Effects of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) intake during pregnancy and lactation on calcium levels in the teeth and alveolar bones of rat offspring

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive that enhances flavor. However, excessive MSG intake during pregnancy and lactation may pose health risks to both the mother and the developing fetus, particularly in terms of tooth and bone development. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal oral administration of MSG during pregnancy and lactation on calcium levels in the teeth and alveolar bones of rat offspring. This research is a laboratory experiment with a post-test-only control group design. Thirty pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three groups: a control group receiving distilled water and two treatment groups receiving MSG at doses of 3 mg/g BW and 6 mg/g BW, respectively. MSG was administered orally from the 5th day of pregnancy until the end of the lactation period. The calcium levels in the teeth and alveolar bones of the offspring were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD. The mean calcium levels in the teeth and alveolar bones of the offspring in the MSG treatment groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The reduction in calcium levels was dose-dependent, with the higher MSG dose (6 mg/g BW) resulting in a more pronounced decrease compared to the lower dose (3 mg/g BW). Maternal MSG intake during pregnancy and lactation leads to a dose-dependent decrease in calcium levels in rat offspring’s teeth and alveolar bones, suggesting that excessive MSG intake during these critical periods potentially leads to impaired tooth and bone development

Titanium oxide coating and acid etching on platelet activation in dental implants

Titanium is the most widely used dental implant material, but it requires surface treatment to improve osseointegration. While coating implants with TiO2, residue can arise, which may lead to contamination. To address this, 10% HF etching is added. This study investigated the effect of TiO2 coating using sputtering and HF etching on platelet activation in titanium dental implants. Laboratory experiments were conducted on titanium implants (Ø = 4 mm; length = 12 mm) treated with TiO2 coating and 10% HF etching. Twenty-four samples were divided into four groups (n = 6): Group I (TiO2), Group II (TiO2 + HF 5 min), Group III (TiO2 + HF 10 min), and Group IV (TiO2 + HF 20 min). Platelet activation was assessed using CD41 and CD62P expression markers. Data analysis employed one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD test (p = 0.05). Platelet activation ranged from 20.31 ± 1.78% to 35.90 ± 3.81%. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of both TiO2 coating and acid etching on activation. LSD post hoc test showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between all groups except for the 10 and 20-minute etching periods. TiO2 coating with 10 minutes of HF etching resulted in the optimal activation level

Combined techniques of buccal fat pad and buccal advancement flap for revision of failed oroantral fistula closure treatment

Oroantral fistula (OAF) is a complication of dental extraction that is defined as open pathological communication between oral cavity and sinus of the maxillary with the involvement of epithelization of a canal. Oroantral fistula will cause infection, impaired healing, and chronic sinusitis. This article reports a case of OAF in tooth 16 which occurred after 11 months following unsuccessful sinus closure treatment. Many approaches are widely used for the closure of OAF, such as using a buccal fat pad (BFP), buccal advancement flap (BAF), or a combination. This study aims to describe the combined techniques of BFP and BAF in OAF closure of large defects with a history of previous closure failure. A 31-year-old male patient came to our hospital for the presence of OAF for 2-3 weeks. The patient underwent OAC closure at another hospital 11 months prior, but the complaint recurred. Diagnosis of OAF was carried out using the Valsalva test. A combination of BFP and BAF techniques was done to close the OAF after the removal of the epithelial. Evaluation of the treatment after 30 days showed adequate healing and full closure of OAF. OAF closure with the combined techniques of BFP and BAF displays promising results for the revision of failed OAF closure treatment

Influence of sulfuric acid concentration on the surface roughness of titanium alloy plates

The surface roughness of an implant material (titanium alloy) is an important factor in optimizing osseointegration. Various efforts have been made to optimize the roughness of implant materials, such as acid etching. Previous research showed etching with sulfuric acid ((H2SO4)) at a temperature of 60 °C for 60 minutes could increase roughness. However, further research is needed regarding the concentration of H2SO4 that can optimize surface roughness. This research aimed to determine the concentration of H2SO4 that can be used to obtain optimal roughness. This study used a pre-test and post-test group design by immersing titanium alloy plates in a solution of saline water (negative control), 12.17 M HCl (positive control), and (H2SO4) at various concentrations, namely 6.94 M, 9 M, and 11.06 M for 60 minutes at 60 °C. Next, a surface roughness test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were carried out. The research results were analyzed statistically using the Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. The results showed that in the (H2SO4) group, there were significant differences before and after treatment (p < 0.05). The higher the concentration of (H2SO4) used, the higher the surface roughness value. The SEM test showed that the group with a higher (H2SO4) concentration had a rougher topography and more visible grooves. In conclusion, etching with (H2SO4) can increase the surface roughness of titanium alloys, and (H2SO4) at a concentration of 11.06 M led to the highest roughness value in this study

Fiber-Reinforced composite resin bridges as a treatment alternative for posterior missing tooth

Dental restoration alternatives for posterior missing tooth range from dental bridges to implant dentures. Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) resin bridge is one option for the replacement of a single tooth missing. FRC bridge is known as an alternative replacement method for single posterior missing tooth with minimally invasive preparation of abutment teeth. The simplicity of the production method in the FRC bridge provides the possibility of a single-visit bridge treatment. This report aims to present two successful treatments for missing posterior tooth by two different methods of immediate restoration using the FRC resin bridge. Treatments were performed directly using two different fiber materials, pre-impregnated quartz unidirectional fiber, and quartz fiber post. The use of unidirectional quartz fiber and quartz fiber post in the posterior tooth exhibited superior results due to its strength and geometry of fiber placement. In conclusion, the fiber-reinforced composite bridge is a possible option for managing the upper posterior missing tooth

Enhancing esthetics from growth modification

Alteration of maxillary growth, improvement in mandibular growth and position, and change in dental and muscular relationships, especially changing in esthetic profile are the expected results of myofunctional appliances. The use of Bionator appliance is a widely used myofunctional appliance for the management of Class II malocclusion. A normal and healthy Indonesian boy aged 12 years and 2 months old was motivated for treatment for protruded maxillary anterior teeth and retrognathic mandibular. He was introverted and had poor self-esteem despite his normal medical history. He had a Class II Division 1 malocclusion with a 10 mm overjet, normal overbite, with an SNA of 92.89°, SNB of 85.32°, ANB of 7.52°, and a facial angle of 88.11°. He was in mixed dentition stage with all his permanent teeth available and ready to erupt. The patient was treated in two phases: phase I to correct the skeletal discrepancy using Bionator appliance and phase II to correct the tooth discrepancy using fixed appliance. At the end of phase I treatment, or 10 months of wearing Bionator appliance, the patient’s mandible was positioned forward with the ANB angle reduced from 7.56° to 2.30°, and the profile was greatly improved. His molar and canine relationship was Class I. His profile became straight and more favorable. Early treatment using functional appliance therapy can reduce the severity of Class II skeletal pattern and instant change in facial and dental appearance in growing patients

Effectiveness of dental and oral health counseling using traditional folklore video media on knowledge in 8-9-year-old children

Oral health problems among elementary school children are still very common. One of the contributing factors is behavior in maintaining oral hygiene. Behavior is established from knowledge which will then stimulate changes in attitudes and practice. Efforts to enhance knowledge in children can be achieved through counseling. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of oral health counseling using traditional folklore video media on knowledge in children aged 8-9 years. This was quasi-experimental research with a two group pre-test and post-test design. Sampling was conducted using multistage cluster random sampling with a total sample of 112 children aged 8-9 years in elementary schools. The sample was divided into 2 groups: 56 children using traditional folklore video as the intervention group and 56 children using conventional video as the control group. Knowledge variables were measured using a questionnaire; most of the data were not normally distributed so data analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U Test. The results of the difference analysis using the Mann-Whitney U Test at pre-post 2 showed a significant increase in knowledge in both groups. The median knowledge score of the traditional folklore video group showed a greater increase compared to the conventional video group by 13 (6.6 - 20) (p < 0.001). This study concluded that oral health counseling using traditional folklore video is more effective in increasing oral health knowledge in children aged 8-9 years compared to conventional video media.

Root canal retreatment followed by apicoectomy and direct restoration with intracanal retention on overfilling obturation

The success of endodontic treatment depends on proper shaping, disinfection, and obturation of the root canals. The filling material must adequately occupy the root canal space without extending the anatomical apex. Overfilling occurs when the filling material extrudes into the periapical tissues beyond the apex, which negatively affects the long-term prognosis. Endodontic overfilling cases can be addressed through surgical treatments aimed at preserving the tooth. This case report aims to inform to highlight endodontic surgery as an effective treatment for cases of failed root canal treatment due to overfilling of the obturation material. A 27-year-old male patient came to the Dental Conservation clinic at RSGM Prof. Soedomo with a chief complaint of the left maxillary lateral incisor, which had undergone discoloration and caused discomfort during chewing. The tooth had undergone root canal treatment two years prior. Periapical radiographic examination revealed that tooth 22 had been treated with overfilling obturation material and there was widening of the periodontal membrane in the periapical area. Root canal retreatment was performed using the crown-down preparation technique, followed by single-cone obturation with a bioceramic sealer. At the subsequent visit, an apicoectomy was performed, involving flap opening, alveolar bone exposure, removal of granulation tissue, and resection of 3 mm of the tooth apex. Retrograde filling with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) was applied, followed by bone grafting and membrane placement. The area was sutured and covered with a periodontal dressing. The final restoration was completed using direct composite resin with intracanal retention. At the one-week follow-up, the patient reported no complaints. In conclusion, apicoectomy is an effective solution for overfilling cases. This case report demonstrates that surgery combined with retreatment can preserve the tooth and restore its function

Endodontic Care for Patients with Polycythemia: Clinical Considerations and Case Analysis

Polycythemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of red blood cells due to mutations in early hematopoietic cells, often linked to Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene mutations. Polycythemia vera (PV), the primary form of the disease, leads to increased blood viscosity and stasis, raising the risk of thrombotic events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Secondary polycythemia results from hypoxic conditions, stimulating erythropoietin production. Diagnosis is confirmed through hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, with treatment aimed at reducing thrombosis and hemorrhage risks. Low-risk patients are treated with aspirin and phlebotomy, while high-risk cases may require cytoreductive therapies like hydroxyurea.In our case, a patient presented with necrosis and horizontal bone loss in tooth 36, complicated by polycythemia. Due to the increased risk of bleeding and inflammation, the decision was made to prioritize endodontic treatment, avoiding periodontal surgery. The patient, considered low-risk for PV complications due to the absence of thrombosis history, was managed conservatively. Preoperative coordination with hematologists was essential to optimize hematologic parameters and minimize potential risks.The goal of endodontic treatment was to disinfect and seal the root canal, reducing inflammation in the surrounding periodontal tissues and preventing reinfection. This approach allowed for effective management of the patient's oral condition while minimizing systemic risks. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing dental treatment for patients with polycythemia, ensuring both local and systemic complications are effectively addressed

In vitro antibiofilm evaluation of ocimum basilicum extracts against enterococcus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis is the main pathogenic bacterium in the root canal which is resistant to various antibacterial agents. Recently, the discovery of a new antibacterial agent research focus in herbal dentistry, one of which is basil leaves. Basil (kemangi) leaves (Ocimum basilicum) are herbs that have various active components as anti-biofilm agents. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of antibacterial potential of O. basilicum extract against the biofilm formation by E. faecalis. This research uses true experimental laboratory design. The kemangi leaves were gradually extracted with various polarity based organic solvents (n-hexane and ethyl acetate). The evaluation of the anti-biofilm activity of the extracts against E. faecalis aimed to determine the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) values. Calcium hydroxide paste (calcipex) was used as a positive control. The assay data were analyzed using an independent paired T-test. Ethyl acetate, n-hexane extract of O. basilicum, and calcipex inhibited biofilm formation by E. faecalis with MBIC values of 100%, 100%, and 75.20% at the concentrations of 2.5%, 10%, and 3.13%, respectively. The MBEC values were 100%, 100%, and 71.01% at the concentrations of 5%, 2.5%, and 3.13%, respectively. The statistical analysis by ANOVA test on MBIC and MBEC showed significant differences with p-values < 0.05. Further statistical valuation with post hoc analysis showed highly significant differences with p-values < 0.01. This study has found that O. basilicum leaves extracts have the capacity and ability to inhibit and eradicate E. faecalis biofilms