Patel R, Cohenca N. Maturogenesis of a cariously exposed immature permanent tooth using MTA for direct pulp capping: a case report. Ó Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006.Abstract -Successful direct pulp capping of cariously exposed permanent teeth with reversible pulpitis and incomplete apex formation can prevent the need for root canal treatment. A case report is presented which demonstrates the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a direct pulp capping material for the purpose of continued maturogenesis of the root. Clinical and radiographic follow-up demonstrated a vital pulp and physiologic root development in comparison with the contralateral tooth. MTA can be considered as an effective material for vital pulp therapy, with the goal of maturogenesis.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from indolent and asymptomatic cytopenias to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MDS result from genetic and epigenetic derangements in clonal cells and their surrounding microenvironments. Studies have shown associations between MDS and other autoimmune diseases. Several immune mechanisms have been identified in MDS, suggesting that immune dysregulation might be at least partially implicated in its pathogenesis. This has led to rigorous investigations on the role of immunomodulatory drugs as potential treatment options. Epigenetic modification via immune check point inhibition, while well established as a treatment method for advanced solid tumors, is a new approach being considered in hematologic malignancies including high risk MDS. Several trials are looking at the efficacy of these agents in MDS, as frontline therapy and in relapse, both as monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. In this review, we explore the utility of immune checkpoint inhibitors in MDS and current research evaluating their efficacy.

Do mouthrinses containing essential oils reduce the effect of dental plaque and gingivitis in the long term?Stoeken J, Paraskevas S, van der Weijden G. The long-term effect of a mouthrinse containing essential oils on dental plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review. J Periodontol. 2007;78: 1218-1228 Data sources:PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to December 2006 were searched. Only studies published in English were included. Study Selection: Randomised controlled clinical trials, controlled clinical trials and uncontrolled longitudinal clinical trials were included in the initial search. Studies with a minimum duration of 6 months, healthy subjects ≥18 and gingivitis without severe periodontal disease were included. The effects of plaque and gingivitis were considered the primary outcomes with staining of teeth a secondary outcome. Data extraction and synthesis: Studies were screened and data extracted independently by two reviewers. It is unclear whether or not this process was duplicated. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed. Data was pooled for gingivitis and plaque and a weighted means meta-analysis using a random effects model was carried out. Results: Eleven studies (all randomised controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. All were of six months duration except one of nine months. There was no meta-analysis between baseline and end trial as the standard deviation could not be calculated. Three studies were not included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of staining was not carried out. There was significant reduction in gingivitis with EO mouthrinses compared to control groups regardless of the measurement index used (Weighted Means Difference (WMD) -0.32 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [-0.46 to -0.19 Conclusion When used as an adjunct to unsupervised oral hygiene, the existing evidence supports that essential oil provides an additional benefit with regard to plaque and gingivitis reduction compared to placebo or control.

Dental implants are seen as a good option for replacing missing teeth. The success and survival rates for implants are very high. Concerns are developing about the problem of peri-implantitis. The reports of its prevalence vary but it is noted that the presence of periodontal disease is a risk factor. The issue of peri-implantitis was raised in the House of Lords in 2014. Complaints relating to implants is on the rise with the General Dental Council. Placement of implants in patients with periodontal disease is not a treatment that should be done without a full periodontal assessment and stabilisation of periodontal disease first. This review considers the risk of placing implants in patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis.