Oper Dent
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This in vitro study evaluated the performance of visual (International Caries Detection and Assessment System [ICDAS]) and radiographic (bitewing [BW]) examinations for occlusal caries detection and their associations with treatment decision (TD). Permanent teeth (n=104) with occlusal surfaces varying from sound to cavitated were selected. Sites were identified from 10× occlusal surface photographs. ⋯ Data from this investigation suggested that the visual examination (ICDAS) showed better performance than radiographic examination for occlusal caries detection. The ICDAS was strongly associated with TD. Although the correlation between the ICDAS and BW was lower, it is still valuable in the clinical decision-making process.
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Case Reports
Histology of Irreversible pulpitis premolars treated with mineral trioxide aggregate pulpotomy.
Studies show that human permanent teeth with carious pulpal exposures can result in a high clinical success rate when treated with pulpotomy and direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA pulpotomy). In this case report, a 19-year-old female patient with a second premolar with irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis was treated with MTA pulpotomy. ⋯ Microscopically, the pulpal wound treated with MTA was free from inflammation and covered with a thin layer of reparative dentin. The authors conclude that, when caries and bacterial contamination can be removed from the dentin-pulp complex, the inflamed but vital pulp of a permanent tooth may have a chance to return to a healthy, functional status after MTA pulpotomy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The effect of preoperative ibuprofen on tooth sensitivity caused by in-office bleaching.
This study determined the effect of Ibuprofen on tooth sensitivity from in-office bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide. A double-blind, randomized-controlled clinical trial was performed on healthy non-smoker patients who retain all anterior teeth (N=31). Patients with anterior restorations, calculus or heavy stain, and those who were taking medications or desensitizer products were excluded. ⋯ For the placebo group, the intragroup time effect was not significant. Within the limitations of the current study, the authors concluded that the use of an analgesic may help to reduce tooth sensitivity during in-office bleaching. In the current study, Ibuprofen (600 mg, PO single dose) reduced tooth sensitivity during but not after the treatment period.
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Comparative Study
Rx for caries prevention: time line for home care. A software aid for communication of patient instructions for management of dental caries.
Treatment of a caries active patient requires the clinician to be knowledgeable in the restorative and risk management issues with which these patients often present. Modifications of risk factors that promote dental caries play an important part in the long-term restorative success in these patients. Patient compliance to recommendations addressing modifiable caries risk factors for maintenance of oral health is important to long-term caries risk management. ⋯ This report presents a novel computer-generated, graphic approach to written communication that recognizes the patient's need to be reminded that home care consists of daily cyclic events. The objective of this approach is to promote communication with and comprehension by a wider population range than what might be affected by text-only instructions. The software for this method is pre-loaded with recommendations that can be modified by the dentist or hygienist and can be easily adapted as part of a comprehensive disease management program used in the office.