Eugene Natkin

External resorption associated with bleaching of pulpless teeth

A number of cases observed in recent years have suggested that external resorption of cervical crown and root structure may be produced by bleaching the crowns of endodontically treated pulpless teeth. Although a direct cause and effect relationship of resorption to bleaching cannot be established with certainty, the clinical circumstances of the cases described in this report strongly suggest such a relationship.

Diagnosis and treatment of vertical root fractures

The characteristics of vertical root fractures are discussed along with various factors useful in detection and determination of their extent. Treatment alternatives which depend upon the location and extent of the fractures are presented.

Instrumentation of curved molar root canals with the roane technique

Fifty root canals in extracted human molar teeth were assigned to two curvature groups, unidirectional and S curve. Teeth were mounted in special acrylic blocks and canals were instrumented with straight (noncurved) Unitek K files to a file size #45 using the technique of Roane. The position in the root canal of a series of instruments from file #20 to #45 was compared with the original position in the canal of a #10 or #15 file by means of a method utilizing drawings and projected radiographic images of the files. Results indicated that at file size #45 the original canal position was maintained in approximately 40% of instances; however, at file size #40 the original canal position was maintained in 80% of instances. This study suggests that effective instrumentation of curved root canals may be accomplished with straight instruments of fairly large size without significant deviation from the original canal position.

The relationship of lesion size to diagnosis, incidence, and treatment of periapical cysts and granulomas

The authors have reviewed the literature relevant to diagnosis, incidence, and treatment of periapical cysts and granulomas. They suggest that lesion size may have a significant influence in all those areas. On the basis of this viewpoint, they suggest alternatives to various commonly held assumptions and potential solutions to a number of controversial issues.

A case of talon cusp associated with other odontogenic abnormalities

This report presents a case of talon cusp associated with several other odontogenic abnormalities. It also notes several cases which indicate that pulp horns may be absent in talon cusps and that primary teeth may demonstrate talon cusp formation.

Treatment of the fused tooth: Report of a case

Abstract We have described a case of fusion of two teeth in which a portion of the fused crown and its roots were removed in order to produce satisfactory esthetics and occlusal function. In selected cases coronal reshaping of fused and geminate teeth, combined (if necessary) with root canal therapy, will produce a more desirable result than extraction and prosthetic replacement.

Hyperostosis and fixed partial denture pontics: Report of 16 patients and review of literature

A total of 19 hyperostoses underlying mandibular posterior fixed partial dentures were observed in 16 patients. In three patients the lesions were bilateral. Histologic examination of hyperostoses from eight patients showed that they were composed essentially of hyperplastic lamellar bone. Radiographic and clinical evidence suggested that subpontic hyperostoses are chronic, slow growing lesions with an exclusive predilection for the mandibular molar-premolar site. They appear to have variable growth rates and attain widely variable maximum size. The etiology of subpontic hyperostoses is unknown, but it is possible that inflammation, trauma, mandibular and occlusal function, and genetic factors, either individually or in combination, play a role in the initiation and development of these lesions. Subpontic hyperostoses have potential periodontal and restorative implications that may require their surgical removal.

Anginal pain referred to the teeth: Report of a case

A case is reported in which initial anginal pain was localized to the area of the left posterior teeth. Subsequently the patient reported that at certain times he experienced pain in the area of the left posterior teeth with concomitant chest pain while at other times the pain was confined to the teeth.

Isolation and host range of bacteriophages active against human oral enterococci

Abstract Enterococcal strains were isolated from the oral cavities of forty-two dental patients. Strains were identified as enterococci on the basis of standard biochemical tests and were confirmed as Group D streptococci by means of an agar precipitin method. Strains were classified as S. faecalis and its varieties zymogenes and liquefaciens S. faecium and S. durans . Temperate bacteriophages were isolated from nineteen oral and non-oral enterococcal strains. These phages plus eleven virulent phages were tested for host range against the oral bacterial isolates and a number of other enterococcal strains. Approximately half of the oral enterococci were attacked by either temperate or virulent phages. Sensitivity to phage attack was almost completely limited to strains of S. faecalis and its varieties. Some phages could attack members of several S. faecalis subgroups however none of the phages which attacked S. faecalis or its varieties could attack oral S. faecium or S. durans strains. Oral S. faecium and S. durans strains were in addition resistant to the S. faecium phages tested. The characteristics of the enterococcus phages tested indicate that the development of a phage-typing scheme for oral enterococci is feasible.

A splinting method for replantation of teeth in a noncontiguous arch.

Abstract A splinting technique is described which allows maximum stabilization and accurate repositioning of replanted teeth in a noncontiguous arch.