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This study aimed to characterize the morphology of the first permanent molars affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) using a light microscope (LM) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). A total of 8 teeth were divided into two groups: experimental group − 4 first permanent molars being clinically diagnosed as MIH, and control group − 4 sound and healthy first permanent molars. The free surfaces of each tooth were split in half across in a buccolingual direction and then were examined using SEM and LM. Under LM observation the hypomineralized enamel appeared opaquer and demonstrated areas of porosity. The SEM observation of enamel with MIH revealed superficial defects which embedded numerous colonies of microorganisms as well as disorganized prisms and loosely packed crystallites. Our results support the idea that there is a significant distinction between the structure of MIH-affected and sound unaffected enamel. The clinical appearance of MIH-affected enamel correlated with the severity of enamel changes.

Background: The erosive-atrophic form of oral lichen planus (OLP) is associated with severe pain and burning sensation and is often unresponsive to treatment. Topical corticosteroids are considered as a medication of first choice but they can produce adverse effects. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are required. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of biomodulation with diode laser in patients presenting with long-standing erosive-atrophic OLP. Materials and methods: Twelve patients, clinically and histologically diagnosed with OLP, participated in this study. The level of pain and the clinical scores of total 59 lesions were recorded before treatment using visual analog scale and Thongprasom sign scoring system respectively. All patients received low level laser therapy (LLLT) with diode laser (810 nm) with parameters (0.5 W, 30 s, 1.2 J/cm2) three times weekly for a month. The response rate was assessed according to the decrease in pain and sign scores. Treatment efficacy index was calculated. Results: There was a significant reduction in pain after LLLT (p Conclusion: The present results indicate that LLLT is an effective and harmless modality for management of erosive-atrophic OLP.

The histological features of teeth with hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) have been poorly studied, which calls into question the effectiveness of modern adhesive techniques used in the treatment of these noncarious defects. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological features of the enamel and dentin of teeth with AI using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compare these features with those of healthy teeth. Materials and methods: We examined four primary teeth extracted on indication from a 10-year-old girl with hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta. The same number of primary teeth extracted from healthy subjects was used as controls. The morphological characteristics of the enamel and dentin are described after investigating the teeth and photographing the specimens with scanning electron microscope. Results: The SEM photos of the enamel of AI teeth show presence of external defects, incorrectly oriented enamel prisms and enlarged interprism spaces. Thickening of the peritubular dentin and partially obliterated dentinal tubules characterize the dentin of these teeth. Conclusion: The enamel and dentin of teeth affected by hypocalcified AI diff er considerably from normal hard dental structures in their morphological characteristics.

Introduction: Vital pulp therapy involves biologically based therapeutic activities aimed at restoring health and preserving the vitality of cariously or traumatically damaged pulp. Adaptation of pulp-capping materials to the prepared tooth surface may be the key to the success of biological tooth treatment. Aim: To investigate the area of adaptation of synthetic tricalcium silicate cement, calcium hydroxide cement and mineral trioxide-aggregate to the dentin surface, prepared with the help of Er:YAG dental laser. Material and methods: Four extracted human tooth cavities were prepared with the help of Er:YAG dental laser (LiteTouch, Syneron, Israel), establishing microcommunication with the pulp chamber less than 1 mm in diameter. As pulp-capping materials in the cavities we used tricalcium silicate cement (Biodentine, Septodont, France), calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal) and mineral-trioxide aggregate (ProRoot MTA), stirred and administered according to manufacturers’ instructions. The first material fills the whole cavity and the other two are spread in a thin layer and sealed with glass ionomer cement. Thus prepared, the samples were left for three days at 37°C in humidified environment. The samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) by standard methodology. The border area surfaces of the materials and the dentin were scanned using electron microscopy. Results: The morphological changes occurring to the Er:YAG laser prepared dentin and the structural characteristics of the studied pulp-capping materials are demonstrated using scanograms. The border areas where good contact of materials and dentinal tubules is established are thoroughly studied. Good adaptation is seen in three-calcium silicate cement, followed by mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide cement. Conclusion: The dentin surface, prepared with Er:YAG laser demonstrates a very good adaptation of the three tested pulp-capping materials.

Tooth anatomic factors like ectopic enamel pearls are often associated with localized periodontal inflammation and bone loss. There are no existing paleopathological data for such structural anomalies in ancient populations associated with periodontal pathology in the literature. A rare case of enamel pearl on the maxillary right first molar of women associated with localized periodontitis is presented and discussed.

Taurodontism is a morphological abnormality of the tooth shape with the following characteristic features: vertically enlarged pulp chamber, apical displacement of the bifurcation and trifurcation, shortened roots and no constriction at the level of the cementoenamel junction. This anomaly is still neglected by orthodontists when it comes to making treatment plans in spite of the reports in the literature of a close association of this condition with hypodontia and oligodontia. Aim: The article discusses the orthodontic problems arising in treating patients with hypodontia and taurodontism and suggests approaches to reducing the risk of complications during orthodontic tooth movement. Discussion: Failure to identify taurodont teeth in hypodontic patients can cause serious complications in their orthodontic management because of the greater susceptibility of these types of teeth to root resorption in orthodontic tooth movement. Besides, these types of teeth are less anchorage. Conclusion: The high incidence of taurodontism in hypodontic patients presents a clinical challenge for general dental practitioners and orthodonists alike. Furthermore, successful management of hypodontia rests on the orthodontist’s ability to identify taurodont teeth and correctly include them in treatment plan.

Introduction. Taurodontism is an aberration of teeth that lacks the constriction at the level of the CEJ and characterized by elongated pulp chambers and apical displacement of bifurcation or trifurcation of the roots, giving it a rectangular shape. Aim. To summarize the available literature on taurodontism phenomenon in the contexts of paleodontology, evolutionary biology and clinic. Materials and methods. In order to clarify the prevalence of taurodontism in modern dentitions and the critical need for its true diagnosis and management, this review addresses the aetiology, clinical and radiographic features of taurodontism, its association with various syndromes and anomalies, as well as important considerations in various areas of expertise dental treatments of such teeth. Results. Although permanent molar teeth are most commonly affected, this aberation can also be seen in both the permanent and deciduous dentition, unilaterally or bilaterally, and in any combination of teeth or quadrants. Whilst it appears most frequently as an isolated anomaly, its association with several syndromes and abnormalities has also been reported. Discussion. It is apparent that taurodont teeth are presumed characteristic of neanderthal man and are still present as a morphological entity in modern man. The occurrences seem to have a biased racial expression in different populations. It can be seen that taurodontism has until now received insufficient attention from clinicians. No long-term follow-up studies have been published regarding treatment of taurodont teeth. Despite the clinical challenges, taurodontism has received little attention from clinicians.

Aim This in vitro investigation aimed to study by means of scanning electron microscope the morphological changes in hard dental tissues after using several different methods for caries removal and cavity preparation. Materials and methods Twenty freshly extracted human teeth with carious lesions were used in the study. They were assigned to four groups depending on the method used for preparation: Group 1--Cavity preparation using Er: YAG laser (LiteTouch, Syneron, Israel). Group 2--Chemomechanical preparation using colourless Carisolv gel (MediTeam AB, Savedalen, Sweden). Group 3--Mechanical rotary preparation using diamond burs and air turbine. Group 4--Mechanical rotary preparation using by steel burs and micromotor. The preparations were performed strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions for proper use of instruments. The teeth samples were prepared for histological study and investigated by a scanning electron microscope at different magnification; the morphological changes in the tissues were registered and compared. Results There were considerable differences in the surface characteristics of the dental tissues when we analysed the photomicrographs of the specimens obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface after laser treatment remained highly retentive with no residual smear layer; the second best results in this respect were registered when teeth were chemomechanically excavated with Carisolv gel. The mechanical methods of cavity preparation resulted in surfaces with a smear layer of dentin without any microretentions. Conclusion The scanning electron microscopy of hard dental tissues prepared using steel and diamond burs showed surfaces covered with a thick smear layer that may be relevant to the subsequent bonding of adhesive restorative materials to the prepared cavity. In preparing the surface using a turbine with diamond burs the smear layer was thinner and part of the dentinal tubules orifices were open in the area of water turbulence. SEM analysis of hard dental tissues prepared with the help of colourless Carisolv gel showed a rough, retentive surface, some of the dentinal tubule lumens obstructed by denaturated collagen and surface contaminants. The teeth surfaces prepared with Er:YAG laser Lite Touch (Syneron) remained without smear layer and clearly exposed dentinal tubules orifices. The surfaces were highly retentive.