Polymerization of dental composite resins using plasma light.

Five visible light-cured composite resins used as restoration or adhesive materials in dentistry, were irradiated with high energy plasma light (1300 mW/cm2), and contraction, rate of contraction, irradiation-induced temperature were analysed. A comparison was carried out with the same materials irradiated with a conventional halogen light (400 mW/cm2). The exposure to the photoactivating lights was either continuously or sequentially in three or more intervals with 10 min between intervals. Comparing the lengths of exposure of both lights, which induced the same contraction in a given material, it was found that the exposure length to the plasma light was greatly reduced, when compared with the exposure length of the halogen light (1:10). Frequently, the final contraction of plasma-irradiated materials was lower, whereas the rate of contraction, as indicated by the linear dimensional variation curves obtained by laser beam scanning method, did not show significant differences between the two lights. The temperature increase induced by plasma light on the material did not exceed the temperature induced by conventional light.

[Mechanical resistance of endodontically treated upper first premolar crowns]. / Resistenza meccanica della corona dei primi premolari superiori trattati endodonticamente.

This work shows the results of mechanical strength tests effected over first superior bicuspids before endodontically treated. The Authors show the strength differences, in connection to the access-cavity, between endodontically treated and non-treated teeth. Finally it was found that the demolition of only one marginal ridge reduces the tooth strength to withstand the occlusal forces.

[Pigmentation of the oral mucosa from endodontic materials]. / Pigmentazione della mucosa orale da materiale endodontico.

The Authors describe the clinical case in which a 30 years old male patient presents anomalous pigmentation of the oral mucosa after the endodontic treatment of the upper right central incisive. The mucosa's anomaly appeared at the height of the lower third of the root near the branch of an accessory endodontic canal previously filled and it was caused by the outlet of filling material. After the examination of this case, the Authors affirme the importance of an accurate anamnesis in order to obtain a correct diagnosis of the various kinds of pigmented lesions, distinguishing the etiology, the pathogenesis and the histologic patterns.

[Mucogingival aspects of orthodontic patients]. / Aspetti mucogengivali nel paziente ortodontico.

During the last twenty years the opinions about the necessity of an adequate gingival band for dental health are developing. Modern tendencies, nowadays, provide gingival increase only in few cases: 1. difficulties in plaque removing; 2. frenum connection in marginal gingiva; 3. gingival absence around prosthetic crown; 4. gingival recessions. The Authors, according to literature, data consider the indications to gingival increment and affirm the importance of a correct pre-orthodontic and periodontal evaluation in order to avoid periodontal attachment-loss using an easy surgery.

[Dose and exposure reduction in endodontic radiology through the use of new filters]. / Riduzione della dose di esposizione in radiologia endodontica tramite l'utilizzo di nuovi filtri.

In this study the authors discuss parameters which influence the emission spectrum of x-rays and criteria that have an influence on their distribution (anode current, tension), and they draw attention to the materials most frequently used for filter construction-niobium in particular. The authors conducted a clinical study to verify whether the use of a niobium filter mounted on an x-ray machine would decrease the amount of exposure to the patient and give a higher quality image as well, because of decreased radium diffusion which consequently diminishes the risk to the operators.

[Osteo-dental ankylosis of permanent teeth]. / Anchilosi osteo-dentale di denti permanenti.

The Authors present a bone dental ankylosis study and two clinical cases. The Authors show literature data in relation to different pathogenetic hypothesis and their therapeutic programs. Considering Bda as an histologic diagnosis, they suggest that any treatment-resistant clinical case is a true Bda.

[Benign neoplasms of the soft tissues of the oral cavity]. / Le neoformazioni benigne dei tessuti molli del cavo orale.

The Authors, starting from a statistical study of Gennari et al., point out the frequency of the benign neoformations in the soft tissue of the oral cavity. They describe then the most frequently findable histological forms and the problems posed to the clinic and the surgeon by some histological forms such as the mixed tumours of the minor salivary glands and the fibropapillomatosis of the vestibular fornices. The Authors conclude stating that they not always are harmless neoformations and easily surgically excisable.

[Current orientations in endodontics]. / Attuali orientamenti in endodonzia.

The Authors, after having underlined the importance of the endodontic discipline, that allows to obtain a reliable rehabilitation, illustrate the Schilder technique, used by them at the Odontoiatric Clinic, University of Brescia. The AA. take into consideration and face the problem of the reintervention on channels already treated, as well as the periapical infections complication. They conclude saying that endodoncy is an extremely difficult discipline, because it implies a lot of experience, practical ability and a constant application.