Effects of pamidronate administration on tooth eruption and mandibular growth in new born rats.

PURPOSE: Bisphosphonates are commonly used drugs in pediatric patients in the treatment of osteoporotic diseases and various types of cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pamidronate administration on mandibular growth and tooth eruption in new born rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study and divided into four groups as; 14th day pamidronate group, 30th day pamidronate group, 14th day control group and 30th day control group. Pamidronate groups were daily injected with 1.25 µg/g pamidronate disodium subcutaneously whereas control groups were injected with sterile saline. Eruption levels of lower incisor and molar teeth were assessed macroscopically. Mandibular growth was assessed by measuring reference points in cone beam tomography. Histological and histomorphometric examinations were performed under light microscope to evaluate tooth morphology and number of osteoclasts. RESULTS: Retardation in mandibular growth, decrease in number of osteoclasts, delay in tooth eruption, degeneration in both tooth morphology and structure were observed in the pamidronate groups compared to control groups. CONCLUSION: Pamidronate administration during growth and development stage may adversely affect tooth eruption and mandibular growth in new born rats.

Preventive Effect of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Pentoxifylline Against Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: An Animal Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the prophylactic effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 33) received zoledronic acid (ZA) for 8 weeks to create an osteonecrosis model. The left mandibular second molars were extracted and the recovery period lasted 8 weeks before sacrifice. PTX was intraperitoneally administered to prevent MRONJ. The specimens were histopathologically and histomorphometrically evaluated. RESULTS: Histomorphometrically, between the control and ZA groups, there was no statistically significant difference in total bone volume (P = .999), but there was a statistically significant difference in bone ratio in the extraction sockets (P < .001). A comparison of the bone ratio of the ZA group with the ZA/PTX group (PTX administered after extraction) showed no statistically significant difference (P = .69), but there was a statistically significant difference with the ZA/PTX/PTX group (PTX administered before and after extraction; P = .008). Histopathologically, between the control and ZA groups, there were statistically significant differences for inflammation (P = .013), vascularization (P = .022), hemorrhage (P = .025), and regeneration (P = .008). Between the ZA and ZA/PTX groups, there were no statistically significant differences for inflammation (P = .536), vascularization (P = .642), hemorrhage (P = .765), and regeneration (P = .127). Between the ZA and ZA/PTX/PTX groups, there were statistically significant differences for inflammation (P = .017), vascularization (P = .04), hemorrhage (P = .044), and regeneration (P = .04). CONCLUSION: In this experimental model of MRONJ, it might be concluded that although PTX, given after tooth extraction, improves new bone formation that positively affects bone healing, it is not prophylactic. However, PTX given before tooth extraction is prophylactic. Therefore, PTX might affect healing in a positive way by optimizing the inflammatory response.

Patients' knowledge and awareness of dental implants in a Turkish subpopulation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients' knowledge on dental implants in a Turkish subpopulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred twenty seven Turkish adults referred to Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey, were presented with a questionnaire including 20 questions regarding the level of information and awareness about the dental implants. The data were collected and statistical analyses were performed with Chi square test to compare the descriptive data. RESULTS: Among 527 subjects, 54% were female and 46% were male with a mean age of 42.2 years. The rate of patients' implant awareness was 27.7%. When the patients were questioned about the treatment options for rehabilitation of tooth missing, 60.9% of patients were informed about fixed partial denture, followed by conventional complete denture (32.5%) and removable partial denture (24.9%). Six percent reported that they were very well informed about the dental implants whereas 48.2% were poorly informed. The information sources of the implants were from the dentist (44.5%), printed media (31.6%) and friends and acquaintances (17.3%), respectively. Sixteen percent of the population believed that their implants would last forever. CONCLUSION: The dentists should give more detailed information to the patients about dental implants and tooth-supported fixed partial dentures in the future.

A survey of local anesthesia education in Turkish dental schools.

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences with regard to local anesthesia education in Turkish dental schools. Questionnaires designed to collect information about local anesthesia education were sent to the heads of the Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of seventeen Turkish dental schools. Eleven returned the completed survey for a response rate of 64 percent. It was determined that dental schools begin the theoretical part of their local anesthesia (LA) curricula during the first half of the third year. Most dental schools start teaching the practical aspects during the second half of the third year on average--half a year after the beginning of the theoretical background. The first injection in humans, usually a fellow student (82 percent), is mostly supervised by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The number of injections under supervision usually depends upon the individual capabilities of the student. None of the schools said they required permission of a medical ethics committee for injections on fellow students. Seventy-three percent of the schools said they were satisfied with their current LA teaching and were not planning to make any changes. Overall, LA teaching programs showed minor variations across the surveyed Turkish dental schools.

Conservative management of keratocystic odontogenic tumors of jaws.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate different surgical treatment methods for keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) and the outcome of those treatments over a 9-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 43 KCOTs in 39 patients. In radiographic evaluations for diagnosis, follow ups and before and after treatment, panoramic, 3D CT and MR images were used. The three groups of different surgical treatment were (1) enucleation for small unilocular lesions without certainty of histology; (2) enucleation with Carnoy's solution, for small unilocular lesions after previous histological confirmation of KOCT; (3) marsupialization followed by enucleation with Carnoy's solution implemented for large often multilocular KCOTs with intact or destruction of cortical bone without infiltration of neighbouring tissue. RESULTS: 43 KCOT cases were mostly localized in mandible (76.7%), radiologically unilocular (72%), and parakeratocysts (88.4%). Inflammation and satellite cysts (daughter cysts) were detected histopathologically in 14 (32.5%) and 7 (16.3%), respectively. Among the 43 cysts, 20 (46.5%) were associated with the impacted third molar and of 21 (48.8%) was in tooth bearing area, and 5 (11, 6%) located on edentulous areas. It was located mostly in the anterior region of maxilla (90%) and in mandibular molar and ramus (62.8%). The treatments of KCOTs were 18 (41.9%) for group 1, and 10 (23.3%) group 2, and 15 (34.8%) group 3. A statistically significant relationship was found between the radiographic appearance and treatment methods (P = 0.00). No recurrence was found on 40.54 ± 23.02 months follow up. CONCLUSION: We concluded that successful treatment methods were enucleation and Carnoy's solution in small lesions and marsupialization in lesions that have reached a very large size, but because KCOT was observed in second decade mostly, long-term follows up are suggested.

The effect of bovine bone graft with or without platelet-rich plasma on maxillary sinus floor augmentation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare Unilab Surgibone (USB) (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), a bone xenograft (bovine), with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and USB without PRP to augment the human maxillary sinus in preparation to receive dental implants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had bilateral pneumatized maxillary sinuses were included. Sinuses on one side were augmented with the USB-PRP combination and formed the study group, whereas the opposite-side sinuses were augmented with USB alone and served as controls. Bone biopsy specimens were taken during implant placement at 6.8 ± 0.9 months after maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Resonance frequency analysis measurements were performed at implant placement (first control) and before the prosthetic stage (second control), at 6.5 ± 0.7 months after implant surgery. RESULTS: There were 10 patients (7 men and 3 women; mean age, 53.7 ± 0.8 years). Integration between new bone and residual grafts was histologically observed in all samples. The volumes of soft tissue were 59.9% ± 7.5% and 57.8% ± 4.4% in the control and study groups, respectively; residual graft, 21.9% ± 6.6% and 23.6% ± 5.9%, respectively; new bone, 15.8% ± 4.8% and 16.0% ± 3.8%, respectively; and trabecular bone, 64.7% ± 22.5% and 69.1% ± 18.6%, respectively. A positive correlation was found between new bone volume and trabecular bone volume (P = .0001). The mean Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values were 71.7 ± 4.9 and 70.3 ± 5.7 in the control and study groups, respectively, at first control and 75.4 ± 6.4 and 74.4 ± 6.4, respectively, at second control. The mean ISQ values at second control in both groups were significantly higher than at first control (P = .043 and P = .028, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The combination of USB and PRP does not have any effect on new bone formation and implant stabilization.

Comparison of hemodynamic effects of lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine solutions without vasoconstrictor in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: Local anesthetic solutions with vasoconstrictors are not contraindicated in hypertensive patients, but due to their hemodynamic effects, local anesthetics without vasoconstrictors are mainly preferred by the clinicians. The aim of this study was to compare hemodynamic effects of three different local anesthetics without vasoconstrictors during tooth extraction in hypertensive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-five mandibular molars and premolars were extracted in 60 hypertensive patients (29 females and 31 males; mean age: 66.95 ± 10.87 years; range: 38 to 86 years old). Inferior alveolar and buccal nerve blocks were performed with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride (HCl), 2% prilocaine HCl or 3% mepivacaine HCl without vasoconstrictor. Hemodynamic parameters namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), saturation rate (SR), rate pressure product (RPP) and pressure rate quotient (PRQ) were investigated before and at different intervals after anesthetic injection. RESULTS: The hemodynamic effects of the three agents were similar to each other, although some significance was observed for DBP, MAP, RPP and PRQ values in the lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine groups. CONCLUSION: Lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine solutions without vasoconstrictor can be safely used in hypertensive patients. It is advisable that dental practitioners select anesthetic solutions for hypertensive patients considering their cardiovascular effects in order to provide patient comfort and safety.

Comparison of hemodynamic effects of lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine solutions without vasoconstrictor in hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVE: Local anesthetic solutions with vasoconstrictors are not contraindicated in hypertensive patients, but due to their hemodynamic effects, local anesthetics without vasoconstrictors are mainly preferred by the clinicians. The aim of this study was to compare hemodynamic effects of three different local anesthetics without vasoconstrictors during tooth extraction in hypertensive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-five mandibular molars and premolars were extracted in 60 hypertensive patients (29 females and 31 males; mean age: 66.95 ± 10.87 years; range: 38 to 86 years old). Inferior alveolar and buccal nerve blocks were performed with 2 percent lidocaine hydrochloride (HCl), 2 percent prilocaine HCl or 3 percent mepivacaine HCl without vasoconstrictor. Hemodynamic parameters namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), saturation rate (SR), rate pressure product (RPP) and pressure rate quotient (PRQ) were investigated before and at different intervals after anesthetic injection. RESULTS: The hemodynamic effects of the three agents were similar to each other, although some significance was observed for DBP, MAP, RPP and PRQ values in the lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine groups. CONCLUSION: Lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine solutions without vasoconstrictor can be safely used in hypertensive patients. It is advisable that dental practitioners select anesthetic solutions for hypertensive patients considering their cardiovascular effects in order to provide patient comfort and safety.

Comparison of conventional surgery and CO2 laser on intraoral soft tissue pathologies and evaluation of the collateral thermal damage.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare conventional surgery with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser applied on oral soft tissue pathologies and to evaluate the effect of collateral thermal damage on histopathological diagnosis. Anesthesia need, postoperative pain, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were examined as part of the comparison. METHODS: Forty-three patients (32 female and 11 male) with a mean age of 54 (54 +/- 7.0) requiring soft tissue surgeries were randomly assigned to receive treatment either with conventional surgery using a scalpel or with a CO(2) laser technique. Anesthesia method and need, postoperative pain, systemic pain medications if needed, and intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. Excised tissues were evaluated histopathologically for the effect of thermal damage. RESULTS: All patients were anesthetized with local anesthesia in the conventional group whereas only 10 (42%) patients needed local anesthesia after topical anesthetic application in the laser group. In the conventional group, 18 (90%) patients need analgesics after the operation, compared with seven (29%) patients in the laser group. No intra- or postoperative complications were seen for either procedure. Histological examination of 39 specimens showed that collateral thermal damage on the incision line did not affect the histopathological diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: CO(2) laser is an effective instrument for soft tissue excisional biopsies with minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications and good pain control. CO(2) laser applications are suggested as an alternative method to conventional surgery on oral soft tissues.

Determination of potential cellular proliferation in the odontogenic epithelia of the dental follicle of the asymptomatic impacted third molars.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the proliferative potentials of dental follicles (DF) of radiographically asymptomatic impacted third molar teeth by using Ki-67 and mini-chromosome maintenance protein 2 (MCM-2) proliferation markers, and to discuss whether there is any necessity for the removal of all impacted third molars by detecting the potential of the developing cysts and tumors of its DF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 59 DF of 54 patients referred for clinically and radiographically asymptomatic lower impacted third molars. Thirteen healthy gingiva tissues obtained during the impacted third molar operation in 13 patients served as a control group. DF widths on periapical radiographs below 2.5 mm were included in the study. The epithelial and mesenchymal components of DF were examined histologically. All specimens were stained with periodic acid Schiff, Alcian blue, and mucin for the evaluation of mucous cell prosoplasia. Epithelial cell proliferation was determined by using immunohistochemical labeling. RESULTS: The histologic examinations showed 11.9% mucous cell prosoplasia, 55.9% squamous metaplasia, 15.3% glandular epithelium, and 33.9% inflammation. Ki-67 expression was found to have higher values than MCM-2 expression in controls 6.15 (3.18) and 10.53 (5.77) and in DF 4.46 (1.39) and 5.89 (2.89), respectively. The expression of both proliferation markers in the basal epithelial cells, mucous, and squamous epithelium and inflammatory cells were statistically significant (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the odontogenic epithelium in DF of asymptomatic impacted third molars might be actively proliferating and may be an indicator for the differentiation potential of DF. It would also seem that the inflammation observed in the mesenchymal components of DF up-regulate the cell turnover of odontogenic epithelium and lead to proliferation. Based on these observations, we support prophylactic removal of impacted third molars.

Delayed eruption of a mandibular primary cuspid associated with compound odontoma.

Although odontomas are considered to be a common type of odontogenic tumor, they rarely occur solely in the primary dentition. This case report presents an eight and a half-year-old-child with a compound odontoma located in the mandible, which caused the impaction of both primary and permanent canines.