Idiopathic radiographic apical root resorption in wind instrument players

Root resorption of the permanent teeth involves an elaborate interaction among inflammatory cells resulting in loss of dental hard tissues. This report describes three clinical cases where idiopathic root resorption occurred in wind instrument playing patients. These patients produce adequate non-orthodontic forces, while playing their instruments, to expose their teeth to root resorbing force. Careful clinical monitoring of patients' teeth should be undertaken, as the additive effects of orthodontic treatment and musical habits are unknown

Standardless PIXE analysis of thick biomineral structures

The particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) of thick biomineral targets provides pertinent surface analysis, but if good reference materials are missing then complementary approaches are required to handle the matrix effects. This is illustrated by our results from qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of biomaterials and calcified tissues in which PIXE usually detected up to 20 elements with Z > 14 per sample, many at trace levels. Relative concentrations allow the classification of dental composites according to the mean Z and by multivariate statistics. In femur bones from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, trace element changes showed high individual variability but correlated to each other, and multivariate statistics improved discrimination of abnormal pathology. Changes on the in vitro demineralization of dental enamel suggested that a dissolution of Ca compounds in the outermost layer results in the uncovering of deeper layers containing higher trace element levels. Thus, in spite of significant limitations, standardless PIXE analysis of thick biomineral samples together with proper additional procedures can provide relevant information in biomedical research

Potential of the Bucharest 3 MV Tandetron™ for IBA studies of deer antler mineralization

Combined PIXE and PIGE analysis was applied at the new Bucharest Tandetron to investigate biomineralization in two calcified tissues, deer antlers and femur bone. By annual loss and fast re-growth, antlers are a valuable model for bone as a dynamical system. Samples characterized by optical microscopy and histology were analyzed for P, Ca, F, Na, Mg, S, Cl, K, Zn, Sr by 3 MeV proton simultaneous PIXE and PIGE, using a hydroxyapatite standard and other reference materials. Good correlation between methods was found for P, and the concentrations were related to biological data. Antlers showed lower mineralization than femur, with the lowest values in the third antler beam. A power function of mineralization vs. >mineral age> of antlers was found. Thus combined PIXE and PIGE of antlers may bring highly relevant insights in biomineralization research.Peer Reviewe

Potential of the Bucharest 3 MV TandetronTM for IBA studies of deer antler mineralization

Combined PIXE and PIGE analysis was applied at the new Bucharest Tandetron to investigate biominer alization in two calcified tissues, deer antlers and femur bone. By annual loss and fast re-growth, antlers are a valuable model for bone as a dynamical system. Samples characterized by optical microscopy and histology were analyzed for P, Ca, F, Na, Mg, S, Cl, K, Zn, Sr by 3 MeV proton simultaneous PIXE and PIGE, using a hydroxyapatite standard and other reference materials. Good correlation between methods was found for P, and the concentrations were related to biological data. Antlers showed lower mineralization than femur, with the lowest values in the third antler beam. A power function of mineralization vs. ‘‘mineral age” of antlers was found. Thus combined PIXE and PIGE of antlers may bring highly relevant insights in biomineralization researc

A pilot randomised controlled trial evaluating mini and conventional implant retained dentures on the function and quality of life of patients with an edentulous mandible.

BACKGROUND: Total tooth loss (edentulism) can be a debilitating condition, impacting on ability to chew, speak and interact with others. The most common treatment is with complete removable dentures, which may be successful, but in the lower jaw, bone resorption that worsens over time makes denture-wearing difficult. Two dental implants in the mandible to retain the lower denture has been advocated as the gold standard of treatment, but has not been universally provided due largely to financial constraints and also patient fear. Mini implants (MI) are cheaper and less invasive than conventional implants (CI), but may not have equivalent longevity. Therefore, it is unknown whether they represent a cost-effective treatment modality over time. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial was to assess the feasibility of carrying out a trial on this cohort of patients, and to inform the study design of a large multicentre trial. METHODS: Forty-six patients were randomly allocated to receive either two mini implants or two conventional implants in the mandible to retain their lower dentures. Quality of life (QoL) questionnaires, pain and anxiety scores, and an objective “gummy jelly” chewing test were carried out at multiple timepoints, along with detailed health economics information. Implants were placed one-stage, and an early loading protocol was utilised. Patients were reviewed 8 weeks post-placement, and finally at 6 months. Implant failure, recruitment and retention rates were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: The pilot study demonstrated that it is possible to recruit, randomise and retain edentulous (mainly elderly) patients for an implant trial. We recruited to target and retention rates were acceptable. The large number of questionnaires was onerous for participants to complete, but the distribution of scores and feedback from participants helped inform the choice of primary and secondary outcomes in a full trial. The chewing test was time-consuming and inconsistent. Implant failure rate was low (1/46). The data on indirect costs gathered at every visit was viewed as repetitive and unnecessary, as there was little or no change between visits. CONCLUSIONS: The pilot study has shown that acceptable recruitment and retention rates are achievable in this population of patients for this intervention. The results provide valuable information for selection of outcome variables and sample size calculations for future trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (ISRCTN): 87342238 Trial registration date: 05/07/2013. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12903-017-0333-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users