Radiodensitometric Study Regarding Conservative Endodontic Therapy in Periapical Lesions

Introduction. Our study aimed to assess periapical healing processes using a quantitative method based on radiodensitometry. Material and methods. The evolution of periapical lesions in a study group of 10 patients taken in conservative endodontical therapy was monitorised through radiographs taken at baseline, after 12 months and after 24 months. The radiographs were scanned at 300 dpi resolution with an automated level of bright and contrast. Modification of bone density and periapical lesion size were assessed using radiodensitometry. Results and discussions. Radiodensitometry indicated objectively the increase of bone density and decrease of periapical radiotransparencies size that were correlated with time interval and preoperator diagnostic. Conclusions. Radiodensitometry can be useful for an objective cuantification of endododontic therapy success in chronic periapical periodontitis

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON VITALITY PRESERVATION OF YOUNG PERMANENT TEETH USING BIOACTIVE MATERIALS

Introduction Traumatic injuries and decays are the biggest challenges to the integrity of a young permanent tooth .The aim of this study was to compare the biostimulating and repairing action of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and of the mineral aggregate with ceramic nanoparticles (BioAgreggate) with calcium hydroxide action, in terms of clinical-radiological parameters, after vital pulp therapy in young permanent teeth affected by dental caries or traumatic injury. Material and methods The study was conducted on a sample of 36 teeth from 31 patients of both sexes, aged between 7 and 15 years (mean 9.3 ± 1.9 years), divided into three groups, and took place for a period of up to 4 years. Results The results concerning the effectiveness of the three materials used were evaluated in terms of clinical and radiological manifestations. These were significantly correlated (Ȥ2 = 35.3, r = 0.705, p = 0.003, 95% CI), the study demonstrating an important differences between the three groups of teeth. Final evaluation showed a significant association (Ȥ2 = 18.69, r = 0.725, p = 0.001, 95% CI) between the material used and the final results. Conclusions Following clinical aseptic procedures, after removing bacterial contamination, applying a bio-stimulative dressing and an hermetic crown sealing, there are high chances (about 95%) that the pulp of a young permanent tooth, even seeming irreversibly inflamed, to return to the original status and continue to exercise its functions with longterm preservation of vitality

PARTICULARITIES OF THE DENTAL TREATMENT STRATEGY IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

With the increase in life expectancy, the number of elderly patients requiring dental treatment has increased. The aim of this study is to show the peculiarities of choosing the optimal treatment strategy for these patients. Material and Methods: We studied a group of 44 elderly patients, of whom 10 were healthy. We performed anamnesis and detailed and oral examinations. Conclusions: The findings of our research highlight the particularities of diagnosis and treatment of this category of patients and the need for a multidisciplinary team in their management

INCIDENCE OF DENTO-PERIODONTAL PATHOLOGY IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

In the context of increasing life expectancy and hence the aging demographic, dentists are increasingly put in the situation of diagnosis and treatment of geriatric patients. Aim of the study is to determine the frequency and type of dento-periodontal lesions in geriatric patients. Material and methods: consist of the clinical examination of a group of 50 patients aged between 55 and 85 years. The results of the research show that a large number of elderly patients exhibit dento-periodontal disease and their diagnosis and treatment is a challenge of the contemporary era. Conclusions: Changes in dental structures are factors that increase the frequency and intensity of carious processes in these patients. Caries lesions are less painful, but they evolve much faste

STUDY ON THE Ph INFLUENCE ON SURFACE MICROHARDNESS OF SOME REPAIR MATERIALS USED IN ENDODONTICS

Introduction The irrigating solutions used in endodontic therapy have different pH values and different chemical properties that have sometimes been found to adversely affect the physical and chemical characteristics of reparing materials. These materials are used mainly in areas of inflamed tissue, with a lower pH. Aim of the study To evaluate the changes in the hardness of two dental materials depending on pH variations and to determine which of the additives they are combined with gives them greater stability to pH variations. Material and methods The changes in surface microhardness (Vickers microhardness) of two repair materials: Grey MTA (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, USA) and BioAggregate (Innovative BioCeramix Inc., Vancouver, Canada), mixed with four different vehicles (distilled water, physiological saline, lidocaine and calcium chloride) and subsequently subjected to different environmental pH values. Vickers microhardness of each specimen was measured by means of Emcotest M1C 010 model. Results The analysis of the average surface hardness of the two repair materials showed a significant increase in hardness at high pH (pH = 7) and higher values for BioAggregate as compared with MTA. Conclusions Ph variations of the environment in which biomaterials are setting reduce their microhardness and surface resistance, and this was more significant when the two materials were combined with lidocaine and distilled water

STUDY REGARDING CORRELATIONS BETWEEN CARIOUS DISEASE INDICES AND CERVICAL-FACIAL RADIOTHERAPY

The aim of this study was to determine if cervical-facial radiotherapy can influence the carious disease indices in relation to duration, total dose and session’s number. Materials and method The study group included 18 patients following cervical-facial radiotherapy for oro-maxillo-facial cancers (6 females, 12 males, age 45-70). The radiotherapy was performed with a dose 200cGy per session, 50Gy total dose, 30 number sessions, sessions duration 7 minutes. The clinical examen and paraclinical tests were performed on all patients included in study. DMFS, RFR, RFS, pH were determined. The results show a positive correlation between DMFS, RFS, radiation dose and number of radiotherapy sessions. Negative correlation was observed between RFR, salivary pH and the radiotherapy sessions duration. Conclusions The patients following cervical-facial radiotherapy present xerostomia and constitute a high cariogenic risk group

Immunological Study Regarding the Role of Ca(OH)2 Paste on the MMP8 Expression for Teeth with Chronic Periapical Lesions

Introduction MMP8 are secreted as inactive proproteins, stored in secondary granules within neutrophils and are activated by autolytic cleavage. The function of MMP8 is degradation of type I, II and III collagens. In this context, the concentration of MMP8 can be related to the intensity of inflammatory processes associated with chronic periapical lesions. Objectives The aim of our study was to measure changing of MMP8 within the periapical secretion of teeth affected by periapical lesions and treated with antibacterial medication, using immunological tests. Methods Study group included 22 patients with age 22-64 years. A number of 30 teeth with periapical lesions (periapical granuloma and diffuse periapical osteitis) were submitted to endodontic treatment and filled with Ca(OH)2 paste. The periapical secretion was collected with paper points at baseline, after 14 days and after 28 days. The concentration of MMP8 was assessed using ELISA test Quantikinine (Human MMP-8 Immunoassay, R&D System, USA) based on quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Results and discussions At baseline the mean concentration of MMP8 was 31.3 ng/mL. The concentrations of MMP8 were closely related to the type of periapical lesion: 12.5 ng/mL for incipient periapical lesions, 18.1 ng/mL for small periapical granuloma and 91.6 ng/mL for extended periapical granuloma. The levels of MMP8 decreased gradually after 2 weeks and 4 weeks comparing with baseline. Conclusion Metaloproteinases (MMP8) could be used as biochemical markers of the periapical status of inflammatory processes in course of initial stage of endodontic therapy