Drug Repurposing for Tooth Regeneration: The Promising Premises.

Drug repurposing which identifies new therapeutic use(s) for drugs currently in use is a brand-new avenue of research interest worldwide. It circumvents the high-end monetary and time investment usually associated with contemporary drug discoveries. In the field of dentistry, recent studies in drug repurposing focuses in attaining dentin repair or reduction of bone resorption associated with apical periodontitis. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug has shown pro-osteogenic properties. Aspirin a known anti-inflammatory agent with anticoagulant action is found to modulate the differentiation of dental pulp cells. The significant role of glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors in activating the Wnt/-beta cat signaling pathway of mesenchymal pulp stem cells may pave the way to the pharmacological treatment of dental caries in near future. It is to be noted here that further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted for the regular therapeutic use of these potential drugs in clinical dentistry.

Variations in root canal morphology of permanent incisors and canines among Asian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review was designed to measure the pooled prevalence of morphological variations in the root canal of permanent incisors and canines among Asian adults. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases, and relevant studies were included. Studies reporting on the Vertucci canal configuration (types I to VIII) were included. A weighted proportion (pooled prevalence) with 95% confidence interval was calculated for each canal type, and the outcome was stratified based on country, technique of assessment, gender, and age. RESULTS: Sixty articles were included in the final review. In all types of maxillary anterior teeth, the pooled prevalence of type I canal configuration was greater than 97%, whereas mandibular central incisor, lateral incisor, and canines had a prevalence of 78.4%, 69.2%, and 91.1%, respectively. Studies considering mandibular anterior teeth as a single entity had a lower prevalence of type I configuration (70.1%). Variations in root canal configurations were also observed between countries. Among gender, males had a significantly lower prevalence of type I and a higher prevalence of type II and III canal configurations in the mandibular anterior teeth. A variation in canal types was also noted with advancing age, with younger age groups showing more variations. CONCLUSION: The majority of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth have type I Vertucci canal configuration, but variations in mandibular anterior teeth, especially lateral incisors, are also common. Variations were also observed among population, gender, age, and prevalence based on the diagnostic techniques used.

Management of Cervically Fractured Central Incisors: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Fracture of tooth structure at or below the gingival margin compromises rehabilitation and hampers esthetics and function. MANAGEMENT: Management of such cases by a post-core and crown restoration, or periodontal surgery or orthodontic extrusion alone may not always suffice in attaining a good result. CASE REPORT: A multi-disciplinary approach which includes all of the above mentioned procedures helps in long term success. CONCLUSION: Careful case evaluation, treatment planning and meticulous attention to detail are the keys to the best treatment outcome.