Comparative analysis of platelet-rich fibrin, platelet-rich fibrin with hydroxyapatite and platelet-rich fibrin with alendronate in bone regeneration: A cone-beam computed tomography analysis

Influence of periapical lesion volume on the radiodensity of surrounding bone: A CBCT study

Aim

This study assesses if the size of periapical lesions has an effect on the bone immediately peripheral to an apical lesion.

Methods

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 271 periapical lesions were analyzed using Mimics Research™ to determine the CBCT periapical lesion volume index (CBCTPAVI) score, along with the radiodensity of the lesion, lesion border, and surrounding bone in 0.5 mm increments up to 2.0 mm peripheral to the apical lesion. The one-way analysis of variance was used to assess for significant differences in the radiodensity of the lesion, border, and peripheral bone, as well as differences among CBCTPAVI scores.

Results

The radiodensity of bone peripheral to the apical lesion increased significantly up to 1.0 mm around the lesion's perimeter. In addition, lesions with higher CBCTPAVI scores showed a significantly greater difference in the radiodensity from the lesion to the lesion border and the peripheral bone, compared to lesions with smaller CBCTPAVI scores.

Conclusions

This study for the first time shows the influence of periapical lesion size on the radiodensity of bone peripheral to an apical lesion. Variations in radiodensity at the perimeter of a periapical lesion can be influenced by the size of the lesion, possibly indicating differences in defense response. Knowledge of these phenomena may provide information on bone healing and enhance our understanding of bone peripheral to a periapical lesion.

Effect of platelet-rich fibrin on periapical healing and resolution of clinical symptoms in patients following periapical surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Context

Adjuvant use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in many areas of dentistry is well documented. However, its role in periapical surgery remains contested which requires further clarification by a higher level of evidence.

Aim

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of PRF on periapical surgery using meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PUBMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SCIENCE DIRECT, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR for randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until May 2021. Meta-analysis was performed for comparisons of baseline (pretreatment) versus posttreatment values for different measurement parameters (postoperative pain, peri apical healing both qualitatively and quantitatively). The risk of bias in all the included trials was assessed after the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Results

Among the 356 eligible articles found in the initial search, 10 RCTs from 2011 through 2021 were included. Qualitative analysis of all the included studies showed that PRF may play a positive role in bone healing, reduction in periapical lesions, and enhancing quality of life using different imaging modalities. The results of the meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in postoperative pain when PRF was used (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.515; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.061- 0.969;P = 0.026; I 2 = 0%). However, there was no statistically significant association observed while evaluating peri apical bone healing both qualitatively (odds ratio [OR] = 1.427; 95% CI = 0.309-6.584; P = 0.648) and quantitatively measured by Cone beam computed tomography (SMD = -0.264; 95% CI = -0.974-0.447;P = 0.454) between PRF and control group.

Conclusions

Considering the notable benefits demonstrated by use of PRF, it may be considered as a valuable adjunct in periapical surgery. However, more high-quality trials are necessary to assess the exact role of PRF.

Volumetric Assessment of Apical Periodontitis Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography-A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to investigate the scientific literature on volumetric studies concerning the diagnosis and treatment of apical periodontitis using CBCT. A systematic review protocol was written following the preferred reporting items for the systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant publications in English, which were published up to 21 January 2023. The inclusion criteria and corresponding search keys were applied. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistic Assessment and Review Instrument. The search strategy identified 202 studies, with 123 studies excluded during the title and abstract screening and 47 studies left for full text screening. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The lesion volume was measured and classified according to different indices which compared the effectiveness of their diagnostics. Moreover, the volume of AP lesions increased with the thickness of the maxillary sinus mucosa in primary and secondary infections and decreased due to endodontic treatment. Volumetric measurements using CBCT are useful in the correct definition of periapical tissue pathosis using a CBCT periapical volume index and assessment of the dynamics of the treatment of apical lesions.

Analysis of the effects of concentrated growth factor and low-level laser therapy on the bone healing

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether concentrated growth factor (CGF) and photobiomodulation (PBMT) can show synergistic effect on bone healing process.

Methods

In vivo osteogenesis studies were performed in a rabbit critical-sized calvarial defect model. Four 8 mm critical-sized bone defects were created on each rabbit calvarium, and these 4 defects were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1-control (defect filled with autologous blood clot); 2-CGF (defect filled with CGF); 3-LLLT (defect filled with autologous blood clot and received Nd:YAG low-level laser irradiation); 4-CGF + LLLT (defect filled with CGF and received LLLT). 15 Japanese big-ear white rabbits were operated on using the same procedure in this study. Then, 5 rabbits were selected randomly and sacrificed at 4th, 6th and 8th week postoperatively and respectively. The calvariums were harvested and scanned by micro-CT. The volumes of new bone formation of these defects were calculated by analyzing the micro-CT image. Data were analyzed as mean values of each group, comparisons were made for statistical analysis with the group and among the 4 groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA, P < 0.05).

Results

At the 4th, 6th and 8th weeks, compared with the control group, the volume of new bone formed in each experimental group was significantly increased. Both CGF and LLLT can accelerate bone healing, but the effect of LLLT is better than that of CGF, and the difference between the two is statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the osteogenic effect between the combined application of CGF + LLLT and the application of CGF alone. And the osteogenic effect of the former two groups was weaker than that obtained by laser irradiation alone.

Conclusions

Both CGF and LLLT can promote osteogenesis effectively, but the combination of the two did not show a synergistic effect. The pro-osteogenic effect of Nd:YAG low-level laser irradiation is superior to that of CGF, and also superior to the combined effect of the two.