Associations of inflammatory polyarthritis with clinical and radiological findings of temporomandibular disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the association of different forms of inflammatory polyarthritis with clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and radiological findings in temporomandibular joint (TMJ), based on a nationwide health survey in Finland. The aim was also to assess the presence of clinical and radiological TMD findings in subjects with increased risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Material And Methods: Anationally representative sample included 6331 Finnish adults who participated in the Health 2000 Survey (BRIF8901).

Zirconia implants interfere with the evaluation of peri-implant bone defects in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images even with artifact reduction, a pilot study.

Objectives: Three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging can be considered, especially in patients with complicated peri-implantitis (PI). Artifacts induced by dense materials are the drawback of CBCT imaging and the peri-implant bone condition may not be assessed reliably because the artifacts are present in the same area. This pilot study investigates the performance of the artifact reduction algorithm (ARA) of the Planmeca Viso G7 CBCT device (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) with three different implant materials and imaging parameters.

Retrospective Analysis of Artifacts in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images Used to Diagnose Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Background: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is frequently used to corroborate the signs and symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, artifacts induced by dental restorations might complicate the diagnosis of CRS. Here, we assessed the frequency and location of artifacts in CBCT images taken to confirm the CRS.

Toll-like receptor-1, -2, and -6 genotypes in relation to salivary human beta-defensin-1, -2, -3 and human neutrophilic peptide-1.

Aim: To examine whether functional gene polymorphisms of toll-like receptor (TLR)1, TLR2, and TLR6 are related to the salivary concentrations of human beta-defensins (hBDs)-1, -2, -3, and human neutrophilic peptide (HNP)-1.

Materials And Methods: Polymorphisms of TLR1 (rs5743618), TLR2 (rs5743708), and TLR6 (rs5743810) were genotyped by PCR-based pyrosequencing from the salivary samples of 230 adults. Salivary hBD-1, -2, -3, and HNP-1 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Retained dental roots of adults: A nationwide population study with panoramic radiographs.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and nature of retained dental roots and their associations with demographics in the Finnish adult population. From the cross-sectional nationwide Health 2000 Survey of the Finnish population aged 30 years and older, 6005 participants with clinical oral examination and panoramic radiographs were included. Occurrence and characteristics of all retained dental roots were examined.

Quality and Findings of Bitewing Radiographs among Twenty-Year-Old Conscripts in Finland.

Objectives: Bitewing radiographs are mainly used to confirm clinical findings in caries diagnostics. The objective here was to investigate the quality of bitewing radiographs after short brush-up training and additional findings besides caries in a low-caries population.

Methods: The material of this cross-sectional study comprised 377 pairs of bitewing radiographs of 19- to 20-year-olds taken by dentists.

Serum High-Sensitive C-reactive Protein May Reflect Periodontitis in Patients With Stroke.

Background/aim: Chronic infectious diseases are believed to increase the risk of stroke. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal disease and its association with systemic inflammatory processes in patients suffering an acute stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Patients And Methods: Altogether 36 acute stroke/TIA patients underwent clinical, laboratory and radiological examinations.

Is the technical quality of root fillings associated with socioeconomic status? A cross-sectional study among Finnish adults.

We investigated differences in the technical quality of root fillings according to socioeconomic status. In the Finnish Health 2000 Survey, which comprised a sample of 8,028 adults aged over 29 yr, 6,115 underwent panoramic radiography. A total of 7,986 endodontically treated teeth were detected among 3,095 participants.

Prevalence of third molars determined by panoramic radiographs in a population-based survey of adult Finns.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of third molars in panoramic radiographs in a population-based study of adults aged ≥30 years.

Methods: Out of a sample of 8028 inhabitants of Finland, selected with two-staged stratified cluster-sampling method for the Health 2000 Survey, 5989 participated in clinical oral examination and panoramic radiography. Mean age was 52.

How many third molars remain unnoticed in a population survey without panoramic radiographs?

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the findings of clinical examination and panoramic radiograph regarding the occurrence of third molars in a population survey to find out how many third molars remain clinically unnoticed.

Materials And Methods: A two-staged stratified cluster-sampling method was used to select 8028 participants representing the adult population aged 30 years and older. Clinical oral examinations and panoramic radiographs were carried out for 5989 subjects (46% men, 54% women; mean age 52.

Intensity of artefacts in cone beam CT examinations caused by titanium and glass fibre-reinforced composite implants.

Objectives:: The aim was to compare titanium and glass fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) orbital floor implants using cone beam CT (CBCT). FRC implants are nonmetallic and these implants have not been analysed in CBCT images before. The purpose of this study is to compare the artefact formation of the titanium and the FRC orbital floor implants in CBCT images.

Signs of disease occur in the majority of third molars in an adult population.

The purpose of this study was to assess clinical and radiographic signs of disease in third molars within a population that is representative of the Finnish adult population aged 30 years and older. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to collect the 6005 subjects, who were examined clinically and also by panoramic radiography. The state of impaction, presence of dentinal caries and/or restorations, presence of root canal fillings, periodontal pocket depth, and additional pathological findings such as over-eruption and widened follicle were assessed.

Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism in relation to periodontal infection.

Background And Objective: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in innate immunity. MBL deficiency is usually caused by mutations in exon 1 of the MBL structural gene (MBL2). Our aim was to investigate MBL2 polymorphisms and their relation to salivary levels of periodontal inflammatory/tissue destruction markers and two major periodontitis-associated bacteria.

Alveolar bone loss in relation to toll-like receptor 4 and 9 genotypes and Porphyromonas gingivalis carriage.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are highly developed sensors to detect microbe-associated molecular patterns. Functional polymorphisms of the genes TLR4 and TLR9 were found to be associated with alveolar bone loss in a Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis model in mice. Our aim was to examine whether such an association can be detected in a group of Finnish adults.

Computed tomography (CT) in the selection of treatment for root-filled maxillary molars with apical periodontitis.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the use of CT facilitates agreement among endodontists in selecting treatments for root-filled maxillary molars with apical periodontitis and to assess the efficacy of CT in choosing a treatment for such teeth.

Methods: 39 root-filled maxillary molars from 34 patients with suspected apical periodontitis were independently evaluated by 4 endodontists and 1 postgraduate student (decision-makers). Treatment decisions were made based on intra-oral radiographs and a fictive clinical history.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis in root filled teeth: findings from a nationwide survey in Finland.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis in the Finnish population aged 30 years and older and relate it to the technical quality of root filling by the type of tooth.

Methodology: As part of the Finnish nationwide Health 2000 study, panoramic radiographs were used of the dentate subjects (n = 5335) aged 30-95 years (mean 50.2 years) to assess the apical and endodontic status of their teeth (n = 120635).

Associations Between Salivary Bone Metabolism Markers and Periodontal Breakdown.

Background: A dual relationship between glycemic status and bone remodeling was suggested recently. The present study aimed to 1) analyze salivary levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, and osteopontin as potential biomarkers of alveolar bone loss and 2) determine whether the glycemic status affects the relationship between bone remodeling markers and periodontal status.

Methods: Salivary levels of RANKL, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and serum glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and glucose were analyzed in 220 participants divided into four groups according to their periodontal health status: 1) 79 participants had at least 14 teeth with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm (generalized periodontitis [GP]); 2) 65 participants had either two or seven teeth with PD ≥4 mm (two groups of localized periodontitis [LP1 and LP2, respectively]); and 3) 76 participants had no teeth with PD ≥4 mm (non-periodontitis control group).

Effect of display type, DICOM calibration and room illuminance in bitewing radiographs.

Objectives: To compare observer performance in the detection of both anatomical structures and caries in bitewing radiographs using consumer grade displays with and without digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) calibration, tablets (third generation iPad; Apple, Cupertino, CA) and 6-megapixel (MP) displays under different lighting.

Methods: 30 bitewing radiographs were blindly evaluated on four displays under bright (510 lx) and dim (16 lx) ambient lighting by two observers. The dentinoenamel junction, enamel and dentinal caries, and the cortical border of the alveolar crests were evaluated.

Comparison between DICOM-calibrated and uncalibrated consumer grade and 6-MP displays under different lighting conditions in panoramic radiography.

Objectives: To compare observer performance in the detection of anatomical structures and pathology in panoramic radiographs using consumer grade with and without digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM)-calibration and 6-megapixel (6-MP) displays under different lighting conditions.

Methods: 30 panoramic radiographs were randomly evaluated on three displays under bright (510 lx) and dim (16 lx) ambient lighting by two observers with different years of experience. Dentinoenamel junction, dentinal caries and periapical inflammatory lesions, visibility of cortical border of the floor and pathological lesions in maxillary sinus were evaluated.

Evaluation of intensity of artefacts in CBCT by radio-opacity of composite simulation models of implants in vitro.

Objectives: The aim was to compare the intensity of artefacts in CBCT images caused by different percentages of radio-opacifying material in composite simulation models of implants. Titanium and zirconia models of implants were used as a reference for the evaluation of the intensity of artefacts.

Methods: Seven different percentages of radio-opacifying BaAlSiO2 fillers were added to composite resin to fabricate seven step wedges and simulation models of implants.

Comparison of consumer grade, tablet and 6MP-displays: observer performance in detection of anatomical and pathological structures in panoramic radiographs.

Objective: To compare observer performance in the detection of anatomical structures and pathology in panoramic radiographs using a consumer grade display and tablet (3(rd) generation iPad; Cupertino, CA, USA) under suboptimal conditions compared to 6 MegaPixels (6 MP) display under dim lighting conditions.

Study Design: Thirty panoramic radiographs were selected. All images were blindly evaluated on three displays by two observers with different amounts of experience.

Genetic variation on the BAT1-NFKBIL1-LTA region of major histocompatibility complex class III associates with periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a multifactorial etiology. We investigated whether human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) polymorphisms (6p21.3) are associated with periodontal parameters.

Radiographic follow-up of periapical status after endodontic treatment of teeth with and without apical periodontitis.

Objectives: The aim was to assess objectively the rate of changes in periapical status after endodontic treatment in relation to preoperative radiographic status (Periapical Index Score, PAI) and to tooth type.

Material And Methods: Radiographic data from a total of 1,410 teeth in seven prospective clinical studies was pooled. The periapical status was evaluated blindly using the PAI scoring system.

Salivary type I collagen degradation end-products and related matrix metalloproteinases in periodontitis.

Aim: Type I collagen degradation end-products and related matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were examined aiming to detect potential markers of periodontitis in saliva, with high sensitivity and specificity.

Materials And Methods: The salivary concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9 and MMP-13, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase serum type 5b, C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx), N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) and cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen were analysed in 230 subjects. Oral health examination included panoramic radiography.