Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy in supragingival plaque removal of two soft-bristle toothbrushes. Seventy volunteers were allocated randomly to the Colgate Slim Soft or Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush grourps. At baseline appointment, volunteers underwent plaque examination using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index. Under supervision, they then brushed their teeth for 1minute with their assigned toothbrushes and the plaque examination was repeated. Volunteers performed daily oral hygiene with their assigned toothbrush and a regular dentifrice provided by the researchers for 7 days. The baseline experimental procedures were then repeated. Separate analyses of variance were performed for the whole-mouth, interproximal, and gumline plaque scores (p < 0.05). No difference in baseline pre-brushing scores was found between groups. After a single toothbrushing, the mean plaque score was significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.05), with greater reduction of whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores observed in the SlimSoft group compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). After 7 days, the SlimSoft group showed greater reduction of the whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the SlimSoft toothbrush presented greater efficacy in supragingival plaque removal than did the Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush, as reflected by whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores.

O processo ensino-aprendizagem para a formação de cirurgiões-dentistas fundamenta-se em diretrizes que corroboram a formação de profissionais reflexivos, humanísticos e críticos. Nessa perspectiva, objetiva-se, com a presente pesquisa, trabalhar as percepções de estudantes de uma faculdade de odontologia em relação à realização de estágios curriculares supervisionados no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Esta é uma pesquisa descritiva, desenvolvida com dados qualitativos, coletados por meio de questionários autoaplicados em 65 estudantes, e trabalhados segundo Análise de Conteúdo. Chegou-se a três temas estruturados nas seguintes categorias: explorando o desconhecido; iniciando a caminhada profissional; vivenciando as realidades no SUS. Os estudantes percebem diferentes processos de trabalho em saúde, apontam a importância do engajamento dos professores na supervisão dos estágios e percebem o SUS como um rico espaço de aprendizagem significativa para a formação em saúde.

The teaching-learning process for training dentists are based on guidelines that corroborate training of professionals who are reflective, humanistic and critical. From this perspective, the aim of the present study was to analyze the perceptions of students at a dentistry school regarding supervised curricular internship within the National Health System (SUS). This was a descriptive study developed through qualitative data that were gathered using a self-applied questionnaire among 65 students and analyzed using content analysis. Three structure topics in the following categories were reached: exploring the unknown; beginning the professional career; and experiencing the realities within SUS. The students perceived the different work processes; indicated the importance of teachers’ engagement in supervising the training; and perceived that SUS is a space rich in significant learning for healthcare training.

El proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje para la formación de cirujanos-dentistas se basa en directrices que corroboran la formación de profesionales reflexivos, humanísticos y críticos. Dentro de esa perspectiva, el objetivo de la encuesta es trabajar las percepciones de estudiantes de una facultad de odontología en lo que se refiere a la realización de pasantías curriculares supervisadas en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Esta es una encuesta desarrollada con datos cualitativos, recogidos por medio de cuestionarios auto-aplicados en 65 estudiantes y trabajados según el análisis de contenido. Se llegó a tres temas estructurados en las categorías siguientes: exploración de lo desconocido; inicio de la trayectoria profesional; experiencia de las realidades del SUS. Los estudiantes perciben diferentes procesos de trabajo en salud, señalan la importancia del compromiso de los profesores en la supervisión de las pasantías y perciben el SUS como un espacio rico de aprendizaje significativo para la formación en salud.

O processo ensino-aprendizagem para a formação de cirurgiões-dentistas fundamenta-se em diretrizes que corroboram a formação de profissionais reflexivos, humanísticos e críticos. Nessa perspectiva, objetiva-se, com a presente pesquisa, trabalhar as percepções de estudantes de uma faculdade de odontologia em relação à realização de estágios curriculares supervisionados no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Esta é uma pesquisa descritiva, desenvolvida com dados qualitativos, coletados por meio de questionários autoaplicados em 65 estudantes, e trabalhados segundo Análise de Conteúdo. Chegou-se a três temas estruturados nas seguintes categorias: explorando o desconhecido; iniciando a caminhada profissional; vivenciando as realidades no SUS. Os estudantes percebem diferentes processos de trabalho em saúde, apontam a importância do engajamento dos professores na supervisão dos estágios e percebem o SUS como um rico espaço de aprendizagem significativa para a formação em saúde.

The teaching-learning process for training dentists are based on guidelines that corroborate training of professionals who are reflective, humanistic and critical. From this perspective, the aim of the present study was to analyze the perceptions of students at a dentistry school regarding supervised curricular internship within the National Health System (SUS). This was a descriptive study developed through qualitative data that were gathered using a self-applied questionnaire among 65 students and analyzed using content analysis. Three structure topics in the following categories were reached: exploring the unknown; beginning the professional career; and experiencing the realities within SUS. The students perceived the different work processes; indicated the importance of teachers’ engagement in supervising the training; and perceived that SUS is a space rich in significant learning for healthcare training.

El proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje para la formación de cirujanos-dentistas se basa en directrices que corroboran la formación de profesionales reflexivos, humanísticos y críticos. Dentro de esa perspectiva, el objetivo de la encuesta es trabajar las percepciones de estudiantes de una facultad de odontología en lo que se refiere a la realización de pasantías curriculares supervisadas en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Esta es una encuesta desarrollada con datos cualitativos, recogidos por medio de cuestionarios auto-aplicados en 65 estudiantes y trabajados según el análisis de contenido. Se llegó a tres temas estructurados en las categorías siguientes: exploración de lo desconocido; inicio de la trayectoria profesional; experiencia de las realidades del SUS. Los estudiantes perciben diferentes procesos de trabajo en salud, señalan la importancia del compromiso de los profesores en la supervisión de las pasantías y perciben el SUS como un espacio rico de aprendizaje significativo para la formación en salud.

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a percepção estética do sorriso de pacientes, estudantes de odontologia e dentistas, em relação a diferentes situações de posição da margem gengival. Cento e vinte e três indivíduos (41 pacientes, 41 estudantes de odontologia e 41 dentistas) responderam um questionário estruturado e avaliaram 6 fotografias de um mesmo sorriso modificadas no Photoshop representando: periodonto inalterado (sem recessão gengival), recessão de 2 mm em um incisivo lateral superior, recessão de 2 mm em ambos incisivos laterais superiores, recessão de 2 mm em um canino superior, recessão de 2 mm em ambos caninos superiores e recessão generalizada de 2 mm. Uma escala visual analógica (EVA) foi usada para graduar a percepção estética. Médias da EVA foram calculadas e comparadas entre as situações gengivais, bem como entre os grupos de respondentes pela ANOVA de um critério com nível de significância de 0,05. A análise da EVA revelou que os valores médios variaram entre de 4,2 (±1,8) a 6,8 (±1,7). Periodonto inalterado foi avaliado com o maior escore por todos os grupos (com diferença estatisticamente significativa entre dentistas e estudantes de odontologia). Entretanto, pacientes avaliaram periodonto inalterado com valores menores quando comparados a dentistas e estudantes de odontologia. Entre pacientes nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada para nenhuma das situações apresentadas. Quando dentistas e estudantes de odontologia foram considerados, a pior situação foi observada para recessão gengival generalizada (4,2±1,8 e 4,9±1,8, respectivamente). Pacientes e profissionais da odontologia demonstraram diferentes percepções sobre as situações de estética relacionadas à posição da margem gengival.

The aim of this study was to compare the smile esthetic perception of patients, dental students and dentists faced to different situations concerning gingival margin position. A total of 123 individuals (41 patients, 41 dental students and 41 dentists) completed a structured questionnaire and evaluated 6 pictures of the same smile modified in Adobe Photoshop® image-editing software representing: no gingival recession, 2 mm recession in one maxillary lateral incisor, 2 mm recession in both maxillary lateral incisors, 2 mm recession in one maxillary canine, 2 mm recession in both maxillary canines and generalized 2 mm recession. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to rate the esthetic perception. Mean VAS values were calculated and compared among gingival situations as well as group of respondents by one-way ANOVA, with an alpha level of 0.05. VAS analysis revealed that mean values ranged from 4.2 (±1.8) to 6.8 (±1.7). Images with no gingival recession received the highest score by all groups, with statistically significant differences among dentists and dental students. However, patients scored images with no recession with significantly lower ranks as compared with dentists and dental students. No significant differences were observed among patients for any of the situations. When dentists and dental students were compared, the worst situation was observed for generalized gingival recession, with scores 4.2 (±1.8) and 4.9 (±1.8), respectively. Patients and dental professionals had different perceptions about esthetics related to gingival margin position.

There is little material in the literature that compares biological width measurements in periapical and bite-wings radiographs with clinical measurements. The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of biological width taken by three different methods which are frequently used for planning periodontal surgery - periapical radiograph, bite-wing radiograph and transperiodontal probing - with the trans-surgical measurements. Thirty-four sites from twenty-one subjects were analyzed. The intra-class correlation coefficients between measurements obtained trans-surgically (gold standard) and those obtained by transperiodontal probing, periapical radiography and bite-wing radiography were determined. Average measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon test at a significance level of 0.05. Also, the frequency distribution of differences between test measurements and the gold standard was calculated. The results showed that transperiodontal probing (mean 2.05 mm) was the most accurate measurement, as compared to the gold standard (mean 1.97 mm), with no statistically significant difference observed. On the other hand, periapical and bite-wing radiographic mean values (1.56 mm and 1.72 mm, respectively) were smaller than the gold standard, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). It was concluded that transperiodontal probing was the most accurate measurement, as compared to the gold standard, followed by that obtained with the bite-wing radiograph. The clinical relevance of these results could be that planning for crown lengthening surgery should, preferably, include transperiodontal probing.

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of routine use of dental prophylaxis prior to visual inspection, in order to diagnose caries, by dentists with different lapses of time after graduating time. One hundred and fifty one Brazilian dentists were interviewed in 3 Brazilian cities to determine if they usually remove dental plaque prior to visual inspection for caries diagnosis. The dentists were stratified according to year of graduation. The association between the lapse of time after graduating and the practice of routinely removing dental plaque before clinical examination was tested using the chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. Only 28.5% of the dentists reported that they usually remove dental plaque prior to clinical examination. The dentists who graduated in the last 15 years presented the lowest percentages of plaque removal prior to clinical examination (15.1%), whereas the more experienced dentists reported that they perform prophylaxis more frequently. Of the professionals who graduated from 1960-1975, 23.9% reported that they performed dental plaque removal prior to diagnosis, whereas the figure for those graduating from 1976-1990 was 46.2%. Most of the dentists interviewed reported that they did not remove dental plaque prior to performing visual diagnosis of caries.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar procedimentos de medida da altura óssea histológica e morfométrica. O método mais freqüente de mensuração da altura óssea em estudos em animais são as medidas microscópicas. No entanto, tem limitada capacidade de identificar os níveis ósseos associados com os tecidos saudáveis e doença periodontal. Foram colocadas ligaduras no segundo molar superior esquerdo de 10 ratos machos Wistar com 60 dias de vida durante um período de 30 dias. Hemimaxilas direitas e esquerdas de 5 ratos foram processadas para a análise histológica (H), cortadas no sentido vestíbulo-lingual e coradas com HE. Hemimaxilas dos outros 5 ratos tiveram toda a matéria orgânica removida para análise morfométrica (M). Medidas histométricas da junção cemento-esmalte (JCE) à crista óssea alveolar foram realizadas. Fotografias padronizadas foram utilizadas na análise morfométrica. O teste t foi utilizado para amostras dependentes e independentes (alfa = 0,05%). As distâncias entre a JCE e a crista óssea na face palatina foram de 0,95 ± 0,25 e 1,07 ± 0,30 mm para H e M, respectivamente. As medidas vestibulares foram 0,92 ± 0,16 e 1,08 ± 0,35 mm para H e M. Os valores obtidos usando H e M para áreas sem ligadura foram 0,44 ± 0,15 e 0,47 ± 0,11 mm por lingual e 0,23 ± 0,08 e 0,41 ± 0,10 mm por vestibular, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois métodos na detecção da altura óssea associada à colocação de ligaduras em ratos.

The purpose of this study was to compare histologic and morphometric procedures of bone height measurement. Microscopic measurements are the most frequent methods in periodontal studies with animals, but have limited capacity to identify bone levels associated with both healthy tissues and periodontal disease. Ligatures were placed in the maxillary left second molars of 10 male 60-day-old Wistar rats for 30 days. Left and right maxillary sides of 5 rats were processed for histologic analysis (H), sectioned buccolingually, and stained with HE. The maxillae of the other 5 rats were defleshed and used for morphometric analysis (M). Histometric measurements from the cementoenamel junction to the bone crest were performed. Standardized photographs were used for morphometric analysis. The t test was used for dependent or independent samples (alpha = 0.05%). Distances from cementoenamel junction to bone crest were 0.95 ± 0.25 and 1.07 ± 0.30 mm for H and M, respectively. Buccal measurements were 0.92 ± 0.16 and 1.08 ± 0.35 mm for H and M. The values obtained using H and M for areas without ligatures were 0.44 ± 0.15 and 0.47 ± 0.11 mm for lingual measurements and 0.23 ± 0.08 and 0.41 ± 0.10 mm for buccal measurements. No significant differences were found between the two methods in the detection of bone height associated with the placement of ligatures in rats.

O modelo rato é extensamente usado na pesquisa periodontal, e a qualidade dos cortes histológicos é essencial. A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar as características histológicas dos tecidos periodontais nas maxilas de ratos Wistar, após diferentes períodos de fixação e descalcificação pelo ácido nítrico ou pelo ácido fórmico (Solução de Anna Morse). Quinze ratos foram usados. A fixação foi realizada nos períodos de 24, 48 e 72 horas. As maxilas foram divididas e parte foi descalcificada em ácido nítrico durante 7 dias e parte com solução de Anna Morse por 35 dias. Dois examinadores treinados e cegos executaram a avaliação. Quarenta e oito horas de fixação e descalcificação com solução de Anna Morse mostraram características mais evidentes da interface epitélio-conjuntivo, assim como das estruturas periodontais. As médias, por vestibular, entre a junção cemento-esmalte e a crista óssea nos diferentes tempos experimentais variaram entre 176,5 (± 60,45) e 210,94 (± 39,33) "pixels", e, na face palatina, entre 199,69 (± 38,33) e 298,55 (± 70,81) "pixels", sem nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa (ANOVA, p > 0,05). No mesmo período de fixação, a descalcificação com ácido nítrico ou solução de Anna Morse não mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significantes. Pode-se concluir que, para a análise histológica qualitativa, a fixação deve ser preferivelmente em 48 horas e a desmineralização por solução de Anna Morse. Para a análise histo-morfométrica, a solução descalcificadora não interferiu nos resultados.

The rat model is widely used in periodontal research and the quality of histological sections is essential. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological characteristics of periodontal tissues in Wistar rat maxillae, with different times of fixation and decalcified by nitric acid or formic acid (Anna Morse Solution). Fifteen rats were used. Fixation was performed for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The maxillae were hemi-sectioned and each part was decalcified either in nitric acid for 7 days or in Anna Morse solution for 35 days. Two trained and blinded examiners performed the evaluation. Fourty eight hours of fixation and decalcification with Anna Morse solution showed more clear characteristics of the epithelium-connective tissue interface and of the periodontal structures. Mean measurements between the cementum-enamel junction and the bone crest varied in the different experimental times from 176.5 (± 60.45) to 210.94 (± 39.33) pixels on the buccal aspect, and from 199.69 (± 38.33) to 298.55 (± 70.81) pixels on the palatal aspect, with no statistically significant differences (ANOVA, p > 0.05). In the same fixation period, decalcification with nitric acid or Anna Morse solution did not display any statistically significant differences. It may be concluded that for a qualitative histological analysis, fixation should preferably be for 48 hours and the demineralization should be made by Anna Morse solution. For a histomorphometric analysis, the decalcification solution does not interfere in the results.

A maioria dos usuários de PPR mostra-se satisfeita com suas próteses, porém os fatores que influenciam a satisfação e aceitação não estão determinados. OBJETIVO: Este estudo explorou variáveis técnicas, biológicas e de satisfação no funcionamento de próteses parciais removíveis (PPRs) após cinco anos de uso, comparando a avaliação do paciente e do cirurgião-dentista. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta adultos (39 mulheres, 11 homens) foram reexaminados após cinco anos da instalação de PPR. Através de exame clínico e questionário estruturado, foram coletados os dados relativos às condições dos tecidos de suporte, aceitação e características técnicas da PPR, mastigação, estética, conforto, higiene e necessidade de intervenção profissional. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e por correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Mais de 50% dos pacientes classificaram suas próteses como excelente quanto à retenção, mastigação, estética, conforto e higiene. Na avaliação do profissional, retenção e estabilidade foram consideradas excelentes em mais de 66% dos pacientes, e a higiene dos dentes e da prótese foi considerada boa em 52% e 46% dos casos, respectivamente. As armações metálicas e bases acrílicas foram consideradas adaptadas em 92% dos casos. Aceitação da prótese foi associada com retenção, mastigação, estética, higiene e conforto avaliados pelo paciente, e com retenção, estabilidade e condição da armação metálica avaliadas pelo profissional. Retenção e mastigação/conforto, avaliados pelo paciente, mostraram correlação positiva moderada com retenção e estabilidade medidas pelo profissional. Não houve associação entre avaliação de higiene pelo paciente e pelo profissional. CONCLUSÕES: Após cinco anos, a reabilitação oral com PPR estava satisfatória na maioria dos casos. Houve correspondência entre as variáveis retenção/retenção e mastigação-conforto/estabilidade. Higiene oral e da prótese não mostraram associação.

Most removable partial denture (RPD) wearers are satisfied with their prostheses, but the factors that influence satisfaction and acceptance are still not determined. OBJECTIVE: This study explored technical, biological, and satisfaction variables for the functioning of RPDs after five years, and compared the evaluation by the patient and by the clinician. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty adults (39 females, 11 males) were re-examined after five years of RPD service. Data were collected through clinical examination and a structured questionnaire to record the conditions of supporting soft tissues, prosthesis acceptance and technical characteristics, mastication, esthetics, comfort, hygiene, and need for professional intervention. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. RESULTS: More than 50% of patients classified their RPDs as excellent regarding retention, mastication, esthetics, comfort, and hygiene. In the professional evaluation, retention and stability were considered excellent in more than 66% of cases, and hygiene of teeth and prostheses was considered good in 52% and 46%, respectively. The metallic framework and acrylic base were considered adapted in 92% of cases. Prosthesis acceptance was associated with retention, mastication, esthetics, hygiene, and comfort evaluated by the patient, and with retention, stability, and condition of the framework evaluated by the clinician. Retention and mastication/comfort evaluated by the patient had moderate positive correlation with retention and stability measured by the clinician. There was no association of hygiene evaluation by the patient and by the clinician. CONCLUSIONS: After five years, the oral rehabilitation with RPDs was satisfactory for most cases. There was correspondence between retention/retention and mastication-comfort/stability variables evaluated by the patient and by the clinician. Oral and prosthesis hygiene were not related.