Oral health, dental treatment, and cardiac valve surgery outcomes.

The aim of this study was to determine whether not treating chronic dental infection during the admission for cardiac valve surgery would increase the morbidity and mortality of patients. Patients were divided into three groups: dentally unhealthy and untreated (Group A), dentally healthy not requiring treatment (Group B), and dentally unhealthy and treated (Group C). Hospital computer records and phone interviews were used to assess morbidity and mortality as assessed through the Social Security Death Index.

Use of the cold test as a measure of pulpal anesthesia during endodontic therapy: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Soft tissue signs are inadequate to assess pulpal anesthesia during root canal therapy (RCT). The intention of this study was to determine if a negative response to cold testing is a more effective measure to assess pulpal anesthesia compared to soft tissues signs. Using a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled design, subjects with baseline responsiveness to cold testing were enrolled.