Traumatic dental injuries sustained during Chile's civil unrest: A case series study

BACKGROUND/AIM

During Chile's period of social unrest, numerous people suffered physical trauma due to the use of police force. However, there have been no reports regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) suffered in this context. This study aims to describe the dental trauma of patients injured by police during the social unrest period in Chile from 2019 to 2021.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case series methodology was employed. Following informed consent, clinical records of patients admitted to the Ocular and Dentomaxillofacial Prosthetic Care and Rehabilitation Program, who were affected by the violence of state agents during social mobilizations, were reviewed from October 2019 to December 2021. Information on the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the TDI diagnoses with their treatment needs were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were identified, nine of whom agreed to the informed consent. Most were male, with a mean age of 28 years, public health insurance, and a high educational level. The most common causes of injury were kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs) and the use of physical force (punches, kicks, or pushes). Of the nine cases described, 26 teeth were affected by TDI. The most affected teeth were the central upper incisors and, in most cases, they presented lesions in both injury categories: NA0D.0 (the tooth and pulp) and NA0D.1 (periodontal tissues). Treatment needs varied and included some complex procedures, such as implant-retained crowns and removable dental prostheses.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of force by police during the period of social unrest in Chile caused TDIs among demonstrators, which were mainly due to physical force from less-than-lethal weapons. Most cases presented injuries affecting the incisors with multiple teeth requiring complex treatments.

Nanoparticles of Bioactive Glass Enhance Biodentine Bioactivity on Dental Pulp Stem Cells

This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and bioactivity of a novel nanocomposite containing nanoparticles of bioactive glass (nBGs) on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). nBGs were synthesized by the sol–gel method. Biodentine (BD) nanocomposites (nBG/BD) were prepared with 2 and 5% wt of nBG content; unmodified BD and glass ionomer cement were used as references. Cell viability and attachment were evaluated after 3, 7 and 14 days. Odontogenic differentiation was assessed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity after 7 and 14 days of exposure. Cells successfully adhered and proliferated on nBG/BD nanocomposites, cell viability of nanocomposites was comparable with unmodified BD and higher than GIC. nBG/BD nanocomposites were, particularly, more active to promote odontogenic differentiation, expressed as higher ALP activity of hDPSCs after 7 days of exposure, than neat BD or GIC. This novel nanocomposite biomaterial, nBG/BD, allowed hDPSC attachment and proliferation and increased the expression of ALP, upregulated in mineral-producing cells. These findings open opportunities to use nBG/BD in vital pulp therapies.