Periodontal ligament cell behavior on different titanium surfaces.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate proliferation, morphology, mineralization and mRNA expressions of mineralized tissue associated proteins of PDL cells on smooth (S), sandblasted small-grit (SSG), sandblasted large-grit (SLG) and sodium titanate (NaTi) coated titanium alloys, in vitro. METHODS AND MATERIALS: PDL cells were cultured with DMEM media containing 10% FBS on the S, SSG, SLG and NaTi titanium surfaces. PDL cell proliferation, mineralization and immunohistochemistry experiments for Bone Sialoprotein (BSP) were performed. The morphology of the PDL cells was examined using confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Gene expression profiles of cells were evaluated using a quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) for type I collagen (COL I), Osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) on days 7 and 14. RESULTS: Proliferation results on days 6 and 10 were similar in groups, while those of day 13 revealed a decrease in the NaTi group when compared to the S group. NaTi surface induced BSP mRNA expression which was correlated with mineralization tests and BSP immunostaining results. Increased Runx2 mRNA expression was also noted in the NaTi surface when compared to other surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: This study considers the NaTi surface as a potential alternative to SSG and SLG surfaces. This surface might provide a promising environment for PDL ligament-anchored implants.

Low-level laser therapy effects in traumatized permanent teeth with extrusive luxation in an orthodontic patient.

The aim of this case report was to present and evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy on traumatized permanent teeth with extrusive luxation in an orthodontic patient. The treatment and follow-up evaluation of two orally luxated maxillary permanent central incisors in a 19-year-old man is described. Detailed anamnesis was taken, and extraoral, intraoral, radiographic examinations and electrical and thermal pulpal tests were performed to determine the type of the luxation and the further treatment protocol. Teeth were splinted with composite resin, and antibiotic therapy was prescribed. Low-level laser therapy was applied for 25 sessions. No root canal treatment was applied to the teeth. Continuation of the orthodontic treatment was restarted after 6 months. No sign of clinical or radiographic pathology was detected after 2 years from the end of the treatment. Teeth were identified healthy and sound without any root canal intervention. Treatments with low-level laser applications may be evaluated as noninvasive alternative treatment options in comparison with endodontic treatment for teeth with extrusive luxation more than 2 mm, especially for those who have orthodontic treatment needs.

Efficacy of low level laser therapy on neurosensory recovery after injury to the inferior alveolar nerve.

BACKGROUND: The most severe complication after the removal of mandibular third molars is injury to the inferior alveolar nerve or the lingual nerve. These complications are rather uncommon (0.4% to 8.4%) and most of them are transient. However, some of them persist for longer than 6 months, which can leave various degrees of long-term permanent disability. While several methods such as pharmacologic therapy, microneurosurgery, autogenous and alloplastic grafting can be used for the treatment of long-standing sensory aberrations in the inferior alveolar nerve, there are few reports regarding low level laser treatment. This paper reports the effects of low level laser therapy in 4 patients with longstanding sensory nerve impairment following mandibular third molar surgery. METHODS: Four female patients had complaints of paresthesia and dysesthesia of the lip, chin and gingiva, and buccal regions. Each patient had undergone mandibular third molar surgery at least 1 year before. All patients were treated with low level laser therapy. Clinical neurosensory tests (the brush stroke directional discrimination test, 2-point discrimination test, and a subjective assessment of neurosensory function using a visual analog scale) were used before and after treatment, and the responses were plotted over time. RESULTS: When the neurosensory assessment scores after treatment with LLL therapy were compared with the baseline values prior to treatment, there was a significant acceleration in the time course, as well as in the magnitude, of neurosensory return. The VAS analysis revealed progressive improvement over time. CONCLUSION: Low level laser therapy seemed to be conducive to the reduction of long-standing sensory nerve impairment following third molar surgery. Further studies are worthwhile regarding the clinical application of this treatment modality.