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Biomedical subjects

Catherine M Flaitz

Publications and source records attributed to Catherine M Flaitz.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Enamel caries initiation and progression after argon laser irradiation: in vitro argon laser systems comparison.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro laboratory study was to determine the effect of low-fluence argon laser (AL) irradiation delivered from two different argon laser systems on enamel caries-like lesion initiation and progression. BACKGROUND DATA: Previous in vitro investigations and a recent in vivo pilot study have shown that AL irradiation of enamel provided a protective effect against in vitro and in vivo cariogenic challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extracted human molars were selected, and 10 teeth were assigned to the HGM argon laser group and 10 were assigned to the LaserMed argon laser group. The exposed buccal windows of sound enamel were exposed to low-fluence irradiation, while the lingual windows of enamel were not exposed to laser irradiation and served as the no-treatment (control) group. Enamel caries-like lesions were created using an acidified gel. Two longitudinal sections were taken per sample (n = 20 lesions per group) and evaluated by polarized light microscopy for body of the lesion depths after lesion initiation (8 weeks) and progression (12 weeks) periods. RESULTS: After lesion initiation and progression, the body of lesion depths were similar for both argon-irradiated groups (p > 0.05). With the no-treatment (control) group, there were significant increases in lesion depth with a 61-78% increase for the lesion initiation period and a 50-69% increase for the lesion progression period when compared with the argon laser-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Argon laser irradiation provides a certain degree of protection against in vitro enamel caries initiation and progression. Resistance to a continuous caries challenge was similar with either argon laser delivery systems (HGM and LaserMed). Argon laser irradiation may prove to be beneficial in reducing the caries susceptibility of sound enamel and white spot lesions in the clinical environment.

Argon↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of complete dentures with a metal palate on candida species growth in HIV-infected patients.

PURPOSE: This in vivo investigation compared the oral candidal population between heat-cured acrylic resin and nickel-chromium-beryllium alloy in maxillary complete dentures in HIV-infected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Split-palate maxillary complete dentures were fabricated for 19 HIV-infected patients: one-half of the palate was made in acrylic resin and the other half in nickel-chromium-beryllium. Patients were divided into low or high CD4+ lymphocyte count groups. Dentures were worn for 5 months. Palatal mucosa was clinically evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 5 months after denture insertion. Specimens were collected at 1, 3, and 5 months using a modified imprint culture method. Speciation of Candida was performed using a chromogenic culture medium. Two-sample t-test was employed to determine effects and significant interactions between the control and test groups and the low and high CD4+ lymphocyte groups. A chi(2) test analyzed and compared the results of the clinical evaluation (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the colony counts between both materials during the third (p= 0.046) and fifth months (p= 0.039). The low CD4+ group demonstrated significant differences during the third (p= 0.03) and fifth months (p= 0.05). There were no significant differences between the species of Candida that colonized either material with the exception of Candida dubliniensis (p < 0.001) and "Others" (p < 0.001) during the first and fifth months. There were no significant differences on the clinical appearance of the palatal mucosa between both materials (p= 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The metal base proved to be effective in decreasing the fungal growth typically present in complete dentures. Although overt clinical manifestations were not present, colony counts of Candida species were high in the acrylic resin denture bases of these patients. This investigation demonstrated that metal base complete dentures provide an important alternative dental service for edentulous HIV-positive and other patients who are particularly prone to higher incidences of fungal infections.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gingival disease associated with a decorative crown.

Decorative crowns for the teeth have gained a resurgence of popularity among adolescents. Similar to other forms of body art found in the mouth, these trendy crowns may be associated with a variety of oral complications. This case report describes a localized form of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, exacerbated by a cosmetic gold crown in a teenage girl. Healthier artistic options are discussed to replace this flashy dental fad.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mucosal calcified nodule of the gingiva in an infant.

The mucosal calcified nodule is a rare oral lesion that has a predilection for the young child. This case report describes an infant with a persistent and tender gingival swelling associated with an unerupted, maxillary central incisor. Besides a differential diagnosis for this entity, the causes of abnormal calcium deposits within the skin of children are discussed.

Calcinosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Eruption of a severely displaced second permanent molar following surgical removal of an odontoma.

The process of tooth eruption is very complex, and many of its factors remain unknown. Although radiographic features can provide clues into the eruptive potential of a tooth, underlying factors that affect tooth development and eruption are not as well defined, ranging from local disturbances to systemic disease. In addition, it is difficult to predict which teeth will require treatment and when the optimal time is to intervene. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the eruption potential of an impacted molar following the removal of a developing odontoma, despite its unfavorable position in the bone, complete root development, and orthodontic attachment loss.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Association of dental health parameters with oral lesion prevalence in human immunodeficency virus-infected Romanian children.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the association of caries, plaque accumulation, gingival health, and antiretroviral therapy (AT) with oral lesion prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Romanian children. METHODS: A convenience sample of HIV-infected children who received dental care in 2 hospitals were evaluated for oral lesions, caries (dfs+DFS/total teeth present), plaque (PI, Silness and Löe), and gingival indices (GI, Löe and Silness). Oral lesions were grouped as: (1) extraoral herpetic infections; (2) parotid gland swelling; (3) oral ulcerative lesions; and (4) fungal infections. A standardized operator performed the examinations and photographed the oral lesions for confirmation. Age, gender, and use of AT were documented. Data were analyzed by logistic and multiple regression, Pearson correlation and t test (P<.05). RESULTS: One hundred four children (mean age=11.7 years) were evaluated. Fungal infections were associated with increased caries rate (P=.002; OR=2.5) and increased GI (P=.01; OR=7.6). Caries, PI, and GI were associated with an increase in oral lesions (r=-0.472, P<.001). AT use was associated with decreased caries (P=.001, t test), but was not associated with decreased oral lesion prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Oral lesions, especially candidiasis, are more common in HIV-infected children with higher caries experience, gingival inflammation, and plaque accumulation. In children with limited access to medical care, the role of oral health appears to be important for decreasing the risk of common opportunistic infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of halitosis in children and mothers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and clinical parameters that are associated with halitosis in pediatric dental patients and compare these findings with those found for the patients' mother. METHODS: Children aged 5 to 12 years old were evaluated with mothers present during a dental visit. Each mother completed the child's medical history and a breath odor questionnaire. The mother and an oral breath judge (OBJ) evaluated the child's oral breath using organoleptic methods. A commercial breath analyzer (CBA) measured the oral and nasal levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) for child and mother before and after tongue debridement. A number of oral parameters were recorded for the children. RESULTS: Thirty children (mean age=8.8 years) and 18 mothers participated. Halitosis (VSC>100 parts per billion, or ppb) was found in 23% of children and 11% of mothers, but was not significantly correlated. In contrast, 61% of mothers reported halitosis in themselves and their child. Significant differences were found between VSC levels and frequency of tooth-brushing (P<.05, univariate ANOVA). There was significant correlation in the detection of breath odor between mother and OBJ (P<.05, Pearson); however, there was no significant correlation between evaluators and CBA. A positive correlation existed between the presence of interproximal restorations and breath odor by OBJ (P<.05, Pearson). CONCLUSIONS: Halitosis may be a problem in some healthy children, but it does not correlate well with mothers' breath odor or common oral parameters. The organoleptic and CBA results were inconsistent, suggesting factors other than VSCs may be associated with halitosis in children.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Regression of cyclosporia-induced gingival overgrowth upon interruption of drug therapy.

Immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporin has been known to cause gingival overgrowth in humans. It usually is not feasible to suspend this therapy to treat the adverse side effect. This case report describes a renal transplant patient who had used both cyclosporin and nifedipine for more than 10 years but had to discontinue immunosuppressive drug therapy due to organ rejection. Discontinuing therapy led to almost complete regression of the gingival overgrowth in a few months after interruption of cyclosporin therapy only. These findings suggest that the discontinuation of cyclosporin results in the reversal of gingival overgrowth without surgical intervention and may be the most definitive form of therapy for this condition in susceptible individuals as new drugs become available.

Cyclosporine↗