[The in vitro sensitivity of Bacteroides gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius to different classes of antibiotic chemical molecules].

A study was carried out to assess the in vitro sensitivity of Bacteroides gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius to various classes of chemio-antibiotic molecules. The activities of two cephalosporins (cefuroxime and cefotaxime), which have never previously been used for periodontal therapy, were also evaluated. Results showed that the cephalosporins possessed an equal or greater inhibitory activity against the bacteria studied than traditional tetracyclines, and a greater inhibitory activity than other antibiotics studied (metronidazole, ampicillin, piperacillin).

[Concentration of thromboxane B2 in gingival tissues in relation to main clinical parameters of periodontal health].

Considering the role played by some metabolites of Arachidonic Acid in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, the Authors have investigated on the existence of a relation between the Thromboxane B2 concentration in gingival tissues and the principal clinical Indices of periodontal health: Gingival Index, Plaque Index, pocket depth, and Bleeding Time Index. The results showed that just the bleeding Index resulted to be well related to the Thromboxane B2 tissue concentration and then to the level of inflammation of deep periodontal tissues. On the ground of these data the Authors underline the importance held by the bleeding index in the showing to the Clinician the therapy necessity of a periodontal site in order to prevent a possible future attachment loss.

[Dentistry for the elderly patient. 2. Endodontic therapy].

By this contribution the Authors are pointing out that the increase of the average age of the Italian population has led to an increase of demand regarding preservative therapies. It is opportune for the stomatologists to be prepared to the request for services of that kind; in order to be fully qualified they must be aware of many problems that can be coped with, only if one has specific knowledge of the physiopathology of growing old. The dental organ as well is subject to the inexorable senile involution modifying the tissue it is consisting of, and the dentist cannot ignore these problems that are at the basis of the success of any preservative therapy.