Methods for quantitative measurement of tooth wear using the area and volume of virtual model cusps

Effect of an experimental TiF4/NaF solution in preventing tooth erosion

OBJECTIVE

This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled in vivo study investigating the protective potential of a titanium tetrafluoride/ sodium fluoride (TiF4/NaF) solution compared to its respective positive and negative controls under an in vivo model, as well as the perception of participants regarding the use of this experimental solution.

METHODS

After the ethics approval and the selection procedures, 33 participants were divided into three treatments: TiF4/NaF solution (500 ppm F, pH 4.4); AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash (500 ppm F, pH 4.5) and water (pH 7.0) (n = 11). After professional cleaning, the participants rinsed with one of the solutions for one minute and waited two hours for the erosive challenge. The erosive solution (1 % citric acid, pH 2.5) was applied for 10 s on each central incisor (enamel area: 4 mm2) and collected for calcium analysis using III Arsenazo colorimetric method. The Ca2+ release data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis/ Dunn tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Teeth treated with both fluoride solutions released less calcium into the acid (median and interquartile interval: TiF4/NaF - 0.45/0.19 mM and AmF/NaF/SnCl2 - 0.46/0.15 mM Ca2+, p = 0.99) compared to the negative control (1.12/0.42 mM Ca2+, 60 % reduction, p < 0.0006). For both F solutions, only one participant per group reported unpleasant taste. Four participants belonging to AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash reported burning sensation post-rinse, while only one participant described such feeling after TiF4/NaF rinsing.

CONCLUSION

The experimental TiF4/NaF solution was as effective as the commercial AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash in protecting enamel against erosive demineralization with a good acceptability by the participants.

Cervical Abrasion, Sexual Dimorphism, and Anthropometric Tooth Dimension

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze the anatomic crowns of the maxillary and mandibular dentition concerning the mesiodistal, buccolingual measurements which will be used to establish normative data as a part of comprehensive study being carried out to determine the depth of the cervical abrasion (CA) of the individuals by predicting the CA Index of Treatment Needs (CAITN) score.

Materials and Methods

A newly developed instrument termed as CAITN probe was used to measure CA of the tooth more quantitatively. The mesiodistal and buccolingual width of all the 14 maxillary and mandibular teeth from the right second permanent molar to the left second permanent molar of the study sample was measured. The ratio between buccolingual and mesiodistal measurements of each tooth of the maxillary and mandibular arch of the study sample (n=100) was also determined. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 26.0 software.

Results

Descriptive statistics were calculated for each group independently. The statistical significance of the difference in mean in mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters between males and females was calculated using the t-test for independent samples with p < 0.05. The ratio was highest in the left second premolar (1.752) and least in the right central incisor (0.980) of the maxillary arch. Similarly, the ratio was highest in the left central incisor (1.723) and least in the left second molar (0.910) of the mandibular arch.

Conclusion

The present study was conducted as an initial step in the process of development of the novel tool or index enabling the dentists to organize the health-care needs of their patients by facilitating standardized identification of CA with objective measurements used for epidemiological or community purpose.

Development of a Clinically Relevant Index for Tooth Wear Treatment Needs

Background: This study aimed to develop a tooth wear classification system that combined the extent, severity, and aesthetic impact of tooth wear and correlated them with the most appropriate clinical management strategy. Methods: Three hundred photographs were used to develop a classification tool that contained four levels of severity and aesthetic impact (0, 1, 2, and 3) in three age groups of patients. Ten examiners assessed and classified the cases using validated forms. Additionally, they selected the recommended treatment modality for each level. The analysis was conducted using a coefficient correlation test. Results: The coefficient correlation for the severity was 0.81, 0.82 in the upper anterior and posterior segments, and 0.85 and 0.77 for the lower anterior and posterior segments, respectively. The aesthetic impact correlation coefficient was 0.84. Examiners had agreed that minor cases required monitoring or simple restorative interventions. The moderate-level cases had variety in the recommended management options depending on the aim of treatment. The severe level cases often required rehabilitation at an increased occlusal vertical dimension. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this preliminary study, a good agreement between the examiners was found using the provided tools. More strict criteria in the classification part of the tool can further improve the examiners’ agreement.