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Maxillary Anterior Teeth (maxillary + anterior_tooth)
Kinds of Maxillary Anterior Teeth Selected AbstractsThe burial of Bad Dürrenberg, Central Germany: osteopathology and osteoarchaeology of a Late Mesolithic shaman's graveINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 5 2006M. Porr Abstract The isolated burial of Bad Dürrenberg is one of the richest Mesolithic graves in Europe. Although it was excavated in the 1930s, new spectacular anthropological and archaeological evidence has emerged during a recent re-study. Firstly, we present here the results of an anthropological re-evaluation of certain features of the skull base and the foramen magnum. Our work has clearly established that the observable features are caused by an anatomical variation that also includes an atlar anomaly. This developmental variation possibly caused various neuropathological symptoms. The Bad Dürrenberg burial consequently represents a unique case of the possible interpretation of abnormal behaviours in a shamanistic fashion in a prehistoric context. Secondly, we have identified the LSAMAT phenomenon (Lingual Surface Attrition of the Maxillary Anterior Teeth) in the adult individual of the burial. The activities leading to this condition are unknown so far. Thirdly, a split roe deer metatarsus among the burial goods was identified as being involved in the preparation or application of red pigment. The lack of polish and other use wear make it likely that it was produced and used as part of the burial ritual. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Correlation between the Individual and the Combined Width of the Six Maxillary Anterior TeethJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2009LUIZ CARLOS GONÇALVES DMD ABSTRACT Purpose:, There is a consensus in the community of dental research that the selection of undersized artificial maxillary anterior teeth offers an unnatural appearance to the denture. Several methods to select the adequate width of these teeth are of questionable validity, and many dentures have an obviously artificial appearance. This article assessed the relationship between the individual and the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth. Materials and Methods:, Impressions were made of the anterior dentition of 69 dentate undergraduate students with rubber impression silicon, and casts were formed. The individual widths of the maxillary anterior teeth were measured by using a digital caliper (SC-6 digital caliper, Mitutoyo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and the combined width was registered by both adding the individual width and using a flexible millimeter ruler. Results:, Student's t -test showed significant differences between the analogous teeth and different sides of the maxillary dental arch (p = 0.001), with the exception of the central incisor (p = 0.984). Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient showed significant positive correlation between all the measurements compared (p = 0.000). Linear regression analysis concluded three mathematical equations to obtain the individual tooth width after measuring the combined width of the six maxillary anterior teeth by using a flexible millimeter ruler. Conclusions:, The individual tooth width can be determined if the combined width of the maxillary anterior teeth is obtained by using a flexible millimeter ruler. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The adequate selection of each maxillary anterior tooth width can offer variance and individuality to the denture, particularly for partially dentate patients. By offering an adequate tooth-to-tooth relationship, the esthetic result of the oral rehabilitation treatment can be improved. [source] Evaluation of fracture resistance in simulated immature teeth using resilon and ribbond as root reinforcements , An in vitro studyDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Hiremath Hemalatha Material and Methods:, Sixty five freshly extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared with a Peeso no. 6 to simulate immature teeth (Cvek's stage 3 root development). After instrumentation, each root was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite and with ethylene diamino tetra acetic acid to remove the smear layer. To simulate single visit apexification technique a 4,5 mm white Pro Root mineral trioxide aggregate plug was placed apically using schilder carrier. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups and one control group. Group I , control group (root canals instrumented but not filled); Group II , backfilled with thermoplastisized gutta-percha using AH plus sealer; Group III , reinforced with Resilon using epiphany sealer; Group IV , reinforced with Ribbond fibers using Panavia F luting cement. A Universal Testing Machine was used to apply a load, at the level of the lingual cementoenamel junction with a chisel-shaped tip The peak load to fracture was recorded and statistical analysis was completed using student's t -test. Results:, Values of peak load to fracture were 1320.8, 1604.88, 1620, and 1851newtons for Group I to Group IV respectively. The results of student's t -test, revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05,) between Group II and Group III. Comparison between Group IV and Group III and between Group IV and Group II revealed highly significant difference (P > 0.001). Conclusions:, Teeth reinforced with Ribbond fibers using Panavia F luting cement showed the highest resistance to fracture. Resilon could not strengthen the roots and showed no statistically significant difference when compared with thermopasticised gutta-percha in reinforcing immature tooth when tested with universal testing machine in an experimental model of immature tooth. [source] Apexogenesis after initial root canal treatment of an immature maxillary incisor , a case reportINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010S. R. Kvinnsland Abstract Aim, To present a case where a traumatized, immature tooth still showed capacity for continued root development and apexogenesis after root canal treatment was initiated based on an inaccurate pulpal diagnosis. Summary, Traumatic dental injuries may result in endodontic complications. Treatment strategies for traumatized, immature teeth should aim at preserving pulp vitality to ensure further root development and tooth maturation. A 9-year-old boy, who had suffered a concussion injury to the maxillary anterior teeth, was referred after endodontic treatment was initiated in tooth 21 one week earlier. The tooth had incomplete root length, thin dentinal walls and a wide open apex. The pulp chamber had been accessed, and the pulp canal instrumented to size 100. According to the referral, bleeding from the root made it difficult to fill the root canal with calcium hydroxide. No radiographic signs of apical breakdown were recorded. Based on radiographic and clinical findings, a conservative treatment approach was followed to allow continued root development. Follow-up with radiographic examination every 3rd month was performed for 15 months. Continued root formation with apical closure was recorded. In the cervical area, a hard tissue barrier developed, which was sealed with white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Bonded composite was used to seal the access cavity. At the final 2 years follow-up, the tooth showed further root development and was free from symptoms. Key learning points, ,,Endodontic treatment of immature teeth may result in a poor long-term prognosis. ,,The pulp of immature teeth has a significant repair potential as long as infection is prevented. ,,Treatment strategies of traumatized, immature permanent teeth should aim at preserving pulp vitality to secure further root development and tooth maturation. ,,Radiographic interpretation of the periapical area of immature teeth may be confused by the un-mineralized radiolucent zone surrounding the dental papilla. [source] Efficacy of ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system for gutta-percha removal from root canalsINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 4 2008L.-S. Gu Abstract Aim, To evaluate the efficacy of the ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system for gutta-percha (GP) removal from root canals. Methodology, Root canals of 60 extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared and filled with laterally condensed GP and AH Plus sealer. Teeth were divided into three groups: group A , GP removal completed with the ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system and with further canal repreparation accomplished with ProTaper Universal rotary instruments; group B , GP removal was completed using Gates Glidden drills and Hedström files with chloroform as a solvent, followed with further canal repreparation with ProTaper Universal rotary instruments; group C , the same as group B for GP removal with further canal preparation with stainless steel K-flex files (Kerr). The operating time was recorded. Teeth were rendered transparent for the evaluation of the area of remaining GP/sealer in bucco-lingual and mesial,distal directions. Statistical analysis was performed by using repeated measures analysis of variance and anova. Results, The ProTaper Universal technique (group A) resulted in a smaller percentage of canal area covered by residual GP/sealer than in groups B and C, with a significant difference between groups A and C (P < 0.05). Mean operating time for group A was 6.73 min, which was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) than group B (10.86 min) and group C (13.52 min). Conclusions, In this laboratory study all test techniques left GP/sealer remnants within the root canal. The ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system proved to be an efficient method of removing GP and sealer from maxillary anterior teeth. [source] Effect of bleaching agents on bonding to pulp chamber dentineINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 4 2005S. Timpawat Abstract Aim, To determine the effect of intracoronal bleaching agents on adhesion of bonding agents to pulp chamber dentine. Methodology, Forty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 10 teeth each. Bleaching agents were sealed in pulp chambers for 7 days, as in clinical use. Group 1 (control): distilled water, group 2: 35% hydrogen peroxide, group 3: sodium perborate mixed with water, and group 4: sodium perborate mixed with 35% hydrogen peroxide. Teeth were stored in saline at 37 °C for 7 days. After the bleaching agent was removed, teeth were leached in water for a further 7 days prior to bonding. The crown was cut vertically from mesial to distal and the labial pulp chamber dentine was prepared for bonding with Clearfil SE-Bond and filled with resin composite (Clearfil AP-X). The bonded specimens were kept moist at 37 °C for 24 h. Microtensile bond strengths were determined using a universal testing machine. Additional teeth were prepared using the same bleaching procedures to investigate the scanning electron microscopic appearance of the dentine surface. Results, Mean values (±SD) of microtensile bond strength for the experimental groups were: group 1: 5.29 ± 2.21 MPa, group 2: 5.99 ± 1.51 MPa, group 3: 9.17 ± 1.65 MPa and group 4: 3.99 ± 1.31 MPa. Dentine treated with sodium perborate in water (group 3) had significantly higher mean bond strength when compared with the other three groups (P < 0.05, Tukey's test). Mean bond strength was lowest when dentine was treated with sodium perborate plus hydrogen peroxide (group 4). Conclusions, In terms of subsequent bond strength during restoration, sodium perborate mixed with distilled water appears to be the best intracoronal bleaching agent. [source] Effect of access cavity location and design on degree and distribution of instrumented root canal surface in maxillary anterior teethINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 3 2001G. Mannan Abstract Aim The null hypothesis tested in this study was that in single-rooted anterior teeth with simple root canal anatomy, different access cavity designs (,lingual cingulum', ,lingual conventional', ,incisal straight-line') do not influence the ability of endodontic files to plane the walls of the root canals. Methodology, Thirty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were divided randomly into three groups for each access cavity. The access cavities were prepared according to predefined criteria and the roots embedded in individual polyvinyl-siloxane putty matrices. The matrices allowed these teeth to be split into buccal and palatal halves and to be reassembled. The split teeth enabled removal of pulpal remnants from the root canal system and the walls to be stained with an even layer of permanent black ink. Once dried, the split roots were reassembled in the putty matrices and a step-back filing technique was used to prepare the canals with water irrigation. The canal walls were examined for residual ink staining and scored by three independent assessors using an index devised for the purpose. Results There was good agreement between the assessors. None of the access cavities allowed file contact with the entire root canal wall. The overall (palatal and buccal sections) scores showed significant differences (P < 0.01) between the access cavity groups in the extent to which the canal walls could be filed. The straight-line incisal access cavity had the greatest proportion of instrumented root canal surface. The lingual cingulum access cavity was the worst in this respect. The differences in residual ink scores between the access cavity types were significant for the buccal halves (P < 0.01) but not for the palatal halves (P > 0.05). Conclusions The null hypothesis was proven. Regardless of access cavity design, mechanical preparation did not allow instrumentation of the entire root canal wall. Straight-line access allowed the greatest proportion of the root canal wall to be instrumented and the lingual cingulum access the least. [source] Dental trauma and antemortem tooth loss in prehistoric Canary Islanders: prevalence and contributing factorsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 2 2007J. R. Lukacs Abstract Differential diagnosis of the aetiology of antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) may yield important insights regarding patterns of behaviour in prehistoric peoples. Variation in the consistency of food due to its toughness and to food preparation methods is a primary factor in AMTL, with dental wear or caries a significant precipitating factor. Nutritional deficiency diseases, dental ablation for aesthetic or ritual reasons, and traumatic injury may also contribute to the frequency of AMTL. Systematic observations of dental pathology were conducted on crania and mandibles at the Museo Arqueologico de Tenerife. Observations of AMTL revealed elevated frequencies and remarkable aspects of tooth crown evulsion. This report documents a 9.0% overall rate of AMTL among the ancient inhabitants of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Archipelago. Sex-specific tooth count rates of AMTL are 9.8% for males and 8.1% for females, and maxillary AMTL rates (10.2%) are higher than mandibular tooth loss rates (7.8%) Dental trauma makes a small but noticeable contribution to tooth loss among the Guanches, especially among males. In several cases of tooth crown evulsion, the dental root was retained in the alveolus, without periapical infection, and alveolar bone was in the initial stages of sequestering the dental root. In Tenerife, antemortem loss of maxillary anterior teeth is consistent with two potential causal factors: (a) accidental falls while traversing volcanic terrain; and (b) interpersonal combat, including traditional wrestling, stick-fighting and ritual combat. Steep-walled valleys (barrancos) and lava fields (malpaís) required agile locomotion and occasional vaulting with the aid of a wooden staff. Accidental falls involving facial injury may have contributed to AMTL. Traditional conflict resolution involved competitive wrestling (lucha canaria), stick-fighting (juego del palo), and ritualised contests involving manual combat. These activities made a small but recognisable impact on anterior dental trauma and tooth loss. Inter-personal behaviours of such intensity leave their mark on skeletal and dental remains, thereby providing insight into the lives and cultural traditions of the ancient Guanches. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Correlation between the Individual and the Combined Width of the Six Maxillary Anterior TeethJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2009LUIZ CARLOS GONÇALVES DMD ABSTRACT Purpose:, There is a consensus in the community of dental research that the selection of undersized artificial maxillary anterior teeth offers an unnatural appearance to the denture. Several methods to select the adequate width of these teeth are of questionable validity, and many dentures have an obviously artificial appearance. This article assessed the relationship between the individual and the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth. Materials and Methods:, Impressions were made of the anterior dentition of 69 dentate undergraduate students with rubber impression silicon, and casts were formed. The individual widths of the maxillary anterior teeth were measured by using a digital caliper (SC-6 digital caliper, Mitutoyo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and the combined width was registered by both adding the individual width and using a flexible millimeter ruler. Results:, Student's t -test showed significant differences between the analogous teeth and different sides of the maxillary dental arch (p = 0.001), with the exception of the central incisor (p = 0.984). Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient showed significant positive correlation between all the measurements compared (p = 0.000). Linear regression analysis concluded three mathematical equations to obtain the individual tooth width after measuring the combined width of the six maxillary anterior teeth by using a flexible millimeter ruler. Conclusions:, The individual tooth width can be determined if the combined width of the maxillary anterior teeth is obtained by using a flexible millimeter ruler. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The adequate selection of each maxillary anterior tooth width can offer variance and individuality to the denture, particularly for partially dentate patients. By offering an adequate tooth-to-tooth relationship, the esthetic result of the oral rehabilitation treatment can be improved. [source] COMMENTARY. correlation between the individual and the combined width of the six maxillary anterior teethJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2009Vishnu Raj BDS [source] Gingival Zenith Positions and Levels of the Maxillary Anterior DentitionJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2009STEPHEN J. CHU DMD ABSTRACT Purpose:, The location of the gingival zenith in a medial-lateral position relative to the vertical tooth axis of the maxillary anterior teeth remains to be clearly defined. In addition, the apex of the free gingival margin of the lateral incisor teeth relative to the gingival zeniths of the adjacent proximal teeth remains undetermined. Therefore, this investigation evaluated two clinical parameters: (1) the gingival zenith position (GZP) from the vertical bisected midline (VBM) along the long axis of each individual maxillary anterior tooth; and (2) the gingival zenith level (GZL) of the lateral incisors in an apical-coronal direction relative to the gingival line joining the tangents of the GZP of the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth under healthy conditions. Materials and Methods:, A total of 240 sites in 20 healthy patients (13 females, 7 males) with an average age of 27.7 years were evaluated. The inclusion patient criteria were absence of periodontal disease, gingival recession, or gingival hypertrophy as well as teeth without loss of interdental papillae, spacing, crowding, existing restorations, and incisal attrition. GZP dimensions were measured with calibrated digital calipers for each individual tooth and within each tooth group in a medial-lateral direction from the VBM. GZLs were measured in an apical-coronal direction from a tangent line drawn on the diagnostic casts from the GZPs of the adjacent teeth. Results:, This study demonstrated that all central incisors displayed a distal GZP from the VBM, with a mean average of 1 mm. Lateral incisors showed a deviation of the gingival zenith by a mean of 0.4 mm. In 97.5% of the canine population, the GZP was centralized along the long axis of the canine. The mean distance of the contour of the gingival margin in an apical-coronal direction of the lateral incisors (GZL) relative to gingival line joining the tangent of the adjacent central and canine GZPs was approximately 1 mm. Conclusion:, This investigation revealed a GZP mean value of 1 mm distal from the VBM for the central incisor tooth group. The lateral incisors showed a mean average of 0.4 mm. Thecanine tooth group demonstrated almost no deviations of the GZP from the VBM. The GZL of the lateral incisors relative to the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth were more coronal by approximately 1 mm. These data could be used as reference points during esthetic anterior oral rehabilitation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The information presented in this article can be clinically applied to reestablish the proper intratooth GZPs of the maxillary anterior teeth during periodontal crown lengthening or root coverage procedures. In addition, the intra-arch gingival level of the lateral incisor gingival zenith relative to the adjacent central and canine teeth can be appropriately established. [source] Sensitivity and Tooth Whitening AgentsJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2002RANDALL M. POHJOLA DDS ABSTRACT Purpose: Three commercially available dentist-prescribed home-applied bleaching systems were evaluated to identify the incidence of sensitivity and to compare the efficacy of whitening the maxillary anterior teeth of 18 patients. Methods: Nite White Excel 2Z (Discus Dental), fx (Challenge Products), and Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort (DenMat Corp.) were randomly assigned to six patients each. The fx product was used as a control since it was not advertised as a zero sensitivity product. The manufacturers' instructions for tray fabrication and use were followed while the patients bleached for 2 weeks. The patients kept a diary and were recalled at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The shade change and the presence or absence of any sensitivity were evaluated at each recall. Results: Nite White Excel 2Z was used for 83 days of treatment with the following percentage of positive sensitivity reported: 0% hot and cold, 2.4% throat sensitivity, 2.4% tongue sensitivity, and 25.3% gingival sensitivity. Rembrandt Xtra-Comfort was used for 84 days with 0% hot and cold, 0% throat, 11.9% tongue, and 27.4% gingival sensitivity reported. The fx product was used for 83 days and resulted in 14.5% hot and cold, 3.6% throat, 1.2% tongue, and 16.9% gingival sensitivity. All products lightened the teeth an average of eight shade tabs on the Vita guide. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups when comparing the presence of sensitivity (chi-squared test, p < .001) but not when comparing the shade tab change. [source] Evaluation of penetration and adaptation of three different sealers: a SEM studyJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 9 2003S. Sevimay Summary, In this study, dentinal penetration and adaptation of three endodontic sealers were evaluated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Seventeen recently extracted, human maxillary anterior teeth were used. After the crowns were removed from the cementoenamel junction, the root canals were instrumented. The teeth were then randomly divided into three groups of five roots each and two teeth were used as controls. The smear layer was removed with EDTA and NaOCl. The canals were obturated with AH 26, CRCS, RSA sealers and gutta-percha using lateral condensation technique. Each root was sectioned longitudinally and then prepared for SEM evaluation. The SEM results showed that AH 26 was the best sealer penetrating into dentinal tubules and adapted to dentinal walls when compared with the CRCS and RSA. The CRCS and RSA occluded the orificies of dentinal tubules. The RSA showed that the penetration was less than AH 26 and more than CRCS. [source] Clinical comparison of two self-directed bleaching systemsJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 4 2003Katherine Karpinia DMD Purpose This randomized clinical trial compared the clinical efficacy and tolerability of 2 marketed self-directed vital tooth-whitening systems. Materials and Methods Balancing for baseline tooth color, self-reported coffee/tea use, and age, 57 adult volunteers were randomized to either a whitening strip containing 6% hydrogen peroxide or a tray-based 10% carbamide peroxide/dentifrice/mouth rinse combination system. Following the manufacturer' s directions, the strip group bleached twice daily for 30 minutes, whereas the tray group bleached twice daily for 20,30 minutes, preceded by tooth brushing with a whitening dentifrice and followed by mouth rinsing with a whitening solution. Treatment extended for 14 days, with evaluation at day 7 and again at day 14. Whitening response was measured objectively as L*a*b* from standardized digital images of maxillary anterior teeth. Tolerability was assessed by oral examination and subject interview. Efficacy comparisons were made using analysis of covariance, whereas tolerability was compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results Both treatments resulted in statistically significant (P < 0.01) improvements from baseline for all color parameters. For between-group comparisons, the 6% hydrogen peroxide strips yielded a nearly 3-fold reduction in yellowness (,b*), a nearly 2-fold improvement in lightness (,L*), 2.6 times greater redness reduction (,a*), and a more than 2-fold change in overall color (,E*) compared to the tray-based combination system. Between-group comparisons were statistically significant for the all color parameters at both the day 7 and day 14 evaluations (P < 0.001). In general, 7-day use of the whitening strips provided significantly greater color improvement relative to the combination dentifrice/gel/rinse system at day 14. In addition, the groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) in bleaching tolerability severity-days, with the strip system demonstrating better overall tolerability compared to the combination system. Conclusions The single-step 6% hydrogen peroxide strips demonstrated better overall clinical response, in terms of both tooth-whitening efficacy and tolerability, than the multiple-step tray-based combination system. [source] Dentists' preferences of anterior tooth proportion,a Web-based studyJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 3 2000Stephen F. Rosenstiel BDS Purpose This study aimed to determine dentists' esthetic preferences of the maxillary anterior teeth as influenced by different proportions. The goal was to link choices to demographic data as to the experience, gender, and training of the dentist. Materials and Methods Computer-manipulated images of the 6 maxillary anterior teeth were generated from a single image and assigned to 5 tooth-height groups (very short, short, normal height, tall, and very tall). For each group, 4 images were generated by manipulating the relative proportion of the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines according to the proportions 62% (or "golden proportion"), 70%, 80%, and "normal" or not further altered. The images were randomly ordered on a web page that contained a form asking for demographic data and fields asking for a ranking of the images. Dentists were asked via e-mail to visit the web page and complete the survey. The responses were tabulated and analyzed with repeated measures logistic regression with the alpha at 0.05. A subset of North American respondents was chosen for further analysis. Results A total of 549 valid responses were received and analyzed from dentists in 38 countries. There were statistically significant differences in all groups for the variables of proportion, group (tooth height), and their interaction. The 80% proportion was judged best for the Very Short and Short groups. Three of the choices were almost equally picked for the Normal Height and Tall groups, and the golden proportion was judged best for the Very Tall group. The variables of year of graduation, gender, professional activity, generalist or specialist, or number of patients were not significantly correlated with the choices for the North American respondents. Conclusions Dentists preferred the 80 percent proportion when viewing short or very short teeth and the golden proportion when viewing very tall teeth. Golden proportion was worst for normal height or shorter teeth and the 80% proportion for tall or very tall teeth. They picked no clear-cut best for normal height or tall teeth, and their choices could not be predicted based on gender, specialist training, experience, or patient load. [source] Oral health status of New Hampshire Head Start children, 2007-2008JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2010Ludmila Anderson MD Abstract Objectives: We report on the baseline prevalence and severity of dental caries of children enrolled in the New Hampshire Head Start program during the 2007-2008 school year. Methods: We selected a random cluster sample of 607 children aged 3-5 years attending 27 Head Start centers across the state. Four volunteer dentists provided oral examinations and determined the presence of untreated dental caries, caries experience, and treatment urgency. Results: Overall, 40 percent of the participating children had experienced dental caries, and 31 percent had at least one untreated decayed tooth. Approximately 22 percent of the children had evidence of maxillary anterior caries, 23 percent were in need of dental care, and <1 percent needed urgent care. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries is comparable with that reported by Head Start programs elsewhere. The prevalence of caries affecting maxillary anterior teeth is higher. Further studies should examine state-specific barriers to dental care among this population. [source] Gingival Zenith Positions and Levels of the Maxillary Anterior DentitionJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2009STEPHEN J. CHU DMD ABSTRACT Purpose:, The location of the gingival zenith in a medial-lateral position relative to the vertical tooth axis of the maxillary anterior teeth remains to be clearly defined. In addition, the apex of the free gingival margin of the lateral incisor teeth relative to the gingival zeniths of the adjacent proximal teeth remains undetermined. Therefore, this investigation evaluated two clinical parameters: (1) the gingival zenith position (GZP) from the vertical bisected midline (VBM) along the long axis of each individual maxillary anterior tooth; and (2) the gingival zenith level (GZL) of the lateral incisors in an apical-coronal direction relative to the gingival line joining the tangents of the GZP of the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth under healthy conditions. Materials and Methods:, A total of 240 sites in 20 healthy patients (13 females, 7 males) with an average age of 27.7 years were evaluated. The inclusion patient criteria were absence of periodontal disease, gingival recession, or gingival hypertrophy as well as teeth without loss of interdental papillae, spacing, crowding, existing restorations, and incisal attrition. GZP dimensions were measured with calibrated digital calipers for each individual tooth and within each tooth group in a medial-lateral direction from the VBM. GZLs were measured in an apical-coronal direction from a tangent line drawn on the diagnostic casts from the GZPs of the adjacent teeth. Results:, This study demonstrated that all central incisors displayed a distal GZP from the VBM, with a mean average of 1 mm. Lateral incisors showed a deviation of the gingival zenith by a mean of 0.4 mm. In 97.5% of the canine population, the GZP was centralized along the long axis of the canine. The mean distance of the contour of the gingival margin in an apical-coronal direction of the lateral incisors (GZL) relative to gingival line joining the tangent of the adjacent central and canine GZPs was approximately 1 mm. Conclusion:, This investigation revealed a GZP mean value of 1 mm distal from the VBM for the central incisor tooth group. The lateral incisors showed a mean average of 0.4 mm. Thecanine tooth group demonstrated almost no deviations of the GZP from the VBM. The GZL of the lateral incisors relative to the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth were more coronal by approximately 1 mm. These data could be used as reference points during esthetic anterior oral rehabilitation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The information presented in this article can be clinically applied to reestablish the proper intratooth GZPs of the maxillary anterior teeth during periodontal crown lengthening or root coverage procedures. In addition, the intra-arch gingival level of the lateral incisor gingival zenith relative to the adjacent central and canine teeth can be appropriately established. [source] |