Survey of patients and parents on the autotransplantation of developing premolars to replace traumatised maxillary incisors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is a little research on the experiences and opinions of patients who have had autotransplantation of a tooth. The aim of the study was to assess the satisfaction of patients who underwent the autotransplantation of a developing premolar to replace a traumatised maxillary central incisor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients (with a mean age of 10.7-years) and 32 parents were surveyed with 13 and 7 questions, respectively, to determine their opinions about the surgery, post-operative period, orthodontic and restorative treatment they had received. RESULTS: Patients and their parents were very satisfied with the outcomes of the autotransplantation treatment. The majority of patients and all parents declared that they would choose this treatment again if needed. Patients who already had aesthetic restoration of the transplanted toothscored significantly better in position, similarity to other teeth, alignment and aesthetics, when compared to patients before restoration of the premolar to the shape of incisor. Patients after orthodontic treatment considered the alignment of the transplanted tooth between the adjacent teeth as better when compared to patients before or during their orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Autotransplantation of developing premolars to replace traumatized maxillary central incisors proved to be a well-accepted treatment option. A delay of restoration of the transplanted premolars to the shape of the maxillary incisors did not have a negative impact on the satisfaction with the treatment.

Pulp Revascularization After Autotransplantation of the Mandibular Canines With Partially Resected Roots: Report of 5 Cases With Follow-ups Between 26 and 80 Months.

INTRODUCTION: Transmigrated (migrated through the midline) mandibular canines constitute a treatment challenge. Advanced transmigration can be successfully treated by autotransplantation. In developing canines, pulp revascularization is typical after transplantation. On the contrary, the pulp of teeth with completed apex formation does not undergo revascularization. In this case, root canal treatment becomes compulsory and decreases the success of autotransplantation. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to evaluate whether partial resection of the root (performed during the autotransplantation of mature canines) would enable revascularization of the pulp after the surgery. METHODS: Five transmigrated mandibular canines with complete apex formation before the surgery were evaluated. During the autotransplantation surgery, the resection of 2 to 4 mm of the root apex was performed to open the path for revascularization of the pulp after surgery. The transplanted teeth were observed during healing after the surgery for the presence of pulp obliteration. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed. RESULTS: All treated canines survived the minimum observation period of 2 years (ranging from 26 to 80 months, mean: 55 months) without pulp healing complications. The survival was 100%, and the success was 80%. In one canine, the external cervical root resorption was diagnosed and treated 1 year after the surgery. At the final examination, transplanted canines presented radiographic features of pulp obliteration, normal mobility, and healthy periodontal tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical protocol proved to be successful in promoting revascularization to maintain pulp vitality, in all cases. The outcomes confirm that autotransplantation, combined with the resection of the root, constitutes a valid treatment for mature ectopic canines.

Clinics and genetic background of hereditary gingival fibromatosis.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare condition characterized by slowly progressive overgrowth of the gingiva. The severity of overgrowth may differ from mild causing phonetic and masticatory issues, to severe resulting in diastemas or malposition of teeth. Both, autosomal-dominant and autosomal-recessive forms of HGF are described. The aim of this review is a clinical overview, as well as a summary and discussion of the involvement of candidate chromosomal regions, pathogenic variants of genes, and candidate genes in the pathogenesis of HGF. The loci related to non-syndromic HGF have been identified on chromosome 2 (GINGF, GINGF3), chromosome 5 (GINGF2), chromosome 11 (GINGF4), and 4 (GINGF5). Of these loci, pathogenic variants of the SOS-1 and REST genes inducing HGF have been identified in the GINGF and the GINGF5, respectively. Furthermore, among the top 10 clusters of genes ranked by enrichment score, ATP binding, and fibronectin encoding genes were proposed as related to HGF. CONCLUSION: The analysis of clinical reports as well as translational genetic studies published since the late'90s indicate the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of non-syndromic HGF and point out the importance of genetic studies and bioinformatics of more numerous unrelated families to identify novel pathogenic variants potentially inducing HGF. This strategy will help to unravel the molecular  mechanisms as well as uncover specific targets for novel and less invasive therapies of this rare, orphan condition.

Periodontal condition of mandibular incisors treated with modified Kazanjian vestibuloplasty compared to untreated sites: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: A shallow vestibule, insufficient keratinized tissue width and pulling of marginal gingiva may be associated with gingival recession, plaque accumulation and gingivitis. Conventional techniques for treatment of gingival recession use autogenous or allogenic grafts. However, these methods result in soreness at the donor site and pose an economic burden, which may cause patients to withdraw from treatment. Alternative therapy is currently not available to treat such patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in periodontal tissue at the mandibular incisors after vestibuloplasty, focusing on functional improvement of the existing soft tissue with no grafting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with a shallow vestibule, minimal keratinized tissue width (KTW; ≤1 mm), gingival recession (REC) and pulling of gingiva underwent modified Kazanjian vestibuloplasty were included into the test group, whereas 27 patients did not undergo any surgery (control group). The probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession depth (GRD), and KTW were assessed at baseline and 12 months post-surgery. RESULTS: The mean KTW, GRD and CAL values improved in the test group. A significant increase in mean KTW value (1.17 ±1.22 mm, p = 0.0406) was detected in the test group, while the control group showed a further reduction in mean KTW value (0.13 ±0.45 mm). The mean GRD value decreased from 2.09 ±1.78 mm to 1.22 ±1.46 mm (p = 0.0087) in the test group, whereas in controls the mean GRD value increased from 1.95 ±1.29 mm to 2.34 ±1.44 mm (p = 0.0164). The mean KTW value at 3, 6 and 12 months compared to baseline showed an increase in the test group, and the mean GRD and CAL values exhibited the potential to improve. CONCLUSIONS: Sites treated with vestibuloplasty showed increased KTW, improvement in the gingival margin and CAL gain, whereas untreated sites showed continuous deterioration of the evaluated parameters. Vestibuloplasty may be recommended for patients avoiding major surgery for which functional improvement in tissue alone would provide a sufficient therapeutic outcome.

Patient with asymmetric multiple hypodontia treated with autotransplantation of 2 premolars.

Tooth autotransplantation is performed in patients with congenitally missing teeth and those with traumatic tooth loss. We report a course of edgewise treatment of a girl with multiple congenitally missing teeth and residual features of ectodermal dysplasia, who was treated with autotransplantation of 2 premolars with developing roots. She was 8 years old at the beginning of the treatment. No signs of inflammation, root resorption, or pulp symptoms were observed during the 2.5 years of edgewise treatment after autotransplantation. Cervical external root resorption was detected 31 months postoperatively in 1 transplanted tooth (maxillary first premolar), and the same problem occurred in the other transplanted tooth (mandibular second premolar) 2 years later. Root canal treatment was immediately undertaken and resulted in inhibition of further pathology. Consequently, the survival of both transplanted teeth was achieved. The orthodontic treatment that included intervals related to diagnosis and treatment of root resorption of the transplanted premolars is described in detail.

Fibroblasts from recurrent fibrotic overgrowths reveal high rate of proliferation in vitro - findings from the study of hereditary and idiopathic gingival fibromatosis.

PURPOSE: Investigate the content of fibrotic fibrils in gingival tissue and the proliferation of fibroblasts collected from recurrent and non-recurrent hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) and idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF). METHODS: Gingival biopsies were collected from HGF (n = 3) and IGF (n = 3) donors with recurrent and non-recurrent gingival overgrowths and from a control group (Ctrl, n = 3). Hematoxylin staining was performed to evaluate the histomorphology of gingival tissue. Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome staining served for visualization of fibrotic fibrils in gingiva. Quantitative analysis of the content of fibrotic fibrils in gingival tissue was performed using a polarized light microscope. Proliferation was evaluated at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h in fibroblast cultures using a cell proliferation ELISA assay based on 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). RESULTS: Numerous blood vessels and fibroblasts were observed in recurrent overgrowths, whereas moderate blood vessels and moderate to scanty fibroblasts were detected in non-recurrent overgrowths. Heidenhain's staining revealed numerous collagen fibers in both recurrent and non-recurrent overgrowths. Quantitative analysis in a polarizing microscope showed significant accumulation of fibrotic fibrils exclusively in the overgrowths with the recurrence. In all time-points, increased proliferation of cells from all recurrent overgrowths was observed, but not from overgrowths which do not reoccur. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that recurrent gingival overgrowths consist of highly fibrotic and dense connective tissue with numerous blood vessels and abundant fibroblasts. We also demonstrated that unlike fibroblasts derived from overgrowths, which did not present recurrence, fibroblasts derived from highly fibrotic and recurrent overgrowths maintain high rate of proliferation in vitro.

Study on site-specific expression of bone formation and resorption factors in human dental follicles.

We sought to investigate site-specific expression of bone-regulatory factors expressed by human dental follicles and to compare the stimulated expression of tumour necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 11/tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 11b (RANKL/OPG) in human dental follicle cells (HDFCs) from different patients. Analysis of bone-regulatory markers in follicles from 12 different study participants was performed using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence; apical and coronal segments from each dental follicle were processed independently. Four additional dental follicles were used for cell cultures; HDFCs were precultured in osteogenic medium to initiate differentiation and thereafter cultured with 10-6 M forskolin (FSK) to activate the protein kinase cAMP (PKA/cAMP) signalling pathway and induce RANKL/OPG expression. We demonstrate that RANKL expression is significantly higher in the coronal part of follicles than in the apical part. High levels of collagen type 1 (COL1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Gap-junction protein, alpha 1, 43 kDa (CX43) were expressed, whereas expression of Sp7 transcription factor (OSX), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (MCP1), and OPG was low in all samples. The immunofluorescence localization of CSF-1, MCP1, osteocalcin (OCN), RANKL, and BMP2 was not specific for either part of the follicles. In conclusion, a consistently high expression of CX43 suggests that gap-junction communication in HDFCs is essential for the eruption process. Furthermore, the induced expression of RANKL in HDFCs varies significantly between individuals and may relate to clinical variations in tooth eruption.

TIMP-1 association with collagen type I overproduction in hereditary gingival fibromatosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the processes associated with the excessive production of collagen I in hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three HGF subjects and five controls were enrolled in the study. Histomorphological and immunohistological analyses were performed on gingival tissues. The expression of heat-shock protein 47 (HSP47), collagen I, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) by gingival fibroblasts isolated from HGF and controls was analysed using qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. RESULTS: Considerable accumulation of fibrotic fibrils and increased synthesis of HSP47 were noted in HGF gingival tissues. The synthesis of collagen I, HSP47, TGF-ß1, CTGF and TIMP-1 was significantly elevated in HGF gingival fibroblasts compared with controls, while the production of MMP-1 was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: We report that fibrosis in HGF gingival tissues is associated with increased synthesis of HSP47. This finding was confirmed by an in vitro study, where excessive production of collagen I was associated with increased synthesis of HSP47, TGF-ß1 and CTGF by HGF gingival fibroblasts. Moreover, the shift in the TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio identifies increased synthesis of TIMP-1 as one of the processes associated with collagen I overproduction in HGF fibroblasts.

Gingival Fibromatosis with Significant De Novo Formation of Fibrotic Tissue and a High Rate of Recurrence.

BACKGROUND Hereditary gingival fibromatosis is characterized by slowly progressive enlargement of the gingiva that can present as an isolated condition or present as part of various syndromes. CASE REPORT An 11-year-old female reported with a gingival lesion that caused masticatory problems and poor oral hygiene. Periodontal examination revealed a dense tissue covering 30% of her teeth crowns within both jaws. Panoramic x-ray showed a normal bone height and teeth positioning. The patient did not use any medications, but a similar condition was also present in other family members. The patient was diagnosed with hereditary gingival fibromatosis. Surgery was carried out to remove excess of gingival tissue. Post-surgical healing was uneventful, but four weeks after the first surgery, the condition recurred amounting to 45% of the initial tissue volume presenting in the mandible, and 25% in the maxilla. Two months later, no significant growth was noted in the mandible, while in the maxilla, growth increased to 40% of the preoperative state. Analysis by polarized microscope showed a significant increase of thin fibrotic fibrils that contributed 80% of the total pool of collagen fibrils in the patient's gingiva, but only 25% in healthy gingiva. The patient was receiving outpatient care for follow-up every three months and surgical intervention had not been planned as long as her periodontal health was not be compromised.  CONCLUSIONS It is currently not clear whether the extent of the fibrosis had a mechanistic association with the ratio of gingival tissue re-growth in our case study. Further studies are needed to explain this association and improve the management of this condition.

Pulp revascularization after repositioning of impacted incisor with a dilacerated root and a detached apex.

Severely impacted and dilacerated incisors are rarely considered for surgical exposure because they may not respond favorably to orthodontic extrusion. These incisors are often extracted, resulting in the need for tooth replacement; however, prosthetic solutions are limited in growing patients. Transalveolar autotransplantation of an impacted incisor may be the only method to preserve the natural tooth and maintain the shape of the alveolus. The severely impacted upper central incisor (#9) with a developing root was diagnosed in a 9-year-old girl. The unfavorable tooth position and dilaceration of its root made orthodontic extrusion of the impacted incisor impossible. Initial orthodontic space opening at the recipient site was performed before the surgery. Transalveolar transplantation of the impacted incisor to its normal position was performed to avoid tooth extraction. The incisor was later aligned using fixed orthodontic appliances. At the 5-year follow-up, the transplanted incisor presented features that were typical of a revascularized tooth (ie, obliteration of root canal but a positive response to vitality tests). Healthy periodontal tissues and continued root development were also noted. However, the root apex, which separated from the transplant at the time of the surgery, continued formation in its initial position. Transalveolar transplantation of an unfavorably impacted upper central incisor with a dilacerated root is a successful treatment, which stands the test of time. The early stage of root development allowed revascularization of the tooth despite dilaceration of the root and detachment of its apex.

The prospective study of autotransplanted severely impacted developing premolars: periodontal status and the long-term outcome.

AIMS: To determine the periodontal status and long-term outcomes of the surgical treatment of severely impacted developing premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine impacted and adversely angulated second premolars (four maxillary and five mandibular) were autotransplanted from their initial position to the ideal position within the arches (trans-alveolar autotransplantation). The mean age of patients at the time of the surgery was 13 years and 9 months (from 11 years and 5 months to 17 years) and the mean observation period was 5 years (from 2 to 8 years and 6 months). Naturally erupted, contralateral premolars in the same patients were used for comparison. RESULTS: The survival and success were 100%. Autotransplanted premolars did not differ statistically from their controls, except for having a wider zone of keratinized gingiva (mean difference 0.625 mm), increased probing depths (from 0.04 to 0.49 mm depending on the probing location), pulp canal obliteration and a slightly higher crown-to-root ratio (C/R = 0.71 for transplanted teeth and C/R = 0.6 for control teeth respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Trans-alveolar transplantation of severely impacted and adversely angulated developing premolars is a viable treatment option and an attractive alternative to other treatment modalities.

Survival and success rates of autotransplanted premolars: a prospective study of the protocol for developing teeth.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to examine the predictability of the protocol for premolar transplantation when applied by an inexperienced surgeon. Additional objectives were to examine the hard and soft tissues and to compare the findings with control premolars and also to record the patients' opinions of the treatment provided. METHODS: The sample comprised 23 consecutively transplanted developing premolars in 19 patients. Their mean age at surgery was 12 years 8 months (range, 9 years 10 months-17 years). The mean observation time was 35 months (range, 6-78 months). Plaque accumulation, pocket depth, gingival recession, mobility, and pulp sensitivity were recorded for the transplanted and the control teeth. Standardized radiographs were used to examine hard tissues and crown-to-root ratios. Questionnaires were used to register each patient's opinion about the treatment and its outcome. RESULTS: The survival rate was 100%, and the success rate was 91.3%. No significant differences were recorded between transplanted and control teeth. The patients' perceptions of the surgical management and the treatment outcome were favorable. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol for autotransplantation of developing premolars in growing patients was successfully adopted, regardless of lack of previous experience with this type of treatment.

New bone formation at the site of autotransplanted developing mandibular canines: a case report.

Until recently, adequate bone at the recipient site has been a determinant for tooth autotransplantation. This article presents the transplantation of developing mandibular canines to a suboptimal position because of inadequate bone at the recipient sites. Five years later, after eruption and orthodontic alignment, all criteria for successful healing were fulfilled. In addition, new bone that was not present at the time of surgery was identified at the roots of the transplanted teeth, implying that transplanted developing teeth can stimulate bone to grow along their roots.