Intracanal antisepsis acts as one of the fundamental steps in root canal therapy. Intracanal medication is very common among the multitudinous root canal disinfection methods so far. However, as the most frequently-used intracanal medication, calcium hydroxide exists some problems, such as insufficient antimicrobial power and antibiogram. Thus exploring new root canal disinfectant is necessary. Herbal medicine is gaining favor for its wide varieties, broad efficacy and affordable prices. The current researches revealed that many kinds of herbs or compound herbal preparations possess good ability of antimicrobial and other properties that superior to those of traditional root canal disinfectants. However, herbal medicine itself and the studies have shortcomings. This paper will provide a review of various herbal alternatives that are being studied of late years.
Antisepsis ; Calcium Hydroxide ; Herbal Medicine ; Root Canal Irrigants ; Root Canal Therapy

Lateral thoracic flap is a free flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects and has been previously used in oral and maxillofacial surgeries. We reported a case involving a huge soft tissue defect on the parotid region caused by the resection of parotid epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma. We discussed the anatomy and application of the lateral thoracic flap.
Carcinoma ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Parotid Region ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Surgical Flaps

Complex odontoma is a relatively rare dental dysplasia. In particular, a complex odontoma with dentigerous cyst is seldom observed. A case of complex odontoma with dentigerous cyst is reported in this paper.
Dentigerous Cyst ; Humans ; Odontoma

OBJECTIVEWe aim to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antibacterial effects of Silagum-Comfort (SLC) silicone-based soft liner varnish containing Ag/TiO2 in vitro.

METHODSSilicone-based liner circular specimens, with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, were created and divided into six groups randomly. Ag/TiO2 was incorporated into the SLC varnish based on the agent/material weight rate of 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%. The mixed varnish was used to polish the SLC specimens. Antibacterial specimens (ATSLC) were created. Methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay method was used to evaluate the 3T3 cell cytotoxicity of ATSLC in vitro. Surface roughness (Ra) measurements of ATSLC were obtained. The antibacterial effect of ATSLC on Candida albicans was examined using the pelliclesticking method.

RESULTSThe cytotoxicity of ATSLC was graded from 0 to 2. The Ra of ATSLC increased when Ag/TiO2 agent concentration increased. However, the differences were not statistically significant compared with the 0 group. With increasing Ag/TiO2 concentration, the antibacterial agent concentration and the antibacterial rate of ATSLC also increased. When the Ag/TiO2 antibacterial agent concentration reached 2.0% and 2.5%, the antibacterial rate increased to 97.5% and 96.5, respectively.

CONCLUSIONVarnish containing Ag/TiO2 has excellent antibacterial effect and can significantly improve the antibacterial effect of silicone-based soft liner.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Candida albicans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Paint ; Silicones ; Titanium

OBJECTIVEThis study aims to evaluate the shaping capability of Reciproc, WaveOne, Mtwo, and ProTaper instruments in simulated root canals.

METHODSA total of 40 simulated resin blocks were divided randomly into four groups. Each group was prepared with Reciproc (Group 1), WaveOne (Group 2), Mtwo (Group 3), and ProTaper (Group 4). The preparation time and reduction in working length after preparation were measured. Pre- and post-operative images were obtained with a scanner and superimposed through Photoshop. The changes in canal curvature and material removal from the inner and outer canal walls at 10 points beginning at 1 mm from the end point of the canal were measured with Image J. Centering capability was determined accordingly. Data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA, SNK, and Kruskal-Wallis at a significance level of P < 0.05.

RESULTSThe preparation time of Group 2 was (53.7 ± 6.7) s, whereas those of Groups 1, 3, and 4 were (86.9 ± 8.1) s, (112.2 ± 8.2) s, and (177.9 ± 11.2) s, respectively; the difference was found to be significant (P < 0.05). The reductions in working length among the four groups after preparation were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The canal curvature for Groups 1 to 4 were 2.671° ± 0.637°, 2.667° ± 0.450°, 3.664° ± 0.870°, and 3.797° ± 0.601°, respectively. The changes for Groups 1 and 2 were significantly smaller than those for Groups 3 and 4. At the 3 mm point, the transportation of Group 1 was (-0.016 ± 0.094) mm, which was significantly less than that of the other instruments (P<0.05). At the 4 mm and 5 mm points, the trans- portation values of Group 2 were (-0.080 ± 0.104) mm and (-0.312 ± 0.088) mm, which were significantly less than that of Group 1 [(-0.243 ± 0.099) mm, (-0.404 ± 0.064) mm, P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONReciproc and WaveOne can complete preparation faster and can maintain the original canal curvature better than Mtwo and ProTaper. Reciproc exhibits superior centering capability in the apical part of the canal, whereas WaveOne exhibits superior centering capability in the middle part of the canal.

Dental Pulp Cavity ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Nickel ; Root Canal Preparation ; Titanium

OBJECTIVEThis study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of decapeptide, a novel antimicrobial peptide, against several major cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria in vitro. METHODS In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of decapeptide against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus gordonii, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Saccharomyces albicans in vitro using the agar diffusion method and broth dilution method. Furthermore, a time-kill kinetic study of decapeptide against S. mutans was performed.

RESULTSThe results showed that decapeptide exhibited antimicrobial activity against various oral bacteria and fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of main cariogenic bacteria ranged from 62.5 μg · mL(-1) to 125 μg · mL(-1), and the MIC of periodontopathogenic bacteria tested ranged from 250 μg · mL(-1) to 1,000 μg · mL(-1). Among the bacteria tested, decapeptide had a strong inhibitory effect on cariogenic S. mutans. Results of the time-kill kinetic studies showed that decapeptide reduced the viable counts of S. mutans by more than one order of magnitude after 20 min of incubation, and thoroughly killed S. mutans after 30 min. No viable cells could be detected after 24 h of incubation.

CONCLUSIONThis study suggest that decapeptide might have potential clinical application in treating dental caries by killing S. mutans within dental plaque.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Bacteria ; Dental Caries ; Dental Plaque ; Kinetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mouth ; microbiology ; Porphyromonas gingivalis ; Streptococcus mutans

OBJECTIVEThis preliminary study aims to investigate the effects of titanium and titanium alloy micro-nano-dimensional topography on the biological behavior of osteoblasts in vitro.

METHODSElectrolytic etching (EE) method was used to produce micro-nano dimensional titanium surfaces. The surfaces were observed to determine their effects on the adhesion, proliferation, cell morphology, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts.

RESULTSThe surfaces of the titanium and titanium alloy groups exhibited higher adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts than those of the mechanical group. The titanium surface was covered with a group of cells, a large number of filopodia, and functional particles. The ALP activity of the titanium group was significantly higher than that of the titanium alloy and mechanical groups.

CONCLUSIONEE method in pure titanium and titanium alloy surfaces result in bowl-like nests and nanostructures of different diameters and depths. The diameters of the pure titanium and titanium alloy surfaces range from 30 to 50 μm and 5 to 8 μm, respectively. The former is more conducive to promote the proliferation and differentiation of cells.

Alloys ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Dental Etching ; Humans ; Nanostructures ; Osteoblasts ; Prostheses and Implants ; Surface Properties ; Titanium

OBJECTIVEThis study further explores the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling axis mechanism in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (OA) by detecting the changes in CXCR4, interleukin (IL)-6, and collagen X expression in the ATDC5 cell line stimulated by the cyclic tensile strain and SDF-1.

METHODSInsulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) was used to induce ATDC5 cells to differentiate into chondrocyte-like cells. After three weeks, the cells were divided into two groups: those with and without cyclic tensile strain. These groups were further divided into the negative control and SDF-1 groups. Strain force of 20% was applied. After 12 h, the total proteins were extracted from cells of the four groups, and Western blot analysis was used to detect the changes in CXCR4, IL-6, and collagen X expression.

RESULTSSDF-1 could enhance CXCR4, IL-6, and collagen X expressions in the chondrocytes, and 20% tensile strain force could further upregulate the three factors.

CONCLUSIONUnder abnormal tensile force, SDF-1 can upregulate its specific receptor CXCR4, thus increasing its-binding efficiency and resulting in the activation of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. This condition enhances the expressions of IL-6 and other inflammatory factors and directly damages to cartilage tissue. Such damage directly promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy, which enhances collagen X expression.

Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; Collagen ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; Signal Transduction ; Stromal Cells

OBJECTIVEThis study aims to observe and compare the influences of the casting alloy post and cores on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODSSix casting alloy post and sores were fabricated for the experimental groups, and zirconia post and core served as the control. The seven types of post and cores were of the same size and shape. Each post and core was orally fastened to a volunteer and then imaged with sequences of T1-weighted spin echo imaging (SE-T1WI), T2-weighted turbo spin-echo imaging (TSE-T2WI), and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).

RESULTSCobalt chromium alloy post and core generated severe artifacts, whereas gold palladium alloy post and core generated no obvious artifacts, and no difference was observed between the zirconia and the gold palladium alloy post and cores (P > 0.05). The pure titanium alloy post and core produced mild artifacts. The post and cores of the titanium, nickel-cadmium, and gold platinum alloys generated moderate artifacts with no significant differences (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDifferent metal post and cores have different influences on MRI. With the exception of that generated by cobalt chromium alloy, the artifact generated by the single-alloy post and core does not influence the image of the normal head and neck.

Alloys ; Artifacts ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Post and Core Technique ; Titanium

OBJECTIVEThis study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the chronic oral mucosal disease questionnaire (COMDQ).

METHODSUsing translation, back-translation, quality evaluation, cross-cultural adaptation, and pre-assessment, a Chinese version of the COMDQ was drafted. A 26-item instrument which comprised of four domains: pain and functional limitation, medications and side effects, social and emotional aspects, and patient support was designed and tested. This questionnaire was given to patients who visited our clinic. After the patients accomplished the questionnaires, we analyzed the collected data to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale.

RESULTSA total of 130 patients were enrolled in our study. All the COMDQ questionnaires were completely filled out. The Chinese version of the COMDQ showed the following psychometric properties: Cronbach's alpha of 0.914, split-half reliability of 0.809, and correlation of 0.697. Factor analysis of construct validity demonstrated that the 26 items were classified into four domains, and the cumulative proportion was 67.62%. Thus, the scale had certain logical relation between the items in the same domains.

CONCLUSIONThe Chinese version of the COMDQ demonstrate good reliability and validity by rigorous psychometric properties. It can be widely used to test the oral health-related quality of life of patients with oral mucosal diseases.

China ; Humans ; Oral Health ; Psychometrics ; Quality of Life ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires