Analgesic and Neuroprotective Effects of Electroacupuncture in a Dental Pulp Injury Model-A Basic Research.

Irreversible pulpitis is an extremely painful condition and its consequence in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. A mouse model of dental pulp injury (DPI) resembles the irreversible pulpitis profile in humans. This study sought to determine whether pain induced by DPI activates microglia and astrocytes in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), as well as increases levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and whether electroacupuncture (EA) can be a potential analgesic and neuroprotective therapy following DPI. Pain behavior was measured via head-withdrawal threshold (HWT) and burrowing behavior at days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 after DPI. A marked decrease in HWT and burrowing activity was observed from day 1 to 14 after DPI and no changes were seen on day 21. Microglial and astrocytes activation; along with high cytokine (TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-6) levels, were observed in the Vc at 21 days after DPI. These effects were attenuated by verum (local and distal) EA, as well as oral ibuprofen administration. The results suggest that DPI-induced pain and glial activations in the Vc and EA exert analgesic efficacy at both local and distal acupoints. Furthermore, verum (local and distal) EA might be associated with the modulations of microglial and astrocytes activation.

Is erosive tooth wear an oral disease?

Erosive tissue loss is part of the physiological wear of teeth. Clinical features are an initial loss of tooth shine or luster followed by flattening of convex structures; with continuing acid exposure, concavities form on smooth surfaces, or grooving and cupping occur on incisal/occlusal surfaces. Dental erosion must be distinguished from other forms of wear, but can also contribute to general tissue loss by surface softening, thus modifying physical wear processes. The determination of dental erosion as a condition or pathology is relatively easy in the case of pain or endodontic complications, but is ambiguous in initial stages and in terms of function or esthetics. The impact of dental erosion on oral health is discussed. However, it can be concluded that in most cases dental erosion is best described as a condition, with the acid being of nonpathological origin.

The effectiveness of using different pulp-capping agents on the healing response of the pulp.

BACKGROUND: Some of the disadvantages of calcium hydroxide Ca(OH) 2 as pulp-capping material are related to the inflammatory response, and its poor sealing ability. Cyanoacrylate glue was proposed in this study as pulp-capping agent because of its sealing ability, and diprogenta, on the other hand, was proposed because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the histopathological response of the pulp toward cyanoacrylate and diprogenta in direct pulp capping (DPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cyanoacrylate, diprogenta, and calcium hydroxide were applied on 20 permanent teeth of 6 rabbits divided into four groups, each contains five teeth, as follow: G1: Diprogenta and calcium hydroxide. G2: Cyanoacrylate. G3: Diprogenta and cyanoacrylate. G4: Calcium hydroxide (control group). RESULTS: A remarkable dentin bridge formation was found in all groups. No pulp necrosis was found in any tooth of the four groups. Pathological reactions of the pulp were found in 25%, 40%, 20%, and 100% of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Differences between study and control groups were found statistically significant ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: All materials used in this study were biocompatible and suggested to be studied further on human teeth. These materials when used in combination with Ca(OH) 2 , may give better results.

Pulp repair after pulpotomy using different pulp capping agents: a comparative histologic analysis.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to histologically evaluate the repair of rat tissue after pulpotomy and covering the pulp tissue with Copaifera langsdorffi oil resin, green propolis extract, fibrin sponge and iodoform-based paste. METHODS: Pulpotomies were performed in the maxillary and mandibular first molars of 21 Wistar rats (84 total teeth). The access cavities were sealed with Coltosol, and histological evaluations were performed at 24 hours, 15 days, and 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: For all experimental periods and materials, an inflammatory response constituted predominantly by neutrophils was observed, being of milder intensity for the Copaifera langsdorffii oil-resin group and more severe for the fibrin sponge group, which exhibited periapical microabscesses. Necrosis was observed in all groups, and its extension increased with time, except for teeth protected with Copaifera langsdorffii oil-resin. Formation of a mineralized tissue barrier in the pulp exposure area occurred only in the Copaifera langsdorffii oil-resin group. Other findings, such as vascular congestion, edema, and hemorrhage, were observed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory response was less severe, the area of pulp necrosis was smaller, and more frequent formation of a mineralized tissue barrier was noted after pulpotomy was performed with Copaifera langsdorffii oil-resin compared to the other materials tested.

[The effect of berberine in sterilizing infective root canal of deciduous teeth].

This investigation introduces the effect of sterilizing infective deciduous root canal with Chinese traditional herb berberine. Through the bacterial test, animal test, clinical practice, and comparing with the dental root disinfectant for mocresol (FC) and comphorphenol (CP) it indicates that berberine Chinese traditional herb is a excellent disinfectant for infective deciduous root canal.

Abscessos dentoalveolares agudos y su tratamiento con Hepar sulphur y Silicea terra / Acute dentoalveolar abscess and its treatment with Hepar sulphur and Silicea terra

Los abscesos dentoalveolares son una consecuencia de la infeccion pulpar. Se sabe que la enfermedad pulpar es una enfermedad muy comun en la consulta odontologica, practicamente un 70% de los pacientes que acuden a consulta, presentan este problema. La infeccion localizada en esta area es comun y frecuentemente se convierte en un foco a partir del cual la infeccion se disemina a otras partes del organismo. La Terapeutica Homeopatica es de gran ayuda, por las caracteristicas tan especificas de esta forma de tratamiento; ademas el uso de estos medicamentos, evita problemas como el "sensibilizar" y provocar trastornos alergicos, que incluso pueden llegar el choque anafilactico

Abscessos dentoalveolares agudos y su tratamiento con Hepar sulphur y Silicea terra / Acute dentoalveolar abscess and its treatment with Hepar sulphur and Silicea terra

Los abscesos dentoalveolares son una consecuencia de la infeccion pulpar. Se sabe que la enfermedad pulpar es una enfermedad muy comun en la consulta odontologica, practicamente un 70 porcento de los pacientes que acuden a consulta, presentan este problema. La infeccion localizada en esta area es comun y frecuentemente se convierte en un foco a partir del cual la infeccion se disemina a otras partes del organismo. La Terapeutica Homeopatica es de gran ayuda, por las caracteristicas tan especificas de esta forma de tratamiento; ademas el uso de estos medicamentos, evita problemas como el "sensibilizar" y provocar trastornos alergicos, que incluso pueden llegar el choque anafilactico