Tooth Mobility
Periodontal Pocket
Periodontal Index
Alveolar Bone Loss
Determination of the centre of resistance in an upper human canine and idealized tooth model. (1/39)
The purpose of this investigation was to analyse the influence of geometric and material parameters of a human canine on initial tooth mobility, and the stress and strain profiles in the periodontal ligament. While the material parameters of tooth and bony structures are known within an uncertain limit of approximately a factor of 10, values reported for the elasticity parameters of the periodontal ligament differ significantly. In the course of this study, bilinear behaviour was assumed for the mechanical property of the periodontium. The finite element model of an elliptical paraboloid was created as an approximation to the geometry of a human canine to reduce calculation time and to determine influences of the geometry on numerical results. The results were compared with those obtained for a realistic human canine model. The root length of both models was 19.5 mm. By calculating pure rotational and pure tipping movements, the centre of resistance (CR) was determined for both models. They were located on the long axis of the tooth approximately 7.2 mm below the alveolar crest for the idealized model and 8.2 mm for the canine model. Thus, the centre of resistance of a human canine seems to be located around two-fifths of the root length from the alveolar margin. Using these results, uncontrolled tipping (1 N of mesializing force and 5 Nmm of derotating momentum), as well as pure translation (additionally about 10 Nmm of uprighting momentum) were calculated. Comparing the idealized and the realistic models, the uncontrolled tipping was described by the parabolic-shaped model within an accuracy limit of 10 per cent as compared with the canine model, whereas the results for bodily movement differed significantly showing that it is very difficult to achieve a pure translation with the realistic canine model. (+info)Long-term follow-up of maxillary incisors with severe apical root resorption. (2/39)
The purpose of the study was to analyse the mobility of teeth with severe orthodontically induced root resorption, at follow-up several years after active treatment, and to evaluate mobility in relation to root length and alveolar bone support. Seventy-three maxillary incisors were examined in 20 patients, 10-15 years after active treatment in 13 patients (age 24-32 years) and 5-10 years after active treatment in seven patients (age 20-25 years). All had worn fixed or removable retainers; seven still had bonded twistflex retainers. Total root length and intra-alveolar root length were measured on intra-oral radiographs. Tooth mobility was assessed clinically according to Miller's Index (0-4) and the Periotest method. Crestal alveolar bone level, periodontal pocket depth, gingival, and plaque indices, occlusal contacts during occlusion and function, and dental wear were recorded. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between tooth mobility, and total root length and intra-alveolar root length. No correlation was found between tooth mobility and retention with twistflex retainers. None of the variables for assessment of periodontal status, occlusion and function were related to total root length or tooth mobility. It is concluded that there is a risk of tooth mobility in a maxillary incisor that undergoes severe root resorption during orthodontic treatment, if the remaining total root length is < or = 9 mm. The risk is less if the remaining root length is > 9 mm. Follow-up of teeth with severe orthodontically induced root resorption is indicated. (+info)Persistence of deciduous molars in subjects with agenesis of the second premolars. (3/39)
The purpose of the present study was to investigate persistent primary second molars in a group of young people in their late twenties with agenesis of one or two second premolars. In 1982-83 it was decided, in connection with the orthodontic evaluation of 25 patients, to allow 35 primary molars (one or two in each patient) to remain in situ. All patients had mixed dentitions and agenesis of one or two premolars. The primary teeth were generally in good condition, although root resorption and infra-occlusion (compensated by occlusal composite onlays) occurred. In 1997, 18 of the 25 patients with a total of 26 retained primary molars were reexamined, comprising a clinical examination for exfoliation, extraction, loosening, and ankylosis, and a radiographic examination for root resorption, tooth morphology (crown and root), and alveolar bone contour. The examination showed that the degree of root resorption was unaltered in 20 of the 26 primary molars. In the permanent dentitions, where these primary molars persisted, there were no morphological deviations. Three of the six remaining primary molars had been extracted and three showed extensive resorption. In three of the 26 primary molars the infra-occlusion had worsened. The present study shows that persistence of primary second molars in subjects with agenesis of one or two premolars, and normal morphology of the permanent dentition can be an acceptable, semi-permanent solution for the patient. Whether this could also be an acceptable long-term solution will be shown by follow-up studies. (+info)Occlusal considerations in periodontics. (4/39)
Periodontal disease does not directly affect the occluding surfaces of teeth, consequently some may find a section on periodontics a surprising inclusion. Trauma from the occlusion, however, has been linked with periodontal disease for many years. Karolyi published his pioneering paper, in 1901 'Beobachtungen uber Pyorrhoea alveolaris' (occlusal stress and 'alveolar pyorrhoea'). (1) However, despite extensive research over many decades, the role of occlusion in the aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontitis is still not completely understood. (+info)Periodontal aspects in menopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy. (5/39)
AIMS: Currently, an important number of women use HRT to control their hormonal problems during menopause. A large percentage of these have problems at periodontal level. The present study aims at examining the effects that menopause, due to a decline in the synthesis of hormones, mainly of estrogens, can cause on the oral dental health of such women; in particular on the characteristics of the gingiva and periodontium, checking whether characteristics such as gingival recession, pain, tooth mobility and periodontal pocket formation might permit physicians to evaluate the degree of bone loss in menopausal woman. PATIENTS: Menopausal women aged 40 to 58 years of age undergoing hormone replacement therapy that had gingival periodontal disturbances. The total population of the study comprised 210 patients, divided into two groups. One group received HRT administered in patches and the other group did not receive this therapy. METHOD: Gynecologic and odonto-stomatologic protocols were established for data collection. In order to assess the efficacy of the treatment a descriptive statistical study for sociodemographic variables, analysis of variance, McNemar's test and the Stuart-Maxwell test were performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients studied was 49.6 years. HRT acts as a protective factor in dental pain and improves tooth mobility and depth of the probing of periodontal pockets. With respect to the variable gingival recession, no significant results were found either for the group not receiving HRT or for the group being treated with patches. CONCLUSIONS: The response to the HR therapy in periodontal disease is probably due to the existence of estrogen receptors localized in the gingiva and in the periodontal ligament. (+info)Sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma of the jaws: the essentials of prompt life-saving referral and management. (6/39)
Burkitt's lymphoma is an undifferentiated non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma. Three clinical subtypes are recognized: African (endemic), American (sporadic) and HIV associated. Sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma is a rare malignancy among western populations. This report describes a case of sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma of the jaws with an alarmingly rapid spread associated with acute renal failure. This type of rapid progression bespeaks the need for prompt recognition and life-saving referral by the dental practitioner. The clinical features of Burkitt's lymphoma involving the jaws include severely hypermobile, ectopically displaced and supra-erupted teeth. The purpose of this case report and review of the literature is to illustrate the clinical and histopathologic features of Burkitt's lymphoma to help clinicians recognize such cases readily and facilitate prompt and potentially life-saving referral. (+info)Effects of human relaxin on orthodontic tooth movement and periodontal ligaments in rats. (7/39)
INTRODUCTION: The rate-limiting step in orthodontic treatment is often the rapidity with which teeth move. Using biological agents to modify the rate of tooth movement has been shown to be effective in animals. Relaxin is a hormone present in both males and females. Its main action is to increase the turnover of fibrous connective tissues. Thus, relaxin might increase the amount and rate of tooth movement through its effect on the periodontal ligament (PDL). The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of relaxin on orthodontic tooth movement and PDL structures. METHODS: Bilateral orthodontic appliances designed to tip maxillary molars mesially with a force of 40 cN were placed in 96 rats. At day 0, the animals were randomized to either relaxin or vehicle treatment. Twelve rats in each group were killed at 2, 4, 7, and 9 days after appliance activation. Cephalograms were taken at appliance placement and when the rats were killed. Tooth movement was measured cephalometrically in relation to palatal implants. Fractal analysis and visual analog scale assessments were used to evaluate the effect of relaxin on PDL fiber organization at the tension sites in histologic sections. The in-vitro testing for PDL mechanical strength and tooth mobility was performed by using tissue from an additional 20 rats that had previously received the same relaxin or vehicle treatments for 1 or 3 days (n = 5). RESULTS: Both groups had statistically significant tooth movement as functions of time. However, relaxin did not stimulate significantly greater or more rapid tooth movement. Fractal and visual analog scale analyses implied that relaxin reduced PDL fiber organization. In-vitro mechanical testing and tooth mobility assessments indicated that the PDL of the mandibular incisors in the relaxin-treated rats had reduced yield load, strain, and stiffness. Moreover, the range of tooth mobility of the maxillary first molars increased to 130% to 170%, over vehicle-treated rats at day 1. CONCLUSIONS: Human relaxin does not accelerate orthodontic tooth movement in rats; it can reduce the level of PDL organization, reduce PDL mechanical strength, and increase tooth mobility at early time points. (+info)Papillon-Lefevre syndrome: a highly-suspected case. (8/39)
Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is characterized by severe periodontal disease extending to destruction of the alveolar bone surrounding deciduous teeth and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis of the skin. Increased susceptibility to infection has been reported among individuals with the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene mutation. This article reports a 7-year-old Japanese girl who presented with deciduous tooth mobility and was diagnosed as having PLS. Radiographic examination revealed loosening of deciduous incisors and the right second molar of the maxilla, and destruction of the alveolar bone around the residual deciduous dentition. However, there was no destruction of the alveolar bone around the permanent molars. The patient did not show the typical signs of CTSC polymorphism, which almost always negatively impacts certain activating enzymes. With respect to immune function, analysis of the patient's leukocytes indicated that H(2)O(2), chemotactic and phagocytotic functions were within the normal range. However, the special precautions normally applied to prevent infections in PLS patients undergoing dental treatment were taken. (+info)Tooth mobility, also known as loose teeth, refers to the degree of movement or displacement of a tooth in its socket when lateral forces are applied. It is often described in terms of grades:
* Grade 1: Tooth can be moved slightly (up to 1 mm) with finger pressure.
* Grade 2: Tooth can be moved up to 2 mm with finger pressure.
* Grade 3: Tooth can be moved more than 2 mm or can be removed from its socket with manual pressure.
Increased tooth mobility can be a sign of periodontal disease, trauma, or other dental conditions and should be evaluated by a dentist. Treatment may include deep cleaning, splinting, or surgery to restore stability to the affected teeth.
A periodontal pocket is a pathological space or gap that develops between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue (gingiva) as a result of periodontal disease. This condition is also known as a "periodontal depth" or "probing depth." It is measured in millimeters using a dental probe, and it indicates the level of attachment loss of the gingival tissue to the tooth.
In a healthy periodontium, the sulcus (the normal space between the tooth and gum) measures 1-3 mm in depth. However, when there is inflammation due to bacterial accumulation, the gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily. As the disease progresses, the sulcus deepens, forming a periodontal pocket, which can extend deeper than 3 mm.
Periodontal pockets provide an environment that is conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to further tissue destruction and bone loss around the tooth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing periodontal pockets from developing or worsening.
The Periodontal Index (PI) is not a current or widely used medical/dental term. However, in the past, it was used to describe a method for assessing and measuring the severity of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
Developed by Henry H. Klein and colleagues in 1978, the Periodontal Index was a scoring system that evaluated four parameters: gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding, calculus (tartar) presence, and periodontal pocket depths. The scores for each parameter ranged from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating worse periodontal health. The overall PI score was the sum of the individual parameter scores, ranging from 0 to 12.
However, due to its limited ability to predict future disease progression and the introduction of more comprehensive assessment methods like the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE), the use of the Periodontal Index has become less common in dental practice and research.
Alveolar bone loss refers to the breakdown and resorption of the alveolar process of the jawbone, which is the part of the jaw that contains the sockets of the teeth. This type of bone loss is often caused by periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissues that can lead to the destruction of the structures that support the teeth.
In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the alveolar bone can become severely damaged or destroyed, leading to tooth loss. Alveolar bone loss can also occur as a result of other conditions, such as osteoporosis, trauma, or tumors. Dental X-rays and other imaging techniques are often used to diagnose and monitor alveolar bone loss. Treatment may include deep cleaning of the teeth and gums, medications, surgery, or tooth extraction in severe cases.
A tooth is a hard, calcified structure found in the jaws (upper and lower) of many vertebrates and used for biting and chewing food. In humans, a typical tooth has a crown, one or more roots, and three layers: the enamel (the outermost layer, hardest substance in the body), the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel), and the pulp (the innermost layer, containing nerves and blood vessels). Teeth are essential for proper nutrition, speech, and aesthetics. There are different types of teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, each designed for specific functions in the mouth.
Tooth loss is the condition or process characterized by the disappearance or absence of one or more teeth from their normal position in the dental arch. This can occur due to various reasons such as tooth decay, periodontal disease (gum disease), injury, or aging. The consequences of tooth loss include difficulties in chewing, speaking, and adversely affecting the aesthetics of a person's smile, which may lead to psychological impacts. Additionally, it can cause shifting of adjacent teeth, bone resorption, and changes in the bite, potentially leading to further dental issues if not treated promptly.