Odontogenic Research Articles

Comparing tooth development timing between ethnic groups, excluding nutritional and environmental influences.

The timing of dental development in ethnic Finns and Somalis, who were born and living in Finland, was compared, with efforts to minimize environmental bias. The developmental status of seven lower left permanent teeth were staged according to Demirjian et al., using panoramic radiographs from 2,100 Finnish and 808 Somali females and males, aged 2 to 23 years. For each tooth, a continuation-ratio model was constructed to analyze the allocated stages as a function of sex and ethnic origin. Several statistically significant differences in mean age of certain tooth developmental stage transitions were revealed. While Somalis generally displayed stage transitions at younger age, none of the seven teeth consistently showed earlier stage transitions in Somalis compared to Finns. Within each tooth, the lowest (or highest) mean age of stage transition varied without any discernible pattern between the two ethnic groups. Overall, the observed differences in mean age of stage transition between the groups was minimal, suggesting a low impact on clinical and forensic age assessment practice. In conclusion, the studied ethnic Finn and Somali groups with equal nutritional and /or environmental conditions exhibit similar timing in the development of all lower left permanent teeth.

The Influence of the Story DONI AND GIGINYA on Oral Hygiene Behavior in Preschool Children Banyuwangi

Oral hygiene problems that cause damage to the oral cavity in children in Indonesia are still high, reaching 57.6%. So it is very important to pay attention because this is an important growth stage. Damaged teeth can cause delayed tooth development in later life. The method of oral hygiene that attracts the attention of preschool children is the storytelling method. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of stories on oral hygiene behavior in preschool children. This method is quantitative research using a quasi-experimental design (one group pre-test and posttest). The population consisted of 50 individuals, and the sampling technique used was total sampling, using an observation checklist sheet to measure how to brush teeth. Statistical tests use the Wilcoxon Test. The results of the research showed that after the story was given, there was an increase, namely 30 children behaved good, 18 children behaved enough, and 2 children behaved poorly. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test results with a value of p=000<0.05, the analysis shows that the story "Doni and Giginya" influences the oral hygiene behavior of preschool children. The story "Doni and Giginya" has been proven to affect increasing children's oral hygiene knowledge and behavior. Therefore, parents or guardians of children can utilize audio-visual media in other forms that have moral messages so that children's knowledge and behavior regarding oral hygiene in particular and health, in general, can increase. Keywords: Stories, Oral Hygiene Behavior, Preschool

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in Pediatric Patients visiting Tertiary Care Hospital: A Panoramic Radiograph based study

Introduction: Dental anomalies are deviations from the normal development, structure, or appearance of teeth. These anomalies can affect the number, size, shape, position, and structure of teeth. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental anomalies in the pediatric patients visiting Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at KUSMS, Dhulikhel Hospital. The panoramic radiographs of the pediatric patients between 6 and 14 years of age in the archive of the hospital were assessed for the presence of dental anomalies. Results: Of the total 451 panoramic radiographs meeting the inclusion criteria, 55.9% were male and 44.1% were female. The overall prevalence of dental anomaly was 26.8 % with rotation as the most common anomaly (19.3%) followed by missing (6.7%), supernumerary teeth (4.4%), dilaceration 2.4 %, gemination (1.8%), dens-in-dente (1.1%) and peg shaped (0.9%). Conclusions: The most common dental anomaly among the pediatric patients was rotation followed by missing and supernumerary tooth.

An unexpected role of neurite outgrowth inhibitor A as regulator of tooth enamel formation

Neurite outgrowth inhibitor A (Nogo-A) is a major player in neural development and regeneration and the target of clinical trials aiming at promoting the regeneration of the central nervous system upon traumatic and ischemic injury. In this work, we investigated the functions of Nogo-A during tooth development to determine its role in dental physiology and pathology. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques, we showed that Nogo-A is highly expressed in the developing mouse teeth and, most specifically, in the ameloblasts that are responsible for the formation of enamel. Using both Nogo-A knockout and K14-Cre;Nogo-A fl/fl transgenic mice, we showed that Nogo-A deletion in the dental epithelium leads to the formation of defective enamel. This phenotype is associated with overexpression of a set of specific genes involved in ameloblast differentiation and enamel matrix production, such as amelogenin, ameloblastin and enamelin. By characterising the interactome of Nogo-A in the dental epithelium of wild-type and mutant animals, we found that Nogo-A directly interacts with molecules important for regulating gene expression, and its deletion disturbs their cellular localisation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that inhibition of the intracellular, but not cell-surface, Nogo-A is responsible for gene expression modulation in ameloblasts. Taken together, these results reveal an unexpected function for Nogo-A in tooth enamel formation by regulating gene expression and cytodifferentiation events.

Orthodontic treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate from birth through maturity

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital anomalies, requiring lifelong care by a team of craniofacial specialists. A key member of that team is the craniofacial orthodontist, who provides treatment for these patients throughout the lifetime. This care actually begins prenatally, when families first meet with a craniofacial team. The family is provided with resources to prepare for their child's arrival and counseled about future treatment. Presurgical infant orthopedics (PSIO) will usually begin within a week of birth and continues for 3–5 months. PSIO helps approximate the lip and alveolar segments and reshapes the nostrils to facilitate primary surgical repairs. This is followed by a phase of monitoring growth and dental development throughout childhood, as patients with CLP are at increased risk for dental anomalies. Once the maxillary canine roots are one-third developed, the patient will be prepared for secondary alveolar bone grafting. This may include expansion, alignment, and/or maxillary protraction via facemask therapy. A short phase of maxillary dental alignment might follow if functional or esthetic concerns arise. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is then performed at skeletal maturity, and coordinated with orthognathic surgery when indicated. The orthodontist and surgeon will collaborate closely in planning and managing the surgical correction. It is crucial that each stage of orthodontics is followed by an appropriate retention protocol. Finally, surgical and esthetic finishing procedures take place after surgical orthodontics is complete. This may include surgery to address lip, nose, speech, and breathing concerns, as well as definitive dental restorations.

Mandibular second molar impaction: introducing a novel and validated 3D classification system

BackgroundMandibular second molar (M2M) impaction is a clinically significant manifestation of eruption disturbance in dental development. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the three-dimensional (3D) characterization on clinical and therapeutic decisions for M2M impaction. The secondary aim was to introduce a validated 3D classification system incorporating both surgical and orthodontic parameters.MethodsBidimensional (2D) and 3D radiological records of 15 impacted M2M were collected and deidentified. Ten experienced clinicians (5 oral surgeons;5 orthodontists) categorized each case, first based on 2D records and then with 3D scans. The degree of orthodontic and surgical difficulty in treating impacted M2M was evaluated using a novel classification system based on anatomical and radiological features. The primary outcome variable was the assessment of differences in diagnosis and decision-making protocol using 2D or 3D records, where clinical relevance ranged from 0 to 4. The secondary outcome variable was the validation analysis of the proposed 3D classification system to determine the concordance among the clinicians. Descriptive statistics and multivariable inferential analysis based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) were performed (α = 0.05).Results3D examination allowed a better visualization of M2M impaction with higher clinical relevance for diagnosis of M2M root relationship to alveolar nerve and lingual plate, height to alveolar crest, depth, and inclination relative to the first molar and position relative to the third molar (range:2.69–3.43). The proposed 3D classification of M2M impaction changed clinical decisions regarding surgical-orthodontic approach, biomechanics, patient education, and treatment time estimate (range:2.59–3.33). In the validation analysis of the classification, no evidence of inter- or intra-group (surgeon/orthodontist) bias in score attribution occurred: the model with the minimum AIC was the null model (AIC = 718.04).Conclusion3D evaluation of impacted M2Ms could enhance diagnostic accuracy, and a classification system was proposed and validated by a group of experienced surgeons and orthodontists with high concordance.

HUBUNGAN AIR SUSU IBU EKSKLUSIF DENGAN JUMLAH GIGI SUSU BAYI USIA 6-12 BULAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS BOTANIA KOTA BATAM

Background: The incidence of delayed growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as abnormalities in bone and teeth among the Indonesian population, is quite high. The growth of baby teeth provides an indication of infant nutrition, as sufficient nutrition influences the acceleration of baby teeth growth. Thus, essential nutrients for overall metabolism, foods with high-quality protein and calcium concentration, have a linear relationship with the growth and development of bones and teeth. Methods: : The study employed an analytical observational research design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 486 infants aged 6-12 months from the Botania Community Health Center. Sample selection utilized Simple Random Sampling with a minimum total sample of 78. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square Test. Results: There was a significant relationship between Exclusive Breastfeeding and the Number of Baby Teeth Aged 6-12 Months at the Botania Community Health Center, with a obtained p-value of 0.024 < 0.05. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it is concluded that there is a significant relationship between the Number of Baby Teeth Aged 6-12 Months in the working area of Botania Community Health Center, Batam City, in 2023, with a p-value of 0.024. Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Infants aged 6-12 months, Baby Teeth

Timing and Graded BMP Signalling Determines Fate of Neural Crest and Ectodermal Placode Derivatives from Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) offer many potential research and clinical benefits due to their ability to differentiate into nearly every cell type in the body. They are often used as model systems to study early stages of ontogenesis to better understand key developmental pathways, as well as for drug screening. However, in order to fully realise the potential of PSCs and their translational applications, a deeper understanding of developmental pathways, especially in humans, is required. Several signalling molecules play important roles during development and are required for proper differentiation of PSCs. The concentration and timing of signal activation are important, with perturbations resulting in improper development and/or pathology. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are one such key group of signalling molecules involved in the specification and differentiation of various cell types and tissues in the human body, including those related to tooth and otic development. In this review, we describe the role of BMP signalling and its regulation, the consequences of BMP dysregulation in disease and differentiation, and how PSCs can be used to investigate the effects of BMP modulation during development, mainly focusing on otic development. Finally, we emphasise the unique role of BMP4 in otic specification and how refined understanding of controlling its regulation could lead to the generation of more robust and reproducible human PSC-derived otic organoids for research and translational applications.

Factors related to spontaneous space closure following early first permanent molar extraction: A systematic review.

Dental caries and molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) are primary reasons for the extraction of first permanent molars (M1) in children, which can lead to significant dental and facial development issues such as a midline shift and temporomandibular joint disorder. This systematic review aimed to identify key factors influencing spontaneous space closure following the early extraction of first permanent molars (M1) in children aged 5-15. We conducted a comprehensive search across Scopus, PubMed, Dimensions, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, including the literature from 1960 to 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials, case-control, cross-sectional, cohort studies, and case series that evaluated the impact of various factors on the spontaneous closure after M1 extraction. The analysis highlights that chronological age and the developmental stage of the second permanent molars (M2) at the time of extraction are significant predictors of successful spontaneous space closure. Additionally, the presence and angle of M2, along with the presence of third permanent molars (M3), play crucial roles but require further investigation. Early assessment of M2's developmental stage and inclination, and the presence of M3 are essential for enhancing the likelihood of successful spontaneous space closure following M1 extraction in children.

A Deep-learning System for Diagnosing Ectopic Eruption

Objectives: To construct a diagnostic model for mixed dentition using a multistage deep-learning network to predict potential ectopic eruption in permanent teeth by integrating dentition segmentation into the process of automatic classification of dental development stages.Methods: A database was established by reviewing 1576 anonymous panoramic radiographs of children aged 6–12 years, collected at the Stomatology Hospital, xxxxxx. These radiographs were categorised as normal or ectopic eruption, with expert diagnoses serving as a benchmark for training and evaluating artificial intelligence (AI) models. Furthermore, tooth boundaries and dental development stages were manually annotated by three pediatric dentistry experts. The dataset was split into training, validation, and test sets at an 8:1:1 ratio.Results: The diagnostic performance of the deep-learning model was rigorously evaluated. The model demonstrated accuracy in tooth segmentation, with Intersection over Union, precision, sensitivity, and F1 scores of 0.959, 0.993, 0.966, and 0.979, respectively. Furthermore, its ability to identify tooth ectopic eruptions on panoramic radiographs, when compared to evaluations by three dentists. Based on McNemar's test, the model's specificity and accuracy in identifying ectopic tooth eruptions on the test dataset surpassed that of Dentist 1 (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed compared to the other two dentists. Besides, the deep learning model also showed its potential in classifying dental development stages, as tested against three different standards.Conclusions: The adaptability of the AI-enabled model in this study was demonstrated across multiple scenarios, with clinical validation highlighting its efficacy in diagnosing ectopic eruptions using a multistage deep-learning approach.Clinical Significance: Our findings provide new insights and technical support for the prevention and treatment of abnormal tooth eruption, laying the groundwork for predictive models for other prevalent pediatric dentistry conditions.

Melanoma-inhibiting activity promotes the migration and odontoblastic differentiation of stem cells of apical papilla

ObjectiveMelanoma Inhibitory Activity (MIA) has been predominantly studied in the context of melanoma and cartilage development. However, its role in dental pulp development and stem cell behavior remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the expression pattern of MIA in dental pulp tissues and its potential role in the proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs). Design:MIA expression in human pulp tissue was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. SCAPs were cultured in normal and mineralization induction media, with MIA levels monitored via RT-qPCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the CCK8 assay, while transwell and cell scratch assays were conducted to examine cell migration. The effect of MIA on odontoblastic differentiation was examined by qRT-PCR, Alkaline phosphatase activity assay, and Western blot. siRNA was used to knock down MIA to investigate its effect. A mouse subcutaneous implantation model was used to assess whether MIA promotes odontoblastic differentiation in vivo. Results:MIA expression was observed in the papilla and odontoblasts layer of the developing pulp. In vitro, MIA expression increased during SCAPs differentiation and was found to significantly enhance migration, and odontoblastic differentiation but not proliferation. Gene knockdown experiments confirmed MIA’s pivotal role in promoting SCAPs migration and differentiation. In vivo, MIA facilitated the formation of dentin-like structures and enhanced pulp-dentin complex regeneration. Conclusion:MIA plays a crucial role in SCAPs’ migration and differentiation, suggesting its potential application in pulp-dentin regeneration therapies. Further studies are required to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Magnetic Resonance Images for the Prediction of Chronological Age Using Maxillary Third Molar Teeth: An Observational Study.

Dental age estimation using third molars is a reliable method for estimating the age of individuals. Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and neck has been found to be applicable for age estimation of third molar teeth. In the present study, we aimed to apply the Modified Demirjian method of age estimation to magnetic resonance (MR) image sections for dental age estimation by determining the mineralization patterns of the maxillary third molars. MRI scans of the patients were performed using SIGNA™ 3.0Tesla MRI GE Healthcare (Chicago, USA) with a moving, multifunctional coil. Two expert radiologists with more than three years of experience independently analyzed the image sections using the open-source Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer software. The age and sex of the patients whose images were included in the study were recorded using a specially designed proforma. The stage of development of the maxillary third molars was determined using the modified Demirjian method. Inter observer agreement was calculated using the intra class correlation coefficient. Simple linear regression analysis was used to predict the actual age at the third molar development stage. There was excellent agreement between observers (ICC =0.99 (95% CI = 0.98-0.99)). There was also a significant association between the maxillary third molar tooth development stage and chronological age of the individual (P=0.001; B=1.54; 95% CI = 0.71-2.37). The findings from the present study establish that the Modified Demirjian method can also be reliably applied for dental age assessment in MR sections.

Compound odontoma and impaction of the lower left deciduous canine in a 4-year-old child: diagnosis and treatment.

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumours, often considered hamartomas rather than true neoplasms. These mixed tumours consist of fully differentiated dental tissues, including enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Odontomas can be classified into compound and complex types. While typically asymptomatic, they are often discovered during routine radiographic examinations for delayed tooth eruption. The management of odontomas generally involves surgical removal, which is effective in resolving associated dental impactions. We present the case of a healthy 4-year-old child who presented with the absence of the lower left deciduous canine (tooth 7.3) in the dental arch. Radiographic examination revealed multiple radiopaque masses indicative of a compound odontoma associated with the unerupted deciduous canine. Following detailed imaging and surgical planning, the odontoma was successfully enucleated under conscious sedation with nitrous oxide. The surgical procedure was performed without extracting the retained canine. Post-operative follow-up at two weeks showed excellent healing, and at seven months, partial eruption of the canine was observed, confirming the odontoma's role in impeding its eruption. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and management of odontomas to prevent potential impaction of associated teeth. The successful surgical removal of the odontoma facilitated the spontaneous eruption of the lower left deciduous canine, highlighting the effectiveness of early intervention. Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide proved to be a valuable tool in managing the young patient, ensuring cooperation and comfort during the procedure. Early identification and treatment of odontomas are crucial for promoting normal dental development and preventing future malocclusions.

A novel model of autologous tooth transplantation for the study of nerve recruitment

BackgroundLimited treatment options exist for damaged nerves and despite impressive advances in tissue engineering, scientists and clinicians have yet to fully replicate nerve development and recruitment. Innervation is a critical feature for normal organ function. While most organs are innervated prior to birth, a rare example of postnatal nerve recruitment occurs in the natural development of secondary teeth during adolescence. Many animals undergo postnatal shedding of deciduous teeth with development and eruption of secondary teeth, a process requiring recruitment of nerve and vasculature to each tooth pulp for viability. Here, the investigators created a novel model for the study of postnatal innervation by exploiting the natural phenomenon of tooth-driven nerve recruitment.MethodsThe investigators theorized that developing teeth possess a special capacity to induce innervation which could be harnessed in a clinical setting for nerve regeneration, and hyptothesized that a transplant model could be created to capture this phenomenon. In this descriptive study, a rat model of autologous tooth transplantation and de novo nerve recruitment was developed by surgically transferring whole developing molars to the autologous tibia.ResultsDownstream histological analysis performed 6 to 14 weeks after surgery demonstrated integration of molar into tibia in 81% of postoperative rats, with progressive pulpal expression of nerve marker ß-tubulin III suggestive of neuronal recruitment.ConclusionsThese findings provide a novel model for the study of organ transplantation and support the theory that developing dental tissues may retain nerve-inductive properties postnatally.

Impact of FokI (rs2228570) and BglI (rs739837) polymorphisms in VDR gene on permanent tooth eruption: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionGenetic polymorphisms who disturb the mineral homeostasis during tooth development and eruption are candidate to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in changes in the tooth eruption chronology. In this study, we evaluate whether the FokI (rs2228570) and BglI (rs739837) polymorphisms in the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with changes in the chronology of eruption of permanent teeth. Material & methodThis cross-sectional study randomly included 353 biologically unrelated children, both sexes, without systemic impairment or syndromes and history of trauma during the primary dentition. One operator perform the oral clinical examination. The tooth was considered erupted if there was a visible minimum of any tooth surface emerging from the mucosa. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells from saliva samples. Genotyping was performed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reactions using TaqMan® technology. The average of the total number of erupted permanent teeth between the genotypes was compared by the Mann-Whitney test and multivariate Generalized Linear Models (GLM) (α = 5 %). β values with Confidence Interval (CI) 95 % were calculated. ResultsThe heterozygous adenine-guanine genotype of the FokI significantly decreases the number of erupted permanent teeth (β = −1.15; CI 95 % = −2.22 to −0.07; p = 0.036). In the stratified analysis for maxillary and mandibular teeth, this genotype was associated with a decrease in the number of erupted maxillary permanent teeth (β = −0.65; CI 95 % = −1.22 to −0.09; p = 0.023). BglI was not associated with permanent teeth eruption. ConclusionThe FokI, but not BglI, in the VDR may delay the eruption of permanent teeth.

EDA Variants Are Responsible for Approximately 90% of Deciduous Tooth Agenesis

Deciduous tooth agenesis is a severe craniofacial developmental defect because it affects masticatory function from infancy and may result in delayed growth and development. Here, we aimed to identify the crucial pathogenic genes and clinical features of patients with deciduous tooth agenesis. We recruited 84 patients with severe deciduous tooth agenesis. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing were used to identify the causative variants. Phenotype–genotype correlation analysis was conducted. We identified 54 different variants in 8 genes in 84 patients, including EDA (73, 86.9%), PAX9 (2, 2.4%), LRP6 (2, 2.4%), MSX1 (2, 2.4%), BMP4 (1, 1.2%), WNT10A (1, 1.2%), PITX2 (1, 1.2%), and EDARADD (1, 1.2%). Variants in ectodysplasin A (EDA) accounted for 86.9% of patients with deciduous tooth agenesis. Patients with the EDA variants had an average of 15.4 missing deciduous teeth. Mandibular deciduous central incisors had the highest missing rate (100%), followed by maxillary deciduous lateral incisors (98.8%) and mandibular deciduous lateral incisors (97.7%). Our results indicated that EDA gene variants are major pathogenic factors for deciduous tooth agenesis, and EDA is specifically required for deciduous tooth development. The results provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling of deciduous tooth agenesis.

Genotypic and phenotypic correlations in tooth agenesis: insights from WNT10A and EDA mutations in syndromic and non-syndromic forms.

Tooth agenesis (TA) occurs when tooth development is disrupted at the initiation stage. It can be classified into non-syndromic and syndromic forms (named NSTA and STA), depending on whether it is accompanied by abnormalities of other organs and systems. Genetic factors play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of tooth agenesis, with dozens of genes implicated in both forms. Several genes have been identified, mutations in which can lead to both forms of TA. Among these, WNT10A and EDA are frequently mutated genes in this context, representing extensively researched and documented genes in human non-syndromic selective agenesis of permanent teeth and their association with ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge regarding genes associated with NSTA and STA, focusing on the distribution and nature of WNT10A and EDA gene mutations. We also explore how these mutations relate to the condition's both forms, including their association with the number of missing permanent teeth.

An inherited TBX3 alteration in a prenatal case of ulnar-mammary syndrome: Clinical assessment and functional characterization in Drosophila melanogaster.

Ulnar mammary syndrome (UMS) results from heterozygous variants in the TBX3 gene and impacts limb, tooth, hair, apocrine gland, and genitalia development. The expressivity of UMS is highly variable with no established genotype-phenotype correlations. TBX3 belongs to the Tbx gene family, which encodes transcription factors characterized by the presence of a T-box DNA-binding domain. We describe a fetus exhibiting severe upper limb defects and harboring the novel TBX3:c.400 C > T (p.P134S) variant inherited from the mother who remained clinically misdiagnosed until prenatal diagnosis. Literature revision was conducted to uncover the TBX3 clinical and mutational spectrum. Moreover, we generated a Drosophila humanized model for TBX3 to study the developmental consequences of the p.P134S as well as of other variants targeting different regions of the protein. Phenotypic analysis in flies, coupled with in silico modeling on the TBX3 variants, suggested that the c.400 C > T is UMS-causing and impacts TBX3 localization. Comparative analyses of the fly phenotypes caused by the expression of all variants, demonstrated that missense changes in the T-box domain affect more significantly TBX3 activity than variants outside this domain. To improve the clinicians' recognition of UMS, we estimated the frequency of the main clinical features of the disease. Core features often present pre-pubertally include defects of the ulna and/or of ulnar ray, hypoplastic nipples and/or areolas and, less frequently, genitalia anomalies in young males. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular basis and the clinical spectrum of UMS, shedding light on the functional consequences of TBX3 variants in a developmental context.

Identification and Characterization of Key Genes Associated with Amelogenesis

Abstract Objectives The identification of key genes associated with amelogenesis would be helpful in finding solutions to genetic disorders in oral biology. The study aimed to use in silico analysis to identify the key genes involved in tooth development associated with preameloblasts (PABs) and secretory ameloblasts (SABs). Material and Methods The data was subjected to quality analysis and uniform manifold approximation and projection analysis. To examine the distribution of the genes and identify important upregulated loci, a p-value histogram, a quantile plot, a mean difference and mean-variance plot, and a volcano plot were generated. Finally, protein-protein interaction and gene enrichment analyses were performed to determine the ontology, relevant biological processes, and molecular functions of selected genes. Results A total of 157 genes were found to be significant in the PAB versus SAB comparison. HIST1H31 revealed strong interaction with HIST1H2BM, and EXO1, ASPM, SPC25, and TTK showed strong interactions with one other. The STRING database revealed that NCAPG, CENPU, NUSAP1, HIST1H2BM, and HIST1H31 are involved in biological processes. NCAPG, CENPU, SPC25, ETV5, TTK, ETV1, FAM9A, NUSAP1, HIST1H2BM, and HIST1H31 are involved in cellular components. Conclusion The TTK, NUSAP1, CENPU, NCAPG, FAM9A, ASPM, SPC25, and HIST1H31 genes demonstrate functions in cell division. These genes might play a role in ameloblast development. These results will be useful in developing new methods to stimulate ameloblast development, which is essential for tooth regeneration and tissue engineering. However, more research is required to validate the functions of these genes and the genes with which they interact. A wide variety of genetic, epigenetic, and exogenous signaling factors regulate these genes and pathways throughout development and differentiation, cell fate, and behavior.

CT-Assisted Management with Biodentine Obturation and Aesthetic Rehabilitation of a Geminated Maxillary Central Incisor with Mid-Root Fracture: A Rare Case Report

Gemination, a rare aberration in tooth development, results from the incomplete division of one tooth germ into two. In this case report, a true geminated permanent maxillary central incisor tooth with a horizontal mid-root fracture is successfully treated by non-surgical endodontic treatment. To elucidate the intricate root canal anatomy of this rare geminated incisor, we employed computed tomography imaging technology, enhancing our understanding of this complex case. Utilizing biodentine for obturation proved pivotal, as its capacity to accelerate reparative dentin formation facilitated prompt healing, particularly beneficial in fracture cases. This was followed by aesthetic rehabilitation to achieve a pleasing mesio-distal dimension for both the central incisors using a zirconia-reinforced porcelain crowns. Keywords: Computed Tomography (CT), Gemination, Horizontal root fracture, Biodentine Obturation