Josipa Borčić

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin 6 in Human Periapical Lesions

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in human periapical lesions. Subjects and methods. Samples were obtained from three groups of teeth: symptomatic teeth, asymptomatic lesions, and uninflamed periradicular tissues as a control. Results. TNF-alpha levels were significantly increased in symptomatic lesions compared to control. Group with asymptomatic lesions had significantly higher concentrations compared to control. There were no significant differences in TNF-alpha levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions. In group with symptomatic lesions, IL-6 levels were significantly higher than in group with asymptomatic lesions. The IL-6 levels in symptomatic group also showed significantly higher concentration in comparison with control group. In asymptomatic group, the IL-6 level had significantly higher concentrations compared to control. Conclusion. These results indicate that symptomatic lesions represent an immunologically active stage of disease, and asymptomatic lesions are the point from which the process advances toward healing.

Odontogenic Sinus Tract to the Neck Skin: A Case Report

We describe a 22‐year‐old woman with neck skin sinus tract that developed as a consequence of dental infection. The patient was treated twice in an inappropriate way with recurrence of the sinus tract. We opted for an extraction of the tooth. This case illustrates the need for cooperative diagnostic referrals between physicians and dentists.

Finite Element Analysis in Dental Medicine

Studying dental structures and surrounding tissues in the oral cavity presents the basis for understanding the occurrence of pathological process and enables the correct approach and treatment. Oral rehabilitation is inherently difficult, due to the functional and parafunctional forces within the mouth that result in extremely complex structural responses by the oral tissue [1]. The success of restorative materials depends on their properties to withstand and resist occlusal forces and successfully support the remaining oral structure [2]. Studies examining the biomechanical behavior of oral structures require sophisticated simulations of the fundaments of the stomatognathic system [3].

Vertical force and torque analysis during mechanical preparation of extracted teeth using hand ProTaper instruments

The purpose was to measure and analyse the vertical force and torque developed in the wider and narrower root canals during hand ProTaper instrumentation. Twenty human incisors were divided in two groups. Upper incisors were experimental model for the wide, while the lower incisors for the narrow root canals. Measurements of the force and torque were done by a device constructed for this purpose. Differences between the groups were statistically analysed by Mann-Whitney U-test with the significance level set to P<0.05. Vertical force in the upper incisors ranged 0.25-2.58 N, while in the lower incisors 0.38-6.94 N. Measured torque in the upper incisors ranged 0.53-12.03 Nmm, while in the lower incisor ranged 0.94-10.0 Nmm. Vertical force and torque were higher in the root canals of smaller diameter. The increase in the contact surface results in increase of the vertical force and torque as well in both narrower and wider root canals.