Comparison of calculus detection among dental hygienists using an explorer and ultrasonic insert.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal therapy disrupts the biofilm harbouring calculus that triggers inflammation. The explorer is primarily used for calculus detection, and the ultrasonic instrument is primarily used for calculus removal. The efficiency in dental hygiene care may improve if the ultrasonic instrument could be used in both calculus detection and removal. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate the effectiveness of calculus detection between the Thinsert® ultrasonic insert and the 11/12 explorer. METHODS: Upon IRB approval, this validation study involved three dental hygiene faculty from the Ohio State University Dental Hygiene Program and 30 patient participants from the Ohio State University community. Using both instruments, calculus was evaluated on Ramfjord index teeth and on four possible surfaces per tooth. Data were analysed to evaluate for interrater reliability, intrarater reliability, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: For interrater reliability, the average measure of intraclass coefficient (ICC) value was 0.782 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.749-0.810 (F(1439, 2878)  = 4.852, P < 0.01). For intrarater reliability, mean Kappa averages were in the full agreement range (κ = 0.726, n = 2160, P < 0.01). When using the Thinsert® for calculus detection, the sensitivity was 75%, specificity was 97%, PPV was 81%, and NPV was 94%. CONCLUSION: Since calculus evaluation was comparable when using the ODU 11/12 explorer and the Thinsert®, efforts can be focused on developing the tactile sensitivity when using the Thinsert® ultrasonic instrument in the assessment, treatment, and maintenance of periodontal disease and the support of oral health. The efficiency in dental hygiene care may improve by using the Thinsert® ultrasonic instrument in both the detection and removal of calculus.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of the effects of different treatment modalities on titanium healing caps: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of treatment modalities on titanium surface characteristics and surrounding tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen participants each had four titanium healing caps (HC) attached to four newly inserted implants. After healing, each HC was randomly assigned to either (1) titanium curettes (TC), (2) stainless steel ultrasonic tip (PS), (3) erythritol air-polishing powder (EP), or (4) only rubber cup polishing (CON). Probing depths (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8), and periopathogens were recorded before and 3 months following instrumentation. After final assessments, HCs were removed, cleaned, and subjected to (a) bacterial colonization (Streptococcus gordonii, 24 h; mixed culture, 24 h) and (b) gingival fibroblasts (5 days). HC surfaces were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: No significant differences between the groups were evident before or after instrumentation for PD and BOP (except TC showed a significant decrease in PD; p = 0.049). MMP-8 levels and bacterial loads were always very low. MMP-8 decreased further after instrumentation, while bacteria levels showed no change. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were evident in bacterial colonization or fibroblast attachment. A comparison of the overall mean SEM surface roughness scores showed a significant difference between all groups (p < 0.0001) with the lowest roughness after EP. CONCLUSIONS: All treatments performed yielded comparable outcomes and may be implemented safely. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians may fear implant surface damage, but all instrumentation types are safe and non-damaging. They can be implemented as needed upon considering the presence of staining and soft and hard deposits.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Calculus Detection Between Ultrasonic Inserts and an Explorer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of calculus detection between a thin and curved ultrasonic inserts (UI) as compared to the Old Dominion University (ODU) 11/12 explorer.Methods: Three clinical dental hygiene faculty members were recruited to participate as calibrated raters for the presence of calculus in a group of 60 patient volunteers. Inclusion criteria were: adults aged >18 in good health, and no history of a professional prophylaxis within the past six months. Raters used an ODU 11/12 explorer, thin and curved UIs to evaluate 4 surfaces on Ramfjord index teeth for the presence of subgingival calculus. Data were analyzed for intra- and intrerrater reliability, sensitivity, and specificity.Results: Interrater reliability for calculus detection with an ODU 11/12 explorer and a thin UI was demonstrated with an Intraclass Coefficient (ICC) of .782, confidence interval (CI) 95%. An ICC of .714, CI 95% was demonstrated with the ODU 11/12 explorer and curved UIs. Intra-rater reliability was shown with mean Kappa averages in the full agreement range (Kappa=.726, n=2,160, p<0.01) for use of the ODU 11/12 explorer versus the thin UI as well as versus curved UIs (Kappa=.680, n=2160, p<0.01). Sensitivity was 75%, specificity 97%, PPV 81%, and NPV 94% when the thin UI was used and sensitivity measured 65%, specificity 98%, PPV 81%, and NPV 95% when curved UIs were used.Conclusion: Calculus detection was comparable when using the ODU 11/12 explorer, a thin UI and curved UIs on patients with limited amounts of calculus among the three clinicians. Efforts may be focused on developing tactile sensitivity for calculus detection in addition to calculus removal when using thin and curved ultrasonic instruments. Future studies should investigate calculus evaluation utilizing a variety of ultrasonic insert designs, varying amounts of calculus, and levels of clinical experience.

Parameters That Improve Cleaning Efficiency of Subgingival Air Polishing on Titanium Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to reveal how air polishing behaves on a titanium surface by evaluating the size and shape of the cleaned area and the influence of different device settings, probing depths, and cleaning movements. METHODS: Forty-eight titanium sandblasted large-grit acid-etched surface film-coated disks were treated with an air abrasive system using a subgingival plastic nozzle. Two subgingival models were used: open-ended (step 1) and defined-size (step 2). In step 1, the most effective parameters were investigated by 5-second static applications under different settings. In step 2, the best settings were used for dynamic application to test influence of different movements (up-down, slowly up, rotation). For both steps, powder and water consumption and total cleaned area were calculated. RESULTS: Air pressure was the main factor with the strongest effect on cleaning. Increasing air pressure extended cleaning area. Other factors, such as nozzle depth and excessive powder flow amount, had weak influence. Cleaning effect reached deeper than the nozzle physically reached. Step 2 showed that there was no significant difference between different nozzle movements; however, cleaning efficiency decreased significantly without movement. CONCLUSIONS: For the most effective clinical use of air polishing, it should be applied with high pressure, deep insertion of nozzle, and enough water flow. Additionally, the nozzle has to be moved to get the best cleaning effect.

Cell Attachment Following Instrumentation with Titanium and Plastic Instruments, Diode Laser, and Titanium Brush on Titanium, Titanium-Zirconium, and Zirconia Surfaces.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface characteristics and gingival fibroblast adhesion of disks composed of implant and abutment materials following brief and repeated instrumentation with instruments commonly used in procedures for implant maintenance, stage-two implant surgery, and periimplantitis treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty disks (40 titanium, 40 titaniumzirconium, 40 zirconia) were grouped into treatment categories of instrumentation by plastic curette, titanium curette, diode microlaser, rotary titanium brush, and no treatment. Twenty strokes were applied to half of the disks in the plastic and titanium curette treatment categories, while half of the disks received 100 strokes each to simulate implant maintenance occurring on a repetitive basis. Following analysis of the disks by optical laser profilometry, disks were cultured with human gingival fibroblasts. Cell counts were conducted from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. RESULTS: Differences in surface roughness across all instruments tested for zirconia disks were negligible, while both titanium disks and titaniumzirconium disks showed large differences in surface roughness across the spectrum of instruments tested. The rotary titanium brush and the titanium curette yielded the greatest overall mean surface roughness, while the plastic curette yielded the lowest mean surface roughness. The greatest mean cell counts for each disk type were as follows: titanium disks with plastic curettes, titanium-zirconium disks with titanium curettes, and zirconia disks with the diode microlaser. CONCLUSION: Repeated instrumentation did not result in cumulative changes in surface roughness of implant materials made of titanium, titanium-zirconium, or zirconia. Instrumentation with plastic implant curettes on titanium and zirconia surfaces appeared to be more favorable than titanium implant curettes in terms of gingival fibroblast attachment on these surfaces.

Comparison of traditional orthodontic polishing systems with novel non-orthodontic methods for residual adhesive removal.

BACKGROUND: Following the debonding of orthodontic brackets, the removal of residual adhesive from the enamel surface is required. Published adhesive removal protocols present conflicting advice. AIMS: The present study evaluated the surface roughness of enamel after debonding and instrumentation with non-traditional orthodontic polishing systems. METHODS: The facial aspects of 35 extracted human incisor teeth were scanned with a surface profilometer for surface roughness prior to the bonding of orthodontic brackets. After debonding, residual adhesive was removed with a 12-fluted titanium carbide bur. The teeth were randomly divided into seven groups (N = 5 per group) and the enamel surface was polished with one of seven products. All samples were re-scanned for surface roughness and subjectively evaluated via SEM. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in enamel surface roughness between the groups when compared using surface profilometry. Visual observations from the SEM evaluations demonstrated differences in the enamel surface at the microscopic level that were not detected by profilometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found no statistically significant difference in mean enamel smoothness change from pretreatment to post-treatment between the seven polishing methods studied via profilometer surface reading measurements. An SEM analysis showed visual differences in enamel striations viewed at 1000x magnification in a comparison of traditional versus non- traditional polishing methods.

Probing depth in periodontal pockets: In vitro evaluation of contributions to variability due to probe type and operator skill.

Periodontal probing aims at detecting the presence, type and gravity of periodontal diseases influencing distance between gingival margin and connective ligament. Measurements in vivo are affected by substantial uncertainty, owing, for example, to probe features, anatomic variations and operator's skill. Inadequate reproducibility in periodontal probing may lead to diagnostic mistakes and inappropriate therapeutic decisions. In vitro evaluation of reproducibility of measurements of periodontal pockets was aimed at while developing a Periodontal Calibration Box designed to calibrate periodontal probe operators, catering also for simulating contraction observed in vivo. Probe type and clinical experience of operators were found to affect substantially probing errors.

Enamel surface evaluation after bracket debonding and different resin removal methods.

OBJECTIVE: To assess enamel surface under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after resin removal and enamel polishing procedures following brackets debonding, as well as compare the time required for these procedures. METHODS: A total of 180 deciduous bovine incisors were used. The enamel surface of each tooth was prepared and brackets were bonded with light cured Transbond XT composite resin. Brackets were removed in a testing machine. The samples were randomized and equally distributed into nine groups according to the resin removal and polishing technique: Group 1, 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed; Group 2, 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed followed by a sequence of 4 Sof-lex polishing discs (3M); Group 3, 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed followed by Enhance tips (Dentsply). All groups were subdivided into (a) unpolished; (b) polished with aluminum oxide paste; and (c) polished with water slurry of fine pumice. Subsequently, the enamel surface was assessed and statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in enamel roughness and removal time among all groups. Groups 3a, 3b and 3c appeared to be the most efficient methods of removing resin with low damages to enamel. Groups 2a, 2b and 2c were the most time consuming procedures, and Group 2a caused more damages to enamel. CONCLUSION: The suggested protocol for resin removal is the 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed followed by Enhance tips and polishing with aluminum oxide paste. This procedure seems to produce less damages and is less time consuming.

Enamel surface evaluation after bracket debonding and different resin removal methods

OBJECTIVE: To assess enamel surface under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after resin removal and enamel polishing procedures following brackets debonding, as well as compare the time required for these procedures. METHODS: A total of 180 deciduous bovine incisors were used. The enamel surface of each tooth was prepared and brackets were bonded with light cured Transbond XT composite resin. Brackets were removed in a testing machine. The samples were randomized and equally distributed into nine groups according to the resin removal and polishing technique: Group 1, 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed; Group 2, 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed followed by a sequence of 4 Sof-lex polishing discs (3M); Group 3, 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed followed by Enhance tips (Dentsply). All groups were subdivided into (a) unpolished; (b) polished with aluminum oxide paste; and (c) polished with water slurry of fine pumice. Subsequently, the enamel surface was assessed and statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in enamel roughness and removal time among all groups. Groups 3a, 3b and 3c appeared to be the most efficient methods of removing resin with low damages to enamel. Groups 2a, 2b and 2c were the most time consuming procedures, and Group 2a caused more damages to enamel. CONCLUSION: The suggested protocol for resin removal is the 30-blade tungsten carbide bur in high speed followed by Enhance tips and polishing with aluminum oxide paste. This procedure seems to produce less damages and is less time consuming. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar a superfície do esmalte, por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura, após descolagem de braquetes e o polimento do esmalte, com diferentes técnicas de remoção de resina, bem como comparar o tempo necessário para a realização do procedimento. MÉTODOS: foram utilizados 180 dentes bovinos decíduos. A superfície do esmalte dos dentes foi preparada e realizada a colagem dos braquetes com resina Transbond XT. Os braquetes foram removidos em máquina de ensaio mecânico. Foram formados, aleatoriamente, nove grupos, de acordo com o tipo de remoção da resina e de polimento, sendo: Grupo 1, broca de tungstênio de 30 lâminas em alta rotação; Grupo 2, broca de tungstênio de 30 lâminas em alta rotação e sequência de quatro discos Soflex (3M); Grupo 3, broca de tungstênio de 30 lâminas em alta rotação e pontas de acabamento Enhance (Dentsply). Todos os grupos foram subdividido em (a) sem polimento, (b) polimento com pasta de óxido de alumínio e (c) polimento com pedra-pomes. As superfícies foram avaliadas e foi realizada análise estatística. RESULTADOS: houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em relação à rugosidade de superfície e ao tempo de remoção. Os grupos 3a, 3b e 3c demonstraram ser os métodos mais eficientes de remoção da resina, promovendo pouco dano à superfície do esmalte. Os grupos 2a, 2b e 2c consumiram maior tempo de procedimento, e o grupo 2a causou maior dano ao esmalte. CONCLUSÃO: sugere-se como protocolo de remoção o uso de broca de tungstênio de 30 lâminas para remoção do maior volume da resina, pontas de acabamento Enhance e polimento com a pasta de óxido de alumínio, por produzirem menor dano. .

In-vivo evaluation of the surface roughness and morphology of enamel after bracket removal and polishing by different techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness and morphology of enamel with a surface roughness tester and scanning electron microscopy after the removal of metal brackets and polishing. METHODS: Ten orthodontic patients were selected for the study. At the conclusion of orthodontic treatment, their metal brackets were removed. For each patient, teeth on one side of the mouth were randomly chosen for finishing and polishing with aluminum oxide discs (n = 10). Teeth on the other side were finished with multilaminated carbide burs (n = 10). Dental replicas (before and after tooth polishing) were obtained with epoxy resin. Three surface roughness measurements were made in different directions with an angle of 120° among them, and a mean for each dental replica was calculated. The roughness data were statistically evaluated by repeated-measurements analysis of variance. Three specimens from each group were also used for scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: After resin removal, the average roughness in the carbide bur group (0.31 µm) was significantly greater than that in the aluminum oxide disc group (0.25 µm). CONCLUSIONS: The aluminum oxide disc polishing system resulted in less enamel roughness than did the multilaminated carbide bur system.

Calculus detection calibration among dental hygiene faculty members utilizing dental endoscopy: a pilot study.

Dental and dental hygiene faculty members often do not provide consistent instruction in the clinical environment, especially in tasks requiring clinical judgment. From previous efforts to calibrate faculty members in calculus detection using typodonts, researchers have suggested using human subjects and emerging technology to improve consistency in clinical instruction. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if a dental endoscopy-assisted training program would improve intra- and interrater reliability of dental hygiene faculty members in calculus detection. Training included an ODU 11/12 explorer, typodonts, and dental endoscopy. A convenience sample of six participants was recruited from the dental hygiene faculty at a California community college, and a two-group randomized experimental design was utilized. Intra- and interrater reliability was measured before and after calibration training. Pretest and posttest Kappa averages of all participants were compared using repeated measures (split-plot) ANOVA to determine the effectiveness of the calibration training on intra- and interrater reliability. The results showed that both kinds of reliability significantly improved for all participants and the training group improved significantly in interrater reliability from pretest to posttest. Calibration training was beneficial to these dental hygiene faculty members, especially those beginning with less than full agreement. This study suggests that calculus detection calibration training utilizing dental endoscopy can effectively improve interrater reliability of dental and dental hygiene clinical educators. Future studies should include human subjects, involve more participants at multiple locations, and determine whether improved rater reliability can be sustained over time.

Comparison of Corded and Cordless Handpieces on Forearm Muscle Activity, Procedure Time and Ease of Use during Simulated Tooth Polishing.

PURPOSE: Dental professionals suffer from a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Dental hygienists in particular have a high prevalence of pain in the forearms and hands. The objective of this study was to compare 1 cordless handpiece to 2 corded handpieces during simulated tooth polishing in terms of the muscle loads (recorded as electromyography (EMG) activity), duration of polishing procedure, and dental hygienist opinion about ease of use. METHODS: EMG was used to quantify muscle electrical activity of 4 forearm muscles during simulated dental polishing with 2 corded handpieces (HP-A and HP-B) and 1 cordless handpiece (HP-C). A convenience sample of 30 dental hygienists (23 to 57 years of age) with 1 to 20+ years of clinical practice experience completed the study. Each participant spent approximately 5 minutes polishing 3 predetermined teeth in each of the 4 quadrants. The sequence of the handpieces was randomly assigned. At the end of the study, participants completed a subjective end user evaluation of handpiece preference. RESULTS: Muscle activity levels of 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles did not differ significantly between the 3 handpieces tested (p>0.05). However, total muscle workload (integrated EMG) was lowest for the cordless handpiece (HP-C), but this was only significantly less than HP-A (p<0.05). Polishing using the cordless handpiece (HP-C) (M=257 seconds, SD=112 seconds) took significantly less time than either the HP-A corded (M=290 seconds, SD=137 seconds) or HP-B corded handpiece (M=290 seconds, SD=126 seconds) (p<0.05). Overall, 50% of the study participants preferred the cordless handpiece, 37% preferred HP-A and 13% preferred HP-B (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of the cordless handpiece reduced the duration of polishing, which in turn led to less total muscle activity, but not muscle intensity. Overall, dental hygienists preferred the cordless handpiece.

Effect of adhesive remnant removal on enamel topography after bracket debonding

INTRODUCTION: At orthodontic treatment completion, knowledge about the effects of adhesive remnant removal on enamel is paramount. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing the effect of different adhesive remnant removal methods on enamel topography (ESI) and surface roughness (Ra) after bracket debonding and polishing. METHODS: A total of 50 human premolars were selected and divided into five groups according to the method used for adhesive remnant removal: high speed tungsten carbide bur (TCB), Sof-Lex discs (SL), adhesive removing plier (PL), ultrasound (US) and Fiberglass burs (FB). Metal brackets were bonded with Transbond XT, stored at 37oC for 24 hours before debonding with adhesive removing plier. Subsequently, removal methods were carried out followed by polishing with pumice paste. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted with pre-bonding, post-debonding and post-polishing analyses. Results were submitted to statistical analysis with F test (ANOVA) and Tukey's (Ra) as well as with Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests (ESI) (P < 0.05). RESULTS: US Ra and ESI were significantly greater than TCB, SL, PL and FB. Polishing minimized Ra and ESI in the SL and FB groups. CONCLUSION: Adhesive remnant removal with SL and FB associated with polishing are recommended due to causing little damage to the enamel. .

INTRODUÇÃO: na finalização do tratamento ortodôntico, torna-se relevante o conhecimento da ação dos métodos de remoção do remanescente resinoso sobre o esmalte. OBJETIVO: o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de métodos de remoção do remanescente de resina após a descolagem do braquete e do polimento na rugosidade (Ra) e topografia (ESI) do esmalte. MÉTODOS: foram selecionados 50 pré-molares humanos, divididos em cinco grupos, de acordo com o método empregado para a remoção da resina residual: broca carbide tungstênio em alta rotação (BCT), discos Sof-Lex (SL), alicate removedor de resina (AL), ultrassom (US) e pontas Fiberglass (PF). Braquetes metálicos foram colados com Transbond XT, armazenados a 37° por 24 horas antes da descolagem com alicate removedor de braquete, sendo aplicados posteriormente os meios de remoção e executado o polimento com pasta de pedra-pomes. Realizou-se análises qualiquantitativas, com avaliações antes da colagem dos braquetes, após a descolagem e após o polimento, sendo os valores obtidos submetidos à análise estatística com teste F (ANOVA), de Tukey (Ra) e testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Bonferroni (ESI) (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: a Ra e o ESI do US foram significativamente maiores do que BCT, SL, AL e PF. O polimento reduziu a Ra e ESI dos grupos SL e PF. CONCLUSÃO: a remoção do adesivo resinoso com SL e PF associados ao polimento são os métodos mais indicados por ocasionarem as menores alterações do esmalte. .

Effect of a new remineralizing biomaterial on the color of dental enamel.

The aim of this research was to describe the effects of altering the composition of a modified remineralizing agent (MRA) and the osmotic pressure on tooth color by using spectrophotometric analysis. One hundred and four (104) human premolars and molars were randomly divided into 2 groups of 52 specimens each. Group 1 was treated with the remineralizing agent MRA 55, (remineralizing agent 1), a 50% - 50% by weight mixture of coarse-grain and fine-grain generating minerals, and group 2 was treated with the remineralizing agent MRA 91 (remineralizing agent 2), containing the same minerals in a 90% - 10% proportion. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups with 26 specimens each, which were stored as follows: subgroups A were stored in synthetic saliva with isotonic osmotic pressure (IP), and subgroups B in hypotonic osmotic pressure saliva (HP). The initial and final readings were taken with a Vita Easy Shade spectrophotometer. Color parameters (L*, a*, b*) and whiteness indices (WIC, WIO, W) were calculated from the readings. The color changes (deltaL, deltaA, deltaB, and deltaE) and whiteness indices were compared and analyzed with descriptive analyses. The variables deltaL, deltaA, deltaB, deltaE, and the whiteness index W were analyzed with an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the indices WIC and WIO were analyzed with a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The results indicate that combination A2 (MRA 91 and IP) affected variables deltaB and deltaE, while combination B1 (MRA 55 and HP) affected variables deltaA, deltaB and the whiteness index WIO. Only MRA 91 affected the variable deltaL. The osmotic pressure of saliva and the remineralizing agent used affect the color of dental enamel.

Integrating techniques to re-establish dentogingival esthetics.

The aim of this article was to report the clinical case of a male patient of 20 years with hyperpigmented gingiva and moderate fluorosis, whose smile was reestablished by the use of a laser assisted depigmentation procedure, an enamel microabrasion technique, followed by at-home bleaching and subsequent remineralization therapy. The association of these techniques presented excellent results and the patient was satisfied. All techniques are painless, fast and easy to perform, in addition to preserving the hard and soft dental structure. Treatment showed immediate and permanent results; these techniques must be divulged among professionals and their patients.

Endoscopic vs. tactile evaluation of subgingival calculus.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic technology has been developed to facilitate imagery for use during diagnostic and therapeutic phases of periodontal care. The purpose of this study was to compare the level of subgingival calculus detection using a periodontal endoscope with that of conventional tactile explorer in periodontitis subjects. METHODS: A convenience sample of 26 subjects with moderate periodontitis in at least 2 quadrants was recruited from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry to undergo quadrant scaling and root planing. One quadrant from each subject was randomized for tactile calculus detection alone and the other quadrant for tactile detection plus the Perioscope ™ (Perioscopy Inc., Oakland, Cali). A calculus index on a 0 to 3 score was performed at baseline and at 2 post-scaling and root planing visits. Sites where calculus was detected at visit 1 were retreated. T-tests were used to determine within-subject differences between Perioscope™ and tactile measures, and changes in measures between visits. RESULTS: Significantly more calculus was detected using the Perioscope™ vs. tactile explorer for all 3 subject visits (p<0.005). Mean changes (reduction) in calculus detection from baseline to visit 1 were statistically significant for both the Perioscope™ and tactile quadrants (p<0.0001). However, further reductions in calculus detection from visit 1 to visit 2 was only significant for the Perioscope™ quadrant (p<0.025), indicating that this methodology was able to more precisely detect calculus at this visit. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the addition of a visual component to calculus detection via the Perioscope™ was most helpful in the re-evaluation phase of periodontal therapy.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the effectiveness of three dentin desensitizing treatment regimens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of three treatment regimens on dentin permeability and reduction of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). METHODS: The desensitization treatments were: Gluma Desensitizer PowerGel (GLU), MS Coat One (MSC), and dentin burnishing with fiber-resin burs (STB). A split-chamber device was used to determine the permeability of dentin slices cut from human molars in vitro. Fluid flow through dentin was recorded with a photochemical method after EDTA cleaning, albumin soaking and desensitization treatment (n = 10). 61 study participants with three severely hypersensitive teeth each were enrolled. Sensitivity was determined with an air stimulus before, immediately after treatment, and after 1, 3 and 6 months, using a verbal rating scale. RESULTS: From the 61 study participants enrolled, 52 completed the trial. Permeability at baseline and after albumin soaking was not significantly different. All treatments produced reduced fluid flow through dentin (P > 0.05). All treatments reduced DH significantly (no or moderate sensitivity). Statistical results revealed significant differences among the treatments (P = 0.03). Mann-Whitney comparisons showed GLU, STB < MSC.