Host Modulation

Host modulation is considered to be new research area in dentistry. In medicine, host modulation was introduced way before dentistry in treating arthritis and osteoporosis. It is mainly focusing on the host part during host-bacteria interaction. Although there are many agents introduced for this purpose, the most well-studied host modulation therapy in dentistry is doxycycline. It shows less tissue destruction when used for few months along with periodontal therapy. It has anticollagenase properties which shows a promising effect when used to treat chronic inflammation

Pathogenesis of Gingivitis

The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Condition identified the gingivitis case by the presence of gingival inflammation at one or more sites and agreed upon bleeding on probing as the primary parameter for diagnosis of gingivitis. Clinical gingival health is generally associated with an inflammatory infiltrate and a host response consistent with homeostasis. The molecules that play a role in the pathogenesis are divided into two main groups: those derived from the subgingival microbiota (i.e., microbial virulence factors) and those derived from the host immune-inflammatory response. The immune system is essential for the maintenance of periodontal health and is categorized as innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. Innate immunity reflects the capacity of the host to defend against infectious attacks. Understanding the disease processes is important for the development of improved treatment strategies

Association of Peri-Implant Health Status With COVID-19

ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate peri-implant health status in patients infected with COVID-19 and control patients (individuals without COVID-19). Methods: This observational investigation was performed in adults with (test group) and without (control group) COVID-19 infection having at least 1 functional dental implant. Self-reported education status and daily frequency of toothbrushing and flossing was determined. A questionnaire was administered to record demographic data, brushing/flossing frequency, and education status. Periodontal examination comprised full-mouth assessment of clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and gingival index (GI). Peri-implant PD, modified PI, and modified gingival index were recorded. Loss of marginal and crestal bone around teeth and implants was also measured. Significance level was established for P < .05. Results: Seventy-three (41 males) and 71 (44 males) individuals were included in the test and control groups, respectively. Average ages of patients and controls were 44.6 ± 5.2 and 40.1 ± 3.1 years, respectively. University-level education was attained by 52 (75.3%) and 50 (70.4%) individuals in the test and control groups, respectively. Seventy (95.9%) and 68 (95.7%) patients and controls were brushing twice a day. Once-daily interproximal flossing was reported by 44 (60.3%) and 48 (67.6%) individuals in test and control groups. All participants had healthy periodontal and peri-implant tissues. Conclusions: The study indicated that there are no short-term adverse effects on the peri-implant tissues due to acute COVID-19 infection, and further well-controlled longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effect of the infection on these tissues

Evaluating the role of nanoparticles in enhancing bone regeneration in dental implantology

Background: Dental implantology has witnessed substantial progress in recent years, driven by a growing emphasis on optimizing bone regeneration around dental implants. Nanoparticles have emerged as a potential tool for enhancing osseointegration and bone tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: This human clinical trial enrolled 60 adult participants requiring dental implants. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving conventional dental implants, and an experimental group receiving dental implants with nanoparticle-coated surfaces. Radiographic imaging, histological analysis of bone biopsies, and implant stability assessments were conducted at three and six months post-implantation. Results: Histological examination of bone biopsies revealed a statistically significant increase in new bone formation in the experimental group compared to the control group at both three and six months (P < 0.05). Radiographic assessment demonstrated a 25% higher bone density around nanoparticle-coated implants (P < 0.01) at the six-month mark. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) measurements indicated a 20% greater stability in the experimental group (P < 0.05) at the same time point. Conclusion: This human clinical trial provides strong evidence that the incorporation of nanoparticles on dental implant surfaces enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration in a human population

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) in the Remineralization of Early Dental Caries: A Scoping Review

(1) Background: Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) has been reported to have a remineralizing effect on early carious lesions. The objective of this scoping review was to analyze the remineralization potential of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp)-containing dentifrices, by mapping the existing literature. (2) Methods: This review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, which is an extension of the PRISMA Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. In this study, the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework was used to find relevant papers published between 2010 and 2021. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and dentifrices containing nHAp as one of the ingredients were the two main concepts of the research question. MeSH phrases, keywords, and other free terms relevant to nano-hydroxyapatite and dentifrices were used to search the literature databases. (3) Results: Preliminary searches yielded 59 studies; the title and abstract screening results excluded 11 studies. The remaining studies were thoroughly reviewed by two reviewers on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 28 studies were included, and 20 studies were excluded. Most of the studies that were included reported that when nHAp was used alone, it had many different effects, such as remineralization, caries prevention, less demineralization, brighter teeth, less pain, and remineralization of enamel after orthodontic debonding. (4) Conclusions: Dentifrices that contain nHAp offer a variety of therapeutic and preventative effects. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of nHAp dentifrices in primary teeth. Additional long-term investigations using standardized protocols are required to reach decisive conclusions about the effects of nHAp dentifrices on primary and permanent dentitions

Xerostomia in geriatric patients: a burgeoning global concern

Saliva plays a key role in maintaining oral homeostasis, function, and health. The prevalence of xerostomia and its consequences are rising due to the increasing aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, medical management, and commonly-prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. When salivary function is diminished, patients are at a greater risk of developing caries, discomfort in wearing dentures, and opportunistic diseases, such as candidiasis. The psychosocial aspects of xerostomia can range from a mild effect on self-rated oral health to frustration, embarrassment, unhappiness, or substantial disruptions in quality of life. This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, and prevalence of dry mouth, as well as its treatment strategies

Assessment of platelet-rich plasma alone and platelet-rich plasma combined with bioactive glass in the management of intrabony defect

Objectives: To assess the function of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) both only and in combination with bioactive glass in intrabony defects. Materials and Method: Twenty patients were split into two groups with 10 samples each: group I with PRP alone, whereas group II was done with PRP in addition to bioactive glass. Following local anesthesia, full-thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated in the afflicted site, the defect was debrided, and root planning with curettes was performed. Irrigation was then used while in group II- PRP along with bone graft (BG) preservationwas done. Suturing in group I was contained. At day 0 (baseline) and 6 months after surgery, the clinical parameters for probing depth, clinical attachment stage, and radiographic assessment were noted for both groups. Result: When comparing both groups, there was no statistically considerable variation. However, the intragroup comparison for pocket depth and clinical attachment level between baseline and 6 months was significant. Radiographic bone level was not considerably dissimilar across groups; however, it was significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Reduced probing depth, higher clinical attachment level, and radiographic evidence of bone fill are clinical outcome measures that are associated with effective regenerative therapy