Periodontal healing using a collagen matrix with periodontal ligament progenitor cells in a dehiscence defect model in beagle dogs

PURPOSE: To histologically characterize periodontal healing at 8 weeks in surgically created dehiscence defects in beagle dogs that received a collagen matrix with periodontal ligament (PDL) progenitor cells. METHODS: The bilateral maxillary premolars and first molars in 6 animals were used. Standardized experimental dehiscence defects were made on the buccal side of 3 premolars, and primary culturing of PDL progenitor cells was performed on the molars. Collagen matrix was used as a scaffold and a delivery system for PDL progenitor cells. The experimental sites were grafted with collagen matrix (COL), PDL progenitor cells with collagen matrix (COL/CELL), or left without any material (CTL). Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed after 8 weeks. RESULTS: The defect height from the cementoenamel junction to the most apical point of cementum removal did not significantly differ across the CTL, COL, and COL/CELL groups, at 4.57±0.28, 4.56±0.41, and 4.64±0.27 mm (mean ± standard deviation), respectively; the corresponding values for epithelial adhesion were 1.41±0.51, 0.85±0.29, and 0.30±0.41 mm (P<0.05), the heights of new bone regeneration were 1.32±0.44, 1.65±0.52, and 1.93±0.61 mm (P<0.05), and the cementum regeneration values were 1.15±0.42, 1.81±0.46, and 2.57±0.56 mm (P<0.05). There was significantly more new bone formation in the COL/CELL group than in the CTL group, and new cementum length was also significantly higher in the COL/CELL group. However, there were no significant differences in the width of new cementum among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PDL progenitor cells carried by a synthetic collagen matrix may enhance periodontal regeneration, including cementum and new bone formation.

The prognosis of splinted restoration of the most-distal implants in the posterior region

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of two-implant splinting (2-IS) and single-implant restoration (1-IR) in the first and second molar regions over a mean functional loading period (FLP) of 40 months, and to propose the appropriate clinical considerations for the splinting technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following clinical factors were examined in the 1-IR and 2-IS groups based on the total hospital records of the patients: sex, mean age, implant location, FLP, bone grafting, clinical crown-implant ratio, crown height space, and horizontal distance. The mechanical complications [i.e., screw loosening (SL), screw fracture, crown fracture, and repeated SL] and biological complications [i.e., peri-implant mucositis (PM) and peri-implantitis (PI)] were also evaluated for each patient. In analysis of two groups, the chi-square test and Student's t-test were used to identify the relationship between clinical factors and complication rates. The optimal cutoff value for the FLP based on complications was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics analysis. RESULTS: In total, 234 patients with 408 implants that had been placed during 2005 - 2014 were investigated. The incident rates of SL (P<.001), PM (P=.002), and PI (P=.046) differed significantly between the 1-IR and 2-IS groups. The FLP was the only meaningful clinical factor for mechanical and biological complication rates in 2-IS. CONCLUSION: The mechanical complication rates were lower for 2-IS than for 1-IR, while the biological complication rates were higher for 2-IS. FLP of 39.80 and 46.57 months were the reference follow-up periods for preventing biological and mechanical complications, respectively.

Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection

PURPOSE: Systemic disease can manifest oral signs at an early phase, which may be crucial for the diagnosis and timing of treatment. This report describes two patients who presented with gingival enlargement as an early sign of acute leukemia. METHODS: Two patients presented with oral symptoms including severe gingival enlargement. The progress of their symptoms was associated with underlying systemic disease. RESULTS: The patients were transferred to the Department of Hematology and diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia. They received appropriate treatment and survived. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival enlargement can be caused by underlying systemic diseases. Accurate diagnosis and timely referral are important for preventing a fatal situation. It must be emphasized that some oral signs and symptoms may be closely correlated with systemic diseases.

Improvement in periodontal healing after periodontal surgery supported by nutritional supplement drinks

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nutritional supplements on periodontal health and tooth mobility after surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group who consumed nutritional supplement drinks for 8 weeks, while the placebo group did not receive any such supplements. The gingival index (GI) and tooth mobility were measured at baseline and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks. In addition, the oral health impact profile-14 and anthropometric measurements along with loss of appetite and dietary intake were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: At 1 week, GI values were reduced in the intervention group (P<0.05), and tooth mobility had increased, but to a lesser extent in the intervention group (P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the intakes of protein, vitamins A and B1, and niacin were increased in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that nutritional supplementation improves early periodontal healing after surgery.

Simultaneous placement of an interpositional free gingival graft with nonsubmerged implant placement

PURPOSE: Various surgical techniques target achieving adequate keratinized tissue around dental implants; however, these techniques are usually performed before implant placement or upon the exposure of submerged implants. The aim of this case report is to describe a simultaneous placement of an interpositional free gingival graft (iFGG) with that of nonsubmerged implants in a patient lacking keratinized tissue and to assess the long-term outcome of this grafted gingiva. METHODS: A wedge-shaped free gingnival graft (FGG), including an epithelium-connective tissue (E-C) portion and a connective-tissue-only (CT) portion, was harvested from the palate. The CT portion was inserted under the buccal flap, and the E-C portion was secured tightly around the implants and to the lingual flap. RESULTS: At the 8-year follow-up, the gingival graft remained firmly attached and was well maintained, with no conspicuous shrinkage or reported discomfort during oral hygiene procedures. The use of an iFGG at a nonsubmerged implant placement minimizes the required number of surgical steps and patient discomfort while providing adequate buccal keratinized tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the technique could be considered an alternative method in increasing the keratinized tissue for cases that have a minimal amount of keratinized tissue.

Periodontal tissue reaction to customized nano-hydroxyapatite block scaffold in one-wall intrabony defect: a histologic study in dogs

PURPOSE: This study evaluated histologically the tissue responses to and the effects of a customized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) block bone graft on periodontal regeneration in a one-wall periodontal-defect model. METHODS: A customized block bone for filling in the standardized periodontal defect was fabricated from prefabricated n-HA powders and a polymeric sponge. Bilateral 4x4x5 mm (buccolingual widthxmesiodistal widthxdepth), one-wall, critical-size intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth premolars of five Beagle dogs. In each dog, one defect was filled with block-type HA and the other served as a sham-surgery control. The animals were sacrificed following an 8-week healing interval for clinical and histological evaluations. RESULTS: Although the sites that received an n-HA block showed minimal bone formation, the n-HA block was maintained within the defect with its original hexahedral shape. In addition, only a limited inflammatory reaction was observed at sites that received an n-HA block, which might have been due to the high stability of the customized block bone. CONCLUSIONS: In the limitation of this study, customized n-HA block could provide a space for periodontal tissue engineering, with minimal inflammation.

Periodontal tissue reaction to customized nano-hydroxyapatite block scaffold in one-wall intrabony defect: a histologic study in dogs

PURPOSE: This study evaluated histologically the tissue responses to and the effects of a customized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) block bone graft on periodontal regeneration in a one-wall periodontal-defect model. METHODS: A customized block bone for filling in the standardized periodontal defect was fabricated from prefabricated n-HA powders and a polymeric sponge. Bilateral 4x4x5 mm (buccolingual widthxmesiodistal widthxdepth), one-wall, critical-size intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth premolars of five Beagle dogs. In each dog, one defect was filled with block-type HA and the other served as a sham-surgery control. The animals were sacrificed following an 8-week healing interval for clinical and histological evaluations. RESULTS: Although the sites that received an n-HA block showed minimal bone formation, the n-HA block was maintained within the defect with its original hexahedral shape. In addition, only a limited inflammatory reaction was observed at sites that received an n-HA block, which might have been due to the high stability of the customized block bone. CONCLUSIONS: In the limitation of this study, customized n-HA block could provide a space for periodontal tissue engineering, with minimal inflammation.

In situ dental implant installation after decontamination in a previously peri-implant diseased site: a pilot study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine whether a previous peri-implantitis site can affect osseointegration, by comparing implant placement at a site where peri-implantitis was present and at a normal bone site. A second aim of this study was to identify the tissue and bone reaction after treating the contaminated implant surface to determine the optimal treatment for peri-implant diseases. METHODS: A peri-implant mucositis model for dogs was prepared to determine the optimal treatment option for peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis. The implants were inserted partially to a length of 6 mm. The upper 4 mm part of the dental implants was exposed to the oral environment. Simple exposure for 2 weeks contaminated the implant surface. After 2 weeks, the implants were divided into three groups: untreated, swabbed with saline, and swabbed with H2O2. Three implants from each group were placed to the full length in the same spot. The other three implants were placed fully into newly prepared bone. After eight weeks of healing, the animals were sacrificed. Ground sections, representing the mid-buccal-lingual plane, were prepared for histological analysis. The analysis was evaluated clinically and histometrically. RESULTS: The untreated implants and H2O2-swabbed implants showed gingival inflammation. Only the saline-swabbed implant group showed re-osseointegration and no gingival inflammation. There was no difference in regeneration height or bone-to-implant contact between in situ implant placement and implant placement in the new bone site. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that cleaning with saline may be effective in implant decontamination. After implant surface decontamination, implant installation in a previous peri-implant diseased site may not interfere with osseointegration.

Development of the implant surgical technique and assessment rating system

PURPOSE: There has been no attempt to establish an objective implant surgical evaluation protocol to assess residents' surgical competence and improve their surgical outcomes. The present study presents a newly developed assessment and rating system and simulation model that can assist the teaching staffs to evaluate the surgical events and surgical skills of residents objectively. METHODS: Articles published in peer-reviewed English journals were selected using several scientific databases and subsequently reviewed regarding surgical competence and assessment tools. Particularly, medical journals reporting rating and evaluation protocols for various types of medical surgeries were thoroughly analyzed. Based on these studies, an implant surgical technique assessment and rating system (iSTAR) has been developed. Also, a specialized dental typodont was developed for the valid and reliable assessment of surgery. RESULTS: The iSTAR consists of two parts including surgical information and task-specific checklists. Specialized simulation model was subsequently produced and can be used in combination with iSTAR. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment and rating system provided may serve as a reference guide for teaching staffs to evaluate the residents' implant surgical techniques.

Comparative evaluation of roughness of titanium surfaces treated by different hygiene instruments

PURPOSE: The use of appropriate instruments to clean surfaces with minimal change, is critical for the successful maintenance of a dental implant. However, there is no consensus about the type and methodology for such instruments. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in the roughness of titanium surfaces treated by various scaling instruments. METHODS: Thirty-seven identical disks (5 mm in diameter) were investigated in this study. The specimens were divided into eight groups according to the types of instrumentation and the angle of application. Ultrasonic scaling systems were applied on a titanium disk to simulate standard clinical conditions. The equipment included a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with a newly developed metallic tip (NS group), a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with a conventional tip (CS group), a piezoelectric root planer ultrasonic scaler with a conventional tip (PR group), and a plastic hand curette (PH group). In addition, the sites treated using piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler systems were divided two sub-groups: 15 and 45 degrees. The treated titanium surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the average surface roughness (Ra) and mean roughness profile depth (Rz) were measured with a profilometer. RESULTS: SEM no significant changes in the titanium surfaces in the NS group, regardless of the angle of application. The PH group also showed no marked changes to the titanium surface, although some smoothening was observed. All CS and PR sites lost their original texture and showed irregular surfaces in SEM analysis. The profilometer analysis demonstrated that the roughness values (Ra and Rz) of the titanium surfaces increased in all, except the PH and NS groups, which showed roughness decreases relative to the untreated control group. The Ra value differed significantly between the NS and PR groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that changes in or damage to titanium surfaces might be more affected by the hardness of the scaler tip than by the application method. Within the limitations of this study, the newly developed metallic scaler tip might be especially suitable for peri-implant surface decontamination, due to its limited effects on the titanium surface.

Changes in periodontium after extraction of a periodontally-involved tooth in rats

PURPOSE: Recent interest has focused on intentional replantation to restore an original tooth. Some studies have shown successful results with intentional replantation for periodontally involved teeth. For long-term success of replantation, a healthy periodontal status of the recipient site is required so that delayed replantation is more suitable for periodontally involved teeth. To reveal the ideal timing for delayed replantation of periodontally involved teeth, the healing process of extraction sockets after extraction of periodontitis-induced teeth in rats was evaluated. METHODS: Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=8) and test group (n=20). In the test group, periodontitis was induced by a ligature around the cervix of the mandibular first molar of all of the rats. Two weeks later, the mandibular first molars were extracted in all of the animals. The animals were sacrificed on days 0, 3, 7, and 10 after extraction and histological and immunohistochemical analysis was performed. RESULTS: In histological analysis of the test group, inflammatory cell infiltrate was found abundantly in the remaining periodontium 3 days after tooth extraction and decreased gradually at later time points. In immunohistochemical analysis of the test group, both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were numerous in the furcation area at each postextraction day. IL-6 was stained more heavily between 3 and 7 days after extraction; at day 10 after extraction, little staining was observed. TNF-alpha staining was more intense at 3 days after extraction and gradually weakened at later points in time. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, it takes at least 10 days to resolve periodontal inflammation in rat extraction sockets.

Novel analysis model for implant osseointegration using ectopic bone formation via the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2/macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate block system in rats: a proof-of-concept study

PURPOSE: The osseointegration around titanium mini-implants installed in macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (MBCP) blocks was evaluated after incubation with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in an ectopic subcutaneous rat model. METHODS: Mini-implants (phi1.8x12 mm) were installed in MBCP blocks (bMBCPs, 4x5x15 mm) loaded with rhBMP-2 at 0.1 mg/mL, and then implanted for 8 weeks into subcutaneous pockets of male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=10). A histomorphometric analysis was performed, and the bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone density were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant osteoinductive activity was induced in the rhBMP-2/bMBCP group. The percentage of BIC was 41.23+/-4.13% (mean+/-standard deviation), while bone density was 33.47+/-5.73%. In contrast, no bone formation was observed in the bMBCP only group. CONCLUSIONS: This model represents a more standardized tool for analyzing osseointegration and bone healing along the implant surface and in bMBCPs that excludes various healing factors derived from selected animals and defect models.

Development of implant loading device for animal study about various loading protocol: a pilot study

PURPOSE: The aims of this pilot study were to introduce implant loading devices designed for animal study and to evaluate the validity of the load transmission ability of the loading devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implant loading devices were specially designed and fabricated with two implant abutments and cast metal bars, and orthodontic expansion screw. In six Beagles, all premolars were extracted and two implants were placed in each side of the mandibles. The loading device was inserted two weeks after the implant placement. According to the loading protocol, the load was applied to the implants with different time and method,simulating early, progressive, and delayed loading. The implants were clinically evaluated and the loading devices were removed and replaced to the master cast, followed by stress-strain analysis. Descriptive statistics of remained strain (microepsilon) was evaluated after repeating three cycles of the loading device activation. Statistic analysis was performed using nonparametric, independent t-test with 5% significance level and Friedman's test was also used for verification. RESULTS: The loading devices were in good action. However, four implants in three Beagles showed loss of osseointegration. In stress-strain analysis, loading devices showed similar amount of increase in the remained strain after applying 1-unit load for three times. CONCLUSION: Specialized design of the implant loading device was introduced. The loading device applied similar amount of loads near the implant after each 1-unit loading. However, the direction of the loads was not parallel to the long axis of the implants as predicted before the study.

Anti-inflammatory effect of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated fibroblasts and stem cells derived from human periodontal ligament

PURPOSE: (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in periodontitis. However, its exact mechanism of action has yet to be determined. The present in vitro study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of EGCG on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs) and human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) affected by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from Porphyromonas gingivalis. METHODS: hPDLFs and hPDLSCs were extracted from healthy young adults and were treated with EGCG and/or P. gingivalis LPS. After 1, 3, 5, and 7 days from treatment, cytotoxic and proliferative effects were evaluated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and bromodeoxyuridine assay, respectively. And then, the gene expressions of hPDLFs and hPDLSCs were observed for interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and RANKL/OPG using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 0, 6, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. The experiments were performed with the following groups for hPDLFs and hPDLSCs; 1) No treat, 2) EGCG alone, 3) P. gingivalis LPS alone, 4) EGCG+P. gingivalis LPS. RESULTS: The 20 microM of EGCG and 20 microg/mL of P. gingivalis LPS had the lowest cytotoxic effects, so those concentrations were used for further experiments. The proliferations of hPDLFs and hPDLSCs increased in all groups, though the 'EGCG alone' showed less increase. In real-time PCR, the hPDLFs and hPDLSCs of 'EGCG alone' showed similar gene expressions to those cells of 'no treat'. The gene expressions of 'P. gingivalis LPS alone' in both hPDLFs and hPDLSCs were highly increased at 6 hours for IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, RANKL, and RANKL/OPG, except the RANKL/OPG in hPDLSCs. However, those increased gene expressions were down-regulated in 'EGCG+P. gingivalis LPS' by the additional treatment of EGCG. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that EGCG could exert an anti-inflammatory effect in hPDLFs and hPDLSCs against a major pathogen of periodontitis, P. gingivalis LPS.

The biological effect of cyanoacrylate-combined calcium phosphate in rabbit calvarial defects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the biological effects of cyanoacrylate-combined calcium phosphate (CCP), in particular its potential to act as a physical barrier - functioning like a membrane - in rabbit calvarial defects. METHODS: In each animal, four circular calvarial defects with a diameter of 8 mm were prepared and then filled with either nothing (control group) or one of three different experimental materials. In the experimental conditions, they were filled with CCP alone (CCP group), filled with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and then covered with an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS; BCP/ACS group), or filled with BCP and then covered by CCP (BCP/CCP group). RESULTS: After 4 and 8 weeks of healing, new bone formation appeared to be lower in the CCP group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In both the CCP and BCP/CCP groups, inflammatory cells could be seen after 4 and 8 weeks of healing. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, CCP exhibited limited osteoconductivity in rabbit calvarial defects and was histologically associated with the presence of inflammatory cells. However, CCP demonstrated its ability to stabilize graft particles and its potential as an effective defect filler in bone augmentation, if the biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of CCP were improved.

Periodontal regenerative effect of a bovine hydroxyapatite/collagen block in one-wall intrabony defects in dogs: a histometric analysis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of a bovine hydroxyapatite/collagen (BHC) block in one-wall intrabony periodontal defects in dogs. METHODS: A one-wall intrabony periodontal defect (4 mm wide and 5 mm deep) was prepared bilaterally at the mesial side of the mandibular fourth premolar in five beagle dogs. After thorough root planing, block-type BHC (4x5x5 mm) was placed on one side. The contralateral defect area did not receive any material as a sham-surgery control. Histological analysis of the sites was performed after an 8-week healing period. RESULTS: Two of five samples in the experimental group healed well without dissipation of the graft materials, and histological analysis revealed excellent regeneration of the periodontal tissues. However, most of the grafted materials had been displaced in the other three samples, leaving only a small portion of the graft. The measured parameters exhibited large standard deviations, and the mean values did not differ significantly between the experimental and sham-surgery control sides. CONCLUSIONS: The application of BHC alone-without a barrier membrane-to wide, one-wall intrabony periodontal defects yielded inconsistent results regarding both periodontal regeneration and substantivity of the graft materials. Thus, the use of a barrier membrane for noncontained-type defects is recommended to improve the stability of the grafted material, and to condense it.

A short-term clinical study of marginal bone level change around microthreaded and platform-switched implants

PURPOSE: The marginal bone levels around implants following restoration are used as a reference for evaluating implant success and survival. Two design concepts that can reduce crestal bone resorption are the microthread and platform-switching concepts. The aims of this study were to analyze the placement of microthreaded and platform-switched implants and their short-term survival rate, as well as the level of bone around the implants. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 27 patients (79 implants) undergoing treatment with microthreaded and platform-switched implants between October 2008 and July 2009 in the Dental Hospital of Yonsei University Department of Periodontology. The patients received follow-up care more than 6 months after the final setting of the prosthesis, at which time periapical radiographs were taken. The marginal bone level was measured from the reference point to the lowest observed point of contact between the marginal bone and the fixture. Comparisons were made between radiographs taken at the time of fixture installation and those taken at the follow-up visit. RESULTS: During the study period (average of 11.8 months after fixture installation and 7.4 months after the prosthesis delivery), the short-term survival rate of microthreaded and platform-switched implants was 100% and the marginal bone loss around implants was 0.16+/-0.08 mm, the latter of which is lower than the previously reported values. CONCLUSIONS: This short-term clinical study has demonstrated the successful survival rates of a microthread and platform-switched implant system, and that this system is associated with reduced marginal bone loss.

Enhanced skin wound healing by a sustained release of growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. Previously, we showed that heparin-conjugated fibrin (HCF) exerts the sustained release of growth factors with affinity for heparin. Here, we hypothesize that treatment of skin wound with a mixture of PRP and HCF exerts sustained release of several growth factors contained in PRP and promotes skin wound healing. The release of fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and vascular endothelial growth factor contained in PRP from HCF was sustained for a longer period than those from PRP, calcium-activated PRP (C-PRP), or a mixture of fibrin and PRP (F-PRP). Treatment of full-thickness skin wounds in mice with HCF-PRP resulted in much faster wound closure as well as dermal and epidermal regeneration at day 12 compared to treatment with either C-PRP or F-PRP. Enhanced skin regeneration observed in HCF-PRP group may have been at least partially due to enhanced angiogenesis in the wound beds. Therefore, this method could be useful for skin wound treatment.

Dimensional change of the healed periosteum on surgically created defects

PURPOSE: The final goal of regenerative periodontal therapy is to restore the structure and function of the periodontium destroyed or lost due to periodontitis. However, the role of periosteum in periodontal regeneration was relatively neglected while bone repair in the skeleton occurs as a result of a significant contribution from the periosteum. The aim of this study is to understand the histological characteristics of periosteum and compare the native periosteum with the repaired periosteum after elevating flap or after surgical intervention with flap elevation. METHODS: Buccal and lingual mucoperiosteal flaps were reflected to surgically create critical-size, "box-type" (4 mm width, 5 mm depth), one-wall, intrabony defects at the distal aspect of the 2nd and the mesial aspect of the 4th mandibular premolars in the right and left jaw quadrants. Animals were sacrificed after 24 weeks. RESULTS: The results from this study are as follows: 1) thickness of periosteum showed difference as follows (Pflap-elevation group (0.36+/-0.07 mm)>defect formation group (0.26+/-0.03 mm), 2) thickness of gingival tissue showed difference as follows (Pflap-elevation group (2.02+/-0.25 mm)>control group (1.88+/-0.27 mm), 3) higher cellular activity was observed in defect formation group and flap-elevation groups than control group, 4) the number of blood vessles was higher in defect formation group than control group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, prolonged operation with increased surgical trauma seems to decrease the thickness of repaired periosteum and increase the thickness of gingiva. More blood vessles and high cellular activity were observed in defect formation group.

Effect of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on maintaining the periodontal ligament cell viability of avulsed teeth: a preliminary study

PURPOSE: Avulsed tooth can be completely recovered, if sound periodontal ligament (PDL) of tooth is maintained. Although a lot of storage solutions have been explored for the better storage of avulsed tooth, there is a shortcoming that the preservation time is much short. On the other hand, there has been studies that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, which is related to the anti inflammatory, antioxygenic, and antibacterial effects, allows the successful preservations of tissues and cells. This study evaluated the effect of EGCG on avulsed-teeth preservation of Beagle dogs for a period of time. METHODS: The atraumatically extracted teeth of Beagle dogs were washed and preserved with 0/10/100 microM of EGCG at the time of immediate, period 1 (4 days in EGCG-contained media and additional 1 day in EGCG-free media), period 2 (8 days in EGCG-contained media and additional 2 days in EGCG-free media) and period 3 (12 days in EGCG-contained media and additional 2 days in EGCG-free media). Then, the cell viabilities of preserved teeth was calculated by dividing optical density (OD) of 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with OD of eosin assay to eliminate the measurement errors caused by the different tissue volumes. RESULTS: From the results, the immediately analyzed group presented the highest cell viability, and the rate of living cells on teeth surface decreased dependent on the preservation period. However, the 100 microM of EGCG-treated group showed statistically significant positive cell activity than EGCG-free groups throughout preservation periods. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that 100 microM EGCG could maintain PDL cell viability of extracted tooth. These results suggest that although EGCG could not be a perfect additive for tooth preservation, it is able to postpone the period of tooth storage. However, further in-depth studies are required for more plausible use of EGCG.