Delving into Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and its Significance in Periodontal Diseases.

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, particularly periodontitis, by virtue of its collagenolytic activity targeting collagen type I, the primary component of periodontal tissues. This review abstract elucidates the intricate involvement of MMP-1 in periodontal tissue homeostasis and its dysregulation in disease states. Elevated MMP-1 levels, observed in gingival tissues and crevicular fluid of individuals with periodontitis, correlate with the degradation of collagen fibers within the periodontium. This degradation contributes to the detachment of teeth from surrounding tissues and exacerbates alveolar bone resorption, hallmark features of periodontal breakdown. Therapeutically, targeting MMP-1 activity emerges as a promising strategy, prompting ongoing research into MMP inhibitors and host modulation therapies. Understanding MMP-1's nuanced role in periodontal diseases paves the way for personalized treatment approaches and holds promise in reshaping periodontal disease management for improved patient outcomes and periodontal health.

COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS ULCERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND NETWORK META-ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is an oral condition cavity affecting 2.5 billion people worldwide. We aimed to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of available interventions in the management of RAU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search of 3 databases (Medline, CENTRAL, Scopus) was performed to identify randomized control trials evaluating the efficacy of RAU interventions published until December 2022. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted on 4 outcomes: reduction in pain, duration of ulceration, the diameter of ulceration, and area of ulceration. The interventions are then arranged using the surface area under cumulative ranking (SUCRA). RESULTS: A total of 38 trials involving 2773 patients were included were included in quantitative synthesis by NMA. Our analysis showed that Diode laser [MD, -4.865 ± 1.951 (95%CI = (-8.690, -1.041)] was the most effective in reducing the pain score followed by Amlexanox [MD, -2.673 ± 1.075 (95%CI = -4.779, -0.566)]. Iralvex performed the best in reducing the duration of ulceration [MD, -6.481 ± 1.841 (95%CI = -10.090, -2.872)]. Diode laser, acacia nilotica with licorice formulation, and amlexanox were the most effective interventions for reduction of ulcer diameter. Majority of the trials reported absence of any adverse effects and those reported were mild. CONCLUSION: Our NMA has identified several interventions to be more effective than a placebo. Laser therapy may be an option for promoting pain management, however, most have only been tested in 1 or 2 trials. Further studies with rigorous methodology on larger samples are recommended to strengthen the current evidence.

Radiographic Evaluation of Crestal Bone Level Changes for Allografts or Xenografts Placed during Implant Placement: A Retrospective Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate initial peri-implant crestal bone level changes when the allografts and xenografts were placed simultaneously during the implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was planned with the convenient sampling total of 77 implant sites that were bone grafted either with allografts (group I) or xenografts (group II). Using the periapical radiographs obtained after placement of bone grafts as baseline, the changes in the alveolar crestal bone around the implants were evaluated by comparing periapical radiographs taken at 3 months and 6 or 8 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The alveolar bone loss at crestal region at the time of placement of bone grafts were -1.85 ± 1.26 mm at the xenograft sites and -1.75 ± 1.51 mm at allograft sites, respectively (p = 0.791). At the time of reentry, 3 months after tooth extraction and ridge preservation, the bone dimensions were 1.17 ± 0.83 mm for xenograft and 1.00 ± 1.14 mm for allograft (p = 0.523). At the final reentry, bone-grafted sites were divided into after 6 months and after 8 months postoperatively. After 3 months, the allografts showed lesser bone resorption (0.9 ± 0.52 mm) as compared with the xenografts (1.25 ± 1.00 mm). The bone loss after 8 months for the allografts was spiked to 1.83 ± 0.42 mm as compared with the xenografts 1.37 ± 1.12 mm with no statistically significant difference (p >0.05). CONCLUSION: Both allografts and xenografts present comparable crestal bone level changes around dental implants when simultaneously placed during implant placement surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both allografts and xenografts are suitable for the preservation of the alveolar ridge regarding crestal bone level changes. Selection of allografts and xenografts may not be carried out based upon the crestal bone level changes.

Glass embedded in labial mucosa for 20 years.

Foreign bodies may be deposited in the oral cavity either by traumatic injury or iatrogenically. Among the commonly encountered iatrogenic foreign bodies are restorative materials like amalgam, obturation materials, broken instruments, needles, etc. Few reports of glass pieces embedded in the soft tissues of the mouth have been published. We report a case where glass pieces had been lodged in the lower labial mucosa for 20 years, with consequent peripheral reactive bone formation.