Tooth Transplantation Using Computer-Aided Rapid Prototyping Model Compared to Conventional Technique (A Pilot Study)

Objective: This research study aimed to compare the efficiency between tooth transplantation using the Computer-aided rapid prototyping model (CARP model) and a conventional tooth transplantation technique. Materials & Methods: Ten patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Five patients were performed tooth transplantation using the CARP technique (study group) and other five patients were performed antotransplantation using the conventional technique (controlled group). During transplantation, operation time, extra-alveolar time, and attempt of fitting donor tooth to recipient site were evaluated. Moreover, after 3 months post-operation, PDL space, tooth mobility, and pocket depth were examined. Result: During transplantation, the study group consumed lower operating time and extraalveolar time compared to the control group although no statistic significance was found (p = 0.086 and p = 0.05 respectively). In addition, the study group showed significantly fewer attempts to fit the donor tooth to the recipient socket compared to the control group (p = 0.019). After 3 months post-transplantation, average PDL width shows a narrower significant difference in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.014). Moreover, the study group showed significantly better pocket depth reduction compared to the control group (p = 0.024). No significant difference found in tooth mobility after tooth transplantation in both groups (p = 0.074). Conclusion: CARP technique reduced attempt to fitting donor tooth and improved PDL healing of donor tooth in tooth transplantation compared to conventional technique

Rinsing with L-Ascorbic Acid Exhibits Concentration-Dependent Effects on Human Gingival Fibroblast In Vitro Wound Healing Behavior

Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid has diverse functions in the body, especially healing promotion in tissue injury via participating in the hydroxylation reactions required for collagen formation. Systemic administration of vitamin C plays an important role on gingival fibroblast proliferation and functions. Whether local or rinsing administration of vitamin C alters gingival fibroblast wound healing behavior remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the rinsing effect of vitamin C on gingival fibroblast behavior utilizing an in vitro wound healing model. Primary human gingival fibroblasts isolated from gingival tissue were rinsed with medium containing various concentrations of vitamin C. The rinsing effect of vitamin C on in vitro wound healing was assessed using a scratch test assay. Cell migration, cell viability, and extracellular matrix gene expression were analyzed by transwell migration assay, MTT assay, and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. We found that rinsing with 10 or 20 µg/ml vitamin C significantly increased fibroblast migration (p≤0.05). However, no significant effect was found in the cell viability or in vitro wound healing assays. In contrast, rinsing with 50 µg/ml vitamin C significantly delayed wound closure (p≤0.05). Real-time PCR demonstrated that 50 µg/ml vitamin C significantly increased fibroblast expression of COL1, FN, IL-6, and bFGF. The data demonstrate that rinsing with vitamin C (10/20 µg/ml) accelerates fibroblast migration. However, 50 µg/ml of vitamin C increases the expression of COL1, FN, IL-6, and bFGF, which are related to fibroblast wound healing activity. Prescribing vitamin C with the appropriate duration and drug administration method should be determined to maximize its benefit

The Prostacyclin Analog Iloprost Promotes Cementum Formation and Collagen Reattachment of Replanted Molars and Up-regulates Mineralization by Human Periodontal Ligament Cells

Introduction: This study evaluated the use of the prostacyclin analog iloprost as a root surface treatment agent in promoting acellular cementum (AC) formation and collagen reattachment after tooth replantation in vivo. In addition, its effect on human periodontal ligament cell (hPDLC) mineralization was assessed in vitro. Methods: First molars of 8-week-old Wistar rats were extracted. In 1 group, the root surfaces were treated with Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), and the other group's root surfaces were treated with 10−6 mol/L iloprost before replantation. At day 30, maxillae were prepared for micro–computed tomographic imaging and histomorphometric analysis. The effect of iloprost on mineralization by hPDLCs was analyzed by mineralized nodule formation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction at 7 and 14 days. Results: Micro–computed tomographic imaging demonstrated a significant higher bone volume in the iloprost groups, whereas the HBSS groups had extensive bone and root resorption. Histologic analysis revealed deposition of a thick AC layer along the root in the iloprost group with well-organized periodontal ligament fibers inserted into the cementum. The HBSS group demonstrated more osteoclasts than the iloprost group. In vitro, iloprost-treated hPDLCs had a significantly increased RUNX2, OSX, BSP, and ALP gene expression that coincided with an increased deposition of mineralized nodules. These effects were abrogated by a PGI2 receptor inhibitor. Conclusions: Our results revealed that iloprost promoted PDL regeneration in replanted molars. Furthermore, resorption of the roots was decreased, whereas AC deposition was stimulated. Iloprost-treatment increased hPDLC mineralization and was mediated by PGI2 receptor activation. These observations indicate that iloprost may be a promising root surface treatment agent