Journal of Dental Sciences - Articles in Press

An analysis of oral radiographic findings and their interpretations in women with eating disorders - Corrected Proof

2012-02-22

Abstract: Background/Purpose: Eating disorders (EDs) are life-threatening conditions that mainly affect women and can be diagnosed early by dental professionals. The aims of this study were to examine the oral radiographic status of ED patients and compare the performances of dental professionals from different backgrounds in interpreting these findings.Materials and Methods: In total, 72 women with EDs and healthy controls matched by age, sex, educational status, and smoking status were included in the project. Standardized full-mouth intraoral periapical radiography with a bisecting-angle technique and digital panoramic imaging were performed in all participants. Five observers independently interpreted the tooth status, the condition of the periapical tissues, and the third molars.Results: Scores for intra- and interobserver consistency were acceptable and were 0.76 and 0.92, respectively. The ED group consumed a larger daily amount of acidic beverages (P < 0.05) than the controls, and a significant positive correlation was observed between the daily acidic-beverage intake and the frequency of vomiting (P < 0.05). In the ED group, the mean number of teeth with untreated carious lesions (P < 0. 01), particularly in the posterior mandibular region (P < 0.05) and periapical pathologies requiring treatment (P < 0.05), were significantly higher compared with healthy individuals. However, the radiographic depth-progression pattern of the carious lesions was similar in the two groups.Conclusion: The presence of radiographically detectable caries and periapical lesions makes ED patients more susceptible to the risk of losing their functional teeth over time, especially when considered together with their inadequate oral hygiene practices and acidic-beverage consumption. Nonetheless, dental professionals with different backgrounds can interpret such radiographic findings with similar efficiency.

Effects of the type and rigidity of the retainer and the number of abutting teeth on stress distribution of telescopic-retained removable partial dentures - Corrected Proof

Volkan Sahin, Funda Akaltan, Levend Parnas — 2012-02-22

Abstract: Background/purpose: Little is known about the force-transmission characteristics and patterns of telescopic-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs) as related to their type and rigidity (rigid and/or resilient) and the number of abutting teeth supporting the telescopic dentures. In this study, we compared the strain around the abutting teeth and edentulous ridges supporting telescopic-retained RPDs with different designs using a strain gauge technique.Materials and methods: A maxillary model including four abutting teeth (# 14, 13, 23, and 24) was constructed and is referred to as Case 1. In total, four RPD frameworks (two resilient and two rigid) were fabricated for Case 1 with a conventional telescope retainer and attachment-retained telescopic retainer (ARTR) groups. A vertical static load of 280 N was applied, and strain values obtained from the strain gauges were recorded. RPDs were modified according to the following cases—Case 2 included teeth 14, 13, and 23; Case 3 included teeth 14 and 13; and Case 4 included teeth 13 and 23—and measurements were repeated. A randomized block analysis of the variance test was conducted using a general linear model procedure with statistical software. Multiple comparisons between groups were performed using Tukey’s honest significant difference test (α=0.05).Results: RPDs with an ARTR produced more strain distal to the abutting teeth than RPDs with a conventional telescope retainer. Both retainer types with a rigid design produced more strain distal to the abutting teeth than did retainers with a resilient design. RPDs supported by four, three, and two unilateral abutting teeth produced similar strain patterns. RPDs supported by two bilateral abutting teeth produced the highest strain distal to the abutting teeth, but there was no significant difference between the strains produced by RPDs supported by either two unilateral or bilateral abutting teeth. The highest strain values were obtained from strain gauges distal to the “terminal” abutting teeth. Directions of the principal strain were in a vertical direction for gauges located distal to the terminal abutting teeth. More strain was produced on the posterior edentulous ridges.Conclusion: RPDs with an ARTR and both retainer types with a rigid design produced more strain distal to the abutting teeth. Using more than two abutting teeth did not improve the strain patterns of the tested RPDs. More strain was produced on the posterior edentulous ridges.

Effects of increasing the jaw opening on the maximum bite force and electromyographic activities of jaw muscles - Corrected Proof

Duygu Koc, Arife Dogan, Bulent Bek, Meryem Yucel — 2012-02-22

Abstract: Background/purpose: Increased occlusal jaw opening may lead to some changes in the bite force and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the jaw muscles. This in situ study was conducted to determine the immediate influence of three different occlusal vertical dimensions on the maximum bite force and EMG activities of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles.Materials and methods: Five healthy subjects participated in the study. Two maxillary occlusal splints of 2 and 4 mm thickness were fabricated, and their use created, respectively, 8 and 10 mm of intermolar distances in the first molar region with a strain-gauge-mounted metal arch. EMG activities of the muscles and the maximum bite force were simultaneously recorded using an EMG device and two miniature strain-gauge transducers. Recordings were made in the first molar region without a splint, but with two splints to produce 6, 8, and 10 mm of intermolar distances.Results: EMG activities of both muscles decreased with increased jaw opening; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The highest maximum bite force was found at a 6-mm intermolar distance, which significantly differed from those at 8- and 10-mm intermolar distances (P < 0.05). The most efficient bite force was exerted with 6 mm of intermolar distance. The least EMG activity of both muscles was found with 10 mm of intermolar distance.Conclusion: An increase in the vertical thickness of the splint to 10 mm may provide an immediate effect of reducing masseter and anterior temporalis muscle hyperactivity.

Degree of conversion of three fissure sealants cured by different light curing units using micro-Raman spectroscopy - Corrected Proof

Ario Santini, Vesna Miletic, Deri Koutsaki — 2012-02-22

Abstract: Background/purpose: Monomer to polymer conversion is important for optimal mechanical properties and resistance to biodegradation of resin-based materials. Incomplete conversion of fissure sealants may account for lower retention and fracture resistance as well as elution of leachable components. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of conversion (DC) of three fissure sealants cured using a conventional quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH) or a high power light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing unit using micro-Raman spectroscopy.Materials and methods: Delton Opaque and Helioseal Opaque and Helioseal Clear were applied to 60 noncarious permanent molars and cured with the QTH or the LED. Micro-Raman spectra were obtained from the top and the bottom surface of each sample. Three-way analysis of variance (α=0.05) was used for data analysis.Results: Top surface DC values were significantly higher than bottom surface in each material irrespective of the light-curing unit (P<0.05). LED produced significantly higher DC values than the QTH with all three materials (P<0.05). Helioseal Opaque showed significantly lower DC values than Helioseal Clear (P<0.05). DC values for Delton and Helioseal Clear were comparable (P>0.05).Conclusion: Higher DC is achieved with the LED with less exposure time compared with the conventional QTH at top and bottom surfaces of the three fissure sealants, although a lower conversion may be expected in opaque materials.

Development of a diagnostic algorithm in periodontal disease and identification of genetic expression patterns: A preliminary report - Corrected Proof

2012-02-22

Abstract: Background/purpose: To identify genetic expression patterns that can be used to define an appropriate diagnostic algorithm of clinical use in periodontal disease.Materials and methods: Total RNA was extracted from 13 samples corresponding to normal human gingiva (NHG) and human gingiva affected by periodontal disease (PDHG). A comprehensive gene expression analysis was carried out by microarray analysis using Affymetrix Human Genome U133 plus 2.0 oligonucleotide arrays.Results: Sixty-six probe sets (genes and expressed sequence tags – EST) overexpressed in all samples of one of the comparison groups, were used for the diagnostic algorithm. All samples, including an independent test sample, were correctly classified as normal or periodontally affected using the diagnostic algorithm. In addition, 2596 genes/EST were upregulated and 1542 genes/EST were downregulated in PDHG, with numerous gene functions impaired in PDHG, especially those related to the immune response, cell-cell junctions, and extracellular matrix remodeling.Conclusion: Our study reveals differential gene expression profiles in NHG and PDHG. The proposed diagnostic algorithm could have clinical usefulness for differential diagnosis in periodontal disease.

Prevalence of and risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints among Taiwanese dentists - Corrected Proof

2012-02-22

Abstract: Background/purpose: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was investigated among dentists in Taiwan, and risk factors for MSDs were evaluated for symptoms in different parts of the body.Materials and methods: The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire modified by the Taiwan Institute of Occupational Safety and Health was completed by 197 dentists (146 males and 51 females) from the members of three groups: the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (n = 33), the Association of Family Dentistry (n = 55), and the Taichung County Dental Association (n = 109). Reported symptoms were compared by means of a Chi-square test according to various risk factors.Results: More than half of the respondents had experienced symptoms in the shoulders (75%), neck (72%), and lower back (66%) in the year before the survey. The three parts of the body with lower prevalence (13–15%) of trouble were hips/thighs/buttocks, knees, and ankles/feet. Seven percent of respondents indicated no trouble in any part of their bodies. The prevalence of trouble in the neck increased when the number of days worked per week increased. Risk factors (p 178 cm, and having a mean working time of >10 min/patient for the elbows; being <36 years old, having <11 years of experience, and having a mean time for forward bending or using a handpiece/scaler per patient for the wrists/hands; working 7 d/wk for the lower back and knees; having a patient load of >20 patients/d and being >35 years old for the hips/thighs/buttocks; and a having mean working time of >48 h/wk for the lower back.Conclusion: The participating Taiwanese dentists seemed to suffer a high prevalence of MSDs, especially of the shoulders, neck, and lower back. There were various associated factors and correlations with MSDs in each part of the body.

The Collum angle of the maxillary central incisors in patients with different types of malocclusion - Corrected Proof

Yen-Wen Shen, Jui-Ting Hsu, Yi-Hui Wang, Heng-Li Huang, Lih-Jyh Fuh — 2012-02-22

Abstract: Background/purpose: The Collum angle (the supplementary angle of the crown-root angle) of the maxillary central incisors is extremely important for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment and who are to receive an implant restoration. However, there is no report on the Collum angle in Taiwanese. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the Collum angle of the maxillary central incisors in Taiwanese patients with different types of malocclusion.Materials and methods: This study collected 124 samples of lateral cephalometric radiographs (38 radiographs from male patients and 86 from female patients). The age of sampled patients ranged 8–58 (mean, 19.9) years. Samples were divided into four groups according to the malocclusion type, and the Collum angle of the maxillary central incisors in each group was measured. A one-way ANOVA and the Scheffe test were used to compare whether or not the angle differed among the groups.Results: The average value of the Collum angle was 6.1° ± 5.2° for class-I malocclusions, 5.3° ± 4.2° for class-II division-I malocclusions, 10.6° ± 4.4° for class-II division-2 malocclusions, and 5.6° ± 5.1° for class-III malocclusions. A statistical analysis showed that the Collum angle of the maxillary central incisors for patients with class-II division-2 malocclusions significantly exceeded values in the other three groups.Conclusion: Compared to groups with other malocclusion types, the Collum angle of natural teeth for patients with class-II division-2 malocclusions was the greatest.

Effects of different surface treatments on the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced composite root canal posts to composite core material - Corrected Proof

Murat Kurt, Ahmet Umut Güler, İbrahim Duran, Altay Uludamar, Özgür İnan — 2012-02-20

Abstract: Background/purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different surface treatments on the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts to composite core material.Materials and methods: A total of 18 FRC posts were randomly divided into six groups (n = 3), one of which was the untreated control group. Surface treatment of other groups were as follows: airborne particle abrasion with 50-μm Al2O3 powder at 60 psi for 10 seconds through a nozzle distance of 10 mm; etching with 4% hydrofluoric (HF) acid; and surface preparation with an Er:YAG laser under three different power settings (of 300, 400, and 500 mJ, at 2 Hz and 100 μS). A cylindrical Teflon mold was used to surround the treated posts, and the mold was filled with dual-cure composite core material. All samples were light-cured for 60 seconds through the top of the mold. After 24 hours of storage in water, specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the bonded interface under water cooling to obtain 2-mm thick post-and-core specimens. Each group consisted of 12 specimens. Push-out tests were performed at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/minute using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05).Results: The lowest bond strength was observed in the Er:YAG 500-mJ group (6.14 ± 0.94 MPa). The acid-etched group revealed a higher bond strength (15.08 ± 0.92 MPa) than the control group. The highest bond strength was observed in the airborne-particle abrasion group [18.89 ± 0.83 MPa (P < 0.05)].Conclusion: Er:YAG laser treatments on the FRC post surface decreased the bond strength. Airborne-particle abrasion and HF acid etching are alternative methods for increasing bond strength of FRC posts to composite core material.

Comparative study of apically extruded debris using one manual and two rotary instrumentation techniques for endodontic retreatment - Corrected Proof

Alper Kustarci, Demet Altunbas, Kerem Engin Akpinar — 2011-11-07

Abstract: Background/purpose: The aim of the this study was to compare the amount of debris apically extruded during endodontic retreatment using two rotary nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments (K3 and R-Endo) and Hedström files.Materials and methods: Forty-five extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were used in this study. Root canals of the teeth were filled before being randomly assigned to three groups. In group 1, gutta-percha was removed with K3 (SybronEndo, West Collins, CA, USA) rotary NiTi instruments. In group 2, gutta-percha was removed with R-Endo (Micro-Mega, Besançon, France) rotary NiTi instruments. In group 3, gutta-percha was removed using Hedström files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Debris extruded from the apical foramen was collected into Eppendorf tubes. The liquid inside the tubes was dried, and the debris in each group was weighed and compared. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test.Results: Although all retreatment techniques resulted in apical extrusion, groups 1 and 2 produced significantly less apical extrusion than group 3 (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2 (P>0.05).Conclusion: All retreatment techniques produced extruded debris during endodontic retreatment; however, both rotary NiTi systems were associated with less apical extrusion than manual instrumentation with Hedström files.

Treatment of traumatized maxillary central incisors - Corrected Proof

Jun Kuo, Yng-Tzer Joseph Lin — 2011-05-03

Abstract: Traumatic injury to the upper anterior teeth is not uncommon in young children. Dental ankylosis frequently occurs when teeth are traumatically luxated or replanted after being avulsed. It is commonly recognized that orthodontic movement of a traumatized tooth is difficult, especially when treating an ankylosed tooth without surgical luxation and distraction osteogenesis. This report describes a case of a patient with Class I crowded malocclusion and labially displaced and intruded traumatized maxillary incisors. The protruded traumatized incisors were successfully brought to an acceptable position with acceptable gingival esthetics through the use of simple orthodontic traction combined with first-premolar extraction. An acceptable overbite and overjet were achieved within 14 months after completion of orthodontic treatment.

Relationship between handedness and toothbrush-related cervical dental abrasion in left- and right-handed individuals - Corrected Proof

Mehmet Özgöz, Taner Arabaci, Mehmet Akif Sümbüllü, Turgut Demir — 2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: Cervical tooth abrasion is the loss of tooth material at the cementoenamel junction, and is usually related to faulty brushing habits. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of handedness on tooth-brushing abrasion in terms of brushing habits in left- and right-handed adults.Materials and methods: In total, 488 subjects participating in the study were divided into 2 groups according to hand preference (group I; left-handed and group II; right-handed), and were interviewed about their brushing habits, and their clinical oral conditions such as the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and tooth wear index (TWI) were determined. Handedness was determined by a questionnaire that focused on handedness using the Turkish version of the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory.Results: This study showed that there were no statistically significant differences between groups I and II according to daily tooth-brushing habits, PI, or GI. Statistically significant differences were found between men and women according to the clinical oral scores and brushing habits (P<0.01). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the mean TWI scores of left- and right-handed groups (P=0.12). It was found that an increased frequency and longer duration of tooth-brushing significantly increased the TWI scores in both groups (P<0.01). It was also found that TWI scores were statistically higher in subjects who brushed horizontally rather than vertically (P<0.01). Correlations between clinical oral scores (TWI, PI, and GI) and brushing habits were statistically significant (P<0.01).Conclusion: The oral-hygiene performance of females was better than males. Brushing habits of patients were related to the severity of cervical wear. But no statistically significant relationship was found between hand preference and tooth-brushing abrasion in this study.

Treatment modalities for single missing teeth in a Turkish subpopulation: an implant, fixed partial denture, or no restoration - Corrected Proof

Zeynep Özkurt, Ender Kazazoğlu — 2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of 3 treatment alternatives in a Turkish subpopulation with a single missing tooth: implant retained crowns (IRCs), fixed partial dentures (FPDs), and no replacement.Materials and methods: A study comparing 3 different treatment alternatives for a single missing tooth was conducted. Data were collected by panoramic radiographic examination. Age, gender, and treatment method for a single missing tooth were recorded. Differences between the groups were examined using one-way ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were evaluated by using Tukey’s HSD test. A Chi-squared test was used to compare qualitative data. The significance level was set to 5%.Results: Of 1953 examined radiographs, 218 (11.16%) patients were found to have a single missing tooth. Of these 218 patients, 101 (46.3%) had FPD restorations, and 23 (10.6%) had IRCs. Ninety-four (43.1%) patients had no restorations. The mean age of patients with FPDs was significantly higher than that of patients with no restorations (P<0.01). There were no significant differences between treatment modality or gender (P>0.05). FPDs and IRCs in the anterior region were significantly more prevalent compared to the posterior region (P<0.01).Conclusions: The great majority of patients with a single missing tooth had a higher interest in FPDs than IRCs. Patients with no replacement were also prevalent.

Elemental release and surface changes of fluorapatite–leucite porcelain upon immersion in acidic agents - Corrected Proof

Boonlert Kukiattrakoon, Chanothai Hengtrakool, Ureporn Kedjarune-Leggat — 2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: The potential erosive effects of acidic foods, sour fruits, and drinks on enamel have been extensively investigated. However, their effects on fluorapatite–leucite porcelain restorations have not been widely examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ion leaching and surface roughness of porcelain immersed in acidic agents.Materials and methods: One-hundred and forty-five discs (12.0mm in diameter and 2.0mm thick) were made from fluorapatite–leucite porcelain (IPS d.SIGN). Baseline data of the elemental compositions of all storage agents and the surface roughness of specimens were recorded. Four groups of discs were then immersed in acidic agents (citrate buffer solution, pineapple juice, and green mango juice) and deionized water (the control) at 37°C for 168h. One group was immersed in 4% acetic acid at 80°C for 168h. After immersion, the ion leaching from solutions of all specimens for each acidic agent was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The surface roughness was evaluated under a profilometer. Surface characteristics of specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using one-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparisons (α=0.05).Results: Fluorapatite–leucite porcelain discs exhibited significant leaching of various ions to varying degrees and increased in roughness after being immersed in acidic agents (P<0.05). SEM photomicrographs also indicated destruction of the surface of the porcelain discs.Conclusion: Acidic agents used in this study affected the elemental dissolution of fluorapatite–leucite porcelain discs. This should be considered when restoring affected teeth with fluorapatite–leucite porcelain.

Greater therapeutic efficacy of prednisolone plus medicinal herbs than prednisolone or medicinal herbs alone in patients with oral lichen planus - Corrected Proof

2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: Various treatment regimens have been attempted to improve oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions; however, a complete cure has not been found. The most commonly employed and useful agents for treating OLP are topical corticosteroids. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of prednisolone plus traditional medicinal herbs could improve OLP symptoms, reduce recurrent severity, and prolong the time to flare-up, thus providing evidence for future prospective randomized clinical trials.Materials and methods: A retrospective study of 78 patients with OLP was conducted. The resources of 2 hospital departments (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Chinese Medicine) were combined to treat these patients. Thirty OLP patients (group A) were given a low dose (20mg/d) of prednisolone plus 3 medicinal herbs (gan-lu-yin, jia-wei-xiao-yao-san, and zhi-bai-di-huang-wan), 26 OLP patients (group B) were administered prednisolone alone, and 22 OLP patients (group C) were administered the medicinal herbs only. Differences among the patient groups were compared after a 4-week treatment course and after follow-up observations which occurred at 6 and 12 months.Results: The 24 patients (87.7%) in group A experienced no symptom recurrence of OLP within 6 months of follow-up, and neither did 10 patients (38.5%) in group B nor 8 patients (36.4%) in group C. Likewise, 17 patients (56.7%) in group A had no recurrence of OLP at 1 year, and neither did 7 patients (27.8%) in group B nor 6 patients (27.3%) in group C. The average time to flare-up for group A (within 1 year) was 30.9±7.4 weeks, while those for groups B and C were 19.5±5.7 and 20.8±5.0 weeks, respectively. The times to flare-up for groups A versus B and A versus C significantly differed. With the exception of 2 patients with mild oral candidiasis in group A (6.7%), no other obvious side-effects or complaints were reported. The recurrent OLP severity also significantly differed for groups A versus B and A versus C.Conclusion: Our results suggest that treatment consisting of prednisolone plus traditional medicinal herbs can improve OLP symptoms, relieve pain, reduce recurrent severity, and increase the disease-free period. The benefits of combined therapy for OLP should be investigated by conducting a prospective randomized clinical trial in the future.

Clinical efficacy of phase I therapy combined with a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on generalized chronic periodontitis - Corrected Proof

Jung-Te Lin, Chung-Hung Tsai, Li-Chiu Yang, Yu-Chao Chang — 2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: Periodontal disease is a plaque-induced infection; therefore successful periodontal therapy is dependent on anti-infective procedures. Currently, many clinicians use a combination of adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents in non-surgical periodontal therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of using triclosan/copolymer toothpaste on improving the periodontal health during phase I periodontal treatment.Material and methods: This study was performed at the Department of Periodontics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. Forty participants with generalized chronic periodontitis who provided informed consent were included in the study. At the baseline examination, the pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) were recorded before phase I therapy began. The subjects were assigned to 2 groups. The experimental group used a triclosan/copolymer-containing toothpaste, whereas the control group used only a standard fluoride toothpaste without antibacterial ingredients. All participants received full-mouth ultrasonic scaling and root planing with intensive oral hygiene instruction. After 6 weeks, the examinations were repeated and results recorded.Results: There were no statistical significant differences (P>0.05) in the baseline data collected between the experimental and control groups. After phase I therapy, the PD, CAL, BOP, and FMPS all improved in both the control and experimental groups (P<0.05). The use of triclosan/copolymer toothpaste was found to have significantly reduced the BOP and FMPS compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the group with PDs >6mm, the PD and CAL also showed significant improvements versus the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: An oral hygiene regimen including triclosan/copolymer-containing toothpaste can sustain the short-term effect of phase I therapy for patients with generalized chronic periodontitis.

Comparison of the oral health and self-rated general health status of undergraduate students in Taiwan and Japan - Corrected Proof

2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: Scores of the Oral Salutogenic Score (OSS) and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-20 (MOS SF-20) of university students in Taiwan and Japan were determined to compare the oral and general health status of students in these 2 countries.Materials and methods: The oral health of students enrolled in 1 national university and 1 private university from each country were examined by trained dentists. Student ages ranged 18–25 years with 674 (371 males and 303 females) from Taiwan and 1117 (506 males and 611 females) from Japan. For convenience, 1 national university and 1 private university from each country were chosen, and students not majoring in oral health were investigated using a self-administered questionnaire filled out by all students. The questionnaires consisted of the MOS SF-20 and OSS. The students’ oral-health conditions were examined by 10 dentists in Taiwan and Japan after undergoing training on private university students in each country.Results: As to questions concerning general health, 20% of Japanese university students answered “excellent” compared to only 5–10% of Taiwanese university students. Values of the decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index were 4.8 and 5.0 for male and female Japanese students, and 5.9 and 8.0 for Taiwanese ones. Values of the DMFT index of the first permanent molar were 2.1 and 2.3 for male and female Japanese students, which were lower than those of Taiwanese (2.3 and 2.9, respectively) (adjusted odds ratio: 13.1; 95% confidence interval: 3.9–44.3). The proportion of Taiwanese students with swollen gums was higher than that of Japanese students (adjusted odds ratio: 5.3; 95% confidence interval: 4.1–6.7). The proportion of Taiwanese students who had access to a family dentist was lower than for Japanese students (adjusted odds ratio: 5.3; 95% confidence interval: 4.1–6.7). Indices of health perception on the MOS for Taiwanese (51.8–58.2%) were lower than those of Japanese students (69.3–72.3%). The Japanese student’s physical functioning, social functioning, health perceptions, and pain scores were significantly better than those of Taiwanese students (P<0.001). The Taiwanese student’s mental health score was significantly higher than that of Japanese students (P<0.05).Conclusion: The status of oral and general health of Taiwan students was worse than that of their Japanese counterparts. This might have been due to differences in regularity of visiting family dental services, health perceptions, public oral-health policies, preventive strategies during early life stages, and health perceptions of students.

Knowledge and practices of caries prevention among Taiwanese dentists attending a national conference - Corrected Proof

2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate Taiwanese dentists’ knowledge and practice towards preventive dental care.Materials and methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted at the nationwide annual dental congress in 2008 in Taipei, Taiwan. Dentists’ knowledge about preventive dentistry was assessed based on their responses to 19 statements. Dentists’ attitudes towards preventive dentistry were assessed based on responses to the effectiveness of 16 preventive procedures. The dentists were also asked about their experience with the use of sealants and fluoride.Results: More than 80% could not distinguish between new and old theories of the mechanism of action of fluoride. The correct answer was “remineralization of incipient decay”, not “incorporation of fluoride into developing teeth”. Also 68% incorrectly answered that “lactobacilli play a more-significant role in the initiation of smooth surface carious lesions than do mutans streptococci”, an older theory. Over 80% perceived the effectiveness of “pit and fissure sealants”, “professional prophylaxis”, and “flossing” for preventing caries in children, and the last 2 procedures for adults. “Community water fluoridation” and sealants were selected as the most effective procedures for caries prevention in children, and “professional prophylaxis” and “flossing” for adults. Although sealants were perceived as being effective, 44% of dentists reported that they only applied sealants to ≤10% of their [children/pediatric?] patients. The reasons were that patients had difficulty understanding the value (67%) and were unwilling to pay (63%). Nearly 55% of dentists provided topical fluoride treatments to children more than 2 times per year. However, the frequency decreased to less than once per year for teenagers and adults. Most of the dentists finished a fluoride application in 1min for in-office treatments.Conclusions: A portion of Taiwanese dentists seemed to have limited up-to-date information about certain topics related to caries prevention. The frequency of treatments for caries prevention, such as topical fluoride and sealants, did not match the perceived effectiveness of these treatments by participants.

Transverse fracture of a tooth root as a consequence of long-term traumatic occlusion—A case report - Corrected Proof

2011-03-23

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present treatment results of transverse root fracture in an adult patient caused by long-term traumatic occlusion resulting from use of a wrongly fitted upper-frame denture. A 44-year-old male patient had a transverse displaced fracture at one-third of the crown–root boundary area of tooth 42. The tooth was treated endodontically after prior positioning of fragments in 1 plane. The canal was filled, and a “Splint It” splint was applied for the period of 1 year. The patient returned for check-ups after 2 and 2.5 years, at which time X-rays were taken. Our goal was achieved through preservation of the patient’s own completely recovered and fully functional tooth.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD): case report - Corrected Proof

2011-03-23

Abstract: Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) is a type of fibro-osseous lesion and represents a reactive process in which normal bone is replaced by poorly cellularized cementum-like materials and cellular fibrous connective tissues. It is strictly localized to the tooth-bearing or edentulous areas, often occurring bilaterally with symmetric involvements. In this case report, a mixed radiolucent and radiopaque lesion at the periapical area of the right mandibular second molar of a 46-year-old female patient was misdiagnosed as chronic apical periodontitis initially by clinical manifestation and radiographic finding on a periapical radiograph. The tooth #47 was a distal abutment tooth of a three-unit bridge from teeth #45–#47. No decay of teeth #45 and #47 was found when the bridge was removed. Electric pulp test revealed that the tooth #47 was a vital-pulp tooth. Panoramic radiography showed a similar mixed radiolucent and radiopaque lesion at the edentulous area of tooth #37. The symmetric distribution of the two lesions with no alveolar bone expansion and the positive vitality test of the involved tooth supported the diagnosis of FCOD for this case. No endodontic treatment or surgical biopsy was performed. The patient was instructed to undergo regular clinical and radiographic follow-up to monitor the change of the lesion. We suggest that when a radiolucent or mixed lesion occurs at the periapical area of a vital-pulp tooth, panoramic radiography may help differentiate an inflammatory periapical lesion from a lesion of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD).

Biomechanical evaluation of a fiber-reinforced composite prosthesis supported by implants with and without a microthread collar design - Corrected Proof

Gökçe Meriç, Erkan Erkmen, Ahmet Kurt, Atilim Eser, Gökhan Çelik — 2011-03-23

Abstract: Background/purpose: A fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) resin system was introduced as an alternative for implant-retained fixed dental prostheses (FDPs); however, the stress distribution in the bone around the implants which support the FRC-FDP has so far not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical behavior of FRC-FDPs supported by implants with different collar geometries.Materials and methods: A 3-dimensional finite element analysis method was selected to evaluate the stress distribution. FRC-FDPs were supported by 2 different dental implant systems with 2 distinct collar geometries: a microthread collar structure (MCS) and a non-MCS (NMCS). In separate load cases, 300-N vertical, 150-N oblique, and 60-N horizontal forces were simulated. Tensile and compressive stress values in the cortical and cancellous bone and von Mises stresses in the fixture-abutment complex, the framework, and veneer material were calculated.Results: The MCS model revealed higher compression stresses at the cortical bone than did the NMCS model under all 3 load conditions. Moreover, higher tensile stresses under the oblique loads at the cortical bone were shown with the MCS model. In each model, stresses were much higher in the implant–abutment complex than in the cortical bone, and they were very low in the cancellous bone.Conclusion: Although additional experimental and clinical studies are needed, FRC-FDPs can be considered a suitable and alternative treatment choice for an implant-supported prosthesis. The implant design and geometry affect the load-transmission mechanisms. Implants with an MCS that supports FRC-FDPs were shown to be superior in terms of the stress distribution in the bone around the implant compared to implants with an NMCS.