bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of root fractures and methods used for post removal
Authors: Abbott P. V. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of root fractures during post removal, as well as the methods used and the success rates achieved with various post removal devices and techniques.Methodology Patient records from a specialist endodontic practice were examined. A total of 1600 teeth from which posts were removed were identified. These teeth had no preoperative signs or symptoms to suggest root fractures. The incidence of root fractures was determined and a subset of 234 patient records were examined in detail to determine the methods used to remove different types of posts.Results Only one tooth fractured during post removal (0.06%) and all posts were successfully removed, typically in about 3 min. Most cast posts were removed with an Eggler post remover but some dislodged when the crown was removed; ultrasonics was used occasionally. Most parallel‐sided posts were removed with ultrasonics and threaded posts were unscrewed. The Masserann kit and ultrasonics were combined to remove fractured cast posts and some parallel‐sided posts.Conclusions This study indicates that, with good case selection, post removal is a predictable procedure. If appropriate techniques and devices are used for the particular type of post being removed, then root fracture is a rare occurrence.
Developmental changes and regional differences in histochemical localization of hyaluronan and versican in postnatal molar dental pulp
Authors: Shibata S. , Yoneda S. , Yanagishita M. , Yamashita Y. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim The main aim of this study was to investigate the developmental changes in the distribution patterns of hyaluronan (HA) and versican in postnatal rat molar dental pulp, in order to confirm the hypothesis that the distribution of both molecules can vary with physiological conditions in the dental pulp.Methodology Thirty postnatal Sprague‐Dawley rats, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days old, were used for this study. Immunohistochemistry for versican with monoclonal antibodies 12C5 and CS‐56 and histochemical staining for HA with HA‐binding protein were applied to paraffin sections of the mandibular first molars at each age.Results At day 1, both molecules were evenly distributed in the interior parts of the pulp, but strong reactions for both molecules appeared in the subodontoblastic layer of the coronal pulp by the completion of crown formation. However, a strong reaction for HA and a weak reaction for versican were seen in the subodontoblastic layer of the radicular pulp. Furthermore, a versican‐deficient, low‐HA area first appeared in the interior of the coronal pulp at day 42 and expanded at day 49.Conclusions Distribution of hyaluronan and versican in the dental pulp varied with age and also showed regional differences between the coronal and the radicular pulp, and this supports the hypothesis described above.
In vivo performance of the new non‐instrumentation technology (NIT) for root canal obturation
Authors: Lussi A. , Suter B. , Fritzsche A. , Gygax M. , Portmann P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the radiographic quality of root fillings performed by the NIT‐obturation method versus conventional mechanical obturation.MethodologySixty‐six patients needing root canal treatment participated in this study. The treatments were performed by three private practitioners. The root canals were instrumented with K‐Flexofiles to a master apical file between sizes 25 and 60, followed by step‐back flaring up to size 70. Copious irrigation was used throughout the instrumentation procedure with NaOCl (3%). The teeth were obturated either by lateral condensation, the McSpadden technique (control) or by the new non‐instrumentation technology (NIT) with and without using gutta‐percha points. In the NIT method, a low pressure was created within the tooth, and AH 26 sealer was sucked into the root canal system. Radiographs of the root‐filled teeth were analysed and the length of the root filling, the presence of voids and the area of any other fillings determined.ResultsThe root canal fillings of the control group (0.1 ± 0.1 mm) and those of the NIT/gutta‐percha group (0.3 ± 0.1 mm) were both overextended when taking the apical constriction as a reference point. Root canal fillings of the NIT/gutta‐percha group were statistically (P < 0.05) significantly longer than those of the NIT without gutta‐percha group. The latter showed slightly underextended root canal fillings (–0.14 ± 0.1 mm).Conclusions The present investigation demonstrated the performance of the NIT‐obturation method in vivo. Root canals filled by the reduced‐pressure‐method using sealer combined with gutta‐percha cones exhibited equivalent radiographic quality compared to conventionally filled canals.
Monitoring pulp vitality after transplantation of teeth with mature roots: a case report
Authors: Siers M. L. , Willemsen W. L. , Gulabivala K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim To initiate discussion on the value of routine root canal treatment for transplanted teeth.Summary Autotransplantation is an accepted treatment option to replace missing teeth. It is generally considered that revascularization of the pulp following such a procedure is more favourable in teeth with immature roots. In teeth with closed apices root canal treatment is considered necessary. This paper presents a case of pulp revascularization in a transplanted tooth with mature roots and casts doubt on whether root canal treatment is essential in such situations. An alternative treatment protocol is proposed.Key learning points

Following transplantation original pulp tissue may survive the operation.
Teeth with obliterated pulp space do not become necrotic more often than those without obliteration.
Monitoring the tooth is an acceptable alternative to automatic root canal treatment for transplanted teeth.
Root canal treatment should be undertaken only upon occurrence of pathological signs.
The advantages of standardized evaluation of male infertility
Authors: Pierik Frank H. , Van Ginneken Astrid M. , Dohle Gert R. , Vreeburg Jan T. M. , Weber Robertus F. A. 
Published: March 2003

Healthcare can be improved by standardization and by evaluation of diagnostic methods and treatments. In the field of andrology, in which large patient numbers are required for the evaluation of diagnostic procedures and treatments, structured data collection and multicentre studies are especially warranted. Concomitant with routine clinical practice, a large amount of clinical data are collected that may be used to evaluate andrological care. Structuring and electronic storage of data holds promise in terms of clarity and accessibility of the data and its use for validation studies. The aim of the present work was to study the merits of routine collection of a common dataset in a computer‐based patient record (CPR) for standardization, quality of data and clinical research. It was studied whether the data were of sufficient quality and accessibility for much needed studies on aetiology, interventions and diagnostics in andrology.Data collection in a structured CPR promoted complete and comprehensive data. We describe the advantages, pitfalls and solutions with this approach. Data on the uniform examination of 1549 infertile men became readily accessible. Population characteristics, basal associations and original studies were enabled and provided insight into the efficiency of clinical practice. In 66% of men, a cause for their infertility was identified, which provides a better rationale for treatment than semen parameters alone. For more than 30% of the patients, a rational andrological treatment was available, which could be deployed before assisted reproductive technologies were resorted to. However, most treatments have not been properly validated. The thorough diagnostic evaluation identifies subgroups that require an evidence base for treatment and further study on aetiology and diagnosis.Structured collection of uniform patient data through a CPR was feasible and facilitated the evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. The reported advantages, pitfalls and solutions with this approach may help other centres to decide on how to implement a CPR. Conscientious collection of a standard data set in infertility centres facilitates pooling of data and evidence‐based multicentre research.
Semen analysis and external quality control schemes for semen analysis need global standardization
Authors: Cooper T. G. , Björndahl L. , Vreeburg J. , Nieschlag E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryOne semen analysis laboratory [the Institute of Reproductive Medicine (IRM), Münster, Germany] was enrolled in three external quality assurance programmes in Europe (United Kingdom External Quality Assurance Scheme, European Academy of Andrology, European Society of Human Reproduction) that control for the assessment of sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology. Agreement between the participating laboratory and the sperm concentrations designated by all three programmes was good. Disagreement between two quality control (QC) programmes providing motility assessment was particularly noticeable in the distinction between motility grades a and b. For the identification of normal sperm morphology, marked differences between the standards set by different QC programmes were apparent. One programme was stricter in its categorization of normal forms, such that an overestimation of normal forms was diagnosed at IRM, whereas agreement with the other programmes was achieved. Variation of results from technicians in the IRM internal QC programme was <13%. The discrepancies between external quality control (EQC) centres demonstrated here are challenging problems to be overcome partly by the andrology laboratories and partly by the providers of EQC services. The introduction of objective, computer‐aided sperm assessment in providing designated values may help to rectify this situation. Until this is achieved, EQC programmes should develop an internal programme to monitor their materials and methods for assessment.
Effect of neonatal treatment of rats with potent or weak (environmental) oestrogens, or with a GnRH antagonist, on Leydig cell development and function through puberty into adulthood
Authors: Sharpe Richard M. , Rivas Ana , Walker Marion , Mckinnell Chris , Fisher Jane S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThis study addressed whether reduced Sertoli cell number or manipulation of the neonatal hormone environment has an influence on final Leydig cell number per testis in the rat, by applying neonatal treatments known to affect these parameters, namely administration of a GnRH antagonist (GnRHa) or diethylstilboestrol (DES, in doses of 10, 1 or 0.1 μg per injection). The effect of treatment with either of two ‘environmental oestrogens’, bisphenol‐A (Bis‐A) or octylphenol (OP), was also evaluated. Leydig (3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase immunopositive) cell development and function (plasma testosterone levels) were studied through puberty into adulthood. Treatment with GnRHa impaired testis growth, Leydig cell (nuclear) volume per testis and testosterone levels during puberty, when compared with controls, but final Leydig cell volume/number in adulthood was comparable with controls. As adult testis weight was reduced by 45% in GnRHa‐treated rats, the percentage Leydig cell volume per testis was ∼double (p < 0.01) that in controls, and also at day 35. Testosterone levels in adulthood in GnRHa‐treated rats were lower (p < 0.01) than in controls but were within the lower end of the normal range. Treatment with DES caused largely dose‐dependent suppression of testis growth, Leydig cell (nuclear) volume per testis and testosterone levels up to day 35. Although by adulthood, Leydig cell volume/number per testis was comparable with controls in DES‐treated rats, testosterone levels remained grossly subnormal. Neonatal treatment with either Bis‐A or OP had little consistent effect on any of the parameters studied except that both treatments significantly elevated testosterone levels on day 18, as did treatment with DES‐0.1 μg. The present findings are interpreted in the context of what is known about the hormonal regulation of Leydig cell development. These lead to the conclusion that final Leydig cell number per testis is not determined by the number of Sertoli cells per testis and appears not to be influenced in any major way by gonadotrophins, androgens or oestrogens in the first 2 weeks of postnatal life. This implies that adult Leydig cell number may be determined prior to birth.
Malocclusion, dental injuries and dental anomalies in the primary dentition of Belgian children
Authors: Carvalho  , Vinker  , Declerck  
Published: March 2003

Aim. To estimate the prevalence of malocclusion, dental injuries and dental anomalies in a sample of 3–5‐year‐old Belgian children.Design. A cross–sectional study of 3–5‐year‐olds attending kindergartens in the municipality of Leuven, Belgium.Methods. A total of 750 boys and girls participated in the study. The children were examined at the University School Health Centre in connection with their obligatory medical check‐up. The clinical examination was performed by one examiner using generally accepted criteria for these oral conditions.Results. 10·1% of the examined children had posterior cross‐bite whereas over‐bite was seen in only 2·0% of the sample. Open‐bite was detected in 32·0% of the studied population. Boys showed a tendency for a higher frequency of malocclusions than girls. Traumatic injuries were identified in 18·0% of children. These were almost entirely restricted to maxillary incisors. Crown fractures were responsible for 42% of all injuries. The following dental anomalies were seen: six cases of supernumerary teeth, three cases of hypodontia, five cases of double teeth and one case of conical maxillary lateral incisor.Conclusion. Our findings emphasize the importance of early detection of these oral conditions in order to permit effective and long‐term treatment planning, according to the child’s individual requirements
Preventive oral health care and health promotion provided for children and adolescents by the Municipal Dental Health Service in Denmark
Authors: Petersen P.E. , Torres A.M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.
Objective. To describe the current organization of health promoting and preventive activities within the Danish Municipal Dental Health Service and to assess how the service has chosen to comply with the directives as formulated by the National Board of Health. Design. A cross‐sectional survey of the municipal dental health services was carried out on a national scale. Postal questionnaires were used to collect information on active and passive preventive care activities and community‐orientated health promotion. Setting. The survey was conducted to aid the reorientation and adjustment of the Municipal Dental Health Services in Denmark. Subjects. All municipal dental health services in Denmark were considered relevant for the survey and 141 services (71%) responded to the questionnaire. Outcome measures. Quantitative methods were used to measure recall‐intervals for children and adolescents, passive and active prevention, identification of and care for individuals at risk, and health education. Qualitative methods were applied to record the organization of community health activities. Results and conclusions. The majority of dental services stated that preschool children are called at regular intervals (every 3, 6 or 8 months); school‐children and adolescents are most often recalled according to individual needs. Chairside assistants, dentists or dental hygienists give oral hygiene instructions systematically to children of grades 0 through to 3. Fluoride is frequently administered through topical application by dentists; fluoride tables are not used. Permanent molars are sealed when this is indicated. Clinical and socio‐behavioural criteria are used to identify children at risk. Half of the services reported school‐based health education, and in one‐quarter of the municipalities community health activities took place. Adjustment of the services should consider population‐directed activities and greater use of ancillary personnel.
Child protection: a survey of experience and knowledge within the dental profession of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Kilpatrick N.M. , Scott J. , Robinson S. 
Published: March 2003

Aim. To establish the experience and knowledge of dental practitioners in New South Wales, Australia in the area of child abuse and protection. Design. A cross‐sectional telephone questionnaire. Sample. One hundred and twenty‐two interviews; 67 general dental practitioners randomly selected and 55 members of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry. Results. All of the dentists interviewed could identify physical abuse and most identified emotional abuse, however, none could describe all five forms of abuse. Significantly more (58%) members of the paediatric dental society had at some time suspected abuse, compared with only 24% of the general practitioners. However, only 20 of the paediatric dentists and seven general practitioners had actually reported any cases. The main reason given for not reporting concerned confidentiality. Seventy‐two per cent of general practitioners did not know their legal obligations or with whom they could discuss any concerns. While paediatric dentists achieved a better percentage, still over half of them were similarly unsure. Conclusions. Further education and training is required for both the dental profession and the child protection agencies to improve the inter‐agency working relationship and thus provide better protection for children.
Association between early weaning, non‐nutritive sucking habits and occlusal anomalies in 3‐year‐old Finnish children
Authors: Karjalainen S. , Rönning O. , Lapinleimu H. , Simell O. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives, design and subjects. Earlier results on the effect of breastfeeding on the one hand, and non‐nutritive sucking habits (pacifier and/or digit sucking) on the other, on the orofacial development of infants are inconclusive. Thus we studied the prevalence of malocclusions and their relationship to the duration of breastfeeding and to non‐nutritive sucking habits in a group of randomly selected 3‐year‐old children (n = 148). Results. Posterior crossbite was detected in 13%, anterior open bite in 18% and large overjet (> 3 mm) in 26% of the children. The proportion of children with anterior vertical open bite was significantly larger among children with non‐nutritive sucking habits than among the other children (P < 0·001). Neither posterior crossbite nor large overjet were associated with non‐nutritive sucking habits. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 5·8 ± 3·6 months while that of total breastfeeding was 7·3 ± 3·8 months on average. The exclusive and total breastfeeding periods of children with posterior crossbite were both significantly shorter than those of the other children (P < 0·01 and P < 0·002, respectively). Children’s height and weight were unrelated to the duration of breastfeeding or occlusal anomalies. Conclusion. We suggest that an early introduction of bottlefeeding, indicating a pattern of low‐impact muscular activity, may interfere with the normal development of alveolar ridges and hard palate, and hence lead to posterior crossbite.
Dental caries prevalence and dental health behaviour in HIV infected children
Authors: Eldridge K. , Gallagher J.E. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives. To determine dental caries prevalence in a group of HIV positive children and their reported dental health behaviour. Design. Standardized epidemiological dental examination and structured interview. Setting. Paediatric HIV outpatient department in a South London hospital. Study population. HIV‐positive children attending the above outpatient clinic over a 6‐month period (30 subjects) and parents (20 informants). Methods. Epidemiological examination of children was undertaken by one trained and calibrated examiner to determine caries prevalence using dmft/DMFT. Parents were interviewed to obtain information on their children’s dental health behaviour: tooth‐brushing, diet, fluoride; oral medication and dental attendance were explored. Results. Sixty‐three per cent (n = 19) of children had dental caries experience, much of it untreated. Mean dmft/DMFT was 4·4. Sixty per cent (n = 18) of all children presented with active or untreated caries and the care index for those at/under age 5 years was low (10%). Unfavourable dental health behaviour included: consumption of nonmilk extrinsic sugars at night, use of sugar‐based medications, low fluoride intake, late commencement of toothbrushing and poor dental attendance. Dental health was not considered a priority for many of these children. Parents did not necessarily disclose their child’s HIV status on dental attendance. Conclusion. Caries prevalence was high, much of the disease untreated, and unfavourable dental health behaviour, including the use of sugar‐based medicines was common. HIV infected children should be considered a high caries risk and receive appropriate dental care, in terms of both treatment and preventive services, following confirmation of seropositivity.
Utilization of day stay general anaesthesia for the provision of dental treatment to children in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Alcaino E. , Kilpatrick N.M. , Kingsford Smith E.D. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives. To assess the demand for paediatric dental general anaesthetic services at a specialist paediatric dental unit in Australia and to evaluate the changing pattern of general anaesthetic use in children at this unit over the past decade. Methods. A retrospective review of hospital records of a random sample of children receiving dental treatment under general anaesthesia during the years 1984 and 1996. Demographic and clinical data was collated and analysed using SPSS for Windows. Results. The number of children managed under general anaesthesia increased from 189 in 1984 to 777 in 1996. This was accompanied by an increase in the time the patients waited for treatment. There was little difference in the mean age of the patients with over two‐thirds of the children being under the age of 6 years. Whilst children of Anglo‐Saxon origin accounted for the majority of patients across the 13‐year period there was a significant increase in the number of children from Asian or Middle Eastern backgrounds. A disproportionate number of these children accessed the services as self‐referrals. Caries remained the most common reason for referral, with trauma and dental anomalies accounting for less than 10%. Conclusions. Despite the general decline in dental caries there remain an important group of young children who have high treatment needs and for whom general anaesthesia provides a useful treatment option. Preventive strategies should be targeted towards these groups of children.