Retrospective analysis of the correlation between the facial biotype and the inclination of the upper canine cusp axis to the occlusal plane

Permanent maxillary canines are the second most frequently impacted teeth and the prevalence of this clinical condition is estimated to be 1-2% in the general population. The diagnosis of maxillary canine impaction should be based on both clinical and radiographic examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of a correlation between the facial biotype and the inclination of the upper cusp axis. A correlation between the total radicular length of the lateral incisors was also evaluated, by comparing the side of impaction with the healthy side. Twenty three patients with a diagnosis of unilateral upper cusp impaction were recruited. For each patient, dental casts and radiographic material (panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms) were examined. Statistical analyses were done with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient or Spearman's rho (V). X-ray examinations demonstrated that canine impaction was associated to other dental anomalies (32% of the sample). The mean S angle measurements were 22.9° ± 4.1°, and mean values of the T angle were 34.7°± 4.0°. The mean distance “d” value was 14.6 mm ± 1.2 mm. The mean values of the angle between the upper cusp axis and the perpendicular-to-Fh plane were 20.8 °± 2.6°. Among the 23 subjects recruited, 5 showed values included in the range 25°-45° and 1 an inclination > 45°. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate a significant inverse correlation between the MM angle and the inclination of the upper cusp axis to the perpendicular-to-Fh plan

Potential use of human periapical cyst-mesenchymal stem cells (hPCy-MSCs) as a novel stem cell source for regenerative medicine applications

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attracting growing interest by the scientific community due to their huge regenerative potential. Thus, the plasticity of MSCs strongly suggests the utilization of these cells for regenerative medicine applications. The main issue about the clinical use of MSCs is related to the complex way to obtain them from healthy tissues; this topic has encouraged scientists to search for novel and more advantageous sources of these cells in easily accessible tissues. The oral cavity hosts several cell populations expressing mesenchymal stem cell like-features, furthermore, the access to oral and dental tissues is simple and isolation of cells is very efficient. Thus, oral-derived stem cells are highly attractive for clinical purposes. In this context, human periapical cyst mesenchymal stem cells (hPCy-MSCs) exhibit characteristics similar to other dental-derived MSCs, including their extensive proliferative potential, cell surface marker profile and the ability to differentiate into various cell types such as osteoblasts, adipocytes and neurons. Importantly, hPCy-MSCs are easily collected from the surgically removed periapical cysts; this reusing of biological waste guarantees a smart source of stem cells without any impact on the surrounding healthy tissues. In this review, we report the most interesting research topics related to hPCy-MSCs with a newsworthy discussion about the future insights. This newly discovered cell population exhibits interesting and valuable potentialities that could be of high impact in the future regenerative medicine applications

Tailored Brushing Method (TBM): an innovative simple protocol to improve the oral care

Background. The objective of this study is to describe and assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a modern tailored protocol of oral hygiene, based on the concordance between professionals and patients, and based on the proper choice of best tools for oral hygiene regardless of the technique used. This new method has been called Tailored Brushing Method (TBM). Material and methods. Two groups of adult patients (n=200) were involved in this research, according to specific inclusion criteria. Test group followed the indications of the new Tailored Brushing Method, while control group was involved in a standard protocol of oral hygiene with the suggestions of a brushing technique and the typical approach based on the compliance. Plaque Index, bleeding on Probing index and patients' acceptability of the methods (Visual Analog Scale) were assessed at different time points. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. Results and conclusions. Test group had statistically lower Plaque Index and Bleeding on Probing after 30 days, in comparison with control group. Test group expressed a better acceptance of the new tailored method. This research suggests to use a tailored approach to oral hygiene, overcoming the need of patient's compliance, often affected by bias such as alteration of the protocols and wrong brushing maneuvers

Remineralization strategies in oral hygiene: a position paper of Italian Society of Oral Hygiene Sciences-S.I.S.I.O. working group

Background/Objective: The clinical conditions that lead to an alteration of the enamel structure are numerous. The diet high in sugars and acidifying substances, psychological stress that triggers parafunctional behaviors, the reduced intake of fiber-rich foods or alkalizing substances, together with other factors, contribute to demineralization of the tooth enamel. Dental mineralizing products on the current market are distinguished according to the dosage form, the active ingredient, the release technology, clinical indications and patient choice. Currently, it is necessary to propose to oral health professionals a guide to orient themselves in this chaotic choice, in order to prefer the most effective product for their own clinical target. Methods: Italian Society of Oral Hygiene Sciences-S.I.S.I.O. is one of the leading scientific Italian societies representing those dental hygienists working with high-quality standards and in agreement with scientific evidence: in the last year, the SISIO working group has carried out a study focused on remineralizing agents in dentistry, in order to give an authoritative point of view to indicate a guideline in the decision process of the choice of a remineralizing agent. We will report the results pointed out from the last consensus meeting in 2017. Results: We have reported the good the bad and the ugly have been discussed in a critical discussion of such topic. Conclusion: The SISIO experience has been reported in this position paper with the aim to serve as a useful aid in the daily choice of the clinical steps to perform, when dental professionals need to treat demineralized teeth. Keywords: Dental Hygiene, Oral health, Dental Remineralizing, Enamel, Toothpaste, Mouthwash

Innovative approach for the in vitro research on biomedical scaffolds designed and customized with CAD-CAM technology

Studies on biomaterials involve assays aimed to assess the interactions between the biomaterial and the cells seeded on its surface. However, the morphology of biomaterials is heterogeneous and it could be tricky to standardize the results among different biomaterials and the classic plastic plates. In this light, we decided to create, by means of computer-aided design (CAD) technology, a standardized sample model, with equal shape and sizes, able to fit into a classic shape of a 96-wells tissue culture plate (TCP)