal thirds. Dentinal tubule penetration depth and percentage of penetration around the canal perimeter were measured. The statistical analysis was performed using Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon t-test (95% confidence interval). ES exhibited a significantly higher penetration than AHP in apical and middle thirds (p < 0.05), and in middle and coronal thirds relative to BR (p < 0.05). The percentage of penetration around the canal perimeter was significantly higher for ES compared to BR in all thirds, but only in the apical third for AHP (p < 0.05). The pre-mixed silicate-based sealer exhibited better penetration than the powder/liquid one.

Dental Treatments under General Anesthesia on Children with Special Health Care Needs Enrolled in the Spanish Dental Care Program.

The purpose is to analyze the medical characteristics of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) recommended for dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA), postoperative complications, and dental treatment outcomes under the regulation of the Spanish Dental Care Program (PADI). 111 clinical records were selected. The study population was divided into three age groups. The quantitative data was specified as the mean ± SD. For the qualitative variables, the Chi-Square test was used. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were used to examine the effect of the "age group" and the number of treatment procedures. A total of 1473 treatment procedures were performed, of which 110 (7.5%) were cleanings, 898 (61%) were restorative procedures, 332 (21.7%) were extractions, 22 (1.6%) were endodontic treatments, 62 (4.2%) were pulpotomies, and 59 (4%) were stainless steel crowns. Regarding the mean number of incisor root canal treatments (RCT), age group 3 received a significantly higher mean number of incisor RCTs than age group 1 (p = 0.02). Age group 1 received a higher average of pulpotomies and stainless-steel crowns (p = 0.00) compared to groups 2 and 3. GA is a safe procedure for the dental treatment of CSHCN, with minimal postoperative complications, which should be included among dental public programs.

Melatonin Treatment Alters Biological and Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Dental Pulp Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Augmented Transforming Growth Factor Beta Secretion.

INTRODUCTION: Melatonin is an endogenous neurohormone with well-reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the direct biological and immunomodulatory effects of melatonin on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of melatonin on the cytocompatibility, proliferation, cell migration, odontogenic differentiation, mineralized nodule formation, and immunomodulatory properties of hDPSCs. METHODS: To address the melatonin biological effects on hDPSCs, the cytocompatibility, proliferation, cell migration, odontogenic differentiation, mineralized nodule formation, and immunomodulatory properties of hDPSCs after melatonin treatment were evaluated. The statistical differences were evaluated using 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey multiple comparison test. RESULTS: We found that melatonin did not alter hDPSC immunophenotype or cell viability, even at the highest concentrations used. However, using intermediate melatonin concentrations (10-300 µmol/L), a significantly higher proliferation rate (P < .05 and P < .01) and migration of hDPSCs (P < .01) were observed. Importantly, melatonin treatment (100 µmol/L) significantly increased the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor beta (P < .05 and P < .01) and provoked a more robust antiproliferative effect on mitogen-stimulated T cells (P < .05). Finally, and unlike previous results found with mesenchymal stem cells from other sources, melatonin fails to induce or accelerate the spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings provide key data on the bioactivity of melatonin and its effects on hPDSC biological and immunomodulatory properties.