Ryan L. Quock

Effect of silver diamine fluoride on microtensile bond strength to dentin.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of the cariostatic and preventive agent silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on the microtensile bond strength of resin composite to dentin. Forty-two caries-free, extracted molars were flattened occlusally and apically using a diamond saw, and the exposed occlusal dentin was polished with a series of silicon carbide papers, all under water irrigation. The teeth were then randomly divided into six groups of seven teeth each that were treated as follows: 1) Peak SE self-etch bonding agent; 2) 12% SDF + Peak SE; 3) 38% SDF + Peak SE; 4) Peak LC etch-and-rinse bonding agent; 5) 12% SDF + Peak LC; and 6) 38% SDF + Peak LC. Four-millimeter buildups of Amelogen Plus were incrementally placed on all teeth; after a 24-hour storage period in distilled water, the specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the adhesive interface to produce beams of cross-sectional surface area measuring approximately 1 mm(2). The beams were placed on a microtensile testing machine, which utilized a single-speed pump motor and force gauge at 20 kgf × 0.01 second to record maximum tensile force before failure occurred. Two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were performed to compare the effects of the SDF on microtensile bond strength, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05. None of the experimental groups treated with different concentrations of SDF showed a significant difference in bond strength compared to the control groups, and there was no significant difference in bond strength between self-etch and etch-and-rinse groups. However, the effect of SDF on self-etch bonded teeth compared to etch-and-rinse bonded teeth was statistically significant (p=0.0363), specifically at the 12% concentration. SDF does not adversely affect the bond strength of resin composite to noncarious dentin.

The dentist as doctor: A rallying call for the future

BACKGROUND When the future status of dentistry is considered, scholarship in the profession plays a key role. It is by scholarship that dentistry distinguishes itself as a learned and esteemed profession, and this position paper aims to explore and promote this vital core value. METHODS As Fellows of the American Dental Education Associations selective Leadership Institute, the authors spent over a year critically examining the role of scholarship in dentistry, which was identified as a critical issue for the profession. A review of the health care literature was conducted to inform this papers position. RESULTS Scholarship is clearly the trait that distinguishes a profession from a trade, as evidenced by trends in other health care professions, as well as dentistry. Although dentistry is a learned profession rightly meriting that distinction, there are a few notable areas that can be improved. CONCLUSIONS Because scholarship defines a profession, dentists as doctors and the leaders in oral health should demonstrate the highest scholarship; absence of scholarship risks perception of dentistry as a trade. All dentists can consistently manifest scholarship by integrating basic science, as well as by incorporating the dental evidence-base, into daily practice.

Xerostomia: current streams of investigation.

Xerostomia is the subjective feeling of dry mouth, and it is often related to salivary hypofunction. Besides medication-related salivary hypofunction, Sjögren syndrome and head-and-neck radiation are two common etiologies that have garnered considerable attention. Approaches to treating and/or preventing salivary hypofunction in patients with these conditions will likely incorporate gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and tissue engineering. Advances in these disciplines are central to current research in the cure for xerostomia and will be key to eventual treatment.

In Vitro Evaluation of Midwest Caries ID: A Novel Light-emitting Diode for Caries Detection

INTRODUCTION Traditional detection techniques have limits in diagnosing occlusal caries. Thus, more accurate methods are needed. This study evaluates the ability of the Midwest Caries ID (Midwest) to detect caries. METHODS Two hundred sixty-four extracted, nonrestored premolars and molars were cleaned and stored in 0.2% sodium azide. Teeth were divided into three groups of 88. One examination site on each occlusal surface was chosen. Each site was inspected by a calibrated examiner via visual, Midwest, and histologic exams. First, a visual exam was performed following the International Caries Detection and Assessment guidelines. Next, the same site was inspected using the Midwest device. Finally, the tooth was sectioned mesiodistally through the site. The half with greater caries progression was visualized under a stereomicroscope (64×). Histologic appearance was scored based on the Downer system. Data were analyzed using Kendall tau-b, partial correlation coefficients, and the receiver operating characteristics curve. RESULTS Overall, the Midwest scoring assessment correlated with histologic assessments (tau = 0.32; p<0.0001), but the visual exam had a stronger correlation (tau = 0.53; p<0.0001) with the histologic exam. The sensitivity and specificity of the Midwest was also reported at 0.56 and 0.84, compared with 0.92 and 0.43, respectively, for the visual exam. CONCLUSIONS Midwest Caries ID is a novel caries detection device that has limitations and should not be used as the sole means to detect occlusal caries.