Dragana Gabrić

The effectiveness of acupuncture versus clonazepam in patients with burning mouth syndrome

Objective Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral condition, characterised by burning symptoms, which mainly affects perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Neuropathy might be the underlying cause of the condition. There are still insufficient data regarding successful therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture and clonazepam. Methods Forty-two patients with BMS (38 women, 4 men) aged 66.7±12.0 years were randomly divided into two groups. Acupuncture was performed on 20 participants over 4 weeks, 3 times per week, on points ST8, GB2, TE21, SI19, SI18 and LI4 bilaterally as well as GV20 in the midline, each session lasting half an hour. Twenty-two patients took clonazepam once a day (0.5 mg in the morning) for 2 weeks and, after 2 weeks, two tablets (0.5 mg in the morning and in the evening) were taken for the next 2 weeks. Prior to and 1 month after either therapy, participants completed questionnaires: visual analogue scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results There were significant improvements in the scores of all outcome measures after treatment with both acupuncture and clonazepam, except for MoCA. There were no significant differences between the two therapeutic regimens regarding the scores of the performed tests. Conclusions Acupuncture and clonazepam are similarly effective for patients with BMS.

Evaluation of Bone Healing After Osteotomies Prepared With Er:YAG Laser in Contact and Noncontact Modes and Piezosurgery--An Animal Study.

PURPOSE To analyze the healing of bone tissue treated with Er:YAG laser contact and noncontact modes of and piezosurgery in a rat model using triangular laser profilometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four 10-week-old adult male Wistar rats were used in the study. Three osteotomies on the medial part of tibia were performed in each animal, 1 in the right tibia and 2 in the left tibia. The osteotomies were performed with a piezoelectric device set at maximal power and the Er:YAG laser in contact mode (power, 7.5 W; pulse energy, 375 mJ; repetition rate, 20 Hz; MSP mode) and noncontact mode (power, 7.5 W; pulse energy, 750 mJ; repetition rate, 10 Hz; QSP mode) with a novel type of circular, digitally controlled handpiece (x-Runner). After surgery, 6 animals were immediately euthanized (group 1), and the others were euthanized after 1 week (group 2, n = 6), 2 weeks (group 3, n = 6), and 3 weeks (group 4, n = 6). Bone healing after osteotomy was analyzed using a 3-dimensional laser scanning technique (ie, laser triangulation profilometry). RESULTS The volume reduction rates are similar for all 3 techniques (0.2 to 0.25 mm(3) per week). Greater volume reduction of 0.25 mm3 per week was observed for the Er:YAG laser in noncontact mode (x-Runner). After 3 weeks, almost complete healing of the prepared osteotomy was observed. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, the osteotomies performed by the Er:YAG laser in digitally controlled noncontact mode healed the fastest.

Enamel alteration following tooth bleaching and remineralization.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of professional tooth whitening agents containing highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide (with and without laser activation), on the enamel surface; and the potential of four different toothpastes to remineralize any alterations.

Extensive oral mucosal hyperkeratosis caused by over-the-counter long lasting snoring relief agent.

We describe an unwanted side-effect that was probably aused by the over-the-counter, longlasting drug for the elief of snoring Snoreeze (Passion For Life Healthcare Ltd., psom, UK). It is available as a throat spray, pastilles, or trips that are put on the tongue and pressed on to the palate o reduce snoring. According to the manufacturer it targets he main cause of snoring by its dual action, time-based, forulation, and lubricates the soft tissues at the back of the hroat to provide effective relief from snoring. A 62-year-old woman was referred with extensive, white, yperkeratotic lesions on the right-hand side of the hard and oft palate, palatal arch, and right retromolar area (Fig. 1). She as a non-smoker and did not drink alcohol, and her history xcluded all potential causes of mucosal hyperkeratosis. She as otherwise healthy. A biopsy specimen was taken, which n histological examination showed hyperkeratosis without ysplasia. She had used Snoreeze strips and spray for 3 years. noreeze consists of water, glycerol, pectin, peppermint il, cellulose, sorbitan stearate, polysorbate 60, tocopheryl cetate, aspartame, preservatives (potassium sorbate and odium benzoate), stabiliser (xantham gum – glucose, manose, and glucuronic acid), acesulfame K, hyaluronic acid, uar gum, citric acid, and blue FCF (E133). It is not easy to work out which of these ingredients ed to the mucosal irritation, as none have previously been ssociated with it, but it is well known that various

Utjecaj ispiranja aktiviranog erbijskim laserima na čvrstoću vezivanja individualnog kompozitnog kolčića ojačanog vlaknima na dentin korijenskog kanala

OBJECTIVE The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of laser activated irrigation (LAI) using two erbium lasers on bond strength of individually formed fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts to root canal dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven single-rooted human teeth were endodontically treated and after post space preparation divided into three groups (n=9 per group), according to the pre-treatment of post space preparation: 1) Conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) and saline; 2) Er.YAG photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) technique and saline; 3) Er,Cr:YSGG activated irrigation with RFT2 tip. Two specimens from each group were used for SEM analysis. The remaining specimens (n=7 per group) received individually formed FRC post, everStick POST, luted with self-adhesive cement, G-CEM LinkAce. After cementation, the roots were perpendicularly sectioned into 1 mm thin sections and a push-out test was carried out (0.5 mm/min). The data were calculated as megapascals and were log transformed and statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA at the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS In the control group, the smear layer was still present. In the Er:YAG group, the smear layer was removed. In the Er,Cr:YSGG group, the smear layer was partially removed. The Er,Cr:YSGG group achieved the highest bond strength values, followed by the control group and then the Er:YAG group, but no statistically significant difference was found in bond strength values in the tested group of post space pretreatment (p=0.564). CONCLUSIONS LAI using two erbium lasers, with PIPS or RFT2 tip, did not affect the bond strength of individually formed FRC posts to root canal dentin.

Significance of stroma in biology of oral squamous cell carcinoma

The worldwide annual incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is over 300,000 cases with a mortality rate of 48%. This cancer type accounts for 90% of all oral cancers, with the highest incidence in men over 50 years of age. A significantly increased risk of developing OSCC exists among smokers and people who consume alcohol daily. OSCC is an aggressive cancer that metastasizes rapidly. Despite the development of new therapies in the treatment of OSCC, no significant increase in 5-year survival has been recorded in the past decades. The latest research suggests focus should be put on examining tumor stroma activation within OSCC, as the stroma may contain cells that can produce signal molecules and a microenvironment crucial for the development of metastases. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into the factors that activate OSCC stroma and hence faciliate neoplastic progression. It is based on the currently available data on the role and interaction between metalloproteinases, cytokines, growth factors, hypoxia factor and extracellular adhesion proteins in the stroma of OSCC and neoplastic cells. Their interplay is additionally presented using the Systems Biology Graphical Notation in order to sublimate the collected knowledge and enable the more efficient recognition of possible new biomarkers in the diagnostics and follow-up of OSCC or in finding new therapeutic targets.

Antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic therapy and light-activated disinfection on contaminated zirconia implants: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and light-activated disinfection (LAD) on zirconia dental implants contaminated with three bacterial species and investigate if the PDT and LAD cause implant surface alterations. METHODS Seventy-two zirconia dental implants were contaminated with a bacterial suspension of Prevotella intermedia, Actinomyces actinomycetemcomitans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The implants were subsequently randomly divided into four groups (n = 12 dental implants/each) according to the decontamination protocol: Group 1 (PDT1) - PDT (660 nm, 100 mW) with toluidine blue; Group 2 (PDT2) - PDT (660 nm, 100 mW) with phenothiazine chloride dye; Group 3 (LAD) - light emitting diode (LED) with toluidine blue; and Group 4 (TB) - toluidine blue without the application of light. Implants in the positive control (PC) group were treated with a 0.2% chlorhexidine-based solution, and implants assigned to the negative control (NC) group did not undergo any treatment. Each implant was then placed in tubes containing phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and vortexed for 60 s to remove the remaining bacteria from the implant surface. After 10-fold serial dilutions, 30 μl of the suspension was plated on Brucella agar plates. After 72 h, the colony forming units (CFU) were counted. Distinctive colonies were confirmed with MALDI Biotyper. The implants were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the possible surface alterations due to PDT or LAD. RESULTS All study groups had significant reductions in the number of CFUs compared with the NC (p < 0.05). PDT1, the PDT2, and the LAD groups had the largest bacterial reduction with respect to each bacterial species separately and the total bacterial count, and they were more efficient compared with the TB group (p < 0.05). SEM analysis did not reveal any alterations of the implant surface after the treatment procedures. CONCLUSION Both PDT protocols and LAD showed high and equal effectiveness in decontamination of zirconia dental implants.

Effect of Different Laser Treatments on the Bond Strength of Intracanal Fiber Posts Cemented with a Self-Adhesive Resin Cement: Bond Strength of a Self-Adhesive Resin Cement

PURPOSE To evaluate the influence of laser-activated irrigation by Er:YAG and Er:YSGG (LAI) protocols and Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the bond strength of self-adhesively cemented fiber posts to root canal dentine. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample consisted of 84 human single-rooted permanent teeth instrumented with ProTaper Next technique. After obturation, post space preparations were created for fiber-reinforced composite posts. The prepared specimens were divided according to the laser treatment of the post space preparations: group 1: LAI (Er:YAG) + saline solution (pulse energy: 20 mJ, repetition rate: 15 Hz); group 2: LAI (Er:YAG) + QMiX solution (pulse energy: 20 mJ, repetition rate: 15 Hz); group 3: LAI (Er,Cr:YSGG) + saline solution (pulse energy: 62.5 mJ, 20 Hz); group 4: LAI (Er,Cr:YSGG) + QMiX (pulse energy: 62.5 mJ, 20 Hz); Nd:YAG laser (pulse energy: 100 mJ, 10 Hz). Fiber-reinforced posts were cemented with a self-adhesive cement. The bond strength was evaluated by the push-out bond strength test, and the mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for the intergroup comparative analysis with 5% level of significance. RESULTS The highest bond strength was recorded in the Er:YAG + QMiX group (mean 3.401 MPa) (p < 0.05), followed by the Er,Cr:YSGG and the Er:YAG + saline solution (mean 1.111 MPa and 1.094 MPa, respectively), which did not differ significantly (p = 0.232). The irradiation with the Nd:YAG laser caused similar bond strength as the Er,Cr:YSGG + QMiX (p = 0.942). CONCLUSION All laser protocols enhanced the bond strength of the self-adhesive cement in root canals compared to only saline irrigation. The bond strength of the self-adhesive cement depended on the laser parameters and irrigant used for the LAI.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy and Light-Activated Disinfection Against Bacterial Species on Titanium Dental Implants

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and light-activated disinfection (LAD) against a 3-day-old bacterial suspension prepared from three different bacterial species present on titanium dental implants, and to analyze the possible alterations of the implant surfaces as a result of the PDT and LAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted on 72 titanium dental implants contaminated with a bacterial suspension prepared from three bacterial species: Prevotella intermedia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The contaminated implants were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 72 hours and then were randomly divided into four experimental groups and two control groups (n = 12 each), according to the following treatment protocols: group 1 (PDT1): PDT (660 nm, 100 mW, 60 seconds) with toluidine blue; group 2 (PDT2): PDT (660 nm, 100 mW, 60 seconds) with phenothiazine chloride dye; group 3 (LAD): light-emitting diode (LED) with toluidine blue; group 4 (toluidine blue): treatment with only toluidine blue for 60 seconds. In the positive control group, the implants were treated with a 0.2% chlorhexidine-based solution for 60 seconds, and in the negative control group, no treatment was used. RESULTS The highest bacterial reduction was recorded in the PDT1 (98.3%) and PDT2 (97.8%) groups. The results of this study showed that there was a statistically significant reduction of bacteria in the PDT1 and PDT2 groups compared with the negative control group (P < .05), individually for each bacterial species as well as for all three species together. LAD was less effective than PDT1 and PDT2, and did not show a statistically significant difference compared with the negative control or any other treatment group. Toluidine blue was the least effective treatment in terms of both the total bacterial count and the individual count for each bacterial species. CONCLUSION Both PDT1 and PDT2 protocols showed a high efficacy against a 3-day-old bacterial biofilm on dental implants and were more effective compared with LAD.

Plasma rich in growth factors in dentistry

Background Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has wider use in many fields of dentistry due to its endogenous biocompatible regenerative potential i.e., their potential to stimulate and accelerate tissue healing and bone regeneration. Aims This review shows the increasing use of PRGF technology in various fields of dentistry. Methods In the last nine years PubMed has been searched in order to find out published articles upon PRGF in dentistry and 36 papers have been included. Results PRGF technology has many advantages with positive clinical and biological outcomes in tissue healing and bone regeneration. Conclusion In order to determine the most effective therapeutic value for patients, further research is required. Key