Evaluation of the protective effect on enamel demineralization of CPP-ACP paste and ROCS by vibrational spectroscopy and SAXS: An in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to investigate human dental enamel surfaces using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques concerning differences between the demineralized enamel surface and remineralized enamel surface by casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate, Tooth mousse® (CPP-ACP) and remineralizing oral care systems (ROCS®) agents within the same tooth. For this purpose, 20 freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors without caries and defects were used. Labial surfaces of each of the teeth were divided into four sections, which were marked as follows: Group 1, normal enamel; Group 2, demineralized enamel with demineralization solution; Group 3, demineralized enamel + remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP-ACP for 10 teeth); and Group 4, remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP-ACP for 10 teeth). To describe the changes in tooth enamel, the phosphate group concentration within enamel was used as an indicator of the degree of mineralization. The phosphate and carbonate bands in the FTIR and Raman spectra were used to investigate the structural changes in the demineralized and remineralized enamel. Spectroscopic data were statistically analyzed in terms of CPP-ACP and ROCS using one-way analysis of variance. The carbonate content of demineralized enamel was higher than the carbonate content in the other groups (p < .03). The apatite carbonate-phosphate balance in the samples with only remineralizing agent-especially ROCS applied-changed significantly (p < .05) compared to the normal group. The average FTIR spectra of the groups were subjected to multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) conducted with the use of the OPUS 5.5 software. Nanosized surface morphologies of the samples were compared using pair distance distributions obtained through SAXS analyses. According to the SAXS analyses, applications of CCP + ACP and ROCS agents were effective on nanostructures for all groups.

The use of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of immature tooth with periapical lesion: a case report.

This study describes the treatment of an immature permanent tooth with periapical lesion which was treated with regenerative approach using platelet rich plasma (PRP). The root canal of immature human permanent tooth with periapical lesion was gently debrided of necrotic tissue and disinfected with 2.5% NaOCl, and then medicated with triple antibiotic paste comprised of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline. When the tooth was asymptomatic, PRP and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) were placed into the root canal. Six months after PRP treatment, radiographical examination revealed resolution of the radiolucency and progressive thickening of the root wall and apical closure. Our findings suggest that PRP can be used for the treatment of immature permanent teeth with periapical lesion, as part of a regenerative endodontic treatment procedure.

Effect of 2 elastomeric ligatures on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a nonconventional elastomeric ligature (Slide; Leone, Florence, Italy) with those of a conventional elastomeric ligature (Ormco, Orange, Calif) on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients. METHODS: A total of 13 orthodontic patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment were selected for this study. The use of Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic appliances was tested. Microbial and periodontal records were obtained before bonding and 1 and 5 weeks after bonding. For the statistical analysis and calculations, SPSS software (version 15.0; SPSS, Chicago, Ill) was used. In the statistical decisions, P <0.05 values were accepted as significantly different. RESULTS: No significant differences between Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures were evident at 1 week or 5 weeks after bonding, with regard to gingival index, plaque index, gingival bleeding index, or pocket depth scores (P >0.05). Similarly, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria counts did not differ significantly on the surface or on the elastics (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the Slide ligatures cover the total surface of the bracket, they do not cause significantly more plaque accumulation or periodontal problems than do the conventional elastomeric ligatures.

Effect of ozone pretreatment on the microleakage of pit and fissure sealants.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of ozone pretreatment on the microleakage and marginal integrity of pit and fissure sealants placed with or without a self-etch 6th generation adhesive. STUDY DESIGN: Freshly-extracted, human third molars were randomly assigned into two main groups (n = 48): Group A: Fissures were pretreated with ozone; Group B: Fissures were left untreated. The teeth were further randomly divided into two subgroups (n = 24/each) so that half of teeth were sealed with a conventional fissure sealant (Fissurit F, Voco, Germany), while the remaining half received the same sealant bonded with a self-etch adhesive (Clearfil Protect Bond, Kuraray, Japan). Following thermal cycling (1000X), the specimens were subjected to dye penetration within 0.5% basic fuchsin for 24h. The extent of dye penetration was measured by image analysis. Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis of the data (p = 0.05). Two randomly-selected sections from each group were observed under SEM RESULTS: In all groups, ozone pretreatment significantly reduced the extent of microleakage (p < 0.001). SEM investigation demonstrated better adaptation of the sealants in ozone-pretreated groups. Clearfil Protect Bond did not improve the marginal seal of Fissurit F (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ozone pretreatment favorably affected the marginal sealing ability of the tested fissure sealants.