Plasma-cell gingivitis. Report of a case.

A well-documented case of plasma-cell gingivitis is presented. When viewed in a total perspective, the clinical examination, history of usage of a popular mint , laboratory data and histologic examination provide support for this diagnosis. This patient did not exhibit any evidence of glossitis or cheilitis as is often reported in the literature; however, a positive history to psoriasis was noted. The occurrence of plasma-cell gingivitis in a patient with documented psoriasis provides some interesting speculation regarding the etiologic picture of this condition.

The effects of two sharpening methods on the strength of a periodontal scaling instrument.

Several different techniques exist for sharpening periodontal scalers each of which will yield a relatively sharp instrument; however, some techniques may decrease the strength of the instrument more rapidly than others. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different sharpening techniques on the strength of a periodontal scaler. Sixty McCall No. 13-14 scalers (SCI-DENT) were divided into groups of ten. Each group was reduced in size from 0 to 50% of a standard original size in increments of 10% by reducing the face of the instrument using an RX Honing Machine. A second set of 60 scalers was treated in a similar fashion by reducing the lateral surfaces of the instrument. Original angles and blade clearances were maintained on all instruments. Strength was measured by applying a force at a positive rake angle of 15 degrees in an Instron Testing Machine with a head speed of 50 cm/min. There were no significant differences in strength from grinding on the face vs. the lateral surfaces of the scaler in contrast to the observations of other investigators. Moreover, a 10 to 20% reduction can be accomplished before a significant drop in strength is observed by sharpening either the side or face of the instrument.

Cyst of the incisive (palatine) papilla. Report of a case.

Cysts of the incisive papilla are uncommon variants of the nasopalatine duct cysts. They may be symptomatic or asymptomatic and usually are not seen radiographically. This case report presents a flat, darkly pigmented asymptomatic lesion which required differentiation from a possible malignant melanoma. Due to its location in the anterior palate, this lesion is of interest and clinical significance to the periodontist.

Adenomatoid hyperplasia of mucous salivary glands. Report of two cases.

Adenomatoid hyperplasia of the mucous salivary glands is an uncommon benign tumor of the oral cavity. Two cases of palatal involvement are presented. Since clinical differentiation between benign and malignant growth of the palate cannot be established, microscopic examination is necessary. The palate is the most common location of this lesion, and as such it is useful for the periodontist to be aware of this tumor.

Hepatitis B vaccine: implications for dental personnel.

The available data indicate that a highly effective vaccine to combat hepatitis B has been developed. In a well-controlled, double-blind clinical study of a high risk group (male homosexuals), this vaccine stimulated the production of anti-HBs in more than 92% of the test group followed for two years. As a generalization, this new vaccine can be described as highly effective, safe, stable, and a welcome addition to preventive medicine. Dentists, in particular oral surgeons and periodontists, are in a high risk category with respect to hepatitis B exposure. This vaccine deserves considerable attention by these groups. All members of the dental profession should seriously consider the use of this vaccine as a personal and public health measure when it becomes commercially available.

The effect of an air-powder abrasive instrument on composite resin.

Three composite resins were subjected to applications of sodium bicarbonate with an air-powder abrasive instrument. Materials tested were a microfilled, a conventional, and a light-cured composite resin. Samples were tested for surface roughness before and during applications. The applications produced significant increases in roughness. It was concluded that the light-cured composite resin should be the material used for patients undergoing a recall maintenance program in which the instrument is used.

Anesthetic cartridge system under evaluation.

The problem of glass breakage in the local anesthetic cartridge system was evaluated under laboratory conditions with a mechanical testing machine. The anticipated breakage of the glass did not occur with any frequency, as the rubber stopper produced more uniform failures of the system. The glass cartridge appeared to be quite reliable and resistant to breakage.Local anesthetics have been used for many years to provide patients temporary freedom from pain. Local anesthetic solutions are in wide use in both dentistry and medicine and are the most frequently used drugs in dentistry. Various estimates place the number of injections at approximately one half million daily or 125 million injections per year.These drugs and the armamentarium necessary to administer them have proven to be safe and reliable. Only rarely are there reports of sensitivity to the anesthetic solution or breakage of needles.. Sterility of the solutions has not been a problem as they are carefully processed and evaluated at the factory. Although there are sporadic reports of loss of sterility, this has been attributed to the reuse of the anesthetic cartridges on more than one patient. Monheim states "The success of the cartridge system in dentistry has been due to the sincerity, honesty, and high standards of the manufacturers in giving the profession a near-perfect product." However, on occassion a glass cartridge will break or shatter when inserting the harpoon into the rubber stopper or even during injection. Cooley et al reported on eye injuries occurring in the dental office, one of which was due to glass from a local anesthetic cartridge that exploded and propelled particles into the patient's eye. Forrest evaluated syringes, needles, and cartridges and reported that one brand (made in Britain) fractured more often than any other, but that the fracture rate was too low to be of any consequence.It is apparent that glass cartridges will fracture or burst from time to time. This study evaluates the cartridge system with carefully controlled laboratory procedures. The cartridges were tested under various pressures and conditions in an attempt to determine the causes of failure and when such failure may be anticipated.