Comparison via Digital Radiography of Radiopacity Levels of Composite Materials with Various Shades and Viscosities

Aim of the present in vitro study is to evaluate the radiopacity levels of composite resins with various shades and viscosity.10 mm×2 mm discs were prepared from 7 condensable and 4 flowable composites(n=10).An aluminum step wedge ranging from 2.0 to 10.0 mm in thickness was placed on the occlusal film.Digital radiographs were taken using a dental X-ray device and radiographic densities of each step of the aluminum wedge and the samples were recorded to the computer.Five readings were taken and means were calculated.One-Way Anova and Tamhane post hoc tests were performed.While G-eanial Posterior has the highest radiopacity value followed by Filtek Z550,Aelite Flo has the lowest radiopacity value.Posterior composites show higher radiopacity and flowable composites with higher filler loadings have superior radiopacity levels to condensable composites.Enamel and body shades of the composite brands have also statistically significant differences in radiopacity scores.Eventually,radiopacity level of a composite resin material is not affected by the size of fillers;however,the composition,shape and loading of the fillers can specify the radiodensity.

Effects of energy and sports drinks on tooth structures and restorative materials

Sports and energy drinks are consumed by more peoplethan ever. Sports and energy drinks may enhance physical resistance, stimulate metabolism, prevent rehydration and replace electrolytes during high activity efforts. However, these drinks often have a low pH and are acidic, which can erode enamel and dentin, and increase dentine hypersensitivity. In addition to the adverse effects of sports and energy drinks on tooth structures, they often have the potential to damage restorative materials. These drinks often contain artificial colors which have potential to discolor resin composite materials and glass ionomers. The acidic nature of these drinks could also lead to a degradation, increase in wear, and roughening of the surface of the restorative materials. Many of the negative consequences of sport and energy drinks can be related to their overconsumption among children and teenagers. Patients should be advised to have a healthy diet, and consume soft and energy drinks in moderation, to avoid any negative dental or health consequences. The overconsumption of sports and energy drinks which are high in sugar and have the lowest pH are most likely to cause avoidable dental problems.

Benefits of Using CBCT in Bilateral Maxillary Impacted Canines Extraction:A Case Report

Aim: Canines are the second most impacted teeth in jaws after third molars. Perforation of the anatomic structures, such as maxillary sinus and nasal fossa, are some of the complications of the surgery. In this case, bilateral maxillary impacted canines’ extraction, with the guidance of CBCT is done without any complication. Case: A 24-year-old female patient was referred to Istanbul University, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Left and right deciduous canines and swelling at the right maxillary canine’s labial area were seen during the intraoral examination. Bilateral impacted canines were determined after evaluating the present CBCT images of the patient and orthodontic treatment was advised to the patient. Due to the refusal of orthodontic treament, extractions of the impacted teeth were decided. After the evaluation of CBCT images, the maxillary right canine was determined at the labial site while the maxillary left canine was determined at the palatinale site. Results: Right maxillary canine was lying between the right first incisor and right first molar and It was extracted with mucoperiosteal vestibule flap procedure. For the extraction, the tooth was divided into two pieces from the enamel-cement junction. Left maxillary canine was lying between the left first incisor and left first molar and It was extracted with mucoperiosteal palatinale flap procedure. Flap was stitched primarly with 3/0 silk sutures. Palatinal plaque, which was prepared before the surgery, was applied. Antibiotic, analgesic and moutwash were prescribed to the patient. 1 week following the surgery, stitches were removed and the healing was optimal. Conclusion: Impacted canines are a common clinic condition which requires a multi-discipliner approach. CBCT can increase the success of the treatment by preventing possible complications with determining the proximity of the anatomical structures and the localization of the impacted teeth. There were no sign of complication and the healing was optimal.

Oral Symptoms and Bone Observations in Odonto-Hypophosphatasia

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inherited skeletal disease caused by mutation of the gene encoding tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). Odonto-HPP is well known as the mildest of HPP. The manifestations involve only the teeth, such as premature primary teeth exfoliation caused by reduction of alveolar bone, enlarged dental pulp chamber, and dental defects. We report a case of a 9-years-old boy who developed HPP. He was observed from the primary dentition to the mixed dentition period. At initial presentation at our hospital, he had multiple premature exfoliation of primary teeth and reduction of the alveolar bone. HPP was suspected due to the low level of ALP activity in serum, his oral manifestation, and dental history. He was referred to a physician for the final diagnosis. Therefore his compound heterozygote mutations, c.1559 delT (T/delT) and c.407G > A (G/A), were found in TNSALP and he diagnosed with odonto-HPP. Even though these mutations were reported as being involved in odonto-HPP, his mineral densities tended to be lower than that of his age. It is therefore necessary to investigate the bone mineralization level in odonto-HPP without other bone symptoms. Moreover, ongoing enzyme-replacement therapy in odonto-HPP might improve dental abnormality and bone disorders.

Changes in Alveolar Bone Width Following Bone Expansion

The placement of implants in edentulous areas is often compromised because of atrophic alveolar ridges. Several techniques have been suggested in the literature to increase inadequte bone width which includes bone grafting, distraction osteogenesis and bone expansion. Bone expansion technique is one of the most widely used methods which can also be utilized to increase the width of alveolar ridge and to provide sufficient bone volume for implant placement. The purpose of this study, is to measure the increase of the width of alveolar ridge after bone expansion following implant placement. Between 2013-2016, 30 consecutive, healthy, non-smoking, adult patients with atrophy of the maxilla and mandibula had 149 implants inserted. There were 18 women and 12 men, mean age 51.34 years (range 34 - 67). The initial width of the alveolar ridge measured from 2.5 to 3 mm (mean 2.83 ± 0.2) with Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The mean increase of bone width was achieved 1.25 mm (between 0.64 mm and 1.73 mm). Before prosthetic rehabilitation, width of expanded alveolar bone was calculated from 3.50 to 4.75 mm with CBCT. During follow-up, 140 implants survived and 9 implants failed. The rate of implant survival was 93.95% after average 5 years follow-up. In conclusion, we suggest that, bone expansion is useful for managing the unsufficient ridges for implant placement.