Three-dimensional evaluation of condylar morphology after orthodontic treatment in adult patients with Class II malocclusion by cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the condylar morphological changes after orthodontic treatment in adult patients with Class II malocclusion using a Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Images of twenty-eight adult patients with Class II malocclusion who have no temporomandibular symptoms were involved in this study. To analyze the post-treatment changes in condylar morphology, mimics 17.0 software was used to measure several values and reconstruct the three-dimensional condyle, including height of the condyle, area and bone mineral density of the maximum axial and sagittal section, volume and bone mineral density of the three-dimensional condyle and condylar head before and after orthodontic treatment. Using SPSS 19.0 software package Paired t-test was applied for comparison of condylar morphology analysis between pre-treatment and post-treatment. RESULTS: Height of condylar head increase significant (P < .05). Bone mineral density showed a decrease in the maximum axial and sagittal section, three-dimensional condyle and condylar head (P < .01). Evaluation of volume revealed that volume of both condyle and condylar head decrease considerably (P < .05). No significant difference was detected in other values ((P > .05). CONCLUSION: Condylar volume decreased and height of condylar head have changed, so we speculated that adaptive bone remodeling of the condyle occurs.

Management of the palato-radicular groove with a periodontal regenerative procedure and prosthodontic treatment: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Palato-radicular groove (PRG) is defined as an anomalous formation of teeth. The etiology of PRG remains unclear. The prognosis of a tooth with a PRG is unfavorable. The treatment of combined periodontal-endodontic lesions requires multidisciplinary management to control the progression of bone defects. Some researchers reported cases that had short-term observations. The management of teeth with PRGs is of great clinical significance. However, to date, no case reports have been documented on the use of bone regeneration and prosthodontic treatment for PRGs. CASE SUMMARY: This case reported the management of a 40-year-old male patient with the chief complaint of slight mobility and abscess in the upper right anterior tooth for 15 d and was diagnosed with type II PRG of tooth 12 with combined endodontic-periodontal lesions. The accumulation of plaque and calculus caused primary periodontitis and a secondary endodontic infection. A multidisciplinary management approach was designed that included root canal therapy, groove sealing, a periodontal regenerative procedure, and prosthodontic treatment. During a 2-year follow-up period, a good prognosis was observed. CONCLUSION: This report indicates that bone regeneration and prosthodontic treatment may contribute to the long-term favorable prognosis of teeth with PRGs.

Curcumin promotes osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells by inducting EGR1 expression.

OBJECTIVE: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) attract attention for the periodontal regeneration therapy. Curcumin may promote osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. This research aims to elucidate whether Curcumin displays promoting osteogenic differentiation and its mechanism. METHODS: The hPDLSCs were isolated from human periodontal ligament by immunomagnetic beads, identified with immumofluorescence. hPDLSCs were treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 µmol/L Curcumin. The early growth response gene 1 (EGR1) siRNA or plasmind were tranfected into the hPDLSCs. The viability, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralizaiton level of hPDLSCs were measured with 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, ALP Assay Kit or Alizarin Red staining. The expression of EGR1, RUNX family transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein (OC), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (OPN) and collagen type I alpha 1 chain (Collagen I), in hPDLSC were determined by Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The isolated hPDLSCs were spindle or irregular, arranged in radial shape and shown positive expression of STRO-1, CD146 and Vimentin. Curcumin 10 µmol/L treatment maximal promoting the cells viability, ALP activities, mineralization, and levels of Runx2, OC, OPN, Collagen I and EGR-1 in hPDLSCs. EGR-1 siRNA transfection inversed Curcumin's promoting effect on ALP activities, mineralization, and levels of Runx2, OC, OPN, Collagen I and EGR-1 in hPDLSCs. While the EGR-1 plasmid transfection enhanced Curcumin's promoting effect on these parameters of hPDLSCs. CONCLUSION: Curcumin promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, which may work through the EGR1. Curcumin may be a promising medicine for periodontitis treatment and periodontal regeneration.