Effect of enhanced masticatory force on OPG, RANKL and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: Menopause induces oral bone loss, leading to various oral diseases. Mastication importantly affects bone metabolism in the jawbone. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of enhanced masticatory force on osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), and mechano-growth factor (MGF) in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats and to study the mechanics mechanism of the alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats response to enhanced masticatory force. METHODOLOGY: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group (fat around the removed ovary + normal hard diet), model group (ovariectomy + normal hard diet), and experimental group (ovariectomy + high hard diet). It was a 2-month experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected serum estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in rats. Bone histomorphometric indices in the third molar region of maxilla were detected by micro-CT; protein expressions of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Western blot; and gene expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: Comparing with model group, serum E2 in experimental group increased but not significantly, serum BGP and serum ALP in experimental group decreased but not significantly, OPG in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, RANKL in experimental group in alveolar bone decreased significantly, RANKL/OPG ratio in experimental group decreased significantly, MGF in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, bone volume to total volume fraction increased significantly in experimental group, trabecular thickness increased significantly in experimental group, and trabecular separation decreased significantly in experimental group. CONCLUSION: Enhanced masticatory force affected the expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats, improved the quality of jaw bone of ovariectomized rats, and delayed oral bone loss by ovariectomy.

Effect of enhanced masticatory force on OPG, RANKL and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats

Abstract Menopause induces oral bone loss, leading to various oral diseases. Mastication importantly affects bone metabolism in the jawbone. Objective: To analyze the effect of enhanced masticatory force on osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), and mechano-growth factor (MGF) in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats and to study the mechanics mechanism of the alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats response to enhanced masticatory force. Methodology: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group (fat around the removed ovary + normal hard diet), model group (ovariectomy + normal hard diet), and experimental group (ovariectomy + high hard diet). It was a 2-month experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected serum estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in rats. Bone histomorphometric indices in the third molar region of maxilla were detected by micro-CT; protein expressions of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Western blot; and gene expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. Results: Comparing with model group, serum E2 in experimental group increased but not significantly, serum BGP and serum ALP in experimental group decreased but not significantly, OPG in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, RANKL in experimental group in alveolar bone decreased significantly, RANKL/OPG ratio in experimental group decreased significantly, MGF in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, bone volume to total volume fraction increased significantly in experimental group, trabecular thickness increased significantly in experimental group, and trabecular separation decreased significantly in experimental group. Conclusion: Enhanced masticatory force affected the expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats, improved the quality of jaw bone of ovariectomized rats, and delayed oral bone loss by ovariectomy.

Losartan improves alveolar bone dynamics in normotensive rats but not in hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is one of the main causes of premature death in the world; also, it is associated with several bone alterations. Preclinical studies have demonstrated delayed alveolar bone healing in hypertensive rats. However, losartan has been favorable for consolidation of bone grafts and reduction in active periodontitis. Therefore, losartan is suggested to be effective in bone formation stages, as well as in the synthesis of matrix proteins and mineralization. To evaluate the alveolar bone dynamics in hypertensive rats treated with losartan by laser confocal microscopy and histological analysis. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two rats, 16 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 16 Wistar albinus rats, treated or not with losartan (30 mg/kg/day) were used. Calcein fluorochrome at 21 days and alizarin red fluorochrome at 49 days were injected in rats (both 20 mg/kg). The animals were submitted to euthanasia 67 days after treatment, and then the right maxilla was removed for laser confocal microscopy analysis and the left maxilla for histological analysis. RESULTS: This study showed a greater calcium marking in normotensive animals treated with losartan in relation to the other groups. Laser confocal microscopy parameters showed higher values of bone volume formed, mineralized surface, active surface of mineralization and bone formation rate in normotensive animals treated with losartan. However, a smaller mineralized surface was observed in all hypertensive animals. CONCLUSION: Losartan can improve bone mineralization parameters under normal physiological conditions, but the same anabolic effect does not occur under hypertension.

Effect of variable periodontal ligament thickness and its non-linear material properties on the location of a tooth's centre of resistance.

In orthodontics, the 3D translational and rotational movement of a tooth is determined by the force-moment system applied and the location of the tooth's centre of resistance (CR). Because of the practical constraints of in-vivo experiments, the finite element (FE) method is commonly used to determine the CR. The objective of this study was to investigate the geometric model details required for accurate CR determination, and the effect of material non-linearity of the periodontal ligament (PDL). A FE model of a human lower canine derived from a high-resolution µCT scan (voxel size: 50 µm) was investigated by applying four different modelling approaches to the PDL. These comprised linear and non-linear material models, each with uniform and realistic PDL thickness. The CR locations determined for the four model configurations were in the range 37.2-45.3% (alveolar margin: 0%; root apex: 100%). We observed that a non-linear material model introduces load-dependent results that are dominated by the PDL regions under tension. Load variation within the range used in clinical orthodontic practice resulted in CR variations below 0.3%. Furthermore, the individualized realistic PDL geometry shifted the CR towards the alveolar margin by 2.3% and 2.8% on average for the linear and non-linear material models, respectively. We concluded that for conventional clinical therapy and the generation of representative reference data, the least sophisticated modelling approach with linear material behaviour and uniform PDL thickness appears sufficiently accurate. Research applications that require more precise treatment monitoring and planning may, however, benefit from the more accurate results obtained from the non-linear constitutive law and individualized realistic PDL geometry.

Detection of alveolar bone defects with three different voxel sizes of cone-beam computed tomography: an in vitro study.

This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of different voxel sizes in the detection of alveolar bone defects, and to select the optimal voxel size for clinical use. 46 in-vitro teeth were placed in bovine ribs in which alveolar bone defects were randomly simulated. In total, 32 alveolar bone defects and 14 teeth without periodontal defects were used. CBCT images were acquired with the use of three different voxel sizes: 0.125-mm, 0.2-mm and 0.4-mm. The scan data were 3D-reconstructed in Mimics software and evaluated by two observers with more than 5 years of experience in CBCT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and diagnostic values were obtained. Pairwise comparison of ROC curves was made for evaluation of the diagnostic values of different voxel sizes. Kappa statistics assessed the observer reliability. Results were considered significant at P < 0.05. It showed no statistically significant difference between 0.125-mm group and 0.2-mm group, but 0.4-mm group had lower Az values that differed significantly from 0.125-mm and 0.2-mm groups (P < 0.05). Based on diagnostic value and radiation protection, 0.2-mm voxel size may be a good choice for the detection of bone defects with CBCT.

Uso do hormônio do crescimento associado à fibrina rica em plaquetas e leucócitos injetável (I-PRF) / Use of the growth hormone associated with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF)

Objetivo: demonstrar, por meio de uma revisão de literatura, a utilização do hormônio do crescimento (GH) e concentrados plaquetários e sugerir técnica de associação de uso para odontologia em processos de preservação de osso alveolar. Revisão de literatura: enxertos ósseos são uma necessidade na área da saúde, por diversas razões. A utilização de osso autógeno apresenta grande desvantagem em ter um segundo sítio cirúrgico, entretanto, os substitutos ósseos não possuem as características ideais. Assim, existe a busca por alternativas que otimizem a cicatrização e a incorporação dos substitutos ósseos, dentre elas os concentrados sanguíneos, ricos em fatores de crescimento derivados das plaquetas e o hormônio do crescimento. É possível encontrar uma vasta literatura utilizando os concentrados sanguíneos, inclusive utilizando esses como veículos para outras substâncias. Os concentrados sanguíneos são ricos em fatores de crescimento derivados das plaquetas, como fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina (IGF), Fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas (PDGF) e outros. Além disso, também é possível encontrar, na literatura, o uso tópico de hormônio do crescimento em enxertos ósseos, fraturas e implantes dentários. Entretanto, o GH possui uma meia-vida de 20 minutos, assim, quando utilizado em conjunto com a I-PRF, espera-se um aumento no tempo de ação local. Considerações finais: é possível otimizar os enxertos ósseos utilizando-se L-PRF/I-PRF e hormônio do crescimento. Porém, são necessárias mais pesquisas.(AU)

Objective: this study aims to show through a literature review the use of the growth hormone and platelet concentrates and to suggest an association technique for dentistry use in alveolar bone preservation processes. Literature review: bone grafts are a health requirement for a number of reasons. The use of autogenous bone has the main disadvantage of a second surgical site, while bone substitutes do not present optimal characteristics. Thus, there is a search for alternatives that optimize the healing and incorporation of bone substitutes, which include blood concentrates that are rich in platelet-derived growth factors and the growth hormone. A vast literature can be found on blood concentrates, including their use as vehicles to other substances. Blood concentrates are rich in platelet-derived growth factors such as IGF, PDGF, and others. Moreover, the literature also shows the topical use of the growth hormone in bone grafts, fractures, and dental implants. However, the growth hormone presents a half-life of 20 minutes; therefore, when combined with I-PRF, an increased time in local action is expected. Final considerations: it is possible to optimize bone grafts by using L-PRF/I-PRF and the growth hormone. However, further research is required.(AU)

Functional stability analyses of maxillofacial skeleton bearing cleft deformities.

The symmetrically stable craniofacial bony structure supports the complex functions and delicate contour of the face. Congenital craniofacial deformities are often accompanied by bony defects and have been repetitively correlated with compromised dento-maxillary stability, but neither the extent nor the pattern of cleft-related maxillary instability has been explored in detail. Furthermore, it is largely unknown if the bony defect and related instability are correlated with secondary maxillary deformity common among patients with orofacial clefts. With the aid of finite element modeling, we studied the detailed relationship between cleft-related bony defect and maxillary stability under occlusal loading. Craniofacial models were generated based on cone-beam computed tomography data and loaded with mimicked bite forces along the axial axis of each tooth. Our data showed that all cleft models exhibited more asymmetrical deformations under mastication compared with the normal. Models with palatal cleft demonstrated greater asymmetry, greater dental arch contraction, and less maxillary protrusion compared to models with alveolar cleft only. For unilateral cleft models, alveolus on non-cleft side tended to be more protruded and lifted than the cleft side. For bilateral cleft models, the most prominent feature was the seriously contracted alveolar arch and curved and pitched premaxillae. These findings indicated cleft type-specific pattern of maxillary instability, which were largely in accordance with dentoalveolar morphological features among patients. Collectively, our study elucidated the detailed relationship between cleft bony defect and the pattern of maxillary instability, and suggested a prototype for studying the abnormal maxillary and dental arch growth among patients with craniofacial deformities.

Alveolus soft and bone tissue regeneration after laser biomodulation - a histological study.

Functional and esthetic recovery of the patient after tooth extraction is a concern in the nowadays-dental medicine. Immediate implant placement in fresh sockets in posterior sides of the jaws is difficult because of the high amount of bone loss and the disparity between the diameter of the alveolus and the implant. The objective is to evaluate the effect of laser biomodulation alveolar socket healing process of healthy patients. A number of 36 molars have been extracted due to advanced caries lesions from the same dental arch but on opposite sites. Laser irradiation was performed on one side after extraction; the other side was used as control. An Epic-X laser diode (Biolase) Indium-Gallium-Arsenide-Phosphorus (In-Ga-As-P) 940 nm was used in a continuous mode, 0.9 W, 36 J for 80 seconds, daily exposure, in the first seven days after extraction. Specimens of soft and hard tissue were surgically incised and removed by a 4.4 mm diameter trepan from the extraction sites, eight weeks after the surgical procedure. The specimens were prepared by use of two staining procedures: Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Mallory's trichrome. The prepared slides were examined under Leica DM750 optical microscope, 5× and 10× magnification. Laser biomodulation therapy accelerates bone formation by increasing osteoblastic activity. The histological study demonstrates early new bone formation, the regeneration effects in fresh intact bony alveolus compared with the soft and bone regeneration level of non-treated fresh alveolus. Laser biomodulation therapy accelerates soft tissue regeneration and bone formation.

Losartan improves alveolar bone dynamics in normotensive rats but not in hypertensive rats

Abstract Hypertension is one of the main causes of premature death in the world; also, it is associated with several bone alterations. Preclinical studies have demonstrated delayed alveolar bone healing in hypertensive rats. However, losartan has been favorable for consolidation of bone grafts and reduction in active periodontitis. Therefore, losartan is suggested to be effective in bone formation stages, as well as in the synthesis of matrix proteins and mineralization. Objectives: To evaluate the alveolar bone dynamics in hypertensive rats treated with losartan by laser confocal microscopy and histological analysis. Methodology: Thirty-two rats, 16 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 16 Wistar albinus rats, treated or not with losartan (30 mg/kg/day) were used. Calcein fluorochrome at 21 days and alizarin red fluorochrome at 49 days were injected in rats (both 20 mg/kg). The animals were submitted to euthanasia 67 days after treatment, and then the right maxilla was removed for laser confocal microscopy analysis and the left maxilla for histological analysis. Results: This study showed a greater calcium marking in normotensive animals treated with losartan in relation to the other groups. Laser confocal microscopy parameters showed higher values of bone volume formed, mineralized surface, active surface of mineralization and bone formation rate in normotensive animals treated with losartan. However, a smaller mineralized surface was observed in all hypertensive animals. Conclusion: Losartan can improve bone mineralization parameters under normal physiological conditions, but the same anabolic effect does not occur under hypertension.

Efficacy of Alveolar Ridge Preservation after Maxillary Molar Extraction in Reducing Crestal Bone Resorption and Sinus Pneumatization: A Multicenter Prospective Case-Control Study.

AIM: To evaluate, with three-dimensional analysis, the effectiveness of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) after maxillary molar extraction in reducing alveolar bone resorption and maxillary sinus pneumatization when compared to unassisted socket healing. METHODS: Patients were included in the study following inclusion criteria and underwent minimally traumatic maxillary molar extraction followed by ARP using synthetic nanohydroxyapatite (Fisiograft Bone, Ghimas, Italy) (test group) or unassisted socket healing (control group). Cone-beam computerized tomographies (CBCT) were performed immediately after tooth extraction (T0) and 6 months postoperatively (T1). CBCTs were superimposed by using a specific software (Amira, Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) and the following items were analyzed in both groups: (i) postextractive maxillary sinus floor expansion in coronal direction and (ii) postextractive alveolar bone dimensional changes (both vertical and horizontal). All data were tested for normality and equality of variance and subsequently analyzed by independent samples T-test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Thirty patients were treated by three centers and twenty-six (test n=13; control n=13) were included in the final analysis. Mean sinus pneumatization at T1 was 0.69±0.48 mm in the test group and 1.04±0.67 mm in the control group (p=0.15). Mean vertical reduction of the alveolar bone at T1 was 1.62±0.49 mm in the test group and 2.01±0.84 mm in the control group (p=0.08). Mean horizontal resorption of crestal bone at T1 was 2.73±1.68 mm in test group and 3.63±2.24 mm in control group (p=0.24). CONCLUSIONS: It could be suggested that ARP performed after maxillary molar extraction may reduce the entity of sinus pneumatization and alveolar bone resorption, compared to unassisted socket healing. This technique could decrease the necessity of advanced regenerative procedures prior to dental implant placement in posterior maxilla.

Finite Element Analysis and Biomechanical Testing to Analyze Fracture Displacement of Alveolar Ridge Splitting.

The alveolar ridge splitting technique enables reconstruction of atrophied alveolar ridges prior implantation. However, in cases of severe atrophy, there is an unpredictable risk of fracturing the buccal lamella during the expansion. Currently, there is no preoperative assessment to predict the maximum distraction of the lamella. The aim of this study was to develop a biomechanical model to mimic the alveolar ridge splitting and a finite element (FE) model to predict the experimental results. The biomechanical testing was conducted on porcine mandibles. To build the FE model high resolution peripheral quantitative computer tomography scans of one specimen was performed after the osteotomy outline, but before the lamella displacement. A servo-electric testing machine was used for the axial tension test to split the lamellae. Results showed, in line with clinical observations, that the lamellae broke primarily at the base of the splits with a median displacement of 1.27 mm. The FE model could predict fracture force and fracture displacement. Fracture force showed a nonlinear correlation with the height of the bone lamella. In conclusion, good correspondence between mechanical testing and virtual FE analysis showed a clinically relevant approach that may help to predict maximum lamella displacement to prevent fractures in the future.

Healing of human critical-size alveolar bone defects secondary to cyst enucleation: a randomized pilot study with 12 months follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar bone cyst enucleation can give rise to critical-size defects whose healing may be incomplete due to the loss of periosteum or bone walls and there is a paucity of studies investigating the use of immediate bone grafts. The aim of this study was to compare spontaneous healing versus a deproteinized bovine bone graft. METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical pilot study, twenty patients requiring the removal of a cyst ≥20 mm in maximum diameter were randomly assigned to one of two groups: deproteinized bovine bone grafting (test) or spontaneous healing (control). Computed tomographies were obtained preoperatively and 12 months after surgery and the radiolucent volumes were compared. Residual radiological morphology and clinical outcomes at 7 days and 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery were also assessed. RESULTS: The median percentage reduction in the volume of the defect was 98% in the test group and 73% in the control group (P=0.001) with an evidence of soft tissue invagination in the latter. There were no differences in the clinical parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study, the healing of critical-size alveolar bone defects is incomplete at 1 year observation and the use of deproteinized bovine bone graft did not influence the clinical outcomes.

Effectiveness of Nasoalveolar Molding in the Unilateral Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate develops during embryogenesis due to an alteration in the fusion of the tissues which will form the upper lip and palate. The rate of occurrence in Chile is 1.6 per 1000 live births. The object of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance in reducing the gap between the alveolar segments in cases of unilateral cleft lip and palate by sex, age at start of treatment, initial gap between the alveolar segments, and number of checkups. METHODS: The study design was quasi-experimental, with measurements taken before and after surgery and no control group. The authors studied the medical records and models of a sample of 52 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who were discharged after treatment using Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance. Treatment was considered effective when the final gap was 3 mm or less. Then the percentage of cases in which treatment was effective, applying statistical tests, including log regression, to assess the influence of other variables was calculated. RESULTS: The authors observed that the Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance was effective in 69.23% of patients. Of the variables studied, the initial gap presented statistically significant differences (initial gap of 8-12 mm, effectiveness 82.61%); in the log regression, the same variable presented a statistically significant difference in the adjusted odds of effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance presents good effectiveness in reducing the gap between the alveolar segments in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, especially in cases with a gap of 8 to 12 mm.

Técnica de Alemán y Pico para la profundización del surco vestibular inferior / Alemán and Pico technique for deepening the inferior vestibular edge

A pesar de los avances en la tecnología para preservar la dentición, aún se requiere la rehabilitación del sistema masticatorio en pacientes desdentados parcial o totalmente, lo que resulta difícil y frustrante -- tanto para los afectados como para los protesistas -- si existe atrofia grave del hueso alveolar. Este problema se puede solucionar mediante una intervención quirúrgica denominada profundización del vestíbulo, dirigida a lograr el aumento de la cresta alveolar y, con ello, el soporte de las prótesis dentales. A tal efecto, en el presente trabajo se propone y describe una nueva opción terapéutica: la técnica de Alemán y Pico, para la profundización del surco vestibular inferior, la cual no es tan invasiva y resulta factible cuando no se cuenta con las condiciones necesarias para colocar implantes, ya sea por escasez de recursos materiales o por situaciones propias del paciente

In spite of the advances in technology to preserve the eruption of teeth, the rehabilitation of the masticatory system is still required in partial or totally toothless patients, what is difficult and frustrating -- either for those affected patients or for the prosthesists -- if serious atrophy of the alveolar bone exists. This problem can be solved by means of a surgical procedure denominated deepening of the vestibule directed to achieve the increase of the alveolar crest and, with it, the support of the dental prosthesis. To such an effect, this work intends and describes a new therapeutic option: the Alemán and Pico technique, for deepening of the inferior vestibular edge, which is not so invasive and it is feasible when the necessary conditions to place an implant are not available, either due to shortage of material resources or due to situations of the patients themselves

Establishment of a finite element model of a neonate's skull to evaluate the stress pattern distribution resulting during nasoalveolar molding therapy of cleft lip and palate patients.

Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) is associated with ambivalent acceptance regarding effectiveness and unknown long-term results. Our purpose was to analyze the stress distribution patterns within the viscero- and neurocranium of neonates during the first phase of NAM therapy. A finite element (FE) model of a healthy four-week-old neonate was generated, derived from a computed tomography scan allowing the implementation of a bone-density-dependent material model. The influence of dental germs with variable material properties, the cleft width and area of expected force application were analyzed in a worst-case scenario. The resulting stress distribution patterns for each situation were analyzed using the software Ansys APDL. The established FE model was verified with a convergence analysis. Overall, stress patterns at the age of four weeks showed von Mises stress values below 60.000 Pa in the viscero- and neurocranium. The influences of the allocation of material properties for the dental germs, the area of force application, and the cleft width were negligible. A workflow to simulate the stress distribution and deformation in neonates attributable to various areas of force application has been established. Further analyses of the skulls of younger and older neonates are needed to describe the stress distribution patterns during NAM therapy.

Relationship Between Orthodontic Force Applied by Monoblock and Salivary Levels of Alkaline Phosphatase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Enzymes.

AIM: The current study was aimed to determine the relationship between the orthodontic force applied by monobloc and the salivary level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes, considering the time factor after insertion of the appliance and whether there is a correlation between these enzymes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 28 growing patients requiring orthodontic treatment with myofunctional appliance (Monoblock) was taken for the current study with an age range 9 to 12 years,all patients had Angle's class II division 1 mal-occlusion with no or mild crowding, the sample was selected using simple random sampling. Only 16 subjects (10 males and 6 females) were included who follow certain inclusion criteria. Unstimulated saliva was collected from the patients before monoblock insertion, then 1 hour after insertion, followed by 14 days and 28 days. Salivary levels of ALP and LDH were measured using a spectrophotometer and compared with the base line. RESULTS: The results revealed that ALP and LDH levels increased with increasing time after monoblock insertion, and there was the statistically insignificant difference after 1-hour post-insertion for ALP enzyme level, but highly significant after 14 and 28 days. While for LDH level,there was the statistically significant difference after 1-hour post-insertion, but highly significant difference after 14 and 28 days post-insertion. In this regard to the relation between salivary ALP and LDH enzymes levels at different time intervals, showed that there were no significant correlations between the enzymes using Pearson's correlation test. CONCLUSION: The ALP and LDH salivary enzymes activity is affected by mechanical forces generated by monobloc activator and these enzymes activities can also be increased during the rapid growth phase of childhood such as late infancy and early puberty where the age of subjects was selected in the current study. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The determination of ALP and LDH salivary enzymes activities during the skeletal maturity is crucial for the success of myofunctional monobloc treatment; therefore, saliva can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for determination of chemical biomarkers for detection of bone remodeling process during myofunctional monoblock treatment Keywords: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Monoblock, Orthodontic force, Salivary levels.

Differences in pain thresholds elicited by intraoral electrical stimuli between individuals with and without diabetes mellitus.

There is little evidence of sensation in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) in the dental research field. We investigated whether pain thresholds (PTs) differ between individuals with and without DM (non-DM; NDM). To this end, we assessed whether PTs obtained from the oral cavity, hands, and feet differed from each other and across groups, and whether PTs differed for the three current frequencies used for testing (2000 Hz, 250 Hz, and 5 Hz). Pain threshold measurements were obtained from the oral mucosa and the tips of the fingers and toes of 56 volunteers, including 21 individuals with DM (12 men and 9 women, average age: 72.1 ± 4.7 years) and 35 NDM individuals (17 males and 18 females, average age: 51.2 ± 23.9 years) using the Neurometer CPT/C® device to deliver electrical stimulation. A single operator obtained PT measurements from around the left greater palatine foramen and from the tip of the left first finger and of the left great toe. Individuals with DM had significantly lower PT values than those without DM. The PT values for the oral cavity, hands, and feet differed significantly from each other (foot > hand, foot > oral cavity, hand > oral cavity). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the PT values for 5 Hz and 2000 Hz, as well as for 250 Hz and 2000 Hz. This study concluded that PT values derived from DM participants are lower than those from NDM participants, although PT measurements varied across regions and with current frequency.

Alveolar bone changes after rapid maxillary expansion with tooth-born appliances: a systematic review.

Background: During rapid maxillary expansion (RME), heavy forces are transmitted to the maxilla by the anchored teeth causing buccal inclination and buccal bone loss of posterior teeth. Objective: To systematically review the literature in order to investigate whether RME causes periodontal sequelae, assessed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Search methods: Fifteen electronic databases and reference lists of studies were searched up to March 2017. Selection criteria: To be included in the systematic review, articles must be human studies on growing subjects, with transversal maxillary deficiency treated with RME and with assessment of buccal bone loss by CBCT images. Only randomized and non-randomized trials were included. Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Study characteristics (study design, sample size, age, sex, skeletal maturity, type of appliance, daily activation, evaluated linear measurements, observation period, CBCT settings), and study outcomes (loss of buccal bone thickness and marginal bone) were reported according to the PRISMA statement. Results: On the basis of the applied inclusion criteria, only six articles, three randomized clinical trials and three controlled clinical trials were included. An individual analysis of the selected articles was undertaken. The risks of bias of the six trials were scored as medium to low. Limitations: The results of the present systematic review are based on a limited number of studies and only one study included a control group. Conclusions and implications: In all considered studies, significant loss of buccal bone thickness and marginal bone level were observed in anchored teeth, following RME. Further prospective studies correlating the radiological data of bone loss to the periodontal soft tissues reaction after RME are required. A preliminary evaluation of the patient-related risk factors for RR may be advisable when considering to administering RME. Registration: This systematic review was registered in the National Institute of Health Research database with an appropriate protocol number (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO Protocol: CRD42017062645). Funding: The present study has not received any contributions from private or public funding agencies.