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Biomedical subjects

M M Littner

Publications and source records attributed to M M Littner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Efficiency of the cervical lead shield during intraoral radiography.

The cervical lead shield was compared with the conventional lead apron with regard to efficiency of protection against radiation during a full-month survey (fourteen periapical and two bitewing radiographs). The study was performed on a Temex tissue-equivalent human phantom, and thermoluminescent dosimetry was used to measure radiation absorption in the ovaries, testes, and thyroid gland areas. Results showed that the cervical shield significantly reduces the amount of radiation to the skin in all three areas and is equally as effective as the combination of lead apron and thyroid shield. It is therefore recommended as a protective measure during intraoral radiography.

Equipment Design↗

Relationship between the apices of the lower molars and mandibular canal--a radiographic study.

The study was performed on forty-six randomly chosen dry mandibles. The molar areas of each mandible were radiographed by the paralleling technique, and an additional radiograph at -20 degrees angulation of the same area was taken. Measurements of the distance between the upper border of the mandibular canal and the root apices of the first and second molars were taken. The location of the mandibular canal in the buccolingual plane was determined. The obtained data were statistically evaluated. Statistically significant symmetry of the relationship of the mandibular canal to the root apices was established between the right and left sides of the same mandible. In the majority of cases the mandibular canal was buccal to the apices of the second molar, and in the first molar area the canal was lingual to the root apices in almost half of the cases. Most frequently, the upper border of the mandibular canal was located 3.5 to 5.4 mm below the root apices of both first and second molars. In no case was the mandibular canal found in close proximity, both in the vertical and in the buccolingual planes, to the first and second molar apices.

Adult↗

New concept in chemoprophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis resulting from dental treatment.

Bacteremia following dental procedures may lead to bacterial endocarditis in susceptible patients. Traditional methods of chemoprophylaxis with a parenteral loading dose of penicillin followed by oral penicillin have proved impractical outside the hospital. In 1978, it was suggested in England that amoxicillin be substituted as the drug of choice in the prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis. The recommended mode of treatment was a single oral dose of 3 g amoxicillin administered 1 hour before onset of the dental procedure. Amoxicillin is absorbed to a greater extent and more rapidly than penicillin V. It maintains its effectiveness throughout the critical postoperative period at concentrations well over the minimum necessary to combat Streptococcus viridans. Amoxicillin has two mechanisms of protection: bactericidal and inhibition of bacterial adherence to the thrombotic vegetation on injured heart valves. Data obtained from 206 susceptible patients undergoing dental treatment under chemoprophylaxis with amoxicillin showed that in no case did infective endocarditis occur. Only in 13.1% of the patients could very mild side effects of this drug be observed. With this new method, there is a higher incidence of patient compliance and administration is easier to supervise.

Adult↗

Densitometric evaluation of intraoral x-ray films: Ektaspeed versus Ultraspeed.

Recently a new speed E intraoral dental x-ray film was introduced by the Eastman Kodak Company in order to reduce the radiation dose to the patient. In the present study the new higher-speed EP21 film was compared with the speed D DF58 film with regard to speed and quality (fog plus base, sharpness, resolution, and contrast) of the resulting images. Results showed no deterioration in the image with 50% dose reduction when the EP21 film was used as compared to the DF58 film. Therefore, this new type of film is highly recommended for routine radiographic examinations.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Densitometric evaluation of three x-ray films with five different developing solutions.

In order to determine the influence of different processing solutions on the quality of the radiograph, an aluminum step-wedge was radiographed with three speed D periapical films of three different manufacturers. The films were developed in five different processing solutions at standardized conditions, according to the manufacturers' instructions. Data concerning film density, contrast, fog plus base, and relative speed of each film-solution combination were compiled in an attempt to evaluate the optimal film-solution combination.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Vitality preservation of an anomalous maxillary central incisor after endodontic therapy.

Endodontic treatment of a case of fused immature central incisor with a supernumerary tooth with dens in dente is described. Although a chronic dentoalveolar abscess was diagnosed, vitality test signs were positive. Treatment consisted of pulpotomy with calcium hydroxide paste; after 2 1/2 months a permanent root canal filling was placed in the amputated part. Follow-up 2 years postoperatively indicated that the tooth has maintained its vitality. The periapical area is completely healed, and apical closure is evident.

Child↗

Detection of proximal carious lesions: two-film versus four-film bitewing radiography.

The use of four posterior bitewing radiographs was compared with the use of two bitewing radiographs in fifty patients. The radiographs were evaluated with regard to the number of proximal carious lesions that could be detected and the number of technical errors in each technique. It was concluded that the four-bitewing radiographic technique is easier to perform, produces fewer technical errors, and provides the clinician with more diagnostic information than the two-bitewing radiographic method, and it is therefore recommended for routine radiographic examination.

Dental Caries↗

A radiographic survey of apical root resorption in pulpless permanent teeth.

A radiographic statistical study was performed in order to determine the presence and type of external resorption found in pulpless permanent teeth. Of 1,372 roots evaluated, 49.6% showed resorption. The degree of apical external resorption was significantly related to the presence and size of the periapical lesions in all roots. Much more resorption was found in the roots without root canal filling than in those that were filled.

Adult↗

Cholesterol granuloma embedded in an odontoma of the maxilla.

The cholesterol granuloma, a rare entity in the oral cavity, has been given little attention in the dental literature. As a result, there is a lack of accurate data regarding its nomenclature, pathogenesis, and histologic appearance. A new case of cholesterol granuloma in the oral cavity embedded in an odontoma is presented. The literature is reviewed and the nomenclature is clarified.

Child↗

"Spontaneous" repositioning of migrated teeth following periodontal surgery.

The paper presents 2 cases of "spontaneous" repositioning of anterior teeth following periodontal surgery. In view of the reported cases, the present approach to orthodontic treatment of periodontal patients is questioned. It is suggested that the subject of "spontaneous" repositioning deserves more attention and that documentation and research are needed to elaborate on the subject in order to establish a sound approach to orthodontic intervention in periodontal cases.

Adult↗