• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.17.1-17.8
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• 2024

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and uric acid levels on pulp stone formation. Materials and Methods: Patients who were admitted to the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology for dental complaints were registered. Among these patients, individuals who had routine biochemical tests at the same period in the Outpatient Clinics of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. The patients with at least 1 pulp stone on panoramic radiographs recorded as the "pulp stone group" while patients without any pulp stones were the "control group". Demographic data and serum levels of calcium, PTH, vitamin D, and uric acid were retrospectively evaluated in both groups. Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate the differences between the groups. Results: Among 151 patients, dental pulp stone was detected in 53.6% of patients, and 82.7% of these patients were female. Female sex and pulp stone formation were significantly associated (p = 0.001). The mean age of the pulp stone group was 43.9, while it was 39.9 in the control group, without any significant correlation between age and pulp stone (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences in serum levels of PTH, vitamin D, uric acid and calcium between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: According to the present study, the effect of dental factors rather than systemic factors should be considered primarily in pulp stone formation.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.34.1-34.9
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the presence of pulp stones through an examination of cone beam computed tomography images and correlate their prevalence with age, sex, dental arch and side, tooth type, and restoration type and depth. Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomography images obtained from 673 patients and archival data on 11,494 teeth were evaluated. The associations of pulp stones with age, sex, dental arch and side, tooth type, and restoration type and depth were noted. All the measurements were subjected to a χ² test and one sample χ² test (p < 0.05). Results: In the study group, 163 (24.2%) patients and 379 (3.3%) teeth had at least one pulp stone. The pulp stone frequency in those aged 30-39 years was significantly greater than in those aged 18-29 and ≥ 60 years, and the frequency was higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). The highest prevalence of pulp stones was found in maxillary dental arches and molar teeth (p < 0.05). Pulp stones were significantly more common in medium-depth restorations (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Maxillary molar teeth, medium-depth restorations, individuals aged 30-39 years and females had a greater percentage of pulp stones.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.311-319
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• 2005

In order to examine the effects of advanced periodontitis on the dental pulps, 38 extracted human teeth were examined histologically. The 38 teeth had a positive or negative state in the electric pulp test(EPT). In addition, almost of the 38 teeth had a deep pocket and severe mobility, and floating state. A medical and dental history was elicited. The extracted teeth fixed in 10% neutral formalin solution. The general tissue processing method was followed. The tissue block including the teeth was prepared for optical microscopy using hematoxillin-eosin staining. Among the 38 periodontally involved teeth, the dental pulps were respectively intact in 12(31%), and a pulp stone(or linear calcifications) was found in 18 teeeth(47%). In addition, 17 teeth(44%) had pulps exhibiting inflammatory reactions with varying intensities, such as hyperemia, pulp abscess, pulp necrosis. Among the 38 periodontally involved teeth, 37 teeth tested a positive to the EPT, and 7 teeth tested negative. The EPT positive 37 teeth had various histological features such as 7 normal pulp(18%), 17 pulp stone(44%), 1 hyperemia (2%), 9 pulpitis(23%), 5 root resorption(13%), 3 pulp abscess(7%), and 3 pulp necrosis(7%), In conclusion, it is suggested that in the EPT positive teeth, advanced periodontally involved teeth can cause inflammation of the dental pulp.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.201-212
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital panoramic radiography (DPR) for the detection of pulp stones. Materials and Methods: DPR and CBCT images of 202 patients were randomly selected from the database of our department. All teeth were evaluated in sagittal, axial, and coronal sections in CBCT images. The systemic condition of patients, the presence of pulp stones, the location of the tooth, the group of teeth, and the presence and depth of caries and restorations were recorded. The presence of pulp stones in molar teeth was compared between DPR and CBCT images. Results: Pulp stones were identified in 105 (52.0%) of the 202 subjects and in 434 (7.7%) of the 5,656 teeth examined. The prevalence of pulp stones was similar between the sexes and across various tooth locations and groups of teeth (P>.05). A positive correlation was observed between age and the number of pulp stones(${\rho}=0.277$, P<.01). Pulp stones were found significantly more often in restored or carious teeth (P<.001). CBCT and DPR showed a significant difference in the detection of pulp stones(P<.001), which were seen more often on DPR than on CBCT. Conclusion: DPR, as a 2D imaging system, has inherent limitations leading to the misinterpretation of pulp stones. Restored and carious teeth should be carefully examined for the presence of pulp stones. CBCT imaging is recommended for a definitive assessment in cases where there is a suspicion of a pulp stone on DPR.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.560-569
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• 1999

Blood supply rather than nerve supply implies pulp vitality. To evaluate pulp vitality clinically, electric pulp test and thermal test which are based on sensory nerve response have been used in addition to many auxiliary data such as past dental history, visual inspection, radiographic examination, percussion, palpation and transillumination test. However, reactivity of the nerves to the stimulation is not synonymous with normalcy. Therefore measurement of pulpal blood flow using a laser Doppler flowmeter became a new trial to test the pulp vitality. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate normal pulpal blood flow level of maxillary teeth in adult to provide a guideline in determining the vitality of dental pulp. Pulpal blood flow was measured in maxillary central and lateral incisors, canines, first and second premolars and first molars of seventy nine adults of 22 - 30 years old using a laser Doppler flowmeter (PeriFlux 4001, Perimed Co., Stockholm, Sweden, 780 nm infrared laser, 1mW). For directly-made splints, silicone rubber impressions were taken directly from the mouth. For indirectly-made splints, alginate impressions were taken from the mouth and stone cast were made. After making depressions on the buccal surfaces of the cast teeth to indicate the hole positions, second impressions with vinyl polysyloxane putty were taken from the cast. Holes for the laser probes were made at the putty impressions 4mm above the gingival level. Laser probe (PF416 dental probe, 1.5mm) was inserted in the prepared hole and the splint was set in the mouth. After 10 minutes of patient relaxing, pulpal blood flow was recorded for 5 minutes on each tooth. The recorded flow was saved in the computer and calculated with a software 'Perisoft' version 5.1. Pulpal blood flow was also recorded in six teeth of five individuals with no response to electric pulp test and cold test, with periapical radiolucency, or with history of root canal treatment to compare with nonvital teeth. The difference between the mean flow values of each group of teeth were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range test. The results were as follows: 1. The average pulpal blood flow values of all the tested teeth of each location were between 9 - 16 Perfusion Unit. Pulpal blood flow value was highest in maxillary lateral incisors, followed by first premolars, second premolars, canines, central incisors, and then first molars (p<0.01). 2. In six anterior teeth, indirectly-made splint group showed higher pulpal blood flow values than directly-made splint group (p<0.01). In posterior teeth, however, there was no significant flow value difference between directly-made splint group and indirectly-made splint one (p>0.05). 3. Teeth with vital pulps showed higher signal values than teeth with nonvital pulps (p<0.01), and the flow photographs showed heartbeat-synchronous fluctuations and vasomotions, while those were absent in non vital tooth.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.519-528
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• 2002

It is not a rare occasion that certain dental procedures involving tooth reduction being peformed under inadequate water cooling due to a variety of reasons. This situation could possibly inflict the critical insult to the pulpal tissue of indicated tooth. The purpose of this experiment was to study the pattern of diffusion of external heat produced during routine dental procedures into the pulpal tissue. 30 stone blocks containing three lower second primary molars were used for certain restorative procedures and the temperature of the indicated tooth surface was measured by thermography(Inframetrics 600) and further used as a baseline data for the finite element analysis model fabrication designed in order to evaluate the pattern of thermal diffusion. The ranges of highest surface temperature measured from several dental procedures under water cooling and non-water cooling were $30.8^{\circ}C{\sim}43.6^{\circ}C$ and $51.2^{\circ}C{\sim}103.4^{\circ}C$ respectively. Among procedures studied, crown preparation showed the highest value and amalgam removal showed the lowest. Comparisons between data measured under water cooling and non-water cooling conditions have shown the statistically significant difference(p<0.05). All the non-cooling conditions have shown the relatively larger increment of temperature change at the pulp horn area than the cooling conditions. The results of this study strongly indicate that the water coolant is the essential element in restorative procedures for the maintenance of healthy pulp. Further related studies involving more procedures and conditions are recommended.