Laser-induced fluorescence in the diagnosis of pulp exposure and the influence of residual dentin thickness: An in vivo study.

Purpose: To clinically (a) determine whether laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) was able to assess pulp tissue health or disease in situations of pulp exposure; (b) evaluate the influence of different pulp tissue conditions upon LIF through dentin thicknesses of ≤1 mm; and (c) explore possible differences between the diagnostic performance of quantitative (q) and qualitative (ql) LIF.

Methods: 98 healthy subjects were scheduled for the treatment of caries. Three groups were established according to pulp tissue condition: Group A (n=30 teeth) (deep caries with healthy pulp tissue); Group B (n=30 teeth) (pulp necrosis); and Group C (n=30 teeth) (irreversible symptomatic acute pulpitis).

Performance of laser fluorescence for the detection of enamel caries in non-cavitated occlusal surfaces: clinical study with total validation of the sample.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical performance of a laser fluorescence device in detecting enamel caries in non-cavitated occlusal surfaces.

Methods: The sample included 96 first and second permanent molars, selected according to the criteria of Ekstrand: 44 not suspected of having dentin caries (score: 0-2) and 52 under suspicion (score: 3-4). Once measured by laser fluorescence, all teeth were validated by fissurotomy (gold standard).

Statistical errors in microleakage studies in operative dentistry. A survey of the literature 2001-2009.

The aim of this study was to assess the literature on microleakage of direct restorations in operative dentistry indexed in the ISI Web of Science, in order to assess the robustness of the statistical methodology used. Our database included 226 scientific papers (published between 2001 and 2009 in 22 journals) from the journal citation report categories 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine' and 'Materials Science, Biomaterials'. We reviewed all articles to find potential mistakes that are commonly made at different stages in the scientific research process.

Critical diameter of apical foramen and of file size using the Root ZX apex locator: an in vitro study.

Introduction: An evaluation was made of the accuracy of the Root ZX apex locator (J. Morita Corp, Tokyo, Japan) in widened foramina, considering the existing controversy over this issue in the literature.

Methods: Ten single-root teeth were embedded in an alginate mold.

Developments in polymerization lamps.

Polymerization shrinkage of composite resins and the consequent stress generated at the composite-tooth interface continue to pose a serious clinical challenge. The development of high-intensity halogen lamps and the advent of curing units providing higher energy performance, such as laser lamps, plasma arc units, and, most recently, light-emitting diode (LED) curing units, have revolutionized polymerization lamp use and brought major changes in light-application techniques. A comprehensive review of the literature yielded the following conclusions: (1) the most reliable curing unit for any type of composite resin is the high-density halogen lamp, fitted with a programming device to enable both pulse-delay and soft-start techniques; (2) if any other type of curing unit is used, information must be available on the compatibility of the unit with the composite materials to be used; (3) polymerization lamp manufacturers need to focus on the ongoing development of LED technology; (4) further research is required to identify the most reliable light-application techniques.

Influence of apical constriction diameter on Root ZX apex locator precision.

Small-diameter hand files are systematically used to determine the initial working length and to establish patency of the root canal. In wide canals, electronic apex locator accuracy might be influenced by file size. This article reports on a study to assess the influence of apical constriction diameter on the precision of the Root ZX apex locator by using files of varying diameter on teeth with 3 different degrees of apical widening: 0.