Search

Ciljevi: Svrha ovoga rada bila je odrediti postotak perzistentnih apikalnih lezija pozitivnih na bakterijske nukleinske kiseline, zatim s pomoću lančane reakcije polimeraze detektirati mikroorganizme u periapikalnim lezijama koje je teško kultivirati te ih povezati s endodontskim neuspjehom, kliničkih simptomima i dijabetesom. Materijali i postupci: Uzorci perzistentnih apikalnih lezija skupljani su tijekom apikotomije. Bakterijska ubikvitarna početnica 16S rRNK rabljena je za otkrivanje 16S ribosomskog RNK u 36 uzoraka. PCR usmjeren na pojedine vrste proveden je s pomoću početnica za 16S rRNK gene Prevotelle nigrescens, Pseudoramibactera alactolyticusa i Propionobacterium propionicum. Rezultati: Šest uzoraka (16,67 %) bilo je pozitivno na bakterijski ribosomski RNK. Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus detektiran je u trima uzorcima. Propionibacterium propionicum i Prevotella nigrescens detektirani su svaki u po jednom uzorku. Prevalencija infekcije ovih lezija P. intermedia, P. propionicum i P. alactolyticusom niska je. Provedeno istraživanje nije dalo dostatne podatke o povezanosti ekstraradikularne infekcije s dijabetesom melitusom i kliničkim simptomima. Zaključci: Apikalne lezije koje perzistiraju nakon endodontskog liječenja mogu, uz Actinomyces i Propionicum species, sadržavati i druge mikroorganizme., Objectives: To determine the percentage of persistant apical lesions positive for bacterial nucleic acids, to detect microorganisms difficult to cultivate in persistant apical lesions by PCR and relate them to endodontic failure, clinical symptoms and diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: The samples of persistent apical lesions were collected during apicoectomy. Bacterial ubiquitous primer 16S rRNA was used to detect 16S ribosomal RNA in 36 samples. A species–specific PCR was performed with primers targeted to the bacterial 16S rRNA genes of Prevotella Nigrescens, Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus, and Propionobacterium propionicum. Results: Six samples (16.67%) were positive for bacterial ribosomal RNA. Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus was detected in three samples. Propionibacterium propionicum and Prevotella nigrescens were detected in one sample each. The prevalence of infection of such lesions with P. intermedia, P. propionicum and P. alactolyticus is low. Conslusion: The study we conducted gave insufficient data about extraradicular infection and its connection with diabetes mellitus and clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Apical lesions persisting after endodontic treatment could harbor microorganisms other than Actinomyces and Propionicum species.

Objective To estimate four radiomorphometric indices of mandibular bones in an 18th century population sample, and possibly associate the findings with bone mass loss related to sex, age, nutritional habits and pathologies reflecting on the bone. Design Thirty-six sculls (31 males, 5 females), recovered from the crypt of Požega Cathedral in Croatia were analyzed. Age estimation was based on tooth wear, and Eichner class was determined according to the number of occlusal supporting zones. The parameters in recording analogue orthopantomographs were set to constant current of 16 mA, exposure time of 14.1 s, and voltage between 62–78 kV. Films were processed in an automatic dark chamber processor for 12 min, and digitized at 8-bit, 300 dpi. The thickness of the mandibular cortex was assessed below the mental foramen (MI), at antegonion (AI), at gonion (GI). Qualitative mandibular cortical index (MCI) was assessed. Results Average values of MI, AI and GI were 3.97 ± 0.94 mm, 2.98 ± 0.56 mm, and 1.99 ± 0.55 mm, respectively. Statistically significant differences between males and females were found for AI right (p = 0.014), GI left (p = 0.010) and GI average (p = 0.006), and were in all cases higher in males. There were no statistically significant differences between age groups for either index (p > 0.05). Considering Eichner classification the differences were not significant for MI (p = 0.422), AI (p = 0.516), and GI (p = 0.443), but in Eichner classes II, MCI was significantly higher (p = 0.02). Conclusion The obtained data does not suggest generalized malnutrition or calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D deprivation in the historic population studied.

The purpose of this study was to determine the range of threshold responses of healthy dental pulps and test the reproducibility of the electric pulp test (EPT). Forty‐nine dental students participated in the study. Sound teeth in both arches, except third molars, were included. The teeth were isolated using cotton rolls and dried with compressed air, and the threshold responses were recorded. Participants stopped the stimulus increase by pressing the switch at the first sensation of discomfort. The measurements were repeated after 30 days. The obtained data were analysed using SPSS®16.0. The mean thresholds for the maxillary incisors, canines, premolars and molars were 10.77, 21.07, 21.88 and 34.07 μA, and for mandibular incisors, canines, premolars and molars 9.81, 18.7, 19.24 and 30.1 μA respectively. The differences between the two measurements were statistically significant for teeth 32, 31, 41 and 42. The EPT was shown to be reproducible for all the teeth tested except mandibular incisors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate microleakage along resin restoration in cavities prepared with an erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser, with and without acid etching, and to compare it with that in diamond-drilled cavities. Thirty intact molars were divided into three equal groups. In the teeth in group I, class V cavities were prepared with a diamond drill. Cavities in groups II and III were prepared with an Er:YAG laser (400 mJ/15 Hz for enamel and 250 mJ/10 Hz for dentine). The cavities in groups I and II were acid-etched and adhesive and flowable composite were applied to all cavities. The specimens were first immersed in dye for 24 h and then in 5% nitric acid for 72 h for softening. The fillings were extracted and photographed through a dissecting microscope. The leakage area was measured with specially designed software. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the best ranking was group II [mean range (m.r.) = 27.46], followed by group I (m.r. = 33.48) and, lastly, group III (m.r. = 45.15). The differences between groups I and III (P = 0.023) and between groups II and III were statistically significant (P = 0.080). The least microleakage was found in those cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser and subsequently acid-etched, whereas the most leakage was in the lased cavities that had not been etched; the traditional diamond-drilled acid-etched cavities produced medium leakage.

Svrha rada: Željela se ispitati djelotvornost 0,2-postotnog poliheksametilenova bigvanida (PHMB) u eliminaciji Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa i Candida albicans te ga usporediti s učinkovitošću 2,5-postotnog natrijeva hipoklorita (NaOCl). Materijali i metode: Na četrdeset osam jednokorijenskih zuba uklonjeni su krune i apikalni dijelovi te su korijenskih kanali instrumentirani Hedström strugaËima do veličine 40. Šesnaest uzoraka inokulirano je bujonskom kulturom E. faecalis (ATCC 51299), P. aeruginosa (ATCC27853) i C. albicans (klinički izolat). Nakon 48-satne inkubacije i ispiranja fiziološkom otopinom uzeti su uzorci dentina iz korijenskih kanala Hedströmovim iglicama veličine 50 i to prije ispiranja 0,2-postotnim PHMB-om i 2,5-postotnim NaOCl-om i nakon toga postupka. Uzorci su zatim preneseni u epruvete s 2 mL sterilne fiziološke otopine i deseterostrukim razrjeđenjem, te su prebačeni na krvni agar nakon 30 sekundi vorteksiranja. Nakon 48-satne inkubacije na 37 ° C prebrojene su bakterijske kolonije po mililitru (CFU/ml). Za statističku analizu korišten je Kruskal-Wallisov test (p, Objective of work: The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of 0.2% polyhexamethylen biguanide in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans and compare it with effectiveness of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Materials and Methods: Crown and apical portion of forty- eight single-rooted human teeth was removed and the root canals instrumented with Hedström files up to size 40. Sixteen specimens were inoculated with an overnight broth culture of E.faecalis (ATCC 51299), P.aeruginosa (ATCC27853) and C.albicans (clinical isolate). After 48 h incubation and irrigation with saline, dentine samples were collected from root canal walls with Hedström files size 50 before and after irrigation with 0.2% PHMB and 2.5% NaOCl followed by irrigation with neutralizer and saline. Samples were put into vials containing 2 mL of sterile saline and tenfold dilution, and plated on blood agar after 30 s vortexing. Colony forming units (CFU) were counted after 48 h incubation at 37ºC. For statistical analysis Kruskal-Wallis test (p

Svrha rada: Svrha ove studije bila je procijeniti utjecaj oralne primjene Ekolostruma (goveđeg kolostruma) na koncentraciju salivarnog IgA (sIgA). Materijali i metode: Dvadesetero zdravih ispitanika u dobi između 23 i 54 godine nasumce je podijeljeno na ispitnu i kontrolnu skupinu (n = 10). Svatko u ispitnoj skupini dobio je 60 kapsula Ekolostruma. Na početku istraživanja od svih je sudionika bila prikupljena nestimulirana slina. To isto učinjeno je nakon 30 dana, na kraju pokusa. Koncentracija sIgA iz sline određivala se testom ELISA (enzim-linked immunosorbent assay). Usporedbe rezultata unutar skupine obavljene su studentovim t-testom, a usporedbe rezultata između dviju skupina primjenom ANOVE (p=0,05). Rezultati: Sudionici ispitivanja koji su uzimali Ekolostrum imali su statistički značajno (p = 0,026) niže koncentracije sIgA nakon tretmana negoli prije. Kontrolna skupina nije pokazala statistički značajnu razliku u koncentraciji sIgA na početku i na kraju istraživanja. Na kraju istraživanja nije bilo statistički značajne razlike (p = 0,047) srednjih koncentracija sIgA između ispitne i kontrolne skupine (464 ± 59.89μg/mL i 620,16 ± 42.26μg/mL). Zaključak: Rezultati ovog istraživanja pokazuju da je nakon jednomjesečne oralne primjene Ekolostruma koncentracija sIgA bila statistički značajno niža nego prije tretmana. Potrebna su daljnja, opsežnija i detaljnija istraživanja kako bismo dobili pouzdanije rezultate., Objective: The aim of the present pilot- study was to evaluate the influence of oral intake of Ekolostrum (bovine colostrum) on concentration of salivary IgA( sIgA) in saliva. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy participants between 23 and 54 years of age were randomly selected for the test and control group (n= 10). The test group took 60 capsules of Ecolostrum. The entire amount of the unstimulated saliva was collected before treatment from all participants. The procedure was repeated after 30 days at the end of the experiment. The concentration of sIgA in saliva was determined using ELISA (enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay). Intra- group comparisons were performed by paired sample T-test and inter- group differences were compared by ANOVA (p=0.05) Results: Participants who were taking Ecolostrum had statistically significant (p=0.026) lower concentrations of sIgA after the treatment than before. The control group showed no statistically significant difference. There were statistically significant differences ( p=0.047) of mean concentrations of sIgA between the test group and control group at the end of the experiment(464 ±59.89μg/mL and 620.16± 42.26μg/mL). Conclusions: The results of this pilot- study show that after one month of orally administrated Ekolostrum, the amount of sIgA was lower than before treatment. Some more extensive and detailed studies are needed to obtain more reliable results.

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a result of microbial contamination of periapical tissues that originates from a necrotic dental pulp or inadequately treated root canals (1-3). Diagnostic criteria for AP include the presence of symptoms and clinical signs during clinical examination and analysis of radiographs (periapical or panoramic). Radiographic analysis is important because AP in its chronic form is often overlooked and left untreated. Despite the relatively low risk of exacerbations (less than 5%), the influence of AP on remote organs and tissues persists even in its sub-acute chronic form (4). The outcome of endodontic therapy is assessed radiographically (5), but due to high availability and reliability, radiographs are also suitable for epidemiological studies. The prevalence of AP among adults in different populations is well documented in the literature, especially in the Scandinavian countries (6-11). The prevalence of AP positively correlated with age and this tendency will presumably increase because of an increase in dentate population (6). Multi-rooted teeth have a higher prevalence of AP than single-rooted teeth, especially molars (12). Factors that determine the outcome of endodontic treatment are length and quality of endodontic filling and post-endodontic restoration of the tooth (13-15). Nevertheless, epidemiological studies performed worldwide show that AP is present in 22-65% of root-filled teeth (14-17). The crucial factor for a successful healing of the periapical region is adequate root canal therapy with complete obturation of the root canal less than 2 mm from the external apical foramen (14-17). Another factor influencing the prevalence of AP is the quality of coronal restorations. Teeth with inadequate restorations were associated with greater occurrence of AP (8,18-20). So far, many studies on the prevalence of AP and its association with various factors have been done worldwide, but not one has been conducted in this part of Europe. Since epidemiologic data are essential for population health assessment, future health care planning, and funding, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of AP and the quality of root canal fillings in the population of the city of Zagreb, Croatia.

Svrha: U ovom se istraživanju ispitivao antibakterijski učinak dvaju materijala za retrogradno brtvljenje korijenskog kanala testom bakterijske difuzije agara. Materijali i postupci: Ploče krvnog agara inokulirane su zasebno bakterijama Streptococcus mutans, Streptotoccus mitis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus i Enterococcus faecalis te polimikrobnom suspenzijom od svih testiranih bakterija. Na inokulirane ploče bili su raspoređeni uzorci materijala i nakon 48 sati inkubacije očitane su zone inhibicije (ZI) u milimetrima promjera. Rezultati: Najsnažniji antibakterijski učinak MTA je pokazao kod bakterije Streptococcus mutans (ZI =7,6 mm, s.d. 1,0), zatim prema Streptotoccus mitis i Lactobacillus acidophilus (ZI=7,3 mm, s.d. 0,5). ZI za Enterococcus faecalis iznosio je 5,6 milmetara, s.d. 0,7, a za polimikrobnu suspenziju 5,3 milimetra, s.d. 1,0. Jedina bakterija na koju MTA nije imao antibakterijski učinak jest Staphylococcus aureus. Amalgam nije pokazao antibakterijski učinak na ni jednu ispitivanu bakteriju. Zaključak: MTA je pokazao antibakterijski učinak prema četiri od pet ispitivanih bakterija i polimikrobnih suspenzija, a amalgam nije inhibirao rast ni jedne testirane bakterije., The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of root-end filling materials, MTA and amalgam, by agar diffusion test. Materials and methods: Blood agar plates were inoculated with bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis each, and a polymicrobial suspension consisting of all the tested bacteria. Material samples were divided among the inoculated plates, and after 48 hours of incubation, the diameters of the inhibition zone (IZ) were recorded. Results: The strongest antibacterial effect of MTA was against Streptococcus mutans (IZ = 7.6 mm, sd 1.0), followed by Streptococcus mitis and Lactobacillus acidophilus (IZ = 7.3 mm, sd 0.5). The inhibition zone (IZ) for Enterococcus faecalis was 5.6 mm (sd 0.7), and for the polymicrobial suspension 5.3 mm (sd 1.0). Staphylococcus aureus was the only bacteria MTA did not show any antibacterial effect against. Amalgam showed no antibacterial effect against any of the bacteria tested. Conclusion: MTA showed antibacterial effect against 4 of 5 tested bacteria and the polymicrobial suspension, while amalgam did not inhibit the growth of any of the bacteria tested.

Objective: The aim was to examine dental and periodontal status of adult Croatian 18th century population and compare the results with available literature data. Materials and methods: 104 specimens from the crypt of Poz y ega cathedral were grouped into three female and three male groups according to age. Caries was determined by visual inspection and dental probe. Ante and post mortem teeth losses were recorded. Periodontal status was determined according to the length of exposed tooth root from alveolar crest to cemento-enamel junction. The presence of dehiscences and fenestrations was recorded on facial and oral plate of alveolar bone. Results: The whole sample exhibited ante- and post mortem teeth loss of 19.57% and 24.91%, respectively. The teeth most frequently lost postmortem were incisors. The canines were best preserved. The frequency of caries in both jaws was the highest in molars (26.63% in maxilla and 28.10% in mandible), whilst central incisors exhibited the least carious lesions (11.59 and 1.92%). The most frequently affected surfaces were occlusal, then proximal and facio-oral. The percentage of teeth with either moderate or considerable bone loss was higher in females. The frequency of considerable bone loss increased significantly with age. The frequency of dehiscences was 3.11%. It was higher in maxilla than in the mandible. The frequency of fenestrations was 5.65% and it was significantly higher in maxilla. Conclusions: The results demonstrate poor oral health amongst 18th century population of continental Croatia, exhibiting high antemortem teeth loss, high periodontal disease frequency and occlusal and proximal caries frequency.

Pain has the function of a warning to tissue damage and activation of defensive mechanisms, with the aim of prevention of further damage. The stimulus which damages or threatens to damage a tissue activates the nociceptors which in turn carry the information by a system of neurons to cortex, where it is processed and recognized as pain. Most somatosensory information from the area of orofacial system is transported via n. trigeminus. In order to remove pain, it is necessary to recognize and properly diagnose the caus of pain. This is not always easy, due to numerous variations within the clinical findings, and the latent possibility that pain has referred from odontogenis structure onto the nonodontogenis ones, and vice versa. Knowing the pathways and mechanisms of pain, possible causes and different characters of orofacial pain, as well as a thorough anamnesis, clinical examination and testing will eventually lead to a proper diagnosis. An odontogenic source of pain is well defined and has an apparent cause, and therefore the provocation tests lead to the symptoms contained in the anamnesis. Any deviation from standard clinical status should be taken with caution. Once odontogenic cause of pain has been excluded, other potential causes of orofacial pain should be taken into consideration, in order to establish a valid diagnosis., Bol ima funkciju upozoravanja na oštećenje tkiva te funkciju aktivacije obrambenih refleksa radi prevencije daljnjeg oštećenja. Podražaj koji oštećuje tkivo ili prijeti oštećenjem tkiva aktivira nociceptore koji prenose informaciju sustavom neurona do kore velikog mozga, gdje se obrađuje i interpretira kao bol. Većinu somatosenzornih informacija iz područja orofacijalnog sustava prenosi n. trigeminus. Da bismo uklonili bol, potrebno je prepoznati i dijagnosticirati uzrok boli. To nije uvijek jednostavno zbog mnogih varijacija kliničke slike te mogućnosti boli da se referira iz odontogenih struktura u neodontogene i obratno. Poznavanje puta i mehanizma boli te mogućih uzroka i karaktera orofacijalne boli, odnosno detaljna anamneza, klinički pregled i testiranja, dovest će do prave dijagnoze. Odontogeni izvor boli obično ima tipičan karakter, evidentan uzrok, te se provokacijskim testovima dobivaju simptomi navedeni u anamnezi. Svakom odstupanju od klasične slike treba pristupiti s oprezom. Isključivanjem odontogenog uzroka boli treba ispitati ostale potencijalne uzroke orofacijalne boli kako bi se postavila pouzdana dijagnoza.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the temperature changes in the pulp chamber during cavity preparation with Er:YAG laser ( =2940 nm) with a very short pulse (VSP). Materials and methods: Nine groups of 10 intact molars were used. One root of each sample was amputated and thermocouple of thermometer (Fluke 52, Fotronic, USA) was inserted in the chamber. Class V cavity preparation in enamel was prepared, and then the preparation was proceed in dentine. Enamel was lased with 400 mJ, 360 mJ and 320 mJ in contact mode using the very short pulse with duration of 100  s. Diameter of fiber tip was 950  m. Frequencies of 15 Hz, 12 Hz and 10 Hz were used, and total time of irradiation was 10 s. Dentine was irradiated with 340 mJ, 280 mJ and 200 mJ and 10 Hz, 8 Hz and 5 Hz during 7 s. Cooling was done with water spray (73 psi / 50 mL/min). The differences were tested by MANOVA and Bonforroni post hoc test. Results: The highest rise in temperature in the pulp was achieved after enamel irradiation by 400 mJ/15 Hz (1.99  0.28 C), and the lowest for the enamel after irradiation by 320 mJ/10 Hz (0.70  0.18 C). In dentine the highest temperature increase was achieved with 340 mJ/10 Hz (1.37  0.42 C), and the lowest with 200 mJ/5 Hz (0.43  0.18 C). Two-way interaction for enamel and dentine showed that influence of energy on temperature increase is stronger than the influence of frequency. Conclusion: Cavity preparation with Er:YAG laser using a VSP mode in vitro did not caused significant increase of temperature in the pulp chamber of human molars.

Svrha rada bila je istražiti i ustanoviti primarne razloge za ekstrakciju zuba u trajnoj denticiji. Materijali i postupci: Istraživanje smo organizirali od siječnja do ožujka 2007. na Stomatološkom fakultetu u Zagrebu, u Zavodu za endodonciju i restaurativnu stomatologiju i Zavodu za oralnu kirurgiju. Kao metodu odabrali smo upitnik koji je, osim osobnih podataka pacijenta, sadržavao i osnovne razloge za ekstrakciju. Prikupljene podatke statistički smo obradili parametrijskom i neparametrijskom analizom varijance, ovisno o distribucijama dobivenih podataka. Rezultati: Ukupno je bilo anketirano 113 ispitanika u dobi od 10 do 85 godina - 61 (54%) žena i 52 (46%) muškarca. S obzirom na to koliko su često odlazili stomatologu, više je bilo neredovitih pacijenata (54,9%). U svim dobnim skupinama najčešći razlog za ekstrakciju bio je karijes (53,4%), a kod većine pacijenata (75,7%) prije toga nije bila provedena nikakva endodontska terapija. Najčešće ekstrahirani zubi bili su prvi trajni molari zbog karijesa (25,3%), a donji frontalni bili su uglavnom izvađeni zbog parodontopatija i to u dobnim skupinama iznad 45 godina (8,7%), a kod mlađih bili su ekstrahirani prvi premolari uglavnom iz ortodontskih razloga. Zaključak: Zbog opsežnih karioznih destrukcija molara nije bilo moguće obaviti adekvatnu endodontsku i/ili konzervativnu terapiju, pa je ekstrakcija bila jedina terapijska mogućnost. Zbog toga se mora više truda uložiti u preventivne programe kako bi se sačuvalo oralno zdravlje., The purpose of this study was to identify and investigate the essential reasons for the extractions of the teeth of the permanent dentition. Materials and methods: The research was done at the Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry and the Department of Oral Surgery School of Dental Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia, during the period from January through March 2007. The method was based upon a questionnaire which, other than the basic personal data on the patient, also included the essential reasons for each particular extraction. The data collected was then statistically processed by parametric and non-parametric analyses of variance, depending on the respective distributions of the results. Results: A total of 113 subjects, within the age bracket 10 - 85, was interviewed. Of that number, 61 (54%) were female and 52 (46%) male patients. With regard to the declared frequency of visits to the dentist, slightly prevailing (54.9%) were those with an irregular history of visits. The principal reason for a tooth extraction was caries (53.4%). Furthermore, 75.7% of the patients did not have any previous endodontic treatment prior to extraction. With regard to the position of the teeth, the most frequently extracted were the first permanent molars, on the account of caries (25.3%). The lower front teeth were extracted mostly because of periodontitis, and in the 45+ age-group (8.7%), whereas in the younger-age groups it was the first premolars, extracted exclusively for orthodontic reasons. Conclusion: Due to extensive carious destructions of the molars it was not possible to provide an adequate endodontic treatment and/or conservative therapy, so extraction was the sole option for those unrestorable teeth. It is therefore recommendable that prevention programs be pursued to achieve and maintain oral health.

Svrha istraživanja bila je procijeniti opće-zdravstveni status opulacije stomatoloških pacijenata, nakon obrade podataka iz ispunjenih Upitnika o zdravlju FDI-a koje je preporučila Hrvatska stomatološka komora. Podaci iz 2045 upitnika koje su ispunili pacijenti Zavoda za endodonciju i restaurativnu stomatologiju tijekom godine 2005. uneseni su u kompjutorsku bazu podataka te statistički obrađeni. Obrada podataka pokazala je da 30,1% stomatoloških pacijenata boluje od neke bolesti, a najčešće su kardiovaskularne (14,7%). Česte su i alergije bolesti (13,1%). U upitnicima je registrirano i 1,5% pacijenata s virusnim hepatitisom te 0,6% s TBC-om. Razmjerno malo pacijenata upisalo je HIV-seropozitivnost (0,2%) i izloženost virusu HIV-a (0,5%). Transfuziju je primilo 12% pacijenata. Stomatološki pacijent iznad 75 godina u prosjeku uzima 2,16 lijekova. Vrlo česte sistemske bolesti kod stomatoloških pacijenata te povećana potrošnja lijekova kod pacijenata starije dobi, upućuje na to da je potrebna dodatna izobrazba stomatologa kako bi se s takvim bolesnicima moglo odgovarajuće postupati., The purpose of the study was to evaluate the general health condition i.e. overall health-status of the dental patients population by processing the data obtained from the FDI health-questionnaires which was recommended by the Croatian Dental Chamber. The data which was collected from a total of 2045 individual medical history questionnaires - personally filled in by the patients who attended this Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry during the year of 2005 - was loaded into a computer data-base and statistically analyzed. The analysis showed presence of some kind of a disease in 30.1% of patients; topping the list by incidence were cardiovascular diseases (14.7%). Also, highly represented were various allergic diseases (13.1%). A 1.5% had developed a viral hepatitis, whereas 0.6% of the patients had even had TBC. A comparatively small percentage of patients (0.2%) had admitted to HIV seropositivity resp. exposure to the HIV virus (0.5%). A total of 12% of the group had received a blood-transfusion at some point. Typically, a dental patient above 75 years of age was taking in average 2.16 different types of medicinal drugs. High incidence of systemic diseases in dental patients and an increased consumption of medicinal drugs in the elderly dental patients indicates the need for an enhanced education of the dentist in order to enable his/her proper attitude toward such patients.

Fuzija zubi rijetka je razvojna anomalija i ubraja se u anomalije veličine zuba. Stapanje se može dogoditi samo na razini cakline ili na razini cakline i dentina. Rezultat toga je nastanak jednoga zuba s klinički povećanom krunom. Etiologija fuzije nije do kraja razjašnjena. Prema dostupnoj literaturi vrijednost incidencije fuzije kreće se u rasponu 0,2 - 2,5% i uobičajenija je u mliječnoj denticiji. U prikazu slučaja stopljeni incizivi su nakon endodontskoga liječenja rekonstruirani kompozitnim materijalom., Dental fusion is a rare developmental anomaly which is included in the anomalies of tooth size. Fusion can occur at the level of enamel or enamel and dentin which results in the formation of a single tooth with enlarged clinical crown. Etiology of fusion is not fully clarified. According to the available literature, the incidence of fusion ranges from 0.2 to 2.5% and is more common in decidious dentition. In the case report presented, fused incisors were treated endodontically and reconstructed by composite materials.

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α in human pulp tissue. Study Design. Tissue samples were collected from 51 teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons or from endodontically treated teeth. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with mouse antihuman ER-α 1D5 by using the alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase technique. Immunohistochemical reactivity was semiquantitatively assessed and graded on an intensity scale of 0 to 3. Results. ERs were found in odontoblasts, endothelial cells, and Schwann cells. By means of statistical analysis, ERs were found to be common in odontoblasts (1.3-1.6) and in endothelial cells (1.0-1.4), whereas in Schwann cells they were somewhat rare (0.7-1.1). Difference in expression of ERs was not found among patients in different age groups. With respect to sex, a difference in reactivity was observed in Schwann cells, which showed higher reactivity in female pulps. Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the expression of ER-α in the human dental pulp. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2003;95:340-4)

Ortodontska terapija ne može uvijek potpuno zadovoljiti sve estetske i funkcionalne zahtjeve. U takvim slučajevima interdisciplinarnom suradnjom postižu se bolji rezultati, na zadovoljstvo pacijenta i terapeuta. U radu su prikazana tri pacijenta, različitih dentofacijalnih anomalija, dobi i spola, nakon završene ortodontske terapije, u kojih nije bilo moguće potpuno estetski i funkcionalno zadovoljiti sve zahtjeve struke bez pomoći estetske stomatologije. Iako smo u sva tri slučaja mogli odabrati protetsku sanaciju ( npr. estetska keramička krunica), odlučili smo se za rekonstrukciju zubne krune kompozitnim materijalom (koronoplastiku), kojom smo postignuli zadovoljavajuće rezultate. 1. slučaj: u 19- godišnje djevojke, nakon završene ortodontske terapije progenije, promjena boje i veličine gornjega središnjeg inciziva, uzrokovana endodontskim liječenjem i neadekvatnim kompozitnim ispunom, predstavljala je estetsko na ruženje. Rekonstrukcijom krune zuba kompozitnim materijalom dobiveni su zadovoljavajući rezultati. 2. slučaj: 18. godišnja djevojka s dijagnozom hipodoncije gornjega lateralnog inciziva desno i s rudimentarnom formom istoga zuba s lijeve strane ortodontski je sanirana ekstrakcijom rudimentarnog zuba s lijeve strane, te zatvaranjem prostora mezijalizacijom kanina na mjesto gornjega lateralnog inciziva, obostrano. Korekturnim prebrušavanjem kanina u inciziv nisu dobiveni zadovoljavajući rezultati, zbog čega je provedena koronoplastika. 3. slučaj: ortodontska terapija 20 - godišnjeg mladića s dijagnozom pokrovnog zagriza i nesrazmjerom u širinama kruna frontalnih zuba gornje i donje čeljusti. Nakon završene ortodontske terapije, zaostale dijasteme između prednjih gornjih zuba, kojima je uzrok manja veličina gornjih u odnosu prema donjim incizivima, riješena je rekonstrukcija zubne krune svih četiriju gornjih inciziva kompozitnim materijalom. Estetska sastavnica postala je primarnim čimbenikom u psihologiji dobroga izgleda, pogotovo u mladih pacijenata, kao i jedna od glavnih zadaća ortodoncije i estetske, rekonstruktivne stomatologije. Suvremeni materijali za ispune, koji se rabe pri rekonstrukciji zubne krune u slučajevima sličnim navedenima, danas omogućuju da se postignu vrhunski rezultati i u estetskom i u funkcionalnom smislu., Orthodontic therapy is not always able to completely meet all osmetic and functional requirements. In such cases, better results are achieved by an interdisciplinary approach, to the satisfaction of both the patient and the therapist. Presentation is made of three patients differing according to their dentofacial anomalies, age and sex, in whom professionally stated socmetic and functional requirements could not have been fully met by orthodontic therapy alone, without the aid of cosmetic dentistry. Although prosthetic treatment (e.g., cosmetic ceramic crown) could have been chosen in all three cases, it was decided to perform dental crown reconstruction with composite material (coronoplasty), which produced satisfactory results. Case 1: In a 19-year-old girl, discoloration and size variation of the upper central incisor, caused by endodontic therapy and inappropriate composite filling, remained upon completion of the orthodontic treatment for prognathism, presenting as a cosmetic defect. Satisfactory results were obtained by dental crown reconstruction with composite material. Case 2: An 18-year-old girl with a diagnosis of upper lateral incisor hypodontia on the right and rudimentary form of its counterpart underwent orthodontic treatment with rudimentary tooth extraction on the left an space closure by canine mesialization to the site of the upper leteral incisor bilaterally. As corrective canine regrinding to an incisor failed to produce satisfactory results, coronoplasty was performed. Case 3: A 20-year-old man with a diagnosis of overbite and disproportial crown width of mandibular and maxillary front teeth undeerwent orthodontic treatment, which resulted in residual diastema between the upper front teeth due to the smaller size of the upper relative to lower incisors. Dental crown reconstruction with composite material was performed in all four upper incisors. The cosmetic component has become a major factor in the psyhology of good appearance,especially in the young, and one of the main tasks of orthodontics and cosmetic reconstructive dentistry. The filling materials currently used on dental crown reconstruction, in cases such as those described , have allowed for excellent results to be achieved in both cosmetic and functional terms.

Ispitivalo se je djelovanje kolagena na zubnu pulpu i njegova moguća uporaba u dentalnoj patologiji. Pokusi su izvedeni na psima mješancima. Oni su bili anestezirani, a zubi izolirani gumenom plahticom. S bukalne su strane na dva gornja i donja sjekutića svih životinja izrađeni klasični kaviteti petoga razreda i trepanirana je pulpna komorica. U jednoj je skupini zuba na pulpnu ranu stavljena bioresorbirajuća kolagena membrana, u drugoj sterilni teflonski disk, a u trećoj su kaviteti zatvoreni samo Ketac-Silver cementom. Kaviteti su u prvim dvjema skupinama trajno zatvoreni Ketac-Silver cementom. Nakon šest tjedana zubi su izvađeni i priređeni za histološku obradbu. Histološka slika pripravka tretiranih samim Ketac Silver cementom pokazala je potpunu nekrozu tkiva, a građa pulpe histološki se nije dala razaznati. Od osam pripravaka tretiranih teflonskim diskovima dva su pokazala potpunu nekrozu, a na šest se vidio djelomičan gubitak morfološke građe. Na pripravcima tretiranim kolagenim bioresorbirajućim membranama pulpno je tkivo u većoj mjeri sačuvalo vitalitet i morfologiju. Opažena je pojačana prokrvljenost i porast broja krvožilnih elemenata. Ni na jednom se pripravku nije opazilo stvaranje dentinskoga reparatornog mosta., The study evaluates the effect of collagen bioresorbable membrane as a pulp capping material. Experiments were carried out on mongrel dogs. The dogs were anesthetized and teeth were isolated by rubber dum. In all animals, along the buccal side, class V cavities were prepared on two maxillary and mandibular incisors. The pulp chambers were exposed and bioresorbable collagen membrane Bio Gide was placed on the pulp wound in the first group of the teeth. In the second group the pulp wound was covered with a sterile Teflon disk and in the third group the cavities were closed by Ketac-Silver cementum only. The cavities in the first two groups of teeth were permanently closed by Ketac-Silver cementum. After six weeks the specimen teeth were extracted and prepared for histological examination. The histological findings of the specimens treated only with Ketac-Silver cementum showed complete necrosis of the pulp tissue. Two samples treated with Teflon disks showed complete necrosis of the pulp, while on six samples partial loss of morphologic structure could be seen. On the specimens treated with collagen bioresorbable membranes the pulp tissue preserved its vitality to a much greater extent. Particularly noticeable was a better blood supply in the pulp, with an increased number of blood vessels. The creation of a reparatory bridge was not noticed in any of the tested samples.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of AH26 and AH Plus on the bacterial and fungal penetration of obturated root canals. The experiment was conducted on 100 single-rooted teeth. Eighty teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 40 teeth each and obturated with gutta-percha using either AH26 or AH Plus sealer. Twenty teeth were used as a control group, out of which 10 served as negative and 10 as positive controls. The root surface of each sample, except the apical 2 mm, was covered with two layers of nail varnish. The teeth were inserted into Eppendorf plastic tubes and sealed with cyanoacrylate stick and resine. The system was sterilized using ethylene oxide gas and placed in a glass bottle containing sterile Schaedler broth. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Prevotella melaninogenica and Lactobacillus acidophilus were added in one group, and Candida albicans was added in the other group for both materials. The medium with microorganisms was changed every 7 days. Every 72h observation was made for bacterial or fungal growth for the tested period of 90 days. Leakage in the experimental teeth varied from 7 to 87 days. Leakage was present in 47% of all samples. From the samples with AH26, 45% leaked bacteria and 60% leaked fungi ; while from the samples with AH Plus, 50% leaked bacteria and 55% fungi. There was no statistically significant difference in penetration of bacteria and fungi for both tested materials. In this study gutta-percha and sealers AH 26 and AH Plus, in in vitro conditions, allow leakage of bacteria and fungi.

Za pokus su rabljeni sojevi Staphylococcus aureus i Enterococcus faecalis. Bakterijski inokulum od 0,5 Mc Farlanda razrijeđen je fiziološkom otopinom u omjerima 1:10, 1:10 2, 1:10 3, 1:10 4, 1:10 5 i 1:10 6. Otapalo količine 0,2 ml pomiješano je s istom količinom bakterijske suspenzije. Za svaku bakterijsku vrstu učinjeno je 60 uzoraka tj. po 10 uzoraka za pojedino razrjeđenje. Uzorci su hermetički zatvoreni i ostavljeni 10 i 30 minuta. Količina od 0,1 ml pojedinog uzorka nasađena je na krvnu ploču i pohranjena u termostat 24 h na temperaturi od 37˚C. Postupak je ponovljen dva puta. Halotan je pokazao najveću antibakterijsku aktivnost. Uništio je sve koncentracije sojeva Staphylococcus aureus i Enterococcus faecalis. Eukaliptol je djelovao na sojeve Staphylococcus aureus, a narančino ulje nije pokazalo antibakterijski učinak na ispitivane sojeve., Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis species were used for the experiment. 0,5 McFarland bacterial inoculum was diluted using saline in proportions 1:10, 1:10 2, 1:10 3, 1:10 4, 1:10 5 and 1:10 6. 0.2 millilitre of solving agent was mixed with an equal quantity of bacterial suspension. Sixty specimens, 10 for each proportion, were prepared. Specimens were hermetically closed and left for 10 and 30 minutes. 0.1 millilitre of each specimen was planted to the blood agar and put in the thermostat at 37°C for 24 hours. The procedure was repeated twice. Halothane exhibited greatest antibacterial activity, destroying all concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Eucalyptol showed activity towards Staphylococcus aureus, while orange oil did not show any antibacterial effect on the examined bacteria.

Lateralni kanalići na zubu mogu stomatologu stvarati probleme pri dijagnosticiranju pulpitičnih boli nakon endodoncije, a znanje o njima znatno olakšati rad. Ovo ispitivanje provedeno je da bi se proširile spoznaje o morfologiji zuba i time poboljšao rad stomatologa. Lateralni kanalići proučavani su na slučajnom uzorku od 110 trajnih, jednoko- rijenih, prednjih gornjih i donjih zuba. U ispitivanju upotrebljene su metode prebrojavanja, promatranja pod povećalom i bojenja. Utvrđeno je postojanje lateralnih kanalića koji se otvaraju na srednjoj trećini korijena kod 5 zuba (4,5%). Statističkom raščlambom utvrđeno je da ispitivanu pojavu možemo očekivati u populaciji s 95% vjerojatno- sti u intervalu od 0,7% do 8,3%. Ispitivanu pojavu potrebno je potanje ispitati ne samo na prednjim zubima već i na svim skupinama zuba., Although accessory canals can cause problems in diagnosing post endodontic pulpal pain adequate knowledge about it can make the work easier. This investigation was carried out in order to improve knowledge about teeth morphology and to improve the work of dentists. Accessory canals were investigated on a accident sample of 110 permanent, singlerooted, frontal upper and lower teeth. Methods used in this investigation were: counting, magnifying, observing and colouring. It was established that accessory canals appear on the middle third of the root surface on upper and lower frontal, permanent, singlerooted teeth in 4.5% cases (5 teeth). Statistically, it was established that we could expect the frequency of accessory canals on the middle third of the root surface in the population ranging from 0.7% to 8.3%, with 95% probability. The problem investigated should be thoroughly studied in the future, not only on frontal teeth but all groups of teeth.

Treći su kutnjaci zubi koji kongenitalno najčešće nedostaju. Istraživanja o razvoju trećih kutnjaka upućuju nas da utvrđujemo radiografske osobitosti korisne u predviđanju nicanja tih zuba. Istražili smo klinički i radiografski nalaz donjih trećih kutnjaka i pronašli pet različitih tipova impakcije donjih trećih kutnjaka., Third molars are the most often congenitally missing teeth. Studies on the development o f third molars have lead to the identification o f radiographic characteristics that are useful in predicting the eruption. We have investigated the clinical and radiographic status of lower third molars. In the course of our studies five different types o f impaction pattern of the mandibular third molars have been revealed.

Dan je pregled današnjih spoznaja o mehaničkom i kemijskom trošenju zuba i dentalnih ispuna te o povezanosti atricijsko-abrazijsko-erozijskih djelovanja u svjetlu tribologijske znanosti i naših kliničkih iskustava. Navedeni su unutarnji i vanjski uzroci nastalih defekata, njihov odnos prema kliničkoj slici s posebnim osvrtom na kliničke manifestacije subkliničkih erozija cakline i dentina. Navedeni su neki od indeksa za kliničku klasifikaciju potrošenoga zuba i nove tehnologije koje se rabe u znanstvenom istraživanju te problematike., A review is given o f the present state o f art on mechanical and chemical wearing away o f teeth and dental fillings, and on the relationship between the effects o f attrition, abrasion and erosion in the light of tribology and our own clinical experience. Endogenous and exogenous causes o f defects, as well as their relation with the clinical picture are presented, with particular reference to clinical manifestation of subclinical enamel and dentin erosions. Some indices for clinical classification of tooth wear and new relevant research technologies are described.

U ovom radu naveli smo moguće putove ulaska sastojaka oslobođenih iz amalgamskih ispuna u čovjekov organizam i njihov mogući patološki utjecaj. Opisani su mehanizmi djelovanja i navedena su istraživanja o utjecaju amalgamskog ispuna na sluznicu usne šupljine, parodont, pulpu, bubrege, živčani sustav, krvožilni sustav, imunološki i probavni sustav. Analizirana je moguća reakcija preosjetljivosti na amalgamski ispun, a navedeni su i nalazi o mogućem teratogenom učinku amalgamskog ispuna i mogućem štetnom utjecaju dentalnog amalgama (osobito otpadnoga dentalnog amalgama) na okoliš. Prema postojećim podatcima moglo bi se zaključiti da utjecaj amalgamskog ispuna na organizam još nije dostatno razjašnjen jer različita istraživanja daju suprotne nalaze. Ipak, budući da se živa iz odbačenoga dentalnoga amalgama može metilirati u okolišu (u ribljim škrgama i djelovanjem nekih mikroorganizama) u visokotoksičnu organsku živu, amalgam čini veliku opasnost za okoliš. Zato pozornost treba obratiti na prikupljanje, skladištenje i recikliranje otpadnoga materijala., This review describes possible ways of penetration of components released from the amalgam filling into the individual’s organism and their possible pathologic effect. Some activity mechanisms are described and research cited on the influence of amalgam filling on oral mucous,periodontal, pulp, kidneys, neural, cardiovascular, immunologic and digestive systems. Possible hipersensibility reaction to amalgam filling is analyzed. Furthermore, the results o f possible teratologic effect o f amalgam filling, as well as the effect o f dental amalgam (especially waste dental amalgam) on the environment, is discussed. According to existing data it can be concluded the that the influence of amalgam filling on the organism o f the individual has not yet been sufficiently explained, because the results o f investigations are contradictory. However, in the environment (within fish and bay activity o f some microorganisms) mercury from waste dental amalgam can be transformed into highly toxic organic mercury, which can be a great danger to the environment. Consequently, great attention should be paid to the collection, storage and recycling of waste dental amalgam.

This paper describes cases of severe tooth wear, caused by a strong abrasive component in bread (stone particles), and loss o f enamel and dentine o f the “pressure-chipping ” type, as a consequence o f grinding a mineralized substance (shrimps legs), which is a little known type of tooth wear in primitive Inuits of Alaska, Canada and Greenland., U radu su opisane opsežne abrazivne promjene cakline i dentina zuba uzrokovane neuobičajenim prehrambenim navikama netipičnim za današnjicu. Slične promjene tvrdih zubnih struktura nađene su u eskima sa Aljaske, Kanade i Grenlanda.

Iako dentalni amalgam osim pozitivnih ima i negativna svojstva, ipak je najčešće rabljeni materijal za ispune stražnjih zuba. Jedno od negativnih svojstava jest i učinak na električna zbivanja u usnoj šupljini. U radu je, in vivo, ispitivan električni potencijal različitih vrsta amalgama neposredno nakon unošenja u kavitet, te sedam dana prije i poslije poliranja. Osim toga, ispitivan je učinak prisutnosti protetskih kovina na električni potencijal u usnoj šupljini. Razlika električnog potencijala između poliranih i nepoliranih ispuna statistički je vjerodostojna kod svih ispitivanih dentalnih amalgama (p, In this study, electrical potential of four different commercial dental amalgams in in vivo conditions was studied. Additionally, the effects of polishing of the amalgam filling and presence of prosthetic metal on electrical potential were also assessed. Electrical potential was measured at the gingiva and fresh amalgam filling. After seven days, the potential was measured again at the same fillings before and after polishing of the amalgam surface. The difference in electrical potential between the polished and non-polished amalgam fillings was statistically significant in all the dental amalgams tested (p

Prema postavljenoj zadaći, metodom slučajnog odabira pregledani su zubi 413 radnika u tekstilnoj tvornici s ciljem da se otkrije pojava profesionalnih uzura vezanih za tehnologiju rada. Od pregledanih, 40,6% (168) povremeno je ili stalno prekidalo konac zubima, a ne škarama kako je predviđeno tehnološkim procesom. Uzure su otkrivene samo u radnika koji su konac pre kidali zubima (P < 0,01). Nađene su kod 10,9% svih ispitanika (413), to jest kod 26,8% (45) ispitanika koji su konac prekidali zubima. Uzure su nastale pretežito na gornjim sjekutićima, a po izgledu su klinaste, ovalne ili kombinirane. Po stupnju istrošenosti zuba, prema TW1, zahvatile su samo caklinu, osim jednog slučaja gdje su doprle do dentina. Na nastanak uzura djelovala je dugotrajnost mehaničkog oštećenja zuba (Q - 0,45), vrsta konca (Q - 0,55), i neobavještenost radnika o mogućem štetnom djelovanju loših radnih navika na zub., A cohort of 413 textile industry workers were randomly chose to assess the presence of professional abrasion notches (dental fissures) as a result of manufacture technology. It was found that 168 (4.06%) examined workers temporarily or permanently bite the thread instead of cutting it by the scissors during the working process, as regulated by the technological process. Dental fissures were only detected in the workers reporting to bite the thread (P

Dentalni amalgam je bio materijal izbora za ispune na stražnjim zubima tijekom proteklih 150 godina. U radu je prikazan p o vijesni razvoj amalgama, njegov obvezni sastav, te podjela dentalnih amalgama prema količinskom udjelu bakra i prema obliku čestica. Navedena su svojstva amalgama s posebnim osvrtom na njegovu toksičnost. Poznato je da se posljednjih godina pojačao napad na amalgam i u znanstvenoj i u popularnoj literaturi, a u svezi s njegovim navodnim patološkim djelovanjem na organizam. Stoga su navedene preporuke Američkog dentalnog udruženja (AD A) o uporabi dentalnog amalgama. Prema svim dosadašnjim istraživanjima ne postoje znanstveno utemeljeni dokazi o štetnosti amalgamskih ispuna., Dental amalgam has been the material o f choice for the posterior tooth fillings for the past 150 years. Presented in this paper are the historic development o f amalgam, its obligatory composition, as well as the division o f different types o f amalgam according to the quantitative content o f copper and the shape o f the particles. Also, the properties o f amalgam with special regard to its toxicity are listed. It is well known that, over the past few years, attacks on dental amalgam have intensified, both in scientific and popular literature, concerning its possible pathologic impact on human body. Enumerated in the paper are recommendations by the A m erican Dental Association (ADA) on the use o f dental amalgam. In view o f the scientific research available, there is no scientifically founded evidence o f the amalgam fillings being noxious.

Provedeno je kliničko ispitivanje 265 kompozitnih ispuna na prednjim zubima trećega, četvrtoga i petoga razreda u bolesnika starijih od 20 godina. Ispitivani su boja, rubna promjena boje, rubna prilagodba, morfološki oblik punjenja i pojava sekundarnoga karijesa. Pritom su rabljeni parametri USPHS postupka. Nađeno je kako su materijali za ispune bili otporniji na trošenje nego na promjenu boje ispuna i rubnu obojenost. Kod loše oralne higijene bilo je više neuspjeha nego kod primjerene čistoće zubi. U 7% ispuna došlo je do promjene boje, rubnoga obojenja, lošega rubnog zatvaranja i pojave sekundarnoga karijesa već kod ispuna starih godinu dana, što je zabrinjavajuće visok postotak neuspjeha., In total, 265 resin fillings on the anterior teeth o f the third, fourth and fifth classes in patients aged > 20 years were clinically examined. Changes in the color and marginal color, marginal adjustment and filling morphology, and the occurrence o f secondary caries were assessed using the USPHS method parameters. The filling materials were found to be more resistant to wear by use than to changes in the filling color and marginal color. Low success was more frequently recorded with poor than with good oral hygiene. In 7% o f the fillings, changes in the color and marginal color, poor marginal occlusion and secondary caries occurred within not more than a year, which is a critically high percentage o f failure.

Kod 30 pacijenata ispitano je stanje sluznice ispod tijela mosta i mikrobiološki sastav plaka s tijela mosta i sa sluznice ispod tijela mosta. Uzorci su uzeti prilikom skidanja lateralnih mostova od zlatnih legura. Dekubitalne promjene bile su prisutne kod svih ispitanika (100%), što pripisujemo lošoj higijeni jer je tijelo mosta imalo adekvatan dizajn. U plaku su prevladavali gram pozitivne bakterije, uglavnom streptokoki (65% s tijela mosta i 61,36% sa sluznice). Međutim, izolirano je i vrlo mnogo gram negativnih štapića, uglavnom fakultativnih anaeroba (25% s tijela mosta i 18,18% sa sluznice), što se pripisuje dugotrajnoj lošoj higijeni. Izolirali smo više Kandide (20,45%) i Streptococcusa mutansa (22,73%) s upaljene sluznice nego sa tijela mosta (9,375% 12,5%), iako nije dokazana statistički značajna razlika (p > 0,05). Ti mikroorganizmi zasigurno imaju veći afinitet prema upaljenoj sluznici. Potrebno je pacijente (mnogo) bolje uputiti o načinu i važnosti održavanja dobre oralne higijene ispod tijela mosta, uz upotrebu zubnog konca i vodenog tuša, te o štetnim posljedicama koje vrše mikroorganizmi u plaku na parodoncij zuba nosača i na sluznicu ispod tijela mosta., The condition o f oral mucosa and microbial plaque composition under golden pontics was examined in 30 patients. Samples were geathered from the oral mucosa under the pontics and from the inner surface o f the pontics when the bridges were taken off. Decubital changes o f oral mucosa under the pontics were present in all examined subjects (100%), what was attribututed to the unproper oral hygiene, because the pontics had been designed adequately. In the plaque samples Gram positive cocci were predominant, the mayority o f them being Streptococci (65,62% from the pontics, and 61,36% from the mucosa). Many Gram negative rods were also isolated, both, from the pontics (25%) and from the mucosa (18,18%). This is due to the poor and incorrect oral hygiene through a very long period. More Candida (20,45%) and Streptococcus mutans (22,75%) were isolated form the iflamed mucosa under the pontics than from the pontics (9,375% and 12,5% respectively), but this difference was not significant (p > 0,05). It is neccessary to inform the patient how to maintain proper oral hygiene under the pontics and to explain all circumstances that poor oral hygiene could cause.