Soluble Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Ligand and Osteoprotegerin Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid among Cigarette Smokers and Non-smokers with and without Periodontitis.

Aim: This study aimed to measure and compare the levels of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), as well as their ratio, in smokers and nonsmokers with periodontitis.

Materials And Methods: Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected using PerioPaper strips, from 150 individuals, who were categorized into three groups: current smokers with periodontitis stage III grades C and B ( = 50), nonsmokers with periodontitis stages I and II grade A ( = 50), and control healthy individuals ( = 50). The concentrations (pg/mL) of sRANKL and OPG in the GCF were measured by enzyme-linked immunesorbent assays (ELISA).

Effect of Photobiomodulation on the Depth of Local Anesthesia during Endodontic Treatment of Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

Aim: To determine whether photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy could increase the depth of analgesia during endodontic therapy of teeth affected with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Materials And Methods: Forty-nine patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were randomized into two groups. In the laser group, before administering anesthesia, the lower molars' crowns were continuously treated with a diode laser (980 nm) for 20 s with a low-level laser tip in the buccal aspect close to the gingival margin.