Antibiotic prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis: a survey of current practices among dentists in Riyadh

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis for Bacterial Endocarditis [BE] among Riyadh dentists. A three-paged self-administered questionnaire was circulated to the dental practices in large hospitals and dental polyclinic in Riyadh City. A total of 700 questionnaires were distributed and the response rate was 41.7%. The relationship was determined between variables and the various responses using a X2 test. A great majority of the respondents [96.9%] were using prophylactic antibiotic in patients susceptible to BE and amoxicillin was the first antibiotic of choice. A high percentage of the surveyed dentists were still using prophylactic antibiotic for low or negligible risk cardiac conditions. The respondents were also noticed to cover non-high risk dental procedures with prophylactic antibiotics. This practice is not consistent with the recent American Heart Association [AHA] guidelines. Therefore, improvement in dental practitioners knowledge about prophylactic antibiotic utilization is required

Evaluation of the effects of finishing and polishing procedures on the surface texture of compomer materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of finishing and polishing procedures on the surface texture of compomer materials [Dyract and Compoglass] using the Enhance finishing and polishing system. Forty-five cylindrical specimens were prepared from each material. Fifteen specimens of each material were light cured against a Mylar strip with no finishing or polishing [control]. 15 others were finished only using the Enhance finishing system [experimental] and another 15 specimens were finished and polished using the Enhance finishing and polishing system [experimental]. All specimens were prepared at room temperature and stored for 3 days in closed containers of distilled water [300 ml] in a laboratory oven at 37°C before testing. Both control and experimental specimens of each material were examined and photographed at different magnifications using a stereomicroscope and an SEM. Also, the surface roughness of all specimens was measured with a surface roughness analyzer. The surfaces cured against the Mylar strip demonstrated the smoothest surface. Following the Mylar strip surface, the next smoothest surface was seen in finished and polished Dyract followed by finished Compoglass. Finishing and polishing procedures of compomer materials failed to reproduce the smoothness of surfaces created by mylar strips

Enamel surface and resin tags morphology: sem study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surface treatment of enamel and enameloplasty preparation resin tags morphology of the following materials: Dyract, Compoglass, Photac-Fil and Delton Plus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 45 extracted caries free permanent teeth were divided into 9 groups of 5 teeth each. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were used to evaluate surface treatment of enamel treated according to the manufacturer's instructions of each of the mentioned materials while group 5 serves as control. Groups 6, 7, 8 and 9 were used to evaluate the enameloplasty preparation resin tags morphology of those materials after teeth were demineralized in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid for 24 hours, which leaves the restorative materials previously in contact with cavity walls, exposed. Teeth in groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as well as fitting surfaces of restorative materials in groups 6, 7, 8 and 9 were prepared and examined using SEM to evaluate surface treatment pattern and resin tags morphology. Surface treatment of enamel and enameloplasty preparation resin tags morphology evaluation of Dyract, Compoglass, Photac-Fil and Delton Plus using SEM demonstrated different appearance. Control surfaces showed the longitudinal marks and the smear layer created during preparations. Surface treatment of the teeth using Dyract and Delton Plus resulted in disappearance of the longitudinal marks while surfaces treated with Compoglass and Photac-Fil showed the longitudinal marks. The fitting surfaces of Compoglass, Photac-Fil and Delton Plus were consistent with their surface treatment appearance, while Dyract fitting surfaces were consistent with the prepared teeth surfaces before Dyract PSA Prime/Adhesive application. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel surface of the teeth following Dyract and Delton Plus surface treatments cause disappearance of the longitudinal marks created during cutting while surfaces treated with Compoglass and Photac-Fil surface still show the longitudinal marks. The fitting surfaces of Compoglass, PhotacFil and Delton Plus are consistent with their surface treatment appearance while Dyract fitting surfaces are consistent with the prepared teeth surfaces before Dyract PSA Prime/Adhesive application

Clinical evaluation of enameloplasty preparations restored with compomer materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the enameloplasty technique in conjunction with compomer restorative materials. SAMPLE AND DESIGN: Thirty-two patients [6-14 years of age] with at least one contralateral sound posterior teeth participated in this study. METHODS: All the fissures were prepared using No. 5825 diamond bur, compomer material [Dyract or Compoglass] was placed on a random basis on the occlusal surface of the selected tooth on one side with the other material on the contralateral side. Patients were examined clinically immediately after placement of the compomer and re-examined at 1, 3 and 12 months after application for the following parameters: marginal integrity, discoloration, presence of restoration, dental caries and anatomical form. All restorations evaluated were clinically acceptable. Comparing the clinical results of each material at baseline with those of 1, 3 and 12 months showed that the only statistically significant difference was in the marginal integrity and marginal discoloration of both materials. Age had a significant effect only after 12 months while sex, tooth type, arch type and being in the right or left side had no significant effect on the results obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Enameloplasty technique using compomer materials on permanent posterior teeth show acceptable performance up to twelve months

Pits and fissures morphology and enameloplasty technique evaluation

This in vitro study evaluated pits and fissures morphology and the use of enameloplasty technique in posterior permanent teeth. A total of 54 extracted caries free permanent posterior teeth were used in this study. Stereomicroscopic and SEM examination were used to evaluate pits and fissures and enamel thickness. Enameloplasty preparation of the occlusal surfaces was performed using diamond bur No. 582S. Preparations were evaluated using Stereomicroscopic and scanning electron microscope [SEM]. Pits and fissures evaluation of the molars and premolars using stereomicroscope demonstrated great variability in the number of grooves and pits. The highest mean enamel thickness was recorded for the lingual cusps in molars buccolingual sections [1.82 mm] while the lowest mean enamel thickness was recorded at the central fissure of premolars buccolingual sections [0.44 mm]. SEM examination revealed presence of debris in the fissures, despite prophylaxis procedure performed. The geometric configuration of pits and fissures varied from a shallow-wide fissure to a deep-narrow fissure. Evaluation of enameloplasty preparation in the molars and premolars using stereomicroscope showed continuous external outline form that involved all pits and fissures with rounded or slightly sharp line angles, rounded or slightly flat pulpal floor and rounded or slightly sharp internal line angles. In some teeth when preparations were limited to enamel, not all fissures depth were reached. SEM evaluation confirmed the stereoscopic examination and showed enlarged fissures with increased surface area and irregular pulpal and cavity walls. Occlusal surfaces of posterior permanent teeth show a great variability in the number of grooves, which varies from a shallow-wide fissure to a deep narrow fissure. Diamond bur No. 582S produces homogeneous enameloplasty preparation with minimal loss of tooth structure and more surface area. It did not always remove completely the deepest part of the fissures, but it did allow inspection of the repairing part of the fissures and extent of discolouration