In vitro evaluation of wear resistance, microhardness and superficial roughness of different fissure sealants after aging.

The aim of this study was to compare the aging effects on wear, surface roughness and microhardness of fissure sealants having varying contents. Four fissure sealant types were used in the study: Aegis (Bosworth, USA) (Group A), Beautisealant (Shofu, Japan) (Group B), Clinpro (3M, USA) (Group C), and Ultraseal XT/Hydro (Ultradent, USA) (Group U). Hundred disc-shaped specimens (5 mm diameter/3 mm width) were designed according to the manufacturer's instructions and assigned for microhardness/Vickers Hardness (VHN), surface roughness, and wear tests. Thermocycling (10,000 times/5-55 °C ± 2 °C/20 s) and chewing simulator (75,000 times/49 N) were applied as the aging procedures. Measurements were made before and after the aging procedures. The specimens were examined by Scanning Electrone Microscopy (SEM). Data was statistically analyzed through Kruskal Wallis, Wilcoxon and Welch tests. The highest and the lowest changes in mean microhardness values were obtained for Group U (9.88 ± 1.46) and Group A (4.40 ± 0.46), respectively; and a significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between the mean changes in microhardness numbers (U > B > C > A). The median roughness values had no significant difference; the surface roughness had the highest mean differences in Groups U and C (U = C > A > B). Significant difference was found between the mean changes in wear/weight values (p < 0.001); the highest and the lowest mean weight losses were recorded in Group U (0.0097 ± 0.0003 gr), and Group C (0.0041 ± 0.0006 gr), respectively (U > B > A > C). The highest physical changes were determined in Group U after the aging procedures. It is concluded that the aging procedures affect physical structures of all test materials with varying degrees, however Ultraseal XT/Hydro is the most affected. The individual treatment needs and material properties must be considered to select a fissure sealant material.

Assessment of oral bacteria potentially associated with the mobile microbiome in children with congenital heart disease.

In this case-control study, we aimed to investigate the specific oral pathogens potentially associated with the mobile microbiome in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Caries, oral hygiene and gingival indices were evaluated in 20 children with CHD and a healthy control group, and venous blood samples and saliva were collected. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), blood samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial DNA to determine the mobile microbiome, and saliva samples were analyzed to identify and quantify target microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and its serotype k (Smk), Fusobacterium. nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Scardovia wiggsiae (Sw) and Aggregitibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and its JP2 clone (JP2). The findings were analyzed by Mann Whitney U, chi-square, Fisher's exact and Spearman's Correlation tests. Bacterial DNA was identified in two blood samples. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the presence and counts of bacteria in saliva. However, the CHD group exhibited significantly lower caries and higher gingival index scores than the control group. The presence of Pg and Aa were significantly associated with higher gingival index scores. Sm and Smk counts were significantly correlated with caries experience. A positive correlation was found between Fn and total bacteria counts. In conclusion, the mobile microbiome, which has been proposed as a potential marker of dysbiosis at distant sites, was very rare in our pediatric population. The counts of target microorganisms which are potentially associated with the mobile microbiome did not differ in children with CHD and healthy children.

Turkish Ectodermal Dysplasia Cohort: From Phenotype to Genotype in 17 Families.

Hypohidrotic or anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED/EDA) is characterized by impaired development of the hair, teeth, or sweat glands. HED/EDA is inherited in an X-linked, autosomal dominant, or autosomal recessive pattern and caused by the pathogenic variants in 4 genes: EDA, EDAR, EDARADD, and WNT10A. The aim of the present study was to perform molecular screening of these 4 genes in a cohort of Turkish individuals diagnosed with HED/EDA. We screened for pathogenic variants of WNT10A, EDA, EDAR, and EDARADD through Sanger sequencing. We further assessed the clinical profiles of the affected individuals in order to establish phenotype-genotype correlation. In 17 (63%) out of 27 families, 17 pathogenic variants, 8 being novel, were detected in the 4 well-known ectodermal dysplasia genes. EDAR and EDA variants were identified in 6 families each, WNT10A variants in 4, and an EDARADD variant in 1, accounting for 35.3, 35.3, 23.5, and 5.9% of mutation-positive families, respectively. The low mutation detection rate of the cohort and the number of the EDAR pathogenic variants being as high as the EDA ones were the most noteworthy findings which could be attributed to the high consanguinity rate.

Identification of likely pathogenic and known variants in TSPEAR, LAMB3, BCOR, and WNT10A in four Turkish families with tooth agenesis.

Tooth agenesis (TA), the failure of development of one or more permanent teeth, is a common craniofacial abnormality observed in different world populations. The genetic etiology of TA is heterogeneous; more than a dozen genes have been associated with isolated or nonsyndromic TA, and more than 80 genes with syndromic forms. In this study, we applied whole exome sequencing (WES) to identify candidate genes contributing to TA in four Turkish families. Likely pathogenic variants with a low allele frequency in the general population were identified in four disease-associated genes, including two distinct variants in TSPEAR, associated with syndromic and isolated TA in one family each; a variant in LAMB3 associated with syndromic TA in one family; and a variant in BCOR plus a disease-associated WNT10A variant in one family with syndromic TA. With the notable exception of WNT10A (Tooth agenesis, selective, 4, MIM #150400), the genotype-phenotype relationships described in the present cohort represent an expansion of the clinical spectrum associated with these genes: TSPEAR (Deafness, autosomal recessive 98, MIM #614861), LAMB3 (Amelogenesis imperfecta, type IA, MIM #104530; Epidermolysis bullosa, junctional, MIMs #226700 and #226650), and BCOR (Microphthalmia, syndromic 2, MIM #300166). We provide evidence supporting the candidacy of these genes with TA, and propose TSPEAR as a novel nonsyndromic TA gene. Our data also suggest potential multilocus genomic variation, or mutational burden, in a single family, involving the BCOR and WNT10A loci, underscoring the complexity of the genotype-phenotype relationship in the common complex trait of TA.

A biallelic ANTXR1 variant expands the anthrax toxin receptor associated phenotype to tooth agenesis.

Tooth development is regulated by multiple genetic pathways, which ultimately drive the complex interactions between the oral epithelium and mesenchyme. Disruptions at any time point during this process may lead to failure of tooth development, also known as tooth agenesis (TA). TA is a common craniofacial abnormality in humans and represents the failure to develop one or more permanent teeth. Many genes and potentially subtle variants in these genes contribute to the TA phenotype. We report the clinical and genetic impact of a rare homozygous ANTXR1 variant (c.1312C>T), identified by whole exome sequencing (WES), in a consanguineous Turkish family with TA. Mutations in ANTXR1 have been associated with GAPO (growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia, and optic atrophy) syndrome and infantile hemangioma, however no clinical characteristics associated with these conditions were observed in our study family. We detected the expression of Antxr1 in oral and dental tissues of developing mouse embryos, further supporting a role for this gene in tooth development. Our findings implicate ANTXR1 as a candidate gene for isolated TA, suggest the involvement of specific hypomorphic alleles, and expand the previously known ANTXR1-associated phenotypes.

Shear bond strength and ultrastructural interface analysis of different adhesive systems to Er:YAG laser-prepared dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of a microhybrid composite resin bonded with three different adhesive systems to Er:YAG laser- (EL) or bur-prepared dentin surfaces and to analyze the quality and ultrastructure of the adhesive-dentin interfaces by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The specimens prepared for SBS test and SEM analysis were randomly assigned to eight groups (G1-G8): G1, EL (Fidelis PlusIII, Fotona) + Clearfil S3 Bond (C3S); G2, EL + AdperSE Plus (SE); G3, EL + laser etch + Adper Single Bond2 (SB2); G4, EL + acid etch + SB2; G5, EL + SB2 (no etching); G6, bur + acid etch + SB2; G7, bur + S3; G8, bur + SE. Laser was used in very short pulse mode at a setting of 200 mJ/20 Hz for dentin preparation and at 80 mJ/10 Hz for dentin etching. Bond strength test: 3.5 × 2.0 mm cylindrical molds were placed onto adhesives and filled with the composites. After 24 h in distilled water, SBS was tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. SEM analysis: The dentin-adhesive interfaces were evaluated for the ultrastructure of hybrid layer. Data of SBS (MPa) were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey HSD. ER:YAG laser-prepared dentin has demonstrated significantly more SBS (p < 0.01) for SE when compared to bur-prepared dentin. No significancies (p > 0.05) in SBS have been determined between the total-etch adhesive applied groups with regard to etching types. SEM analysis revealed that hybrid layers obtained in Er:YAG laser-irradiated dentin exhibited more irregular and non-homogeneous pattern than the conventionally prepared dentin. In conclusion, SE Bond demonstrated superior results in Er:YAG laser-ablated dentin compared to bur-prepared dentin.

Cytotoxicity and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Curcumin, Aloin and MTA on Human Dental Pulp Cells.

AIM: The objective of this in-vitro study was to assess the cytotoxicity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of curcumin and aloin extracted from Curcuma longa and Aloe vera, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on human dental pulp stem cells. METHODS: Human dental pulp stem cells (Lonza Group, Switzerland), curcumin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), aloin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply, USA) were used in the study. 2.5-6.75-12.5-25-50 µg/ml of curcumin and aloin, 25%-50%-75%-100% of MTA were prepared; pulp cells unincubated with a material were assessed as controls. Cytotoxicity of all doses/concentrations of materials was analysed on days of 1, 2, 3, and 7 by WST-1 test. 2.5-6.75 µg/ml of curcumin and aloin, 25%-50% of MTA incubated with cells for 7-14 days were evaluated for ALP activity by ELISA test. Data was statistically analysed by One Way ANOVA, Tukey, and Sidak tests at GraphPad Prism 6. RESULTS: The findings have shown that 2.5 µg/ml of curcumin, all doses of aloin, 25% and 50% of MTA increased cell proliferation significantly on day 1 (P < 0.05). Curcumin, aloin, and MTA decreased the cell viability as dose/concentration and exposure time increased. All materials have shown no significant increases in ALP activity (P > 0.05) on 7 and 14 days. CONCLUSION: Data of this study revealed that 2.5 - 6.75 µg/ml of curcumin/aloin, 25%-50% of MTA have promoted cell viability and proliferation of human dental pulp cells; and none of the materials have significantly increased the ALP activity at 7-14 days.

Presence of oral bacterial species in primary endodontic infections of primary teeth.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of the microbial composition of deciduous endodontic infections is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the 10 oral bacterial species in samples from primary tooth root canals by using microarray technology and to determine the association of these organisms with clinical conditions. STUDY DESIGN: The samples were collected from 30 root canals of primary teeth with primer infection. The bacterial composition of the samples was semi-quantitatively defined using a microarray system (Parocheck). RESULTS: All the tested species were detected in the samples. Fusobacterium nucleatum was the most frequently isolated bacterium (96.7%), followed by Prevotella intermedia (86.7%), Parvimonas micra (83.3%), Treponema denticola (76.7%) and Tannerella forsythia (66.7%). These bacteria were also present in high levels. All pairs of bacterial species were positively associated (RR > 1), except Pintermedia and P > micra. On average, five species (range:3-8) were detected per amplified sample. Root canals of teeth with > 5 different species were statistically associated with periapical radiolucency (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Primary teeth with endodontic infections show a highly diverse variety of bacteria, in which the most prevalent specie are present in high proportions. The well-directed use of the improved microarray technology will provide additional valuable information for causative factors associated with endodontic diseases, helping to develop more successful antibacterial or anti-inflammatory treatment strategies.

Prevalence of salivary Streptococcus mutans serotype k in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans serotype k, which was speculated that might be associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, has been reported in adult cardiovascular surgery patients. There is no information about presence of serotype k in children with cardiac disease. The aim of this study was to determine the salivary prevalence of S. mutans serotype k in children with congenital heart disease. STUDY DESIGN: Salivary samples of 25 patients undergoing elective surgery for congenital heart defects with cardiopulmonary bypass and an age and gender matched control group of 25 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Species-specific 16SrRNA gene sequences were used for S. mutans and serotype-specific rgpF gene sequences were used for S. mutans serotype k determination in stimulated saliva samples. RESULTS: S. mutans was detected in 19 (76%) of the study and 15 (60%) of the control children. The difference was not shown to be statistically significant. Serotype k was determined from 3 (12%) of the study group, while it was not determined from the samples of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that those children with congenital heart disease may possess S. mutans serotype k in oral cavity at a higher frequency as similar with the adult cardiac surgery patients.

Fracture resistance of immature teeth filled with BioAggregate, mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide.

UNLABELLED: Abstract - Background: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the long-term fracture resistance of human immature permanent teeth filled with BioAggregate (BA), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide (CH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of single rooted premolar teeth with immature root formation extracted for orthodontic reasons. A total of 28 immature premolars with average root length of 10.7 mm and apical diameter of 3 mm were included in the study. The pulps were extirpated and the canals were prepared using an apical approach. The teeth were randomly assigned to four groups: Group I: DiaRoot(®) BA (DiaDent, Burnaby, BC, Canada), Group II: Angelus MTA (MTA-A; Angelus, Londrina, Brazil), Group III: ProRoot(®) MTA (MTA-PR; Dentsply, Tulsa, OK, USA), Group IV: CH (Sultan Chemists Inc., Englewood, NJ, USA). The teeth were placed in saline solution at 4°C for 1 year. The root of each tooth was then embedded in an acrylic resin block. All specimens were loaded at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min(-1) in an Instron testing machine and the peak loads up to fracture were recorded. Data were analysed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. RESULTS: Mean (±SD) failure loads (MPa) were: 37.69 ± 14.43 for BA group, 32.94 ± 8.15 for MTA-A group, 28.74 ± 9.49 for MTA-PR group and 23.18 ± 8.48 for CH group. The BA group exhibited the highest fracture resistance and the CH group showed the lowest resistance to fracture. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in fracture resistance were found between the DiaRoot-BA and CH groups, and also between the MTA-A and CH groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, data suggest that DiaRoot-BA-filled immature teeth demonstrate higher fracture resistance than other groups at 1 year. Considering the long-term risk of cervical root fracture associated with immature teeth, the use of DiaRoot-BA as a root canal filling material appears to be the most advantageous of the materials tested.

Success rates of mineral trioxide aggregate, ferric sulfate, and formocresol pulpotomies: a 24-month study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the total success rates of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), ferric sulfate (FS), and formocresol (FC) as pulpotomy agents in primary molars. METHODS: A randomized, split-mouth study design was used in 32 healthy 5- to 7-year-old children with 128 carious primary molars without clinical or radiographic evidence of pulp degeneration. The pulpotomy agents were assigned as follows: Group 1=MTA; Group 2=FS; Group 3=1:5 diluted Buckley's FC; and Group 4=zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) base. Clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6, 12, and 24 months used the following criteria: pain; swelling; sinus tract; mobility; internal root resorption; and furcation and/or periapical bone destruction. The data were analyzed using chi-square. RESULTS: No significant differences in success rates were found among the groups at 6 and 12 months. Success rates in groups 1 to 4 at 24 months were 96%, 88%, 88%, and 68% respectively. There was a significant difference (P<.001) between the MTA and ZOE groups at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: ZOE, as the only pulpotomy medicament, had a significantly lower success rate than MTA. No significant differences were observed, among the 3 experimental materials (MTA, FC, and FS) at 2 years follow-up.

Dental implant systems.

Among various dental materials and their successful applications, a dental implant is a good example of the integrated system of science and technology involved in multiple disciplines including surface chemistry and physics, biomechanics, from macro-scale to nano-scale manufacturing technologies and surface engineering. As many other dental materials and devices, there are crucial requirements taken upon on dental implants systems, since surface of dental implants is directly in contact with vital hard/soft tissue and is subjected to chemical as well as mechanical bio-environments. Such requirements should, at least, include biological compatibility, mechanical compatibility, and morphological compatibility to surrounding vital tissues. In this review, based on carefully selected about 500 published articles, these requirements plus MRI compatibility are firstly reviewed, followed by surface texturing methods in details. Normally dental implants are placed to lost tooth/teeth location(s) in adult patients whose skeleton and bony growth have already completed. However, there are some controversial issues for placing dental implants in growing patients. This point has been, in most of dental articles, overlooked. This review, therefore, throws a deliberate sight on this point. Concluding this review, we are proposing a novel implant system that integrates materials science and up-dated surface technology to improve dental implant systems exhibiting bio- and mechano-functionalities.

Craniodentofacial manifestations in Hallermann-Streiff syndrome.

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by significant craniofacial findings. Dyscephaly, microphthalmia, cataracts, hypotrichosis, cutaneous atrophy, thin pinched nose, and a typical bird-like face are the main features of the syndrome. Additional features of the syndrome include dental anomalies, micrognathia, skeletal defects, and short stature. What follows is a case report of a 10-year-old girl with HSS with special consideration on orodental findings. Clinical, radiographic, and cephalometric analysis revealed hypoplasia of the mandible, high arched palate, Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrognathia, open bite, posterior crossbite, crowding, malformed teeth, and oligodontia. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the temporomandibular joints showed abnormal disks flattened with uniform thickness and deformed condyles bilaterally. Also discussed are the features of HSS with the differential diagnosis, and the dental management of the case is described.

Analysis of efficacy of the self-assembling peptide-based remineralization agent on artificial enamel lesions.

The objective of this in vitro study was to analyze and compare the biomimetic remineralizing efficacy of the self-assembling peptide (P11-4) with agents containing casein phoshopeptide-amorhous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACFP) and sodium fluoride (NaF) on artificial caries lesions using DIAGNOdent and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Artificial enamel lesions were prepared on extracted impacted sound mandibular third molars. The samples were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 8): Group 1, P11-4 (Curodont Repair, Credentis AG, Switzerland); Group 2, CPP-ACFP (MI Varnish, GCCo., Japan); Group3, NaF (Duraphat Varnish, Colgate, Colgate-Palmolive, NY, USA); Group 4, artificial saliva (control). The agents were applied to demineralized surfaces according to manufacturers' instructions; all specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 1 month. Demineralization and remineralization on enamel surfaces were analyzed and quantified by DIAGNOdent (KaVo, Germany) and µCT (SkyScan1174, Belgium) for lesion depth/area/volume/mineral density (MD). The remineralization efficacy of the agents was evaluated by DIAGNOdent on 1st, 7th, 30th days and by µCT on 30th day. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, T test, and Wilxocon tests. The highest remineralization efficacy findings in all periods were determined in Group 1, followed by Groups 2, 3, and 4. The remineralization findings for fluorescence, MD, lesion depth in Group 1 were found significantly higher (p < 0.01) than Group 3; and no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between Groups 1-2 and Groups 2-3. The area and volume change values in Groups 1, 2, and 3 have shown no significancy (p > 0.05). A significant correlation (p < 0.01) was found between µCT and DIAGNOdent methods. The data of this study have demonstrated that P11-4 has showed the best remineralization efficacy, followed by CPP-ACFP and NaF. It is concluded that self-assembling peptide-based remineralization agent can be used successfully for biomimetic remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions.

Antimicrobial Effect of Newly Formulated Toothpastes and a Mouthrinse on Specific Microorganisms: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the antimicrobial properties of newly formulated toothpastes (four toothpastes for adults and two toothpastes for kids/babies) and a mouthrinse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newly formulated six different toothpastes and one mouthrinse of a single brand and commercially available five toothpastes and three mouthrinse were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against two oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, by agar well diffusion assay. After incubation, the inhibition zone diameters were measured in millimeters and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: All experimental adult toothpastes exhibited good antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and C. albicans except the experimental toothpaste D. Experimental toothpaste B exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against C. albicans and S. mutans. Experimental toothpaste for kids showed the best antimicrobial activity against S. mutans when kids' toothpastes were compared. None of the tested toothpastes for kids/babies showed antibacterial effects for C. albicans. Among the mouthrinse tested, Sensodyne mouthrinse showed the best results. Experimental mouthrinse showed significantly lower antibacterial activity against S. mutans then Sensodyne, Eludril, and chlorhexidine mouthrinse. CONCLUSION: Although experimental toothpaste and mouthrinse formulations revealed good results in terms of antimicrobial activity to some specific microorganisms, further studies involving more bacterial species or analyzing the quality and efficacy of these products by other in vitro or in vivo tests are needed.

Assessment of the endodontic microbiota of abscessed primary teeth using microarray technology.

CONTEXT: Knowledge of the microbial composition of abscessed primary tooth is limited. AIM: The aim was to investigate the presence of 10 oral bacterial species in samples from abscessed primary tooth root canals using microarray technology and to determine their association with clinical findings. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The samples were collected from root canals of 20 primary molars with acute primer infection. The bacterial composition of the samples was semi-quantitatively defined using a microarray system (ParoCheck®). Clinical parameters included the presence of spontaneous pain, mobility, percussion sensitivity and swelling. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were statistically analyzed by Student' t-test, Fisher's exact Chi-square test, Freeman-Halton-Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's rho correlation analysis. RESULTS: All the tested species were detected in the samples. Fusobacterium nucleatum was the most frequent bacterium (100%), followed by Parvimonas micra (65%), Provetella intermedia (45%), and Treponema denticola (45%). According to paired bacterial combinations, F. nucleatum was significantly positively correlated with P. intermedia and P. micra (P < 0.05). T. denticola was significantly positively correlated with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, and P. micra, while it was negatively correlated with Eikenella corrodens (P < 0.05). No statistically significant relationships were found between the presence of any bacteria and clinical findings. CONCLUSION: Microarray technology used in this study has demonstrated the presence of various bacteria with varying proportions in the root canals of abscessed primary teeth. The results regarding the high rate of certain bacterial combinations suggest the enhanced pathogenicity due to additive or synergistic effects of these microbial combinations.

Success Rates of Pulpotomies in Primary Molars Using Calcium Silicate-Based Materials: A Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare, both clinically and radiographically, the effects of calcium silicate-based materials (i.e., ProRoot MTA [PR-MTA], MTA-Plus [MTA-P], and Biodentine [BD]) and ferric sulfate [FS] in pulpotomy of primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 29 healthy 5- to 7-year-old children with at least four carious primary molars with no clinical or radiographic evidence of pulp degeneration were enrolled. The pulpotomy agents were assigned as follows: Group 1: BD; Group 2: MTA-P; Group 3: PR-MTA; and Group 4: FS. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 6, 12, and 24 months. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests. RESULTS: Total success rates at 24 months were 82.75%, 86.2%, 93.1%, and 75.86%, respectively. No statistically significant differences in total success rates were observed among the groups at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. When the groups were compared according to follow-up times, the success rates in each group did not vary significantly among the 6-12-month, 6-24-month, or 12-24-month periods (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the success rates of BD, MTA-P, MTA-PR, and FS did not differ significantly, calcium silicate-based materials appeared to be more appropriate than FS in clinical practice.

Prevalence and characteristics of talon cusps in Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: Talon cusp is a rare dental anomaly characterized by a cusp-like projection, often including the palatal surface of the affected tooth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of talon cusps in a group of Turkish children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 14,400 subjects who attended the clinics of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. Subjects ranged in age from 1 to 14 years with a mean age of 10.5 ± 2.55 years. Talon cusps were mainly categorized by visual examination according to the classification of Hattab et al. The distribution and frequency of talon cusps were calculated with respect to dentition type, tooth type, talon type, the affected surface, associated dental anomalies, and clinical complications. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, frequencies, and crosstabs with Chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Talon cusps were detected in 49 subjects (26 males and 23 females) of 14,400 (0.34%). A total of 108 teeth showed talon cusps. Distribution of talon cusps according to gender showed no statistically significant differences. The incidence of talon cusps was found to be greater in maxillary lateral incisors (53.7%) than central incisors (29.62%). Regarding the type of talon cusp, 47.22% of teeth showed a Type III talon cusp, whereas 30.55% of teeth demonstrated a Type II talon and 22.22% of teeth demonstrated a Type I talon cusp. Nine patients (18.36%) with talon cups also exhibited other developmental dental anomalies. Clinical complications associated with talon cusps were detected as caries formation and occlusal interference. CONCLUSION: This is the most comprehensive study of the prevalence of talon cusps in Turkish population using the largest sample size to date. Also, taurodontism associated with a talon cusp has been reported here for the 1(st) time. Clinical complications associated with talon cusps need more investigations.

Presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in saliva and cardiac tissue samples of children with congenital heart disease.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in saliva and cardiac tissue samples of children requiring cardiac surgery in Istanbul, Turkey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (mean age: 6.24 ± 2.93) undergoing surgery for congenital heart defects (CHDs) and an age/gender-matched control group of 25 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Saliva samples were collected from all children; plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were also determined. In CHD group, cardiac tissue samples were received during surgery. All samples were evaluated for the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and its highly leukotoxic JP2 clonal strains using polymerase chain reaction. The findings were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in PI and GI values between the groups. A. actinomycetemcomitans was not detected in cardiac tissue samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans in saliva was detected in 2 (8%) of the CHD and 5 (20%) of the control children (p > 0.05). A. actinomycetemcomitans JP2 clonal strains were determined from 1 (4%) of the control group while it was not determined from the samples of the CHD group. CONCLUSIONS: Early colonization of A. actinomycetemcomitans in oral cavities could be assessed as a risk marker for periodontal disease. Periodontal pathogens may enter bloodstream through bacteremia; thus, the presence of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of children should be assessed as a risk marker for cardiac diseases in older ages.