Introduction: The objective of the present study was to compare the bond strength at the bone/implant interface of two different metals (titanium and tantalum) before and after plasma nitriding at 2 and 6 weeks. Methods: Titanium and tantalum metals were investigated before and after nitriding. The samples were divided into two main groups ( n = 10): control with no surface treatment and plasma-nitride surface treatment. Torque removal test and histomorphometric analysis ( n = 10) were performed following rabbit tibia screw implant placement. Results: Showed an increase in bone integration for plasma-nitrided tantalum samples compared with the control group; histomorphometric analysis also revealed greater bone maturation and osteoid formation after 6 weeks of bone implantation. Conclusion: Tantalum’s superior mechanical and biological properties make it a potential alternative as a dental implant material.
Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the effects of lozenges containing propolis on the control of moderate gingivitis. Method: Participants in the intervention group received a 200 mg propolis-containing lozenge and measurement of the gingival index (GI). They were instructed to use it twice daily for 7 days, once in the morning and once in the evening. In contrast, the control group received only instructions on oral hygiene. After one week, the GI measured again. A blinded statistician analyzed the data using the t -test using R software. Result: In the intervention group, the mean difference (post–pre) was −0.60 ± 0.2 ( P < 0.001, effect size: 2.23, paired t -test). In the control group, the mean difference (post–pre) was −0.12 ± 0.2 ( P < 0.001, effect size: 1.1, paired t -test). Between-group comparison showed a mean difference (intervention–control) of −0.48 ( P < 0.001, effect size: −2.35, independent t -test). Conclusion: Lozenges containing propolis demonstrated a significant decrease in the gingival index.
Introduction: This study evaluated the early gene expression of crucial bone metabolism markers (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand [RANKL], osteoprotegerin [OPG], tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], runt-related transcription factor 2 [RUNX2]) during fixed orthodontic therapy. Methods: Twenty-four patients (mean age: 18.5 ± 3.2 years) undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were enrolled in this longitudinal observational study. Saliva samples were obtained at baseline (T0), 24 h (T1), 7 days (T2), and 30 days (T3) after initial arch wire activation. Results of protein and gene expression analysis were obtained by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Salivary expression of RANKL and TRAP significantly peaked at T1 before gradually declining. Conversely, OPG, ALP, and RUNX2 showed delayed upregulation, increasing significantly from T2 to T3. The RANKL/OPG ratio spiked at T1 and declined significantly below baseline values by T3. Conclusion: Salivary gene expression markers effectively capture the temporal shift of bone remodeling during early orthodontic tooth movement, offering a noninvasive tool to monitor alterations of bone metabolism during early phases of orthodontic treatment.
Introduction: We aimed to investigate the relationship between drug abuse and standardized oral health indices, including the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), the calculus index (Cl), and decayed, missing, filled surfaces (DMFS). Methods: Participants were divided into three groups: (A) Control: Healthy adults with no history of drug use, selected from the Baghdad Al_Karkh health center, (B) Crystal (Methamphetamine) addiction, and (C) Mixed Addiction (Captagon, cannabis, and alcohol). A comprehensive dental examination is performed to assess the status of periodontal diseases and dental caries. Results: We found a significant difference among study groups regarding PI, GI, CI, and DMFS (P < 0.001). Pairwise post hoc comparisons showed a nonsignificant difference regarding PI, GI, and CI between the crystal addiction and mixed addiction groups (P > 0.05). The crystal addiction group showed significantly lower DMFS than mixed addiction (P = 0.019). Conclusion: Chronic drug abuse adversely affects oral health, with characterized by increased plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, calculus deposition, and caries prevalence.
Introduction This study investigated the effect of a composite coating composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on early-stage osseointegration. Methods: Implants were coated with a 1:1 CaCO3/nHA suspension using EPD. A total of 40 coated and uncoated screw implants were placed in rabbit femoral bones and assessed at 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively using the removal torque test. Results: Coated implants exhibited significantly higher removal torque values than uncoated controls (mean value of 7.311 vs. 4.508 N · cm at 2 weeks; 18.320 vs. 11.269 N · cm at 8 weeks, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The application of a CaCO3-nHA coating via EPD significantly enhances early bone integration and biomechanical anchorage of titanium implants.
Introduction: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of the state anxiety scale as a pretreatment predictor of blood pressure, pulse rate, percutaneous arterial oxygen partial pressure, and salivary amylase activity before calculus removal and tooth extraction. Methods: To assess the patients' anxiety levels before the dental procedure, the state anxiety scale was used. Vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse rate, and percutaneous arterial oxygen partial pressure, were measured at 2-minute intervals, 12 minutes before the initiation of calculus removal and tooth extraction using an automated sphygmomanometer. Salivary amylase activity was measured at 4-minute intervals, 12 minutes before the initiation of calculus removal and tooth extraction using the salivary amylase activity measuring device. Results: We found weak correlations between the state anxiety scale and psychological stress markers, including blood pressure, percutaneous arterial oxygen partial pressure, and salivary amylase activity, before scaling and extraction. Pulse rate showed a positive weak significant correlation with the state anxiety scale before scaling (r = 0.26, P-value <0.05) and extraction (r = 0.33, P-value <0.01). Diastolic blood pressure also showed a positive weak significant correlation with the state anxiety scale before extraction (r = 0.27, P-value <0.01). Regression analysis showed that the state anxiety scale was the only significant predictor of pulse rate before scaling (R2 = 0.131, coefficient = 0.303, P-value = 0.043) and extraction (R2 = 0.159, coefficient = 0.264, P-value = 0.0059). Conclusion: The state anxiety scale is a significant pretreatment predictor of pulse rate before calculus removal, a noninvasive dental treatment, and tooth extraction, an invasive dental treatment.
Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of diode laser–activated ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or citric acid (with and without orange oil solvent) for bioceramic sealer removal throughout endodontic retreatment. Methods: Fifty extracted single-rooted premolars were obturated using a bioceramic-based sealer and incubated at 37°C and 95% humidity for 4 weeks. The teeth were randomly assigned to the following five groups (n = 10): Group 1 used 20% citric acid with diode laser activation, Group 2 used 17% EDTA with laser, Group 3 combined citric acid and orange oil solvent with laser, Group 4 combined EDTA and solvent with laser, Group 5 served as control with mechanical retreatment only. After retreatment, teeth sectioned and examined at coronal, middle, and apical thirds. The primary measured outcome was the percentage of uncleaned canal surface area after retreatment. Results: Two-way analysis of variance had revealed statistically significant differences between treatment groups (P < 0.001) and region (P < 0.001). The interaction effect (subgroup × region) is also significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results confirm that diode laser activation of EDTA and citric acid (with and without of orange oil solvent) significantly decreased percentage of uncleaned canal surface area after retreatment in comparison with mechanical retreatment only.
Introduction: We aimed to assess the improvement in tongue mobility following frenectomy in ankyloglossia patients. Methods: Tongue mobility was measured before and 3 months after frenectomy using the quantitative tongue test ruler. Parameters evaluated included the Kotlow index and tongue protrusion and retrusion. Data were assessed using a paired-sample t-test. Results: A total of 36 patients, aged 6-33 years, were included. Pre vs. postoperation comparisons showed significant differences for the Kotlow index (P < 0.001, Effect Size (Cohen's d): 1.87, anterior mobility (P < 0.001, effect size [Cohen's d]: 1.48), and posterior mobility (P < 0.001, effect size [Cohen's d]: 1.75). Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that frenectomy improves tongue mobility in both protrusion and retrusion.
Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the surface hardness, roughness, and flexural strength of heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin after incorporating zirconium–hydroxyapatite (ZrO2–HA) particles at concentrations of 1, 2.5, and 5 wt.%. Methods: In total, 120 samples have been synthesized and divided into four groups based on ZrO2–HA wt.% incorporation. All samples underwent surface roughness, surface hardness, and flexural strength tests. Results: Flexural strength tests revealed significant differences among study groups (P < 0.001). The surface roughness test did not reveal significant differences among study groups (P = 0.336), whereas surface hardness tests showed significant differences among study groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Incorporation of ZrO2–HA particles at concentrations of 2.5 wt.% can improve the surface hardness of PMMA without affecting surface roughness.
Introduction: Correcting scissor bites in second molars is challenging in orthodontics due to their complex anatomical location and related biomechanical demands. Recent digital advances, including guided miniscrew insertion and direct aligner printing, offer enhanced precision and efficiency. Case Report: This manuscript presents a case report in which these advanced techniques were used to correct a unilateral scissor bite in the second molars. The results indicate that the treatment is effective, provides various benefits for patients, and reveals some potential drawbacks of these new methods. Discussion: The treatment proved effective, provided patient-centered benefits, and revealed practical insights into both the strengths and potential limitations of adopting digitally assisted approaches.
Introduction: We aimed to estimate the penetration depth of three calcium silicate-based bioceramic sealers, including Bio-C, One-Fil, and Total Fill Hi-Flow, into simulated apical lateral canals using three obturation techniques. Methods: Ninety standardized resin blocks with anatomically simulated lateral canals were instrumented and randomly allocated to three main groups (n = 30) based on the sealer used, each further subdivided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the obturation techniques employed: single-cone, continuous-wave, and carrier-based. Sealer penetration was measured using digital stereomicroscopy and analyzed with ImageJ software. Results: Sealer type (P < 0.001) and obturation technique (P < 0.001) significantly affected the penetration depth. Post hoc comparisons showed significant differences for all sealer types (P < 0.001). Regarding obturation technique, post hoc comparisons showed no significant difference only between wave vertical compaction and carrier-coated techniques (P = 0.635). Conclusion: Total Fill Hi-Flow sealer consistently showed greater penetration across all techniques. This outcome could be explained by differences in viscosity, particle size, or dentin interaction.
Introduction: We aimed to compare the vertical marginal fitness measurement of indirect zirconia overlay restorations fabricated using conventional and two types of digital impression technologies. Methods: Thirty sound upper first premolar teeth were divided into three main groups (n = 10) according to the type of impression method: group A impressions were taken using addition silicone; group B digital impressions were obtained using the Medit i700 digital scanner; and group C impressions were taken using Primescan scanner. After the indirect restorations were completed, the marginal fitness was assessed using a digital microscope at 200× and the Image J program, both before and after cementation. Results: There were statistically significant differences in vertical marginal fitness among the different impression methods (P < 0.001) and before and after cementation (P < 0.001). Nonsignificant differences were found among different tooth surfaces. Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed a significant difference among the three impression methods (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The marginal gap instead of marginal fitness of indirect restorations fabricated using digital impressions was smaller than that of restorations fabricated using conventional impressions. The marginal fitness for overlays fabricated using the Primescan scanner was lower than that of overlays fabricated using the Medit i700 intraoral scanner.
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the color change of human teeth with artificial enamel white spot lesions (WSLs) after sandblasting with bioactive glass, resin infiltration, and microabrasion and to test color stability after pH cycling. Methods: Fifty extracted human mandibular first molars were randomly assigned into five groups: Sound, WSLs (untreated), and WSLs sandblasted with bioactive glass (Sylc), WSLs treated by resin infiltration (ICON), and WSLs treated by microabrasion (Opalustre), respectively. All specimens underwent a pH cycling procedure. The color parameters for each specimen were assessed using an Easyshade dental spectrophotometer at different time stages then the color changes (Delta E) were calculated. Results: The demineralization step recorded a significant color change (P < 0.01). All treatments significantly reduced the lesion color change (P < 0.01), amongst which ICON recorded the greatest color reduction (Delta E = 2.94). The pH cycling resulted in a negative color impact for the Sylc group. Conclusion: Resin infiltration was able to enhance the WSLs' color and reestablish the natural color of the teeth efficiently as compared to bioactive glass and microabrasion.
Sustainability has grown in importance as people have become more aware of, and have realized, the detrimental impacts of uncontrolled economic expansion on the environment. These effects will be felt by both present and future generations. Therefore, people have realized the need to protect the environment and to reform economic measures and social security, which are important for sustainable growth. Dentistry focuses on the health of teeth and the mouth structures. The health of the mouth represents an essential element that affects both the quality of human life and general well-being. However, it is very unfortunate that the existing dental practices are claimed to be unsustainable on numerous fronts such as the economy, well-being, and the environment. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a blooming dental industry. However, no traditional research on sustainable dental practice indicates a sluggish development of interconnected sustainable policies, research, and education to contribute to the sustainable development goals. So, this is a strong call to action for each individual, all dental professionals, governments, and NGOs, academic institutions, researchers, manufacturing companies, exporters, and importers to contribute, review, and work together to fill knowledge gaps, encourage researchers to set research priorities, and help leaders from different sectors and other stakeholders respond to the crisis in the dental industry by giving guidance and speeding up the steps that need to be taken to make dental practice in Saudi Arabia more sustainable.
Introduction: This study examined the effects of alum stone administration via adhesive patches on the healing process of recurrent aphthous ulcers. Methods: In this study, 100 females, aged between 22 and 30 years, reported multiple oral aphthous ulcers. The evaluation of recurrent aphthous stomatitis was performed by an oral medicine specialist, who relied on the clinical manifestations of the condition. The experimental group was administered 1 × 1 cm2 mucosal patches containing 200 mg alum stone, whereas the control group was given placebo patches without any active medication. The size of aphthous lesions and degree of pain were assessed at Days 1, 3, and 5. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures ANOVA using R software. Results: The application of alum stone led to a significant reduction in lesion size and pain scores over time in the experimental group, compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study’s results indicated that the utilization of alum stone in mucosal adhesive patches yielded significant reductions in the size of aphthous lesions and the degree of pain.
Introduction: This study examined the correlation between dental health indicators and cooperative behavior in children aged 36–72 months. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on children visiting Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology. Pretreatment behavior was assessed using the Frankl scale, while the Houpt scale evaluated in-treatment behavior. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT) scores were recorded to gauge oral health. Data were analyzed by Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient using R software. Results: A statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found between DMFT and pretreatment behavior (Frankl scale) (Spearman’s r: −0.348). A statistically significant, very weak correlation was observed between PI and in-treatment behavior (Houpt scale) (Spearman’s ρ = 0.162). Conclusion: The results suggest that DMFT is correlated with pretreatment behavior, while PI and GI have limited correlations. This underscores the importance of early caries prevention to improve both oral health and cooperation in young children.
Introduction: We aimed to determine the association between salivary levels of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and sulfiredoxin-1 (SRXN-1) with periodontal health in smokers and nonsmokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 175 participants and was divided into five groups equally: (1) healthy controls, (2) nonsmoker gingivitis patients, (3) smoker gingivitis patients, (4) nonsmoker periodontitis patients, and (5) smoker periodontitis patients. From each participant, whole-unstimulated salivary samples were collected. The periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss, were recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the protein levels of salivary HO-1 and SRXN-1. Results: Salivary HO-1 and SRXN-1 levels were significantly lower in gingivitis and periodontitis patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Also, levels of SRXN-1 were significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers among gingivitis and periodontitis groups (p < 0.001). The HO-1 and SRXN-1 had a significant (p < 0. 001) and negative correlation with PI and BOP. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, salivary levels of SRXN-1 were lower in smokers with gingivitis and periodontitis.
Introduction: We aimed to investigate the significance of gender, age, systemic diseases, family history, and smoking status as predictor factors for recurrent oral aphthous ulceration. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by paper and online questionnaires, which were distributed among the Iraqi population. The questions include the subject’s biographic data, history of recurrent oral ulceration, and characteristics. The data were collected and analyzed by binomial logistic regression. Results : The participants were 1101 (384 males and 717 females) with a mean age (24.3 ± 8.136). The prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis was (73.8%) of the total subjects. The labial mucosa represents the most dominant site. Symptoms duration lasted for 1 week in most questioned subjects. Age, systemic disease, and family history were significant predictors. Gender and smoking were not significant predictors. Conclusions : Age, history of systemic disease, and family history of ulceration were effective predictors for recurrent aphthous ulceration.
Introduction: We aimed to investigate the outcomes of a modified lip repositioning surgery technique with tie levator labii superioris and without frenectomy and myotomy for the treatment of excessive gingival display (GD). Methods: In total, 32 patients, 23 females (71.9%) and 9 males (28.1%) with excessive GD were treated with a modified lip repositioning technique. Treatment consisted of the removal of two strips of mucosa, bilaterally to the maxillary labial frenum, and coronal repositioning of the new mucosal margin. The clinical dimensions of GD, upper lip, and vermillion length were measured at baseline, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Clinical parameters, including total lip length at rest, total lip length at a smile, lip length, and GD, showed significant results ( P < 0.001) and a significant difference between baseline and 6 months postoperative ( P < 0.05). Upper lip vermillion length showed significant ( P < 0.001) but unstable results ( P = 0.43) difference between baseline and 6 months postoperative. Lip mobility showed nonsignificant outcomes ( P = 0.136). Conclusion: Treatment of excessive GD using this modified lip repositioning technique results in significant and stable outcomes regarding total lip length at rest, total lip length at smile, lip length, and GD.
