Calvarial bone defect regeneration using beta-tricalcium phosphate: a translational research study in rat animal model

Background: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) using osteoconductive graft materials has been used for osseous defect healing. The aim of this translational research study was to design and test a critical size calvarial defect (CSD) model in rats, to test GBR with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), using histology and micro computed tomography (micro-CT) assessment.Methods: Female Wistar albino rats (n=10) weighing 300 grams and aged 6-weeks were used and full thickness CSD were created in calvaria following exposure under general anesthesia. CSD were randomly divided into two groups for treatment, based on defect filling material: control group (no graft placed in defect; n=5); and beta-TCP group (defect grafted with beta-TCP; n=5). Both defects were covered with collagen membrane. After 8-weeks of healing the animals were sacrificed and calvarial specimens were subjected to micro-CT and histological assessment.Results: Based on micro-CT the new bone volume (NBV) was significantly higher in beta-TCP group (3.48±0.27 mm3; p<0.05), than control group (2.88±0.33 mm3). Similarly, new bone mineral density (NBMD) was significantly higher in beta-TCP group (0.426±0.018 g/mm3; p<0.01), than control group (0.243±0.015 g/mm3). Histology revealed greater new bone bridging the entire defect with interspersed graft particles in the beta-TCP group.Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, GBR of rat calvarial CSD with beta-TCP and collagen membrane, results in significantly higher NBV and NBMD, and is a reliable and reproducible translational research model

Prevalence, characteristics, and morphology of supernumerary teeth among patients visiting a dental institution in Rajasthan

Context: Supernumerary teeth/tooth (ST) is a developmental anomaly of dentition. Variation in developmental and eruption pattern of ST can lead to the development of numerous complications in oral cavity. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence, characteristics, and morphology of ST among patients visiting a dental institution in Rajasthan, India. Materials and Methods: During 1-year study, clinical examination of 9248 participants was performed. Morphology, type, location, number, position of eruption, state of eruption of ST, and associated complications were determined. Correlations between location of ST based on position of eruption, state of eruption, and associated complications were also determined using Chi-square test. Results: The frequency of presence of ST in the studied population was 0.63% (58 participants). In these 58 participants, eighty-two supernumeraries were found. Forty-six participants (79.32%) presented with one ST. Males were more affected than females (2.05:1), and the maxilla was the most commonly affected region. Among 82 identified supernumeraries, we noted highest incidence of parapremolars (39.02%) and conical morphology (46.35%). The most common position of eruption was normal (68.30%) and most of these 82 teeth were erupted in oral cavity (57.31%). These ST have led to various endodontic, orthodontic, periodontal, and other complications in the studied population. The relation of varying complications with different location of supernumerary was found to be highly significant (P = 0.000). Conclusion: ST are best detected and diagnosed by thorough clinical examination and radiographic investigation. Early detection and adequate treatment plan should eradicate the potential future complications caused by ST