Invasive Cervical Resorption: A Case Series with 3-Year Follow-Up

Clinical management of external cervical resorption: A systematic review

This review investigated whether any therapeutic options influenced the outcome of treatment for teeth with external cervical resorption. Out of 870 articles identified by an electronic search, 60 clinical case reports and six case series were included. No randomised clinical trials were found. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's tools. External surgical intervention was the preferred method of accessing the lesions. Removal of resorptive tissue was most often achieved mechanically. Bioactive endodontic cements were the preferred materials for restoring teeth. The outcome measures were based on clinical and radiographic parameters. Of the cases included in the review, no specific treatment approach had a superior outcome in relation to Heithersay's classification. Furthermore, due to the absence of randomised clinical trials, and the low level of evidence associated with case reports/case series, it was not possible to define the optimum clinical treatment for external cervical resorption.

Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Statistical Analysis in Southern Italy

This paper focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and food selectivity, both of which are prevalent in the pediatric population. In this context, the authors paid attention to food selectivity and its possible correlation with the atypicality of sensory processes, outlining the useful rehabilitation treatments to draw on. This research included the parents or caregivers of pediatric patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and placed within a therapeutic clinic. The sample is composed of 111 children, males and females, aged between 2 and 10 years, and includes 60 children diagnosed with autism and 51 children with normotypical development, similar in characteristics but without the disorder. The standardized questionnaire, "Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory", was developed to examine behavior during meals, especially in children with ASD. The "Brief Sensory Profile", and the "Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale", were also administered. The results obtained from the analysis lead to evidence of eating and food selectivity difficulty. Additionally, our study demonstrates that food selectivity can be caused by extreme sensory modulation and sensory problems related to the smell, texture, color, and temperature of food. In fact, the results obtained emphasize the correlation between food selectivity and the sensory domains of taste and smell. Furthermore, this research highlights a correlation between motor skills and eating skills, particularly regarding food selectivity, which is closely associated with atypical and disruptive behaviors during meals.

Dentoalveolar Fractures: New Orthodontic Protocol Proposal and Pilot Study

The goal of fracture treatment that includes the dentoalveolar process is to obtain the anatomic bone healing and the pre-injury occlusion restoration with functional and aesthetic recovery, avoiding dental or periodontal lesions. Fractures activates, in the damaged tissue, the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon, a physiological healing process that can also be activated during orthodontic overloads. Orthodontic treatment in the traumatized area could exploit this phenomenon in order to sustain the cellular activity.The aim of this study is to propose a treatment protocol for dentoalveolar fractures based on the use of orthodontics in order to sustain the physiological healing process known as Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon.The authors present 2 cases of an 18 year old woman and 23 year old man affected by dentoalveolar fracture. The operative protocol the authors applied foresaw three steps of treatment: orthodontic brackets application, surgery, orthodontic treatment.The patients showed complete healing at the 3 months follow-up and were treated up to 18 months for further orthodontic treatment.The operative protocol proposed by the Authors appears to be a rational choice since it allows a single orthodontic device to be an "active splinting system", with fast application time, good acceptance by the patient, low complications rate; moreover, it produces any planned dental movements for further orthodontic treatments.

A new software architecture proposal for an evidence-based Decision Support System in dentistry

BACKGROUND

in dentistry, clinical problems could be resolved using many therapeutic approaches that may results in very different therapies. In order to choose the best option, a good evaluation of therapy long-term survival and success rate is mandatory. The routine use of a decision support analysis software is nowadays limited due to the lack of software's flexibility especially when a variety of possible therapeutic option are present. The aim of this research was to develop a new algorithm model for a Decision Support System software to give diagnosis support in dentistry.

METHODS

Beta tests were designed to study the computer software in different clinical situations based on clinical data. The therapeutic options can be conservative/endodontic or extractive/prosthetic therapies. In two of clinical situation selected could be possible to choose both therapies.

RESULTS

in clinical situations tested, the DDS software correctly identified the several therapeutic options. When multiple treatments were possible the beta test showed an output mask that correctly showed a range of options with their corresponding survival and success rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The software architecture proposed by the authors is technically feasible, can support the clinician choices based on scientific evidence and up-to-date references and gain informed consent based on data easily understandable for the patient.

The Disease Process, Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Cervical Resorption: A Review

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a localized, subepithelial, supra-osseous resorptive process of the tooth. Although there are several predisposing factors associated with ICR, its etiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. The damage to the protective layer on the external root surface appears to allow for the attachment of clastic cells and initiate the resorptive process, which is confined by the inner protective pericanalar resorption-resistant sheet surrounding the root canal space. The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is recommended for the diagnosis and assessment of a resorptive lesion. Based on the thorough evaluation of the size and location of the ICR lesion using CBCT, surgical or nonsurgical treatment can be chosen to address the source of the resorption. This review discusses the current status of knowledge regarding the biology of ICR lesions as well as their external or internal treatment using hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials. Future clinical outcome studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials on the healing of ICR lesions.

Correlation of s-IgA and IL-6 Salivary with Caries Disease and Oral Hygiene Parameters in Children

This study evaluates salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in saliva of children and its correlation to tooth decay severity. Fifty-nine patients were divided into two groups: caries free (A group) and caries active (B group). B group was investigated according to Mount and Monse indices. Mean salivary IgA rate between two groups (A 16.7 ± 4.5 mg/dL vs. B 21.8 ± 12.9 mg/dL) was not significant, while IL-6 rate (A 19.02 ± 5.3 pg/mL vs. B 30.2 ± 11.8 pg/mL) was statistically different. This study revealed that salivary IL-6 levels were significantly higher in children with active caries when compared with the caries-free group, while the s-IgA rate showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of a Hollow Endodontic Post by Three Point Test and SEM Analysis: A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of a fiber hollow endodontic post characterized by the presence of an empty central cylindrical channel extended along the whole length. This particular shape allows clinicians to use the post also as a cementation resin carrier. Ten hollow posts were divided in two groups: the control group (unfilled hollow posts) (Group 0) and hollow posts filled with dual resin cement (Group 1). The samples of both groups were subjected to mechanical and micromorphological analysis by performing a three-point test and SEM observations. In the three-point test, the Group 1 samples exhibited a fracture load of 57.09 ± 5.06 N, a flexural strength of 1323.53 ± 110.09 MPa, and a Young’s modulus of 42.87 ± 0.86 GPa. The samples of Group 2 exhibited a fracture load of 38.17 ± 1.7 N, a flexural strength of 908.87 ± 30.98 MPa, and a Young’s modulus of 40.33 ± 1.9 GPa. The difference between fracture load, flexural strength, and deflection between the two groups was statistically highly significant (p < 0.01). Further, the difference between the Young’s modulus of the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The values obtained are similar to those of other posts available on the market.

The Use of a Hypoallergenic Dermal Matrix for Wrapping in Peripheral Nerve Lesions Regeneration: Functional and Quantitative Morphological Analysis in an Experimental Animal Model

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this research was to test, in an animal model, the nerve regeneration technique with a hypoallergenic acellular dermal matrix used to wrap the microsurgical neural suture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups of rats received the cut of limb right median nerves. The regeneration technique considers for both groups an end-to-end nerve suture. In the experimental group (A) was used also a wrapping protocol by a conduit of collagen matrix currently used in oral surgery. The animals underwent functional grasping tests (at 1, 3, 5, and 7 months) and a histological and quantitative analysis of distal nerve was performed at the end of experimental time.

RESULT

After seven months, the grasping test reveals functional recovery in each tested animal; this improvement is more evident in Group A. The fibers appear well organized with restored myelin sheaths in both groups. Group A showed a great quantity of connective tissue surrounding the nerve. The quantitative morphology analysis in both groups shows a similar fibers density, fiber diameter, and myelin thickness. The differences between the groups in axon mean diameter are significant. In Group A M/d, D/d, and g-ratio is significantly higher compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Histological and functional assessments show a functional recovery of the injured nerve in the test groups, stressed by the results of the grasping tests and the meaningful increasing in fiber diameter and higher g-ratio. Moreover, a connective tissue cuff distinguishes the distal portion of the injured nerve. Considering the easy availability and handling of the material used in this study we can conclude that this experimental technique can be considered as a valid alternative to protect nerves in nerve wrap surgery.

Diabetes: Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Oral Alterations

Background and Objectives

About 5% of the world's population is affected by diabetes; these patients must be further treated during medical and surgical treatments. These patients, due to the glycemic conditions, realize during their life multiorgan changes, in different body districts. Moreover, this condition obliges them to undertake hypoglycemic therapies. Diabetes is a risk factor for many diseases, including those concerning the oral district with immunological implications.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines accessing the NCBI PubMed database. Authors conducted the search of articles in English language. The results of the last 10 years have been considered, which present useful information regarding the oral conditions. A total of 17 relevant studies were included in the review. The study evaluated only papers with specific inclusion criteria regarding oral health. The works initially taken into consideration were 782; subsequently applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, there were 42 works. After a careful analysis of the work obtained by two academics who have worked separately, there have been 17 studies. All data from the studies were compared and many of these confirmed alteration in the oral district.

Results

The studies taken into consideration evaluated different factors, such as OHRQoL, QoL, and oral alterations, involving soft tissue, dental structures, and postrehabilitative complications, as well as immunological alterations.

Conclusions

We can affirm, in conclusion, that this study has brought to light those that are complications due to diabetic pathology, from different points of view. The psychological and psychosocial alterations, certainly present in these patients, are probably due to local and systemic alterations; this is confirmed by the correlation between oral health and quality of life reported by the patients.

Rotary Instrument in Non-Surgical Treatment of Chronic Periodontal Disease: Clinic Randomized Study

Objective:

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of rotary instruments vs hand scalers in non-surgical periodontal therapy, studying the variation of periodontal health indexes.

Materials and Methods:

Forty patients (age between 30 and 70 years) with advanced chronic periodontitis, that were recruited for the study, were divided into two groups; control group and test group. Control patients were treated with hand scalers while test group patients were treated with rotary instruments. Periodontal indexes were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months.

Results:

Nonsignificant differences were found at 12 weeks follow up for all the parameters between test and control groups.

Conclusions:

Within their limits, the results indicate that different instruments can be effective in removing calculus and endotoxins. This requisite is mandatory for a proper periodontal healing.

The reasons for clinicians to use diamond-coated instruments are related to a faster procedure, and the clinical evidence of a smooth root surface. The clinicians’ ability remains one of the most important variables that could affect periodontal therapy.

The IG- file use to Gauge the Apical Diameter in Endodontics: An In Vitro Study

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the IG-file, a new instrument designed for apical diameter gauging.

Materials and Methods:

After shaping with F1 Universal Protaper, 60 roots were randomly divided into two groups and assigned to two operators, One Expert in Endodontics (EO) and One Unexpert (UO).

In each sample, after canal curvatures have been detected, the apical diameters were measured with the IG-file and the K-NiTi. The results were compared with the reference value obtained by retrograde apical gauging. The data were statistically analyzed.

Results:

Among 60 samples, 10% of errors were recorded when the IG-files were used; in the K-NiTi group the incorrect measurements were 70%.

In both groups (expert and unexpert) the IG-file measurements were more accurate than the K-NiTi (90 vs 33 and 90 vs 26,7). The differences were statistically significant.

In curved canals, the difference between measurement rates performed with both instruments was statistically significant (85,7% IG-file vs 28,6% K-NiTi) as well as for the samples without curvatures (92,3% IG file vs 30,8% NiTi file).

In root canals without curvatures overestimation errors in K-NiTi file group are more frequent than underestimation errors. This difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

A proper gauging of the apical diameter has a key role in endodontic therapy; an incorrect measurement can lead to clinical failures. This “in vitro” study highlights that IG-file improves measurement accuracy independently from clinician experience. Furthermore, in curved canals, the IG-file is more accurate than K-NiTi.

Accuracy of Periapical Radiography and CBCT in Endodontic Evaluation

Introduction

A radiological evaluation is essential in endodontics, for diagnostic purposes, planning and execution of the treatment, and evaluation of the success of therapy. The periapical radiography is nowadays the main radiographic investigations used but presents some limits as 3D anatomic alteration, geometric compression, and possible anatomical structures overlapping that can obscure the area of interest. CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) in endodontics allows a detailed assessment of the teeth and surrounding alveolar anatomy for endodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CBCT in comparison with conventional intraoral radiographs used in endodontic procedures.

Materials and Methods

Statistical analysis was performed on 101 patients with previous endodontic treatments with the relative radiographic documentation (preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up intraoral X-ray) that had underwent at CBCT screening for surgical reasons. The CBCT scans were evaluated independently by two operators and compared with the corresponding periapical images.

Results

Our analysis shows that the two radiological investigations statistically agree in 100% of cases in the group of patients without any endodontic sign. In the group of patients with an endodontic pathology, detected with CBCT, endodontic under extended treatments (30.6%), MB2 canals in nontreated maxillary molars (20.7%), second canals in nontreated mandibular incisors (9%), root fractures (2.7%), and root resorption (2.7%) were not always visible in intraoral X-ray. Otherwise, positivity in the intraoral X-ray was always confirmed in CBCT. A radiolucent area was detected in CBCT exam in 46%, while the intraoral X-ray exam was positive only in 18%.

Conclusions

Our study shows that some important radiological signs acquired using CBCT are not always visible in periapical X-ray. Furthermore, CBCT is considered as a II level exam and could be used to solve diagnostic questions, essential to a proper management of the endodontic problems.

The Horizontal Root Fractures. Diagnosis, Clinical Management and Three-Year Follow-Up

Objective:

The aim of this retrospective analysis is to describe and to evaluate the middle third horizontal root fractures, long term clinical management results and to estimate the effect of treatments factors upon healing and survival rate.

Methods:

Our clinical study included 42 patients presenting a middle third horizontal root fracture in permanent dentition. For each patient at t₀ the parameters recorded were: diastasis, mobility, sensibility, periodontal inflammation, pulpal pathology, associated fracture and dislocation of the coronal fragment. The follow-up was performed after 6 (t1), 12 (t2) and 36 (t3) months after the trauma, both clinically and radiologically. Clinical examination, vitality tests and a radiological evaluation (periapical x-ray) were performed.

Results:

At t₀ it was observed: diastasis (14, 3%), mobility (28, 6%), thermal sensibility (61, 9%), periodontal inflammation (4, 8%), pulpal pathology (38, 1%) and dislocation of the coronal fragment (47, 6%) of the patients. The treatment plan started with the coronal fragment repositioning and the blockage (splint) with the adjacent teeth in 47, 6% of cases.

A root canal treatment was performed at t₀ in 52,4% of the fractured teeth. Statistical analysis showed the highest level of significance between pulpal lesions (t₀) and associated fractures. The mobility, sensibility and pulpar lesions parameters, showed a reduction in relation to the follow up timing, with a main variation remarkably evident between t₀ and t1. The ratio between observation time and the presence of diastasis was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The analysis of the clinical results exhibits the high success rate of a conservative approach in the treatment of teeth fractured in the middle third of the root.

Invasive cervical resorption and the oro-facial cleft patient: a review and case series

Introduction Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) has an unknown aetiology, yet it exhibits very aggressive behaviour compared with typical external root resorption, posing a high risk of tooth loss.Aim To investigate the number of patients at the Dublin Cleft Prosthodontic Department with an oro-facial cleft who experienced ICR and to identify any possible aetiological factors.Materials and method A retrospective investigation of all oro-facial cleft patients treated at the Dublin Cleft Prosthodontic Department, St James's Hospital, Dublin. All patients' clinical and radiological records were reviewed. Patients where tooth loss became inevitable due to Class 4 ICR were analysed.Results From 588 oro-facial cleft patients, 14 (2.38%) patients with ICR were identified. Of these eight (57%) were female and six (43%) were male. Mean age at diagnosis was 28 years (range = 16-49 years). Cleft type: six (42.1%) unilateral cleft lip and palate, eight (57.9%) bilateral cleft lip and palate. Seventeen ICR affected teeth in total, with eleven (65%) maxillary central incisors, two (12%) maxillary lateral incisors, four (23%) maxillary canines, and one (7%) central, lateral and canine affected. Some, (N = 10, 71.4%) presented with ICR resulting in immediate tooth loss. Other patients (N = 4, 28.6%) developed ICR during or following prosthodontic treatment at the Cleft Centre. Tooth loss for this cohort, though not immediate, was inevitable. All had undergone fixed orthodontic appliance treatment and twelve had received dento-alveolar bone grafts. A number (N = 7, 50%) had undergone osteotomy, two (14%) had received night guard vital dental whitening and one had a history of trauma.Conclusions ICR, given its aggressive nature and ill-understood aetiology, poses significant treatment challenges. The most severe form of ICR (Class 4) leads inevitably to tooth loss. The slow-moderate progression of ICR may explain the late presentation found in this study, reinforcing the importance of long-term follow-up of this special dental care group.

Characteristics and treatment of invasive cervical resorption in vital teeth. A narrative review and a report of two cases

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a significant defect of the root surface where the hard dental tissues are undermined and become translucent due to the resorptive granulomatous tissue. It is mainly detected on radiographs. The radiographic appearance of ICR is asymmetrical radiolucency with irregular margins and an unchanged root canal. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive review together with the characteristics and the treatment of ICR through two cases which were followed-up for 36 months. In both cases the teeth were vital and the management consisted of raising a flap, granulomatous tissue removal, thorough debridement, restoration of the resorptive defect by placing a suitable filling material and follow-up examinations. Our results indicate that the specific treatment protocol has very positive outcomes. After 36 months pulpal vitality tests revealed a healthy pulp, and clinical and radiographic examination confirmed a stable periodontal condition.