Surface deterioration of resin composites and enamel after toothbrush simulation with new and used toothbrushes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of toothbrushing with new and used toothbrushes on the surface of resin composites and dental enamel. METHODS: The extracted human incisors were selected after vestibular enamel surfaces (ES) were examined. Disc-shaped specimens of direct composite (DC) and indirect composite (IC) were fabricated. Computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite blocks (CC) were sliced in 2 mm thickness (n= 8). The surface roughness, gloss, and color were measured. The measurements were performed before and after 3 months of toothbrushing simulation (TBS) for 2,500 circular cycles. The wear index was calculated by using the ImageJ program. The specimens were subjected to an additional 2,500 cycles and the same measurements were repeated. RESULTS: No significant increase in surface roughness values was observed in DC, IC, and CC groups after 3 and 6 months of TBS except in the ES group. The highest change in surface gloss was observed in the DC group. Although the wear index of toothbrushes increased over time, only the increase in the IC group was statistically significant (P= 0.033). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Changes in surface roughness, gloss, and discoloration of the dental enamel and restorations and wear of toothbrush bristles were increased over time.

Evaluation of Radicular Dentin Thickness in Maxillary and Mandibular Central Incisor, Canine, and Premolar Teeth.

Background This study aimed to compare the radicular dentin thickness in single-rooted maxillary and mandibular anterior and premolar teeth by measuring on four different surfaces (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal) at three different levels (apical, middle, and coronal). Methods A total of 150 single-rooted human anterior and premolar teeth were included in the present study. The teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ; coronal), 4 mm away from the apex (apical), and the midpoint between these two distances (middle). First, the teeth were divided buccolingually into two parts, and the dentin thickness in the mesial/distal region was measured. Subsequently, both parts were divided again to measure the dentin thickness in the buccal/lingual region. All measurements were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed. Results Apical radicular dentin thickness was significantly less than CEJ (p < 0.001). The maxillary central incisor, maxillary, and mandibular canine exhibited the maximum radicular dentin thickness, whereas the mandibular premolars showed the minimum. Radicular dentin thicknesses on the lingual and buccal surfaces were significantly higher than those on other surfaces (p < 0.001). Conclusion The lowest radicular dentin thickness values were observed in the premolars, especially on mesial and distal surfaces. Considering these areas as danger zones and paying attention during dental procedures are essential to avoid possible complications.

Effects of prophylaxis polishing pastes on the surface properties of enamel and dental restorations.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of rubber-cup polishing with different prophylaxis polishing pastes (PPP) on the color stability and surface properties of enamel and dental restorations. METHODS: Direct (DC) and indirect composite (IC) samples were produced in disc-shaped plexiglass molds (10 x 2 mm). Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite blocks (CC) were sliced at a 2 mm thickness and the vestibular enamel surfaces (ES) of human incisors were included. A total of 96 samples were prepared and randomly divided into three subgroups (n= 8). The color, surface gloss and roughness measurements were performed before and after rubber-cup polishing at 2000 rpm for 12 seconds. Analysis of variance was used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the surface roughness change values after polishing with all three PPPs in DC, IC, and ES. However, in the CC group, Cleanic paste caused the highest roughness values and gloss reduction. The highest color change has occurred in the ES, and the least was observed in IC and CC groups. The type of PPP has a significant effect on the color stability and surface properties of enamel and dental restorations as well as the restorative material type. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prophylaxis polishing pastes may have detrimental effects on the surface properties of restorative materials in relation to the type of abrasive they contained and the roughness value.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies Assessed Using Panoramic Radiographs in a Sample of the Turkish Population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, frequency and distribution of dental anomalies that were detectable on panoramic radiographs in a large sample Turkish population, and the associations among the anomalies. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively on panoramic radiographs of 43,880 patients who were admitted to the Faculty of Dentistry at Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. Patients' files were examined by two observers and radiographic images of 2265 patients with at least one dental anomaly were included. Dental anomalies were classified as anomalies in the number, structure, position and shape of teeth. The interactions between the groups were analysed using chi-square tests. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 1336 women (59%) and 929 men (41%) with a mean age of 33.3 ± 14.4 years. A total of 2265 patients, with a prevalence of 5.2% (2265/43880), had at least one dental anomaly. The most frequent anomalies were in position (2.7%) and number (2.1%). Structure anomalies were least common, affecting 0.02% of patients. Among the study group of patients with dental anomalies, 12.2% presented more than one kind of anomaly. CONCLUSION: Position anomalies were the most common dental anomaly, whereas structural anomalies were least common in a Turkish sample. The prevalence of anomalies varies between populations, confirming the role of racial factors.