Influence of custom-made and stock mouthguard thickness on biomechanical response to a simulated impact.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mouthguards (MGs) are devices that can reduce the risks of facial trauma. However, the large variety of MG types and thicknesses raises the question of which type is the most effective and beneficial for the athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the skull, teeth, and jaws as a consequence of a direct impact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using modeling software, a human skull was modeled and a human jaw was created with all teeth inserted into the respective alveolus. The models were divided according to the MG type (custom-made or stock) and thickness (1, 2, and 4 mm). Two models without MG were evaluated with and without teeth contact. The geometries were exported to analysis software and the materials were considered ideal. Fixation occurred at the base of the foramen magnum. The load (500 N) was applied on the canine tooth with a ball. Maximum principal (MPa) and Von-Mises results were obtained. RESULTS: Without any protection, the generated tensile stress was of greater magnitude causing more damage in the absence of teeth contact. The presence of a MG significantly reduced the generated stress in all structures, and the customized/individualized type was more efficient than stock MGs. CONCLUSIONS: In extreme situations when it is impossible to use a MG, keeping the teeth in maximum intercuspal position is less harmful. Despite this, the use of any MG is beneficial and assists in dampening the generated stress. The thicker the device, the greater the capacity for decreasing the damage in all structures. The use of individual protectors for each patient is even more beneficial for preventing trauma during at-risk activities of impact.

The clinical meaning of external cervical resorption in maxillary canine: transoperative dental trauma

External Cervical Resorption in maxillary canines with pulp vitality is frequently associated with dental trauma resulting from surgical procedures carried out to prepare the teeth for further orthodontic traction. Preparation procedures might surgically manipulate the cementoenamel junction or cause luxation of teeth due to applying excessive force or movement tests beyond the tolerance limits of periodontal ligament and cervical tissue structures. Dentin exposure at the cementoenamel junction triggers External Cervical Resorption as a result of inflammation followed by antigen recognition of dentin proteins. External Cervical Resorption is painless, does not induce pulpitis and develops slowly. The lesion is generally associated with and covered by gingival soft tissues which disguise normal clinical aspects, thereby leading to late diagnosis when the process is near pulp threshold. Endodontic treatment is recommended only if surgical procedures are rendered necessary in the pulp space; otherwise, External Cervical Resorption should be treated by conservative means: protecting the dental pulp and restoring function and esthetics of teeth whose pulp will remain in normal conditions. Unfortunately, there is a lack of well-grounded research evincing how often External Cervical Resorption associated with canines subjected to orthodontic traction occurs.

A reabsorção cervical externa em caninos superiores com vitalidade pulpar em sua quase totalidade está associada a traumatismo dentário decorrente de procedimentos cirúrgicos associado à preparação desse dente para ser tracionado ortodonticamente. Nessa preparação pode se manipular cirurgicamente a junção amelocementária ou luxar o dente com forças excessivas ou com testes de movimentação além dos limites de tolerância estrutural do ligamento periodontal e tecidos cervicais. A exposição dentinária na junção amelocementária é o estopim para se iniciar uma reabsorção cervical externa a partir de uma inflamação induzida na região seguida de reconhecimento antigênico das proteínas dentinárias. A reabsorção cervical externa é indolor, não induz pulpites e tem uma evolução lenta. Em geral, a lesão está associada e recoberta por tecidos moles gengivais que mantêm, por longos períodos, os aspectos clínicos normais, induzindo diagnósticos tardios, quando o processo se aproxima dos limites pulpares. O tratamento endodôntico está indicado apenas em função de procedimentos operatórios que se fazem necessários no espaço pulpar; caso contrário, a reabsorção cervical externa deve ser tratada de forma conservadora, protegendo a polpa dentária e restaurando a função e estética do dente que permanecerá com sua polpa normal. Infelizmente, não sabemos, com base em pesquisas de casuísticas bem estabelecidas, qual é a frequência da reabsorção cervical externa associada a caninos ortodonticamente tracionados.

Socio-economic indicators and predisposing factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren at Brasília, Brazil: a cross-sectional, population-based study.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and its association with sociodemographic and physical characteristics in the anterior permanent teeth of 12-year-old schoolchildren at the city of Brasília - DF, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted on a sample of 1,389 boys and girls aged 12 years, enrolled in public and private fundamental schools at the Administrative Region (RA) of Brasília, Brazil, from October 2011 to September 2012. The demographic details were achieved by a structured questionnaire. The study recorded the type of damage, the size of incisal overjet, and whether lip coverage was inadequate. Sociodemographic data included sex, income and educational level of the parents or caretakers. RESULTS: A total of 1118 schoolchildren were examined, yielding a response rate of 80.48%. The prevalence of TDI was 14.63% in public schools and 23.40% in private schools. The students did not differ according to sex, income and educational level of the parents or caretakers concerning the occurrence of traumas in permanent anterior teeth. Increased overjet and inadequate lip coverage were found to be important contributing factors for TDIs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study showed an expressive prevalence of TDI in 12-year-old in schoolchildren at Brasília DF, Brazil. Sex and educational level of the parents were not associated with trauma. The increased overjet and inadequate lip coverage were significantly associated with dental trauma.

The clinical meaning of external cervical resorption in maxillary canine: transoperative dental trauma.

External Cervical Resorption in maxillary canines with pulp vitality is frequently associated with dental trauma resulting from surgical procedures carried out to prepare the teeth for further orthodontic traction. Preparation procedures might surgically manipulate the cementoenamel junction or cause luxation of teeth due to applying excessive force or movement tests beyond the tolerance limits of periodontal ligament and cervical tissue structures. Dentin exposure at the cementoenamel junction triggers External Cervical Resorption as a result of inflammation followed by antigen recognition of dentin proteins. External Cervical Resorption is painless, does not induce pulpitis and develops slowly. The lesion is generally associated with and covered by gingival soft tissues which disguise normal clinical aspects, thereby leading to late diagnosis when the process is near pulp threshold. Endodontic treatment is recommended only if surgical procedures are rendered necessary in the pulp space; otherwise, External Cervical Resorption should be treated by conservative means: protecting the dental pulp and restoring function and esthetics of teeth whose pulp will remain in normal conditions. Unfortunately, there is a lack of well-grounded research evincing how often External Cervical Resorption associated with canines subjected to orthodontic traction occurs.

Detection of vertical root fractures in the presence of intracanal metallic post: a comparison between periapical radiography and cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: This in vitro study compared cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exam with different voxel sizes with digital periapical radiography in the detection of vertical root fractures in teeth with and without intracanal metallic posts. METHODS: Eighteen single-rooted human teeth were endodontically treated, prepared for cast metal posts, and artificially fractured. After positioning the teeth in dry mandibular sockets, the samples were subjected twice (with and without posts) to digital periapical radiography at 3 different angles and to CBCT examinations with 2 voxel sizes, 0.125 and 0.25 mm. The images were evaluated by 3 oral radiologists. Indices of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, in addition to the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (accuracy), were calculated. Comparison of the accuracy of the imaging methods was assessed by using the χ(2) test. Comparison of the accuracy between teeth with and without posts was determined by using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The accuracy of the imaging methods showed no significant differences (P = .08). The comparison between teeth with and without posts in each examination revealed significant differences for CBCT with a voxel of 0.125 mm (P = .04) and for periapical radiography (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed between CBCT and periapical radiography in the detection of vertical root fractures, except for teeth with metallic posts in images from CBCT with a voxel of 0.125 mm and in digital periapical radiography. Furthermore, voxel size did not significantly influence the diagnosis of vertical root fractures.

Oral considerations in the management of sickle cell disease: a case report.

The phenomenon of erythrocyte sickling observed in sickle cell anaemia is responsible for ischaemia and tissue infarction compromising several organs and systems including the mouth and face. This brief paper reports the case of a 17- year-old female with a complicated sickle cell anaemia, hypertension and paraplegia (after an ischaemic stroke at the age of six years). Oral examination revealed the absence of tooth 12, fractures of teeth 11, 21 and 22 (from trauma), active caries lesions in the enamel of teeth 36, 37 and 46, mucosal pallor, and a smooth tongue. Oral radiographs revealed bone rarefaction and trabecular bone coarsening. Dental surgeons and physicians should be aware of the general and oral abnormalities that can be present in individuals with sickle cell anaemia to allow for preventive measures and implementation of effective treatment options.

Management of multiple trauma avulsion of anterior primary teeth: a three-year follow-up.

Dental trauma can cause physical, esthetic, and psychological problems. This paper presents the case of a 2-year-old boy who suffered multiple avulsions of the maxillary anterior teeth. Treatment consisted of fixed orthodontic appliances with artificial anterior teeth. The clinical follow-up lasted for three years. The procedure for the re-establishment of esthetic and dental function was based on a simple, low-cost therapeutic solution. The child and parents were satisfied with the treatment results.

Effects of traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth on permanent teeth--a clinical follow-up study.

AIM: This study evaluated the prevalence of developmental sequelae to permanent teeth (DSP) after traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth (TDI-1) and their association with age, gender, type of injury, recurrence of injury and post-traumatic damage to primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental records of 2725 children treated from February 1993 to December 2008 in a private pediatric dental clinic were examined. A total of 308 records had 412 primary teeth that sustained traumatic injuries. Age at the time of injury ranged from 4 months to 7 years. A chi-squared test and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight children (241 teeth) were followed up until the eruption of the permanent successor. The prevalence of DSP was 22.4%. Discoloration and hypoplasia were the most frequent abnormalities (74.1%), followed by eruption disorders (25.9%). Age at the time of TDI-1 was the only variable significantly associated with DSP. Sequelae were most prevalent among children who suffered an injury between 1 and 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Children who sustain traumatic dental injuries should be followed up regularly for an early diagnosis and treatment of possible DSP.

Caninos superiores permanentes impactados: revisión de literatura y presentación de caso clínico / Impacted permanent maxillary canines: review of literature and presentation of clinical case

El proceso de desarrollo de los caninos permanentes superiores es entre todos los dientes el más demorado y de trayecto más largo. En el periodo de transición para la dentición permanente podrá ocurrir la no erupción de estos dientes. El diagnóstico precoz de esta anomalía es fundamental para el correcto desarrollo de la dentición y oclusión y para un tratamiento efectivo y rápido. Por lo tanto, el propósito de este trabajo fue revisar algunos aspectos concernientes a la etiología, diagnóstico y conduta clínica en casos de caninos superiores impactados

he canine development process is the most delayed process of all teeth and also the one that takes the longest path until its eruption. During the period of transition from the mixed denture to the permanent one it may occur some problems of dental impactions. Early diagnosis of this anomaly is of major importance to have a proper occlusion development and to have a more efficient and short treatment. Therefore, it was purpose with this study, to review some aspects concerning to the etiology diagnosis and clinical conduct of canines maxillary impactions

Fuerzas ortodóncicas como agentes vulnerantes de la salud pulpar: reporte de dos casos / Orthodontic forces causing damage in pulpal condition: report of two cases

La literatura ya ha sugerido la implicancia del uso de fuerzas ortodóncicas como productoras de daño mecánico, reacción inflamatoria periodontal, lesión periapical y reabsorción radicular. Los parámetros más comúnmente explorados en investigaciones de la respuesta tisular a fuerzas ortodónticas consisten en medir los niveles de oxígeno pulpar, la vasculatura y los cambios en la circulación sanguínea. Se ha demostrado que la irrigación pulpar disminuye tempranamente cuando se realizan aplicaciones continuas de fuerzas ortodóncicas, aun si éstas son de intensidad suave, concluyendo que la magnitud de las fuerzas no necesariamente debe ser excesiva para originar daño celular, el que eventualmente podría derivar en cuadros que van desde simples cambios de color coronario hasta obliteraciones camerales o la misma necrosis pulpar. Se presentan dos casos de pacientes tratados ortodóncicamente con extravasación hemorrágica y necrosis pulpar (canino e incisivo lateral superiores izquierdos respectivamente), con ausencia informada de traumatismo previo, y se discuten protocolos diagnósticos para la evaluación de la salud pulpar.

The literature has suggested the implication of the use of orthodontic forces as producing mechanical damage, inflammatory reactions in the periodontium, periapical injury and root resorption. More commonly explored parameters in investigations of the tissue response to orthodontic forces consist of measuring the levels of pulpal oxygen and disturbances in dental pulp circulation. It has been demonstrated that the pulpal irrigation diminishes early when continuous applications of orthodontic forces are realized, even if these are of soft intensity, concluding that the magnitude of the forces must not necessarily be excessive to originate cell damage, which eventually might derive in signs such as simple crown discoloration to progressive obliteration or pulp necrosis. Two cases of orthodontically treated subjetcs with hemorrhagic extravasation and pulp necrosis (canine and lateral incisive respectively, both left upper) with absence of previous trauma are presented and the diagnostic protocols for the evaluation of the pulpal condition are discussed.

Combined technique with dentin post reinforcement and original fragment reattachment for the esthetic recovery of a fractured anterior tooth: a case report.

This case report describes the esthetic and functional recovery of a maxillary central incisor. The treatments used were dentin post (biological post) reinforcement and reattachment of the fragment. From the outcomes achieved, it can be concluded that this technique is promising and is yet another alternative method that can be used for the recovery of fractured anterior teeth.

Traumatic displacement of maxillary permanent incisor into the nasal cavity.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to describe a case of unviable alveolar repositioning of an intruded tooth into the nasal cavity and to bring the subject of intrusive tooth injury among patients with dentoalveolar fractures to the attention of trauma surgeons. PATIENT: A 26-year-old male was involved in a car accident and crashed his mouth against the dashboard due to sudden deceleration. Intraoral examination revealed an anterior maxillary dentoalveolar fracture and absence of the central maxillary incisors, right lateral maxillary incisor, and left maxillary canine. Computed tomography showed a dislocated tooth in the nasal cavity. The "missing" left maxillary canine was easily recovered from the floor of the left nostril. CONCLUSIONS: Because complete dislocation of a tooth can cause a frontal sinus abscess, an airway complication, a respiratory tract obstruction, and a complicated lung abscess or sinusitis, anytime a tooth is not accounted for after a dentoalveolar trauma, the possibility that it has been fully intruded should be considered. Computed tomographic scan should be a routine diagnostic study in all cases with associated missing anatomical structures in the oral and maxillofacial region. The need to involve the dental professional in the initial assessment of dental trauma in emergency rooms in hospitals is important in order to identify how many teeth might be missing after dental trauma and to correctly reposition the avulsed teeth when possible.

Relationship between traumatic dental injuries and obesity in Brazilian schoolchildren.

The aim of this study was to investigate if obesity is associated to the occurrence of dental trauma in the permanent anterior teeth of adolescents from Recife, Brazil. It included a random sample of 1046 boys and girls aged 12 years attending both public and private schools. The sample size was calculated using a 95% confidence interval level; a statistical significance of 5%; and an odds ratio of 1.55. The sample selection was carried out in two stages: first, schools were selected by simple sampling, and then children were chosen using a proportionality coefficient. Data were collected through clinical examinations and interviews, after examiner calibration. Dental trauma was classified according to ANDREASEN; ANDREASEN criteria. Obesity was considered according to National Center of Health Statistics - NCHS (USA) procedures for the assessment of nutritional status. Subjects were considered as non-obese when the observed percentile was < or = 97, while obese adolescent presented percentiles >97. Data were summarized and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS. The prevalence of traumatic injuries was higher among obese boys than obese girls (17.2% and 16.2%, respectively), but there were no statistically significant differences between traumatic dental injuries and obesity (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the presence of obesity was not associated to traumatic dental injuries in adolescents from Recife, Brazil.

Integrated treatment to resolve a horizontal root fracture.

Root fractures are defined as those that involve cement, dentin and pulp, comprising from 0.5 to 7% of injuries in permanent dentition. Diagnosis is made through clinical and radiographic exams, the latter frequently being limited by the position of the fracture. Treatment varies according to the displacement and vitality of the fragments. The authors present a clinical case of recurrent trauma of tooth 21 causing a horizontal root fracture in the middle third. After several attempts at endodontic treatment, the option was to remove the apical fragment by surgery. The postoperative period of 4 years shows very satisfactory results with regard to wound repair and tooth mobility, or implantation of the coronal segment.

In vitro fracture resistance of glass-fiber and cast metal posts with different lengths.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental fractures can occur in endodontically treated teeth restored with posts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro fracture resistance of roots with glass-fiber and metal posts of different lengths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty endodontically treated maxillary canines were embedded in acrylic resin, except for 4 mm of the cervical area, after removing the clinical crowns. The post spaces were opened with a cylindrical bur at low speed attached to a surveyor, resulting in preparations with lengths of 6 mm (group 6 mm), 8 mm (group 8 mm), or 10 mm (group 10 mm). Each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the post material: cast post and core or glass-fiber post (n=30). The posts were luted with dual-polymerizing resin cement (Panavia F). Cast posts and cores of Co-Cr (Resilient Plus) crowns were made and cemented with zinc phosphate. Specimens were subjected to increasing compressive load (N) until fracture. Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer test (alpha =.05). RESULTS: The ANOVA analysis indicated significant differences (P<.05) among the groups, and the Tukey test revealed no significant difference among the metal posts of 6-mm length (26.5 N +/-13.4), 8-mm length (25.2 N +/-13.9), and 10-mm length (17.1 N +/-5.2). Also, in the glass-fiber post group, there was no significant difference when posts of 8-mm length (13.4 N +/-11.0) were compared with the 6-mm (6.9 N +/-4.6) and 10-mm (31.7 N +/-13.1) groups. The 10-mm-long post displayed superior fracture resistance, and the 6-mm-long post showed significantly lower mean values (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the glass-fiber post represents a viable alternative to the cast metal post, increasing the resistance to fracture of endodontically treated canines.

Consequences and treatment after multiple avulsions of deciduous teeth--a case report.

The prevalence of traumatisms with avulsion of deciduous teeth varies from 7 to 13%, usually involving one tooth only. In this case report, a trauma with multiple losses of deciduous teeth and laceration of soft tissue is described as a consequence of a horse backward kick. After suture of extra-oral tissue wounds and application of anti-tetanic vaccine, the patient was referred to the emergency ambulatory of Sacred Heart University. Treatment procedures included radiographic analysis, removal of bone fragments and of a residual root of the tooth involved, remodeling and suture of intra-oral tissues. The patient was observed periodically and after full recovery, a prosthetic appliance was installed for functional and esthetic rehabilitation.

Management of a multiple dentoalveolar trauma in permanent dentition with avulsion of a canine: a 4-year follow-up.

Traumatic dental injuries are relatively frequent accidents that typically involve teeth in the maxillary anterior segment. The emergency treatment and the clinical decisions must be efficiently made at the time of injury, and there is a need for long-term follow-up because of the high incidence of complications. The aim of this article was to present the emergency and rehabilitation treatments of a multiple dentoalveolar trauma in the permanent dentition involving different extensions of enamel-dentin crown fracture, pulp exposure, and the avulsion of a canine. The treatment outcomes are reported up to the 4-year follow-up, and the clinical approaches and their rationale are discussed.

Prevalence of dental trauma children aged 1-3 years in Joao Pessoa (Brazil).

AIM: This was to determine the prevalence and distribution of traumatic injuries to primary anterior teeth in children from 1 to 3 years-old. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out through clinical examination of the primary dentitions of preschool children enrolled in public nursery schools in Joao Pessoa (Brazil). A total of 293 boys and girls participated in the study. The children were clinically examined for signs of trauma according to Andreasen's classification. RESULTS: Traumatic injuries were identified in 10.2% of children. The largest percentage of injuries was demonstrated by 2-3 years-old, with no significant difference between boys and girls. The most common type of injury was enamel fracture and enamel-dentine fracture. The maxillary central incisor was the most vulnerable to injury, without differences between the right and left side. STATISTICS: The data were entered in the SPSS program, and the chi square test was used with a 5% significance level. CONCLUSION: The primary dentition was most affected by fracture of enamel, especially the maxillary central incisor teeth, in patients between 2 and 3 years of age. There is a need of providing adequate preventive and treatment care for preschool children.

Reattachment of tooth fragment: an in vitro study.

Canine tooth fracture is common in dogs. Application of an esthetic and durable restoration may be challenging in veterinary dental practice. This study used traditional human dental laboratory methods to evaluate fracture strength of intact dog canine teeth and fractured teeth that had been restored by reattachment of the tooth fragment. The results showed that the teeth restored by reattachment of the tooth fragment supported a test load equal to 45.4 % of the load necessary to fracture intact canine teeth.

Prevalence and risk factors related to traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian schoolchildren.

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of dental trauma in permanent anterior teeth of schoolchildren in Recife, Brazil. It included a random sample of 1046 boys and girls aged 12 attending both public and private schools. The sample size was calculated using a 95% confidence interval level; a statistical significance of 5% (alpha); a sample power of 80%; and an odds ratio of 1.55. The sample selection was carried out in two stages: first, schools were selected by simple sampling, and then children were chosen using a proportionality coefficient. Data were collected through clinical examinations and interviews, after examiner calibration. Dental trauma was classified according to Andreasen criteria. Overjet was considered a risk factor when it presented values higher than 5 mm. Lip coverage was classified as adequate or inadequate, while obesity was considered according to National Center for Health Statistics procedures for the assessment of nutritional status. Data were summarized and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS. The prevalence of dental injuries was 10.5%. Boys experienced more injuries than girls, 12.2% and 8.8%, respectively (P > 0.05). Children attending public schools presented more traumatic injuries than those from private schools, 11.4% and 9.5%, respectively, but there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between traumatic dental injuries and overjet (P < 0.05); between traumatic dental injuries and inadequate lip coverage (P = 0.000), and between obesity and dental trauma (P < 0.05). It was concluded that boys attending public schools and presenting an overjet size >5 mm, inadequate lip coverage, and obesity were more likely to have traumatic dental injuries in Recife, Brazil.