ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of air-abrasion of enamel with three different desensitizing powders on the whitening effect of a bleaching gel containing 40% H2O2, which was used for in-office tooth bleaching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human incisors, extracted and prepared, were acquired for this study and subsequently randomized into four groups (n = 10). The control group specimens underwent no pretreatment prior to the bleaching procedure, whereas the remaining three groups underwent air abrasion using distinct desensitizing powders; (a) Sylc, which contains bioglass 45S5; (b) BioMinF, which contains calcium phospho-fluoro-silicate glass; and (c) MI Pearls, which contains nano-hydroxyapatite, 1 h preceding the Opalescence Boost PF 40% bleaching procedure. Color measurements were conducted using a double-beam UV-Vis spectrophotometer at four distinct time points (prior to bleaching, 24 h, 15 days, and 30 days post-bleaching). RESULTS: Tooth color change outcomes revealed that there were no statistically significant results with respect to the interaction of the two criteria (treatments and time) (p = 0.990). Additionally, there were no statistically significant results with respect to the main effects of treatments (p = 0.385), while there were statistically significant effects with respect to the time criterion (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the tested desensitizing powders prior the bleaching procedure did not affect the tooth color change induced by the tested bleaching agent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tooth color change and whiteness are not affected by air-abrasion desensitizing treatments when applied prior to in-office bleaching procedures.
ABSTRACT
Key Clinical Message: Dental fusion should be included in differential diagnosis when panoramic radiograph reveals changes in tooth shape or size. The use of specialized dental photographic techniques can augment the dentists' knowledge and awareness of such conditions. Abstract: Dental fusion of impacted teeth may show up as a change in tooth shape and size on the first radiographic examination. This report presents an impacted maxillary third molar fused with a peg-like distomolar in a 20-year-old male. The patient presented with symptoms of localized periodontitis distal to the second molar, and radiographic examination revealed abnormal dental structure of the third molar. Surgical extraction of the impacted molar was the treatment of choice. The final diagnosis of fusion was based on data from ex vivo CBCT, photographs of the extracted tooth, and extracted tooth's sections using polarizing filters. Two-dimensional radiographs may conceal special dental anatomies. Visualization of such cases using CBCT and dental photography serves to educate dentists and reduce postoperative complications. Knowledge and awareness of possible dental abnormalities are of utmost importance for successful treatment planning.