Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 Expression in Oral Malignant and Premalignant Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The voltage-dependent anion channel 1 protein (VDAC1) plays a role in cellular metabolism and survival. It was found to be down or upregulated (overexpressed) in different malignancies but it was never studied in application to oral lesions. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the expression of VDAC1 in biopsies of oral premalignant, malignant, and malignancy-neutral lesions and to examine the possible correlations to their clinicopathological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 103 biopsies including 49 oral squamous cell carcinoma, 33 epithelial dysplasia, and 21 fibrous hyperplasia samples were immunohistochemically stained with anti-VDAC1 antibodies for semi-quantitative evaluation. The antibody detection was performed with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB). The clinicopathological information was examined for possible correlations with VDAC1. RESULTS: VDAC1 expression was lower in oral squamous cell carcinoma 0.63 ± 0.40 and in oral epithelial dysplasia 0.61 ± 0.36 biopsies compared to fibrous hyperplasia biopsies 1.45 ± 0.28 (p < 0.01 for both; Kruskal-Wallis test). CONCLUSION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma and epithelial dysplasia tissues demonstrated decreased VDAC1 protein expression if compared to fibrous hyperplasia samples, but were not different from each other, suggesting that the involvement of VDAC1 in oral carcinogenesis is an early stage event, regulating cells to live or die.

Four-years' experience with dynamic implants with internal port for minimally invasive sinus elevation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe long-term results of the dynamic implant valve approach (DIVA) for the dental implant procedures when the implant system with internal ports was used. METHOD AND MATERIALS: During 2012 to 2015, 378 titanium-aluminum-vanadium implants (Ti6Al4V ELI; diameter 3.75 mm; length 11.5 and 13 mm) were implanted in 172 patients (one to nine implants per patient) using the DIVA technique. The DIVA implants were used in cases when sinus membrane and/or nasal floor elevation procedures were needed. The condition of the implants was assessed during the follow-up period up to 60 months. RESULTS: Out of 378 inserted implants, 257 implants were inserted in the maxilla with the bone level < 5 mm, and 121 implants were inserted in the maxilla with the bone level > 5 mm. In 357 cases (94.5%), the implantation was totally successful both from objective CBCT clinical and subjective patients' viewpoints. The comparison of complication rates between the cases with the bone level < 5 mm and the cases with the bone level > 5 mm indicated no significant difference (P = .32). CONCLUSION: Preliminary results that the DIVA simplifies the dental implantation procedure and augmentation treatment were confirmed. The implant with an inner sealing screw can be used in cases with elevation of the maxillary sinus membrane, and simplifies the surgery and secures optimal dental implant placement. This new type of implant simplifies the maintenance phase of implant dentistry and helps to overcome possible complications.

[BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME - A FLAME HARD TO EXTINGUISH].

INTRODUCTION: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a common condition that mostly affects elderly women. This symptom presents as a severe chronic burning sensation affecting the oral cavity and especially the dorsum of the tongue and its lateral aspects. Mouth burning sensation can result from an idiopathic primary condition or evolve from a secondary problem. The difficulty in reaching a correct diagnosis and especially to determining an appropriate treatment leads to considerable dissatisfaction among patients. In this paper we review the causes and the characteristics of the primary and secondary forms of the syndrome, the means of diagnosis and known treatment options.

On the edge between medicine and dentistry: review of the dentist's role in the diagnosis and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) can affect both esthetics and health. In this review article, we describe the role of the dentist in evaluation and treatment of snoring and OSA in children and adults, with an emphasis on oral appliances as a means to treat the adult population. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search of publications from 1934 to 2013 in the PubMed/Medline/Science Direct databases was performed to collect information about snoring, OSA, and oral or dental appliances using these terms as key words. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles written in English, with a few exceptions in other languages. The literature search was endorsed by manual searching through peer-reviewed journals and reference lists of the selected articles. CONCLUSION: The dentist's role in the diagnosis of OSA in children and in diagnosis and treatment in the adult population with the help of oral appliances is vital. Diagnosis and treatment by the aware dentist can reduce major health risk outcomes.

Endoscopic approach to dental implantology.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an innovative miniature visualization surgical endoscope and endoscopic techniques applicable to dental implant procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A newly developed modular dental implant endoscope is introduced, and the first impressions from its use in different implant procedures are reported. RESULTS: Details of the device that combines an endoscope, irrigation cannulas, and a surgical microinstrument channel are presented. The advantages of using it in dental implant procedures are described, and examples of how miniature visualization and surgical endoscopic techniques can be applied to increase the success of implantation are outlined. The new modular implant endoscope accurately identified all microanatomical and pathological structures, and simplified dental implant procedures. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy should be considered not only for intraoperative observation and assessment of implant sites, but also should be applied for active assistance during implant placement procedures.

Endoscopic root canal treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an innovative endoscopic technique for root canal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canal treatment was performed on 12 patients (15 teeth), using a newly developed endoscope (Sialotechnology), which combines an endoscope, irrigation, and a surgical microinstrument channel. RESULTS: Endoscopic root canal treatment of all 15 teeth was successful with complete resolution of all symptoms (6-month follow-up). CONCLUSION: The novel endoscope used in this study accurately identified all microstructures and simplified root canal treatment. The endoscope may be considered for use not only for preoperative observation and diagnosis but also for active endodontic treatment.

Dental implants in the diabetic patient: systemic and rehabilitative considerations.

Diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent endocrine disease, comprising the third highest cause of disability and morbidity in the Western world. In the past, implant placement was contraindicated in diabetic patients because of increased risk for implant failure and infection. Publications in recent years have shown success rates for dental implants in diabetic patients resembling those of the general population. Other studies, in diabetic patients, as well as in animal models, have shown an increased risk for implant failure. These results raise the question of whether diabetic patients are suitable for dental implant rehabilitation. This article reviews the literature and presents the factors used in assessing the severity of diabetes and its complications, as well as the considerations for rehabilitation planning in these patients. Integration of these factors by the dentist dictates whether as well as what type of implant-supported restoration should be preformed.

Time limitations and the challenge of providing infection-preventing dental care to hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation patients.

GOAL: Oral-dental infection foci should be eradicated before the ablative chemo-radiotherapy regimen of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) commences. The rationale of oral-dental treatment is to prevent the future development and spread of infections in patients with compromised immune systems. This study aims to shed light on the challenges facing hospital dentists in the implementation of optimal oral-dental treatment prior to HSCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data regarding the medical status and dental treatment needs before HSCT were retrieved from the files of 86 consecutive patients post-HSCT. The timing of the oral-dental examination was also recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Dental treatments required before the HSCT were mainly combinations of scaling, plastic fillings, and extractions (47.8%, 39.1%, and 19.5% of the patients respectively). Patients presented at the clinic for oral-dental examination an average of 20.65+/-16.82 days before HSCT with a median of 15 (quarter interval range 10-15) days. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate a dense distribution of dental needs preceding the ablative conditioning regimen for HSCT. These facts accentuate the vital need for cooperation between hospital dentists and treating physicians.