Efficacy of Preventive Dental Treatment Procedures on Oral Tissues in Naval Personnel.

Abstract : The study is an attempt to evaluate new and current clinical methods, agents and techniques employed for the treatment of dental caries, periodontal disease and hereditary enamel lesions. Specific objectives sought were: (a) determine the surface characteristics of tooth structure by means of scanning electron microscopy following the application of topical fluorides, with and without pretreatment with etching agents; (b) demonstrate the ionic uptake of topical fluorides in tooth structure by means of electron microprobe analysis; (c) determine the inorganic composition of subgingival and supragingival calculus in relation to the composition of serum and saliva, respectively; (d) study the calculus-tooth structure interface with the intent to develop better methods for either the prevention or efficacious removal of dental calculus; and (e) establish improved methods for the differential diagnosis of hereditary and precarious lesions in enamel. (Author)