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Caries is one of the most common chronic diseases and the main cause of tooth loss. Early detection provides a better evaluation of the disease and improves the chances to succeed of prevention strategies. This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness of ICDAS-II system (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) and the fluorescence terminal (Proof) of VistaCam iX intraoral camera, in the early diagnosis and assessment of caries in permanent teeth. Results shows a fair correlation between ICDAS II and VistaCam iX Proof; intraoral camera proved to be a useful support to the ICDAS II visual / tactile monitoring of carious lesions in occlusal surfaces.

Forensic medicine is now able to identify people through lots of different systems. Actually, fingerprints identification is the mostused identification method. To avoid identifying, many people alter or erase their fingerprints through chemical and / or abrasivesystems. The study of palatal rugae (palatoscopy) is an identification technique today accepted by the international scientificcommunity as an alternative, safe and effective identification system, because of their characteristic feature of immutability andindividuality. Currently, the most used procedure is dental impression through plaster casts or photographs. The difficulties in therecording and cast’s storage limited the use of this identification system in comparison with others techniques. In order to improvethe palatal rugae analysis system, we designed a software, connected to a camera device that allows to acquire the palatal impression,to easily identify the salient palatal features and to store them in a database. This would permit a fast, simple and economicrecognition method that could be used without the need of specific staff training and that could easily be integrated with the existingfingerprint identification systems.

Enamel hypomineralization is characterized by decreased refractive index of the lesion surface as compared to the surrounding sound enamel. Icon® treatment has been recently successfully used for the cosmetic treatment of enamel demineralizations seen in white spot lesions (WSLs) and developmental defects of enamel (DDE). On the other hand, cases of molar incisal hypomineralization (MIH), deep lesions of traumatic origin, and those associated with severe fluorosis do not have the same response to this type of treatment. The application of a new deep Icon® infiltrative technique is proposed and the aesthetic results are validated by using a spectrophotometric approach as previously described by our group.

The effectiveness of sealants in preventing pits and fissures decay is currently assessed by retention as principal clinical evaluation criteria. Among the determinants for sealant retention, an incomplete removal of plaque debris can cause lack of adhesion at the sealant-enamel interface. Therefore, in order to optimize the caries prevention outcome, clinical procedures of biofilm detection and cleansing are crucial. Technological aids can help clinicians in these critical phases. A clinical procedure is described of sealant application using VistaCam iX Proof fluorescence camera for quantitative assessment of surface demineralization and Combi air polishing unit for plaque removal. Pre and post air polishing intraoral VistaCam iX Proof images show the effectiveness of glycine airpolish technology in plaque removal. The results encourage technological aided clinical procedures in enhancing sealant application for pit and fissures caries prevention. Further clinical research is needed to validate our preliminary outcomes.

Aim: early diagnosis and monitoring of caries lesions are the most important issues of primary and secondary prevention policies. The intraoral Vista Cam iX (Durr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany) uses the fluorescence phenomenon for a non-invasive, quantitative caries diagnosis. In order to make a precise evaluation the tooth surface must be completely cleaned and without biofilm. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of biofilm removal, using air-polishing device (Combi, Mectron SpA) with glycine, on fluorescence VistaCam iX camera quantitative measurements of caries. Methods: Patients with complete permanent dentition without any kind of restorative treatments in the lateral and posterior section of upper and lower dental arches were enrolled. The occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars were photographed using the fluorescence terminal Proof of the intraoral camera VistaCam iX before and after air polishing glycine procedures, registering the highest value gained for each occlusal surface. Results: 133 cuspidate permanent teeth of patients aged between 13 and 25were analyzed. Descriptive analysis showed an average of 0.82 (SD= 0.65; Min= 0.00; Max= 1.80; Median= 1.20) and of 0.93 (SD= 0.60; Min= 0.00; Max= 1.70; Median=1.20) for values before and after treatment, respectively. The scores assigned by VistaCam iX Proof fluorescence based camera to the occlusal surfaces, after the air-polishing treatment, are averagely higher than those before treatment, especially in the diagnosis of initial tooth decay. Conclusions: Biofilm removal with glycine air-polishing improves the VistaCam camera accuracy in recognizing healthy tissue from the decayed one, due to the fact that air-polishing treatment increases the decayed tissue reaction to the fluorescence.

Background/Objective:The clinical conditions that lead to an alteration of the enamel structure are numerous. The diet high in sugars and acidifying substances, psychological stress that triggers parafunctional behaviors, the reduced intake of fiber-rich foods or alkalizing substances, together with other factors, contribute to demineralization of the tooth enamel. Dental mineralizing products on the current market are distinguished according to the dosage form, the active ingredient, the release technology, clinical indications and patient choice. Currently, it is necessary to propose to oral health professionals a guide to orient themselves in this chaotic choice, in order to prefer the most effective product for their own clinical target.Methods:Italian Society of Oral Hygiene Sciences-S.I.S.I.O. is one of the leading scientific Italian societies representing those dental hygienists working with high-quality standards and in agreement with scientific evidence: in the last year, the SISIO working group has carried out a study focused on remineralizing agents in dentistry, in order to give an authoritative point of view to indicate a guideline in the decision process of the choice of a remineralizing agent. We will report the results pointed out from the last consensus meeting in 2017.Results:We have reported the good the bad and the ugly have been discussed in a critical discussion of such topic.Conclusion:The SISIO experience has been reported in this position paper with the aim to serve as a useful aid in the daily choice of the clinical steps to perform, when dental professionals need to treat demineralized teeth.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate, by means of elemental analysis the mineral density, calcium, and phosphorus weight percent of sound enamel, demineralized and CPP-ACP treated enamel. Elemental analysis allows elemental and isotopic composition of a biologic sample. It can be qualitative (determining what elements are present), and quantitative (determining how much of each are present). INCA Energy 250, Oxford Analytical Instruments Ltd. (UK), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy system for elemental analysis was performed on random assigned samples. Methods: 12 sound premolars were extracted for orthodontic reason. Each tooth was sectioned by using a double-faced diamond microtome under water cooling into three section for a total of 36 samples and randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (WS: white spot) , Group 3 (WST white spot treated) of 12 samples each. Samples (Group 2 and Group 3) underwent equally to 24 h and 48 h of acid bath duration. Then all the treated samples (Group 3) were coated with CPP-ACP for 5 min before immersion into water twice a day. Group 2 served as control for enamel damage evaluation. Inca Point & ID, an analytic platform software for SEM was used for elemental analysis on samples from Group 1 (C), 2 (WS) and Group 3 (WST) in order to determine the weight % and atomic % presence of Ca and P. Results: The results of the samples analysis from the three Groups show different weight % and atomic% of Ca and P, and clearly reflect the different mineralization rates. Conclusions: 10% Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) complex, promotes remineralization in vitro. The results of this in vitro study completely agree with this statement. Clinical studies to investigate the intraoral effectiveness of topical applications of CPP-ACP on white spot lesions are required to confirm these results.

Purpose. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different desensitizing varnishes. Materials and methods. Ninety healthy adults suffering from tooth sensitivity were divided into three groups. Two different varnishes were used for the study: Fluor Protector S, containing 7700 ppm fluoride (group I), and Cervitec F, containing 1400 ppm fluoride and 0.3% chlorhexidine (group II). A placebo containing water and ethanol was applied for the third group. Tooth sensitivity was collected according the Schiff’ scale at baseline and after 30 and 90 days. Results. Group I and group II improved with statistically significant results. Group III did not show any improvements. Conclusions. Desensitizing varnishes are a valid treatment for tooth hypersensitivity.