Irritation fibroma removal: a comparison of two laser wavelengths

Laser wavelengths are available that offer dentists treatment options for both hard and soft oral tissues. This article discusses the benefits of removing hypertrophic soft tissue by using an all-tissue laser. A clinical case is presented involving the use of both an 810 nm diode laser and a 2,780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser to remove two irritation fibromas, both located on the left cheek of the same patient. This unique perspective was ideal for comparing the healing of each wound. The Er,Cr:YSGG appeared to have a less traumatic effect on target tissue and offered improved postoperative healing, faster recovery time, and less trauma than traditional surgical modalities.     

Periodontal disease: links with serum lipid/ triglyceride levels? Review and new data

Evidence now supports an intriguing role for serum lipids/triglycerides in modulation of the host immune response to infection. This paper will review the studies that have been conducted in humans and various animal models of the association between elevated serum lipids/triglycerides (i.e. hyperlipidaemia) and periodontitis (PD). We will also present new data in rats that suggests a bi-directional relationship between hyperlipidaemia and PD, i.e. that PD itself may be able to modulate serum lipid levels. This review will introduce evidence from other studies that the type of dietary lipids is important in the modulation of the immune/inflammatory response. Overall, the studies presented herein suggest that further investigation using epidemiological and experimental approaches is warranted.     

Type IV gypsum compatibility with five addition-reaction silicone impression materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The compatibility of current addition-reaction silicone impression materials and Type IV gypsum products is not completely understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare surface detail reproduction between various combinations of contemporary addition-reaction silicone impression materials and Type IV gypsum products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Under standardized conditions, 300 impressions were made of a ruled stainless steel die (ADA specification 19), using 5 addition-reaction silicones (Examix-NDS, Doric-ES Flo-Light, Panasil Contact Plus, Extrude Wash, and President Plus Jet). Fifteen impressions of each material were poured with each Type IV gypsum product (Silky-Rock, Fuji Rock, Suprastone, or Vel-Mix). Using x12 magnification, 2 independent examiners scored the reproducibility of a 20-microm line in both the impression and the resultant casts. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni testing (alpha = .05). RESULTS: All impression materials tested fully reproduced the 20-microm line. Different impression materials showed different compatibility with different Type IV gypsum products. Only 25% of the Type IV gypsum casts completely reproduced the resultant 20-microm line with fine margins, and 88% of the completely reproduced casts were made from Suprastone. CONCLUSION: Not all combinations of impression material and Type IV gypsum products used exhibited similar compatibility.     

Control of apatite crystal growth by the co-operative effect of a recombinant porcine amelogenin and fluoride

Recently, we used native amelogenins extracted from developing pig enamel to examine the combined effect of fluoride and amelogenins on the growth of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and apatite crystals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate this combined effect using a highly purified recombinant amelogenin. We applied porcine amelogenin (rP172) and fluoride in a dual-membrane system as a model for tooth enamel formation. The combination of rP172 and fluoride in this system resulted in the formation of rod-like apatite crystals. On the other hand, without fluoride, rod-like OCP crystals of a comparable size were formed, and rather large hexagonal prisms of mixed crystals of OCP and apatite grew without amelogenins. Thus, highly purified and homogeneous recombinant amelogenin, in co-operation with F, regulated the mineral phase, habit, and size of crystals in the same manner as the extracted heterogeneous porcine amelogenins. We suggest that in both cases the control over the crystal phase and morphology was a direct effect of amelogenin protein serving as a scaffold for apatite mineralization.     

Current erosion indices--flawed or valid? Summary

The problem of erosive tooth wear appears increasingly to be encountered by clinicians and researchers. An adequate way of defining and recording erosive tooth wear is essential in order to assess the extent of this clinical phenomenon, both on an individual level and in the population, and for the adequate provision of preventive and therapeutic measures. Well-established erosion indices have been used in most of these studies, although in many cases modifications have been made to suit the different research aims. This use of different indices is one reason why it still cannot be claimed that there is enough current knowledge on this clinical phenomenon. This article summarises the proceedings of a workshop to discuss the topic of dental erosion indices. The result of the workshop is the proposal for a new scoring system (Basic Erosive Wear Examination, BEWE) designed for use both within the research field and for dental clinicians, with the aims of standardising assessment of erosion for international comparisons, raising awareness and providing guidelines for treatment of erosive tooth wear in dental practice.     

Aesthetic concerns of children and parents in relation to different classifications of the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis

Abstract –Increasing prevalence of dental fluorosis for children both from fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities are now well documented. Along with recent studies purporting possible adverse health effects from fluorides, this proven public health intervention is again being challenged. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis for children from fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas in British Columbia. In addition, children and parents were provided with an opportunity to express concerns about the aesthetics of the child's anterior teeth. Children from representative schools in two communities were surveyed using the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). Questionnaires were sent home to parents to detail their child's use of various fluoride preventive practices and residence histories. Completed questionnaires were returned and exams were performed on 1131 children. Of those examined, 60% had dental fluorosis on at least two tooth surfaces, only 8% had scores ranging from "2" to "6", and 52% were classified with a score of "1". Parental and child ratings on the aesthetics or color of the child's teeth suggests that there are few children with aesthetic problems in the TSIF category of "1". While concerns of parents were more common, the actual source of those concerns was not assessed in the questionnaire. Not unexpectedly, children with fluorosis on anterior teeth ranging between TSIF scores of "2" to "6" appear to have increased concerns about tooth color. Data from children with confirmed residence histories from fluoridated communities suggest that the occurrence of aesthetic problems in these children is rare.     

Endothelial Activation and Chemoattractant Expression are Early Processes in Isolated Blast Brain Injury

Blast injuries are an increasing problem in military conflicts and terrorist incidents. Blast-induced traumatic brain injury has risen to prominence and represents a specific form of primary brain injury, with sufficiently different physical attributes (and possibly biological consequences) to be classified separately. There is increasing interest in the role of blast in initiating inflammatory responses, which may be linked to the pathological processes seen clinically. Terminally anaesthetised rats were exposed to a blast wave directed at the cranium, using a bench-top blast wave generator. Control animals were not exposed to blast. Animals were killed after 8 h, and the brains examined for evidence of an inflammatory response. Compared to controls, erythropoietin, endothelial integrins, ICAM and sVCAM, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were significantly elevated. Other pro-inflammatory cytokines, including MIP-1α, were also detectable, but levels did not permit accurate quantification. Six inflammatory genes examined by qRT-PCR exhibited a biologically significant increase in activity in the blast-exposed animals. These included genes supporting chemokines responsible for monocyte recruitment, including MCP-1, and chemokines influencing T cell movement. Brain injury is usually accompanied by pathological neuro-inflammation. This study shows that blast brain injury is no exception, and the data provide important mechanistic clues regarding the drivers of such inflammation. Whilst this effect alone is unlikely to be responsible for the totality of consequences of blast brain injury, it suggests a mechanism that may be priming the cerebral inflammatory response and rendering cerebral tissue more susceptible to the deleterious effects of systemic inflammatory reactions.