Systemic and local zoledronic acid treatment with hydroxyapatite bone graft: A histological and histomorphometric experimental study.

In this study, the aim was to compare the relative efficacy of systemic and local zoledronic acid (ZA) on a hydroxyapatite (HA) bone graft in a rat critical-size calvarial bone defect. In total, 84 female rats were divided into four groups: Empty control (EC) group with no treatment applied; HA group, in which only HA bone graft material was used in the calvarium; and HA plus local ZA (HA+LZA) and HA plus systemic ZA (HA+SZA) groups, in which animals received ZA locally or systemically, respectively, with HA bone graft material in the calvarium. A 5-mm standardised critical-size calvarial bone defect was created with a standard trephine drill and the respective treatment was applied. Rats were sacrificed 7, 14 and 28 days later. The numbers of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, and degree of bone formation were evaluated histopathologically and histomorphometrically. Statistically significant differences were detected between the HA, HA+LZA and HA+SZA groups and the EC group for new bone formation (P<0.05). Osteoblast numbers in the HA+LZA and HA+SZA groups were significantly higher compared with those in the EC and HA groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was detected between the HA+LZA and HA+SZA groups in new bone formation or osteoblast number (P>0.05). Bone formation was significantly higher in the HA group than in the EC group (P<0.05). The numbers of osteoclasts in the HA+LZA and HA+SZA groups were significantly higher than those in the groups EC and HA (P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference between groups HA+LZA and HA+SZA (P>0.05). Within the limitations of this study, systemic or local administration of ZA enhanced new bone formation with a HA bone graft in a rat critical-size calvarial defect model.

Effects of sildenafil on dental pulp: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluation / Efectos de sildenafil en la pulpa dental: evaluación inmunohistoquímica y ultraestructural

Sildenafil is a strong peripheral vasodilator and is used to treat cardiovascular and neurosurgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural effects of sildenafil on dental pulp of rats. The study was performed with adult female Wistar-Albino rats. Control group (n= 7) were fed on standard laboratory diet until surgery. The study group (n= 7) were administered sildenafil orally with orogastric tube 10 mg·kg-1 once a day for 30 days. Each rat was anesthetized and incisor teeth were removed. This study examined the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural effects of sildenafil on the dental pulp in rats. The relaxation from the vessel, endothelial cell hyperplasia, moderate degeneration of collagen fibers were observed to cause degenerative changes in odontoblast with sildenafil. In the pulp tissue long-term use sildenafil is thought to cause degeneration and new vessel formation.

El sildenafil es un vasodilatador periférico importante y se utiliza para tratar enfermedades cardiovasculares y en neurocirugía. El propósito de este estudio fue investigar los efectos inmunohistoquímicos y ultraestructurales del sildenafil sobre la pulpa dental de ratas. El estudio se realizó con ratas Wistar albinas, hembras adultas. El grupo de control (n= 7) fue alimentado con una dieta estándar de laboratorio hasta que se realizó la cirugía. El grupo de estudio (n= 7) fue tratado con sildenafil por vía oral y sonda orogástrica 10 mg·kg-1 una vez al día durante 30 días. Cada rata fue anestesiada y se extrajeron los dientes incisivos. Se examinaron los efectos inmunohistoquímicos y ultraestructurales del sildenafil sobre la pulpa dentaria. Con la administración de sildenafil se observó la relajación de los vasos, la hiperplasia de las células endoteliales y una degeneración moderada de fibras colágenas causando cambios degenerativos en los odontoblastos. En el tejido pulpar, el uso de sildenafil a largo plazo puede causar la degeneración y neoformación de vasos.

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on palatal mucosal defects and tooth extraction sockets.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on palatal mucosal defects and tooth extraction sockets in an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean age of 7 weeks and weighing 280-490 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: group A (the control group, n=21) and group B (the experimental group, n=21). Under anesthesia with ketamine (8 mg/100 g, intraperitoneally), palatal mucosal defects were created and tooth extraction was performed in the rats in groups A and B. Group A received no treatment, whereas group B received CAPE. CAPE was injected daily (10 µmol/kg, intraperitoneally). The rats were killed on days 7, 14, and 30 after the procedures. Palatal mucosa healing and changes in bone tissue and fibrous tissue were evaluated histopathologically. RESULT: Pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant difference between days 7 and 14 in either group (P>0.05). At day 30, bone healing was significantly better in group B (CAPE) than in group A (control) (P<0.05). Fibrinogen levels at day 30 were significantly higher in group A (control) than in group B (CAPE) (P<0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant difference in palatal mucosa healing levels between days 7 and 14 in both groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that CAPE can significantly improve tooth socket healing.

Displaced lower third molar tooth into the submandibular space: Two case reports.

The aim of this article is to emphasize that the accidental displacement of a lower third molar during extraction is a rare, but potentially serious complication. We present two case reports on a lower third molar tooth dislodged into the submandibular space following its removal from the sockets and the subsequent management of this rare complication. Differences in the direction of displacement, the size of fragment, delay in retrieval, and tissue reactions can all influence this potential serious complication and hence no one technique is uniformly applicable. Though a rare complication, clinicians must be aware of possible lower third molars dislodgement into tissue spaces and the necessity to initiate prompt and appropriate management.

Long-term effects of antihypertensive medications on bone mineral density in men older than 55 years.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term antihypertensive treatment with calcium channel blockers or beta blockers on the bone mineral density of maxilla, as determined by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on CBCT images of men older than 55 years who had received different dental indications. Data were grouped into three categories according to the antihypertensive medication history of the patients: group A included patients who had been taking beta-blocker treatment for more than 5 years, group B included patients who had been taking calcium channel blocker treatment for more than 5 years, and the control group included patients who had never used any hypertensive medications before. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the beta blocker and calcium channel blocker groups. CONCLUSION: In hypertension treatment, beta blockers may be preferred to calcium channel blockers in patients at high risk for osteoporosis and bone resorption.

Effects of systemic zoledronic Acid administration on osseointegration of hydroxyapatite-coated and resorbable blast material surface implants in rabbit models.

PURPOSE: It is unknown whether zoledronic acid (ZA) interferes with initial bone healing at implant sites. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of systemic zoledronic acid administration on osseointegration of hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated and resorbable blast material surface (RBM) implants in rabbit models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight male New Zealand rabbits (aged 6 to 12 months) were used in this study. Rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups. In group A, HA-coated implants were placed in the right tibia of seven rabbits. In group B, RBM-surface implants were placed in the right tibia of seven rabbits. In group C, HA-coated implants were placed in seven rabbits with intravenous (IV) administration of ZA. Finally, in group D, RBM-surface implants were placed in seven rabbits with IV administration of ZA. For groups C and D, IV zoledronic acid (0.1 mg/kg) was performed monthly during the entire osseointegration period. All of the rabbits were sacrificed 12 weeks after the implantation, and tibial specimens were harvested. Histomorphometric bone-to-implant contact (BIC) analysis and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The highest BIC percentage was detected in group D, with a mean value of 56.73%±1.85%, as compared with 45.80%±3.77% in group C, 35.11%±0.76% in group B, and 31.14%±1.04% in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Histomorphometric analyses showed significant improvement in the osseointegration of implants in the RBM-surface ZA group compared with the HA-coated ZA group. The results of this study suggest that systemic ZA administration may improve osseointegration of titanium implants in bone.

Mandibular fractures: a comparative analysis between young and adult patients in the southeast region of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review and compare the differences between mandibular fractures in young and adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Department of Dicle University during a five-year period between 2000 and 2005 were retrospectively evaluated with respect to age groups, gender, etiology, localization and type of fractures, treatment methods and complications. RESULTS: 532 patients were included in the study, 370 (70%) males and 162 (30%) females, with a total of 744 mandibular fractures. The mean age of young patients was 10, with a male-female ratio of 2:1. The mean age of adult patients was 28, with a male-female ratio of 3:1. The most common causes of injury were falls (65%) in young patients and traffic accidents (38%) in adults. The most common fracture sites were the symphysis (35%) and condyle (36%) in young patients, and the symphysis in adults (36%). Mandibular fractures were generally treated by arch bar and maxillomandibular fixation in both young (67%) and adult (39%) patients, and 43% of the adult patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. CONCLUSION: There was a similar gender, monthly and type of treatment distribution in both young and adult patients in the southeast region of Turkey. However, there were differences regarding age, etiology and fracture site. These findings between young and adult patients are broadly similar to those from other studies. Analysis of small differences may be an important factor in assessing educational and socioeconomic environments.

Mandibular fractures: a comparative analysis between young and adult patients in the southeast region of Turkey

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review and compare the differences between mandibular fractures in young and adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Department of Dicle University during a five-year period between 2000 and 2005 were retrospectively evaluated with respect to age groups, gender, etiology, localization and type of fractures, treatment methods and complications. RESULTS: 532 patients were included in the study, 370 (70 percent) males and 162 (30 percent) females, with a total of 744 mandibular fractures. The mean age of young patients was 10, with a male-female ratio of 2:1. The mean age of adult patients was 28, with a male-female ratio of 3:1. The most common causes of injury were falls (65 percent) in young patients and traffic accidents (38 percent) in adults. The most common fracture sites were the symphysis (35 percent) and condyle (36 percent) in young patients, and the symphysis in adults (36 percent). Mandibular fractures were generally treated by arch bar and maxillomandibular fixation in both young (67 percent) and adult (39 percent) patients, and 43 percent of the adult patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. CONCLUSION: There was a similar gender, monthly and type of treatment distribution in both young and adult patients in the southeast region of Turkey. However, there were differences regarding age, etiology and fracture site. These findings between young and adult patients are broadly similar to those from other studies. Analysis of small differences may be an important factor in assessing educational and socioeconomic environments.

Microbiologic and histologic assessment of intentional bacterial contamination of bone grafts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate methods of removing pathogenic micro-organisms from bone grafts that have been contaminated during surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Femora were removed from Sprague-Dawley rats and were divided into sections and contaminated in solutions of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Contaminated bone specimens in each group were immersed in various solutions for specified periods so their antibacterial effects could be evaluated. After these procedures were performed, bone specimens were cultured in nutrient media. Bone structure was evaluated, and the appropriate decontamination method was selected. RESULTS: Solutions such as povidone-iodine, neomycin, cephazolin sodium, and rifamycin were found to be effective decontaminants. These solutions did not damage the bone structure. Among these solutions, only rifamycin was effective against all bacteria used in this study to contaminate bone grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Rifamycin seems to be the most suitable agent for the elimination of contamination introduced into bone grafts during surgery.