Bone loss is a common problem that ranges from small defects to large defects after trauma, surgery, or congenital malformations. The oral cavity is a rich source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Researchers have documented their isolation and studied their osteogenic potential. Therefore, the objective of this review was to analyze and compare the potential of MSCs from the oral cavity for use in bone regeneration. Methods: A scoping review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The databases reviewed were PubMed, SCOPUS, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Web of Science. Studies using stem cells from the oral cavity to promote bone regeneration were included. Results: A total of 726 studies were found, of which 27 were selected. The MSCs used to repair bone defects were (I) dental pulp stem cells of permanent teeth, (II) stem cells derived from inflamed dental pulp, (III) stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth, (IV) periodontal ligament stem cells, (V) cultured autogenous periosteal cells, (VI) buccal fat pad-derived cells, and (VII) autologous bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Stem cells associate with scaffolds to facilitate insertion into the bone defect and to enhance bone regeneration. The biological risk and morbidity of the MSC-grafted site were minimal. Successful bone formation after MSC grafting has been shown for small defects with stem cells from the periodontal ligament and dental pulp as well as larger defects with stem cells from the periosteum, bone, and buccal fat pad. Conclusions: Stem cells of maxillofacial origin are a promising alternative to treat small and large craniofacial bone defects; however, an additional scaffold complement is required for stem cell delivery.

The “nerve guide conduits” (NGC) used in nerve regeneration must mimic the natural environment for proper cell behavior. Objective: To describe the main morphological characteristics of polymeric NGC to promote nerve regeneration. Methods: A scoping review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria in the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. Primary studies that considered/evaluated morphological characteristics of NGC to promote nerve regeneration were included. Result: A total of 704 studies were found, of which 52 were selected. The NGC main morphological characteristics found in the literature were: (I) NGC diameter affects the mechanical properties of the scaffold. (II) Wall thickness of NGC determines the exchange of nutrients, molecules, and neurotrophins between the internal and external environment; and influences the mechanical properties and biodegradation, similarly to NGC (III) porosity, (IV) pore size, and (V) pore distribution. The (VI) alignment of the NGC fibers influences the phenotype of cells involved in nerve regeneration. In addition, the (VII) thickness of the polymeric fiber influences neurite extension and orientation. Conclusions: An NGC should have its diameter adjusted to the nerve with wall thickness, porosity, pore size, and distribution of pores, to favor vascularization, permeability, and exchange of nutrients, and retention of neurotrophic factors, also favoring its mechanical properties and biodegradability.

Cellular behavior in nerve regeneration is affected by the architecture of the polymeric nerve guide conduits (NGCs); therefore, design features of polymeric NGCs are critical for neural tissue engineering. Hence, the purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the adequate quantitative/morphometric parameters of the characteristics of NGC that provide a supportive environment for nerve regeneration, enhancing the understanding of a previous study. 394 studies were found, of which 29 studies were selected. The selected studies revealed four morphometric characteristics for promoting nerve regeneration: wall thickness, fiber size, pore size, and porosity. An NGC with a wall thickness between 250–400 μm and porosity of 60–80%, with a small pore on the inner surface and a large pore on the outer surface, significantly favored nerve regeneration; resulting in an increase in nutrient permeability, retention of neurotrophic factors, and optimal mechanical properties. On the other hand, the superiority of electrospun fibers is described; however, the size of the fiber is controversial in the literature, obtaining optimal results in the range of 300 nm to 30 µm. The incorporation of these optimal morphometric characteristics will encourage nerve regeneration and help reduce the number of experimental studies as it will provide the initial morphometric parameters for the preparation of an NGC.

Mesiodens are the most common supernumerary teeth and are detected incidentally during routine radiographic examination, so late diagnosis complications are very common. The dentist must make a timely diagnosis and thus avoid clinical complications. Despite advances in knowledge of dental morphogenesis and differentiation, the etiology of mesiodens remains unclear. Therefore, several theories have been postulated to explain how and why they develop. It was described in the literature that heredity could play an important role in the appearance of supernumerary teeth, with a higher rate of appearance in relatives of those affected. This article reports three cases, a mother and two children, who present mesiodens, which shows that supernumerary teeth may involve a genetic factor. In addition, a literature review was carried out to assess the importance of the genetic factor as a possible cause of mesiodens. The relevance and implications of timely diagnosis in clinical practice to avoid manifestations of clinical complications are discussed. Therefore, the identification of the genetic risk factors responsible for the formation of supernumerary teeth is essential for developing a screening tool to determine an individual’s genetic risk.

In the last two decades, artificial scaffolds for nerve regeneration have been produced using a variety of polymers. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a natural polyester that can be easily processed and offer several advantages; hence, the purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding of the efficacy of therapeutic approaches involving PHB scaffolds in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration following nerve dissection in animal models. A systematic literature review was performed following the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) criteria. The revised databases were: Pub-Med/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Science Direct, EMBASE, and SCOPUS. Sixteen studies were included in this review. Different animal models and nerves were studied. Extension of nerve gaps reconnected by PHB scaffolds and the time periods of analysis were varied. The additives included in the scaffolds, if any, were growth factors, neurotrophins, other biopolymers, and neural progenitor cells. The analysis of the quality of the studies revealed good quality in general, with some aspects that could be improved. The analysis of the risk of bias revealed several weaknesses in all studies. The use of PHB as a biomaterial to prepare tubular scaffolds for nerve regeneration was shown to be promising. The incorporation of additives appears to be a trend that improves nerve regeneration. One of the main weaknesses of the reviewed articles was the lack of standardized experimentation on animals. It is recommended to follow the currently available guidelines to improve the design, avoid the risk of bias, maximize the quality of studies, and enhance translationality.

Odontomas are benign tumors characterized by slow and limited growth with a rare recurrence. Odontomas are generally detected by radiographic findings in the radiopaque stage, where calcification of the tissues is observed. This article seeks to report the recurrence of a radiologically diagnosed odontoma to show the importance of radiographic controls after enucleation as a diagnostic and follow-up method. Case report: A female patient, 9 years old, attended dental care in 2020 due to malpositioned teeth. In the intraoral clinical examination, she presented stage II mixed dentition with crowding. A radiographic exam showed no associated lesions. The patient reported a history of odontoma removal and a supernumerary tooth in sextant II in 2016. Subsequently, she was referred to orthodontics, where permanent dentition with moderate anterior crowding in the maxilla and mandible was observed. The radiographic examination showed a radiopaque area compatible with odontoma, palatal to teeth 12 and 13. Conclusions: Although recurrence is rare, complete removal in the case of an odontoma is critical. This study demonstrates the importance of performing radiographic controls 5 years after enucleation of an odontoma, considering the stages of evolution.