Band theory is a pillar of solid state physics, laid down by Felix Bloch nearly a century ago. Based on the quantum mechanics of an electron moving under a periodic potential, band theory gives a remarkably simple criterion regarding metals and insulators: a band insulator is only possible when the number of electrons in the unit cell is an even integer. This textbook counting rule only assumes...

OBJECTIVES The study aimed at assessing the effect of low-level exposure to mercury (Hg) vapor from amalgam fillings among dental surgery staff in the city of Łódź, Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group was composed of 51 workers (mean age, 39.25+/-11.05 years) employed in dental surgeries; the control group comprised 16 white-collar workers (mean age, 40.05+/-10.57 years) of the Nofe...

AIM To evaluate the technical quality of root fillings performed in the undergraduate clinic of the Dental College, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia and to compare the technical quality of root canal treatment between the 4th- and 5th-year students. METHODOLOGY A random sample of 710 records of patients who had received dental treatment by undergraduate students at the College of Dentistry ...

For Canadians with amalgam-filled teeth, it was estimated that total mercury (Hg) exposure averages: 3.3 µg Hg/day in toddlers (aged 3 to 4 years); 5.6 µg Hg/day in children (aged 5 to 11 years); 6.7 µg Hg/day in teens (aged 12 to 19 years); 9.4 µg Hg/day in adults (aged 20 to 59 years); and 6.8 µg Hg/day in seniors (aged 60+ years). Of this exposure, amalgam was estimated to contribute 50% to ...

AIM To compare the technical quality and long-term outcomes of root canal treatment by general practitioners of a Swedish Public Dental Service, before and after an endodontic education including Ni-Ti rotary technique (NiTiR). METHODOLOGY A random sample was compiled, comprising one root filled tooth from each of 830 patients, treated by 69 general practitioners participating in the educatio...