Powdered coconut water as a storage medium to preserve the viability of periodontal ligament cells: a laboratory study.

AIM: To investigate the ability of newly developed powdered coconut water formulas (ACP) with different osmolarities to maintain the viability of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells over time compared with other solutions. METHODOLOGY: Dogs teeth were extracted and stored for two periods, 3 h or 24 h, in the following media: long-shelf life CW (CW), pH-adjusted long-shelf life CW (pH-CW) and powdered CW that was pH and osmolality adjusted (ACP-404-I, 250 mOsm kg-1 H2 O; pH 7.0; ACP-404-II, 372 mOsm kg-1 H2 O; pH 7.0; ACP-404-III, 300 mOsm kg-1 H2 O; pH 7.4). The positive control group (Pc) corresponded to immediate measurement after tooth extraction, and two negative controls (Nc) corresponded to 3 h and 24 h of dry time. PDL cells were extracted, and cell viability analysed by Trypan blue exclusion. Data were analysed statistically using two-way anova followed by the Tukey test and one-way anova followed by the Dunnett test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: At 3 h and 24 h, ACP-404-I had a performance similar to those of ACP-404-II and pH-CW, with significantly higher (P = 0.004) percentages of viable cells than ACP-404-III and CW. The positive control group had a significantly higher (P = 0.002) percentage of viable cells than the negative control groups, CW and ACP-404-III, irrespective of the period evaluated. CONCLUSION: Powdered coconut water formulas, ACP-404-I and ACP-404-II, preserved viability for up to 24 h.

Repair of a perforated sinus membrane with an autogenous periosteal graft: a study in 24 patients.

We describe a technique for repairing a perforation of the sinus membrane with a periosteal graft. Of 117 patients who had augmentation of the sinus floor, the sinus membrane perforated in 24, and these were repaired with autogenous periosteal grafts. Patients were followed up daily for the first 10days and monthly for the next six months, and clinical and radiographic variables were recorded. Patients had to be free of complications such as wound dehiscence, sinus infections, exposure of the graft, local inflammation, or pain. The radiographs showed correct osseointegration of all implants. Periosteal grafts are an effective alternative for repair of a perforation of the sinus membrane.

Effects of chlorhexidine and fluoride on irradiated enamel and dentin.

The effectiveness of mouthwash protocols in preventing gamma irradiation therapy damage to the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of enamel and dentin is unknown. It was hypothesized that the use of chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwash would maintain the UTS of dental structures. One hundred and twenty teeth were divided into 2 groups: irradiated (subjected to 60 Gy of gamma irradiation in daily increments of 2 Gy) and non-irradiated. They were then subdivided into 2 mouthwash protocols used 3 times per day: 0.12% chlorhexidine, 0.05% sodium fluoride, and control group (n = 10). The specimens were evaluated by microtensile testing. The results of the Tukey test (p < 0.05) indicated that the gamma irradiation therapy significantly reduced the UTS of the enamel, crown, and root dentin. Macromolecular alterations were suggested by optical retardation data in dentin. Structural alterations, in both substrates, were detected by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Mouthwash with 0.12% chlorhexidine partially prevented the damage to the mechanical properties of the irradiated crown dentin, whereas the 0.05% sodium-fluoride-irradiated enamel showed UTS similar to that of non-irradiated enamel.