Does Melatonin Associated with Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Improve Alveolar Bone Repair?

Background and objectives: Calcium phosphates have been widely used as bone substitutes, but their properties are limited to osteoconduction. The association of calcium phosphates with osteoinductive bioactive molecules has been used as a strategy in regenerative medicine. Melatonin has been studied due to its cell protection and antioxidant functions, reducing osteoclastic activity and stimulating newly formed bone. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical application of melatonin associated with nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres in the alveolar bone repair of Wistar rats through histological and histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats (300 g) were used, divided randomly into three experimental groups (n = 10), G1: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres associated with melatonin gel (CHA-M); G2: nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA); G3: blood clot (without alveolar filling). The animals were euthanized after 7 and 42 days of the postoperative period and processed for histological and histomorphometric evaluation. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-test were applied to investigate statistical differences between the groups at the same time point for new bone and connective tissue variables. Mann-Whitney was used to assess statistical differences between different time points and in the biomaterial variable. Results: Results showed a greater volume of residual biomaterial in the CHA-M than the CHA group (p = 0.007), and there were no significant differences in terms of newly formed bone and connective tissue between CHA and CHA-M after 42 days. Conclusions: This study concluded that both biomaterials improved alveolar bone repair from 7 to 42 days after surgery, and the association of CHA with melatonin gel reduced the biomaterial's biodegradation at the implanted site but did not improve the alveolar bone repair.

Temporomandibular disorders: Guidelines and Self-Care for Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic / Desordem Temporomandibular: Orientações e Autocuidados para Pacientes Durante a Pandemia do COVID-19

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) belongs to a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint complex, musculature and adjacent components. These conditions can generate signs and symptoms and be influenced by an altered biopsychosocial condition. Objective: This study aims to seek information to assist the patient in the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and Orofacial Pain, associated with the period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: For the preparation of this manual, a bibliographic search was performed in the databases PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), BBO (BVS), Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, using the keywords: orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, stress, anxiety, biopsychosocial, diagnosis, self-care with important information on how to reduce and control the signs and symptoms of TMD and Orofacial Pain in this moment of pandemic that we are experiencing a social detachment. Results: The results show that the pandemic of COVID-19 and the need for social isolation, generates psychological impact that raises the pattern of anxiety and can directly affect patients with bruxism and TMD. Conclusion: Psychological factors associated with the pandemic can lead to an increased risk of developing, worsening and perpetuating bruxism, especially waking bruxism and TMD, so dentists should be aware of the occurrence of signs and symptoms to manage the multifactorial aspects of this condition. At that time, individual self-management strategies are advised for the patient, which consist of self-massage techniques, body education, exercise practices, sleep hygiene, meditation also the use of mobile apps and online tools that facilitate this activity. (AU)

Introdução: A Desordem Temporomandibular (DTM) pertence a um grupo heterogêneo de condições musculoesqueléticas e neuromusculares envolvendo o complexo articular temporomandibular, a musculatura e os componentes adjacentes. Essas condições podem gerar sinais e sintomas e serem influenciadas por uma condição biopsicossocial alterada. Objetivo: Esse estudo teve como objetivo buscar informações que possam auxiliar ao paciente na presença de sinais e sintomas de DTM e Dor Orofacial associado ao período de isolamento social durante a pandemia do COVID -19. Material e Métodos: Para a elaboração deste manual, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), BBO (BVS), Scopus, Web of Science e The Cochrane Library, utilizando as palavras-chaves: dor orofacial, desordem temporomandibular, bruxismo, estresse, ansiedade, biopsicossocial, diagnóstico e autocuidados, com informações importantes sobre como reduzir e controlar os sinais e sintomas de DTM e Dor Orofacial nesse momento de pandemia que estamos vivenciando um distanciamento social. Resultados: Os resultados mostram que a pandemia de COVID-19 e a necessidade de isolamento social, gera impacto psicológico que eleva o padrão de ansiedade e pode afetar diretamente pacientes com bruxismo e DTM. Conclusão: Fatores psicológicos associados à pandemia podem levar a um maior risco de desenvolver, piorar e perpetuar o bruxismo, principalmente bruxismo de vigília e DTM, por isso os cirurgiões-dentistas devem estar atentos a ocorrência de sinais e sintomas para gerenciar os aspectos multifatoriais dessa condição. Aconselha-se, nesse momento, estratégias individualizadas de autogerenciamento para o paciente que consistem em técnicas de automassagem, educação corporal, práticas de exercícios, higiene do sono e meditação. Além do uso de aplicativos digitais e ferramentas online facilitadores dessa atividade (AU)