Dentistry Commons^™

Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (Cb2) Ligands Downregulate Pro-Inflammatory Markers In Stimulated Primary Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts (Hpdlfs), Ammaar Hasan Abidi

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

There are approximately 743 million individuals suffering from chronic periodontitis (PD) making it the sixth most prevalent condition worldwide. The affected adult population in the U.S. are nearly 64.7 million and the healthcare costs exceeds $14 billion. Recently, host response to pathogenic infection has been seen critical to the progression of PD and exhibit increase in various inflammatory markers. Marijuana is well known for its recreational usage and is a risk factor for periodontal disease, which is seen as a concern in society for its negative health consequences. However, many medical conditions can benefit from the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids. …

Changes In Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions Due To Mara Treatment In Class Ii Malocclusions, James K. Dillehay

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Orthodontic treatment effects on the pharyngeal airway have recently become a hot topic in the field of orthodontics. Current literature has shown facial skeletal morphology to be correlated with pharyngeal airway shape and volume. This study used CBCT imaging to identify what, if any, effects two different treatment modalities for correcting Class II malocclusions have on the pharyngeal airway volume. This retrospective study consisted of two groups of Class II patients: 38 patients (15 females, 23 males) treated with the MARA and an Edgewise appliance and 32 patients treated with an Edgewise appliance and Class II elastics. Both pre and …

Treatment Effects Of The Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (Mara) And Conventional Orthodontic Mechanics On Temporomandibular Joint Morphology: A Comparison Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Brenton E. Glassell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction: An ongoing debate exists in orthodontics about the amount of condylefossa remodeling and growth seen in Class II patients using functional appliance therapy. Some clinicians and researchers have found that that the use of functional appliances increases the amount of condylar growth and subsequent Class II skeletal correction; others believe that the mandible has a preset amount of growth and that conventional orthodontics will result in a similar amount of condylar growth to functional appliance therapy. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare condylar remodeling in functional appliance treatment using the mandibular anterior repositioning appliance (MARA) to …

Verification Of The Accuracy Of Electronic Mandibular Movement Recording Devices: : An In Vitro Investigation, Joshua Heath Balch

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

One goal of restorative dentistry is to truly capture maxillomandibular relationships that accurately reproduce mandibular border movements and that would prescribe the best occlusal interface. Registration of horizontal and sagittal movements of the patient allows maximum cusp height and fossae depth with proper placement of occlusal ridges and grooves. The goal is to develop an occlusion that is interference free and entails the concepts of organic occlusion. Methods to transfer patient information to a highly adjustable articulator include mechanical recorders, mechano-electronic recorders and optoelectronic recorders. The purpose of this study is to verify the accuracy of electronic mandibular movement recording …

In Vitro Staining Of Denture Liners And Potential For Color Correction Using Commonly Available Denture Cleansers, Russell D. Morrell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Denture liners are routinely used as part of immediate denture therapy, following surgery involving edentulous tissues, and to improve the function and stability of existing removable prostheses. Appropriate application of denture liners can facilitate patient comfort during prolonged therapy and prior to placement of definitive restorations. However, concern has been raised regarding the susceptibility of common denture liners to agent-induced color change which, in turn, adversely impacts the esthetic appeal of the associated removable prosthesis.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the color stability of denture liners exposed to commonly encountered food stains and commonly used …

Rankl And Osteoprotegerin Levels In Response To Orthodontic Forces, Katherine Ann Hart D.D.S.

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Orthodontic tooth movement is mediated by interactions between PDL cells and those of the alveolus. One protein—the receptor activator nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)—is critical for osteoclastogenesis, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a decoy ligand that competitively inhibits RANKL. A higher RANKL/OPG ratio is associated with areas of bone resorption, while a lower ratio occurs in areas of bone deposition and homeostasis. There have been almost no clinical studies of RANKL and OPG expression in human subjects undergoing orthodontic tooth movement. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in the levels of RANKL and of OPG expression in …

A Secular Increase In The Tempos Of Tooth Formation: 1980-2010, Kevan Michael O'Neill

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction: Improved environments in the U.S. have resulted in taller, larger, and heavier children and adults compared to past generations. Studies of other skeletal-dental dimensions have shown increases across generations, and our perception is that teeth now are forming faster. The purpose of this study is to test for a secular trend towards faster tempos of tooth mineralization in a sample of U.S. white adolescents over the past quarter century (1980-85 to 2005-10).

Materials: Two cohorts of 200 children each were identified, each with an age range of 10-to- 15 years, one group from 1980-85 and the more recent group …

Skeletal And Dental Components Of Class Ii Division 1 Correction With The Mara Compared To The Standard Edgewise Appliance, Zachary Paul Pitcher

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Many tools are available to correct Class II dental relationships. A functional orthopedic appliance is a popular type of Class II corrector that is thought to correct Class II dental relationships both dentally and skeletally by enhancing mandibular growth. The purpose of the study was to quantify differences in the amounts of skeletodental change based on treatment (MARA and Standard Edgewise) in Class II Division 1 patients. The sample consisted of 2 groups of Class II Division 1 patients: 51 patients treated with the MARA followed by an Edgewise appliance and another group of 51 patients treated with the Standard …

Pronthocyanidin-Rich Cranberry-Fractioninduced Alteration Of Periodontal Pathogen Lipopolysaccharide Functions, Vreiti Sangha

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The cranberry (species: Vaccinium macrocarpon, family: Ericaceae) is a polyphenolicrich berry fruit native to North America and exhibits numerous beneficial properties for human health, such as inhibition of human cancer cell line proliferation and prevention of urinary tract colonization by bacterial pathogens. The proanthocyanidin rich cranberry fraction has long been speculated to possess the capacity to reduce the production of inflammatory mediators by LPSstimulated macrophages and gingival fibroblasts and to inhibit host extracellular matrix destructive enzyme production and activity.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of cranberry non dialyzable material (NDM), which was shown to be …

Oropharyngeal Airway Volume Following Orthodontic Treatment: Premolar Extraction Versus Non-Extraction, Thomas Patrick Shannon

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Orthodontic correction of tooth size versus arch size discrepancy (TSASD) can be achieved with two distinct methods of treatment. The first involves the extraction of teeth to gain the space needed for tooth alignment. The second relies on arch expansion to gain the space needed for correction. In recent decades, arguments for and against the extraction of teeth for orthodontic purposes have become increasingly important, particularly in regards to oropharyngeal airway size. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a decrease in oropharyngeal dimensions following the extraction of four premolars and subsequent orthodontic therapy. Methods: …

Oropharyngeal Airway Volume Following Orthodontic Treatment: Premolar Extraction Versus Non-Extraction, Thomas Patrick Shannon

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Orthodontic correction of tooth size versus arch size discrepancy (TSASD) can be achieved with two distinct methods of treatment. The first involves the extraction of teeth to gain the space needed for tooth alignment. The second relies on arch expansion to gain the space needed for correction. In recent decades, arguments for and against the extraction of teeth for orthodontic purposes have become increasingly important, particularly in regards to oropharyngeal airway size. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a decrease in oropharyngeal dimensions following the extraction of four premolars and subsequent orthodontic therapy. Methods: …

Evaluating Dimensional Accuracy And Reliability Of "Stitched" Small Field Of View (Ssfov) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (Cbct) Datasets For Use In Proprietary Dental Implant Guided Surgery Software, Nicholas Luke Egbert

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Recently a "stitched" small field of view (SSFOV) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) extraoral imaging system (Kodak 9000D, Carestream Health Inc, Kodak Dental Systems, Marne‑la‑Vallee, France) has been released. The benefits of the 3D stitching module of stitched SFOV CBCT may include: broader range of applications, affordability, flexibility, safety optimizing radiation dose and improved workflow. With the reduced effective dose of radiation and cost to both the patient and clinician, this superior imaging modality becomes more accessible to the community, potentially elevating the standard of care. Currently, stitched data sets are restricted to diagnostic data gathering only. To date, …

Eccentric Interchangeability Of The Semi‑Adjustable Articulator: A Pilot Study, Mark James Hopkins

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Dental articulation is a method of approximating the patient's mandibular motion in order to allow for analysis of dental relations and fabrication of appliances. The most prevalent method used in teaching institutions is the semi-adjustable articulator. Several of these instruments claim interchangeability without loss of clinical accuracy and studies have supported this claim. No studies to date have assessed the interchangeability of the articulators in any relation other than hinge axis closure. Assessment of the accuracy of interchangeability of calibrated articulators will inform the profession of this parameter of articulation and allow for informed decisions on whether or not …

Efficacy Of Temporary Fixed Retention Following Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment, Mark J. Owens

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Instability of the occlusion is a common problem following orthodontic treatment. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate posttreatment relapse at long-term recall (> 10 years) in cases (A) treated with temporary fixed mandibular retention plus Hawley retainers compared to (B) a similar group retained with just removable retention (standard Hawley type retainers alone). Fixed retainers were removed after having been in place for about 2.5 years. Following this period, use of removable retention was left up to the discretion of the patient in both groups. Data consisted of orthodontic records of 166 American whites, all of whom …

Activity Of Epithelial Defensin Hbd-3 Against A Periodontal Pathogen, Norman B. Fine

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Defensins are cationic (positive-charged) peptides with broad-spectrum antibiotic activity. In humans, there are two types of defensins, alpha (α) and beta (β). Human neutrophils contain four α-defensins known as Human Neutrophil Peptide (HNP) 1-4. Epithelial cells produce four β-defensins known as Human Beta Defensin (HBD) 1-4. Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria that are associated with periodontal disease are resistant to human α-defensins, but are killed by β-defensins.

HBD-3 is the most active β-defensin. HBD-3 is a longer peptide than HNP 1-4. HBD-3 has additional amino acid residues with hydrophobic side chains near the N-terminus and residues with cationic side chains at the …

The Long-Term Stability Of Class Ii Cases Treated In A Private Practice Using A Straightwire Appliance: A Dental Cast Analysis, Lina K. Kulkarni

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Achieving long-term stability after orthodontic treatment is a major challenge for orthodontists. The previous literature shows that relapse occurs at a considerable magnitude. The purpose of the present study was to determine the amount and type of long-term, posttreatment relapse that occurs in a homogeneous group of patients treated by a single experienced orthodontist in a private practice setting. Dental casts from a sample of 30 Class II division 1 Caucasian females treated without extractions were evaluated at pretreatment (mean age = 13.1 years), posttreatment (mean age = 15.9 years) and recall (mean age = 28.3 years) to determine the …

Craniofacial Changes Following Nonextraction Orthodontic Treatment: A Long-Term Cephalometric Analysis, James Austin Rahaim

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Long-term posttreatment cephalometric changes from late adolescence into early adulthood were analyzed in this study. Lateral cephalometric radiographs from a sample of 30 Class II division 1 Caucasian females treated without extractions were evaluated at posttreatment (mean age = 15.9 years) and recall (mean age = 28.3 years). All of the subjects were treated in the private practice of a single, experienced practitioner. The cephalograms were examined to investigate changes in the cranial base, midface, maxilla, mandible, maxillomandibular relationships, dental relationships, and the soft tissue profile that occurred at an average of 12.4 years posttreatment. Descriptive and inferential statistics were …

Inhibition Of Monocyte Chemotaxis And Chemokine Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 Alpha, And Interleukin-8 Secretion By Lipopolysaccharide Isolated From Periodontal Pathogens, Andrew Karl Gray

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The vast majority of periodontal pathogens are classified as gram negative bacteria. These bacteria have an outermost membrane consisting of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a molecule that can act as an endotoxin and elicit an immune response. The lipopolysaccharide structure consists of three major regions: oligosaccharide, core, and lipid A. Oligosaccharide is exposed on the cell surface, and lipid A anchors LPS in the outer membrane. LPS has been known to hinder certain defensive mechanisms of the immune system by secreting products that interfere with signals that promote chemotaxis of leukocytes enabling the pathogens to go unrestricted. When LPS binds to the …

A Survey Of Treatment Characteristics In A University-Based Graduate Orthodontic Program, A. Brian Anderson

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

While there are a few national surveys on malocclusion in the U.S., few reports characterize actual orthodontic patients and their treatments. The purpose of this study was to describe the patients and their treatment at a university based orthodontic department, namely the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis. The goals of this study are: (1) to research patient demographics, dental and skeletal relationships and treatment variables; (2) to test for temporal trends in these patients and their treatment across a 26 year interval from 1980 to 2005; and (3) to assess the correlations among patient demographics, dental and skeletal …

Long-Term Changes In The Dental Occlusion Of Subjects Treated Orthodontically, Kenneth Cooper Dyer Iv

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

A major challenge in orthodontics is to provide a treatment result that remains stable after appliances are removed. Orthodontic treatment can move teeth from their neutral positions, which increases potential for future relapse. The literature from the University of Washington, Seattle, shows that relapse is pervasive and of considerable magnitude (Little RM. Stability and relapse of mandibular anterior alignment: University of Washington studies. Semin Orthod 1999;5:191-204). The intent of this study was to quantify the posttreatment dental changes that occurred over approximately a quarter-century in a cohort of women who had received comprehensive orthodontic treatment as teenagers. Dental casts of …

Modulation Of Rankl And Osteoprotegerin In Adolescents Using Orthodontic Forces, Nathan Reed Hamman

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Orthodontic tooth movement is mediated by interactions between PDL cells and those of the alveolus. One protein--the receptor activator nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)--is critical for osteoclastogenesis, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a decoy ligand that competitively inhibits RANKL. A higher RANKL/OPG ratio is associated with areas of bone resorption, while a lower ratio occurs in areas of bone deposition and homeostasis. There has been almost no clinical study of RANKL and OPG expression in patients undergoing orthodontic tooth movement.

The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in the levels of RANKL and of OPG in response to …

Neural Crest Contributions To Dental Pulp Stem/Progenitor Cells And Craniofacial Structures: Alveolar Processes, Tongue And Temporomandibular Joint, Vinay Jain

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: The cranial neural crest, a transient embryonic structure in vertebrates, is crucial to craniofacial and dental development. Populations of multipotent stem cells have been identified in various dental tissues including dental pulp. Hence, identification of multipotent cells of neural crest lineage within dental pulp and delineation of neural crest contributions to various craniofacial tissues may be a step towards utilizing the potential of neural crest progenitor cells for therapeutic applications.

Objective: The overall purpose of the study was to identify a population of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells of neural crest lineage and demonstrate their neural differential potential and to …

Statins Regulate Il-1Β - Induced Rankl And Opg Production By Human Gingival Fibroblasts, Ivelina Jurkowski

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Three-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase competitive inhibitors, also known as statins, are widely used agents for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk for a heart attack. Recent data suggest that statins influence bone metabolic activity by stimulating new bone formation both in vivo and in vitro. Bone resorption in periodontitis, an inflammatory disease, is orchestrated by the interaction of various cytokines in the inflamed tissue, produced by immune cells and also by resident cells such as human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Three molecules, members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and receptor superfamilies, regulate the process of …

Longitudinal Cephalometric Changes Of Orthodontic Patients Evaluated Long-Term, Lisa Ku

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Posttreatment changes are further complicated by the slow continued growth that occurs after treatment into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine long term posttreatment changes. The lateral cephalograms of 51 Caucasian females treated in the standard Edgewise practice of one private practitioner in Cookeville, TN were examined to investigate changes in the cranial base, nasomaxillary complex, mandible, interach relationships, dental relationships, and the soft tissue integumental profile that occured an average of 23 years posttreatment. Two tailed t-tests (α = 0.05) were run to see whether the posttreatment changes was statistically significantly different from zero. Craniofacial growth …

Cephalometric Evaluation Of Mara Therapy In The Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusions, Tiffany Rachelle Mcclaran

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The effectiveness of functional appliances is a debatable topic in the orthodontic literature, primarily because the benefits have not been consistently reproduced among clinical studies. The present study was a retrospective cephalometric analysis of patients with Class II, division 1 malocclusions at the start of treatment. There were 51 children treated by a single clinician with a MARA in combination with Edgewise appliances. The comparison group consisted of subjects treated with fixed Edgewise appliances only from the University of Tennessee, Department of Orthodontics. Subjects in the two treatment groups were matched on a one-to-one basis for sex and for five …

Peripheral Taste System In Inbred Mouse Strains, William Wes Shelton

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Taster and non-taster mice strains have been used extensively in animal taste research. Inbred mouse strains C57 and FVB have been proposed to be tasters, where as strains 129 and Balb/C are classified as non-tasters. Therefore, evaluating the peripheral taste system in these mice is of great importance to determine if there are morphological differences that might explain the physiological classification. The purpose of the present study was to determine if inbred mice that have been shown to be tasters have a larger number of fungiform papillae, have larger fungiform papillae and have larger taste buds. My work in this …

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 …

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, …

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 …