The flexural properties of endodontic post materials.

Objectives: To measure the flexural strengths and moduli of endodontic post materials and to assess the effect on the calculated flexural properties of varying the diameter/length (D/L) ratio of three-point bend test samples.

Methods: Three-point bend testing of samples of 2mm diameter metal and fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) rods was carried out and the mechanical properties calculated at support widths of 16 mm, 32 mm and 64 mm. Weibull analysis was performed on the strength data.

The effect of clinically relevant thermocycling on the flexural properties of endodontic post materials.

Objectives: It is suggested that fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) posts have lower elastic moduli than metal posts and this will reduce the incidence of root fracture. However, the mechanical properties may be altered in the oral environment. The aims of this study were to determine the effect on the flexural properties of FRC and metal post materials produced by: (1) a thermocycling regime which was clinically relevant and representative of that which would occur during 1 year in the mouth and (2) storage for 1 year at body temperature.

Trends in indirect dentistry: 5. Impression materials and techniques.

Unlabelled: A fundamental pre-requisite for the construction of satisfactory indirect restorations is the ability to record an accurate and detailed impression of the dental structures. Knowledge of the key properties of the available impression materials and their handling behaviour is necessary if they are to be used effectively. A variety of techniques can be employed in different situations, each of which can be highly successful, but only if attention is paid to the detail of their execution and the clinician is aware of their individual limitations and pitfalls.

Rectangular collimation and radiographic efficacy in eight general dental practices in the West Midlands.

Introduction: Rectangular collimation is recommended in order to reduce radiation doses to patients. However, anecdotal reports suggest that it may result in more retakes, with a possible net increase in patient dosage.

Method: To test this hypothesis, eight general dental practitioners were recruited to participate in a project.

The Effectiveness of Systemp.desensitizer in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity.

Purpose: This study reports the effectiveness of Systemp.desensitizer (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), when used both with and without an acid-etch step, in the treatment of patients with dentine hypersensitivity in UK dental practices.

Materials And Methods: Ten general dental practitioners (GDPs) were selected from two practice-based research groups.

Endodontics and new graduates, Part 2: Undergraduate experience and course evaluation.

A postal survey of recent United Kingdom dental graduates was undertaken to establish the amount of their undergraduate endodontic experience and their opinions of their training. A 75% response was achieved from all but two schools. Recent graduates had generally undertaken fewer cases as students than older graduates.

Occupational exposures occurring among dental assistants in a UK dental school.

Purpose: The cross-infection risks for dentists have been well recognised, and much has been published regarding the incidence of occupational exposures to patient body fluids. Less has been reported regarding the risks to dental assistants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of occupational exposures to patient body fluids among dental assistants, to assess the rate of reporting of such incidents, and to evaluate the association of various factors with these exposures.

Endodontics and new graduates: Part I, Practice vs training.

Surveys have demonstrated that many dentists, even the recently qualified, do not carry out endodontics using currently recommended materials and techniques. To assess the scale and nature of this finding among young graduates, a questionnaire was sent to all graduates from the mainland United Kingdom dental schools qualified for either one or four years. Widespread reduction in the number of radiographs taken and rubber dam use was found.