Recent Clinical Treatment and Basic Research on the Alveolar Bone

The Stresses and Deformations in the Abfraction Lesions of the Lower Premolars Studied by the Finite Element Analyses: Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to investigate the behavior of hard dental structures of the teeth with abfraction lesions when experimental occlusal loads were applied.

METHODS

A 65-year-old patient came to the dentist because she had painful sensitivity in the temporomandibular joints and the lower right premolars. The patient was examined, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the orofacial area was indicated. The data provided from the CBCT were processed with Mimics Innovation Suite 17 software to create the desired anatomical area in 3D format. Then, the structural calculation module was used in order to perform a finite element analysis of the lower right premolar teeth. A focused review of articles published between 2014 and 2023 from specialty literature regarding the FEA of premolars with abfraction lesions was also conducted.

RESULTS

The parcel area and the cervical third of the analyzed premolars proved to be the most vulnerable areas under the inclined direction of occlusal loads. The inclined application of experimental loads induced 3-4 times higher maximum shears, stresses, and deformations than the axial application of the same forces.

CONCLUSIONS

FEA can be used to identify structural deficiencies in teeth with abfractions, a fact that is particularly important during dental treatments to correct occlusal imbalances.

Periodontists and stem cell-based therapy for alveolar bone regeneration: A national survey

BACKGROUND

Stem cell-based therapy for bone regeneration has received attention in medical settings but has not yet been used in clinical practice for treating alveolar bone defects. The objectives of this study were to explore whether periodontists had heard about this approach, and if so how, how interested they were to learn about it, which attitudes and behavioral intentions they had related to using stem cell-based grafting, and what they would like to know before using this approach.

METHODS

Anonymous survey data were collected from 481 members of the American Academy of Periodontology (response rate: 19.41%).

RESULTS

Responses showed 35.3% had heard about stem cell-based therapy, mostly from publications (9.6%) and meetings (8.3%); 76.1% wanted to learn about it through in-person continuing education (CE) courses, 68.6% in online CE courses, and 57.1% from manuals; 73% considered this approach promising; and 54.9% preferred it to traditional approaches. It was important to them that it would result in more bone volume (93%), better bone quality (90.4%), and accelerated healing (83.2%). Also, 60.1% considered it likely/very likely that they would adopt this approach, 54% that patients would prefer it, and 62.1% that it would benefit their practice. When asked what they would like to know about this approach, information about short- and long-term outcomes, cost, and logistical considerations were most frequently named.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the basis to develop educational interventions for periodontists about this novel approach and inform future research activities aimed to translate this approach to clinical practice.

The coordination of chewing

Feeding behavior involves a complex organization of neural circuitry and interconnected pathways between the cortex, the brainstem, and muscles. Elevated synchronicity is required starting from the moment the animal brings the food to its mouth, chews, and initiates subsequent swallowing. Moreover, orofacial sensory and motor systems are coordinated in a way to optimize movement patterns as a result of integrating information from premotor neurons. Recent studies have uncovered significant discoveries employing various and creative techniques in order to identify key components in these vital functions. Here, we attempt to provide a brief overview of our current knowledge on orofacial systems. While our focus will be on recent breakthroughs regarding the masticatory machinery, we will also explore how it is sometimes intertwined with other functions, such as swallowing and limb movement.

Towards Polycaprolactone-Based Scaffolds for Alveolar Bone Tissue Engineering: A Biomimetic Approach in a 3D Printing Technique

The alveolar bone is a unique type of bone, and the goal of bone tissue engineering (BTE) is to develop methods to facilitate its regeneration. Currently, an emerging trend involves the fabrication of polycaprolactone (PCL)-based scaffolds using a three-dimensional (3D) printing technique to enhance an osteoconductive architecture. These scaffolds are further modified with hydroxyapatite (HA), type I collagen (CGI), or chitosan (CS) to impart high osteoinductive potential. In conjunction with cell therapy, these scaffolds may serve as an appealing alternative to bone autografts. This review discusses research gaps in the designing of 3D-printed PCL-based scaffolds from a biomimetic perspective. The article begins with a systematic analysis of biological mineralisation (biomineralisation) and ossification to optimise the scaffold's structural, mechanical, degradation, and surface properties. This scaffold-designing strategy lays the groundwork for developing a research pathway that spans fundamental principles such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fabrication techniques. Ultimately, this paves the way for systematic in vitro and in vivo studies, leading to potential clinical applications.

Use of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Accompanied by Bone Graft in Socket Endurance: A Radiographic and Histological Study

Background Ridge preservation became a crucial dental health issue and strategy to keep away from ridge defacement after post-tooth loss. The recent scientific evolution of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) comprises a parenteral formulation of PRF. The combined allograft for socket preservation gives benefits. In this study, bone allografts, demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts (DFDBA) and freeze-dried bone allografts (FDBA) are used in a 30:70 ratio alone or in combination with injectable PRF (I-PRF) for socket preservation. Methods This study is a radiographic and histological examination conducted on 60 participants aged between 19-65 years. Participating patients agreed voluntarily that they would not bear any fixed prosthesis for the next nine months and plan for implanted teeth placement, including multi-rooted mandibular molars denticles. Both groups received atraumatic extraction; then, the socket was preserved with bone allograft alone in the control group and bone allograft mixed with I-PRF, forming sticky bone, in the experimental group. Clinical, radiological, and histological assessments were taken at the inception stage, three months, six months, and nine months. A multivariate regression model and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model were used to analyse the effects of these changes on outcomes. Results In all the parameters, the test group indicated a good amount of bone growth with increasing intervals of time for bone height radiographically with statistically significant difference present (p<0.05) and histologically after nine months when socket site grafted with bone graft in combination with I-PRF. Conclusion This study's results demonstrated that I-PRF possesses the potential to regenerate and heal in the tooth-extracted socket. This study further recommends the implementation of I-PRF in safeguarding and conserving the raised rim of the tooth. Future research should take place on the osteogenic capability of I-PRF in more comprehensive ridge accession surgical procedures and additional expanding and improving capacities in periodontal reconstruction.