Background and Objectives. Tooth decay is an infectious disease of microbial origin. Considering the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance due to their overuse and also their side effects, medicinal plants are now considered for use against bacterial infections. This study aimed to assess the effects of different concentrations of Zingiber officinale extract on proliferation of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis in vitro. Materials and Methods. In this experimental study, serial dilutions of the extract were prepared in two sets of 10 test tubes for each bacterium (total of 20). Standard amounts of bacterial suspension were added; 100ƛ of each tube was cultured on prepared solid agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Serial dilutions of the extract were prepared in another 20 tubes and 100ƛ of each tube was added to blood agar culture medium while being prepared. The mixture was transferred to the plates. The bacteria were inoculated on plates and incubated as described. Results. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.02 mg/mL for S. mutans and 0.3 mg/mL for S. sanguinis. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.04 mg for S. mutans and 0.6 mg for S. sanguinis. Conclusion. Zingiber officinale extract has significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans and S. sanguinis cariogenic microorganisms.

Introduction: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an adjunctive non-invasive procedure for the management of periodontal tissue infection and deep periodontal pocket decontamination. However, the effects of this procedure on periodontal cells like osteoblasts that play a role in periodontal tissue repair and regeneration is not yet clear. Aim: This study aimed to investigate aPDT based on indocyanine green (ICG) on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Materials and methods: MG-63 cells were treated in 9 different groups: 1) Control (untreated cells), 2) ICG alone at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, 3) ICG alone at a concentration of 2000 µg/mL, 4) diode laser irradiation alone for 30 s, 5) laser irradiation for 30 s combined with ICG with a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, 6) laser irradiation for 30 s combined with ICG at a concentration of 2000 µg/ mL, 7) laser irradiation alone for 60 s, 8) laser irradiation for 60 s combined with ICG at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, and 9) laser irradiation for 60 s combined with ICG at a concentration of 2000 µg/mL. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay in different groups. Results: In groups that were treated with 2000 µg/mL of ICG or diode laser irradiation at fluency of 39 J/cm2 for 60 s alone or in combination during ICG-aPDT, osteoblast-like cells viability decreased, remarkably. Conclusions: IGC-mediated aPDT with 1000 µg/mL of ICG combined with diode laser irradiation at fluency of 39 J/cm2 for 30 s is safe for MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells; however, higher concentration of ICG or laser irradiation time will increase cells death. There is still a need for more in vivo studies.

Background and aim: Allografts are a group of binding materials with various applications in restoration of osseous tissues. These materials are in two types: DFDBAs and FDBAs which have been evaluated and different reports are available regarding their properties. So we decided to launch a study and compare 2 types of FDBA and DFDBA osseous powders manufactured by Hamanand Saz Baft Kish Company and their application in restoration of calvaria bone damages in rabbits. Methods and Materials: The research performed on randomized clinical trial on 12 white rabbits. It was made 4 full 8 millimeter defects in calvaria bones in all rabbits. Then in group 1 we used DFDBA and in second group we used FDBA and the other groups were the positive and negative control groups. Within the 2 consecutive months (2,4,6,and 8 weeks) we sacrificed 3 rabbits for histologic and Histomorphometric analysis. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Mann-Whitney. We utilized SPSS ver:20 software. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups FDBA and DFDBA in the filling status of the defect, inflammation and amount of resorption. At the end of 6 weeks in both groups, Inflammation also decreased in both groups from week 6. Foreign body reaction and complete remodeling of bone was not observed in both groups during the study period. Conclusions: Both of FDBA and DFDBA groups are the same in the rate of bone formation, inflammation and foreign body reaction and absorption.