Contralateral Teeth Research Articles

A Case-Control Split-Mouth Study of Comparison of Maximum Occlusal Forces in Endodontically Treated Teeth and Vital Counterparts.

To compare the maximum occlusal force in endodontically treated teeth and their vital contralateral counterparts and to evaluate the intraoral factors affecting them. Thirty adult participants presented with an endodontically treated tooth and its vital contralateral counterpart were recruited, with 15 males and females in each group. Maximum occlusal forces were measured using a wireless sensor network occlusal force recorder, and the mean maximum occlusal force of endodontically treated teeth was compared with that of their vital contralateral counterparts. Multiple-factor ANOVA was used to examine the association between various clinical factors and maximum occlusal force. The mean maximum occlusal force for endodontically treated teeth was significantly higher than their vital counterparts (215.44 ± 74.11N and 202.40 ± 70.67N, respectively) (P < 0.001). Among the clinical factors, the maximum occlusal forces were significantly influenced by the location of teeth (P < 0.01) and the crown root ratio (P = 0.01). Upon further analysis of endodontically treated teeth and control groups, the location of teeth was identified as a sole factor associated with maximum occlusal force, with P < 0.05. The maximum occlusal forces for endodontically treated teeth were statistically significantly higher than those of their corresponding vital contralateral teeth.

Testing a new micro-osteoperforation modality on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement in a rabbit model

Objectives. The current study objective was to test and compare the impact of a new micro-osteoperforation (MOP) modality with 2 other modalities on the rate of tooth movement (RTM) in rabbits. Methods. The sample comprises 45 adult male albino rabbits aged 24 weeks and divided equally into 3 groups regarding MOP modalities; a single vertical MOP (1V-MOP), a single vertical MOP + 2 horizontal MOPs (1V+2H-MOP), as the new MOP design; and 3 horizontal MOPs (3H-MOP). The first right mandibular premolar (RMP1) received MOP(s) + orthodontic force 50g by traction spring. The contralateral tooth on left (LMP1), as positive (+ve) control, received only 50g orthodontic force by another spring. Both springs were fixed by a mini-screw between the 2 lower incisors. Evaluations of the clinical RTM and histopathology with H and E stain of the compressed PDL at the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of MP1 root were performed for comparing after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of OTM respectively. Results. The RTM (P&lt;0.001) and number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, blood vessels and PDL width (P&lt;0.001 to P=0.039) significantly increased in the MOP groups; the 1V+2H-MOP was in between the higher 1V-MO P and the lower 3H-MOP. Conclusion. All MOP modalities could efficiently accelerate RTM and increase the activity of the compressed PDL, but with a variant rate. The new 1V+2H-MOP modality can be chosen as the best modality for faster RTM, because it showed moderate RTM after the 1V-MOP.

Survival rate and aesthetic outcomes of two-piece zirconia dental implants: A one-year single clinical trial of partially edentulous patients.

Titanium dental implants, traditionally used for tooth replacement, face certain biological and aesthetic limitations. Recently, zirconia has become a notable alternative, valued for its aesthetics and biocompatibility. This study evaluated the efficacy of two-piece zirconia dental implants, particularly their impact on inflammatory cytokines and their survival rate over one year. This study was a single-center, prospective trial and included adults aged 18 and above. 2021-2022, nine two-piece tissue-level zirconia implants were placed in eight patients. Following a three-month osseointegration phase, crowns were cemented. Over a year, we assessed Plaque and Gingival indices, Pocket Depth, and tissue color and texture. Peri-apical radiographs measured bone levels, and IL-1β in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was quantified using ELISA. Eight subjects (ages 31-63) participated. One implant failed after six months, resulting in a one-year survival rate of 88.8%. Plaque and Gingival indices rose, but peri-implant soft tissue remained stable in color and texture. At 12 months, average bone loss was minimal and insignificant compared to the baseline. IL-1β levels were similar to those at contralateral teeth, with no correlation between IL-1β, Pocket Depth, and Bleeding on Probing. Two-piece zirconia implants emerged as a viable tooth replacement option, with an 88.8% one-year survival rate. They maintained stable soft tissue and bone levels, indicating their potential as effective dental restoratives.

Effectiveness and side effects of orthodontic traction of impacted maxillary incisors in a labially inverted position: A systematic review

Treatment of impacted upper incisors in a labially inverted position is challenging for orthodontists, and its prognosis has not been established in the literature. Thus, this systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness and side effects of orthodontic traction of impacted maxillary incisors in a labially inverted position. A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, and LILACS, up to June 30, 2024. Initially, 1640 articles were identified, and after applying specific selection criteria, 11 articles were selected for full-text evaluation. Following the review, only six studies were deemed relevant, comprising one before-and-after study, two longitudinal retrospective studies, and three cross-sectional studies. Newcastle-Ottawa and Risk of Bias (ROB-2) tools were used to assess the risk of bias in the selected studies. The average duration of traction for maxillary labially inverted impacted central incisors ranged from 8.60±1.26months to 18±6.0months, with all cases being successfully treated. Following traction, the clinical crown height of the incisors was significantly higher compared to the control group (P<0.01). Similarly, the root length of the impacted incisors after traction was shorter in the impaction group (approximately 2mm) compared to the control group. Likewise, the thickness of the alveolar bone varied among different studies. Some authors noted that the treatment group had a smaller thickness (about 0.5mm) compared to the control group (P<0.05), while other authors found similar thickness after treatment. Although there are few reported studies with a low risk of bias, it is clear that it is possible to successfully treat labially inverted impacted maxillary central incisors with apparently few side effects. Following traction, the clinical crown height of these incisors increased, while the root length was shorter than their normally erupted contralateral teeth.

Two- and three-dimensional symmetry of maxillary incisors: A clinical study.

To assess the 2D and 3D natural symmetry of the maxillary incisors. Maxillary alginate impressions were taken of 59 young adult volunteers. Gender, orthodontic treatment history, and dominant hand were collected. For 2D analysis, a digital caliper was used for measurements on maxillary casts. For 3D analysis, the casts were scanned using a lab scanner, and the labial surface symmetry of contralateral incisors was evaluated. Mann-Whitney tests and Student's t-test were performed, α = 0.05. Results indicated a lack of identical lengths among contralateral central or lateral incisors, with minimal occurrences of identical width measurements. 68% of central incisors and 73% of lateral incisors showed differences in length exceeding 0.2 mm. Central incisors showed more similarities than lateral incisors in width, with 61% central incisors and 47% lateral incisors having differences under 0.2 mm. The differences between highly asymmetrical contralateral teeth are situated at the transitional lines. The influence of sexual dimorphism, orthodontic factors, and the dominant hand on incisors' symmetry was not statistically significant. 2D and 3D symmetry of the natural maxillary incisors are rare. 3D symmetry remains consistent across orthodontic treatment status, gender, and dominant hand, suggesting its independence from such parameters. To achieve a natural and aesthetic smile rehabilitation, the symmetry of the maxillary incisors must be well understood. In our study, 2D and 3D symmetry of the maxillary incisors occurred rarely, but central incisors showed more similarities than lateral incisors in width, with differences under 0.2 mm. On the other hand, differences between highly asymmetrical contralateral teeth are situated at the transitional lines. These conclusions should be included in further computer-assisted three-dimensional smile designs.

Induced Periodontitis in Rats With Three Ligature Types: An Exploratory Study.

The placement of ligatures in the cervical area of rat molars is considered as a predictable model to induce periodontitis. The present explorative study aimed to compare the efficacy of metal wires (MWs), without or with sandblasting, versus silk ligatures (SLs) in inducing periodontal bone loss in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight rats that received three different types of ligatures (MW, sandblasted wire [SMW], and SL) around their first right mandibular molar, while the contralateral tooth was left without the ligature and served as a control. Bone loss was assessed by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the bone crest at the distal aspect of the first molar on central mesiodistal sections generated from micro-CT scans taken 24 and 35 days after ligature placement. In the SL group, only in two rats the ligatures were retained until the end of the 24-day period; in all other animals, the ligatures were lost at some time point. In the SMW, the ligatures were retained only for the 24-day period. In the MW group, no ligatures were lost. Irrespective of the group or experimental period, the difference in the crestal bone level between ligated and control teeth was in most cases z < 0.20 mm, that is, in 19 out of 25 pairs of teeth. In a few cases, the bone crest was more apically located at the control teeth compared to the ligated ones (four cases each, during both 24- and 35-day experimental periods). Bone loss was minimal during the experimental period, with no significant differences between the test and control teeth, or among the three types of ligatures. MWs, not even roughened, do not seem to be a better alternative to SLs for inducing bone loss in the experimental periodontitis model in the rat. This assumption, however, has to be confirmed in a larger, well-powered study.

Residual vertical defects: risk of disease progression, retreatment rates, and cost: a retrospective analysis.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between Radiographic Residual Vertical Defects (RVDs) and the progression of periodontitis in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). Teeth with RVDs were compared to the same contralateral teeth in the same patient. The study investigated the effect of smoking, diabetes, compliance, disease Stage, and Grade, baseline probing depth (PD), periodontal risk score (PRS), baseline pocket closure (PC) (≤ 4mm), and tooth mobility on disease progression. We calculated the need for retreatment during PMT and its associated cost. Generalized estimation equations and linear and multilevel logistic regression analyses were employed for data analysis. Each group had 139 teeth, accounting for 80 patients. Although the group with RVDs had similar PD reduction compared to the control teeth, the prevalence of PC at the last follow-up was reduced to half in the RVDs group (odds ratio OR = 0.5; p-value = 0.028), regardless of PC status at the baseline. RVDs were also significant predictors of tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP), with an OR of 2.28 (p = 0.043). Patients with diabetes, Stage IV, higher mobility, and higher PRS scores had a higher risk of tooth loss due to periodontitis (OR = 4.71, 3.84, 3.64, and 5.97, respectively (P < 0.01). Incidences of sites requiring retreatment were similar in both groups, but the cost of treatment was 30% higher for teeth with RVDs. Grade C had the most significant influence on receiving retreatments (OR = 18.8, p = 0.005). Teeth with RVDs represent a risk indicator for tooth loss compared to identical contralateral teeth with similar PD in the same patient. Teeth with RVD had more risk of pocket opening during follow-up. While teeth with RVDs can be maintained long-term, they have twice the risk of pocket opening and tooth loss due to periodontitis during follow-up. Patients with systemic and local risk factors need to be monitored closely as they are at the highest risk of losing teeth with RVDs. The increased cost of retreatment for teeth with RVDs also has implications in terms of retention versus extraction and replacement.

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF MOLAR INCISOR HYPOMINERALIZATION (MIH) OPACITIES IN FIRST PERMANENT MOLARS

Aim: To evaluate the spatial distribution of MIH opacities in first permanent molars (FPM). Materials and methods: an analysis of intraoral photographs of FPM with demarcated MIH opacities was conducted. The presence of opacity was computed in a digital matrix, discriminating the anatomical regions of the FPM surfaces. The frequencies of distribution of the opacities were descriptively analyzed through 227 FPM digital images of 89 children built in GIMP and Python and by Spearman correlation (= 0,05). Results: the occlusal surface was the most affected one (94% to 100%). In the upper FPM, the palatine surface was the second most affected one (84%-91%). In the lower FPM, the vestibular surface was the second most affected one (85%-80%). A similar pattern of opacity distribution was observed in the contralateral teeth. On smooth surfaces, opacities were more frequent in the regions closer to the occlusal surface than to the cervical one. Conclusion: MIH opacities were mostly present on occlusal, vestibular, and lingual/palatine surfaces, respectively. There is a possibility that the occurrences are in accordance with the chronology of dental formation. Keywords: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization, First Permanent Molars, Dental photography, intraoral photography

Evaluation of the Caries-Arresting Potential of Silver Diamine Fluoride Gel With Potassium Iodide Versus Sodium Fluoride Varnish: An Observational Study.

Introduction Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) with potassium iodide (KI) has emerged as a promising, aesthetic, non-invasive management by limiting the staining caused by SDF. However, no studies are comparing the caries-arresting potential of SDF gel with KI. The study aims to observe and evaluate the caries-arresting potential of SDF gel with KI compared to sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish. Materials and methods The present observational study was conducted with a split-mouth design. A total of 33 participants, in the age group of two to six years, with occlusal caries of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) I and II involving both right and left upper or lower primary molar teeth, were included. SDF gel with KI and fluoride varnish (FV) was applied to the contralateral teeth on the same arch. Participants were recalled at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month intervals to monitor the progression or arrest of carious lesions. Result At the end of 12 months, 66.7% and 70.5% of the teeth showed arrest of caries with SDF gel with KI and FV, respectively. Intra-group analysis using the Friedman test shows significant differences in both groups across the timeline (p=0.001). Intergroup analysis using the Whitney U test reveals no significant difference in caries-arresting potential between the groups at various timelines (p=0.231). Conclusion There was no significant difference in arresting enamel caries of primary teeth between the use of 5% NaF and 38% SDF with KI. However, there was a significant difference within the group between the 3rd and 12th-month follow-up. Hence, the biannual application is recommended in both FV and SDF with KI.

Periodontal conditions of teeth adjacent to dental implants with or without peri-implantitis after non-surgical therapy in patients treated for periodontitis: A retrospective study.

To retrospectively assess the periodontal conditions of teeth adjacent to and contralateral to implants presenting with or without peri-implantitis, following non-surgical periodontal and peri-implant mechanical therapy. One hundred and one patients with existing dental implants and chronic periodontitis, who underwent non-surgical periodontal and peri-implant mechanical therapy, were included. The periodontal clinical probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at six sites around the adjacent (Adj-) teeth and the contralateral (CL-) teeth relative to the implant. The potential factors influencing the periodontal conditions of 316 teeth were analyzed by multivariate linear regression models with generalized estimating equation methods and α = .05. The PPD of Adj-teeth was significantly different from that of CL-teeth before and after non-surgical therapy when the implant was diagnosed with peri-implantitis (PI) (p < .05). The PPD of teeth was shown to be affected by neighboring implants diagnosed with peri-implantitis (β = .825 mm, p < .001), teeth adjacent to implants (β = .245 mm, p = .004), a molar tooth type (β = .435 mm, p = .019), and non-surgical therapy (β = -.522 mm, p < .001). Relatively compromised periodontal conditions at Adj-teeth after non-surgical PI therapy were detected. Therefore, clinicians should be aware that non-surgical therapy may be less successful at teeth adjacent to implants with PI.

Cone-beam CT evaluation of post-extraction alveolar bone changes at the maxillary incisor sites in an East Asian population: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveUnderstanding the characteristics of alveolar bone resorption in an East Asian population after maxillary incisor extraction and providing a reference for implant treatment plans. Study designCone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) data of 125 East Asian patients with unilateral extraction of maxillary incisors for 3 months were collected. The alveolar bone width and height in the extraction sites were measured and compared with the corresponding contralateral sites. ResultsThe differences in alveolar bone width between the extraction site and contralateral site were as follows: 4.11 mm, 2.68 mm, and 2.09 mm (3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm apical from CEJ of the contralateral tooth). Data are expressed as the median. The horizontal resorption ratio of alveolar bone was 49.94 %, 31.5 %, and 24.46 %. The difference in alveolar bone height was 0.78 mm. The vertical resorption ratio was 7.78 %. The resorption did not differ significantly between sexes and was not significantly affected by tooth positions. ConclusionsIn the studied East Asian population, significant horizontal and vertical alveolar bone resorption occurs after natural healing of maxillary incisor extraction for 3 months. The closer to the alveolar ridge crest, the more significant the horizontal resorption, resulting in an “inverted triangle” shape residual alveolar bone.

The influence of different cheek and lip retractors and emissivity on intraoral infrared thermography.

To assess the influence of two conventional and one adapted cheek and lip retractors and three emissivity setting values on intraoral infrared thermography (IT) temperature values. The sample was composed by 50 volunteers. Three cheek and lip retractors were tested: Group 1-flex retractor (FR); Group 2-FR adapted with Styrofoam; Group 3-U-type retractor (UR) for cheek and lip. All thermograms were acquired using FLIR T650 infrared camera. A set of three thermograms in frontal norm were acquired for each lip and cheek retractor at 0.91, 0.96, and 0.98ε, with an interval of 15 min between each set of images to avoid thermal interference. All images were assessed by two observers. The ROIs' mean temperature of the four upper incisors was recorded. Two-way ANOVA and Sidak post-test were used for data assessment with a significance level of 5%. Group 3 showed higher mean temperature than Groups 1 and 2 at all emissivity settings for all assessed teeth (P < .05). 0.91ε showed higher temperature than 0.96ε and 0.98ε for all assessed variables (P < .01). Contralateral teeth assessed using Group 3 at 0.91ε showed statistical differences between each other (P < .05). No statistical difference was observed between contralateral teeth assessed using Groups 1 and 2 at 0.96ε and 0.98ε (P > .05). The choice of cheek and lip retractor and emissivity setting can interfere on intraoral IT temperature values. U-type cheek and lip retractor and 0.91ε setting should not be used for IT image acquisition when assessing dental tissues.

Discomfort/pain due to peri-implant probing at titanium and zirconium implants: A cross-sectional study.

This study was designed to compare discomfort/pain after periodontal and peri-implant probing in patients with titanium compared with zirconium implants. One examiner recruited and examined 70 patients, each of whom had a dental implant with a contralateral tooth; 37 patients had titanium implants of various types and 33 patients had zirconium implants; one implant was analyzed for each patient. Periodontal and peri-implant probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed. Immediately after probing, patients rated their discomfort/pain with a visual analog scale (VAS). The emergence profiles of implant crowns were assessed on periapical radiographs of the implants. Seventy patients with a median age of 55 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 42-65 years), including 43 females and 16 current smokers, were examined. The mean PPD and bleeding on probing (BOP) were higher around implants than around teeth (p < .001). CAL and suppuration were well-balanced between implants and teeth. Peri-implant probing caused significantly more discomfort/pain than periodontal probing [median VAS score: 12.5 (IQR 4-22) vs. 9 (2-15); p < .001]. Logistic regression revealed that discomfort/pain after peri-implant probing was less intense in patients who had taken analgesic medication (p = .021) and around titanium implants (p = .037). Peri-implant probing caused significantly more discomfort/pain than periodontal probing. Patients who had taken analgesic medication experienced less discomfort and pain with peri-implant probing than those who had not; furthermore, titanium implants were associated with less pain than zirconium implants.

Referred pain is associated with greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis often results in heightened reactions to thermal stimuli such as pain evoked by a cold stimulus, and spontaneous odontogenic pain (unprovoked pain). This study primarily compared the clinical manifestations of odontogenic spontaneous pain and pain provoked by cold stimulus specifically focusing on their sensory discriminative characteristics (intensity, duration and quality) between symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with and without referred pain. Twenty-three patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with referred pain and 12 patients without referred pain were included in this cross-sectional study. The following outcomes were assessed: odontogenic spontaneous pain and its descriptors; pain evoked by cold stimulus and qualitative sensory testing before and after local anaesthesia; referred pain location; use of analgesic medication; complementary anaesthesia efficacy. T-test, chi-squared and McNemar tests were applied to the data (p < .50). Patients with referred pain presented a greater odontogenic pain intensity (p < .05) when considered the average of the last 24 h. These patients also showed higher pain rating and pain descriptors (p < .05). Intensity and duration of the pain evoked by cold stimulus in the non-affected contralateral tooth at baseline were higher for patients with referred pain (p < .05). Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with referred pain present greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity. Therefore, patients with referred pain seem more complex from a pain severity perspective, supporting the clinical utility of discriminating symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with and without referred pain.

Microbiota Association and Profiling of Gingival Sulci and Root Canals of Teeth with Primary or Secondary/Persistent Endodontic Infections

IntroductionMicrobiota associated with primary endodontic infection (PEI) and secondary/persistent endodontic infection (SPEI) must be characterized to elucidate pathogenesis in apical periodontitis and bacterial biomarkers identified for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. MethodsThis study analyzed the microbial community profiles of root canals and gingival sulci (sulcus-E) for teeth with PEI (n = 10) or SPEI (n = 10), using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Bacterial samples from gingival sulci (sulcus-C) of healthy contralateral teeth served as controls. ResultsThere were 15 phyla, 177 genera, and 340 species identified. The number and diversity of bacteria in root canals did not differ significantly between PEI and SPEI. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla in both groups. At the genus level, Lancefieldella, Bifidobacterium, Stomatobaculum, and Schaalia were enriched in root canals with SPEI. Of significance, Lancefieldella was observed in both root canals and sulcus-E of teeth with SPEI. At the species level, Neisseria macacae, Streptococcus gordonii, Bifidobacterium dentium, Stomatobaculum longum, and Schaalia odontolytica were increased significantly in root canals with SPEI compared to PEI. Oribacterium species, Streptococcus salivarius, Lancefieldella parvula, Prevotella denticola, and Oribacterium asaccharolyticum were more abundant in sulcus-E of teeth with SPEI compared to PEI. ConclusionsThere were distinctive and differing predominant bacterial species associated with the root canals and gingival sulci between teeth with PEI and SPEI. Specific bacteria identified in sulcus-E and root canals of teeth with SPEI could serve as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for detecting SPEI.

Radiologic evaluation of associated symptoms and fractal analysis of unilateral dens invaginatus cases.

The aim of this study is to determine the age-based prevalence of dens invaginatus cases and to learn the radiologic findings. In addition, fractal analysis of the periapical regions of unilateral dens invaginatus cases and contralateral teeth was performed to determine the effect of possible microleakage on fractal dimension. A total of 136 patients (170 teeth) identified in panoramic radiographs taken for diagnostic purposes between January 2018 and December 2023 at our Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology were included in the study. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS V23. The Chi-square test was used for comparing categorical variables between groups. The relationship between the FD values calculated around the apexes of the teeth with unilateral dens invaginatus and the contralateral teeth was analyzed by paired t test. A significance level of p < 0.050 was adopted. The mean age of the cases was calculated as 28.1 (8-63) years. 66 (48.5%) of the cases were female, and 70 (51.1%) were male. The lateral incisor was the most affected tooth among these cases. Bilateral cases were observed in 34 patients. Type 2 was detected in 93 patients, Type 1 in 35 patients, and Type 3 dens invagination in 8 patients. Dens invaginatus cases were observed in 134 maxillary and 2 mandibular teeth. Periapical lesions were seen in 22 of these cases. Dens invaginatus cases are a congenital anomaly encountered at any age. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent the loss of pulp vitality due to these invaginations. It should be noted that these invaginations can affect both jaws. However, due to the prevalence of occurrence in the maxillary anterior teeth and asymptomatic nonvitality, particular attention should be paid to evaluating this region.

Validation of the pink esthetic score/white esthetic score at single tooth-supported prostheses in the esthetic zone: A randomized clinical trial.

To validate the reproducibility and inter/intra-observer variability of the Pink Esthetic Score/White Esthetic Score (PES/WES) of single tooth-supported prostheses in the maxillary esthetic zone (13-23). Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment options (15 patients per group) receiving each one a different crown type: Porcelain fused to metal (PFM), monolithic zirconia, and lithium disilicate. Eight observers from each of four different specialties (Prosthodontists, Orthodontists, Periodontists, and Oral Surgeons) were recruited and assessed twice and four weeks apart (i.e., T1 and T2) 45 photographs of the single tooth-supported prosthesis using PES/WES and compared them with contralateral teeth. According to the ANOVA and post hoc tests, the zirconia crown type obtained the highest mean score by all observers, with a mean value of 16.70 ± 2.94. The prosthodontists and oral surgeons assigned the lowest mean score to PFM crowns, 13.03 ± 3.47 and 13.80 ± 3.17, respectively. Notably, the prosthodontists awarded the highest scores, specifically 17.50 ± 2.81 for the zirconia crowns. Intraobserver agreement was calculated utilizing the paired t-test. Pairwise comparisons between observers of different specialties revealed significant intraobserver agreement. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores were statistically significant among four specialties. No difference was detected concerning the interobserver agreement. The PES/WES index remains consistent across various observers from different specializations, yielding uniform results in the overall esthetic evaluation. Consequently, in light of the presented preliminary positive results, its use might also be considered for the esthetic assessment of single-tooth-supported prostheses. The PES/WES index may be employed clinically to evaluate single tooth-supported prostheses as it emerged as a reproducible esthetic scoring system.

Clinical evaluation of posterior zirconia-based and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with a vertical preparation technique: an up to 5-year retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical conditions of single-unit posterior restorations on teeth prepared without finishing line, after 5.6 years of clinical service. Materials and methods50 crowns (25 zirconia-based (Zr) and 25 porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)) were selected from 34 patients. The restorations were evaluated according to the California Dental Association (CDA) Quality Criteria, and periodontal variables were studied in the abutment teeth compared with the unrestored contralateral teeth. Variables were examined using Mann-Whitney and Pearson´s Chi-Square tests (α = 0.05). The success of the prosthesis was calculated using Kaplan-Meier test. ResultsCDA Quality Criteria was considered satisfactory-excellent in all restorations except for one of them, due to chipping on a PFM crown. At, 66 months, the success rates for PFM and Zr crowns were 85.7 % and 100 %, respectively. The plaque index (PI) showed that the restored abutment teeth accumulated significantly less plaque than the control teeth, but the gingival index (GI) was statistically higher in the abutment teeth. In 80 % of cases the probing depth (PB) was ≤3 mm. In addition, in 21 % of the cases, gingival recession was less than 2 mm. The restoration material had a statistically significant effect on GI and PB, with Zr crowns showing less inflammation and less deep pockets than PFM restorations. On the contrary, greater gingival recession was found at the margins of the Zr crowns when compared to the PFM. No statistical differences were found between the two materials in the GI. ConclusionsCemented crowns on vertical preparations show good clinical behavior after 5 years. The periodontal parameters (PI, GI, PD) of the Zr restorations are significantly better than those of PFM, with the exception of gingival recession. Clinical relevanceThe use of restorations on vertically prepared teeth is a suitable alternative to classical horizontal preparations.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in gingival crevicular fluid during root canal treatment of molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: impact of varying sodium hypochlorite concentrations

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of different NaOCl concentrations (1%, 2.5%, and 5.25%) during root canal treatment of molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis on the change of the IL-8 level in gingival crevicular fluid (GFC).MethodsGCF sampling was performed on experimental tooth with irreversible pulpitis before and after treatment and also contralateral healthy tooth of 54 patients. The patients were divided into three groups according to concentration of NaOCl solution (n = 18); 1%, 2.5%, and 5.25% NaOCl solution. GCF sampling from experimental teeth was repeated one week after root canal treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsThere was a significant correlation between IL-8 levels in GCF samples taken from teeth with pulpitis before treatment and from healthy contralateral teeth (p = .000). Furthermore, the pretreatment IL-8 level was significantly higher than the posttreatment IL-8 level(p < .05). The effect of the NaOCl concentration on the change in IL-8 level betweeen pre and post treatment was not found statistically significant (p > .05).ConclusionsThe use of NaOCl during root canal treatment can effectively reduce the levels of IL-8 in GCF and improve clinical outcomes.Trial registrationThis study was registred in the Institutional Review Board and the Ethics Committee of the University (No:11) on 15/12/2021.

Correlation between pulp sensibility and magnetic resonance signal intensity following regenerative endodontic procedures in mature necrotic teeth- a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundWith increasing studies being published on regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) as a treatment modality for mature necrotic teeth, the assessment of outcomes following regenerative endodontic procedures has become more challenging and the demand for a better understanding of the regenerated tissues following this treatment is rising. The study aimed to correlate cold, electric pulp testing (EPT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity (SI) in mature necrotic teeth treated with regenerative endodontic procedures.MethodologyThis retrospective cohort study included eighteen adult patients who experienced tooth necrosis in mature maxillary anterior teeth recruited from the outpatient clinic, Conservative Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt from July 2017 until December 2018 with 12 months of follow-up. regenerative endodontic procedures via blood clot were performed. The canals were instrumented by ProTaper Next (PTN) files until final sizes X3 or X5. Biodentine was used as cervical plug material. Pre and post-operative clinical follow-up was done where the patients’ responses to cold and electric pulp testing were given a scoring system and were compared to the normal contralateral tooth. Pre and post-operative magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity of both the involved tooth and its contralateral at the middle and the apical thirds of the root canals were assessed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Data was analyzed using the ANOVA, Friedman and Bonferroni tests. Significance was set at a p-value < 0.05.ResultsAll 18 teeth scored a baseline score of “2” for cold and electric pulp testing. There was a significant difference between scores of the cold test at baseline and 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between scores of the electric pulp testing of baseline and 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). There was a moderately significant indirect (inverse) correlation between magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity and cold test in both the middle and apical thirds at 12 months. No significant correlations were detected between magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity and electric pulp testingat any of the time intervals (p > 0.05).ConclusionMagnetic resonance imaging is a successful non-invasive method to assess outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures and correlating it with another reliable method of assessing pulpal responses, cold test, could validate these outcomes.Clinical trial registrationThe study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03804450).