Dental Hypotheses
Volume:3 Issue: 3, Jul-Sep 2012

Calcium hydroxide (CaH) is customarily used for permanent teeth but not for deciduous dentition because it is known to cause internal resorption in the latter. Though this has been attributed to chronic inflammation and odontoclasts, the exact mechanism has not been elucidated. The Hypothesis: The authors propose an explanation that CaH-induced odontoclastogenesis could be multifactorial. Odontoclasts may result from fusion of cells of monocyte/macrophage series either due to inflammatory mediators or through stimulation by stromal odontoblasts /fibroblasts. Pre-existing progenitor cells of primary tooth pulp because of their inherent propensity may transform into odontoclasts. Evaluation of the Hypothesis: The hypothesis discusses the role of various inflammatory cytokines that may be responsible for CaH-induced transformation of pre-odontoclasts to odontoclasts. Alternatively, pre-existing progenitor cells with proclivity to change into odontoclasts may cause internal resorption. The loss of protective layer of predentin over mineralized dentin may also make the primary tooth more susceptible to resorption.

Obviously, long therapy time of orthodontic treatment and a number of its adverse effects, such as pain, rootresorption, enamel demineralization, periodontal disease, are the main reasons of complaints from patients. It is the first thing for an orthodontist to shorten the period of treatment and decrease the complications of orthodontic treatment as much as possible. The Hypothesis: We hypothesis Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonists (GnRHa) and add-back therapy can create the “therapeutic window”, namely, the appropriate estrogen level and assuage the adverse effects of estrogen deficiency which should be avoided as much as possible. Evaluation of the Hypothesis: It is generally acknowledged that estrogen has direct regulating role in bone metabolism by acting on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Estrogen deficiency can increase the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and also bring about some adverse effects. The appropriate estrogen level, which we call the “therapeutic window” in orthodontic treatment, can speed up the orthodontic tooth movement and eliminate the adverse effects as far as possible. GnRHa can be the maker of estrogen deficiency; meanwhile, add-back therapy can remove the adverse effects by estrogen deficiency. So, we believe that GnRHa plus add-back therapy could be a new adjuvant method of orthodontic treatment and be good for orthodontists and patients.

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effect of pomegranate and aloe vera extracts on Streptococcus mutans. Hydroalcoholic extracts of pulp from both Punica granatum (pomegranate) and Aloe barbadensis miller (aloe vera) were prepared to concentrations of 5، 25، 50 and 100%. Pure sorbitolpowder dissolved in distilled water was taken as the negative control. Streptococcus mutans (S mutans) was isolated from saliva by inoculation on to Mitus Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) agar، which was then streaked onto agar plates containing Brain Heart Infusion. In each petridish، wells were prepared and using a sterile micropipette، 125l of the specific concentration of the extract (pomegranate/ aloe vera/ sorbitol) was deposited in each well. This was done in triplicate for each concentration of the extracts. The effect of different concentrations of the extracts on S mutans was observed and the data was subjected to statistical analysis. Pomegranate extract showed significantly higher inhibitory effect on S mutans at all concentrations (P≤0. 05). On comparison of all three extracts at different concentrations، a significant difference (P≤0. 05) was observed only at 50 and 100% concentrations. The inhibitory effect of pomegranate extract was significantly different when compared to aloe vera and sorbitol extracts. (P≤0. 01). Pomegranate extract has a significant antibacterial effect on S mutans at all concentrations.

This study aimed to investigate the indications for an epidemiological survey on the oral health of young males, and the possibility of conducting it during their military service. Settings and Design: Despite the excellent oral health of young Finnish people in the past, there is concern about its degradation today. About 80% of young Finnish males enter the mandatory military service annually. The draftees have obligatory health inspection, with oral health screening, in the first two weeks of their service. Subjects and Self-reports on oral health were analyzed. Dental screening of conscripts performed by military dentists was timed and evaluated in two garrisons in 2010 (n = 256). Over 40% of the conscripts reported having either dental symptoms or sensitivity after eating or drinking sour food or due to changes in temperature. Toothache was reported as having been the reason for the latest dental visit by 17% of the respondents. Clinical inspection took on an average almost three minutes and answering the questionnaire, almost 11 minutes. For evaluation of the process, the need for randomization of the study sample was emphasized as well as for specific guidelines, radiological education, and calibration of the dentists performing future survey to increase inter/intra examiner reliability. Moreover, the need for three computers per dentist for the questionnaires was pointed out. The need for an epidemiological survey was indicated by a high number of respondents reporting dental symptoms and the need for treatment. An epidemiological survey is possible to be conducted by the existing military dental personnel, but they must be educated radiologically and calibrated. A specific protocol is essential.

Ethnomedicine is the study of traditional medicines having relevant written sources (Ayurveda, traditional Chinese Medicine) as well as those whose knowledge and practices have been orally transmitted over the centuries. The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in the global context today becauseit offers solutions to the multiple concerns faced by mankind. Each part of the Neem tree has some medicinal property and the broad range of biologic activities and pharmacologic actions of Neem tree are very well established. Although literature search reveals that Neem tree has multiple potential uses in dentistry, its application is limited in routine dental practice. The following manuscript is an attempt to throw light on the potential and immense uses of Neem tree products for oral care, which forms a critical issue in both developing countries where professional dental care is limited and in developed nations where populations are aging.

Maxillary permanent first molars are frequently found ectopic teeth in mixed dentition. If left untreated, it may cause serious sequel including early loss of the primary second molar, space loss, and impaction of second premolars.Clinical Innovation: This article describes a new successful innovative method for the correction of ectopically erupting maxillary first permanent molar in an 8-year-old boy. Early correction of ectopically erupting permanent molars is an integral part of interceptive orthodontics. Several treatment methods have been suggested. Among these, the interproximal wedging techniques are the simplest but are not always appropriate or feasible. The other treatment modalities may be either complicated, expensive, or require impression taking, appliance delivery, and activation appointments. The following case illustrates a new chairside technique that eliminates the need of impression taking, appliance delivery, and activation appointments and is very simple.

Traumatic intrusive luxation is one of the most severe forms of dental injuries, usually affecting the maxillary incisors. The consequence of such an occurrence is a high risk of healing complications such as pulp necrosis, external inflammatory resorption, and external replacement resorption (ankylosis). Case Report: This report presents a case of severe intrusive luxation of multiple anterior teeth in an 11-year-old girl. The teeth were repositioned successfully by endodontic and orthodontic management. The case was monitored for 5 years. Depending on the severity of the injury, different clinical approaches for treatment of intrusive luxation may be used. Despite the variety of treatment modalities, rehabilitation of intruded teeth is always a challenge and a multidisciplinary approach is important to achieve a successful result. In this case, intruded teeth were endodontically treated with multiple calcium hydroxide dressings and repositioned orthodontically. The follow-up of such cases is very important as the repair process after intrusion is complex. After 5 years, no clinical or radiographic pathology was detected.

A variety of traumatic conditions can cause root fractures. The oot fractures are more likely to occur in fully erupted permanent maxillary central incisors with a completely formed root followed by the maxillary lateral and the mandibular incisors. They involve the dental pulp, supporting tissues, and the mineralized structures of a tooth. Diagnosis of the horizontal root fractures is mainly reached by the information obtained in clinical and radiographic examinations. Case Report: This case report describes the management of the horizontal apical one-third root-fractured tooth without surgical removal of the apical fragment, by longterm calcium hydroxide dressing with good signs of healing of fracture at 3 months followed by conventional root canal treatment with the follow-up examination for 1 year after the completion of treatment. Calcium hydroxide has showed a miracle in successful healing of apical one-third root fracture.

The success rate of dental implant is closely related to three aspects including supporting bone before implantation, osseointegration process, and prevention of peri-implantitis after implantation. Icariin is one of the traditional Chinese herbal medicines to treat impotence, improve sexual function, and enhance immune function. Recently, there are abundant evidences showing that icariin can strengthen bones, enhance bone healing, inhibit osteopenia, and inhibit inflammation. The Hypothesis: We hypothesize that Icariin may be applied clinically to strengthen and accelerate osseointegration of dental implants, inhibit the peri-implantitis, and shorten the rehabilitation time. Evaluation of the Hypothesis: Limited success has been achieved to help implant surgery in spite of much effort. The application of icariin might be a potential method to improve the success rate of dental implant, contributing greatly to implant dentistry.