3D cone-beam C.T. imaging used to determine the effect of disinfection protocols on the dimensional stability of full arch impressions.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the dimensional stability of irreversible hydrocolloid and polyvinylsiloxane (P.V.S.

Assessment of surface roughness changes on orthodontic acrylic resins by all-in-one spray disinfectant solutions.

The disinfection of orthodontic acrylic resins might change the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. We aimed to investigate the impact of four different commercially available disinfectants on the surface roughness of acrylic resins used for orthodontic appliances. Four disinfectant solutions (BirexSE, Opti-Cide3, COEfect MinuteSpray, and CaviCide Spray) were used to disinfect orthodontic acrylic resins using the spraying method.

Head and neck skin cancer: dentists' responsibility in early detection.

While there are 35,000 diagnosed oral cancers per year and 7,500 deaths, there are 30 times this amount when it comes to cases of skin cancer, the majority of which are found on the head and neck. Because many patients see their dentist more frequently than their medical doctor, dentistry is in an advantageous position to reduce the mortality/morbidity of this most common malignancy. This article discusses various types of head and neck skin cancer and how dental practitioners can perform clinical examinations to provide early detection for patients.

Occupation-related allergies in dentistry.

Background: Allergies to natural rubber latex (NRL) were unknown in dentistry until 1987. That changed with the publication of a report documenting NRL-based anaphylaxis in a dental worker. This case and others prompted regulatory and manufacturing changes in rubber products and increased awareness throughout the profession.

Efficacy of Listerine Antiseptic in reducing viral contamination of saliva.

Aim: The anti-viral efficacy of oral antimicrobial rinses has not been adequately studied in terms of potential clinical significance. As a follow-up to an in vitro study on the effect of oral antiseptics on Herpes simplex virus, Type 1, this study was undertaken to evaluate the in vivo effect of an essential oil containing oral antiseptic on the reduction of viral titer in saliva during active viral infection.

Method: Patients were recruited and evaluated in a single visit protocol at the onset of a perioral outbreak, consistent historically and clinically with recurrent Herpes labialis.

Infection control and dental practice: frequently asked questions.

The principles of infection control are constantly evolving to meet the challenges presented by newly emerging diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003, is an important update of current infection control practices that will help the dental profession be better prepared to reduce the transmission of infectious disease(s) in the foreseeable future. However, basic questions still abound.

Effect of a dental unit waterline additive on resin bond strengths.

The literature indicates that the addition of an antimicrobial mouthrinse to self-contained water systems in dental units will control biofilm and effluent contamination; however, reports have varied concerning the possible effects of such agents on adhesive dentistry bond strengths. This study evaluated shear bond strengths and the potential effects of a mouthrinse containing essential oils on cut tooth surfaces by grinding flat the buccal surface of extracted human teeth. Seven groups consisting of five teeth each were etched with 37% H3PO4 solution and rinsed with water or different dilutions of the mouthrinse.

Effect of a dental unit waterline treatment solution on composite-dentin shear bond strengths.

Objective: The control of biofilm and effluent contamination of dental unit water lines (DUWL) includes additions of antimicrobial solutions, as well as automatic dosing units. There are, however, varying reports on the effects of such agents on the bond strength of restorative dental materials and, particularly, between these agents and dental hard tissues.

Methodology: The possible effects of an antimicrobial DUWL treatment solution on the adhesion of composite resin to dentin was evaluated by shear bond strength (SBS) testing.

Efficacy of A-dec's ICX dental unit waterline treatment solution in the prevention and treatment of microbial contamination in dental units.

Objective: Even though some chemical agents can disinfect biofilms in dental unit waterlines, there remains concern that all remnants of the biofilm matrix are not eliminated. Even with periodic treatments, the bacterial populations in dental unit waterlines recur rapidly. In addition, with some previously tested products, patient safety, as well as toxic, caustic and corrosive residual chemicals are also a concern.

Bloodborne pathogens: current concepts.

In the early 1980s, the AIDS hysteria began to gain momentum. As a direct result of this phenomenon, the delivery of dental care changed dramatically. By 1989, most dentists had begun to accept the concept of universal precautions and compliance with infection control recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures.

Managing the care of patients infected with bloodborne diseases.

Background: The emergence of the bloodborne pathogens HIV, the cause of AIDS; hepatitis B virus, or HBV; and hepatitis C virus, or HCV, has been a milestone in the history of the dental profession. In the early 1980s, new cases of AIDS increased dramatically, and fear of acquiring this disease compelled clinicians to modify the delivery of medical and dental care to allay fears of transmission on the part of both patients and health care workers. Arguably, the AIDS pandemic has been the most significant factor in the evolution and delivery of modern medical and dental care in the last century.

A review of the science regarding dental unit waterlines.

Background: The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, or NIDCR; the American Dental Association, or ADA; and the Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures, or OSAP, sponsored a workshop on the topic of dental unit waterlines, or DUWLs, on Sept. 29, 2000, at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. These organizations invited a group of experts from the ADA, NIDCR, OSAP, the U.