Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects
Volume:3 Issue: 1, Winter 2009

Background and aims. The use of fluoride mouthrinses has been proved to be one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. A community based program using F+ rinse at school has also proved to be well-controlled and efficient. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate fluoride uptake level of a locally prepared NaF rinse used in Iran’s school program during 2005. Materials and methods. A total of 30 freshly extracted sound human premolars were collected and divided into two groups of 15. Each tooth then underwent two steps of sectioning; first the root was amputated from CEJ and then a longitudinal section was performed in bucco-lingual direction to provide two similar samples of the same tooth. A specific hemi-circular area on either of the experimental halves was treated by NaF rinse from USA or a locally prepared NaF used in school programs. Two subsequent biopsies were taken from each half using acid etch enamel biopsy technique. Fluoride and calcium content of the specimens were measured in order to evaluate fluoride uptake level and biopsy depth effect, respectively. Collected data were recorded in the forms provided and statistical analysis, mostly descriptive, was performed for comparison. Results. Based on the data collected, it appears that the use of F+ rinse would clearly improve enamel quality by a rise in fluoride concentration. Statistical analysis using a paired t-test and repeated measure method revealed that with 95% confidence fluoride concentration increases at both levels of biopsy with no statistically significant differences between the samples treated with two rinses. Conclusion. There seem to be reasonable potential for the clinical use of Iranian brand fluoride mouthrinse. There was no significant difference between the level of uptake from NaF from USA and the Iranian product in 2 layers of enamel biopsy.

Background and aims. Panoramic radiography is a method widely used because of low absorbed dose in patients (approximately 10 times less than that in the full mouth survey), reasonable cost and time. Disadvantages of this radiography technique are magnification and distortion as a result of unequal magnification, which can influence dimensional and angular measurements used in clinical dentistry to determine root length, dental arch space, relative angulations of teeth, and implant site assessment. The aim of this study was comparison of linear dimensions and angular measurements on panoramic images taken with two machines (Planmeca and Panoura).Materials and methods. Twenty radiographs taken with each apparatus from a human dry skull were scanned. Horizontal, vertical and angular dimensions were measured on the skull, which were compared along with the images using Corel DRAW Software, V13. Results. Independent t-test analysis showed that horizontal magnification assessed on images from Panoura was more than that from Planmeca (P < 0.00025). There were no significant differences between the two groups in vertical dimensions (P = 0.66). Mean magnification of angular measurements assessed on images from Panoura was less than that from Planmeca (P < 0.00025). Independent t-test analysis showed that distortion of Planmeca images were more than that of Panoura. One sample t-test showed that angular measurements were more reliable than linear dimensions. Conclusion. Panoramic radiography technique can be used for evaluation of angles but it is better to use other radiography techniques for vertical and horizontal measurements.

Background and aims. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) and light emitting diode (LED) curing lights on polymerization of resin composite.Materials and Methods. A hybrid resin composite was used to prepare samples which were cured using two QTH and ten LED light curing sources. Twelve groups, each containing ten samples, were prepared using each light source. The cured depth of the resin was determined using ISO 4049 method and Vickers hardness values were determined at 1.0 mm intervals. Data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. Results. Data analysis demonstrated a significant difference between light sources for depth of cure. At 1.0 mm below the surface all the tested light sources and at 2.0-mm intervals all light sources except two (Optilux 501 and LEDemetron I) and at 3.0-mm intervals only two light sources (PenCure and LEDemetron II) could produce hardness values higher than 80% of superficial layer values. Conclusion. This study showed that a variety of LED light sources used in the present study are as effective as the high-intensity QTH lights in polymerization of resin composite.

Background and aims. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a condition comprised of oral painful ulcers appearing at intervals in different intraoral sites, triggered by a variety of causative agents in certain subgroups of patients. Since there are no studies on the subject in Northwest Iran, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of aphthous ulcer and to assess the association of some influencing factors on minor aphtha.Materials and methods. Of all patients examined during a two-year period, 33 patients were diagnosed with aphthous lesions. A questionnaire was used to collect the data including age, gender, familial history, smoking habit, and food allergy of the patients. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of variables.Results. The prevalence of aphthous lesions was found to be 0.3%, and was significantly higher in females compared with males (23 females and 10 males, respectively; P = 0.024). Familial involvement of aphthous ulcer was reported in 42.4% of the patients (P = 0.411). The aphthous ulcer was seen less frequently in smokers compared with non-smokers (P = 0.024).Conclusion. A relatively low prevalence of minor aphtha was found in the studied population. Higher prevalence in females and non-smokers were observed.

Background and aims. Class III malocclusions are considered complex and difficult orthodontic problems to diagnose and treat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphologic characteristics of the craniofacial complex of adults with Class III malocclusion in an Iranian population.Materials and methods. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 50 patients with Class III malocclusion (20 males and 30 females; age range of 18-27 years) were selected on the basis of molar relationship, concave profile and an overjet of ≤ 0 mm. The standard values of 19 soft tissue measurements were determined using McNamara, Burstone and Viazis methods.Results. Adults with Class III malocclusion exhibited distinct craniofacial morphologic characteristics manifested by a combination of retrusion of maxilla and protrusion of mandible.Conclusion. The most prevalent component was mandibular prognathism, normal maxilla and LAFH on the basis of the component analysis.

Background and aims. The aim of this study was to determine the microorganisms prevalent in the necrotic dental pulp and root canals of unsuccessfully treated teeth. Materials and methods. The present study was conducted on 150 single-rooted teeth of patients referring to a dental clinic. Sampling was performed by placing a sterile paper point in the canal for 60 s. Bacterial samples were evaluated by a microbiological technique specific for anaerobic species, used for isolation and identification of sampled strains. Results. From the 150 samples taken, 101 were from necrotic pulps (primary infection) and 49 were from the teeth with an unsuccessful endodontic treatment (secondary infection).Conclusion. Enterococcus faecalis was a prevalent species in the failed root canals evaluated.

The management of tooth wear has been a subject of increasing interest from both preventive and restorative points of view. This article describes the full mouth rehabilitation of a 54-year-old bruxer woman with a severely worn dentition and other dental problems including unsuitable restorations and several missing teeth. The treatment entailed using cast posts and cores, metal-ceramic restorations, and a removable partial denture. As with the treatment procedure of such cases, equal-intensity centric occlusal contacts on all teeth and an anterior guidance in harmony with functional jaw movements were especially taken into account.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of late adult life and may also arise as a primary tumor in bone. It is a rare condition that constitutes less than 1% of the malignant tumors of bone and commonly occurs in the mathaphysis of long bones of extremities such as the femur and tibia. The occurrence in the head and neck region is very rare. MFH of the jaws is a highly malignant tumor that recurs, metastasizes, and usually causes death despite aggressive surgical therapy. We present a case of MFH of maxilla with 8 years follow-up. The clinical, pathologic and radiographic features as well as the treatment of this case are discussed.