Effect of antioxidants on adhesive bond strength to bleached enamel

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of antioxidants (ATX) resveratrol, winter's bark, green tea and yerba mate on the bond strength between bleached enamel and the nanohybrid composite resin.

METHODOLOGY

Bovine incisor crowns (n = 132) were randomly divided into 22 groups (n = 6) according to the application times (5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min) of each antioxidant. Teeth restored without previous bleaching or ATX constituted the non-bleached control group (NB Ctrl) (n = 6), and teeth restored after bleaching and without ATX represented the bleached control group (B Ctrl) (n = 6). The 35 % hydrogen peroxide was applied for 45 min (3 application of 15 min) to the buccal enamel surface. ATX was used after bleaching for the specified time of each group and removed with air-water spray. The enamel was etched with 37 % phosphoric acid (30 s) and rinsed with air-water spray. The adhesive resin was applied to the enamel dry surface. Teeth were restored using 1 mm composite resin increments (10 × 10 × 3 mm) and sectioned in test specimens of 6 mm in length and 1 mm2 in cross-sectional area submitted to microtensile bond strength test (0.5 mm/min). The load (N) at failure was recorded, and the bond strength (σt) was calculated (MPa). The fracture area was analyzed under optical microscopy, and failures were classified as cohesive, mixed, or adhesive. Data was evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

B Ctrl group presented lower σt than NB Ctrl (p < 0.001). Applying resveratrol for 5 or 10 min, winter's bark for 10 or 15 min, green tea for less than 15 min, and yerba mate for 15 min provided similar σt between bleached enamel and nanohybrid composite to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Restorative procedures performed immediately after tooth bleaching compromises adhesion. Experimental antioxidants applied to bleached enamel can increase the immediate bond strength of restorations performed directly after bleaching, with similar values to those observed in unbleached enamel.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study presents promising results to support the use of antioxidants on the recently bleached enamel to allow adhesive tooth restorations. The immediate bonding obtained using antioxidants was similar to the one achieved in non-bleached enamel in brief application times. Green tea extract and resveratrol were able to restore the bond strength to bleached enamel in a short application time of 5 min. The reduction in the required application time holds the potential to decrease the overall duration of the clinical section, offering clinical advantages and improving the feasibility of using antioxidants on the bleached enamel prior to adhesive procedures.

Choosing Juvéderm Volux™ to chin augmentation: Case report and flowchart for clinical evaluation

INTRODUCTION

The development of filler biomaterials with high hyaluronic acid concentrations, cohesiveness, and elastic modulus has become an option for chin augmentation, as the balance of these rheological properties promotes high lifting capacity, providing minimally invasive perceptible improvements in patient appearance.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The present study reviewed clinical and anatomical aspects of patients referred for chin augmentation and created a flowchart to assertively diagnose patients with an indication of Juvéderm® Volux™ for defining the lower third of the face.

DISCUSSION

The chin is vital for facial proportions and attractiveness perception. Its relevance to facial appearance is noticed the most when chin size is less than ideal, making other facial areas seem larger or smaller. The adjacent soft tissues of the neck and jaw appear prematurely aged when chin projection or width is inadequate. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers have a confirmed history of safe and effective use for treating facial volume loss or deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Juvéderm® Volux™ is a safe, effective, and long-lasting alternative for restoring and creating facial volume and sculpting, shaping, and contouring the chin and jaw.

Influence of photodynamic therapy, different final irrigants, and ultrasonic activation on the bond strength of glass fiber posts to root dentin

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of photodynamic therapy (PDT), different final irrigants, and ultrasonic activation (US) on the bond strength of glass fiber posts (GFP) to root dentin.

METHODS

One hundred twenty bovine roots were divided into 12 groups according to PDT application, the type of final endodontic irrigant, and US. The samples were divided into 12 groups (n = 10): G1-DW(distilled water); G2-DW+US; G3-17% EDTA; G4-17% EDTA+US; G5-17% GA (glycolic acid); G6-17% GA+US; G7-PDT+DW; G8-PDT+DW+US; G9-PDT+17% EDTA; G10-PDT+17% EDTA+US; G11-PDT+17% GA; G12-PDT+17% GA+US. After cementing the glass fiber posts with resin cement, roots were sectioned into 2-mm-thick slices. One slice from the cervical third and another from the middle third were used for the push out test (PO), and the other two for the diametral compression test (DC). Thus, 10 samples were obtained per third for each mechanical test (n = 10). Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were used to analyze PO and DC data, and Pearson's correlation test was used to verify the relationship between the variables. Failure patterns were analyzed with chi-square test.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in the PO test among the experimental groups (p < 0.001; power=1.00). PDT improved bond strength when using EDTA. PDT and US increased bond strength when using GA. Favorable failure patterns occurred more frequently in Group GA+US. There was no correlation between data obtained with PO and DC tests (r = 0.112; p = 0.729).

CONCLUSION

PDT provided the highest bond strength values of GFP to root dentin when associated with GA and US or when associated only with EDTA.

Uncommon case of histoplasmosis with oral manifestation: A case report of diagnosis in a South American patient

Introduction

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal disease caused by the H. capsulatum fungus, which is mainly present in feces and guano of birds and bats. This condition manifests in several ways and it is more severe in its disseminated form and in immunosuppressed patients, putting the patient at risk of death if not diagnosed in time.

Case presentation

This report presents the case of a 39-year-old white female patient, a seller of agricultural machinery, with a history of lupus erythematosus, who attended a private dental office complaining of a tongue lesion. The patient reported having been subjected to an incisional biopsy of this lesion and the histopathological examination identified an inflammatory process. Considering the inefficient management of the lesion with intralesional application of corticosteroids, squamous cell carcinoma or granulomatous fungal infection was suspected, and a new biopsy was performed allowing the diagnosis of histoplasmosis already spread to the liver, intestines, and bone marrow. The diagnosed disease led the patient to undergo extensive antifungal treatment, including a period of hospitalization.

Discussion

The diagnosis of histoplasmosis can be delayed due to several factors, mainly due to its diverse clinical presentation between acute, chronic and disseminated forms. However, achieving an early diagnosis for histoplasmosis is very important to maintain the patient's quality of life.

Conclusion

Greater education, information, and awareness about histoplasmosis among health professionals are required for managing these cases, especially in endemic areas to H. capsulatum.

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The diagnosis of histoplasmosis can be challenging, mimicking other diseases.

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Biopsy and histopathological exams are essential for diagnosis of histoplasmosis.

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The dentist plays a fundamental role in diagnosis of oral lesions of histoplasmosis.

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Histoplasmosis affects immunosuppressed individuals and can lead to death.

Prevalence of red and orange microbial complexes in endodontic-periodontal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review assesses the prevalence of microbial complexes in endodontic-periodontal lesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine databases were searched through August 2020. Experts were consulted to indicate additional studies. Studies were blindly selected by two reviewers based on pre-defined eligibility criteria. Studies that evaluated the prevalence of microbial orange and red complexes among patients with endodontic-periodontal lesion were considered eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data.

RESULTS

From 572 articles found on all databases, 11 clinical studies were finally included. The following microorganisms were investigated: P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, T. denticola, F. nucleatum, F. periodonticum, P. micra, P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, S. constellatus, C. gracilis, C. rectus, C. showae and E. nodatum. Considering the orange complex, P. micra, E. nodatum and S. constellatus were prevalent in both root canal and periodontal pockets. P. gingivalis and T. forsythia belonging to the red complex were prevalent only in periodontal pockets. The red complex microorganisms were not found very frequently in root canal.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a similarity between the microbiome of root canal and periodontal pockets, with prevalence of the three microorganisms of the orange complex. Two microorganisms from the red complex were prevalent only in periodontal pockets.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The prevalence of specific microorganisms in endodontic-periodontal lesion is important to understand the microbiological profile of the patients involved and to correlate it with possible clinical and repair conditions of this pathology.

Immunohistochemical analysis of growth factors in platelet-rich fibrin membranes

The use of autogenous materials to promote tissue regeneration has guided the direction of modern dentistry, and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering. This in vitro immunohistochemical study aimed to analyze the presence of factors of endothelial growth and cell differentiation in PRF membranes by using the CD31 (endothelial cells) and CD163 (monocytes) markers. Five men and 5 women, aged between 25 and 60 years and without systemic health problems, were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected, submitted to a centrifugation protocol, and fixed in 4% formaldehyde, and then immunohistochemical analysis was performed. The histologic analysis of the slides showed that the fibrin clot was formed by a dense fiber network and cells trapped in its structure. One sample was excluded from the markers testing due to poor quality. All 9 of the valid samples were positive for the CD31 and CD163 markers, with reactivity ranging from 5% to 30% and 10% to 40% of cells, respectively. The immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of CD31 and CD163 in the PRF membranes, indicating the potential for vascular neoformation and the significant presence of monocytes, which play an important role in tissue remodeling via their differentiation into macrophages.

Influence of smoking on oral cells genotoxicity after at-home bleaching using 22% carbamide peroxide: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the influence of smoking on the oral cells genotoxicity before and after at-home bleaching using 22% carbamide peroxide (CP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective observational analytics cohort study which evaluated nonsmokers (NS; n = 24) and smokers (S; n = 16) patients. At-home bleaching was performed using 22% CP gel in individual trays for 1 h per day for 14 days in both groups. Scrapped cells from marginal gums were collected before the bleaching treatment (D0-baseline) and 1 day (D1), 15 days (D15), and 1 month (D30) after its finishing. Cells were stained with Giemsa 10%, and the micronucleus (MN) and metanuclear alterations (MA) were counted by a trained operator in 1000 cells per patient. The collections and data analysis occurred blindly. Data was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and Mann-Whitney test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

MN frequency was not influenced by smoking or bleaching. An increase of MA was observed between D0 and D30 for both groups (p < 0.001); however, no statistical difference was found between NS and S (p > 0.05) in the evaluation times.

CONCLUSION

Smoking associated with 22% carbamide peroxide gel for at-home bleaching does not show genotoxic potential analyzed by the MN counts. However, a significant increase of MA was found for smokers and nonsmokers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Despite of the increase in MA, smoking associated with 22% CP peroxide at-home bleaching showed no important genotoxic potential (MN) for oral cells. Therefore, at-home bleaching treatment is safe for nonsmokers and smokers even with a high carbamide peroxide concentration of 22%.

Quality of life of patients following orthognathic surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate how patients with dentofacial deficiency who have undergone orthognathic surgery perceive their quality of life (QoL) with respect to functional, esthetic, and psychosocial issues. In an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study, 10 patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery answered questionnaires used internationally for assessing QoL: the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14), and Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ). In addition, the patients completed the Self-Perception Questionnaire of Esteem, Appearance, and Interpersonal Relationships (ASR-26), which explored the differences between their current self-esteem, appearance satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships and their memories of their presurgical feelings about those topics. The data were submitted to descriptive and multivariable statistical analyses. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative periods regarding self-esteem, appearance satisfaction, and professional relationships (P < 0.05). The data collected with the SF-36, OHIP-14, and OQLQ questionnaires showed high internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient). The index (mean) scores for the SF-36 (81.5), OHIP-14 (0.6), and OQLQ (5.0) were close to the conditions of high QoL. Principal component analysis revealed 3 distinct groups of patients, and 70% of patients composed a group with high QoL scores, showing no complaints of physical pain, functional limitation, psychological discomfort, social disability, or excessive concern about their oral condition. In this small sample of patients, orthognathic surgery resulted in improved health-related QoL with variations among patients regarding physical pain, psychological discomfort, oral function, facial esthetics, physical function, social function, and self-awareness of facial deformity. The results of this study indicate the importance of applying a questionnaire in individuals who have undergone orthognathic surgery to investigate their personal motivations for treatment and which physical, social, and psychological problems are limiting their QoL.

Orthognathic surgery and orthodontics associated with orofacial harmonization: Case report

Introduction and importance

Orthognathic surgery aims to restore the functional and esthetic standards of the face and non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures have been optimizing the results of facial orthosurgical treatments. This case report aimed to show the use of minimally invasive techniques that, associated with orthognathic surgery, represent a trend in current oral and maxillofacial rehabilitation.

Case presentation

A female patient, 28 years old, white, sought care from the Dentistry team of the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital, in Passo Fundo, Brazil, complaining of mandibular prognathism, anteroposterior maxillary deficiency, dental crowding, malocclusion, functional and esthetic changes that negatively affected her psychosocial interactions and stomatognathic function. The treatment involved orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, and orofacial harmonization with dermal fillers.

Clinical discussion

The multidisciplinarity among the specialties of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology, Orthodontics, and Orofacial Harmonization add and contribute to the process of planning and implementing the treatment proposed, as well as the prognosis toward patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

The surgical procedure associated with minimally invasive facial harmonization not only corrected the functional complaint of the patient but also played an important role in improving facial harmony, contributing significantly to self-esteem.

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Minimally invasive facial harmonization refines orthognathic surgery techniques.

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The integration of several disciplines helps to improve facial harmony.

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Injectable fillers represent important allies in orthosurgical treatments.

Oral leukoplakia-epidemiological survey and histochemical analysis of 107 cases in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To perform an epidemiological survey comparing the cell proliferative activity of 107 cases of oral leukoplakia with their clinical and histopathological characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational, and histological-histochemical study. The cases came from the Histopathological Diagnostic Service of UPF/RS and the School of Dentistry of Araçatuba FOA/UNESP/SP (1986-2016). The histopathological sections were stained using the silver staining (AgNOR) technique and the nuclei of 100 epithelial cells selected randomly were recorded to count the number of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs). The mean NORs per lesion were correlated to clinical and histological characteristics using ANOVA, at 5% significance.

RESULTS

Most of the cases included men (62.62%), white (64.49%), and with an average age of 53.94 years. The most probable etiological factors were smoking (44.7%) and alcohol consumption (9.85%). The evolution time of most lesions was fast (33.65%), manifesting mainly in the form of plaques (70.37%) and without symptoms (58.88%). They were located mainly in the cheek mucosa (26.62%) and presented white color (66.35%), well-defined edges (59.81%), firm consistency (47.5%), and keratinized surface (49.53%). Etiological factor (p = 0.003), evolution time (p = 0.006), symptoms (p = 0.029), location (p = 0.020), consistency (p = 0.047), histopathological characteristics (p = 0.004), and superficial keratinization (p = 0.001) were statistically significant regarding the mean NORs of the leukoplakias studied.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Oral leukoplakias caused by alcohol consumption and/or tobacco use, considering an evolution time of fewer than 12 months, asymptomatic, located in the lower lip or tongue, and with a firm consistency and increased superficial keratinization should be treated more aggressively by the clinician to avoid cancerization.

Facial trauma followed by osteomyelitis - Case report

Introduction

Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory-infectious state that may involve trabecular bone, cortical bone, bone marrow and periosteum. The source of the infection may be hematogenic, acquired from an adjoining infectious focus or by direct inoculation into the bone. Its treatment involves antibiotic administration and surgery, but its management remains challenging.

Presentation of case

A 76-year-old male patient with a history of car accident 3 months earlier sought hospital care with nasal fracture and loss of substance in the right frontotemporal region, where a pectoral muscle free graft was performed to reconstruct the facial defect. The grafted region had hyperemic edges, necrotic appearance, purulent discharge and bone exposure in the nasal dorsum. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was an infectious process due to graft rejection, with likely evolution to osteomyelitis. The surgical procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team and the patient received the antibiotic regimen according to the antibiogram, with hospital discharge after 39 days of hospitalization.

Discussion

Treatment of osteomyelitis requires the combination of antimicrobial therapy and surgery. Despite surgical and chemotherapeutic advances, it is a difficult condition to treat and there is no universally accepted protocol for treatment.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment was essential for stabilization of the condition. Due to the complexity of this type of infection in the craniofacial region, planning and execution must be carried out through a multidisciplinary team.

Foreign body reaction simulating mandibular osteosarcoma-Case report

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Foreign body granulomas may be associated with silicone prostheses.

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Foreign body granulomas can be mistaken for malignant neoplasms.

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Diagnosis of foreign body granuloma needs clinical, imaging and histological analysis.

Introduction

This study aimed to report the case of a foreign body granuloma in a 34-year-old woman, presenting clinical and imaging characteristics, as well as to discuss the association of using alloplastic material for the lesion in question.

Presentation of case

Female patient seeking dental care for a routine treatment. The panoramic radiograph showed the presence of asymptomatic, radiolucent, and multiloculated lesion between teeth 31 and 34. Among the hypotheses diagnosed, central giant cell granuloma and osteosarcoma were suggested. When questioned, the patient denied any health changes or recent local procedures. After performing a histopathological examination and insisting on anamnesis, the case was diagnosed more accurately as "foreign body reaction" and the adequate therapy was determined.

Discussion

The use of alloplastic material has been reported as an etiological factor of foreign body lesions, and dentists, either clinicians, radiologists or pathologists, should be aware of this because of the great increase of such procedures and the difficulties related to their diagnosis.

Conclusion

The foreign body granuloma associated with silicone prosthesis, based on its clinical and imaging characteristics, may be mistaken for neoplastic processes.

Morse taper performance: A finite element analysis study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the magnitude and distribution of stresses generated on implants, abutments and first molar metal-ceramic crowns using finite element analysis.

METHODS

Preliminary three-dimensional models were created using the computer-aided design software SolidWorks. Stress and strain values were observed for two distinct virtual models: model 1 - Morse taper and solid abutment; model 2 - Morse taper and abutment with screw. A load (250 N) was applied to a single point of the occlusal surface at 15° to the implant long axis. Von Mises stresses were recorded for both groups at four main points: 1) abutment-retaining screws; 2) abutment neck; 3) cervical bone area; 4) implant neck.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Model 1 showed a higher stress value (1477.5 MPa) at the abutment-retaining screw area than the stresses found in model 2 (1091.1 MPa for the same area). The cervical bone strain values did not exceed 105 µm for either model.

Análise da atividade proliferativa celular de 108 casoas de Leucoplasia bucal, por meio da impregnação tecidual por prata (Ag-NOR)

Define-se leucoplasia como a lesão cancerizável mais frequente na mucosa bucal. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento epidemiológico das leucoplasias bucais registradas no Serviço de Diagnóstico Histopatológico da Universidade de Passo Fundo (SDH/UPF) e Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba – UNESP, entre 1991 e 2015, aplicando a tais casos o método de impregnação tecidual por prata (Ag-NOR) a fim de verificar sua atividade proliferativa celular. O trabalho foi aprovado pelo CEP/UPF (172/2011) e consiste num estudo epidemiológico-histoquímico transversal. Cortes histológicos de tais casos foram impregnados pela prata (método Ag-NOR). As lâminas foram fotografadas em imersão, tendo sido capturadas microfotografias de 100 células de cada caso. Os resultados foram comparados levando em consideração as diferentes características clínicas dos casos de leucoplasia. Até o momento, foram levantados 108 casos. A faixa etária prevalente foi de 61 a 80 anos (44 casos- 40,74%), 58 pacientes eram homens (53,7%) e os pacientes brancos predominaram (82 casos-75,93%). Quanto aos hábitos deletérios, o fumo foi relatado em 31 casos (27,92%). Ao se comparar o número médio de NORs de leucoplasia com diferentes características clínicas, notou-se não haver relação significativa (p > 0,05). Esse estudo revelou que a leucoplasia acomete principalmente homens acima dos 60 anos, brancos e tabagistas. Nos 108 casos estudados notou-se que a atividade proliferativa das lesões não está relacionada às suas características clínicas.

Peri-implant assessment via cone beam computed tomography and digital periapical radiography: an ex vivo study

OBJECTIVES

This research evaluated detail registration in peri-implant bone using two different cone beam computer tomography systems and a digital periapical radiograph.

METHODS

Three different image acquisition protocols were established for each cone beam computer tomography apparatus, and three clinical situations were simulated in an ex vivo fresh pig mandible: buccal bone defect, peri-implant bone defect, and bone contact. Data were subjected to two analyses: quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative analyses involved a comparison of real specimen measures using a digital caliper in three regions of the preserved buccal bone - A, B and E (control group) - to cone beam computer tomography images obtained with different protocols (kp1, kp2, kp3, ip1, ip2, and ip3). In the qualitative analyses, the ability to register peri-implant details via tomography and digital periapical radiography was verified, as indicated by twelve evaluators. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The quantitative assessment showed means statistically equal to those of the control group under the following conditions: buccal bone defect B and E with kp1 and ip1, peri-implant bone defect E with kp2 and kp3, and bone contact A with kp1, kp2, kp3, and ip2. Qualitatively, only bone contacts were significantly different among the assessments, and the p3 results differed from the p1 and p2 results. The other results were statistically equivalent.

CONCLUSIONS

The registration of peri-implant details was influenced by the image acquisition protocol, although metal artifacts were produced in all situations. The evaluators preferred the Kodak 9000 3D cone beam computer tomography in most cases. The evaluators identified buccal bone defects better with cone beam computer tomography and identified peri-implant bone defects better with digital periapical radiography.

Evaluation of cellular proliferative activity in patients with oral lichen planus and hepatitis C through AgNOR method

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cellular proliferative potential of oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions from patients without hepatitis C virus (HCV) by means of AgNOR method, as well as the cellular proliferative potential of the normal oral mucosa from patients with HCV, treated or untreated by interferon and ribavirin. A cross-sectional study was developed to investigate four groups: 10 HCV+ patients without clinical signs of OLP who had never been treated for HCV infection - Group 1; 10 HCV+ patients that were under interferon and ribavirin treatment - Group 2; 15 patients with reticular OLP lesions histopathologically confirmed, without HCV - Group 3; and 15 blood donors without HCV infection and no clinical signs of OLP GROUP 4 Control Group. The cytological material of all groups was collected by the liquid-based cytology technique. Then, the sedimented material from each patient was filled with the Nucleolar Organizer Regions impregnation by silver method (AgNOR). The count of NORs was performed on 100 epithelial cell nuclei per patient using the Image Tool(tm) software. The Tukey HSD test was used to compare the median value of NORs among the groups and showed that the oral mucosa of HCV+ patients previously treated with anti-HCV drugs (GROUP 2), presented a higher average number of NORs in relation to others (p<0.05). The anti-HCV treatment may be related to increased cell proliferation of oral mucosa, indicating a possible relationship between OLP and HCV+ patients treated with interferon and ribavirin.

The effect of laser and botulinum toxin in the treatment of myofascial pain and mouth opening: A randomized clinical trial

This study conducted a randomized clinical trial in 15 patients, who sought care at the Dental Clinic of the University of Passo Fundo, in order to compare the use of low-level laser and botulinum toxin in the treatment of myofascial pain and whether they alter the mouth opening of patients with temporomandibular disorder. The patients were divided into two groups: the Laser group received low-level GaAlAs laser, 100mW of power at a wavelength of 830nm in continuous light emission; and the Toxin group received 30U of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in the first session, and 15U after fifteen days. The assessments were performed by measuring pain with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and mouth opening with a digital caliper. Data were submitted to Student's t test at 5% significance level. Regarding pain symptoms, the results indicate that groups treated with laser and toxin registered 7U in VAS, at day 5 the scores were 4.75 and 4.86U, respectively. The laser worked faster (day 12) at 2.75U, and the group treated with BTX-A registered 2.86U at day 30. Both therapies investigated were effective in reducing pain, but the effect of low-level laser was faster than the use of BTX-A. Both treatments showed no statistically significant improvement in mouth opening.

Hepatitis C and Oral Lichen Planus: Evaluation of their Correlation and Risk Factors in a Longitudinal Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and oral lichen planus (OLP), and further examine the relationship between age, sex, systemic diseases and drugs with the presence of HCV infection or OLP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A longitudinal clinical study was carried out from March 2010 to December 2013 with 51 individuals, of whom 33 had been presented with HCV (HCV-positive group) and 18 had OLP (OLP-positive group), in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. Hepatitis C virus-positive individuals who presented lesions compatible with OLP were subjected to an intraoral biopsy for histopathological diagnosis, while OLP-positive individuals underwent anti-HCV serological test for diagnosis of HCV infection. Data on age, sex, systemic diseases and drugs used were recorded for later analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and by Pearson's Chi-square test, with a 5% significance level (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Out of the 33 HCV-positive individuals, only one was clinically and pathologically positive for OLP, demonstrating a significant relationship between the presence of HCV infection and the manifestation of OLP (Chi-square test -46.852, p = 7.65 × 10(-12)). None of the individuals in OLP-positive group had HCV infection. The most common systemic diseases were hypertension and diabetes, and the most commonly used drugs were antihypertensives. However, there was no significant relationship between these factors and the presence of OLP or HCV infection (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a significant relationship between HCV infection and manifestation of OLP. Age, sex, systemic diseases and drugs were not identified as risk factors for the development of these diseases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The OLP could serve as an indicative of HCV infection in asymptomatic patients, thus enabling early diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis and hence, a better prognosis.