Quintessence International, 10/2020

Objectives: This split-mouth study assessed the bleaching sensitivity (risk and intensity) and color change after in-office bleaching using a desensitizing-containing (5% potassium nitrate) and a desensitizing-free 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. The null hypothesis was that there would be no differences between study groups regarding bleaching sensitivity. Method and materials: Sixty patients participated in this split-mouth study. The subjects received desensitizing-containing hydrogen peroxide in half of the maxillary arch, and the other half received a desensitizing-free hydrogen peroxide, defined by random sequence, in two dental bleaching sessions. The bleaching sensitivity was evaluated during bleaching and from 1 h to 48 h after each bleaching session using a visual analog scale and numeric rating scale; the McNemar test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Student-Newman-Keuls test were used for statistical analysis. The color was measured at baseline and 30 days post-bleaching, evaluated with paired t tests (P = .05). Results: Statistically similar risks of bleaching sensitivity were observed (P = 1.000), but the intensity of bleaching sensitivity was lower (P .011) on average by 1.32 visual analog scale units in the group bleached with the desensitizer-containing gel during up to 24 h assessment times. No statistical difference in color change was observed between groups (P > .321). Conclusion: The incorporation of 5% potassium nitrate into in-office bleaching gels does not reduce the risk of bleaching sensitivity, but it reduces its intensity slightly without jeopardizing color change. Keywords: dentin sensitivity, hydrogen peroxide, randomized controlled trial, tooth bleaching agents

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of C-shaped canals in permanent mandibular second molars (SMs) and to determine whether its appearance was associated with the presence of distolingual root (DLR) in permanent mandibular first molars (FMs). Method and materials: Three hundred and eighty patients were qualified for evaluation of their FMs and SMs using cone beam computed tomography. The prevalence, distribution pattern, external root morphology, and the internal root canal anatomy of the examined molars were recorded and analyzed. Furthermore, the association between the root canal configurations of SMs and the appearance of DLR in FMs was also assessed. Results: The prevalence of SMs with C-shaped root canals was 44.7%. The most common root canal configuration type of the one-rooted SMs with C-shaped anatomy was C3 (45.6%), followed by C2 and C1. The frequency of C-shaped canals in SMs was 45.4% in Non-DLR group, 52.8% in unilateral DLR group, and 33.9% in bilateral DLR group, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in SMs with the presence of bilateral DLRs in FMs was significantly lowered. Conclusion: The association between the presence of DLR in FMs and C-shaped canal configurations in neighboring SMs was surveyed, and the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in SMs with the presence of bilateral DLRs in FMs was found to be significantly lowered. Keywords: CBCT, C-shaped root canal configuration, distolingual root, mandibular first molars, mandibular second molars

Biologic complications around dental implants may be categorized into peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Peri-implant mucositis is defined as reversible inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa without any apparent bone destruction. Peri-implantitis refers to inflammatory process that resulted in destruction of alveolar bone and attachment. Potential etiologic and contributing factors to both diseases are discussed in this review. By targeting and eliminating the etiologic factors nonsurgically as well as surgically, dental implants presenting with peri-implant diseases may be rescued, and then maintained with proper long-term peri-implant supportive therapy. Furthermore, clinical cases and their management are presented to demonstrate the available treatment options. Implant therapy should be carefully planned and executed with consideration of potential etiologic and contributing factors to developing biologic complications. During the initial consideration, patients should be informed of the potential biologic complications in dental implant therapy. Clinicians should monitor implants for any development or recurrence of peri-implant disease to ensure timely therapeutic intervention. Keywords: bone loss, implant failure, implant success, peri-implant disease, periodontitis

Objectives: Regeneration of intrabony defects is a challenging target of periodontal therapy. The biologic rationale for regeneration not only is based on incorporating the regenerative material, but also takes into consideration the defect's inherent healing capacity. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of decortication or intramarrow penetration performed with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in the management of intrabony defects. Method and materials: Forty chronic periodontitis (stage II and III periodontitis) patients having 40 intrabony defects were randomly assigned into test group (intrabony defect filled with DFDBA after intramarrow penetration along with open flap debridement [OFD+IMP+ DFDBA]) and control group (DFDBA along with open flap debridement [OFD+DFDBA]). Primary outcome measures included probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and percentage bone fill (%BF). All parameters were recorded at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months postsurgical follow-up. Results: Mean reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment level was statistically significantly higher at the interdental defect site in the test group compared to the control group at 9 months follow-up (P = .02 and .04, respectively). In radiographic parameters, statistically significant improvements in defect depth and gain in defect area were found in the test group (P = .00 and .03, respectively). Statistically significant improvements in %BF and linear bone growth (P = .02 and .00, respectively) were also observed in the experimental group (39.47 ± 13.92% and 1.41 ± 0.54 mm) in comparison with the control group (19.29 ± 14.24%, 0.62 ± 0.49 mm). Conclusion: Addition of intramarrow penetration with DFDBA in surgical periodontal therapy may enhance the healing potential of periodontal intrabony defects, as observed by greater improvement in clinical and radiographic outcomes. Keywords: bone graft, bone morphogenetic protein, growth factors, periodontal attachment loss, regeneration, wound healing

The proposed denture replication method shows a predictable workflow for fabricating complete dentures for patients with existing dentures. The replication technique is a method of fabricating new removable complete dentures utilizing the existing prosthesis as the foundation for a new denture. The technique has some advantages such as allowing the clinician to copy the tooth shape and contours of the existing prosthesis while modifying borders and intaglio surfaces. The denture replication method links proven methods of obtaining functional impressions using soft reline materials to a straightforward digital process. Utilizing the new "copy-denture" feature in the 3Shape software, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of appointments and laboratory labor involved in denture fabrication. The denture replication method protocol is increasing efficiency by reducing the amount of clinical procedures and visits, resulting in decreased treatment time and costs while providing a satisfactory clinical solution. Keywords: denture replication, digital dentistry, functional impression, functional reline

Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of the fiberglass "Figaro" crowns compared to preformed metal crowns (PMCs) in pulpotomized primary molars in children. Method and materials: This split-mouth controlled randomized clinical study was performed on ten childrens, aged from 4 to 6 years, who needed complete oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia and had one pair or two pairs of their primary molars requiring pulpotomy. After pulp therapy, the teeth were randomly assigned to Figaro or PMC crown groups. Modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria were used to evaluate crown retention, marginal integration, crown discoloration, secondary caries, and gingival status, at 3 and 6 months. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test with Monte Carlo (MC) correction and McNemar (McN) test at a significance level of .05. Results: Ten patients (three boys, 30%; seven girls, 70%) with a mean age of 4.65 ± 0.709 years participated in this study. At 3 months follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups, but at 6 months follow-up, Figaro crowns showed significant changes from intact crown to either chipped or large loss, whereas all PMCs were found intact (χ2 = 14.545, P[MC] = 0.000). There was also significant deterioration in Figaro crowns' color after 6 months (χ2[McN] = 8.1, P = .004). Conclusion: PMCs were more durable than Figaro crowns, which showed significant deterioration after the 6-month follow-up period. Keywords: children, fiberglass crown, Figaro crown, preformed metal crown (PMC), primary molar crown

Objective: To investigate the effect of a 5% sodium fluoride varnish with functionalized tri-calcium phosphate (fTCP) on post-orthodontic white spot lesions. A secondary aim was to study if the patients and their clinicians perceived clinical improvements. Method and materials: Fifty-nine patients with at least two visible WSLs on their maxillary incisors, canines, or first premolars present at the debonding of fixed appliances (baseline) were enrolled and assigned to a Varnish group (Clinpro White Varnish, 3M Espe) receiving topical applications at baseline and after 8 weeks, or a Control group treated with a fluoride-free mock product. The primary endpoint was white spot lesion appearance after 16 weeks, assessed from photographs using the modified ICDAS white spot lesion score (0 to 3). The patients and the dental examiners rated the white spot lesions subjectively with aid of a visual analog scale. Results: Fifty-seven patients completed the study. After 16 weeks, 62% of the white spot lesions in the Varnish group were completely reversed (score 0) compared to 39% in the Control group. The treatment effect was statistically significant (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.59, P = .003) after adjusting for baseline oral hygiene index and type of tooth. A significant correlation (P .05) was observed between patients' and orthodontists' perception of the lesions. Conclusion: The 5% sodium fluoride varnish with fTCP appeared clinically effective in reversing post-orthodontic white spot lesions 16 weeks after debonding. The patients and the clinicians agreed on the obtained esthetic improvements. Keywords: adolescents, orthodontics, remineralization, secondary prevention, white spot lesion

Objective: This prospective, block randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Method and materials: In this clinical trial, 46 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two equal groups: group I (n = 22) received IANB in a closed operatory without any fragrance, whereas group II (n = 24) received IANB in a separate closed operatory saturated with lavender fragrance using a candle warmer. The modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS) for anxiety and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were recorded preoperatively as well as during access cavity preparation. For MDAS, a total score of more than 18 was considered as tremendously anxious or dental phobic. No or mild pain on VAS was considered as success. Data were analyzed using paired t test and independent sample t test. P .05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Difference in mean VAS (P = .749) and MDAS (P = 1.000) between both the groups was statistically nonsignificant. However there was a statistically significant difference in mean VAS (P = .000) and MDAS (P = .001) during access opening. Conclusion: Lavender aromatherapy can be used successfully to alleviate dental anxiety as well as to increase the anesthetic success rate of IANB in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Keywords: aromatherapy, inferior alveolar nerve block, irreversible pulpitis, lavender