Effect of anti-sensitive toothpastes on opened dentinal tubules and on two dentin-bonded resins.

Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity will become of increasing importance in the daily practice of dentistry. The goal of any therapy should be the closure of opened dentinal tubules. The present study made an SEM evaluation of the effect of anti-sensitive toothpastes on root dentin with regard to the superficial changes and possible penetration by toothpaste particles. Further, the study performed an evaluation of the wear-resistance of two dentin-bonded resins during brushing, using the same anti-sensitive toothpastes. Having induced coverage of the dentinal tubules with the toothpastes (Sensodyne, Emoform and Macleans Sensitive), no particles were found within the tubules. The application of dentin-bonded resins seems an alternative solution for treating dentin hypersensitivity.

Root surface caries: an update.

Root surface caries lesions will become more predominant in the future. Recently, several definitions and graduations have been suggested. Objective, epidemiologic data are still lacking. The etiologic factors of root surface caries generally are parallel to those of coronal caries. However, some nuances needed to be identified. Differences concerning the bacteriologic characteristics, the substrate, the mineral composition, and the clearance are discussed. Some patients are more likely to develop multiple lesions than others. Restorative materials with bonding abilities to dentin are the preferred materials. Fluoride applications will probably be the most effective in preventing the development of root surface caries lesions.

A clinical evaluation of a light-cured fissure sealant (Helioseal).

The clinical success of pit and fissure sealants has been reported by several authors. In this study a white-shaded, visible-light-cured sealant was used; the results of the clinical evaluation confirmed this finding. Concerning retention rate, marginal adaptation, and the presence of secondary caries and air bubbles, good results were obtained. Data indicate that a visible- light-cured sealant (Helioseal) appears to be as good as the self-cured sealants and better than the UV-light-cured products. A comparison was also made between the invasive (PFSI) and non-invasive (PFS) application techniques; with respect to the marginal adaptation and the presence of air bubbles, better results were found for fissures that had been enlarged as a preventive measure. More longitudinal studies over a longer period of time are necessary.

[Avulsed teeth. A case study]. / La dent avulsée. Une étude de cas.

A clinical case of exarticulation and replantation served to discuss recent insights regarding the treatment of total avulsions of permanent teeth. A flow chart representing all treatment options is given. The tooth has been replanted in near ideal conditions; within one hour after the avulsion, the young patient attended the dental school with his avulsed tooth stored in milk. After replantation, a very simple splint was applied for only a fortnight and a provisory endodontic therapy with calcium hydroxide was performed. Adequate oral hygiene measures supported with chlorhexidine gel were instructed. These promote the healing process and ultimately also contribute to a long-term survival of the replanted tooth. After healing, a permanent root canal filling was applied and the crown was restored by means of composite material. The one-year- follow up check did not show any sign of resorption and/or ankylosis.

A complete fusion in the primary human dentition: a histological approach.

A trace of cementum totally surrounded by dentine could not be found here; this histological evaluation gave no further information about the origin of this double tooth. The fact that the dental pulp was complex could not be observed radiographically.