James C. Adrian

Pulp effects of neodymium laser: A preliminary report☆

A total of eight teeth from two rhesus monkeys were exposed to various amounts of neodymium laser radiation. The pulp response was found to be much less severe than that in a study of nineteen teeth previously reported for exposure to similar amounts of ruby laser radiation. If additional studies support this initial finding, it is suggested that a re-evaluation of neodymium laser-mediated procedures in vital teeth be initiated.

Use of the carbon dioxide laser in sterilization of endodontic reamers

The object of this study was to test a new method of sterilizing endodontic instruments by using a carbon dioxide laser system. This was done by contaminating endodontic reamers with spores, exposing them to a CO2 laser beam, and checking for their viability by standard microbiologic techniques. It was found that 100 percent of the spores were killed by the CO2 laser. This holds promise as an effective method of sterilizing endodontic instruments in the future.

Collagen gel in osseous defects: A preliminary study

In a preliminary study, the effects of a biodegradable collagen gel on the healing of osseous defects were examined. Histologic and biochemical observations made on the seventh day after placement revealed that the collagen gel is well tolerated by the recipient and might be an effective stimulator of the formation of reparative bone. However, between the seventh and fourteenth days after placement, the deposition of reparative osseous tissues at the site of implant was significantly retarded. The possible implication of these findings is discussed.

Dental pulp reaction to Cavit temporary filling material

Seventy-two teeth in three Macaque fasicularis monkeys were used to evaluate pulpal response to cavit. Displacement of odontoblastic nuclei was evaluated histologically at three time periods in order to identify initial, early, and final responses. There were no statistically significant differences in pulpal response between Cavit and the zinc oxide-eugenol controls when used in accordance with the manufacturers directions.

The effect of topical antihistamine on the initial pulpal inflammatory response of monkey teeth

Cavity preparations were made in sixty sound teeth of healthy monkeys. Thermal trauma was delivered to the pulps of all teeth through application of a heated soldering iron to the floor of a cavity preparation. Fifteen teeth were randomly designated as controls and were restored immediately with zinc oxide and eugenol. Forty-five teeth were designated as test teeth. These were treated topically with a 4 per cent antihistamine solution and restored with zinc oxide and eugenol. Histologic sections were prepared to show the effect of the antihistamine on the thermally initiated inflammatory response during the postoperative period. No significant difference was observed in the inflammatory reactions of treated or untreated pulps. A 4 per cent aqueous solution of topically applied antihistamine did not appear to be of any significant value in obviating pulpal inflammation.

The predentin index

This is the initial report of a new, objective means of determining early pulpal reaction to an insult. The method consists of (1) direct measurement of the thickness of the predentin in the crown and cervical portions of each tooth, (2) determination of the Predentin Index, and (3) subsequent comparison of the PIs of control versus experimental teeth. If the Predentin Index of the experimental is lower than that of the control, a pulpal injury has occurred. Reliance on the subjective, interpretive ability of the observer is effectively eliminated.