A clinical study of an electronic constant force periodontal probe.

Automated probing systems have been developed to provide a more precise method of evaluating periodontal pocket depths and attachment levels. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical performance (reproducibility, time, and comfort) of a new electronic probe (E.P.) compared to the UNC 15 conventional probe (C.P.). Paired measurements 2 hours apart were performed by one examiner on 20 patients with moderate to advanced localized or generalized adult periodontitis. Both the E.P. and C.P. were used on each patient in a random manner. Overall reproducibility (+/- 1.5 mm) was: E.P. 94% (n = 1181); C.P. 96.5% (n = 1254); E.P./C.P. used interchangeably 82.4% (n = 830). In assessing the reproducibility of bleeding on probing, using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test, only the mid-facial surface, when using the C.P. exhibited differences between measurements (P < 0.017). Paired t test revealed E.P. took significantly longer per exam (4 minutes, 46 seconds). Comfort levels, evaluated with a visual analog scale, were not significantly different between probes as shown by the Mann Whitney U test. The data suggest that, in general, there was no major significant difference in reproducibility measurements between the E.P. and the C.P. The E.P. took more time. Comfort levels were similar for both probes.

Full dentition periodontal surgery using intravenous conscious-sedation. A report of 10,000 cases.

In 1980 Ceravolo, et al, reported the results of 5200 cases of periodontal surgery performed in dental offices on patients while under conscious sedation. In no instance was a major complication noted. Successful case management coupled with a high degree of patient acceptance prompted the authors to continue to perform full dentition periodontal surgery with the aid of conscious sedation plus local anesthesia. To date, 10,000 cases have been completed in this manner. As yet no major complications have been noted.

Full dentition periodontal surgery utilizing intravenous conscious-sedation. A report of 5200 cases.

A brief survey of the techniques of intravenous conscious-sedation for full dentition, all inclusive periodontal surgery is presented as used for 5200 patients. Diazepam, meperidine, and methohexital were employed in 3700 cases while diazepam plus methohexital was used in the remaining 1500 cases. Local infiltration and nerve block anesthesia were employed in all of the cases. Patients of wide age range having a physical status of I, II, or III underwent total periodontal surgery in one appointment. No major complications were noted. Patient and surgeon acceptance was excellent.

Quantitation of retention of endosseous dental blade implants in dogs.

This research was initiated in order to study the extraction forces associated with solid, single-vented and multi-vented blade dental implants placed in mandibles of dog for 2 months. An extraction device was used to measure the extraction forces on five of the implants and a histological study was carried out around the sixth multi-vented implant. The main finding was that the extraction forces for the multi-vented blade implants were 6 to 12 times those of the single-vented and solid blades. Other findings in this study were: none of the implants exhibited mobility; sulci ranged from 2 to 3 mm at the implant neck; bone covered the implant shoulder. There was gross and histologic evidence of bone growth in the vents of the multi-vented blade; close adaptation of the bone, connective tissue capsule and implant; and no gross, histologic, clinical or radiographic evidence of bone pathology.

Scanning electron microscope study of the junction between restorations and gingival cavosurface margins.

This study demonstrates a definite interfacial void between the cervical margins of the tooth preparation and gold inlay, composite resin, and amalgam restorations. In addition, these marginal defects permit plaque formation within them. Furthermore, microleakage may be a complicating factor in this lack of fit. Restorations which may be "clinically acceptable" may not, in fact, be ideal because of the properties of the restorative materials. It would seem desirable, therefore, to encourage the development of new restorative materials that will bond to the tooth surface.

Histological response to ivory implanted in rabbit mandibles.

Ivory rod implants were found to be biologically unacceptable in rabbit mandibles. Fibrous connective-tissue capsules containing numerous multinucleated giant cells formed around the implants. Resorption of the ivory was also apparent. In addition, osteoid deposition and ankylosis at the experimental sites were not evident.