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Mapping, profiling and clustering of pressure pain threshold (PPT) in edentulous oral mucosa.

OBJECTIVES: Edentulous oral mucosa involves different tissue types, various innervation and wound healing process. We hypothesized that pressure pain threshold (PPT) of edentulous oral mucosa varies significantly among different regions. The objective of this study is to examine regional differences and correlations of PPT in edentulous oral mucosa. METHODS: Pain threshold (PPT) was measured at 112 sites in 15 edentulous patients using an electric-controlled pressure algometer. PPT mapping was created by the level of PPT, and PPT clustering was undertaken based on the inter-site correlation of PPT. RESULTS: PPT increased from the anterior to posterior alveolus in both maxilla and mandible, but decreased from the anterior palate to the posterior palate. PPT decreased from the ridge crest to the buccal vestibule. The inter-site difference was four fold within the maxilla and 2.4 fold within the mandible. Principal component analysis applied on PPT inter-site correlation matrix revealed that the maxilla and mandible could be differentiated statistically. The maxilla and mandible were divided into three and four clusters, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that different areas of edentulous oral mucosa have different PPT and that the PPT varies proportionally in selected areas, providing useful diagnostic and therapeutic information in removable prosthodontics and a new opportunity for understanding pain underneath the denture.

Aged↗

Healing of maxillary alveolus in transport distraction osteogenesis for partial maxillectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate histologic healing of the new bone and soft tissue in the distraction gap of maxillary alveolus after transport distraction at different consolidation intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a monkey model, dentoalveolar segment was distracted backward to a surgical defect in the posterior maxilla with an internal distractor at a rate of 1 mm/day for 2 weeks. The distracted dentoalveolar processes were harvested at 1, 2, and 3 months of consolidation after the completion of distraction. Histologic examination included the new bone, gingiva of the distraction gap, and teeth carrying the transport segments. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was used to assess the presence of osteoclasts in the new bone. The collagen type and expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the new bone were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The histology confirmed new bone bridging the distraction gap at 1 month of consolidation. Woven bone was progressively replaced by mature lamellar bone at the second and third months. The gingiva covering the distraction gap was of normal appearance. There were no pathologic pulpal changes noted in the transport segment. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts were minimal in the new bone. The mode of ossification was confirmed as intramembranous, and the fibrous stroma consisted mainly of collagen type I. At 1 month of consolidation, the BMPs were expressed profusely in the fibrous matrix and also inside the fibroblasts and osteoblasts. At 2 and 3 months of consolidation, the BMP expression intensity was reduced significantly in the fibrous stroma. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that the bone regenerate in maxillary transport distraction was formed by intramembranous ossification and teeth in the transport segment remain viable after maxillary transport distraction osteogenesis.

Alveolar Process↗

New attachment formation as the result of controlled tissue regeneration.

The present study was designed to examine whether new attachment forms on root surfaces previously exposed to plaque by preventing the oral epithelium and the gingival connective tissue from participating in the process of healing following treatment. 4 roots in each of 3 monkeys were used as test units while the roots of contralateral teeth served as controls. A surgical procedure was first used to expose the coronal half of the buccal root surfaces. Plaque was allowed to accumulate on the exposed surfaces for a period of 6 months. Subsequently, soft tissue flaps were raised and the root surfaces were carefully scaled and planed. The crowns of the test and control teeth were resected and the mucosal flaps were repositioned and sutured in such a way that the roots were properly covered. Immediately prior to suturing, membranes (Millipore filter or Gore-tex membrane) were placed over the denuded root surfaces of the test teeth in order to prevent granulation tissue from the soft tissue flaps from reaching the roots during healing. The monkeys were sacrificed 3 months later. The jaws were removed and histological sections of test and control roots including their periodontal tissues were produced. New cementum with inserting collagen fibers was observed on the previously exposed surfaces of both test and control roots. However, the test surfaces exhibited considerably more new attachment than the control surfaces, indicating that the placement of the membrane favoured repopulation of the wound area adjacent to the roots by cells originating from the periodontal ligament.

Alveolar Process↗

Perceived quality of radiographic images after rapid processing of D- and F-speed direct-exposure intraoral x-ray films.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the densitometric properties and perceived image quality of InSight (F-speed) and Ultra-Speed (D-speed) film radiographs processed with rapid chemistry. The effects of density, contrast, and film speed on perceived image quality were also studied. STUDY DESIGN: Images were made of a human cadaver phantom with exposures to achieve background densities approximating 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0. Films were processed in a radiographic darkroom by using Insta-Neg and Insta-Fix rapid chemistry as the manufacturer had recommended. Five endodontic residents independently analyzed images of varying density, speed, and contrast that were presented in a randomized manner. They were required to evaluate the perceived image quality of 5 specifically designated areas on the film, using a labeled photograph as a guide. These areas included root canal obturation, periodontal ligament space, dentinoenamel junction, and crestal bone height. In addition, they were also asked to assess the overall perceived image quality. Statistical analysis consisted of ordinal regression and 2-factor analysis of variance. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were proved between F- and D-speed radiographs within the same density group. Higher density and higher contrast resulted in a statistically significant positive impact (P <.01) on the ranking for all 5 subjective determinations. Observers preferred the films exposed to a background density of 3.0 over those of a lower density (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: InSight (F-speed film) can be used with rapid chemistry to ensure less radiation exposure to patients than is necessary with D-speed film. The observers participating in this study preferred radiographs from the 3.0 background density group to those from the 2.0 and 1.5 density groups.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

The barrier between the keratinized mucosa and the dental implant. An experimental study in the dog.

The present study was performed in order to examine the composition of the connective tissue that forms an attachment to a dental implant. 6 beagle dogs were used. All mandibular premolars were extracted. After 3 months of healing, 6 fixtures--3 in each side of the mandible--(Astra Tech Implants, Dental System TiO blast; Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) were installed. After another 3 months of healing, abutment (Uni-abutment 45; Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) connection was performed and a plaque control program was initiated. The animals were sacrificed and perfused with a fixative through the carotid arteries. Each implant site, including the implant and the soft and hard peri-implant tissues, was dissected, decalcified in EDTA and further processed using a "fracture technique". The specimens were subsequently embedded in EPON, cut with the microtome set at 3 microm and the sections stained in PAS and toluidine blue. From the EPON-embedded blocks, ultra-thin sections were cut and electron micrographs were prepared. The detailed histologic and morphometrical examinations were restricted to a 200 microm wide zone of connective tissue interposed between the apical border of the junctional epithelium and the bone tissue. In the analysis, this zone was further subdivided into 2 different units; (i) one central, 40 microm wide unit (zone A) located immediately next to the implant surface, and (ii) one lateral, 160 microm wide unit (zone B) that was continuous with the central unit. The implant surface apical of the junctional epithelium and coronal of the bone crest appeared to be in direct contact with a connective tissue. Zone A of this connective tissue was characterized by its (i) absence of blood vessels and (ii) abundance of fibroblasts which were interposed between thin collagen fibers. The more lateral zone B contained comparatively fewer fibroblasts, but more collagen fibers and blood vessels. There are reasons to assume that the fibroblast rich barrier tissue next to the titanium surface plays a rôle in the maintenance of a proper seal between the oral environment and the peri-implant bone.

Alveolar Process↗

Rapid canine distalization using distraction of the periodontal ligament: a preliminary clinical validation of the original technique.

The process of rapid canine distalization through the distraction of the periodontal ligament is similar to the process in the midpalatal suture during rapid palatal expansion. Rapid canine distalization can be achieved in three weeks with this technique. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of rapid canine distalization on dentoalveolar tissues during the rapid distalization of canine teeth with semirigid, individual tooth-borne distractors. The study was carried out on 43 canine teeth in 18 (seven male and 11 female) patients who required first premolar extractions. The mean age of the patients was 16.7 years. The second premolars and first molars were used as anchor units. Orthodontic models, cephalometric and panoramic radiographs, and standard photographs of all the patients were taken before treatment and after the consolidation period. Periapical radiographies of the canines and anchor units were obtained once a week during the distalization period. The distractors were activated 0.25 mm three times a day, and the canines were distalized efficiently an average of three weeks. The within-group differences were evaluated with the Wilcoxon test. The maxillary canines were distalized an average of 5.76 mm with 11.47 degrees distal tipping. The maxillary first molars moved mesially 0.56 mm and extruded 0.64 mm. The maxillary incisors showed 1.44 degrees of palatal tipping. The mean distal movement of the mandibular canines was 3.5 mm with 7.16 degrees distal tipping. Anchorage loss was not observed in the mandibular first molars.

Adolescent↗

A radiographic assessment of progressive loading on bone around single osseointegrated implants in the posterior maxilla.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this clinical study was to determine the effectiveness of progressive loading procedures on preserving crestal bone height and improving peri-implant bone density around maxillary implants restored with single premolar crowns by an accurate longitudinal radiographic assessment technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three HA-coated, endosseous dental implants were placed in 20 subjects and permitted to heal for 5 months before surgical uncovering. The implants were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Following a conventional healing period, the control group implants were restored with a metal ceramic crown and the experimental group implants underwent a progressive loading protocol. The experimental group was progressively loaded by increasing the height of the occlusal table in increments from a state of infraocclusion to full occlusion by adding acrylic resin to a heat-processed acrylic crown. The progressively loaded crowns were placed in infraocclusion for the first 2 months, light occlusion for the second 2 months, and full occlusion for the third 2 months. At this point, a metal ceramic crown replaced the acrylic crown. Standardized radiographs of each implant were made at the time of restoration, then after 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of function. Digital image analysis and digital subtraction radiography were used to measure changes in crestal bone height and peri-implant bone density. RESULTS: The mean values of crestal bone height loss at 12 months were 0.2+/-0.27 mm for the progressively loaded implants and 0.59+/-0.27 for the conventionally loaded implants, and when tested with repeated-measure ANOVA across the time periods, the differences were statistically significant (P< or =0.05). The progressively loaded group showed a trend for higher bone density gain in the crestal area than the conventionally loaded group, but the conventionally loaded group showed a trend for higher bone density gain at the apex of the implants. CONCLUSION: The peri-implant bone around progressively loaded implants demonstrates less crestal bone loss than the bone around implants placed conventionally into full function. The peri-implant density measurements of the progressively loaded implants show continuous increase in peri-implant bone density by time.

Alveolar Process↗

A morphological and quantitative study of osteoclast changes during the progress of periodontitis in the hamster.

Since macroscopic bone loss in hamster periodontitis appears to be a continuous process, this study was undertaken to evaluate whether osteoclastic resorption is continuously activated or whether another pattern of activation occurred during the course of the disease. At the beginning of the experimental period, 5 male golden hamsters were killed; they were used as to controls. Forty other animals were then distributed into 2 equal groups. In the experimental group, periodontitis was induced by using the Keyes 2000 diet. Five animals in both control and experimental groups were killed at 45, 90, 135 and 180 days. The following parameters were quantitated in the mandibles: - the macroscopic bone loss, - the number of osteoclasts in contact or lying at a distance from bone, and - the number of nuclei per mm of bone surface. Control animals developed spontaneous, slowly progressing periodontitis. In the experimental animals, osteoclasts were more numerous along the periosteum than along the endosteal surfaces. The mean increase in active osteoclasts appeared to be almost stable throughout the experimental period after an initial marked increase along the periosteum. However from the morphological data, when each animal was examined individually, it appeared that osteoclastic activity varied from place to place along the bone surfaces. These findings, further supported by the large quantitative intra-group variations that we observed in this study as well as in our previous studies, suggested that although the disease progressed regularly at the macroscopic level, osteoclastic activity was rather discontinuous and recurrent.

Alveolar Process↗

The gingival immune response to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in juvenile periodontitis.

The established and advanced lesions of juvenile periodontitis-localized form (JP) are predominated by B-lymphocytes and plasma cells. Local immune processes may participate in protective or immunopathologic roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) is implicated as a primary etiologic agent in JP. An in vitro gingival explant culture system was utilized to study the specificity of immunoglobulins produced by diseased JP tissues. A dot-immunobinding assay demonstrated that 46% of the supernatant fluids (SF) from explant cultures of diseased tissues (n = 39) were positive for the presence of antibody to A.a. Y4, while 61% of autologous JP sera (n = 39) tested positive. For rapidly progressive (RP) and adult periodontitis (AP) SF, 50% and 40% were positive for A.a. Y4, respectively. Seventeen percent of SF from healthy tissue were positive for A.a. Y4. There was no significant difference between JP SF reactivities to A.a. Y4 when compared to reactivities of SF from AP and RP patients. Only 10% of JP SF were positive for Porphyromonas asaccharolytica, a non-oral control microorganism. The de novo biosynthesis of antibody in JP tissue, reactive with A.a. Y4, was demonstrated with Staph Protein A isolated 14C-labeled IgG (SPAG) and the use of a dot-immunobinding assay and autoradiography. The in vitro gingival tissue explant culture system described provides a useful model for the study of the synthesis and specificity of localized immunoglobulins produced by diseased tissues of JP patients.

Adolescent↗

Histological study of the hydroxyapatite-collagen complex implants in periodontal osseous defects in dogs.

This study was performed to determine whether the process of wound healing, following periodontal surgery, could be improved through the combined use of collagen and grafting of hydroxyapatite (HAP) particles. Twenty-four proximal defects were made in the mandibular fourth premolars and second molars of six adult mongrel dogs. Steel wires and resin were put into the defect to enhance plaque formation. At eight weeks, the wires and resin were removed. At ten weeks, HAP or HAP-collagen complex was implanted during reconstructive surgery, along the root surface treated with acid conditioning. Dogs that received no implant following a flap operation served as controls. In these three groups of animals, differences in the extent and features of healing were histopathologically examined two months later. Animals implanted with a HAP-collagen complex showed a larger amount of new cementum formation when compared with HAP-implanted or control animals. In addition, in animals from the HAP-complex group, the interdigitation between the root surface and the gingival connective tissue fibers tended to be reinforced resulting in suppressed epithelial downgrowth. However, neither bone formation nor the reformation of the periodontium was promoted in the HAP-collagen complex group. These results suggest that implantation of an HAP-collagen complex promotes cemento-genesis of the demineralized root surface and can establish a stronger interdigitation between the root surface and the gingival connective tissue fibers.

Alveolar Process↗

Microvascular changes after placement of titanium implants: scanning electron microscopy observations of machined and titanium plasma-sprayed implants in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clarify the osseointegration process of titanium implants through study of the vascular architecture and bone apposition. The smooth machined-surface implant is tightly fixed to the bone by its threads. The rough titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) coated implants give a scaffold for new bone. METHODS: Twelve beagle dogs were used, and 2 surface types of implants were inserted in the mandible. Vascular injection was given 14, 30, and 120 days after surgery. The soft tissue was digested by proteinase solution, and specimens were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: Fourteen days after placement of machined implants, new vessels could be seen branching out from the vascular network of the bone marrow. In TPS implants, a vascular network was seen between the bone-implant interface. At 30 days, the vessels were arranged in a groove corresponding to the machined fixture. With TPS implants, new bone was visible along the surface of the fixture, and the vascular network was buried in the bone. At 120 days after placement of machined implants, bone had formed a smooth surface. A few blood vessels were arranged along the bone surface. With TPS implants, a rough bone surface and flat vessels were observed on its surface. CONCLUSIONS: Implants become osseointegrated in different ways, depending on their structures and the characteristics of their surfaces. From the microcirculation point of view, the vessels are an important factor for the remodeling of bone.

Alveolar Process↗

Microvascular response in the periosteum following mucoperiosteal flap surgery in dogs: angiogenesis and bone resorption and formation.

BACKGROUND: When surgical stress reaches the periosteum, bone resorption and formation that occur as a periosteal response are closely related to angiogenesis and hemodynamics. Thus, we investigated bone remodeling in the healing process after mucoperiosteal flap surgery, focusing our attention on the microcirculation. METHODS: Mucoperiosteal flap surgery was performed on 12 adult beagle dogs. The periosteal vascular plexus was observed on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after surgery, using three different techniques: in histological specimens into which India ink was injected into blood vessels, under a light microscope; in ultrathin sections, using a transmission electron microscope; and in acryl plastic-injected vascular corrosion cast specimens, under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: On day 7 after surgery, the interstitum of the elevated mucoperiosteal vascular plexus was filled with sinusoidal new blood vessels. Bone resorption by osteoclasts was observed around these new blood vessels and many highly permeable fenestrations were present in the vascular endothelium. On day 14 after surgery, sinusoidal new blood vessels were more markedly developed and some regions exhibited glomeruluslike morphology consistent with bone resorption cavities. Activated osteoblasts were present around these new blood vessels and highly permeable vesicles, which were considered to be possible vesiclo-vacuolar organelles (VVOs) and caveolae, were noted in the vascular endothelium. On days 21 and 28 after surgery, the mucoperiosteal vascular plexus was dissected through regression of endothelial cells and fibroblasts and reconstructed into a rough mesh structure, and simultaneously the bone surface became smooth. CONCLUSION: The morphology of the mucoperiosteal vascular plexus changed with bone metabolism and these changes contributed to transport of substances involved in periodontal repair.

Alveolar Process↗

Histologic findings after implantation and evaluation of different grafting materials and titanium micro screws into extraction sockets: case reports.

The purpose of this study was to compare extraction socket healing in 8 patients after implantation with either xenogenic bovine bone (n=5 sites), demineralized freeze-dried bone (DFDBA) (n=3 sites), autologous bone (n=3 sites), or human bone morphogenetic proteins in an osteocalcein/osteonectin carrier (hBMP/NCP) (n=2 sites). Three of the patients received 6 commercially pure micro screws which were fixed into extraction sockets, after which the sockets were implanted with either bovine bone (n=3 sites), DFDBA (n=2 sites) or intraoral autologous bone (n=1 site). Biopsies of the extraction sockets were taken from 3 to 6 months after treatment (average, 4.6 months). For comparison of healing between the implanted materials, histologic evaluation and bone scores were determined. Bone scores of 0 indicated an absence of new bone, with dead implanted bone particles entrapped within connective tissue, while a score of 3 indicated the entire field consisted of vital bone. Biopsies from bovine bone sockets revealed dead implanted particles surrounded by connective tissue. Isolated sections showed host bone in contact with the bovine bone particles. Bone scores ranged from 0 to 3. Biopsies from DFDBA-implanted sites revealed dead particles entrapped with dense connective tissue. The bone scores ranged from 0 to 1. Biopsies from sites implanted with hBMP/NCP revealed a combination of woven and lamellar bone with bone scores of 3. Five of the 6 micro screws were processed and evaluated. One screw was mobile at the time of removal and was not evaluated. Bone scores were used to compare new bone formation adjacent to the micro screws. Bone scores ranged from 0 to 2. A score of 0 indicated non-vital implant material in contact with host bone and connective tissue in contact with implant; 2 indicated vital bone in contact with the majority of the implant surface. Retrieved sockets with micro screws implanted with bovine bone (n=2) demonstrated a connective tissue interface between the screws and the surrounding tissues (bone score 0). The adjacent tissues showed dead bovine particles entrapped within fibrous tissue. Retrieved screws implanted with DFDBA (n=2) were surrounded by connective tissue, with dead bone particles enmeshed within fibrous tissue (bone score 0). The screw implanted with intra-oral autologous bone was primarily surrounded by vital bone with a connective tissue interface (bone score 1). Three implant threads were in contact with bone. The results of this study indicate that bovine bone, DFDBA, and intraoral autologous bone do not promote extraction socket healing. Sockets implanted with hBMP/NCP contained vital woven and lamellar bone. Xenogenic bovine bone and DFDBA did not contribute to bone to micro screw contacts and are not recommended for enhancement of vital bone to implant contacts. Intraoral autogenous bone also does not appear to significantly contribute to bone to implant contacts. Intraoral autologous bone, xenogenic bone, and DFDBA appear to interfere with normal extraction socket healing.

Aged↗

Combined push-pull distraction for correction of syndromic midfacial hypoplasia.

PURPOSE: Gradual midfacial advancement, applying the principle of distraction osteogenesis, reduces the restriction of the soft tissues and results in bony consolidation without need for grafting. The midface can be distracted by either pushing it forward, using semiburied devices, or pulling it forward by a rigid external device. For each method there are inherent technical problems, such as controlling the vector of movement, symmetry of advancement, and differential movement of the upper/lower face. We have used a combination of the 2 methods, called "push-pull," in an effort to control the distraction process. The purpose of this paper is to describe our push-pull distraction technique and summarize our early experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (5 males and 5 females) with a mean age of 11 years 2 months underwent midfacial advancement using push-pull distraction. Two orthodontists, blinded for landmark identification, traced preoperative and postoperative cephalograms and determined linear and angular measurements of midfacial position. A Student t test was used to assess differences between the cephalometric measures on the 2 radiographs. Interexaminer reliability was calculated by an intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Postdistraction cephalograms were taken a mean of 10 months (range, 3 to 20 months) after removal of the devices. Patients exhibited improvement at all levels of the midface after distraction. There was a statistically significant sagittal advancement from the infraorbital rim to dentoalveolus. The central midface was sufficiently advanced as shown by an improved convexity, nasolabial angle, and upper labial protrusion. There were no significant differences between examiners for any of the measurements in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Push-pull distraction permits 1) equal movement at both the upper and lower facial levels, 2) advancement of the central midface, and 3) symmetric movement of the zygomaticomaxillary complexes. This method also provides a backup, in case one device malfunctions. In combination, the advantages of each device are additive; whereas the weaknesses are not. The push-pull technique is a practical method for midfacial distraction until a better single device is fabricated.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗

The effect of enamel matrix proteins on periodontal regeneration as determined by histological analyses.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic approaches to periodontal regeneration in the past have utilized bone replacement grafts, growth factors, barrier membranes, or combinations of these approaches. More recently, enamel extracellular matrix proteins have been introduced to stimulate periodontal regeneration. One factor thought to have an impact on the outcome of the regenerative process is the initial size of the periodontal defect. This is particularly the case when using proteins to stimulate regeneration, because the concepts of guided tissue regeneration emphasize the need for space maintenance to allow for selected cell repopulation. The goal of this study was to evaluate periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects of various sizes treated with enamel matrix proteins. METHODS: Periodontal defects ranging in size from 1 to 6 mm were created bilaterally around 3 teeth in the mandibles of baboons. Plaque was allowed to accumulate around ligatures placed into the defects. After 2 months, the ligatures were removed, the teeth were scaled and root planed, and a notch was placed at the base of the defect. On one side of the mandible, neutral ethylene diamine tetracetic acid and enamel matrix proteins were used to treat the defects. The other side served as a control, with neutral ethylene diamine tetracetic acid treatment alone after scaling and root planing. Flaps were sutured and the animals were allowed to heal without oral hygiene procedures. After 5 months, the animals were sacrificed and the teeth were processed for histological evaluation. RESULTS: Periodontal regeneration occurred in all sizes of the periodontal defects. Qualitatively, new cementum, periodontal ligament with Sharpey's fibers, and new bone tissue were observed. In general, enamel matrix protein treatment resulted in greater tissue formation than controls. In many instances, dramatic tissue formation occurred far coronal to the base of the defects. In addition, horizontal bone fill occurred in defects that were initially 4 or 6 mm wide. The resultant width of the periodontal ligament was similar in all defects regardless of the original defect width. The cementum width was slightly greater in the wider (4 and 6 mm) defects compared to the more narrow (1 and 2 mm) defects. When evaluating the combined 1 and 2 mm defects, the height of new cementum with enamel matrix protein treatment was 45% greater than the control, with 31% greater new bone height versus the control. In the combined wider defects (4 and 6 mm), new tissue height was more similar between enamel matrix protein-treated defects and control defects. The results from the wider defects must be interpreted cautiously, because the interproximal bone heights were resorbed more adjacent to the wider defects during the plaque accumulation period and likely limited the potential for regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of various sized periodontal defects with enamel matrix proteins stimulated substantial periodontal regeneration. In many cases, dramatic amounts of new cementum, Sharpey's fibers, periodontal ligament, and bone tissue were formed far coronal to the notch at the base of the defect, especially considering the width of the original defects. This periodontal regeneration occurred in the absence of exogenous growth factors, bone replacement grafts, barrier membranes, or their combination.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Distribution of the epithelial rests of Malassez and their relationship to blood vessels of the periodontal ligament during rat tooth development.

BACKGROUND: There is some evidence that the epithelial cell rests of Malassez partition the root surface from the periodontal ligament blood vessels, and may protect the root from resorption. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the distributions of the epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) and blood vessels in the periodontal ligament (PDL) of the developing rat first molar before, during and after emergence. METHODS: Four Sprague-Dawley rats were sacrificed at two days, one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks and six weeks of age. After processing, the maxillae were embedded in paraffin, and sectioned longitudinally and transversely. The sections were stained with a double immuno-histochemical technique which utilised a keratin antibody AE1-AE3 (1:2,000) and an endothelial antibody Factor VIII (1:10,000) to enable simultaneous labelling of ERM and blood vessels. ERM and blood vessel counts were obtained from the mesio-buccal roots of three week, four week and six week-old rats, whilst qualitative observations were made for the earlier developmental stages. RESULTS: ERM cells and cell clusters were found in the tooth third of the PDL width at the three, four and six week stages. Cells and cell clusters increased in number with age, especially in the upper third of the mesio-buccal root. The largest numbers of cells and clusters were found on the distal surfaces of the roots in all age groups. Cells and clusters in all root surfaces increased from three to four weeks, but decreased from four to six weeks. The greatest number of blood vessels was found in the bone-side third of the PDL. The distal surface had the highest proportion of blood vessels, and the palatal surface the least proportion. The number of blood vessels in all surface quadrants did not vary much from three to four weeks of age, but increased from four to six weeks of age, possibly as a reaction to tooth emergence and occlusal function. Physiological root resorption was only observed after tooth emergence, and appeared to be related to loss of continuity of the ERM network and the incursion of blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic root resorption can be regarded as an exaggerated response to loss of PDL homeostatic control, possibly mediated by the epithelial rests of Malassez.

Age Factors↗

Investigation of the integration process of dental implants by means of a numerical analysis of dynamic response.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to present a preliminary numerical analysis of the integration process of dental implants using a finite element simulation of the dynamic response following impulse excitation. Assessment of the osseointegration process has been previously examined using a numerical approach by calculating the natural frequency of a cantilever attached to the implant. The methodology adopted in this work allows a direct measurement of the implant response following impulse loading and avoids the addition of a bulky cantilever set-up. METHODS: The geometric configuration was obtained by averaging the coordinate data from tomographic scans of 14 mandibles. The materials properties were approximated from experimental analysis performed on trabecular and cortical bone tissue. A load was applied to the top of the implant in one direction resulting in an initial displacement. The implant was then freed and allowed to vibrate over approximately 10 cycles. Three fixity conditions were assumed by changing the properties of the surrounding bone ranging from full integration to a poorly integrated implant typical of the situation during bone healing following surgery. The results of the three fixity conditions were compared by calculating the fundamental displacement amplitudes and frequencies of the vibrating impact. RESULTS: The calculated results indicated that the implant vibrated at a predominant frequency when partially integrated with a displacement principally in the direction of the applied impulse. However, when the implant was fully integrated a more complex vibration pattern ensued, suggesting the superposition of two or more fundamentals. SIGNIFICANCE: Attention has been paid to the formulation of the numerical model for validation purposes as well as a reliable reference for the optimum interpretation of the experimental data. In this way it was possible to establish a simulation procedure to investigate the response of the tissues surrounding the implant and their properties at different stages of healing. It should be pointed out that the numerical procedures represented a valid preliminary approach to the problem and were capable of indicating a guide to the optimum design of the experimental apparatus for measurement of displacement and frequency in vivo.

Alveolar Process↗

The effect of a calcium hydroxide paste on wound healing and osseointegration of dental implants. A pilot study in beagle dogs.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of a new calcium hydroxide suspension (Osteoinductal) on the healing process of endosseous dental implants after placement. The material, composed of 25% calcium hydroxide, 25% Oleum pedum tauri and 50% vaselinum album, was developed with the intention to accelerate and to increase the mineralized bone to implant contact during the healing phase. Eight adult beagle dogs were used in this study. Prior to the beginning of the study the dogs had all mandibular premolars extracted. After the extraction sites had healed for 3 months, implant osteotomies were performed. On one side of the mandibular premolars extracted. After the extraction sites had healed for 3 months, implant osteotomies were performed. On one side of the mandible Osteoinductal was applied into the osteotomies before placement of the implants, whereas the other side did not receive Osteoinductal. A total of 48 implants were placed with two losses during the entire study period. Two dogs were sacrificed 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 3 months after implant placement. The specimens were evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically. In the histological evaluation an intense inflammatory reaction towards the calcium hydroxide suspension was found leading to a destruction of the bone surrounding the implants after 1 and 2 weeks. A giant cell reaction against the test material was visible at 4 weeks. At 3 months no inflammatory and no giant cell reaction could be depicted in the test group. The mean direct bone to implant contact or inflammatory tissue to implant contact showed no differences between test and control group for 1 and 2 weeks. Although statistically not significant, there was a clinical significant difference in the mineralized bone to implant contact between test and control group for the last two timepoints (i.e. 4-week specimens: test group 2.3 +/- 0.9%, control group 26.8 +/- 11.1%; 3-month specimens: test group 10.5 +/- 12.7%, control group 60.7 +/- 13.7%). This study indicates that the use of the calcium hydroxide suspension Osteoinductal has a detrimental effect on wound healing and osseointegration of dental implants and cannot be recommended for use with dental implants.

Alveolar Process↗