Burak Demiralp

Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Chitosan Combination on Bone Regeneration in Experimental Rabbit Cranial Defects

This study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of chitosan sponge and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel alone as well as their combination on bone regeneration in rabbit cranial defects. Four cranial defects with a 4.5-mm diameter were created in rabbit cranium and grafted with PRP, chitosan sponge alone, and chitosan sponge incorporated with PRP. The rabbits were killed by the fourth and eighth weeks, and the defects were analyzed histologically. Higher bone formation was observed in the PRP group when compared with the other groups at weeks 4 and 8. All parts of the defects were filled with thick trabecular new bone in the PRP group. The amount of new bone formation in the control groups was found to be less when compared with the PRP group and the least in the chitosan group. The defects that were filled with chitosan sponge showed a limited amount of new bone formation and an obvious fibrous demarcation line between chitosan particles and bone. Application of PRP showed a histological tendency toward increased bone formation. Other forms or derivatives of chitosan may have beneficial effects to achieve new bone regeneration.

ABM/P-15 modulates proliferation and mRNA synthesis of growth factors of periodontal ligament cells.

Objective. Periodontal regeneration is histologically defined as regeneration of the tooth supporting structures, including alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. Cells in the remaining periodontal tissues need optimal conditions if they are to perform their functions in the regeneration process. The present study is an investigation of the molecular effects of ABM/P-15 on human periodontal ligament cells (PDL) in vitro. Material and methods. PDL cells obtained from healthy subjects were used for in vitro experiments. Cell proliferation, morphology, and mineralization using Von kossa staining were evaluated. mRNA expressions for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and type 1 collagen (COL1) were assessed on days 3 and 7 using RT-PCR. Results. ABM/P-15 enhanced proliferation of cultured PDL cells. It increased the mRNA expression of TGF-β and BMP-2 in cultured PDL cells on days 3 and 7. IGF-I and b-FGF mRNA expressions showed a slight decrease, while PDGF expression was observed to have increased on day 3. VEGF and COL1 mRNA expressions were found not to be different on days 3 and 7. No differences were observed in the mineralization properties of cultured PDL cells treated with or without ABM/P-15. Conclusions. Based on the results of this in vitro study, it may be concluded that ABM/P-15 enhanced the regenerative capacity of PDL by regulating specific gene expressions of cells during early wound healing.

The importance of soft tissue examination in post-traumatic decision-making: A case report

Dental and facial traumas involving teeth and supporting tissues are common sports-related injuries. In this case report treatment of a 23-year-old student who had been elbowed by an opponent player during a basketball game, which caused oblique fractures on both maxillary incisor teeth is presented. The patient presented 17 days following trauma having completed full recovery of soft tissues. A fragment of upper incisor tooth had been embedded in lower lip at the time of trauma, which was covered by healing tissues. At the 1 month control the patient complained of a hard structure in his lower lip. The elusive broken fragment was revealed by a radiograph and then removed surgically. This case report is a good example of the importance of the training of general dentists about sports-related traumatic injuries as well as emphasising the importance of the use of mouthguards during contact sports.

Correlation between clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in the treatment of anterior disc displacement.

PURPOSE This study aimed to compare the agreement of clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results before and after the treatment of nonreduction temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 22 patients, each with anterior disc displacement without reduction in at least one TMJ. Diagnosis was performed clinically and with MRI prior to treatment. All patients received the same treatment protocol, consisting of occlusal appliance therapy and exercise for a period of 24 weeks. By the end of treatment, clinical and imaging examinations were repeated and the results subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS Before treatment, MRI and clinical examinations matched in 35 of 44 joints (79.5%). On the basis of the kappa index, the agreement between clinical and imaging examinations was moderate (mean kappa index = 0.59, P = .0001). After treatment, these examinations matched in only 16 of 44 cases (36%) and the agreement was poor. CONCLUSION Clinical criteria do not necessarily correlate with MRI findings in the postoperative period in patients treated for TMJ anterior disc displacement.

Evaluation of Extraction Site Dimensions and Density Using Computed Tomography Treated With Different Graft Materials: A Preliminary Study

Purpose: The preliminary human study was designed to evaluate extraction site changes using CT after socket preservation (SP) with different materials. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two sockets from 17 Turkish individuals (8 women and 9 men; mean age 44.70 ± 9.99 years) localized at the maxillary anterior area were treated with demineralized bone matrix + collagen membrane (CM) (N = 14), hydroxyapatite bone substitute (HBS) + CM (N = 14), CM (N = 13), or left empty (N = 11). CT scans were taken 10 and 120 days after the procedure. Horizontal and vertical socket dimensions and Hounsfield unit (HU) values were evaluated. Results: First 3 groups showed a significant horizontal decrease from day 10 to 120. No significant change was detected in vertical socket dimension. For both horizontal and vertical, no intergroup difference was detected at days 10 and 120. At days 10 and 120, HU values in HBS + CM group were significantly higher compared with others. Apical and coronal HU values were not different at any period. Conclusion: Even if it did not provide better socket dimensions, HBS + CM treatment brought higher tissue density and thus, can be recommended to increase the bone quality and implant success after SP in upper anterior area.