Takahiko Morotomi

The effects of mechanical stress on apoptosis induction during pulp wound healing were examined. Mechanical stress cavities of two different sizes were prepared on individual rat molars, one twice the size of the other in the occlusocervical direction. The authors compared the distribution pattern and number of apoptotic cells of the two groups by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated labeling assay. At one hour and one day, significant differences were observed in the distribution patterns and number of apoptotic cells between the single-size and double-size group. Four days after injury, apoptosis still existed on pulp cells in the double-size group but not in the single-size group. At 14 days, no difference in the number of apoptotic cells between the two groups was observed. These results suggest that the magnitude of mechanical stress, such as cavity preparation, may modulate the induction of apoptosis during pulp wound healing.

To make clear the characterization of first-appointed patients at the clinic of operative dentistry and endodontics, Kyushu Dental College Hospital, we investigated the data of those patients who came here during the three years from April, 1997 to March, 1999, and sorted them by age, sex, residing area, chief compliant, introduction, diagnosis, and treatment. The total number of first-appointed patients during the three years was 1534 which consists of 581 males (38.0%) and 952 females (62.0%). By age, the largest group was patients in the forties (18.0%), and groups of patients at ages from 20 to 69 were 83.7% of the total number. Patients from Kokurakita-ward showed 24.6% of this total, and patients from the whole wards of Kitakyushu-city showed 76.4% in all. The ratios of introduction from outside of this hospital and other clinics of this hospital were 19.5% and 28.0%, respectively. These patients without introduction showed 52.5% of all. Forty-three percent of these patients (non introduced), had a family dentist. The ratio of introduced patients increased more than that of last investigation. Patient diagnosed as having a disease related to operative dentistry, endodontics or periodontics was calculated to be 24.7%, 40.1%, and 30.7%, respectively. During the three years period, the total endodontic treatments were 32.4%, and restorative treatments and periodontic treatments were 15.5% and 21.2%, respectively. Re-treatment ratio was as high as 67.5%, which meant that the dental treatments should be reconsidered for a better result in the near future.