Nitrates of cerium and samarium deposit on human enamel independently of a salivary pellicle.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the precipitation of Cerium(III)nitrate hexahydrate [Ce(NO3)3] or Samarium(III)nitrate hexahydrate [Sm(NO3)3] solutions on human enamel with and without a salivary pellicle. Investigated parameters were At%Ce and At%Sm measured using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) after test solution (two concentrations) application. Materials and methods: Precipitation of Ce(NO3)3 and Sm(NO3)3 solutions was examined on human enamel with and without a salivary pellicle. 6 enamel specimens each were obtained from 12 freshly extracted human third molars. These specimens were ground flat and polished. A salivary pellicle was created on 3 of the 6 specimens per tooth by storing the samples in human saliva. Subsequently, an aqueous solution of Ce(NO3)3 was applied to 2 of the 6 specimens (one with, one without salivary pellicle) for 60 s. The same was carried out with an aqueous solution of Sm(NO3)3 on 2 further specimens. The remaining 2 specimens from each tooth were treated with demineralized water (negative control). Ce(NO3)3 and Sm(NO3)3 solutions were applied at 25 or 50 wt% (aqueous solutions). The test materials and concentrations were distributed using a randomization table. After 60 s exposure and rinsing with demineralized water, the elemental composition (Ce, Sm, Ca, P, O, N, Na, Mg) of the enamel surface was analyzed by EDX. Atomic percentages (At%), differences (ΔAt%) and calcium/phosphorous-ratios (Ca/P-ratios) were calculated and analyzed non-parametrically (α = 0.05). Results: 2.0-2.3 At%Ce (median) was detected on Ce(NO3)3-treated enamel and 0.4-0.7 At% Sm (median) was detected on Sm(NO3)3-treated enamel. Ce was only detected on the surfaces after application of Ce(NO3)3, Sm only after application of Sm(NO3)3. The Ca/P-ratio was significantly lower (1.37-1.59; p = 0.028) after the application of 25% and 50%Ce(NO3)3 as well as 50%Sm(NO3)3 compared to the control treatment (demineralized water; 1.61-1.63). After treatment with Ce(NO3)3, At%Ca and At%Na were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.043) compared to treatment with Sm(NO3)3. No significant differences were found between specimens treated with 25% or 50% lanthanide nitrate solution. Presence of a salivary pellicle had no significant influence on the measured At% with the exception of specimens treated with 50% Sm(NO3)3 with increased At%Sm (p ≤ 0.046). Conclusions: Ce(NO3)3 and Sm(NO3)3 precipitate on human enamel independently of the presence of a salivary pellicle.

Stress response in Escherichia coli following sublethal phenalene-1-one mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: an RNA-Seq study.

Since the molecular mechanisms behind adaptation and the bacterial stress response toward antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) are not entirely clear yet, the aim of the present study was to investigate the transcriptomic stress response in Escherichia coli after sublethal treatment with aPDT using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Planktonic cultures of stationary phase E. coli were treated with aPDT using a sublethal dose of the photosensitizer SAPYR. After treatment, RNA was extracted, and RNA-Seq was performed on the Illumina NextSeq 500. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed and validated by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, expression of specific stress response proteins was investigated using Western blot analysis.The analysis of the differential gene expression following pathway enrichment analysis revealed a considerable number of genes and pathways significantly up- or down-regulated in E. coli after sublethal treatment with aPDT. Expression of 1018 genes was up-regulated and of 648 genes was down-regulated after sublethal treatment with aPDT as compared to irradiated controls. Analysis of differentially expressed genes and significantly de-regulated pathways showed regulation of genes involved in oxidative stress response and bacterial membrane damage. In conclusion, the results show a transcriptomic stress response in E. coli upon exposure to aPDT using SAPYR and give an insight into potential molecular mechanisms that may result in development of adaptation.

Cerium- and samarium-nitrate interaction and accumulation on human dentin.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accumulation of cerium-nitrate and samarium-nitrate on dentin without or with smear-layer and to test their antibacterial activity. DESIGN: 24 dentin-enamel slices were cut from 24 extracted molars. 12 slices underwent smear-layer creation (320 grit, 200 g, 5 s), the other 12 smear-layer removal (20 % EDTA, 300 s). Slices were halved to 48 semilunar-shaped specimens. One specimen per tooth was treated with either Ce(NO3)3 (50 wt% aqueous solution; pH = 1.29; n = 6) or Sm(NO3)3 (50 wt% aqueous solution; pH = 1.88; n = 6). The other specimen served as control (A. demin). After water rinsing, elemental composition (Ce, Sm, Ca, P, O, N, Na, Mg, C) was measured (EDX; EDAX Octane-Elect, APEX v2.5, low-vacuum) in dentin. Atomic percent (At%), Ca/P- and Ca/N-ratios were calculated and analyzed non-parametrically (α = 0.05, error rates method). Additionally, antibacterial activity (2 min exposure) of Ce(NO3)3 and Sm(NO3)3 against Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Schaalia odontolytica, and Enterococcus faecalis was determined (colony forming units) after anaerobic incubation at 37 °C for 24 h (control: 0.2 % CHX). RESULTS: At% (median) of Ce and Sm were as follows: Ce(NO3)3 3.4 and 0.9 At%Ce with and without smear-layer, respectively; Sm(NO3)3 2.4 and 1.3 At%Sm with and without smear-layer, respectively. Ce(NO3)3 and Sm(NO3)3-application significantly decreased Ca/P-ratios (1.22 - 1.45; p ≤ 0.02) compared to controls (1.47 - 1.63). With smear-layer, significantly higher Ca/N-ratios (5.1 - 29.3) could be detected across all groups (p ≤ 0.004) compared to specimens without smear-layer (0.37 - 0.48). Ce(NO3)3 and Sm(NO3)3 showed reduction rates of up to ≥ 5 log10 steps for S. mutans, A. naeslundii, and S. odontolytica. CONCLUSIONS: Cerium and samarium nitrate showed accumulation on dentin and certain antibacterial activity and could therefore be identified as potential compounds to treat and prevent dentin and root caries and dentin hypersensitivity.

Chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash alters the oral microbial composition and affects the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Introduction: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a commonly used antiseptic in situations of limited oral hygiene ability such as after periodontal surgery. However, CHX is also considered as a possible factor in the emergence of cross-resistance to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in the oral microbiota and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) due to CHX treatment. Materials and methods: We analyzed the oral metagenome of 20 patients who applied a 0.2% CHX mouthwash twice daily for 4 weeks following periodontal surgical procedures. Saliva and supragingival plaque samples were examined before, directly after 4 weeks, and another 4 weeks after discontinuing the CHX treatment. Results: Alpha-diversity decreased significantly with CHX use. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity increased in both sample sites and mainly streptococci showed a higher relative abundance after CHX treatment. Although no significant changes of ARGs could be detected, an increase in prevalence was found for genes that encode for tetracycline efflux pumps. Conclusion: CHX treatment appears to promote a caries-associated bacterial community and the emergence of tetracycline resistance genes. Future research should focus on CHX-related changes in the microbial community and whether the discovered tetracycline resistance genes promote resistance to CHX.

Randomized controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum in reducing plaque and gingivitis in adolescent orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVES: Chewing gums containing antiseptics or other antimicrobial substances may be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Therefore, the aim of this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum containing essential oils (cinnamon, lemon, peppermint) and extracts on reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis as well as on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescent orthodontic patients. MATERIALS: 52 patients (11-22 years of age) were randomly assigned to use a test chewing gum (COVIDGUM, Clevergum) or a commercially available control chewing gum over a period of 10 days. Approximal plaque index (API), papillary bleeding index (PBI) and an OHRQoL questionnaire for children (COHIP-G19) were assessed at baseline (BL), after 10 days (10d) and 30 days (30d). In addition, oral health and oral hygiene related questions of the COHIP-G19 questionnaire were evaluated separately in subscales at each timepoint. Data were analyzed using non-parametrical statistical procedures (α = 0.05). RESULTS: API and PBI decreased significantly over time from BL to 10d and from BL to 30d in both groups, without significant differences between the groups. In both groups, the COHIP-G19 score, oral health subscale and oral hygiene subscale decreased significantly over time. Regarding the oral hygiene subscale, the test group showed significantly better scores at 30d (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Both chewing gums performed similarly effective in terms of reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation and improving OHRQoL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chewing gums without antimicrobial ingredients may be sufficient to decrease plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.

Shear Bond Strength of Adhesives Placed following Selective Removal of Red-Fluorescing Carious Dentine in vitro.

Red-fluorescing dentine indicates bacterial contamination [Caries Res 2002; 36: 315-319]. We investigated effect of removal of red fluorescent dentine caries on shear bond strength and fracture mode of 4 adhesive approaches. Sixty-five carious teeth and 50 noncarious controls were distributed into 4 groups: Clearfil™ self-etch (CSE), OptiBond™ FL total etch (OTE), Scotchbond™ Universal total etch (STE) and self-etch (SSE). Samples were excited at 405 nm and viewed through 530 nm filter. Carious samples were ground flat exposing strongly red-fluorescing (StrongRF) dentine, on which a composite cylinder was placed, using one of 4 adhesives. After 22 h in water, shear bond strength and fracture mode were analysed. StrongRF was removed; composite cylinders were placed on weakly red-fluorescing (WeakRF) dentine and tested as described above. Finally, red-fluorescing dentine was removed, and composite cylinders were placed on non-fluorescing (NonRF) dentine and tested. Composites were placed at 3 corresponding heights in controls. After 22 h in water, shear bond strength testing and fracture mode analysis were performed. Differences were tested using Mann-Whitney or Wilcoxon tests (p ≤0.05). Median (Q1, Q3) shear bond strength on StrongRF was SSE 14.4 (9.2, 18.2) MPa >CSE 10.2 (6.4, 17.3) MPa >STE 9.1 (6.9, 11.2) MPa >OTE 6.8 (4.0, 10.8) MPa. Shear bond strength increased statistically significantly for all adhesives on WeakRF: SSE 19.8 (13.6, 24.3) MPa >STE 19.5 (12.7, 23.1) MPa >CSE 17.5 (12.0, 22.5) MPa >OTE 15.8 (11.9, 20.9) MPa. Only STE 25.6 (22.4, 29.1) MPa and CSE 22.1 (17.6, 24.6) MPa were significantly different on NonRF compared to WeakRF. For controls tested at corresponding depths, superficial shear bond strength was OTE 18.7 (16.0, 22.1) MPa >STE 18.4 (12.0, 25.9) MPa >CSE 18.1 (12.7, 20.7) MPa >SSE 13.0 (9.6, 17.8) MPa. This was significantly higher compared to StrongRF except for SSE. Central shear bond strength was not significantly different to WeakRF, deep shear bond strength was significantly lower for SSE and CSE but higher for OTE compared to carious. Conclusion: StrongRF dentine should be removed for higher shear bond strength, but WeakRF dentine can often be preserved without compromising adhesive bond strength.

Optimal effective concentration combinations (OPECCs) for binary application of membrane-targeting antiseptics and TMPyP-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

The widespread occurrence of multi-resistant bacteria is a health problem of global dimension. Infections caused by multi-resistant pathogens are difficult to treat and often associated with high mortality. Therefore, new treatment strategies are of interest, such as the use of differently acting antibacterial concepts. One of these new concepts is the use of antiseptics in combination with the antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Currently, no method has yet been established as a standard procedure for investigating combined effects and evaluating them in a generally valid and unambiguous manner. The focus of this study was on how cationic antiseptics benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) behave in a combined application with aPDT using the photosensitizer TMPyP. For this purpose, BAC and CHX were applied in combination with the aPDT using TMPyP in non-lethal concentrations to the three bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. The results of the combination experiments with sublethal concentrations of BAC or CHX with the aPDT showed that the binary application had a lethal effect. Irrespective of the bacteria, the reduction in concentrations in OPECC, compared to individual concentrations, was more than 50% for TMPyP, 23-40% for BAC, and 18-43% for CHX. Furthermore, the optimal effective concentration combinations (OPECCs) could be determined. The latter showed that the combined application allowed the reduction of both concentrations compared to the single application.

Randomized Clinical Split-Mouth Study on Partial Ceramic Crowns Luted with a Self-adhesive Resin Cement with or without Selective Enamel Etching: Long-Term Results after 15 Years.

PURPOSE: This follow-up of a randomized clinical split-mouth study aimed to investigate the influence of selective enamel etching on the long-term clinical performance of partial ceramic crowns (PCCs) luted with a self-adhesive resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 patients received two PCCs (Vita Mark II; Cerec 3D) each for the restoration of extensive lesions with multiple cusp coverage, inserted with a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem, RXU). Using a split-mouth design, one PCC received additional selective enamel etching (RXU+E) and one did not (RXU-E). Patients were clinically evaluated at baseline and after up to 15 years (median observation period 176 months) using modified USPHS and FDI criteria. The data were analyzed non-parametrically (chi-squared tests, α = 0.05). Clinical survival of all restorations after 15 years was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: After 15 years, 19 patients were available for clinical assessment (recall rate: 56%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a cumulative survival of 78.1% for RXU+E and of 42.9% for RXU-E, indicating a significantly higher survival rate for RXU+E (p = 0.004). Regarding the clinical performance of PCCs available for the 15-year evaluation, no statistically significant differences were found between RXU+E and RXU-E using modified USPHS and FDI criteria. Both groups revealed significant deterioration over time regarding surface luster, marginal adaptation, and marginal discoloration. RXU+E resulted in significantly inferior anatomic form over time and a significant improvement in post-operative hypersensitivity compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: For posterior PCCs, selective enamel etching can be recommended based on higher survival rates after 15 years. Clinically, deterioration due to aging is similar in both groups.

General diseases and medications in 687 patients reporting on adverse effects from dental materials.

OBJECTIVES: Examination of patients claiming adverse effects from dental materials can be very challenging. Particularly, systemic aspects must be considered besides dental and orofacial diseases and allergies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a cohort of 687 patients reporting on adverse effects from dental materials focusing on findings related to known general diseases or conditions or medication-related findings with relevance to their subjective complaints. METHODS: Six hundred eighty-seven patients visiting a specialized consultation on claimed adverse effects from dental materials were retrospectively investigated for their subjective complaints, findings related to known general diseases or conditions, medication-related findings, dental and orofacial findings, or allergies with relevance to their subjective complaints. RESULTS: The most frequent subjective complaints were burning mouth (44.1%), taste disorders (28.5%), and dry mouth (23.7%). In 58.4% of the patients, dental and orofacial findings relevant to their complaints could be found. Findings related to known general diseases or conditions or medication-related findings were found in 28.7% or 21.0% of the patients, respectively. Regarding medications, findings related to antihypertensives (10.0%) and psychotropic drugs (5.7%) were found most frequently. Relevant diagnosed allergies toward dental materials were found in 11.9%, hyposalivation in 9.6% of the patients. In 15.1% of the patients, no objectifiable causes for the expressed complaints could be found. CONCLUSIONS: For patients complaining of adverse effects from dental materials, findings related to known general diseases or conditions and medications should be given particular consideration, while still in some patients, no objectifiable causes for their complaints can be found. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For patients complaining about adverse effects from dental materials, specialized consultations and close collaboration with experts from other medical fields are eligible.

The Optimal Effective Concentration Combination (OPECC) as a Novel Method for Evaluating the Effects of Binary Application of Antibacterial Compounds.

Combination therapies appear to be beneficial for preventing bacterial resistance to antibacterial approaches. The aim of this study was to define and determine an optimal effective concentration combination (OPECC) for binary application of antibacterial compounds. The antiseptics chlorhexidine (CHX), benzalkonium chloride (BAC), and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), as well as the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP), were tested against planktonic Escherichia coli in binary combinations by applying a checkerboard assay, and then evaluated according to the established synergism principles. Extending the checkerboard method, the optical density (OD) of the wells was measured photometrically. On the borderline between effective (OD = 0) and non-effective (OD > 0) eradication of the bacterial cultures, the OPECC was determined. Binary combinations of CPC or CHX with BAC were assessed as either synergistic or indifferent, respectively, while there was no OPECC to calculate. For all other binary combinations, an OPECC was derivable, and these were assessed as either synergistic or indifferent. In conclusion, the evaluation of the binary combination application of antibacterial compounds based on the checkerboard method was refined to such an extent that it was possible to determine at least one concentration pair that could be defined and considered as an OPECC, independently of the evaluation of the system according to the different synergy principles. In general, the method presented herein for determining an OPECC can be applied to any conceivable method or system aimed at the eradication of a pathogen.

Elemental Compositions of Enamel or Dentin in Human and Bovine Teeth Differ from Murine Teeth.

Teeth with different chemical compositions can show vastly different physical properties, so knowledge of elemental composition is required to use animal teeth as substitutes for human teeth in research. In vitro, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), improved by calibration standards and Si3N4-window material, enables determining local elemental compositions of inorganic and organic compounds without sample destruction. Six human molars, bovine incisors, murine incisors, and murine molars were analyzed. EDX-field scans and line scans were analyzed for elements Ca, P, O, C, N, F, Na, Mg, Fe, Cl, and S. Furthermore, Ca/P- and Ca/N-Ratios were calculated. The presence of iron in murine incisor enamel was investigated using additional wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements (WDX) near the enamel surface. Bovine and human enamel and dentin revealed close similarities regarding elemental composition. The median (25-75% percentiles) of At%Ca was 21.1 (20.8-21.3) in human enamel, 21.0 (20.7-21.2) in bovine enamel, and in murine enamel, 18.3 (17.85-18.88) for molars and 18.35 (18.00-18.75) for incisors. In dentin, murine teeth revealed a higher At%Ca compared to human and bovine teeth. Significant differences between human and bovine teeth were found for nitrogen in dentin, with a median of 4.5 (3.3-5) At%N for human dentin and 2.7 (2.3-3.2) At%N for bovine dentin. The Ca/P-Ratio was the highest in human and bovine enamel, which did not differ significantly. Enamel from murine molars had a higher Ca/P-Ratio than murine incisors and the highest Ca/P-Ratio in dentin was observed for human teeth and murine molars (1.49). WDX revealed iron in the outer 10 µm of pre- and post-eruptive enamel of murine incisors. Pre- and post-eruptive enamel on murine incisors only differed significantly in At%Ca (p = 0.041) and At%P (p = 0.026) with both At% higher in the pre-eruptive enamel. Murine teeth differ significantly from human and bovine teeth in terms of the elemental composition of enamel and dentin.

Impact of Endodontic Irrigant Activation on Smear Layer Removal and Surface Disintegration of Root Canal Dentine In Vitro.

The objective of this study was to compare the ability of different endodontic irrigation activation methods to enable irrigant penetration, remove the smear layer from root canal walls after preparation, and investigate surface effects on dentine. Root canals of 90 single-rooted teeth were prepared and irrigated with EDTA (17%) and sodium hypochlorite (5%), where both irrigants or sodium hypochlorite only were activated as follows: conventional needle irrigation, ultrasonic activation, sonic activation (EDDY), or laser-based activation (photon-induced photoacoustic streaming/PIPS). For the evaluation of irrigant penetration into dentinal tubules, methylene blue was injected and activated as well. Subsequently, teeth were sectioned horizontally, and dye penetration depths were measured. Alternating sections were split in halves and randomly selected for scanning electron microscopic analysis. Root canal dentine was assessed for smear layer removal and surface disintegration according to a defined scoring system. The data were analyzed statistically with nonparametric and chi-squared tests for whole teeth and separately for coronal, middle, and apical thirds. All the tested activation methods removed a thicker smear layer than needle irrigation only. Additional activation of EDTA improved penetration depths of the irrigants, but not the smear layer removal. Surface disintegration of root canal dentine was observed with the additional activation of EDTA and particularly after laser-based techniques. Additional activation of EDTA does not seem to offer any convincing advantages in terms of irrigant penetration or smear layer removal but disrupts the dentine surface. Especially laser-based activation resulted in undesirable destruction of root canal wall dentine.

Surface Accumulation of Cerium, Self-Assembling Peptide, and Fluoride on Sound Bovine Enamel.

The accumulation of caries-preventive compounds on sound enamel is crucial in order to improve the inhibition of carious lesion initiation. The aim of this research was to investigate the initial accumulation of cerium, oligopeptide p11-4, and fluoride from NaF or amine fluoride (AmF) on sound enamel in vitro by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Polished bovine enamel specimens (n = 120 from 60 teeth) were fabricated. Out of these, 12 specimens each were treated with CeCl3 (cerium(III) chloride heptahydrate 25%), oligopeptide p11-4 (Curodont Repair, Credentis), NaF (10,000 ppm F−), AmF (amine fluoride, Elmex Fluid, CP-GABA GmbH, 10,000 ppm F−), or Aqua demin (control). After rinsing with water, the surface elemental composition (Ce, N, F, Ca, P, O, Na, Mg) was measured (EDX; EDAX Octane Elect detector, APEX v2.0), expressed in atomic percent (At%) and analyzed (non-parametric statistics, α = 0.05, error rates method). Another 12 specimens per treatment group were fabricated and used for analyzing accumulation in cross-sections with EDX linescans and two-dimensional EDX-mappings. The surface median atomic percent of cerium (At%Ce) was 0.8 for CeCl3, but no Ce was found for any other group. N, specifically for oligopeptide p11-4, could not be detected. Fluorine could only be detected on fluoridated surfaces. The median atomic percent of fluorine (At%F) was 15.2 for NaF and 17.0 for AmF. The Ca/P ratio increased significantly compared to the control following the application of NaF and AmF (p < 0.001), but decreased significantly for CeCl3 (p < 0.001). In cross-sectioned specimens of the CeCl3-group, 12.5% of the linescans revealed cerium at the enamel surface, whereas 83.3% of the NaF linescans and 95.8% of the AmF linescans revealed fluorine at the enamel surface. Following the application of oligopeptide p11-4, no traces of N were detectable. In the depth of the samples, no signal was detected for any of the corresponding elements exceeding the background noise. Cerium and fluorine (from both NaF and AmF), but not the oligopeptide p11-4, precipitated on sound enamel.

Relapse in class II orthognathic surgery: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Relapse after orthognathic surgery seems to depend on diverse factors. Proffit et al. postulated in 2007 a "hierarchy of stability" (Head Face Med 6:66, 2007), ranking posttreatment stability after various orthognathic procedures, but no systematically reviewed evidence was provided. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the extent of class II relapse in orthognathic surgery of Angle class II patients depending on the surgical procedure used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven databases were searched for randomized and controlled clinical trials to compare relapse in surgical procedures for Angle class II patients. After duplicate study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed with the ROBINS-I tool as well as data synthesis by frequency distribution, followed by assessment of the quality of evidence with GRADE. RESULTS: Four non-randomized cohort-studies with a total of 132 patients were included. Bimaxillary procedures as well mandibular advancement procedures proved to be highly stable. Single jaw interventions at the maxilla achieved mostly stable results at sagittal dimension and problematic stability in the vertical dimension. However, there were only limited data available with low quality of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Limited existing evidence of low quality partly support the postulated hierarchy of stability of Proffit et al. (Head Face Med 6:66, 2007) and indicates that a surgical correction of class II dysgnathia with bimaxillary procedures and mandibular advancement seems to be highly stable. However, additional studies are needed to address the relation between relapse and surgical orthognathic intervention. Trial registration PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019144873.

Randomized clinical split-mouth study on a novel self-adhesive bulk-fill restorative vs. a conventional bulk-fill composite for restoration of class II cavities - results after three years.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized prospective split-mouth study evaluated the clinical performance of a novel, tooth-colored, self-adhesive bulk-fill restorative (SABF, 3M) for restoration of class II cavities as compared to a conventional bulk-fill composite (Filtek One, 3M; FOBF) over 36 months. The null-hypothesis was that both materials perform equally regarding clinical success and performance according to the FDI clinical criteria and scoring system. METHODS: 30 patients received one SABF and one FOBF restoration each. For FOBF, Scotchbond Universal (3M) was used as adhesive (self-etch mode), whereas SABF was applied without adhesive. Two blinded examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline, 24 and 36 months using FDI criteria. Data were analyzed non-parametrically (χ2-tests; α=0.05). RESULTS: 29 patients were available for the 24- and 36-month examinations. Clinical success rate was 96.6% for both materials at 36-mo (one restoration failure due to secondary caries each). All other restorations revealed clinically acceptable FDI scores at all recalls. FOBF performed significantly better than SABF at all time points regarding surface lustre (p<0.001) and color match and translucency (p<0.001) and regarding marginal staining at 36-months (p=0.008). Marginal staining and marginal adaptation deteriorated significantly over time for both materials (both p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The null-hypothesis could only partially be rejected. Both materials performed similarly regarding clinical success and performance within 36 months of clinical service, but SABF exhibited significantly inferior, but clinically fully acceptable esthetic properties as compared to FOBF. Both restorative materials showed clinically fully acceptable results over 36 months of clinical service and thus may be recommended for clinical use. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The novel tooth-colored self-adhesive bulk-fill restorative exhibited clinically fully acceptable results over 36 months of clinical service, similarly to a conventional bulk-fill restorative used with a universal adhesive, but with slight shortcomings in esthetic properties. Therefore, both restorative materials may be recommended for clinical use.

Ecological Effects of Daily Antiseptic Treatment on Microbial Composition of Saliva-Grown Microcosm Biofilms and Selection of Resistant Phenotypes.

Antiseptics are widely used in dental practice and included in numerous over-the-counter oral care products. However, the effects of routine antiseptic use on microbial composition of oral biofilms and on the emergence of resistant phenotypes remain unclear. Microcosm biofilms were inoculated from saliva samples of four donors and cultured in the Amsterdam Active Attachment biofilm model for 3 days. Then, they were treated two times daily with chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) or cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) for a period of 7 days. Ecological changes upon these multiple antiseptic treatments were evaluated by semiconductor-based sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and identification of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Furthermore, culture-based approaches were used for colony-forming units (CFU) assay, identification of antiseptic-resistant phenotypes using an agar dilution method, and evaluation of their antibiotic susceptibilities. Both CHX and CPC showed only slight effects on CFU and could not inhibit biofilm growth despite the two times daily treatment for 7 days. Both antiseptics showed significant ecological effects on the microbial compositions of the surviving microbiota, whereby CHX led to enrichment of rather caries-associated saccharolytic taxa and CPC led to enrichment of rather gingivitis-associated proteolytic taxa. Antiseptic-resistant phenotypes were isolated on antiseptic-containing agar plates, which also exhibited phenotypic resistance to various antibiotics. Our results highlight the need for further research into potential detrimental effects of antiseptics on the microbial composition of oral biofilms and on the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the context of their frequent use in oral healthcare.

Retrospective Cohort Study on Potential Risk Factors for Repeated Need of Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia in a Private Pediatric Dental Practice.

The need for dental rehabilitations under general anesthesia (DRGAs) is continuously increasing, particularly for dental treatment of children. The present retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate potential risk factors for repeated need of DRGA in a cohort of patients from a private pediatric dental practice. Demographic and anamnestic data, dental status, and treatments performed during DRGA were retrospectively analyzed from the electronic dental charts of 1155 children that received at least one DRGA between October 2016 and December 2021. The median age of all children was 5 years at time of their first DRGA. The rate of repeated DRGAs was 9%. Patients with repeated need of DRGA were significantly younger at time of their first DRGA and revealed significantly more often a history of preterm birth and current use of a baby bottle as compared to patients with only one DRGA. There were significantly fewer treatments (regardless of type) in the second DRGA than at the first. Within the limitations of this study, young age at first DRGA, a history of preterm birth, and current use of a baby bottle may be risk factors for repeated need of DRGA. The search for effective strategies to minimize the repeated need for DRGA in children remains critical.

Impact of access cavity cleaning on the seal of postendodontic composite restorations in vitro.

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of cavity cleaning and conditioning on marginal integrity of directly placed post-endodontic composite class-I-restorations in vitro. METHODOLOGY: A total of 168 fully intact teeth without caries or fillings received pre-endodontic composite restorations (class-II) after their extraction. Occlusal endodontic access-cavities were prepared, and root canals were instrumented and filled with gutta-percha and an epoxy resin-based sealer. Prior to post-endodontic class-I-restoration, access cavities were completely contaminated with sealer, cleaned with alcohol and pre-treated as follows: cleaner only (alcohol), glycine-polishing, Al2 O3 sandblasting, carbide bur (immediate as well as delayed restoration). A positive control (not contaminated with sealer and adhesive used) and negative control (cleaner used but no adhesive) were established. Half of the teeth from each group were subjected to thermocycling and mechanical loading (TCML). Marginal integrity of post-endodontic restoration was evaluated in oro-vestibular or mesio-distal sections after AgNO3 dye penetration (DP) by standardized photomacroscopic imaging and expressed in per cent of margin length along all segments and separately for enamel, dentine and composite, respectively. Results were analysed non-parametrically (α = .05). RESULTS: No restorations or teeth fractured or debonded completely. Without TCML, the median DP of all segments was significantly higher for the negative control compared with all other groups in oro-vestibular cutting direction (53%; p = .002) and in mesio-distal cutting direction (51%; p ≤ .041). The other groups without TCML revealed 16%-24% DP (oro-vestibular) and 12%-24% DP (mesio-distal). With TCML, the median DP in oro-vestibular cutting direction for all segments ranged between 48% and 62% for all groups, a significant difference was only observed between glycine-polishing and carbide bur (p = .041). In mesio-distal cutting direction, the median DP in negative control was 69% with TCML and significantly higher compared with all other groups (p = .002). For all other groups, the median DP of all segments ranged between 28% and 40% with TCML without significant differences. Error rates method (k = 7) revealed a significant influence of TCML in general on penetration of all segments in both oro-vestibular and mesio-distal cutting directions. CONCLUSION: Additional access cavity pre-treatment after alcohol cleaning did not improve the marginal integrity of post-endodontic composite restorations. Thorough cleaning of the access cavity with alcohol seems to assure an acceptable marginal integrity to the tooth and restorative composite.

Phenotypic Adaptation to Antiseptics and Effects on Biofilm Formation Capacity and Antibiotic Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Early Colonizers in Dental Plaque.

Despite the wide-spread use of antiseptics in dental practice and oral care products, there is little public awareness of potential risks associated with antiseptic resistance and potentially concomitant cross-resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate potential phenotypic adaptation in 177 clinical isolates of early colonizers of dental plaque (Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Rothia and Veillonella spp.) upon repeated exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) or cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) over 10 passages using a modified microdilution method. Stability of phenotypic adaptation was re-evaluated after culture in antiseptic-free nutrient broth for 24 or 72 h. Strains showing 8-fold minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)-increase were further examined regarding their biofilm formation capacity, phenotypic antibiotic resistance and presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Eight-fold MIC-increases to CHX were detected in four Streptococcus isolates. These strains mostly exhibited significantly increased biofilm formation capacity compared to their respective wild-type strains. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was detected to tetracycline and erythromycin, consistent with the detected ARGs. In conclusion, this study shows that clinical isolates of early colonizers of dental plaque can phenotypically adapt toward antiseptics such as CHX upon repeated exposure. The underlying mechanisms at genomic and transcriptomic levels need to be investigated in future studies.

Transcriptomic Stress Response in Streptococcus mutans following Treatment with a Sublethal Concentration of Chlorhexidine Digluconate.

Despite the widespread use of antiseptics such as chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) in dental practice and oral care, the risks of potential resistance toward these antimicrobial compounds in oral bacteria have only been highlighted very recently. Since the molecular mechanisms behind antiseptic resistance or adaptation are not entirely clear and the bacterial stress response has not been investigated systematically so far, the aim of the present study was to investigate the transcriptomic stress response in Streptococcus mutans after treatment with CHX using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Planktonic cultures of stationary-phase S. mutans were treated with a sublethal dose of CHX (125 µg/mL) for 5 min. After treatment, RNA was extracted, and RNA-seq was performed on an Illumina NextSeq 500. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed and validated by qRT-PCR. Analysis of differential gene expression following pathway analysis revealed a considerable number of genes and pathways significantly up- or downregulated in S. mutans after sublethal treatment with CHX. In summary, the expression of 404 genes was upregulated, and that of 271 genes was downregulated after sublethal CHX treatment. Analysis of differentially expressed genes and significantly regulated pathways showed regulation of genes involved in purine nucleotide synthesis, biofilm formation, transport systems and stress responses. In conclusion, the results show a transcriptomic stress response in S. mutans upon exposure to CHX and offer insight into potential mechanisms that may result in development of resistances.