The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multifactorial caries risk assessment model by comparing the risk factor scores with caries increment. Secondary data analysis included a chart review of 434 dental patients in which basic caries risk scores, total risk score and caries increment were collected. ANOVA and logistic regression were conducted to assess the statistical significance of the difference between caries increments across categories of risk factors. Mean tooth caries increments of the risk groups were 0.20±0.8 (low), 1.13±1.59 (moderate), 2.09±2.63 (high), which were statistically significant (p<0.001). Past and present caries experience, carbohydrates, mucogingival bleeding index, and stimulated salivary flow showed statistically significant associations with caries increment (p<0.05) but the total risk score proved to be the most powerful predictor of future caries activity (p<0.001). The multifactorial etiology of caries necessitates the use of a risk assessment model that includes various factors that contribute to caries development.

This study was designed to determine if the following two variables influence the predictability of the presence of the interproximal papilla between single implant supported crown adjacent to a natural tooth: a) the vertical measurement from the crest of bone on the natural tooth to the contact point, and b) the horizontal measurement from the platform of the implant to the adjacent tooth root. Retrospective data from a multi-private practice based research network (PBRN) and from a graduate teaching institution were analyzed specific to the maxillary anterior aesthetic zones. 116 patients who had 139 dental implants restored for at least 6 months, with mesial and/or distal sites (N= 253) were included in the analysis. Assessments of the implant position based on osseous crestal topography were conducted using standardized radiographs which were digitized and interpreted with “Access” software. The gingival papilla morphology was assessed using the Jemt Papillary Index from calibrated digital clinical photographs. Contrary to previously published data, our results indicate that the presence of interproximal papillae is independent of the vertical and horizontal measurements investigated.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of insertion angle of orthodontic mini screws on the stability and resistance to movement of the mini screw, and on the peri-implant interface. Three orthodontic mini screws were placed in each tibia of six New Zealand white rabbits bilaterally (N=36), with randomized angulation (65° away, 65° toward, or 90° to the direction of applied force). After two weeks, two orthodontic mini screws within each tibia were loaded with a 200g Nitinol closed-coil spring for up to 14 days. No statistically significant differences were found among the variably angulated loaded and unloaded orthodontic mini screws in the amount of movement or change in angulation demonstrated over the experimental period. Micro CT analysis revealed no clinically significant differences in the amount of cortical bone-to-implant contact. Mini screw placement angulation seems to have minimal impact on stability and migration of orthodontic mini screws over time.

Dental anxiety is not typically associated with orthodontic treatment because of the lack of evoking stimuli (i.e., drills, needles). Its prevalence in orthodontic patients is unknown but reported anecdotally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors contributing to dental anxiety in future and current orthodontic patients. University dental clinics and private orthodontic office patients completed a questionnaire including the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), MDAS-Ortho (both scored 1-not anxious to 5-extremely anxious; sum score >15=dentally anxious), and list of concerns about orthodontic treatment. 675 patients participated (60.4% private practice; 64.3% female; 24.9% new patients; 85.5% aged 12-20 years). University clinic patients reported significantly higher MDAS and MDASO scores (p<0.05). 22.8% were dentally anxious and 18.7% anxious about orthodontic treatment, with concerns related to their relationship with the orthodontist, perceptions of orthodontic treatment and treatment factors. Results confirm dental anxiety in orthodontic patients and factors contributing to that anxiety.

There have been some reported negative effects on dental hard tissues associated with tooth bleaching. This in situ study evaluated the effect of 10% carbamide peroxide dental bleach on the dentin fracture toughness and microhardness. Compact tension fracture toughness dentin specimens, were prepared from extracted molars, irradiated and fitted into custom-made bleaching trays. The bleaching trays were loaded with either bleach (10% Carbamide Peroxide gel, Opalescence, Ultradent, n=34) or placebo gel (control group, n=31) and worn overnight for approximately 14 nights. Dentin specimens were tested 24-48 hrs after the end of treatment. The mean values for dentin fracture toughness were: 2.22 ± 0.71 & 2.26 ± 0.86 (MPa m ½) and for microhardness were: 66.80 ± 40.14 & 53.35± 42.52 (KHN) for bleaching and control respectively. Independent t-test showed no significant difference in dentin fracture toughness and microhardness after 14 days of in situ bleaching using 10% carbamide peroxide.

To determine whether polymorphisms in the GLUT2 and TAS1R2 genes are associated with dental caries, 80 Caucasian individuals were recruited. A clinical and radiographic examination determined 3 caries scores: DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth), DMFT+radiographs and ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System). Associations between genotype(s) and caries scores were analysed. A significant increase in DMFT scores was shown in GLUT2 polymorphism carriers (i.e. GLUT2 risk). Carriers of the TAS1R2 gene polymorphism (i.e. TAS1R2 resistant) consistently demonstrated lower caries scores. Caries scores were significantly decreased in the GLUT 2 Resistant/ TAS1R2 Resistant combined group as compared to the GLUT2 Risk/ TAS1R2 Risk combined groups. Variations in GLUT2 and TAS1R2 genes are associated with risk of dental caries. A possible compounded effect of having both genetic polymorphisms is suggested.

Background: While local anesthetics are essential drugs in dentistry, risks such as paresthesia are associated with their use. The purpose of this study was to analyze the reported paresthesia cases in the United Kingdom. Methods: Voluntary reports of paresthesia from local anesthetic use between 1998 and 2008 obtained from UK’s Yellow Card Scheme were examined. Statistical significance was tested using the Chi-Square analysis, comparing expected frequencies of paresthesia based on the UK dental anesthetic sales data, to the observed reports of paresthesia. Results: Of the 44 reported cases of paresthesia, 85% of the cases involved the mandible with the lingual nerve being the most often affected. The frequency of observed paresthesia associated with 4% articaine solution, was 5.9 times greater than expected (χ2, p<0.0001). Conclusions: These data suggest that paresthesia after the injection of local anesthetic in dentistry is rare, yet more likely to occur if a 4% solution is used.

This study assessed biofilm formation within sealer-dentin interfaces of root segments filled with gutta-percha and zinc oxide sealer incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles, without and with canal surface treatments. Bovine root segments were filled using Pulp Canal Sealer incorporating chitosan nanoparticles (CS), or after surface treatment with phosphorylated CS (PHCS), chitosan-conjugated Rose Bengal (CSRB) and a combination of both (RBPH). The control group used unmodified sealer. Specimens were aged 1- or 4-weeks. Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were grown on specimens for 7days and assessed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the 4-week aged specimens only, the mean biofilm areas were lower than the control for CS, PHCS and RBPH. Percentage of biofilm-covered interface was lower than the control for CS and PHCS. CS, PHCS and RBPH did not differ. Incorporating chitosan nanoparticles into sealer affected inhibition of biofilm formation within the sealer-dentin interface. This was maintained with PHCS, but moderated by CSRB.

This study was designed to determine if the following two variables influence the predictability of the presence of the interproximal papilla between single implant supported crown adjacent to a natural tooth: a) the vertical measurement from the crest of bone on the natural tooth to the contact point, and b) the horizontal measurement from the platform of the implant to the adjacent tooth root. Retrospective data from a multi-private practice based research network (PBRN) and from a graduate teaching institution were analyzed specific to the maxillary anterior aesthetic zones. 116 patients who had 139 dental implants restored for at least 6 months, with mesial and/or distal sites (N= 253) were included in the analysis. Assessments of the implant position based on osseous crestal topography were conducted using standardized radiographs which were digitized and interpreted with “Access” software. The gingival papilla morphology was assessed using the Jemt Papillary Index from calibrated digital clinical photographs. Contrary to previously published data, our results indicate that the presence of interproximal papillae is independent of the vertical and horizontal measurements investigated.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of insertion angle of orthodontic mini screws on the stability and resistance to movement of the mini screw, and on the peri-implant interface. Three orthodontic mini screws were placed in each tibia of six New Zealand white rabbits bilaterally (N=36), with randomized angulation (65° away, 65° toward, or 90° to the direction of applied force). After two weeks, two orthodontic mini screws within each tibia were loaded with a 200g Nitinol closed-coil spring for up to 14 days. No statistically significant differences were found among the variably angulated loaded and unloaded orthodontic mini screws in the amount of movement or change in angulation demonstrated over the experimental period. Micro CT analysis revealed no clinically significant differences in the amount of cortical bone-to-implant contact. Mini screw placement angulation seems to have minimal impact on stability and migration of orthodontic mini screws over time.