Various root abnormalities. Report of three cases.

Disturbances during morphodifferentiation of tooth germs are rare in the permanent dentition. Reasons for abnormalities are: trauma (fighting, falling, any sport activity) occurring during the eruption; mechanical blockage of the path of eruption by neoplasms; cysts; supernumerary teeth; therapeutic irradiation of the area; and orthodontic treatment. Abnormalities are classified as dilaceration, extra root formation, double root formation, concrescence, rizomegali and hypercementozis. In this article, three different root abnormalities are presented.

Inhibitory effect of alendronate on bone resorption of autogenous free bone grafts in rats.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the effect of alendronate on the resorption of autogenous free bone grafts by biochemical and histopathologic methods. Alendronate is a potent inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption with no adverse effect on the mineralization of bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 56 male Wistar rats were used. Autogenous free bone grafts were prepared with standard trephine bur in the right femur of each rat. The animals were then divided into 2 groups. In the first group, rats were treated with a daily subcutaneous injection of alendronate (0.25 mg/kg/day) for 2, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. In the second group, rats were treated with saline solution injection for the same time periods. At the end of these periods, serum and overnight fasting urine samples were collected from all animals. In serum, the level of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and 25 dihydroxyvitamin D were measured. In urine, pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, calcium, and creatinine were analyzed. The rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 12 weeks postsurgery. The number of osteoclasts and the number and size of resorptive lacunae were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: Alendronate caused significant reduction in urinary pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline levels biochemically, and the number of osteoclasts and resorptive lacunae histopathologically. CONCLUSION: Suppression of the graft resorption occurred in the alendronate-treated group.

The influence of alendronate on bone formation after autogenous free bone grafting in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of alendronate on bone formation after autogenous free bone grafting in rats. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-six male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 3 groups: baseline, saline-treated, and alendronate-treated groups, and followed up at 2, 4, and 12 weeks. In the femur of the rats, autogenous free bone grafts 3 mm in diameter and 2 mm in length were harvested with a standard trephine bur. The bone defects 3 mm in diameter and 2 mm in length were created 5 mm from the donor sites. Each graft was placed in the bone defect and stabilized by perifemoral wiring. The alendronate-treated rats were administered 0.25 mg/kg alendronate subcutaneously daily. The saline-treated rats were given daily saline solution. Serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin, and urine calcium were measured. The changes in the number of osteoblasts bordering active bone formation surface and osteoid and lamellar bone formation were evaluated to measure anabolic bone activity. RESULTS: Alendronate caused significant increase in serum osteocalcin and BAP levels biochemically and the number of osteoblasts histopathologically. CONCLUSION: Alendronate may be considered among therapeutic options to improve bone formation process in different bone remodeling cases. Further detailed studies should be focused on dosage- and time-dependent effects of alendronate on bone formation.

Reattachment of a fractured maxillary tooth: a case report.

A 14-year-old male patient reported with a horizontal fracture of almost the entire crown of a maxillary incisor, extending subgingivally at the palatal side. After root canal therapy and electrosurgery, the tooth fragment was reattached using a total-etch dentin-bonding system and a hybrid composite. Due to enamel cracks and the necessity for more retention, the labial surfaces of the teeth were veneered with a micro-filled composite. The clinical situation of the reattached teeth was confirmed successful by radiographic and photographic assessment after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The restoration of an anterior tooth with original tooth fragment in young patients has advantages over conventional composite or prosthetic restorations. However, reattached teeth with fracture extending subgingivally, require long-term follow-up.

Pediatric cervicofacial actinomycosis: a case report.

Cervicofacial actinomycosis affects many soft tissue and bony structures in the head and neck, and has both granulomatous and suppurative features. Pathogenesis of actinomycosis is still unclear, but trauma provides a portal of entry for the infection. It usually presents as a diffuse swelling with multiple sinus tracts containing macroscopic colonies of the organism known as "sulphur granules." Cervicofacial actinomycosis in children is rare. This article reports a case of actinomycosis in a 10-year-old-boy overlying the left ramus of the mandible.