Clinical, radiographic, biochemical and histological findings of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and report of a case

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia has been described as a condition that characteristically affects the jaws of middle-aged black women. It usually manifests as multiple radiopaque cementum-like masses distributed throughout the jaws. This condition has also been classified as gigantiform cementoma, chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, sclerosing osteitis, multiple estenosis and sclerotic cemental masses. The authors present a case of an uncomplicated florid cemento-osseous dysplasia in a 48-year-old black woman. Multiple sclerotic masses with radiolucent border in the mandible were identified radiographically. Histopathologic findings revealed formation of calcified dense sclerotic masses similar to cementum. All clinical, radiographic, biochemical and histological features were suggestive of the diagnosis of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia.     

Assessment of disk displacements of the temporomandibular joint

The aim of the present research was to evaluate disk displacements (DDs) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) among patients referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and analyze the type and prevalence of DD, gender, age, side distribution, reciprocal clicking, presence of pain, range of mouth opening movement, and dental condition. The sample comprised 113 patients, 12-78 years old (the age average was 36.4 +/- 13.5 years), 92 females and 21 males, who underwent MRI between July 2001 and December 2002. A Signa Horizon system (GE) MRI scanner was used at a magnetic field magnitude of 1.5 T with a bilateral radiofrequency surface coil (6.5 x 6.5 cm). Twenty-three (20.4%) patients were found to be normal, whereas 90 (79.7%) presented with DD. Anterior DD (61.1%) was the most common type of articular disk displacement. Males and females were equally affected (no statistically significant difference). We did not find a statistically significant association between DD and increased age. Bilateral DD (70%) was the most common DD occurrence. We found a statistically significant association between reciprocal clicking and anterior DD with reduction. We did not find a statistically significant association between DD and pain, be it articular or facial pain, otalgia or cephalgia. We found a statistically significant association between anterior DD without reduction and mouth opening limitation. With regard to oral condition, we did not find a statistically significant association between DD and loss of teeth.     

Retention of provisional crowns cemented with eight temporary cements: comparative study

Many temporary cements are commercially available; therefore, it is necessary to indicate them for each clinical requirement with regard to the tensile strength of prosthetic retainers. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the retention of provisional crowns cemented with eight temporary cements, over full crown preparations with standardized mechanical principles as height, taper, and length. For that purpose, eighty human first premolars received full crown preparation with standardized height and taper. Provisional crowns were fabricated and luted with eight brands of temporary cements. Twenty four hours after cementation, the restorations were submitted to tensile strength test in a universal testing machine and the data submitted to ANOVA and Bonferroni tests. Mean tensile strength values ranged from 20.1N for Nogenol cement to 67.5N for Hydro C cement. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found between Hydro C and the other groups, except for Temp Bond and Rely X Temp, which presented statistically significant difference when compared to Freegenol and Nogenol temporary cements. The crowns cemented with Hydro C cement were more retentive that than those cemented with the other cements, except for Rely X Temp and Temp Bond. The less retentive crowns were those cemented with Nogenol and Freegenol temporary cements.     

A review of the clinical management of mobile teeth

The clinical management of mobile teeth can be a perplexing problem, especially if the underlying causes for that mobility have not been properly diagnosed. In some cases, mobile teeth are retained because patients decline multidisciplinary treatment that might otherwise include strategic extractions. This article discusses the relationship between occlusion and tooth mobility with an emphasis on identifying differences between increased mobility and increasing mobility. The indications, contraindications, and basic principles of tooth splinting are also reviewed. Provisional and definitive splints are defined and described with their respective occlusal considerations. Some mobile teeth can be treated through occlusal equilibration alone (primary occlusal trauma). Whereas mobile teeth with a compromised periodontium can be stabilized with the aid of provisional and/or definitive splinting (secondary occlusal trauma). It is important to consider splint therapy, because it may not only improve the prognosis of teeth, but may actually enhance the stability of the final prosthodontic treatment. The ultimate goal of successful management of mobile teeth is to restore function and comfort by establishing a stable occlusion that promotes tooth retention and the maintenance of periodontal health.     

Comparison of microtensile bond strength to enamel and dentin of human, bovine, and porcine teeth

PURPOSE: To determine the bond strengths promoted by an adhesive system to human, bovine, and porcine enamel and dentin, and compare their etched micromorphology by scanning electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty sound freshly extracted teeth were used in this study: ten human third molars, ten bovine incisors, and ten porcine molars. The crowns of human (H), bovine (B), and porcine (P) teeth were ground with 600-grit SiC paper to expose either enamel (E) or mid-depth dentin (D) surfaces. After application of the adhesive resin, composite crowns approximately 8 mm high were built up with TPH Spectrum composite. After 24 h of water storage, specimens were serially sectioned in the buccal-lingual direction to obtain 0.8 mm slabs, which were trimmed to an hourglass shape of approximately 0.8 mm2 at the bonded interface. Specimens were tested in tension in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Results were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's test at the 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Tukey's test showed significant differences between bond strengths obtained on enamel and dentin (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in microTBS between human, bovine, and porcine teeth. SEM observations revealed a similar dentinal morphology for the three species. However, porcine enamel specimens presented a very different distribution of enamel prisms. CONCLUSION: Bovine teeth proved to be possible substitutes for human teeth in either dentin or enamel bond testing. However, even though porcine teeth provided enamel and dentin bond strengths similar to human and bovine teeth, enamel morphology presented a very different configuration.