Showing papers in "Acta Odontologica Scandinavica in 2013"

Two-body wear of monolithic, veneered and glazed zirconia and their corresponding enamel antagonists.

Abstract: Objective. This study tested whether the two-body wear of monolithic zirconia and their corresponding enamel antagonists was higher compared to monolithic alloy and veneered zirconia. Materials and methods. Cylindrical specimens (N = 36, n = 6) were prepared out of (A) veneered zirconia (VZ), (B) glazed zirconia using a glaze ceramic (GZC), (C) glazed zirconia using a glaze spray (GZS), (D) manually polished monolithic zirconia (MAZ), (E) mechanically polished monolithic zirconia (MEZ) and (F) monolithic base alloy (control group, MA). Wear tests were performed in a chewing simulator (49 N, 1.7 Hz, 5°C/50°C) with enamel antagonists. The wear analysis was performed using a 3D profilometer before and after 120,000, 240,000, 640,000 and 1,200,000 masticatory cycles. SEM images were used for evaluating wear qualitatively. The longitudinal results were analysed using linear mixed models (α = 0.05). Results. Materials (p < 0.001) and number of masticatory cycles (p < 0.001) had a significant effect on ...

Effectiveness of curcumin against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm

Abstract: Objectives. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of curcumin against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formed on tooth substrate in vitro. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) served as standards for comparison. Materials and methods. Biofilms of E.faecalis were formed on instrumented, extracted human teeth (n = 96). At the end of the 2nd day, 2nd and 8th weeks, specimens were treated for 30 min with one of the test solutions or saline (control) and the surviving colony-forming units (CFU/mL) was recorded. Results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunnet test for pair-wise comparison with Bonferroni correction (p = 0.05). Results. Only NaOCl showed complete eradication of bacteria at all time periods. In the 2-day and 2nd week biofilms, curcumin and NaOCl showed complete inhibition, which was significantly lower than the CFU recovered in the CHX and saline groups (p < 0.05). In 8 week biofilms, samples treated with curcumin showed 553 ± 137.6 CFU/mL, which was significantly higher than NaOCl (0 CFU/mL), but significantly lower than CHX (2551 ± 129.8) and saline control (1.42 1011 ± 2.12 1010; p < 0.05). Conclusions. Sodium hypochlorite (3%) showed maximum antibacterial activity against E.faecalis biofilm formed on the tooth substrate, followed by curcumin and CHX. Considering the potential for undesirable properties of NaOCl, the use of herbal alternatives in endodontics might prove to be advantageous.

Treatment outcomes of pulpotomy in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis using biomaterials: A multi-center randomized controlled trial

Abstract: Objective To conduct a randomized clinical trial to compare the post-operative pain experience as well as clinical and radiographic outcomes of pulpotomy in human permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis using calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Materials and mcethods A total of 413 patients met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate The patients were randomly allocated into two study arms: MTA pulpotomy (PMTA: n = 208) and CEM pulpotomy (PCEM: n = 205) Numerical rating scale questionnaires were utilized by the patients to record pain intensity (PI) over 7 days post-operatively The patients were followed-up for 12 months to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of treatment The data was analyzed using Chi-square, Cohen's kappa and t-tests Results There was no significant difference in the mean PI recorded during the 7 post-operative days between the two study arms (p = 0221) The clinical and radiographic success rates for PM

Clinical changes in periodontal subjects with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis: a preliminary randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effect of the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis as a probiotic agent in the treatment of initial to moderate chronic per...

Dental caries experience and Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization

Abstract: Objective. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and severity of the enamel defects, known as Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and its relationship to dental caries. Materials and methods. A sample of 1157 schoolchildren (population based), aged 6–12 years, of the Araraquara city-Brazil, was evaluated according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria by two trained examiners. The dental impact caused by MIH was evaluated with the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index (WHO). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). The socioeconomic status was collected using a questionnaire answered by parents. Results. The prevalence of MIH was 12.3%. Mild impairment was the most frequent diagnosis. DMFT of children with MIH was 0.89 (±1.18), which are higher than those of the unaffected group (0.43 ± 1.01). An association was found between dental caries only in the permanent dentition of children with MIH (p = 0.0001). Family income was ...

Investigating the effect of incorporating nanosilver/nanohydroxyapatite particles on the shear bond strength of orthodontic adhesives.

Abstract: Introduction: Development of clinically acceptable orthodontic adhesives with additional anti-microbial and remineralizing features could be undertaken only if their mechanical properties have also been considered. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporating Silver and Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles on the shear bond strength (SBS) of an orthodontic adhesive. Methods: Silver and HA nanoparticles were prepared and inspected by scanning electron microscopy and EDAX analysis. The nanoparticles were added to the primer of Transbond XT in 1%, 5% and 10% silver concentrations. Each compound (along with a control) was used for bonding stainless steel brackets to 12 human premolars (48 in total) and the SBS of all samples, along with their ARI scores were measured. Results: The SBS of the control, 1%, 5% and 10% nanoparticle groups were 12.06 ± 5.48, 20.66 ± 5.72, 10.77 ± 8.16 and 5.40 ± 2.00 MPa, respectively. A significant difference existed between all study groups (p <...

Qualitative studies of patients' perceptions of loss of teeth, the edentulous state and prosthetic rehabilitation: a systematic review with meta-synthesis.

Abstract: Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies addressing patients' perceptions of loss of teeth, edentulism and oral rehabilitation.Background: Qualitative stu ...

Evaluation of a self-adhering flowable composite in terms of micro-shear bond strength and microleakage

Abstract: Purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate dentin bond strength and microleakage of a self-adhering flowable resin with or without adhesive resin. Materials and methods. Dentin pieces were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10): Group OR (Optibond+Revolution Formula 2 Flow); Group VF (Vertise Flow); and Group OVF (Optibond+Vertise Flow). Then specimens were stressed in shear at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min until the bond failed. Moreover, microleakage was determined by restoring Class V cavities. A statistical analyses was carried out using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05). Results. Group OVF specimens produced the highest mean shear bond strength. In addition, the results showed that the marginal seal in group VF was similar to that in group OR. Conclusion. Self-adhering flowable composite resin combined with adhesive resin provided stronger dentin bond strength and a better marginal seal than when it was used individually. VF is a useful material with an accept...

Effect of probiotic lozenges on inflammatory reactions and oral biofilm during experimental gingivitis.

Abstract: Aim. Probiotic bacteria have been introduced for prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. The aim was to assess if daily oral administration of probiotic bacteria could influence the infla ...

Effect of framework material and vertical misfit on stress distribution in implant-supported partial prosthesis under load application: 3-D finite element analysis.

Abstract: Objective. This study evaluated the influence of framework material and vertical misfit on stress created in an implant-supported partial prosthesis under load application. Materials and methods. The posterior part of a severely reabsorbed jaw with a fixed partial prosthesis above two osseointegrated titanium implants at the place of the second premolar and second molar was modeled using SolidWorks 2010 software. Finite element models were obtained by importing the solid model into an ANSYS Workbench 11 simulation. The models were divided into 15 groups according to their prosthetic framework material (type IV gold alloy, silver-palladium alloy, commercially pure titanium, cobalt-chromium alloy or zirconia) and vertical misfit level (10 µm, 50 µm and 100 µm). After settlement of the prosthesis with the closure of the misfit, simultaneous loads of 110 N vertical and 15 N horizontal were applied on the occlusal and lingual faces of each tooth, respectively. The data was evaluated using Maximum Prin...

Solubility and apical sealing characteristics of a new calcium silicate-based root canal sealer in comparison to calcium hydroxide-, methacrylate resin- and epoxy resin-based sealers

Abstract: Aim. To assess and compare the water sorption, solubility and apical sealing ability of iRoot SP and three other widely used root canal sealers. Materials and methods. Solubility was assessed by immersing standardized samples of calcium silicate- (iRoot SP), calcium hydroxide- (Sealapex), methacrylate resin- (EndoREZ) and epoxy resin- (AH Plus) based sealers in distilled water and measuring weight gain and weight loss at 6 h, 24 h and daily for 14 days. Roots of extracted mandibular premolars (n = 80) were prepared with 0.04-taper nickel-titanium rotary files to a final size 40. Roots were then randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 18) and two control groups (n = 4), root canal sealers were applied and apical leakage was assessed using the fluid filtration method. Data was analyzed using Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U-tests, with the level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results. EndoREZ exhibited the highest water sorption, followed by iRoot SP, Sealapex an...

Tobacco and dental caries: a systematic review.

Abstract: Objective. Despite the abundance of evidence linking tobacco consumption to many oral conditions, no systematic review of the relationship with dental caries is available. The main aim of this systematic review was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of tobacco smoking on dental caries in adult smokers. Materials and methods. According to the PRISMA checklist, observational studies published from January 1991 to June 2011 were reviewed. The quality of evidence for each finding was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results. Five studies, four related to dental caries and one on oral bacteria activity, were finally included in a qualitative analysis; they were all cross-sectional studies. As a result, the overall quality of evidence was poor, with two articles given a score of very low and three a score of low according to GRADE. Conclusions. Tobacco smoking was found to be associated with an increased risk of dental caries. Howeve...

Curcumin inhibits inflammatory response and bone loss during experimental periodontitis in rats

Abstract: Objective. Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, is proved to be a potential candidate of controlling inflammation and bone resorption, but few reports are on the periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the intra-gastric administration of curcumin could inhibit the inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in rats following ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. Materials and method. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: no ligature placement and administration of vehicle, ligature placement and administration of vehicle, ligature placement and administration of curcumin. After the animals were sacrificed, their mandibles were collected for morphological, histological and immunohistochemical analysis; their gingival tissues were collected for cytokine measurements. Results. Bone resorption was significantly higher in the experimental periodontitis animals treated with vehicle compared with the curcumin-treated group or the control group. Fur...

Adjunct methods for caries detection: a systematic review of literature.

Abstract: Objective. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of adjunct methods used to detect and quantify dental caries. Study design. A systematic literature search for relevant papers was conducted with pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Abstracts and full text articles were assessed independently by two reviewers. The study characteristics were compiled in tables and quality graded according to the QUADAS tool. The level of evidence for each diagnostic technology (fiber-optic methods, fluorescence methods, electrical methods) was based on studies of high or moderate quality according to the GRADE approach. Results. Twenty-five reports fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One study was of high quality, 10 were graded as moderate, while the remaining 14 reports were of low quality. Electrical methods (ECM) and laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent) displayed sensitivities and specificities around 70–80% regarding occlusal dentin lesions with a mean Youden's index of 0.52–0.54. The mean accuracy of laser f...

Comparison of the wear and flexural characteristics of flowable resin composites for posterior lesions.

Abstract: Objectives. To determine the localized wear and flexural properties of flowable resin composites for posterior lesions compared with universal resin composites produced by the same manufacturers. Methods. Ten specimens of each of three flowable resins, G-aenial Universal Flo, G-aenial Flo and Clearfil Majesty Flow, and the corresponding resin composite materials, Kalore and Clearfil Majesty Esthetics, were prepared in custom fixtures and subjected to 400,000 wear machine cycles to simulate localized wear. The total maximum depth and volume loss of the wear facets was calculated for each specimen using a profilometer. A three-point bending test was performed to determine the flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and resilience. Values were statistically compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test. Results. The wear depth ranged from 58.3–126.9 m and the volumetric loss ranged from 0.019–0.049 mm3, with significant differences ...

Implant-supported full-arch zirconia-based mandibular fixed dental prostheses. Eight-year results from a clinical pilot study.

Abstract: Objective. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the long-term clinical performance of implant-supported full-arch zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Materials and methods. Ten patients received full-arch zirconia-based (Cercon) mandibular FDPs supported by four implants (Astra Tech). Nine patients received 10-unit FDPs and one patient received a 9-unit FDP. The FDPs were cemented onto individually prepared titanium abutments and were evaluated at baseline and after 12, 24, 36 and 96 months. Results. Nine patients attended the 8-year follow-up. None of the restorations showed bulk fracture, all FDPs were in use. Fractures of the veneering porcelain were, however, observed in eight patients. A total of 36 out of 89 units (40%) showed such fractures. Patient satisfaction was excellent despite the veneering material fractures. Conclusion. Results from this 8-year pilot study suggest that implant-supported full-arch zirconia-based FDPs can be an acceptable treatment alternative.

Impact of remineralizing agents on enamel microhardness recovery after in-office tooth bleaching therapies.

Abstract: Objective. It has been shown that bleaching with 35/38% hydrogen peroxides may alter both enamel morphology and mineral content. This study aimed to analyze the morphology and microhardness of enamel bleached with in-office hydrogen peroxides and exposed toremineralizing agents. Materials and methods. After recording initial enamel morphology and microhardness, 60 bovine incisors were bleached using either a calcium-containing 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP Blue) or a calcium-free 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whitegold Office) (n = 30). Then, the teeth were subjected to one of three post-bleaching remineralizing treatments (n = 10): storage in artificial saliva only, application of a sodium fluoride gel or application of a nanohydroxyapatite-based agent (Nano-P). After 24 h and 14 days of post-bleaching treatments, the enamel morphology and microhardness were re-evaluated. The microhardness data were analyzed by means of two-way ANOVA with repeated measurements and Tukey tests (p < 0.05), while th...

Influence of staining solutions and whitening procedures on discoloration of hybrid composite resins

Abstract: Objectives. The aim was to evaluate the color stability and water uptake of two hybrid composite resins polymerized in two different conditions after exposure to commonly consumed beverages. In addition, the effect of repolishing and bleaching on the stained composite was evaluated. Methods. Eighty specimens (12 mm × 12 mm × 3 mm) were made from two hybrid composite resins of shade A2. Forty specimens of each composite were divided into two groups (n = 20 per each) according to the curing method used (hand light cure HLC or oven light cure OLC). Then each group (HLC or OLC) was sub-divided randomly into four sub-groups (n = 5), which were immersed for 60 days in different beverages (distal water, coffee, tea and pepsi) and incubated at 37°C. Water uptake was measured during this time and followed by measurement of color difference (ΔE) by using a spectrophotometer. After complete staining, repolishing (grit 4000 FEPA at 300 rpm under water) and bleaching (40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel) were...

Evaluation of periodontal pathogens in amniotic fluid and the role of periodontal disease in pre-term birth and low birth weight.

Abstract: Background. Pre-term birth and/or low birth weight (PTLBW) is a serious problem in developing countries. The absence of known risk factors in ∼ 50% of PTLBW cases has resulted in a continued search for other causes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of periodontitis on pregnancy outcomes. Methods. Samples were taken from 50 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on amniotic fluid samples obtained during amniocentesis and on subgingival plaque samples to determine the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus and Eikenella corrodens. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level were evaluated. Medical records were obtained after birth. Results. Social and demographic variables were similar among the Gingivitis (G), Localized Periodontitis (LP) an...

Influence of surface treatment on the wear of solid zirconia

Abstract: Objective. Recently there has been talk of the use of full-contour solid zirconia crowns or bridge restorations with no porcelain overlay. This could be a useful solution for patients with bruxism or limited interocclusal space. However, the hardness of zirconia could affect the opposite natural dentition. The aim of this in-vitro study was to investigate the role of surface treatments on the wear of a zirconia material and its antagonist. Materials and methods. Fifty plates (10 × 10 × 1 mm) made of zirconia (LavaMulti™ ZrO2, 3M ESPE), divided into five equal groups, were sandblasted and ground under standardized conditions with a fine-grit diamond bur (Komet Brasseler, Germany) to simulate clinical conditions. Group (a) was only fired, (b) was fired and sandblasted, (c) only ground, (d) was ground and additionally polished (EVE Ceramic Polishing-Set, Pforzheim) and (e) was ground and glazed. Wear behavior was measured with a pin-on-disk apparatus ABREX against 6 mm steatite balls as antagonists ...

Influence of cement thickness on the bond strength of tooth-colored posts to root dentin after thermal cycling

Abstract: Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different resin cement thickness on the push-out bond strength of different posts (CAD/CAM zirconia post (ZR post)) and an individually formed glass fiber reinforced composite post (IPN post) prior to and after thermal cycling (TC). Methods. Post spaces with a height of 9 mm and a diameter of 1.5 mm were drilled in 80 mandibular premolar teeth. Two groups (n = 40) were formed according to the posts used (IPN posts or ZR posts). Then the specimens were randomly assigned into two sub-groups according to the post diameter: (1) 1.5 mm in diameter and (2) 1.2 mm in diameter (n = 20/per group). All posts were luted with a self-adhesive luting agent according to the manufacturer's instructions by using endo tips. Half of the samples (n = 10) were submitted to thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5–55°C). Thereafter, four 2-mm thick horizontal sections were obtained and subjected to push-out test. Failure modes were assessed quantitatively and m...

Influence of surface characteristics on the adhesion of Candida albicans to various denture lining materials.

Abstract: Objective. This study evaluated the influence of surface characteristics of various denture lining materials on the adherence of Candida albicans. Materials and methods. Four different types of materials (tissue conditioners, acrylic and silicone soft liners and hard reline materials) were selected. Disk-shaped material specimens were prepared and their surface roughness values (Ra ) measured using a profilometer. The contact angles of four reference liquids were measured on the material surfaces and surface energy parameters (total surface energy, acid and base components, degree of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) of the materials were calculated in accordance with acid-base theory. Specimens were incubated with C. albicans and adhering fungi quantified using the colony counting method. Data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with Games–Howell post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was applied to detect correlations between surface characteristics and Candida adhesi...

Influence of a proximal margin elevation technique on marginal adaptation of ceramic inlays

Abstract: Purpose. Evaluating the effect of a proximal margin elevation technique on marginal adaptation of ceramic inlays. Methods. Class II MOD-cavities were prepared in 40 human molars and randomly distributed to four groups (n = 10). In group EN (positive control) proximal margins were located in enamel, 1 mm above the cementoenamel junction, while 2 mm below in groups DE-1In, DE-2In and DE. The groups DE-1In, DE-2In and DE simulated subgingival location of the cervical margin. In group DE-1In one 3 mm and in group DE-2In two 1.5 mm composite layers (Tetric) were placed for margin elevation of the proximal cavities using Syntac classic as an adhesive. The proximal cavities of group DE remained untreated and served as a negative control. In all groups, ceramic inlays (Cerec 3D) were adhesively inserted. Replicas were taken before and after thermomechanical loading (1.200.000 cycles, 50/5°C, max. load 49 N). Marginal integrity (tooth-composite, composite-inlay) was evaluated with scanning electron micros...

The importance of measuring toothpaste abrasivity in both a quantitative and qualitative way.

Abstract: Objective. To evaluate the relative abrasivity of different toothpastes and polishing pastes both qualitatively and quantitatively. Materials and methods. Acrylic plates were exposed to brushing in a brushing machine with a toothpaste/water slurry for 1 and 6 h. Twelve different toothpastes were used and also four different polishing pastes. The results were evaluated using a profilometer after 1 and 6 h of brushing (corresponding to 2000 and 12 000 double strokes, respectively). A surface roughness value (Ra-value) and also a volume loss value were calculated from the profilometer measurements. These values were then correlated to each other. An unpaired t-test for the difference in the abrasion values between the toothpastes and the abrasion values over time was used. Results. The polishing paste RDA® 170 yielded higher Ra-values than RDA 250®, both after 1 and 6 h of brushing (1.01 ± 0.22 and 8.99 ± 1.55 compared to 0.63 ± 0.26 and 7.83 ± 5.89, respectively) as well as volume loss values (3.71...

Fracture strength of porcelain fused to metal crowns made of cast, milled or laser-sintered cobalt-chromium.

Abstract: Aims. The aim was to compare the fracture strength of porcelain fused to metal crowns with copings fabricated in Co-Cr using different manufacturing techniques (casting, milling and laser-sintering) with crowns manufactured in a high-gold alloy. Methods. A total of 50 identical crowns were fabricated and sub-divided into five groups; cast Co-Cr, milled Co-Cr, two groups of laser-sintered Co-Cr and a control group cast in a high-gold alloy. After thermocycling (5000 cycles, 5–55°C) and pre-load (30–300 N, 10,000 cycles) the crowns were loaded until fracture. Load (N) and fracture mode were recorded. Results. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in fracture strength between the control group and one of the laser-sintered groups. The mean values (N) for the groups were as follows: cast Co-Cr, 1560 ± 274; milled Co-Cr, 1643 ± 153; laser-sintered Co-Cr 1, 1448 ± 168; laser-sintered Co-Cr 2, 1562 ± 72; control group, 1725 ± 220. Conclusion. There is no difference in strength between Co-Cr crow...

Findings from the oral health study of the Danish Health Examination Survey 2007–2008

Abstract: Objective. The aims of the oral part of the Danish Health Examination Survey (DANHES 2007–2008) were (1) to establish an oral health database for adult Danes and (2) to explore the influence of general diseases and lifestyle on oral health. This paper presents the study population, examination methods, questionnaire and baseline results. Materials and methods. The study population comprised 4402 subjects, aged 18–96, consecutively enrolled from 18 065 DANHES participants from 13 municipalities in Denmark. The oral part consisted of a validated questionnaire and a clinical examination, carried out in mobile units by three trained and calibrated dental hygienists. The data were processed with descriptive statistics and mono- and bivariate analyses. Results. The mean age was 54.1 years and 60% were women. The mean number of natural teeth was 26.6; the mean DMFT/DMFS values were 18.9 and 61.0, and varied with age (DMFT 8.7–24.3). A higher proportion of females suffered from dental erosion in the youn...

The antimicrobial effect of new and conventional endodontic irrigants on intra-orally infected dentin.

Abstract: Objectives. To evaluate if the incorporation of antimicrobial compounds to chelating agents or the use of chelating agents with antimicrobial activity as 7% maleic acid and peracetic acid show similar disinfection ability in comparison to conventional irrigants as sodium hypochlorite or iodine potassium iodide against biofilms developed on dentin. Materials and methods. The total bio-volume of live cells, the ratio of live cells and the substratum coverage of dentin infected intra-orally and treated with the irrigant solutions: MTAD, Qmix, Smear Clear, 7% maleic acid, 2% iodine potassium iodide, 4% peracetic acid, 2.5% and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was measured by using confocal microscopy and the live/dead technique. Five samples were used for each irrigant solution. Results. Several endodontic irrigants containing antimicrobials as clorhexidine (Qmix), cetrimide (Smear Clear), maleic acid, iodine compounds or antibiotics (MTAD) lacked an effective antibiofilm activity when the dentin was infect...

Radiographic assessment of the mandibular retromolar canal using cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract: Objective. The ‘retromolar’ nerve is a collateral branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides higher resolution images. This CBCT study reports the frequency of the retromolar nerve. Materials and methods. From 2007–2010 the CBCT study of 233 hemi-mandibles have been examined. The CBCT study was obtained from an investigation of the posterior mandibular region in 187 patients suffering from different pathologies and it was aimed at detecting in patients the presence of a retromolar canal and foramen. Results. Thirty-four retromolar canals with a foramen were detected on 233 CBCT (14.6%) in 30 out of 187 patients (16%). In the 46 patients who underwent CBCT bilaterally, the retromolar canal was found in nine subjects (19.6%) and was present bilaterally in four subjects, for an incidence of 8.7%. Conclusions. The results suggest that the radiological frequency of the retromolar nerve is notable, with a possible relevance in the surgical approach of the mandi...

Quality of root fillings performed with two root filling techniques. An in vitro study using micro-CT

Abstract: Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the presence of voids in root fillings performed in oval and ribbon-shaped canals with two root filling techniques, lateral compaction technique (LCT) or hybrid technique (HT), a combination of a gutta-percha masterpoint and thermoplastic gutta-percha. Furthermore, the obturation time for the two techniques was evaluated. Materials and methods. Sixty-seven roots with oval and ribbon-shaped canals were prepared using Profile Ni-Ti rotary files. After preparation, the roots were randomly allocated to two groups according to root filling technique. All roots were filled with AH plus and gutta-percha. Group 1 was filled using LCT (n = 34) and group 2 was filled using HT (n = 33). The obturation time was measured in 30 cases evenly distributed between the two techniques. Voids in relation to the root canal fillings were assessed using cross-section images from Micro-computed Tomography scans. Results. All root canal fillings had voids. Permutation test s...

Panoramic radiographic evaluation of the mandibular morphological changes in elderly dentate and edentulous subjects

Abstract: Objective. The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes in the gonial angle, ramus height, condyle height and cortical bone thickness in relation to gender and dental status in elderly patients. Materials and methods. The study population comprised 240 patients (age ranged from 60–69 years) who had digital panoramic radiographs taken for various purposes. One group consisted of 120 patients, 60 men and 60 women, who had all natural teeth present except for third molars. The second group consisted of the remaining 120 patients (60 men and 60 women) who were in a completely edentulous state (maxilla and mandible). The gonial angle, ramus height, condylar height and cortical bone thickness of the mandible were measured by computer software on their panoramic radiographs. Results. Women showed larger gonial angles than men, while men had greater cortical bone thickness and ramus height (p 0.0...