Late Effects of Head and Neck Radiotherapy on Pulp Vitality Assessed by Pulse Oximetry.

Introduction: Radiation therapy (RT) of malignant tumors in the head and neck area may have damaging effects on surrounding tissues. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on pulp vitality by measuring pulp oxygenation levels (%SpO2) in patients with history of RT of intraoral and oropharyngeal tumors 4-6 years after treatment.

Methods: In an experimental group RT (n = 90, history of RT) and a control group CON (n = 90, no history of RT), pulp vitality was assessed by measuring %SpO2 by using pulse oximetry and pulp sensitivity by cold thermal testing.

Clinical diagnosis of pulp inflammation based on pulp oxygenation rates measured by pulse oximetry.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate correlations between pulp oxygenation rates (%SpO(2)) and clinical diagnoses of reversible pulpitis (RP), irreversible pulpitis (IP), or pulp necrosis (PN).

Methods: Sixty patients who presented with a tooth with endodontic pathology were grouped according to a clinical diagnosis of either RP (n = 20), IP (n = 20), or PN (n = 20). The clinical diagnosis was based on the patient's dental history, periapical radiographs, clinical inspection, and percussion and thermal sensitivity testing.

FE-SEM Evaluation of Dental Specimens Prepared by Different Methods for In Vitro Contamination.

Objective. To evaluate through FE-SEM the cleanliness and dentinal alterations promoted by different methods of dental sample preparation. Methods.

Pulp vitality in patients with intraoral and oropharyngeal malignant tumors undergoing radiation therapy assessed by pulse oximetry.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate pulp oxygenation levels (%SpO(2)) in patients with malignant intraoral and oropharyngeal tumors treated by radiotherapy (RT).

Methods: Pulp oxygenation levels were measured by pulse oximetry. Twenty patients were selected, and two teeth of each participant (n = 40) were analyzed, regardless of the quadrant and the area irradiated, at four different time points: TP1, before RT; TP2, at the beginning of RT with radiation doses between 30 and 35 Gy; TP3, at the end of RT with radiation doses between 60 and 70 Gy; and TP4, 4 to 5 months after the beginning of cancer treatment.