Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the correlation between vitamin D levels and the rate of tooth movement, external apical root resorption, bone biomarker expression, and bone remodeling. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched from inception until 14th March 2023 to identify studies investigating the correlation between orthodontic tooth movement and vitamin D in animals and humans.The quality assessment was made in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results Overall, 519 records were identified, and 19 were selected for the qualitative synthesis. Eleven studies investigated the effect of local administration (injections in the periodontal ligament, to the gingiva distal to the teeth, or submucosae palatal area) and systemic administration (oral supplementation) of vitamin D on tooth movement, external apical root movement, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and bone remodeling factors. The remaining eight studies investigated the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and salivary vitamin D levels on bone turnover markers and tooth movement. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review support that vitamin D3 local injections might increase the rate of tooth movement via the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kB/osteoprotegerin axis. However, the non-uniform study designs and the different protocols and outcome methods make it challenging to draw reliable conclusions.

OBJECTIVES: The author analyse the impact of extracapsular lymph node spread and bone engagement in the ipsilateral neck of patients suffering squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip. METHODS: The data of 56 neck dissections performed in patients suffering SCC of the lower lip between January 2000 and December 2008 were retrospectively analysed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier life table method, and the survival rate was investigated with the log rank statistic and significance test. The values were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: Nine patients took advantage from simultaneous treatment of tumor and prophylactic neck dissection (level I-III), reaching 100% survival rate. Patients suffering metastasized disease, who received radical neck dissection at the time of tumor treatment, presented 83.3% survival rate. Patients who underwent previous surgery and radiotherapy presented worse prognosis although radical neck dissection in case of extra-capsular spread only (24.7%) and osseous engagement (22.2%). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic neck dissection (level I–III) is recommended in T3–T4 N0 SCC. Simultaneous treatment of tumor and cervical lymph nodes provides a better prognosis as respect to delayed nodal management. Extra-capsular spread with or without bone engagement represents independent risk factor responsible for high mortality rate of SCC of the lower lip.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Epithelial Cells* ; Humans ; Life Tables ; Lip* ; Lymph Nodes ; Mortality ; Neck ; Neck Dissection ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate*