Comparison of the radiopacity of selected materials used for vital pulp therapy: An in vitro assessment.

BACKGROUND: An assessment of the therapeutic effects of vital pulp treatment is based on both clinical and radiological evaluation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research was a long-term (after 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) radiological assessment of X-ray absorption by 8 selected materials used for the vital treatment of dental pulp. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The materials, prepared in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations, were placed in molds measuring 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. The molds with the samples were placed on an occlusal film with an aluminum step wedge, and then X-rayed using an intraoral X-ray unit. After processing, an X-ray image with varying degrees of opacity was obtained. The radiological density of the samples, the step wedge and the background was measured 6 times using a densitometer. The tests were repeated at the following intervals: after 7 days, and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The molds with the material samples were stored in an incubator at 37°C and 95% humidity. RESULTS: The obtained results were statistically analyzed. The mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) materials exhibited the highest degree of contrast, whereas the lowest radiopacity was shown for the non-setting calcium hydroxide preparations (p < 0.0001). Calcium hydroxide cements presented medium radiopacity values. CONCLUSIONS: The radiopacity of all the evaluated materials showed a statistically insignificant increasing tendency with regard to the duration of the experiment. All the tested preparations showed acceptable radiopacity, enabling radiological detection in the course of vital pulp therapy.

[Importance of dental care to maintain oral health of children and youth with type 1 diabetes]. / Znaczenie opieki stomatologicznej w utrzymaniu zdrowia jamy ustnej u dzieci i mlodziezy z cukrzyca typu 1.

BACKGROUND: Dental care for children and youth with type 1 diabetes should rely on reliable examination of the oral cavity, early treatment of dental caries and maintenance of the treatment results. This can be achieved through regular control visits consistent with the standards, and also through following the recommendations for prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease. The aim of the study was to investigate whether dental care allows to preserve good oral health of children and youth with type 1 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients with type 1 diabetes, aged 7-17 years, and 30 healthy children and youth within the same age range. There were evaluated intensity of caries, the effectiveness of conservative treatment, periodontal health and oral hygiene. RESULTS: The results of examinations showed significantly lower caries prevalence and better periodontal health in the children and youth with type 1 diabetes. The effectiveness of conservative treatment was significantly higher among patients with mixed dentition. There was no significant difference in oral hygiene between the compared groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is a risk factor for oral diseases, so children and youth with type 1 diabetes should be provided with special preventive care and curative measures. The main goal of the insulin-dependent diabetes care program is to early classify them to highrisk groups to improve general oral health and thus improve the quality of life. Proper dental care for children and yuoth with type 1 diabetes is a condition to maintain oral health. Med Pr 2018;69(1):37-44.