Renata Chałas

Evaluation of Marginal Integrity of Four Bulk-Fill Dental Composite Materials: In Vitro Study

Objective. The aim of the study was to compare under in vitro conditions marginal sealing of 4 different bulk-fill materials composite restorations of class II. Methods. Comparative evaluation concerned 4 composites of a bulk-fill type: SonicFill, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, Filtek Bulk Fill, and SDR. The study used 30 third molars without caries. In each tooth 4 cavities of class II were prepared. The prepared tooth samples were placed in a 1% methylene blue solution for 24 h, and after that in each restoration the depth of dye penetration along the side walls was evaluated. Results. The highest rating (score 0, no dye penetration) was achieved by 93.33% of the restorations made of the SDR material, 90% of restorations of SonicFill system, 86.66% of restorations of the composite Filtek Bulk Fill, and 73.33% of restorations of the Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill. Conclusion. The performed study showed that bulk-fill flowable or sonic-activated flowable composite restorations have better marginal sealing (lack of discoloration) in comparison with bulk-fill paste-like composite.

Medical and dental management of Alagille syndrome: A review

Alagille syndrome is a rare, autosomal, complex, dominant disorder associated with dysfunction of the liver, heart, skeleton, and eyes, as well as characteristic facial appearance. It is associated with the defect in component of the Notch signalling pathway. Here, we review the main features of Alagille syndrome with special focus on oro-facial manifestations like prominent forehead, moderate hypertelorism with deep-set eyes, a saddle or straight nose with a flattened, bulbous tip, and large ears. The article is based on the most recent and significant literature available from the Medline database. Contrary to healthy children, patients with Alagille syndrome have many problems, depending on several factors like the severity of cholestasis and scarring in the liver, heart or lung problems, presence of infections, or other problems related to poor nutrition that can manifest in their oral cavity in the dental and periodontal tissues, as well as oral mucosa. From the dentist’s view, the most important elements are careful observation, accurate diagnosis, and planned management of such patients, especially during the patient’s formative years, to prevent complications. Aggressive preventive oral care and consultations with medical specialists before any invasive procedure are obligatory. All this can improve quality of life in patients with Alagille syndrome.

Observations of mineralised tissues of teeth in X-ray micro-computed tomography

BACKGROUND The one of the most recent imaging technology is X-ray microtomography which allows non-invasive three-dimensional visualisation of structures. It also offers the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the tested objects such as measuring the shares of the various phases, determining the material density and distribution of the size of pores and particles. The aim of the paper was to present an overview on the applicability and relevance of X-ray microtomography in the study of mineralised tissues of the teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS The article is based on the most recent and significant literature and own observations. RESULTS The use of X-ray microtomography in dentistry has recently increased and includes, inter alia, the assessment of the density of minerals in enamel and dentin, the detection of demineralisation in an artificially and a naturally induced caries, the automatic measurement of the depth of cavities in dentin, the measurement of the amount of removed dentin in preparation of carious lesions by various methods, the assessment of microleakage around fillings and fissure sealants, cortical bone density measurement, evaluation of root canal morphology, comparison of the accuracy of root canal working and filling by various methods. CONCLUSIONS X-ray microtomography offers within the analysis of mineralised tissues - complex structures of bone, teeth and biomedical materials, turn out to be indispensable since it opens new opportunities for cognitive and implementation research.

The role of probiotics in prevention of oral diseases.

The dynamic development of knowledge in the field of probiotics was commenced at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, many ways of their possible usage in medicine have been established. In accordance with the WHO, probiotics are live microorganisms, which if applied in adequate amounts may benefit the host. Among probiotics, fungi and bacteria are distinguished, and mechanisms of action of these organisms in the oral cavity and gut are parallel. Application in dentistry, in prophylaxis and treatment of oral diseases is still not well known. Most commonly, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium are applied. The aim of the study was to collect and systematize the latest information about probiotics and their role in pathomechanisms of dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis, candidiasis, and malodour. Based on the analyzed literature, it can be concluded that mechanisms of cariogenic pathogen inhibition using probiotics are still not well understood. The new research trend is based on application of probiotics which can naturally displace cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity and influence oral health in adults and children. The results of studies also confirmed the beneficial role of probiotics in reduction of the bacterial population in periodontitis and halitosis. Long-term observation and a properly designed study protocol will allow us to answer many questions concerning substitution of one strain of bacteria by another.

The impact of type 1 diabetes on the development of the craniofacial mineralised tissues (bones and teeth): literature review

BACKGROUND There are many reports on the impact of diabetes on periodontium as well as the state of organs in diabetics; however, there is little research on the impact of the disease on morphological and anatomical changes in the mineralised tissues like teeth and craniofacial bones. The aim of this study was to present a review of literature on morphological and anatomical changes of mineralised tissues in the course of type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A review of PubMed database was made using the keywords: morphological changes, anatomical changes, enamel hypoplasia, type 1 diabetes, induced diabetes and the names of individual anatomical and morphological structures of the teeth. RESULTS The analysis of experimental studies have shown that in induced type 1 diabetes in rats there is a substantial reduction in the thickness of the enamel and dentin, compared with the control group. The changes in the content of indivi-dual minerals in the tissues of the tooth have been shown - a decrease in the concentration of calcium and fluoride ions and an increase in the concentration of magnesium. In a study conducted on embryos of rats born of diabetic dams, defects were observed in enamel organ, which can cause delayed enamel hypo-plasia. Literature analysis revealed morphological disorders also in some clinical cases of patients with type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Type 1 diabetes mellitus as a metabolic disorder may affect changes in the structure of mineralised tissues, thereby increasing their susceptibility to caries development and orthognathic disorders.

Characteristics of oral probiotics – a review

Abstract Probiotics are a group of microorganisms able to have a positive influence on a host organism when applied in adequate amounts. They are grouped either as: bacteria (mainly Lactobacillus spp and Bifidobacterium) or fungi (Saccharomyces boulardii). Recent studies have revealed many opportunities for their use in several fields of medicine, such as in: reducing the level of cholesterol in the body, cancer therapy, human immune system regulation, skin regeneration, pancreas necrosis, cirrhosis of liver treatment, regulation of post- antibiotic bowel function, constipation and digestive disorders in infants. Probiotics efficacy has also been demonstrated in oral cavity malfunctions. With the use of modern scientific methods, probiotics have the potential to become an important part of the daily diet and a natural drug supplementation in severe diseases.

[Dental plaque as a biofilm - a risk in oral cavity and methods to prevent].

Bacteria living constantly in the oral cavity are in the form of a biofilm. The biofilm formed on a solid base such as the enamel of the teeth, fillings, restorations, orthodontic appliances or obturators is dental plaque. Disturbance of homeostasis of biofilm, excessive growth or increase in the number of acid-forming bacteria leads to the development of the most common diseases of the oral cavity, i.e. dental caries and periodontal disease. The presence of bacterial biofilm on the walls of the root canal or at the top of the root on an outer wall leads to complications and failure in endodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to present the latest information on the occurrence, development and the role of biofilm in the etiopathogenesis of oral diseases and its control. Based on the literature analyzed, it can be concluded that the biofilm, due to its complex structure and numerous mechanisms of bacteria adaptation, is an effective barrier against the traditional agents with antibacterial properties. There are now great hopes for nanotechnology as an innovative method for obtaining new structures of nanometric size and different properties than source materials. The use of antibacterial properties of nano-silver used in dentistry significantly reduces the metabolic activity and the number of colony forming bacteria and lactic acid production in the biofilm.

Assessment of Pain Intensity in Patients with Dentin Hypersensitivity After Application of Prophylaxis Paste Based on Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate Formula

Background One of many functions of the pulp-dentin complex is sensory function. Acute, situated, receding pain after the cessation of the stimulus action is called dentin pain. Dentin hypersensitivity has been described as one of the most painful and least successfully treated chronic ailments of teeth. The aim of this research was the clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of professional polishing paste containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate formula (NovaMin) in eliminating dentin hypersensitivity after a single application. Material/Methods The study comprised 92 teeth with dentin hypersensitivity diagnosed on the basis of history and clinical examination. The pain reaction of exposed dentine was induced by tactile and dehydrating stimuli, asking patients to assess the severity of pain on the VAS scale. Clinical trial and survey were carried out twice: before and 1 week after the application of the polishing paste. Results After the application of the examined paste, the percentage of teeth reacting with a severe pain to the touch of the probe decreased from 16.3% to 4.3%, and with a moderate pain from 42.4% to 12%. Examination after applying dehydrating stimulus a week after carrying out the application showed a decrease in the proportion of teeth with strong pain from 28.3% to 0% and moderate pain from 38% to 15.2%. The lack of pain increased from 12% to about 50%. Conclusions The use of prophylactic professional paste with NovaMin formula in in-office procedure provides the reduction of dentin hypersensitivity noticeable by 1 week after application.

Specifics of proximal caries and their diagnostics in posterior teeth

Abstract Proximal surfaces are the second in turn after the occlusal surfaces, as being the most exposed places to the carious process. The specificity of changes and location makes the diagnostic of approximal cavities difficult. The aim of the study was to collect information on possibilities of detection, monitoring and assessment of carious lesions located on proximal surfaces, starting from the early stage. On the base of current literature, chosen methods of diagnosis, from conventional, to advanced technologies were presented. Current literature also suggests that none of the diagnostic methods exclude the possibility of misdiagnosis of proximal caries. Therefore, during the diagnosing of doubtful cases, it is advisable to employ several methods of assessment, with simultaneous individual appraisal of caries risk factors, such as oral hygiene, frequency of eating sweets or the number of active caries foci.

Subjective Complaints of Ocular Dryness and Xerostomia Among the Non-Sjögren Adult Population of Lublin Region, Poland

Background Eye and mouth dryness are the most common symptoms reported during ophthalmological and dental examinations, and their frequency increases with age. In connection with population aging and the huge variety of factors and conditions that can induce this condition, it is becoming a serious and growing problem. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether ocular dryness and concomitant xerostomia is associated with particular systemic diseases. Material/Methods We enrolled 642 non-Sjögren patients referred for examination to the ophthalmology or dental clinic of Lublin region, Poland. The research was conducted using a standardized interview: The Interview and Examination Questionnaire. All patients responded to the survey questions, which concerned systemic diseases, lifestyle, with special emphasis on computer work, spending time in polluted and air-conditioned rooms, and subsequent questions about the subjective symptoms of ocular and mouth dryness. Results There were 424 patients who presented signs and symptoms of both ocular and mouth dryness. Our study showed a statistically significant association between this condition and the age and sex of the patients and systemic diseases such as hypertension (p=0.0000), cardiovascular disease (p=0.057), and stress (p=0.036), and time spent at the computer (p=0.00015). Conclusions Ocular dryness and concomitant xerostomia may occur in apparently healthy individuals, but is more frequent in patients with systemic disorders. The lack of dry eye and dry mouth symptoms does not exclude insufficient tearing and salivation; thus, the disorders are usually underestimated. Our study indicates that ocular and mouth dryness are the most common conditions seen in out-patients, due to increased use of medications, computers, and air conditioning.