Kasmer Kerekes

Follow-up examination of endodontic treatment in traumatized juvenile incisors

The results of endodontic treatment in 166 traumatized incisors of 9- to 18-year-old patients were related to root development, age, type of injury, pulp status, periradicular status, and quality of the seal of the root filling. The patients were separated into two groups. In the first group, Ingles standardized preparation and obturation technique was modified, and root apexification was induced with calcium hydroxide before the canal obturation. The results showed that the original standardized technique was the preferred treatment of 13- to 18-year-old patients. For treatment of 9- to 12-year-old patients, however, the apexification treatment and the modified obturation technique were more successful.

pH changes in calcium hydroxide-covered dentin

The pH of dentin in teeth with calcium hydroxide and zinc oxide-eugenol filled cavities was studied in freeze-sectioned young monkeys teeth by means of pH indicators. In untreated dental tissues, the range of pH was found to be 6.4 to 7.4, and the same range of pH was observed when the dentin had been covered with zinc oxide-eugenol. Dentin covered by calcium hydroxide showed a pH range of 11.4 to 12.2 one to three days after application. Seven days after application of calcium hydroxide, the dentin nearest the cavity still showed a pH range of 11.4 to 12.2, whereas the pulpal part showed a pH range of 7.4 to 8.0.