Intracanal use of heated rinsing solutions: A pilot study.

Objective: The tissue-dissolving and bactericidal activity of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) can be increased by warming the NaOCl solution without concurrently increasing its toxicity. The present study was set up to determine if and to what extent a heated liquid reaches the apical region.

Method And Materials: A temperature sensor was introduced from the apical aspect into a human canine 22 mm in length prepared to size 40.

Investigation of the oral status and microorganisms in children with phenylketonuria and type 1 diabetes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the oral parameters that influence the caries risk and risk of developing periodontal disease in children with phenylketonuria (PKU) and type 1 diabetes compared to healthy children.

Material And Methods: Two hundred and thirty-eight children between the ages of 3 and 18 years were recruited in the PKU, diabetes and healthy group. The decayed, missing and filled surfaces (dmfs/DMFS) index, papillary bleeding index (PBI) and the Silness & Löe Index were assessed.

Nuclear expression of p27(Kip1) is associated with in vivo differentiation of adult human odontoblasts.

Introduction: Odontoblasts are terminally differentiated cells of ectomesenchymal origin that produce the dentin. Differentiated odontoblasts cannot be identified yet by a single phenotypic marker protein; therefore, a combination of markers is currently used. Up-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1) has been associated with exit from the cell cycle and terminal differentiation of mammalian cells.

Transcription factor CREB is phosphorylated in human molar odontoblasts and cementoblasts in vivo.

A wide variety of stimuli can trigger activation of the transcription factor CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding protein), pointing toward a central role for CREB in the integration of various signaling inputs. No data are available on the expression and phosphorylation of CREB in mammalian teeth. Using immunohistochemical analysis of free-floating sections, we show here that CREB was strongly expressed and phosphorylated at Ser-133 within the nucleus of a subpopulation of adult human molar odontoblasts.

Bacterial viability on surface-modified resin-based dental restorative materials.

Unlabelled: The purpose of the present investigation was to investigate the viability of early colonizers on the surfaces of resin-based dental restorative materials modified with low-surface tension active agents in comparison with the unmodified material. A novel polymeric sorption material, loaded with two low-surface tension γ(L) active agents (hydroxyfunctional polydimethylsiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane) or a polymerizable active agent (silicone polyether acrylate), was used to modify commonly formulated experimental dental resin composites. The non-modified resin was used as the standard (ST).

Histone deacetylases 2 and 9 are coexpressed and nuclear localized in human molar odontoblasts in vivo.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are components of nuclear multiprotein complexes that deacetylate histones and perform important roles in repression of transcription.Using specific rabbit mAbs, we analyzed by immune histochemistry and confocal immunofluorescence analysis the expression and subcellular localization of HDAC1–4 and HDAC9 in sections of adult human third molars. HDAC2 and HDAC9 were expressed in some pulpal cells and strongly expressed in the majority of mature odontoblasts.

Efficacy of a novel pacifier in the prevention of anterior open bite.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test a novel pacifier (Dentistar) regarding the development of anterior open bite in infants.

Methods: One hundred twenty-nine newborn children were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: NUK (N; N =73); and Dentistar (D; N=56. Children (N=42) who did not use a pacifier served as the control (C).

Therapies most frequently used for the management of bruxism by a sample of German dentists.

Statement Of Problem: At present, there is little information available on how practicing dentists manage bruxism patients with respect to conservative, reversible techniques as compared to irreversible techniques.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the most commonly applied therapies used for the management of bruxism by German general dentists (GDs) and dental specialists. In addition, efforts were made to gather information on the knowledge and opinion of GDs and specialists regarding the role of occlusal interferences, in particular, on the development of sleep bruxism.

The Ca(2+)-binding protein calretinin is selectively enriched in a subpopulation of the epithelial rests of Malassez.

During tooth development, the inner and outer enamel epithelia fuse by mitotic activity to produce a bilayered epithelial sheath termed Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS). The epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) are the developmental residues of HERS and remain in the adult periodontal ligament (PDL). Although the cellular regulation of the Ca(2+)-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin-D28k, and calretinin has been reported in the inner and outer enamel epithelia during tooth development, an involvement of Ca(2+)-binding proteins in the ERM has not so far been characterized.

A new approach to influence contact angle and surface free energy of resin-based dental restorative materials.

The purpose of the present study was to identify novel delivery systems and active agents which increase the water contact angle and reduce the surface free energy when added to resin-based dental restorative materials. Two delivery systems based on zeolite or novel polymeric hollow beads (Poly-Pore), loaded with two low surface tension active agents (hydroxy functional polydimethylsiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane) or a polymerizable active agent (silicone polyether acrylate) were used to modify commonly formulated experimental dental resin composites. The non-modified resin was used as a standard (ST).

The masticatory contractile load induced expression and activation of Akt1/PKBalpha in muscle fibers at the myotendinous junction within muscle-tendon-bone unit.

The cell specific detection of enzyme activation in response to the physiological contractile load within muscle-tendon-bone unit is essential for understanding of the mechanical forces transmission from muscle cells via tendon to the bone. The hypothesis that the physiological mechanical loading regulates activation of Akt1/PKBalpha at Thr308 and at Ser473 in muscle fibers within muscle-tendon-bone unit was tested using quantitative immunohistochemistry, confocal double fluorescence analysis, and immunoblot analysis. In comparison to the staining intensities in peripheral regions of the muscle fibers, Akt1/PKBalpha was detected with a higher staining intensity in muscle fibers at the myotendinous junction (MTJ) areas.

Effect of Energy Density on the Physical Properties of Resin-Based Restorative Materials when Polymerized with Quartz-Tungsten Halogen or LED-Light.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate flexural strengths, moduli, and maximum deflection of Clearfil AP-X (APX) and Ceram-X Mono (CXM) when cured with a quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH) or an LED-light (LED).

Methods: Specimens were made according to ISO 4049 and cured with QTH or LED for 10, 20 or 60s. Flexural strength, modulus, and deflection were determined after 24 h water storage at 37 degrees C and after thermocycling.

Physical properties of self-, dual-, and light-cured direct core materials.

The objective of this study is to evaluate flexural strength, flexural modulus, compressive strength, curing temperature, curing depth, volumetric shrinkage, water sorption, and hygroscopic expansion of two self-, three dual-, and three light-curing resin-based core materials. Flexural strength and water sorption were measured according to ISO 4049, flexural modulus, compressive strength, curing temperature, and curing depth according to well-proven, literature-known methods, and the volumetric behavior was determined by the Archimedes' principle. ANOVA was calculated to find differences between the materials' properties, and correlation of water sorption and hygroscopic expansion was analysed according to Pearson (p < 0.

Correlation between stress, stress-coping and current sleep bruxism.

Background: Stress is discussed as a potential factor in the development of sleep bruxism (SB). The aim of this study was to investigate whether specific stress-factors correlate with SB-activity.

Methods: Sixty-nine subjects, of which 48 were SB-patients, completed three German questionnaires assessing different stress-parameters and stress-coping-strategies: Short questionnaire for recognition of stress-factors (Kurzer Fragebogen zur Erfassung von Belastungen, KFB), Questionnaire for recuperation and strain (Erholungs-Belastungs-Fragebogen, EBF-24 A/3) and the stress-coping questionnaire (Stressverarbeitungsfragebogen-78, SVF-78).

Impact of replacing Bis-GMA and TEGDMA by other commercially available monomers on the properties of resin-based composites.

Purpose: To evaluate important material properties of six experimental resin-based restorative materials (EXP) with systematically modified resin matrices using conventional and alternative monomers in comparison with an experimental standard (ST).

Materials And Methods: Commercially available monomers were selected according to their molecular weight, functionality, viscosity, and polymerization shrinkage. ST, 71wt% filler, matrix UDMA/Bis-GMA/TTEGDMA and six EXPs with modified organic matrices but the same filler content were manufactured.

Comparative clinical study of the effectiveness of three different bleaching methods.

Objective: The current study assessed the efficacy of three current bleaching methods.

Methods: Seventy-five healthy subjects (45 female; 30 male) with anterior teeth, having a Vita Shade score of A2 or darker, participated in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group A: home-bleaching (illumine Home, 10% carbamide peroxide, trays, overnight, for two weeks), Group B: in-office bleaching (Illumine Office, 15% hydrogen peroxide, trays for 45 minutes, three times over three weeks), Group C: Whitestrips (strips, twice a day, 30 minutes each for two weeks).

Effect of exposure time on the color stability of resin-based restorative materials when polymerized with quartz-tungsten halogen and LED light.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of exposure time on color stability of resin-based restorative materials when polymerized with quartz-tungsten halogen light (QTH) or light-emitting diode light (LED). Eight samples of Ceram-X Mono, Dyract eXtra, and Tetric EvoCeram each were cured for 10, 20, and 60 s with QTH or LED. The CIE-Lab values (L*, a*, b*) were measured prior to and after performing water storage or a Suntest, and ΔL, Δa, Δb, and ΔE were calculated.

Effect of a 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste and a 250 ppm fluoride mouth rinse on the demineralisation of dentin surfaces.

Background: The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the effect of (1) a 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste, and (2) a 250 ppm fluoride mouth rinse on demineralized human dentin surfaces, against the alternative hypothesis of a difference.

Findings: Dentin specimens were obtained from the cervical regions of 45 extracted human third molars. Half the surface of each specimen was sealed with a self-etching adhesive system and served as the reference surface.

The constitutive activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 in periodontal ligament nerve fibers.

Background: The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) have been implicated in the inflammation-dependent sensitization of nociceptors. Because the periodontal ligament (PDL) contains numerous nociceptors and mechanoceptors, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was investigated in nerve fibers of the PDL to elucidate the role of constitutive local activation of ERK1/2 in peripheral sensitization.

Methods: Decalcified free-floating sections of rat molars with PDL were incubated using total (t)-ERK1/2 and phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 antibodies.

The early history of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies exemplified by scrapie.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) is a group of diseases that is unique in comprising disorders that can occur sporadically, are hereditary and/or infectious. The transmissible pathogen--the prion--is distinct from all other pathogens in being devoid of nucleic acids. During the elucidation of these disorders, many different--and contradictory--theories have been put forward.

The extent of the psychological impairment of prosthodontic outpatients at a German University Hospital.

Background: Psychological factors are not only important in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), but also in patients suffering from tooth loss and/or in those awaiting prosthodontic care with fixed or removable dentures as several authors emphasize. The purpose of the present prospective observational study was to compare prosthodontic outpatients of the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Duesseldorf and patients seeking care at the TMD/Orofacial Pain Outpatient Clinic (TMD/OFPOC) at the same university with respect to sociodemographic data, self-reported somatic complaints, and psychological impairment.

Methods: A total of 234 patients received two self-administered questionnaires including the Symptom-Check-List.

Long-term survival of Cerec restorations: a 10-year study.

This clinical retrospective study assessed the longevity of CAD-CAM ceramic restorations (Cerec) inserted into the cavities of 95 patients in a private practice in Berlin, Germany. Three hundred and eight ceramic restorations were inserted into cavities in the posterior teeth of 95 patients between 1992 and 1994. One operator placed all restorations in a single sitting.

The effect of different bonding techniques on ceramic/ resin shear bond strength.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of different adhesives on the shear bond strength between a feldspathic machinable ceramic and a luting resin.

Materials And Methods: Seven groups of 20 ceramic specimens each were machined from Vita Mark II blocs. Their surfaces were uniformly treated with 1000-grit paper.

In vitro effect of light-emitting diode light polymerization on the color stability of three resin-based restorative materials.

Objective: To investigate the color stability of resin-based restorative materials when polymerized with light-emitting diode (LED) curing light in the constant or exponential mode.

Material And Methods: Eight specimens of Admira (AD), Compoglass F (CO), and Tetric EvoCeram (TE) constantly cured or exponentially cured with a high-powered LED curing light for 10, 20, or 60 s. The CIE-Lab values (L*, a*, b*) were measured prior to and after performing the water storage or color stability test according to EN ISO 7491 (Suntest).

Maladaptive coping strategies in patients with bruxism compared to non-bruxing controls.

Background: Sleep bruxism is the non-functional grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. It may lead to tooth damage and myofascial pain. Although stress is discussed as a main causal agent, there is a lack of studies concerning coping strategies in patients with sleep bruxism.