Versatility of an 810 NM Diode Laser in Pediatric Dentistry

Purpose: During the last few years, the use of laser techniques has dominated the dentistry world as an alternative to different traditional methods or in combination with these. Diode laser is the most frequently used in dentistry due to its reliability, versatility and convenience, together with its handiness and simple setting-up. The aim of this paper is to review the use of diode laser (810 nm) in pediatric dentistry. Methods: We illustrate, according to the recent literature review, the clinical approach in deciduous teeth endodontics (like pulpotomy and root canal therapy) and in soft tissues surgery with description of techniques used in labial and lingual fraenectomy, operculectomy for tooth retention and hypertrophic lesions removal. Results: 810 nm diode laser has been used in all these different therapies at 0,8 to 3 W power either in continuous or pulsed mode. Diode laser has one of the most versatile ranges of wavelengths available due to the number of different therapies that can be performed in several tissues

Riga-Fede Disease and Neonatal Teeth

AIM: The aim of this study is to present a case of Riga-Fede disease (RFD). RFD is a benign and uncommon mucosal disorder, characterized by an ulceration of the tongue, often caused by repetitive traumatic injuries due to backward and forward movements of the tongue over the mandibular anterior incisors. RFD is most commonly associated with the eruption of primary lower incisor in older infants or natal-neonatal teeth in newborns. METHODS: A 2-month-old female infant was referred to our Paediatric Dentistry Unit for ulceration (13 mm diameter) on the ventral surface of the tongue and neonatal teeth. The extraction of neonatal teeth was selected as treatment of choice, over more conservative treatments, for the rapid resolution of the lesion and for the limited risk of inadequate nutrients intake. The extracted teeth underwent a macroscopic/microscopic examination. The complete healing of the lesion took 4 weeks; subsequently, the infant, revised at the 1-year follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Early detection of RFD is recommended because such lesions properly may induce deformity or mutilation of tongue, dehydration, inadequate nutrients intake by the infant and growth retardatio

Black Stain: studio clinico e microbiologico

Aim of the work. Objectives of the study are the following: quantify and identify microorganisms in the dental plaque of patients with black stain; test in vivo and in vitro efficacy of two mouthwashes; identify a protocol. Materials and methods. The research protocol included a clinical and a microbiological stage. 63 patients between 2 and 15 years with black stain were selected, then divided into three groups. In Group 1 (19 patients) no mouthwash was prescribed. In Group 2 (21 patients) was prescribed a fluoride mouthwash (Sodium Fluoride 0,05%). In Group 3 (23 patients) a chlorhexidine 0,12% mouthwash was prescribed. The microbiological stage provided analysis of pigmented plaque through bacterial count and identification tests and aura of inhibition on agar plate to evaluate the inhibitory power of the mouthwashes examined. Results. It was highlighted a strong decrease in index of pigmented plaque in Group 3 than Groups 1 and 2. The microbiological analysis revealed a decrease in bacterial count higher in Group 3 than Groups 1 and 2. The bacteria identified the most were Clostridia. The chlorhexidine mouthwash was more effective than fluorine mouthwash on bacterial growth. Conclusions. The use of mouthwash in conjunction with periodic specialist visits is essential to assist oral hygiene at home. It is assumed that the mouthwash with chlorhexidine 0,12% is the most effective in reducing black stain in vivo and in vitro

Childhood obesity and skeletal-dental maturity

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the skeletal maturation assessed through cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) and dental age, in normal weight, pre-obese and obese patients, using the Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)

Thyroid surgery in geriatric patients: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid disease is common in the elderly population. The incidence of hypothyroidism and multinodular goitre gradually increases with age. In view of a growth of aging population, we performed a literature review about the feasibility of thyroid surgery in the elderly. METHODS: We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database in September 2012 and all English-language publications on thyroidectomy in geriatric patients since 2002 were retrieved. The potential original articles mainly focusing on thyroidectomy in elderly patients were all identified and full texts were obtained and reviewed for further hand data retrieving. RESULTS: We retrieved five papers based on different primary end-point. Four were retrospective non randomized studies and one was prospective non randomized study. At last 65, 70, 75 and 80 years were used as an age cut-off. All studies evaluate the indications of thyroidectomy in geriatric patients, postoperative morbility and mortality. Only one study specifically assesses the rate of the rehospitalization after thyroidectomy among the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid nodules are particularly important in elderly patients, as the incidence of malignancy increases and they are usually more aggressive tumors. An age of at least 70 years is an independent risk factor for complications after general surgery procedures. Thyroid surgery in patients aged 70 years or older is safe and the relatively high rate of thyroid carcinoma and toxic goiter may justify an aggressive approach. A programmed operation with a careful pre-operative evaluation and a risk stratification should make the surgical procedures less hazardous, specially in 80 years old patients with an high ASA score

Comparative Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Three Commercially Available Toothpastes On Dentin Hypersensitivity Reduction: An Eight-Week Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this eight-week, single-center, three-cell, double-blind, and randomized clinical study was to evaluate the dentin hypersensitivity reduction efficacy of three commercially available toothpastes: 1) Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste (also marketed as elmex Sensitive Professional); 2) Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste; and (3) Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste. METHODS: 150 subjects, having two teeth with tactile and air blast hypersensitivity, were assigned to one of the three study groups (50/group). Subjects were then asked to brush their teeth for one minute, twice daily, with the given toothpaste. The dentin hypersensitivity and oral tissues were evaluated at baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks. Comparison of the treatment groups with respect to gender was conducted using a chi-square analysis, and with respect to age and baseline hypersensitivity scores was performed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Within-treatment effects were analyzed using the paired t-test, while the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine between-treatment effects. The post hoc Tukey test was performed for pair-wise comparisons. All statistical tests were two-sided using a significance level of alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: After two, four, and eight weeks of daily use of the products, all three groups showed a statistically significant reduction from baseline in tactile and air blast dentin hypersensitivity (p < 0.05). Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste produced a significant improvement in mean tactile and air blast dentin hypersensitivity scores, and was more effective than Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste and Crest Cavity Protection toothpastes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Colgate Sensitive Pro-ReliefToothpaste, used twice daily, significantly reduces dentin hypersensitivity, and is significantly more effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity than Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste and Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste

In Vitro Assessment of Salt Stress Tolerance in Wild Potato Species

Proof of concept salt tolerance and plasticity. Wild germplasm may represent a precious source of genetic variability for salt tolerance. This study evaluated the morphological changes occurring under controlled and saline conditions in tuber-bearing S. bulbocastanum, S. commersonii, S. chomatophyllum, S. multidissectum, S. pinnactisectum, S. phureja, and cultivated S. tuberosum. An in vitro screening method was employed. Significant phenotypic variations were observed for all phenotypic traits analyzed at all NaCl levels (0, 40, 60, and 120 mM). In addition, a significant correlation between root plasticity and salt tolerance was found. Further, changes in proline and total phenolic content were assessed to envisage the metabolic adjustments of tolerant clones towards salinity. The most promising sources of tolerance were identified in S. commersonii and S. multidissectum and information obtained is discussed from a breeding perspective

Utilising daily diaries to examine oral health experiences associated with dentine hypersensitivity

Background: The current investigation examined the determinants of oral health experiences associated with dentine hypersensitivity using prospective diary methodology. Methods: Staff and students from a large UK university who had self-diagnosed dentine hypersensitivity completed an online daily diary and text survey for two weeks recording their mood, oral health-related coping behaviours, coping and pain appraisals, pain experiences and functional limitations. Cross sectional and lagged path analyses were employed to examine relationships. Results: 101 participants took part in the diary study. Participants had a mean age of 26.3 years (range=18-63) and most were female (N=69). Individuals who used more oral health-related coping behaviours predicted and experienced greater levels of pain on subsequent days. Negative mood also predicted worse pain outcomes. The daily diary method provided a useful avenue for investigating variations in oral health experiences and relationships between variables that can fluctuate daily. Conclusions: Psychological variables such as coping and mood play an important role in the pain experiences of people with dentine hypersensitivity. The study highlights the benefits of using prospective methods to elucidate the experiences of people with oral condition