Influence of matrix-suspended demineralized bone on osseous repair using a critical-sized defect in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) calvarium.

Demineralized freeze-dried bone (DFDB) in matrix form must be rehydrated with a carrier medium which allows for easy manipulation during periodontal surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how human DFDB suspended in a polyol matrix affects new bone formation in the rat calvarium critical-sized defect (CSD) model. Fifty-five adult male Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups: polyol, 100% DFDB, 47% DFDB/polyol, 47% DFDB, or an unfilled control.

Realigning biomedical science instruction in predoctoral curricula: a proposal for change.

Currently in North America, there is an active dialogue going on about the state of predoctoral dental education and the need for curriculum change, innovation, and the adoption of contemporary, competency-based educational models. At the institutional level, curriculum committees struggle with requests from faculty to add new content to an overburdened didactic and clinic schedule. This article will describe potential solutions centering on the role and scope of the biomedical sciences in predoctoral dental education.

Cutaneous draining sinus tract of odontogenic origin: unusual presentation of a challenging diagnosis.

A 44-year-old woman presented with a chronically draining lesion on her cheek just lateral to the nasofacial sulcus. The lesion was refractory to treatment with oral antibiotics. Physical examination revealed poor dentition, and a panoramic radiograph demonstrated periapical abscesses in the maxillary right lateral incisor and canine.

An evaluation of the origin of trabecular bone patterns using visual and digital image analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this research project was to investigate the origin of the anatomical structures interpreted as trabecula bone on dental radiographic images.

Study Design: Mandible sections were cut sagitally into halves. Trabecular bone was removed from each section in 4 stages.

Digital image analysis of cadaver mandibular trabecular bone patterns.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the source of radiographic trabecular patterns by removing trabecular bone in four sequential steps from six cadaver mandible sections, radiographing the sections after each removal, and using four digital-image analysis methods to quantify any resulting changes to the radiographs.

Methods: Mandible sections were cut sagittally into halves. Trabecular bone was removed from each section in four stages.

Impact of dental devices on cochlear implants.

A cochlear implant (CI) converts mechanical sound energy into electrical signals that can be delivered to the cochlear nerve of profoundly deaf patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether electromagnetic interference with the CI occurs during the operation of the electric pulp tester, apex locator, electrocautery unit, electrosurgery unit, or panoramic radiograph machine. A mastoidectomy and cochleostomy were performed on a cadaver, and a CI was implanted.