Biological properties of stem cells from the apical papilla exposed to lipopolysaccharides: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the biological properties of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs), such as viability, adhesion to dentin, odontoblast-like differentiation, mineralization, and release of immunomodulatory cytokines. DESIGN: SCAPs were isolated from immature teeth of three donors (10 to 15 years old) and cultured in mineralizing media with or without 1 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cells were seeded and cultured under standardized conditions; viability was assessed by MTT assay on days 1, 3, 5, and 7; adhesion to dentin was analyzed using an environmental scanning electron microscope after 2 days; the expression of odontogenic and mineralization genes (DSPP, DMP-1, OCN, Col1A1) was evaluated through qPCR after 14 days, mineralization was evaluated with alizarin red staining after 21 days; and the release of immunomodulatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) was measured by ELISA after 1 and 7 days. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to detect the effect of LPS on SCAPs, followed by the Dunn-Sidak test. RESULTS: LPS presence in the culture media affected SCAPs viability on day 5 and increased IL-6 secretion by day 7, however, SCAPs retained the adhesion to dentin and mineralization capacities, as well as the differentiation capacity into a mineralizing phenotype. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, within the limitations of this in vitro study, and under the inflammatory microenvironment simulated in this study, stem cells from the apical papilla were found with retained adhesion capacity to dentin, differentiation into a mineralizing phenotype, mineralization, and release of IL-10.

Biological Properties of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Isolated from Inflamed and Healthy Pulp and Cultured in an Inflammatory Microenvironment.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess whether the biological characteristics of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), such as viability, adhesion to dentin, mineralization, and release of immunomodulatory cytokines, are affected by the inflammatory status of the donor tissue and/or the sustained inflammatory environment. METHODS: DPSCs were isolated from pulps from 3 caries-free teeth (healthy or hDPSCs), and from 3 teeth with irreversible pulpitis or deep caries (unhealthy DPSCs or uDPSCs). The cells were cultured in odontogenic and osteogenic media with or without lipopolysaccharides. Viability was analyzed by MTT assay at days 1, 3, 5, and 7; adhesion to dentin was evaluated through an environmental scanning electron microscope after 48 hours and through MTT assay; mineralization was analyzed with alizarin red staining after 21 days; and the release of proinflammatory (interleukin 6) and immunosuppressive cytokines (interleukin 10) was measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after 24 hours and 7 days. RESULTS: The inflammatory status of the pulp significantly reduced the viability and mineralization capacity of the DPSCs, although it did not affect the adhesion capacity to dentin or the secretion of the proinflammatory interleukin. The inflammatory microenvironment (lipopolysaccharide) only had a significant impact on the secretion of interleukin 6, which was augmented after 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory status of the dental pulp should be taken into account when the use of DPSCs is intended either for research and/or for application in reparative or regenerative therapies.

Non-surgical root canal treatment and retreatment versus apical surgery in treating apical periodontitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In addition to non-surgical root canal treatment or retreatment, apical surgery may be carried out to manage teeth with apical periodontitis. However, it is unclear which treatment option is more effective. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effectiveness of apical surgery compared with non-surgical treatment or retreatment in terms of clinical and patient-related outcomes in teeth with apical periodontitis. METHODS: A literature search of electronic databases, the grey literature, the reference lists of included articles and previous reviews, and a hand search of leading endodontic journals, was conducted. Randomised and non-randomised control trials, and longitudinal observational studies on patients undergoing surgical (treatment group) and non-surgical root canal treatment or retreatment (control group) of teeth with apical periodontitis were included. The risk of bias was appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool; ROBINS-I and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Five studies, consisting of two randomised clinical trials, two non-randomised clinical trials, and a retrospective cohort study, were included. The interobserver agreement was high and kappa correlation coefficient was good. In total 529 teeth were available for follow-up that varied from 6 months to 8.7 years. The overall risk of bias was high for four studies and raised some concerns in one study. Apical surgery showed seemly better results regarding periapical healing and less need for more and further intervention, although tooth survival was higher in the control group. Given the heterogeneity of the studies, meta-analysis was not possible. DISCUSSION: Previous systematic reviews have conducted an indirect comparison by separately pooling the outcomes of studies analysing either non-surgical, or surgical, treatment. In this systematic review, only studies that compared both treatments were included. Most results of this and previous reviews were similar. CONCLUSION: No treatment option showed clear superiority. However, to arrive at statistically supported conclusions there is a need for additional high-quality comparative trials. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database (Registration number CRD42021260300).

Effect of chewing behavior modification on food intake, appetite and satiety-related hormones: A Systematic Review

Purpose: Obesity has become a growing public health issue worldwide. Studies have shown that eating rate is one of the most important factors to consider in the strategies to prevent and/or treat obesity. Eating rate can be reduced through different strategies, such as an increase in oro-sensory exposure, the modification of food texture, and an increase in the number of chewing cycles. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the available evidence regarding the effect of chewing behavior modification on the parameters that contribute to obesity. Methods: A systematic search was done on the electronic databases Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus, using the terms "mastication", "chewing", "chewing speed", "prolonged chewing", "number of chews", "masticatory cycles" "satiety" "satiety response" "appetite", "appetite regulation", "nutritional status" and "obesity". Results: A total of 23 intervention studies were selected that intervened in the participants' chewing behavior, either by reducing the eating rate, increasing oro-sensory exposure, food hardness or the number of chewing cycles. In most studies these interventions were effective at reducing food intake, subjective appetite and improving the plasma levels of satiety-related hormones and metabolites; moreover, they reduced body mass index in the long term. Conclusion: The currently available evidence seems to indicate that modifications to chewing behavior can bring with it a myriad of benefits for the treatment of obesity.

Propósito: La obesidad se ha convertido en un problema de salud pública creciente a nivel mundial. Investigaciones han demostrado que la tasa de ingesta es uno de los factores importantes a considerar en las estrategias para prevenir o tratar la obesidad. La tasa de ingesta puede reducirse a través de diferentes estrategias; el aumento de la exposición oro-sensorial, la modificación de la textura de los alimentos y el aumento en el número de ciclos masticatorios. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue analizar la evidencia disponible sobre el efecto de la modificación de la conducta masticatoria sobre los parámetros que contribuyen a la obesidad. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos electrónicas Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials y Scopus, con los términos "mastication", "chewing", "chewing speed", "prolonged chewing", "number of chews", "masticatory cycles" "satiety" "satiety response" "appetite", "appetite regulation", "nutritional status" y "obesity". Resultados: Se seleccionaron 23 estudios que intervenían en el comportamiento masticatorio de los participantes, ya sea reduciendo de la tasa de ingesta, aumentando la exposición oro-sensorial, dureza de los alimentos y número de ciclos masticatorios. Estas intervenciones resultaron ser efectivas para reducir la ingesta de alimentos, el apetito subjetivo y mejorar los niveles plasmáticos de las hormonas y metabolitos relacionados con la saciedad, además, a largo plazo, permitieron reducciones en el índice de masa corporal. Conclusión: La evidencia disponible actualmente parece señalar que las modificaciones en el comportamiento masticatorio pueden traer consigo múltiples beneficios para el tratamiento de la obesidad.

Aislación y caracterización de las células epiteliales del amnios / Isolation and characterization of amniotic ephitelial cells

RESUMEN: Las células epiteliales del amnios (hAECs) son células madre pluripotenciales; tienen capacidad de diferenciarse en células de las tres capas embrionarias. Como tales, se utilizan en algunas terapias regenerativas en medicina. Este estudio tiene por objetivo describir un protocolo de aislación de las células epiteliales del amnios (hAECs) a partir de placentas humanas de partos por cesárea, así como su caracterización y comportamiento in vitro. Se aislaron hAECs de 20 placentas de partos por cesárea con un protocolo optimizado. Se caracterizaron las células mediante citometría de flujo, microscopia óptica y de fluorescencia, y se evaluó la proliferación de las células mediante MTT a los 1, 3, 5 y 7 días con y sin β-mercaptoetanol en el medio de cultivo. El análisis histológico del amnios mostró un desprendimiento prácticamente completo de las células después de la segunda digestión del amnios. El promedio de células obtenidas fue de 10.97 millones de células por gramo de amnios. Las hAECs mostraron una proliferación limitada, la cual no fue favorecida por la adición de β-mercaptoetanol en el cultivo. Se observó un cambio de morfología espontanea de epitelial a mesenquimal después del cuarto pasaje. Las células epiteliales del amnios pueden ser aisladas con un protocolo simple y efectivo, sin embargo, presentan escasa capacidad proliferativa. Bajo las condiciones de este estudio, la adición de β-mercaptoetanol no favorece la capacidad proliferativa de las células.

SUMMARY: human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) are pluripotent stem cells; they have the ability to differentiate into cells of the three embryonic layers, and are used in various regenerative therapies in medicine. This study aims to describe a protocol for the isolation of amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) from human placentas from cesarean delivery, as well as their characterization and culture conditions in vitro. hAECs were isolated from 20 cesarean delivery placentas with an optimized protocol. The cells were characterized by flow cytometry, light and fluorescence microscopy, and the proliferation of the cells was evaluated by MTT at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days with and without β-mercaptoethanol in the culture medium. Histological analysis of the amnion showed a practically complete detachment of the cells of the underlying membrane after the second digestion. The average number of cells obtained was 10.97 million cells per amnion. The hAECs perform a limited proliferation rate, which was not favored by the addition of β-mercaptoethanol in the culture. A spontaneous morphology change from epithelial to mesenchymal morphology is exhibited after the fourth passage. The epithelial cells of the amnion can be isolated with a simple and effective protocol, however, they present little proliferative capacity. Under the conditions of this study, the addition of β-mercaptoethanol does not favor the proliferation of the cells.

Human Amnion Epithelial Cells: A Potential Cell Source for Pulp Regeneration?

The aim of this study was to analyze the suitability of pluripotent stem cells derived from the amnion (hAECs) as a potential cell source for revitalization in vitro. hAECs were isolated from human placentas, and dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and dentin matrix proteins (eDMPs) were obtained from human teeth. Both hAECs and hDPSCs were cultured with 10% FBS, eDMPs and an osteogenic differentiation medium (StemPro). Viability was assessed by MTT and cell adherence to dentin was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the expression of mineralization-, odontogenic differentiation- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated genes was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and mineralization was evaluated through Alizarin Red staining. The viability of hAECs was significantly lower compared with hDPSCs in all groups and at all time points. Both hAECs and hDPSCs adhered to dentin and were homogeneously distributed. The regulation of odontoblast differentiation- and mineralization-associated genes showed the lack of transition of hAECs into an odontoblastic phenotype; however, genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition were significantly upregulated in hAECs. hAECs showed small amounts of calcium deposition after osteogenic differentiation with StemPro. Pluripotent hAECs adhere on dentin and possess the capacity to mineralize. However, they presented an unfavorable proliferation behavior and failed to undergo odontoblastic transition.

Determination of crown discoloration and fluorescence induced by different medications used in regenerative endodontic procedures: An ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Crown discoloration is an undesirable side effect of the use of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). The aim of this ex vivo study was to assess the potential for tooth discoloration and induction of fluorescence associated with the use of TAP containing either doxycycline (DOX) or clindamycin (CLIN), and of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), by spectrophotometric analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of forty single-rooted human teeth extracted by therapeutic indication were used. The root canals were enlarged using the step-back technique up to a K #80 file and were randomly divided into four experimental groups (10 specimens each): i)Ca(OH)2 group, ii)TAP with DOX group, iii) TAP with CLIN group, iv) Control group (no treatment). To quantify the change of color of the different groups of teeth included, the Vita Easyshade advance 4.0 spectrophotometer was used. CLSM was used to determine fluorescence. RESULTS: After 28 days of action inside the root canal, no extreme discoloration was visible, to the naked eye, in any of the teeth included in the study. Under the conditions of this ex vivo study, TAP with DOX induced the highest crown discoloration among the medicaments tested. In contrast, Ca(OH)2 and TAP with CLIN did not induce crown discoloration after 28 days. The TAP with DOX group presented the highest fluorescence measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the discoloration potential and fluorescence changes in TAP with DOX or other tetracyclines, and the cytotoxic effect of TAPs, we recommend the use of Ca(OH)2 for REPs. Key words:Discoloration, doxycycline, clinadamycin, calcium hydroxide, endodontics.

Tratamiento del Diente Permanente Necrótico. Un Cambio de Paradigma en el Campo de la Endodoncia / Treatment of the Necrotic Permanent Tooth. A Paradigm Shift in Endodontics

RESUMEN: El tratamiento de dientes inmaduros necróticos es hoy un gran desafío clínico. La ausencia de cierre del ápice y el reducido grosor de las paredes de la dentina hacen que el tratamiento endodóntico del diente sea difícil e impredecible. Tradicionalmente, estos dientes han sido tratados con apexificación y obturación del canal radicular, sin embargo, con este tratamiento el diente permanece desvitalizado y con paredes de dentina frágiles y cortas, lo que compromete su pronóstico. La endodoncia regenerativa, por el contrario, busca revitalizar el diente e inducir una maduración de la raíz, y se basa en la utilización de las células madre mesenquimales presentes en la región periapical, los factores de crecimiento presentes en la dentina y un andamio que permite el crecimiento de tejido nuevo al interior del canal. Los resultados clínicos son alentadores, ya que en general existe maduración de la raíz y revascularización del diente, sin embargo, el tejido neoformado es tejido de tipo reparativo y, a excepción de estudios ocasionales, no se ha observado regeneración de dentina y pulpa. La endodoncia regenerativa se originó para tratar dientes inmaduros necróticos. Sin embargo, recientemente, estudios preliminares han expandido la aplicación de la endodoncia regenerativa a dientes maduros necróticos, es decir, en pacientes adultos. Los resultados clínicos son positivos y similares a los del diente inmaduro, si n embargo, la investigación referente a la revitalización de dientes maduros se encuentra en etapas tempranas y requiere de un mayor nivel de evidencia antes de ser ofrecida sistemáticamente como terapia a pacientes adultos. Los beneficios potenciales justifican mayor investigación al respecto. Este artículo resume la evidencia científica disponible con respecto a la revitalización de dientes inmaduros y maduros necróticos, sus fundamentos biológicos, los resultados esperados y limitaciones, así como el protocolo clínico.

ABSTRACT: Nowadays, the treatment of immature necrotic teeth is an important clinical challenge. The absence of apex closure and low thickness of the dentin walls, make endodontic treatment unpredictable and difficult. Traditionally, these teeth have been treated with apexification and obturation of the root canal. As a result of this treatment, the tooth remains devitalized and with fragile and short dentin walls, which compromises its prognosis. Regenerative endodontics, on the other hand, seeks to revitalize the tooth and induce root maturation, and is based on the use of mesenchymal stem cells present in the periapical tissues, growth factors present in the dentin and a scaffold that allows growth of new tissue in the root ca- nal. The clinical results are encouraging, since generally, there is root maturation and revascularization of the tooth. However, the newly formed tissue is reparative tissue and with the exception of some studies, no regeneration of dentin and pulp has been reported. Regenerative endodontics emerged to treat necrotic immature teeth. However, recently, preliminary studies have applied regenerative endodontics in mature necrotic teeth, in adult patients. Preliminary results are positive and are similar to those of immature teeth. Nevertheless, research regarding the revitalization of mature teeth is in the early stages and requires further evidence before being systematically administered as therapy in adult patients. However, the potential benefits justify further research in this regard. This article summarizes the available scientific evidence regarding the revitalization of immature and mature necrotic teeth, their biological basis, the expected results and limitations, as well as the clinical protocols for each case.

Effectiveness of Autologous Platelet Concentrates in Management of Young Immature Necrotic Permanent Teeth-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The use of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in regenerative endodontic procedures is inconsistent and unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous platelet concentrates compared to traditional blood-clot regeneration for the management of young, immature, necrotic, permanent teeth. The digital databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched to identify ten randomized clinical trials. The outcomes at postoperative follow-up, such as dentinal wall thickness (DWT), increase in root length (RL), calcific barrier formation (CB), apical closure (AC), vitality response (VR), and success rate (SR), were subjected to both qualitative synthesis and quantitative meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that APCs significantly improved apical closure (risk ratio (RR) = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.37; p = 0.04) and response to vitality pulp tests (RR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.52; p = 0.04), whereas no significant effect was observed on root lengthening, dentin wall thickness, or success rate of immature, necrotic teeth treated with regenerative endodontics. APCs could be beneficial when treating young, immature, necrotic, permanent teeth regarding better apical closure and improved response to vitality tests.

Micro-computed tomographic analysis of apical foramen enlargement of mature teeth: a cadaveric study / Análisis mediante micro-CT del ensanchamiento del foramen apical de dientes maduros: un estudio cadavérico

Revitalization procedures have been extensively studied during the last decade and offers several advantages over root canal treatment, such as the recovery of the natural immune system. Mature teeth have a small apical foramen diameter (AFD), which could impair the ingrowth of tissue into the root canal. We analysed three methods for apical foramen enlargement by instrumentation in in situ human teeth and evaluated the damage over hard tissues produced by the techniques. Tooth length (TL), defined as the length from the most coronal part of the crown to the point at which the file abandons the root canal, was calculated. Forty-four in situ teeth were randomized: Group I: instrumentation 0.5 mm coronal to TL; Group II: at TL level; Group III: 0.5 mm beyond TL. Teeth were instrumented up to K-file #80. The mandibles were scanned in a micro-CT device before and after treatment. Group I: Only 20 % of teeth presented an enlarged AFD, with augmentation of 0.09 mm. No damage to hard tissues was observed. Group II: 71.4 % of the teeth presented an enlarged AFD with augmentation of 0.42 mm. 35.7 % presented damage to periapical tissues. Group III: 86.7 % presented an enlarged AFD with augmentation of 0.43 mm. 46.7 % presented damage to periapical tissues. All groups presented similar prevalence of teeth with dentine thickness less than 1mm. All mandibular incisors presented areas of thickness less than 1mm. Instrumentation 0.5 mm beyond TL is the most effective technique.

La revitalización de dientes necróticos ha sido ampliamente estudiada durante la última década y ofrece varias ventajas sobre la endodoncia convencional, tal como la recuperación del sistema inmunitario natural del diente. Los dientes maduros tienen un diámetro de foramen apical (FA) pequeño, lo que podría afectar el crecimiento de tejido en el conducto. Se evaluaron tres métodos para la ampliación del foramen apical en dientes humanos in situ y se evaluó el daño sobre los tejidos duros producidos por las técnicas. Mediante radiografía periapical se calculó la longitud del diente (TL), definida como la longitud desde la parte más coronal de la corona hasta el punto en que la lima abandonó el conducto radicular. En el estudio fueron aleatorizados 44 dientes in situ: Grupo I: instrumentación 0,5 mm coronal a TL; Grupo II: a nivel TL; Grupo III: 0,5 mm más allá de TL. Los dientes fueron instrumentados hasta la lima K #80. Las mandíbulas se escanearon en un dispositivo de microCT antes y después del tratamiento. Grupo I: solo el 20 % de los dientes presentaron un diámetro de FA ensanchado, con un aumento de 0,09 mm. No se observó daño a los tejidos duros. Grupo II: el 71,4 % de los dientes presentaban un FA ensanchado con un aumento de 0,42 mm. El 35,7 % presentó daño a los tejidos periapicales. Grupo III: el 86,7 % presentó un FA ensanchado con un aumento de 0,43 mm. El 46,7 % presentó daño a los tejidos periapicales. Todos los grupos presentaron una prevalencia similar de dientes con un espesor de dentina inferior a 1mm. Todos los incisivos mandibulares presentaban áreas de grosor inferior a 1mm. La instrumentación 0,5 mm más allá de TL es la técnica más efectiva, aunque se debe tener especial consideración en aspectos como el debilitamiento de la estructura dentaria.

Relation between muscle architecture and first metacarpal morphology, and its implications for human hand evolution.

Previous studies have proposed that our ability to produce and use stone tools was the primary selective pressure explaining the evolution of the human hand. Derived traits in humans include a robust first metacarpal and longer thumbs relative to the other fingers. Along with other anatomical peculiarities, humans can exert forceful precision and have powerful grips, and can resist loads during tool production and use. Despite this biomechanical explanation for the morphology of the human hand, limited work has been done on the soft tissue and, therefore, the relationship between the hand bones and the muscles most heavily relied upon during tool-related behaviours still requires thorough investigation. For this purpose, we have dissected 23 forearms and hands of fresh human cadavers of known sex and age at death, and dissected all the muscles attached at the first metacarpal (the first dorsal interosseous, opponens pollicis, and abductor pollicis longus muscles). Variations in physiological cross-sectional area, muscle mass, and fibre length were compared with metacarpal anatomy. In no case bone traits were a significant predictor of muscle features. In contrast, sex and age predicted muscle architecture in several cases, thus substantially affecting the functional analysis based on linear measurements of this bone. The data, therefore, failed to provide a deductive framework for predicting muscle recruitment based on measurements of bone from the fossil record.

A Regenerative Endodontic Approach in Mature Ferret Teeth Using Rodent Preameloblast-conditioned Medium.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a regenerative endodontic approach to regenerate the pulp tissue in mature teeth of ferret. The presence of odontoblast-like cells in the newly-formed tissue of teeth treated with or without preameloblast-conditioned medium was evaluated based on morphological criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four canines from six ferrets were treated. The pulp was removed, and the apical foramen was enlarged. After inducing the formation of a blood clot, a collagen sponge with or without preameloblast-conditioned medium was placed underneath the cementoenamel junction. The samples were analyzed at the eighth week of follow-up. RESULTS: Vascularized connective tissue was observed in 50% of teeth, without differences between groups. The tissue occupied the apical third of the root canals. Odontoblast-like cells were not observed in any group. CONCLUSION: Revitalization of mature teeth is possible, at least in the apical third of the root canal. Further experimental research is needed to produce more reliable outcomes.

Isolation of primary odontoblasts: Expectations and limitations.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different protocols of enzymatic treatment (collagenase with either protease, trypsin or hyaluronidase) to isolate mature odontoblasts. Primary odontoblasts were obtained from human molars, which was confirmed by histology and scanning electron microscopy. The combination of collagenase with protease appeared most suitable and resulted in higher cell numbers and better integrity of the odontoblast processes, whereas combination with hyaluronidase or trypsin led to truncated processes and detachment of cell patches instead of single cells. However, trypan blue staining after 24 h showed that odontoblasts in culture did not remain viable. Gene expression analysis was possible after mRNA extraction from tissues ex vivo and real-time semi-quantitative PCR revealed increased expression of collagen, nestin, bone sialoprotein and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 in the odontoblast layer. Though primary odontoblasts could not be cultivated after isolation, characteristic genes were identified to differentiate odontoblasts from pulp fibroblasts.

Multicenter study of patients' preferences and concerns regarding the origin of bone grafts utilized in dentistry.

PURPOSE: Bone graft materials can be obtained from the patient's own body (autologous graft), animals (xenograft), human cadavers (allograft) and synthetic materials (alloplastic bone graft). Patients may have ethical, religious or medical concerns about the origin of bone grafts, which could lead them to reject the use of certain types of bone graft in their treatments. The aim of this multicenter study, which surveyed patients from five university clinics in Portugal, France, Italy, Spain and Chile, was to analyze patients' opinions regarding the source of bone grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey composed of ten questions was translated into local languages and validated. Patients were asked about the degree of acceptance/rejection of each graft and the reasons for rejection. A chi-squared test was used to analyze statistically significant differences. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty patients were surveyed. The grafts that elicited the highest percentage of refusal were allograft (40.4%), autologous bone graft from an extraoral donor site (34%) and xenograft (32.7%). The grafts with the lowest rate of refusal were alloplastic (6.3%) and autologous bone grafts from an intraoral donor site (24.5%). The main reason for autologous bone rejection was the fear of pain and discomfort, for xenograft it was the fear of disease transmission and the rejection of use of animals for human benefit, and for allograft it was ethical/moral motivations and the fear of disease transmission. Religious affiliation influenced patient's preferences. CONCLUSION: The origin of bone grafts is still conflictive for a high percentage of patients.

Autologous platelet concentrates for treating periodontal infrabony defects.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is a condition affecting tooth-supporting tissues (gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum), with the potential of introducing severe adverse effects on oral health. It has a complex pathogenesis which involves the combination of specific micro-organisms and a predisposing host response. Infrabony defects are one of the morphological types of alveolar bone defects that can be observed during periodontitis. Recent approaches for the treatment of infrabony defects, combine advanced surgical techniques with platelet-derived growth factors. These are naturally synthesized polypeptides, acting as mediators for various cellular activities during wound healing. It is believed that the adjunctive use of autologous platelet concentrates to periodontal surgical procedures produces a better and more predictable outcome for the treatment of infrabony defects. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of autologous platelet concentrates (APC) used as an adjunct to periodontal surgical therapies (open flap debridement (OFD), OFD combined with bone grafting (BG), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), OFD combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD)) for the treatment of infrabony defects. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 27 February 2018); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 1) in the Cochrane Library (searched 27 February 2018); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 27 February 2018); Embase Ovid (1980 to 27 February 2018); and LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (from 1982 to 27 February 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials on 27 February 2018. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of both parallel and split-mouth design, involving patients with infrabony defects requiring surgical treatment. Studies had to compare treatment outcomes of a specific surgical technique combined with APC, with the same technique when used alone. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessment, and analysed data following Cochrane methods. The primary outcomes assessed were: change in probing pocket depth (PD), change in clinical attachment level (CAL), and change in radiographic bone defect filling (RBF). We organised all data in four groups, each comparing a specific surgical technique when applied with the adjunct of APC or alone: 1. APC + OFD versus OFD, 2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG, 3. APC + GTR versus GTR, and 4. APC + EMD versus EMD. MAIN RESULTS: We included 38 RCTs. Twenty-two had a split-mouth design, and 16 had a parallel design. The overall evaluated data included 1402 defects. Two studies were at unclear overall risk of bias, while the remaining 36 studies had a high overall risk of bias.1. APC + OFD versus OFD alone Twelve studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 510 infrabony defects. There is evidence of an advantage in using APC globally from split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (mean difference (MD) 1.29 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.58 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 1.47 mm, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.82 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 34.26%, 95% CI 30.07% to 38.46%; P < 0.001; 9 studies; 401 defects; very low-quality evidence).2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG Seventeen studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 569 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, as well as 3 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months, there is evidence of an advantage in using APC from both split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.75 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 0.72 mm, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.00 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 8.10%, 95% CI 5.26% to 10.94%; P < 0.001; 11 studies; 420 defects; very low-quality evidence).3. APC + GTR versus GTR alone Seven studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 248 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, there is probably a benefit for APC for both PD (MD 0.92 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 1.86 mm; P = 0.05; very low-quality evidence) and CAL (MD 0.42 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.86 mm; P = 0.06; very low-quality evidence). However, given the wide confidence intervals, there might be a possibility of a slight benefit for the control. When considering a 3 to 6 months and a 9 to 12 months follow-up there were no benefits evidenced, except for CAL at 3 to 6 months (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.89 mm; P = 0.003; 3 studies; 134 defects). No RBF data were available.4. APC + EMD versus EMDTwo studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 75 infrabony defects. There is insufficient evidence of an overall advantage of using APC for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.13 mm, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.30 mm; P = 0.16; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), CAL (MD 0.10 mm, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.32 mm; P = 0.40; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), and RBF (MD -0.60%, 95% CI -6.21% to 5.01%; P = 0.83; 1 study; 49 defects; very low-quality evidence).All studies in all groups reported a survival rate of 100% for the treated teeth. No complete pocket closure was reported. No quantitative analysis regarding patients' quality of life was possible. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is very low-quality evidence that the adjunct of APC to OFD or OFD + BG when treating infrabony defects may improve probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographic bone defect filling. For GTR or EMD, insufficient evidence of an advantage in using APC was observed.

Prevalence and morphometric characteristics of the mandibular incisive canal through panoramic radiographs in a Chilean population / Prevalencia y características morfométricas del canal incisivo mandibular a través de radiografías panorámicas en población chilena

The mandibular incisive canal (MIC) is a continuation of the mandibular canal, anterior to the mental foramen, containing the neurovascular bundle of the teeth in anterior mandibular segment. The aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence and analyze the morphometric parameters of MIC in a Chilean population through digital panoramic radiographs. A cross-sectional study was performed using 500 digital panoramic radiographies of adult individuals. The prevalence of MIC was set in different sexes, age groups and proximity to teeth; in addition to the morphometric parameters of length, width (diameter) and distances of MIC to dental element and the mandibular base. General MIC prevalence was 53 % (265 cases), 49.9 % in women and 57 % in men. In the age groups, prevalence was higher in men, MIC was predominantly associated to first premolars (98.2 % - women; 90 % - men), however a relevant number (42.6 % women; 55.1 % - men) was close to the canines. The MIC length ranged from 2.6 to 18 mm (median - 5 to 8 mm), the width of 0.8 to 5.4 mm (median - 2 to 3 mm), the distance to other elements from 0.6 to 12 , 5 mm (medians - 5 to 7 mm) and the margin of the mandible from 4.1 to 16.7 mm (median - 8 to 10 mm). The length decreases in older age groups regardless of sex. Width and distance the mandibular base was larger in men compared to women.

El canal incisivo mandibular (MIC) es una continuación del canal mandibular, anterior al agujero mentoniano, que contiene la rama neurovascular de los dientes en el segmento mandibular anterior. El objetivo de este estudio fue calcular la prevalencia y analizar los parámetros morfométricos del MIC en una población chilena mediante radiografías panorámicas digitales. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal utilizando 500 radiografías panorámicas digitales de individuos adultos. La prevalencia de MIC se estableció en diferentes géneros, grupos de edades y proximidad a los dientes; Además de los parámetros morfométricos de longitud, ancho (diámetro) y distancias de MIC al diente y a la base mandibular. La prevalencia general de MIC fue de 53 % (265 casos), 49,9 % en mujeres y 57 % en hombres. En los grupos de edad, la prevalencia fue mayor en los hombres, el MIC se asoció predominantemente a los primeros premolares (98,2 % - mujeres, 90 % - hombres), sin embargo un número relevante (42,6 % mujeres y 55,1 % hombres) estaba cerca de los caninos. La longitud del MIC osciló entre 2,6 y 18 mm (medianas de 5 a 8 mm), el ancho de 0,8 a 5,4 mm (medianas de 2 a 3 mm), la distancia a otros elementos de 0,6 a 12,5 mm (medianas de 5 a 7 mm) y al borde de la mandíbula de 4,1 a 16,7 mm (medianas de 8 a 10 mm). El largo disminuye en los grupos de mayor edad independientemente del sexo. Ancho y distancia a la base mandibular fue mayor en hombres que en mujeres.

Enlargement of the apical foramen of mature teeth by instrumentation and apicoectomy. A study of effectiveness and the formation of dentinal cracks.

OBJECTIVE: In the last few years there have been attempts to revascularize mature necrotic teeth instead of performing a standard root canal treatment. Apical foramen enlargement (AFE) would be necessary for regenerative treatments of mature teeth. In the literature, AFE has been made through apicoectomy and instrumentation. However, no standardized methods have been described yet, which may affect the success of the therapy. Our aim was to describe the effectiveness and damage to dental structures of five methods for AFE. METHODS: Two hundred and ten human teeth were assigned to one control group (n = 10) and four treatment groups (n = 50 each): instrumentation was up to file #80 0.5 mm coronal to the apex (I), at apex level (II), 0.5 mm beyond the apex (III) and apicoectomy at 2 and 4 mm from the apex (IV). The apical foramen diameter was measured before and after treatment. The formation of clinically visible fractures (CVF) and microcracks was analysed clinically and with ESEM, respectively. Thirty-two in situ sheep's teeth were also instrumented, to compare damage in in situ and ex vivo teeth. RESULTS: The foramen diameter was augmented by 0.15, 0.47, 0.54 0.06 and 0.32 mm in human teeth of groups I, II, III, apicoectomy at 2 and 4 mm, respectively. CVF were more frequent as the working length was augmented. No statistical differences were found for microcrack formation. In situ teeth showed significantly less damage. CONCLUSIONS: Instrumentation at apex level seems to be the most effective and least harmful technique for AFE, while apicoectomy is not a useful method.

External Cervical Resorption: A New Oral Manifestation of Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, chronic, and progressive autoimmune disease. SSc causes bone resorption of mandible and distal phalanges of fingers through a known mechanism, and it has also been pointed out as a possible cause of apical root resorption of teeth, because tooth resorption is regulated by similar mechanisms to those controlling bone resorption. The objective of this article was to report the first case in the literature of external cervical resorption (ECR) as an oral manifestation of SSc. A 66-year-old female patient with a 35-year history of SSc was diagnosed with multiple ECRs through a computerized axial tomography and clinical examination. All known causes of ECR were discarded after a detailed anamnesis and clinical examination. This report details SSc as a possible cause of ECR and discusses the pathogenesis of ECR in relation with SSc. The systemic alterations provoked by SSc can be related to the etiopathogenesis of cervical root resorption. It is extremely relevant that dental care providers be aware that external cervical resorptions could be present in patients suffering from SSc, consciously look for these lesions, treat them early in case they are present, and advise the patient with SSc of the importance of continuous dental controls.

Healing of Postextraction Sockets Preserved With Autologous Platelet Concentrates. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The true benefit of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) for enhancing the healing of postextraction sites is still a matter of debate, and in recent years several clinical trials have addressed this issue. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an APC adjunct in the preservation of fresh extraction sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed on Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Only controlled clinical trials or randomized clinical trials were included. Selected articles underwent risk-of-bias assessment. The outcomes were complications and adverse events, discomfort and quality of life, bone healing and remodeling assessed by histologic and radiographic techniques, and soft tissue healing. RESULTS: Thirty-three comparative studies were included. Nine articles had a parallel design and 24 had a split-mouth design. Twenty studies were considered to have a low risk of bias and 13 were considered to have a high risk. Overall, 1,193 teeth were extracted from 911 patients. Meta-analysis showed that soft tissue healing, probing depth at 3 months, and bone density at 1, 3, and 6 months were statistically better for the APC group. Qualitative analysis suggested that APCs might be associated with a decrease in swelling and trismus. However, no relevant difference among groups was found for probing depth at 1 month, incidence of alveolar osteitis, acute inflammation or infection, percentage of new bone, and indirect measurement of bone metabolism. CONCLUSION: APCs should be used in postextraction sites to improve clinical and radiographic outcomes such as bone density and soft tissue healing and postoperative symptoms. The actual benefit of APCs on decreasing pain in extraction sockets is still not quantifiable.

Radiopacity of alloplastic bone grafts measured with cone beam computed tomography: An analysis in rabbit calvaria.

Availability of adequate bone structure for dental implants is still a problem in dentistry. Alloplastic grafts, which promote bone regeneration, are used as bone substitutes in orthopedic and oral surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of three different synthetic bone grafts in rabbit calvaria, over 3 months, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Four critical-size defects were made on the calvaria of 11 rabbits. The lesions were classified into three groups according to the alloplastic grafts they received: Osteon® 70/30, Osteon collagen®, and Osteon II® groups. The fourth group received blood clot, and served as a control. The bone samples were collected and analyzed with CBCT after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd month. One month after surgery, the lesions that received Osteon® 70/30 and Osteon collagen® grafts showed the highest radiopacity compared to the lesions with Osteon II® and blood clot. After the 2nd month, the radiopacity values between the three groups that received the grafts were more similar compared to the group with blood clot. After the 3rd month, the lesions with Osteon® 70/30 graft showed the highest radiopacity values, followed by Osteon collagen® and Osteon II® groups. The group that received blood clot showed the lowest radiopacity values. In conclusion, the grafts used in this study had higher radiopacity values compared to blood clot. Among the grafts used, the Osteon® 70/30 graft showed the highest radiopacity values in the 3-month period.