ABSTRACT
Regenerative endodontics with the goal of replacing the lost dental tissues is developing fast. The aim of this study was to review the recent progressions, known limitations and advantages of regenerative treatments compared to other possible treatment modalities. We searched MedLine and PubMed systematically for articles published from May 2000 until May 2013 in English which were relevant to tissue engineering and regenerative procedures using the keywords "cell and tissue based therapy", "regeneration", "stem cell" and "tissue engineering". More valid papers were chosen. Stem cells, growth factors and an appropriate scaffold are the three essential elements required for tissue regeneration. Revascularization is an ideal regenerative treatment, which uses a fibrin scaffold. This scaffold is made of peri-radicular stem cells, a clot and latent growth factors in dentinal walls. The clinical outcome of revascularization is complete root formation in a premature necrotic permanent tooth. Thus, revascularization is a realistic and worthwhile approach in patients with fair to good prognosis. Regenerative treatments with the aim of producing a completely formed permanent tooth are going to revolutionize dental science. Regeneration of a fully formed tooth is much more complicated than treatment of an open apex tooth and this issue requires further studies
ABSTRACT
Gag reflex is one of the most common problems in dental treatment. All researches performed to reduce or eliminate this reflex were not effective or were time-consuming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Elaeagnus angustifolia lozenge in controlling gag reflex during dental treatment. This study was a randomized double blind controlled trial with convenient sampling on 84 patients that were candidates for radiographic procedures in the School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The cases were randomly divided into two groups of case and control. The case group used Elaeagnus angustifolia L extracts and the control group used placebo. Fruit extract was formed into lozenge. Before and after intervention, the gag reflex was evaluated by stimulation of the soft palate and pharyngeal tonsils. Data analysis and comparison was performed with SPSS 11 software and Chi-square, McNamara and t tests. The gag reflex significantly decreased in the soft palate region [p<0.001] and pharyngeal tonsils [p<0.001] in the intervention group. In the placebo group, decrease of gag reflex was not significant in any of these locations [p=0.9]. The decrease in gag reflex in the soft palate and the pharyngeal tonsils in the case and control groups before and after the intervention showed statistically significant differences [P<0.01]. Elaeagnus angustifolia L. extracts seem to be an effective method to control gag reflex during dental treatment. It may be a confident method to use on dental procedures, especially radiographic procedures