Dentistry 3000

Smart Phone Application Reminder for Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance to Improve Oral Hygiene

2024-03-31T16:43:22-04:00

INTRODUCTION: In light of the extensive use of mobile phones and their associated software applications (Apps), as well as the undisputed role of reminders and Apps in behavioral interventions, the goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an application for smartphones (Brush DJ) to enhance oral hygiene compliance in individuals with fixed orthodontic therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 82 patients between the ages of 18 and 22 were divided into four groups, two of which (the experimental group and the control group) had just begun fixed orthodontic treatment (called New) and the other two (the experimental group and the control group) were have passed fifth months from the beginning of the treatment (called Old). Patients in the intervention group were asked to use the Brush DJ smartphone App after getting traditional oral hygiene training, compared to patients in the control group who got conventional oral hygiene instruction. At baseline (T0), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks following the start of the study, the plaque index (PI) and marginal bleeding index (MBI) were measured. Only patients with the software completed a questionnaire to determine how frequently and how long they brushed their teeth each day.

RESULTS: Both New and Old orthodontic cases in the intervention groups showed improvements in PI, whereas the parameter of bleeding showed no significant differences. During the follow-up period, application usage was associated with a higher brushing frequency and duration.

CONCLUSION: Apps might significantly improve the oral hygiene compliance of orthodontic patients by acting as reminders and motivators.

Five Techniques of Osseodensification in One Case

2024-09-29T15:40:26-04:00

Initial stability of implants is an important factor for the osseointegration of dental implants. Initial stability of implants can be lost when the bone is insufficient in cases of immediate implantation or when the bone density is insufficient, making it difficult to ensure good initial stability. Many techniques have been used to increase bone density. This study tested the use of five methods to increase bone density in one patient. This study concluded that the five methods used were effective in densifying the bone and achieving clinically acceptable primary stability in low-density bone.

Determination of Operators' Portable X-ray Safety

2024-09-20T15:53:49-04:00

Objective: Ionizing radiation in the form of rays interacts with matter and has immediate and delayed impacts. Applications in dentistry include extraoral and intraoral X-rays and machines can be portable and fixed. A portable X-ray machine is a mobile X-ray device that is smaller than a stationary one. The radiation dose from portable devices to which exposure is allowed should not be higher than 20 mSv annually. The purpose of this study was to compare three portable dental X-rays to determine the quantity of dispersed radiation that affects radiography operators.

Methods: Three types of portable X-ray devices (portable X-ray system (Clarox, Eightieth, and QiN high-frequency microfocus dental X-ray units) were used. An extracted tooth was used for testing. The tooth was X-rayed laying on a flat surface after pouring it into a stone base. Three different radiation devices of different sorts were positioned in front of the tooth individually, with identical dimensions for each device. More than one radiological image was obtained with each of the radiation devices, and radiation levels were recorded.

Results: It was discovered that as radiological images were being taken, the scattered radiation readings for two devices (Clarox and Eightieth) progressively decreased. The recorded readings for QiN were lower.

Conclusion: Comparing the radiometer results revealed that the portable X-ray equipment emits radiation that has an impact on radiation workers. Therefore, radiation safety precautions must be followed, and radiation shields must be employed.

Antimicrobial Efficiency of Hypochlorous Acid Incorporation and its Effect on Surface Properties of Irreversible Hydrocolloid Materials

2024-09-02T16:41:27-04:00

Objective: Conventional approaches for disinfection, including spraying and immersion, resulted in only surface disinfection of impressions. As a result, self-disinfecting impression materials incorporated with antimicrobial compounds require more extensive studies. The incorporation of a disinfectant into irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials could eliminate the need for the disinfection step by conventional approaches, including spraying and immersion which only result in surface disinfection of impressions. The study was aimed to investigate the effect of incorporation of hypochlorous acid in irreversible hydrocolloid materials on antimicrobial efficiency, detail reproduction, and dimensional stability.

Materials and Methods: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) was used in two concentrations, 100 ppm and 200 ppm, and mixed with alginate powder to compare with the control group (distilled water mixed with alginate). Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosawere chosen for assessing the antimicrobial activity with the disk diffusion test. In addition, the dimensional stability and reproduction of details were tested.

Results: The results revealed that both HOCl concentrations of 100 ppm and 200 ppm imposed significant antimicrobial activity against all three tested microorganisms. There was no significant difference regarding reproduction of details, but the addition of the antimicrobial had a significant adverse effect on the alginate’s dimensional stability.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that the incorporation of HOCL into irreversible hydrocolloid impression material resulted in an impression with antimicrobial activity. In addition, there was no effect on the impression materials ability to reproduce surface details, but the antimicrobial addition may affect its dimensional stability.

Inspecting Candida Oral Infections among Diabetics

2024-08-28T05:38:21-04:00

Objective: Oral candidiasis infection is more prevalent in diabetic patients. There are numerous factors that can exacerbate the colonization of Candida species in the oral cavity, including salivary pH disorders and xerostomia. The study aimed to evaluate Candida spp. resistance to antifungal agents and compare their colonization levels in diabetics and nondiabetics oral cavities.

Methods: We conducted the investigation from February 2023 to April 2023. We conducted the following analyses after collecting 100 oral samples: gram stain, culture on Sabaroud dextrose agar, and direct microscopic inspection. The Vitek 2 System confirmed the yeasts through carbohydrate assimilation profiles.

Results: Out of 100 oral samples cultured, 69 yielded Candida species. Fifty-two samples were from diabetics and 17 were from nondiabetic patients. The frequencies of isolated Candida species, including C. albicans, were 28, C. tropicalis 17, C. krusei 16, C. glabrata 6, and C. dubliniensis 2. The results indicated that C. albicans exhibited higher resistance rates against clotrimazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole than the no albicans Candida species. Clotrimazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole, on the other hand, showed no effect on 11, 29, and 18 samples for all Candida species, respectively.

Conclusion: C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida species in people with diabetes; however, other Candida species were common. Fluconazole and nystatin often treat oral Candida infections.

The Prevalence of Partial Edentulism and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

2024-09-21T17:12:40-04:00

Objective: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of partial edentulism according to Kennedy’s classification and its association to arch, age and gender.

Methods: Data were collected from 358 patients aged 18 to 80 years. Selected patients were grouped according to gender and age (<45, =>45). Intra oral examination for each patient was done. The pattern of partial edentulism according to Kennedy’s classification was determined. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS V26 statistical program. Chi-square test was used to test for differences in frequency at p-value<0.05.

Results and Conclusion: The rate of class III pattern in maxillary arch was significantly higher than that of mandibular arch. Class I pattern in mandibular arch was significantly higher than that of maxillary arch (25.1% vs 14%, P=0.001). No differences in frequency were found between class II and IV pattern and affected arch. Class IV was the least frequent in both dental arches. Frequency of class I and class II partial edentulism increased with age, while class III was more frequent at young age. Class IV pattern was more frequent among males than females.

Tea Tree Oil Effect on Dimensional Change and Detail Reproduction of Addition Silicon Impression Material

2024-09-01T18:36:35-04:00

Objective: Impression materials are thought to be the one of the primary sources of cross infection between patients and dentists. However, it was discovered that disinfection of the impression is not conducted routinely in ordinary dental treatment. Disinfection of addition silicon impression, whether by immersion or spray should not produce dimensional or detail errors. The purpose of this study was to examine the immersion of addition silicon impression material in tea tree oil and its influence on dimensional stability and detail reproduction of the addition silicon imprint material.

Materials and Methods: This study employed a total of 120 heavy- and light-body addition silicon impression material specimens. The specimens were randomly sorted and immersed into six groups. These test groups where four concentrations of TTO (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%), and the other two groups were distilled water (negative control) and 2% glutaraldehyde (positive control). All specimens were immersed for 10 minutes in the testing solutions. Each of the six groups had 20 specimens separated into two subgroups.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in linear dimensional changes and detail reproduction among all test groups.

Conclusion: The addition silicon impression material may be safely submerged in TTO for 10 minutes to disinfect it without impairing its dimensional correctness or detail replication of the impression.

The Combined Effect of Two Natural Extracts on Enamel Remineralization (in vitro Study)

2024-08-21T10:09:06-04:00

Objective: Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease that is prevalent worldwide in all age groups. Numerous attempts have been made to develop conservative approaches to halt caries progression and restore enamel defects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of applying grape seed extract and chicken eggshell extract on the microhardness of demineralized enamel in permanent teeth.

Methods: Forty-eight sound upper first premolars were used. Following demineralization with the demineralizing solution for 96 hours, they were distributed into four groups consistent with the treatment agent used: group A was treated with casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (as a control group), group B was treated with grape seed extract, group C was treated with chicken eggshell extract solution, and group D was treated with grape seed extract followed by chicken eggshell extract solution. Vickers microhardness measurements were performed on sound enamel, after demineralization and remineralization.

Results: Paired T-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s HSD test were used for statistical analysis. Enamel microhardness was significantly reduced following demineralization (p=0.000) and significantly increased after remineralization, with group D showing the highest values (mean microhardness=218.99).

Conclusion: Grape seed extract and chicken eggshell extract solutions have a synergistic effect on enamel remineralization which was interpreted from the increase in surface microhardness values.

Clinical Efficiency of Diode Lasers (810+980nm) in Exposure of Maxillary Impacted Canines

2024-08-13T03:06:24-04:00

Objective: An impacted canine has no eruption following the completion of the normal growth pattern. To expose an impacted canine, a laser can be used as an additional tool in addition to a scalpel and electrocautery. To compare the effectiveness of a dual diode laser with a traditional scalpel procedure for exposing impacted canines, with the parameters of bleeding and pain as main outcomes.

Methods: Thirty patients were chosen for this investigation. Each of them needed an operation for canine impaction, and they were divided into two groups at random: the study group, which were treated with a dual diode laser (980+810nm), and included fifteen patients, and the control group, which were treated with a scalpel. Data obtained prior to, during, and following surgery were compared. There were follow-ups after two hours, on the second, and third days after surgery. The Student's t and the one-way ANOVA tests were used for all comparisons.

Results: Thirteen males and seventeen females were examined in this study, and their mean age was 23 years. Intraoperative bleeding score showed a significantly decrease in laser group versus the surgical blade group (0.4666 vs. 0.29333, P=0.001). The postoperative pain score was significantly decreased in the laser group compared to the surgical blade group, at two hours (4.6 vs 8.233, P = 0.001), two days (2.067 vs 4.833, P=0.001), and three days (1.066 vs 2.01, P=0.001). There were significant differences in the pain and bleeding scores (P≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: When using a dual diode laser (810+910nm) as opposed to a scalpel, hemostasis can be achieved with minimal pain.

Maximum mouth opening measurement in relation to maximum bite force among children

2024-08-14T01:27:19-04:00

Objective: This research aimed to study the relation between maximal bite force (MBF) and maximum mouth opening among 12-year-old school children.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 400 children aged 12 years (194 boys and 206 girls) were examined. The MBF for the right and left side, as well as the anterior region, were evaluated for all children. The MMO was measured using an electronic digital caliper. To analyze the data path analysis method was used.

Results: Boys showed a higher MMO of 48.797 ± 6.500 than girls (46.710 ± 5.926 mm). The MMO increased with increasing MBF, with significant differences between females and males.

Conclusion: The MMO was higher in boys than in girls. Gender plays a significant role in MBF strength.

Assessment of Iraqi dental practitioners' and undergraduate students' knowledge regarding dentin hypersensitivity management: A cross-sectional study

2024-08-15T18:28:51-04:00

Objective: The characteristic of dentin hypersensitivity is brief, intense pain that results from exposed dentin in reaction to a variety of stimuli, including mechanical, thermal, osmotic, or chemical factors. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge among undergraduate students and practicing dentists in Karbala City, Iraq, concerning the mechanisms, etiology, and treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH).

Methods: 102 surveys were distributed via Google Forms to general practitioners and fourth- and fifth-year dental students at the Kerbala College of Dentistry in Iraq. The data were inputted into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 22.0 for Windows as frequency distribution tables and figures.

Results: Despite the differences in comprehension and expertise between students and dentists, a comparative analysis of their responses to various questions revealed several similarities. According to the survey, 28.8% of students reported that 10% of patients suffered from DH, while 32% of dentists reported the same. Additionally, 72% of dentists and 71.2% of students stated that DH is a severe problem for patients. Both dentists, 30%, and 26.9% of students, indicated that DH lasted for less than 2 weeks. According to dentists and students, females are more affected by DH (74%; n=37) and (71%; n=37), respectively.

Conclusion: Students and dentists showed a similar level of knowledge on DH.

The Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles on the Osseointegration of a Titanium Implant in Rabbits: A Histomorphometric Investigation

2024-09-06T08:35:40-04:00

Objective: One of the unique tooth or tooth replacement prosthesis in the dental implant. To encourage bone formation where it is applied, our approach uses a biomaterial system that is easily obtainable, and able to induce osteoinductive growth factor. Selenium nanoparticles are

Methods: Thirty-two implants consisting of commercially pure titanium rod were given to sixteen New Zealand rabbits. One implant was placed in each tibia of each rabbit. After implantation, eight rabbits were sacrificed every one to six weeks. For each animal, the left tibia implant was treated with selenium nanoparticles, whereas the right tibia implant was left uncoated. After staining each section with hematoxylin and eosin, the sections were examined histologically and assessed for histomorphometric analysis, which counted the number of bone particles that were formed.

Results: Selenium nanoparticle-coated titanium implants showed earlier bone growth, mineralization, and maturation than control comparisons. After all the bone parameters were examined histomorphometrically for the study, the healing durations of the two types of implants differed significantly.

Conclusion: Selenium nanoparticle-coated titanium implants had improved healing and osseointegration.