An evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of nanocrystalline calcium sulfate bone grafts (NanoGen) and medical-grade calcium sulfate bone grafts (DentoGen) in human extraction sockets.

BACKGROUND: Grafting a fresh extraction socket is essential for successful regeneration of bone and maximizing volume preservation. Various synthetic grafts have been used to simulate bone formation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate clinical, histomorphometric, and radiographic healing at 1-month, 3-month, and 4-month time points after tooth extraction with placement of calcium sulfate hemihydrate putty bone grafts NanoGen and DentoGen to determine their efficacy in ridge preservation following tooth extraction. METHOD: Sixty subjects who were in need of extraction were recruited. The subjects were randomly assigned their group based on computer software for both the test groups (NanoGen and DentoGen). DentoGen is a medical-grade calcium sulfate hemihydrate with particle of 30 µm, and NanoGen is a nanocrystalline version of DentoGen with particle size 400 µm to 800 µm. Data were recorded at 1, 3, and 4 months after extraction socket grafting. Bone biopsies were taken at 4 months for histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: The mean percentage of bone formed by NanoGen was 51.19 ± 9.53% and by DentoGen 50.67 ± 16.16% after 4 months. No statistically significant difference was noted in the mean bone formation by NanoGen and DentoGen at various time intervals; no bone graft remnants of DentoGen were found at 4 months. The mean percentage of bone graft remnants left after 4 months for NanoGen was 6.83 ± 16% in the maxilla and 7.38 ± 21% in the mandible. The mean percentage of soft tissue formed was significantly higher with DentoGen in mandibular socket sites. On radiographic evaluation the mean percentage of socket fill with DenoGen was found to be 23.1 ± 11.65%, 50 ± 9.6%, and 76.7 ± 11% and with NanoGen was 29.2 ± 12.8%, 52.8 ± 15.6%, and 76.47 ± 12.43% at 1 month, 3 months, and 4 months postoperative intervals, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both the materials investigated in the study showed excellent bone forming capacity, but the nanocrystalline version (NanoGen) of calcium sulfate was found to have clinical and biologic advantages over DentoGen.

Periodontal management and restoration of an amelogenesis imperfecta patient: a case report.

This report describes the treatment of a young male patient diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), a hereditary disorder that affects the enamel of both primary and permanent dentition. For management and rehabilitation, it is crucial to determine the type of AI-hypoplastic, hypomaturation, or hypocalcified. As with this patient, who presented with tricho-dento osseous syndrome, patients may present with associated expression of a syndrome (partial or full) and secondary changes in the periodontium. AI is a serious problem; therefore extensive treatment using a multidisciplinary approach must be instituted, especially if the patient is syndrome-associated.

Evaluating dental awareness and periodontal health status in different socioeconomic groups in the population of Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.

CONTEXT: Survey. AIMS: To evaluate dental awareness and periodontal health status in different socioeconomic groups in the population of Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. MALERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 patients with different socioeconomic status who visited Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, and Dental OPD of the Civil Hospital, Sundernagar. Mouth mirror, CPI probe, and illuminated light source were used for examination. Periodontal health status was recorded using CPI index. Information about their lifestyle, education level, and socioeconomic status was recorded using a questionnaire and correlated with the periodontal status. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test. RESULTS: Majority of the subjects used toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth once daily. Lower socioeconomic groups exhibited higher CPI scores characterized by bleeding gums and calculus deposition. The differences were statistically significant across various social strata (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of the questionnaire on dental awareness facilitates the inclusion of multiple aspects of patient information. The study revealed that oral hygiene awareness and periodontal condition were significantly associated with socioeconomic status. The socioeconomic status and oral hygiene practices were significantly associated with CPI (P < 0.01).

Effect of cigarette smoking on the periodontal health status: A comparative, cross sectional study.

CONTEXT: Survey. AIMS: The objective of the study was to evaluate the periodontal health status among cigarette smokers and non cigarette smokers, and oral hygiene measures. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 400 male (200 cigarette smokers and 200 non smokers) aged 18-65 years. The subjects were randomly selected from the patients attending dental out-patient department of civil hospital and Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar. Community Periodontal Index (CPI) score was recorded for each patient and a questionnaire was completed by each patient. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi square and t-test. RESULTS: Periodontal condition as assessed by CPI score showed that there was statistically significant difference in the findings between cigarette smokers and non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, positive association was observed between periodontal disease and cigarette smoking. It was found that cigarette smoking was associated with lesser gingival bleeding and deeper pockets as compared to non-smokers.

H2O2 at physiological concentrations modulates Leydig cell function inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

H(2)O(2) is one of the active reactive oxygen species secreted by macrophages that are seen closely aligned with Leydig cells in the testicular interstitium. The present study was initiated to investigate the role of H(2)O(2) on Leydig cell function in vitro at physiological concentrations. Significant decrease in both testosterone production (p < 0.05) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.05) in adult Leydig cells were observed even with H(2)O(2) at low concentrations (30 - 50 microM). H(2)O(2) exposure increased oxidative stress in Leydig cells with the rise in lipid peroxidation and fall in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) & glutathione-s-transferase (GST). There was also a marginal increase (approximately 8%) in cell apoptosis accompanied by rise in FasL expression and caspase-3 activation. The above findings indicate that H(2)O(2) as a bio-molecule modulates Leydig cell function at or below physiological concentrations through a variety of actions like decrease in steroidogenic enzyme activity and increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Waardenburg syndrome Type II.

Two rare cases of Waardenburg type II are reported. First case had three main features of WS--profound SN hearing loss, hetrochromia iris and white forelock of hair. Second case had moderate SNHL and depigmentation of hair.

Apoptosis and cell removal in the cryptorchid rat testis.

In order to determine that apoptosis is responsible for large-scale germ cell elimination, we analyzed cells from cryptorchid testes both in histological sections and among those isolated in vitro. Apoptotic testicular cells during 3 to 7 days were only 8 to 30%, reaching a maximum of 80% by the end of 15 days of cryptorchidism. A similar trend was also observed with the number of dead cells. The process of large-scale germ cell removal in the initial stages was facilitated by the formation of multinucleated giant cells, which stained negative for apoptosis. Increase in oxidative stress and decrease in intratesticular testosterone was also observed. The above findings indicate that large-scale germ cell removal, at least during initial stages of cryptorchidism is not solely as a result of apoptosis. Declined intra testicular testosterone, elevated temperature and high oxidative stress following cryptorchidism probably affect cell viability and trigger a fast pace cell removal through giant cell formation.