Frequency of bacetrial content finding in persistant periapical lesions

Objectives

To determine the percentage of persistant apical lesions positive for bacterial nucleic acids, to detect microorganisms difficult to cultivate in persistant apical lesions by PCR and relate them to endodontic failure, clinical symptoms and diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

The samples of persistent apical lesions were collected during apicoectomy. Bacterial ubiquitous primer 16S rRNA was used to detect 16S ribosomal RNA in 36 samples. A species–specific PCR was performed with primers targeted to the bacterial 16S rRNA genes of Prevotella Nigrescens, Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus, and Propionobacterium propionicum.

Results

Six samples (16.67%) were positive for bacterial ribosomal RNA. Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus was detected in three samples. Propionibacterium propionicum and Prevotella nigrescens were detected in one sample each. The prevalence of infection of such lesions with P. intermedia, P. propionicum and P. alactolyticus is low.

Conslusion

The study we conducted gave insufficient data about extraradicular infection and its connection with diabetes mellitus and clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

Apical lesions persisting after endodontic treatment could harbor microorganisms other than Actinomyces and Propionicum species.

Electric pulp test threshold responses in healthy incisors, canines, premolars and molars

The purpose of this study was to determine the range of threshold responses of healthy dental pulps and test the reproducibility of the electric pulp test (EPT). Forty-nine dental students participated in the study. Sound teeth in both arches, except third molars, were included. The teeth were isolated using cotton rolls and dried with compressed air, and the threshold responses were recorded. Participants stopped the stimulus increase by pressing the switch at the first sensation of discomfort. The measurements were repeated after 30 days. The obtained data were analysed using SPSS^® 16.0. The mean thresholds for the maxillary incisors, canines, premolars and molars were 10.77, 21.07, 21.88 and 34.07 μA, and for mandibular incisors, canines, premolars and molars 9.81, 18.7, 19.24 and 30.1 μA respectively. The differences between the two measurements were statistically significant for teeth 32, 31, 41 and 42. The EPT was shown to be reproducible for all the teeth tested except mandibular incisors.

The Pattern of Antibiotic Prescribing by Dental Practitioners in Zagreb, Croatia

BACKGROUND

Bacterial resistance is considered a consequence of misuse or overuse of antibiotics. Dentistry significantly contributes to this increasing public health problem. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the pattern of antibiotics prescribed by Croatian dentists in Zagreb area.

METHODS

Out of 220 Doctors of Dental Medicine (DMDs) from Zagreb 110 responded to survey. Prior to the research an ethical approval was obtained. Participants were directly contacted. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: general data on DMDs and the part concerning indications, duration, type and dosage of antibiotic therapy. Data were processed using MS Excel and SPSS for Windows, Version 17.0. Statistical significance was tested by Fisher's exact test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation at the level of statistical significance p<0.05.

RESULTS

During the period of two months, the doctors prescribed antibiotics to 1,500 patients, 690 (46%) were men and 810 (54%) women. The most often prescribed antibiotics were penicillin (72.5% of patients), represented mostly by amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid (57.6%). The most common indication for the prescribed antibiotics was periapical or periodontal abscess (44%). Definite clinical indication (71.2%) was stated as the most common reason for antibiotic prescription. Antibiotic therapy usually lasted 7 days (62.9%). The doctors prescribed daily doses of antibiotics according to the instructions for the use of specific drugs.

CONCLUSION

The examined subjects prescribe antibiotics according to the curriculum taught at the School of Dental Medicine for majority of types, doses and duration of the treatments, although antibiotics over-prescription in cases without medical indication was observed. The national guidelines on antibiotic regimens are required in order to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.