Serum, Saliva, and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Osteocalcin: Their Relation to Periodontal Status and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Background: Periodontitis and osteoporosis are characterized by the loss of bone mass. Osteocalcin levels have been postulated as a marker of inhibition of bone formation. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma, saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of osteocalcin and correlate them with periodontitis and osteoporosis. Methods: Seventy-three postmenopausal women, over 35 years old, were recruited for the study. Serum, saliva, and GCF osteocalcin were measured. Vertebral bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test, and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Thirty-four (46.6%) were classified in the normal healthy bone group, 11 women (15.1%) in the osteopenic group, and 28 women (38.4%) in the osteoporotic group. No statistically significant differences between these densitometric groups were observed in probing depth (P = 0.24); clinical attachment level (P = 0.11); or mean osteocalcin concentrations in serum, saliva, and GCF. Twenty-seven (37.0%) of the women were classified without periodontitis (NPG) and 63.0% (N = 46) with periodontal disease (PG). There were no statistical differences in serum and saliva osteocalcin concentrations between these two groups. GCF osteocalcin concentrations were significantly higher in the PG women than in the NPG group (P = 0.008). Mean probing depth correlated significantly with GCF osteocalcin concentrations (r = 0.35; P = 0.002). Conclusion: The results further support the concept that osteocalcin levels in GCF correlates with periodontal but not with osteoporosis status

A Microstructure Insight of MTA Repair HP of Rapid Setting Capacity and Bioactive Response

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is considered a bioactive endodontic material, which promotes natural mineralization at the material-tooth tissue interface. MTA Repair HP stands out because of the short setting time and the quick and effective bioactive response in vitro. The bioactivity, depens on material composition and microstructure. This work is devoted to analyze MTA Repair HP microstructural features, of both the powder precursor and set material, to get insights into the material physicochemical parameters—functionality performance relationships. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses were performed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were carried out at different times to investigate setting process. Bioactivity evaluation in vitro was carried out by soaking the processed cement disk in simulated body fluid (SBF). The presented results point out those MTA Repair HP precursor material characteristics of tricalcium silicate particles of nanometric size and high aspect ratio, which provide an elevated surface area and maximized components dispersion of calcium silicate and very reactive calcium aluminate. The MTA Repair HP precursor powder nanostructure and formulation, allows a hydration process comprising silicate hydrate structures, which are very effective to achieve both fast setting and efficient bioactive response.España Universidad de Sevilla grant number USE-17102-

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and frequency of root canal treatments in liver transplant candidates

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment in liver transplant candidates and control healthy subjects. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Forty two liver transplant candidates (LTC) (study group) and 42 control subjects. Digital panoramic radiographs where used. Periapical status was scored according to the periapical index (PAI). Results were analysed statistically using the Chi-squared test and logistic regression. Results: Radiographic signs of AP in one or more teeth was found in 79% of patients in the study group and in 50% of control subjects (p = 0.008; OR = 3.7; C. I. 95% = 1.4 - 9.5). One or more root-filled teeth (RFT) were found in 19% and 62% of study and control subjects, respectively (p = 0.0001; OR = 0.14; 95% C. I. = 0.05 - 0.38). Among LTC patients 14.7% of the teeth had AP, whereas in the control subjects 4.2% of teeth were affected (p= 0.0002). The percentage of RFT in the study and control groups was 1.5% and 6.8%, respectively (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Liver transplant candidates have significantly higher prevalence of radiographic periapical lesions and lower frequency of RFT than controls healthy subjects

Dental implant treatment in elderly patients

En las últimas décadas, la implantología oral ha representado una técnica creciente en gerodontología. En este sentido, la edad avanzada no es una contraindicación para la implantología oral. Desde un punto de vista integral, es necesario la valoración de las condiciones médicas del paciente mayor, un diagnóstico oral, y una correcta planificación de tratamiento, con un estricto protocolo quirúrgico y prostodóncico. Muchos pacientes candidatos para la cirugía de implantes son mayores, y su perfil médico puede ser complejo. La comunicación con su médico puede ser importante para minimizar los riesgos quirúrgicos. Después de la fase quirúrgica, el éxito a largo plazo de los implantes dentales exige una buena reacción de los tejidos blandos y duros periimplantarios. Prótesis fijas y removibles pueden estar indicadas en los pacientes mayores edéntulos, según diferentes protocolos de carga funcional. El mantenimiento por el paciente y las revisiones periódicas por el dentista son muy importantes. Las prótesis implantosoportadas mejoran la calidad de vida oral y el bienestar psicosocial de los pacientes ancianos edéntulos.During last decades, implant dentistry has been an increased technique in geriatric dentistry. Aging is not a contraindication for oral implantology. From a comprehensive point of view, are necessary a medical assessment of the aged patient, an oral diagnosis, a correct treatment planning, with a strict protocol of surgical and prosthetic procedures. Many patients for dental implant surgery are elderly, and their overall medical condition may be complex. Consultation with the patient´s physician is important to ensure that surgical risks are minimized. After the surgical step, a good reaction of hard and soft tissues is necessary for long-term success of dental implants. Fixed and removable prostheses supported by dental implants were been indicated in edentulous older patients, according several functional loading protocols. Maintenance by the patient and periodical follow-up by the dentist are very important. Implant-supported prostheses improve oral quality of life and psychosocial well-being of edentulous aged patients

Inferior Alveolar Nerve Paresthesia After Overfilling of Endodontic Sealer Into the Mandibular Canal

The present study describes a case of endodontic sealer(AH Plus) penetration within and along the mandibular canal from the periapical zone of a lower second molar after endodontic treatment. The clinical manifestations comprised anesthesia of the left side of the lower lip, paresthesia and anesthesia of the gums in the third quadrant, and paresthesia and anesthesia of the leftmental nerve, appearing immediately after endodontic treatment. The paresthesia and anesthesia of the lip and gums were seen to decrease, but the mental nerve paresthesia and anesthesia persisted after 3.5 years. This case illustrates the need to expend great care with all endodontic techniques when performing nonsurgical root canal therapy, especially when the root apices are in close proximity to vital anatomic struc tures such as the inferior alveolar cana

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Apical Periodontitis and Other Oral Health Variables: A Case-Control Study

Background: The relationship between chronic inflammatory diseases and their comorbidities and correlation with periodontal diseases has become an increasing focus of research. Objectives: The aim of this case-control study was to conclude if patients suffering from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) tend to have more AP (Apical Periodontitis) than non-COPD patients. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 patients assigned as cases, associated with 30 control patients linked by age (+/-5 years) and sex. Results: A total of 60 patients were recorded, and a total of 12 radiographic variables were analyzed. A total of 43 (71.7%) patients were registered with PAI (Periapical Index) >= 3, and there was a slightly tendency in the patients from the control group 22 (73.3%) compared to those from the cases 21 (70%), respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that there was not a significant association between the levels of PAI (Periapical Index) >= 3 per patient in those suffering from COPD. In fact, it could be concluded that patients diagnosed with COPD tend to have more teeth with PAI >= 3, more endodontic treatments and their periodontitis tended to accumulate more caries. Clinical Significance: This study establishes, in a case-control study, some specific aspects of oral health in patients with COPD, as well as analyzing the importance of oral health in this disease