Comparison of Different Suturing Techniques in Post-Extraction Socket Healing.

Background: The process of post-extraction socket healing is critical for ensuring proper tissue repair and minimizing complications in dental practice. Suturing techniques play a pivotal role in this process, influencing wound closure, hemostasis, and overall healing. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical trial involved 80 participants who required single-tooth extractions. Patients were randomly assigned to four groups, each receiving a distinct suturing technique: simple interrupted sutures, horizontal mattress sutures, vertical mattress sutures, and continuous sutures. Standardized assessments, including clinical examination and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, were performed at baseline, 1 week, and 4 weeks post-extraction. Wound dehiscence, soft tissue healing, and bone preservation were evaluated. Results: At 1-week post-extraction, the continuous suture group exhibited the lowest rate of wound dehiscence (5%) compared to other groups (simple interrupted, 15%; horizontal mattress, 10%; vertical mattress, 12%). Soft tissue healing scores at 4 weeks were significantly higher in the continuous suture group (8.7 ± 0.5) than in the other groups (simple interrupted, 7.2 ± 0.8; horizontal mattress, 7.8 ± 0.7; vertical mattress, 7.5 ± 0.6). CBCT analysis revealed superior bone preservation in the continuous suture group (98% remaining bone volume) compared to the other groups (simple interrupted, 92%; horizontal mattress, 95%; vertical mattress, 94%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the continuous suturing technique offers advantages in post-extraction socket healing, including reduced wound dehiscence, improved soft tissue healing, and better bone preservation.

Measuring the impact of systemic sclerosis on oral health-related quality of life in a UK population.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to identify the impact of systemic sclerosis (SSc) upon oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of affected individuals resident in the UK. METHODS: A total of 100 patients and their partners or carers were invited to complete questionnaires regarding the impact of SSc on quality of life and psychological well-being using valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures (OHIP-14, MHISS, OIDP, MDAS and HADS). A total of 50 patients with SSc and 18 partners or carers who acted as controls returned the completed questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed for comparisons of different variables. RESULTS: All the mean scores of OHIP-14 (SSc [16.5 ± 12.4] Vs controls [6.06 ± 7.6, p = 0.001]) and MHISS components were significantly higher in patients than those of control group (SSc [21.26 ± 12] Vs controls [4.8 ± 7.3, p < 0.0001]). Majority of OIDP mean scores were significantly worse in patients compared with controls [SSc (10 ± 8.7) Vs controls (1.72 ± 3.4, p < 0.0001)]. The mean of total MDAS [SSc (11.7 ± 5.3) Vs controls (9.5 ± 4.4)] and HADS scores were higher in patients compared to controls (SSc depression [4.8 ± 3.3] and anxiety [6 ± 4.6] Vs controls [3.7 ± 3.1] [4.7 ± 3.9]). CONCLUSIONS: Although the present study is limited by the low response rate and its cross-sectional design, present results highlighted that systemic sclerosis has a negative impact on OHRQoL of the affected individuals; hence, the evaluation of associated psychological impact including anxiety and depression symptoms is needed to better understand, monitor and evaluate the disease comorbidity in patients with SSc.

Podoplanin is a novel myoepithelial cell marker in pleomorphic adenoma and other salivary gland tumors with myoepithelial differentiation.

The expression of podoplanin, one of the representative immunohistochemical markers for lymphatic endothelium, is upregulated in various kinds of cancers. Based on our previous studies, we have developed a hypothesis that podoplanin plays a role in cell adhesion via its association with extracellular matrix (ECM). Since salivary pleomorphic adenoma is histologically characterized by its ECM-enriched stroma, we firstly wanted to explore the expression modes of podoplanin in pleomorphic adenoma and related salivary tumors by immunohistochemistry. In normal salivary gland, podoplanin was specifically localized in myoepithelial cells, which were also positively labeled by antibodies against P63, of the intercalated duct as well as acini. In pleomorphic adenoma, podoplanin was colocalized with P63 and CD44 in basal cells of glandular structures as well as in stellate/spindle cells in myxochondroid matrices, where perlecan and hyaluronic acid were enriched. The expression of podoplanin was confirmed at both protein and mRNA levels in pleomorphic adenoma cell systems (SM-AP1 and SM-AP4) by using immunofluorescence, western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Podoplanin was localized on the cell border as well as in the external periphery of the cells. Moreover, podoplanin expression was also confirmed in tumor cells with myoepithelial differentiation in myoepithelioma and intraductal papilloma. The results indicate that podoplanin can be regarded as a novel myoepithelial marker in salivary gland tumors and suggest that podoplanin's communication with ECM molecules is essential to phenotypic differentiation to myoepithelial cells.