Evaluation of teeth development in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients in mixed dentition by using medical image control systems

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the crown and root development in patients with cleft lip and palate using medical software programmes.Materials and Methods: In our study, 25 patients with mixed dentition unilateral cleft lip and palate were examined with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The tomography images obtained as high resolution medical images on the computer control system (MIMICS 15.0, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium and SOLIDWORKS 2014 Premium, Concord, Massachusetts) were converted to three-dimensional volumetric images. These three-dimensional images of the cleft on the sides of the teeth in the crown and root growth were measured by mesiodistal length and crown/root rate with volume and area. These measurements were compared with a control group of healthy individuals.Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the volume, surface area and MD size, crown/root ratio of central incisor, canine, first premolar and second premolar teeth within defect, and healthy teeth. However, it was found that there was a significant difference between the volume, surface area and MD size, and crown/root ratio of the lateral teeth in each group.Conclusion: In particular, among patients with cleft lip and palate, on obtaining a solid model of the tooth structure by using these programs, tooth development can be examined in more detail, diagnosis can be made more reliable, as well as in treatment planning. We believe that these programs can be used to resolve certain limitations such as a lack of an application to be used in routine dental treatment and in particular the need to do more study.Keywords: CBCT, cleft lip and palate, medical software programme

Effect of different modes of erbium:Yttrium aluminum garnet laser on shear bond strength to dentin

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composites to dentin using total etch dentin bonding adhesives. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human molars were flattened to obtain dentin surfaces. The samples were divided into three groups (n = 20): Group I: 37% phosphoric acid + optibond FL + resin composite; Group II: Erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser (medium short pulse [MSP] mode, 120 mJ/10 Hz) + optibond FL + resin composite; Group III: Er:YAG laser (quantum square pulse [QSP] mode, 120 mJ/10 Hz) + optibond FL + resin composite. After the specimens were prepared, the SBS test was performed at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The fractured specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope to evaluate the fracture pattern. Statistical analyses were performed with one‑way ANOVA and Tukey’s honestly significant difference tests. One sample of treated dentin surface from each group was sputter‑coated with gold, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were captured.Results: Acid etching showed significantly higher SBS than the other groups (P < 0.05). However, the difference between Er:YAG MSP and QSP mode groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). SEM images of the acid‑etched dentin surface showed opened dentinal tubule with a regular surface, but Er:YAG MSP mode treated surface was irregular. The surface treated with Er:YAG QSP mode represented wide dentinal tubules with a clean and flat surface.Conclusion: Using different modes (MSP and QSP) of Er:YAG laser for dentin surface treatment before application of total etch adhesives is still not an sufficient alternative compared to acid etching.Keywords: Acid etching, dentin conditioning, erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser, quantum square pulse mod