Determination of inflammation mediators PGE2 and TXB2 in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with chronic periodontitis

Cilj: Čimbenici uključeni u patogenezu upalnih parodontnih bolesti su zubni plak, imunosni i upalni i obrambeni sustav domaćina, genetički čimbenici te čimbenici okoliša. Gingivna sulkularna tekućina (GST) sadrži mnoge upalne medijatore, među ostalima i prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) i tromboksan E2 (TXB2). Za navedene medijatore poznato je da su povezani s pojavom parodontne bolesti. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati povezanost između vrijednosti PGE2 i TXB2 u GST-u i prisutnosti ili odsutnosti parodontne bolesti. Ispitanici i metode: Istraživanje je provedeno na 30 ispitanika s dijagnozom kroničnog parodontitisa (eksperimentalna skupina) i 20 ispitanika koji nemaju parodontitis (kontrolna skupina). Uzorci GST-a uzeti su od svakog ispitanika papirnatom trakom. Vrijednosti PGE2 i TXB2 određivane su komercijalnim ELISA testom. Rezultati: Vrijednosti PGE2 i TXB2 u GST-u bile su statistički značajno veće kod ispitanika s kroničnim parodontitisom u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom. Zaključak: Rezultati istraživanja upućuju da bi upalni medijatori PGE2 i TXB2 u GST-u mogli imati veze s patogenezom parodontne bolesti.Aim: Microbial dental plaque, host defense mechanisms, genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) contains various inflammation mediators – prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tromboxan B2 (TXB2), among others. These mediators have been reported to correlate with the progression of periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between levels of inflammatory mediators PGE2 and TXB2 in the GCF and the periodontal status. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 30 chronic periodontitis patients as the experimental group and 20 healthy subjects as control group. Samples of GCF were collected from each patient using paper strips. The levels of PGE2 and TXB2 were determined using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay kit (EIA). Results: PGE2 and TXB2 levels in GCF were significantly higher in chronic periodontitis patients as compared to healthy individuals. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that inflammation mediators PGE2 and TXB2 might be implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease

Probiotics in dental medicine

Probiotici su živi mikroorganizmi koji primijenjeni u adekvatnoj količini imaju povoljne učinke na zdravlje domaćina. Riječ probiotik znači „za život”. Probiotici pridonose mikrobnoj ravnoteži, štite organizam od štetnih mikroorganizama, pojačavaju imunološki sustav do- maćina te tako imaju važnu ulogu u održavanju oralnog zdravlja. Kao probiotici se najčešće koriste bakterije. U usnoj šupljini bolesti koje nastaju djelovanjem bakterija su dentalni karijes i parodontne bolesti. Probiotici koje se koriste u liječenju oralnih promjena su u obliku pastila, tableta, kapsula, tekućina za ispiranje, jogurta i sira.Probiotics are live microorganisms which administered in adequate quantities have beneficial effects on the health of the host. The word probiotic means “for life”. Probiotics contribute to the microbial balance, protect the body from harmful microorganisms, enhancing the immune system, and play an important role in maintaining oral health. Bacteria are commonly used as probiotics. Dental caries and periodontal disease the most common dis- eases in oral cavity caused by bacterial activities. Probiotics used in the treatment of oral changes are in the form of lozenges, tablets, capsules, liquids, yogurt and cheese

Platelet rich fibrin in periodontal plastic surgery

Trombocitima bogat fibrin (engl. Platelet Rich Fibrin; PRF) je krvni koncentrat od fibrinskog ugruška u kojem su uklopljeni trombociti, faktori rasta i citokini. Koristi se u terapiji kliničkih slučajeva koji zahtijevaju cijeljenje rane i regeneraciju tkiva. Neka područja primjene uključuju: parodontnu, oralnu, maksilofacijalnu i plastičnu kirurgiju, otorinolaringologiju, ortopediju i dermatologiju. PRF se može kombinirati s drugim regenerativnim tehnikama. Područja primjene PRF-a u dentalnoj medicini su: vođena regeneracija kosti, vođena regeneracija tkiva, revitalizacija zuba s nekrotičnom pulpom i nezavršenom apeksogenezom te za cijeljenje mekih tkiva u parodontnoj plastičnoj kirurgiji posebno za prekrivanje gingivnih recesija.Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a blood concentrate with a fibrin matrix and platelets, growth factors and cytokines. It is used for clinical and surgical applications which require hemostasis and tissue regeneration. Some fields in which it may be used are: periodontal, oral, maxillo-facial and plastic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedic and dermatology. PRF can be combined with other regenerative techniques. Areas of PRP application in dental medicine are: guided bone regeneration, guided tissue regeneration, revitalization of tooth with necrotic pulp and open apex and for healing of the soft tissue in periodontal plastic surgery

Masticatory Muscle and Temporomandibular Joint Pain in Croatian War Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and intensity of masticatory muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain in Croatian war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The examined group consisted of 100 Croatian war veterans, in whom PTSD had previously been diagnosed. Patients were compared with 92 subjects who had not taken part in the war and in whom PTSD was excluded by psychiatric examination. The clinical examination consisted of palpation of the masticatory muscles, the prominent neck musculature, and TMJ. The examination technique used and the definition of items were previously tested for reliability and validity. 93% of the subjects with PTSD had masticatory muscle tenderness compared to 45.65% of the subjects in the control group (c 2=51.46, p<0.0001). The most frequent painful location in the subjects with PTSD was the left lateral pterygoid site in 88%, and in subjects of the control group the right lateral pterygoid site in 28.26% of cases. The most painful location in the PTSD group was the left lateral pterygoid site in 72%, and in the control group the left posterior digastric in 4.35% of cases. 58% of the subjects with PTSD had TMJ tenderness compared to 3.26% of subjects in the control group (c 2=66.23, p<0.0001). The most frequent painful location of TMJ in both groups was the left posterior capsule; in the PTSD group 38% and in subjects in the control group 2.17% of cases. The most painful location was the left posterior capsule in 28% of subjects with PTSD, while not one subject in the control group reported severe painful sensitivity. The very high frequency and intensity of pain in subjects with PTSD confirms the effect of stress on muscle and joint sensitivity, i.e. perception of pain

Fixed prosthodontic restorations and periodontal health

Ispravan odnos fiksnog protetskog nadomjestka i parodontnih tkiva temelj je uspješne protetske terapije. U planiranju se uzimaju u obzir biološki i tehnološki čimbenici. S aspekta zdravlja parodontnih tkiva inicijalna terapija i oralna higijena uvjet su dugotrajno stabilne protetske rehabilitacije. S protetskog aspekta najvažniju ulogu imaju nivo i oblik preparacije na vratu zuba, njena reprodukcija u otisku i na modelu, izbor materijala, precizna izrada nadomjestaka, pričvršćenje i optimalno rubno brtvljenje. Nužno je da se, u planiranju protetske terapije, zdravlje parodontnih tkiva i uspješna protetska opskrba smatraju jednom cjelinom. Poznavanjem i poštovanjem obiju disciplina možemo računati na dugotrajnost radova i zdravlje pacijenta.The relationship between fixed prosthodontic restorations and periodontal health is the key to successful therapy. In the planning process, biological and technological factors must be taken into consideration. Initial periodontal therapy and oral hygiene are essential for long term stability of rehabilitation. Prosthodontic aspect includes: level and form of cer- vical finish line preparation, its reproduction and impression, materials, accurate fabrication, cementation and optimal sealing. Periodontal health and successful prosthetic therapy should be considered as one in the process of prosthodontic rehabilitation. Durability of res- torations and patient’s long term health can only be achieved by implementing knowledge from both professions

Electric potential difference and salivary pH in patients with erosive and non-erosive oral lichen planus

Cilj: Izmjeriti razliku električnog potencijala i pH u usnoj šupljini pacijenata s erozivnim i neerozivnim oralnim lihen planusom (OLP) koji istovremeno u ustima imaju više različitih dentalnih legura. Metode: U studiji je sudjelovalo 10 pacijenata s erozivnim OLP-om, 22 pacijenta s neerozivnim OLP-om i 29 kontrolnih ispitanika bez OLP-a. Svi ispitanici u usnoj šupljini trebali su imati najmanje 2 različite legure – minimalno jedan amalgamski ispun i neku drugu dentalnu leguru. Razlika električnog potencijala mjerena je uporabom kompjutorski kontroliranog milivoltmetra, a pH sline uporabom pH indikatorskih papirića. Rezultati: Razlika električnog potencijala u pacijenata s erozivnim OLP-om iznosila je 120 (45 – 275) mV, u pacijenata s neerozivnim OLP-om 153 (45 – 230) mV, a u kontrolnih ispitanika 140 (45 – 265) mV. Kruskal-Wallisovim testom nije utvrđena statistički značajna razlika između skupina u razlici električnog potencijala (P = 0,689). Između skupina nije utvrđena značajna razlika u pH sline (P = 0,322). Rasprava i zaključak: Vrijednosti razlike električnog potencijala i pH sline u pacijenata s erozivnim i neerozivnim oblikom OLP-a ne razlikuju se od pacijenata koji ne boluju od OLP-a, što sugerira da kod OLP-a nije potrebna zamjena amalgama.Aim: To measure the electric potential difference and the salivary pH level in patients with erosive and non-erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) who had two or more different dental alloys in the mouth. Methods: The study included 10 patients with erosive OLP, 22 patients with non-erosive OLP and 29 control participants without OLP. All participants needed to have at least two different dental alloys in their mouths, one of which had to be amalgam. The electric potential difference was measured using PC controlled milivoltmeter, while the salivary pH was measured using pH indicator strips. Results: The median of electrical potential difference in the group of patients with erosive OLP was 120 (45-275) mV, in patients with non-erosive OLP 153 (45-230) mV, and in control participants 140 (45-265) mV. Kruskal- Wallis test showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the electrical potential between the all tested groups (P = 0,689). Also, there was no difference in the salivary pH between the all tested groups (P = 0,322). Discussion and conclusion: The values of electric potential difference and salivary pH in the patients with erosive and non-erosive OLP are not significantly different in comparison to the values in the patients without OLP, suggesting that amalgam fillings in OLP patients should not be replaced

Electric potential difference and salivary pH in patients with erosive and non-erosive oral lichen planus

Cilj: Izmjeriti razliku električnog potencijala i pH u usnoj šupljini pacijenata s erozivnim i neerozivnim oralnim lihen planusom (OLP) koji istovremeno u ustima imaju više različitih dentalnih legura. Metode: U studiji je sudjelovalo 10 pacijenata s erozivnim OLP-om, 22 pacijenta s neerozivnim OLP-om i 29 kontrolnih ispitanika bez OLP-a. Svi ispitanici u usnoj šupljini trebali su imati najmanje 2 različite legure – minimalno jedan amalgamski ispun i neku drugu dentalnu leguru. Razlika električnog potencijala mjerena je uporabom kompjutorski kontroliranog milivoltmetra, a pH sline uporabom pH indikatorskih papirića. Rezultati: Razlika električnog potencijala u pacijenata s erozivnim OLP-om iznosila je 120 (45 – 275) mV, u pacijenata s neerozivnim OLP-om 153 (45 – 230) mV, a u kontrolnih ispitanika 140 (45 – 265) mV. Kruskal-Wallisovim testom nije utvrđena statistički značajna razlika između skupina u razlici električnog potencijala (P = 0,689). Između skupina nije utvrđena značajna razlika u pH sline (P = 0,322). Rasprava i zaključak: Vrijednosti razlike električnog potencijala i pH sline u pacijenata s erozivnim i neerozivnim oblikom OLP-a ne razlikuju se od pacijenata koji ne boluju od OLP-a, što sugerira da kod OLP-a nije potrebna zamjena amalgama.Aim: To measure the electric potential difference and the salivary pH level in patients with erosive and non-erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) who had two or more different dental alloys in the mouth. Methods: The study included 10 patients with erosive OLP, 22 patients with non-erosive OLP and 29 control participants without OLP. All participants needed to have at least two different dental alloys in their mouths, one of which had to be amalgam. The electric potential difference was measured using PC controlled milivoltmeter, while the salivary pH was measured using pH indicator strips. Results: The median of electrical potential difference in the group of patients with erosive OLP was 120 (45-275) mV, in patients with non-erosive OLP 153 (45-230) mV, and in control participants 140 (45-265) mV. Kruskal- Wallis test showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the electrical potential between the all tested groups (P = 0,689). Also, there was no difference in the salivary pH between the all tested groups (P = 0,322). Discussion and conclusion: The values of electric potential difference and salivary pH in the patients with erosive and non-erosive OLP are not significantly different in comparison to the values in the patients without OLP, suggesting that amalgam fillings in OLP patients should not be replaced

Factors related to patients’ satisfaction with appearance of maxillary anterior teeth

Cilj istraživanja: Sve donedavno se restaurativna stomatologija bavila uglavnom funkcionalnim zahtjevima. Danas je, uz smanjenje prevalencije karijesa, fokus stavljen na estetiku. Svrha ovog istraživanja bila je procijeniti faktore koji utječu na zadovoljstvo bolesnika pojavom gornjih prednjih zuba. Materijali i metode: U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 75 odraslih osoba (29 muškaraca i 46 žena, srednje dobi 25 ± 3,5 godina). Oni su ispunjavali upitnik vezano uz zadovoljstvo trenutnim estetskim dentalnim statusom, kao što su zadovoljstvo izgledom, bojom, oblikom i postavom gornjih prednjih zuba. Odgovori su uspoređeni s trenutnim statusom (tip restaurativnog ili protetskoga rada), bojom, veličinom i oblikom gornjih prednjih zuba. Rezultati: Od 75 ispitanika, njih 40 (53 %) bilo je nezadovoljno svojim izgledom gornjih prednjih zuba. Primarni razlog nezadovoljstva je boja zuba (31 od 40 ispitanika, 77,5 %), zatim oblik zuba (26 od 40 ispitanika, 65 %) i loša postava zuba (25 od 40 ispitanika, 62,5 %). Osamdeset posto ispitanika koji su bili nezadovoljni (32 ispitanika), navodi želju za poboljšanjem u izgledu zuba općenito. Značajna pozitivna korelacija dobivena je između zadovoljstva bolesnika izgledom i bojom zuba, omjerom širine/dužine zuba te trenutnim statusom gornjih prednjih zuba (p < 0,001). Zaključak: Zadovoljstvo bolesnika izgledom gornjih prednjih zuba bila je nisko (više od 50 %), stoga estetika mora imati važnu ulogu u liječenju zuba, a boja zuba treba imati posebnu važnost.Aim: Until recently, restorative dentistry considered mostly functional demands. Today, with the decrease in caries prevalence, the focus has shifted toward dental esthetics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing patient’s satisfaction with dental appearance of maxillary anterior teeth. Methods: The study population consisted of 75 adults (28 men and 46 women; mean age 25 ± 3.5 years). They completed a questionnaire regarding satisfaction with current dental esthetics issues, such as satisfaction with tooth appearance, color, shape and alignment of maxillary anterior teeth. The answers were compared with the current status (type of the restorative or prosthetic appliance), color, size and the shape of the maxillary anterior teeth. Results: Of the 75 subjects, 40 (53 %) were dissatisfied with their dental appearance. Teeth color was the primary reason for dissatisfaction (31 of 40 subjects; 77.5 %), followed by teeth shape (26 of 40 subjects; 65 %) and poor teeth alignment (25 of 40 subjects; 62.5 %). Eighty percent (32 subjects) of the subjects who were dissatisfied reported the desire for improvement in teeth appearance in general. A significant positive correlation was obtained between the patient’s satisfaction with teeth appearance and color, width/length ratio and current status of the maxillary anterior teeth (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patient’s satisfaction with appearance of maxillary anterior teeth was low (more than 50 %). Esthetic aspect should therefore receive special attention in dental treatment and the color of the teeth should be regarded as of special importance