Retrospective Case-Control Study Genes Related to Bone Metabolism That Justify the Condition of Periodontal Disease and Failure of Dental Implants in Patients with down Syndrome.

Down syndrome patients show success rates in dental implants much lower than those observed in the general population. This retrospective case-control study aimed to identify possible genes that are related to the regulation of inflammatory responses and bone metabolism related to periimplantitis and implant loss, as well as genes related to bone quality. This process involved using the functional analysis of the gene expression software Transcriptome Analysis Console (TAC version 4.0 Applied BiosystemsTM, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and a search for possible candidate genes involved. The focus was placed on the 93 genes related to periodontitis, periimplantitis, bone loss, implant loss, and genes related to bone quality and regulators underlying the establishment and maintenance of osseointegration. Five genes showed statistically significant results (p < 0.05) in our comparison. Four of them, IL1B (p = 0.023), IL1RN (p = 0.048), BGLAP (p = 0.0372) and PTK2 (p = 0.0075) were down-regulated in the periodontal disease and implant rejection group, and only one was overexpressed: FOXO1A (p = 0.0552). The genes with statistically significant alterations described in this article determine that the group of Down syndrome patients with periodontal disease and implant failure is a group of patients genetically susceptible to suffering from both conditions together.

Efficacy of different surgical techniques for peri-implant tissue preservation in immediate implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Preserving peri-implant tissues after immediate implant placement (IIP), especially in aesthetic zones, is a topic of interest. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review investigated the effects of currently available surgical procedures for preserving peri-implant tissue or ensuring dimensional stability following immediate implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement's guidelines were followed, and articles were sought on the PubMed and Cochrane databases with no date restrictions. Only randomised clinical trials that evaluated changes in soft and hard tissues around immediately placed implants were included. Statistical analyses were performed, and the studies´ quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The agreement between reviewers was assessed based on Cohen's kappa statistics. RESULTS: Of the 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 11 were analysed in the meta-analysis (kappa = 0.814; almost perfect agreement). The use of connective tissue grafts resulted in a significantly greater improvement of the facial gingival level (MD = -0.51; 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.31; p = < .001), and the placement of bone grafts significantly reduced the horizontal resorption of the buccal bone (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -0.78 to -0.39; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Connective tissue grafts and bone grafts positively influence tissue preservation around immediately placed implants. Neither the flapless technique nor palatal implant positioning resulted in significant improvements to any of the investigated parameters. Additional longitudinal studies are required. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This meta-analysis is useful for discerning the effects of soft tissue augmentation, bone grafting, the flapless technique, and palatal implant positioning on preserving peri-implant tissues after immediate implant placement.

Application of Human Amniotic Membrane in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis.

Human amniotic membrane (HAM) has recently been used as an interpositional material to prevent ankylosis or primary re-ankylosis after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroplasty. Here, the authors describe an unusual case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with a noninflammatory degenerative osteoarthritis of the TMJ in which a HAM was placed following a high condylar arthroplasty and discectomy and show the clinicoradiological results. The procedure resulted in total pain relief and significant improvement in jaw movements. On the long-term follow-up computed tomography, complete remodeling of the glenoid fossa with formation of new ectopic bone was observed. While the application of a HAM can be an alternative procedure to prevent ankylosis when performing a discectomy and arthroplasty, this clinical report highlights the possibility that it can induce ectopic bone formation at this location.

Comparison of Cytomorphometry and Early Cell Response of Human Gingival Fibroblast (HGFs) between Zirconium and New Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramics (ZLS).

New zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics (ZLS) could be a viable alternative to zirconium (Y-TZP) in the manufacture of implantological abutments-especially in aesthetic cases-due to its good mechanical, optical, and biocompatibility properties. Although there are several studies on the ZLS mechanical properties, there are no studies regarding proliferation, spreading, or cytomorphometry. We designed the present study which compares the surface, cellular proliferation, and cellular morphology between Y-TZP (Vita YZ® T [Vita Zahnfabrik (Postfach, Germany)]) and ZLS (Celtra® Duo [Degudent (Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany)]). The surface characterization was performed with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical profilometry. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were subsequently cultured on both materials and early cellular response and cell morphology were compared through nuclear and cytoskeletal measurement parameters using confocal microscopy. The results showed greater proliferation and spreading on the surface of Y-TZP. This could indicate that Y-TZP continues to be a gold standard in terms of transgingival implant material: Nevertheless, more in vitro and in vivo research is necessary to confirm the results obtained in this study.

Comparison of masticatory efficacy among complete denture wearers with two adhesives and dentate individuals: A randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The masticatory efficacy between dentate and edentulous individuals with and without the use of dental adhesives has been little studied. A comparative study of the addition of various agents of synthetic adhesion (vinyl methyl ether versus polyvinyl acetate) to these adhesives is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial was to compare the masticatory efficacy of wearers of complete dentures with and without dental adhesives of 2 different compositions and that of dentate controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen participants with edentulism (edentulous control and 2 experimental groups) received new maxillary and mandibular complete dentures. After an adjustment period, they participated in masticatory tests with and without the use of 2 denture adhesives (Fittydent; Fittydent International GmbH and Corega; GlaxoSmithKline). The participants with edentulism were compared with 17 dentate controls. Masticatory efficacy was evaluated while the participants were masticating a substitute for irreversible hydrocolloid (20 g) and performing a single test of mastication (with 20 masticatory strokes) at 0, 7, and 14 days. Masticatory efficiency was measured immediately after each test with the sieving method and was calculated according to the weight of the particles of the substitute in each of the sieve filters. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA for simple pairs, and a multiple comparison was made using the Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the 2 adhesives (P<.05) in the masticatory efficacy for filters 2 and 3, and nonsignificant differences occurred for filter 1. Compared with the edentulous control group, significant differences between the use or nonuse of adhesives were found in the edentulous group for the 3 filters (P<.05). Compared with the dentate control group, significant differences were found in masticatory efficiency between the dentate control group and the other groups for all comparisons (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Masticatory efficacy was higher with the use of Corega denture adhesive. The masticatory efficacy was significantly higher in dentate participants compared with participants with edentulism who had complete dentures, with or without denture adhesives. A significant increase of masticatory efficacy was observed among edentulous participants with denture adhesives in relation to those not using denture adhesives.

What Are the Histologic Effects of Surgical and Orthodontic Treatment on the Gingiva of Palatal Impacted Canines?

PURPOSE: To histologically evaluate changes in the marginal gingiva of palatal impacted maxillary canines after surgical exposure and orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective case-and-control study was conducted of 10 patients presenting with bilateral palatal impaction of the maxillary canines. All patients underwent surgical exposure of the impacted canines with an open-window technique, which was followed by orthodontic treatment to achieve proper arch alignment. Once the treatment was finalized, 4 samples of marginal gingival tissue from each patient were taken for histologic study. The 4 samples consisted of 1 from each of the repositioned maxillary canines (case teeth) and 1 from each of their respective adjacent first premolars (control teeth). RESULTS: Histologic examination of the case teeth tissue samples showed microscopic changes mainly in the nonkeratinized epithelium and connective tissue, whereas changes in the keratinized epithelium remained minimal. The control teeth showed a greater inflammatory reaction in the nonkeratinized epithelium. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic treatment of impacted maxillary canines used in conjunction with an open-window surgical technique results in predictable orthodontic eruption with few periodontal discrepancies of the marginal gingiva compared with their adjacent first premolars.

Double-blind, randomized pilot study of bioadhesive chlorhexidine gel in the prevention and treatment of mucositis induced by chemoradiotherapy of head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: to evaluate, in an initial way, the effectiveness of bioadhesive chlorhexidine gel 0.2% versus placebo as a preventive and therapeutic intervention of oral mucositis induced by radiation therapy and chemotherapy in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this pilot study, 7 patients (range of age: 18- 65), having histological documented diagnosis of squamous carcinoma on the head and neck region in stage III and IV, and receiving combined radiation treatment and chemotherapy (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 22, and 43 of irradiation) were studied. Simultaneously, a topical application was performed with bioadhesive chlorhexidine gel 0.2% in the study group, and the placebo gel for the control group in 5 applications per day, from the time of initiation of cancer treatment to 2 weeks after completion of chemo-radiotherapy treatment (11 weeks of follow-up). The gradation of mucositis, pain, analgesic consumption, infectious complications, and treatment tolerance was measured. RESULTS: After 7 patients completed the protocol, any differences were observed between groups in an interval analysis. Mucositis, pain, and tolerance was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results must be interpreted with caution due to the reduced sample size, but the use of bioadhesive chlorhexidine gel 0.2% didn't contribute clinical improvement to the oral mucositis induced by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The effects of informed consent format on preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing inferior third molar surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of informed consent format on preoperative anxiety of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study (91 patients) undergoing lower third molar extraction. Patients were distributed into three groups. Informed consent for surgery was obtained through a written document, an oral interview or a video recording. Afterwards, patients were asked about their anxiety level and the effect the informed consent had had on it. RESULTS: Whereas the information conveyed both in oral and written formats relieved the patient to some extent (in a scale of -3 to +3) 0.97 ± 1.21 and 0.29 ± 0.97, respectively), the video recording increased patient's anxiety in a statistically significant way (in a scale of -3 to +3, -0.57 ± 1.43). The difference obtained between the values obtained in oral and written information was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The most adequate format, according to our study, would be the oral format.

Influence of state anxiety and trate anxiety in postoperative in oral surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article was to study the influence of anxiety (both state and trait) in postoperative recovery after extraction of third molar together, to establish the role of each of the aspects of anxiety in the results you obtained in an independent and complementary way. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a prospective study of a consecutive series of 88 patients who underwent lower third molar extractions. Before being provided with any information about the operation, patients were asked to complete the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- Trait and State. We have evaluated postoperative swelling and pain, patients completed a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) at home each day (at approximately the same time of day as the operation) until day 8 after surgery, when the sutures were removed. RESULTS: Regarding postoperative variables between positive and negative trait anxiety groups, consumption of analgesic drugs was higher in positive trait anxiety group in a statistically significant way, while these differences were detected only on specific occasions regarding pain and swelling. DISCUSSION: In the present study, anxiety was taken into account and showed a significant effect in explaining postoperative pain and taking analgesics.

Comparative trial between the use of amoxicillin and amoxicillin clavulanate in the removal of third molars.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the use of amoxicillin (1g) vs amoxicillin and clavulanate (875/125mg) after extraction of retained third molars for prevention of infectious complications. STUDY DESIGN: The study involved 546 patients attending for removal a retained third molar and divided in to two groups: Group 1 - amoxicillin and clavunate (875/125mg) group (n=257) and Group 2 - amoxicillin (1g) group (n=289). All patients were recalled for investigating the possibility of infection, presence of diarrhea and further analgesic intake. RESULTS: From a total of 546 patients, the frequency of infection was 1.4%, without no statistically differences between the two groups. Group 1 showed statistically higher presence of patients with gastrointestinal complications (p>0.05). In 546 patients, 2.7% of patients reported severe pain that would not relieve with medication. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that the use of amoxicillin (1g) and amoxicillin and clavunate (875/125mg) is similar efficacious in preventing infection after retained third molar extraction but amoxicillin and clavunate (875/125mg) produces more gastrointestinal discomfort.

Influence of Education on Dental Anxiety and Fear in Mental Disorders after Viewing a Molar Extraction in Three Types of Mental Disorder Compared to Persons with No Mental Disorder.

Objective: The goal of this study is to validate the psychometric properties of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and the Dental Fear Scale (DFS) at three different times: seven days before, immediately after, and seven days after watching a video of surgical extraction of a lower third molar in a sample with four strata: anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, and no mental disorder ages 18-70 in a psychiatric clinic in Malaga. Methods: The Research Ethics Committee of the Virgen Macarena-Virgen del Rocío Hospitals approved the study. After being interviewed by a psychiatrist and subsequently completing the Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety and Depression, the participants were divided into 4 strata (60 persons in each). The influence of education level was then analyzed. Results: The scales demonstrated good psychometric properties, with higher MDAS and DFS scores for lower levels of education and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder. Conclusions: Patients who show higher levels of dental anxiety and dental fear will be those with lower education levels, as well as those who suffer from mixed anxiety-depressive disorder.

Proposal and Validation of a New Index to Assess the Difficulty of Lower Third Molar Extraction.

There is no current consensus on the parameters that determine the difficulty of mandibular third molar extraction in terms of the time required, which is essential to prevent complications and optimize the time of the intervention. This study aims to obtain, using the mathematical method of multiple linear regression, an equation that allows estimating the extraction time of a lower third molar according to its complexity, as well as to validate this equation in a sample of external wisdom teeth. METHODS: A prospective cohort study on a sample of patients of the Master of Oral Surgery of the University of Seville in which multiple linear regression coefficients were calculated with a subsequent validation study of the results in the sample of patients operated in the Hospital Palmaplanas of Mallorca. RESULTS: The regression line obtained after applying the statistical methodology to the cohort of patients from the University of Seville obtained significant dependent variables such as depth, roots, and odontosection. Once applied to the cohort of patients from the Palmaplanas Hospital in Mallorca, a regression coefficient was obtained between the data received and the estimated 0.770. CONCLUSIONS: The formula proposed in this article presents significant validity in the prediction of the surgical time of extraction of the lower third molars included.

Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fiber reinforced posts and cast gold post and cores cemented with three cements.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental fractures can occur in endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fiber reinforced posts and cast gold posts. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to record the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fiber reinforced or cast gold post and cores cemented with 3 cements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two single-rooted premolars with standardized weakened roots were endodontically treated and allocated to 6 experimental groups (n=7) defined by the 2 factors investigated: post system and cement. Three groups were restored with glass fiber posts and resin-modified glass ionomer cement, dual-polymerizing resin cement, or chemically active autopolymerizing resin cement. The other 3 groups were restored with cast gold post and cores and the same 3 cements. The cores of the glass fiber post groups were fabricated with composite resin core material. Metal crowns were cemented on the cores in the 6 groups. The entire system was subjected to continuous compression in a universal testing machine, and fracture limit and location (cervical third, middle third, or apical third) were noted. Two-way ANOVA and the Scheffé test were used to analyze the data and compare the groups (α=.05). RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the post type (P<.001) and the cements (P<.001). The interaction between them (P<.001) was statistically significant in the fracture resistance of the endodontically treated teeth. The greatest interaction between post and cement was the glass fiber post with resin-modified glass ionomer cement, followed by the cast gold post and core with resin-modified glass ionomer cement. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a glass fiber reinforced post and resin-modified glass ionomer cement increased the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.

Confocal microscopy: a valid approach to evaluate the three-dimensional characteristics of root-end cavities.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze, using confocal microscope, the three-dimensional characteristics of the root-end cavity preparations completed in root apices of extracted teeth determining their area, perimeter, circularity and cavo-surface angle. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two single-rooted extracted teeth underwent endodontic treatment and apical resection. Root-end cavities were prepared according to 4 protocols, as follows: Group 1, stainless steel ultrasonic tips (SST) at 33 KHz power; Group 2, SST at 30 KHz power; Group 3, diamond-coated ultrasonic tips (DCT) at 30 KHz power; and Group 4, DCT at 33 KHz power. Finally, root-end cavity was evaluated using a confocal microscope, recording its area, perimeter, circularity and cavo-surface angle. RESULTS: The largest cavity perimeter was found in the Group 2 (4.8 ± 1.6 mm) (p > 0.05). Root-end cavities performed using SST showed larger areas than those performed with DCT (p = 0.03). The power of vibration or the tip type did not show correlation with the perimeter, circularity and cavo-surface angle of the root-end cavity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Confocal microscopy is a useful approach to study the three-dimensional characteristics of the root-end cavity.

Mucoadhesive Pharmacology: Latest Clinical Technology in Antiseptic Gels.

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is one of the most widely used antiseptics in the oral cavity due to its high antimicrobial potential. However, many authors have stated that the effect of CHX in nonsurgical periodontal therapy is hampered by its rapid elimination from the oral environment. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial efficacy of a new compound of chlorhexidine 0.20% + cymenol (CYM) 0.10% on a multispecies biofilm. For this, an in vitro study was designed using a multispecies biofilm model of Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Quantification of the microbial viability of the biofilm was performed using 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium-chloride (CTC) to calculate the percentage of survival, and the biofilms were observed using a a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). It was observed that the bactericidal activity of the CHX + cymenol bioadhesive gel was superior to that of the CHX bioadhesive gel, in addition to higher penetrability into the biofilm. Therefore, there was greater elimination of bacterial biofilm with the new compound of chlorhexidine 0.2% plus cymenol 0.1% in a bioadhesive gel form compared to the formulation with only chlorhexidine 0.2% in a bioadhesive gel form.

Dental impactions related to pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a rare genetic disorder causing degeneration and calcification of elastic fibers, leading to injuries in the skin, retina, and cardiovascular system. This report describes a case of a 30-year-old woman whose diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum was confirmed after a skin biopsy. The patient presented at the Clinical Management Unit of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Virgen del Rocio Hospital (Seville, Spain) with pain related to a semi-erupted lower first molar. Radiologic examination disclosed multiple dental impactions. Cases of oligodontia, amelogenesis imperfecta, and mucosal lesions related to pseudoxanthoma elasticum were found in the current literature, but there were no reports of multiple dental impactions.

Association between condylar asymmetry and temporomandibular disorders using 3D-CT.

OBJECTIVES: Using reconstructed three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) models, the purpose of this study was to analyze and compare mandibular condyle morphology in patients with and without temporomandibular disorder (TMD). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two patients were divided into two groups: the first comprised those with TMD (n=18), and the second those who did not have TMD (n=14). A CT of each patient was obtained and reconstructed as a 3D model. The 64 resulting 3D condylar models were evaluated for possible TMD-associated length, width and height asymmetries of the condylar process. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the results and student' s t tests applied to compare the two groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p<0.05) vertical, mediolateral and sagittal asymmetries of the condylar process were observed between TMD and non-TMD groups. TMD patients showed less condylar height (p<0.05) in comparison with their asymptomatic counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Using 3D-CT, it was shown that condylar width, height and length asymmetries were a common feature of TMD.

Suture needles in oral surgery: alterations depending on the type and number of sutures.

This study examined whether the number and type of sutures used in oral surgery influence two ad hoc variables (incision plane and displaced area), which are two variables related to whether the suture needle is suitable for the task. Seventy-five TB-15 needles were studied, which were used to suture between zero and three mucosa and/subperiosteal sutures, producing 15 groups with 5 needles in each one. The incision plane and displaced area were measured for each group, which are two variables related to how the needle has worn and altered. Statistical treatment was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis H test to compare multiple values and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare pairs. A multi-stage regression model was applied with the aim of predicting the changes in the dependent variables based on the number and type of sutures performed. The incision plane ranged from 126.67 to 346.24 µm among the different groups. The displaced area was measured as being between 14 524.83 µm² and 128 311.91 µm². The best predictive model for the incision plane obtained a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.149, while it reached 0.249 for the displaced area. Subperiosteal sutures held more weighting among the variables studied. Mucosal sutures did not seem to greatly affect needle wear. Observations reported in this paper indicate that the needle should be changed after having performed two subperiosteal sutures, given the wear and change to the incision plane that is produced, which causes the needle's cutting ability to reduce.

Long-term stability of surgical-orthodontic correction of class III malocclusions with long-face syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: In the first place, to evaluate skeletal changes of the maxilla and mandible induced by surgical-orthodontic correction of malocclusions class III with long-face syndrome and secondly, to analyze the stability of these skeletal changes in the long term (more than 6 years). DESIGN OF STUDY: A retrospective, unicentric and longitudinal study of 19 patients who had undergone surgical and orthodontic therapy for class III skeletal malocclusion with long-face syndrome was undertaken. A cephalometric analysis based on 8 angle measurements, and statistical analyses at three different points in time (before orthodontic treatment, after orthognathic surgery and after a retention period of at least 6 years) were carried out. RESULTS: The changes produced following surgery show that, with the exception of the maxillary plane and the facial axis, all other variables presented changes of great statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal changes after orthodontic-surgical correction present maxillary advance, mandibular regression and mandibular anterorotation. The angles that represent the mandibular vertical position (ramus angle, goniac angle and mandibular plane angle) showed statistically significant relapses and no stability in contrast to the facial axis.

Evaluation of apical preparations performed with ultrasonic diamond and stainless steel tips at different intensities using a scanning electron microscope in endodontic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to analyse (with the help of scanning electron microscopes) the quality of the dental root surface and the appearance of dental cracks after performing apical preparations using two different types of ultrasonic tips. STUDY DESIGN: We used 32 single-rooted teeth that underwent a root canal and apical resection. Afterwards, the teeth were divided into 4 groups of 8 teeth each, with preparations of the apical cavities in the following manner: Group 1: stainless steel ultrasonic tip at 33 KHz. Group 2: stainless steel ultrasonic tip at 30 KHz. Group 3: diamond ultrasonic tip at 30 KHz. Group 4: diamond ultrasonic tip at 33 KHz. The quality of the root surface and the presence of cracks were evaluated by one single observer using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: All of the teeth in our study had cracks after the apical preparations. The mean number of cracks per tooth ranged between 6. ± 1.9 (group 1) and 3.5 ± 2.4 (group 4), with a significantly higher number found in the groups that used stainless steel tips (P=.03). The types of cracks produced involved: 8 complete cracks (4.5%), 167 incomplete cracks (94.4%), and 2 intradentinal cracks (1.1%), with no significant differences observed between the different frequencies used for each group. CONCLUSIONS: Stainless steel ultrasonic tips provoked a larger number of cracks than diamond tips. The frequency of vibration used did not have any effect on the number of cracks found.