Microhardness and chemical analysis of high-viscous glass-ionomer cement after 10 years of clinical service as ART restorations.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Knoop microhardness (KHN) and chemical composition of high-viscous glass-ionomer cement (HVGIC) after 10 years of clinical service.

Methods: Six HVGIC samples were cut from 10-year ART restorations. The sections were embedded in acrylic moulds with their longitudinal profile exposed.

Ten-year survival of ART restorations in permanent posterior teeth.

This study evaluated the 10-year clinical performance of high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement placed in posterior permanent teeth by means of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach. One operator placed 167 single- and 107 multiple-surface restorations in 43 high-risk caries pregnant women (mean decayed teeth = 9.8 ± 5.

Prenatal dental care: evaluation of professional knowledge of obstetricians and dentists in the cities of Londrina/PR and Bauru/SP, Brazil, 2004.

The purpose of this study was to assess the current knowledge and recommendations of obstetricians and dentists as to the dental care to pregnant patients in the cities of Londrina/PR and Bauru/SP, Brazil. Questionnaires were distributed to professionals of both cities, arguing on the following issues: oral health during pregnancy; contact between prenatal care and dental care providers; prenatal fluoride supplementation; selection of therapeutic agents for local anesthesia, pain control and treatment of infection; and dental procedures that can be performed during each trimester. Data were analyzed by frequency of responses and statistical analyses were carried out using X(2) (type of workplace/service) and t test (time since graduation), significant if p<0.

Research proposal: evaluation of ART in adult patients.

The primary objective of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) is to reduce the indication of tooth extraction by means of a low-cost technique. Considering the difficulties of Brazilian public services to meet the demand of care of the low-income population, with lack of care to the adult population, which usually receives only emergency care, the aim of this study is to assess the performance of high-viscosity glass ionomer cements accomplished by the modified atraumatic restorative treatment in one- and multiple-surface cavities, compared to the conventional restorative approach. It will be analyzed the clinical performance of the materials; cost (material and human resources); patient satisfaction with the treatment received; and preventive effect of treatment.

Effect of different finishing and polishing techniques on the surface roughness of microfilled, hybrid and packable composite resins.

This study examined the average surface roughness (Ra, microm) of 2 microfilled (Durafill and Perfection), 1 hybrid (Filtek Z250) and 2 packable composite resins (Surefil and Fill Magic), before (baseline) and after eight different finishing and polishing treatments. The surface roughness was assessed using a profilometer. Ten specimens of each composite resin were randomly subjected to one of the following finishing/polishing techniques: A -- carbide burs; B -- fine/extrafine diamond burs; C -- Sof-Lex aluminum oxide discs; D -- Super-Snap aluminum oxide discs; E -- rubber polishing points + fine/extrafine polishing pastes; F -- diamond burs + rubber polishing points + fine/extrafine polishing pastes; G -- diamond burs + Sof-Lex system; H -- diamond burs + Super-Snap system.

Prevalence of black tooth stains and dental caries in Brazilian schoolchildren.

This study evaluated the correlation between the presence of black extrinsic tooth stains and caries in Brazilian schoolchildren. The target population consisted of 263 children aged 6-12 years. Clinical examinations were performed by four dentists calibrated for the World Health Organization criteria for caries diagnosis.

Effect of caries preventive measures directed to expectant mothers on caries experience in their children.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the effectiveness of caries preventive measures started during pregnancy on the caries experience of first-time mothers and their infants. Eighty-one pregnant women with low social background were selected on the basis of the presence of active carious lesions and were randomly divided into control (38) and experimental (43) groups. The initial dental status (DMFS and white spot lesions) was established through clinical examination.