Knowledge on dental trauma and orthodontic tooth movement held by a group of orthodontists

The objective of this work was to assess the knowledge about orthodontic tooth movement and dental trauma held by a group of orthodontists in specific areas of Brazil. For this purpose, 166 questionnaires with 15 objective questions about this subject were distributed. One hundred and five questionnaires were properly filled and collected after 30 days. It was concluded that, except for avulsion, the knowledge on dental injuries held by the professionals interviewed was considered unsatisfactory, and about 40% of them were not acquainted with the recommendations for the orthodontic movement of traumatized teeth.

Evaluation of some properties of fermented milk beverages that affect the demineralization of dental enamel

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the erosive capacity of fermented milk beverages, as well as some of their properties that affect the demineralization of dental enamel (pH, buffering capacity, fluoride, calcium and phosphorus contents). Three different batches of 6 commercial brands of fermented milk beverages were analyzed. pH evaluation was accomplished using a potentiometer. The buffering capacity was measured by adding 1 mol L -1 NaOH. Fluoride concentration was assessed by an ion specific electrode after hexamethyldisiloxane-facilitated diffusion, and calcium and phosphorus concentrations were assessed by a colorimetric test using a spectrophotometer. Sixty specimens of bovine enamel were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n = 10). They were exposed to 4 cycles of demineralization in the fermented milk and remineralization in artificial saliva. Enamel mineral loss was determined by surface microhardness (%SMHC) and profilometric tests. The samples' pH ranged from 3.51 to 3.87; the buffering capacity ranged from 470.8 to 804.2 μl of 1 mol L -1 NaOH; the fluoride concentration ranged from 0.027 to 0.958 μgF/g; the calcium concentration ranged from 0.4788 to 0.8175 mgCa/g; and the phosphorus concentration ranged from 0.2662 to 0.5043 mgP/g. The %SMHC ranged from-41.0 to -29.4. The enamel wear ranged from 0.15 μm to 0.18 μm. In this in vitro study, the fermented milk beverages did not promote erosion of the dental enamel, but rather only a superficial mineral loss.

Influence of the coloring agent concentration on bleaching gel and pulp chamber temperatures during dental bleaching

This study evaluated the Influence of the coloring agent concentration on the temperature of the gel layer and pulp chamber during dental bleaching with an LED/laser light source. Ten human incisors and a digital thermometer with K-type thermocouples were used. Using a high-speed spherical diamond bur, endodontic access was gained through openings on the lingual faces until pulp chamber was exposed. One end of the thermocouple was placed on the labial surface (immersed in bleaching gel) and the other end in the pulp chamber. The same 10 specimens were used in the 12 groups, according to the type and concentration of bleaching gel. Each bleaching gel was used in four different concentrations: manipulated without coloring, with normal quantity recommended by the manufacturer, with double the recommended amount of coloring, and with triple the recommended amount of coloring. The temperature rise was measured every 30 seconds for three minutes with a K-type thermocouple. The data were analyzed by ANOVA to examine the concentration and type of bleaching gel. This test was followed by Tukey's test, which was performed Independently for the gel at the labial surface and the pulp chamber (a = 5%). For both surfaces, values of p = 0.00 were obtained for all factors and for the Interaction between them. The varying concentrations of coloring agent produced statistically significant differences in terms of temperature increase for both the gel layer and the pulp chamber during activation.

Influence of the ICDAS e-learning program for occlusal caries detection on dental students

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ICDAS training in a group of dental students for occlusal caries detection in permanent teeth. Premolars and molars (N=104) with occlusal surfaces varying from ICDAS scores 0 to 6 were cleaned, one occlusal site per tooth was selected, and a photograph taken to identify the site. Eight senior dental students examined the teeth twice with a one-week interval between examinations during each of two phases: before and after the ICDAS e-learning program. Teeth were histologically assessed for caries extension. Intraclass correlation coefficients for intra- and interexaminer repeatability were high, both before (0.75 and 0.72, respectively) and after e-learning (0.82 and 0.78, respectively). The ICDAS scores decreased significantly from before to after e-learning (p=0.0001). Correlation between ICDAS scores and histology scores was moderate (0.57 before e-learning and 0.61 after). Although the ROC curve shows an improvement in the use of the ICDAS scoring after e-learning, the difference was not significant (p=0.10). Specificity of the ICDAS scores significantly improved after e-learning (77 percent vs. 36 percent), and sensitivity was reduced slightly after e-learning (87 percent vs. 92 percent). The ICDAS e-learning program improved the performance of the diagnostic skills of the investigated students for the detection of occlusal caries lesions.

Response of human dental pulp to calcium hydroxide paste preceded by a corticosteroid/antibiotic dressing agent

Aim: To evaluate the treatment with corticosteroid/antibiotic dressing in pulpotomy with calcium hydroxide. Methods: Forty-six premolars were pulpotomized and randomly assigned into 3 groups. In Group I pulpal wound was directly capped with calcium hydroxide, and Group II and Group III received corticosteroid/antibiotic dressing for 10 min or 48 h, respectively, before pulp capping. Teeth were processed for histological analysis after 7, 30 or 60 days to determine inflammatory cell response, tissue disorganization, dentin bridge formation and presence of bacteria. Attributed scores were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α=0.05). Results: On the 7th day, all groups exhibited dilated and congested blood vessels in the tissue adjacent to pulpal wound. The inflammatory cell response was significantly greater in Group III (p<0.05). On the 30th day, in all groups, a thin dentin matrix layer was deposited adjacent to the pulpal wound and a continuous odontoblast-like cell layer underlying the dentin matrix was observed. On the 60th day, all groups presented a thick hard barrier characterized by an outer zone of dystrophic calcification and an inner zone of tubular dentin matrix underlined by a defined odontoblast-like cell layer. Conclusions: Within the limitations of present study, considering that the treatment was performed in healthy teeth, it may be concluded that the use of a corticosteroid/antibiotic dressing before remaining tissue protection with calcium hydroxide had no influence on pulp tissue healing.

Dental caries experience in children attending an infant oral health program

Aim: To investigate: a) caries experience in 5 year-old children and its relationship to the caries risk evaluation made before 1 year of age; b) compliance of parents to an infant oral health program as well as the abandonment reasons. Methods: Group A (GA) - 242 children (60-71 months old) who stayed in the program and had been enrolled since their first year of life underwent a clinical examination according to the WHO's criteria; their parents/caregivers were interviewed to ascertain their compliance to the program. Group B (GB) - parents of 60 children, who had dropped out of the program, were interviewed to check the reasons of withdrawing. The caries risk classification was based on the file at the first appointment. Chi-square test was used (α=0.05) for statistical analyses. Results: Most of the children were free of caries (71.1%). Caries risk evaluation showed low sensibility (34.3%, 95% CI = 22.4-46.1) and high specificity (74.4%, 95% CI = 67.6-81.2) to caries experience. Sixty-two mothers (25.6%) reported difficulty to follow the guidelines. The main reason for dropping out was changing to similar health services (40.0%). Conclusions: Caries risk in the first year of life was not efficient to predict dental caries experience at 5 years of age. Educational practice should be improved to increase the compliance of the parents to the program.

Dental arches multi-projection system with semantic descriptions

This paper presents the development of an multi-projection stereoscopic dental arches application with semantic descriptions. The first section presents the concepts of the used technologies. Applications and examples are demonstrated. Finally, is presented the physical structure and the developed system, where a 3D dental arch is used as a model and can be viewed in multi-projection, thereby, providing greater user's immersion. ©2010 IEEE.

The effect of carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on the microhardness of dental ceramics.

This study examined the effect of 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on the surface microhardness of micro-particulate feldspathic ceramics (VM7 and VM13, Vita Zahnfabrik). Forty specimens (8-mm diameter, 2-mm thickness) were divided into four groups (n=10): GI-VM7 + 10% Whiteness, G2-VM7 + 16% Whiteness, G3-VM13 + 10% and G4-VM13 + 16% Whiteness. The home-use bleaching agents were applied for 8 hours on 15 days, and the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The Vickers hardness number (HV) was determined for each specimen. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). The microhardness values before exposure were: g1-433 (57); g2-486 (22); g3-509 (28); g4-518 (24), and after exposure: G1-349 (32); G2-496 (95); G3-519 (38); G4-502 (81). G2 exhibited a higher and significant difference than GI in VM7 groups, and the effect of bleaching concentration was shown to be significant by the Mann-Whitney test. And for VM13, both the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests showed no significant differences. When using 10% carbamide peroxide, the microhardness of VM7 ceramic was affected, and there were no effect on the microhardness between VM7 and VM13 ceramics when 16% carbamide peroxide was used.

Effect of bleaching agent on dental ceramics roughness.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of bleaching agents (10% and 16% carbamide peroxide) on the roughness of two dental ceramics in vitro, and to analyze the surface by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Two bleaching agents (10% and 16%/Whiteness, FGM Gel) and two microparticle feldspathic ceramics (Vita VM7 and Vita VM13) were used. Forty disks of Vita VM7 and Vita VM13 ceramic were manufactured, measuring 4 mm in diameter and 4 mm high, in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations, and were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): (1) VM7 + Whiteness 10%; (2) VM7 + Whiteness 16%; (3) VM13 + Whiteness 10%; (4) VM13 + Whiteness 16%. The bleaching agent was applied for 8 hours a day for 15 days and during the intervals the test specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The roughness (Ra) of the test specimens was evaluated before and after exposure to the bleaching agents using a laser roughness meter and the topographic description was analyzed by SEM. The statistical analysis of roughness data showed significant differences in the VM7 groups, using paired t-test, p = 0.05 (VM7 + Whiteness 10%: p = 0.002; VM7 + Whiteness 16%: p = 0.001) and two-sample t-test (VM7 p = 0.047), and no significant difference was found among VM13 groups. The qualitative SEM analysis showed different degrees of surface changes. The results suggest that the roughness of the tested ceramic surfaces increased after exposure to the bleaching agents.

In vitro analysis with human bone marrow stem cells on Ti-15Mo alloy for dental and orthopedic implants application

Aim: Nowadays, research on orthopedic and dental implants is focused on titanium alloys for their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in the human body environment. Another important aspect to be investigated is their surface topography, which is very important to osseointegration. With laser beam irradiation for roughening the implants surface an easier control of the microtopography is achieved, and surface contamination is avoided. The aim of this study was to assess human bone marrow stem cells response to a newly developed titanium alloy, Ti-15Mo, with surface topography modified by laser beam irradiation. Materials and methods: A total of 10 Ti machined disks (control), 10 Ti-15Mo machined disks and 10 Ti-15Mo disks treated by laser beam-irradiation were prepared. To study how Ti-15Mo surface topografy can induce osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, the expression levels of bone related genes and mesenchymal stem cells marker were analyzed, using real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: In Test 1 (comparison between Ti-15Mo machined disks and Ti-machined disks) quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed a significant induction of ALPL, FOSL1 and SPP1, which increase 20% or more. In Test 2 (comparison between Ti-15Mo laser treated disks and Ti-machined disks) all investigated genes were up-regulated. By comparing Test 1 and Test 2 it was detected that COL1A1, COL3A1, FOSL1 and ENG sensibly increased their expression whereas RUNX2, ALPL and SPP1 expression remained substantially unchanged. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that laser treated Ti-15Mo alloys are promising materials for implants application.

The influence of grain size coating and shaft angulation of different diamond tips on dental cutting

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the grain size coating and shaft angulation of ultrasonic and high-speed diamond burs on the dental cutting effectiveness. Materials and Methods: For the grain size evaluation, cavities were prepared on 40 incisors using high-speed (1092 and 1093F KG Sorensen®) and ultrasonic tips (8.2142 and 6.2142-CVDentus®). For the shaft angulation evaluation, cavities were prepared on 40 incisors using uniangulated (T1-CVDentus®) and biangulated (T1-A CVDentus®) ultrasonic tips. The cavities were bisected and examined at 50 magnification. The width and depth of cavities were measured by Leica QWin software. Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test was used for analysis. Results: The grain size did not affect the cutting effectiveness, but the high-speed burs promoted deeper and wider cavities than the ultrasonic tips. The shaft angulation did not affect the cutting effectiveness; both the angulated and biangulated tips had greater cutting efficiency in dentin than in enamel. Conclusions: Ultrasonic tips promoted more conservative preparations and seemed promising for cavity preparation.

Analysis of the effects of thermal cycling on the microtensile shear bond strength of a self-etching and a conventional pit and fissure sealants to dental enamel

Objective: To analyze the effects of thermal cycling on the microtensile shear bond strength of a self-etching and a conventional pit and fissure sealants to dental enamel. Material and Method: Twenty-four healthy human molars extracted for orthodontic reasons, were sectioned in the mesio-distal direction and divided into two groups (n=24) according to the sealant to be applied: GI - conventional sealant Climpro (3M/ESPE) and GII - self-etching sealant Enamel Loc (Premier Dental). The sealants were applied on flattened enamel in matrixes 1 mm in diameter, in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. After this, half the samples of both groups were submitted to 500 thermal cycles in 30s baths at temperatures between 5 and 55°C. Forty-eight hours after the samples were made, the microtensile shear test was performed in an Instron 4411 test machine, with a stainless steel wire with a cylindrical cross section of 0.2mm in diameter at a constant speed of 0.5mm/s. The bond strength values were submitted to ANOVA for 2 factors and the fracture patterns were examined under an optical microscope at 65X magnification. Results: Thermal cycling did not influence the bond strength of the two sealants. The conventional sealant Climpro presented a statistically higher microtensile shear bond strength (11.72MPa, 11.34MPa with and without cycling, respectively) than the self-etching sealant Enamel Loc (5.92MPa, 5.02MPa with and without cycling, respectively). Fracture pattern analysis showed the occurrence of 100% of adhesive failures for Enamel Loc, while the conventional sealant Climpro presented 95% of adhesive failures and 5% of mixed failures. Conclusion: The conventional sealant presented higher microtensile shear bond strength to dental enamel in comparison with the self-etching sealant. Thermal cycling did not affect the bond strength of the sealants used in this study. © 2011 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

The effects of exposure time on the surface microhardness of three dual-cured dental resin cements

This study evaluated the exposure time of light-curing of the polymers used for cementation on microhardness test in different storage times. The polymers (specifically called resin cements) were RelyX ARC, RelyX U100, and SET. Five specimens of each group were prepared and photo-polymerized with exposure times of 20 s and 180 s, using a LED polymerization unit with wavelength of 440 ~ 480 nm and light output was consistently 1,500 mW/cm2. The Vickers hardness test was performed in a MMT-3 Microhardness Tester. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The values of RelyX ARC showed statistically significant difference to groups with light exposure when considering only chemical cure (p < 0.05). The groups with light exposure (20 s and 180 s) showed no significant difference between them (p > 0.05). The RelyX U100 cured only chemically showed statistically significant difference between 48 h and 7 days (p < 0.05). The SET resin cement showed no significant difference to groups without light exposure for all storage times (p > 0.05). The values of hardening of the dual-cured resin cements improved after setting by light and chemical activation demonstrating the importance of light curing. © 2011 by the authors.

3D semantic models for dental education

This paper explores the benefits of using immersive and interactive virtual reality environments to teach Dentistry. We present a tool for educators to manipulate and edit virtual models. One of the main contributions is that multimedia information can be semantically associated with parts of the model, through an ontology, enriching the experience; for example, videos can be linked to each tooth demonstrating how to extract them. The use of semantic information gives a greater flexibility to the models, since filters can be applied to create temporary models that show subsets of the original data in a human friendly way. We also explain how the software was written to run in arbitrary multi-projection environments. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Influence of lateral excursion on vestibular cervical dental abfraction.

A study was performed to evaluate the influence of mandibular lateral excursion, group function and canine guidance on vestibular cervical dental abfraction (VCDA). Thirty-six individuals of both sexes, aged 20 to 45 years, with full natural dentition with at least one tooth with VCDA were selected at the San Marcos University Clinic. We evaluated number of teeth with VCDA per side (left and right), tooth type and lateral excursive movement (canine guidance or group function) affecting it. The results showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05). The tooth type most often showing VCDA was the first lower premolar, with 30.8% on the right side and 36.4% on the left. Moderate positive correlation was found between age and VCDA (R = 0.40). It is concluded that group function during lateral excursion may contribute to presence of VCDA.