Comparative Analysis of Techniques for Pit and Fissure Sealant Application to Reduce Microleakage.

Introduction In modern dentistry, the focus is more on preventing caries than on treating it, which helps preserve the tooth structure. Pit and fissure sealants (PFS) are the most effective methods for providing a mechanical barrier and avoiding the accumulation of dental plaque in deep pits and fissures, thereby preventing occlusal caries. The present study was conducted to compare the efficiency of dentin bonding agents (DBA) with or without fissurotomy in reducing microleakage before PFS placement. Materials and methods A total of 48 freshly extracted premolars were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1, the conventional technique of PFS (Clinpro, 3M ESPE sealant); Group 2, fissurotomy performed before PFS placement; Group 3, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (3M ESPE DBA) applied before PFS placement; and Group 4, fissurotomy along with DBA was used before PFS placement. The teeth were subjected to thermocycling followed by dye penetration using a 1% solution of methylene blue for 24 hours. All teeth were then assessed for microleakage by a qualitative method using a stereomicroscope at 40X and depth of dye penetration by image analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test was used for intergroup comparisons of microleakage scores, and ANOVA followed by Tukey's test was used for intergroup comparisons of the depth of dye penetration. These analyses were conducted using statistical software (SPSS version 22, Chicago, IL, USA). Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the microleakage scores and depth of dye penetration (p<0.05). The group 4 showed a minimum microleakage score (0.50±0.52), and maximum scores were observed in Group 1 (2.16±0.71). Group 2 showed insignificant differences with groups 3 and 4 for depth of dye penetration (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 2, groups 1 and 4, and groups 3 and 4 for the microleakage score (p<0.05). Conclusion Fissurotomy with or without DBA significantly reduced microleakage before the PFS placement. Prior use of fourth-generation DBA significantly reduced microleakage compared with PFS placement without the use of DBA.

En masse retraction of anterior teeth through rapid periodontal distraction by a retraction screw: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Rapid distraction of the periodontal ligament is an effective method to shorten the orthodontic treatment time. The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of an HYCON device (Adenta GmbH, Germany) on the rate of en masse retraction of the anterior teeth, duration of retraction, anchorage loss, root resorption, and soft tissue changes. METHODS: This study was conducted on 60 female patients aged >18 years, divided randomly into two equal groups: Group 1 comprised 30 patients with HYCON, and group 2 comprised 30 patients with nickel-titanium closed coil springs. Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were evaluated on pre- and post-retraction lateral cephalograms, and the rates of anterior tooth movement and anchorage loss were assessed monthly on the dental casts of the patients. Root resorption was assessed using intraoral periapical radiograph. Student's t test was used for the analysis of parametric data, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for nonparametric data. RESULTS: HYCON significantly shortened the retraction duration by 3 months. The rate of anterior teeth retraction was two times faster in group 1, compared with group 2. There was a significant difference in the anchorage loss between the groups in only first 2 months of treatment. Group 2 showed significantly more root resorption and soft tissue changes than group 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HYCON is an effective device for significantly shortening the duration of retraction with anchorage loss of 2 to 2.5 mm. However, careful monitoring for possible root resorption should be performed.

Evaluation of different regression models for detection of adulteration of mustard and canola oil with argemone oil using fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics.

Mustard and canola oils are commonly used cooking oils in Asian countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, making them prone to adulteration. Argemone is a well-known adulterant of mustard oil, and its alkaloid sanguinarine has been linked with health conditions such as glaucoma and dropsy. Utilising a non-destructive spectroscopic method coupled with a chemometric approach can serve better for the detection of adulterants. This work aimed to evaluate the performance of various regression algorithms for the detection of argemone in mustard and canola oils. The spectral dataset was acquired from fluorescence spectrometer analysis of pure as well as adulterated mustard and canola oils with some local and commercial samples also. The prediction performance of the eight regression algorithms for the detection of adulterants was evaluated. Extreme gradient boosting regressor (XGBR), Category gradient boosting regressor (CBR), and Random Forest (RF) demonstrate potential for predicting adulteration levels in both oils with high R2 values.

A 3D Finite Element Analysis of biomechanical effects on teeth and bone during true intrusion of posteriors using miniscrews.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects and stresses on bone, PDL, cementum and displacement along X-,Y- and Z-axis during true intrusion of molars using mini-implants with finite element analysis; the secondary objective of the study was to find out the best method for posterior intrusion in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 3D finite element method was used to simulate true molar intrusion using sliding mechanics. Two groups were made, with mini-implants placed on buccal side and palatal side with a cap splint for MODEL1, and a single mini-implant placed buccally with transpalatal arch (TPA) for MODEL2. The material characteristics which include the Young's modulus and Poison's ratio were assigned. von Mises stress, principal stress on PDL and alveolar bone, displacements in all the 3 planes were determined. RESULTS: Bone stress patterns showed compressive stresses on the buccal aspect and tensile stresses on the palatal aspect for both MODELS. Stresses in the PDL and cementum were mainly concentrated in the apex region, with a more uniform distribution of stresses for MODEL 1. Tooth displacement showed true intrusion for both MODELS, i.e. the Z axis, and a more controlled buccal tipping for MODEL 1. CONCLUSION: Of the modalities compared, the best controlled tooth movements for posterior intrusion in the treatment of open bite were obtained with mini-implants placed with a cap splint (MODEL 1).

Use of artificial intelligence in determination of bone age of the healthy individuals: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Bone age assessment, as an indicator of biological age, is widely used in orthodontics and pediatric endocrinology. Owing to significant subject variations in the manual method of assessment, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) play a significant role in this aspect. A scoping review was conducted to search the existing literature on the role of AI, ML, and DL in skeletal age or bone age assessment in healthy individuals. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2012 to December 2022 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Grey literature was searched using Google Scholar and OpenGrey. Hand-searching of the articles in all the reputed orthodontic journals and the references of the included articles were also searched for relevant articles for the present scoping review. RESULTS: Nineteen articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. Ten studies used skeletal maturity indicators based on hand and wrist radiographs, two studies used magnetic resonance imaging and seven studies used cervical vertebrae maturity indicators based on lateral cephalograms to assess the skeletal age of the individuals. Most of these studies were published in non-orthodontic medical journals. BoneXpert automated software was the most commonly used software, followed by DL models, and ML models in the studies for assessment of bone age. The automated method was found to be as reliable as the manual method for assessment. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review validated the use of AI, ML, or DL in bone age assessment of individuals. A more uniform distribution of sufficient samples in different stages of maturation, use of three-dimensional inputs such as magnetic resonance imaging, and cone beam computed tomography is required for better training of the models to generalize the outputs for use in the target population.

A Comparative Analysis of Treatment Effects of PowerScope and AdvanSync2 in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Fixed functional appliances are widely used for the treatment of retrognathic mandibles in skeletal class II malocclusion. The primary objective of the present investigation was to evaluate and compare the treatment effects induced by PowerScope (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI) and AdvanSync2 (Ormco, Orange, CA). The hypothesis posited that there were no notable disparities in the therapeutic impacts of the two appliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken involving 90 subjects with retrognathic mandibles. Group 1 was treated with AdvanSync2, group 2 received PowerScope treatment, and group 3 consisted of an untreated class II control sample. Lateral cephalograms were traced at pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1), to measure various skeletal, dental, and soft tissue parameters. The comparison between the groups was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analysis by Tukey's test. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in all the parameters, comparing the effects of both appliances to the control group (p < 0.05). AdvanSync2 displayed statistically significant skeletal effects on the maxilla and mandible (p < 0.05). The statistically significant differences were also seen for dental effects such as reduction in overbite and overjet. On the other hand, PowerScope exhibited effects that were not considered statistically significant on the maxilla, instead primarily manifesting dento-alveolar changes that led to a considerable reduction in overbite. In comparison to the control group, both appliances notably produced soft tissue changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study rejected the null hypothesis. AdvanSync2 yielded superior skeletal outcomes with greater mandibular advancement, compared to PowerScope, which exhibited enhanced dento-alveolar alterations. AdvanSync2 took less treatment time, compared to PowerScope.

Correlation of Serum Cancer Antigen-125 (CA-125) Levels with Severity of Pre-eclampsia.

Background: Pre-eclampsia is often associated with unfavourable feto-maternal outcomes. There is a lacuna in its pathophysiology, which emphasizes the need to research for tests, which can predict or correlate with the severity of pre-eclampsia. Cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) is a simple, readily available biomarker with evidence of its secretion at the choriodecidual unit and may have a possible role. This study compared serum CA-125 levels between normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women and determined its clinical usefulness in correlating with the severity of pre-eclampsia. Methods: A case-control study was conducted enrolling 58 women with pre-eclampsia further divided into severe and non-severe groups and 62 gestational age-matched healthy, pregnant controls. Serum CA-125 levels were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean serum CA-125 in the controls was 16.44 ± 8.28 IU/ml, 13.82 ± 9.18 IU/ml in the non-severe and 23.55 ± 30.55 IU/ml in the severe pre-eclampsia group (p = 0.134). Serum CA-125 had a significant association with systolic blood pressure (SBP) p = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.026), foetal growth restriction (p = 0.025), pre-term birth (p = 0.039) and a highly significant association with 24-h urinary protein, liver enzymes, placental abruption, need of maternal intensive care as well as with poor neonatal outcome including stillbirth and neonatal mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Serum CA-125 levels were found to be higher in the severe pre-eclampsia group as compared to non-severe pre-eclampsia and normotensive group, but the difference was not statistically significant. More studies on a larger scale are required to prove the usefulness of this marker with respect to maternal and perinatal outcome as well as its association with pre-eclampsia and its severity.

Comparative Study of Dysphagia-optimized Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (Do-IMRT) and Standard Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (S-IMRT) and Its Clinical Correlation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Dosimetric sparing of critical swallowing structures like constrictor muscles and larynx can lead to improved functional outcomes in head and neck cancer patients treated by chemoradiation. METHODS: A total of 50 Patients with newly diagnosed, biopsy proven AJCC stage II-IV head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) were prospectively studied. 25 patients were randomized in each arm of Dysphagia-optimized Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (Do-IMRT) arm and Standard Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (SIMRT) arm. Additional dose constraints were applied to the dysphagia/aspiration at risk structures (DARS) in Do-IMRT arm. The impact of using Do-IMRT was assessed by the difference in mean scores of MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), University of Washington-Quality of Life (UW-QOL), and 100 ml Water Swallow Test (WST). RESULTS: Patients in both arms showed significant (P <0.01 or P < 0.001) improvement in MDADI (global and composite), UW-QOL and Water Swallow Test scores. However, the improvements were found significantly higher in Do-IMRT as compared to S-IMRT. Significant improvements i.e. mean change from baseline to 12 months (P <0.05 or P <0.01 or P <0.001) were 19. 2, 8.6, 14.3, 7.4, 18.6 and 22.0%  higher respectively in Do-IMRT as compared to S-IMRT  in MDADI global and composite scores, UW-QOL swallowing scores, and 100 ml Water Swallow  (swallowing volume, swallowing capacity and swallowing speed)  test scores. CONCLUSION: The Do-IMRT improves swallowing functions compared to S-IMRT in HNSCC patients treated with radical chemoradiation.

Does leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) cause long term acceleration in the rate of canine retraction? A split-mouth, two-arm parallel group, randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of maxillary canine retraction for a period of 5 months. METHODS: A split-mouth study was conducted on 16 subjects (9 males and 7 females; age range 17-25 years; mean age, 21.85±2.45 years) who required therapeutic extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolars. After the initial leveling and alignment, L-PRF plugs were placed in a randomly selected extraction socket (Experimental Group), and the other side served as a control (Control Group). Canine retraction was carried out by the activation of nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed-coil springs delivering 150 g of force. The rates of canine movement, canine rotation, tipping, root resorption, and molar movement were assessed at monthly intervals for five months (T0-T5). Pain, swelling and discomfort accompanying the procedure were assessed using a Likert scale. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant increase in the rate of canine movement on the experimental side in the first two months, and significant molar anchorage loss was observed only in the first month for control side. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding canine rotation, tipping, probing depth, root resorption, and pain perception. CONCLUSIONS: The use of L-PRF plugs in extraction sockets considerably enhanced the rate of canine movement only in the first two months, and long-term efficacy was not observed in this study.

Efficacy of intertruncal and corner-pocket approaches of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block in terms of ulnar nerve blockade: A randomised controlled study.

Background and Aims: The incidence of ulnar nerve sparing has declined with the corner-pocket approach of the supraclavicular block (SCB), however, it continues to persist. A recent technique of SCB, the intertruncal approach, separately blocks each trunk of the brachial plexus. Thus, we hypothesised that the intertruncal approach results in a complete ulnar nerve blockade. Methods: Eighty-eight patients were randomised to undergo SCB using an ultrasound (USG)-guided corner-pocket or intertruncal approach and were compared primarily regarding the complete sensory and motor blockade of the ulnar nerve and all four nerves (ulnar, radial, median and musculocutaneous nerves) at 15 min. Secondary objectives included time required for block performance, patient discomfort score, time to readiness for surgery and duration of sensory blockade of the ulnar nerve. Continous data were compared using an independent t-test, and categorical data were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: The proportion of participants with complete sensory (30/44 vs. 14/44, P < 0.001) and complete motor (22/44 vs. 7/44, P < 0.001) blocks in the ulnar nerve and all four nerves at 15 min was significantly higher in the intertruncal group. Block performance time and patient discomfort score were higher in the intertruncal group (P < 0.001). The total duration of sensory blockade in the ulnar nerve was more in the corner-pocket group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: USG-guided intertruncal approach is superior to the corner-pocket approach of SCB regarding a complete ulnar nerve blockade.

External Beam Radiotherapy Interdigitated with High Dose Rate(HDR) Intracavitary Brachytherapy versus External Beam Radiotherapy followed by Sequential HDR Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Carcinoma Cervix-Randomized Control Study.

BACKGROUND: In cervical cancer treatment, overall treatment time (OTT) is an important prognostic factor. This study compares the clinical outcomes when High-Dose-Rate Intracavitary-Brachytherapy(HDR-ICRT) is interdigitated with external beam radiotherapy(EBRT) versus sequential HDR-ICRT after EBRT in the treatment of locally advanced carcinoma cervix. METHODS: Histologically confirmed carcinoma cervix patients [FIGO Stage IIB-IVA (except IIIC-2)] were included and randomized into two groups. The study group received EBRT 50Gy in 25 fractions with interdigitated HDR-ICRT 7Gy per fraction weekly for three fractions starting after completion of 3 weeks of EBRT or as soon as cervical os became negotiable thereafter. Patients in the control group received EBRT 50Gy in 25 fractions with sequential HDR-ICRT 7Gy per fraction weekly for three fractions starting one week after completion of EBRT. All patients were regularly followed up during and after radiotherapy for local toxicity and disease control. RESULTS: This study enrolled 102 patients; 51 in each arm. Median OTT in study and control arm were 46 and 60 days, respectively. Median follow-up duration was 24 months (two years). Loco-regional control after two years of follow-up was 84.31 % and 72.54% of patients in study arm control arm respectively (p-value 0.148). Two (3.92%) patients from study arm and eight (15.68%) from control arm had residual disease. Two patients in study arm and one from control arm had local recurrence. Two patients from study arm three patients from control arm developed distant metastases. RTOG mucosal grade III acute mucosal toxicity in either arm. Cervical-os negotiability was limiting factor for interdigitated HDR-ICRT. CONCLUSIONS: Interdigitated HDR-ICRT with EBRT may give local control with manageable toxicities as compared to sequential HDR-ICRT, with the advantage of significant reduction in OTT.
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The Immunolocalization of Mast Cells in the Pathology of Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Background Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a prevalent precancerous condition of the oral cavity and an ambiguity to clinicians because of its indistinguishable etiopathogenesis. Previous studies could not establish a definite role of mast cells (MCs) in the fibrosis of stroma. The present study was done to study the histopathological changes in OSMF and to determine the association of mast cells (MCs) and their degranulated components with vascularity. Methods A retrospective case-control study involved 40 cases of various histopathological grades of OSMF and was compared with 10 cases of normal buccal mucosa by using a cluster of differentiation 117 (CD117) kit for the identification of MCs and Masson's trichrome stain to study the number of blood vessels (BVs). Results The present study indicated that advanced cases of OSMF had keratinized epithelium with atrophic changes and moderate to advanced fibrosis of stroma with the involvement of underlying muscles. The MC density and the number of blood vessels were progressively reduced in OSMF as the grade advanced compared to healthy controls. Conclusion An increase in the mast cell density in the initial stages of OSMF suggests their definite role in the initiation of fibrosis and secondary changes to the epithelium such as atrophy.

An Association of Morphological Characteristics of Palatal Rugae and Dental Malocclusion in an Adult Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction The formation of palatal rugae is completed in the early intrauterine stage, and because of their unique and permanent pattern in each individual, they can be utilized in forensics to identify a person. Objective The primary objective of this study was to determine an association between the rugae pattern and the dental malocclusion system described by Angle. Materials and methods A prospective cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on pretreatment dental casts of 400 subjects in an age range of 18-40 years. The samples were divided according to Angle's system of classification of malocclusion into Class I, Class II, and Class III. The number, length, pattern, and orientation of the three anterior-most primary rugae on both sides of the palatal region were studied. Results Significant differences were noted in the mean number of palatal rugae and mean lengths of rugae 1 and 2 on the right side (p < 0.001) and rugae 3 on the left (p < 0.001) side among the different malocclusion groups. Curved and wavy patterns were predominant, and significant differences were found among the groups (p < 0.05), whereas non-significant differences were observed in the rugae orientation between the groups on the right and left sides. Conclusions The current study showed significant differences in the length, number, and pattern of the palatal rugae among Angle's classes of malocclusion. Clinical implications Palatal rugae can be effectively used to identify dental malocclusion at an early stage and can, therefore, help intercept the developing malocclusion.

Association of blood donor characteristics with in vitro platelet storage properties.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The study was planned to determine the association of blood donor characteristics with in vitro quality of platelets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the prospective observational study, a total of 85 male whole blood donors in the age group of 18-30 and 45-65 years were enrolled using purposive sampling method. Serum total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and LDH levels were performed on donor pre-donation sample. Buffy coat platelet concentrates were prepared from 450 mL quadruple blood bags. Samples from platelets were taken on day one and five of storage and biochemical properties were observed. RESULTS: Median MPV was higher in platelets from older blood donors on day five (9.8 vs 9.4, p = 0.037). Median LDH levels were also higher in platelets on day one and five from older donors (Day one: 204.5 vs 147, p = <0.000; day five: 278 vs 224, p = 0.001 respectively). Platelets from donors with high HbA1c levels had lower median pH (Day one: 7.31 vs 7.37, p = 0.024) and higher median glucose levels on day one of storage (Day one: 358 vs 311, p = 0.001). Higher median lactate levels throughout the storage period were also seen in platelets from donors with higher HbA1c levels (Day one: 7 vs 5.7, p = 0.037; Day five: 16 vs 12.2, p = 0.032). Glucose consumption (108 vs 66, p = 0.025) and lactate production (9 vs 6.4, p = 0.019) was higher in platelets from donors with higher HbA1c levels. CONCLUSION: In vitro platelet storage properties are affected by blood donor characteristics.

Neuroimaging Findings in Vitamin B12-Deficient Infants With Neurologic Features.

Background:Vitamin B12 deficiency causes serious neurologic problems among infants. However, its neuroradiologic correlate is still largely obscure. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted on patients aged 6 months to 2 years. All children with proven vitamin B12 deficiency were planned to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain. Results: A total of 35 patients (63% female) were enrolled. Twenty-six (74%) patients had significant findings on brain MRI scan, commonest of which were thinning of corpus callosum and prominence of extra-axial spaces in 28.6% children, cerebral atrophy in 17%, and diffuse symmetrical hyperintensity of white matter in 5.7% patients. Using logistic regression, it was found that odds of abnormal neuroimaging findings were higher in children below 12 months, in females, and in patients with developmental regression, but none of them were statistically significant. Conclusion: Most of the infants with vitamin B12 deficiency have abnormal neuroimaging findings.

Systemic biomarkers of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm babies.

PURPOSE: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) progression is an inter-play of various perinatal and neonatal angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines. A small subset of ROP progresses to ROP requiring treatment. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine whether levels of IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF in serum and urine at the time of first ROP screening visit could be a biomarker for the prediction of development of treatable ROP. METHOD: Prospective single-center observational study of preterm babies screened for ROP. Blood and urine samples were collected as a part of routine sampling at initial ROP screening visit and stored at -80 °C for further processing. The babies were followed up and grouped into 'Group A' comprising of 35 babies who developed treatable ROP and 'Group B' comprising of 36 babies with regressed ROP or no ROP. The evaluation of blood and urine samples was done for IL6, IL8 and VEGF by solid-phase sandwich RayBio® Human ELISA kit. RESULTS: The median serum values for IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF in Group A and Group B were 5.8 pg/ml (IQR 1.5,128.5) and 8.7 pg/ml (IQR 1.5,30.5), 55.9 pg/ml (IQR 28.0, 392.9) and 27.0 pg/ml (IQR 20.5,444.9) and 26.6 pg/ml (IQR 6.3, 39.4) and 30.0 pg/ml (IQR9.2,70.3), respectively. Group A had significantly increased levels of IL-8 (p < 0.05). However, AUROC curve for serum IL-8 demonstrated suboptimal discriminating ability. CONCLUSION: Babies developing ROP requiring treatment had significantly increased levels of IL-8 in the serum at the time of initial screening. However, it could not serve as predictor for treatable ROP.

Does leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) cause long term acceleration in the rate of canine retraction? A split-mouth, two-arm parallel group, randomized control trial

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of maxillary canine retraction for a period of 5 months. Methods: A split-mouth study was conducted on 16 subjects (9 males and 7 females; age range 17-25 years; mean age, 21.85±2.45 years) who required therapeutic extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolars. After the initial leveling and alignment, L-PRF plugs were placed in a randomly selected extraction socket (Experimental Group), and the other side served as a control (Control Group). Canine retraction was carried out by the activation of nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed-coil springs delivering 150 g of force. The rates of canine movement, canine rotation, tipping, root resorption, and molar movement were assessed at monthly intervals for five months (T0-T5). Pain, swelling and discomfort accompanying the procedure were assessed using a Likert scale. Results: The study revealed a significant increase in the rate of canine movement on the experimental side in the first two months, and significant molar anchorage loss was observed only in the first month for control side. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding canine rotation, tipping, probing depth, root resorption, and pain perception. Conclusions: The use of L-PRF plugs in extraction sockets considerably enhanced the rate of canine movement only in the first two months, and long-term efficacy was not observed in this study.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo foi realizado para investigar os efeitos da fibrina rica em leucócitos e plaquetas (L-PRF) na taxa de retração do canino superior, durante um período de cinco meses. Métodos: Um estudo de boca dividida foi realizado em 16 indivíduos (9 homens e 7 mulheres; faixa etária de 17 a 25 anos; idade média de 21,85 ± 2,45 anos) que precisavam de extração terapêutica dos primeiros pré-molares superiores de ambos os lados. Após o nivelamento e o alinhamento iniciais, os plugs de L-PRF foram colocados em um alvéolo pós-extração, selecionado aleatoriamente (Grupo Experimental), e o outro lado serviu como controle (Grupo Controle). A retração do canino foi realizada pela ativação de molas fechadas de níquel-titânio (NiTi) com 150 g de força. As taxas de movimentação do canino, rotação, inclinação e reabsorção radicular do canino e movimentação do molar foram avaliadas em intervalos mensais durante cinco meses (T0-T5). A dor, o inchaço e o desconforto após o procedimento foram avaliados por meio de uma escala de Likert. Resultados: O estudo revelou um aumento significativo na taxa de movimentação do canino no lado experimental nos dois primeiros meses, e uma perda significativa de ancoragem do molar foi observada apenas no primeiro mês no lado controle. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos, com relação à percepção da dor e rotação, inclinação, profundidade de sondagem e reabsorção radicular do canino. Conclusões: O uso de plugs de L-PRF em alvéolos pós-extração aumentou consideravelmente a taxa de movimentação do canino apenas nos dois primeiros meses, não sendo observada uma eficácia em longo prazo.