Detection of the cemento-enamel junction with three different probes: an "in vitro" model.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to test the accuracy and precision with which the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) can be assessed using three commercially available periodontal probes with different tip endings in both deciduous and permanent teeth.

Material And Methods: An "in vitro" model was developed, consisting of 70 extracted permanent and 30 deciduous human teeth mounted in plaster with an artificial gingiva made of silicone rubber. The probes tested were the Merritt-B probe, the ball-ended CPITN probe and the Vivacare TPS beveled-ball probe.

Peptostreptococcus micros smooth and rough genotypes in periodontitis and gingivitis.

Background: Two genotypes can be distinguished within the species Peptostreptococcus micros: a smooth (Sm) and a rough (Rg) type. To date no systematic study has been performed on the prevalence and proportion of both types in untreated periodontitis patients and subjects without destructive periodontal disease. Therefore, the present study was performed to investigate: 1) the relative importance of the Sm and the Rg genotype of P micros in periodontitis and gingivitis; 2) the correlation between smoking and the 2 genotypes of P micros; and 3) the systemic antibody response against the 2 genotypes in relation to the periodontal condition and smoking.

Evaluation of the incidence of gingival abrasion as a result of toothbrushing.

The aims of the present study were: (1) to establish the incidence of gingival abrasion as a result of toothbrushing, using a manual and electric toothbrush; (2) to establish the influence of filament end-rounding on the incidence of gingival abrasion and the efficacy of toothbrushing; (3) to assess whether the speed of the electric brush has a feedback-effect on the brushing force used and to correlate the incidence of gingival abrasion with force. 2 experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, 50 subjects brushed for 3 weeks every other day with either a manual (Butler 411) or an electric toothbrush (Braun/Oral-B Ultra Plaque Remover-D9).

Probe penetration in relation to the connective tissue attachment level: influence of tine shape and probing force.

Previous research has shown that probing force and probe tine shape influence the clinically assessed probing depth. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of tine shape and probing force on probe penetration, in relation to the microscopically assessed attachment level in untreated periodontal disease. In 22 patients, scheduled for partial or full mouth tooth extraction and no history of periodontal treatment, 135 teeth were selected.