Comparative evaluation of four endodontic biomaterials and calcium hydroxide regarding their effect on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth.

AIM: Single-session apexification treatment with MTA is an alternative to the root-canal treatment of immature teeth. Since its results are far from ideal, research with MTA-derivative biomaterials continues; however, the number of studies is limited as of yet. This study aimed to compare the fragilities of in vitro-simulated immature teeth in single-session apexification with MTA and newly-developed calcium-silicate-based MTA derivatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy human permanent upper incisors were randomly divided into study (n = 180), positive control (Ca (OH)2) (n = 45), and negative control (NC-intact) (n = 45) groups. The study groups used ProRoot MTA (MTA-PR), MM-MTA, NeoMTA-Plus, and Biodentine (BD). Two-week, two-month, and one-year follow-ups data were recorded. A fracture resistance (FR) test was performed at the end of each period. The results of the biomaterials at the different follow-up timepoints were statistically analysed and compared. RESULTS: The two-week FR medians were significantly lower in MM-MTA, NEO, MTA-PR, and Ca (OH)2 groups (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.003, and p<0.001. respectively), compared to NC. The two-month FR medians were significantly lower in BD, MM-MTA, NEO, MTA-PR, and Ca (OH)2, (p=0.005, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively) compared to NC. The one-year FR medians were significantly lower in the BD, MM-MTA, NEO, MTA-PR, and Ca (OH)2 groups (p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively) compared to NC. For all groups, FR at the one-year mark was significantly lower compared to the two-week and two-month marks (p<0.001, p<0.001). STATISTICS: All groups were compared with each other regarding fracture resistance at two weeks, two months, and one year. Also, for each group follow-up data on fracture resistance were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Since FR was significantly higher at the two-week and the two-month mark compared to the one-year mark for each material, filling the root canal completely with biomaterials used in our study leads to tooth denaturation over time, with effects like Ca (OH)2.

Investigation of SOSTDC1 gene in non-syndromic patients with supernumerary teeth.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of supernumerary teeth is still unclear however heredity is believed to be a major factor and this idea was supported by several case reports. Recently, a relationship between supernumerary tooth formation and deficiency of Uterine Sensitization Associated Gene-1 (Usag-1), a rat gene that is expressed in sensitized endometrium, was reported in mice. The human homolog gene for Usag-1, Sclerostin Domain Containing 1 (SOSTDC1), shows 85% identity with mouse Usag-1. The present study aimed to investigate SOSTDC1 coding regions in non-syndromic patients with one or more supernumerary teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five non-syndromic patients (21 male and 4 female) aged 5-15 years, with one or more supernumerary teeth were included in the study. Saliva samples were collected from patients and DNA samples were isolated and analyzed using PCR. RESULTS: Eight phenotypes of supernumerary tooth formation were observed in the study. From the DNA analysis, 2 novel and 3 previously identified sequence alterations were identified however, in investigating the Usag-1 homolog SOSTDC1 gene, the present study could not find any phenotype-genotype relationship. CONCLUSIONS: There are many SOSTDC1 homolog genes in the human genome and future studies should investigate these candidate genes. Also studies in larger case groups including family members may reveal the hereditary pattern.

Effect of mouthwashes on the discolouration of restorative materials commonly used in paediatric dentistry.

AIM: This was to investigate the effects of Klorhex, Tantum Verde, Kloroben, and Listerine on the discolouration of composite resin, compomer, giomer, and resin-modified glass ionomer. METHODS: Fifty disc-shaped specimens from each restorative material (n = 50) were prepared; initial colour values were measured with a spectrophotometer. Forty specimens from each group were placed in the four different types of mouthwashes (n = 10), while the remaining 10 specimens were immersed in distilled water for 2 min, twice a day for a period of 3 weeks. Colour change (ΔE*) values were obtained and the results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The ΔE* of composite resin in Klorhex (0.84 ± 0.37) was significantly lower than that of the other mouthwash groups. Moreover, composite resin showed the least colour change when compared with the other materials in all four mouthwashes. Resin-modified glass ionomer values were significantly higher in Tantum Verde (6.36 ± 2.82) when compared with the other mouthwashes (p < 0.05). Clinically appreciable discolourations were observed in the resin-modified glass ionomer specimens placed in Tantum Verde and Listerine. CONCLUSIONS: Nano-filling composite resins are the most successful aesthetic restorative materials, whereas the commonly used resin-modified glass ionomers exhibit more aesthetically divergent results following the use of mouthwashes.

Treatment of horizontal root fractured central incisors and 30 months follow up: 2 case reports.

BACKGROUND: Horizontal root fractures are rare in comparison to other types of injuries and according to the literature account for between 0.2%?7% of all traumatic tooth injuries. CASE REPORTS: Case 1: A 12-year-old girl was referred to our clinic with a complaint of tenderness and mobility as a result of an orofacial injury in her permanent upper left central incisor. A horizontal fracture was diagnosed on the middle third of the root during radiographic examination. Case 2: A 12-year-old boy was referred to our clinic with an injury to his upper left central incisor. During radiographic examination a horizontal fracture was diagnosed on the middle third of the root. Semi-rigid splints were applied to the teeth for 4 weeks without further treatment in both of the cases and they were followed-up for 30 months. At the end of the 30th month, the teeth were vital and they had no clinical signs nor symptoms. Also the radiographic examination showed healing with hard tissue in the fracture line for both of the cases. CONCLUSION: Using semi- rigid splints without any further treatment resulted with hard tissue healing in both of the cases and was successful for the treatment of horizontal root fractures.

Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Antalya, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Antalya, Turkey. A cross-sectional study was performed face-to-face using a structured interview. Subjects were asked whether they had arthritis at present or previously. Subjects suspected of having RA were invited to the hospital for physical examination and laboratory investigations. Diagnosis of RA was confirmed if the patient fulfilled 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA. A total of 3173 subjects were interviewed. The diagnosis of RA was established in 12 subjects. The prevalence of RA was determined as 0.38% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.59]. The mean age was 49.92+/-11.56 years in subjects with RA and greater than that of other subjects (p<0.001). Of 12 subjects with RA, 9 had previously been diagnosed with the disease. Rheumatoid factor was detected in the sera of eight subjects. RA is less frequent in Turkey than in Northern Europe. Different genetic and environmental factors may have a role in this result.

The prevalence of symptomatic knee and distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis in the urban population of Antalya, Turkey.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of symptomatic knee and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint osteoarthritis (OA) in the elderly (> or =50 years of age) urban population of Antalya, Turkey. According to the 1997 national census, Antalya's population was 508,840. By random cluster sampling, 655 individuals aged 50 years or more were interviewed face-to-face and subjected to structured interviews regarding knee pain, worsening pain on exertion, and the gelling phenomenon. They were also asked about performing namaz (a fundamental act of worship in Islam performed five times a day), smoking, type of residence, type of toilet, work style, and duration of walking per day. They were also questioned about swelling in DIP joints. In the case of suspicion of knee OA, the individuals were invited to the hospital for further evaluation by physical examination and direct roentgenogram. The diagnosis of knee OA was based on clinical or clinical and radiographic findings. The prevalence of symptomatic knee OA was determined as 14.8% in the population aged 50 years or over. Advanced age, female sex, namaz, and type of residence were found to be associated with knee OA. The rate of symptomatic knee OA was significantly lower in smokers and those walking more than 2 h per day. Female sex was also strongly associated with OA DIP joints. OA of DIP joints was found significantly associated with symptomatic knee OA. The latter is a major health problem in the elderly population, especially in about one fourth of women aged 50 years or over. These data suggest that advanced age, female sex, and type of residence are risk factors.

The association of milk consumption with the occurrence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of nutritional factors with symptomatic knee OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed face-to-face using a structured interview. Individuals who had a diagnosis of symptomatic knee OA and were aged 50 years or over were included in this study. The frequency of consumption of dairy products, meat/poultry, fish, cereals, vegetables, tea and coffee were also determined. The diagnosis of knee OA was made clinically or clinically and radiologically according to the ACR criteria for knee OA. RESULTS: A total of 655 subjects was interviewed. The frequency of symptomatic knee OA was significantly lower in daily milk consumers (p < 0.05). Tea consumption was also inversely associated with symptomatic knee OA (p < 0.05), although other nutritional elements showed no significant relationship with OA. CONCLUSION: Milk consumption may have beneficial effects on symptomatic knee OA.