Obtaining human teeth for dental education: A cross-sectional study to create ethical and transparent processes.

OBJECTIVES: This study explores the practices of obtaining human teeth for teaching and research in Paraguay. The goal of this research is to understand whether the data supports the need to improve ethical training within dental education, including the creation of a human tooth bank (HTB) METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. Three semi-structured questionnaires were developed, one for each target population: dental students, dentists in practice, and the general population. The questionnaires were distributed between February and April 2021, using Google Forms RESULTS: The main places where human teeth were obtained by a student are dental clinics, followed by cemeteries. 94% of students and 91% of dentists paid for teeth on at least one occasion. There is a willingness on the part of students and dentists to donate collections of teeth, and among the general population to donate their teeth if they are extracted, for both teaching and research use. Note that, 31% of students and 6% of the population are aware of what an HTB is, at the same time only 16% of dentists know how it functions CONCLUSION: The number of respondents who obtain teeth from cemeteries and who pay for their acquisition is high. Both of these practices raise ethical concerns. The implementation of informed consent for the donation of extracted teeth is practically nil; although there is a positive attitude towards its implementation. Also, there is a lack of knowledge about the role of an HTB; although the population expressed a willingness to donate extracted teeth.

Os primeiros passos para a implementação de um banco de dentes humanos na Faculdade de Odontologia UFF / The first steps to implement a human teeth bank at Faculty of Dentistry - UFF

O Banco de Dentes Humanos (BDH) é uma instituição sem fins lucrativos, vinculada a uma faculdade, universidade ou instituição com o propósito de suprir as necessidades acadêmicas, através do fornecimento de dentes humanos para estudo e treinamento laboratorial dos alunos dos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar os métodos utilizados para captação, tratamento, seleção, preservação, armazenamento e reutilização de dentes humanos extraídos, realizados por alunos da Faculdade de Odontologia (FO) da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) através de dois projetos deferidos junto a PROAES-UFF. Para isso, foram realizadas campanhas de conscientização e programas de divulgação para a doação de dentes humanos extraídos permanentes e decíduos tanto para a comunidade científica odontológica como para a comunidade leiga. Após 24 meses, foram captados um total de 2.536 dentes, sendo 346 molares superiores, 279 molares inferiores, 262 pré-molares superiores, 418 pré-molares inferiores, 343 caninos, 296 incisivos superiores e 592 incisivos inferiores. As campanhas e ações dos projetos da PROAES-UFF foram eficientes para coletar dentes humanos, suprindo as atividades laboratoriais de diversas disciplinas na graduação e também servindo de estoque para a futura implementação do BDH da FO-UFF.

The Human Teeth Bank (HTB) is a non-profit institution, linked to a college, university or institution with the purpose of meeting academic needs, through the provision of human teeth for study and laboratory training of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Thus, this study aimed to report the methods of capture, treatment, selection, preservation, storage and reuse of extracted human teeth, carried out by students from the Faculty of Dentistry (FO) of Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) through two projects approved by PROAES-UFF. To this end, awareness campaigns and outreach programs were carried out for the donation of human teeth extracted, permanent and deciduous, both for the dental scientific community and for the lay community. After 24 months, a total of 2,536 teeth were captured, with 346 upper molars, 279 lower molars, 262 upper premolars, 418 lower premolars, 343 canines, 296 upper incisors and 592 lower incisors. The campaigns and actions of PROAES-UFF projects were efficient in collecting human teeth, supplying the laboratory activities of several disciplines during graduation and also serving as a stock for a future implementation of the HTB of FO-UFF.

Uso de dientes bovinos como elección para trabajos de investigación en odontología / The use of bovine teeth as a choice for dental investigation papers

Los dientes animales de las diferentes especies (hu- mano, equino, cerdo, etc.) están constituidos histológi- camente por cuatro tejidos fundamentales. Ellos son: esmalte, dentina, cemento y pulpa dental. Su compo- sición, estructura, morfología y tamaño son disímiles para cada género. Según numerosas investigaciones, los dientes de bovino serían los de elección por ser de fácil obtención y por tener muy pocas, o ninguna, diferencias tanto a nivel macro como microscópico con respecto a los dientes humanos. El objetivo de la presente revisión es aportar información actualizada acerca de las características histológicas de los tejidos dentarios bovinos y profundizar el conocimiento de las similitudes y diferencias de los dientes bovinos y humanos dando soporte a otros estudios compa- rativos y promoviendo la utilización de las piezas dentarias bovinas en trabajos de investigación en odontología (AU)

The animal teeth of the different species (human, equine, pig, etc.) are histologically constituted by four fundamental tissues: enamel, dentin, cement and dental pulp. Their composition, structure, morphology and size are dissimilar for each gender. According to numerous investigations, bovine teeth would be the ones of choice because they are easy to obtain and have very few or no differences, both at the macro and microscopic levels, with respect to human teeth. The objective of this review is to provide updated information about the histological characteristics of bovine dental tissues and deepen the knowledge of the similarities and differences between bovine and human teeth, supporting other comparative studies and promoting the use of bovine dental pieces in research work in dentistry (AU)

Scanning electron microscope characterization of noncarious cervical lesions in human teeth.

AIMS: Abfraction is a theoretical process whereby occlusal forces create microfractures in enamel and dentin along the cervical area and predispose it to erosion and abrasion, forming noncarious cervical lesions. However, the theory is not yet proven. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of abfraction as an etiology of these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten human premolars with these lesions from 10 patients requiring tooth extraction, one tooth from each patient, were used in this study. After extractions, all teeth were stored in 10% formalin until required, then prepared routinely for scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: In all 10 teeth, at low magnification, noncarious cervical lesions appeared as crescent-shaped lesions. The upper edges of the lesions were on the enamel surfaces and their lower edges were on the cemental surfaces. In four teeth, the lesions showed evidence of microfractures characterized by the presence of fracture lines and fracture surfaces. In addition, in the first tooth of these teeth, the surface was also covered by a network of poorly fixed collagen fibers. In the third tooth, linear scratches, the openings of the dentinal tubules, a dentin matrix which consisted of a network of poorly fixed collagen fibers, and numerous dentinal tubules were also observed. In the remaining six teeth, they showed linear scratches, and the presence of the dentinal tubules or the exposed collagen fibers. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that abrasion and erosion are associated etiologic factors in forming noncarious cervical lesions and an ultrastructural finding that supports the abfraction theory of these lesions is observed.

Cracking of human teeth: An avalanche and acoustic emission study.

Teeth are the hardest part of the human body. Cracking of human teeth under compression progresses by avalanches emitting acoustic noise. Acoustic emission (AE) spectroscopy reveals that tooth avalanches are statistically fully compatible with predictions of mean field (MF) theory. Avalanche energies collapse into a power law distributed which is stable over more than five decades with an energy exponent ε = 1.4. Acoustic amplitudes (exponent ~τ), durations (~α), correlations between amplitudes and energies (~x), and correlations between amplitude and duration (~χ) follow equally power laws with MF values of all exponents. The exponents correlation: τ-1 = x(ε-1) = (α-1)/χ is confirmed. Crack propagation bifurcates and shows the hallmarks of avalanches where main cracks nucleate secondary cracks.

3D Morphometric Analysis of Human Primary Second Molar Crowns and Its Implications on Interceptive Orthodontics.

The second primary molar represents an anchorage element in interceptive orthodontics. The present study aims to analyze the 3D morphology of primary second molars in order to provide reference data and implications about the development of orthodontic bands for second primary molars. Digital models of dental arches from 150 subjects in primary or mixed dentition were analyzed. Six dimensional variables were digitally measured for each second primary molar, and the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated and compared applying Student t-test statistical analysis. The mean value results show statistically significant dimensional differences between the upper and lower teeth, (mostly p < 0.0001), except for the variable h1, while only the variable h1 showed significant differences between the antimetric teeth (left and right). The dimensional variations between the right and left molars were considerably minor compared to those found by comparing the upper and lower arches. A significantly higher dimension of the lower molars and a more rectangular shape were observed.

Color adjustment potential of single-shade resin composite to various-shade human teeth: Effect of structural color phenomenon.

This study evaluated the effect of the structural color phenomenon in resin composites (RCs) on the color adjustment of restorations by investgating their color reproduction performance in human incisors of various shade. Cervical cavities were filled with a single-shade RC with 260 nm spherical fillers (Omnichroma (OMN)), conventional A2-shade RCs (Estelite Σ Quick or Clearfil AP-X), or experimental RCs with 5-50 nm fumed silica fillers (R1) and 100 nm spherical fillers (R2). Color parameters (L*C*h*) were measured using a CIE XYZ camera along the centerline of the restorations, and the color difference (∆E00) between corresponding areas of intact and restored teeth was calculated. Additionally, the reflectance spectra of OMN, R1, and R2 were investigated. OMN exhibited significantly lower ∆E00 than other tested RCs (p<0.05) and its reflection spectrum ranged from blue to red, while a blue peak was observed with R1 and R2, indicating a higher color adjustment potential of OMN.

NUTRITION AND MINERAL CONTENT IN HUMAN TEETH THROUGH THE CENTURIES.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were: (i) to compare mineral values of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and their ratios, in teeth from Croatian populations that lived in different historical periods, namely the Medieval period, the early 20th century, and the 21 st century; and (ii) to elucidate the influence of diet and lifestyle on tooth quality in these groups. DESIGN: Determination of mineral content (Ca, Mg, P and Zn) in 294 teeth from three different periods of history (Medieval Period [G1], Second World War period [G2] and the contemporary period [G3]) using atomic absorption spectrometer and UV/VIS spectrometer methods. RESULTS: Our results showed that the mineral content in teeth has changed over the centuries. Between analysed samples from all groups, there were significant differences in the elemental content as well as in the interrelationship of the elements. The largest differences were observed in the mean values of magnesium and zinc concentrations while smaller differences were observed for changes in calcium and phosphorus. CONCLUSIONS: From the obtained results, it is evident that there are changes in the tooth mineral composition in specimens centuries apart that could be a reflection of changes in eating habits, food quality and the environment. In addition to differences in individual elements, differences in their mutual ratios were also observed.

Autologous Tooth Dentin Graft: A Retrospective Study in Humans.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an autologous dentin graft, via extracted teeth that are processed into bacteria-free particulate dentin in a Smart dentin grinder and then grafted immediately into alveolus post extraction or into bone deficiencies. Materials and Methods: Ten healthy, partially edentulous patients with some teeth in the mandible were recruited in the study. After their own teeth were grinded, particulate teeth were placed in empty sockets and bone defects after teeth extractions. Furthermore, after three, six, 12 and 24 months, core samples using a 3 mm trephine were obtained. Results: At three months, the particles of grinded tooth were immersed inside a new connective tissue with a small new bone formation (16.3 ± 1.98). At six months, we observed small particles of dentin integrated in new immature bone, without inflammation in the soft tissue (41.1 ± 0.76). At twelve months, we observed a high amount of bone formation surrounding tooth particles (54.5 ± 0.24), and at twenty-four months, new bone, a big structure of bone, was observed with dentin particles (59.4 ± 1.23), statistically different when compared it with at three months. Conclusions: A particulate dentin graft should be considered as an alternative material for sockets' preservation, split technique, and also for sinus lifting. One of the special characteristics after 24 months of evaluation was the high resorption rate and bone replacement without inflammation. This material could be considered as an acceptable biomaterial for different bone defects due to its osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties.

Effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma and disinfecting agents on Candida albicans in root canals of extracted human teeth.

Reinfection in endodontically treated teeth is linked to the complexity of the root canal system, which is problematic to reach with conventional disinfection methods. As plasma is expected to have the ability to sanitize narrow areas, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) on Candida albicans in root canals of extracted human teeth. CAP was applied as mono treatment and in combination with standard endodontic disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and octenidine). Disinfection efficiency was evaluated as reduction of the logarithm of colony forming units per milliliter (log10 CFU/mL) supported by scanning electron microscopy as imaging technique. Plasma alone showed the highest reduction of log10 CFU, suggesting the best disinfection properties of all tested agents.

Reliability of acellular decalcified and decalcified teeth as bone graft material: an experimental and pathological study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the reliability of acellular decalcified teeth in the development of bone scaffolds and in bone regeneration in rats. METHODS: (1) Forty-eight human teeth were divided into two groups in vitro: twenty-four were decalcified, while the remaining twenty-four were decalcified and decellularized, following which a conventional scanning-electron microscope analysis was performed. (2) In another experiment, six male SD rats aged 10-12 weeks were selected, then decalcified and acellular decalcified teeth were embedded subcutaneously in the abdomen of the rats. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed for H-E staining and immunohistochemical staining to observe the inflammatory reaction around the two materials. (3) In the ectopic osteogenesis experiment, bone defects were simulated in bilateral craniotectal areas of 12 male SD rats (age 10-12 weeks), following which acellular decalcified teeth were implanted in the right bone defect. The non-implanted left side was used as blank control. At week 4 and week 8, 6 rats were randomly selected for execution, complete specimens were obtained, and micro-CT scan was performed to compare the bone mass from gross morphology. H-E staining was performed at 4 and 8 weeks to observe the surrounding inflammatory response and immunohistochemistry was performed at 8 weeks to observe the degree of new bone formation. SPSS 23.0 software package was used for statistical processing. RESULTS: (1) Under scanning electron microscope, cells in the teeth subjected to acellular decalcification completely disappeared, leaving only inorganic scaffolds. (2) After 4 weeks, the amount of inflammatory reaction in the tissues surrounding acellular decalcified teeth was significantly lower than that in the tissues surrounding decalcified teeth. (3) After four and eight weeks, the amount of bone formation in the bone defects was significantly higher in rats implanted with acellular decalcified teeth than in those in the blank control group (P<0.05). After four and eight weeks, hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that the degree of inflammatory response was similar around acellular decalcified teeth and blank controls. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the osteocalcin levels were significantly higher around acellular decalcified teeth than that around blank controls. CONCLUSION: Acellular decalcified teeth show significantly decreased inflammatory reaction, better biocompatibility, better osteogenic potential, and better plasticity than decalcified teeth alone.

Acoustic diagnosis of elastic properties of human tooth by 320 MHz scanning acoustic microscopy after radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: On the elastic profiles of human teeth after radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, generation of dental complications, which may bring several side effects preventing the quality of life, has not well clarified. Thus, we aimed to show the applicability of using 320 MHz Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) in the evaluation of the tooth damage acoustically at the micrometer level following radiation therapy, and also in the determination of the safe dose limits to impede severe dental damage. METHODS: This prospective study was performed by SAM employed at 320 MHz by an azimuthal resolution of 4.7 µm resolving enamel and dentin. A total of 45 sound human third molar teeth collected between September 2018 and May 2019 were used for the acoustic impedance measurements pre- and post irradiation. Nine samples for each group (control, 2 Gy, 8 Gy, 20 Gy, 30 Gy and 60 Gy) were evaluated to acquire the acoustic images and perform a qualitative analysis. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images were obtained to establish a relationship between micromechanical and morphological characteristics of the teeth. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student t-test succeded by Mann-Whitney U investigation (p < .05), while SEM images were assessed qualitatively. RESULTS: The analysis included 45 sound teeth collected from men and women 18 to 50 years old. Post irradiation micromechanical variations of human teeth were significant only in the radiation groups of 30 Gy and 60 Gy compared to pre-irradiation group for enamel (7.24 ± 0.18 MRayl and 6.49 ± 028 MRayl; p < 0.05, respectively). Besides, the teeth subjected to radiation doses of 20, 30 and 60 Gy represented significantly lower acoustic impedance values relative to non-irradiated group for dentin (6.52 ± 0.43 MRayl, 5.71 ± 0.66 MRayl and 4.82 ± 0.53 MRayl p < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results are evidence for a safe acoustic examination device which may be a useful tool to visualize and follow the safe dose limits to impede severe dental damage through the radiation therapy treatment for head and neck cancers.

DNA methylation levels and telomere length in human teeth: usefulness for age estimation.

In the last decade, increasing knowledge of epigenetics has led to the development of DNA methylation-based models to predict age, which have shown high predictive accuracy. However, despite the value of teeth as forensic samples, few studies have focused on this source of DNA. This study used bisulfite pyrosequencing to measure the methylation levels of specific CpG sites located in the ELOVL2, ASPA, and PDE4C genes, with the aim of selecting the most age-informative genes and determining their associations with age, in 65 tooth samples from individuals 15 to 85 years old. As a second aim, methylation data and measurements of relative telomere length in the same set of samples were used to develop preliminary age prediction models to evaluate the accuracy of both biomarkers together and separately in estimating age from teeth for forensic purposes. In our sample, several CpG sites from ELOVL2 and PDE4C genes, as well as telomere length, were significantly associated with chronological age. We developed age prediction quantile regression models based on DNA methylation levels, with and without telomere length as an additional variable, and adjusted for type of tooth and sex. Our results suggest that telomere length may have limited usefulness as a supplementary marker for DNA methylation-based age estimation in tooth samples, given that it contributed little improvement in the prediction errors of the models. In addition, even at older ages, DNA methylation appeared to be more informative in predicting age than telomere length when both biomarkers were evaluated separately.

Stem cells in the periodontal ligament differentiated into osteogenic, fibrogenic and cementogenic lineages for the regeneration of the periodontal complex.

OBJECTIVE: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are promising for periodontal regeneration. However, to date, there has been no report of hPDLSC differentiation into the fibrogenic lineage. There has been no report demonstrating hPDLSC differentiation into all three (osteogenic, fibrogenic and cementogenic fibrogenic) lineages in the same report. The objectives of this study were to harvest hPDLSCs from the periodontal ligaments (PDL) of the extracted human teeth, and use the same vial of hPDLSCs to differentiate into all three (osteogenic, fibrogenic and cementogenic) lineages for the first time. METHODS: hPDLSCs were harvested from PDL tissues of the extracted premolars. The ability of hPDLSCs to form bone, cementum and collagen fibers was tested in culture mediums. Gene expressions were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immunofluorescence, alizarin red (ARS), Xylenol orange, picro sirius red staining (PSRS), alcian blue staining (ABS) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining were evaluated. RESULTS: In osteogenic medium, hPDLSCs had high expressions of osteogenic genes (RUNX2, ALP, OPN and COL1) at 14 and 21 days (15-20 folds of that of control), and produced mineral nodules and ALP activity (5 and 10 folds those of the control). hPDLSCs in fibrogenic medium expressed high levels of PDL fibrogenic genes (COL1, COL3, FSP-1, PLAP-1 and Elastin) at 28 days (20-70 folds of control). They were stained strongly with F-actin and fibronection, and secreted PDL collagen fibers (5 folds of control). hPDLSCs in cementogenic medium showed high expressions of cementum genes (CAP, CEMP1 and BSP) at 21 days (10-15 folds of control) and synthesized mineralized cementum (50 folds via ABS, and 40 folds via ALP staining, compared to those of control). CONCLUSIONS: hPDLSCs differentiated into bone-, fiber- and cementum-forming cells, with potential for regeneration of periodontium to form the bone-PDL-cementum complex.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite decontamination on the DNA recovery from human teeth.

Genetic identification of skeletal human remains is often realized by short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping of nuclear DNA. Dental DNA is preferred to DNA from bone for the better protection of the endogenous DNA. Especially if whole tooth grinding is intended to access the DNA, contaminations with exogenous DNA have to be avoided. The immersion of the tooth in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, known as bleach) is one common procedure to clean the outer surface from extraneous DNA and PCR inhibitors. To investigate the impact of bleaching on endogenous DNA and the decontamination success, 71 recently extracted teeth were differently treated with sodium hypochlorite (2.5 or 5.0% NaOCl for 30 or 60 s, 5.0% NaOCl for 10 min, and control group) in the beginning of the extraction process, whereas equally handled afterwards. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the extracted DNA was performed. There was a great variation for the DNA concentration of the extracts even within a group of the same NaOCl treatment. Complete DNA profiles from single persons with alleles for the 16 ESS (European Standard Set) STR loci were obtained for all regarded teeth. A statistically significant difference between the DNA yields of the treatment groups was not determined. Moreover, a negative effect of NaOCl (2.5% and 5.0%) on the DNA recovery could not be observed. Significant larger amounts of DNA were extracted from anterior teeth in contrast to posterior teeth.

Human periodontal ligament stem cell seeding on calcium phosphate cement scaffold delivering metformin for bone tissue engineering.

OBJECTIVES: (1) develop a CPC-metformin scaffold with hPDLSC seeding for bone tissue engineering; and (2) investigate the effects of CPC-metformin scaffold on hPDLSC proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and bone matrix mineralization for the first time. METHODS: hPDLSCs were harvested from extracted teeth. CPC scaffolds (with or without metformin) were prepared. Three groups were tested: (1) control group (growth medium); (2) osteogenic group (osteogenic medium); (3) metformin + osteogenic group (CPC-metformin scaffold, cultured in osteogenic medium). hPDLSC viability, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization were measured. SEM was used to examine cell morphology. RESULTS: After culturing for 14 days, all three groups demonstrated excellent hPDLSC attachment and viability, as shown in live-dead staining, CCK-8 assay, and SEM examinations. The osteogenic group had 3-8 folds, 5 folds and 6 folds of increases in osteogenic gene expressions, ALP activity and mineral synthesis, compared to control group. Furthermore, the metformin + osteogenic group had 3-fold to 4-fold increases over those of the osteogenic group in osteogenic gene expressions, ALP activity and mineral synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: hPDLSCs were demonstrated to be a potent cell source for bone engineering. The novel CPC-metformin-hPDLSC construct is highly promising to enhance bone repair and regeneration efficacy in dental, craniofacial and orthopedic applications.

Novel Insights into Regulation of Human Teeth Biomineralization: Deciphering the Role of Post-Translational Modifications in a Tooth Protein Extract.

The importance of whole protein extracts from different types of human teeth in modulating the process of teeth biomineralization is reported. There are two crucial features in protein molecules that result in efficient teeth biomineralization. Firstly, the unique secondary structure characteristics within these proteins i.e. the exclusive presence of a large amount of intrinsic disorder and secondly, the presence of post-translational modifications (PTM) like phosphorylation and glycosylation within these protein molecules. The present study accesses the structural implications of PTMs in the tooth proteins through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The deglycosylated/dephosphorylated protein extracts failed to form higher-order mineralization assemblies. Furthermore, through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) we have shown that dephosphorylation and deglycosylation significantly impact the biomineralization abilities of the protein extract and resulted in smaller sized clusters. Hence, we propose these post-translational modifications are indispensable for the process of teeth biomineralization. In addition to basic science, this study would be worth consideration while designing of biomimetics architecture for an efficient peptide-based teeth remineralization strategy.

Detection and Characterization of Human Teeth Caries Using 2D Correlation Raman Spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Carious lesions are formed by a complex process of chemical interaction between dental enamel and its environment. They can cause cavities and pain, and are expensive to fix. It is hard to characterize in vivo as a result of environment factors and remineralization by ions in the oral cavity. OBJECTIVES: The development of a technique that gives early diagnosis which is non-invasive, is of crucial importance for publichealth. Raman spectroscopy is a technique that can fulfil these requirements. The main goal of this work was to use Raman spectroscopy to differentiate between normal and carious human teethinvivo. The samples used in this study were collected by traditional human teeth. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An in vivo Raman spectroscopy system andspecialized fiber optic probe has been designed to obtain spectra from tissue. Theseprobes are filtered to reduce the background signal from the fiber optics and the collection fiberutilizes beam steering to optimize the collection effectiv. RESULTS: In order to detect any demineralization and carious versus sound pit and fissure enamel, the spectral data sets are analyzed by the proposed scheme to demonstrate the utility of generalized 2D correlation spectra. Potential applications of this 2D correlation approach are then explored. The Raman spectra in the normal tissue showed thepresence of vibrational bands in 437.87 cm-1, 581.89 cm-1, 953.89 cm-1 and 1054.73 cm-1 with smaller intensity than in the carious spectra. Image construction from the peak intensity produced chemical maps of apatite concentration. CONCLUSION: Such two-dimensional correlation spectra emphasize spectral features not readily observable in conventional one-dimensional spectra.No correlation is observed in mode-to-mode intensity fluctuations indicating that the changes inmode intensities are completely independent. Theoretical calculations provide convincing evidence that the fluctuationsare not the result of diffusion, orientation or local electromagnetic field gradients but rather are the result of subtle variations ofthe excited-state lifetime, energy and geometry of the molecule and producing a signature response for carious detection.

Deionized water can substitute common bleaching agents for nonvital tooth bleaching when treated with non-thermal atmospheric plasma.

The bleaching efficacy of common bleaching agents and deionized water treated with non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma in the pulp chamber for nonvital tooth bleaching was evaluated. A total of 120 extracted human maxillary first incisors were stained using human blood. Teeth were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 15). In the first four groups, teeth were bleached using 35% hydrogen peroxide gel, 37% carbamide peroxide gel, 2:1 (w/v) sodium perborate paste, and deionized water for 30 min. In the remaining groups, bleaching agents were treated with non-thermal atmospheric plasma for 5 min inside the pulp chamber. Overall color changes (∆E) were determined using Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage Lab Colour System. The plasma-assisted tooth bleaching has not increased tooth temperature beyond 37°C. Bleaching efficacies of bleaching agents were significantly improved when treated with non-thermal atmospheric plasma compared to their application (P < 0.05). A remarkable bleaching effect was obtained when bleaching agents were substituted with water and when treated with non-thermal atmospheric plasma. Non-thermal atmospheric plasma treatment could be a novel tool for activation of bleaching agents in the pulp chamber for nonvital tooth bleaching procedure. Moreover, water could be used as a novel bleaching agent when treated with the non-thermal atmospheric plasma to eliminate possible risks which might arise from peroxide-containing agents.

Particulated, Extracted Human Teeth Characterization by SEM⁻EDX Evaluation as a Biomaterial for Socket Preservation: An in vitro Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical composition of crushed, extracted human teeth and the quantity of biomaterial that can be obtained from this process. A total of 100 human teeth, extracted due to trauma, decay, or periodontal disease, were analyzed. After extraction, all the teeth were classified, measured, and weighed on a microscale. The human teeth were crushed immediately using the Smart Dentin Grinder machine (KometaBio Inc., Cresskill, NJ, USA), a device specially designed for this procedure. The human tooth particles obtained were of 300⁻1200 microns, obtained by sieving through a special sorting filter, which divided the material into two compartments. The crushed teeth were weighed on a microscale, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation was performed. After processing, 0.25 gr of human teeth produced 1.0 cc of biomaterial. Significant differences in tooth weight were found between the first and second upper molars compared with the lower molars. The chemical composition of the particulate was clearly similar to natural bone. Scanning electron microscopy⁻energy dispersive X-ray (SEM⁻EDX) analysis of the tooth particles obtained mean results of Ca% 23.42 0.34 and P% 9.51 0.11. Pore size distribution curves expressed the interparticle pore range as one small peak at 0.0053 µm. This result is in accordance with helium gas pycnometer findings; the augmented porosity corresponded to interparticle spaces and only 2.533% corresponded to intraparticle porosity. Autogenous tooth particulate biomaterial made from human extracted teeth may be considered a potential material for bone regeneration due to its chemical composition and the quantity obtained. After grinding the teeth, the resulting material increases in quantity by up to three times its original volume, such that two extracted mandibular lateral incisors teeth will provide a sufficient amount of material to fill four empty mandibular alveoli. The tooth particles present intra and extra pores up to 44.48% after pycnometer evaluation in order to increase the blood supply and support slow resorption of the grafted material, which supports healing and replacement resorption to achieve lamellar bone. After SEM⁻EDX evaluation, it appears that calcium and phosphates are still present within the collagen components even after the particle cleaning procedures that are conducted before use.