• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.277-291
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to analyze the dental hygienists' overall performance in operative restoration and the clinical performance in operative restoration according to dental hygienists' career and to provide basic data for establishing the appropriate range of dental hygienists' work. Subjects of this study are 339 dental hygienists working at dental clinic and hospital nationwide, selected by their working place, career, type of clinic, and location of clinical institution. The distribution of people who responded to the survey shows that 81 belong to beginner level(less than 2 years since entering clinic), 115 intermediate level(2 to 3 years since entering clinic), 81 higher level(4 to 5 years since entering clinic) and 62 advanced level(more than 6 years since their entering clinic). In terms of the types of clinical institution, 178 belong to dental clinics and 161 belong to dental hospitals. The survey used in this study are focused on perception about clinical performance in operative dentistry and adequacy of the work. Operative dentistry consists of operative restoration and endodontic therapy. The operative restoration consists of 15 categories such as patient welcoming, examination and diagnosis, planning of treatment, anesthesia, control of moisture, cavity preparation, pulp protection, matrix band application, amalgam filling, resin filling, glass ionomer cement filling, abrasive strip removal, rubber dam removal, bite check and polishing, patient education, and arrangement. The reliability was Cronbach's Alpha .9453. SPSS 10.0 for Windows was used to analyze the responses. One way ANOVA was utilized to verify the differences in the dental hygienists' job performance in operative restoration and their job performance according to career. When significant difference was found. Duncan multi comparison post hoc was done. To sum up the results of this study, patient welcoming look the first place in the operative restoration. It was followed by patient education, examination and diagnosis, introducing treatment plan, resin filling, glass ionomer cement filling, amalgam filling, bite check and polishing, anesthesia, pulp protection, control of moisture, abrasive strip removal, cavity preparation, matrix band application, rubber dam removal, and anesthesia. In terms of the clinical performance by career, there were significant differences in 19 activities such as medical eraluation, oral examination, patient charting, intra oral readio graphs, firm developing fixing mounting, curing light gun, education of attention content after operation. Based on the results of this study, the specific range of operative restoration for dental hygienists should be focused on providing basic data for dentists' diagnosis, alleviation of fear and aching accompanied by injection and anesthesia, data providing for dentists' decision of anesthesia degree, and maximization of control of moisture.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 1996

There are many advantages when using IIF and DNA probe methods over anaerobic culture method in that they are time-and effort-saving, more precise and more sensitive. Furthermore, in IIF and DNA probe methods, the detection is possible only with small amount of bacteria, the quantitative analysis is possible, and the cell viability is not necessary. The purpose of this study is to observe the incidence of P.endodontalis by carrying out anaerobic culture, IIF and colony lift using DNA probe method respectively, and to compare these 3 methods in terms of effectiveness and sensitivity in order to identify the most effective detection method. 30 teeth with at least one clinical symptoms, with single canal, and with pulp necrosis were sampled. For sampling bacteria, access cavity was prepared after disinfecting tooth and its surroundings. Then the paper point was inserted up to the periapical area, leave there for a while, and finally it was placed into PRAS Ringer's sol. and PBS sol. In anaerobic culture method, P.endodontalis was identified by biochemical tests after subculturing black and brown colonies which were produced after 7 days of incubation on BAP and Brucella BAP in anaerobic chamber. To identify P.endodontalis in IIF method, species-specific polyclonal rabbit-antisera of P.endodontalis(ATCC 35406) was reacted with sampled PBS sol. dispensed onto glass slide, and then P.endodontalis was examined by phase contrast microscopy after incubating with Goat anti-rabbit lgG conjugated to Fluorescein isothiocyanate. For colony lift using DNA probe method, membranes were laid over colonies on the surface of BAP and were hybridized with cloned DNA probe of P.endodontalis. The existence of P.endodontalis was then identified by the methods of chemiluminescent detection and color metric detection. Black colony was found in 11 teeth out of 30 teeth and P.endodontalis was detected in 6 teeth (20 %) by anaerobic culture method, 16 teeth (53 %) by IIF method, and 7 teeth (23 %) by DNA probe method. IIF method is significantly better in detecting P.endodontalis than DNA probe method and anaerobic culture method. There was no significant differences between DNA probe method and anaerobic culture method. There was significant correlation between the formation of black colony and the existence of P.endodontalis. The probability of detecting P.endodontalis when black colony being present is 2.89 times higher than when not being present. There was significant relationship between the foul odor of clinical symptoms and P.endodontalis. The sensitivity of existing P.endodontalis when foul odor being present was 93.75 %, while the specificity of not existing P.endodontalis when foul odor not being present was 28.57 %. These results suggested that the probes of P.endodontalis will be used to decide the method and prognosis in endodontic treatments.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 1999

Bacterial infection of the pulp results in the development of a periapical lesion with the concomitant resorption of periapical bone. The cytokines are believed to play an important role in this matter. The purpose of this study was to find the relationship among the presence of black pigmented bacteria, the levels of cytokines(TNF-${\alpha}$, -${\beta}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and TGF-${\beta}1$), and the amount of bone resorption in periapical and pulpal diseases. For the purpose, the patients were grouped into chronic apical pathosis, acute apical pathosis, acute pulpitis, and a healthy control group. Root canal samples were taken from periapical tissue exudates during routine endodontic treatment, and the venous blood was taken from each patients. The samples were processed to measure local and systemic levels of the cytokines using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Bacterial content of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella nigrescens were measured by indirect immunofluorescence method and the size of the periapical lesions were measured from the radiographs. The following results were obtained: 1. The levels of bone resorptive cytokines(TNF-${\alpha}$, TNF-${\beta}$, and IL-$1{\beta}$) in exudates from acute and chronic apical pathoses were significantly higher than those from acute pulpitis and the normal pulps(p<0.05). 2. IL-$1{\beta}$ were the highest among the bone resorptive cytokines in apical pathoses. However, no statistical difference between acute and chronic lesions were found(p>0.05). 3. The levels of TGF-${\beta}1$ in exudates from acute pulpitis and chronic apical pathoses were significantly higher than those from acute apical pathoses and the normal pulps(p<0.05). However, there were no significant correlations among the levels of bone resorptive cytokines. 4. The levels of TNF-${\beta}$ in serum were significantly higher than those from the exudates while serum TGF-${\beta}1$ concentrations were significantly lower(p<0.05). 5. Exudates from the canals in which the P. nigrescens were detected showed significantly higher levels of IL-$1{\beta}$ than those from the canals without the microorganism(p<0.05). 6. There were no significant correlations among the levels of the cytokines, the amount of bone destruction, and the presence of acute and chronic symptoms(p>0.05).

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 1999

Ko, Lim found some differences in the concentrations of bone resorptive cytokines, especially IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in periapical lesions and inflamed pulps. And they suppose that these differences may be due to the type of cells which produce each cytokine. The purpose of this study was to analyze the human odontogenic cysts & cystic fluid for their contents of IL-$1{\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-$1{\alpha}$ and to compare the concentrations of each cytokine according to the cytokine producing cells. The cystic tissues used in this experiment, were obtained from periapical surgery or cyst enucleation surgery. Cystic fluid was obtained from root canal during routine endodontic therapy(n=5). Cystic tissues were subdivided into two groups, inflammatory radicular cyst group(n=15) and developmental odontogenic keratocyst group(n=3). Normal periapical tissues of extracted third molar(n=5) were also obtained to be used as control group. Each specimen was incubated in 0.5ml homogenizing buffer (0.1mol/L potassium chloride, 0.02mol/L TRIS;pH=7.6) for two hours and then homogenized with glass homogenizer. Each specimen was centrifuged in a microcentrifuge for 3 minutes, and supernatants were extracted. The concentrations of cytokines were measured with R&D ELISA kit. The data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test for the differences among the diseases and t test for the correlations among each cytokine. Following results were obtained ; 1. For IL-$1{\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$, all experimental groups showed significantly higher concentrations of each cytokine than the control group (p<0.05). 2. In radicular cysts, the concentrations of IL-$1{\alpha}$ were higher than IL-$1{\beta}$, but not stastically significant (p>0.05). In odontogenic keratocysts, the concentrations of IL-$1{\alpha}$ were significantly higher than IL-$1{\beta}$ (p<0.05). In cystic fluid, the concentration of IL-$1{\beta}$ was significantly higher than IL-$1{\alpha}$ (p<0.05). 3. Between odontogenic keratocysts and radicular cysts, the concentrations of IL-$1{\alpha}$ were significantly higher in odontogenic keratocysts than in radicular cysts (p<0.05). 4. For TNF-${\alpha}$, only cystic fluid group showed significantly higher concentrations than the control group (p<0.05).

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.196-202
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and substance P (SP) in root canal exudates during root canal treatment (RCT) of nonvital, painful teeth. Materials and Methods: Patients scheduled for nonsurgical RCT were prospectively selected; the study was performed after obtaining informed consent from the patients and was approved by the Institutional Review Board for Clinical Research of Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University (3-2008-0118). Canal exudates samples were collected using sterilized paper points from teeth scheduled for RCT across three different time periods. MMP-8 and SP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using a mixed model analysis and the Pearson correlation analysis (p < 0.05). Results: MMP-8 and SP levels in GCF were decreased during RCT (p < 0.0001), and they showed a weak positive correlation to each other (p < 0.05). Patients' subjective pain levels and the response from percussion test were significantly related to SP level. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that periradicular inflammation endodontic origin can elevate SP and MMP-8 levels in root canal exudates. Interestingly, SP level of canal exudates showed a possibility of being used as an indicator of pain due to periapical pathosis.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.180-187
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• 2011

Introduction: Eliminating the residual debris and bacteria in the root canal system is one of the main purposes of the endodontic treatment. However, the complexity on the anatomy of the root canal system makes it difficult to eliminate the bacterial biofilm existing along the root canal surface and necrotic pulp tissue by mechanical instrumentation and chemical irrigation. Recently, more effective irrigant delivery systems for root canal irrigation have been developed. The purpose of this review was to present an overview of root canal irrigant delivery techniques and devices available in endodontics. Review: The contents of this paper include as follows; - syringe-needle irrigation, manual dynamic irrigation, brushes - sonic and ultrasonic irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, rotary brush, RinsEndo, EndoVac, Laser Conclusion: Though technological advances during the last decade have brought to fruition new agitation devices that rely on various mechanisms, there are few evidence based study to correlate the clinical efficacy of these devices with improved outcomes except syringe irrigation with needle and ultrasonic irrigation. The clinicians should try their best efforts to deliver antimicrobial and tissue solvent solutions in predictable volumes safely to working length.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.401-409
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• 2006

Infections of the oral and maxillofacial region are one of the most common conditions for which a patient presents to a maxillofacial surgeons. Although these infections can arise from a variety of source, dental disease is the most common etiology. So, odontogenic infection are frequently encountered in the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. These infections often respond to antimicrobial chemotherapy or surgical intervention, such as extraction of teeth, incision and drainage through clinical features. But, odontogenic infections have the potential to spread via the fascial spaces in the head and neck region, and, they spread to cavernous sinus, deep musculofascial space and other vital structure. We have undertaken clinical studies on infections in the oral and maxillofacial regions by analyzing retrospectively hospitalized patients in the Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chonbuk National University Hospital past 5 years from 2000 to 2004. And, the patients' age, sex, medical history, causes of the infection, surgical intervention, and other clinical parameters were reviewed. The obtained results were as follows : 1. The most frequent cause of oral and maxillofacial infection was odontogenic. And in the odontogenic cause, dental caries was the most common cause (47.2%). 2. The most common fascial space involved was the submandibular space (15.7%), followed by the buccal space (14.8%). 3. 60.4% of all patients required surgical drainage of the abscess, endodontic treatment or tooth extraction or periodontal treatment with drainage. 4. The most causative organism isolated from the pus culture were streptococcus viridans (53.9%). 5. Underlying medical problems were found in 136 patients (41.9%), the most common being hypertension (27.9%) and diabetes (14.7%).

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.173-182
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• 1996

This study was performed to provide the information on the clinical characteristics of the most common paroxysmal pain disorder in maxillofacial region, trigeminal neuralgia, and the effects and side effects of carbamazepine. The patients who visited Orofacial Pain Clinic, Dept. of Oral Diagnosis, Seoul National University Dental Hospital for treating paroxysmal pain were studied by history taking, clinical examination, and radiography. Sixty-two patients(male 20, female42) without any clinical and radiological abnormalities were Included. The change of pain, blood tests, and side effects were investigated periodically after administration of carbamazepine. The obtained results were as follows : 1. Almost all patient with trigeminal neuralgia were over the age of forties and it was more common in women. 2. Trigeminal neuralgia was more right sided and the involved nerve was in the order of maxillary n., mandibular n., and ophthalmic n. 3. The mean duration of suffering was 20.7 months. Eighty percent of patients had apparent trigger area. 4. The duration of pain attack was in the older of several seconds, 1 min. to 5 min., more than 10 min., and 5 min. to 10 min. The frequency of pain attack was in the order of more than 10 per day, 6-10 per day, and 1-5 per day. 5. The clinic the patients had visited for reducing neuralgic pain was in the order of dental clinic, neurology, oriental medicine, otolaryngology, and pharmacy. 6. Unnecessary dental treatments for reducing neuralgic pain were performed in 41.9% of the patients. Almosit all treatments were irreversible ones such as endodontic treatment and tooth extraction. 7. The initial mean VAS was 8.6, but it was decreased to 3.8 after 1 month, to 2.7 after 2 months. Almost all patients showed decreased pain with 200-600mg/day of carbamazepine to 6 months. 8. WBC counts, especially neutrophil counts, was decreased in 1 week after administration of carbamazepine but reached initial level after 1 month. SGOT, SGPT, and creatinine did not show any significant change. 9. Blood pressure was not changed significantly after administration of carbamazepine. 10. Almost patients did not show any apparent side effects, but drowsiness, dizziness, skin itching, constipation, and gastric irritation were occurred in some patients.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.595-602
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• 1998

Among the apex locators, the frequency dependent type is more accurate and convenient to use than others, But the accuracy of the apex locator is still influenced by the presence of various electrolytes used in root canal treatments. In this study, we have developed a frequency dependent electronic apex locator minimizing the influence of the electrolytes on the measurement of root canal lengths. It was also confirmed that two frequencies of 500Hz and 100kHz are optimal for the measuring impedance compare with commercial product used(400Hz and 8kHz)a and there were no differences in accuracy among the three different types of the waveforms; sinusoidal, triangular, and rectangular waves(p>0.05). Impedance ratio of the two different frequencies represents the position of the file in root canal, and the voltage difference of two signals represents the status of the fluid in the root canal. As a result of compensation using the voltage differences, the errors were decreased on the average from +0.54mm to +0.18mm in $H_2O_2$ solution (p<0.01), and from -0.33mm to -0.01mm in NaOCl solution(p<0.01). The accuracies based on ${\pm}$0.5mm, in $H_2O_2$ and NaOCl solutions were improved with the automatic compensation from 71.1% and 91.1% to 82.2% and 100% respectively.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2005

Shell teeth, a rare dysplastic condition of dentin, was first described by Rushton in 1954. It is characterized by normal enamel, extremely thin dentin, correspondingly large pulp chambers, and shortened roots. This case report is of a male 3 years old. He is refered to the Chosun University dental hospital Pediatric Dentistry because of dental caries and dentin hypoplasia. Intra-oral examination showed attrition of all primary teeth. Radiographic examination showed that the pulps were extremely large with only a shell of surrounding hard tissue. The permanent premolars were missed congenitally. The diagnosis was shell teeth. Because of behavior problem, all dental treatment was undertaken with general anaesthesia. Extration, endodontic treatment and SS crown were performed. The patient has now been wearing the space maintainer and manages it well. The patient is seen intervals for supervision and follow-up care.