Photobiomodulation therapy does not depend on the differentiation of dental pulp cells to enhance functional activity associated with angiogenesis and mineralization.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of InGaAlP diode laser (660 nm) with or without an odontogenic medium (OM) in the functional activity of OD-21 cells. Undifferentiated OD-21 pulp cells were cultivated with or without OM and divided into four groups (n = 5): nonirradiated control (C -), nonirradiated + OM (C +), irradiated (L -), and irradiated + OM (L +). Laser application was performed in two sessions of a 24-h interval with an irradiance of 11.3 mW/cm2, energy density of 1 J/cm2, and total cumulative energy/well of 4.6 J. Cell proliferation, VEGF-164 expression, mineralization, and expression of Alp, Runx2, and Dmp1 genes, as well as immunolocalization of RUNX2 and MEPE proteins, were evaluated. Data were analyzed by statistical tests (α = 0.05). All studied groups showed a similar increase in cell proliferation with or without OM. After 7 and 10 days, a significatively higher concentration of VEGF-164 in L - group when compared to C - group was observed. A significant increase in mineralized nodules in the L + was noted when compared to C + in the same conditions. Photobiomodulation upregulated significantly Runx2 and Dmp1 expression after 10 days in L - and after 7 days in L + , with downregulation of Dmp1 after 10 days in L + group. Immunolocalization of RUNX2 and MEPE was expressive after 7 days of culture in the cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus with a decrease after 10 days, regardless of the presence of OM. Photobiomodulation enhances metabolism associated with angiogenesis, gene expression, and mineralization regardless of the odontogenic medium in OD-21 cells.

Age estimation using Olze's method in an adult Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVES: Age estimation is important to set an anthropological profile in human remains, as well as in legal issues where the suspect or victim doesn't have documents that prove the real age. The age estimation, in adults, is a challenge, and it can be analyzed through some dental stages. This study aimed to test Olze's method in a Brazilian sample composed by adults, aged between 20 and 70 years old, both sex. METHODS: For experiments, 306 orthopantomography from Brazilian individuals between 20 and 70 years were selected. The dental involution through four different dental parameters were classified and the correlation between chronological age and the estimated age was examined by means of a multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that up to 41 years old, the correlation between real age and the interval obtained was considered strongly positive (R = 0.8-1), and the percentage of matching was 78.78% for men and 71.21% for women. From 42 years old up, the correlation between real age and the estimation was considered null (R = 0) for both sex, and the percentage of matching was 17.24% for men and 6.89% for women. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the method is effective for age estimation up to 41 years old, but has limitations to be used over this age in Brazilian people.

O uso da Teleodontologia no ensino de Odontologia Legal: relato de experiência / The teledentistry use to the forensic odontology teaching: a case report

Vivemos, atualmente, em uma sociedade repleta de tecnologia e sistemas digitais e, em busca de um mecanismo complementar de ensino, foi criada a Teleodontologia, com intuito de colaborar e proporcionar melhores condições e novos ambientes para o ensino. O objetivo deste artigo é demonstrar a importância da ferramenta Teleodontologia e como a área de Odontologia Legal da FORP/USP tem utilizado dessa plataforma virtual como recurso no processo ensino-aprendizagem. A FORP/USP possui um Polo de Odontologia Digital Aplicada à Educação, que oferece e desenvolve as condições operacionais para docentes e discentes, objetivando auxiliar o ensino e o aprendizado dos alunos, tanto da graduação como pós-graduação e serviços de extensão, utilizando o meio digital como instrumento pedagógico. Entre as diversas ferramentas a Teleodontologia, um Sistema Interativo de Apoio ao Ensino e ao Aprendizado, tem como principal missão oferecer instrumentos pedagógicos virtuais, o qual é descrito neste relato de experiência. A utilização desse instrumento de ensino apresenta resultados positivos, agregando valor na formação profissional e possibilitando momentos diversificados de estudo, além da sala de aula (AU).

We live today in a society full of technology and digital systems. In search of a complementary mechanism for education, was created the Teledentistry, with intention to collaborate and provide better technical conditions and new environment for education. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of Teledentistry at University of São Paulo ­ School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto (FORP/USP) and how the Forensic Odontology at FORP/USP has used this virtual platform as a resource of the teach-learning process. FORP/USP has an Applied Digital Dental Education Polo, which provides and develops the operating conditions for teachers and students, aiming to complement the teaching and learning of students, both undergraduate and graduate and extension services, using the digital media as an educational tool Among the various tools, teledentistry, an Interactive System to Support Teaching and Learning, whose main mission is to offer virtual teaching tools, which is described in this experience report. The digital dentistry applied to education has as main purpose to offer an auxiliary educational virtual instrument for teachers, and it turns out that in the case of Forensic Dentistry is used through the providing didactic activities for fixation of the contents, such as: complementary texts, material to allow a directed study, discussion forums that allow personal expressions on topics of interest in the area and practical exercises relating to the practice in Forensic Dentistry. We conclude that the use of this teaching methodology has shown positive results, adding value in professional formation and enabling diversified moments of study, beyond the classroom (AU).