Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Historically, the prevalence of caries has undergone significant changes, particularly increasing with the industrialization of sugar consumption. When examining ancient populations, lower caries rates are discovered, attributed in part to dietary factors. These populations consumed abrasive foods, leading to occlusal wear and reduced non-axial occlusal forces, potentially influencing Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs). Although some attribute NCCLs to abfraction, the mechanism remains debated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the presence of NCCLs in ancient populations, shedding light on the factors contributing to their occurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, and the manuscript was prepared following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: After the literature search and article screening, data from 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with only 2 reporting NCCLs in ancient skulls, encopassing 17 subjects in 805 examined skulls, suggesting their presence even before the widespread use of toothbrushes. This finding indicates a potential etiopathogenic mechanism linked to abfraction, but the cause is complex and involves abrasive and erosive factors closely tied to dietary habits. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, NCCLs were present in ancient populations, albeit with a much lower prevalence. Their occurrence cannot be solely attributed to wear mechanisms but must be connected to abrasive factors related to diet or practices with religious and cultural significance, such as the use of labrets. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Th the knowledge of NCCLs presence in acient sculls is crucial today for better understand the associated risk factors. In this context, the analysis of ancient skulls allows us to discern the role that tooth brushing and diet played in the formation of NCCLs, over the past century.

Treatment of Mandibular Impacted Canine in a Patient with Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with "Reverse Pin": A Case Report.

This case report presents an orthodontic treatment conducted on a 13-year-old girl with bilateral Class II malocclusion and a mandibular impacted canine. The presence of an impacted tooth necessitates careful consideration of the timing of orthodontic treatment, the appropriate surgical procedure to expose the tooth, the specific orthodontic mechanics involved, and the potential problems that may arise, all of which depend on the type and location of the canine impaction in the jaw. The treatment plan included a surgical procedure to expose the impacted tooth and orthodontic traction to guide it into position. Correction of the Class II Division 1 malocclusion utilized a specialized technique called the "reverse pin", reducing vertical side effects. The revised version maintains clarity and key information about the case report and treatment.

The Correlation between Mandibular Arch Shape and Vertical Skeletal Pattern.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the mandibular arch shape and the vertical skeletal pattern in growing patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 73 Caucasian patients (33 males and 40 females; mean age 9.4) were retrospectively enrolled from a pool of patients treated in chronological order at the Department of Orthodontics, University of Foggia, Italy, from April 2018 to December 2021. Each patient received a laterolateral radiograph and a digital scan of the dental arch. Eight cephalometric parameters (lower gonial angle, intermaxillary angle, divergence angle, Wits index, Jarabak ratio, OP-MP angle, PP-OP angle, and ANB) and five dental measurements (posterior mandibular arch width, anterior mandibular arch width, mandibular occlusal angle, posterior width on distobuccal molar cusps, and molar angle) were analyzed and then compared. A Spearman's rho correlation test between the cephalometric measurements and the dental measurements was performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A negative statistically significant correlation was found between the Jarabak ratio and the intermolar angle; a statistically significant correlation was also observed between the Wits index, the posterior mandibular width, and the occlusal mandibular angle; the ANB angle and the occlusal mandibular angle; the intermaxillary angle (PP-PM) and the mandibular occlusal angle, posterior mandibular width on the disto-vestibular cusp, and the intermolar angle; and the OP-MP angle and mandibular occlusal angle and the posterior mandibular width on the disto-vestibular cusp. Conclusions: The mandibular arch form may be related to certain predisposing features in craniofacial morphology, such as jaw divergence, the Jarabak ratio, and the intermaxillary angle.

Assessment of sleep disturbance in oral lichen planus and validation of PSQI: A case-control multicenter study from the SIPMO (Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine).

BACKGROUND: The wellbeing of oral lichen planus patients (OLPs) may be strongly influenced by a poor quality of sleep (QoS) and psychological impairment. The aims were to analyze the prevalence of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression in OLPs and to validate the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in OLPs. METHODS: Three hundred keratotic OLPs (K-OLPs), 300 with predominant non-keratotic OLP (nK-OLPs), and 300 controls were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The PSQI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI) were administered. RESULTS: Oral lichen planus patients had statistically higher scores than the controls in the majority of the PSQI sub-items (p-values < 0.001**). Moreover, OLPs had higher scores in the HAM-D, HAM-A, NRS, and T-PRI (p-values < 0.001**). No differences in the PSQI sub-items' scores were found between the K-OLPs and nK-OLPs, although nK-OLPs suffered from higher levels of anxiety, depression, and pain (p-values: HAM-A, 0.007**, HAM-D, 0.009**, NRS, <0.001**, T-PRI, <0.001**). The female gender, anxiety, depression (p-value: 0.007**, 0.001**, 0.020*) and the intensity of pain, anxiety, and depression (p-value: 0.006**, <0.001**, 0.014*) were independent predictors of poor sleep (PSQI > 5) in K-OLPs and nK-OLPs, respectively. The PSQI's validation demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability of both the total and subscale of the PSQI. CONCLUSIONS: The OLPs reported an overall impaired QoS, which seemed to be an independent parameter according to the regression analysis. Hence, clinicians should assess QoS in OLPs and treat sleep disturbances in order to improve OLPs management.

Bonding performance and ultramorphology of the resin-dentine interface of contemporary universal adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and the resin-dentine ultramorphology (24 h and 10 months ageing) of contemporary universal adhesives applied in self-etch (SE) or etch-and-rinse (ER) mode. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four sound human molars were collected and randomly allocated in 4 main experimental groups (n = 16) according to the adhesive system employed and subsequently divided into two subgroups depending on their application mode SE or ER (n = 8): ZipBond X (ZBX-SE; ZBX-ER), Prime and Bond Active (PBA-SE; PBA-ER), Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CBQ-SE; CBQ-ER) or Scotchbond Universal (SCH-SE; SCH-ER). The specimens were cut into sticks with a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.9 mm2 and subjected to µTBS testing at 24 h or after 10 months of ageing in artificial saliva (AS). Five representative fractured specimens from each group were analysed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Resin-dentine slabs (Ø 0.9mm2) from each experimental group were immersed in Rhodamine B and subsequently analysed using confocal microscopy analysis (CLSM). The µTBS results were analysed using a two-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls multiple-comparison test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: ZBX, PBA and SCH exhibited greater µTBS values than CQB at 24 h in both SE and ER modes (p < 0.05). CQB showed a significant decrease in µTBS values after ageing both when used in SE and ER mode (p < 0.05). ZBX-ER exhibited no significant differences in the µTBS test after ageing (p > 0.05), while a significant drop in µTBS was seen in SCH-ER and APB-ER after 10-month ageing (p < 0.05). Clear signs of degradation were evident in the resin-dentine interface created with CQB regardless of the application mode or the ageing time. In APB-ER and SCH-ER groups, such signs of degradation were evident after ageing in AS. ZBX showed slight dye infiltration both when used in ER and SE mode. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term bonding performance of modern universal adhesives is usually influenced by the adhesive strategy employed; self-etching application should be prioritised during dentine bonding. Moreover, the use of shortened bonding protocols may compromise the quality of the resin-dentine interface and the bonding performance of most modern universal adhesives. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of etch-and-rinse bonding procedures, as well as "shortened" application protocols should be eluded when using modern universal adhesives in dentine. However, new generation universal adhesives based on innovative chemical formulations may probably allow clinicians to achieve long-term bonding performance with such simplified system also when employed in ER mode.

Added effect of 1% topical alendronate in intra-bony and inter-radicular defects as part of step II periodontal therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of alendronate combined with step 2 of periodontal therapy in reducing probing pocket depth, improving clinical attachment level, and reducing bone defect depth in intra-bony and inter-radicular defects. METHODS: RCTs with more than 6 months follow-up were included in this study. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane collaboration tool. In addition, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis were used to aggregate the available evidence. RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Topical application of alendronate during second step of periodontal therapy significantly improved PD and CAL. CONCLUSION: Local application of alendronate may confer a beneficial effect when applied during step II of periodontal therapy even if long term studies are needed to confirm these results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering the emerging role of host-inflammatory response in treatment of periodontitis and the antiresorptive and osteostimulative properties of bisphosphonates, several studies are focusing on the role of alendronate as an addition to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Where do you live? North versus Central-South differences in relation to Italian patients with oral lichen planus: a cross-sectional study from the SIPMO (Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine).

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an immune-mediated inflammatory chronic disease of the oral mucosa, with different patterns of clinical manifestations which range from keratotic manifestations (K-OLP) to predominantly non-keratotic lesions (nK-OLP). The aim of the study was to analyze the differences in the clinical, psychological profile and symptoms between Italian patients of the North and Central-South with K-OLP and nK-OLP. METHODS: 270 K-OLP and 270 nK-OLP patients were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and for Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered. RESULTS: The Central-South K-OLP (CS-K-OLP) patients reported a higher frequency of pain/burning compared with the K-OLP patients of the North (N-K-OLP) with higher scores in the NRS and T-PRI (p value < 0.001**). The CS-K-OLP and the CS-nK-OLP patients showed higher scores in the HAM-D, HAM-A, PSQI and ESS compared with the Northern patients (p value < 0.001**). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the NRS and T-PRI showed the greatest increase in the R2 value for the CS-K-OLP (DR2 = 9.6%; p value < 0.001**; DR2 = 9.7% p value < 0.001**; respectively) and that the oral symptoms (globus, itching and intraoral foreign body sensation) and PSQI showed the greatest increase in the R2 value for the CS-nK-OLP (DR2 = 5.6%; p value < 0.001**; DR2 = 4.5% p value < 0.001** respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pain and mood disorders are predominant in patients with OLP in the Central-South of Italy. Clinicians should consider that the geographical living area may explain the differences in oral symptoms and psychological profile in OLP.

Comparison of Endodontic Failures between Nonsurgical Retreatment and Endodontic Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis.

Background and Objectives: In the presence of a persistent endodontic lesion or endodontic failure, the alternative for the recovery of the dental element is endodontic retreatment or endodontic surgery, which consists in the surgical removal of the root apices with retrograde closure of the endodontium. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an updated value of the Risk Ratio between the two types of treatment in order to offer to clinicians who propose a non-surgical endodontic retreatment or an endodontic surgery a direct comparison. Materials and Methods: The revision was performed according to PRISMA indications: three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane register) were consulted through the use of keywords relevant to the revision topic: surgical endodontic retreatment, endodontic retreatment, apicoectomy. This search produced 7568 records which, after eliminating duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in a total of seven included articles. The meta-analyses were conducted by applying fixed-effects models, given the low percentage of heterogeneity. In addition, trial sequency analysis (TSA) was performed for the analysis of the statistical power of the results and GRADE for the quality of the evidence. Results: The results of the meta-analyses' data report an aggregate risk ratio (RR) between non-surgical endodontic retreatment and surgical endodontic retreatment of: 1.05 [0.74, 1.47] at one year of follow-up; RR 2.22 [1.45, 3.41] at two years of follow-up; an RR 1.08 [0.73 1.62] for a follow-up period of 3-4 years; and an RR 0.92 [0.53, 1.61] for a follow-up period of 8-10 years. Conclusions: The results of the present meta-analysis show that in the long term, the risk of failure is identical for the two groups, and there is only a slightly higher risk of failure for non-surgical endodontic retreatments, when only two years of follow-up are considered.

Clinical outcome of bonded partial indirect posterior restorations on vital and non-vital teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The survival rate of indirect partial adhesive restorations on vital versus endodontically treated teeth is still controversial. The hypothesis is that there may be a difference in the survival rate of partial adhesive restorations performed on non-vital teeth compared to vital teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The considered clinical studies investigated the outcomes of adhesive inlays, onlays, and overlays conducted over the past 40 years, focusing on Kaplan-Meier survival curves to calculate the hazard ratio (primary objective) and the survival rate (secondary objective) between vital and non-vital teeth. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies included in the review were identified through bibliographic research on electronic databases ("PubMed," "Scopus," "Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial," and "Embase"). The K agreement between the two screening reviewers was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 55,793 records were identified on PubMed, Scopus, and other bibliographic sources, and after the application of the eligibility and inclusion criteria, eight articles were included for qualitative analysis and six for quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis of the primary and secondary outcomes demonstrated that hazard ratios (HR = 8.41, 95% CI: [4.50, 15.72]) and survival rates (OR = 3.24, 95% CI: [1.76, 5.82]) seemed more favorable for indirect partial adhesive restorations on vital teeth than for those on endodontically treated teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, these findings suggest that the risk of failure of indirect partial adhesive restorations on endodontically treated teeth is higher than on vital teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of partial adhesive restorations on vital and endodontically treated teeth showed different long-term clinical outcomes.

Gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a rapid systematic review on 27,687 cases.

Objective: This is a rapid systematic review concerning taste alterations in 27,687 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, published in the worldwide literature.Material and methods: Of the 485 articles recovered, 67 eligible studies (27,687 confirmed COVID-19 cases) were included in this analysis. We analysed the prevalence of the taste alterations in patients considering the country of origin of the studies.Results: The results show strong important differences in the overall reported prevalence of taste alterations among the different countries (from 11% of Korea to 88.8% of Belgium).Conclusions: These data highlight that there is a different geographical distribution of taste alterations in COVID-19 patients. Gustatory dysfunction seems to be an understudied symptom of COVID-19 and this may explain the inconsistencies of diagnostic criteria for COVID-19 case definition. Furthermore, this diagnostic underestimation can lead to an increased risk of contagion for the whole population and for the working classes most at risk, including the dental one.

Odontogenic tumours: a 25-year epidemiological study in the Marche region of Italy.

PURPOSE: Epidemiological data of odontogenic tumours (OT) are conflicting, with significant differences among the countries. This study aims to evaluate incidence and prevalence of OTs in the Marche population in a period of 25 years, according to 4th Edition of WHO Classification. METHODS: In this study, only patients of Marche region treated for OTs were considered. Data were retrieved from Institute of Pathology, Marche Polytechnic University, Italy. Because this is the only tertiary referral centre for Head and Neck pathology within Marche region, the patient sample could be considered well representative of this area. From each case, age, sex, site, diagnosis and relapses were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients were treated for OTs from 1994 to 2018 in Marche region. The annual incidence rate ranged from 0.13 to 0.39 per 100,000, while life prevalence was 6.50 per 100,000. Mean age of onset for primary OTs was 49.7 ± 20.1 years. Twenty-seven patients developed recurrences, showing a mean age of 54 ± 19.7 years and a mean recurrence time of 51.2 ± 34 months. CONCLUSION: This is the first epidemiological study on OTs in Italian population according to 4th Edition of WHO Classification. Although limited in their retrospective nature, these findings could accurately estimate epidemiology of OTs in Italy.

An innovative risk-scoring system of dental procedures and safety protocols in the COVID-19 era.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to assess an innovative risk score for common dental procedures, based on the most recent contaminant SARS-CoV-2. After scoring the level of infection risk, safety procedures, advice and personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended for the dental team in each dental practice. METHODS: The authors of this research analysed 42 common dental procedures on the basis of known transmission risks. In increasing order, many consider the parameters leading to different risk scores for the dental team and patients for each procedure to be: direct contact with saliva (score 1), direct contact with blood (score 2), production of low levels of spray/aerosol via air-water syringes (score 3), the production of high levels of spray/aerosol from rotating, ultrasound and piezoelectric tools (score 4); and the duration of the procedure, which may increase the risk of procedures producing droplets and aerosols. RESULTS: Using this innovative risk-scoring system, the authors classified the different dental procedures according to low, medium or high risk: low (1-3), medium (4-5), high (≥ 6). A safety protocol for each procedure was thereafter matched with the calculated risk level. CONCLUSIONS: The innovative risk-scoring system presented in this research permits the reclassification of dental procedures according to the infection risk level. Consequently, specific procedures, previously considered as entry level, will now merit revision. This paper also highlighted an effective and routine clinical tool for general dentists and oral medicine practitioners.

Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation Efficacy in the Vapor Lock Removal: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) represents one of the most used systems to improve the endodontic irrigants activity. PUI acts increasing the reaction rate of NaOCl, with an increase of dentinal debris and smear layer removal. There is a stronger shear stress and a vapor lock reduction. Aim of this systematic review was to figure out the effects of the PUI on the vapor lock removal, during irrigation. Literature research has been carried out by two reviewers, consulting online databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar, using keywords like Vapor Lock, Vapour Lock, and Vapor Lock Endodontic. The articles list has been screened based on titles and abstracts, applying eligibility and inclusion criteria. The three articles were eligible for quantitative and statistical analysis, by using RevManager Software Version 5.3. Results show statistical heterogeneity (P=0.08; I2 index=61%) in the vapor lock elimination between the use of PUI and PPI, with an overall Odds Ratio=0.08, CI=95% [0.03;0.25]. PUI resulted to be a useful technique to improve NaOCl activity for vapor lock removal, despite PPI alone using a needle.

Early and late implant failure of submerged versus non-submerged implant healing: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this systematic review was to analyse current evidence regarding differences in early and late implant failure as well as in marginal bone level (MBL) changes between submerged and non-submerged healed dental implants. METHODS: PUBMED, SCOPUS, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for prospective randomized and non-randomized controlled studies addressing direct comparison between submerged and non-submerged implant healing, without performing immediate loading. Early and late implant failure (before or after 6 months from implant placement, respectively) together with MBL were the investigated outcomes. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for Randomized clinical trials. Meta-analysis was performed and the power of the meta-analytic findings determined by trial sequential analysis (TSA). RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Results of this systematic review revealed a small higher rate (2%) of early implant failure when a non-submerged healing approach is performed. Late implant failure appears not to be different in submerged or non-submerged healing, but the power of evidence, as determined by TSA, is not high. If we consider MBL changes at 1 year from implant load, it seems that non-submerged healing may better preserve marginal bone, although with a small effect size (0.13 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Implants placed with a non-submerged technique have a higher risk (2%) of early failure. The power of the evidence about the effects on MBL is low, but present results seem to favour non-submerged healing, although with a very small effect size.

Immediate Postextractive Implants With and Without Bone Graft: 3-year Follow-up Results From a Multicenter Controlled Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of single postextraction immediate implants placed with and without bone grafts in the esthetic maxillary premolar area for 3-year follow-up after loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After tooth extraction, 102 patients received 115 immediate dental implants. Patients were randomly allocated to immediate implant placement with (group A: 51) or without (group B: 51) anorganic bovine bone and resorbable collagen barrier. RESULTS: After 3 years (T36), 1 implant failed in each group. Thirty-seven patients showed inflammation and bleeding, 19 mucositis, and 2 periimplantitis. Statistical significant association was found between BOP and mucositis at T12 (P < 0.0005) and T36 (P < 0.0005). The mesial bone level was -0.61 mm in group B and -1.01 mm in group A (P < 0.001). The group B distal bone level was -0.71 mm and -1.12 mm in group A (P < 0.005). Group B's buccal mean probing was increased (+0.40 mm) than group A (+0.36 mm). Group B's palatal mean value was higher (+0.54 mm) than group A (+0.38 mm). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups. However, the Pink Esthetic Score and patient satisfaction were higher in group B than A (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of anorganic bovine bone substitute with a resorbable collagen barrier in immediate postextractive implants seems to improve the esthetic outcomes after a 3-year follow-up.

Addition of enamel matrix derivatives to bone substitutes for the treatment of intrabony defects: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

AIM: In order to enhance clinical improvement of intrabony defects, the addition of enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) to bone substitues (BS) has been investigated. The aim of this systematic review is to figure out whether such a combination, in comparison to the treatment with BS alone has beneficial effects on the following outcomes: clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, probing depth (PD) reduction and recession (REC). METHODS: Electronic databases (PUBMED, SCOPUS, EBSCO Host Research Databases and Web of Knowledge) were searched for randomized controlled trials in humans addressing the use of a combination of BS and EMD versus a control group with BS alone for the treatment of intrabony defects, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up; meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis were then performed. RESULTS: From a total of 1,197 records screened by title and abstract, nine studies were read full-text and five out of them included in the meta-analysis. No significant differences have been demonstrated both for CAL gain, PD reduction and REC between test and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of intrabony defects, the addition of EMD to BS seems to be not beneficial in terms of CAL gain, PD reduction and REC changes. However, such results should be considered with caution because of the small number of studies included in the meta-analysis and their heterogeneity.

Can Inspection of the Mouth Help Clinicians Diagnose Crohn's Disease? A Review.

PURPOSE: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterised by localised areas of nonspecific, noncaseating granulomas. Approximately 1/3 of CD patients develop extraintestinal manifestations in the course of their disease. This review focuses on oral manifestations of CD to understand if oral lesions could help clinicians in the diagnosis of systemic CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature for the review was retrieved using PubMed Medline, Ebsco Library and Web of Science. RESULTS: After a careful preliminary evaluation, only 43 articles were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative evaluation, whereas only 7 mentioned oral CD as the first sign of a systemic disease and were included in the quantitative evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Oral manifestations of CD can be classified as specific and non-specific. The aetiology of oral CD seems to be linked to particular bacterial infections. Although the evidence from the literature is weak, it seems that in some cases the inspection of the mouth could assist in the diagnosis of a systemic Crohn's disease.

Oral manifestations in chronic uremia patients.

The incidence of chronic renal failure (CRF) is approximately 200 cases per million people in different Western countries. Recent data indicate that the incidences of these pathologies are increasing. Ninety percent of patients with CRF report oral signs and symptoms that affect both the bone and soft tissues. A broad range of lesions may be observed in chronic uratemia patients, including the following: gingival hyperplasia, enamel hypoplasia, petechiae, gingival bleeding, and others lesions. These patients require various types of treatment ranging from dietary and lifestyle changes to dialysis and kidney transplantation. CRF often leads to multiple oral manifestations that are difficult for dentists to manage. The present study examined the characteristics of this disease, the existing therapeutic options and the relevant considerations for dental professionals.

Centering Ability of ProTaper Next and WaveOne Classic in J-Shape Simulated Root Canals.

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the shaping and centering ability of ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and WaveOne Classic systems (Dentsply Maillefer) in simulated root canals. Methods. Forty J-shaped canals in resin blocks were assigned to two groups (n = 20 for each group). Photographic method was used to record pre- and postinstrumentation images. After superimposition, centering and shaping ability were recorded at 9 different levels from the apex using the software Autocad 2013 (Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, USA). Results. Shaping procedures with ProTaper Next resulted in a lower amount of resin removed at each reference point level. In addition, the pattern of centering ability improved after the use of ProTaper Next in 8 of 9 measurement points. Conclusions. Within the limitations of this study, shaping procedures with ProTaper Next instruments demonstrated a lower amount of resin removed and a better centering ability than WaveOne Classic system.