Jerry F. Taintor

Maxillary second molar with three buccal roots

We have treated a maxillary second molar that hasa rare second distobuccal canal with a separate root apex and, thus, a separate apical foramen. The importance of this case is that it demonstrates that the seemingly “ordinary” case can present with an anamolous root or root canal configuration. The clinician must be aware that this second distobuccal canal, though rare, can exist and may result in treatment failure if not found and properly treated.

The effect of varying liquid-to-powder ratio to zinc oxide and eugenol of rat pulpal respiration

A study was conducted to determine the effect of varying the liquid to-powder ratio of zinc oxide and eugenol placed in contact with rat pulp tissue. The pulp tissue was suspended in phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS) to which 14 C-succinic acid had been added. The 14 CO 2 produced was used as an index of the effect on pulpal respiration. Findings indicated that the thicker mix of zinc oxide and eugenol produced the least effect in depression of pulpal tissue respiration.

The effect of orthodontic forces on pulp respiration in the rat incisor

Maxillary central incisors of Sprague-Dawley rats were orthodontically stressed for 72 hours. Radiorespirometry was used to determine the effects of orthodontic tooth movement on the pulp tissue. Results indicated that orthodontic stresses produced a statistically significant increase in the pulp respiration rate.

Comparison of respiration rates in different zones of rat incisor pulp

Abstract This investigation was undertaken to develop a new technique for the measurement of pulp respiration using small samples of pulp tissue over short periods of observation. Using this method, zonal respiratory variation between incisal, middle and coronal portions of the rat incisor pulp was found. The results demonstrated that the 01 probe system is useful in the exploration of pulpal tissue respiration and that oxygen consumption varies from the incisal to apical regions.

Root end closure in adults: report of cases

Three successful cases involving treatment of open apexes in adults are reported. The cause of the open apex was different in each patient. Treatment consisted of calcium hydroxide-sterile saline paste with conventional obturation later. Postobturation and recall radiographs showed significant healing.

A swallowed endodontic file: case report.

Summary During the course of endodontic emergency treatment, a patient swallowed a file becuse of failure to use a rubber dam. The file passed through the digestive tract in four days. No legal action was taken against the general dentist in this case.However, the courts are likely to hold the opinion that such occurences are not legally defensible, and the judgement of negligence is sure to follow.

The ectopic sinus tract: report of cases

The importance of the sinus tract is discussed. Three cases presented in this article show that a more definitive diagnosis may be made with the use of a tract marker. The ectopic sinus tract can be disclosed by the marker. This simple aid may help eliminate treatment of an uninvolved tooth.

Human Pulp's electrical responsiveness in Hodgkin's disease patients who are undergoing chemotherapy

Electrical responsiveness of the dental pulps in two Hodgkins disease patients undergoing chemotherapy was performed to determine whether detectable differences could be found before treatment as compared with during treatment. Results were also compared with a healthy control subject during the same time span who was not undergoing chemotherapy. No statistically significant differences could be shown when the electrical responses obtained before the initiation of chemotherapy were compared with those obtained during chemotherapy and those from a healthy control.

Phenacetin: an update

Phenacetin, or its derivative acetaminophen, is an extremely common and increasingly used substitute for aspirin. Although the drug is mild and effective, its toxicity is less obvious and less manageable than that of aspirin.

Aspirin: an Update

Aspirin is one of the most common analgesics used by patients who experience pain. The history, current concepts of mode of action, therapeutic uses, side effects, and toxicity are discussed.