The Effects of Nigella Sativa Seed Extract on Bone Healing in an Experimental Model.

The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate the effects on bone healing of nigella sativa seed extract applied on calvarial defects in an ovariectomized rat model. The study included 32 female rats weighing 280 to 310 g with an average age of 3 months. A defect was created with a trephine burr on each rat calvarium. The rats were divided into 2 groups (control and study) of 8 animals each. All the defects were grafted with a gelatin sponge mixed with normal saline. In the study group, nigella sativa seed extract was applied systemically using an oro-gastric tube. Half of the animals in each group were sacrificed after 2 weeks, and the others after 4 weeks. In the control groups, the defects were not completely filled with regenerated bone. Osteoblast cells were observed more in the study groups. A higher rate of osteoclasts was determined in the control groups. In addition, the nigella sativa group had a statistically greater amount of bone formation than the others group at both 2 weeks and 4 weeks (P <0.05). The systemic application of nigella sativa seed extract demonstrated incredibly positive effects on enhanced bone healing in this experimental osteoporotic model.

Does watching a video on third molar surgery increase patients' anxiety level?

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of watching live taping of third molar removal on patients' anxiety levels before and after extraction. STUDY DESIGN: This study was based on a prospective, cross-sectional, observational investigation of the different patient education techniques about the effect of third molar removal on patients' anxiety level. A total of 333 patients were randomized into three groups: two study groups (for group 1, basic information was given verbally; for group 2, which was the study group, basic information was given verbally and through a movie on third molar extraction); and a control group (basic information was given verbally; it did not include information on operative procedures and recovery). Anxiety levels were assessed by using the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Pain was assessed with a visual analog scale. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: Group 2 patients were significantly more anxious before the surgical procedure, and the most significant decreases in DAS and STAI scores were observed in that group. The age, surgery time, and education level were not correlated with anxiety or pain levels; however, female patients had high levels of anxiety (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative multimedia information increases the anxiety of patients undergoing third molar surgery.

Effects of energy drinks on soft tissue healing.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an energy drink (ED) on soft tissue wound healing in the rat model. Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. A full-thickness paravertebral linear incision wound model was created. The experimental group (EG) received an ED (Red Bull), and the control group (CG) received water. Red Bull (3.57 mL/kg/d) was administered to the rats by the oral gavage method on the day before the skin incision and continued for 14 days. The rats were sacrificed (n = 6 in each group) on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day of the study. Sections were obtained from excised linear wound healing site and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome for morphological analysis. To assess angiogenesis on the sections, immunohistochemical studies were carried out using vascular endothelial growth factor antibody and alpha smooth muscle actin Ab-1. The breaking strength of the wound healing site was measured in Newtons using a tensiometer. Morphological analysis showed that collagen deposition in the wound areas was statistically higher in the EG compared with that of the CG at both the third and seventh days (P < 0.05). Re-epithelialization on healing sites in the EG was statistically higher than in the CG on the seventh day (P < 0.05). The results of the immunohistochemical studies indicated that the numbers of new blood vessels in the wound healing sites of the EG were significantly higher at the 7th and 14th days when compared with the CG (P < 0.05). The breaking strength of the wound healing sites was also significantly higher on the 7th and 14th days in the EG (P < 0.05). The results demonstrate that ED accelerates soft tissue wound healing and that its effect may be due to increased collagen deposition, re-epithelialization, and new blood vessel formation in the wound.

Propolis accelerates the consolidation phase in distraction osteogenesis.

We evaluated the effect of propolis on new bone formation after distraction osteogenesis (DO). This study examined 3 groups: control group, P100, and P200. Rabbits underwent DO of the left mandible after an osteotomy between the first molar and the mental foramen. Bone mineral content and bone mineral density were evaluated using dual-energy x-ray absorption 1 and 4 weeks after the procedure. The volume of connective tissue and new bone and the number of capillaries were measured using stereologic analysis after the subjects were killed. Dual-energy x-ray absorption showed that the bone mineral content and bone mineral density were higher in the groups treated with propolis by week 4, and these parameters were higher in the P200 group. Stereologic analysis showed no significant differences in connective tissue volume and number of capillaries among the groups. New bone volume was lowest in the P200 group. We concluded that propolis accelerates bone formation and may shorten the consolidation phase with DO.

Intraosseous epidermoid cyst associated with impacted mandibular wisdom teeth: an uncommon entity.

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts of the jaws are seen rarely. The formation theories of the intraosseous epidermoid cyst (IEC) are not clear. The radiographic appearance is similar with unilocular cysts. Surgical enucleation is the suggested treatment method for epidermoid cysts. This case report presents bilateral mandibular intraosseous epidermoid cysts with impacted wisdom teeth which is the first documented case in the literature.

The predominant bacteria isolated from radicular cysts.

PURPOSE: To detect predominant bacteria associated with radicular cysts and discuss in light of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical materials were obtained from 35 radicular cysts by aspiration. Cultures were made from clinical materials by modern laboratory techniques, they underwent microbiologic analysis. RESULTS: The following are microorganisms isolated from cultures: Streptococcus milleri Group (SMG) (23.8%) [Streptococcus constellatus (19.1%) and Streptococcus anginosus (4.7%)], Streptococcus sanguis (14.3%), Streptococcus mitis (4.7%), Streptococcus cremoris (4.7%), Peptostreptococcus pevotii (4.7%), Prevotella buccae (4.7%), Prevotella intermedia (4.7%), Actinomyces meyeri (4.7%), Actinomyces viscosus (4.7%), Propionibacterium propionicum (4.7%), Bacteroides capillosus (4.7%), Staphylococcus hominis (4.7%), Rothia denticariosa (4.7%), Gemella haemolysans (4.7%), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (4.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study demonstrated that radicular cysts show a great variety of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacterial flora. It was observed that all isolated microorganisms were the types commonly found in oral flora. Although no specific microorganism was found, Streptococcus spp. bacteria (47.5%) - especially SMG (23.8%) - were predominantly found in the microorganisms isolated. Furthermore, radicular cysts might be polymicrobial originated. Although radicular cyst is an inflammatory cyst, some radicular cyst fluids might be sterile.

Comparison of a novel trephine drill with conventional rotary instruments for maxillary sinus floor elevation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare a newly designed trephine drill (SLA KIT, Neobiotech) with conventional rotary instruments for maxillary sinus floor elevation based on operative time, postoperative pain, and perforation rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients were treated with a bilateral sinus floor elevation procedure with rotary trephine and conventional instruments. One side was treated with conventional rotary instruments, while the contralateral side was treated with rotary trephine instruments, with a 2-week gap between surgeries. Operative time was measured with a chronometer in seconds as the time from soft tissue incision to primary closure of the incision with the last suture. Pain was scored on a 10-point visual analog scale at 24 hours after surgery. The presence of tears and perforations was determined by direct visualization and the Valsalva maneuver. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included in the study. Operative time was shorter when the trephine drill was used (11.1 ± 2.4 minutes) than with conventional rotary instruments (15.1 ± 2.9 minutes). Sinus membrane perforation was observed in eight patients when conventional rotary instruments were used, while the trephine drill resulted in two sinus perforations. Mean pain scores were 2.01 ± 0.11 after using the trephine drill and 2.25 ± 0.76 when conventional rotary instruments were used. No significant difference was found in postoperative pain scores. CONCLUSION: The trephine drill technique may result in decreased perforation rates and operative time.

The effects of zoledronic acid on mandibular fracture healing in an osteoporotic model: a stereological study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) in the ovariectomized rat on mandibular fracture. Corpus osteotomies were performed on the mandible of ovariectomized rats. Miniplates were placed on these rats, which were randomly divided into 4 groups. After 7 days, groups 3 and 4 were injected with 0.1 mg/kg ZA. Groups 1 and 2 were control groups, so they were injected 0.1 mg/kg saline solution. Animals in groups 1 and 3 were killed at 4 weeks, whereas groups 2 and 4 were killed 8 weeks after operation. The new bone volume of the fracture gap was examined stereologically. Although the difference was not statistically significant compared with the other groups (groups 1 and 3), more bone formation was found in ZA-treated groups (groups 2 and 4) (P < 0.05).

Temporomandibular disorders in scuba divers-an increased risk during diving certification training.

The design of a diving regulator's mouthpiece increases the risk of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in scuba divers. The total weight of a diving regulator is reflected directly on the temporomandibular joint, causing articular and periarticular disorders. In the current study, the prevalence of TMD in scuba divers triggered during diving certification training is investigated. We also aimed to determine the factors that lead to TMD during diving training and clarify the observation that there is an increased incidence of TMD in inexperienced divers. The study was held between 2006 and 2011. Ninety-seven divers were referred with the complaint of pain around temporomandibular area. The divers were classified according to their diving experience. Symptoms and signs of TMD were graded. Fourteen divers were diagnosed with TMD. Temporomandibular disorder was seen more frequently in inexperienced divers than in experienced divers (P = 0.0434). The most prevalent symptom was an increased effort for mouthpiece gripping. Temporomandibular joint tenderness and trigger point activation were the mostly seen physical signs. Thirteen divers had an improvement with therapy. The increased effort for stabilizing the mouthpiece is a recognized factor in TMD development. Attention must be paid to an association of scuba diving with TMDs, especially in inexperienced divers having a scuba certification training.

In vitro biomechanical evaluation of modified plating techniques for bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy in mandibular advancement.

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of modified plate techniques using a newly designed three-dimensional test model after sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Fifteen synthetic polyurethane mandibular replicas were used and divided into 3 groups. Self-tapping 6-mm titanium screws with an outer diameter of 2.0 mm and private designed plates produced by 316-L stainless steel were used in the study. After the osteotomy, the distal part was advanced by 5 mm. The jaw models were placed to the three-dimensional test model designed by the authors, and the Instron Lloyd LRX device was used to apply a double-sided tensile force from the mandible angulus region of each group. Resistance forces that caused a displacement of 1.5 and 3 mm were recorded with the Instron program. The mean (SD) of the 3 groups were calculated using analysis of variance and the Tukey test. The results were compared statistically, with values of P < 0.05 determined as statistically significant. On the basis of the results of the Tukey comparison within the groups, there was a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 and between groups 1 and 3 at both 1.5- and 3-mm displacement (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between groups 2 and 3 (P > 0.05). This test model was able to identify the most appropriate plate type of 3 different modified plate techniques after sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

Intractable bimaxillary osteomyelitis in osteopetrosis: review of the literature and current therapy.

PURPOSE: Osteopetrosis (OP), also known as Albers-Schönberg disease, is a rare metabolic bone disease caused by a congenital defect in the development or function of the osteoclasts resulting in generalized increase in skeletal mass. Osteomyelitis is a recognized complication, and prevention of dental infections can be difficult. The locations of osteomyelitis in the jawbones have been either in the mandible or maxilla. In this article, a case of OP complicated with osteomyelitis of the mandible and the maxilla is presented, and types of OP and treatment options are discussed with a literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 18-year-old blind female patient had been diagnosed with OP in the past. She had a purulent discharge at the medial canthus of the left eye, in addition to another discharge of pus in the infraorbital and upper left molar region, and multiple malformed and partially impacted teeth, and there were sequestrum formations in the maxilla and mandible. For the treatment of osteomyelitis, systemic combined antibiotics of sultamicillin 750 mg and ornidazole 500 mg twice daily, were given orally for 5 weeks followed by surgical removal of small sequestra in the jaws. Persistent osteomyelitic bones were removed by saucerization in the mandibular anterior and right premolar region and the left posterior maxilla under the same antibiotic regimen. After wound healing was completely achieved in both jaws, the oroantral opening in the left posterior maxilla was successfully closed with a buccal flap under antibiotic coverage. RESULTS: The purulent discharge at the medial canthus of her left eye subsided and she had no recurrent infections during the long-term follow-up of 2 years. CONCLUSION: The case reported shows that osteomyelitis is difficult to treat in subjects suffering from OP. Therefore, it is necessary to be very cautious against infections in even minor surgical interventions such as simple dental extractions in patients with OP, regardless of the location of the teeth. When considering removal of impacted teeth in the posterior maxilla, resultant oroantral communication from osteomyelitis of the extraction site should be regarded as a potential complication.

Impacted teeth and mandibular fracture.

OBJECTIVES: In this retrospective study, we measured the relationship between the presences of impacted or unerupted teeth in the mandible and mandibular fractures. METHODS: The records and radiographs of 41 patients with mandibular fracture associated with impacted or unerupted teeth were examined. The presence of impacted or unerupted teeth were assessed for each patient and related to the occurrence of fractures of mandible. RESULTS: Patients with fracture in the impacted or unerupted teeth area present had a 1,73 times greater chance of an mandibular fracture than patients with no fracture in the impacted or unerupted teeth area. There was a statistically significant variation in the risk for a mandibular fracture depending on impacted or unerupted teeth presence (x2=5.29, P< .05). CONCLUSION: The presence of an impacted or unerupted teeth significantly increases the likelihood of an mandibular fracture.

Comparison of two chlorhexidine rinse protocols on the incidence of alveolar osteitis following the surgical removal of impacted third molars.

PRINCIPLES: Alveolar osteitis (dry socket) is the most common complication following the extraction of permanent teeth. This study was undertaken to compare the effect of two chlorhexidine rinse protocols on the incidence of alveolar osteitis in patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar teeth. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted among 99 subjects. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Subjects were instructed to rinse twice daily with 15 ml of chlorhexidine rinse 30 seconds for one week before and one week after surgery (group I) or one week after surgery (group II). Postoperatively, all patients were instructed to return in one week or sooner if bothersome pain increased or persisted. Data were collected regarding abnormal healing, presence of necrotic tissue, exposed bone, and absence of clot. RESULTS: The results indicated group I and group II were not statistically significant different in the reduction of alveolar osteitis. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce alveolar osteitis after impacted third molar surgery, it was observed use of postoperative chlorhexidine rinse was adequate. The postoperative use of chlorhexidine is more feasible than both preoperative and postoperative use.