Effect of simvastatin topical use on alveolar bone after tooth extraction: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Conducting a scoping review (SR) to assess scientific evidence for topical simvastatin's impact on alveolar bone regeneration and determine its level of support for clinical applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This SR followed the PRISMA-ScR and OSF registries protocol; systematic searching was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS, to identify relevant articles until June 2023. Inclusion criteria covered clinical trials, case series, prospective and retrospective studies, along with in vivo investigations, involving participants of any sex and age.

RESULTS

Out of 1312 identified studies, 20 (9 in vivo, 11 RCTs) met inclusion criteria. RCTs focused on third molar extraction, in vivo on mandibular incisor surgery. The majority of RCTs employed a collagen sponge and a simvastatin concentration of 10mg; conversely, most in vivo studies favored polylactide-co-glycolide and a 2 mg simvastatin concentration. RCTs had 3-month follow-ups; in vivo, studies extended to 8 weeks. Seven RCTs assessed pain outcomes, simvastatin did not significantly affect pain in six studies. Among four RCTs on postoperative swelling, only two observed a significant increase in the simvastatin group. In general, positive bone formation and the absence of adverse effects directly linked to topical simvastatin were observed across the study models.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-alveolar simvastatin post-tooth extraction has been to be shown to be effective and safe for preserving alveolar bone, with varied concentrations and carriers, with no significant adverse effects.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This review provides critical insights into the effects of simvastatin on alveolar bone regeneration, informing potential benefits and possible challenges associated with its post-extraction application. OSF REGISTRY PROTOCOL: osf.io/q3bnf.

Clinicopathological characteristics of odontogenic carcinosarcoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present systematic review was to summarize evidence on odontogenic carcinosarcoma, analyzing clinical, epidemiological, imaging, histopathological, immunohistochemical, therapeutic, and prognostic features of this tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were performed in the Ovid MEDLINE (Wolters Kluwer), PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier), and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information) databases, without publication date or language restrictions. Case reports or case series of OCS reporting clinical, radiological, and histopathological data that confirmed the diagnosis were selected. The Joanna Briggs Institute-University of Adelaide tool was used for critical appraisal of the included articles.

RESULTS

Odontogenic carcinosarcoma is a rare, aggressive tumor associated with high mortality; however, the metastasis rate is low. The tumor has a male predilection. The mean patient age is 40 years, but there is no predilection for age. The left posterior mandible is the most affected site, but no specific radiographic features have been reported.

CONCLUSION

Given its rarity, dentists, oral-maxillofacial surgeons, and physicians need to be aware of odontogenic carcinosarcoma in order to increase the diagnostic potential, preventing delays in diagnosis and treatment and thus contributing to lower morbidity of the tumor.