Freehand vs. depth-gauge rotary instruments for veneer preparation: A controlled randomized simulator study.

Purpose: To investigate whether depth-gauge burs in veneer preparations influence preparation depth in a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial and whether inexperienced operators can perform adequate veneer preparations.

Methods: Participants were 20 undergraduate dental students with no prior veneer preparation experience. The instruments used were the "Laminate Veneer System" (LVS), "Keramik-Veneers.

Detection of significant bacteriuria by use of the iQ200 automated urine microscope.

In the microbiology laboratory, there is an augmented need for rapid screening methods for the detection of bacteria in urine samples, since about two-thirds of these samples will not yield any bacteria or will yield insignificant growth when cultured. Thus, a reliable screening method can free up laboratory resources and can speed up the reporting of a negative urine result. In this study, we have evaluated the detection of leukocytes, bacteria, and a new sediment indicator, the "all small particles" (ASP), by an automated instrument, the iQ200 urine analyzer, to detect negative urine samples that can be excluded from culture.

In vitro activity of photoactivated disinfection using a diode laser in infected root canals.

Objective: To investigate the lethal activity of photoactivated disinfection (PAD) on Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and mixed populations of aerobic or anaerobic bacteria in infected root canals using a diode laser after the application of a photosensitizer (PS).

Materials And Methods: First, the bactericidal activity of a low power diode laser (200 mW) against E. faecalis ATCC 29212 pre-treated with a PS (toluidine blue) for 2 min were examined after different irradiation times (30 s, 60 s and 90 s).

Radiography-based score indicative for the pathogenicity of bacteria in odontogenic infections.

Objective: To develop a new radiography-based score to assess the potential of bacteria to cause odontogenic infections derived from the occurrence of bacteria at small or large radiographical lesions.

Materials And Methods: The patients analyzed were a sub-population from a large randomized clinical trial comparing moxifloxacin and clindamycin in the treatment of inflammatory infiltrates and odontogenic abscesses. Routine radiographs were used to analyze the area of the periapical radiolucent lesions.

Oral prophylaxis and its effects on halitosis-associated and inflammatory parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Objective: A controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral prophylaxis on halitosis-associated, immunological and microbiological parameters.

Methods: Thirty subjects were included in this controlled clinical trial (patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and controls without clinical attachment loss; each n = 15). Before oral prophylaxis and 14 days after (including tongue cleaning) volatile sulphur compounds (VSC), organoleptic scores and a tongue coating index were evaluated.