Faculty Bibliography

This study evaluated the influence of the pulp protection technique on clinical performance of amalgam restorations after three years, with particular reference to post-operative sensitivity and secondary caries. One hundred and twenty (120) Class II amalgam restorations (68 premolars, 52 molars; 78 MOD, 42 OD/MO) were placed in 30 participants (four restorations per participant). The restorations were divided into four groups according to the pulp protection technique used: copal varnish; 2% neutral sodium fluoride; adhesive resin and no pulp protection. The parameters evaluated were post-operative sensitivity, staining of the dental structure, tooth vitality, partial or total loss of the restoration and secondary caries. One hundred and eight (108) restorations were available for evaluation after three years. No partial or total loss of restorations had occurred; all teeth were vital, no tooth structure staining or secondary caries was detected in any of the restored teeth. Post-operative sensitivity was observed only in two restorations at baseline and at seven-days. The three-year clinical performance of teeth restored with a high copper dispersed phase amalgam was not affected by the choice of pulp protection technique.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purposes of this retrospective case series study were to evaluate safety issues and determine participants' perceptions of a nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) technique approximately 10 years post-treatment (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo). MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:The study sample included 30 (79%) of 38 participants who had completed a previous NGVB study using a 10% carbamide peroxide solution (Proxigel or Gly-Oxide) in a custom tray for 6 weeks. Participants were asked whether there had been any change in the shade of their teeth post-treatment and, if so, to quantify the change on a verbal scale. In addition, 19 participants had gingival index and tooth vitality evaluated clinically, external cervical root anatomy evaluated radiographically, and enamel surface changes evaluated microscopically. RESULTS:Thirty-five (92%) of the original 38 participants had successful lightening of their teeth. At approximately 10 years post-treatment (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo), external cervical resorption was not diagnosed and gingival index and tooth vitality findings were considered within the normal expectations for the sample studied, suggesting minimal clinical post-NGVB side effects at approximately 10 years. Scanning electron microscopic observations did not reveal substantial differences between treated and nontreated surfaces. Color stability, as perceived by 43% of the participants, may last approximately 10 years (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo) post-treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE/CONCLUSIONS:Nightguard vital bleaching using 10% carbamide peroxide is safe and effective, with no noticeable side effects, at approximately 10 years (average, 118 mo; range, 108-144 mo) post-treatment. Color stability, as perceived by 43% of the participants, may last 108 to 144 months post-whitening.