Dentifrice abrasivity and cervical dentinal hypersensitivity. Results 12 weeks following cessation of 8 weeks' supervised use

Following an 8-week controlled investigation of 2 strontium chloride hexahydrate dentifrices (SCH) of differing abrasivity, 2 groups of 20 subjects each, with cervical dentinal hypersensitivity, were re-examined at 20 weeks; that is, 12 weeks after the active period. The examination procedures were conducted in the same manner as in the main clinical trial. Sensitivity levels were assessed by 2 instrument methods: tactile (Yeaple probe), and cold air (dental air syringe), and by subjective perception of pain by means of a Visual Analogue Scale. The results from these methods of assessment demonstrated that 12 weeks following the cessation of 8 weeks' controlled use of standard and low abrasive SCH dentifrices, sensitivity levels reversed on slightly in both groups and, overall, sensitivity remained significantly lower than at baseline. The abrasivity of the dentifrice did not affect the desensitivity activity.

Domestic water treatment appliances and the fluoride ion

Specific ion metering of fluoride ion levels of water samples obtained after passage through water softeners and a conditioner showed no alteration in concentration when compared with controls. Similar comparison of water samples passed through water filters demonstrated that highly significant amounts of fluoride ion were removed. In one filter tested, 90% of the fluoride content was lost in the filtration process. The findings of this study suggest that, in a household using a filter, it may be necessary to increase the fluoride supplement or in some cases to initiate use of fluoride supplements as children are not receiving as much fluoride as was thought. New guidelines are required to take account of this surprising effect.

Marking width, calibration from tip and tine diameter of periodontal probes

The present study comprises an investigation of 7 different probe types, representing currently-marketed major designs (WHO-CPITN, Williams, Michigan), as well as available calibration systems (engraved, etched and painted markings). Width of markings, accuracy of calibration from probe tip, and tine diameter at the tip and at specified points along the tine were assessed, using a stereomicroscope at a magnification of x 40. Blind duplicate measurements of these probe tine characteristics were 100% reproducible to within 0.01 mm. There was an overall range in marking width from 0.00-1.13 mm. The best marking, in that it had no appreciable width and the highest accuracy, was the discrete transition between normal and engraved parts of probes with engraved bands. Mean inaccuracies of different probe sets varied from 0.06 to 0.22 mm. Probes from the same batch from the same production line could differ by more than 0.5 mm in calibration. Mean tip diameter ranged from 0.28 to 0.70 mm. It was concluded that probe tine diameter and calibration should be considered in addition to other variables of periodontal probing. Standardisation of tine characteristics and avoidance of the use of different types or batches in a single study should enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of periodontal probe-dependent measurements.

Assessment of ultrasonic debridement of calculus-associated periodontally-involved root surfaces by the limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. An in vitro study

This investigation assessed the effectiveness of an in vitro ultrasonic debridement regime on periodontally involved teeth with visually-detectable calculus deposits, using the LAL assay for lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as a marker of bacterial products. 34 single rooted teeth with extensive amounts of calcified accretions were selected, of which 10 served as uninstrumented controls for the estimation of existing LPS levels. The periodontally involved roots of the 24 experimental teeth were debrided with a Cavitron TF-10 tip for a limited time using light pressure and overlapping strokes which ensured complete surface instrumentation without reference to the presence of calculus. Marked reductions in root surface area coverage by calculus were nevertheless achieved as assessed planimetrically from photographic records of the teeth before and after debridement. The root surfaces of each tooth were then stripped away and the harvested material subjected to 'Westphal' extraction and LAL assay for LPS. The resulting LPS yields from the experimental teeth ranged from less than 0.08 to 22.387 ng compared to 1,900 to 29,200 ng from the uninstrumented controls. The extremely small residual LPS yields from the experimental teeth not only confirm the efficacy of ultrasonic debridement but, when coupled with the lack of a relationship with the widely varying amounts of the remaining calculus, support the contention that bacterial plaque rather than calculus has the greater pathogenic potential. These results reinforce the growing impression of the superficial location of bacterial toxic products associated with periodontally involved root surfaces.

The assessment of ultrasonic root surface debridement by determination of residual endotoxin levels

Recent demonstrations of the superficial nature and ease of removal of root-surface-associated cytotoxic materials suggest that extensive root-surface instrumentation is not warranted clinically. This in vitro investigation determined the detoxifying effects of a conservative regime of ultrasonic root debridement, using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an indication of the presence or absence of cytotoxic materials. 20 extracted periodontally-involved single-rooted teeth, with no clinically detectable calculus deposits, were debrided with a Cavitron TF-10 tip. Light pressure, resulting from a force application of approximately 50 g, lasting for 0.8 s/mm2 of root surface was used and complete overlapping instrumentation ensured. The finding of LPS levels of less than 2.5 ng per root in 19 out of 20 teeth after such debridement was comparable to LPS levels found on healthy, uninvolved control teeth, and thus endorses the growing belief that root surface cleanliness can be readily achieved.

Materials for mouth protectors

A mixture containing 18% polyvinylacetate exhibits the optimum physical properties for mouth protection in contact sports.

The morphological characterization of dental amalgam alloy powders

Two commercially available amalgam alloy powders (one lathe-cut, the other spherical) were characterized in terms of density, surface area, particle size distribution and appearance under the scanning electron microscope. A third, experimental alloy powder, prepared by electrodeposition, was subjected to a similar analysis. It was found that particle size distribution can be a misleading indicator, in that when particles are porous, inordinately large amounts of mercury will be taken up on trituration, and the resulting amalgam will have wholly unsatisfactory mechanical properties. Surface area measured by BET (gas adsorption) may be the best single index of the morphological quality of an amalgam alloy powder.

Tensile and shear strength measurements on brazed "T" joints used in construction of intra- and intermaxillary hooks

Silver-brazed "T" joints, representing the first stage in the construction of intermaxillary hooks were fabricated under rigorously controlled conditions. Their tensile and shear strengths were then measured using specially developed test jigs. It was found that the braze joint itself was stronger than the component wires (under tensile load) while in shear mode, fracture occurred in one of a number of well-defined ways. The effect of prolonged heating was investigated using microhardness measurements and recommendations are made for the optimum brazing conditions.

The interaction between lining materials and composite resin restorative materials

The effects of four lining materials, Dycal, Procal, Cavitec and Poly F cement on Adaptic and Concise have been investigated in vitro. The parameters studied were surface roughness, hardness and colour both with and without an intermediate (or bonding) resin being present between the restorative material and the liner. The effects of the four liners on the composites varied both between the lining materials themselves and with the composite resin. Two materials, Procal and Dycal, had little interaction with the composites, provided an intermediate resin was used with the latter. Cavitec appeared to have an adverse reaction with the composites and Poly F, whilst having no effect on the colour of the composites, did increase surface roughness. The adverse effects of linig materials were ascribed to minor constituents, particularly methyl salicylate, present in the formulation.

Processing factors affecting the clarity of a rapid-curing clear acrylic resin

The difficulty in repeatedly producing unblemished, clear acrylic resin in the dental laboratory has hindered its wider use, despite its many advantages over coloured material. Recently, rapid-cure dental acrylics have been introduced, which are available in both clear and coloured forms. This investigation examined various factors which may influence the production of unblemished, rapid-curing, clear acrylic resin. Utilizing a quantitative assessment of clarity, the most important factor influencing the clarity of the resin is shown to be the choice of separating medium. Tin-foil produces extremely high clarity, but alginate mould separator causes surface blanching. However, this surface blanching can be removed by polishing. Porosity, caused by too rapid curing, and stone model dryness are of only secondary importance. Possible water contamination of the monomer liquid due to accidental exposure only affects clarity at very high levels of contamination.

A study of temperature changes during removal of amalgam restorations

Because tooth preparation is only one of several potent causes of trauma to the pulp during clinical procedures, the objective should be to increase the chance of pulp survival by reducing this trauma wheneve- possible. In case of tooth preparation, this study shows that there is far less potential for pulpal damage when water is used as a coolant.