Regeneration, Reconstruction & Restoration (Triple R)

Background and objectives:  Fluoride mouthwash is an over-the-counter product that has been considered effective for daily oral hygiene maintenance in orthodontic patients, particularly to inhibit enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets. We sought to evaluate the effect of fluoride mouthwash on the force degradation of four different orthodontic elastomeric chains.

Materials and methods:  In this in-vitro study, 120 orthodontic elastomeric chains of four different trademarks were investigated. The study involved three different environments. The experimental groups used pre-stretched elastomeric chains at initial, 50%, and 100% lengths, which were then stored in either water or fluoride media (n=5 in each group). The control group's chains were stored in the air throughout the entire experimental period.  After three weeks, tensile strength measurements were performed. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the effect of the storage environment and pre-stretching extent on the tensile strength. Observed data were analyzed by means of Multifactorial ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05%.

Results: The tensile strength in fluoride storage medium was generally lower than in water for all trademarks, except for the conventional and Energy chains (RMO) at 50% pre-stretching, with no significant difference for the Super chain™ (GAC) and conventional chain (RMO) at this level. After three weeks, all samples showed increased length, with the conventional chain (GAC) having the highest and the Energy chain (RMO) having the lowest elongation percentile. The tensile force at 50% elongation was lower than at 100% elongation for all elastomeric chains.

Conclusion: The tensile strength in a fluoride storage medium was generally lower compared to that in water.

Background and objectives:  To assess the efficacy of the Cutanplast reabsorbable gelatin sponge for reducing the side effects of impacted third molar surgery.

Materials and methods:  This non-randomized double-blind split-mouth study included 15 patients (30 sites) with two bilateral impacted third molars in one jaw. Following extraction, a random socket on one side was filled with a Cutanplast reabsorbable gelatin sponge with dimensions of10×50×70 mm. The sponge was inserted, however not actually used at the control site. Two independent surgeons visually examined the effect of gelatin sponge application on the occurrence of dehiscence, edema, and infection three and seven days postoperatively. Additionally, postoperative pain was quantified using a visual analog scale.

Results: At three days, there was no significant difference in the frequency of swelling between the two groups (P=0.9). At seven days, no edema was observed. By three days, no dehiscence occurred; however, at seven days, ten (66.7%) controls developed dehiscence, but no dehiscence was seen in the test group (P=0.001). The odds ratio computed for dehiscence due to the absence of gelatin was 0.67. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of pain (P>0.05).

Conclusion: At seven days postoperatively, the use of Cutanplast resorbable gelatin prevented dehiscence, but had no effect on pain, edema, or infection.