Xenogeneic collagen matrix vs. connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple gingival recession: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review (SR) compared the effect of xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) vs. connective tissue graft (CTG) for the treatment of multiple gingival recession (MGR) Miller Class I and II or Cairo type I. Five databases were searched up to August 2022 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical effects of XCM vs. CTG in the treatment of MGR. The random effects model of mean differences was used to determine reduction of gingival recession (GR), gain in keratinized tissue width (KTW), gain in gingival thickness (GT) and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL). The risk ratio was used to complete root coverage (CRC) at 6 and 12 months. 10 RCTs, representing 1095 and 649 GR at 6 and 12 months, respectively, were included in this SR. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in GR reduction, KTW gain GT gain or CAL gain between groups at 6 months. However, at 12 months of follow-up, differences favoring the control group were observed (p < 0.05). CRC was significantly higher in the CTG group at 6 and 12 months. Regarding dentine hypersensitivity (DH), no statistically significant differences were found between groups at 6 and 12 months of follow-up (p < 0.05). At 12 months, CTG showed significantly superior clinical results in the treatment of MGR: however, this difference was not observed in the decrease of DH.

Anti-Fibronectin Aptamer Modifies Blood Clot Pattern and Stimulates Osteogenesis: An Ex Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Scaffold (SCA) functionalization with aptamers (APT) provides adsorption of specific bioactive molecules on biomaterial surfaces. The aim of this study was to observe if SCA enriched with anti-fibronectin APT can favor coagulum (PhC) and osteoblasts (OSB) differentiation. METHODS: 20 µg of APT was functionalized on SCA by simple adsorption. For PhC formation, SCAs were inserted into rat calvaria defects for 17 h. Following proper transportation (buffer solution PB), OSBs (UMR-106 lineage) were seeded over PhC + SCAs with and without APT. Cells and PhC morphology, PhC cell population, protein labeling and gene expression were observed in different time points. RESULTS: The APT induced higher alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein immunolabeling in OSB. Mesenchymal stem cells, leukocytes and lymphocytes cells were detected more in the APT group than when scaffolds were not functionalized. Additionally, an enriched and dense fibrin network and different cell types were observed, with more OSB and white blood cells in PhC formed on SCA with APT. The gene expression showed higher transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1) detection in SCA with APT. CONCLUSIONS: The SCA functionalization with fibronectin aptamers may alter key morphological and functional features of blood clot formation, and provides a selective expression of proteins related to osteo differentiation. Additionally, aptamers increase TGF-b1 gene expression, which is highly associated with improvements in regenerative therapies.

Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis HN019 can reduce the sequelae of experimental periodontitis in rats modulating intestinal parameters, expression of lipogenic genes, and levels of hepatic steatosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) can reduce the sequelae of experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats modulating systemic parameters. BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of probiotic therapy (PROB) in the prevention of local and systemic damage resulting from EP. METHODS: Forty-eight rats were allocated into four groups: C (control), PROB, EP, and EP-PROB. PROB (1 × 1010 CFU/mL) administration lasted 8 weeks and PE was induced on the 7th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. All animals were euthanized in the 9th week of the experiment. Biomolecular analyses, RT-PCR, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically (ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05). RESULTS: The EP group had higher dyslipidemia when compared to the C group, as well as higher levels of insulin resistance, proteinuria levels, percentages of systolic blood pressure, percentage of fatty hepatocytes in the liver, and expression of adipokines was up-regulated (LEPR, NAMPT, and FABP4). All these parameters (except insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, LEPR and FABP4 gene expression) were reduced in the EP-PROB group when compared to the EP group. The EP group had lower villus height and crypt depth, as well as a greater reduction in Bacteroidetes and a greater increase in Firmicutes when compared to the EP-PROB group. Greater alveolar bone loss was observed in the EP group when compared to the EP-PROB group. CONCLUSION: Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 can reduce the sequelae of EP in rats modulating intestinal parameters, attenuating expression of lipogenic genes and hepatic steatosis.

Probiotic consumption can modify the resilience of periodontal tissues in rats under experimental periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of systemic administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) on experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were allocated to groups C (control), C-HN019 (probiotic), EP (EP only), and EP-HN019 (EP+probiotic). From day 0, the animals of C-HN019 and EP-HN019 groups received B. lactis HN019 (1 × 109 CFU/ml) daily. On the 14th day, the animals of EP and EP-HN019 groups received silk ligature around mandibular molars. Animals were euthanized on the 28th day. Samples of oral biofilm, gingival tissues, blood serum, and mandible were obtained for microtomographic, histomorphometric, microbiological, and immunological analyses. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Group EP-HN019 presented significantly less alveolar bone loss when compared with Group EP in histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses. In gingival tissue and serum, Group EP-HN019 presented lower proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines ratios than Group EP. Group EP-HN019 showed higher expression of beta-defensins and less TRAP-positive cells than Group EP. Group EP presented higher gene expression of Ifng and lower gene expression of Foxp3 when compared with Group EP-HN019 in gingival tissue. In oral biofilm, EP-HN019 group presented a lower percentage of species similar to Fusobacterium periodonticum and a higher percentage of species similar to Actinomyces gereneseriae, Actinomyces israelli, and Streptococcus gordonii when compared with Group EP. There was a significant increase of B. lactis HN019 after administration of probiotic therapy in oral biofilm of Group EP-HN019. CONCLUSION: The consumption of B. lactis HN019 promotes a protective effect against alveolar bone loss by modifying local and systemic microbiological and immunoinflammatory parameters.

Effects of oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on the treatment of plaque-induced generalized gingivitis.

OBJECTIVES: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the adjuvant effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on the treatment of plaque-induced generalized gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were submitted to professional supragingival scaling and prophylaxis. They were randomly assigned to test (probiotic lozenges containing B. lactis HN019, n = 30) or control (placebo lozenges, n = 30) groups. Lozenges were consumed twice a day for 8 weeks. Bleeding on probing (BoP), Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and after 2 and 8 weeks. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected at baseline and at 8 weeks for analysis of the inflammatory mediators IL-1ß, IL-1α, IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1ß. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: After 8 weeks, both groups showed reduction in the percentage of PI, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.7423). The test group presented a lower percentage of BoP and a higher percentage of sites with GI ≤ 1 when compared with the control group at the end of the study (p < 0.0001). At 8 weeks, the test group had a greater number of patients without generalized gingivitis than the control group (20 and 11 patients, respectively; p < 0.05). The test group presented significantly lower levels of IL-1α, IL-1ß, and MCP-1 in GCF than the control group at the end of the study (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The adjunct use of B. lactis HN019 promotes additional clinical and immunological benefits in the treatment of generalized gingivitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: B. lactis HN019 can be an efficient and side-effect-free adjunct strategy in the treatment of generalized gingivitis.

Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (Goltz Syndrome): A Case Report Showing a Wide Variety of Systemic and Oral Manifestations.

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), also known as Goltz syndrome, consists of an unusual genodermatosis that affects tissues of ectodermal and mesodermal origin and various organs and systems, especially skin, bones, eyes, and oral cavity. While systemic manifestations of FDH have been well documented, the oral manifestations have not been extensively discussed. We present a 22-year-old female patient with history of FDH that showed a variety of systemic and oral manifestations. FDH was diagnosed at birth based on cutaneous alterations. Extra and intraoral examination showed facial asymmetry, lip and perioral atrophy, upper lip papilloma, malocclusion, enamel hypoplasia, and gingival hyperplasia. Mucosal lesions, periodontal diseases, and malocclusion were treated by oral surgery, periodontal therapy and orthodontic treatment, respectively. Although FDH is an uncommon syndrome, health professionals should be aware of its systemic and oral manifestations to establish an early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

A New Method for Obtaining Tumor Interstitial Fluid Applied to Cytokine Analysis of Breast Carcinoma Samples.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Tumor interstitial fluid (TIF), a component of the tumor microenvironment, is a valuable source of molecules and substances that help in diagnosis and prognosis of solid tumors. There is still no consensus on the optimal method for collecting TIF. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new method of collecting TIF in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) samples for cytokine interleukin 1ß (IL1ß) quantification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women allowed the collection of TIF using absorbent paper strips during the performance of the core biopsy. The samples were stored at a temperature of -80°C and then analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. RESULTS: The mean values for IL1ß and total protein were 11.39 mg/ml and 2.15 mg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: it was possible to quantify the cytokine IL1ß and the total protein concentration present in the tumor tissue through TIF collection with the use of absorbent paper filters, demonstrating the effectiveness of this new method in oncology.

Influence of nano-hydroxyapatite coating implants on gene expression of osteogenic markers and micro-CT parameters. An in vivo study in diabetic rats.

This study evaluated the response of a nano-hydroxyapatite coating implant through gene expression analysis (runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), osteopontin (Opn), osteocalcin (Oc), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (Rank), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (Rank-L), and osteoprotegerin (Opg)). Three-dimensional evaluation (percent bone volume (BV/TV); percent intersection surface (BIC); bone surface/volume ratio (BS/BV); and total porosity (To.Po)) were also analyzed. Mini implants were surgically placed in tibias of both healthy and diabetic rats. The animals were euthanized at 7 and 30 days. Evaluating all factors the relative expression of Rank showed that NANO surface presented the best results at 7 days (diabetic rats). Furthermore the levels of Runx2, Alp, Oc, and Opn suggest an increase in osteoblasts proliferation, especially in early stages of osseointegration. %BIC in healthy and diabetic (7 days) depicted statistically significant differences for NANO group. BV/TV, BS/BV and To.Po demonstrated higher values for NANO group in all evaluated time point and irrespective of systemic condition, but BS/BV 30 days (healthy rat) and 7 and 30 days (diabetic rat). Microtomographic and gene expression analyses have shown the benefits of nano-hydroxyapatite coated implants in promoting new bone formation in diabetic rats.

Obesity/Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus on Peri-implantitis.

Literature has reported that up to 50% of dental implants may be affected by peri-implantitis, a bacteria-induced chronic inflammatory process, which promotes osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and inhibits bone formation, leading to progressive bone loss around implants. Current evidence points toward an increased risk for the development of peri-implantitis in both obesity/metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) conditions relative to the healthy population. Currently, there is no effective treatment for peri-implantitis and the 50% prevalence in MetS and DM, along with its predicted increase in the worldwide population, presents a major concern in implant dentistry as hyperglycemic conditions are associated with bone-healing impairment; this may be through dysfunction of osteocalcin-induced glucose metabolism. The MetS/DM proinflammatory systemic condition and altered immune/microbiome response affect both catabolic and anabolic events of bone-healing that include increased osteoclastogenesis and compromised osteoblast activity, which could be explained by the dysfunction of insulin receptor that led to activation of signals related with osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, chronic hyperglycemia along with associated micro- and macro-vascular ailments leads to delayed/impaired wound healing due to activation of pathways that are particularly important in initiating events linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis; this may be through deactivation of AKT/PKB protein, which possesses a pivotal role in drive survival and eNOS signaling. This review presents an overview of the local and systemic mechanisms synergistically affecting bone-healing impairment in MetS/DM individuals, as well as a rationale for hierarchical animal model selection, in an effort to characterize peri-implantitis disease and treatment.

Root coverage using coronally advanced flap with porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix or subepithelial connective tissue graft: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the use of a porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (MD) in root coverage procedures combined with extended coronally positioned flap (eCAF), in comparison to the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) associated with the eCAF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen adult patients presenting bilateral type 1 gingival recession were randomly assigned to SCTG or MD groups. Clinical and patient-based outcomes were recorded at 3 and 6 months after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant reduction in the mean recession height of 3.33 ± 0.89 mm to 1.24 ± 1.10 mm (MD) and 3.21 ± 0.8 mm to 0.83 ± 0.86 mm (SCTG) without difference between groups. Six patients in the test group and eight in the control group obtained complete root coverage. The keratinized tissue height and thickness (KTT) showed a significant increase after 3 and 6 months in both groups. The average KTT gains were 0.39 ± 0.4 mm (MD) and 0.51 ± 0.5 mm (SCTG) (p < 0.05). Performing multivariate analysis suggests that MD addition to coronally advanced flaps may be similar to SCTG. CONCLUSION: The MD had similar results in comparison to SCTG and in the context of reducing patient morbidity it can be used as an alternative for the treatment of gingival recessions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The SCTG is the gold standard therapy for root coverage. The MD has been widely used in mucogingival surgery as a substitute for SCTG and proposed similar results. A substitute is very important for clinicians and patients. It will give a better postoperative and possibilities to treat multiples recession. (Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03675334).

Root coverage of gingival recessions with non-carious cervical lesions: a controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) is commonly produced by improper toothbrushing techniques, occlusion trauma, anatomic mal-positioned teeth, and acid erosion, thus sharing the same etiology of gingival recession (GR). The association of a graft to the coronally advanced flap had demonstrated the best long-term outcome for root coverage (RC). However, substitutes for the autogenous graft must be studied. This split-mouth clinical trial investigates the RC and the increase in keratinized tissue (KT) when comparing RC of NCCLs associated with GR with intact roots using an extended coronally advanced flap (ECAF) associated with the acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG), a connective tissue replacement graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen individuals with bilateral GR were included in the study. One side had a NCCL (TG) and the opposite root was intact (CG). All patients were treated with the ECDF associated with ADMG. All clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 6 months postoperative. RESULTS: Root coverage means (CG, 69.5 ± 19 and TG. 72.2 ± 16.5; p value = 0.849570) were not significantly different between control and test groups. In addition, the KT had an increase in the follow-up period for both groups. CONCLUSION: GR associated with NCCLs can be successfully treated with the ECDF and ADMG. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients frequently search for GR treatment due to cervical wear, root sensitivity, and compromising aesthetics. The NCCL participates with the same issues. The present study contributes to the literature that GR associated with NCCLs can be successfully treated with the ECAF and the ADMG.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in smokers: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the additional influence of multiple applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in smokers with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty smokers with chronic periodontitis were treated in a split-mouth design study with aPDT adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) or SRP. aPDT was performed by using a laser light source with 660 nm wavelength associated with a photosensitizer. The applications were performed in four episodes (at days 0, 2, 7, and 14). All patients were monitored for 90 days. Plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were performed at baseline, 30, and 90 days after the SRP. Gingival crevicular fluid and subgingival plaque samples were collected for immunological and microbiological analysis, respectively. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: aPDT as an adjunct to SRP did not demonstrate statistically significant advantages on clinical parameters when compared with SRP alone. No statistic significant differences between groups were observed (p < 0.05). Levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial species were comparable in both groups at day 90 after treatment. CONCLUSION: Periodontal treatment with SRP + aPDT in multiples episodes was not able to promote additional clinical, immunological, and microbiological benefits in smokers when compared SRP alone in patients with chronic periodontitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multiple episodes of aPDT adjunctive to non-surgical treatment did not improve significantly the clinical, immunological, and microbiological parameters when compared with SRP alone. More randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate adjuvant therapies for scaling and root planning in smokers with chronic periodontitis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03039244.

Microbiologic effect of two topical anti-infective treatments on ligature-induced peri-implantitis: A pilot study in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this split-mouth design pilot study in dogs was to assess microbiologic effects of two topical anti-infective treatment protocols on dental implants subjected to ligature-induced peri-implantitis, without use of systemic antibiotics. METHODS: Eight adult Beagle dogs each received four dental implants in contralateral, edentulated, mandibular jaw quadrants. After 8 weeks, silk ligatures were installed, to be removed after another 8 weeks. After 6 additional weeks, induced peri-implantitis lesions were subjected to either antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) or a topical tetracycline (TTC) hydrochloride (50 mg/mL) solution. Microbiologic samples were collected from the deepest proximal peri-implantitis site in each jaw quadrant before and after treatment. The samples were analyzed using DNA-DNA hybridization checkerboard technique. RESULTS: Peri-implantitis induction successfully produced lesions with microbiologic characteristics similar to those found in humans. Overall results showed effective bacterial count reductions for both protocols. aPDT demonstrated major reductions of the red complex, but no statistical differences between groups were observed when adjusted for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION: aPDT and TTC successfully decontaminated infected implant surfaces. Implant decontamination with aPDT appears to be a viable alternative to TTC in the management of peri-implantitis infection.

Evaluation of a bone substitute covered with a collagen membrane for ridge preservation after tooth extraction. Clinical and tomographic randomized controlled study in humans.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a synthetic bone substitute covered with a collagen membrane for ridge preservation after tooth extraction, by clinical and tomographic analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients, presenting at least two maxillary anterior teeth indicated for extraction, were selected: in the test group (TG), post-extraction sockets were filled by a synthetic bone substitute; in the control group (CG), by blood clot. In both groups, the sockets were covered by a collagen membrane. Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired immediately after and 6 months post-surgically, and horizontal and vertical dimensional bone changes were quantified. RESULTS: Transurgical clinical analysis presented no statistically significant differences between TG and CG (p > .05). CBCT intragroup evaluation presented statistically significant reduction for the buccal alveolar measurement (TG = 1.58 mm or 21.82%, and CG = 1.66 mm or 24.08%) and horizontal cervical measurement (TG = 0.55 mm or 8.30% and CG = 1.30 mm or 17.68%), and not significant for palatal alveolar measurement (TG = 0.44 mm or 3.42% and CG = 0.26 mm or 3.89%). For alveolar height and horizontal apical measurements, this decrease was significant only for the CG, with reductions of 1.03 mm and 0.50 mm, respectively, compared to a decrease of 0.57 mm and 0.19 mm for the TG. The intergroup analysis showed significant difference for cervical horizontal measurement after 6 months (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the use of the bone substitute covered with a collagen membrane resulted in less changes in vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge dimensions than the collagen membrane alone.

Effects of local administration of tiludronic acid on experimental periodontitis in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Tiludronic acid (TIL) presents antiresorptive and anti-inflammatory properties and has not been evaluated in the periodontitis-diabetes mellitus (DM) association to date, to the best knowledge of the authors. This study evaluates effects of local administration of TIL on experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats with streptozotocin-induced DM. METHODS: Thirty-two animals (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) were divided into groups DM/C (Control), DM/EP, DM/EP/TIL1, and DM/EP/TIL3. In EP groups, a ligature was placed around mandibular first molars. In groups DM/EP/TIL1 and DM/EP/TIL3, TIL solutions (1 and 3 mg/kg, respectively) were injected into the gingival tissue of mandibular molars every other day for 10 days, until euthanasia. Periodontal tissues were analyzed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP], receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand [RANKL], osteoprotegerin, cleaved caspase 3), and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (interleukin [IL]-1ß, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]). RESULTS: In micro-CT analyses, groups DM/EP/TIL1 and DM/EP/TIL3 presented reduced alveolar bone resorption (P < 0.05). Group DM/EP/TIL3 presented decreased attachment loss (P < 0.05). The amount of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells was decreased in TIL groups (P < 0.05). Group DM/EP/TIL3 presented a lower immunolabeling pattern for RANKL (P < 0.05). TIL treatment decreased genic expression of IL-1ß, and in group DM/EP/TIL3, expression of VEGF was increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Local administration of TIL promoted a protective effect against tissue destruction in EP in diabetic rats, and the dosage of 3 mg/kg of TIL promoted the best results regarding its antiresorptive and anti-inflammatory effects.

Adjunctive effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in induced periodontal disease. Animal study with histomorphometrical, immunohistochemical, and cytokine evaluation.

Scaling and root planing (SRP) may not always be effective in preventing periodontal disease (PD) progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adjunctive effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to SRP on induced PD in rats, analyzing histomorphometrical, immunohistochemical, and immunoenzymatic parameters. Ligatures were placed around the first mandibular molars and second maxillary molars of 60 rats to induce PD. After 14 days, they were removed and the animals were divided into six groups, with nine animals each: G1 = no treatment, G2 = SRP, G3 = light-emitting diode (LED), G4 = SRP + aPDT, G5 = aPDT, and G6 = erythrosine. The animals were euthanized after 3, 7, and 15 days. There were also two control groups (n = 3): without PD (WPD) induction and with maximum PD (PD+). In the histomorphometrical analysis of linear bone loss, G4 showed a statistically significant difference from the other experimental groups after 3 and 15 days. The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cell counting was significantly lower in G4 when compared to G2 and PD+ after 3 days. Immunoenzymatic assay shows the values of the ratio (RANKL/OPG × 100). The lowest value is from the WPD group, and the group that received the SRP + aPDT treatment tended to approach this value over time. After 3 days, statistically significant differences were observed between G4 and all other experimental groups, as well as versus PD+ (one-way ANOVA + Tukey's post hoc test were performed, p < 0.05). It was concluded that the adjunctive use of aPDT in combination with SRP showed the best therapeutic results in the treatment of periodontal disease in rats.

Morphological, functional and biochemical characterization of canine gingival fibroblasts.

As dogs are good models for in vivo studies, it is interesting to evaluate the behavior of canine gingival fibroblasts (CGF) in vitro, so that these cells could be seeded on a matrix and later studied in vivo. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological, functional and biochemical analysis of CGF, comparing it with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), as well as to evaluate the change of their characteristics over several passages. Using gingival fibroblasts from 3 dogs and 3 humans in the subculture (Sub), first (P1), third (P3), fifth (P5) and seventh (P7) passages, the following parameters were assessed: cell morphology, spreading, adhesion, viability and total protein content. The results showed no major differences between the passages in terms of morphology and spreading, and a tendency of greater adhesion and viability for HGF when compared with CGF. The total protein content was significantly higher for HGF. HGF exhibited greater functional and biochemical activity in vitro compared to CGF. Higher numbers at Sub were observed for both CGF and HGF in all evaluated parameters. The differences do not prevent the use of CGF for tissue engineering, but its use seems to be more appropriate in the subculture or first passage.

Palatal harvesting technique modification for better control of the connective tissue graft dimensions.

Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) has been extensively used for a variety of clinical applications. However, the surgical procedure may not allow control of graft thickness. The purpose of this case series is to illustrate a modification to the single incision palatal harvesting technique in order to control the SCTG thickness without increasing patient discomfort. Fifty cases from thirty systemically and periodontally healthy patients with at least one multiple gingival recession were treated with coronally advanced flaps combined with a SCTG. The palatal area served as the donor site, from where a single perpendicular incision was made to obtain a full thickness flap. Next, 1-2 mm of the flap was elevated and dissected to obtain a partial thickness flap. The graft remained attached to the full-partial thickness flap. After determining the desired SCTG thickness, the graft was harvested from the palatal flap. The patients healed uneventfully at 7 days postoperatively and primary closure was obtained for all palatal donor sites. The SCTG length and width varied depending on the needs of each case, but the SCTG thickness was well controlled with only 0.24 mm standard deviation. The suggested modification granted control of the SCTG dimensions and achieved complete wound closure within a week.

Ridge preservation with acellular dermal matrix and anorganic bone matrix cell-binding peptide P-15 after tooth extraction in humans.

BACKGROUND: Preventing ridge collapse with the extraction of maxillary anterior teeth is vital to an esthetic restorative result. Several regenerative techniques are available and are used for socket preservation. The aim of this study is to analyze by clinical parameters the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABM) with synthetic cell-binding peptide P-15 to preserve alveolar bone after tooth extraction. METHODS: Eighteen patients in need of extraction of maxillary anterior teeth were selected and randomly assigned to the test group (ADM plus ABM/P-15) or the control group (ADM only). Clinical measurements were recorded initially and at 6 months after ridge-preservation procedures. RESULTS: In the clinical measurements (external vertical palatal measurement [EVPM], external vertical buccal measurement [EVBM], and alveolar horizontal measurement [AHM]) the statistical analysis showed no difference between test and control groups initially and at 6 months. The intragroup analysis, after 6 months, showed a statistically significant reduction in the measurements for both groups. In the comparison between the two groups, the differences in the test group were as follows: EVPM = 0.83 ± 1.53 mm; EVBM = 1.20 ± 2.02 mm; and AHM = 2.53 ± 1.81 mm. The differences in the control group were as follows: EVPM = 0.87 ± 1.13 mm; EVBM = 1.50 ± 1.15 mm; and AHM = 3.40 ± 1.39 mm. The differences in EVPM and EVBM were not statistically significant; however, in horizontal measurement (AHM), there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that ADM used as membrane associated with ABM/P-15 can be used to reduce buccal-palatal dimensions compared to ADM alone for preservation of the alveolar ridge after extraction of anterior maxillary teeth.

Influence of implant surfaces on osseointegration.

The biological fixation between the dental implant surfaces and jaw bones should be considered a prerequisite for the long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. In this context, the implant surface modifications gained an important and decisive place in implant research over the last years. As the most investigated topic in, it aided the development of enhanced dental treatment modalities and the expansion of dental implant use. Nowadays, a large number of implant types with a great variety of surface properties and other features are commercially available and have to be treated with caution. Although surface modifications have been shown to enhance osseointegration at early implantation times, for example, the clinician should look for research evidence before selecting a dental implant for a specific use. This paper reviews the literature on dental implant surfaces by assessing in vitro and in vivo studies to show the current perspective of implant development. The review comprises quantitative and qualitative results on the analysis of bone-implant interface using micro and nano implant surface topographies. Furthermore, the perspective of incorporating biomimetic molecules (e.g.: peptides and bone morphogenetic proteins) to the implant surface and their effects on bone formation and remodeling around implants are discussed.