Histologic, Radiographic, and Micro-Computed Tomography Evaluation of Experimentally Enlarged Root Apices in Dog Teeth with Apical Periodontitis after Regenerative Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Blood clot (BC) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been successfully used to biologically treat immature roots. It is nowadays considered the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the ability of PRF and BC scaffolds to enhance regeneration of disinfected root canals and healing of apical periodontitis within experimentally enlarged canal apices of dog teeth. METHODS: Forty-eight root canals in 28 mandibular premolars from 4 healthy adult dogs were experimentally infected and developed apical periodontitis. The teeth were randomly divided into a control (untreated) group, a disinfection only group, a group that received disinfection and a BC scaffold, and a group that received disinfection and a BC + PRF scaffold. Healing of the apical radiolucency was evaluated by conventional radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histology after 3 months. The data were analyzed by χ2 test. RESULTS: Healing was achieved in 49% of roots as seen on radiograph and 43% as seen on micro-computed tomography. There was no significant between-group difference in the presence or absence of periapical radiolucency in the mesial roots when seen on conventional images (P = 0.255), but there was a significant difference in the distal roots (P = 0.001); similarly, on micro-computed tomography, there was no significant between-group difference in the mesial roots (P = 0.174) but there was a significant difference in the distal roots (P = 0.001). Histologically, apical closure was significantly not greater in the BC + PRF scaffold group than in the BC scaffold group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A mix of BC + PRF scaffold did not improve tissue regeneration in experimentally enlarged dog teeth. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2021; 82:XXX-XXX) © 2021 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.

Challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders Families Towards Oral Health Care in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding oral health care among parents of autistic children and also the challenges faced by them in providing dental care for their Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) children's in four regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: In total, 263 parents of autistic children participated in this cross-sectional study who were enrolled from 4 major regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire formulated in simple Arabic was distributed to parents of children diagnosed with autism or any form of ASD. The questionnaires consisted of demographic questions and also to assess their knowledge on oral health, child's oral hygiene practices and visits to their dentist, oral hygiene, experience and challenges in waiting room area before the dental treatment, acceptance of treatment or rejection, accessibility to find non-dental centers either government or private for treatment and their recommendations. Results: All the parents brushed their child's teeth using a toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. A total of 29.7% of the parents informed that their child never brushes teeth. A total of 41.4% of the parents visit the dental clinic when the child complains about dental problems and 54% find difficulty in locating appropriate dental clinic to deal with their ASD children. Most parents reported taking their child to a private office (38.8%). Only 3.8% of parents reported that their children had seizures during dental procedures. Conclusion: The knowledge toward oral health was found to be inadequate among the majority of the parents. Parents of ASD children need to be educated about the consequences of oral health neglect and the importance of regular check-ups.

Parental Perception of Oral Health-related Quality of Life of Syrian Refugee Children.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The conflict in Syria has resulted in the displacement of over 5 million people, many of whom intend to return home at the cessation of hostilities. Oral health plays a critical role in early childhood and this study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of these children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The quantitative assessment of OHRQoL was done using a validated Arabic version of the short-form Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire-8 (P-CPQ-8). The P-CPQ-8 was administered to 22 sets of parents of children in a community center catering to urban refugees. A focus group interview and thematic analysis of nine mothers were used to gain a qualitative insight into the problems that could affect the OHRQoL of their children. RESULTS: The P-CPQ-8 revealed that oral symptoms were the greatest concern of the parents with dental pain being the most commonly reported condition. Although mothers reported higher P-CPQ-8 scores among all domains than fathers, there were no significant differences in the concerns of the fathers and the mothers. The focus group interview raised three major themes - (1) access to dental care, (2) pain felt by the child, and (3) oral hygiene of the child. CONCLUSION: The parents interviewed in this study were aware of the importance of oral hygiene but reported being unable to look after their children's teeth. Children who are refugees from the Syrian conflict face significant OHRQoL challenges.

Spindle cell lipoma of the mandibular mucogingival junction: a case report of unusual oral neoplasm.

Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is a benign lipomatous neoplasm typically located in the posterior neck and back of older males. It presents as a well-circumscribed mass in the buccal mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth or hard palate. There are only two case reports of SCL in the gingiva and alveolar ridge. Here, we report a case of SCL in the mandibular mucogingival junction of a 68-year-old male. Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings are presented. Although oral SCL is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spindle cell neoplasms occurring in the oral cavity.

Clinical implications of calcifying nanoparticles in dental diseases: a critical review.

BACKGROUND: Unknown cell-culture contaminants were described by Kajander and Ciftçioglu in 1998. These contaminants were called nanobacteria initially and later calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs). Their exact nature is unclear and controversial. CNPs have unique and unusual characteristics, which preclude placing them into any established evolutionary branch of life. AIM: The aim of this systematic review was to assess published data concerning CNPs since 1998 in general and in relation to dental diseases in particular. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) electronic and manual searches were conducted. Nanobacteria and calcifying nanoparticles were used as keywords. The search yielded 135 full-length papers. Further screening of the titles and abstracts that followed the review criteria resulted in 43 papers that met the study aim. CONCLUSION: The review showed that the existence of nanobacteria is still controversial. Some investigators have described a possible involvement of CNPs in pulpal and salivary gland calcifications, as well as the possible therapeutic use of CNPs in the treatment of cracked and/or eroded teeth.