Orthodontic brackets create biofilm niches that promote enamel demineralization and white spot lesions, necessitating effective antibacterial coatings during fixed appliance therapy. Therefore, it is of interest to compare antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus on 80 brackets coated with CuO-NPs, TiO2-NPs or Ag-NPs versus uncoated controls (n=20/group) using sol-gel dip-coating. All nanoparticle coatings significantly outperformed controls (p<0.001); Ag-NPs showed superior reduction (94.2% S. mutans, 91.8% L. acidophilus), followed by CuO-NPs (87.6%/68.9%) and TiO2-NPs (72.4%/68.9%). SEM/EDX confirmed uniform nanoparticle deposition on bracket surfaces. Thus, Ag-NP coating is the optimal strategy to minimize orthodontic biofilm formation and the risk of demineralization, advancing preventive orthodontics through targeted surface modification.
Postoperative pain affects 25-40% of Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) patients, impairing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This double-blind RCT randomized 80 single-visit RCT patients to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (808 nm periapical laser) or placebo postoperatively. LLLT reduced 24-hour Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores (2.1±1.2 vs 4.8±1.5; p<0.001) across all timepoints. Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) scores improved significantly (15.3±3.1 vs 22.7±4.5; p<0.001) with 58% less analgesic use. Immediate LLLT advances RCT recovery as safe adjunct for pain control and enhanced OHRQoL.
The optimal vehicle for enhancing the ion release and alkalinity of nano-calcium hydroxide remains unclear in endodontic therapy. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effects of distilled water, propylene glycol, nano-chitosan and chlorhexidine as vehicles for nano calcium hydroxide in 60 extracted single-rooted teeth. Calcium ion release and pH were measured at 24 hours, 7 days and 15 days. Propylene glycol showed the highest and most sustained calcium ion release and alkalinity, while nano-chitosan exhibited a controlled release pattern. Thus, data shows the choice of vehicle significantly influences the physicochemical performance of nano calcium hydroxide and may affect its antimicrobial potential.
Background: Digital dentistry has revolutionized implant prosthodontics by integrating cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanning, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CADCAM), and guided implant surgery. A fully digital workflow aims to improve treatment accuracy, reduce chairside time, and enhance patient comfort. Aim: To clinically evaluate the accuracy, efficiency, and clinical outcomes of a complete digital workflow in implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical study included 20 patients requiring single-tooth implant rehabilitation. A fully digital workflow was employed, involving CBCT-based implant planning, digital intraoral scanning, fabrication of a CAD-designed surgical guide, guided implant placement, digital implant impression using scan bodies, and CAD-CAM fabrication of implant-supported crowns. Clinical parameters evaluated included marginal adaptation of prosthesis, passive fit, chairside time, and patient satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The digitally fabricated implant-supported prostheses demonstrated satisfactory marginal adaptation and passive fit in the majority of cases. The digital workflow significantly reduced chairside time compared with conventional procedures reported in the literature. Patient satisfaction scores were high, particularly regarding comfort during impression procedures. Conclusion: A fully digital workflow in implant prosthodontics provides predictable clinical outcomes, improved efficiency, and enhanced patient comfort. Digital implant dentistry represents a reliable and effective approach for modern implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation.
