vol. 10 núm. 18 (2014)

In recent years, the percentage of adults seeking dental treatment has been on the rise. Among these patients, aesthetic demands and oral conditions complicate treatment. A multidisciplinary approach with a view to conducting more conservative treatments that avoid sacrificing healthy teeth is one of the goals for these patients. Using methods such as interproximal tooth wear is a preventative and therapeutic alternative that, when executed with care and knowledge, does not damage teeth or periodontal tissues, helps correct crowding, and improves tooth shape and black triangles. Furthermore, it provides more stable, functional and aesthetic results for patients.

Introduction: in endodontic therapy, chelating agents appear as auxiliary products during the root canal shaping process, lubricating and assisting in smear layer removal. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three chelating agents (RC-Prep, Glyde and Kelfar) in removing smear layer in 40 healthy, single-rooted premolars. Methods: access cavities were opened in 40 single-rooted teeth in order to subsequently clean and shape each root canal. The sample was divided into four groups: Group 1 consisted of teeth prepared with RC-Prep; Group 2 of teeth prepared with Glyde; Group 3 of teeth prepared with Kelfar; and Group 4 was a control group. The teeth were irrigated between files with 2 ml of sodium hypochlorite at 5.25%. Later the teeth were dried with paper points and were cut lengthwise to be SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) observed. Results: no statistically significant difference was found, except in the apical third of the teeth treated with Glyde. Conclusions: Glyde displayed better behavior compared to RC-Prep and Kelfar. Although there was no statistically significant difference, it is important to use a liquid chelating agent to improve smear layer removal.

Introduction: this research was conducted in 2013 by the ODONTOPOSTGRADOSUCC group at the Faculty of Dentistry, Bogotá campus, and belongs to the “Therapeutics and biomechanics in orthodontics and orthopedics” line of research. The aim of the research was to evaluate changes in tooth color with three dark beverages, for teeth treated with fixed orthodontics. Methods: in this in-vitro experimental study, 48 human premolars were randomly split into three groups of 16 teeth. After cementing and then de-cementing braces, the teeth were submerged in Coca-Cola®, red wine and coffee for 10 days at 37°C. Color was measured before cementing braces (T1) and after exposure to the substances (T2) with a spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade®), to calculate the difference in color (Δe) between T1 and T2. Paired and Bonferroni t-tests were applied to determine the significance of difference in the parameters L, C, h (p < 0.05). Results: a significant difference was found in L, C, h (p = 0.05). Changes in color were significant: between 79.8 (Coca-Cola®) and 7.5 (coffee) ΔΕ units. Conclusions: teeth presented changes in the color of etched enamel when subjected to dark beverages, with the greatest differences occurring with Coca-Cola® and the smallest with coffee.

Abstract. Introduction: periapical lesions are an important finding in endodontic practice because of the information they provide for the diagnosis and treatment plan. The aim of this research was to describe the radiographic findings of periapical lesions in the clinical histories of patients treated endodontically.  Methods: this descriptive study measured size, location, enlargement of the periodontal ligament, lamina dura, and bone loss of apical lesions and treated teeth. The study included 576 xrays obtained between 2003 and 2007, taking defined selection criteria into account. A format was designed and the x-rays were standardized using a calibrated digital reader. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA program.  Results: the average age was 32.1 ± 14.6 years. The x-rays related to female patients in 59.4% of cases and males in 40.6% of cases; 38% presented large lesions (> 7 mm). Bone loss was detectable in 18.2% of cases. Finally, the lamina dura had greatest continuity in the range of 8 to 10 mm with 37.5%. Conclusions: the results suggest that the characteristics of the periapical lesions were consistent with other findings described in the literature. As well as the x-rays, other findings must be taken into account for correctdiagnosis and treatment.

Introduction: the aim of this research was to study the characteristics of the states of sexual and skeletal maturation in a group of children in Medellin. Methods: in this prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study, 33 patients were observed, 18 male and 15 female, aged between 8 and 13; the patients were healthy, and were assessed using skeletal maturation parameters, as per Hägg and Taranger, sexual maturation parameters, as per Tanner, and anthropometric measures of size and weight. Measurements were taken each six months over a period of thirty months. Results: statistically significant associations were found between skeletal and sexual maturation, with age, weight and size; sexual dimorphism with respect to the age when puberty begins. Increases in size and weight in the period immediately prior to the beginning of puberty were equal or greater than those registered in some stages of the pubertal period assessed. Conclusions: skeletal development represented by increases in size and weight in the prepubescent period, is similar to that in the pubertal period evaluated. These observations support the appropriateness of establishing orthopedic therapy in a period prior to puberty. Nevertheless, given the characteristics of the sample, it is recommended that the results be validated against a more representative sample.

Introduction: an undefined sulcus on the permanent maxillary first molars (PMFM) allowed the identification of two types of occlusal surfaces: that described by Figún and Garino, Type 1 for the research group, and Type 2, characterized by the presence of a sulcus above the oblique ridge, that runs along it without breaking it. This observation allowed studies to be undertaken in order to determine its presence and investigate its origin, direction and length, to characterize it and register it as a new form of occlusal surface. Methods: we worked with natural PMFM, both inert and in patients, to demonstrate the presence of the sulcus and the PMFM that present the groove in order to characterize it. The method was observational and descriptive. Results: there is a predominance of cases in which the occlusal surface of the PMFM presents a sulcus that partially runs along the oblique ridge, without breaking it. It begins in the main central triangular fossa and runs towards the distal and palatal, its length varying between 1 and 2 mm. These results have allowed this occlusal surface to be registered as Type II PMFM. Conclusion: the PMFM presents two types of occlusal surface: Type I and Type II.

Introduction: dental trauma is considered a dental emergency and it occurs frequently, especially among young people. The aim of this research was to analyze dentoalveolar trauma incidents treated in the emergency services department of a university clinic in the city of Medellin (Colombia), between 2007 and 2012. Methods: this was a retrospective, descriptive study in which 7.555 clinical histories were revised, the final sample comprising the 549 cases that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: of all causes for consultations, 7,3% were due to dentoalveolar trauma; most patients seeking treatment were females (53,2%). The population aged between 11 and 20 was the most affected (18,4%). Falls and sporting activities caused 15,1% and 6,7% of accidents respectively. Conclusion: dentoalveolar trauma is a common occurrence in emergency dental treatment.

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (DM1) affects the metabolism of glucose, lipids and proteins and increases the risk of periodontal disease. The aim of this research was to identify the periodontal characteristics of patients diagnosed with DM1. Materials and methods: the study examined 35 patients with DM1, who were given a complete periodontal exam; fasting values of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and glycemia were taken and the data were analyzed both descriptively and comparatively against the periodontal clinical parameters and the periodontal diagnosis. Results: the prevalence of chronic periodontitis was 74.3% and of gingivitis, 25.7%. The average value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) for patients diagnosed with gingivitis was 9.15, while for patients with periodontitis it was 8.375, without being statistically significant. Average periodontal clinical attachment loss was 3.15mm, while the average number of teeth lost was 6.91 for the entire population. The patients with periodontitis presented greater clinical attachment loss and pocket depth. Conclusions: the patients with DM1 had periodontitis or gingivitis, confirming their susceptibility to periodontitis, and they should therefore take care to receive regular gingival and periodontal check-ups.

Nowadays it is not enough to hold a degree title allowing us to exercise a profession. We all know—indeed, it is obvious—that the socioeconomic environment we operate in has evolved rapidly and dramatically. Greater competition in the job market and training needs that are increasingly more specific and dynamic are driving the demand for specialized learning and are making concepts such as continuing education or lifelong training more important. A health professional must have a calling for continuous education, and if his or her work or other responsibilities make it impossible to undertake a post-graduate specialization, master’s degree or Ph.D., clinical and theoretical diploma courses are the best alternative. Even for those who have a postgraduate qualification, diploma courses offer the opportunity to learn about subjects related to their area of specialty. One significant disadvantage that diploma courses suffer is that the students must be committed to interiorizing, questioning or deeply studying the subjects presented, as most diploma courses do not have the means of assessing the people who will take them, and they become akin to non-formal education. Consequently, they are not always highly regarded in terms of the value they add to the profession. Additionally, there has been a proliferation of diploma courses offered by institutions, which are driven more by economics than by education. As a result, the courses are not of the highest quality and students do not have a chance to fully explore the topics presented. This can be counterproductive, as after finishing a diploma course students will attempt to repeat or use the information and techniques that they have only seen from the perspective of the instructors, with no sort of scientific evidence. This is especially true for those professionals who graduated longer ago. The current climate demands competent workers who have the ability to learn and, when doing a job, not limit themselves to following instructions mechanically; they must consciously think about how to improve the tasks they are performing. They can thus break new ground and take on greater challenges. The benefit of continuous training assumes an investment to face the tests ahead. Its positive aspects include:• Better training, leading to added value for job seeking and, as a result, better access to the labor market.• Updating of knowledge.• Career advancement.• The chance to improve professional, scientific or artistic development.We should therefore be aware that our skills and knowledge must be updated and, in fact, the great advantage of diploma courses is that they can be constantly updated. They move much more quickly than master’s and Ph.D. programs, and cost much less. Another major advantage of diploma courses is that they allow students to network. Given the short but intense nature of the courses, graduates can make contacts that will later be advantageous to them, both personally and professionally. Having a diploma improves our work profiles, in much the same way as another language or specialization in a particular subject. In any case, continuous training is something that we should never forget or neglect. Staying up to date with the latest developments in our professions and undertaking training in necessary skills allows us to climb the career ladder and maintain a good strategic position in the workforce.