Performance of ICDAS II and fluorescence methods on detection of occlusal caries-An ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this ex vivo study was to compare the performance of the visual ICDAS II scale and two fluorescence methods (DIAGNOdent Pen and VistaCam iX) in detecting occlusal caries lesions in permanent teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reference test. METHODS: One hundred-sixty molars and premolars were qualified for the study. The visual, the DIAGNOdent Pen and VistaCam iX examinations were carried out by two examiners. The actual extent of the lesions was determined using CBCT. For the three methods, inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of these methods were compared using the mid-P McNemar test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: For all data, intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICC) for intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility were high. With regard to the enamel threshold, the sensitivity and accuracy were significantly higher for VistaCam iX and ICDAS II compared with the DIAGNOdent Pen (p < 0.05). The results obtained with the DIAGNOdentu Pen indicated significantly higher specificity values for the enamel threshold (p < 0.05). The results obtained with the VistaCam iX showed the lowest sensitivity but the significantly highest specificity and accuracy for the dentin threshold (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ICDAS II is an effective method for detecting early carious lesions, characterized by a higher sensitivity compared with devices using fluorescence. To improve the diagnostic efficiency of the evaluated devices, modifying the cut-off values recommended by the manufacturers should be considered.

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.

A comparison of cephalometric analysis using radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: preliminary report.

The aim of this study was to describe the similarities and differences as well as the convenience in using of cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients and to demonstrate the relationship between the severity of sleep-disordered breathing and severity of cephalometric abnormalities. A total of 28 randomly selected patients with snoring, and varying degrees of sleep-disordered breathing were included in this study. A control group included 22 patients. These patients had no snoring or clinical evidence of sleep-disordered breathing as evaluated by polysomnographic test. No patients had prior pharyngeal or maxillomandibular surgery. All patients were evaluated by otolaryngological examination and had polysomnography, cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial CT scans. In study group the evaluation between cephalometric analysis on radiographs and CT scans was made. The comparison between the control and the study group was also assessed as far as cephalometric data are concerned. The cephalometric parameters revealed major differences between controls and patients with OSAS regarding the size and position of soft palate and uvula, volume and position of tongue, hyoid position, mandibulo-maxillary protrusion and size of the pharyngeal airway space. OSAS is associated with statistically significant changes in cephalometric measurements. Lateral cephalometric analysis and craniofacial CT scans add further information to the anatomical assessment of patients with OSAS. We found craniofacial CT scan measurements to be easier and more accurate especially when applying to soft tissues. We believe that this method may also be useful for patient classification to surgical procedures.

[Usefulness of cephalometric measurements in the diagnostics of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome--preliminary report]. / Ocena przydatnosci pomiarów cefalometrycznych w diagnostyce pacjentów z obturacyjnym zespolem snu z bezdechami -doniesienie wstepne.

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of OSAS is related with local anatomical predispositions to OSA such as craniofacial anomalies, adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy, macroglossia, hypertonic oropharyngeal soft tissue, base of tongue proptosis, mandibular hypoplasia, posterior mandibular displacement, maxillary retrusion, enlarged uvula, retrognathia, and inferior positioning of the hyoid. The AIM of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of cephalometric measurements in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen randomly selected patients with snoring and varying degrees of sleep-disordered breathing were included in this study. All patients underwent completed otolaryngological examination, somnographic test using Poly-Mesam device, cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial CT scans. A control group had the same examinations and cephalometric tests. These patients had no snoring or clinical evidence of sleep-disordered breathing. No patients had prior pharyngeal or maxillomandibular surgery. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained on all subjects in standing position using a standard technique. Each subject had also an awake CT scan in supine position on the back. RESULTS: According all parameters we gathered from the study, OSAS is associated with significant changes in cephalometric measurements. Cephalometric analysis adds further information regarding the anatomical assessment of OSAS patients however we found craniofacial CT scans easier, more accurate measurements especially applying to soft tissues.