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Biomedical subjects

G A Pelliccioni

Publications and source records attributed to G A Pelliccioni.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Periodontal disease as a risk factor in pregnancy.

There is growing evidence that periodontal disease represents a risk factor for preterm delivery and premature membrane rupture. To prevent an oral inflammatory process evolving into a full-blown form of periodontitis, with possible severe repercussions on pregnancy outcome following systemic spread, future mothers should receive regular professional oral hygiene care throughout pregnancy.

Adult↗

Evaluation of osteoblast-like cell response to Proroot MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) cement.

Some endodontic sealers have been shown to cause local and systemic effects, mainly due to microleakage of chemicals from the sealer. To avoid the risk of toxic effects in vivo, the biological compatibility of filling materials has to be assessed. In vitro compatibility of Proroot MTA cement in comparison with two different fillers used in clinical practice, was examined by testing the adherence, viability, proliferation and secretion of collagen of osteoblast-like cells. In our experimental system, Saos-2 cells challenged with Proroot MTA for 24 and 72 h showed a better behaviour than the cells exposed to the other compounds under assay. We found that the cells attached to the rough surface of Proroot MTA cement and spread onto the rough surface. Moreover, the cells on Proroot MTA were viable, grew, and released some collagen even at 72 h, while cell metabolism and growth was dramatically reduced onto sEBA and amalgam surfaces. A parallel behaviour was found after the cells were challenged with extracts of the different fillers. In conclusion, according to our in vitro study, Proroot MTA showed a good interaction with bone-forming cells: such behaviour may partially account for its satisfying clinical performance.

Aluminum Compounds↗

Gingival recession and toothbrushing in an Italian School of Dentistry: a pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the prevalence of gingival recession at buccal tooth surfaces in a student population of Bologna University Dental School. A total of 55 subjects, attending the 1st and 5th year of the course were examined. The clinical examination involved assessment of plaque, calculus, width of keratinized gingiva, buccal probing depth and buccal gingival recession. Information about toothbrushing behavior was collected in an interview. The multiple regression analysis showed that level of education (p=0.002), toothbrushing technique (p=0.013) and toothbrushing frequency (p=0.016) are significant contributors to gingival recession. Notwithstanding the limits of a preliminary study, a higher prevalence of buccal recession is observed in the final year students, which have also a significantly lower % of buccal surfaces with calculus (p=0.014). In addition, it clearly appears that there is the necessity to investigate other factors connected with toothbrushing (pressure, time, toothpaste quantity) in order to provide an oral hygiene education without undesired effects.

Adult↗

A retentive system for intra-oral fluoride release during orthodontic treatment.

The aim of this study was to test a particular type of intra-oral fluoride releasing device (IFRD), designed to release 0.04 mg/day of fluoride over a period of 6 months, using customized holders, in patients receiving orthodontic treatment. Discomfort, holder detachment, plaque accumulation near the device, and the presence of gingivitis, bleeding, white spot lesions, and/or decay was recorded in 76 orthodontic patients (53 experimental and 23 controls) before and after wearing the device for 12 months. The system proved to be easy and quick to use, and did not cause discomfort. There were no significant differences between the treated and the control groups for plaque index, bleeding, or the presence of gingivitis. In addition, no carious and/or white spot lesions occurred during the duration of this study in the test group.

Administration, Oral↗

Management of bilaterally impacted mandibular second and third molars.

BACKGROUND: The authors present an interdisciplinary approach to treating bilateral impaction of mandibular second molars. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 22-year-old man had a bilateral deep horizontal impaction of his mandibular second molars. The mandibular third molars lay above and parallel to the second molars. After an orthodontic assessment, the authors decided to distally upright the third molars, remove them and then orthodontically reposition the second molars if they were not ankylosed. This combined orthodontic-surgical approach was successful. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This case illustrates the importance of strong cooperation among various specialists to establish the optimal comprehensive treatment plan.

Adult↗

Use of gloves and prevalence of glove-related reactions in a sample of general dental practitioners in Italy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the use of gloves and to assess the prevalence of glove-related symptoms in a sample of Italian dentists with a high occupational exposure to latex gloves. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A 31-question instrument was mailed to all dentists (n = 550) practicing in the town of Bologna during 1994 to determine the type of procedures for which gloves were worn by dentists and the prevalence of self-reported glove-related symptoms. RESULTS: Of the dentists who replied to the items (n = 160), 94% reported that they usually wear nonsterile latex examination gloves; and 46% reported that they wear surgical gloves, even if not exclusively. About 98% reported changing gloves after contact with each patient, and 14% reported using disinfectants to treat examination gloves. Of the 106 respondents claiming to use examination gloves for surgical activities, 79 (74%) reported wearing them for extractions. Sterile surgical gloves were reported to be mostly worn for implant placement (47%) and periodontal surgery (42%). There were 46 (29%) responses indicating glove-related problems; of those subjects, 14 (30%) reported having other allergies. CONCLUSION: The use of gloves is common in the sample of Italian dentists, and the choice between nonsterile examination gloves and sterile surgical gloves seems to be made appropriately.

Dentistry↗

Plaque removal with variable instrumentation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental plaque removal in a normal healthy mouth, during routine oral hygiene appointments using different techniques and without the use of any disclosing agents. 12 dental hygienists, randomly selected from a continuing education course, were asked to perform oral hygiene on the same patient to remove all the supra-gingival plaque without any time restriction and without the use of a disclosing agents. The plaque index score (O'Leary) was assessed before and after each session with the use of fluorescine and UV light source by an independent examiner. 3 groups of instruments were utilized: group A: ultrasonic scalers + prophy cups; group B: ultrasonic scalers + prophy cups + dental floss; group C: Gracey curettes + prophy cups. While no group was able to remove all the plaque, groups B and C performed significantly better.

Adult↗

Structural features of latex gloves in dental practice.

The aim of this study was to define from a morpho-structural point of view, using scanning electron microscopy, the features of various types of disposable latex gloves commonly used in Italian dental practice (Biogel D, Trend, Pagni, J&J, Latechnics, Pehasoft, Bantex). None of the brands examined was free from morphological flaws; however, while in some of these only slight depressions were found (Biogel D, Trend), in others (Latechnics, Bantex) there was a marked lack of homogeneity in the latex structure or real holes (Pehasoft). This study emphasizes the current difficulties faced by dentists in the search for safe working conditions.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Patient compliance with maintenance therapy in an Italian periodontal practice.

A sample of 414 patients, treated between 1985 and 1988 by an Italian periodontal practice for supportive periodontal therapy, was studied to determine compliance with recommended maintenance programmes. Patients included in the study had attended for supportive periodontal therapy for at least 1 year prior to the close of data collection in 1989. Based on their compliance with the suggested maintenance schedule, patients were classified as complete attending (100% of programmed visits), partial (at least 50% of programmed visits), or insufficient (less than 50% of programmed visits). Only 30% of the initial patient sample was found to be compliant at the end of 1989. Complete compliance decreased as the number of years after active therapy increased, from 38% at 1 year to 20% at 4 years. The % of patients with insufficient compliance increased from 37% to 46% from the 1st to the 2nd year, then remained stable over the following years, indicating that the 1st year represented the critical period when subjects decided whether to follow recommended maintenance therapy. No significant relationships were found between degree of compliance and patient gender, recall schedule or type of treatment procedure performed. However, complete compliant subjects were younger than the other groups (p < 0.03), and compliance increased with the number of surgeries (p < 0.002).

Adolescent↗

Atmospheric contamination during dental procedures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of aerosol pollution following dental procedures performed in 15 sessions with an ultrasound scaler and a bicarbonate cleaner. The air contamination was measured by means of the Surface Air System method and the "plate" method (Air Microbial Index). Each colony-forming unit per cubic meter of air was allotted a unit value for statistical analysis. The data were then compared with the hygienic assessments made in previous studies. The results showed that the initial environmental conditions in a dental office initiated at the level of mediocre, then became very bad during dental procedures, and fell between mediocre and very bad at the end of the procedures.

Aerosols↗

In vitro growth of periodontal fibroblasts on treated cementum.

The aim of the present study was to assess the ability in vitro of phosphoric and citric acids, applied on human root cementum, to neutralize noxious plaque and calculus and to allow the growth of human gingival fibroblasts. Fibroblasts grown on cementum treated with phosphoric acid appeared typically elongated and aligned parallel to the root surface. Fibroblasts grown on cementum treated with citric acid, in both normal and periodontally diseased teeth, lost their elongated shape, acquiring polygonal borders with irregular cytoplasmic extrusions, and the cell density was significantly lower. These findings suggest that phosphoric acid cleaning of both normal and diseased root surfaces may result in an oriented, high rate of fibroblastic growth with more effective periodontal cellular proliferation than that observed after citric acid treatment.

Cell Division↗

[Solitary cyst of the jaws].

A clinical case of solitary cyst of jaws has been presented. The diagnosis of this pathology with only objective and radiological examination is not always easy. The Authors suggest the need to execute explorative operation.

Adolescent↗

Sharpening of ultrasonic scalers.

Instruments suitable for removing calculus, plaque and necrotic cementum, which hinder normal periodontal reattachment, are extremely important for successful therapy. The test was carried out in order to see if a standard scaler used for ultrasonic tartar removal maintains its physical features when sharpened. 6 scalers, compatible with piezo-electric generators, were tested and 2 diameters, A and B, weights and resonance frequencies were measured. Scalers no. 2, 3, 4, 5, were sharpened and was used as control. All measurements were taken again at the end of the test. Statistical analysis reveals significant variations, after sharpening, of A diameter (t = 4.14 greater than 3.55, p less than 0.01), B diameter (t = 5.34 greater than 3.355, p less than 0.01) and resonance frequency (t = 2.82 greater than 2.306, p less than 0.05); in contrast, there is no significant change of weights (t = 1.17 less than 2.306, p greater than 0.05). These results suggest that sharpening slightly modifies the physical features of ultrasonic tips, so that sharpening ultrasonic scalers, from a physical point of view, can be carried out, paying attention not to damage the water cooling system.

Dental Scaling↗

[Effects of vasoconstrictors during local anesthesia].

In this study, the effects of epinephrine in the local anesthesia were valued. No significant differences were revealed to cardiovascular response when a group of patients under generic stress were given an anesthetic without epinephrine and a second group of patients underwent an anesthetic with epinephrine. In patients in which epinephrine was injected, a significant fall in diastolic blood pressure was recorded two minutes after the injection and it remained as such for ten minutes. The cardiovascular response during dental extraction has a significant result dissimilar in the two groups of patients. No significant correlation was revealed between the blood pressure and the heart rate in basic conditions and the same parameters during an extraction. There exists a significant correlation between pressure response during generic stress and pressure response during an extraction. These findings suggest that cardiovascular response during dental stress is not in relation with the use of epinephrine with an anesthetic, but rather depends on each individual reaction.

Adolescent↗