Jurica Matijević

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and quality of root canal fillings in population of Zagreb, Croatia: a cross-sectional study.

Aim To determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis and assess the quality of endodontic fillings in the population of the city of Zagreb, Croatia. Methods A total of 1462 orthopantomograms from new patients at 6 different dental practices was analyzed during 2006 and 2007. The presence of periapical lesions was determined by using the periapical index score (PAI). The quality of endodontic fillings was assessed according to the filling length and homogeinicity. Data were analyzed using t test and ANOVA with Scheffe post-hoc test. Results There were 75.9% of participants with endodontically treated teeth and 8.5% of all teeth were endodontically treated. Only 34.2% of endodontically treated roots had adequate root canal filling length, while 36.2% of root canal fillings had homogenous appearance. From the total number of teeth with intracanal post, 17.5% had no visible root canal filling. Using PAI 3 as a threshold value for apical periodontitis, periapical lesions were detected in 8.5% of teeth. Adequate quality of root canal fillings was associated with a lower prevalence of periapical lesions. Conclusion We found a large proportion of endodontically treated teeth with apical periodontitis and a correlation between the quality of endodontic filling and the prevalence of periapical lesions. This all suggests that it is necessary to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in order to reduce the incidence and prevalence of apical periodontitis.

Caries prevalence and periodontal status in 18th century population of Požega-Croatia

OBJECTIVE The aim was to examine dental and periodontal status of adult Croatian 18th century population and compare the results with available literature data. MATERIALS AND METHODS 104 specimens from the crypt of Požega cathedral were grouped into three female and three male groups according to age. Caries was determined by visual inspection and dental probe. Ante and post mortem teeth losses were recorded. Periodontal status was determined according to the length of exposed tooth root from alveolar crest to cemento-enamel junction. The presence of dehiscences and fenestrations was recorded on facial and oral plate of alveolar bone. RESULTS The whole sample exhibited ante- and post mortem teeth loss of 19.57% and 24.91%, respectively. The teeth most frequently lost postmortem were incisors. The canines were best preserved. The frequency of caries in both jaws was the highest in molars (26.63% in maxilla and 28.10% in mandible), whilst central incisors exhibited the least carious lesions (11.59 and 1.92%). The most frequently affected surfaces were occlusal, then proximal and facio-oral. The percentage of teeth with either moderate or considerable bone loss was higher in females. The frequency of considerable bone loss increased significantly with age. The frequency of dehiscences was 3.11%. It was higher in maxilla than in the mandible. The frequency of fenestrations was 5.65% and it was significantly higher in maxilla. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate poor oral health amongst 18th century population of continental Croatia, exhibiting high antemortem teeth loss, high periodontal disease frequency and occlusal and proximal caries frequency.

Proteomics profiling of keratocystic odontogenic tumours reveals AIDA as novel biomarker candidate

BACKGROUND Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a benign, yet aggressive odontogenic tumour. Herein, proteome analysis of KCOT lesions in comparison with control patient-matched tissue unaffected by the disease and with inflammatory odontogenic cysts, namely radicular cysts is presented. METHODS For the proteomics profiling, two complementary proteomics techniques MALDI-MS/MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS were employed. Potential candidate biomarkers were validated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS More than 43 proteins were found to be differentially expressed or up-regulated in KCOT lesions in comparison with patient-matched unaffected oral mucosa. These proteins bear important biological functions and are involved in cell proliferation, cytoskeletal re-organization, transcription, cellular motility and apoptosis. In particular, a number of differentially expressed proteins participate in autocrine regulation and signalization within JNK and p38 MAPK signalling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemical validation of chosen putative biomarkers revealed axin interaction partner and dorsalization-antagonist (AIDA), known as a protein that blocks activation of JNK signalling pathway, as a differential biomarker for KCOT lesions on an independent cohort of KCOT tissue samples in comparison with most prevalent intra-oseal lesions inflammatory odontogenic cysts.

Adverse Effects of Antiepileptic Drug Lamotrigine and Oral Implications: Case Report

Here, we report on a patient who presented with extensive oral lesions. The treatment with lamotrigine is described.The patient presented with bilateral facial swellings and mental space swelling with actively draining extra oral sinus tract in the central chin area. Dental medicine professionals should be aware of the risks involved with using this medication, and should recognize the population at risk among patients suffering from epilepsy, bipolar and neurologic disorders.

Ablative Potential of Er:YAG Laser in Dentin: Quantum Versus Variable Square Pulse

OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to compare the dentin ablation volume and ablation rate of quantum square pulse (QSP), using two different pulse energy settings plus a new digitally controlled dental laser handpiece (X-Runner), with those of variable square pulse (VSP), using three different pulse durations. The secondary objective was to examine, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface effects of ablation with the different Er:YAG laser modes on the dentin surfaces. BACKGROUND DATA The available literature has limited data on the efficiency of different operating modes, pulse durations, and the new digitally controlled handpiece of the Er:YAG laser on human dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Freshly extracted human molars (n = 72) were divided into two experimental groups (n = 36 each): (1) QSP group, and (2) VSP group. Each group was randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 12 each). In the QSP group, preparations in dentin were performed using 250 and 500 mJ of pulse energy with the conventional handpiece, and with the X-Runner handpiece set at 250 mJ pulse energy. In the VSP group, cavity preparations were performed using three pulse variables: super short pulse (SSP), micro short pulse (MSP), and short pulse (SP). Cavity preparations were made in dentin at time intervals of 1, 2, and 5 sec. A laser triangulation profilometer was used to determine cavity volumes. Surface analysis of the ablated dentin specimens was performed by SEM. RESULTS For time intervals of 1 and 2 sec, ablated volume and ablation rate for QSP-500 mJ were significantly higher than for all other groups (p < 0.0001). For the 5-sec time interval, X-Runner and QSP-500 mJ were the most efficient in dentin ablation (p < 0.0001). Dentin surfaces were free of smear layer in all groups. CONCLUSIONS The most efficient modes of dentin ablation in the study were the QSP-500 mJ and X-Runner groups. Dentin surfaces were free of smear layer in all groups.

Radiomorphometric indices of mandibular bones in an 18th century population.

OBJECTIVE To estimate four radiomorphometric indices of mandibular bones in an 18th century population sample, and possibly associate the findings with bone mass loss related to sex, age, nutritional habits and pathologies reflecting on the bone. DESIGN Thirty-six sculls (31 males, 5 females), recovered from the crypt of Požega Cathedral in Croatia were analyzed. Age estimation was based on tooth wear, and Eichner class was determined according to the number of occlusal supporting zones. The parameters in recording analogue orthopantomographs were set to constant current of 16 mA, exposure time of 14.1s, and voltage between 62-78 kV. Films were processed in an automatic dark chamber processor for 12 min, and digitized at 8-bit, 300 dpi. The thickness of the mandibular cortex was assessed below the mental foramen (MI), at antegonion (AI), at gonion (GI). Qualitative mandibular cortical index (MCI) was assessed. RESULTS Average values of MI, AI and GI were 3.97 ± 0.94 mm, 2.98 ± 0.56 mm, and 1.99 ± 0.55 mm, respectively. Statistically significant differences between males and females were found for AI right (p=0.014), GI left (p=0.010) and GI average (p=0.006), and were in all cases higher in males. There were no statistically significant differences between age groups for either index (p>0.05). Considering Eichner classification the differences were not significant for MI (p=0.422), AI (p=0.516), and GI (p=0.443), but in Eichner classes II, MCI was significantly higher (p=0.02). CONCLUSION The obtained data does not suggest generalized malnutrition or calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D deprivation in the historic population studied.

The Oral Status of Adult Population in the Croatian Town of Knin: a Cross Sectional Study

THE AIM Epidemiologic studies in many countries show uneven distribution of oral diseases (primarily caries) within the population. This is why more studies are oriented towards specific regions or subpopulations instead of large scale national surveys. The major purpose of this cross sectional study was to obtain relevant data about the oral status of the population of Knin and its surroundings according to the WHO criteria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study included 414 participants aged between 18 and 65. The recorded variables included general anamnestic data, extraoral status, oral mucosa status, temporomandibular joint status, dental, periodontal and prosthetic status, and the need for dental restoration. The comparison between different groups regarding age, gender, educational level and origin was made. RESULTS DMFT index was 17.3 - with on average 1.7 caries, 6.2 fillings, and 9.4 teeth extracted. SiC index equaled 26.4. The difference was significant regarding the level of education and age (p<0.001). The percentages of individuals with the highest CPI scores from 0-4 were 27.3, 16.9, 36.5, 16.4 and 2.9%, respectively. The difference between the age groups in CPI scores was statistically significant, while the differences according to the gender and origin were not significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSION The population of Knin and the surrounding area exhibited very bad oral status which can be attributed to the consequences of the war in the 1990-ies, the economic transition, and the lack of national program for oral health promotion.

In vitro assessment of the accuracy of three electronic apex locators

Aim of this in vitro study was to compare accuracy of three electronic apex locators (EALs) (ES-02, ES-03 and ProPex) in root canals of extracted human teeth utilizing two meter readings and different conditions of root canals (RC). RC lengths of 46 single-rooted teeth were visually determined using a K-file # 15. Teeth and labial connector were then embedded in alginate. Two sets of measurements were performed for each device - root canal condition combination (dry root canal, 2.5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, RC prep, Glyde) according to readings “-0.5” and “0.0”. The differences were evaluated using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. The mean difference between real and measured values at meter reading “0.0” was 0.10 mm with ProPex, 0.31 mm with ES-02 and 0.71 mm with ES-03. At meter reading “-0.5“ that difference was 0.28 mm with ProPex, 0.41 mm with ES-02 and 0.87 mm with ES-03. In vitro testing showed ProPex to be the most accurate EAL in most of combinations, followed by ES-02, and ES-03 (p<0.05). Most accurate measurements were performed in canal conditions as follows: dry canals, Glyde, Rc-Prep, NaOCl and EDTA solutions (p<0.05). ProPex was the most accurate at meter reading “0.0”. At reading “-0.5” ES-02 and ProPex were equal, whereas ES-03 was the least accurate. All tested EALs should be used with meter reading “0.0” as a reference because it is more accurate than using the meter reading “-0.5” (p<0.001).