[Enamel laser conditioning before sealant application]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the advantages offered by enamel laser conditioning before sealants application. 150 teeth of 50 patients were subdivided randomly into three groups. In each patient one tooth was etched with 37% orthophosphoric acid for 30 seconds, a second one with Er:YAG laser and orthophosphoric acid for 30 seconds and a third one exclusively with laser beam. Checks of the integrity of sealants applied were made at 3, 6, 12 months. The group treated with laser and orthophosphoric acid showed the best retention scores after 3, 6, 12 months. Enamel laser conditioning before sealants application reduced sealants fractures and loss during the observation time span.

Periapical endodontic surgery: a 3-year follow-up study

AIM

To monitor the outcome of periradicular surgery in a group of teeth treated with microsurgical technology and ultrasonic root-end preparation.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred and twenty-eight teeth with failed conventional root canal treatment were included. The surgical procedure was completed using ultrasonic retrotips and a zinc oxide-EBA (Super Seal, Ogna Pharmaceuticals. Milan, Italy)-reinforced material was used to seal the root end cavities. Lesions were examined radiologically at 1. 3. 6. 12, 24 and 36-month intervals. Radiographs were independently analysed according to a previously published classification.

RESULTS

Eight teeth were extracted due to fracture or perforations undetected radiologically: these cases were excluded from the study. Of the 120 teeth examined. the overall success rate was 92.5%; 94 healed with complete bone filling of the surgical cavity, 17 were considered to have healed by apical scar formation, four demonstrated uncertain healing and five were considered failures. Eighty of 120 teeth examined had successfully healed from a radiological point of view within 12 months. No differences in outcome occurred between anterior, premolar and molar teeth. Although all failures occurred in teeth with posts, no statistically significant difference was noted (Mann-Whitney U-test, P = 0.37).

CONCLUSION

Modern surgical endodontic procedures associated and ERA (Super Seal, Ogna Pharmaceuticals, Milan, Italy) root end fillings were successful over 3 years in 92.5% of cases.

[Effects of sterilization and disinfection on mechanical properties of Sentalloy springs]

The Authors evaluated mechanic characteristics of open and close titanium coils after two cycles of simulated usage. Coils undergone to thermic autoclaving didn't show any substantial variation in the forces offered compared to those only disinfected, authorizing reusage with igienic guarantees.

[Evaluation of a new technique for binding orthodontic wires]

The Authors examined to SEM modifications induced by two different bending procedures on orthodontic wires. Changes observed in the group made by orthodontic pliers lacked in the group bended by the machine. Further dinamometric checks will be made to assure that improvements in the mechanical properties of II order bends correspond to phenomena described.

[Treatment of polymerized resins. A new method]

The resins used at present to prepare removable orthodontic equipment have surface characteristics which do not always correspond to the operator's requirements. The Authors are proposing a new methodology of treatment of the orthodontic products which will improve the outlook, the hygienic aspect and quite probably its byocompatibility.

[Clinical evaluation of a new mouthwash during orthodontic therapy]

The purpose of this clinical study was to value the efficacy of a new mouthwash (Oradyne-Z), with an antiseptic agent, alkyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium-saccarinate, against the formation of bacterial oral plaque, in patients during orthodontic treatment. The test procedure was based on observation of 24 subjects (male and female, aged 14 to 50) and divided into 3 equal groups (group A, B and C) during orthodontic therapy. In six (6) weeks, the first group (A), used Oradyne-Z mouthwash, the second group used a placebo solution (B) ant the third (C), used Chlorhexidine mouthwash. The comparison of the results obtained in this clinical and statistical study, confirms the efficacy of Oradyne-Z and chlorhexidine solutions, against supra-gengival plaque. On the contrary no specific result about antiseptical effects, was observed against subgengival oral plaque. The reduction of gengival clinical indices and periodontal pocket dept, was only connected to the scaling and root-planning treatment.