Objective. To investigate oxidative stress (OS) and histological changes that occur in the periodontium of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus without signs of periodontal disease and to establish if oxidative stress is a possible link between diabetes mellitus and periodontal changes. Materials and Methods. Tissue samples from ten adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and eight healthy adults were harvested. The specimens were examined by microscope using standard hematoxylin-eosin stain, at various magnifications, and investigated for tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Results. Our results showed that periodontal tissues in patients with T2D present significant inflammation, affecting both epithelial and connective tissues. Mean MDA tissue levels were 3.578 ± 0.60 SD in diabetics versus 0.406 ± 0.27 SD in controls (P < 0.0001), while mean GSH tissue levels were 2.48 ± 1.02 SD in diabetics versus 9.7875 ± 2.42 SD in controls (P < 0.0001). Conclusion. Diabetic subjects had higher MDA levels in their periodontal tissues, suggesting an increased lipid peroxidation in T2D, and decreased GSH tissue levels, suggesting an alteration of the local antioxidant defense mechanism. These results are in concordance with the histological changes that we found in periodontal tissues of diabetic subjects, confirming the hypothesis of OS implication, as a correlation between periodontal disease incidence and T2D.

The presence of micronuclei in oral epithelial cells is considered a marker of genotoxicity, which can be identified using exfoliative cytology. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic damage through the evaluation of micronuclei in the oral mucosa of smokers and e-cigarette users compared to nonsmokers. We obtained smears from the buccal mucosa of 68 participants divided in 3 groups (smokers, e-cigarette users and nonsmokers), which were further processed with Papanicolaou stain. The frequencies of micronuclei and micronucleated cells were recorded and statistically analyzed at a level of significance of p < 0.05. The mean micronuclei values per 1000 cells were 3.6 ± 1.08 for smokers, 3.21 ± 1.12 for e-cigarette users and 1.95 ± 1.05 for nonsmokers. The mean values of micronucleated cells per 1000 cells were 2.48 ± 0.91 for smokers, 2.39 ± 1.07 for e-cigarette users and 1.4 ± 0.68 for nonsmokers. Smokers and e-cigarette users had significantly higher values of micronuclei and micronucleated cells compared to nonsmokers, but there were no significant differences between smokers and e-cigarette users. We concluded that the micronuclei count can be used as an early indicator for alterations of oral mucosa and exfoliative cytology represents an accessible tool which could be applied for mass screening.

Dental practitioners should be able to evaluate the anxiety in their young patients, as the quality of dental care is negatively affected by this condition. The aim of this review is to present the most used self-report scales available to assess the children’s dental fear or anxiety. We analysed the subjective and objective measures commonly used in the evaluation of children’s anxiety in clinical settings, in order to present the way in which dental anxiety is developed, knowing that these behavioural disturbances are maintained over time and could intensify during adulthood. Based on the evidence that established a correlation between dental anxiety and poor oral health, the early identification of dental anxiety and its prevalence was considered important, in order to reduce its impact and to develop better preventive measures. Furthermore, our findings could inform dentists and epidemiologists about the choice of self-report dental anxiety measures applicable in children.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to highlight the advantages of using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the study of the extent of the alveolar bone loss, compared to the conventional intraoral radiography and to prove the boon of the CBCT scans for establishing the correct periodontal diagnosis. Material and methods: A total of 16 patients with age between 35-55 years old, and a minimum of 8 teeth per dental arcade, presenting peridontal clinical symptomatology were selected. We used a custom periodontal chart that included the measuring of the gingival recession and the pocket depth in 6 points for 16 teeth, 8 maxillary teeth and 8 mandibulary teeth in all cases. For the radiographic evaluation we used CBCT imaging and intraoral radiography. Results: CBCT scans offers the possibilities of measuring with accuracy the alveolar bone loss on mesial, distal vestibular and oral sides. It provides images with the exact position of the bone and also the expediency to assess the correct diagnosis. Retroalveolar radiography offers just a hint of the possible position of the alveaolar bone in all cases the anatomical details were offered by CBCT. Conclusions: A correct periodontal diagnosis using conventional radiography is not possible because of the superimposition of the anatomical structures. The importance of CBCT imaging is no longer disputed, at the present time it is the best radiographic investigation available.

Aim of our study. To evaluate the difference between sensory detection threshold reactions of teeth under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, determined by electrical and thermal pulp testing. Material and methods. After a selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 51 patients with a mean age of 19,3+/- 3,6 years old who presented to the Center for Integrated Dental Medicine of the Faculty of Dental Medicine from Târgu Mureș for orthodontic treatment had been included in this study. The reactions to thermal and electrical pulp testing were measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of treatment and during the contention period. Results. The application of orthodontic force immediately increased the response threshold which peaked after 8 weeks. Conclusions. Based on these results we conclude that dental specialists should interpret with caution the results of electric pulp testing in teeth under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances as the cold tests with ethyl chloride are more reliable.

Early carious lesions induce odontoblast stimulation in tertiary dentine formation even before the lesion reaches the dentine. The most used material for these procedures was calcium hydroxide, which was recently replaced by Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA).The purpose of our study was to assess the histological characteristics of tertiary dentine induced by these materials in permanent molar teeth.We used 23 molars scheduled for extraction due to orthodontic reasons, in patients of 17-24 years of age. In a time interval of 4-8 weeks prior to extraction, occlusal cavities were prepared and filled with MTA or calcium hydroxide and glass ionomer cement.In teeth filled with MTA we noticed an early development of tertiary dentin layer, with a tubular structure, similar to secondary dentine. In the case of calcium hydroxide, the process of new dentine deposition was delayed and diffuse calcification, with formation of pulp stones was noticed.MTA proved to be superior to calcium hydroxide in inducing tertiary dentine formation, which appeared early after treatment. In time the differences in the amount of tertiary dentine between these materials are reduced, but there is a tendency of diffuse mineralization induced by calcium hydroxide.

Biocompatibility has been defined as the ability of a material to function in a specific site, in contact with host tissues but without inducing any undesirable local or systemic reaction.The aim of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility of calcium hydroxide-based endodontic sealers and to compare it with a resin-based material, by measuring the degree of inflammation induced by these products after subcutaneous implantation in rats. We used 12 animals divided in 3 study groups and 1 control group; implants with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), AH26 and Sealapex were placed in subcutaneous tissue and histological evaluation was carried out after 7, 14 and 21 days. We obtained comparable results between MTA and Sealapex, which demonstrates that these materials have similar degrees of biocompatibility. Based on this experimental study, calcium hydroxide containing cements express similar biocompatibilities. Further clinical studies are necessary in order to evaluate the healing properties and apical seal of these materials.

Background: Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a non-plaque-induced, blistering and painful condition occurring most frequently on the labial aspect of the attached gingiva of anterior teeth. The incidence of DG is highest around 50 years of age, and usually indicates the presence of oral or systemic diseases. The purpose of our study was to determine the impact of DG on periodontal health by recording the plaque index, gingival index and gingival bleeding index in a group of patients with DG, compared to healthy controls. Materials and methods: Recordings of specific indices were performed in a group of 26 patients with DG and compared with 24 healthy individuals. These were followed by radiographic examinations in order to assess the loss of marginal alveolar bone. Results: The results showed that patients with DG had a statistically significant increase in periodontal indices, with more gingival inflammation and plaque retention compared to the control group (p <0.05). The highest scores for gingival inflammation were recorded in patients with DG, but on radiographic evaluation the difference was related only to gender, men being more affected by alveolar bone loss in both groups (p <0.05). Conclusions: The incidence and severity of gingival inflammation proved to be higher in patients with DG, which calls for better preventive and maintenance treatment protocols in this group of patients. Early diagnosis and initial-phase periodontal treatment are very important in preventing further tissue breakdown.