Effects of local melatonin application on post-extraction sockets after third molar surgery. A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and osteogenic early effects of melatonin on post-extraction sockets of patients requiring third molars extraction. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was made using a split-mouth design. Both lower third molars of 10 patients were extracted and 3 mg of local melatonin or placebo were applied. Concentrations of interleukin-6 and nitrotyrosine were determined on samples of the clot from the socket by independent ELISA tests. Radiographic bone density was evaluated by measuring Hounsfield Units in panoramic and cross sections obtained by digital scanner. Statistical analysis by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed for ELISA data. Bone density was analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk test. Subsequently t test was applied. P<0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: The concentration of interleukin-6 increased with the application of melatonin without statistically significance (361.32 ± 235.22 pg/ml vs 262.58 ± 233.92 pg/ml). Nitrotyrosine concentrations showed values below to the detectability pattern (<0.001 nM) in Optic Density curve. Bone density in panoramic sections at socket after melatonin application showed no significant difference (561.98 ± 105.92 HU vs 598.82 ± 209.03 HU). In cross sections, bone density in the alveolar region showed no significant difference(377.42 ± 125.67 HU vs 347.56 ± 97.02 HU). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study, no differences with the application of melatonin were found in terms of the concentration of interleukin-6 and bone density in post-extraction socket of retained mandibular third molars.

Anatomical variations and accessory structures in the maxilla in relation to implantological procedures: an observational retrospective study of 212 cases using cone-bean computed tomography.

PURPOSE: This study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to analyze the prevalence of several maxillary anatomical/accessory structures, as well as variations within each type, assessing how accurate diagnosis can minimize the risk of intraoperative complications during implantological procedures in the oral cavity. METHODS: 212 CBCT scans of the maxilla were analyzed, captured over a period of 18 months for surgical planning purposes. The prevalence of posterior superior alveolar arteries (PSAA), maxillary sinus septa (MSS), and branches of the canalis sinuosus (CS) were evaluated, as were the diameter and location of each anatomical structure in horizontal and vertical planes. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: PSAAs were observed in 99.1% of cases, the intrasinus type being the most frequent; MSS were noted in 15.6% of the sample, mainly in the posterior region with sagittal orientation; CS branches were observed in 50% of patients, mainly in relation to the incisors and significantly more prevalent among males. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CBCT significantly increases the possibility of clearly identifying these anatomical structures. The differences found between patients highlight the importance of carrying out an exhaustive radiological study of the individual to prevent complications, such as Schneiderian membrane perforation, neurovascular damage or bleeding during surgery.

Skeletal and Dental Morphological Characteristics of the Maxillary in Patients with Impacted Canines Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

The aim of this study is to analyze the skeletal and dentoalveolar morphological characteristics of the maxillary in subjects with a unilateral palatally impacted canine using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). A retrospective clinical study was conducted of 100 adult patients divided into two groups: one consisting of patients with a unilaterally palatally impacted maxillary canine (GI), with the subgroups in the right and left hemiarches (GI-R and GI-L), and the second, without impacted canine, as the control group (CG). The CBCT measured skeletal variables (maxillary basal width and alveolar crest height) and dentoalveolar variables (inclination of the upper incisor, tooth lengths of incisors and canines, arch length, tooth size and bone dental discrepancy). In skeletal variables, statistically significant differences were found in alveolar crest height (ACH) in all groups and subgroups (p < 0.01). In the dentoalveolar variables, there were differences in the angle of the upper incisor (II) and lateral incisor length (LLIL) between the GI and GC and the angle of the upper incisor (II'), arch length (AL') and arch length-tooth size discrepancy (ATD') among the GI subgroups (p < 0.01). There are skeletal and dentoalveolar differences in patients with unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canines, with lower angular and linear measurements compared with patients without impaction.

Quantification of growth factors by using a new system for obtaining platelet-rich plasma.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the performance of a new method for obtaining platelet-rich plasma, while avoiding contamination of the sample during its processing. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty healthy patients were selected, from whom 21 ml of blood was extracted. We then proceeded to study the platelets and growth factors in basal blood after centrifuging the sample by using a new closed system for obtaining platelet-rich plasma (PRP). RESULTS: After centrifuging the blood sample, double the amount of platelets as that found in basal blood was obtained. Of the four growth factors analyzed, only the factor similar to insulin (IGF) contained the same concentration after the centrifuge process. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the vascular growth factor (VGF) were multiplied by six with respect to the basal values and disproportionately increased the levels of the transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß). CONCLUSIONS: The new closed method for obtaining PRP, after avoiding contamination of the sample following its use, offers levels of platelet concentrate and growth factors necessary for regeneration.

Pre-operative evaluation of the volume of bone graft in sinus lifts by means of CompuDent.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of the CompuDent program in determining the pre-operative volume of bone graft in maxillary sinus floor lifts, and to calculate the volume of graft necessary for rehabilitation using varying lengths of implants. STUDY DESIGN: Based on the CompuDent program, we calculated the volume of graft necessary for 47 sinus lifts. This volume was measured in order to raise the floor of each sinus to 13.4 and 15 mm in height. RESULTS: The average volume of graft in order to achieve a lift of 13'4 mm was 2.42 cm(3) for the right maxillary sinus, with a range from 1.4 cm(3) to 4.1 cm(3), and 2.50 cm(3) for the left maxillary sinus, with a range from 1.04 cm(3) to 3.79 cm(3). The average volume of graft in order to achieve a lift of 15 mm was 3.01 cm(3) for the right maxillary sinus, with a range from 1.78 cm(3) to 4.59 cm(3), and 3.09 cm(3) for the left maxillary sinus, with a range from 1.42 cm(3) to 4.49 cm(3). The statistical results provided by the Pearson Correlation show a significant inversely proportional correlation between the average of the heights and the volume of graft in the sinus. In addition, there is a clear correlation between the average volumes to be grafted for the respective heights 13.4 mm and 15 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The CompuDent program is an effective tool in determining the volume of bone graft given its simplicity, rapidness and possibility of standardization in all pre-surgical procedures.

Autogenous Dentin Graft in Bone Defects after Lower Third Molar Extraction: A Split-Mouth Clinical Trial.

Various biomaterials are currently used for bone regeneration, with autogenous bone being considered the gold standard material because of its osteogenic, osteoconductive, and osteoinductive properties. In recent years, the use of autogenous dentin as a graft material has been described. This split-mouth clinical trial assesses the efficacy of autogenous dentin for the regeneration of periodontal defects caused by bone loss associated with impacted lower third molar extraction. Fifteen patients underwent bilateral extraction surgery (30 third molars) using dentin as a graft material on the test side, and leaving the control side to heal spontaneously, comparing the evolution of the defects by evaluating probing depth at three and six months post-operatively. Bone density and alveolar bone crest maintenance were also evaluated six months after surgery, and pain, inflammation, mouth opening capacity on the second and seventh days after surgery. Probing depth, radiographic bone density, and alveolar bone crest maintenance showed significant differences between the test and control sides. Autogenous dentin was found to be an effective biomaterial for bone regeneration after impacted lower third molar extraction.

A cephalometric method to diagnosis the craniovertebral junction abnormalities in osteogenesis imperfecta patients.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary bone fragility disorder that in most patients is caused by mutations affecting collagen type I. Their typical oral and craneofacial characteristics (Dentinogenesis imperfecta type I and class III malocclusion), involve the dentist in the multidisciplinary team that treat these patients. It is usual to perform lateral skull radiographs for the orthodontic diagnosis. In addition, this radiograph is useful to analyse the junctional area between skull base and spine, that could be damaged in OI. Pathology in the craneovertebral junction (CVJ) is a serious complication of OI with a prevalence ranging from rare to 37%. To diagnosis early skull base anomalies in these patients, previously the neurological symptoms have been appear, we make a simple cephalometric analysis of the CVJ. This method has four measurements and one angle. Once we calculate the values of the OI patient, we compare the result with the mean and the standard deviations of an age-appropriate average in healthy controls. If the patient has a result more than 2,5 SDs above the age-appropriate average in healthy controls, we should to refer the patient to his/her pediatrician or neurologist. These doctors have to consider acquiring another diagnostic images to be used to determine cranial base measurements with more reliability. Thereby, dentists who treat these patients, must be aware of the normal radiological anatomy of the cervical spine on the lateral cephalogram. Key words:Osteogenesis imperfecta, craniovertebral junction, cephalometric.