Actinomycosis osteomyelitis of the jaws: Report of four cases and a review of the literature.

Actinomycosis osteomyelitis of the jaw bones, particularly in the maxilla, is an extremely rare disease. This report presents two cases of maxillary and two cases of mandibular actinomycosis osteomyelitis, with the diagnosis particularly based on histological procedures. The highly diversified pathogenicity of the phenomenon and the absence of solid diagnostic criteria are discussed. Laboratory challenges are emphasized, and a comprehensive overview of the entity including treatment alternatives is given along with a review of the relevant literature.

Idiopathic root resorption of the entire permanent dentition: systematic review and report of a case.

A rare case of idiopathic root resorption affecting the entire dentition was described. Root resorptions of all of the maxillary and mandibular teeth were coincidentally diagnosed on patient's radiographic examination. The patient's medical and dental findings were non-contributory, other than the increased mobility of upper incisors. No significant familial findings could be identified. Detailed radiographic examination revealed resorption affecting the apical part of the roots, resulting in vertical shortening of the teeth. The character of the resorption was as if a tapering occurred throughout the lateral root surfaces. Involved teeth were endodontically treated and the patient was subsequently followed-up for 18 months. Following endodontic therapy, all periapical lesions demonstrated clinical and radiographic evidence of healing. Endodontic therapy resulted in a high degree of success to stop resorption process and maintain the dentition.

The effect of three different sealers on the radiopacity of root fillings in simulated canals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 root canal sealers on radiopacity of root fillings in simulated canals by means of direct digital radiography. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty simulated root canals in transparent acrylic blocks were prepared with a 4% tapered, size 25 instrument. A single 4% tapered, size 25 gutta-percha cone was inserted into each canal. Standardized images of the blocks with an aluminum step-wedge were obtained by using Digora storage phosphor plates. Then, 3 root canal sealers (Roeko, Diaket, Pulpdent) were mixed according to the manufacturers' instructions. The gutta-percha cones were completely coated with one of the sealers and placed in the identical canal to the full working length. The images of the blocks were reobtained after sealer application. The mean gray values (MGVs) of root fillings were measured with or without the sealer at 3 different levels (1 mm, 6 mm, and 11 mm from apex) by using the Image Tool program. Each MGV measurement was then converted to its aluminum equivalent by means of the step-wedge values. A paired t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: RoekoSeal caused a significant decrease in the radiopacity of the root fillings at the 1-mm level (P < 0.01). Diaket and Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS) increased the radiopacity of the fillings at all levels significantly (P < 0.01) except 6- and 11-mm levels of the Diaket specimens (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The type and the thickness of root canal sealers can influence the radiopacity of the root fillings.

Accuracy of proximal caries depth measurements: comparison between limited cone beam computed tomography, storage phosphor and film radiography.

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of limited cone beam computed tomography (LCBCT), an image plate system and F-speed film in assessing the depth of proximal carious lesions. Radiographs of a dry mandible with sound and carious teeth were obtained with all three methods. In 41 molar and premolar proximal surfaces, 2 observers independently measured lesion depth on the images from the three modalities. The correlation of measurements was assessed with Pearson's correlation analysis. Results from imaging modalities and histological sectioning (gold standard) were compared using Bland-Altman plots. Overall comparison of the depth measurements from the imaging modalities and the gold standard was done using repeated-measures ANOVA. Pairwise comparisons of systems were done by the Bonferroni t test. The correlation between the measurements of the two observers was 0.977 for film, 0.997 for image plate system and 0.998 for LCBCT. Bland-Altman plots revealed that LCBCT agreed very closely with the gold standard while the agreement between the latter and the image plate--or film--images was moderate. The mean difference and 95% limits of agreement between LCBCT and the gold standard were smaller than those between either image plate or F-speed film and the gold standard. The LCBCT method appears as a promising tool for detection and monitoring of proximal carious lesions.

Effect of delayed scanning of storage phosphor plates.

OBJECTIVE: To test longevity of image quality in storage phosphor plates (SPPs) at various exposure settings, storage conditions, and delays in scanning. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen Digora plates were exposed from 0.08 to 0.20 seconds and scanned immediately, 10, 30, and 60 minutes, and 24 hours after exposure. Plates were stored both in daylight and in a light-tight box. Mean gray values (MGVs) were compared using 2 x 5 x 5 factorial ANOVA. Interaction between variables was tested using Bonferroni/Dunn multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: MGVs decreased with increase in exposure but increased with the scan delay. Only MGVs of plates scanned within 10 minutes after exposure were not significantly different from the ones scanned immediately ( P > .05). MGVs increased with scan delay for all exposure times no matter how the plates were stored ( P < .05). CONCLUSION: Based on the time delays examined, it is recommended to scan the Digora SPP no later than 10 minutes after exposure. Longer periods may cause loss of quality.

Dental caries and fluorosis in low- and high-fluoride areas in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the caries prevalence of children living in either low- or high-fluoride areas and to relate caries experience to the severity of dental fluorosis. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 278 12- to 14-year-old schoolchildren, 149 in a low-fluoride area (LFA) and 129 in a high-fluoride area (HFA), were included in the study. The naturally occurring fluoride concentrations in the drinking water were 0.30 to 0.40 ppm in the LFA, 1.42 to 1.54 ppm in the HFA1, and 1.55 to 1.66 ppm in the HFA2. Dental caries was recorded with the World Health Organization criteria, and dental fluorosis was measured using the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis. RESULTS: The percentages of children who had an average TSIF > or = 1 were 0%, 29%, and 77% in the LFA, HFA1, and HFA2, respectively. The mean decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing, and filled permanent surfaces (DMFS) were 0.84 +/- 0.98 and 1.58 +/- 2.24 in LFA, 1.30 +/- 1.46 and 1.78 +/- 2.52 in HFA1, and 1.26 +/- 1.42 and 1.97 +/- 2.60 in HFA2, respectively. There was no significant difference in caries prevalence among children living in low- and high-fluoride areas when evaluated with an analysis of covariance model, including the frequency of toothbrushing. Toothbrushing frequency had a significant effect on the decayed teeth, decayed surfaces, DMFT, and DMFS. In high-fluoride areas, there was no relationship between caries prevalence and severity of fluorosis. CONCLUSION: Increasing water fluoride levels were associated with higher prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and had no influence on caries experience in children with poor oral hygiene.

Prevalence of Candida albicans in oral cavities and root canals of children.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of C. albicans in the oral cavities and root canals of children. Twenty healthy and caries-free children and 13 children with caries, were screened. Imprint samples and sterile paper points were used to obtain the samples from oral cavities and root canals respectively. The production of germ tubes and the development of chlamydospores identified yeast cultures. Sixty-nine percent of children with caries and 5% of caries-free children were found to be Candida carriers. The difference in candidal prevalence between two groups was significant (p < 0.05). Sixty-one point five percent of children were positive for Candida in the root canal. Since, increase in the C. albicans in the oral cavity provides a potential source of the fungus particularly when resistance falls below a certain threshold, attention to strategies for the reduction of this pervasive and persistent pathogen becomes important. Therefore, reduction of caries and or introduction of antifungal agents during root canal treatment of children may be offered.