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Biomedical subjects

L Bjørndal

Publications and source records attributed to L Bjørndal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Root canal treatment in Denmark is most often carried out in carious vital molar teeth and retreatments are rare.

AIM: To study the reasons given by a representative sample of Danish general dental practitioners (GDPs) for undertaking root canal treatment and, to investigate their confidence in performing root canal treatment on molar teeth. METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire was sent to 600 Danish GDPs randomly selected from the roster of the Danish Dental Association. They were asked to recall various factors about their experience of the last root filling they completed, including the reason for treatment and the pulp diagnosis. Self-assessments on 100-mm visual analogue scales (VAS) were reported concerning the confidence in performing root canal treatment of a molar. End-point definitions were 'very easy' (0) and 'very difficult' (100), respectively. Time reports of molar treatments were given in categorized groups. RESULTS: The most frequent reason for performing root canal treatment was caries within the tooth involved (55%). The majority of treatments involved teeth with vital pulps (54%). Retreatments were carried out in 2% of the cases. The confidence in performing root canal treatment varied but was relatively high, expressed as VAS-values below 50. The creation of an aseptic working field was regarded as the most difficult procedure followed by root canal preparation. Fifty-six percent of the responders stated a time frame of 46-75 min to complete root filling in a molar tooth. CONCLUSIONS: Root canal treatment in Denmark was reported to be undertaken most often because of caries. Treatment was typically performed in molar teeth with vital pulp. Even though apical periodontitis was frequently noted in root filled teeth, retreatments were rare. From a subjective perspective root canal treatment was not considered to be very difficult and was carried out relatively rapidly.

Analysis of Variance↗

The adoption of new endodontic technology amongst Danish general dental practitioners.

AIM: To assess the adoption of new endodontic technology in a population of Danish practitioners. METHODOLOGY: Members of the Copenhagen Dental Association (n = 1156) were approached with a questionnaire concerning the frequency of various endodontic procedures. Three options were available: often, occasionally and never. Responses were anonymous. The statistical analyses were performed as studies of association in two- or three-way contingency tables, and with Goodman-Kruskal's gamma-coefficient as the basic tool chosen. RESULTS: Only data from general practitioners (GPs) in private practice were analysed (n = 956). The response rate was 72%. NiTi hand instruments were often used to negotiate canals by 18%, whilst 10% often used NiTi rotary systems. Electronic apex locators were often employed by 15%. Nineteen per cent reported that warm gutta-percha was often used. A majority (53%) often spend two sessions to instrument a molar, and 20% often needed three or more sessions to finish the shaping phase. To complete a treatment of a nonvital case most practitioners reported to use at least three appointments. Only 4% frequently applied rubber dam. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of new endodontic technology is at an early stage amongst Danish GPs. A new revised remuneration system might influence the rate of adoption, allowing the practitioners to act more rationally and produce a higher frequency of good-quality root fillings. Progress towards high quality endodontics might be hindered by the nonuse of rubber dam.

Denmark↗

A temporary filling material may cause cusp deflection, infractions and fractures in endodontically treated teeth.

AIM: To test the hypothesis that Coltosol F might cause infractions and cusp fracture in root-filled teeth because of material expansion. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two extracted human molar teeth were root filled and prepared with mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities with or without undercuts. The specimens were filled proximally with glass-ionomer cement and then occlusally with either Coltosol F or zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE). The tooth specimens were kept in water at 37 degrees C for a period of 20 days, and every second day the intercusp distance (ICD) of each specimen was measured in a travelling microscope, and the number of infraction lines as well as fractures were noted. RESULTS: The number of infraction lines increased in teeth filled with Coltosol F. Between day 8 and 16, seven of 16 teeth filled with Coltosol F showed fracture and exhibited a mean increase in ICD of 316 +/- 156 microm. Teeth filled with ZOE did not show an increase in number of infraction lines or in ICD, and none showed fracture. CONCLUSIONS: The hygroscopic expansion of Coltosol F in a cavity may lead to cusp deflection, infraction development and fracture. Masticatory forces will in vivo aggravate this unfavourable condition. The material is not recommended for temporary filling in root-filled teeth except for a few days.

Calcium Sulfate↗

The annual frequency of root fillings, tooth extractions and pulp-related procedures in Danish adults during 1977-2003.

AIM: To investigate a hypothesized long-time decrease of endodontic treatment in a population with low caries prevalence. METHODOLOGY: A Danish nationwide database including almost all dental diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic procedures performed in Danish adults was available. Data on the annual frequencies of root fillings, extractions, pulpotomies, direct pulp cappings and stepwise excavations between 1977 and 2003 were analysed. Data on pulpal and periapical diagnoses were not available and on patients age and gender only from 1996. RESULTS: Between 1977 and 2003 the annual number of root filled canals increased from 268,223 to 364,867 (36%). The annual number of root filled teeth increased from 160,119 to 191,803 (20%). During the period, the annually registered patients increased by 16%. Calculated per 1000 patients, the number of root fillings showed a statistically significant increase of 17%. In root filled teeth the canal/tooth ratio increased from 1.67 to 1.96. Root fillings were frequently recorded in all age groups with the bulk of treatments performed on patients between 40 and 60 years of age. At a total population level, the rate of root fillings decreased among younger individuals and increased among older. The annual number of tooth extractions was more than halved from 656,624 in 1977 to 346,490 in 2003. Pulpotomies decreased markedly over the period and less than 10 treatments per 1000 patients were noted for pulp capping as well as stepwise excavation procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The present study failed to show a long-time decrease of endodontic treatment in a population with low caries prevalence. On the contrary, an increase of root filled canals was observed between 1977 and 2003, which was probably due to a reduction of the tooth extraction rate and an increased treatment of multi-rooted teeth.

Adult↗

Presence or absence of tertiary dentinogenesis in relation to caries progression.

Studies have shown that dental caries may or may not be associated with tertiary dentin formation in the pulp. On the basis of histological examinations of 69 clinical well-defined caries lesions, a hypothesis is proposed on the dynamics of the hard-tissue responses of the pulp to caries. In active non-cavitated lesions, the formation of tertiary dentin seems to be initiated by primary odontoblast cells that subsequently result in atubular dentin/fibrodentinogenesis, whereas, in similarly aged but more rapidly progressing cavitated enamel lesions, no tertiary dentin is laid down by primary odontoblast cells. In all old-dentin exposed lesions, a so-called closed lesion environment was defined with subjacent atubular dentin formation. As these lesions progress, a shift from a closed to a more large and open lesion environment may develop in the very old lesions, and a new tubular dentinal matrix is noted on the top of the fibrodentin, also defined as reparative dentinogenesis. In very old slowly progressing lesions, a relatively small open lesion environment is also observed, with tubular tertiary dentin resembling the primary dentin being strictly tubular. It is suggested that the absence of tertiary dentinogenesis can be expected in very rapid caries lesions, whereas a variety of tertiary dentin is observed in older dentin cavitated lesions guided by a changing external lesion environment over time.

Dental Caries↗

Pulp-dentin biology in restorative dentistry. Part 4: Dental caries--characteristics of lesions and pulpal reactions.

The infectious disease dental caries results in lesions that may affect enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum. If a caries lesion has progressed to the stage at which it requires restorative intervention, it is important that the clinician understand the tissue changes in the dentin that are likely to have taken place during lesion development. Until the present, no major distinction between the restorative treatment of active (rapidly progressing) and arrested (slowly progressing) lesions has been made, despite the fact that the two conditions exhibit major differences in tissue changes in the pulp-dentin complex. Intratubular changes and tertiary dentin formation will affect the outcome of the restorative treatment. In unaffected dentin and in rapidly progressing lesions, permeable tubules persist, and when the preparation of carious teeth results in the opening of unaffected dentin, greater care must be taken in all phases of the restorative procedures than if the dentin is impermeable. An active, deep lesion can be changed to an arrested lesion by a two-step excavation approach. Optimal assessment of the prevailing clinical conditions can only be made on the basis of thorough knowledge of the biology of the pulp-dentin organ.

Dental Caries↗

A computerized analysis of the relation between the occlusal enamel caries lesion and the demineralized dentin.

It has previously been shown that the demineralized dentin does not spread laterally along the enamel-dentin junction in non-cavitated approximal lesions. This study examined the spread of the dentinal part of occlusal lesions along the enamel-dentin junction. The material consisted of 48 well-defined occlusal lesions with histological evidence of dentin demineralization. The teeth were embedded in methylmethacrylate, serially-sectioned, ground, and contrast-stained. The sections with the deepest lesion penetration from each lesion were photographed and scanned by a high-quality scanner in order to produce images for computerized histomorphometric analysis. Two variables were measured on the images: i) the length of the contact area of the enamel lesion along the enamel-dentin junction; and ii) the length of the contact area of the demineralized part of the dentin lesion along the enamel-dentin junction. The results showed a gradual increase in the lengths of the enamel and dentin contact areas between the sections, each representing well-defined progressive stages of lesion formation. In two-thirds of the non-cavitated lesions, the enamel lesion was larger than the demineralized part of the dentin lesion, and in 50% of the cavitated cases the extension of the demineralized dentin was less than the affected enamel. Our conclusion is that the dentin demineralization did not spread significantly in a lateral direction in non-cavitated occlusal lesions.

Coloring Agents↗

External and internal macromorphology in 3D-reconstructed maxillary molars using computerized X-ray microtomography.

AIM: The aim of this study was to perform a qualitative analysis of the relationship between the external and internal macromorphology of the root complex and to use fractal dimension analysis to determine the correlation between the shape of the outer surface of the root and the shape of the root canal. METHODOLOGY: On the basis of X-ray computed transaxial microtomography, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the external and internal macromorphology of the root complex in permanent maxillary molars was performed using well-defined macromorphological variables and fractal dimension analysis. Five maxillary molars were placed between a microfocus X-ray tube with a focal spot size of 0.07 mm, a Thomson-SCF image intensifier, and a CCD camera compromising a detector for the tomograph. Between 100 and 240 tomographic 2D slices were made of each tooth. Assembling slices for 3D volume was carried out with subsequent median noise filtering. Segmentation into enamel, dentine and pulp space was achieved through thresholding followed by morphological filtering. Surface representations were then constructed. A useful visualization of the tooth was created by making the dental hard tissues transparent and the pulp chamber and root-canal system opaque. On this basis it became possible to assess the relationship between the external and internal macromorphology of the crown and root complex. RESULTS: There was strong agreement between the number, position and cross-section of the root canals and the number, position and degree of manifestation of the root complex macrostructures. Data from a fractal dimension analysis also showed a high correlation between the shape of the root canals and the corresponding roots. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that these types of 3D volumes constitute a platform for preclinical training in fundamental endodontic procedures.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

A light microscopic study of odontoblastic and non-odontoblastic cells involved in tertiary dentinogenesis in well-defined cavitated carious lesions.

This study examines cellular and microradiographic findings in thin, undemineralized sections of 46 cavitated lesions, that were clinically well-defined with respect to lesion activity and estimated lesion age at extraction time. The progressive stages of surface breakdown ranged from enamel cavitation to larger dentine exposures classified as closed and open lesion environments. Measurements of the following parameters were performed using computerized image processing software: (a) the cytoplasm:nucleus ratio of primary odontoblast cells; (b) the cell:dentinal tubule ratio; (c) the adjacent predentine area (mum2), and (d) the cytoplasm: nucleus ratio of non-odontoblastic cells, and secondary odontoblast-like cells, where estimation of these cell types were based on structural criteria. In active enamel cavitated lesions, reduced odontoblast-predentine regions and indistinct subodontoblastic regions were noted. During initial dentine exposures, non-odontoblastic cells along the pulp-dentinal interface were observed as well. The first indication of tertiary dentine was seen in old lesions with exposed dentine. The tertiary dentine appeared more atubular in the closed/active lesions than in the open/slow-progressing lesions. The involved odontoblastic cells in tubular tertiary dentine in small open/slow-progressing lesions were comparable to the primary odontoblast cells, however, new dentinal tubules were also noted presenting a mixture between reactionary and reparative dentinogenesis. In close/active lesions non-primary odontoblastic cells were aligning the atubular tertiary dentine, whereas well-defined signs of secondary odontoblast-like cells were first seen in larger open lesions, producing tubular tertiary dentine. In conclusion, a strong relationship between external lesion environments and corresponding different formations of tertiary dentine was noted in advanced cavitated lesions. It is additionally suggested that the stimulation of tubular tertiary dentine could be a closely related reaction when an active lesion complex changes into a slower progressing lesion environment.

Adult↗

A practice-based study on stepwise excavation of deep carious lesions in permanent teeth: a 1-year follow-up study.

This study reports results from a practice-based study in which deep carious lesions were treated by general dental practitioners using stepwise excavation. The material comprised 94 teeth with deep carious lesions which the clinicians considered would result in pulp perforation if treated by a single and terminal excavation. At the first visit excavation of the peripheral dentine was completed. The outermost part of the central and necrotic dentine was gently removed with a sharp excavator. Standardized assessments of the dentine colour and consistency were made before application of a calcium hydroxide-containing base material and temporary filling. The final excavation was completed after a treatment interval ranging from 2 to 19 months, with a median of 6 months. Reassessments of the dentine colour and consistency were made before complete removal of demineralized dentine. The central dentine was significantly browner and less softened after the sealing period. After removal of the dark-brownish dentine during the final excavation, the colour and consistency of the exposed central dentine was found to resemble that of the completely excavated peripheral dentine. Only five cases resulted in pulp perforation during the final excavation. The high success rate of teeth surviving the final treatment without pulp exposure after 1 year of observation shows that it was possible for dentists in general practice to administer and manage the treatment of deep carious lesions, a process which may prolong tooth survival compared with conventional endodontic techniques.

Adolescent↗

A quantitative light microscopic study of the odontoblast and subodontoblastic reactions to active and arrested enamel caries without cavitation.

This study describes cellular and microradiographic findings in thin undemineralized enamel-dentine sections from 36 enamel caries lesions from freshly extracted third molars. Lesions activity was determined by clinical examination and the estimated age of the lesion at extraction time. The cellular reactions to the enamel/dentine lesion complex were measured using computerized histomorphometry under the following conditions: (a) the cytoplasm:nucleus ratio of the odontoblast cell; (b) the odontoblast cell:dentinal tubule ratio, and (c) the adjacent predentine area (microm2). The first cellular reactions were observed beneath superficial enamel lesions before visible alterations in dentine mineralization. The cytoplasm:nucleus ratio of the odontoblast cells was markedly reduced, and only active lesions showed evidence of cellular proliferation into the cell-free zone. In more advanced active lesions the affected odontoblast cells had a significantly lower cytoplasm:nucleus ratio compared with the controls. Similar changes were not seen in arrested or slow-progressing lesions. Before onset of tertiary dentine formation there was a positive correlation between odontoblast cell size and predentine formation. Primary odontoblast cells were involved in early tertiary or reactionary dentine formation without odontoblast cell replacement. Reactionary dentine was only seen in active lesions, suggesting that reactions in the dentine/pulp complex are closely associated with the external environment.

Adult↗

Automated image analysis applied to the odontoblast-predentine region in undemineralized sections of human permanent third molars.

A computerized histomorphometric analysis was made by Karnovsky-fixed, hydroxethylmethacrylate embedded and toluidine blue/pyronin-stained sections to determine: (1) the two-dimensional size of the coronal odontoblasts given by their cytoplasm:nucleus ratio; (2) the ratio between the number of coronal odontoblasts and dentinal tubules; and (3) the relation between odontoblast size and adjacent predentine. All conditions were measured in relation to three well-defined sectioning profiles of the dentinal tubules. The sections were randomly taken from 10 unerupted and erupted third-molar crowns. Sixty-three photomicrographs (x100), equally distributed among the three sectioning profiles, were scanned in a high-resolution scanner to produce images for the analysis. After initial user interaction for the description of training classes on one image, an automatic segmentation of the images with respect to odontoblast cell nuclei, cytoplasm and background was computed by statistical discriminant analysis. In longitudinal profiles of the dentinal tubules the cytoplasm:nucleus ratio in erupted teeth was 3.1 +/- 0.54, and the mean of the odontoblast cell:dentinal tubule ration was 1.19 +/- 0.20. Analysis of cytoplasm:nucleus ratio and the adjacent predentine in relation to the chosen sectioning profiles disclosed that there was less variation in the predentine measurements in the longitudinal sections. Thus, in future two-dimensional studies of the odontoblast-predentine region only longitudinal sectioning profiles should be analysed. The use of advanced image processing on undemineralized tooth sections provides a rational foundation for further work on the reactions of the odontoblasts to external injuries including dental caries.

Analysis of Variance↗

Structural analyses of plaque and caries in relation to the morphology of the groove-fossa system on erupting mandibular third molars.

Using 22 erupting human third mandibular molars, this study investigated: (1) the relationship between the morphology of the interlobal groove and the histological features of caries, (2) the ultrastructural features of the interlobal groove contents, and (3) whether the morphology of interlobal grooves influences the viability of the microorganisms. Posteruption time was classified as (1) < 3 months (7 teeth), (2) 3-12 months (8 teeth) and (3) > 12 months but < 18 months (7 teeth). The teeth were pre- and postfixed, and buccolingual sections were prepared. The mesial/distal interlobal groove on 116 sections was classified as fissure-like or groove-like. All sections were embedded and ground, and microradiographs were made. The interlobal groove contents were analyzed on two sections from each tooth, one with a fissure-like and one with a groove-like morphology, giving a total of 44 sections. Eighteen teeth (82%) had evidence of caries. Severity of caries was associated with length of posteruption time. 'Fissures' were not more prone to caries than 'grooves'. In about 70% of the 'fissures' caries had penetrated deepest at the entrance rather than in the deeper parts. LM and TEM examinations from 1 tooth disclosed erythrocytes, enamel organ cells and pioneers of microorganisms in the interlobal grooves. All other interlobal grooves were occupied by microorganisms, mainly gram-positive coccoids and small rods. Viable microorganisms were seen at the entrance as well as at the bottom part of the 'grooves'. In 'fissures' viable microorganisms were primarily observed at the entrance, while in deeper parts the microorganisms were less viable or dead. A moderate association was observed between the viability of the microorganisms and differences in the depths of caries penetration in the fissures. Thus, the internal morphology of the interlobal grooves influenced the conditions for bacterial growth and this determined the location for caries progression within the groove-fossa system.

Adolescent↗

A clinical and microbiological study of deep carious lesions during stepwise excavation using long treatment intervals.

Concern about the survival of microorganisms in deep carious lesions may often lead to unnecessary exposure of the pulp during final excavation. There are reasons, therefore, to initiate systematic studies on the alternative procedure known as stepwise excavation. Clinical evaluation of stepwise excavation was performed on 31 deep carious lesions considered to result in pulp perforation by traditional excavation. This study examines the clinical and microbiological alterations during the final excavation performed during long intervals (6-12 months) after the initial treatment that included peripheral dentine excavation and removal of the central cariogenic biomass and the superficial necrotic dentine. The dentine colour and consistency were assessed by means of standardized scales before application of a Ca(OH)2 compound and a temporary sealing for 6-12 months. Reassessments were performed before the after final excavation. Microbiological dentine samples were obtained in 19 randomly selected lesions by a sterile bur, transferred to and diluted in reduced transport fluid, and plated on tryptic soy agar. After anaerobic incubation at 37 degrees C for 7 days, total colony-forming units per millilitre were counted from (1) peripheral excavated and hard dentine (control), (2) central demineralized dentine before and final excavation, and (3) central dentine after the final excavation. Six samples of central demineralized dentine were without any cultivable flora increasing to 9 samples after the final excavation. The clinical dentine changes occurring during stepwise excavation were characterized by enhanced hardness of the dentine which was associated with a marked reduction in bacterial growth after the final excavation. Despite the presence of bacteria in the excavated dentine none of the carious lesions resulted in pulp perforation, suggesting that the initial removal of the cariogenic biomass appears to be essential for control of caries progression. Stepwise excavation is not only an appropriate treatment of deep carious lesions but is also considered a suitable model for microbiological studies to determine the bacteria persisting in clinically excavated lesions.

Anaerobiosis↗

A structural analysis of approximal enamel caries lesions and subjacent dentin reactions.

The present study examines the correlation between caries lesions in enamel and the corresponding dentin reactions in proximal tooth surfaces with lesions ranging from enamel lesions to cavitations without dentin exposure. Using quantitative imbibition technique, the highest degree of tissue porosity, irrespective of lesion activity, was always noted along a Central-Traverse (CT), which followed the direction of the rods from the deepest point of penetration to the surface. The conical shape of approximal enamel lesions can thus be seen as the result of systematic variations in porosity along the rods determined by the specific interproximal environment. The initial dentin reaction, related to the enamel lesion approaching the enamel-dentin junction (EDJ), was seen as a local dentin translucency where the CT crossed the EDJ. Results from histomorphometric analyses revealed that, when the enamel lesions reached the EDJ, brownish discoloration in the dentin never exceeded the histologic contact area between the enamel lesion and the EDJ. In relation to the less advanced parts of the individual enamel lesion, the dentin responded with formation of translucent dentin. These reactions did not occur beyond an area determined by lines in the direction of the rods from the peripheral part of the enamel lesion towards the EDJ. The results did not support the view that dentin caries spreads along the enamel-dentin junction. The peripheral dentin translucency is therefore generated by stimuli transmitted along the rods of the less advanced parts of the enamel lesions.

Adolescent↗

Relationship between external and histologic features of progressive stages of caries in the occlusal fossa.

The material comprised 140 extracted maxillary third molars. The central fossa area was examined with a stereomicroscope (SM) (x16) and macroscopically (M) under standardized conditions after cleaning and air-drying. Signs of caries were classified using a detailed scoring system involving 12 (SM) and 8 (M) classification criteria, ranging from 'sound' to 'cavitation with dentine involvement'. Six radiographic scores were used in the classification. Sections 250 microns in thickness were cut in buccolingual direction through the central fossa, and the fossa section with the most extensive stereomicroscopic changes was selected for histologic examination (x16). The histologic enamel and dentine changes were classified independently using 9 and 7 scores, respectively. The correlation between SM and the histologic enamel changes (HE scores) in terms of progressive demineralization and destruction were highly correlated (rs = 0.90). Dentinal changes were also highly correlated with enamel changes (rs = 0.85). The histologic classifications in conjunction with the macroscopical observations made it possible to demonstrate a clear relationship between the external degree of caries progression and the internal enamel and dentine reactions. The data did not support routine usage of radiographic examination for occlusal caries diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

A method for light microscopy examination of cellular and structural interrelations in undemineralized tooth specimens.

This study examines ameloblasts and odontoblasts in relation to mineralizing enamel and dentin in thin undemineralized tooth sections from unerupted and partly erupted human third molars. The material comprised 12 freshly removed third molars. After fixation for 24 h the specimens were dehydrated and embedded in hydroxyethylmethacrylate. Undemineralized sections 10-15 microns thick were prepared with a cutting-grinding system, and radiomicrographs were taken. Postsecretory ameloblasts were seen in different morphologic stages ranging from ruffle- and smooth-ended ameloblasts to cuboidal and squamous cells adhering to incomplete and fully mineralized enamel. The former occurred in the most coronal tooth part, whereas the latter were seen cervically. It was not possible to identify systematic modulation cycles as seen in postsecretory rat incisor ameloblasts. The well-defined subodontoblastic region with cell-free and cell-rich layers was established before tooth eruption. The function of the subodontoblastic region is not fully understood, but our findings suggest that the establishment of the region plays a role in maintaining the specific odontoblast phenotype in the coronal region possibly linked to progressive dentin mineralization.

Ameloblasts↗

A comparative histologic study of the pulp-dentinal interface in undemineralized and demineralized tooth sections.

This study examines cellular differences between undemineralized and demineralized tooth sections. The material comprised unerupted and partly erupted third molars. After fixation for 24 h, 10- to 15-microns ground sections were prepared from half of the tooth, using a cutting-grinding system. The sections were compared with demineralized routine sections from the other half of the tooth. Undemineralized sections showed a better capacity for preserving the tissue integration. Especially between the odontoblast layer and the predentin a low frequency of disjunctions or tears were noted. At this level of examination fixation quality and vacuole frequency (intra-cellular spaces) did not show any differences between the two methods.

Cell Membrane↗