Henry M Goldman

Central myxoma of the jaw

Abstract The myxoma of the jaw is seemingly a benign tumor, as evidenced by a study of eleven cases, four of which are cited in the case reports. The association of this tumor with embedded or missing teeth is striking, especially the case in which the tumor had the appearance of a dentigerous cyst. In a previous report the authors described an odontogenic fibroma which had the appearance of a dentigerous cyst. Since the myxoma, from histologic study, is derived from a degeneration of a connective tissue tumor, it is reasonable to suppose that the myxoma of the jaw is in reality an odontogenic fibroma which has undergone myxomatous degeneration.

The Relationship of the Epithelial Attachment to the Adjacent Fibers of the Periodontal Membrane

A fundamental process pertaining to the formation of the pathologic gingival crevice is the apical proliferation of the epithelial attachment alongside the cementum of the tooth. The cause of this proliferation is still questionable, and the exact conditions which increase or decrease its rate are unknown. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the relationship of the epithelial proliferation alongside the cementum to the adjacent principal fibers of the periodontal membrane and to demonstrate that this epithelial proliferation is dependent upon a loss of attachment of these fibers.

A survey of seventy-five cases

Abstract The odontogenic tumors are classified into three groups: Epithelial, mesenchymal, and mixed. The dentinoma, a pure mesenchymal tumor, is composed of connective tissue in which denticles or islands of irregularly formed dentine are present. The odontogenic mixed tumors consist of epithelial and mesodermal elements which are in combination in various proportions and arrangements. Three types are recognized: Soft, soft and calcified, and calcified. The soft type has been differentiated from the solid adamantoblastoma. There is evidence of the inductive influences of one tissue on another in the odontogenic mixed tumors. It is noted that epithelium in these tumors seems to stimulate dentine formation, but that the presence of epithelium is not necessary for the production of dentine. Also, dentine is formed in the presence of epithelial cells not differentiated into ameloblasts. Neoplastic adamantine tissue and enamel-forming ameloblasts have been distinguished. The presence of these two types accounts, in part, for the formation of the soft and calcified odontogenic mixed tumors.

Experimental hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs

Abstract An experiment was performed to discover the effect on the dentition of feeding desiccated thyroid to guinea pigs. The animals were given a normal diet with green vegetables, plus thyroid. The principal changes occurred in the dentine, pulp, and bone structures. The odontoblasts became deranged with pyknotic nuclei; marked changes occurred in the dentine. Two grades of dentine formation were observed, one type more regularly formed than the other. The more regular dentine showed striations. The dentinal tubules became decreased in number and were very tortuous. In the irregular type dentine, odontoblasts and blood vessels became enclaved, and the structure assumed the appearance of osteodentine. This latter type was observed on the lingual side, the labial being more regularly formed. The bone itself showed evidence of osteoporosis. These changes were differentiated from those found in vitamin A and C deficiencies, hyperparathyroidism and low-calcium experiments, and magnesium deficiency.

A similar condition to periodontosis found in two spider monkeys

P ERIODONTOSIS may be defined as a noninflammatory degenerative disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, causing them to become loose and wander from their position in the dental arch. Rapid loss of the teeth is the usual. It affects the younger age group and it is believed to be more frequent in females. This disease was first described by Gottlieb in 1920. Since that time many investigators have searched into the problems of histopathology, pat,hogenesis, and etiology; as yet no unity of opinion exists.

Relationship of the Gingival Crevice and the Alveolar Crest

Pathologic gingival crevices have been described by Gottlieb, Orban, Kronfeld, Box, and numerous other investigators. Their general concept is that the crest of the alveolar bone will undergo resorption if an inflammation in the gingiva persists for a long period of time. This is true in many cases. The present investigation, however, demonstrates that the inflammation of the gingiva does not cause, necessarily, resorption of the alveolar crest. The study of serial microscopic sections of 30 human jaws reveals that neither the depth of the gingival crevice nor the degree of inflammatorv cell infiltration in the subepithelial tissue are directly related to the condition of the alveolar crest. Sections showing shallow gingival crevices with small and large numbers of inflammatory cells in the gingiva may show either resorption of the alveolar crest or an apposition of bone. These processes may also be demonstrated under deep gingival crevices. Evidence to support these statements may be found in the illustrations presented. The first 3 photomicrographs show resorption of the alveolar crest accompanying inflammation of the gingiva. The succeeding 4 photomicrographs demonstrate that under similar circumstances bone apposition may be seen. The last photomicrograph is of a section with a deep crevice, under which the bone seems inactive. Fig. 1 is a photomicrograph of a mesiodistal section of the interdental tissues of a lower canine and premolar. The epithelial attachment is on the enamel. The depth of the crevices is comparable to that in fig. 4 and there is also a similar degree of inflammation in the gingiva. In this case resorption of the alveolar crest is evident in contrast to fig. 4 where apposition of bone is seen. Fig. 2 is a photomicrograph of a mesiodistal section of a lower second premolar. The gingival crevice is deep and ulcerations of the epithelium may be seen. There is resorption of the cementum of the tooth beneath the epithelial attachment. Inflammation of the subepithelial tissue is evident. Osteoelastic resorption of the alveolar crest can be seen. This section may be compared with that shown in fig. 8. Fig. 3 is a photomicrograph of a mesiodistal section between a maxillary canine and premolar. The epithelial attachments are on the cementum. The gingival crevices are comparatively shallow and a dense inflammatory infiltration can be seen in the subepithelial tissue. There is osteoclastic resorption

A summary of the treatment of periodontal diseases

S IN the therapy of any disease, periodontal treatment must be based on A a correct diagnosis. This necessitates an understanding of the pathologic changes going on in the periodontium and their correla.tion to the clinical symptoms. This knowledge combined with an understanding of the etiologic factors that are responsible for the disease, will aid the dentist in selecting a method of periodontal therapy which will best remove the exciting causes. The treatment of periodontal diseases consists of three phases: (1) The removal of the etiologic factors, (2) the correction of the symptoms, and (3) the institution of procedures for the maintenance of health.

Report of the histopathologic study of the jaws of a diet-deficient monkey, and its relation to Vincent's infection

Abstract Study of the sections from the jaws of a monkey which lived on a deficient diet during a six-month voyage and died the day of arrival shows changes similar to those resulting from a dietary deficiency described by other investigators. Vincents infection with necrosis of the papillae was demonstrated by clinical signs and verified histologically. A study of the developing teeth confirmed, furthermore, a diagnosis of ascorbic acid deficiency, the relationship of the enamel-dentine width being of diagnostic importance. In man, the breakdown of the crevicular epithelium and the epithelial attachment in Vincents infection histologically is the same as found in this monkey. From this we may conclude that Vincents infection may not be a contagious disease but a manifestation of a dietary disease with the fusospirochetal flora superimposed.

Diagnosis of parodontal diseases

Abstract These studies show that a correct diagnosis is important in parodontal disease, but not easy to obtain. We must bear in mind that several conditions may exist simultaneously and that we should be on the watch for them.