Effect of Flavonoid Supplementation on Alveolar Bone Healing-A Randomized Pilot Trial.

We investigated the effects of two common dietary supplements on bone healing in dental extraction sockets in humans. In this randomized pilot trial, male subjects took Grape Seed Extract [GSE] or Grapefruit Extract [GFE] starting two weeks prior to dental extraction and maintained this regimen for sixty days after surgery. Extraction sockets were filled with a collagen plug. After 24 h, a socket sample was collected and processed for quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and an 84-gene wound healing assay. Sixty days after tooth extraction, a core of newly formed bone was obtained prior to dental implant placement and processed for histology. qRT-PCR revealed that GFE led to a significant decrease in platelet-derived growth factor and interleukin (IL)1-ß compared to GSE, and a significant decrease in IL-6 and CXCL2 compared to control. GSE led to a significant increase in coagulation factor Von Willebrand and inflammatory marker IL1-ß compared to GFE. WISP1 and CXCL5 were upregulated in both groups. Overall, GFE showed a downregulation of inflammation and GSE led to a decrease in collagen density and increased osteoclasts. This pilot trial highlights the need for further investigation on the mechanism of action of such supplements on bone healing and oral health.

Creeping attachment involving dental implants: two case reports with a two-year follow-up from an ongoing clinical study.

Introduction. This paper describes case reports where coronal growth of soft tissue on implant threads was observed after surgery for soft tissue graft. This phenomenon is known as "creeping attachment." Methods. Two patients were submitted to gingival graft procedure including subepithelial connective tissue graft and masticatory mucosal graft. A two-year follow-up appointment was performed. Results. After a two-year follow-up gingival growth over titanium surfaces characterizing the "creeping attachment" phenomenon was observed. This gingival growth happened over abutment and threads surfaces. Conclusion. The creeping attachment phenomenon is possible over titanium surfaces and has not yet been reported in the relevant literature over this kind of structure.