Age-related changes in the pulp chamber of maxillary and mandibular molars on cone-beam computed tomography images

Objectives

Secondary dentine is laid on pulp chamber walls with increasing age, and decreases pulp chamber size. This study aimed to investigate age estimation on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for forensic science, and the relationship between age and pulp chamber area of maxillary and mandibular molars.

Methods

We reviewed the CBCT images of 316 first molars in 87 patients with dental lesions. The 87 patients were classified into three groups: younger, 11–28 years; middle-aged, 34–59 years; and older, 60–74 years. The relationship between age and pulp chamber area of maxillary and mandibular molars was evaluated.

Results

The mean pulp chamber area of maxillary molars was 8.4 ± 2.0, 4.4 ± 1.7, and 2.9 ± 0.9 mm² in the younger, middle-aged, and older groups, respectively, (p = 0.028). The mean pulp chamber area of mandibular molars was 10.5 ± 2.3, 6.7 ± 2.2, and 3.7 ± 1.5 mm² in the younger, middle-aged, and older groups, respectively, (p = 0.000). The mean pulp chamber area of mandibular molars was larger than that of maxillary molars in the younger (p = 0.000), middle-aged (p = 0.000), and older (p = 0.094) groups. The mean pulp chamber area of maxillary and mandibular molars was significantly correlated with age [Y = ?0.142X + 11.582 (R ² = 0.586, p = 0.000) and Y = ?0.163X + 14.249 (R ² = 0.609, p = 0.000), respectively].

Conclusions

These findings should be useful for diagnosis and treatment planning in dental practice and age estimation in forensic science.

     

MRI findings of extranodal malignant lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck regions

Objectives

To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between patients with malignant lymphoma (ML) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck regions, and to show the characteristic findings for ML.

Methods

We analyzed 10 lesions in nine patients with ML and 25 lesions in 25 patients with SCC. Diffusion-weighted imaging, T1-weighted imaging, and T2-weighted imaging were performed for all lesions. We estimated the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) with b-factors of 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm², and obtained the means and standard deviations. In 29 cases, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) was performed and time–intensity curves were obtained. The peak time, maximum-to-initial ratio (MI ratio), end-to-maximum ratio, and end-to-initial ratio (EI ratio) were estimated. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses were performed to estimate the diagnostic power for these indices.

Results

The mean ADC for ML (0.762 ± 0.126 × 10^?3 mm²/s) was significantly lower than that for SCC (1.24 ± 0.22 × 10^?3 mm²/s, p < 0.0001). ML had a smaller MI ratio (2.13 ± 0.26) and smaller EI ratio (1.90 ± 0.29) than SCC (MI ratio: 2.46 ± 0.38, p = 0.033; EI ratio: 2.19 ± 0.29, p = 0.025). The area under the curve for the mean ADC (0.989) was higher than those for the MI ratio (0.779) and EI ratio (0.792).

Conclusions

The most characteristic findings for ML were extremely low ADCs. If the ADCs cannot be estimated because of severe susceptibility artifacts, DCE-MRI provides an alternative index for differentiating ML from SCC.

     

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in oral and maxillofacial lesions: preliminary study on diagnostic ability of apparent diffusion coefficient maps

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in oral and maxillofacial lesions, especially the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for differential diagnosis of these lesions.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial lesions were included in this prospective study. DWI was performed on a 1.5 T unit with b-factors of 0 and 800 s/mm², and ADC maps were generated. ADC values were measured for all 57 oral and maxillofacial lesions (19 squamous cell carcinoma, 10 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, 6 odontogenic abscess, 4 ranula, 4 osteoradionecrosis, 4 hemangioma, 3 pleomorphic adenoma, 3 odontogenic keratocyst, 2 nasopalatine duct cyst, 1 malignant melanoma, and 1 basal cell carcinoma).

Results

The mean ADC values for ranula (2.69 ± 0.59 × 10^?3 mm²/s) and nasopalatine duct cyst (2.34 ± 0.12 × 10^?3 mm²/s) were significantly higher than those for the other oral and maxillofacial lesions (p = 0.000). In contrast, the mean ADC value for odontogenic abscess (0.67 ± 0.36 × 10^?3 mm²/s) was significantly lower than those for the other oral and maxillofacial lesions (p = 0.000).

Conclusions

The present study suggests the usefulness of DWI in oral and maxillofacial lesions, especially the utility of ADC maps for differential diagnosis of these lesions.

     

Influence of the bleaching interval on the luminosity of long-term discolored enamel-dentin discs

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of changing the sodium perborate-tetrahydrate (PBS-4) at a 4-day interval versus no change after 16 days of internal bleaching.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and ten bovine enamel-dentin discs were discolored for 3.5 years with 14 different endodontic materials. All groups with a discoloring index of ?E _(mean) ≥ 5.5 were included in the present investigation: ApexCal (APCA), MTA white + blood (WMTA+BL), Portland cement + blood (PC+BL), blood (BL), MTA gray (GMTA), MTA gray + blood (GMTA+BL), Ledermix (LED), and triple antibiotic paste containing minocycline (3Mix). Fourteen specimens of each group were randomly assigned into two treatment groups: (1) no change of the PBS-4 (n = 7); (2) change of the PBS-4 every 4 days (n = 7). Color measurements were taken at 10 different time intervals and the L*a*b* values were recorded with a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade® compact).

Results

In the group 3Mix, significantly better results were achieved by changing the bleaching agent every 4 days (P = 0.0049; q = 0.04), while the group WMTA+BL indicated better results by no change of the bleaching agent (P = 0.0222, q = 0.09). All remaining groups showed no statistical difference between the two treatment procedures.

Conclusions

Moderate discolorations can be successfully treated without changing the bleaching agent over a period of 16 days. Changing the sodium perborate-tetrahydrate every 4 days is preferred in case of severe discolored enamel-dentin discs only.

Clinical relevance

This approach may offer a reduced number of clinical appointments and a secondary cost reduction to the patient.

     

Prevalence and location of accessory foramina in the human mandible

Objective

This study aimed to radiographically assess the prevalence and location of accessory foramina in the human mandible using helical computed tomography (CT) images and three-dimensional reconstructions.

Methods

Helical CT images from 24 males and 22 females aged 66–88 years (mean age: 73.7 ± 5.3 years) were observed. Each image was assessed in the three anatomical planes, and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed with Amira 5.6 software.

Results

All subjects (n = 46) presented at least one accessory foramina. A lingual foramen was the most frequently observed foramen and present in 96 % (n = 44) of subjects. Mandibular anterior nutrient canals were clearly observed in 72 % (n = 33) of subjects (71 %, n = 17, of males; 73 %, n = 16, of females). A retromolar foramen was present in 17 % (n = 8) of subjects (21 %, n = 5, of males; 14 %, n = 3, of females). A double mental foramen (DMF) was present in only one subject (2 %). Fifty percent (n = 23) of subjects presented one or more inferior retromental foramen (IRF). No significant correlations were observed between prevalences of accessory foramina and sex.

Conclusions

The lingual foramen can be considered a constant finding, and mandibular anterior nutrient canal foramina and IRF were present in the majority of subjects. Retromolar foramina and DMF were less common but can be associated with anesthetic failures and oral surgery complications. Three-dimensional reconstructions provided better understanding of the locations of foramina and their interrelations with the anatomy of the jaw.

     

Association of vdr,cyp27b1, cyp24a1 and mthfr gene polymorphisms with oral lichen planus risk

Objectives

The current study investigated the association between VDR EcoRV (rs4516035), FokI (rs2228570), ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236), CYP27B1 (rs4646536), CYP24A1 (rs2296241), and MTHFR (rs1801133) gene polymorphisms and risk of oral lichen planus (OLP) occurrence.

Materials and methods

The study group consisted of 65 oral lichen planus patients and 100 healthy blood donors in the control group. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped by real time PCR or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method.

Results

Heterozygous as well as mutated genotype of vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism was associated with increased oral lichen planus risk in comparison with wild type genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 3.877, p = 0.017, OR = 38.153, p = 0.001, respectively). A significantly decreased OLP risk was observed for heterozygous genotype of rs2296241 polymorphism in CYP24A1 gene compared with the wild type form (OR = 0.314, p = 0.012). VDR gene polymorphisms ApaI and TaqI were in linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.71, r ² = 0.22). Identified haplotype AT was associated with decreased OLP risk (OR = 0.592, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Our results highlight the possible important role of VDR FokI (rs2228570) and CYP24A1 rs2296241 gene polymorphisms for oral lichen planus susceptibility.

Clinical relevance

Identification of new molecular biomarkers could potentially contribute to determination of individuals with OLP predisposition.

     

Cold plasma: a novel approach to treat infected dentin—a combined ex vivo and in vitro study

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of cold plasma (CP) on infected dentin surfaces in vitro and ex vivo.

Materials and methods

To examine the effect of cold plasma on root surfaces, 24 root surfaces were infected with Streptococcus mitis. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups: Within the control group (C), root surfaces were rinsed with NaCl; root surfaces in the second group were additionally scaled and root planed (SRP), and in the third group, root surfaces were rinsed, scaled, root planed, and in addition, CP was applied (SRP + CP). To examine the effect of CP on root caries lesions (RCLs), 16 freshly extracted teeth with symmetrical carious lesions were equally divided into two groups. In the control group, carious lesions were treated with chlorhexidine (CHX), whereas CHX was applied in conjunction with CP in the test group (CHX + CP). For microbiological analysis, dentin samples were serially diluted and CFU counts were estimated after 24 h of incubation.

Results

Compared to C, mean CFU values for SRP and SRP + CP were significantly lower (p < 0.05). In addition, mean CFUs for SRP + CP were reduced to 0 and, therefore, significantly lower than SRP (2.98 log CFU/mL) alone (p = 0.000, Mann-Whitney U). Regarding RCLs, significantly lower mean CFU values were observed for CHX + CP when compared to CHX (4.45 vs. 2.67 log CFU/mL, p = 0.002, Mann-Whitney U test).

Conclusions

For disinfection of exposed root surfaces, the adjunctive application of CP is promising. In addition, the combined application of CHX + CP has the potential to disinfect root dentin surfaces.

Clinical relevance

It was shown that the combination of cold plasma with CHX is the best available option for the disinfection of root surfaces.

     

CBCT-based bone quality assessment in decompression of large odontogenic cystic lesions

Objectives

Bone quality comprises bone mineral density and trabecular microstructure. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in evaluating bone quality of large odontogenic cystic lesions after decompression using CBCT and BoneJ software, and to determine whether secondary definitive surgery can be guided using CBCT data.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with large odontogenic cystic lesions treated by decompression were evaluated by CBCT. Medical history and perioperative details were analyzed.

Results

The \(\Delta\)CT values for all patients with cystic lesions decreased after decompression, with no differences for age, sex, and histology (p?>?0.05). Bone volume fraction and trabecular number of new cancellous bone (0.012%, 0.17/mm³) were lower than those of normal cancellous bone (0.189%, 0.47/mm³) (p?<?0.05), while new cancellous bone trabecular separation (11.344?±?2.556 mm) was stronger than normal cancellous bone trabecular separation (4.833?±?2.232 mm) (p?<?0.05). There were no differences in trabecular thickness between new cancellous bone (3.812?±?1.593 mm) and normal cancellous bone (4.598?±?3.573 mm) (p?=?0.746). The \(\Delta\)CT values of five patients with favorable osteogenesis were ??72, ?86, ??86, ?47, and ??55, those of three patients with moderate osteogenesis were ??107, ?120, and ??71, and those of two patients with poor osteogenesis were ??165 and ??127 during secondary definitive surgery.

Conclusions

CBCT is considered beneficial for evaluating bone quality of large odontogenic cystic lesions after decompression, while providing potentially useful information for referral to secondary definitive surgery.

     

Marginal integrity of low-shrinking versus methacrylate-based composite: effect of different one-step self-etch adhesives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of composite type and adhesive system on the quality of marginal adaptation in standardized Class V cavities before and after thermo-mechanical loading (TML). The cavities were restored using different combinations of three adhesive systems [(Silorane System Adhesive (SSA), Clearfil S³ Bond (S3), G-Bond (G-B)] and two resin composite materials (Filtek Silorane, Clearfil AP-X). Six groups (n = 10): Group A (SSA-Primer + SSA-Bond, Filtek Silorane), Group B (SSA-Primer + SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X), Group C (S3 + SSA-Bond, Filtek Silorane), Group D (S3 + SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X), Group E (G-B + SSA-Bond, Filtek Silorane) and Group F (G-B + SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X) were defined. Marginal adaptation was assessed on replicas in the SEM at 200 × magnification before and after TML (3000 × 5–55 °C, 1.2 10⁶ × 49 N; 1.7 Hz) under simulated dentinal fluid. The highest scores of continuous margins (%CM) were observed in the group F (G-B + SSA-Bond, Clearfil AP-X: before loading 96.4 (±3.2)/after loading 90.8 (±7.0)). A significant effect of adhesive system, composite type and loading interval was observed on the results (p < 0.05). Significantly lower scores of %CM were observed for silorane-based composite (Filtek Silorane) after TML in comparison with methacrylate-based composite (Clearfil AP-X) considering total marginal length (p < 0.05). For both Filtek Silorane and Clearfil AP-X, G-Bond performed significantly better than SSA-Primer and Clearfil S³ Bond (p < 0.05). For all combinations of one-step self-etch adhesives and SSA-Bond resin coating, silorane-based low-shrinking composite exhibited inferior marginal adaptation than did the methacrylate-based composite.     

Antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical properties of BAC-modified hard and soft denture liners

This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical strength of hard and soft denture liners modified with benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The specimens (1 mm thickness, 8 mm diameter) were prepared by mixing 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 wt% BAC with soft (Sofreliner Medium, Tokuyama) and hard (Rebase II, Tokuyama) denture liners (n = 5/group). BAC was not added to the controls. Candida albicans ATCC 28366 (A ₅₅₀ = 0.5) and Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt suspensions (A ₅₅₀ = 0.35) were pipetted onto the specimens, and incubated for 4 h. The viable cells were collected, and determined by plate-culturing (CFU). The tests were repeated after the specimens were soaked in distilled water for 7 days. The mechanical strengths were evaluated by tear and 4-point flexural strength tests for soft and hard liners, respectively. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD tests at p = 0.05. C. albicans viability was lost in all groups of BAC-modified soft liners (p < 0.001), and S. mutans viability was reduced (p < 0.01), except of soaked BAC 0.5 wt% group (p > 0.05). For the hard liner, BAC 5 wt% killed the C. albicans and S. mutans cells both before and after soaked in water (p < 0.001). BAC 2 wt% showed comparable tear strength with the soft liner control (p > 0.05). BAC did not reduce the flexural strength of the hard liner (p > 0.05), except of BAC 5 wt% group (p < 0.01). BAC can be a promising agent reducing the C. albicans and S. mutans viability on the soft and hard denture liner surfaces.     

Effects of casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate with sodium fluoride on root surface conditions in head and neck radiotherapy patients

Objectives

This study evaluated the effects of combined topical sodium fluoride and casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste application on root surface conditions in cancer patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

Patients and methods

Nineteen patients undergoing conventional external radiotherapy in head and neck cancer were enrolled and divided into CPP-ACP (topical sodium fluoride/daily CPP-ACP paste application) and Non-CPP-ACP (topical fluoride application alone) groups. Chronological root surface texture changes were prospectively investigated for 1 year.

Results

The mean radiation dose of the parotid gland did not differ significantly between the CPP-ACP and Non-CPP-ACP groups. From baseline to 6 and 6–12 months, the CPP-ACP group had significantly better root surface textures than those in the Non-CPP-ACP group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The hard surface numbers in the CPP-ACP group increased from 347 to 350 in 12 months. The respective soft lesion incidence rates from baseline to 6, 6–12, and baseline to 12 months were significantly lower in the CPP-ACP group than those in the Non-CPP-ACP group (per patient: p = 0.038, p = 0.038, and p = 0.029; per root surface: p = 0.026, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present results suggest that dental management with a combination of topical sodium fluoride and CPP-ACP paste application can control root surface caries more effectively than topical sodium fluoride alone in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

     

Healing patterns of critical size bony defects in rat following bone graft

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the healing patterns of critical size calvarial bony defects treated with different bone substitutes and to compare them to an autogenous graft and an ungrafted control group.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats (200–230g) were used. A periosteal flap was raised and an 8 mm defect was trephined. Rats were divided into six groups and treated as follows: group 1 was treated with a deproteinized bovine xenograft (XO), group 2 was treated with a bovine xenograft and covered with a resorbable membrane (XOCM), defects in group 3 were filled with a decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA), group 4 was treated with a composite bone substitute made of bovine xenograft and collagen (XOC), group 5 was filled with autogenous bone (AUTO), and group 6 was left untreated (control). The animals were euthanized at 2 months.

Results

Mean bone formation was 2.97?±?1.82 mm² in group 5 (AUTO) followed by 2.93?±?1.93 mm² in group 3 (DFDBA) and 2.25?±?1.94 mm² in group 4 (XOC). Groups 1, 2, and 6 (XO, XOCM, and control, respectively) were not significantly different (p?>?0.05) with a mean bone formation of 1.97?±?1.64, 1.87?±?1.07, and 1.85?±?1.04 mm², respectively.

Conclusions

This work confirmed the superiority of autogenous bone when it comes to bone grafting. Nevertheless, some bone substitutes can improve bone formation when compared to the control. New bone substitutes with growth factors to improve their abilities to induce bone formation should be experimented.     

Effect of therapeutic doses of radiotherapy on the organic and inorganic contents of the deciduous enamel: an in vitro study

Objectives

This study evaluated the effects of radiotherapy on the composition of deciduous teeth enamel using micro-energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy before and after a pH cycling process.

Materials and methods

Ten deciduous molars were sectioned and divided into two groups (n = 10). The radiotherapy group (RT) was irradiated with 54 Gy at 2 Gy/day, 5 days per week for 5 weeks and 2 days, and the normal group (N) was not irradiated. The RT group was evaluated before radiotherapy (RTb), after radiotherapy (RTa), and after radiotherapy and pH cycling (RTc). The normal group was evaluated before (N) and after pH cycling (Nc). The weight percentage (wt%) of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and organic content; the Ca/P ratio; and the integrated area of the Raman bands relative to the organic, carbonate, and phosphate contents were also evaluated.

Results

The exclusive use of RT reduced the organic content of the enamel (p = 0.000). The RTc group exhibited a decrease in P wt% (p = 0.016), an increase in the Ca/P ratio (p = 0.000), and a reduction in the integrated area of the phosphate band (p = 0.046). An increase in the Ca/P ratio (p = 0.000) and a reduction in the areas of the carbonate and phosphate bands were found in the RTb/RTc treatments.

Conclusions

RT application at a therapeutic dose reduced the organic content of the deciduous enamel.

Clinical relevance

Preventive measures should be included in the patient treatment protocol because of RT-induced chemical changes to the deciduous enamel.

     

Clinical oral dryness score: evaluation of a new screening method for oral dryness

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of the clinical oral dryness score (CODS) with salivary flow rates, xerostomia inventory (XI), and bother index (BI). 147 patients were screened using CODS, which determined 10 features of oral dryness. Each feature contributed 1 point, and the total score varied from 0 to 10. Unstimulated (UWS), chewing-stimulated (CH-SWS) and acid-stimulated (A-SWS) whole salivary flows and the XI and BI were measured. Associations were explored with a bootstrapped Spearman rank correlation test (1000 × bootstrapping). Based on unstimulated salivary flow, 55 patients were classified as hyposalivators, 31 as low salivators, 48 as normosalivators and 13 as high salivators. Median CODS in the hyposalivation group was 5 (IQR 3–6) compared with 3 (IQR 2–5) in the low salivation group, 2 (IQR 1–4) in the normal salivation group and 2 (IQR 1–2.5) in the high salivation group. Significant associations between CODS and the other parameters were only found in the hyposalivation group between CODS and UWS (ρ(53) = ? 0.513; p < 0.01), between CODS and CH-SWS (ρ(53) = ? 0.453; p < 0.01), between CODS and A-SWS (ρ(53) = ? 0.500; p < 0.01), CODS and XI (ρ(53) = 0.343; p < 0.001) and between CODS and BI (ρ(53) = 0.375; p = 0.01). In patients with hyposalivation, CODS is associated with unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow and XI and BI. CODS alone or a combination of CODS with a subjective measure, such as the XI or BI, could be recommended during routine clinical assessment to detect hyposalivation.     

Comparison of Micromarsupialization and Modified Micromarsupialization for the Management of Mucocoele of Lower Lip: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

This study was undertaken to compare micromarsupialization and modified micromarsupialization for the management of mucoceles.

Materials and Methods

A prospective randomized clinical study was done on thirty patients having mucocele on lower lip. In Group A (n = 15), micromarsupialization and in Group B (n = 15), modified micromarsupialization technique was used. The outcome variables were duration of surgery, intraoperative pain, postoperative pain, healing and recurrence. t test and p values were used to compare the age, duration of lesion, duration of treatment and time taken for healing. The results were expressed as mean with SD. Statistical significance was established at the p ≤ 0.05 level. Analysis of pain (intraoperative, on 3rd, 7th day), intraoperative bleeding and recurrence was done using Fischer’s exact test (p = 0.875, NS).

Results

The average duration of treatment for Group A was 4.10 ± 0.39 min and for Group B was 5.33 ± 0.2 min. The difference was found to be statistically highly significant (p value ≤0.000). The observed power was 1.000. The difference in the intraoperative and postoperative pain on 3rd and 7th day was not found to be significant as per Fischer’s exact test. The mean time taken for healing of the surgical site in Group A was 7.47 ± 0.64 days and in Group B was 9.87 ± 1.88 days, and the difference was found to be highly significant. The observed power was 0.995.

Conclusions

Modified micromarsupialization appears to be a safe technique for the management of mucoceles. However, in comparison with micromarsupialization, it has a higher operating and healing time.

     

Increased levels of interleukin-33 in gingival crevicular fluids of patients with chronic periodontitis

The purpose of this clinical study is to comparatively investigate the interleukin-33 (IL-33) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva and plasma of patients with periodontal disease as well as periodontally healthy subjects and the association between these levels and clinical parameters. GCF, saliva and plasma samples were collected from systemically healthy, non-smoker chronic periodontitis patients (CP group, n = 20), gingivitis patients (G group, n = 20) and periodontally healthy control groups (H group, n = 20). Full-mouth clinical periodontal parameters were also recorded. IL-33 levels were determined by ELISA. The total amount of GCF IL-33 was greater in the G and CP groups compared to the H group (p < 0.05). The GCF IL-33 concentration was significantly lower in the CP group than in the H and G groups (p < 0.001). Salivary or plasma IL-33 levels were similar in the study groups. The total amount of GCF IL-33 was positively correlated with the GI, PI and BOP (%) (p < 0.05). Considering the present findings, the increase in total amounts of GCF IL-33 may have a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.     

Early<Emphasis>-</Emphasis>life factors affect risk of pain and fever in infants during teething periods

Aim

This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the prevalence of teething-related pain and fever and the early-life factors that may affect the risk of experiencing these disturbances within the first 1.5 years of life.

Materials and methods

Participants were recruited (n = 1033) through the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) birth cohort (n = 1237). Interviews were performed tri-monthly regarding the prevalence of teething pain and fever in children from 6 to 18 months of age. Crude and multivariable analyses were conducted using Poisson-log regression models.

Results

Prevalence rates for teething pain and fever were 35.5 and 49.9 % respectively. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis showed maternal second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure to increase the risk of both pain (mean ratio = 1.35; p = 0.006) and fever (mean ratio = 1.22; p = 0.025), whereas SHS exposure plus active smoking further increased risk of teething pain in the children (mean ratio = 1.89; p = 0.029). Delivery via Caesarean section increased risk of teething pain (mean ratio = 1.27; p = 0.033), while prenatal plasma vitamin D insufficiency lowered such a risk (mean ratio = 0.62; p = 0.012). Compared to Chinese infants, Indian babies exhibited lower risk of teething pain and fever (both p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Early-life factors such as tobacco smoke exposure and vitamin insufficiency during pregnancy, ethnicity and childbirth via Caesarean section may significantly affect the child’s susceptibility to teething-related pain and fever.

Clinical relevance

Knowledge of prevalence and risk factors of teething disturbances may better equip primary caregivers and healthcare professionals to accurately detect teething-related local and/or systemic signs/symptoms and effectively facilitate tobacco cessation among pregnant women.

     

Effect of intervention using a messaging app on compliance and duration of treatment in orthodontic patients

Objectives

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a messaging app (WeChat) in improving patients’ compliance and reducing the duration of orthodontic treatment (DOT).

Materials and methods

A randomized controlled trial was performed in a dental hospital and a clinic from August 2012 to May 2015. Orthodontic patients were included at the beginning of treatment. Patients with multiphase treatment or braceless technique were excluded. Participants were randomized to WeChat group (received regular reminders and educational messages) or control group (received conventional management) and were followed up until the treatment was completed. Primary outcome measure was DOT. Others were late and failed attendance, bracket bond failure, and oral hygiene condition.

Results

One hundred twelve patients in each group participated and completed the trial. DOT in WeChat group were 7.3 weeks shorter (P = 0.007). There were less failed attendance (3.1 vs. 10.9 %, P < 0.001), late attendance (20.1 vs. 29.9 %, P < 0.001), and bracket bond failure (11.8 vs. 16.1 %, P < 0.001) in WeChat group than control. There was no difference in orthodontic plaque index nor modified gingivitis index between the two groups before and after treatment. Number of failed attendances was identified as an independent factor affecting DOT (P = 0.004; HR = 0.89, 95 % CI 0.84 to 0.95).

Conclusions

The intervention with WeChat is effective in reducing the treatment duration and bracket bond failure, and improving the attendance in orthodontic patients.

Clinical relevance

DOT can be reduced by improving patient’s compliance. The messaging app is useful for outpatient education and management.

     

Comparison of Skin Staples and Standard Sutures for Closing Incisions After Head and Neck Cancer Surgery: A Double-Blind,Randomized and Prospective Study

Purpose

To investigate the merits and demerits of stapled skin closure when compared to conventional sutures in head and neck cancer surgery.

Materials and Methods

A total of 80 patients (40 patients each in control and study group) were enrolled. The patients underwent closure of incision wounds following head and neck cancer surgical procedures. Skin incisions were closed with sutures using 3-0 silk in control group and with stainless steel staples in study group. Both the groups were compared for speed of closure, cost effectiveness, pain on removal, patient comfort, aesthetic outcome on day of removal, 15 and 30 days after day of removal and complications.

Results

The mean incision length in control group was 54 ± 16.3 cm while in study group was 53.7 ± 15.4 cm which was statistically not significant (P = 0.95). The mean time of closure in control group was 34.2 ± 12 min while in study group was 3.3 ± 1.2 min which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). The mean cost of material for skin closure in control group was Rs. 270.0 ± 46.4 and in study group was Rs. 517.5 ± 135.7 which was also statistically highly significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

It was concluded that skin staples are better alternatives to conventional sutures in head and neck cancer surgery as they offer ten times faster wound closure, cost effectiveness, and similar results to sutures in terms of patient comfort, aesthetic outcome and complication rate.