Abstract:The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) on bone formation around dental implants was studied histologically and mechanically after a dental implant was inserted into the femur of male Japanese white rabbits. LIPUS daily treatment started on the day after implant placement for 14 days. Histologically, new bone formation was observed around the implant. Implant removal torque values were significantly higher in LIPUS-treated group (44.0 -58.8 N cm) than the control group (32.0N cm). Moreover, bone contact ratio was significantly higher in LIPUS-treated group than the control group. The results suggest that clinical application of LIPUS for dental implants may promote osseointegration.

Lymphangioma of the ovary is very rare, with only 17 cases reported to date. In this report, a 43-year-old woman with lymphangioma of the ovary accompanied by chylous ascites is described. Vaginal ultrasound showed a solid cystic tumor at the right ovary accompanied by ascites. The volume of ascites was changeable. Milky fluid obtained by Douglas pouch aspiration contained numerous mature lymphocytes. She underwent right salpingo-oophorectomy. Histological examination revealed that the excised tumor from the right ovary was consistent with benign lymphangioma. This is the first case report of lymphangioma of the ovary accompanied by chylous ascites. We should discriminate such cases from other malignant tumors in order to avoid overtreatment.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is used in physiotherapy and bone fracture healing. Previously we demonstrated that LIPUS enhances bone formation around dental implants inserted into rabbit femur. Here, we present the effect of LIPUS treatment on cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity, and the expression of bone-related genes in bone marrow cells. Cell proliferation was not affected by LIPUS treatment. ALPase activity was increased on day 6 after LIPUS treatment in cells treated with 40 mW/cm 2 ultrasound. Evaluation of gene expression in rat bone marrow cells treated with 40 mW/cm 2 ultrasound demonstrated a shift in the expression of genes associated with bone formation; Cox-2 gene expression was increased 30 min after 5-or 20-min LIPUS treatment. BMP-2 gene expression increased 30 min after 5-min LIPUS treatment or 6 h after 10-min LIPUS treatment. Cbfa1/Runx2 gene expression increased 30 min after 20-min LIPUS treatment. These results suggest that the clinical application of LIPUS for dental implants may promote osseointegration through the activation of bone-related genes.

Patient:The patient was a 53-year-old male who presented with the chief complaint of masticatory disturbance due to fracture of a maxillary denture. The patient received fixed prosthodontic treatment consisting of a dental implant procedure for missing teeth under sedation or general anesthesia in consideration of a severe gagging reflex. The patient was extremely satisfied by the greatly improved esthetics and functionality resulting from the treatment. Discussion: The patient was hesitant to undergo treatment due to a severe gagging reflex, but showed a positive response when consulted about intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Conclusions: Using sedation or general anesthesia was effective in overcoming a severe gagging reflex while carrying out prosthodontic treatment including an implant-supported fixed denture.