Intrabony defect management with a bone graft (hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate) alone and in combination with a diode laser: A randomized control trial.

Objectives: The current research was conducted to evaluate the use of a diode laser and a bone graft (hydroxyapatite [HA] + ß-tricalcium phosphate [ß-TCP]) in healing of intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: In this split-mouth evaluation, 40 patients with bilateral intrabony defects were treated with, Group I (control) - bone graft alone (HA + ß-TCP) and Group II, (test) - bone graft with a diode laser. The clinical and radiologic parameters of all patients, such as plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GR), and relative clinical attachment level (RCAL) were recorded at baseline, after 3 months and after 6 months. Results: Reductions in PI, PD, GI, GR, and RCAL were found after 6 months. Furthermore, significant differences were displayed in the intra-group comparison while those of the inter-group evaluation (P > 0.05) were insignificant. Conclusion: In both groups, considerable decrease in intrabony pockets was discovered; however, the inter-group comparison was insignificant in relation to GR and RCAL.

Evaluation of the Characteristics of Nano Hybrid Composite Resin Modified with Graphene after Thermomechanical Loading Cycle.

To evaluate the characteristics of a thermomechanically loaded composite resin enhanced with graphene nanoparticles. A total of 60 specimens were manufactured with Test group TG1 (20), TG2 (20), and control group CG (20). All samples were subjected to surface roughness using a three-dimensional (3D) Optical profilometer and flexural strength. All specimens were subjected to thermomechanical cyclic loading. Microhardness measurement was performed with a microhardness tester. The average microhardness and flexural strength were higher in test groups TG1 and TG2 and lowest in control group CG. There was an improvement in surface roughness, flexural strength, and microhardness in the test group after the addition of graphene nanoparticles compared to the control group. Conclusion: The addition of graphene nanoparticles to composite resin significantly improved flexural strength and microhardness. The physical and chemical properties of the composite showed marked improvement.

Assessment of Age-Related Changes of Salivary Immunoglobulin A Levels among Healthy Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the first line of defense against pathogens that invade mucosal surfaces. It has been reported that the immune system exhibits profound age-related changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the age-dependent changes of salivary IgA among healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from 120 healthy individuals (aged 11-70 years). The salivary IgA concentrations were measured by the use of a single radial immunodiffusion technique and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: The mean salivary IgA levels were 81.11 ± 4.50 mg/dl at age 11-20 years, 92.71 ± 13.76 mg/dl at age 21-30 years, 96.50 ± 4.04 mg/dl at age 31-40 years, 104.96 ± 10.15 mg/dl at age 41-50 years, 113.22 ± 7.85 mg/dl at age 51-60 years, and 91.38 ± 4.77 mg/dl at age 61-70 years. There was a significant difference among the mean salivary IgA levels of different age groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results showed that the salivary IgA levels exhibit age-related changes. Oral immunization may be considered to improve oral immunity when the salivary concentrations of IgA begin to decrease during lifetime.

Effect of platelet-rich fibrin versus chitosan-based Axiostat hemostatic agent following dental extraction in cardiac patients on antiplatelet therapy: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a biomaterial that promotes wound healing. It has a fibrinous matrix wherein platelets, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and various growth factors along with few cells are entrapped while Chitosan is a naturally occurring cationic biopolymeric material that is derived from an animal product, chitin. It has demonstrated biological properties which include acceleration in wound healing, hemostasis, enhancement of immunological response, mucosal adhesion by eliciting biological responses, and anti-microbial action. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PRF and Axiostat (A chitosan-based product) on hemostasis after tooth extraction among cardiac patients on antiplatelet medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out on 300 patients undergoing tooth extraction. Participants were divided into two categories (n = 150, respectively) as Group I (PRF dressing) and Group II (Axiostat dressing). Time to achieve hemostasis was observed using a stopwatch. Average pain score calculation was performed using visual analog on the 7-day postoperative period. Descriptive statistics were done, and data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. P < 0.5 and < 0.001 were considered statistically significant and extremely significant, respectively. RESULTS: Average pain score was 1.86 ± 0.06 in Group I and 1.05 ± 0.87 in Group II. Thus, lower postoperative pain was seen with Axiostat dressing. Hemostasis was achieved in Group II participants in 1.25 ± 0.06 min and in 1.89 ± 0.54 min in Group I. P < 0.01 was obtained, although no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain scores (P = 0.8) was seen. CONCLUSION: Chitosan is a superior wound dressing material in achieving hemostasis in cardiac patients on antiplatelet medication after tooth extraction.