Expression of cytokeratins in human enamel organ

Cytokeratin (CK) is a filament which plays a central role in epithelial tissue and, like the polypeptides of intermediate filaments in general, shows a high degree of tissue specificity. The CK expression patterns of odontogenic epithelia are still poorly described. We studied the distribution of individual CK polypeptides in the human enamel organ at bell stage and in remnants of the dental lamina. Our immunohistochemical study showed that epithelial cells stained for CKs 7, 13, 14 and 19 with slight changes in their pattern during the differentiation phase of odontogenesis. There was negative staining for all other CK polypeptides tested (CKs 8, 10, 16, 17 and 18). Most of the CKs in the enamel organ epithelia did not show differences related to the stage-specific state of differentiation, except for CKs 14 and 19 at the inner enamel epithelium. A strong label for CK 14 was present at the inner dental epithelium at early bell stage, and this was substituted by CK 19 at the late bell stage when the ameloblasts were fully differentiated.     

Fabrication of an indirect-direct provisional fixed partial denture

This article describes a procedure for fabricating an optimal provisional restoration before tooth preparation. The procedure involves the fabrication of an indirect-direct provisional fixed partial denture. There are several advantages to this procedure, such as reduced chair time, less heat generated in the mouth, reduced contact between resin monomer and soft tissues, and optimal esthetics.     

Child abuse and dentistry: a study of knowledge and attitudes among dentists in Victoria, Australia

Child abuse is a disturbingly common finding in society today. In view of the high proportion of orofacial injuries seen in victims of child abuse, dentists are in a strategic position to recognize and report suspected cases. The present study of 347 dentists in Victoria, Australia, assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes among dental professionals on the important issue of child abuse. While a high level of interest was shown by the participants towards this issue, a need for further information and training in the recognition and reporting of child abuse was seen in the survey findings. While dentists at present are not legally mandated in all states of Australia to report suspected cases of child abuse, the dental profession is in a key position to play an active role in the identification and reporting of this substantial community problem.     

Effect of root canal filling material and level of surgical injury on periodontal healing in dogs

Abstract— Some divergencies in the literature about periodontal healing after surgical injury stimulated the development of this experiment. The root canals of dogs' teeth were negotiated and filled by the lateral condensation technique with two kinds of sealers: Sealapex and zinc oxide-eugenol cement. In the second session, the bone tissue was exposed and one cabity was made at the apical third of the root and another at the border between the coronal and middle thirds, both penetrating into the root canal. Six months later the animals were sacrificed and the specimens prepared for histopathologic analysis. The results showed that the kind of filling material and the level of the periodontal wound exposing the root canal can influence the healing process ( P <.01).     

High labial incisions for genioplasty

Clinical experience in genioplasty has shown that high labial incisions heal with fewer scar bands than conventional deep labial incisions. In a prospective randomized trial, we compared 18 high labial curvilinear incisions with 27 high labial W-shaped (‘royal’) incisions for access and visibility during chin osteotomy. Both incisions were 3 cm wide. Maximal incision lengthening between two skin hooks was recorded with a ruler before closure, and there was no significant difference between the two. The maximum wound area between three skin hooks was photographed and computed, and showed a mean difference of 188.75 mm² (t-test, P < 0.001), which corroborated the clinical findings that access and visibility were superior in the W-shaped incision group. Complications were few in both groups. We now use the high labial royal incision about 3.5 cm wide, with 90° limb angle for complicated chin osteotomies and ostectomies. A smaller curvilinear high labial incision is used for simple advancement osteotomies.     

Double teeth in primary dentition and findings of permanent successors]

Prevalence of double teeth in primary dentition of 0.5% was established in the sample of 2.987 preschool children of Zagreb. Between children with double teeth 60% were female and 40% males. Fusion ocurred in 66.7 percent and germination in 33.3 percent in the sample of children having double teeth. In all children with double teeth orthopantomograms were taken. Analysis of radiographs revealed anomalies of permanent successors in 53.3 percent of all children with double primary teeth. In children with germination in primary dentition anomalies of permanent teeth were present in 20 percent (hyperdontia in all cases), while fusion of deciduous teeth was accompanied by abnormal finding (hypodontia) in permanent dentition in 70 percent. Obtained results pointed out to the need of distinction between type of double teeth in primary dentition, i.e. between fusion and germination because chance of lacking the permanent successors is considerably dependent on the type of anomaly.     

Sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garrè (periostitis ossificans)

The diagnosis of sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garrè, or periostitis ossificans, is suggested by a history of hard swelling of the mandible accompanied by a carious dentition. Computed tomography, nuclear medicine scanning, and pantomography are used to illustrate the appearance of this condition arising in a 25-year-old woman. The differential diagnosis of mandibular thickening and associated bony sclerosis is discussed.     

Impact of an NIDR educational program on the teaching of caries prevention in dental hygiene

An evaluation is reported of selected educational and promotional activities of the National Institute of Dental Research related to caries prevention. Data were collected from U.S. dental hygiene program directors (n = 183) and faculty (n = 718) by mail questionnaire between November 1984 and May 1985. The impact of NIDR activities on the caries prevention curricula in dental hygiene education programs was investigated. Results show that the educational activities of the NIDR, as well as selected state and program characteristics, are associated with differences in the caries prevention curricula of dental hygiene programs and the caries prevention teaching of the faculty. The more frequent and the more personal the contact with NIDR activities, the greater the emphasis given to caries prevention in the curriculum structure and in the teaching practices of the faculty.     

Evaluation of arthrographically assisted splint therapy in treatment of TMJ disk displacement

Eighty-two patients with audible clicking were evaluated and treated with splints made by using arthrographic assistance. In the course of this study, it became apparent that the later the opening click, the earlier the closing click. It was not always possible to auscultate or palpate either an opening or a closing click in many patients with arthrographic findings of disk displacement with reduction. Since the opening click was the only audible sound in some patients, clinical judgment alone cannot be used to replace the displaced disk at an optimal mandibular position. The elimination of the opening click does not always signify recapture of the disk. Maxillomandibular and incisal relationships limit the amount of protrusion possible to recapture the displaced disk.     

Evidence for a junctional epithelial attachment to ceramic dental implants. A transmission electron microscopic study

The interface of the crevicular gingiva with the surface of a dental implant is a critical zone representing the potential biological seal which protects the underlying bone and soft tissue-supporting mechanisms from destructive extraneous substances. Ultrastructural examination of regenerated junctional epithelial cells interfacing surgically placed endosteal dental implants, comprised of alpha-alumina oxide ceramic in single crystalline form, exhibited an external basal lamina and linear body located between the external surface epithelial cell and the implant. In addition, hemidesmosomes were located at intervals along the outer junctional epithelial plasma membrane. The component substructures of the basal lamina and the hemidesmosomes were similar to those seen interfacing natural teeth. The linear body was an electron-dense structure between the lamina densa and the inert biomaterial. This study provides ultrastructural evidence for the presence of an attachment complex between gingiva and aluminum oxide implants which is analogous to that seen around natural teeth. These data support concept that a viable biological seal can develop around endosteal dental implants and provide support for satisfactory clinical service.