Bruno César de Vasconcelos Gurgel

Selective COX-2 inhibitor reduces bone healing in bone defects

Anti-inflammatory agents have been reported to regulate bone healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (meloxicam) on bone healing in calvarial defects in rats. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were included. After anesthesia, a linear incision was made through the skin of the scalp, a full-thickness flap was reflected and a 4 mm round defect was made with a trephine drill. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the following 4 treatment groups (9 animals each), including daily subcutaneous injections: A: saline solution for 15 days; B: saline solution for 45 days; C: 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days and D: 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 45 days. The animals were sacrificed and the specimens, routinely processed. The bone filling was histometrically measured and statistical analysis, performed. Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that the meloxicam groups presented a significant reduction in bone healing when compared to their respective controls (group A, 44.5 +/- 5.75%, against group C, 57.5 +/- 7.25%, p < 0.05; group B, 40.25 +/- 13.75%, against group D, 52.25 +/- 17.25%). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may reduce bone healing in calvarial defects in rats after continuous administration.

Longitudinal Improvement in Periodontal Parameters between RPD Abutment Teeth with Direct and Indirect Retainers, after Periodontal Therapy: Almeida et al

PURPOSEnTo evaluate the effect of basic periodontal treatment on clinical periodontal parameters associated with abutment teeth of patients with mandibular Kennedy class I removable partial dentures (RPD) 18 months after treatment.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThirty patients with periodontal disease were treated and evaluated according to the following periodontal parameters: visible plaque index (VPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and keratinized mucosa (KM). These parameters were compared between abutment teeth with direct and indirect retainers at baseline, and after 6 and 18 months. Data were analyzed by Friedman Test and Wilcoxon Test for all variables.nnnRESULTSnMost patients (nxa0=xa026; 86.7%) included in the study were female and had a mean age of 61 years (±7.54). Results showed that VPI and BOP decreased over time, and that VPI values were higher in abutment teeth with direct retainers (pxa0=xa00.001). There was a reduction in PD after 6 months, which was maintained up to 18 months. In general, abutment teeth with direct retainers had significantly higher values for PD, GR, and CAL (pxa0=xa00.029). Data also indicated that the parameters for VPI, BOP, and PD improved; however, abutment teeth with direct retainers presented smaller improvements, compared with abutment teeth with indirect retainers, which presented significant improvements for almost all variables.nnnCONCLUSIONnPeriodontal treatment and oral hygiene care of patients were adequate for maintenance of adequate periodontal conditions, regardless of the use of prostheses.