Bacterial aggregation in dental plaque and their interactions

Introduction Molecular aggregation in dental plaque involves the accumulation and interaction of various molecules, primarily microbial cells and their extracellular products, on the surfaces of teeth. Dental plaque is a biofilm—a structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. The molecular interactions between microorganisms in dental plaque are crucial for…

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How Gingipains subvert the immune system?

Introduction Gingipains, secreted by the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, are a family of proteases with significant implications in oral health and disease. Gingipains are major virulence factors contributing to the pathogenicity of P. gingivalis in periodontal disease. All gingipains have a cysteine protease catalytic domain, characterized by a catalytic triad (cysteine, histidine, and asparagine) essential for…

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Th17 cells: Their origin, function and role in periodontal disease progression

Introduction T helper 17 cells, commonly known as Th17 cells, are a subset of pro-inflammatory T helper cells defined by their production of interleukin 17 (IL-17). They play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in the defense against extracellular bacteria and fungi, and are involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Th17…

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Inflammasomes

Introduction Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that play a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are responsible for the activation of inflammatory responses to pathogens and other harmful stimuli. They detect a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as stress signals like cellular damage or the presence of foreign substances.…

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Enamel matrix proteins (EMPs)

Enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) play a crucial role in dental development and regeneration. are essential for the formation and development of enamel, the hard, outer surface of teeth. These proteins, primarily amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin, play crucial roles in enamel biomineralization. The process of obtaining enamel matrix proteins involves several steps and methods, often depending…

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Fibroblasts: The Architects of Tissue Integrity

Introduction Fibroblasts play a pivotal role in maintaining tissue structure and function. They perform multiple functions in our body. Their role in the maintenance of periodontal tissue architecture has been well explained.  A thorough understanding of their origin, structure and function is essential to know their role in periodontal regeneration. Let’s explore their origin, structure,…

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Fibroblast growth factors: Understanding their role.

Introduction Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of growth factors involved in various biological processes including development, tissue repair, and metabolism. They are crucial in embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth, and invasion. FGFs are characterized by their ability to bind to heparin and heparan sulfate, which stabilizes them and enhances…

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Dental Implant Osseointegration: The Key to a Strong Foundation

Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. At the heart of this success lies a remarkable process called osseointegration. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of osseointegration, its significance, and how it ensures the stability and functionality of dental implants. What Is Osseointegration? Osseointegration refers to…

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