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The mesencephalic root fibers of the trigeminal nerve in the dog.

The trigeminal nerve has motor, intermediate and sensory roots in the dog. The motor root is composed of two bundles: the medial and ventral. The ventral motor root emerges from the pons, forming the common root with the sensory, and then is separated from it to run along with the medial motor root which separately exits from the pons as the ordinary motor root. The mesencephalic root fibers of the trigeminal nerve are investigated in the dog, using the myelin sheath degeneration technique. Degenerated fibers are observed numerously in the ventral motor root and moderately in the medial motor root, and are traced to the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve. Some degenerated fibers are observed in the sensory root and they seem to pass through the Gasserian ganglion to enter the ophthalmic and maxillary branches. No degenerated fibers are found in the intermediate root.

Animals↗

Mesencephalic root fibers of the trigeminal nerve in the cat.

The trigeminal nerve has three motor roots and one sensory root in the cat. One of the motor roots can be divided into two bundles: the larger and the smaller. These motor roots form the common root with the sensory root at the exit from the pons, sometimes being separated partially by the subarachnoidal space between the medial and the ventral part of the common root. The mesencephalic root fibers are observed numerously in all the motor roots. Some degenerated fibers are observed in the sensory root. The transitional zone of the trigeminal nerve root between central and peripheral nervous system is occupied by interlocking processes of the fibrous astrocyte.

Animals↗

Biogenesis of the ciliary roots: participation of the dictyosomes of Golgi's complex.

In this study, the hypothesis of a possible biogenesis of the ciliary roots is suggested, after observing the cilia neurons under the electron microscope, which were found as an exception in the periaqueductal nucleus of the mesencephalon in the domestic cat, conserving the potential to differentiate the cilia, basal bodies and ciliary roots. The dictyosomes of Golgi's complex and Golgi's vesicles participated in this biogenesis. Vesicles of approximately 71.6 nm in diameter had become separated from the periphery of the flattened discoid cisterns of the dictyosome and were aligned normally, in tangential contact with each other, forming rows of vesicles or 'ringed chains', whose points of contact formed the beginning of the 'periodic striation' of a thin ciliary root. Later, the lateral walls of the vesicles and the molecules of the intracisternal proteins gave rise to the interperiodic microfilaments, when the carrier proteins were transformed into structural proteins of the ciliary roots. The parallel apposition of several ringed chains or thin ciliary roots, with their rings joined at the same level (or transversal striations), gave rise to thicker striated roots. This hypothesis of an ultrastructural biogenesis of the striated ciliary roots involves the following six stages: stage I = separation of Golgi's vesicles from the periphery of the flattened disk of dictyosomes near the basal body, with a diameter of over 71.6 nm; stage II = reinforcement of the membrane of the vesicles at the two opposite polar ends of its larger diameter; stage III = alignment of vesicles to form ringed chains, due to the tangential contact between their reinforced points; initiation of the 71.6-nm striation period, roots ringed linearly; stage IV = formation of joining microfilaments between periods (69.2 nm) with the lateral walls of the vesicles and the molecules of the proteins in their content; stage V = lengthening of the thin ciliary roots due to the coupling of new Golgi's vesicles at their ends so that their length increases as a result of the addition of terminal vesicles; stage VI = increase in thickness of the thin ciliary roots, due to the parallel apposition of several ringed chains or thin ringed ciliary roots, at the point where their transversal striation points coincide.

Animals↗

Genetic influences on aortic root size in American Indians: the Strong Heart Study .

Aortic root dilatation is a major pathophysiological mechanism for aortic regurgitation and predisposes the aortic root to dissection or rupture. However, only a small proportion of the variance of aortic root size can be explained by its known clinical and demographic correlates. The present study was undertaken to determine the heritability of echocardiographically derived aortic root diameter in the American Indian participants in the second Strong Heart Study examination. Echocardiograms were analyzed in 1373 SHS participants who had > or =1 family member in the cohort. Heritability calculations were performed by using variance component analysis as implemented in SOLAR, a computer analysis program. In a polygenic model, the variables entered and identified as covariates of larger aortic root diameter were older age, male sex, and center (P<0.001), which accounted for 35% of the overall variability of aortic root diameter. After simultaneous adjustment was made for these significant covariates, the proportion of phenotypic variance due to additive genetic contribution or residual heritability (h2) was 0.51 (SE=0.08, P<0.001). Additionally, simultaneous adjustment for height, weight, and systolic and diastolic BPs yielded slightly lower residual h2 of aortic root diameter (h2=0.44, SE=0.08, P<0.001), which accounted for 26% of the overall variance of aortic root size. Because center effects were identified as significant covariates in the analyses, h2 analyses were performed separately in Arizona, Oklahoma, and North/South Dakota centers, which confirmed that a significant proportion of the phenotypic variance of aortic root diameter is due to additive genetic contribution. Heredity explains a substantial proportion of the variability of aortic root size that is not accounted for by age, sex, body size, and blood pressure. Echocardiographic screening of family members with aortic root dilatation may identify other individuals predisposed to aortic dissection or rupture.

Aged↗

Growth of the aortic anastomosis, annulus, and root after the arterial switch procedure performed in infancy.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the size and growth potential of the neoaortic root and aortic anastomosis after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) performed in infants. Circumferential suture lines connecting the great arteries and extensive surgery on the arterial roots to transplant the coronary arteries are essential parts of the ASO. However, little is known about the growth of the aortic anastomosis, the neoaortic root, and the neoaortic annulus after the ASO performed in infancy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serial echocardiograms on 50 patients with D-TGA who underwent ASO in infancy at our institution were reviewed, and the size of the aortic anastomosis, the neoaortic root, and the neoaortic annulus were compared with similar structures in a group of 312 control subjects. Before surgery, the native pulmonary root (future neoaortic root) was 1.59 SD larger (P < .001) and the native pulmonary annulus (future neoaortic annulus) was 1.4 SD larger (P < .001) in infants with D-TGA than the aortic root and annulus of control patients. At a mean of 22 months (12 months to 6 1/2 years) after surgery, the diameter of the aorta at the anastomosis was 0.45 SD smaller than the ascending aorta of control subjects (P < .001). The neoaortic root was 2.9 SD larger (P < .001) and the neoaortic annulus was 1.6 SD larger (P < .001) than the comparable structures in the control population. Most important, growth of the aortic anastomosis was commensurate with somatic growth, but the dilation of the neoaortic root appeared to be progressive over time. The neoaortic root was significantly more dilated in patients with a history of pulmonary artery banding (P < .001) and in patients with neoaortic regurgitation (P < .001). The presence of a ventricular septal defect was not significantly related to postoperative neoaortic root size. CONCLUSIONS: This study underlies the importance of continued acquisition and examination of the data regarding the long-term outcome of the arterial switch operation performed in infancy.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The goal of guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage (GTRC) is to repair gingival recession via new attachment formation. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted utilizing the concept of GTR to promote root coverage. Most GTRC studies have had relatively small sample sizes and have not utilized power calculations to determine appropriate sample size; therefore, it is difficult to draw strong conclusions from them. Hence, the purpose of this study is to combine data from currently available GTRC studies and to use meta-analysis to determine whether GTRC provides significantly improved clinical outcomes compared to conventional periodontal plastic surgical approaches for the treatment of marginal tissue recession. METHODS: Studies were identified that used GTR approaches to treat gingival recession from January 1990 to October 2001. Information from each study was entered into a database. Data were analyzed according to the following criteria: GTRC versus conventional mucogingival surgery (CMGS); membrane type; root conditioning; pretreatment recession depth; adjunctive use of bone replacement graft (BRG); and source of funding. Studies were ranked independently, and mean data from each were weighted accordingly. Meta-analysis was performed using the weighted means for each group. Paired t tests were used to determine statistical significance between each pair of groups. RESULTS: Forty papers were included for analysis. GTRC resulted in an average of 74% recession depth reduction, 41% complete root coverage, 3 mm AL gain, and 1 mm KG gain. Both GTRC and CMGS produced significant (P < 0.05) improvement compared to baseline measurements. Compared to GTRC, CMGS resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) increased KG (2.1 mm vs. 1.1 mm), root coverage (81% vs. 74%), and percentage of defects with complete root coverage (55% vs. 41 %). Use of absorbable membranes, root conditioning, shallow pretreatment recession (< 4 mm), and corporate sponsorship all resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) improved percentages of sites with complete root coverage but had no effect on other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this meta-analysis, guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage can be used successfully to repair gingival recession defects. Conventional mucogingival surgery, however, resulted in statistically better root coverage, width of keratinized gingiva, and complete root coverage.

Absorbable Implants↗

Prevalence and quality of root canal fillings in a German adult population. A survey of orthopantomograms taken in 1983 and 1992.

The few studies in which prevalence, technical quality, and success rates of root canal fillings performed in daily practice have been assessed demonstrated a high proportion of inappropriate root fillings and a great variety of periapical radiolucencies (25-60%). The aim of the present retrospective radiographic study was to determine if changes in prevalence, technical quality, and success of root canal fillings had occurred within a decade. To achieve this goal, orthopantomograms taken in patients who attended a University Dental Clinic for the first time in 1983 (group A) and in 1992 (group B) were evaluated by a calibrated examiner. The following criteria were applied to assess the root-filled teeth: length and homogeneity of the root fillings and the periapical state. The prevalence of root-filled teeth increased significantly from an average 0.5 per person in 1983 to 0.8 per person in 1992. The increase was proportionally greater in older patients. In group A, 55.2% of the root fillings ended 0-2 mm before the radiographic apex and in group B this percentage was 56.8. Insufficient homogeneity was found in 25.0% (group A) and 21.9% (group B) of the root fillings. The prevalence of root-filled teeth without periapical destructions was 76.1% (group A) and 74.1% (group B). It is concluded that, in the future, endodontic treatment need will increase because of the steadily growing number of older people. Further efforts in research and dental education should focus on the treatment of curved root canals.

Adolescent↗

Effects of gravitropic stress on the development of the primary root of lentil seedlings grown in space.

Root growth and cell differentiation were analysed in lentil seedlings grown (1) in microgravity (F microg), (2) on the 1 x g centrifuge (F1 x g), (3) in microgravity and placed on the 1 x g centrifuge for 4 h [F(microg + 1 x g)], (4) on the 1 x g centrifuge and placed in microgravity for 4 h [F(1 x g + microg)]. In microgravity, there were strong oscillations of the root tip, even when the seedlings were grown first on the 1 x g centrifuge [F(1 x g + microg)]. In the [F(microg + 1 x g)] sample, the roots grown in microgravity were oblique with respect to the 1 x g acceleration when the seedlings were placed on the centrifuge. They were therefore gravistimulated. However, root length was similar in the 4 samples after 29 h of growth and growth rate of the root was the same between 25 h and 29 h although it appeared to be slightly greater in the [F(microg + 1 x g)] sample. Cell elongation was analysed as a function of the distance from the root cap junction. Cell length was similar in the seedlings grown in microgravity or on the 1 x g centrifuge. The transfer from the 1 x g centrifuge to microgravity [F(1 x g + microg)] did not modify cell elongation in the roots. Cell length in the roots which were grown in microgravity and gravistimulated [F(microg + 1 x g)] was different from that observed in microgravity but this was only due to gravistimulation. Thus, gravity does not have an effect on cell elongation when the roots are strictly oriented in the vertical position but it does as soon as the root tip deviates from this orientation.

Centrifugation↗

Investigation of mineral trioxide aggregate for root-end filling in dogs.

Numerous compounds have been used as root-end filling materials. Based on the results of in vitro and intraosseous implantation tests, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) seems to have potential as a root-end filling material. The purpose of this study was to examine the periradicular tissue response of dogs to MTA and amalgam. Lesions were developed in periradicular tissues of 46 roots in six beagle dogs. The canals on half of the roots were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer, and their access cavities were sealed with MTA. The remaining root canals were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer, and their access cavities were sealed with MTA. The remaining root canals were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha without root canal sealer. The access cavities of the teeth in this group were left open to the oral cavity. After surgical resection of roots, half of the root-end cavities were filled with amalgam and the rest with MTA. The periradicular tissue response of the dogs was evaluated histologically 2 to 5 and 10 to 18 wk following periradicular surgery. Statistical analysis of the results showed less periradicular inflammation and more fibrous capsules adjacent to MTA, compared with amalgam. In addition, the presence of cementum on the surface of MTA was a frequent finding. The results show that MTA can be used as a root-end filling material.

Aluminum Compounds↗

A radiographic study of posterior apical root resorption in orthodontic patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of apical root resorption, after fixed appliance therapy, in the posterior part of the dentition, and to evaluate if predisposing factors can be pointed out retrospectively. Tooth length in the posterior part of the dentition was measured on pretreatment and posttreatment orthopantomograms of 153 patients who were treated with standard edgewise appliances. Pretreatment and posttreatment tooth lengths were determined, and an attempt was made to explain the differences by sex, age, stage of root formation at onset of orthodontic treatment, extraction versus nonextraction therapy and treatment duration. Patients were divided into two groups according to their root formation. Group A consisted of patients with incompleted root formation at onset of orthodontic treatment except for the first molars. Group B consisted of patients where root formation was completed with the exception of second and third molars. Posttreatment tooth lengths of groups A and B were compared with pretreatment tooth lengths of group B with a paired t test, and correlations with the variables were calculated with multiple regression analysis only in group B. Posttreatment group A showed no significant differences with the mean root lengths of pretreatment group B. Differences between the mean pretreatment and posttreatment root lengths in group B were significant. Posterior teeth showed root shortening during active orthodontic treatment independent of sex, age, extraction versus nonextraction therapy, and duration of active treatment. Teeth with incompleted root formation at onset of orthodontic treatment showed root lengthening during active treatment, yet did not reach their "normal" tooth length.

Adolescent↗

Smear layer production by 3 rotary reamers with different cutting blade designs in straight root canals: a scanning electron microscopic study.

OBJECTIVES: The design of the cutting blade of rotary instruments may affect the outcome of root canal instrumentation in terms of cleanliness. The aim of this scanning electron microscopic study was to compare the quality and amount of smear layer generated in the apical third of straight root canals by 2 rotary nickel-titanium reamers and 1 rotary steel reamer with different cutting blade designs. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy intact, single-rooted human mandibular premolars with straight, fully developed roots were selected for this study. Before instrumentation, the cervical portion of all teeth was removed by using a microtome (Isomet), leaving 13-mm-long roots. Automated preparation was performed with ProFile (n = 20) and Hero 642 (n = 20) reamers by using the crown-down technique and with a stainless steel engine reamer (Mani; n = 20) by using a reaming motion. All root canals were instrumented to No. 40. A control group (pulp extirpation with barbed broaches; n = 10) was also included. Irrigation with 3 mL of a 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution was performed after each instrumentation. After the instrumentation, each root was split longitudinally, and a scanning electron microscope was used to examine the selected areas of the canal walls at the apical third from 2 different perspectives. A 4-category scoring system for smear layer was used, and the resulting scores were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The least smear layer remained in the Hero 642 group at the selected apical third of straight root canals (P < .05). However, all instruments left a smear layer. The surface texture of the smear layer, in addition to the depth and the frequency of packed materials into the dentinal tubules, varied with instrument type. CONCLUSION: These data revealed that the design of the cutting blade of rotary instruments can affect root canal cleanliness in straight root canals. This information may be useful in the selection of nickel-titanium rotary reamers.

Dental Alloys↗

Incidence of root face alteration after ultrasonic retrograde cavity preparation.

PROBLEM: Ultrasonic root end preparation is now a recognized clinical procedure. Advantages claimed include improved access to the surgical site (because of reduced root end bevel), and faster more conservative preparation of the root end cavity. However, cracking of the root face has been reported after preparation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of root end cracking at varying ultrasonic power levels with a replica technique and scanning electron microscopy. STUDY DESIGN: The root canals of 55 single-rooted teeth were prepared to size 40 apically and obturated with laterally condensed gutta perch and sealer. Root ends were resected at 90 degrees 3 mm from the apex. Class 1 cavities (n = 5) were prepared with retro tips in a Neosonic handpiece with different power settings. Time of preparation and load applied were constant. Another experimental group (n = 5) was prepared with a no. 1 rotary bur. A replica technique with addition-cured silicone impression material and epoxy resin was used to prevent drying artefacts. Specimens were viewed under scanning electron microscope for alterations of the root face. RESULTS: Results showed no root face cracking across the full range of instrument power settings, although chipping of the retrograde cavity margins was observed. No cracking was noted in bur-prepared teeth.

Analysis of Variance↗

Comparative study of root-canal preparation using Lightspeed and Quantec SC rotary NiTi instruments.

AIM: To compare several parameters of root-canal preparation using two different rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments: Lightspeed (Lightspeed Inc, San Antonio, TX, USA) and Quantec SC (Tycom, Irvine, USA). METHODOLOGY: Fifty extracted mandibular molars with root-canal curvatures between 20 degrees and 40 degrees were embedded into a muffle system. All root canals were prepared to size 45 followed by a stepback in 1-mm increments to size 70 (Lightspeed) or 45 (Quantec SC), using a high-torque motor at 1300 or 350 r.p.m. respectively. In both groups, irrigation was performed with 2 mL NaOCl (3%) after each instrument size. RC-Prep (Premier, PA, USA) was used as a chelating agent. The following parameters were evaluated: straightening of curved root canals, postoperative root-canal diameter, working safety (instrument fractures, perforations, apical blockages, loss of working length (WL)), cleaning ability and working time. Cleanliness of the root-canal walls was investigated under SEM using 5-score indices for debris and smear layer. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon's test (P < 0.05) for straightening and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05) for comparison of cross-sections, contact between pre- and postoperative diameter, root-canal cleanliness and working time. RESULTS: Both NiTi systems maintained the curvature well: the mean degree of straightening was 1.8 degrees for Lightspeed and 1.7 degrees for Quantec SC; differences were not significant. Procedural incidents occurred with Quantec SC in 12 root canals (three fractures, four apical blockages and five cases of loss of WL), preparation with Lightspeed resulted in five fractures, one apical blockage and five cases of loss of WL (11 incidents). Following preparation with Lightspeed, 55.5% of the root canals had a round diameter, 25% an oval and 19.5% an irregular diameter; Quantec SC preparations resulted in a round diameter in 51.5%, oval shape in 33.3% and irregular cross-sections in 15.2% of the cases. Mean working time was similar for Quantec SC (161 s) and Lightspeed (155 s); the difference was not significant. For debris, Lightspeed and Quantec achieved 64 and 63% for scores 1 and 2, respectively. For smear layer, Lightspeed and Quantec achieved only 13.3 and 27.4% for scores 1 and 2, respectively. Differences were not significant for either debris or smear layer. CONCLUSIONS: Both systems respected original root-canal curvature well and prepared acceptable diameter forms. The cleaning ability was judged not satisfactory for both systems. Both systems showed deficiencies in working safety.

Chelating Agents↗

Argon laser irradiation effects on sound root surfaces: in vitro scanning electron microscopic observations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was to evaluate the effect of low fluence (energy density of 11.5 J/cm2 and 100 J/cm2) argon laser irradiation on the surface morphology of sound root surfaces. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Previous laboratory investigations have shown that argon laser irradiation of root surfaces provided a protective effect against in vitro cariogenic challenges. METHODS: Root surfaces of extracted human molars were sectioned into treatment quarters: 1) mesiobuccal--no treatment control; 2) mesiolingual--low fluence argon laser irradiation (0.231 Watts, 11.5 J/cm2 for 10 seconds); 3) distobuccal--no treatment control; and 4) distolingual--higher fluence argon laser irradiation (2.0 Watts, 100 J/cm2 for 10 seconds). All surfaces were critical-point dried, coated with platinum and paladium under vacuum, and evaluated qualitatively for intactness, surface morphology, surface deposits, and porosities in a blinded fashion by scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The argon lased root surfaces demonstrated alterations of root surfaces with creation of surface globular particulate material, microporosities, and depressions. Both low- and high-fluence lased root surfaces showed areas with plaque-like plates with fine punctuate oval particulate material on their surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser irradiated root surfaces produce surface granular to globular deposits that may provide readily mobilized tooth mineral, which may become redeposited into the underlying root surface during a cariogenic challenge and enhance resistance to caries formation. In addition, microporosities created by the argon laser may provide a means for bonding fluoride-releasing restorative and preventive materials to root surfaces and further improve the root surfaces' ability to resist cariogenic challenges.

Argon↗

A no hydrotropic response root mutant that responds positively to gravitropism in Arabidopsis.

For most plants survival depends upon the capacity of root tips to sense and move towards water and other nutrients in the soil. Because land plants cannot escape environmental stress they use developmental solutions to remodel themselves in order to better adapt to the new conditions. The primary site for perception of underground signals is the root cap (RC). Plant roots have positive hydrotropic response and modify their growth direction in search of water. Using a screening system with a water potential gradient, we isolated a no hydrotropic response (nhr) semi-dominant mutant of Arabidopsis that continued to grow downwardly into the medium with the lowest water potential contrary to the positive hydrotropic and negative gravitropic response seen in wild type-roots. The lack of hydrotropic response of nhr1 roots was confirmed in a system with a gradient in air moisture. The root gravitropic response of nhr1 seedlings was significantly faster in comparison with those of wild type. The frequency of the waving pattern in nhr1 roots was increased compared to those of wild type. nhr1 seedlings had abnormal root cap morphogenesis and reduced root growth sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) and the polar auxin transport inhibitor N-(1-naphtyl)phtalamic acid (NPA). These results showed that hydrotropism is amenable to genetic analysis and that an ABA signaling pathway participates in sensing water potential gradients through the root cap.

Abscisic Acid↗

Hydrotropism and its interaction with gravitropism in maize roots.

We have partially characterized root hydrotropism and its interaction with gravitropism in maize (Zea mays L.). Roots of Golden Cross Bantam 70, which require light for orthogravitropism, showed positive hydrotropism; bending upward when placed horizontally below a hydrostimulant (moist cheesecloth) in 85% relative humidity (RH) and in total darkness. However, the light-exposed roots of Golden Cross Bantam 70 or roots of a normal maize cultivar, Burpee Snow Cross, showed positive gravitropism under the same conditions; bending downward when placed horizontally below the hydrostimulant in 85% RH. Light-exposed roots of Golden Cross Bantam 70 placed at 70 degrees below the horizontal plane responded positively hydrotropically, but gravitropism overcame the hydrotropism when the roots were placed at 45 degrees below the horizontal. Roots placed vertically with the tip down in 85% RH bent to the side toward the hydrostimulant in both cultivars, and light conditions did not affect the response. Such vertical roots did not respond when the humidity was maintained near saturation. These results suggest that hydrotropic and gravitropic responses interact with one another depending on the intensity of one or both factors. Removal of the approximately 1.5 millimeter root tip blocked both hydrotropic and gravitropic responses in the two cultivars. However, removal of visible root tip mucilage did not affect hydrotropism or gravitropism in either cultivar.

Darkness↗

Comparative fluorescence spectroscopy of root caries lesions.

In this study, the light-emission properties of carious and sound root surfaces were investigated under a wide range of excitation wavelengths. Human molar teeth with exposed root surfaces containing light- and dark-discolored root caries (n = 3 of each) were selected. Emission spectra were recorded from carious and corresponding sound root surface areas from each tooth by using a fluorescence spectrophotometer at excitation wavelengths from 360 nm up to 580 nm, in steps of 20 nm. The spectra were corrected for fluctuations in detector sensitivity and excitation light intensity, and normalized to peak intensity. Excitation spectra were recorded for selected emission wavelengths that showed maximum intensity. Light- and dark-discolored root surface caries showed distinct fluorescence emission bands between 600 and 700 nm that were not present in sound root surface areas. These bands were strongest for excitation wavelengths between 390 and 420 nm. The excitation spectra of root caries revealed maximum excitation at around 405 nm, which is equivalent to the Soret band of porphyrin compounds. The emission spectra of both types of root caries lesions were shifted towards longer wavelengths (red shift at half maximum) when compared to the spectra of corresponding sound root surfaces. The red shift for dark-discolored root caries was higher than for light-discolored lesions at all excitation wavelengths.

Color↗

Effect of root canal status on periodontal healing after surgical injury in dogs.

This study was carried out to observe if the status of the root canal might influence the healing process of surgically prepared experimental periodontal lesions. Forty tooth roots from four dogs were divided into four different groups: a) root canals with vital pulps, b) root canals open to the oral environment, c) root canals infected and filled with zinc oxide eugenol cement, and d) root canals infected and filled with calcium hydroxide. By means of a surgical intervention, a cavity was prepared in the medium portion of the roots. Six months later, the specimens were removed and prepared for histological analysis. The results, which were submitted to statistical analysis, showed that the status of the root canals influenced the healing process of the experimental periodontal lesions. In the groups where the root canals were filled, calcium hydroxide gave the best results. In the group with root canals left open to the oral environment, resorption of the dentin of the experimental cavities, was the most obvious observation. However, it did not prevent the repair process, only slowed it down.

Analysis of Variance↗