Cancer during HIV infection.

HIV+ persons have a significantly increased risk of cancer when compared to the general population. The excess cancer risk observed during HIV infection is particularly higher for infection-related malignancies. Mechanisms underlying this remain unclear, but both HIV-related and HIV-unrelated factors have been postulated to play a role. Here, we (i) review newly published data on cancer burden in the setting of HIV infection with a focus on HIV-related risk factors for cancer; (ii) discuss emerging data on cancer among HIV+ persons living in low- and middle-income countries; and (iii) review guideline recommendations for cancer screening among HIV+ persons and discuss ongoing studies investigating strategies for cancer screening among HIV+ patients.

Eruption of Impacted Teeth in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients following Alveolar Bone Graft.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the eruption of impacted teeth in cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) after alveolar bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research was carried out through a cross-sectional study at the Craniofacial Rehabilitation Center of the University General Hospital of the University of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Variables related to cleft, cleft side, gender, age, laterality of cleft, impacted teeth, and orthodontic traction were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients treated at the institution from 2004 to 2011 had their charts retrospectively reviewed. They were 54.7% male and 45.2% female. The group aged 9 to 11 years was most affected, representing 59.5% of cases. A unilateral cleft was the most prevalent craniofacial anomaly (85.7%). A total of 57 impacted teeth were observed. Maxillary canines were the most commonly impacted teeth (97.6%) and the most frequently identified in patients with a transforamen incisor cleft (TIC) (76.3%). Orthodontic traction was required for both impacted maxillary canines and impacted lateral incisors (64.3 and 35.7% respectively). The orthodontic traction was required only in patients with a TIC (p = 0.0101). CONCLUSION: The canine teeth were the most commonly impacted teeth, found mainly in patients with a TIC. After placement of the alveolar bone graft in patients with a preforamen incisor cleft (PIC), all impacted teeth erupted spontaneously. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An impacted tooth can have negative consequences on a patient's quality of life. Thus, a survey evaluating the incidence and prognosis of impacted teeth after an alveolar bone graft for CLP was important.

Eruption of Impacted Teeth after Alveolar Bone Graft in Cleft Lip and Palate Region.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the eruption of impacted teeth in cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) after alveolar bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research was carried out through a cross-sectional study at the Craniofacial Rehabilitation Center of the University General Hospital of the University of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Variables related to cleft, cleft side, gender, age, laterality of cleft, impacted teeth, and orthodontic traction were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients treated at the institution from 2004 to 2011 were recruited. There were 54.76% males and 45.24% females. The age group between 9 and 11 years was most affected in 59.53% of cases. The unilateral cleft was the most prevalent (85.71%). A total of 57 impacted teeth were observed. Maxillary canine was the most prevalent impacted teeth (97.61%) and more frequent in transforamen incisor cleft (TIC) (76.3%). The orthodontic traction was needed in both maxillary canines and lateral incisor impacted teeth, 64.3 and 35.7% respectively. The orthodontic traction was needed only in TIC (p = 0.0101). CONCLUSION: The canine teeth were the most prevalent, mainly related to the TIC and all impacted teeth erupted spontaneously in the preforamen incisor cleft (PIC) after placement of the bone graft. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There was spontaneous eruption of impacted teeth after secondary alveolar bone graft in CLP.

Dentogingival Alterations and Their Influence on Facial and Smile Attractiveness.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of labial and dentogingival characteristics on facial and smile attractiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different close-up photographs each of six women models with different labial and dentogin-gival characteristics were obtained. One of the models was considered standard. Photographs were arranged in an album were evaluated by 100 laypersons, and 30 dentists who ranked each close-up of the models from according to the degree of attractiveness from first to sixth place, with first being the model considered most attractive and justified the reasons for choosing. RESULTS: The standard model received the best scores for both lips (7.75) and face (5.18). Medium-sized lips were preferred (p < 0.05), and the smile positively or negatively interfered with esthetic perception depending on the dentogingival alteration present. Diastema was the alteration that had the greatest negative influence. CONCLUSION: Not all dentogingival alterations interfere with esthetic evaluation. The lips are not decisive in facial attractiveness. Attraction is assessed significantly differently by laypeople than by dentists. The smile directly influences the analysis of facial beauty. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentogingival alterations may be imperceptible, especially when evaluating the facial joint, so its correction will not always be necessary.

Status of Endodontic Treatment and the Correlations to the Quality of Root Canal Filling and Coronal Restoration.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence and quality of root canal treatment in 1,977 digital radiological files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis, and the chi-square test was performed with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 34.9 years. The endodontic treatment frequency was 6.14%, significantly higher in premolars. Adequate endodontic treatment was observed in 39.7% of analyzed cases. Molars were significantly more frequent with regard to inadequate filling quality. In 47.6% of cases, the filling's apical limit was classified as adequate, and there was a higher incidence of molars that were inadequate. Restorations were classified as adequate in 79.0% of cases, and molars were responsible for the highest frequency of inadequate restorations. The frequency of teeth with endodontic treatment that showed no periapical changes was 47.7%. There was no significant difference in the presence of periapical change according to gender. An increased presence of periapical change was observed with increasing age. The periapical lesions were observed in 45% of cases and related to inadequate filling quality. The apical limit was considered inadequate and related to periapical changes in 42% of cases. Periapical changes were present in 52% of cases, regardless of the quality of the filling and apical limit. Such changes were present in 42% of cases with adequate coronal restoration. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that apical periodontitis (AP) is associated with the quality of endodontic treatment. The coronal restoration affects significantly the success rate of endodontic treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The quality of the root filling and coronal restoration is closely related to periapical health.

Single vs Two-session Root Canal Treatment: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

AIMS: To compare root canal treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis (AP) in a single or two visits, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six pairs of teeth (13 patients) were assigned to two groups: Group single-session (GSS): Instrumentation and root canal filling in the same session; and group two-session (GTS): A calcium hydroxide intracanal medication (Calen(®) paste) was used for 14 days between two sessions. Cone beam computed tomography scans were obtained before and 12 months after treatment. The pre- and postoperative volume of the AP lesions was measured in mm(3). The percentages of volume reduction was compared using Student's t-test and the existence of significant difference between the groups for cases with ≤ 50% or > 50% lesion volume reduction was assessed by chi-squared test ratio likelihood test (α = 5%). RESULTS: The volume reduction was greater in GTS (79.25%) than GSS (68.35%), though without significant difference (p > 0.05). After 12 months, complete repair was not observed in any specimen. Lesion volume reduction > 50% was significantly greater with the use of an intracanal medication (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Twelve months posttreatment, CBCT did not show complete repair in any of the teeth, suggesting that this follow-up period is not sufficient for complete lesion regression. In both groups, similar AP lesion volume reduction was observed after 12 months, with a more advanced repair (> 50% volume reduction) in the teeth medicated with calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing provided clinical evidence to indicate its use in teeth with apical periodontitis prior to definitive root canal filling.

Estudo da ansiedade e da condição socioeconômica em uma subpopulação de acadêmicos do curso de graduação em Odontologia / Study of anxiety and socioeconomic status of a dentistry's students subpopulation

Objetivo: Avaliar, através de questionário validado, o grau de ansiedade dos acadêmicos do curso de Odontologia e correlacioná-lo com a condição socioeconômica, idade, sexo deste alunado. Materiais e Métodos: A amostra foi constituída por 258 acadêmicos, selecionados conforme o desejo de participar da pesquisa, que responderam questionários relativos às características pessoais, condição socioeconômica (ABEP) e à ansiedade (Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck - BAI - Beck Anxiety Inventory). O teste estatístico utilizado foi o diagrama em árvore - Answer Tree que tem como base o teste de Qui-Quadrado com uma significância de 5%. Resultados: Os alunos participantes estiveram em maior número nos semestres iniciais do curso (n=141 ­ 54,7%). A maioria tinha idade entre 17 e 19,5 anos (n=130 ­ 50,4%) e era do sexo feminino (n=174 ­ 67,4%). A maior parcela era da classe social B (n=123 ­ 47,7). No diagrama em árvore, onde a ansiedade foi considerada variável dependente e, as outras variáveis como independentes, pôde-se verificar que a ansiedade foi maior nos alunos com menos de 19,5 anos (1,91+0,88) e da classe social A (2,04+ 0,97). Conclusão: Conclui--se que há uma alteração relevante do estado de ansiedade nos estudantes de Odontologia com idade menor ou igual a 19,5 anos e da classe social A.

Objective: To evaluate, through validated questionnaire, the anxiety of dental students and correlate this with their socioeconomic status, age and gender. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 258 students, who responded to Questionnaires on personal characteristics, socioeconomic status (ABEP) and anxiety degree (BAI - Beck Anxiety Inventory). The statistical test used was Answer Tree that is based on the chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. Results: Most participants were in early semesters (n = 141 to 54.7%); between 17 and 19.5 years (n = 130 to 50.4%) and were female (n = 174 to 67.4%). Class B (n = 123 to 47.7) was the most frequent socioeconomic status. In Answer Tree analysis, where anxiety was considered the dependent variable and the other variables as independent, it was observed that anxiety was higher in students under 19.5 years old (1.91 + 0.88) and from class A (2,04+ 0.97). Conclusion: It was conclude that there is an important change in the state of anxiety in the dental students aged less than or equal to 19.5 years and from social class A.

Resoluções protéticas para casos com sequelas de perdas de tecido periodontal / Prosthetic resolutions for cases with sequels of periodontal tissue loss

Introdução: as próteses dentogengivais são alternativas na atualidade para os casos de sequelas de grandes perdas de estrutura periodontal, principalmente na região anterior. Objetivo: nestes relatos de casos serão descritos alternativas protéticas diante de casos com grande perda de tecidos periodontais na região anterossuperior. Relatos de Caso: três casos clínicos foram realizados com a técnica da prótese dentogengival. Esse recurso, embora não seja o ideal, garante uma reconstrução estética e funcional satisfatória para os pacientes que apresentam casos com grande perda de tecidos de suporte. Um dos pontos interessantes do trabalho é o planejamento reverso com a presença de uma cera que simula a região a ser construída em critérios como a cor, textura, posição e avaliação da higiene. De posse desse planejamento, há a confecção da cerâmica dentogengival com resultados interessantes dos pontos de vista estético e funcional. Conclusão: as próteses dentogengivais são um recurso interessante e com boa satisfação dos pacientes e dos profissionais envolvidos nesses relatos.

Background: Nowadays, dentogingival prostheses are alternatives for cases of sequels of periodontal structure loss, especially in the anterior region. Aim: In these case reports will be described on prosthetic alternatives for cases with great losses of periodontal tissues in the upper anterior region. Case Reports: Three clinical cases were performed with the technique of dentogingival prosthesis. This resource, although not ideal, ensures satisfactory aesthetic and functional reconstruction for patients who present cases with extensive loss of supporting tissues. One of the interesting points of the paper is the reverse planning in the presence of a wax that simulates the region to be built on criteria such as color, texture, position and assessment of hygiene. Upon this planning, there was the ceramic dentogingival development with interesting aesthetic and functional results. Conclusion: Dentogingival prostheses are an interesting and good device to satisfaction of patients and professionals involved in these reports.

Avaliação do conhecimento dos alunos de graduação em odontologia x cirurgião dentista no diagnóstico de maus-tratos a crianças / Assessment of knowledge of undergraduate students x dentist in diagnosis of child maltreatment

Os maus-tratos em crianças e adolescentes ocorrem quando um indivíduo comete um ato capaz de causar dano físico, psicológico ou sexual, contrariamente à vontade da vítima, podendo gerar consequências graves como injúrias permanentes e problemas psicossociais. O envolvimento frequente de áreas como a estrutura da face e a cavidade bucal torna o cirurgião dentista apto a diagnosticar a ocorrência de tais fatos. Segundo o Ministério da Saúde, a notificação é compulsória dos casos de violência pelos profissionais da saúde que atendem pelo SUS. Muitas vezes, o cirurgião dentista não tem capacitação para realizar o correto diagnóstico e fazer o encaminhamento necessário. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento dos alunos de graduação e do profissional de Odontologia em relação aos maus-tratos na infância e adolescência.

Maltreatment in children and adolescents occur when an individual commits an act capable of causing physical harm, psychological or sexual, against the wishes of the victim, and may cause serious consequences such as permanent injury and psychosocial problems. The frequent involvement of areas such as the structure of the face and oral cavity makes the dentist able to diagnose the occurrence of such events. According to the Ministry of Health, it is required mandatory reporting of cases of violence by health professionals that work in the public service (SUS). Often the dentist does not have capacity to make a correct diagnosis and make the necessary referral. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge of undergraduate students and professional dentistry in relation to abuse in childhood and adolescence.

Infecção endodôntica como fator de risco para doença coronariana / Endodontic infection as risk factor for coronary diseases

Objetivo: Avaliou-se em estudos longitudinais a influência da infecção endodôntica no desenvolvimento das alterações cardiovasculares. Metodologia: Empregou-se fontes de catalogação bibliográfica identificadas eletronicamente por MEDLINE, a partir de 1966 até 02 de dezembro de 2012 e Cochrane Library. Como estratégia de busca utilizou-se os termos - cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, periapical lesion, periapical disease, endodontic infection e root canal infection - diferentes combinações. Os estudos foram selecionados por dois revisores independentes, que também determinaram os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados: A busca apresentou 191 artigos, sendo que destes, 33 artigos eram de revisão de literatura, 58 artigos relacionavam-se com estudos in vivo (humanos ou animais), 38 estudos eram relatos de casos clínicos e 2 incluíram estudos in vitro. Dos 58 estudos in vivo, 9 estudos satisfizeram os critérios de inclusão, o que possibilitou a análise dos dados. Conclusão: Diante dos resultados obtidos, observou-se ausência de homogeneidade dos protocolos clínicos empregados nos estudos incluídos, o que inviabilizou uma meta-análise. A partir dos estudos incluídos parece oportuno maior número de pesquisas para o estabelecimento com o rigor de evidência das possíveis relações entre estas duas doenças.

Aim: Longitudinal studies about the influence of endodontic infection as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease were studied. Methodology: Bibliographic tabulation sources identified electronically by MEDLINE, since 1966 until December 2nd of 2012 and Cochrane Library, on the same period, were used. As searching strategy the following terms were used in different combinations: cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, periapical lesion, periapical disease, endodontic infection e root canal infection. The studies were selected by two independent reviewers, which also determined the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The search presented 191 related articles, and from these, 33 articles were literature reviews, 58 articles wer related to in vivo studies (humans or animals), 38 studies were cases reports, and 2 included in vitro and/or ex vivo studies.From the 58 in vivo studies, 9 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, what enabled the data analysis. Conclusion: Based on these results, it was observed lack of homogeneity of the clinical protocols used in the included studies, which prevented a meta-analysis. From the included studies seems appropriate to further research to establish with the rigor of evidence of possible relationships between these two diseases.

Erosive potential of energy drinks on the dentine surface.

BACKGROUND: Considering the current high consumption of energy drinks, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of energy drinks in removing the smear layer and exposing dentinal tubules on root surface. METHODS: Dentine root surfaces were exposed using a diamond bur. Forty movements of scaling were performed in the area prepared in order to create a smear layer. One hundred and thirty specimens were obtained from 35 teeth. Specimens were randomly distributed into 12 groups (n = 10) and divided into subgroups according to the application: topical (n = 5) and friction (n = 5). Twelve energy drinks were evaluated: RedBull, Burn, TNT, Flash Power, Flying Horse, Sports Drink, Ionic, Hot Power, Army Power, Gladiator and Bug. Distilled water was used as a control group. The specimens were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Topical application: a significant influence of energy drinks on smear layer removal was found for FlyingHorse and Bug when compared with the control group. Friction application: significant smear layer removal was found for Burn, FlyingHorse, Gladiator, SportsDrinks, when compared with the control group. Comparing the different application forms, a statistically significant difference was found for Army Power. CONCLUSION: Considering the significant smear layer removal, energy drinks can be an important etiological factor for cervical dentine hypersensitivity.

Avaliação do sucesso da terapia periodontal não cirúrgica. Follow up de período curto / Evaluation of the success of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Short time follow-up

Objetivo: Avaliar o sucesso do tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico após 6 meses da conclusão da terapia periodontal. Materiais e Métodos: um total de 11 indivíduos foi selecionado com base em critérios previamente estabelecidos de modo a assegurara consistência dos resultados. Os exames supragengivais e subgengivais consideraram o índice de placa visível (IPV); o índice de sangramento gengival (ISG); a profundidade de sondagem(PS), o nível clínico de inserção (NIC) e sangramento a sondagem (SS) obtidos no início e no final do tratamento. Os dados foram agrupados em faces livres (vestibular e lingual) e faces proximais (mesial e distal), sendo comparados os resultadosdos exames iniciais com os exames finais, realizados no estudo. Os testes estatísticos utilizados foram: o teste T de Studente o teste Qui-Quadrado, ambos para uma significância de5%. Resultados: verificou-se que os pacientes apresentaram redução de todos os parâmetros clínicos analisados, confirmado pela média dos indicadores IPV, ISG, SS, PS e NIC dos pacientes tratados. Conclusão: foi observado melhora nos indicadores de saúde periodontal, após três meses da terapia periodontal não cirúrgica, isentando os pacientes do desconforto pós-cirúrgico e sem afetar o sistema imunológico dos mesmos, através de antibióticoterapia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of nonsurgical periodontal treatment after 6 months of completion of periodontal therapy. Material and Methods: A total of 11 individuals was selected based on criteria established in advance in order to ensure consistency of results. Tests supragingival and subgingival considered the visible plaque index (VPI), the gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (NIC), obtained at the beginning and end of treatment. The data were grouped into free faces (facial and lingual) and proximal surfaces (mesial and distal) and compared the resultsof initial tests with the final exams in the study. Statistical tests used were Student's t test and chi-square test, both for a 5% significance. Results: we found that patients showed a reduction in all clinical parameters were analyzed and confirmed by theaverage indicators of IPV, SS, PS and NIC of patients treated by exempting them from the post-surgical discomfort and without affecting the immune system of individuals. Conclusion: There was improvement in indicators of periodontal health, after thee valuation of six months of nonsurgical periodontal therapy, freeing patients from the discomfort after surgery and without affecting the immune system of the same.

Tratamento endodôntico convencional de dente invaginado com periodontite apical / Conventional endodontic treatment of a dens invaginatus with apical periodontitis

Dente invaginado é uma anomalia do desenvolvimento caracterizada por invaginação dos tecidos dentários que varia de ligeiro aumento da fosseta do cíngulo a um profundo sulco que pode se estender até o ápice dentário. O objetivo deste trabalho foi discutir um caso clínico de dente invaginado tipo II em incisivo lateral superior em que foi realizado o tratamento endodôntico convencional. Posterior ao acompanhamento de 11 anos e frente aos exames clínicos e imaginológicos observou-se tratamento endodôntico satisfatório e regressão da rarefação óssea. Baseado nisso, foi possível concluir que o tratamento endodôntico convencional é uma alternativa viável para tratamento de dente invaginado tipo II.

Dens invaginatus is a developmental anomaly characterized by invagination of the dental tissues ranging from slight rise of the pit to a depth of the cingulate sulcus and can be extended to the apical portion of the tooth. The aim of this study was to relate a case of dens invaginatus type II in upper lateral incisor in which a conventional treatment was realized. After eleven years-follow up and based on clinical and images exams, it was observed that the endodontic treatment was efficient and the bone rarefaction reduced. Based on this, it was possible to conclude that conventional endodontic treatment is a viable alternative for type II dens invaginatus.

Utilização de cimento a base de MTA no tratamento de perfuração radicular: relato de caso clínico / MTA based cement in root perforation: case report

As perfurações endodônticas comunicam o canal radicular com o periodonto, em consequência de cárie, reabsorções ou causas iatrogênicas. O sucesso no tratamento está diretamente relacionado com a localização, tamanho e período entre a ocorrência e o tratamento. Os materiais utilizados no tratamento exercem função importante no selamento da área perfurada e a biocompatibilidade junto aos tecidos. A primeira via de tratamento é a não-cirúrgica. Caso o resultado não seja satisfatório, opta-se pelo acesso cirúrgico. Dos materiais para o tratamento de perfurações, na atualidade, o MTA (Agregado Trióxido Mineral) é o mais usado. É material bioativo que permite a formação de cemento, oferecendo condições para organização dos tecidos de suporte dentário. O objetivo esperado para o tratamento das perfurações é prevenir a reabsorção óssea e a perda de ligamento periodontal da região perfurada evitando a infecção. Foi objetivo desse trabalho descrever dois casos clínicos de dentes com perfuração radicular, preenchidas com cimento a base de MTA.

Endodontic perforations are accidents that communicate the internal environment with the dental periodontium. They can be caused by caries, resorption or iatrogenic factors. The successful treatment in the perforations is directly related to their location, size and time between the accident and treatment. The materials used also play important function in connection with the sealing of the perforated area and biocompatibility with human tissue. The first-line treatment is non-surgical. If the result is not positive, surgical approach should be chosen. Actually, MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) is the most used material for perforations treatment. It is a bioactive material that allows the formation of cementum and gives the conditions for the organization of the teeth supporting tissues. The expected goal for the perforation treatment is to prevent bone resorption and periodontal ligament lost in the region, avoiding the infection. The objective of this paper was to describe two case reports of dental radicular perforations filled by a MTA-based cement.

Pyomyositis in the upper Negro river basin, Brazilian Amazonia.

Pyomyositis remains poorly documented in tropical Latin America. We therefore performed a retrospective review of cases admitted to a hospital in the upper Negro river basin during 2002-2006. Seasonality was assessed by the cosinor model and independent predictors of outcome were identified by logistic regression. Determinants of time-to-fever resolution were analysed using Cox regression. No seasonal trend was observed (p=0.284) among 82 hospitalised patients. The disease predominated in young males and the most commonly affected part of the body was the lower limb (68 [63.5%] out of 107 lesions). Staphylococcus aureus was the only identified infecting organism (18 of 20 culture results, 90%). Complications occurred in 17 patients (20.7%) and the case fatality rate was 2.4%. Children were more likely to present with eosinophilia than adults (OR= 4.20, 95% CI 1.08-16.32, p=0.048), but no other significant differences regarding clinical presentation and outcomes were observed. The time-to-fever resolution was the only independent determinant of poor outcome (OR=1.52, 95% CI 1.22-1.92, p<0.001) and was significantly longer in patients treated with combined antibiotic therapy than in those treated with single antibiotics (HR=0.523, 95% CI 0.296-0.926, p=0.026). Further studies to determine the best antibiotic therapy modality for the treatment of pyomyositis are required.

Avaliação da eficiência do bastão de gelo e gás refrigerante na determinação da vitalidade pulpar / Assessment of the efficience of ice stick and refrigerant gas in the determination of pulpal vitality

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficácia do bastão de gelo e do gás refrigerante, a base de tetrafluoretano, na determinação da vitalidade pulpar em dentes humanos. Foram investigados 749 dentes anteriores superiores de 93 pacientes, com idade entre 10 e 49 anos. Os testes seguiram o protocolo: o isolamento da área com rolos de algodão; secagem do dente; aplicação do estímulo térmico na superfície vestibular dos dentes, no centro da coroa por tempo máximo de 10 segundos; testes realizados, em cada dente, com intervalos de 5 minutos e em caso de resposta positiva de dor, o paciente era instruído a levantar o antebraço esquerdo. Considerando o material, o gás refrigerante mostrou maior índice de resposta positiva (73,82%) com diferença estatisticamente significante (p?0.05) em relação ao bastão de gelo. Comparando a situação clínica, os dentes cariados apresentaram o maior índice de resposta positiva (p?0.05) quando estimulados pelo tetrafluoretano (85,87%). Os dentes íntegros apresentaram índices intermediários de resposta positiva (72,31%) e o menor índice foi apresentado pelos dentes restaurados (67,27), estatisticamente diferentes entre si (p?0.05). Analisando a idade, a faixa etária de 40-49 evidenciou os menores índices de respostas positivas (p?0.05) com o bastão de gelo. As maiores porcentagens de resposta positiva ocorreram nas faixas de 20-29, 30-39 e 40-49 anos, estatisticamente diferentes (p?0.05) das demais. Pôde-se concluir que o gás refrigerante, em comparação ao bastão de gelo, mostrou maior eficiência na determinação de resposta positiva da vitalidade pulpar dos dentes anteriores superiores.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ice stick and refrigerant gas, tetrafluoroethane base, in the determination of human teeth pulpal vitality. Seven hundred and forty nine maxillary anterior teeth of 93 patients, aged between from 10 to 49 years,were investigated, The tests followed the protocol: area isolation with cotton rolls, tooth drying; application of thermal stimulus on the teeth vestibular surface in the center of the crown, tests on each tooth by a maximum time of 10 seconds with intervals 5 minutes and in case of positive response, the patient was instructed to lift the left forearm. Considering the material, the refrigerant gas showed higher positive response rate (73.82%), which was statistically significant (p ?0.05) compared to the ice stick. Comparing the clinical situation, the decayed tooth showed the highest rate of positive response (p ?0.05), when stimulated by the refrigerant gas (85.87%). The intact teeth had intermediate rates of positive response (72.31%) and the lowest ones were presented by the restored teeth (67.27), statistically different from each other (p ?0.05). Analyzing the age, the age range of 40-49 showed the lowest rates of positive responses (p ?0.05) with the ice stick. The highest percentage of positive responses occurred in the age ranges of 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49 years, statistically different (p ?0.05) from the others. It can be concluded that refrigerant gas, compared to the ice stick, showed more efficiency in determination of pulpal vitality positive response in the anterior upper teeth.