Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Hard Tissue Healing in Rat Tooth Extraction Sockets.

Objective: To investigate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on hard tissue healing in rat maxillary first molar extraction sockets. Methods: A total of 20 male Wistar rats were used in the study. The right extraction sockets were irradiated with a Ga-Al-As laser (500 mW, 980 nm) for 51.7 J/cm2 every 24 h for 7 days, while the left sockets served as controls. Rats were sacrificed on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after tooth extraction, and microcomputed tomography (CT) analysis, histopathological evaluation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted at different time points. Results: Micro-CT analysis showed that the percentage of bone volume/tissue volume (TV) and bone mineral density were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group on day 28 (p < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation revealed that PBMT promoted new bone formation and accelerated bone remodeling. ELISA demonstrated a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase expression in the laser sides on days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: One application postextraction followed by seven consecutive daily applications of PBMT can effectively promote hard tissue healing in rat maxillary first molar extraction sockets.

The Nd:YAG Laser or Combined with Er:YAG Laser Therapy for Oral Venous Lakes.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical treatment effect on oral venous lakes (OVL) treated with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser or a combination of erbium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser. Patients and methods: Between June 2015 and March 2017, nine patients, suffering from OVL in the mandibular regions, were treated with Nd:YAG laser or combination of Nd:YAG laser and Er:YAG laser in our department. The Nd:YAG laser was mainly performed for the treatment of nine initial lesions. The preset parameters were as follows: average power of 5 W, frequency of 100 Hz, microshort pulse (MSP), tip size of 300 µm, spot size of 3 mm, irradiation distance of 3-4 mm, and speed of 1-2 mm/sec, sequential treatment. The power density at work was 57 W/cm2. If postoperative scars occurred after the Nd:YAG treatment, the Er:YAG laser was used. The parameters were set as follows: power of 3.75 W, energy of 150 mJ, frequency of 25 Hz, very long pulse (VLP), tip size of 0.6 mm, 40% water, and 60% gas. The patients were followed up for 4-8 weeks. The therapeutic results were graded on a 4-point scale system. Adverse effects after laser treatment were evaluated and managed accordingly. Results: With single Nd:YAG laser, the therapeutic outcome was excellent in seven patients (77.8%) and good in two patients (22.2%). Scar tissue was encountered in two patients 2 weeks after Nd:YAG laser therapy, and then Er:YAG laser was used for the scar removal. No mucosal necrosis was found in any of the patients. Conclusions: The Nd:YAG laser or combined with Er:YAG laser was an effective and safe treatment for patients with OVL in the mandibular region.

A Study on Environmental Factors for Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between environmental factors and nonsyndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in Yantai District, China. A retrospective case-control study was carried out. A total of 236 NSCL/P children were selected from Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Yantai Stomatological Hospital between September 2013 and December 2016 as cases; 209 controls were chosen from other diagnosis in the same department during the same period. The 2 groups matched age and sex. The parents of participants were inquired regarding the risk factors, and the answers were filled in a questionnaire by physicians. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analysis the data. There was significantly increased NSCL/P risk with high maternal age (P =0.002), family history (P = 0.001), abortion history (P = 0.033), poor parental education level (P = 0.008), maternal smoking (P = 0.044), maternal alcohol (P = 0.039), common cold or fever (P = 0.035), drug use (P = 0.006), and maternal stress (P = 0.049). Reduced NSCL/P risk was found with folic acid supplementation (P = 0.005), adequate maternal age (P = 0.002), and high parental education (P = 0.001). The proper amount of folic acid, the appropriate age of childbearing, and the high education were the protective factors of NSCL/P, whereas family history, abortion history, drug use during pregnancy, maternal tobacco and alcohol, and maternal stress were the risk factors for NSCL/P in Yantai District, China.