Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Antibiotic Use By Members Of The American Association Of Endodontics: A National Survey For 2009- A Follow Up From The Report In 1999, Pye Kyu

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in prescribing habits of active members of American Association of Endodontics (AAE) with regards to antibiotics in comparison to the findings reported by Yingling et al. in 1999. The invitations to take the online survey were sent via email to 2593 active members. A response rate of 37.75% was obtained. It was determined to be adequate for analysis and for comparison to the results obtained by Yingling et al. Comparisons between the percentages shown in this survey and the previous survey were tested using a z-test. An ANOVA model was …

Bactericidal Effects Of Low Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma On Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Arwa Mahasneh

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The biomedical application of low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) is a collaborative interest for engineering, medical, dental and biological researchers. This laboratory study tested whether LTAPP can limit growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen strongly associated with periodontal disease, disease progression, and refractory periodontitis. Methods: After extensive pilot trials, the study consisted of 24 agar plate samples of P. gingivalis- 20 samples were exposed to LTAPP at 5, 7, 9 and 10 minutes and 4 control samples were exposed to helium gas only. Immediately after exposures, the samples were incubated anaerobically for 72 hour at …

Influence Of Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets On Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Christian James Hoybjerg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines provide 2D as well as 3D images that are excellent in contrasting soft-tissue in the maxillofacial region and are void of ionizing radiation. The drawbacks include the lack of depiction of cortical bony detail and image degradation caused by substances in the scanned area. Specifically, in the orthodontic field stainless steel brackets cause more distortion of MR images then any other bracket material. It is unknown what type of stainless steel alloy causes the most MRI distortion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of craniofacial MR distortion caused by various …

The Influence Of Work Of Fracture On Six Orthodontic Bonding Systems, Tyler S. Pritchard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Bonding is the primary method of attaching brackets to teeth in modem orthodontics. Thus, many studies have focused on the maximum shear bond strength values of orthodontic adhesives. In contrast, very little research has been performed considering the work of fracture of orthodontic bonding systems. Work of Fracture is defined as the area under the curve of a stress-strain graph. Previous shear bond strength studies measured the force necessary to produce bond failure. The purpose of this study was to measure the maximum shear force and displacement of six bonding systems and to calculate the work of fracture.

Materials …

Observer Reliability Of Cephalometric Landmark Identification On 3-D Mr Images, Michael S. Pollack

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is a cornerstone of orthodontic diagnosis, yet much information is lost when 3-dimensional structures are assessed with 2-dimensional methods. CBCT offers 3-dimensional imaging but at the cost of higher levels of ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging provides 3-dimensional imaging without ionizing radiation and additionally imparts visualization of soft tissue structures. Prior to employing MR images for cephalometric analysis, reliability of landmark identification must be assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra- and interobserver reliability in 3-dimensional landmark identification using MR images.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen cranial MR images (3.0 T, MP-RAGE) from subjects between …

Effects Of Functional Appliances On The Tmj And Mandibular Length Of Skeletal Class Ii Patients: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study, David C. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Functional appliances have been efficiently used in the treatment of Class II malocclusions caused by retrognathic mandibles. Cone beam computed tomography has enabled us to make more accurate linear measurements by eliminating superimposition of other structures and to analyze skeletal anatomic detail in all three planes of space. This retrospective study evaluated the osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and length of the mandible in skeletal Class II malocclusion patients treated with the fixed functional appliances and compared measurements with Class I malocclusion patients treated with orthodontic mechanics that did not alter skeletal relationships.

Materials and Methods: Twelve …

Effects Of Functional Appliances On Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study, Melissa K. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Functional appliances are intended to correct by incremental advancement of the mandible for correction of skeletal Class 11 relationships. Similar in design to functional appliances, mandibular advancing devices (MAD) are used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients as they increase the size of the airway by drawing the tongue and soft palate forwards, and thus maintain its patency during sleep. It has been shown that significant increases in airway dimensions and decreases in airway resistance were gained in OSA patients while evaluated with a MAD in place. This retrospective study evaluated volumetric, cross-sectional area and linear changes in the …

Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography To Identify A Prediction Model For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Jodi Parker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients have increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis may reduce morbidity and mortality. Prediction of OSA from imaging may help to identify OSA patients earlier in life. CBCT can be used for OSA diagnostic imaging due to its three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the upper airway and craniofacial complex. Magnification associated with conventional 2D radiography is eliminated with CBCT, and radiation to the patient is significantly less than previous modalities used to measure craniofacial & airway measurements associated with OSA. During a CBCT scan, the patient's image is taken supine, rather than the upright …

Effects Of Low-Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma On Streptococcus Mutans, Margaret Farrer Lemaster

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The recent emergence of low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) technology has led researchers to explore biomedical applications. The present study set out to determine if LTAPP has the ability to inactivate dental caries causing bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans. Methods: A total of 90 samples were processed. Seventy-two samples of S. mutans at 1: 100 dilution in BHI broth were exposed to LTAPP for various time intervals (60, 120, 180, 300 seconds). Eighteen control samples were plated but not exposed to LTAPP. Samples were plated on Mi tis salivarius (MS) agar and incubated 48 hours at 37° C. Colony …

Heritability Of Autoantibody Levels In A Twin Population, Amal Rastogi

Theses and Dissertations

AIM: This study aims to determine what portion of specific autoantibody phenotypes are genetically determined by using a twin model. METHODS: This study specifically examines Anti-Ro(SSA), Anti-La (SSB), Anti-Sn/RNP, Anti-Sm, Anti-Jo-1, Anti-Scl-70, Anti-Tg & Anti-TPO, Anti-dsDNA, Anti-PS, and Anti-cardiolipin antibodies for their heritability. This study examined 104 same-sex adult twins (66 monozygous, 38 dizygous) for the above mentioned autoantibody values. The serum autoantibody values in each subject were quantified using automated ELISA. Descriptive statistics including, distributions, quantiles, and moments were calculated by zygosity for continuous antibody values, subject ages, gender, race and smoking status. Categorical antibody levels were used to …

Prevalence Of White Spot Lesions During Orthodontic Treatment, Julian Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

The reported prevalence of decalcification in orthodontic patients varies from 2 to 96% mainly due to the lack of a standard examination technique. The aims of this study were: 1) to determine the prevalence of white spot lesions around brackets using visual examination and the DIAGNOdent; 2) to determine which teeth were the most susceptible to decalcification; and 3) to test the accuracy of the DIAGNOdent by comparing to the visual examination. The presence of white spot lesions was determined in two groups of patients who were 6 and 12 months into orthodontic treatment, respectively. The control group consisted of …

The Effect Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (Snps) In Toll-Like Receptors -2, -4, -9, And Cd14 Genes In An African-American Population With Chronic Periodontitis, Willard Maughan

Theses and Dissertations

AIM: to determine if a relationship exists between TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-9, or CD14 polymorphisms and risk for developing chronic periodontal disease in an African-American population. This is the first study conducted to determine role of SNPs in TLR genes and CD14 gene in a periodontally-diseased African-American population. Additionally, this is the first study to assess the role of TLR-9 polymorphism in periodontitis patients. METHODS: A total of 130 subjects were involved in the study. The chronic periodontitis (CP) group contained 73 subjects, and the healthy control (NP) group 57subjects. Genotyping was performed in TLR2 (G2408A), TLR4 (A896G),TLR9 (T1486C) and CD14 …

Frequency Of Tlr-2, 4, 9 And Cd14 Polymorphisms In Aggressive Periodontitis Population In African-Americans, Melanie Chou

Theses and Dissertations

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in various pattern recognition receptor (PRR) genes, including Toll like receptors (TLR) -2, -4, -9, and CD14 in chronic (CP), localized (LAP) and generalized aggressive (GAP) periodontitis and periodontally healthy (NP) patients in an African American population. Methods: A total of 205 subjects were involved in the study. The LAP group consists of 25 subjects, the GAP group 50 subjects, the CP group 73 subjects and the NP group 57subjects. Genotyping was performed in TLR2 (G2408A), TLR4 (A896G),TLR9 (T1486C) and CD14 (C260T) genes by …

Perceived Responsibility For The Development Of White Spot Lesions During Orthodontic Treatment, Blake Maxfield

Theses and Dissertations

White spot lesions (WSLs) or decalcifications remain a common complication in orthodontic patients with poor oral hygiene. The purpose of this study was to compare attitudes regarding the development of WSLs among patients, parents, orthodontists and general dentists and improve prevention and treatment protocols through better communication. A survey was developed to evaluate and compare the current opinions of orthodontic patients (n=315), parents (n=279), orthodontists (n=305) and general dentists (n=191) regarding the significance, prevention and treatment of WSLs. All four groups indicated that WSLs did detract from the overall appearance of straight teeth. All four groups indicated that patients were …

Effect Of Auxiliary Preparation Elements On Resistance Form Of Complete Crowns, Manuel H. Guevara

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study compared the effectiveness of six different auxiliary preparation elements on the resistance to lateral dislodgment of complete crown preparation lacking resistance form.

An ivorine mandibular first molar was prepared with the following characteristics: 20° TOC, 360° shoulder finish line of 1.0 mm width and axial wall of reduced height offering no geometric resistance form (Group A: control). Preparation modifications were Group B: MD grooves, Group C: BL groves (sic), Group D: MDBL grooves, Group E: MD small boxes, Group F: MD large boxes and Group G: 8° TOC at the cervical 2 mm of the axial walls. Ten …

The Effect Of Auxiliary Preparation Elements On The Resistance Form Of Complete Metal Crowns, Mostafa Nazari

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study measured the resistance to dislodgment of complete metal crowns when they were fabricated for tooth preparations lacking resistance form. These preparations were modified with four different auxiliary preparation features.

An Ivorine mandibular first molar was prepared on a milling machine with the following characteristics: 20 degrees of total occlusal convergence (TOC), 360 degrees shoulder finish line of 1.0 mm width, and axial wall of reduced height offering no geometric resistance form. The following tooth preparation modifications were studied:

1. Two proximal grooves (two lingually positioned grooves, one on the mesial and one on the distal surface) (design B) (Figures …

Leadership And Dental Aesthetics Of Adults As Perceived By Laypersons, E. Britton Montgomery

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if dental aesthetics is perceived by adults to affect an individual’s ability to emerge as a leader. An electronic survey was constructed using facial frontal smiling photographs of 10 patients. Statements were formulated to evaluate four leadership characteristics: intelligence, self-confidence, friendliness, and trustworthiness. Evaluators indicated their level of agreement with each statement for each subject using a 100mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data was obtained from 214 evaluators. Picture ratings were analyzed using repeated-measures mixed-model analyses. Evaluator factors and picture factors were considered when testing for crooked vs. straight teeth differences. There …

Mesiodistal Crown Size In Relation To The Risk And Severity Of Malocclusion, Jon Robert Zang-Bodis

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

From among numerous potential causes of dental malocclusion, tooth size has been implicated as one factor. Prior studies show that mesiodistally larger teeth increase the risk of malocclusion. The present report extends our understanding by testing for graded responses between crown size and the extent of dental malocclusion. Maximum mesiodistal crown dimensions of all 14 permanent tooth types (excluding third molars) were measured in 207 American white adolescents (routine orthodontic patients), and 10 measures of malocclusion (e.g., rotations, displacements, spacing) were recorded. Analysis of covariance (controlling for sexual dimorphism in tooth size) disclosed (1) significant positive associations between …

Effect Of Methamphetamine On Gingival Fibroblast Production Of Matrix Metalloproteinase (Mmp)-2 And -9 And Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase (Timp)-1 And -2 In Vitro, Owais Ali Farooqi

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is associated with "METH mouth" characterized by rampant caries and periodontitis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by gingival fibroblasts degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and play an important role in periodontitis and oral cancer metastasis. There is no information on effects of METH on fibroblast MMP production, or its role in periodontitis or tumor metastasis.

Objective: Determine effect of METH on gingival fibroblast MMP production and activity.

Methods: A human gingival fibroblast cell line was used. METH cytotoxicity was determined by measuring its effects on activity of a mitochondrial enzyme. Cells were cultured ± METH (1x10^-6- …

The Influence Of Biofilm On The Antifungal Activity Of Amine Oxide, Jonathan Michael Hart

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Denture-related stomatitis (DRS) is the most common oral disease affecting denture wearers today, and is characterized by inflammation of the denture bearing mucosa. In a search through historical dental literature for the most often suspected culprit of DRS, one will repeatedly find first listed the fungus Candida albicans. While C. albicans can be isolated from the fitting surfaces of dentures, and the supporting mucosa of patients suffering from DRS, it is also found in the oral cavity of 65% of the human population—most of which is free from oral disease. A truth puzzling to investigators, the discovery of a self-produced, …

Immediate Effect Of Complete Denture Occlusal Errors On Masticatory Muscle Emg Activity In Denture Wearers: A Pilot Study, Swati Ahuja

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

In the last three decades, little scientific progress has been seen in relation to the occlusal aspects in complete dentures. Equal distribution of loading forces to the edentulous denture foundation is an important factor affecting stability, patient comfort and acceptance of complete dentures. Also, understanding the functional behavior of masticatory muscles for complete denture wearers is important for diagnosing and planning the clinical treatment.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of unilateral and bilateral occlusal interferences on the masticatory muscle activity in edentulous patients, and how patients respond to occlusal interferences both physiologically and psychologically …

Use Of Cvm Stages In Assessment Of Young Orthodontic Patients To Estimate Growth Potential, David Justin Sander

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Harnessing a patient’s growth to correct parasagittal discrepancies is an important part of Class II correction in orthodontic treatment; however, orthodontists rarely have the opportunity to choose when a patient is referred to them. Diagnostic records can assist the orthodontist in determining how much growth a patient has remaining. The purpose of this retrospective cephalometric study was to determine whether the amounts of in-treatment facial growth differ significantly by sex and by cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stage. The sample consisted of 133 Class II division 1 patients from a single private practice office treated with a combination of a functional …

Functional Health Literacy And The Use Of Dental Services In Young Children, Melissa Fries

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine parental Functional Health Literacy and their child’s subsequent utilization of dental services. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of children (n=1175) enrolled in the Child Health Investment Partnership of Virginia (CHIP). Descriptive statistics and separate multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the relationship between functional health literacy measures; 1) Health Care Literacy (HCL), 2) Personal Health Literacy (PHL), and 3) LSP 22 scale, with utilization as measured as number of dental visit/s. Results: Descriptive analysis of the cohort reveals: 45% black, 40% white, 10% Hispanic, 5% other, 41% of …

The Evaluation Of Pain Experienced By Children Undergoing Simple Extraction Using 2% Lidocaine Versus Oraqix Topical Anesthetic Gel, John Haffner

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the pain response experienced by children undergoing simple tooth extractions using 2% Lidocaine injection versus Oraqix topical anesthetic gel. Methods: This study is being conducted at VCU pediatric dentistry clinic. The sample size will consist of 15 children ages 7-12 undergoing a simple extraction procedure. Each participant is randomly assigned to one of two groups, the lidocaine injection group or the Oraqix topical group. The pain level will be measured at four key events during the procedure. The first event will evaluate the pain at baseline. The second event will measure …

Comparing Cyclic Fatigue Of The New Gt® Series Xtm Files To The Original Profile® Gt® Rotary Instruments, Steven Osmond

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the number of rotations to fracture of the M-Wire GT® Series X(TM) rotary files compared to the original ProFile® GT® rotary files in a simulated curved canal. Eighty GT® Series X(TM) files of 25mm length were divided into eight groups of ten, one for each of the new GT® Series X(TM) files. Eighty original ProFile® GT® files of 25mm length were divided into eight groups of the same tip and taper sizes consistent with the GT® Series X(TM) file groups. Files were rotated at 300 rpm. While the angle may have slightly …

Comparative Analysis Of Torsional Strength Between Profile® Gt® And Gt® Series X(Tm) Nickel Titanium Rotary Instruments, Jake Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the resistance to fracture by the twisting of two nickel titanium (NiTi) rotary file systems. The Profile® GT® (GT) and the GT® Series X(TM) (GTX) files were tested to analyze the maximum torsional strength and the maximum angular deflection at the time of separation of the files. For each system, ten new files were tested at each of the following eight taper/size designations for a total of 160 files: 20/0.04, 20/0.06, 30/0.04, 30/0.06, 30/0.08, 40/0.04, 40/0.06, and 40/0.08. The American National Standards Institute / American Dental Association Specification No. 28 was implemented …

Comparing Cyclic Fatigue Of The New Gt® Series X(Tm) Files To The Endo Sequence™ Rotary Instruments, Nathan Wayment

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the number of rotations to failure of two different rotary file systems, EndoSquence Brassler USA (Savannah, GA) and GT(TM) series X(TM). Files sizes 20,30,40 with 0.04, 0.06 tapers of GT series X and Endo Sequence files size and taper used were 20, 30, 40 with 0.04 and 0.06 taper. Like tip and tapers were compared between systems. All files tested were 25mm in length. Files were allocated into 12 groups of 10 files each, and mounted to a universal testing machine. Each file was rotated at 300 rpms until fractured occurred. The …

The Effects Of Motivational Interviewing In Pregnancy On Infant Oral Health Knowledge And Behavior, Patricia Arteaga

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine infant oral health knowledge and readiness of expectant mothers to incorporate preventive oral health behaviors for their infants. Methods: The study used a prospective cohort design to examine the effect of prenatal education and motivational counseling with expectant mothers about infant oral health care readiness. Participants were all enrolled in a prenatal care program called Centering Pregnancy offered by VCU’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. They all completed a pre-survey questionnaire, followed by a motivational counseling intervention, and then completed a post-survey questionnaire. Results: A sample of 30 pregnant women completed …

Genetic Variations Of Cyp2b6 Enzyme And The Response To Meperidine In Oral Sedation, Sally Hua

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of CYP2B6 genotype to the clinical response to meperidine in pediatric dental patients. Methods: Twenty-five patients, ASA I/ II, 45–92 months old, received an oral sedative regimen containing meperidine for dental treatment. The North Carolina Behavior Rating Scale (NCBRS) and Overall Effectiveness of Sedation Scale (OESS) were used to assess their behavior and sedation outcome. Saliva DNA samples were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Results: We found the following genotype distributions: homozygous wild-type 1*1 (n = 8, 32%), heterozygous 1*6 (n = 13, 52%), and homozygous variant 6*6 (n = 4, …

Preventive Dental Services For Infants And Subsequent Utilization Of Dental Services, Elizabeth Berry

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of dental services for young children following a preventive oral health intervention in a pediatric medical clinic. Over a 3 year period (2005-2008), children 0-36 months of age, enrolled in Medicaid, were provided preventive oral health services in a medical setting. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the effect receiving the preventive oral health services in a medical setting with the outcomes of dental utilization. 15% were determined to have dental caries at the intervention and 42% found to have a dental visit post-intervention. Children determined …