Vienna 2002—Post Congress Excursions

Among the additional advantages, and pleasures, of attending FDI Annual World Dental Congresses, are the opportunities presented to visit other areas of the host country, or to venture further afield in the region. Three post‐congress excursions from host city Vienna, provide such prospects.     

Vienna 2002 ‐ A social programme for all tastes

While the primary reason for many participants attending an Annual World Dental Congress is the scientific programme, there is no doubt that the social aspects are also of great importance, adding the flavour and culture of the host city and country to the overall experience.     

FDI Annual World Dental Congress ‐ Vienna 1–5 October 2002

Vienna (Wien), the capital city of Austria, is the venue for this year's FDI Annual World Dental Congress, which promises to be a meeting as rich in scientific interest as the host city is in beauty and tradition.     

Endodontic instrumentation —quo vadis?*

The flaring of root canal preparations in order to improve instrumentation and enhance root filling condensation has been stressed in recent endodontic literature. Some authors, however, have suggested that too much flaring could be hazardous in molar root canals. This study was prompted by the occurrence of stripping-type perforations and post perforations in the buccal roots of upper molars and in the mesial roots of lowers. Ten operators instrumented 22 molars utilizing a variety of techniques. The teeth were horizontally sectioned and remaining wall thicknesses were measured under magnification. Excessively thin walls were found on the furcation surfaces of the buccal roots of upper molars and the mesial roots of lowers at a level 2–4 mm apical to the trifurcation or bifurcation. A potential for root stripping and post perforation, which was not readily apparent in pre-operative radiographs, was confirmed. The ramifications of these findings are discussed.     

EDTA — time for re-evaluation?

Abstract. The use of EDTA as a demineralizing solution for facilitating instrumentation of fine canals is examined. Although the chelation occurring on the dentine is a simple chemical reaction, there is little evidence that it is effective in the clinical situation of a fine canal.     

Early childhood caries — a synopsis

All the papers presented at the conference are reviewed and comparisons are made with past beliefs on the topic. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious public health problem in disadvantaged communities in both developing and industrialized countries in which under-nutrition is common. ECC involves the maxillary primary incisors within months after their eruption and spreads rapidly to involve other primary teeth. The early implantation of mutans streptococci, the use of a feeding bottle containing sugary solutions and prolonged breast-feeding, especially at night, are important predisposing factors. Attention is drawn to the need for more research into the factors which determine the resistance of the enamel and particularly the elucidation of the relationship established in several countries between early enamel caries, enamel hypoplasia, and perinatal under- or malnutrition. Primary preventive measures should be applied during the ante- and immediate post-natal periods. Secondary preventive measures include the use of chemotherapeutic agents such as fluoride, and antimicrobials. The most appropriate tertiary preventive measure is the atraumatic restorative technique (ART). Broadly based committees should be established by governments to address the issues of caries risk in young children. Parents and all personnel involved in infant health and welfare should be shown how to recognize early signs of the condition, as well as to promote early intervention and referral.     

External Root Resorption — Part I

Root resorption is a pathological process initiated by specific clastic cells which remove the organic and mineral components of dental hard tissues. Clastic cell activity in teeth is associated with a number of factors which include biomechanical forces, mechanical, surgical and chemical trauma, endodontic microorganisms and their toxins, developmental defects, neoplasia, and hormonal disturbances. The therapeutic measures which can regulate clastic activity include endodontic treatment, the use of specific anticlastic agents such as Ledermix paste, non-specific necrobiotic agents such as calcium hydroxide and trichloracetic acid, surgery or root surface conditioners. Accurate diagnosis is essential to the correct application of therapy. While some resorptions are self-limiting, others such as inflammatory root resorption require active and prompt endodontic preparation and medication to allow the control of clastic activity. One treatment regimen of invasive cervical and related conditions involves careful and accurate application of a chemical cauterising agent, trichloracetic acid, followed by curettage and restoration.