Occlusal Surfaces Of Molars Research Articles

Diagnostic agreement between visual examination and an automated scanner system with fluorescence for detecting and classifying occlusal carious lesions in primary teeth

ObjectivesTo investigate the in vivo diagnostic agreement between visual examination (VE) using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and an automated scanner system for detecting and classifying carious lesions in primary teeth. Methods5-year-old children (n = 216) underwent VE and intraoral scanning (TRIOS 4, 3Shape TRIOS A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark). Dental caries experience was recorded for each tooth surface using ICDAS. An automated, fluorescence-based caries scoring system was applied to eligible primary teeth occlusal surfaces on the 3D models using commercially available software. The automated system classified surfaces as sound, initial caries (ICDAS 01/02), or moderate-extensive caries (ICDAS ≥03). The diagnostic agreement was investigated using multi-level modelling and intraclass correlation coefficients. Analyses were repeated at both the initial threshold (ICDAS ≥01) and the moderate-extensive threshold (ICDAS ≥03). Results213 participants were included in the study, and 1525 primary molar occlusal surfaces were included in the analysis. The odds of detecting caries using the automated system were 46 % lower at the initial disease threshold (OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.39–0.74) and 70 % lower at the moderate-extensive disease threshold (OR 0.30, 95 % CI 0.16–0.58) compared to VE. The intraclass correlation estimates at the initial and moderate-extensive thresholds were 0.90 (95 % CI 0.70–0.96) and 0.76 (95 % CI 0.22–0.94) respectively. ConclusionThe automated system is less likely to detect initial lesions and is more likely to underestimate lesion severity relative to visual examination using ICDAS. Clinical SignificanceClinically, using the automated tool to replace thorough visual inspection in primary teeth could result in missed opportunities to provide professional or self-care to arrest or reverse early disease. Additionally, it could misclassify moderate lesions as initial caries, potentially leading to complications associated with the delayed management of dental caries.

The Early Iron Age elite grave from the Kapiteljska njiva barrow cemetery (Novo mesto, Slovenia): an approach to dental profiling through non-invasive and minimally-invasive techniques.

Kapiteljska njiva is a prehistoric cemetery located in the town of Novo mesto in southern Slovenia. There is a long history of archaeological research at this site, as the first investigations date back to the end of the 19th century. In 2004, an Early Iron Age barrow XVI was investigated. The oldest surviving grave in the barrow is the central grave, numbered XVI/34, which according to its position and the richness of the grave goods, belongs to a woman of higher status. Most likely, she was the first member or initiator of a family that continued to bury its dead in the barrow for the next 300 years. There were no preserved skeletal elements; however, in the head part of the grave, remains of human teeth, mostly the tooth crowns and the shells of enamel from the tooth crowns, were found among the scattered amber beads of a necklace. Moreover, these tooth remains are one of the few human biological materials (mostly fragments of skull and long limb bones) unearthed in this cemetery, reflecting the influence of acidic soil from the burial site. This study aimed to create a dental profile of the deceased in a similar way as during a forensic investigation. The remains were examined macroscopically and stereo-microscopically. The morphological traits were scored following the ASUDAS protocol. Ancestry was estimated by entering these scores into a beta version of the web-based application rASUDAS. Brothwell's system was used for age at death estimation from occlusal attrition. Identification of sex was based on the analysis of sex-specific amelogenin isoforms in dental enamel by nanoflow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). The present study reveals that the dental remains from Kapiteljska njiva belong to the permanent dentition of a single individual and that only the right upper central incisor and third molar are completely absent. The remains of teeth exhibit a simple external morphology, characterised by the absence of morphological dental traits, with a notable exception of the two-rooted left lower canine. The probability of assigning this individual to the Western Eurasian ancestry group is 98%. According to the degree of dentine exposure on the occlusal surfaces of molars, the estimated age range is 17-25 years. Another line of evidence comes from the observation that the first signs of approximal attrition are present in lower third molars but absent in the only preserved upper counterpart, indicating that the age at which the lower third molars entered into occlusion represents a proxy of the individual's age at death. Data on the chronology of the lower third molar development and eruption in present-day European populations from forensic literature (Brkić et al. 2011; Olze et al. 2008; Selmanagić et al. 2013) and The London Atlas confirm the above age-range estimate. Caution is, however, needed in the interpretation of results, because reference data are not based on the population of the individual's origin. Proteomic analysis classified the individual as a female, which is in line with the archaeological evidence. No pathological lesions or indicators of systemic stress were identified; however, the absence of approximal attrition facets in upper anterior teeth indicates interdental spacing. The results of dental profiling are discussed in the context of historical background, today's clinical knowledge, and epidemiological data.

Masticatory habits of the adult Neanderthal individual BD 1 from La Chaise-de-Vouthon (France).

The analysis of dental wear provides a useful approach for dietary and cultural habit reconstructions of past human populations. The analysis of macrowear patterns can also be used to better understand the individual chewing behavior and to investigate the biomechanical responses during different biting scenarios. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diet and chewing performance of the adult Neanderthal Bourgeois-Delaunay 1 (BD 1) and to investigate the relationship between wear and cementum deposition under mechanical demands. The macrowear pattern of BD 1 was analyzed using the occlusal fingerprint analysis method. We propose a new method for the bilateral measurement of the cementum volume along both buccal and lingual sides of the molar root. BD 1's anterior dentition is more affected by wear compared to the posterior one. The macrowear pattern suggest a normal chewing behavior and a mixed-diet coming from temperate environments. The teeth on the left side of the mandible display greater levels of wear, as well as the buccal side of the molar crowns. The cementum analysis shows higher buccal volume along the molar roots. BD1 could have been preferably chewing on the left side of the mandible. The exploitation of various food resources suggested by the macrowear analysis is compatible with the environmental reconstructions. Finally, the greater wear on the buccal side of the molar occlusal surface and the greater volume of cementum in that side of the molar roots offers a preliminary understanding about the potential correlation between dental wear and cementum deposition.

Development of an innovative method of teaching and learning tooth anatomy: application of shading technique in 3D drawing molar occlusal surfaces

Understanding the morphology of teeth is crucial in restorative dentistry in terms of restoring teeth’ anatomy, aesthetics, and function. Objectives: (1) this study describes an innovative method of teaching and learning tooth anatomy that applied shading techniques to 3D drawing the molar occlusal surfaces; (2) the study aims to survey learners’ opinions about the method’s effectiveness. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 118 third-year dental students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, from March to May 2022. The 3D occlusal surface drawing was developed and applied in teaching, and feedback was received from students. All statistical analysis was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Instructions for 3D drawing were detailed and explained step-by-step, from forming to shading the occlusal surfaces. Subsequently, 57.3% - 90.9% of students self-assessed their proficiency in comprehending the characteristics of the occlusal anatomy. 73.3% - 95.8% of students agreed on the utility. 73.1% of students agreed to be willing to apply the 3D drawing method in learning other subjects. Conclusion: Instructions for 3D drawing were built step-by-step, from forming to shading the occlusal surfaces. After completing the course, a high percentage of students agreed on the advantages of this method. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 3D drawing method in clinical practice Key words: tooth morphology, shading technique, occlusal surface.

Chewing, dentition and tooth wear in Hippopotamidae (Hippopotamus amphibius and Choeropsis liberiensis).

Among mammals, hippopotamids ('hippos') have been described as the species with the lowest chewing efficacy despite elaborate enamel folds on the occlusal surface or their cheek teeth, which was hypothesized to result from the lack of a grinding chewing motion. We investigated the chewing and dentition of the two extant hippo species, the common hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) and the pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis), making (video) observations of live animals and gathering data on museum specimens (n = 86 H. amphibius and 26 C. liberiensis skulls). Hippos have a low degree of anisodonty (differences in width between maxillary and mandibular cheek teeth) and anisognathy (difference in width between the upper and the lower jaw), corresponding to a mainly orthal (up-and-down) chewing motion. The two hippo species differ slightly, but distinctively, in their anterior dental morphology and chewing mode. In both species, the canines do not completely prevent a lateral jaw movement but would, in theory, permit this movement until the mandibular canines get into contact with the maxillary protruding snout. This movement is only realized, to a small extent, in pygmy hippos, leaving distinct wear traces on their incisors and creating relatively wider wear facets on the maxillary canines. In common hippos, the interlocking upper and lower incisors prevent lateral jaw movement. Corresponding contact wear facets are evident on the medial aspect of the upper, and on the lateral aspect of the lower incisors-unless museal reconstructions mispositioned these teeth. If these facets are interpreted as an indication for a relic of a lateral jaw movement that was probably more prominent in hippo ancestors, i.e. if we assume that hippos evolved orthal chewing secondarily, several other characteristics of hippos can be explained, such as a low degree of hypsodonty (in the absence of distinct attrition due to a grinding chewing movement), a secondary loss of complexity in their enamel schmelzmuster, a secondary evolution of a wide mouth gape, a reduction in anisodonty compared to their ancestors, and the evolution of a bilaterally symmetrical ('trifoliate') enamel folding pattern on the molar occlusal surface from an ancestral bunoselenodont condition. As an underlying driving force, selection for intraspecific combat with canines and incisors, necessitating a wide gape and a rigid jaw, has been suggested.

Influence of diameter in the stress distribution of extra-short dental implants under axial and oblique load

Aim: This study evaluated the influence of a wide diameter on extra-short dental implant stress distribution as a retainer for single implant-supported crowns in the atrophic mandible posterior region under axial and oblique load. Methods: Four 3D digital casts of an atrophic mandible, with a single implant-retained crown with a 3:1 crown-to-implant ratio, were created for finite element analysis. The implant diameter used was either 4 mm (regular) or 6 mm (wide), both with 5 mm length. A 200 N axial or 30º oblique load was applied to the mandibular right first molar occlusal surface. The equivalent von Mises stress was recorded for the abutment and implant, minimum principal stress, and maximum shear stress for cortical and cancellous bone. Results: Oblique load increased the stress in all components when compared to axial load. Wide diameter implants showed a decrease of von Mises stress around 40% in both load directions at the implant, and an increase of at least 3.6% at the abutment. Wide diameter implants exhibited better results for cancellous bone in both angulations. However, in the cortical bone, the minimum principal stress was at least 66% greater for wide than regular diameter implants, and the maximum shear stress was more than 100% greater. Conclusion: Extra-short dental implants with wide diameter result in better biomechanical behavior for the implant, but the implications of a potential risk of overloading the cortical bone and bone loss over time, mainly under oblique load, should be investigated.

Indications, techniques, and outcomes of pit and fissure sealants in pediatric dentistry

Pit and fissure sealants are safe and effective preventive measures for reducing the risk of tooth decay in pediatric patients. The procedure for applying sealants is a relatively quick and non-invasive process that typically involves preparation, isolation, and etchant application. They are typically used on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars, which have deep grooves and fissures that are difficult to clean. Sealants are mostly applied to the permanent molars in children, as they are the most susceptible to decay due to their deep grooves and pits sealants are non-invasive, cost-effective, easy to apply, and long-lasting. However, sealants cannot be used on teeth with existing decay, and they may need to be reapplied periodically to ensure continued protection. Sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene habits, regular dental check-ups, and cleanings. The necessity of the preventive dental procedure is based on the child's individual needs and the condition of their teeth.

Microscopic evaluation of fissure patterns of posterior permanent teeth: An in vitro study

Aim: Pits and fissures are considered the areas in the posterior teeth that are most susceptible to decay. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the prevalence of fissure types in relation to tooth type and localization. Methodology: A total of 100 extracted sound maxillary and mandibular molars and premolars were included in this study (25 teeth/group). The extracted teeth without any caries, cracks, fractures, anomalies, or restorations were classified according to tooth type and localization after disinfection. The teeth were sectioned in the buccolingual direction from the deepest part of the central fossa on the occlusal surface, and the fissure patterns were observed using a stereo microscope. The frequency distribution and percentages of the categorical data were obtained. Chi-square and exact tests were performed to compare the localization of the teeth and the prevalence of fissure types (p < 0.05). Results: The V-type fissure pattern (59%) was statistically significantly more common in both the premolar and molar teeth, followed by the I-type (18%) and U-type (14%) patterns (p = 0.000). The rarest fissure pattern was the IK type. No relationships were found between fissure pattern, the tooth subgroups, and localization (p = 0.390). Conclusion: Determining the types of fissure morphology is important for the prevention of caries on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars. How to cite this article: Büyükgöze Dindar M, Tekbaş Atay M. Microscopic evaluation of fissure patterns of posterior permanent teeth: An in vitro study. Int Dent Res 2022;12(3):107-11. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2022.vol12.no3.1 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Prevalence of class I caries in the second maxillary primary molar in 3-6-year-old children: A retrospective study.

Class I caries is located in the occlusal surface of molars and premolars. Dental care is an international public health challenge, mainly in young group children, as they are easily affected by caries with an increased addiction to sweets and chocolates. Caries begin early in life and progress rapidly and can affect a child in the long-term quality of life. The data were collected from the institutional patient records between June 2015 and February 2021. The details of 6831 pediatric patients were collected, of which 1500 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software (IBM Corp, IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0. Armonk, NY). P = 0.005 was set as level of significance. Highest prevalence of caries was seen in male children with P = 0.008 (<0.05), denoting that there is a significant association between gender and number of teeth affected with caries. When age group was considered, the caries prevalence was highest at the age of 4 years and the P value was statistically significant. The prevalence of class I caries in the second maxillary primary right molars was more than the second maxillary primary left molars and within the age group of 4 years.

Pit and fissure sealants: Review of literature

Dental caries is a disease caused by a change in the composition and activity of bacterial biofilms exposed to fermentable carbohydrates over time, resulting in a breach in the demineralization–remineralization equilibrium. Preventive methods such as water fluoridation, fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnishes, and sealants were largely responsible for the general decrease in dental cavities. Pit-and-fissure sealants reduce the risk of carious lesions by efficiently penetrating and sealing anatomical grooves or fissures on molar occlusal surfaces that trap food debris and increase the presence of bacterial biofilm with a dental material. The aim of present review of literature is to discuss the development of sealant materials, rationale for using sealants, recommended clinical procedures and its indications for use.

METHOD OF MOLAR SURFACE RESTORATION FOR TREATMENT OF PIT-AND-FISSURE CARIES IN CHILDREN

Lesions of permanent teeth are diagnosed shortly after their eruption and the largest percentage of lesions is found in the first permanent molars, and in 100% of cases it is a pit-and-fissure caries. Considering this progress, the features in children caries may be unnoticed for definite period and be revelaed only during preventive checkups, when the defect is identified in the fissure or pit while the occlusal surface remains intact.&#x0D; Occlusal surface restoration after preparation of the carious cavity requires the knowledge of anatomical features of molars, certain skills, experience in modeling cusps, slopes, fissures and pits and, of course, doctor’ attention. Lately, the restorative dentistry has used a method of the occlusal stamp restoration for restoration of occlusal surfaces.&#x0D; The purpose of our study is to use the occlusal stamp restorative technique for restoration of occlusal surfaces of molars in children.&#x0D; This technique was used in 10 children aged 8 from 12 years old, who visited the department of pediatric dentistry with the aim of prevention of dental diseases.&#x0D; Examination of children revealed carious cavities in the first permanent maxilary (3) and mandibular (7) molars. In all cases the carious cavities were diagnosed in the pits or fissures of the occlusal surface. The carious cavities had narrow inlets and the enamel of the occlusal surface was preserved but discolorated. The mentioned restorative method was performed in all cases according to the following algorithm.&#x0D; Appropriate topical and infiltrative anesthesia was provided for patients, teeth were isolated with the rubber-dam, the tooth surface was cleaned and the occlusal stamp was made with “Latelux Flow” flowable composite in the following way: a portion of liquid composite was applied on the dry occlusal surface of the tooth and spread with dental applicator (Latus, Ultrafine). Then, a small portion of flowable composite was added to the area of the the microapplicator`s head and the composite was photopolymerized.&#x0D; The occlusal stamp was removed with a dental probe after polymerization, its quality was assessed and the carious cavity was prepared according to biological feasibility principles, which included standard steps. After preparation the total etching of enamel (30 sec) and dentin (15 sec) with orthophosphoric acid ("Conditioner 36", "Dentsply") was performed. After washing and drying, Prime &amp; Bond Universal adhesive was inseted additionally to the carious cavity, dried, and polymerized. Liquid SDR composite (Dentsply) was added to the cavity as an adaptation layer, polymerized, and the rest of carious cavity was restored with nanohybrid composite CeramX SphereTEC one. (Dentsply).&#x0D; The last layer of material which was placed in the cavity was formed with the occlusal stamp. Firstly, the material was adjusted with a modelling spatula then Teflon tape was applied on surface and the stamp was placed on it. After the using of light pressure, the stamp and Teflon tape were removed, exceeds of material were extracted with a modelling spatula, the composite was adjusted to the tooth tissues along the restoration margins with a microapplicator, and then all the composite was polymerized. Furtherly, the stage of checking of the occlusal contacts was performed. Usually, the restoration were made with the occlucal stamp technique demanded minial occlusal corrections. The final stage was the finishing and polishing of the restoration.&#x0D; The stamp technique for restoration of occlusal surface allows minimize the time needed for modelling and adjustment of interocclusal contacts, which is very actual during the work with children and therefore can be recommended for general usage in clinical practice of pediatric dentistry.

Three-dimensional analysis of aligner gaps and thickness distributions, using hard x-ray tomography with micrometer resolution.

The morphology of a polymer aligner, designed according to an orthodontic treatment plan, determines clinical outcomes. A fundamental element of orthodontic tooth movement with aligner treatment is the fit of the aligner's surface to the individual teeth. Gaps between the aligner and teeth do occur because current aligner fabrication is not capable of completely reproducing the complex anatomy of the individual denture. Our study aims at a quantitative three-dimensional assessment of the fit between optically transparent aligners placed on a polymeric model of the upper dental arch for two thermofoil thicknesses at preselected thermoforming temperatures. Using an intraoral scan of a subject's upper dental arch, eight models were printed using a stereolithographic system. A series of eight NaturAligners® was manufactured with a pressure molding process, using thermofoils with thicknesses of 550 and and preselected process temperatures between 110°C and 210°C. These aligners placed on the corresponding models were imaged by an advanced micro computed tomography system. The aligners and the models were segmented to extract the gaps and aligners' local thicknesses as a function of the processing temperature for the two foil thicknesses. The results indicate that the aligners show a better fit when the foils are processed at higher temperatures. Nevertheless, processing temperatures can be kept below 150°C, as the gain becomes negligible. Thermal processing reduces the average thickness of the aligners to 60% with respect to the planar starting foil. These thickness distributions demonstrate that the aligners are generally thicker on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars but thinner around the incisors and buccal as well as on oral surfaces. Hard x-ray tomography with micrometer resolution is a powerful technique employed to localize the gaps between aligners and teeth, and it also enables film thickness measurements after thermoforming. The thicker film on the occlusal surfaces is most welcome because of aligner abrasion during wear. The NaturAligner® surfaces consist of a -thin cellulose layer, and thus the microplastics released via abrasion of less than this thickness are expected to be substantially less critical than for other commercially available, optically transparent aligners.

Near-infrared reflection at 780 nm for detection of early proximal caries in posterior permanent teeth in vitro.

Objectives:The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of near-infrared reflection at 780 nm (NIRR780nm) for early proximal caries detection on the occlusal, buccal and oral surfaces of molars and premolars under simulated, clinically relevant conditions. The findings were validated by micro-computed tomography (µCT).Methods:Bitewing radiography (BWR) was used as a comparative diagnostic method. 250 sound or decayed permanent teeth were examined using NIRR780nm and BWR. The NIRR780nm findings were evaluated using yes/no decisions depending on the presence of caries lesions, as the enamel-dentin junction was not detectable in the majority of samples. All NIRR780nm, BWR and µCT findings were obtained twice by two trained examiners. NIRR780nm images were evaluated both occlusally alone and combined occlusally, lingually and buccally. All findings were presented in a cross-table. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated. Reliability assessment was performed using κ statistics.Results:Underestimation of caries was observed for NIRR780nm in 26.0% of all surfaces and for BWR in 32.8% of all surfaces. Overestimation was 10.0% for NIRR780nm and 0.4% for BWR. Trilateral NIRR780nm assessment exhibited an overall accuracy of 67.2 %, an underestimation of 13.6% and an overestimation of 19.2%. Trilateral NIRR780nm exhibited 63.0% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity, while BWR exhibited 26.7% sensitivity but 100% specificity for proximal caries detection.Conclusion:NIRR780nm is not suitable for reliable detection of early proximal caries, even with the application of an ideal setup and optimized in vitro conditions.

Caries distribution pattern in primary dentition in children in early childhood from the Warsaw agglomeration

Introduction. The high incidence and level of early childhood caries (ECC) in children aged 3 years in Poland indicate a high risk of developing this disease in younger children. Caries most often develops on the occlusal surfaces of molars. The distribution of caries in primary dentition changes with age. In younger children, the maxillary incisors are most often affected by caries, while in the older ones – molars. There are no current data describing caries distribution in younger children in Poland. Aim. Assessment of caries distribution, taking into account the surface in primary dentition in children in the second and third year of life from the Warsaw agglomeration. Material and methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among children aged 12-36 months to assess dental condition for the presence of non-cavitated (d1) and cavitated caries (d2), fillings (f), and missing (m) teeth (t) and surfaces (s) caused by caries. The frequency of ECC and its intensity (d1d2mft and d1d2mfs) were determined. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used to compare the fractions (percentages). Results. A total of 496 children were examined, including 262 (52.8%) boys. S-ECC was recorded in 44.8% of the respondents, d1d2mft and d1d2mfs reached the values of 2.62 ± 3.88 and 4.46 ± 8.42, respectively. Central maxillary incisors (34.2%) and the first molars of both arches (21.0%, including 23.5% for the maxilla and 18.6% for the mandible) were most commonly affected by carious lesions. Carious lesions were most often found on the labial surfaces of the maxillary incisors (19.1%) and occlusal first molars (19.4%). Conclusions. Primary teeth caries in the early childhood period is characterized by a rapid transformation of non-cavitated lesions into cavitated ones and subsequent eruption of teeth. Carious lesions most are most often found on the labial surfaces of the central incisors of the maxilla and occlusal surfaces of the first molars.

Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Amalgam, High Viscosity and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers as Restorative Materials in Primary Molars

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; One of the major requisites of an ideal restorative material is excellent marginal seal. Microleakage has been identified as a significant clinical problem with filling materials. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the degree of microleakage of amalgam, high viscosity glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer in primary molars.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A total of 99 human non-carious primary molars that were liable to exfoliate within the next six months were selected. Standardized Class I cavities were prepared on occlusal surfaces of molars and randomly filled with either Amalgam (Aristaloy 21), High Viscosity Glass Ionomer (Ketac Molar) or ResinModified Glass Ionomer (GC Fuji II LC). The teeth were divided into nine groups (n=11 each) on the basis of filling material used and time of restored tooth extraction viz. one week, six weeks and twelve weeks. After immersion in a 2% methylene blue dye solution for 24 hours, the teeth were sectioned buccolingually in an occluso-apical direction through the middle of the restoration. The specimens were then examined under&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;stereomicroscope at 30X magnification. Statistical analyses were performed with ANOVA and Tukey&amp;rsquo;s test&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;at 5% level of significance.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Amalgam restorations had significantly less microleakage as compared to the high-viscosity glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer restorations. High-viscosity glass ionomer restorations were superior in resisting microleakage than resin-modified glass ionomers. The restorative materials used can be arranged in their sealing ability from least to severe microleakage as: Amalgam &amp;lt;High-viscosity glass ionomer &amp;lt;Resin-modified glass ionomer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Amalgam restorations showed less microleakage as compared to high-viscosity and resinmodified glass ionomer restorations. Amalgam may preferably be used as a restorative material of choice&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;for primary molars.&lt;/p&gt;

Precision of Dynamic Navigation to Perform Endodontic Ultraconservative Access Cavities: A Preliminary In Vitro Analysis

IntroductionUltraconservative access cavities (UCACs) have been proposed to reduce crown weakening, but there is no consensus about their design and size and about their advantages and disadvantages, which are also related to how differently they are performed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible use of a novel Dynamic Navigation System (DNS) in planning and executing UCACs and its precision in vitro, compared with a manual approach (MA) without any guide. MethodsTwenty radiopaque, artificial teeth replicas were randomly divided into 2 identical groups and scanned using cone-beam computed tomography. In the first group (MA) MB1 canal orifice was reached, starting from the central part of the molar occlusal surface, using a micro endodontic bur. In the second group, DNS allowed to plan and execute a more direct, straight-line truss access. After cavity preparation, teeth were scanned again, and cone-beam computed tomography images were compared. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance test. ResultsSignificant differences (P < .05) were found in the tested parameters between the 2 groups. The DNS group was significantly more precise, showing smaller mean values in the angulation (4.8°) and in the maximum distance from the ideal position (0.34 mm), when compared with MA group (mean values, 21.2° and 0.88 mm, respectively). ConclusionsHence, we may conclude that the use of DNS increased the benefits of UCACs by minimizing the potential risk of iatrogenic weakening of critical portions of the crown and reducing negative influences to shaping procedures.

Progression of Active Microcavitated Carious Lesions on Primary Molar Occlusal Surfaces

Progression of Active Microcavitated Carious Lesions on Primary Molar Occlusal Surfaces

Visualization and Quantification of the Oral Hygiene Effects of Brushing, Dentifrice Use, and Brush Wear Using a Tooth Brushing Simulator.

Approaches that reproduce dental hygiene regimens under controlled conditions have applications in preclinical research. We have applied standardized, reproducible brushing regimes to typodonts coated in simulated or biological plaques to assess the effects on tooth cleaning of toothbrush/dentifrice regimens. Replicated typodonts were coated with OccludeTM or GlogermTM indicators to simulate plaque, and brushed reproducibly using a mechanical brushing simulator to compare the cleaning of occlusal surfaces before and after brushing with water or a dentifrice. An in vitro model using salivary inocula to cultivate oral biofilms on typodont surfaces was then developed to evaluate removal of disclosed plaque by new toothbrushes in comparison to toothbrushes with wear equivalent to 3 months of use. Analyses of typodonts brushed under controlled conditions significantly (p < 0.01) distinguished between brushed and unbrushed surfaces and between the use of water vs. dentifrice for the removal of simulated interproximal plaque (p < 0.05). New toothbrushes removed significantly (p < 0.05) more biological plaque from typodont surfaces than brushes that had been worn by repeated brushing. Through controlled and defined brushing of typodonts with simulated and biological plaques, the effectiveness of dental hygiene regimens was compared under reproducible conditions. Data indicate that the cleaning effectiveness of brushing was augmented by the addition of dentifrice and that new brushes were significantly more effective than brushes with substantial wear from previous use. Whilst we have focussed on the occlusal surfaces of molars and worn brushes, the method could be applied to a range of other tooth surfaces and oral hygiene regimens.

Asociación de sialometría, fosfato y calcio en saliva total bajo estímulo y en líquido crevicular gingival con caries dental en escolares

Introduction: The remineralizing properties of saliva contribute to maintain the physical and chemical integrity of the mineral structure of teeth, which protects it from the installation and evolution of dental caries.Objective: To relate sialometry, buffering capacity, calcium and phosphate concentration in whole stimulated saliva, and in gingival crevicular fluid with school children caries severity and activity.Materials and methods: We selected 36 schoolchildren aged 6 years: 18 with caries (International Caries Detection and Assessment System, ICDAS>1 group) and 18 without caries (ICDAS=0 group). The severity and activity of dental caries were diagnosed in the primary dentition: in the occlusal surface of molars and in the vestibular of the anterior teeth by ICDAS-II.Results: Caries in occlusal surface were more severe than in vestibular surface. The concentration of calcium in saliva and phosphate in healthy teeth gingival crevicular fluid were higher in the ICDAS>1 group. The concentration of calcium in gingival crevicular fluid was higher in the ICDAS=0 group than in the decayed teeth of the ICDAS>1 group. We found a statistically significant association between the frequency of active caries andthe concentration of phosphate in gingival crevicular fluid of teeth with caries, as well as between the severity of caries with buffering capacity and the concentration of phosphate in the gingival crevicular fluid of teeth with caries.Conclusion: We found an association between dental caries with buffering capacity and buccal calcium and phosphate.

Sialometry and concentration of phosphate and calcium in stimulated whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid and its association with dental caries in schoolchildren

Introduction: The remineralizing properties of saliva contribute to maintain the physical and chemical integrity of the mineral structure of teeth, which protects it from the installation and evolution of dental caries. Objective: To relate sialometry, buffering capacity, calcium and phosphate concentration in whole stimulated saliva, and in gingival crevicular fluid with school children caries severity and activity. Materials and methods: We selected 36 schoolchildren aged 6 years: 18 with caries (International Caries Detection and Assessment System, ICDAS>1 group) and 18 without caries (ICDAS=0 group). The severity and activity of dental caries were diagnosed in the primary dentition: in the occlusal surface of molars and in the vestibular of the anterior teeth by ICDAS-II. Results: Caries in occlusal surface were more severe than in vestibular surface. The concentration of calcium in saliva and phosphate in healthy teeth gingival crevicular fluid were higher in the ICDAS>1 group. The concentration of calcium in gingival crevicular fluid was higher in the ICDAS=0 group than in the decayed teeth of the ICDAS>1 group. We found a statistically significant association between the frequency of active caries andthe concentration of phosphate in gingival crevicular fluid of teeth with caries, as well as between the severity of caries with buffering capacity and the concentration of phosphate in the gingival crevicular fluid of teeth with caries. Conclusion: We found an association between dental caries with buffering capacity and buccal calcium and phosphate.