Stress distribution of a novel bundle fiber post with curved roots and oval canals

The role of salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in plaque-induced gingivitis and periodontitis

Background

This study aimed to compare the salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in periodontitis, gingivitis, and periodontally healthy patients.

Methods

This study included 75 non-smokers who were systemically healthy. The clinical periodontal parameters of each participant were recorded. Individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and Stage II or Stage III Grade B periodontitis were allocated to the corresponding study groups (n = 25 each). Saliva samples were obtained from all individuals after they abstained from drinking and eating 1 h before sample collection. The galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in the saliva were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One-way analysis of variance, student's t-test, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were significantly higher in the periodontitis and gingivitis groups than in the healthy group (p < 0.001). The highest galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were observed in the gingivitis group (p < 0.05). Overall, the galectin-3 levels were significantly higher than the galectin-9 levels in all the groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were high in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis, suggesting that they could be potential biomarkers for periodontal diseases.

Present status and future directions: The restoration of root filled teeth

This narrative review will focus on a number of contemporary considerations relating to the restoration of root filled teeth and future directions for research. Clinicians are now more than ever, aware of the interdependence of the endodontic and restorative aspects of managing root filled teeth, and how these aspects of treatment are fundamental to obtaining the best long-term survival. To obtain the optimal outcomes for patients, clinicians carrying out endodontic treatment should have a vested interest in the restorative phase of the treatment process, as well as an appreciation for the structural and biomechanical effects of endodontic-restorative procedures on restoration and tooth longevity. Furthermore, the currently available research, largely lacks appreciation of occlusal factors in the longevity of root filled teeth, despite surrogate outcomes demonstrating the considerable influence this variable has. Controversies regarding the clinical relevance of minimally invasive endodontic and restorative concepts are largely unanswered with respect to clinical data, and it is therefore, all too easy to dismiss these ideas due to the lack of scientific evidence. However, conceptually, minimally invasive endodontic-restorative philosophies appear to be valid, and therefore, in the pursuit of improved clinical outcomes, it is important that the efficacies of these treatment protocols are determined. Alongside an increased awareness of the preservation of tooth structure, developments in adhesive bonding, ceramic materials and the inevitable integration of digital dentistry, there is also a need to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment philosophies and techniques with well-designed prospective clinical studies.