This study was designed to identify surface and subsurface microscopic changes in different carious lesions by using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) and Image analyzer (light microscopy). Thirty extracted carious posterior teeth were fixed, embedded and polymerized in plastic fixation medium. The final thin sections (80mm) were stained with H&E and Masson Goldner's Tricome while other...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the DIAGNOdent values applicable as a guide for removal of outer layer of carious dentin with Er:YAG laser. METHODS Carious dentin of human extracted molars was removed by bur with Caries Detector (Group 1: red stained dentin was left, Group 2: light pink stained dentin was left) and by Er:YAG laser with DIAGNOdent value as a guide (30>G...

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the thresholds at which general dentists in Kuwait would restore approximal and occlusal carious lesions and examined the demographic characteristics of the dentists in relation to their decision making. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study population consisted of a random sample of 185 general dentists practicing in the Ministry of Health of Kuwait. A survey ques...

We have isolated dental pulp cells (DPCs) from three healthy (hDPCs) and three carious (cDPCs) donors and shown that compared to hDPCs cells isolated from superficial carious lesions show higher clonogenic potential; show an equivalent proportion of cells with putative stem cell surface markers; show enhanced matrix mineralization capability; have enhanced angiogenic marker expression and retai...

AIM To assess the influence of dentin substrate and chlorhexidine on the marginal seal of composite resin restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample comprised 20 third molars. Four cavities were drilled in the dentin sur face, followed by sealing and restoration of sound dentin (n = 10) or carious dentin (n = 10). In the control group, cavities were immediately restored as follows: G1: on...

Introduction Quantification of carious lesions and measurement of the distance to the pulp is an important task in conservative dentistry. This information can improve identification of cases with the potential for maintaining pulp vitality and monitor treatment success of indirect pulp capping. In the procedure of indirect pulp capping the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a chemical (usuall...

Prevention of more invasive restorative treatment modalities requires early caries diagnosis which dental clinicians face during everyday practice. The primary visual inspection method has partial reliability for detecting noncavitated lesions, especially on proximal surfaces. Thus, dentists regularly prefer bitewing radiographs as an adjunct method for diagnosis of the carious lesions. Many ra...

The molecular immune response of the pulpal tissue during chronic carious infection is poorly characterized. Our objective was to examine the expression of potential molecular mediators of pulpal inflammation, correlate their levels with disease severity, and determine the cellular localization of key molecules. Results indicated that there was significantly increased transcriptional activity i...

Managing non cavitated dental carious lesions non-invasively through remineralisation agents is a main goal and attempt to prevent further carious progression, and to improve and maintain the form and function of the teeth and oral cavity. The application of remineralisation agents to the non cavitated lesions has led to the development of novel technologies to arrest the further carious progre...

BACKGROUND Dental caries has been identified as a significant problem for elderly residents of long-term care (LTC) hospitals in developed countries, yet little recent information is available for the Canadian population. OBJECTIVE To document the caries status of elderly dentate residents of intermediate and extended LTC hospitals in Vancouver and surrounding communities. METHODS A dentist...