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Biomedical subjects

Andreas G Schulte

Publications and source records attributed to Andreas G Schulte.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Longevity of ceramic inlays and onlays luted with a solely light-curing composite resin.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the longevity of heat-pressed glass ceramic inlays and onlays luted with solely light-curing composite resin. METHODS: The records of patients who had received a ceramic inlay or onlay at the Heidelberg University Department of Conservative Dentistry from 1993 to 2002 were evaluated. The mean observation time and the survival probability of the ceramic inlays and onlays was calculated with the aid of the Kaplan-Meier algorithm. This was done for the total number of all restorations as well as for various subgroups (number of surfaces, tooth type, endodontic condition at the time that the ceramic restoration was incorporated, experience of operator). The log-rank test was used to compare groups and look for significant differences, and p<0.05 was set to be statistically significant. In addition, 95% confidence intervals of the survival probability values were computed. RESULTS: At the time of the last observation, 783 (96.7%) of these restorations were still in place. The mean observation period for all ceramic restorations was 17.3 months (SD 20.2), with an observation interval of between 0 and 116 months. The last loss of a ceramic restoration was observed 45 months after it had been placed, so that the survival probability of all ceramic restorations amounted to p=0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.86-0.94) from this time onward. Factors such as endodontic condition of tooth, type of tooth, position of tooth, extent of restoration, experience of operator or gender of patient had no significant influence on the survival probability of the ceramic restorations. CONCLUSIONS: Heat-pressed glass ceramic inlays and onlays can be used successfully in routine clinical therapy. In addition, this type of inlays and onlays can be placed successfully with solely light-curing composite resin.

Adolescent↗

Salt fluoridation in Germany since 1991.

Since 1991, fluoridated salt has been on sale in household-size packages in Germany. Potassium or sodium fluoride is added to iodized salt until the fluoride concentration reaches 250 mg/kg. The use of fluoridated salt to prevent caries is officially recommended by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde (DGZMK) and several other associations and groups interested in public health. In the course of the past thirteen years, the market share of fluoridated and iodized domestic salt rose to 63.1% in Germany. However, this positive development must not obscure the fact that fluoridated and iodized salt is still not allowed to be used in restaurant or cafeteria kitchens. This restriction now needs to be revoked in view of the fact that many children, adolescents and adults take their main meals in cafeterias or restaurants. Scientific studies have demonstrated beyond doubt that using fluoridated and iodized salt in cafeteria kitchens poses no problem whatever.

Adolescent↗

Monitoring salt fluoridation programs through urinary excretion studies.

This paper reviews problems associated with urinary collection for the estimation of fluoride exposure and recent findings in this context. After intake of a salted meal at noon, children aged 9 to 14 excreted on average 45 microgF/h. Morning and nocturnal excretions were only 16 microgF/h with the exception of those children who ate bread made with fluoridated salt (25 microF/h). Fluoride excretions in children consuming drinking water with 0.6 to 0.8 ppmF were similar, but the variations within the 24 h period were smaller. When it is not feasible to obtain reliable 24 h urinary collections, fairly precise extrapolations of 24 h excretions can be obtained from three separate collections lasting about 16 hours, which should cover morning, early afternoon and the whole night. Three- to six-year-old children benefitting from optimal fluoride supply through water or milk excreted approximately 0.35 to 0.40 mgF/24 h; this range seems to correspond to an optimal usage of fluorides. Studies on urinary fluoride excretion, like those on total fluoride intake, cannot be carried out on random samples. Due to the necessity of close cooperation of parents and children, such studies were done with "convenience" samples. In westernized countries with now low caries prevalence, intermittent high urinary excretions occur frequently. Possible sources are fluoride intake from concentrated oral care products (fluoride gels, fluoride chewing gums) or from dentifrices (containing 1000 to 1500 ppmF), mineral waters, industrial tea preparation or fluoride tablets (or other supplements). These problems do not affect the amount of fluoride in fingernail clippings which appear to be suitable for the routine monitoring of fluoride exposure.

Adolescent↗

The decline in dental caries among 12-year-old children in Germany between 1994 and 2000.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-old-children in 11 of the 16 German Federal States over time following the introduction of intensive preventive measures. DESIGN: Cross sectional oral health surveys of children aged 12 years were performed in 1994-1995, 1997 and 2000. SUBJECTS: After random selection 18,459 (1994-1995), 22,908 (1997) and 24,679 (2000) children were examined in schools. METHOD: DMFT and fissure sealants were recorded following WHO criteria. Caries was diagnosed at the caries into dentine (D3) threshold using visual method without radiography or fiber-optic transillumination. RESULTS: The mean DMFT scores for Germany decreased from 2.44 in 1994-1995 to 1.81 in 1997 and 1.24 in 2000. In 1994-1995 31.1% of 12-year-olds had no caries experience (DMFT = 0). The corresponding figures were 42.5% in 1997 and 55.3% in 2000. The average Significant Caries Index (SiC index) dropped from 5.25 in 1994-1995 to 4.29 in 1997 and to 3.30 in 2000. The results in different federal states showed a wide variation in caries prevalence. In the first examination, mean DMFT scores between 2.10 and 3.54 were found, while after the third evaluation corresponding values between 1.03 and 1.95 were observed. In 1997 on average between 0.20 and 2.00 teeth with fissure sealants per child were found, the corresponding values in 2000 were between 2.13 and 2.83. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show considerable inequalities in oral health in the various federal states. Nevertheless, oral health in Germany improved considerably between the years 1994 and 2000.

Child↗