Immunization of Macaca fascicularis against experimental periodontitis using a vaccine containing cysteine proteases purified from Porphyromonas gingivalis

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is a common infectious disease to which Porphyromonas gingivalis has been closely linked, in which the attachment tissues of the teeth and their alveolar bone housing are destroyed. We conducted a study to determine if immunization using a purified antigen could alter the onset and progression of the disease. METHODS: Using the ligature-induced model of periodontitis in Macaca fascicularis, we immunized five animals with cysteine protease purified from P. gingivalis and used an additional five animals as controls. Alveolar bone loss was measured by digital subtraction radiography. RESULTS: Immunization induced high titers of specific immunoglobuin G serum antibodies that were opsonic. Total bacterial load, levels of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque and levels of prostaglandin E(2) in gingival crevicular fluid were significantly reduced. Onset and progression of alveolar bone loss was inhibited by approximately 50%. No manifestations of toxicity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Immunization using a purified protein antigen from P. gingivalis inhibits alveolar bone destruction in a ligature-induced periodontitis model in M. fascicularis.     

Shaping ability of progressive versus constant taper instruments in curved root canals of extracted teeth

AIM: To compare the shaping ability of progressive versus constant taper shaft instruments in curved root canals of extracted human teeth. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 root canals of mandibular molars with curvatures ranging between 20 degrees and 40 degrees were divided into two groups of 20 canals each and embedded in a muffle system. The root canals sectioned horizontally at three levels before preparation and then remounted into the mould. All root canals were prepared with ProTaper (progressive taper) or Hero Shaper (constant taper) instruments. Pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs and cross-sectional images were obtained. The parameters evaluated were: working safety (instrument failure, apical blockage and loss of working length) and shaping ability (straightening, cross-sectional area, transportation and centring ability). The data were analysed statistically using Student's t-test. RESULTS: No instrument fractured during preparation. One Hero Shaper instrument permanently deformed. Both instrument systems maintained working length well. The canals prepared with Hero Shaper instruments were straightened to a lesser degree (P < 0.05). ProTaper instruments removed more dentine in the coronal and the middle sections of the canals. Canals prepared with Hero Shaper instruments had less transportation (P < 0.01) and better centring ability (P < 0.05) in the apical section. CONCLUSIONS: Both instrument systems were safe to use and maintained working length well. The canals prepared with Hero Shaper had less transportation and were better centred in the apical region, possibly because their smaller taper reduced instrument stiffness.     

Talon cusps: conservative management

Talons cusp is an uncommon developmental dental anomaly characterized by presence of an accessory cusp like structure projecting from tooth neck towards incisal edge. This anomaly commonly affects permanent dentition than primary dentition. This article describes early diagnosis and management of two patients with talons cusp. Conservative treatment by selective grinding, followed by fluoride varnish application was done. The patients were followed up for one year without any complications. This indicates conservative means of management to be the most desirable way of managing such anomalies.     

Peripheral nerve response to injury

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons caring for patients who have sustained a nerve injury to a branch of the peripheral trigeminal nerve must possess a basic understanding of the response of the peripheral nerves to trauma. The series of events that subsequently take place are largely dependent on the injury type and severity. Regeneration of the peripheral nerve is possible in many instances and future manipulation of the regenerative microenvironment will lead to advances in the management of these difficult injuries.     

Can anti‐erosion dentifrices also provide effective plaque control?

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 9 , 2011; 223–228
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00480.x
Bellamy PG, Prendergast M, Strand R, Yu Z, Day TN, Barker ML, Mussett AJ. Can anti‐erosion dentifrices also provide effective plaque control? Abstract: Objective: While gingivitis and caries continue to be prevalent issues, there is growing concern about dental erosion induced by dietary acids. An oral hygiene product that protects against all these conditions would be beneficial. This study investigated the potential of two anti‐erosion dentifrices to inhibit plaque. Methods: This was a randomized, three‐period, two‐treatment, double‐blind, crossover study evaluating a stannous chloride/sodium fluoride dentifrice (SnCl₂/NaF, blend‐a‐med^® Pro Expert) and a popular anti‐erosion dentifrice (NaF, Sensodyne^® ProNamel^?). During Period 3, subjects were randomized to repeat one treatment to evaluate any product carryover effects. Each treatment period was 17 days. Test dentifrices were used with a standard manual toothbrush. Digital plaque image analysis (DPIA) was employed at the end of each period to evaluate plaque levels (i) overnight (am prebrush); (ii) post‐brushing with the test product (am post‐brush); and (iii) mid‐afternoon (pm ). Analysis was conducted via an objective computer algorithm, which calculated total area of visible plaque. Results: Twenty‐seven subjects completed the study. At all time points, subjects had statistically significantly (P ≤ 0.0001) lower plaque levels after using the SnCl₂/NaF dentifrice than the NaF dentifrice. The antiplaque benefit for the SnCl₂/NaF dentifrice versus the NaF dentifrice was: am prebrush = 26.0%; am post‐brushing = 27.9%; pm = 25.7%. Conclusions: The SnCl₂/NaF dentifrice provided significantly greater daytime and overnight plaque inhibition than the NaF toothpaste. When recommending dentifrice to patients susceptible to dental erosion, clinicians can consider one that also inhibits plaque.     

Skeletal stability after correction of maxillary hypoplasia by the Glasgow extra-oral distraction (GED) device

Maxillary distraction osteogenesis delivers excellent results, particularly in patients with clefts. In the past, devices such as the conventional facemask and the rigid external distraction device have been used to correct maxillary hypoplasia after a Le Fort I osteotomy. We describe a new device, the Glasgow extra-oral distraction device. The extent of skeletal and dental stability of corrections achieved in 10 patients with maxillary hypoplasia associated with clefts was satisfactory. This device costs little, can be produced in developing countries, and provides effective treatment for severe secondary deformity associated with clefts.     

The influence of simulated masticatory loading regimes on the bi-axial flexure strength and reliability of a Y-TZP dental ceramic

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to examine the influence of simulated masticatory loading regimes, to which all-ceramic crown or bridge restorations will routinely be subjected during their service-life, on the performance of a yttria-stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) dental ceramic. METHODS: Ten sets of 30 Y-TZP ceramic discs (13 mm diameter, 1.48-1.54 mm thickness) supplied by the manufacturer were randomly selected. Six groups were loaded for 2000 cycles at 500 N (383-420 MPa), 700N (536-588 MPa) and 800 N (613-672 MPa) with three groups maintained dry and the remaining three groups loaded while immersed in water at 37+/-1 degrees C. A further two groups underwent extended simulated masticatory loading regimes at 80 N (61-67 MPa) for 10(4) and 10(5)cycles under dry conditions. The mean bi-axial flexure strengths, standard deviations and associated Weibull moduli (m) were determined. The surface hardness was also determined using the Vickers hardness indentation technique. RESULTS: No significant difference (P>0.05) was identified in the bi-axial flexure strength of the simulated masticatory loading regimes and the control specimens loaded dry or wet. A significant increase in m was identified for the Y-TZP specimens following loading while immersed in water (8.6+/-1.6, 8.5+/-1.6 and 10.3+/-1.9) compared with the control (7.1+/-1.3). However, the extended loading regime to 10(5)cycles resulted in a significant reduction in the m of the Y-TZP specimens (5.3+/-1.0) compared with the control. Localised areas of increased surface hardness were identified to occur directly beneath the spherical indenter. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of localised areas of increased surface hardness could be the result of either a transformation toughening mechanism or crushing and densification of the material beneath the indentor manifested as the formation of a surface layer of compressive stresses that counteracted the tensile field generated at the tip of a propagating crack which increased the Weibull modulus of the Y-TZP specimens. The reduced reliability of the Y-TZP specimens loaded to 80 N for 10(5)cycles was associated with the accumulation of subcritical damage as a result of the extended nature of loading.     

Microcomputed tomography used in the analysis of the morphology of root canals in extracted wisdom teeth

Microcomputed tomography is a new technique for the non-destructive study of porous biological materials. We examined 11 wisdom teeth that had been removed prophylactically by microcomputed tomography operating in the cone beam mode. The two-dimensional sections of the teeth were reconstructed with surface rendering software to provide three-dimensional models that were observed and handled in virtual reality. The tooth itself, or the pulp chamber and canals, can be reconstructed and observed separately or simultaneously. Many teeth looked dystrophic with abnormal distributions of roots and canals. Microcomputed tomography seems to be a promising way of studying dental anatomy.     

A practice-based evaluation of the handling of a new self-adhesive universal resin luting material

OBJECTIVE: Ease of handling of materials may be considered helpful to achieving good results. The handling properties of a new self-adhesive universal resin luting material were tested in clinical use. METHOD AND MATERIAL: Thirteen practitioners were selected at random from the Product Research and Evaluation by Practitioners (PREP) Panel, a United Kingdom-based group of dental practitioners prepared to complete evaluations of new materials and techniques in the practice environment. Explanatory letters, questionnaires and packs of the luting material were sent to the evaluators. The practitioners were asked to use the material and return the questionnaire. RESULTS: 144 restorations were placed using the new self-adhesive resin luting material, which was rated higher by the evaluators for ease of use (4.7 on a visual analogue scale where 5 represented easy to use and 1 represented difficult to use) than both the pre-trial resin-based and 'conventional' luting materials (rated 3.7 and 4.4 respectively on the same scale). The presentation, instructions, convenience of dispensing and handling and viscosity also received high ratings. CONCLUSION: The new material achieved ratings for ease of use superior to the pre-study resin-based and conventional luting materials in the dental practices of 13 UK dental practitioners.