Objective: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) combined with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using a diode or CO 2 laser was administered after extraction of the left first molar in rats. Effects on socket preservation (preservation of the alveolar bone and healing time after extraction) were evaluated histopathologically. Background: Irradiation using a diode or CO 2 laser has been shown to hasten wound healing, but the effects remain controversial. Methods: Five-week-old male Wistar rats that underwent extraction of the left maxillary first molar were divided into three groups: diode laser irradiation (diode group), CO 2 laser irradiation (CO 2 group), and no laser irradiation (control group). HILT (27 J) was performed immediately after tooth extraction to enhance blood coagulation, followed by PBMT (0.7 J) 1 day later to enhance healing. Tissues, including the extraction socket, were removed en bloc 3, 5, 7, 10, and 21 days postextraction to determine the morphological characteristics of wound healing and the distribution of myofibroblasts involved in scar formation. Results: In the diode and CO 2 groups, new bone formation and cancellous bone maturation were observed at an early stage of wound healing. The number of myofibroblasts was significantly lower in the laser treatment groups than the control (p < 0.001), and both treatment groups had a significantly higher alveolar crest height (p < 0.01), with almost no concavity in the mucosa of the extraction wound. Conclusions: Combined HILT and PBMT following tooth extraction hastened wound healing and preserved alveolar crest height, suggesting a role in socket preservation.

The data strongly support the idea that changes in the extracellular matrix and its components are important determinants of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction.

No abstract

Variant angina is caused by coronary artery spasm (CAS) with ST-segment elevation. We herein report a case of recurrent CAS during 2 operations in the same patient. An 80-year-old woman was scheduled to undergo tracheostomy, submandibular dissection, left partial maxillectomy, and coronoidectomy. We administered ephedrine and phenylephrine to manage hypotension during general anesthesia. Immediately after the administration of these drugs, the ST segment elevated. We decided to cease the operation and transport the patient to the department of cardiology. Computed tomography angiography revealed pneumomediastinum. The cardiologists considered that the electrocardiography findings had changed secondary to pneumomediastinum. About 6 weeks later, a second operation was scheduled. We administered ephedrine and phenylephrine to manage hypotension during general anesthesia. Immediately after the administration of these drugs, ST-segment elevation occurred. We discontinued use of these drugs, and the ST-segment elevation did not recur. We considered that the cause of the ST-segment elevation was vasopressor-induced CAS because the vasopressors were administered immediately before the occurrence of CAS. Vasopressors such as ephedrine or phenylephrine are frequently used to manage hypotension during general anesthesia. Therefore, anesthesiologists should consider the occurrence of CAS before using vasopressors and know how to manage CAS well.

A 26-year-old woman with a history of feeling nauseated during dental local anesthesia presented to our clinic for tooth extraction under intravenous sedation. Although she had experienced episodes of neurally-mediated syncope, her symptoms were controlled well with drug therapy, stopped 3 years earlier. No syncope episodes developed over the previous 2 years. Tooth extraction was performed under intravenous sedation without incident. When she was returned to a sitting position after being roused, convulsion, loss of consciousness, and cardiac arrest developed. One week later, similar symptoms occurred immediately after suture removal. We suspect that the change in body position triggered these episodes. It is important to avoid abrupt changes in body position and any other triggers and to administer preventive drugs in patients at high risk of syncope.