The plasma-rich in growth factor as a suitable matrix in regenerative endodontics: a case series.

The aim of this report is to describe the positive effect of plasma-rich in growth factor (PRGF) on pulp regeneration and apex formation in cases with necrotic pulps and open apices. After access cavity preparation and cleaning of the canal, triple antibiotic paste was inserted into the canals for the purpose of disinfection. After two weeks, apical bleeding was mechanically created by insertion of a #80 file through the apex. PRGF obtained from the patient was centrifuged and injected into the canals up to the level of the cementoenamel junction; the teeth were restored temporarily. The patients returned for review two weeks later. If there was absence of pain, swelling, fistula or any other complication, the teeth were sealed with MTA and composite. At 22 months follow-up, complete apex closure in two teeth and apical closure and continued increase of dentinal wall thickness in two other cases were evident.

Effect of phenytoin and age on gingival fibroblast enzymes.

OBJECTIVE: The alteration of cytokine balance is stated to exert greater influence on gingival overgrowth compared to the direct effect of the drug on the regulation of extracellular matrix metabolism. The current study evaluated the effect of phenytoin on the regulation of collagen, lysyl oxidase and elastin in gingival fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were obtained from 4 healthy children and 4 adults. Samples were cultured with phenytoin. MTT test was used to evaluate the proliferation and ELISA was performed to determine the level of IL1ß and PGE2 production by HGFs. Total RNA of gingival fibroblasts was extracted and RT-PCR was performed on samples. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the data with an alpha error level less than 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the expression of elastin between the controls and treated samples in both adult and pediatric groups and also in the lysyl oxidase expression of adult controls and treated adults. No significant difference was found between collagen expression in adults. CONCLUSION: The significant difference in elastin and lysyl oxidase expression between adult and pediatric samples indicates the significant effect of age on their production.

Comparing the Efficacy of Mtwo and D-RaCe Retreatment Systems in Removing Residual Gutta-Percha and Sealer in the Root Canal.

INTRODUCTION: Retreatment is performed in teeth with unsuccessful root canal therapy or persistent apical lesion. The most important factor for achieving successful retreatment is thorough cleaning and reshaping. NiTi files and rotary instruments are widely used for the removal of obturatants. This study compared the ability of Mtwo and D-RaCe retreatment systems to remove residual gutta-percha and sealer within the root canal after retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro experiment was performed on sixty extracted human teeth. The samples were cut at the CEJ level, manually prepared, filled with gutta-percha and AH26 and finally stored at 37ºC for two weeks. Samples were then randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 was retreated with Mtwo and Group 2 with D-RaCe. Both groups were then divided into two subgroups retreated either with or without solvent. Teeth were then vertically sectioned for evaluation of residual filling materials on the canal walls. A microscopic assessment at 16× magnification was performed. T-test statistical analysis was used to compare the data. RESULTS: Comparison between the Mtwo and D-RaCe rotary systems revealed no significant differences in residual gutta-percha or sealer on canal walls (P=0.2). The study revealed a negative effect of solvent on removal of gutta-percha and sealer in both the Mtwo and D-RaCe systems. CONCLUSION: Mtwo and D-RaCe retreatment files removed residual gutta-percha and sealer similarly; there was no significant difference between them.

Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Repair Micro-shear Bond Strength of Silica- and Zirconia-filled Composite Resins.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Effect of surface treatments on repair bond strength of aged composite resins might be different due to their dissimilar fillers. The aim was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on repair micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) of silica- (Spectrum TPH) and zirconia-filled (Filtek Z250) composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven composite resin blocks were made from each type of composite resin: Z250 and Spectrum TPH. After aging, blocks of each type were randomly divided into three groups according to surface treatments: alloy primer, silane, and only surface roughening. Subsequently, each group was further subdivided into 3 subgroups based on the adhesive system used: Single Bond, Clearfil SE Bond, and Margin Bond. Four composite resin columns were added on each block. After thermocycling, µSBStest were done at cross head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data was analysed using multifactor ANOVA, one-way ANOVA and a post-hoc Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Analysis of data showed that the effect of composite resin type was not significant (p > 0.05), but the effects of the type of surface treatment (p = 0.01) and the type of adhesive system (p = 0.01) were significant on repair µSBS. In addition, the cumulative effect of the composite type-surface treatment and the composite type with the type of adhesive system were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the cumulative effects of the adhesive system-surface treatment (p = 0.03) and the composite type-the adhesive system-surface treatments (p = 0.002) were significant. CONCLUSION: Although repair µSBS values of both silica- and zirconia-filled composite resins were similar, use of different combinations of surface treatments and adhesive systems affected their repair µSBS differently.

An In Vitro Comparative Study on the Antimicrobial Effects of Bioglass 45S5 vs. Calcium Hydroxide on Enterococcus Faecalis.

INTRODUCTION: An ideal intracanal medicament should be able to eliminate any remaining intracanal microorganism. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of Bioglass 45S5 with calcium hydroxide on Enterococcus (E) faecalis in-vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Direct exposure test (DET) was used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Bioglass 45S5, calcium hydroxide and normal saline (control group) on 80 paper cones contaminated with E. faecalis suspension. All samples were aseptically transferred into BHI culture medium to quantify microbial concentration in periods of 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Turbidity of the culture medium was measured via optical density (OPD) method with a spectrophotometer (wavelength=540nm). Results were then analysed statistically using student t-test. RESULTS: Mean difference of optical density between Bioglass 45S5 and calcium hydroxide appeared insignificant within 1 hour of the test period (P>0.05); however calcium hydroxide showed significantly greater antimicrobial properties after 24 hours (P<0.05). Antimicrobial effect of both materials displayed significant increases with time. CONCLUSION: Although both Bioglass 45S5 and calcium hydroxide exhibited antimicrobial effects against E. faecalis, neither attained complete eradication of bacteria. However, calcium hydroxide seemed to have superior disinfecting effect.