Beneficial effects of an arginine-calcium
carbonate desensitizing paste
for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity
James R. Collins, dds, Deborah Richardson, dds, Karina Sotero, dds, Luis R. Mateo, ma & Irma Mauriz, dds
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the clinical
efficacy of a single professional application of a Pro-Relief desensitizing
fluoride-free paste containing 8% arginine and
calcium as compared to a fluoride-free prophylaxis paste on dentin
hypersensitivity reduction in adults with a clinical diagnosis of dentin
hypersensitivity. Methods: This
single-center, parallel group, double-blind and randomized clinical study
conducted in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic included 50 (25 per group) adult
male and female subjects. Each study subject had two teeth hypersensitive to
air blast stimuli when applied directly at its cervical surface (gingivo-facial 1/3). An air blast hypersensitivity score
equal or greater to 2 (Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale) was randomly assigned
to one of two treatment groups (1) Pro-Relief in-office desensitizing fluoride-free
paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate
(Test Paste group), and (2) a fluoride-free prophylaxis paste (Control Paste
group). Prior to their baseline examination, subjects were instructed to return
to the clinical facility having refrained from eating and drinking for 2 hours.
An assessment of air blast hypersensitivity and examinations of oral soft and
hard tissue were performed at the baseline. Subjects were provided a
professional in-office prophylaxis with their assigned prophylaxis paste. A
post hypersensitivity examination was performed immediately after the oral
prophylaxis. Results: All subjects
completed the study. At the post-hypersensitivity examination, subjects
assigned to the Test Paste group and Control Paste group both exhibited
statistically significant (P= 0000) reductions (compared to baseline), to air
blast hypersensitivity of 44.7% and 25.6%, respectively. At the
post-hypersensitivity examination, subjects in the Test Paste group exhibited a
statistically significant (P= 0.005) reduction of 24.4% in mean air blast
hypersensitivity scores as compared to the Control Paste group. (Am J Dent 2013;26:63-67).
Clinical significance: The results of this double-blind
clinical study confirmed that a single professional application of Pro-Relief
desensitizing fluoride-free paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate provided a greater level of relief on dentin
hypersensitivity that differs significantly from that of a fluoride-free prophy paste.
Mail: Dr. James R. Collins, Department
of Periodontology, Graduate School, Catholic
University Santo Domingo, Av. Bolívar #905, Ens. La Julia. Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic. E-mail: jcollins@ucsd.edu.do
Plaque removal efficacy of
oscillating-rotating power toothbrushes:
Review of six comparative clinical
trials
Julie Grender, phd, Karen
Williams, rdh, ms, phd, Pat
Walters, rdh, msdh, msob,
Abstract: Purpose: This
review of six clinical trials provides a comprehensive overview of the results
of statistical analyses to explore between-brush differences, specifically in
the lingual, gingival marginal, and approximal (“hard-to-clean”) areas, in post-brushing plaque removal of
oscillating-rotating (O-R) power toothbrushes compared to either a marketed
sonic power toothbrush or a manual toothbrush control. Methods: All studies were single-center, randomized and controlled,
and examiner-blind. Four trials were
four-period crossover design with replicate single-use brushing, while two
studies were parallel group investigations (4 or 12 weeks) with multiple
brushings and assessments at each visit. Generally healthy subjects were enrolled. Plaque evaluations were via the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index
(TMQHPI) or the Rustogi Modification of the Navy
Plaque Index (RMNPI). At each evaluation visit, subjects brushed with either
the randomly assigned O-R power brush [Oral-B Professional Care Series 4000 (Triumph)
or Oral-B Vitality with Floss Action or Precision Clean brush head] or a
control brush [Sonicare FlexCare with ProResults brush head (three trials) or an
American Dental Association (ADA) reference manual toothbrush (three trials)].
ANCOVA and ANOVA analyses subsequently evaluated specifically the
‘hard-to-clean’ tooth surfaces for between-brush differences. Results: In total, 462 subjects
completed the trials and were evaluable. While all toothbrushes provided
significant post-brushing versus baseline plaque removal efficacy, the
magnitude of the reduction was consistently superior for the O-R brush compared
to either the sonic power or manual brush control in all the ‘hard-to-clean”
region-specific analyses. Adjusted mean
RMNPI or TMQHPI benefits favoring the O-R brush relative to the sonic brush
control were collectively 18% to 34% greater on lingual surfaces (P≤ 0.044),
32% to 49% greater on lingual approximal surfaces
(P< 0.001), and 32% and 31% greater in lingual mandibular and lingual mandibular anterior regions, respectively
(P≤ 0.005). Post-brushing whole mouth adjusted mean reduction RMNPI or
TMQHPI benefits favoring the O-R brush compared to the manual brush control
were collectively 31% to 206% greater on lingual surfaces (P≤ 0.001), 29%
to 217% greater on lingual approximal surfaces (P≤
0.001), and 67% to 526% greater in lingual gingival margin regions,
respectively (P≤ 0.001). All study toothbrushes were well-tolerated. (Am J Dent 2013;26:68-74).
Clinical
significance: Collective results of six clinical trials demonstrated that the O-R brushes
were significantly superior to the comparator sonic power and manual control
brushes in post-brushing plaque removal performance in the lingual, approximal, and gingival marginal regions. These plaque
removal results are important for dental professionals as they consider
toothbrush options for patients’ home hygiene.
Mail: Dr.
Julie Grender, Procter & Gamble Health Care
Research Center, 8700 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason, OH, 45040, USA. E-mail:
grender.jm@pg.com
Effect of
low-fluoride dentifrices supplemented with calcium glycerophosphate on enamel demineralization in situ
Jackeline Gallo do Amaral, dds, msc, Kikue Takebayashi Sassaki, dds, phd,
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate whether a
low-fluoride dentifrice with calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) reduced the demineralization process in situ. Methods: A cross-over design with four
treatment phases of 7 days each was used. Ten volunteers wore palatal devices
containing four blocks of bovine dental enamel. The enamel was treated
(ex-vivo) with a placebo, 500 µg-F/g (500), 500 µg-F/g with 0.25%CaGP (500 CaGP), and 1,100 µg-F/g (1,100) dentifrices (twice a day/1
minute) under cariogenic challenge from sucrose
solution. To evaluate mineral loss, surface and cross-sectional hardness were
performed. The fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus ion concentrations from enamel
and dental plaque were determined. The insoluble extracellular polysaccharide
(EPS) concentrations were also analyzed. The data were submitted to ANOVA
(1-way) followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (P<
0.05). Results: The mineral loss and
EPS concentration were lowest in the 500 CaGP and 1,100
dentifrice groups. The use of the 500 CaGP and 1,100
dentifrices resulted in similar fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus
concentrations in the enamel and in dental plaque (P> 0.05). The ionic
activities of calcium phosphate phases for the 500 CaGP and 1,100 dentifrices were similar (P ≥ 0.492). The low-fluoride
dentifrice with 0.25%CaGP demonstrated efficacy similar to that of the positive
control (1,100 dentifrice) with respect to in situ demineralization. (Am J Dent 2013;26:75-80).
Clinical significance: Although it must be clinically
proven, the results of this in situ study showed the possibility of a
dentifrice with 500 ppm F supplemented with 0.25%
calcium glycerophosphate to have similar anticaries effectiveness to a 1,100 ppm F dentifrice. This could be an alternative for improving the risk-benefit
relationship between fluorosis and dental caries in
small children.
Mail: Dr.
Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem,
Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health, Araçatuba School of Dentistry, Paulista State University
(UNESP), Rua José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, SP, CEP 16015-050, Brazil. E-mail:
adelbem@foa.unesp.br or adelbem@pq.cnpq.br
In vitro caries lesion rehardening and enamel fluoride uptake from fluoride
varnishes as a function of application mode
Frank Lippert, msc, phd, Anderson T. Hara, dds,
ms, phd, Esperanza Angeles Martinez-Mier, dds, msd, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To study the laboratory predicted anticaries efficacy of five commercially available
fluoride varnishes (FV) by determining their ability to reharden and to deliver fluoride to an early caries lesion when applied directly or in
close vicinity to the lesion (halo effect). Methods: Early caries lesions were created in 80 polished bovine
enamel specimens. Specimens were allocated to five FV groups (n=16) based on Knoop surface microhardness (KHN)
after lesion creation. All tested FV claimed to contain 5% sodium fluoride and
were: CavityShield, Enamel Pro, MI Varnish, Prevident and Vanish. FV were applied (10 ± 2 mg per
lesion) to eight specimens per FV group (direct application); the remaining
eight specimens received no FV but were later exposed to fluoride released from
specimens which received a FV treatment (indirect application). Specimens were
paired again and placed into containers (one per FV). Artificial saliva was
added and containers placed into an incubator (27 hours at 37°C). Subsequently,
FV was carefully removed using chloroform. Specimens were exposed to fresh
artificial saliva again (67 hours at 37°C). KHN was measured and differences to
baseline values calculated. Enamel fluoride uptake (EFU) was determined using
the acid etch technique. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results: The two-way ANOVA highlighted
significant interactions between FV vs. application mode, for both ΔKHN
and EFU (P< 0.001). All FV were able to reharden and deliver fluoride to caries lesions, but to different degrees. Furthermore,
considerable differences were found for both variables between FV when applied
either directly or in close vicinity to the lesion: MI Varnish and Enamel Pro
exhibited greater fluoride efficacy when applied in vicinity rather than
directly to the lesion, whereas CavityShield and
Vanish did not differ. Prevident exhibited a higher
EFU when applied directly, but little difference in rehardening.
(Am J Dent 2013;26:81-85).
Clinical significance: The present laboratory study
showed that commercially available fluoride varnishes vary considerably in
their ability and mechanism to deliver fluoride to enamel for the prevention of
dental caries.
Mail: Dr. Frank Lippert, Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, Oral
Health Research Institute, Indiana University School of Dentistry, 415 Lansing
Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. E-mail: flippert@iupui.edu
The role of occlusal loading in the pathogenesis of non-carious
cervical lesions
John R. Antonelli, dds, ms, Timothy L. Hottel, dds, ms, mba, Robert Brandt, dds, ms, Mark Scarbecz, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the putative role of occlusal loading in the pathogenesis of non-carious
cervical lesions (NCCLs) in subjects who exhibited mixed excursive guidance [i.e.,
immediate canine guidance on one side and group function (GF) on the other]. Methods: 20 subjects with Angle Class 1
occlusion and having from 1 to 5 NCCLs on separate teeth were selected. Only subjects
who displayed mixed excursive guidance were recruited so that they could serve
as their own controls. Non-carious cervical lesions were recorded on casts
mounted in semi-adjustable articulators. Results: On the GF sides, 22.5% of all teeth that contacted in working excursions
exhibited NCCLs; only 2.1% of the teeth on the canine guided sides exhibited
NCCLs, which were found exclusively in canines. Although a case for the multifactorial etiology of NCCLs remains strong, our data,
albeit limited, seems to support the dominant role of occlusion in lesion
formation. (Am J Dent 2013;26:86-92).
Clinical significance: Data collected from patients who
exhibited both group function and canine guided occlusion supported the role of
occlusion and tooth flexure in the initiation of non-carious cervical lesions.
Mail: Dr. John R. Antonelli, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern
University, Health Professions Division, 3200 South University Drive, Fort
Lauderdale, FL 33328 USA. E-mail: antonell@nova.edu
A double-blind randomized clinical trial of a silorane-based resin composite
Fabiana Santos GonÇalves, dds, mdsc, Carolina Dolabela Leal, dds, mdsc, Audrey
Cristina Bueno, dds, mdsc, Amanda Beatriz Dahdah Aniceto Freitas, dds, phd, Alysson Nogueira Moreira, dds, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To compare the clinical performance of a silorane-based with a methacrylate-based
restorative system in class 2 restorations after an 18-month follow-up. Methods: This randomized, double-blind
and controlled study included 33 subjects receiving 100 direct resin composite
restorations that were completely randomized to silorane-based
group (Filtek P90/Silorane System Adhesive - 3M ESPE) or methacrylate-based
group (Filtek P60/Adper SE
Plus - 3M ESPE). The restorative system was determined by chance using a coin
toss until 50 units for each group were completed. Each subject contributed
with one to seven restorations. A single operator performed all of the
restorative procedures. Two calibrated examiners (kw ≥ 0.7) assessed the restorations at baseline and after 18 months
according to modified United States Public Health System (USPHS) criteria. The
data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon signed rank and Kaplan-Meier survival curves (α= 0.05). Results: After 18 months, 88
restorations were evaluated, and five unacceptable restorations were observed.
Proximal contact loss was the main reason for failure (three) followed by
composite fracture (two). The marginal integrity of the silorane-based
group was significantly worse than that of the methacrylate-based
group (P= 0.035). Comparing baseline to 18-month evaluations, the silorane-based group showed significant differences for
marginal discoloration, marginal integrity and surface texture (P< 0.05);
and the methacrylate-based group differed
significantly for marginal discoloration and surface texture (P< 0.05).
Combined survival rate for both groups together was 95%. No statistically
significant difference was found between methacrylate-based
(98%) and silorane-based (92%) overall survival rate
(Log rank test; P= 0.185). (Am J Dent 2013;26:93-98).
Clinical significance: During the
18-month follow-up, marginal integrity of silorane-based
was worse than methacrylate-based restorations. There
was a decrease in the quality of marginal discoloration and surface texture for
both restorative systems but the restorations remained acceptable after 18
months. The use of silorane-based system presented no
advantages compared to methacrylate-based systems to
restore class II cavities.
Mail: Dr. Cláudia Silami Magalhães, Av. Antônio Carlos,
6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. E-mail:
silamics@yahoo.com
Influence of selective enamel etching on the bonding
effectiveness
of a new “all-in-one” adhesive
Cecilia Goracci, dds, phd, Carlo
Rengo, dds, Leonardo Eusepi, dds, Jelena Juloski, dds,
Alessandro Vichi, dds, phd & Marco
Ferrari, md, dds, phd
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate in vitro the
all-in-one adhesive G-Bond Plus/G-aenial Bond (GBP),
used according to the selective enamel etching (SEE) technique, compared to Optibond FL, an etch-and-rinse adhesive tested as control
(C). Methods: 133 molars provided
specimens for enamel and dentin shear bond strength (SBS) testing, microleakage measurements in class 5 restorations, and scanning
electron microscope observations of demineralization patterns produced by GBP
and 37% phosphoric acid (PA). Results: On
enamel: C displayed the highest SBS. PA etching significantly increased enamel
SBS of GBP. No statistically significant difference in SBS was noted among the
bonding procedures on dentin. On both substrates, C revealed the most
satisfactory seal. PA pre-etching did not significantly affect the sealing
ability of GBP on either substrate. (Am J
Dent 2013;26:99-104).
Clinical significance: Selective enamel etching was
advantageous when using G-Bond Plus with preliminary phosphoric acid etching as
it significantly increased shear bond strength to enamel, while not negatively
affecting the adhesion to dentin.
Mail: Dr. Cecilia Goracci, Department of Dental Materials and Fixed Prosthodontics, Policlinico Le Scotte, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, Siena 53100, Italy. E-mail:
cecilia.goracci@gmail.com
Implant coatings: New modalities for increased osseointegration
Ann Wennerberg, dds, phd, Kostas Bougas, dds, phd, Ryo Jimbo, dds, phd & Tomas Albrektsson, md, phd, rcsg
Abstract: Purpose: To present new techniques for
implant coatings, biological tissue response to them, and, if applicable,
clinical outcome. Methods: A search
for publications was done in PubMed using search
words such as coated dental implants, clinical outcome, dental implant coatings
and combinations thereof. Further, a manual search was done. 216 papers were
found; the selection was directed towards in vivo investigations. Results: Several different coatings are
described in the literature, many of them with the purpose to be bioactive.
Such surface coatings include hydroxyapatite, bioglass, proteins, polysaccharides and drugs. The majority
of the publications are evaluations in vitro; most of the in vivo studies are
directed to implant incorporation in bone. Rather few exist that use a coat to
promote soft tissue adhesion or prevention of infection. (Am J Dent 2013;26:105-112).
Clinical significance: Although several new coating modalities
demonstrate promising in vivo results, so far the clinical evidence of their
efficacy is very limited.
Mail: Dr. Ann Wennerberg,
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, 205
06 Malmö, Sweden. E-mail: ann.wennerberg@mah.se