A randomized placebo-blind study of the effect of low power laser on pain caused by irreversible pulpitis.

This randomized placebo-blind study aimed to evaluate the effect of laser phototherapy (LPT) on pain caused by symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Sixty patients diagnosed with SIP were randomly assigned to treatment groups (n = 15): G1 (control), G2 (laser placebo-sham irradiation), G3 (laser irradiation at 780 nm, 40 mW, 4 J/cm2), and G4 (laser irradiation at 780 nm, 40 mW, 40 J/cm2). Spontaneous pain was recorded using a VAS score before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 15 min after treatment (T2). Local anesthetics failure during emergency endodontic treatment was also assessed. There was no pain difference in T1 and T2 between the experimental laser groups (G3 and G4) and the placebo group (G2). The 4-J/cm2 (G3) irradiation resulted in significant increase in the local anesthetics failure in lower jar teeth. This effect could be suggested as consequence of the LPT improvement in local circulation and vasodilatation that would result in the increase of local anesthetic agent absorption. The application of 780-nm diode laser irradiation, at 4 and 40 J/cm2, showed no effect in reducing the pain in SIP in comparison to the placebo group. The fluence of 4 J/cm2 showed a negative effect in local anesthetics, resulting in significant increase of complimentary local anesthesia during emergency endodontic treatment. This work provides evidence of the consequence of LPT application on teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. LPT should be avoided in teeth with pain due to irreversible pulpitis.

Cardiovascular effects of combined hyaluronidase and mepivacaine in dental anesthesia: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of combined administration of mepivacaine with epinephrine and the diffusion agent hyaluronidase on hemodynamic and electrocardiographic parameters in healthy individuals undergoing dental surgery. METHODS: In a double-blind, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial, the cardiovascular effects induced by 2.7 mL of 2% mepivacaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine injected concomitantly with 1 mL of 75 TRU/mL hyaluronidase or placebo for inferior alveolar nerve block was evaluated in systemically healthy subjects that underwent bilateral third molar extraction in two separate sessions. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were monitored using oscillometric and photoplethysmographic methods in 10 clinical stages, while electrocardiographic records of 12 leads were obtained in four stages. RESULTS: Hyaluronidase injected concomitantly with local anesthetic did not induce changes in blood pressure and heart rate compared to placebo. There were no instances of ST segment depression or elevation, or wide or narrow QRS complex extrasystoles in ECG. The use of mepivacaine injected concomitantly with 75 TRU/mL hyaluronidase was safe, from a cardiovascular standpoint.

Protective effect of CO2 laser (10.6 µm) and fluoride on enamel erosion in vitro.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of CO(2) laser (10.6 µm) irradiation with 5-µs pulse width in prevention of enamel erosion due to citric acid exposure in vitro. One hundred forty-four bovine enamel samples were cut into 5 × 5 × 2-mm-size slabs and polished to obtain plane surfaces. Enamel surfaces were covered with acid-resistant varnish, except for a central area of 2.5 mm in diameter. The samples were divided into four groups (n = 12/group/day): C-control, no treatment; L-CO(2) laser irradiation (0.3 J/cm(2), 5 µs, 226 Hz); F-topical fluoride treatment, 1.25%F(-) (AmF/NaF) for 3 min; and FL-fluoride treatment + CO(2) laser. For erosive demineralization, samples were immersed in 40 ml of citric acid (0.05 M, pH 2.3) for 20 min two times per day during 5 days. After 1, 3, and 5 days, surface loss was measured by digital profilometer. According to the repeated measure ANOVA and post hoc comparisons, all the treatments showed statistically significant reduction of enamel loss as compared to control group, in all investigated times (p < 0.0001): L (52%,31%,37%); F (28%,24%,29%); FL (73%,55%,57%). Both CO(2) laser irradiation alone (L) and the combined laser-fluoride treatment (FL) caused less enamel loss than the fluoride group (F) in all days (p < 0.0001 for L in all times; and p < 0.0001, p = 0.0220 and p = 0.0051 for F, respectively, at days 1, 3, and 5). Under the conditions of this study, CO(2) laser irradiation (0.3 J/cm(2), 5 µs, 226 Hz) could effectively reduce enamel surface loss due to citric acid exposure, in vitro. This effect was still observed after 5 days of repeated acid exposures.

A minimally invasive procedure for esthetic achievement: enamel microabrasion of fluorosis stains.

Esthetic alterations (such as fluorosis) that result from intrinsic dental staining in enamel and dentin can be controlled or softened by noninvasive methods such as dental bleaching or enamel microabrasion. Part of the enamel is removed during microabrasion; however, this wear is clinically insignificant and does not harm the dental structure. This article presents a case in which the microabrasion technique was used to remove fluorosis staining. Based on the results of this case report, it can be concluded that this technique is efficient and can be considered a minimally invasive procedure.

Comparative evaluation of anesthetic efficacy of 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL of articaine in irreversible pulpitis of the mandibular molar: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of two volumes of articaine in conventional inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis, and in cases of anesthetic failure, its complementation with periodontal ligament injection (PDL). METHODS: Ninety patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars received conventional IANB with 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. In cases of IANB failure, the same volumes were administered in the PDL. Presence of pulpal anesthesia and absence/presence of pain during pulpectomy were evaluated by electric pulp stimulation and verbal analogue scale, respectively. Relative risks (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for each outcome. RESULTS: 27% and 42% of the patients achieved pulpal anesthesia following IANB with 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL, respectively (RR = 0.63, CI 95% 0.35 to 1.14, p = 0.12). Analgesia during pulpectomy was present in 64% and 73% of the patients, respectively, for 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL (RR = 0.87, CI 95% 0.66 to 1.16, p = 0.36). In cases of IANB failure, 75% and 42% of the patients that received 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL of PDL injection, respectively, achieved pulpal anesthesia (RR = 1.80, CI 95% 0.87 to 3.72, p = 0.11). During a new attempt at the pulpectomy procedure, analgesia was present in 69% and 75% of the patients, respectively, for 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL (RR = 0.91, CI 95% 0.57 to 1.45, p = 0.71). CONCLUSION: Increasing the volume from 1.8 mL to 3.6 mL of the 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in the IANB and in the PDL, did not significantly increase the success rate of pulpal anesthesia and clinical analgesia during the pulpectomy procedure. Therefore, both volumes presented a similar efficacy, though neither resulted in effective pain control during irreversible pulpitis treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02422823.

Guaiacol/ß-cyclodextrin for rapid healing of dry socket: antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and bone repair-an animal study.

PURPOSE: Dry socket (DS) is one the most common and symptomatic post-extraction complications; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. This study aimed to develop a novel dressing material for DS containing the phenolic agent guaiacol and evaluate its biological properties. METHODS: An inclusion complex of guaiacol and ß-cyclodextrin (Gu/ßcd) was prepared by freeze-drying. Its antibacterial activity over six oral bacteria was analyzed using the microdilution method, and its cytotoxicity in osteoblasts was assessed with the MTT assay. The alveolar healing process induced by Gu/ßcd was evaluated histologically after the treatment of DS in rats. RESULTS: ßcd complexation potentiated Gu's antibacterial effect and reduced its cytotoxicity in osteoblasts. Bone trabeculae were formed in the alveolar apices of rats treated with Gu/ßcd by day 7. On day 14, woven bone occupied the apical and middle thirds of the sockets; on day 21, the entire alveolus was filled by newly formed bone, which was in a more advanced stage of repair than the positive control (Alvogyl™). CONCLUSION: The improvement in Gu's biological properties in vitro and the rapid alveolar repair in comparison with Alvogyl™ in vivo demonstrated the benefits of the Gu/ßcd complex as a future alternative for the treatment of DS.

Hyaluronidase increases the duration of mepivacaine in inferior alveolar nerve blocks.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the duration of the effect of mepivacaine when hyaluronidase is injected immediately prior to the end of pulpal anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty bilateral, symmetrical third molar surgeries were performed in 20 healthy patients. Inferior alveolar nerve block was induced using 2.8 mL 2% mepivacaine with epinephrine. Hyaluronidase (75 turbidity-reducing units) or a placebo was injected 40 minutes after the beginning of pulpar anesthesia (randomized and double-blind trial). The duration of effect in the pulpal and gingival tissues was evaluated by response to painful electrical stimuli applied to the adjacent premolar, and by mechanical stimuli (pin prick) to the vestibular gingiva, respectively. RESULTS: In both tissues, the duration of anesthetic effect with hyaluronidase was longer (P < .01) than with the placebo. CONCLUSION: Hyaluronidase increases the duration of mepivacaine in inferior alveolar nerve blocks.

Onset and duration periods of articaine and lidocaine on maxillary infiltration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the onset and duration of pulpal anesthesia by maxillary infiltration using 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, and 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty healthy patients randomly received 1.8 mL of one of the three local anesthetics during operative dentistry procedures of low complexity on three maxillary posterior teeth. Onset and duration were determined using an electric pulp tester. RESULTS: The mean values for pulpal onset were 2.8, 1.6, and 1.4 minutes and for pulpal duration were 39.2, 56.7, and 66.3 minutes, respectively, for 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, and 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Statistical analysis by the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test showed significant differences with better results (shorter onset and longer duration periods) for both articaine solutions compared with the lidocaine solution. Although 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine clinically presented the shortest onset and the longest duration periods, there was no statistically significant difference between the articaine solutions. CONCLUSION: Both articaine solutions produced shorter onset and longer duration of pulpal anesthesia by maxillary infiltration than the lidocaine solution did. Statistical analysis did not confirm better clinical results of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine than with 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine.

Erbium Lasers for the Prevention of Enamel and Dentin Demineralization: A Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review the current literature concerning Erbium lasers: Er:YAG (λ=2.94µm), Er:YSGG (λ=2.79µm), and Er,Cr:YSGG (λ=2.78µm) for the prevention of enamel and dentin demineralization. METHODS: Features such as laser parameters, reported outcome, inhibition of demineralization, and mechanisms of laser action were analyzed. A total of 55 publications were found in four electronic databases and were complemented by hand searching. RESULTS: Evidence regarding the potential of laser-induced prevention of demineralization (LIPD) was demonstrated in the literature, especially when subablative parameters were applied. Although ablation parameters have shown partial positive results in LIPD, some studies have shown severe morphological alterations in enamel and dentin. Until now, there are still no reports on the long-term effects of laser treatment. Additionally, it is unclear if there is a best combination of mechanisms that leads to the optimal LIPD. Other variables that are poorly investigated in the literature and have an important role in LIPD include pulse width, water irrigation, and air flow. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the current knowledge concerning the use of erbium lasers in LIPD, and brings forth essential questions that should be further addressed.

[Dental anxiety in an emergency dental service]. / Ansiedade ao tratamento odontológico em atendimento de urgência.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to assess the frequency of dental anxiety and/or fear among patients in an emergency dental service. METHODS: Research was based on interviews with 252 patients, aged 18 years old and over, attended at an emergency dentistry service of São Paulo, Brazil, from August to November, 2001. Two methods were used to measure dental anxiety: the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and the Gatchel Fear Scale. The study group answered questions concerning major complaint, how much time had elapsed since their last visit to the dentist and since the initial symptoms leading to the current visit to the emergency service, level of education, family income and previous traumas. Statistical analysis (chi2 and Fisher exact test) was performed to evaluate these characteristics. RESULTS: It was found that 28.17% of this sample was dentally anxious, according to the MDAS, and 14.29%, felt fear related to dental treatment according to the Gatchel Fear Scale. Women were more anxious than men at a statistically significant rate (MDAS). The time elapsed since the onset of initial symptoms was more than 7 days for 44.44% of the participants. A large proportion of anxious women returned to treatment during the last year. A previous traumatic experience with dental was identified in 46.48% of the dentally anxious patients. No significant relation between level of education or income and dental anxiety was found. CONCLUSIONS: Dentally anxious patients frequent attend emergency care. Females are more likely to report high dental anxiety than males. Previous experience seems to be an important factor contributing to avoidance of dental care.

Onset and duration period of pulpal anesthesia of articaine and lidocaine in inferior alveolar nerve block.

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double blind study was to compare the onset and duration periods of pulpal anesthesia using 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine in inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Thirty subjects received 1.8 mL of each of the three local anesthetic solutions in IANB. Onset and duration periods of pulpal anesthesia were determined using electric pulp stimulation. The mean time of onset of pulpal anesthesia was 8.7, 7.4 and 7.7 min and the mean duration of pulpal anesthesia was 61.8, 106.6 and 88.0 min for 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, respectively. For onset, there was only a significant difference between 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (p=0.037). For duration, there was significant difference for all the local anesthetic solutions (p≤0.05). In conclusion, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine exhibited faster onset and also had longest duration of pulpal anesthesia in IANB.

Comparison of the anesthetic efficacy between bupivacaine and lidocaine in patients with irreversible pulpitis of mandibular molar.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine with that of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine during pulpectomy in patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular posterior teeth. METHODS: Seventy volunteers, patients with irreversible pulpitis admitted to the Emergency Center of the School of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo, randomly received a conventional inferior alveolar nerve block containing 3.6 mL of either 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. During the subsequent pulpectomy, we recorded the patients' subjective assessments of lip anesthesia, the absence/presence of pulpal anesthesia through electric pulp stimulation, and the absence/presence of pain through a verbal analog scale. RESULTS: All patients reported lip anesthesia after the application of either inferior alveolar nerve block. By measuring pulpal anesthesia success with the pulp tester, lidocaine had a higher success rate (42.9%) than bupivacaine (20%). For patients reporting none or mild pain during pulpectomy, the success rate of bupivacaine was 80% and lidocaine was 62.9%. There were only statistically significant differences to the success of pulpal anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Neither of the solutions resulted in an effective pain control during irreversible pulpitis treatments of mandibular molars.

Evaluation of simulated bone lesion in the head of the mandible by using multislice computed tomography.

UNLABELLED: Conventional radiography has shown limitation in acquiring image of the ATM region, thus, computed tomography (CT) scanning has been the best option to the present date for diagnosis, surgical planning and treatment of bone lesions, owing to its specific properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate images of simulated bone lesions at the head of the mandible by multislice CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Spherical lesions were made with dental spherical drills (sizes 1, 3, and 6) and were evaluated by using multislice CT (64 rows), by two observers in two different occasions, deploying two protocols: axial, coronal, and sagittal images, and parasagittal images for pole visualization (anterior, lateral, posterior, medial and superior). Acquired images were then compared with those lesions in the dry mandible (gold standard) to evaluate the specificity and sensibility of both protocols. Statistical methods included: Kappa statistics, validity test and chi-square test. Results demonstrated the advantage of associating axial, coronal, and sagittal slices with parasagittal slices for lesion detection at the head of the mandible. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the types of protocols regarding a particular localization of lesions at the poles. CONCLUSIONS: Protocols for the assessment of the head of the mandible were established to improve the visualization of alterations of each of the poles of the mandible's head. The anterior and posterior poles were better visualized in lateral-medial planes while lateral, medial and superior poles were better visualized in the anterior-posterior plane.

Quantitative analysis of dental enamel removal during a microabrasion technique

Objetivo: Quantificar, por meio de perfi lometria, a profundidade de esmalte dental removido durante o emprego de uma técnica de microabrasão utilizando-se ácido clorídrico e abrasão manual com espátula plástica. Método: Trinta e seis espécimes obtidos de terceiros molares humanos foram polidos, para obtenção de superfícies planas, e divididos em 3 grupos (n = 12) de acordo com os diferentes tratamentos recebidos: tratamento placebo com água deionizada, como controle negativo (CG); microabrasão com ácido clorídrico a 6.6, OpalustreTM (G1); e ácido clorídrico a 6, Whiteness RMTM (G2). A microabrasão foi realizada, de forma padronizada, submetendo os espécimes a 4 ciclos de 10 segundos cada e abrasão manual utilizando-se uma espátula plástica com carga de 200 g. A perda da superfície de esmalte foi medida após cada um dos ciclos de tratamento por meio de perfi lômetro de contato. Resultados: Após os primeiros 10 segundos de abrasão, já foi encontrada perda de esmalte em ambos os grupos tratados (G1 e G2). Nos grupos G1 e G2, a cada ciclo de 10 segundos, foi observado um aumento signifi cativo na perda de esmalte (p ≤0.05). Após 4 abrasões de 10 segundos cada, as médias de perda de esmalte nos grupos tratados foram 46.04 μm (G1) e 54.65 μm (G2). Foi encontrada uma diferença signifi cativa entre G1 e G2 com relação à perda de esmalte de microabrasão em esmalte dental com segurança, utilizando-se ácido clorídrico e abrasão manual com espátula plástica.

Objective: To quantify, by means of profi lometry, the removal of dental enamel during the use of a microabrasion technique involving the use of hydrochloric acid and manual abrasion with a plastic spatula. Method: Thirty six specimens obtained from human third molars were polished to obtain fl at surfaces and divided into 3 groups (n = 12) according to the different treatments received: A placebo treatment with deionized water as a negative control (CG); microabrasion with 6.6% hydrochloric acid, OpalustreTM (G1); and microabrasion with 6% hydrochloric acid, Whiteness RMTM (G2). The microabrasion was performed in a standardized manner by submitting the specimens to 4 cycles of 10 seconds each and manual abrasion using a plastic spatula (200 g load). The loss of enamel surface was measured after each cycle of treatment by contact profi lometry. Results: Enamel loss was already observed after the fi rst 10 seconds of abrasion with hydrochloric acid in both treated groups (G1 and G2). After 4 abrasions of 10 seconds each, the average fi nal enamel losses in the treated groups were 46.04 μm (G1) and 54.65 μm (G2). In the G1 and G2 groups, a signifi cant increase in enamel wear was detected in each cycle in comparison to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). A signifi cant difference in enamel loss between G1 and G2 was found after 30 and 40 seconds of microabrasion. Relevance: The results of this study provide objective data for safely performing the microabrasion technique on dental enamel using hydrochloric acid and manual abrasion using a plastic spatula.

Onset and Duration Period of Pulpal Anesthesia of Articaine and Lidocaine in Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double blind study was to compare the onset and duration periods of pulpal anesthesia using 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine in inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Thirty subjects received 1.8 mL of each of the three local anesthetic solutions in IANB. Onset and duration periods of pulpal anesthesia were determined using electric pulp stimulation. The mean time of onset of pulpal anesthesia was 8.7, 7.4 and 7.7 min and the mean duration of pulpal anesthesia was 61.8, 106.6 and 88.0 min for 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, respectively. For onset, there was only a significant difference between 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (p=0.037). For duration, there was significant difference for all the local anesthetic solutions (p≤0.05). In conclusion, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine exhibited faster onset and also had longest duration of pulpal anesthesia in IANB.

A proposta deste estudo prospectivo, randomizado e duplo cego foi comparar o período de latência e duração da anestesia pulpar utilizando lidocaina 2% com epinefrina 1:100.000, articaina 4% com epinefrina 1:100.000 e articaina 4% com epinefrina 1:200.000 no bloqueio do nervo alveolar inferior (BNAI). Trinta pacientes receberam 1,8 mL de cada uma das soluções anestésicas no BNAI. Os períodos de latência e duração da anestesia pulpar foram determinados usando estimulação pulpar elétrica. O tempo médio da latência da anestesia pulpar foi 8,7, 7,4 e 7,7 min e da duração média da anestesia pulpar foi 61,8, 106,6 e 88,0 min para lidocaina 2% com epinefrina 1:100.000, articaina 4% com epinefrina 1:100.000 e articaina 4% com epinefrina 1:200.000, respectivamente. Para latência houve somente diferença significante entre lidocaina 2% com epinefrina 1:100.000 e articaina 4% com epinefrina 1:100.000 (p=0,037). Para a duração houve diferença significante para todas as soluções anestésicas locais (p≤0,05). Em conclusão, articaina 4% com epinefrina 1:100.000 exibiu mais rápida latência e também obteve mais longa duração da anestesia pulpar no BNAI.

SAPHO syndrome with temporomandibular joint ankylosis: clinical, radiological, histopathological, and therapeutical correlations.

The SAPHO syndrome is characterized by specific clinical manifestations of synovitis, acne pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. It is a rare disease with a combination of osseous and articular manifestations associated with skin lesions. We describe a patient with SAPHO syndrome of the mandible and involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ ankylosis). The findings from orthopantomography, computed tomography (CT), and clinical and histopathological examinations are compared and analyzed to improve the final diagnosis. Our patient was submitted to a bilateral high condylectomy and coronoidectomy to correct the open mouth limitation. No previous report of SAPHO syndrome associated with secondary TMJ ankylosis was found in the literature.

Validation of computed tomography protocols for simulated mandibular lesions: a comparison study.

Computed tomography is the choice technique to assess oral and maxillofacial osseous lesions because it provides hard and soft tissues visualization in one examination without superimposition of surrounding structures. This examination offers a significant advance in maxillofacial lesions detection with an excellent anatomic resolution. The aim of this research was to evaluate the validity of two protocols, in axial sections, in simulated mandibular lesions. Two CT protocols were obtained in dry mandibles in which perforations were done simulating lesions. Two observers, previously calibrated, evaluated the images according to different parameters. The results indicated that the sensitivity and specificity in lesion detection were 100% for both protocols, but the detection of loci number of multilocular lesions and the location and detection of medullar invasion obtained reduced validity values, which were influenced by the acquisition protocol. We concluded that thinner axial slices and reconstructions were more effective in detecting early medullar invasion and loci number. Thicker protocols were not considered appropriate to detect multilocular lesions and early stages of medullar invasion.

Estética imediata provisória em paciente idoso / Immediate provisional esthetics in the elderly patient

Com o aumento na expectativa de vida e o notável fenômeno de inversão da pirâmide populacional que vem ocorrendo em diversos países, nas últimas décadas, é possível prever um incremento na presença dos idosos nos consultórios odontológicos. Na sociedade atual, é crescente e imperativa a busca por uma estética ideal, o que também reflete na odontologia, em que o aprimoramento de técnicas e materiais tem buscado aumentar a gama de recursos disponíveis para a obtenção de um sorriso engajado nos padrões de harmonia ditados pela sociedade. É bastante compreensível que os pacientes de idade mais avançada não fiquem alheios aos eminentes apelos estéticos. Assim, é crescente a necessidade de o cirurgião-dentista buscar soluções estéticas para pacientes na terceira idade. Este relato de caso visa apresentar uma alternativa de recuperação estética do sorriso em paciente odontogeriatra.

Despite the rise of life expectance and the inversion of population pyramids that has been occurring in many countries for the last decades it is possible to predict a rise of the elderly in dental offices. Modern society increasingly searches for ideal esthetics, this also reflects in dentistry, where the improvement of materials and techniques has increased available options to provide a harmonious smile. It is comprehensible that the elderly also care about esthetics. So, dentists must find esthetic solutions for them. The objective of this case report is to show an alternative for immediate esthetic recuperation of the smile in an elderly patient.

Linear density analysis of bone repair in rats using digital direct radiograph.

The objective of this study was to assess bone density measurements for analysis of repairing fractures in rats using direct digital radiography under Dexamethasone effects. Thirty (30) young adult male Wistar rats were used, with an average weight of 200g, which were submitted to general anesthetics by ethyl ether. One rib of each animal was fractured by surgical technique. The rats were divided into 2 groups, named Control group - intraperitoneal administration of saline solution 1 hour prior to operation, and Group 1: intraperitoneal administration of Dexamethasone 0.1mg/Kg of weight 1 hour prior to operation, and two postoperative doses every 12 hours. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 3, 4, 7 and 14 days. The parts containing the hemi-thorax with the fractured rib were removed and submitted to direct digital radiography, where the linear density of the two extremities of the fracture were analyzed by the Digora System. The results showed that in the control group and in Group 1 there was a gradual and significant increase in linear density. The method used made it feasible to supply data that were statistically significant in assessing the gain in bone density during the period of time analyzed. In conclusion, direct digital radiograph is useful for bone density analysis for fracture repairing. The dose of Dexamethasone was not sufficient to alter the gain in bone density at the extremities of fracture.