The influence of operator variability on adhesive cementation of fiber posts.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the operator's experience on the outcome of fiber post cementation using an etch-and-rinse acetone-based adhesive.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen human anterior teeth were used in the study. One trained operator performed the endodontic procedures and prepared the roots for the insertion and cementation of the posts.

The adhesion between fibre posts and composite resin cores: the evaluation of microtensile bond strength following various surface chemical treatments to posts.

Aim: To evaluate the influence of various surface treatments to fibre posts on the microtensile bond strength with different composite resins.

Methodology: A total of 110 fibre posts were randomly divided into five groups, according to the surface pre-treatment performed. Group 1: immersion in 24% H(2)O(2) for 10 min and silanization for 60 s; group 2: immersion in 10% H(2)O(2) for 20 min and silanization for 60 s; group 3: immersion in 4% hydrofluoric acid gel for 60 s and silanization for 60 s; group 4: silanization of the post surface for 60 s and application of the bonding agent G-Bond; group 5: silanization of the post surface for 60 s (control group).

Magnetic resonance of the temporomandibular joint: experience at an Italian university center.

Aim: The aim of this investigation was to suggest criteria in order to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Such criteria have been discussed on the basis of our experience at the Section of Prosthetic Dentistry, Department of Neurosciences, University of Pisa.

Methods: The study sample was constituted by 135 patients.

Ultrasonography of the temporomandibular joint: comparison of findings in patients with rheumatic diseases and temporomandibular disorders. A preliminary report.

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare findings from ultrasonography (US) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Study Design: US assessment of the temporomandibular joints was bilaterally performed in 68 patients (22 with RA, 11 with PsA, and 35 with TMD). All the TMJs were assessed for the presence of disc displacement, effusion, and changes of the condylar profile, and the prevalence of such abnormalities was compared across the 3 groups of patients.

Comparison of masticatory dysfunction in temporomandibular disorders and fibromyalgia.

Aim: Many theories have been proposed as to the relationship between fibromyalgia (FM) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of the involvement of the stomatognathic system in patients with fibromyalgia, and to compare signs and symptoms of masticatory dysfunction between TMD and FM patients.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 30 subjects with fibromyalgia recruited at the Rheumatology Disease Department, University of Pisa, Italy, and of 30 with temporomandibular disorders at the Section of Prosthetic Dentistry, Department of Neurosciences, University of Pisa, Italy.