Effect of heat stress on the expression levels of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in human periodontal ligament cells

Assessment of the root surface temperature during the use of intracanal agitation systems: In vitro study

This study aimed to evaluate the temperature changes that the different methods of agitation of irrigants promote on the external dental root surface. Nine extracted human lower premolars were standardized by cone-beam computed tomography and used. The root canal was instrumented with a Reciproc 40.06 file. Temperature measurement was performed using K-type thermocouple sensors attached to the middle, cervical, and apical thirds of the teeth. The teeth had their roots immersed in distilled water at 37ºC, which were distributed into 3 experimental groups according to the mechanical agitation methods to be studied. US Group (n=3), Irrisonic Ultrasonic Tip activated through ultrasound; EC Group (n=3), Easyclean Tip coupled to a contra-angle low-speed handpiece; XP Group (n=3), XP-endo Finisher file coupled to an endodontic electrical motor. Temperature measurements were performed simultaneously with agitation and irrigation of intracanal irrigants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software with a significance level of 5%. For multiple comparisons, the Tukey test was used. The association between mechanical agitation methods and root third was statistically significant. Regarding the temperatures recorded on the external surface of the roots, the ultrasonic tip was significantly higher than the XP-endo Finisher file and the Easyclean tip, which did not differ from each other. Regarding the ultrasonic tip, the external temperature in the middle third (39.46ºC) of the root was significantly lower than in the cervical (40.41ºC) and apical third (40.53ºC). None of the agitation methods of irrigants studied presented heating above 47ºC, and their use is safe for periodontal tissues.

Thermal and volumetric assessment of endodontic filling techniques using infrared thermography and micro-CT

PURPOSE

To assess root temperature during filling techniques and quantify the volume of endodontic filling materials using infrared thermography (IT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

METHODS

Ninety premolars were divided into three groups: lateral condensation (LC), single cone (SC) and thermomechanical compaction (TMC). For thermal analysis, 45 teeth were assessed using a FLIR T650sc IT camera during filling techniques and 45 teeth were scanned using a Nikon micro-CT to assess gutta-percha, cement, and void volumes. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed (non-parametric Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Friedman test with Tukey's bidirectional analysis of variance).

RESULTS

TMC showed the highest temperature increase at 15 s after the procedure and a significant temperature decrease at 45 s after its completion. TMC showed the largest volume of gutta-percha and LC the highest void volume.

CONCLUSION

The temperature increase generated by gutta-percha endodontic filling techniques is within acceptable limits. A greater volume of endodontic cement was observed for the SL and LC filling techniques.

Comparative Analysis of Temperature Variation with Three Continuous Wave Obturation Systems in Endodontics: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this study was to assess temperature changes with different continuous wave obturation systems when downpacking to 2 mm and 4 mm from the apical foramen in an open system not simulating the surrounding biological structures at body temperature. Sixty single-rooted teeth were divided into three groups: (A) Dia-Duo® (DiaDent Group International, Cheongju-si, Korea), (B) Elements Free® (Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA) and (C) Calamus® (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The root canals were instrumented with Protaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) to size F2 (25.08). The root canals were filled by a continuous wave using an AH Plus® sealer (Dentsply Sirona). Temperatures during the obturation procedure were measured by a thermal imaging camera (Testo 875-1®) perpendicular to a vice where the teeth were held at −2 mm and −4 mm from the apical foramen. Comparisons were made by applying Student’s t-test and ANOVA (p = 0.05). The continuous wave technique at −2 mm with the Dia-Duo system® emitted average temperatures of 37.3 °C, Elements Free® emitted 39.85 °C and Calamus® emitted 40.16 °C. At −4 mm, the Dia-Duo system® emitted average temperatures of 34.81 °C, Elements Free® emitted 33.73 °C and Calamus® emitted 32.91 °C. There were significant differences between continuous waves at −2 mm and at −4 mm (p < 0.05). Dia-Duo® was the only system that did not present significant differences between the two lengths (p = 0.197). Regarding the heat emitted, the best system was Elements Free®, since, at −2 mm, it emitted the highest temperature without going above 47 °C. The Dia-Duo® system had lower temperatures. It could be concluded that not all systems transmit the same temperature to the apex and, therefore, to the periapical tissues. The surrounding conditions, such as temperature and humidity, have not been considered in this study.

Recommended Drilling Parameters of Tungsten Carbide Round Drills for the Most Optimal Bone Removals in Oral Surgery

Background

High temperatures during drilling can cause thermal osteonecrosis and abnormal wound healing. According to our best knowledge, a widely accepted recommendation for optimal drilling parameters in routine oral surgery bone removals does not exist.

Purpose

Our aim was to investigate the correlations of different drilling parameters, including axial load and revolution speed on drilling temperatures and preparation times.

Materials and Methods

Standard, 5 mm deep cavities were drilled in 20 PCF (lb/ft³) dens polyurethane blocks with 3 mm (50PCF) cortical layer using new and worn, 3.1mm in diameter tungsten carbide round drills. Worn drills were used in 50 impacted third molar operations before. Axial loads of 3N, 10N, and 25N and speeds of 4.000-8.000-16.000-40.000 revolutions per minute (rpm) were tested. Temperature differences of drilling parameters were calculated by 1-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc tests. Time differences and differences among “optimal” and “suboptimal” groups (with the cut-off value of 3°C and 3s) were estimated by Kruskal-Wallis test with pairwise comparisons. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The highest mean temperatures with new and worn drills were 4.64±0.53°C and 6.89±1.16°C, while drilling times varied between 0.16±0.02s and 22.77±5.45s. A 3°C and 3s cut-off value classified drillings significantly to (1) optimal [3N and 8000-16000-40000 rpm or 10N and 4000-8000-16000-40000 rpm] or suboptimal due to (2) high temperatures or (3) long preparation times. Using worn drills, the following parameters should be avoided: 3N with 4.000-8.000 rpm, 10N with 40000 rpm, and 25N at any revolutions.

Discussion

The study extensively mapped the drilling temperatures and preparation times of tungsten carbide round drills. Temperatures did not exceed 10°C during drillings with maximal amount of cooling, as well as the drilling parameters, which kept temperatures and preparation times in the most optimal range which were clearly established.

Tooth sectioning for coronectomy: how to perform?

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the increase in heat production, preparation time, and cutting surface quality of conventional, high-speed rotating instruments and piezoelectric preparation for coronectomy procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred intact extracted molars were sectioned horizontally, sub-totally, 1 mm under the cemento-enamel line with five methods: (1) tungsten carbide torpedo (TcT), (2) round (TcR) drills using a conventional speed surgical straight handpiece (< 40,000 min^-1), (3) tungsten carbide fissure (TcF), (4) diamond torpedo (DT) drills using a surgical high-speed, contra-angle handpiece (~ 120,000 min^-1), or (5) a saw-like piezoelectric tip (PT). Temperatures, preparation times, and cutting surface irregularities were registered and the differences were analyzed with ANOVA, Tukey's HSD post hoc test (temperature, time) and with chi-square test (irregular surface).

RESULTS

Rotating instruments produced a maximal temperature increase of less than 1 °C. TcF produced the least heat (ΔT = - 3.92 °C to the baseline), while PT produced significantly the highest temperature increases (ΔT = 12.38 °C, p < 0.001). Tungsten carbide drills were the fastest for coronectomy (from 55.9 to 64.3 s), while DT (169.7 s) while PT (146.8 s) were significantly slower. TcT and TcR drills produced an irregular root surface more frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

During coronectomy, rotating instruments produced entirely acceptable heat, while PT produced unacceptable temperatures. Tungsten carbide drills performed coronectomies effectively, but the diamond torpedo and PT seemed clinically questionable. Considering heat, speed, and the cutting surface quality simultaneously, TcF in a surgical high-speed handpiece seems to be the best choice for coronectomy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The correct insert can significantly reduce excessive heat and operation time during coronectomy procedures.

Temperature Changes on External Root Surfaces with the Use of Several Thermoplastic Filling Techniques

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to measure the temperature rise on the external root surface of filled root canals using Touch'n Heat (Analytic Endodontics, Orange, CA), the TC System (TC; Tanaka de Castro & Minatel Ltda, Cascavel, PR, Brazil), and the Tagger technique.

METHODS

Forty-five single-canal mandibular premolar human teeth were used in the 3 experimental groups. The root canals were enlarged to accommodate up to an R40 Reciproc file (VDW, Munich, Germany). Next, the specimens were filled according to the technique evaluated. The measurement of the temperature was performed by K chromium-aluminum thermocouples attached to the coronal, middle, and apical root levels.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference among the 3 techniques (P < .001) in relation to the temperature variation between the highest temperature and the initial temperature. The highest temperature change was found with the Tagger technique at the middle third root level (11.8°C), and the lowest variation was in TC at the cervical third (2.05°C).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a rise of temperature on the external root surface for all of the techniques evaluated. TC showed the lowest temperature rise.

Effects of IL-10 and glucose on expression of OPG and RANKL in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts

The effects of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and glucose on mRNA and protein expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), and its ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), were investigated in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). Primary HPDLFs were treated with different concentrations of IL-10 (0, 1, 10, 25, 50, and 100 ng/mL) or glucose (0, 5.5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mmol/L). Changes in mRNA and protein expression were examined using the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. After IL-10 treatment, mRNA and protein levels of OPG were increased, while mRNA and protein levels of RANKL were decreased (P<0.05), both in a concentration-dependent manner. Glucose stimulation had the opposite concentration-dependent effect to that of IL-10 on OPG and RANKL expression. IL-10 upregulated OPG expression and downregulated RANKL expression, whereas high glucose upregulated RANKL and downregulated OPG in HDPLFs. Abnormal levels of IL-10 and glucose may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

In vivo osteoprotegerin gene therapy preventing bone loss induced by periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene therapy on alveolar bone resorption caused by experimental periodontitis in rats, thus forming a foundation for potential clinical applications of OPG gene therapy in the treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To study the effects of OPG on alveolar bone protection, an experimental periodontitis model was used by placing a bacterial plaque retentive silk ligature in the gingival sulcus around the maxillary second molar tooth, injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis and high carbohydrate diet. A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 rats in each group: group I (control) was treated with 10 μL normal saline injection; group II with 10 μL mock vector; and group III with 10 μL local OPG gene transfer by transfection with in vitro constructed pcDNA3.1-human OPG (pcDNA3.1-hOPG). A subperiosteal injection was done adjacent to the second molars on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. Four weeks later, all animals were killed and radiographic, histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and LSD-Bonferroni test.

RESULTS

Group III (OPG gene therapy) had significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) integrated optical density of OPG, had significantly decreased alveolar bone resorption volume and active osteoclast number (p < 0.05) through descriptive histological examination when compared with the other two groups at week 4.

CONCLUSION

Local recombinant OPG plasmid-mediated gene therapy suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vivo and inhibits alveolar bone height reduction caused by experimental periodontitis in rats. OPG gene therapy may be beneficial in preventing progressive periodontal bone loss.

Effects of Enterococcus faecalis lipoteichoic acid on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin expression in periodontal ligament fibroblasts

AIM

To investigate the influence of Enterococcus faecalis lipoteichoic acid (LTA) on the key bone resorption-regulating proteins, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDL cells).

METHODOLOGY

Periodontal ligament cells were subjected to various concentrations of LTA. Cell viability was then determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, whilst the expression levels of RANKL and OPG were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. The effect of the inhibitors [IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-1/4, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (SB203580)] on LTA-stimulated RANKL/OPG activation was examined. Cell viability and RANKL/OPG ratio in PDL cells were also analysed by MTT assay and Western blotting. Data were analysed using one-way anova or t-test at a significance level of P = 0.05.

RESULT

Cell viability was reduced significantly in the LTA group in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.05). In addition, LTA was found to upregulate the protein expression of RANKL, OPG and their relative ratio in PDL cells (P < 0.05). The optimal concentration of LTA used in PDL cells was determined to be 10 μg mL(-1) . Following IRAK1/4 and p38MAPK inhibition, LTA-stimulated increases of RANKL/OPG ratio were significantly reduced (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Enterococcus faecalis LTA could upregulate the expression of RANKL and OPG at different rates, suggesting a potential role for LTA in the bone resorption process of refractory apical periodontitis through the regulation of RANKL and OPG. In addition, IRAK1/4 and p38MAPK signalling involving RANKL/OPG may contribute to inflammatory responses from PDL cells.

Laser-induced cell detachment, patterning, and regrowth on gold nanoparticle functionalized surfaces

We report on the selective cell detachment from nanoengineered gold nanoparticle (AuNP) surfaces triggered by laser irradiation, which occurs in a nonthermal manner. The gold nanoparticle-based surfaces reveal good adhesion of NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Patterning is achieved by lithographic microcontact printing, selective gold nanoparticle deposition, and by laser beam profiling. It is shown that the effectiveness of fibroblast cell detachment depends on the cell age, laser power, and AuNP patterning profile. Heat distribution and temperature rise around gold nanoparticle functionalized surfaces is modeled, revealing low heating of nanoparticles by laser illumination. The nonthermal photochemical mechanism of cell detachment due to production of reactive oxygen species under illumination of gold nanoparticles by green laser light is studied. We also demonstrate that cells migrate from unirradiated areas leading to their reattachment and surface recovery which is important for controlled spatial organization of cells in wound healing and tissue engineering. Research presented in this work is targeted at designing biointerfaces for cell cultures.