Biomedical subjects

B E Kells

Publications and source records attributed to B E Kells.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Computerized infrared thermographic imaging and pulpal blood flow: Part 2. Rewarming of healthy human teeth following a controlled cold stimulus.

AIM: To investigate the rewarming pattern and rewarming rate of clinically healthy teeth following a controlled cold stimulus using TI techniques. METHODOLOGY: A controlled cold stimulus was developed using an air stream at 20 degrees C. Gingival and incisal sites on 12 healthy maxillary lateral incisors in six patients were imaged under rubber dam following 20 s cooling. Images were captured at 10 s intervals during a 3-min rewarming period and the data used to construct graphs of the rewarming rate. Log transformation of the data was used to produce 'best fit' straight line graphs. Linear regression analysis was used to examine three variables, viz. the side of the mouth (right or left), the site of measurement (gingival or incisal) and the phase of rewarming (early 0-90 s, late 91-180 s). RESULTS: The mean temperature change (delta t degree C) during rewarming was 8.5 degrees C (SD 1.0 degree C) for gingival sites and 7.2 degrees C (SD 1.1 degrees C) for incisal sites. The slope of the 'best fit' straight line data enabled a rewarming index to be calculated for each site on each tooth. Linear regression analysis showed that the phase of rewarming was highly significant but the other variables were not. A one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences between or within groups. CONCLUSIONS: Three min is an appropriate time to record rewarming of teeth cooled for 20 s with an airstream at 20 degrees C. The side or site used to record surface temperatures using this technique is not significant. Rewarming is exponential and log transformation of the data produces a well-fitting straight line graph. The slope of this line provides a rewarming index which should enable comparison of TI and laser Doppler flowmetry in determining pulpal blood flow as a measure of tooth vitality.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Computerized infrared thermographic imaging and pulpal blood flow: Part 1. A protocol for thermal imaging of human teeth.

AIM: To observe the thermographic appearance of teeth and to develop a suitable protocol for imaging teeth in human subjects using modern thermographic imaging (TI) equipment in a thermologically controlled environment. METHODOLOGY: The emissivity of enamel was investigated using an extracted incisor tooth. A total of 12 unrestored maxillary lateral incisors in six healthy patients were then imaged under rubber dam after a 20-min equilibration period and the thermographic data analysed using a dedicated software package. Recordings were made from standardized gingival and incisal sites on each tooth and the temperature gradient established for each tooth. Subsequently, a sequence of images of both maxillary central incisors in one patient was stored every 30 s during a 20-min equilibration period with and without an air-conditioning unit in operation. RESULTS: For the lateral incisors there was a consistent temperature gradient (mean 1.28 degrees C) from gingival area to incisal area and there were no statistically significant differences between right and left sides for the gingival site (t = 0.34, NS) or the incisal site (t = 0.62, NS). The air-conditioning unit had a rapid and profound cooling effect. With the air-conditioning disabled there was a mean tooth surface temperature increase of 1.1 degrees C from 0 to 5 min of the equilibration period and 0.3 degree C from 15 to 20 min. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in gingival or incisal temperatures between pairs of contralateral maxillary lateral incisors and a consistent temperature gradient existed from gingival to incisal areas of healthy maxillary lateral incisor teeth. The protocol described is suitable for TI of vital teeth. However, TI measured tooth surface temperature only which was extremely sensitive to air currents. A 15-min acclimatization period under rubber dam was adequate to allow stable tooth surface temperature measurement.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Dysmorphophobia: a case successfully treated using a multidisciplinary approach.

Dysmorphophobia is a syndrome in which a person of normal appearance becomes obsessed with an aspect of their appearance which they feel is noticeably defective, and for which they constantly seek treatment. This case report describes the successful management of a young woman with dysmorphophobia using a multidisciplinary approach.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Temperature and humidity: significant factors in resin/enamel bonding.

This study examined the effects of temperature and humidity variations on the bond strength of sand blasted Ni-Cr-Mo alloy (Talladium) cylinders cemented to etched bovine enamel using composite resin (Panavia Ex). Bonding was carried out in a humidity chamber under varying combinations of temperature (24 degrees C and 37 degrees C), and relative humidity (32% and 85%). After storage in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours all specimens were shear tested to failure. The results showed that bond failure was consistently cohesive with resin shear strength at 37 degrees C being significantly reduced by high humidity. At 24 degrees C, resin shear strength was not significantly affected by humidity variations.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1994

Audit of casual patient attendance at a restorative dentistry clinic.

The aim of this prospective study was to audit casual attendance at the Conservation clinic of the School of Clinical Dentistry, Belfast. Details of 500 consecutive casual patient attendances were collected over a four month period. There were 253 male and 247 female patients with a mean age of 43.4 years. Fifty-eight percent of patients lived within five miles of the clinic with 16% travelling more than 15 miles. Sixty-five per cent of patients were self-referred, 27% were referred from within the School and 3% were referred from their General Dental Practitioner. Pulpal or endodontic problems were diagnosed in 42% of cases, 25% presented with loss of a crown or bridge and 14% complained of a pain-free loss of the filling. Half the patients were given a further appointment to attend the Conservation clinic while only 33% were directed to the General Dental Services for further care. It was concluded that the majority of casual attendees to the Conservation clinic were local residents who referred themselves for treatment. A minority of patients were currently under treatment at the School of Clinical Dentistry but over 65% remained their immediate responsibility. Recommendations for improvements in the current service were also made.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Overhanging amalgam restorations in young adults attending a periodontal department.

An important factor affecting plaque retention is the presence of amalgam restorations which are poorly contoured at the gingival margin. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence and effects of overhanging amalgam restorations in young adults. One hundred patients, aged 20-29 years, referred to the Periodontal Department, School of Dentistry, Belfast were investigated. Bitewing radiographs were used to examine the restorative status of the approximal surfaces of premolar and permanent molar teeth, excluding third molars. Fifty-seven per cent of the patients investigated had at least one amalgam overhang and 27 per cent had three or more overhangs visible on the radiographs. One hundred and seventy-eight (25 per cent) of the restored approximal surfaces had detectable amalgam overhangs. The mean bone level-amelocemental junction (ACJ) distance related to the approximal surfaces with overhangs was 1.77 (s.d. 1.0) mm and 37 (32 per cent) of these surfaces had bone levels which were greater than 2 mm from the ACJ. The mean bone level-ACJ distance for the other approximal surfaces of the teeth with overhangs was 1.63 (s.d. 1.2) mm. The mean bone level-ACJ distance for matching control surfaces on contralateral teeth was 1.86 (s.d. 1.2) mm. It was concluded that overhanging amalgam restorations were common in the restorations of young adults (20-29 years old) referred for periodontal treatment but were not associated with increased levels of bone destruction.

Adult↗