Michele Maglione

Background: Individuals with pathologic conditions and restorative deficiencies might benefit from a combinatorial approach encompassing stem cells and dental implants; however, due to the various surface textures and coatings, the influence of titanium dental implants on cells exhibits extensive, wide variations. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures of stem cells on whole dental implants are superior in testing implant properties and were used to examine their capabilities thoroughly. Materials and methods: The surface micro-topography of five titanium dental implants manufactured by sandblasting with titanium, aluminum, corundum, or laser sintered and laser machined was compared in this study. After characterization, including particle size distribution and roughness, the adhesion, proliferation, and viability of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) cultured on the whole-body implants were tested at three time points (one to seven days). Finally, the capacity of the implant to induce ADSCs’ spontaneous osteoblastic differentiation was examined at the same time points, assessing the gene expression of collagen type 1 (coll-I), osteonectin (osn), alkaline phosphatase (alp), and osteocalcin (osc). Results: Laser-treated (Laser Mach and Laser Sint) implants exhibited the highest adhesion degree; however, limited proliferation was observed, except for Laser Sint implants, while viability differences were seen throughout the three time points, except for Ti Blast implants. Sandblasted surfaces (Al Blast, Cor Blast, and Ti Blast) outpaced the laser-treated ones, inducing higher amounts of coll-I, osn, and alp, but not osc. Among the sandblasted surfaces, Ti Blast showed moderate roughness and the highest superficial texture density, favoring the most significant spontaneous differentiation relative to all the other implant surfaces. Conclusions: The results indicate that 3D cultures of stem cells on whole-body titanium dental implants is a practical and physiologically appropriate way to test the biological characteristics of the implants, revealing peculiar differences in ADSCs’ adhesion, proliferation, and activity toward osteogenic commitment in the absence of specific osteoinductive cues. In addition, the 3D method would allow researchers to test various implant surfaces more thoroughly. Integrating with preconditioned stem cells would inspire a more substantial combinatorial approach to promote a quicker recovery for patients with restorative impairments.

Aim Cyst‐like lesions in the mandible rarely develop into malignancies, and the reported incidence is between 0.3% and 2%. The present study describes a rare case of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible arising from an odontogenic cyst. Materials and Methods An 80‐year‐old male was referred to Trieste University Maggiore Hospital (Trieste, Italy), with acute pain in the left retromolar area. An initial examination revealed extra oral swelling without paresthesia of the IAN. Following an intraoral examination, the oral mucosa was edematous, percussion pain was experienced on the lower left second molar. Panoramic radiography revealed a retained lower left wisdom tooth and an irregular radiolucent area between the lower left second molar and the mandibular angle with clear margins. Computed tomography revealed diffuse bone resorption and an extensive loss of cortical bone on the lingual side. Results A biopsy was performed during the surgery to remove the second lower left molar and the wisdom tooth, the pathological diagnosis was of squamous cell carcinoma arising from the epithelial lining of the odontogenic cyst. MRI with contrast agent was also performed. Shortly after the patient has been proposed a complete resective surgery of the mass including the infiltrated areas and then a reconstructive part to restore the function and aesthetic. Conclusion The follow‐up of a large inflammatory cyst is essential for early diagnosis of malignant neoplasm. This approach allows lower invasive treatments and major survival of these patients.