A clinical approach strategy for the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of external cervical resorption.

Aim: To propose a clinical approach strategy on the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of external cervical tooth resorption (ECR) cases. To investigate and discuss the outcome of this approach.

Methodology: A clinical approach strategy on ECR was developed based on a retrospective observation study of 542 teeth.

Probing pressure, a highly undervalued unit of measure in periodontal probing: a systematic review on its effect on probing pocket depth.

Aim: To investigate the influence of probing pressure on the probing pocket depth (PPD) in diseased and healthy periodontal tissue conditions through a systematic review. In addition, to facilitate comparison of the study outcomes, an attempt was made to provide a correction factor that compensates for the different probing pressures used.

Material And Methods: The MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trails (Central) were searched up to June 2008 to indentify appropriate studies.

Detection of the cemento-enamel junction with three different probes: an "in vitro" model.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to test the accuracy and precision with which the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) can be assessed using three commercially available periodontal probes with different tip endings in both deciduous and permanent teeth.

Material And Methods: An "in vitro" model was developed, consisting of 70 extracted permanent and 30 deciduous human teeth mounted in plaster with an artificial gingiva made of silicone rubber. The probes tested were the Merritt-B probe, the ball-ended CPITN probe and the Vivacare TPS beveled-ball probe.

Penetration depths with an ultrasonic mini insert compared with a conventional curette in patients with periodontitis and in periodontal maintenance.

Aim: The aim of the study was to test whether a slim Ultrasonic Tip reaches a more apical position when penetrating a periodontal pocket compared with the working blade of a conventional Gracey Curette in both untreated periodontitis and periodontal maintenance patients.

Material And Methods: Twenty untreated and 15 periodontal maintenance patients were selected based on the presence of at least one site a pocket of > or =5 mm in each quadrant. Recordings were made at the four approximal sites of four experimental teeth in each patient.