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Aim of study was to compare the clinical visual and radiographic diagnostic technique with histological analysis of early proximal carious lesions. Materials and method. Study group included 96 proximal surfaces (48 teeth obtained from dental extractions for orthodontic or periodontal reasons). The proximal surfaces were examined by visual clinical examen and radiographic examen. A histological assessment was performed as gold standard. The sensivity and specificity values were calculated for clinical and radiographic examen. The values were analysed using McNemar test, with significance threshold p < 0.05. Results. Significant statistical differences were obtained when comparing both the sensitivity and specificity of the radiological detection method compared to the clinical method (p=0.0001

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main medical emergency conditions. The study included a sample of 152 new graduates and residents in the first, second, and third year of training in Prosthodontics and General Dentistry from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi, Romania. Their level of knowledge and the attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire with 24 questions, divided into four sections. The differences among groups were identified using the chi-square test (p < 0.05). A high level of knowledge was found among the three groups of subjects for the questions regarding the recognition of clinical signs in hypoglycemic crisis (88–100%), in anaphylactic shock (83.3–94.5%), and the treatment of angina pectoris (76.2–84.2%). In contrast, a low level of knowledge was found for the questions regarding pulse evaluation in the case of an emergency (26.3–35.7%), the parameters of normal breathing (28.9–43%), and the treatment of hypoglycemic crisis (27.8–44.8%). The study indicated that the dentists had a moderate understanding of dental office medical emergencies and preferred practical training over theoretical courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of Sjögren's syndrome on saliva and its correlation with dental caries. Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects saliva production and composition, increasing the risk of dental caries. The study found significant differences in dental and salivary health between patients with Sjögren's syndrome and a control group. It emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene and following dentist recommendations for caries prevention and treatment for individuals with Sjögren's syndrome. The document is a comprehensive list of references and citations related to Sjögren's syndrome and oral health, providing a thorough overview of current research on the topic. [Extracted from the article]

This article from the Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation discusses the clinical performance of resin composite restorations in posterior teeth. It reviews factors that influence the longevity of these restorations, such as patient-related factors, dental group, cavity size, and cervical margin extension. The article concludes that resin composites are the material of choice for minimal interventions in posterior teeth, and they demonstrate similar clinical performance to amalgam restorations in medium-sized cavities. The success of these restorations depends on various factors, including the restored tooth, materials and techniques used, patient risks, and clinical decisions. The text discusses the factors that contribute to the failure of posterior resin composite restorations in dental patients. Patient-related risk factors include high cariogenic risk, occlusal stress, periodontal status, smoking, dietary habits, and parafunctional habits. The type of resin composite used, adhesive systems, restorative technique, and isolation technique also play a role in the success of the restorations. The main reasons for failure are fractures within the restoration and secondary marginal caries. The text emphasizes the importance of using minimal interventions such as marginal sealing or refurbishment to extend the lifespan of the restorations. The overall success rate of posterior composite restorations is reported to be between 43.4% and 98.7%. It is suggested that resin composites may be inferior to amalgam in terms of cost-effectiveness. However, various research groups have reported satisfactory results with resin [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the quality of marginal sealing at the cervical margins of indirect and direct composite resin restorations in mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. Material and method: MOD preparations were performed on 30 extracted teeth. The mesial cervical margin of each tooth was relocated using a flow composite resin (Enamel Plus HRi Flow, Micerium, Avegno, GE, Italy), then the samples were divided into three groups. In group A, the cavities were directly restored using a nanohybrid composite resin (Miris 2 Coltène Whaledent, Altstaetten, Switzerland) and a universal adhesive (ScotchBond Universal, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) by the etch-and-rinse strategy, for group B, the restoration procedure was similar but the self-etch strategy was used, and the samples in group C were filled using the inlay technique. Each sample was stored for 48 h in a 2% methylene blue solution, then it was cut in a mesio-distal direction using a Struers Secotom 50 device (Cleveland, OH, USA). The marginal sealing and adhesive interface were assessed for each sample at the cervical margin by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Significant differences were recorded within groups A and C, between mesial and distal margins (p = 0.02 in group A and p = 0.043 in group C). Conclusions: The marginal sealing is more effective in MOD inlay restoration compared to direct restorations. Relocation of the cervical margin with flow composite resin and the use of different adhesive strategies do not improve the marginal sealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the effects of pretreating dentin with a 2% chlorhexidine solution and subjecting it to cariogenic attack on the marginal adaptation of glass ionomer cement (GIC) to dentin walls. The study found that pretreatment with chlorhexidine did not significantly affect the marginal adaptation of GIC to dentin, but cariogenic attack did have a negative impact on the interface between the material and dentin. The study emphasizes the need for further validation through in vitro and in vivo studies and provides insights for the use of GIC. [Extracted from the article]

Progress in understanding the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease has led to a reconsideration of the importance of the role of different risk factors in disease processes. Risk factors act in a very personal way. The same set of risk factors that cause increased susceptibility to periodontitis in a person may have no effect on another person. Changing or eliminating a risk factor (eg smoking cessation) can alter the risk of disease or increase treatment success, whether or not known pathogenic mechanism. Numerous consistent evidence suggests the possible contribution of diabetes, smoking, and stress to periodontal destruction. The exact assessment of the risk factors for any condition depends on the degree of scientific or technical reproducibility and the validity of the diagnostic test used. Recently, attention has been paid to the risk assessment of periodontitis, mainly because the earlier paradigm regarding the etiology and progression of the disease implies an ubiquitous condition – gingivitis, which would lead to periodontitis. Conclusions. The concept of risk is a complex notion in permanent dynamic (risk factors / risk predictors). Dentists should be encouraged to communicate with general practitioners about the health of their patients, and general practitioners should be alerted to the possible risks of severe / aggressive forms of periodontal disease.

Surface roughness is the major contributor for extrinsic discoloration of resin composite restorations. This property is closely related to the organic matrix, inorganic filler composition of the composite, and finishing and polishing procedures. Rough surface greater than 0.2 µm provides higher chances of biofilm accumulation, leading to staining and/or discoloration of the restoration’s body or margins. The purpose of the study was to compare the finishing and polishing technique of some composite resins with their sealing using a glaze material type, in terms of surface roughness. Materials and methods: 45 composite specimens were manufactured( ormocer- ADMIRA, nanohybrid – TETRIC EVOCERAM, nanocomposite – FILTEK ULTIMATE), and divided into 3 groups(n=15, control, polished and finished, and glaze material). Roughness(Ra) was messured before and after immersing in artificial saliva. For all composite resins the sourface roughness decreased after 90 days.

This article discusses a study conducted on 50 patients from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Romania to examine the effects of smoking on dental health. The patients were divided into five groups based on their smoking habits, ranging from non-smokers to heavy smokers. The study found that smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day or using electronic cigarettes significantly affected salivary flow rate, pH value, buffer capacity, and micro-crystallization index. Additionally, smokers of more than 20 cigarettes per day or electronic cigarette users had an increased number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth. The study emphasizes the negative impact of smoking on oral health and the development of dental caries. [Extracted from the article]

The study aimed to determine prevalence of incipient occlusal caries related to different cariogenic risk categories as well as the distribution of incipient occlusal caries accordingly to ICDAS classification and results of laserfluorescence examen. Material and methods. The study group included patients classified in low cariogenic risk (18 patients, 320 occlusal surfaces), medium cariogenic risk (65 patients, 320 occlusal surfaces) and high cariogenic risk (32 patients, 527 occlusal surfaces). 1960 occlusal surfaces were assessed using clinical examen (ICDAS system) and laserfluorescence method (DIAGNODENT, Kavo). Results. For the category of low cariogenic risk patients, most incipient occlusal caries are classified as code ICDAS 02 (11.56%) and 13.43% are recorded in the range of values 10-20 (enamel caries) accordingly to laserfluorescence examen. The patients with medium cariogenic risk present similar rates of incipient occlusal caries with codes ICDAS 02 (13,74%) and 03 (13,56%), as well as 20,20% occlusal surfaces recorded with values 10-20 in laserfluorescence method. The patients with high cariogenic risk present similar rates of incipient occlusal caries with codes ICDAS 02 (15,55%) and 03 (13,66%), as well as 18,78% occlusal surfaces recorded with values 10-20 (enamel caries) and 14,23% (dentinal caries) with values over 30, in laserfluorescence method. Conclusions. The rates of incipient occlusal caries, accordingly to ICDAS system and laserfluorescence examen, are also influenced by cariogenic risk category.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the combined effect of a 2% chlorhexidine aqueous solution and a universal adhesive system applied in self-etch and etch-and-rinse strategies on the composite resin–dentin interface. Materials and Methods: Class V cavities were prepared on the facial and lingual surfaces of forty caries-free molars extracted for orthodontic reasons. The samples were randomly divided into two groups corresponding to the used etching protocol: I—etch-and-rinse; II—self-etch. In each tooth, one cavity was assigned for the control subgroups -IA (n = 20) and IIA (n = 20)—adhesive only, and the opposite cavity was pretreated with a 2% chlorhexidine solution—Gluco CHeX Cerkamed—subgroups IB (n = 20) and IIB (n = 20). Both sets of groups were restored using a universal adhesive system (Single Bond Universal Adhesive, 3M-ESPE) and a bulk-fill composite resin (Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative, 3M-ESPE). The roots and the pulp tissue were then removed, and a needle connected to a perfusor with 100 mL saline solution was used for pulp pressure simulation with a hydrostatic pressure of 20 cm H2O. Cariogenic attack was simulated using a demineralizing solution for 3 days at a constant temperature of 25 °C. The teeth were then sectioned in a facial-lingual direction and the microleakages at the occlusal and cervical margins were registered and scored using an optical Carl-Zeiss AXIO Imager A1m microscope (Carl-Zeiss). The composite resin–dentin interface was analyzed using a SEM Vega Tescan LMH II. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Microleakage evaluation showed no significant differences among the study groups (p > 0.05). In subgroup IA, significant differences were recorded between occlusal and cervical margins (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Application of chlorhexidine on tooth substrate before using a universal bonding system in total etch or self-etch mode has no influence on the adhesive interface in the condition of cariogenic attack. The thickness of the adhesive resin layer seems to be less uniform when using chlorhexidine, but the morphological differences at the adhesive interface have no influence on the sealing capacity of the universal bonding system, regardless of the etching strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of study was to correlate dental-pulp reactions to dental caries with diverse localization, evolution and depth. Materials and method. The study was realized on a group of 87 patients with age ranging between 15-35 years. 222 posterior teeth with carious lesions were examined both on clinical and radiographs (ortopantomographs). Type of pulp-dentinal defensive reactions visible on radiographs were as follows: neodentinogenesis with advanced deposition of tertiary dentin, dentinal hypermineralisation, difuse pulp calcification. Parameters taken in study were as follows: sex, age group, dental group, radiographic indices (depth, location). Data were recorded in tables and expressed in Microsoft Excel graphs. Results and discussions. Clinical and radiographic data showed correlation between deep chronic caries localized on occlusal surfaces of mandibular molars and dentinal hypermineralisation reactions; deep chronic caries localized on maxillary molars were associated with massive retraction of pulp room through neodentinogenesis. Lack of pulp-dentinal complex reactions was observed especially for patients with age 15-25 and dental caries with acute evolution. Conclusions. Age, localization and evolution of dental caries can be correlated with presence of specific forms of pulp-dentinal reactions.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of gastric acid associated with the effect of toothbrushing on the surface roughness of different types of composite resin used for direct restorations. Materials and Methods: The materials used in this study were two microhybrid (Filtek Z250, Herculite XRV) and two nanohybrid (Filtek Z550, Herculite XRV Ultra) composite resins. Two hundred and forty cylindrical samples with a height of 2 mm and a diameter of 6 mm were divided into four groups (groups A, B, C and D) corresponding to each tested material (n = 60). Each group was divided in two subgroups: subgroup I—the samples were submersed in hydrochloric acid and immediately submitted to toothbrushing; subgroup II—the samples were submitted only to toothbrushing. The simulation of the acid attack was performed by immersing the samples in a 0.01 M hydrochloric acid solution for 90 min. This procedure was followed immediately by toothbrushing simulation with 10,000 cycles. The acid attack and toothbrushing simulation were performed for two times. The surface roughness evaluation was performed with a Proscan 2100 profilometer. Repeated Measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to perform the statistical analysis. Results: Simulation of one year of toothbrushing associated or not to hydrochloric acid exposure increases the surface roughness of microhybrid and nanohybrid composite resins. Six months of toothbrushing associated to six months of hydrochloric acid exposure increase the surface roughness of nanohybrid composite resins. Conclusions: Microhybrid composite resins surface becomes rougher after toothbrush and acid submersion when comparing to nanohybrid composite resins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inflammatory response of the host in periodontitis is the phenomenon that underlies the onset and evolution of periodontal destructive phenomena. A number of systemic factors, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), can negatively affect the patient with periodontitis, just as the periodontal disease can aggravate the status of the DM patient. Host response modulation therapy involves the use of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant products aimed at resolving inflammation, stopping destructive processes, and promoting periodontal healing, all important aspects in patients with high tissue loss rates, such as diabetic patients. This paper reviews the data available in the literature on the relationship between DM and periodontitis, the main substances modulating the inflammatory response (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sub-antimicrobial doses of doxycycline, or omega-3 fatty acids and their products, specialized pro-resolving mediators), as well as their application in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic situation forced governments to impose various measures to reduce the spread of the virus. The most used method is to wear facial masks, which can be found under several commercial forms. Wearing facial masks has caused a lot of controversy and rumors. Among them, many patients and practitioners have complained of a dry mouth after wearing different types of facial masks for a variable period of time. The aim of this study was to analyze the quantitative (un-/stimulated salivary flow rate) and qualitative (pH and buffer capacity) changes in saliva in mask wearers. Methodology Forty subjects were selected for this study. All of them wore alternatively no mask, a surgical mask for 2 hours, and FFP2 mask for 2 hours (groups 1, 2, and 3). Saliva samples were collected from all the subjects in the groups and analyzed to determine the values of un-/stimulated salivary flow rate, the pH, and buffer capacity using GC Saliva-Check Buffer (GC Corporation, Japan). Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results For unstimulated saliva samples, between groups 1 and 3, statistically significant differences were recorded, with a significance level of 0,02

This in vitro study evaluated the effects of dentifrices containing nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) on dentinal tubule occlusion and on mineral deposition. Dentin specimens of ten human teeth were submersed for 30 s in 40% citric acid and then randomly divided into four groups (three study groups and one control group). In the study groups, the dentin samples were exposed to three different n-HAp toothpastes: Karex (Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany), Biorepair Plus Sensitive (Coswell SpA, Bologna, Italy), and Dr. Wolff's Biorepair (Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany); in the control group no toothpaste was applied. All of the samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. In the control group all of the samples showed a frank and wide opening of the dentinal tubules, whereas in the study groups different degrees of tubule closure by mineral depositions were observed. Toothpastes containing n-HAp determined a significant occlusion of dentinal tubules and a significant increase of mineral deposition on the dentin surface. All three tested toothpastes showed similar results regarding the degree of dentinal tubule closure. Varying degrees of differences in calcium, phosphate, carbon, and oxygen ion concentrations among the three tested toothpastes were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, by atomic force microscopy (ATM), the surface condition and roughness parameters of low viscosity composite resins after exposure to Coca-Cola acidic drink under different immersion regimes. Materials and methods. The materials used in the present study were Filtek Ultimate Flowable Restorative(3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and BrilliantFlow (COLTENE Whaledent, Switzerland). 20 cylindrical 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick samples were made from each material using plastic conformers placed on glass plates. The samples were light-cured for 40 s on both sides through the glass plates, to ensure complete polymerization of the material, then divided into two groups, as follows: Group I. Filtek Ultimate Flowable Restorative, and Group II. Brilliant Flow. Specimens from each group were then randomly divided into 5 subgroups: subgroup A, consisting of 4 control samples kept only in artificial saliva, and subsets B-E, consisting of 4 samples, one for each of the 4 immersion protocols in Coca Cola drink. The surface state of all samples was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and the roughness parameters were calculated. Results and discussion. The samples subjected to immersion in Coca-Cola were strongly corroded, compared to the control ones. The highest surface roughness value was determined for samples submerged 3 times/day in Coca Cola. Meantime, a higher Ra value was determined for the Filtek Ultimate Flowable composite than for Brilliant Flow. Conclusions. Evaluation of the surface condition of samples after immersion revealed in both materials a pattern of pitting corrosion, namely micro-holes and a preferential corrosion direction more obvious on the samples subjected to three immersions per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent development of bonding systems used in restorative dentistry has led to the introduction of new adhesive systems, characterized by adequate bonding strength, optimum adhesion to wet dentin and simplified application technique. The most effective products are characterized by removal or dissolution of the smear layer, demineralization of both dentin and enamel and resin infiltration into enamel micropores, dentin collagen matrix and opened dentine tubules. Self-etch adhesive systems have been developed in an attempt to combine increased adhesion and simplified technique. Although etching with phosphoric acid has been an accepted practice for several decades, being amply supported by numerous experimental and clinical studies, the new generations of adhesives aim at a major leap in concepts and technologies. The diversity of products available on the market and the variety of therapeutic protocols create confusion, making difficult to properly select and apply the appropriate adhesive system for each clinical case. In the absence of knowledge about the specific mechanisms of adhesion, practitioner's choice is random and the application is polluted by misconceptions. Preliminary etching may be required for a successful bonding of an adhesive system, yet it can jeopardize the outcome when using another product. Optimizing bonding in restorative dentistry still depends on understanding the mechanisms of adhesion and on applying rigorous techniques. Most important, the bonding system should not be randomly used but wisely chosen in order to adapt to the tissue particularities, specific stress, type of cavity and restorative technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the surface condition, after finishing and polishing with 3 different systems, of a flowable composite material, starting from the microstructure experimentally analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Materials and method. The material tested in the present study was Filtek Ultimate Flowable Restorative (3M ESPE) composite. 20 cylindrical samples, 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, were prepared by using metallic molds. The samples were randomly divided into 4 groups: a group containing 5 control samples, not subjected to finishing and 3 groups formed, each, of 5 samples for each of the three finishing and polishing systems, respectively system 1: the two-step Sof-Lex (3M ESPE), system 2: multi-step Super Snap (Shofu, Inc. Kyoto, Japan) and system 3: multi-step OptiDisc (KerrHawe SA, Switzerland). The surfaces of the samples were analyzed by atomic force microscopy. For quantitative evaluations, the rugosity parameter (Ra), and the mean deviation of the determined profile were calculated. Results. All 3 polishing systems determined an increase of the Ra parameter, comparatively with the control samples; the highest mean Ra value, of 1.19 µm, was recorded for system 3, followed by system 2 (mean Ra value = 1.12 µm), while the lowest mean value, of 1.10 µm, was registered for system 1. Conclusions. All three systems under investigation induced increased rugosity on the surfaces of the samples prepared from the Filtek Ultimate Flowable Restorative (3M ESPE) composite resin. The most abrasive system appears to be OptiDisc (KerrHawe SA, Switzerland), followed by the Super Snap (Shofu, Inc. Kyoto, Japan) system, the one recording the lowest abrasion being Sof-Lex (3M ESPE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of salivary micro-crystallization saliva index (IMK) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux desease, after utilisation of a remineralization product. Materials and method. Twelve patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux were included in the study. Unstimulated saliva was collected in the same day and at the same hour for each patient. A total amount of 0.5 ml of unstimulated saliva was placed on a glass plate, dried for 30 min in a thermostate at +37oC, then analyzed on a Nikon Eclipse E 600 device. The images were saved and stored in a computer. The IMK index was determined using formula: IMK= none of the eye network points projected on crystals/none of the eye network points projected on the entire saliva drop. All patients were subjected to dental hard tissues remineralization using Recaldent MI Paste (GC Corporation) for 3 weeks, after which the IMK index was determined for each patient. Results. The appearance of crystals formed by saliva precipitation on the plates corresponds to one of these aspects: dendrite-shaped crystals, camomile flower, multiple points, micronetwork, cube or egg-shaped forms. The mean values of the IMK index varied from 0.4 before treatment to 0.9 after remineralization with Recaldent MI Paste. Conclusions. Recaldent MI Paste increased the remineralization capacity of saliva when applied to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the surface morphology of enamel and the variation of the mineral ions concentration after the manifestation of the erosive effect determined by various commercial beverages for athletes. 14 premolars extracted from orthodontic reasons have been cut in two halves. On each section, an enamel surface of 3×3 mm was preserved for investigations. The samples have been divided into 4 groups. In the control group, the 7 sections were kept in artificial saliva while, in the other 3 groups, the sections were introduced in 3 beverages for athletes: Gatorade Citron (Pepsi Cola Co.), 5-hour Energy (Living Essentials), Powerade Cherry (Coca Cola Co.). The samples were analyzed on an electronic microscope with Vega II LSH scanning device, coupled with EDX Quantax QX2 detector. SEM analysis evidenced erosion zones at the level of enamel, which appears pinched in the samples subjected to the action of acid beverages. A decreasing tendency of the average values of calcium ion concentrations was observed in the batches in which the enamel samples had been subjected to the action of beverages for athletes. The highest relative variations of calcium and phosphorous ions (10%, respectively 8%) were recorded for Gatorade, followed, in decreasing order, by Powerade, for which variations of 9%, respectively 6%, were noticed, and by the 5-hour Energy beverage, in which the relative losses were of 5%, respectively 3%. All beverages for athletes tested in the present study showed erosion potential upon the dental enamel. Gatorade appeared as the most aggressive beverage for athletes followed by Powerade and 5-hour Energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To determine the performance of the laserfluorescence method in the detection of early occlusal dental caries extended below the enamel-dentine junction related to different cut-off values. Materials and method. The in vivo study was performed on a sample group of 65 patients with 78 occlusal surfaces (molars) with enamel or dentine occlusal non-cavitated or microcavitary occlusal dental caries. The selected occlusal surfaces were examined by the ICDAS system (clinical exam) and the laser-fluorescence method (Diagnodent, KAVO), by a single examiner, with a 2 year-experience in the use of the ICDAS system and Diagnodent. The demineralisation depth was recorded after a minimal invasive intervention with a 330 bur. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the cut-off values 20, 25, 30, 35 were determined according to the demineralization depth of enamel/dentine recorded after the minimal operative intervention. Results. The laser-fluorescence method, used to detect early occlusal dental caries extended below the enameldentine junction, gave the following sensitivity values: 0.93 for cut-off 20, 0.86 for cut-off 25, 0.69 for cut-off 30, 0.54 for cut-off 35, while the specificity values were: 0.80 for cut-off 25 and 1.00 for cut off 30 and 35. The accuracy of the diagnosis was 0.75 for cut-off 20, 0.83 for cut-off 25, 0.73 for cut-off 30, 0.60 for cut-off 35. Conclusions. The highest accuracy (0.83) of the laserfluorescence method was recorded for an optimal cut-off of 25. Significant statistical differences were found between the 25, on one side, and the 25 and 35 cut-off values, on the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present investigation was to compare the precision of canal working length (Ll) measurements by electronic and radiological methods. Materials and method. The study was developed on a group of 122 anterior teeth of 118 patients, with ages between 23 and 58 years. The teeth were divided into 3 groups. The first one included 45 teeth, for which the working length was calculated with an electronic device (Apex Locator model iPex, NSK, Japan). In the second group of teeth (39 in all), the working length was calculated by the radiographic method of Ingle and, in the third one (38) - by the method of Bregman. When the technique of canal modeling was applied to all groups of teeth, a primary gutta percha cone (master) was positioned on the canal at the exact working length calculated for each tooth in part, after which an intra-oral radiography was made and the distance between the apical end of the master cone and the apical constriction was measured. Results. In group I, 91.1% of the Ll measurements were exact, and 8.9% of them were shorter, yet remaining within the limit of 2 mm versus the apical constriction. In group II, 71.7% of Ll were correctly measured, in 5.1% of the cases the calculated length was higher and in 23.2% of them the obtained values led to sub-obturation. Out of the inexact measurements, 44.4% evidenced the tip of the master cone within the limit of 2 mm versus the apical stricture. In group III, 60.5% of the measurements gave exact results, 13.1% of them - higher and 26.4%, respectively - lower. 53.8% of the cases of over- or sub-instrumentations occurred within the limit of 2 mm versus the apical constriction. Conclusions. The method for the calculation of working length with an electronic device of apical localization appeared as the most correct one, being followed by the radiographic technique of Ingle and by the method of Bregman. Application of the electronic method showed no case of apical over-instrumentation, while the sub-instrumentation cases were within the limit of the apical 2 mm, considered as accepted limits. The highest number of both over-instrumentation and sub-instrumentations was registered with the Bregman method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Aim of study is to compare the effect of etching with ortho-phosphoric acid on sound dentine, affected dentine and sclerotic dentine through AFM analysis., Material and Methods: The group study included 30 extracted third molars, 20 with acute and chronic carious lesions and 10 intact teeth. Teeth were sectioned in long axe to prepare sections with carious lesions surrounded by sound dentine. The sound teeth were sectioned to a depth of dentine comparable with carious lesions depth. The sections were etched with 37% ortho-phosphoric acid. The surface roughness was determined initially and after etching using AFM analysis. The results were expressed as relative variation of squared roughness., Results: The values of relative roughness indices were between 2.78 and 3 for sclerotic dentine, 3.18 and 3.26 for sound dentine, 3.32 and 3.38 for affected dentine. The highest values of roughness index were recorded for the affected dentine samples. Significant statistically values were recorded when comparing relative roughness indices for sclerotic dentine with relative roughness indices for affected dentine and sound dentine., Conclusions: clerotic dentine has significant higher resistance to the action of ortho-phosphoric acid than affected dentine and sound dentine. The lowest resistance to the action of etching agent was recorded for the affected dentine.