Effect of photobiomodulation therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis: a histological and radiographic study.

This study aimed to histologically and radiographically evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity laser irradiation of different wavelengths (660 or 808 nm) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats. Periodontitis was induced by placing a ligature around the mandibular first molar of the rats. In total, 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 each): control (CG), periodontal disease (PD), scaling and root planing (SRP), SRP + 660 nm laser (GL660) and SRP + 808 nm laser (GL808). Groups with laser use received radiation at 6 points in the first molar. The animals were euthanized at baseline and at 7 and 14 days after the interventions. Mandibles were surgically removed for histomorphometric and radiographic assessment of periodontal tissues. The GL660 group showed lesser bone loss than the PD group (P < 0.05) and greater alveolar bone margin after 14 days, indicating a better long-term treatment response (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that SRP with the 660 nm laser as an adjunct results in more favorable radiographic and histological responses than the 808 nm laser.

Morphological changes in the temporomandibular joints in women with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain: A case series.

Objective: This study investigated the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphological changes in women with fibromyalgia (FM) through clinical and tomographic evaluation.Methods: Ten women diagnosed with myofascial pain who were being treated for FM in a university hospital were included in this study. The data were collected through clinical examination and cone beam computed tomography evaluation of the TMJ in closed and open mouth positions.Results: All patients had crackling in the joint, a habit of grinding teeth during sleep, muscle stiffness, and tinnitus. The tomographic findings revealed a higher frequency of condylar bone wear, reduction of joint space, and posterior positioning of the mandibular condyle. The temporomandibular disorders with the highest prevalence were osteoarthritis and disc displacement with reduction.Conclusion: The findings suggest that women with FM have a high frequency of TMD related to the displacement of the articular disc, condyle position, and occurrence of osteoarthritis.

Tooth loss and craniofacial factors associated with changes in mandibular condylar morphology.

Objective: To investigate the association between tooth loss and craniofacial factors with changes in mandibular condylar morphology. Methods: A total of 123 patients participated in this cross-sectional study. The mandibular condylar morphology was evaluated using digital panoramic radiography. The exposure variables included gender, age group, molar relationship, facial growth pattern, facial asymmetry, dental midline, posterior crossbite, presence of fixed dental prosthesis, and tooth loss. Results: Unilateral and bilateral mandibular condyle structural alterations were found in 20.3% and 28.5% of the sample, respectively. After the adjustment analysis, posterior crossbite (adjusted OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.23-9.06) and tooth loss (adjusted OR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.72-9.64) were associated with the outcome. The tooth type associated with mandibular condyle structural alterations were premolars and upper molars. Conclusion: The findings suggest that posterior crossbite and tooth loss are associated with mandibular condyle structural alterations.