Pulp analysis of teeth submitted to different types of forces: a histological study in rats

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate pulp and dentin under induced tooth movement (ITM) with different types of forces.

Material and Methods:

The maxillary right first molars of rats were submitted to movement with continuous (CF), continuous interrupted (CIF) and intermittent (IF) forces during 5, 7 and 9 days with nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed-coil springs exerting 50cN force magnitude. The groups were histologically evaluated as for cellularity pattern, presence of dystrophic, hemodynamic alterations in the pulp as well dentin alterations. The main observed alterations were related to hemodynamic pulp characteristics, such as presence of thrombosis, vascular congestion and hemorrhages. The hemodynamic alterations were statistically evaluated by Shapiro-Wilk normality test and analysis of variance by the Kruskall-Wallis test.

Results:

There was no significant differences observed between groups in the different types of applied forces and duration of ITM (vascular congestion, p=1.000; hemorrhage, p=0.305; thrombosis, p=1.000).

Conclusions:

Pulp tissue alterations resulting from ITM were limited to hemodynamic events, without progressing to irreversible degeneration, regardless of the type of force applied.

Prevalence of malocclusion in people with disabilities

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion in patients with disabilities. Material and Methods: The sample consisted in 98 patients of who had a previous diagnosis of disability. Patientes were divided into three groups: Intelectual Disabilities (ID), Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Down Syndrome (DS). They were evaluated according to Angle malocclusion classification, presence or absence of posterior crossbite, anterior crossbite and anterior open bite. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Kruskal Wallis test at 5% significance level. Results: Class II malocclusion was more frequent in the three groups (CP 45.45%, ID 40.43% and DS 50.00%); the anterior and the posterior crossbite were more prevalent in DS (p < 0.0001). The anterior open bite was more prevalent in CP (p < 0.0001).  Conclusion: Patients with disabilities have high rate of malocclusion and understanding this condition is essential to establish appropriate treatment.Keywords: Orthodontics; Malocclusion; People with disabilities.

Case Report of Posterior Crossbite: Description of an Effective Treatment Protocol

Early treatment of functional unilateral posterior crossbite during the mixed dentition stage is extremely important, as it provides the correct positioning of osseous bases, teeth, and the temporomandibular joint when the stomatognathic system is in growth and development. This article reports on a 9-year-old patient who presented with functional unilateral posterior crossbite and was treated with a modified Hyrax expander. The case report highlights a simple, low-cost, effective treatment protocol. The malocclusion was corrected with 15 days of active use of the appliance, 5 months of use for retention purposes, and 5 years of post-treatment follow-up. The stability in the long-term treatment is highly dependent on early diagnosis by the clinician and the elimination of the etiological factor through use of the proper appliance.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in Permanent Dentition of Brazilian Individuals with Down Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of dental anomalies in the permanent dentition of individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) to increase the knowledge on the dental issues in this syndrome.

METHOD

One hundred and five panoramic X-rays of patients with DS (61 males and 44 females), aged 7 to 42 years were used. The data were statistically analyzed using bivariate analyses test (p <0.05).

RESULTS

Dental anomalies were observed in 50.47% of the sample. More than one anomaly was observed in 9.52% of the individuals. The most frequent dental anomalies were hypodontia and microdontia (16.19%), followed by retained tooth (10.47%), taurodontism (9.52%), supernumerary teeth (5.71%), macrodontia (2.85%) and root dilaceration (0.95%). There was no statistically significant difference between genders for any of the anomalies.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of dental anomalies was observed in individuals with DS. The results of the present study reinforce the importance of good dental care, offering a greater basis for professionals who provide dental service to these patients.

<b>Effects of rapid maxillary expansion with six months of retention and no further orthodontic treatment

A expansão rápida ou lenta da maxila seguida do uso de aparelhos ortodônticos fixos altera a face e os dentes. Este estudo avaliou as mudanças dentoesqueléticas após a expansão rápida da maxila (ERM) e determinou a estabilidade dessas mudanças em três anos de acompanhamento. Dez crianças com mordida cruzada posterior bilateral foram avaliadas (grupo experimental). Modelos de estudo e telerradiografias laterais foram avaliadas antes da ERM (T0), assim como três meses (T1), um ano (T2) e três anos (T3) após a ERM. As medidas foram comparadas as de um grupo controle compostos de 21 pacientes por meio do teste ANOVA e teste t Student (p > 0.05). As mudanças no plano transversal revelaram uma expansão significante no arco superior três meses após a ERM, que se manteve estável após três anos. A expansão ao nível das cúspides foi similar à do nível gengival. Mas nenhuma diferença significante foi encontrada estre as medidas cefalométricas angulares e lineares ao longo dos períodos T0, T1, T2, e T3 e nem quando se comparou essas medidas as do grupo controle (p > 0.05). Conclui-se que A ERM precoce produz aumentos transversais estáveis no arco superior sem alterar significantemente as relações sagitais e verticais dentoesqueléticas e nem inclinar dentes. 

Analysis of mesiodistal angulations of preadjusted brackets

Manufacturers offer various prescriptions of preadjusted brackets for use in the "straight-wire" orthodontic technique. However, the need to incorporate bends in the rectangular wires during orthodontic finishing has led to concerns regarding the type of prescription chosen and the credibility of information provided by the manufacturer. The aim of this study was to compare the slot angulations of Roth prescription preadjusted metallic brackets for the maxillary left central incisor and maxillary left canine. For each tooth type, 10 brackets of three commercial brands (GAC, Forestadent and Morelli) were selected. Two individual metal matrices for brackets and tooth positioning were made for each group of teeth. Captured images were obtained by standardized ortho-radial photography with a digital camera. Images were exported and analyzed with the Image J software package. One-way ANOVA and Tukey statistical analyses were performed at the 5% significance level. For brackets of the maxillary left central incisor, differences in mean angulation were observed between the Morelli and GAC groups (p < 0.01) and between the Forestadent and GAC groups (p < 0.01). For brackets of the maxillary left canine, differences in mean angulation were found between the Morelli and GAC groups (p < 0.01) and between the Morelli and Forestadent groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, despite their same prescription name, the different brands exhibited significantly different angulation measurements.

Resorption of roots of different dimension induced by different types of forces

Root resorption is a variable to be considered in induced tooth movement (ITM). It is related to root morphology and alveolar bone crest, and also to the types of forces exerted by mechanotherapy. This histometric study evaluated the predominance of root resorption among roots of different dimensions, following ITM with different types of forces and at different time intervals. The study was conducted on 54 rats divided into three groups, according to the type of force: continuous (CF), continuous interrupted (CIF) and intermittent (IF), at periods of 5, 7 and 9 days. The percentage of resorption between mesiobuccal roots of larger dimension and intermediate roots of smaller dimension was assessed. The evaluations were performed on the AxioVision software, and the non-parametric analysis of variance for repeated measures in independent groups was further applied, consisting of a scheme of two factors, and complemented by the Dunn test at a significance level of 5%. The intermediate roots presented a higher percentage of resorption, which was gradual at the periods evaluated for the three types of forces, but mainly for CF. Comparing the intermediate roots with the mesiobuccal roots, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the CF group at day 7 and day 9, and in the FI group, at day 9. The intragroup analysis evidenced a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the 5th and the 9th day for the intermediate root in the CF group. The intergroup analysis did not reveal any statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in individually analyzed roots.

Microscopic evaluation of induced tooth movement after subluxation trauma: an experimental study in rats

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the histological alterations that occurred in the periodontal area of rat molars submitted to induced tooth movement (ITM) right after an intentional trauma (subluxation).

METHODS

Forty adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were selected. The animals were divided into eight groups (n=5), according to the combination of variables: Group 1--control (neither trauma nor ITM); Group 2--ITM; Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6--dentoalveolar trauma groups corresponding, respectively, to 1, 3, 8 and 10 days after trauma; Groups 7 and 8 - the animals' molars were subjected to a 900 cN impact and, one and three days after the trauma event, tooth movement was induced. The rats' maxillary first molars were mesially moved during seven days with a closed coil (50 cN). After the experimental period of each group, the animals were sacrificed by anesthetic overdose and the right maxillas were removed and processed for histological analysis under light microscopy.

RESULTS

In the animals of group 3, 4, 5 and 6, the histological alterations were not very significant. Consequently, the effect of induced tooth movement right after a subluxation event (groups 7 and 8) was very similar to those described for Group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in the quality of periodontal repair when ITM was applied to teeth that had suffered a subluxation trauma.

Densitometry, radiography, and histological assessment of collagen as methods to evaluate femoral bones in an experimental model of osteoporosis

SUMMARY

All methods to detect experimental loss of bone present technique limitations. The sensitivities of image and histological analyses to detect the effects of teriparatide in rats with bone loss after ovariectomy were evaluated. All methods were qualitatively valid.

INTRODUCTION

The standardization of methods to assess bone loss after ovariectomy is crucial to establish the degree of experimental osteoporosis. In general, methods per image or histological techniques are used. To validate these two ways to determine the degree of bone loss in ovariectomized rats, we evaluated the sensitivities of bone densitometry, conventional radiography, and histological analysis of the area occupied by collagen, detecting the effects of teriparatide treatment in the femur of ovariectomized rats with bone loss.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group, in which the animals were only subjected to laparotomy; an ovariectomized group, in which bilateral removal of the ovaries was performed; and an ovariectomized + teriparatide group, in which bilateral removal of the ovaries was performed, and the animals were treated with 3 μg/100 g/day of teriparatide. Three months following the ovariectomy, bone densitometry, radiographic densitometry, and histological analysis of the area occupied by collagen fibers were carried out in the femur diaphysis.

RESULTS

The bone densitometry revealed 11.2% reduction in femur density; in the conventional radiography, the loss of bone mass was 14.5%, and with the histological analysis, a 40.9% reduction in the area occupied by collagen was detected in the femur diaphysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, histological analysis could not be quantitatively compared with the methods of bone densitometry and conventional radiography; however, all of these methods were qualitatively valid for assessing the loss of bone stemming from ovariectomy and the therapeutic effect of teriparatide in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Microscopic evaluation of induced tooth movement in traumatized teeth: an experimental study in rats

The clinical management of orthodontic patients with dental trauma before or during the treatment is mainly founded on clinical experience, expert opinions, and individual case reports. It is proposed in the literature that teeth sustaining mild trauma with minor damage to the periodontium (e.g. subluxation) should be followed for a period of time before being subjected to orthodontic forces. A minimum period of 3 months has been proposed. In this study, we used an animal model to investigate whether shorter observation periods could be established in case of mild trauma. The periradicular region of rat molars was examined microscopically to determine the biological events of tooth movement started 15 and 30 days after intentional subluxation using an experimental method to induce dentoalveolar trauma. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups (n = 5): Group 1 (control - no trauma/orthodontic movement); Group 2: the animals received an orthodontic device and were sacrificed after 7 days; Groups 3 and 4: dentoalveolar trauma (subluxation) was experimentally induced by the application of an axial force of 900 cN on the occlusal surface of the maxillary right first molar, and the animals were sacrificed after 22 and 37 days, respectively; and Groups 5 and 6: 15 and 30 days, respectively, after force application, an orthodontic device was installed and the rats were sacrificed 7 days later. In G5 and G6, the periodontal ligament and pulp tissue were rich in cellular elements and blood vessels, the alveolar bone was preserved, and the root surface presented only very small areas of surface resorption (cementum), maintaining the characteristics of normality. In conclusion, the microscopic alterations in the gingival and periodontal tissues in response to an experimentally induced mild dentoalveolar trauma simulating subluxation were not sufficient to contraindicate starting the orthodontic movement 15 and 30 days after trauma.

Perceptions of laypersons and orthodontists regarding the buccal corridor in long- and short-face individuals

OBJECTIVE

To determine the perception of orthodontists and laypersons regarding the size of the dark spaces in the buccal corridors and how that affects smile esthetics in individuals with long and short faces.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Images of eight smiling individuals were modified to create five sizes of dark spaces in the buccal corridors (2%, 10%, 15%, 22%, and 28%) and were submitted to a group of laypersons and a group of orthodontists.

RESULTS

Laypersons were more critical in their evaluation than orthodontists. Laypersons could not distinguish the gradation of dark spaces in the buccal corridor unless it was very plain. Orthodontists perceived this gradation beginning at 15%. Female evaluators were more critical than male evaluators in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence or absence of dark spaces in the buccal corridors has little influence over smile esthetics. While this aspect must be considered in the orthodontic diagnosis, there is no justification for expanding the buccal corridor to eliminate dark spaces unless they are very evident.

Multidisciplinary treatment of a fractured root: a case report

AIM

To describe the orthodontic, periodontal and prosthetic management of a case with a 3 mm root fracture below the crest of the alveolar bone.

METHODS

The root was extruded and periodontal surgery carried out to improve aesthetics and dental function.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary approach to the management of dental root fractures is necessary for successful treatment.

Mesiodistal angulations of the mandibular canines, premolars and molars with or without the presence of third molars

SUMMARY

The purpose of the present research was to compare the normal average values of mesiodistal axial angulation, with the mesiodistal axial angulation of canines, premolars and mandibular molars in individuals with and without the presence of the mandibular third molars. Panoramic radiographs of 19 male and 21 female Caucasians, with a mean age of 22.35 years, who had not undergone orthodontic treatment were studied. The subjects were divided into two groups: group I, 20 radiographs of subjects without, and group II, 20 radiographs of subjects with mandibular third molars. The mean values of the groups were compared using a Student's t-test. The results show that, in both groups, the mandibular premolars and molars had enhanced angulation in the mesial direction, when compared with a control group of 42 Caucasians ranging in age from 12 to 17 years with a 'normal' occlusion (P < 0.05), while the mesiodistal axial angulation of the mandibular canines was similar to the control group (P < 0.05). The two groups, when compared, exhibited similar angular values for the canines, premolars and mandibular molars (P < 0.05), indicating no influence of the third molars.

Histological evaluation of experimentally induced subluxation in rat molars and its implications on the management of orthodontic treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological alterations occurred in the periradicular region of rat molars after intentional subluxation using an experimental method to induce dentoalveolar trauma. Eighteen adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were selected for the study. The dentoalveolar trauma was experimentally induced by the application of an occlusogingival force on the occlusal surface of the maxillary right first molar using a tensiometer secured on a fully articulated support with adjustable steel shafts. The animals were assigned to six groups (n = 3), according to the intensity of the force applied to induce trauma: Group I (GI, control) - no force application; Groups II-VI (GII-GVI) - the animals were subjected to 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 cN force, respectively. After experimental induction of trauma, the animals were sacrificed by anesthetic overdose and the right maxillas were removed and processed for histological analysis under light microscopy. In the animals of GII, GIII and GIV, the histological alterations were similar to those described for GI. GVI (1000 cN) presented the most severe alterations, with the occurrence of buccal bone plate fracture, alveolar fracture and root fracture, which are not present in mild traumatic injuries like subluxation. The 900 cN force (GV) was capable to produce clinical and histological alterations in the gingival and periodontal tissues compatible with those observed in subluxation.

Labiolingual and mesiodistal positioning of maxillary permanent incisors during the eruption process

This study aimed to establish radiographical parameters concerning the tipping, the labiolingual positioning and the angulation of the maxillary permanent incisors in the mixed dentition. Three groups of 20 cephalograms and 20 orthopantomographic radiographs taken from children aging from 7 to 12 years old, with normal occlusion were compared. The Group I presented only the eruption of the central permanent incisors, the Group II presented both the central and lateral permanent incisors and the Group III presented central, lateral incisors and permanent canine teeth. The tipping and the labiolingual positioning were measured, respectively, using U1/PP and U1<-->AVERT. Mesiodistally, the angles between the teeth axis and the line that touched the lower border of the orbit in the orthopantomographic radiographs were measured. The mean values of tipping, labiolingual positioning and angulation of the central and lateral incisors obtained from Groups I, II and III were respectively 112 degrees, 1.2 mm, 90.4 degrees and 91.7 degrees; 112 degrees, 2.6 mm, 89.5 degrees and 96.8 degrees and 114 degrees, 2.7 mm, 87.4 degrees and 92.6 degrees. The tipping levels were similar for all groups, the mean values of the labiolingual positioning were significantly different at 5% when Group I was compared to both Groups II and III. And the mean values of the angulation were significantly different 5% for the central incisors between Groups I and III, and at 1% for the lateral incisors between Groups I and II, and, II and III.

Loss of space and dental arch length after the loss of the lower first primary molar: a longitudinal study

The premature loss of primary teeth may harm the normal occlusal development, although there are debates relating to the necessity of using space maintainer appliances. The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in the dental arch perimeter and the space reduction after the premature loss of the lower first primary molar in the mixed dentition stage. The sample consists of 4 lower arch plaster models of 31 patients, within the period of pre-extraction, 6, 12 and 18 months after the lower first primary molar extraction. A reduction of space was of noted with the cuspid dislocation and the permanent incisors moving toward the space of the extraction site. It was concluded that the lower first molar primary premature loss, during the mixed dentition, implicates an immediate placement of a space maintainer.