Background Bone grafting is essential for alveolar clefts. Sticky bone combined with concentrated growth factor (CGF) may enhance stability and healing compared to conventional methods, reducing resorption and donor site morbidity. Purpose To evaluate using sticky bone grafting combined with CGF membrane for repair of unilateral alveolar cleft. Patients and methods Ten patients with unilateral alveolar clefts were clinically evaluated for oronasal fistulas and nasal regurgitation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans assessed cleft dimensions and defect volume. Surgery involved raising mucoperiosteal flaps, suturing nasal lining, applying CGF membrane, grafting with sticky bone, then covering with another CGF membrane before flap closure. Patients were followed for 9 months to assess clinical outcomes (inflammation, nasal regurgitation, and fistula recurrence) and radiographic outcomes (graft volume and bone mineral density). Results Eight patients showed uneventful healing. Graft volume decreased from 1399.25 ± 418.63 mm 3 immediate postoperatively to 593.96 ± 242.63 mm 3 at 3 months, then increased to 825.93 ± 242.16 mm 3 at 9 months (mean graft take: 60.51 ± 11.68%). Bone mineral density at the graft site increased over time, reflecting ongoing mineralization, and remained higher than that in adjacent areas. Conclusions Sticky bone with CGF membrane enhances graft stability and integration in alveolar cleft repair. CBCT proved vital for volumetric and density assessment, supporting its role in long-term monitoring and treatment planning. Clinical relevance Sticky bone with CGF membrane enhances stability and healing in unilateral alveolar cleft repair, with CBCT enabling reliable postoperative assessment.
Background Antihistamines that are frequently used in treating allergic reactions are known with adverse effects. They are used to treat allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Vitamin-C (Vit-C) is a powerful antioxidant, able to reduce free radicals production and minimizes oxidative stimuli generated by chemical and environmental factors. Aim To identify the effects of Vit-C on the desloratadine degenerative changes on the acini of submandibular glands in albino rats histologically and ultrastructurally. Materials and methods Forty-five male albino rats were distributed as; control group (Gp I): received saline orally. Desloratadine-treated group (Gp II): received desloratadine (0.245 mg/kg) orally for 21 days. Desloratadine/Vit-C-treated group (Gp III): rats were treated as Gp II and with vitamin-C (500 mg/kg) orally for 21 days. Glands were examined using light and transmission electron microscopes. Area percentage of acini was statistically analyzed. Results Gp II acini were widely separated with cytoplasmic vacuolations. Nuclei showed irregular outline, some were pyknotic and shrunken. Rough endoplasmic reticulum showed dilatation and mitochondria were swollen. In Gp III, spaces between acini were less and showed minimal vacuolations. Some rough endoplasmic reticulum were well-developed, others were fragmented and mitochondria were almost normal. Statistical analysis revealed area percentage of acini was significantly decreased in Gp II when compared Gp I and Gp III. Gp III showed a significantly decreased mean value as contrasted to Gp I and significant increase when contrasted to Gp II. Conclusions Desloratadine showed adverse effects on submandibular glands’ acini under light and transmission electron microscope. Vit-C enhanced these changes.
Abstract Aim: The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the passive fit of screw-retained fixed/detachable digital denture framework fabricated from poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) material using conventional and digital methods and comparing it with a denture framework fabricated from cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) alloy. Material and methods: One readymade mandibular completely edentulous epoxy resin model covered with silicon resilient was used. Four implant analogs were placed at zero tilt on each cast multiunit abutments (MUA) and scanned with the epoxy resin cast by extra oral scanner and 3D virtual copy model was made. Outputting stereolithography (STL) file was saved and used as reference cast. The epoxy resin model with silicon was duplicated and poured in type IV stone that scanned and saved as STL file. Fourteen frameworks were designed as a duplication of the single ideal model and saved as STL file. Half of the frameworks were fabricated digitally from Co-Cr and the other half from PEEK. Passive fit was assessed for all dentures framework by conventional method and digital method. In conventional assessment of passive fit one screw was tightened on one side and the marginal fit was evaluated on the other sides by measuring the gap between the edge of MUA and the framework. Digital assessment of passive fit was made by using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software program and superimposition was made with the software demonstrating the amount of deviations between the prostheses and reference cast. Results: The result of this in-vitro study showed a significant difference between the two different material frameworks (PEEK and Co-Cr) regarding the gap between MUA and framework. However, the gap value was less in PEEK than Co-Cr. Conclusions: It was concluded that denture framework fabricated from PEEK has better passive fit compared to denture framework fabricated from Co-Cr using conventional and the digital evaluation.
Abstract Background: Today implants demonstrate high survival rate due to improved biological knowledge and enhanced practical skills. Placement of provisional restoration immediately at the same time of implant help to preserve the gingival tissue height and profile. Purpose: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate effect of different implant provisionalization on success of final restoration. Materials and methods: The study comparing the two different provisional materials of implant-supported restoration (BIRILLANT CRIOS, reinforced composite in GI and PMMA in GII) using PD, POB, MBL, and PI. Results: Regarding PD in GI is 2.38 ± 0.52, 2.63 ± 0.5 mm and GII is 2.75 ± 0.89, 3.13 ± 0.84 mm, respectively. Regarding MBL in GI IS 0.775 ± 0.39, 0.20–1.50 mm and in GII is 0.350 ± 0.14, 0.10–0.50 mm BOP in GII from +ve to −ve and half of cases of GI, PL in GI from 3.2 to 1 mm and from 2 to 1 mm in GII. Conclusion: Null hypothesis of this study was accepted; the two materials are considered implant provisionalization.
Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the precision of dental measurements on stone and digital models derived from CBCT and extraoral desktop scanning. Materials and methods: Twenty-two pairs of pretreatment models (upper and lower) were scanned using a Medit T310 desktop scanner. The same models were also scanned using a Planmeca ProMax 3D Classic CBCT scanner. DICOM files were converted into Standard Tessellation Language format using the scanner’s proprietary software. All Standard Tessellation Language files obtained from both scanning methods were imported into Maestro 3D software for analysis. Measurements from plaster study models were compared with those from digital models. Statistical evaluations included the intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, and post-hoc Tukey’s test. Results: High intraclass correlation coefficient values were observed for both CBCT and desktop scanners. Bland–Altman plots showed insignificant differences in mean values between methods. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in mesiodistal tooth dimensions or arch-width measurements across the three model types. Conclusion: Digital models derived from desktop and CBCT scanning appear to be accurate and precise for dental measurements and may effectively replace conventional stone models.
Abstract Aim: This study aimed to compare dental measurements obtained from digital orthodontic models created by photogrammetry and those obtained from a desktop scanner. Materials and methods: Forty orthodontic digital models (20 in each group) were analyzed. Group I consisted of digital models constructed using photogrammetry with a digital single lens reflex camera and 3DF Zephyr software. Group II consisted of digital models obtained using a 3Shape D800 desktop scanner. Dental measurements including crown width, crown length, intermolar width, intercanine width, arch length discrepancy, and Bolton ratios were collected using MeshLab software. Independent t tests were performed to evaluate the significance of the measurement differences between groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups across all measured parameters ( P > 0.05). Photogrammetry consistently showed a slight underestimation in some measurements but remained clinically reliable. Conclusion: Photogrammetry is a reliable, low-cost alternative to desktop scanners for generating digital orthodontic models. Its accuracy is sufficient for clinical use, making it particularly valuable in resource-limited clinics.
Background Elimination of intracanal microorganisms is critical for successful endodontic treatment. Persistent bacteria, particularly Enterococcus faecalis , are frequently associated with posttreatment disease and resistance to conventional intracanal medicaments. Bioactive glass has been proposed as an alternative or adjunctive intracanal medicament; however, evidence regarding its antimicrobial efficacy remains inconsistent. Aim To systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize available in vitro evidence comparing the antimicrobial efficacy of bioactive glass-based intracanal medicaments with conventionally used intracanal medicaments against E. faecalis . Materials and methods A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. In vitro studies evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of bioactive glass against E. faecalis were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for In Vitro Studies (QUIN). Where sufficient data were available, a meta-analysis was performed using standardized mean differences with a random-effects model. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD420250613452). Results The search identified 376 records, of which four studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Three studies provided extractable quantitative data and were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis was conducted to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of bioactive glass with calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine, with heterogeneity assessed using the I 2 statistic. Conclusion Bioactive glass demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis across the included studies; however, variability in formulation and experimental models contributed to heterogeneity in outcomes. Further standardized experimental and clinical investigations are required to clarify its role as an intracanal medicament.
Abstract Background: The loss of natural teeth due to various reasons, such as trauma, decay, or periodontal disease, can have profound physical, psychological, and social impacts on an individual’s quality of life. Over the years, dentistry has made significant advancements in the field of restorative dentistry, offering various solutions to address tooth loss. One of the most innovative and effective methods for replacing missing teeth is dental implantation. Dental implants have emerged as a groundbreaking solution, providing individuals with a permanent and functional alternative to conventional dentures or bridges. These small titanium posts, surgically inserted into the jawbone, serve as artificial tooth roots to which crowns or prosthetic teeth are attached. Dental implants not only restore aesthetics and functionality but also promote oral health by preventing bone loss and preserving adjacent teeth. Despite their many advantages, the awareness and understanding of dental implants among the general population remains somewhat limited. Objectives: The present study was carried out to assess thwe knowledge and awareness among students of Oral and Dental Health Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University. Materials and methods: This is a survey was conducted among students of Oral and Dental Health Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University. An electronic questionnaire was distributed using a new technology of social media. This questionnaire was adopted from some previous studies. The form consists of two sections; the first one relates to the demographic information including sex, age group, and education level. The remaining questions relate to the knowledge and awareness of dental implants. One question relates to the presence or absence of missing teeth among the students, one question about if the participant has implant, and another question relates to the source of information about dental Implants. The data will be collected in the form of Excel file and then it will be coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS software program. The demographic data will be presented in the form of frequency and percentage. Χ 2 tests will be utilized to test the significance of responses among participants according to their sex, age, and education. A P value less than 0.05 will be considered significant. Results: A total of 105 questionnaires were electronically received. All participants were males because no female section. Participants from the age group 21–40 years were 61.9% and only 38.9% of the participants were from the age group less than 20 years. Twenty (19%) participants were at first grade, 22 (21%) participants at the second grade, 22 (21%) participants at the third grade, 20 (19%) participants at the fourth grade, and 21 (20%) participants at the fifth grade. All the participants (100%) had missing teeth. Seventy (66.7%) participants reported that they had no dental implants while 35 (33.3%) participants reported that they had dental implants. Dentists were the most common source of information reported by 70.5% followed by media (29.5%). The fixed bridge was the choice for replacement of the missing teeth for all participants. There was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) found between the different education levels for this question. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study, it can be concluded that the level of knowledge and awareness about dental implant is high among students of Oral and Dental Health Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, but the detailed information is missing. The study also showed the need for more organized program to correct and to provide more information about treatment with dental implants.
Abstract Introduction: The treatment goal for temporomandibular disorders is to reduce pain and return to normal movement. Conservative arthrocentesis and arthroscopic lysis and lavage were recently introduced. Aim: To evaluate the clinical and imaging outcomes after arthrocentesis or arthroscopic lysis and lavage for treating temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement with reduction. Patients and methods: Fifty patients with temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement with reduction, classified as one of the radiological stage I or II Wilkes classification, allocated to two equal groups: arthrocentesis-treated group or arthroscopic-treated group. Results: Both techniques had a significant improvement in pain postoperatively than preoperatively ( P < 0.001; P < 0.001; respectively), with no significant difference between the groups. Maximum mouth opening, right and left excursion were statistically significantly higher in the arthroscopic lysis and lavage group, starting from the second week. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values. Conclusion: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage is excellent procedure for treatment of temporomandibular disorders as patients condition improved with short time postoperative. Arthrocentesis can also give same results but needs longer time.
Abstract Aim: In vitro study to investigate the effect of repair material thickness of Omnichroma single shaded nanofilled composite resin on the shade matching quality of composite resin. Materials and methods: Forty discs were prepared from ENA Hri composite material with 2 mm dentin (shade D2) and 1 mm enamel (shade E2) as a base material using a custom-made Teflon mold. All the specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C for 28 days. The specimens ( N = 40) were randomly divided into four equal groups ( n = 10) according to type and thickness of repair material, as follows: group I (repaired with 1 mm thickness of ENA Hri composite), group II (repaired with 0.5 mm thickness of Omnichroma), group III (repaired with 1 mm thickness of Omnichroma), and group IV (repaired with 1.5 mm thickness of Omnichroma). The color of all repaired specimens was recorded by vita easy shade V at the baseline and after 500 thermocycles. All data was collected, tabulated, and statistical analysis using statistical package for social science (SPSS, version 26). Results: The highest ΔE value was found in group I followed by groups II, III, and the lowest ΔE value was recorded in group IV. There was statistical significant differences for ΔE values between the four tested groups ( P = 0.001). Tukey’s test revealed a statistical significant difference between group I versus groups II, III, and IV at ( P < 0.001) and no statistical significant difference was recorded among groups II, III, and IV. Conclusion: The color matching of the repaired composite resin with Omnichroma was better than the repaired with the same base composite material. Different thicknesses of the currently used repair material (Omnichroma) had no significant effect on its shade matching quality.
Abstract Purpose: Is to compare between the reamer mediated sinus crestal approach (SCA) kit and maxillary sinus ballon kit elevation technique types of closed maxillary sinus floor elevation with simultaneous dental implant placement both clinically and radiographically. Patients and methods: Periotest device was selected to measure the stability of implants in this study. Out of 18 patients aged from 25 to 65 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. 22 implants placed in a randomized control trial as follows: Ballon group: 11 implants were placed after sinus membrane lifting using Ballon group. SCA group: 11 implants were placed using SCA bur kit. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically by cone beam computed tomography for 12 months. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding stability, plaque index, bleeding on probing, pocket depth and bone density except in marginal bone loss there was a significant difference in favor of SCA kit. Conclusions: Ballon sinus lifting is an innovative surgical technique that elevates the floor sinus safely. In clinical practice of sinus lifting it is often advantageous to use the technique that enhance the rapid healing and maintain the marginal bone loss after load application as the SCA technique.
Abstract Background: Midfacial recession is a concern subsequent to immediate implant placement (IIP). Therefore, the application of connective tissue grafts (CTG) in conjunction with prompt implant placement and supply has shown encouraging outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to assess clinically and radiographically the efficacy of CTG using tunnel technique simultaneous with flapless-guided IIP and provisional versus the dural graft effect alone or enhanced dural graft with concentrated growth factor in extraction socket type I with a thin mucosal thickness or thin facial bone thickness. Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients with extraction socket type I were enrolled in the present randomized controlled clinical trial. They were allocated randomly into IIP with the CTG group (group A), IIP using the dural graft group (group B), and treatment with IIP using coated dural graft with the concentrated growth factor group (group C). The assessment was made clinically by measuring facial soft tissue thickness at 3 mm, keratinized mucosal width, pink esthetic score, and radiographically facial bone thickness and marginal bone level. Results: However, intragroup comparison of median values in keratinized mucosal width, throughout follow up period of the three studied groups, showed statistically significant increase at 6 months compared to baseline value. The intergroup comparison showed that there was no-statistical significance between the three studied groups. Moreover, intragroup comparison of median values of marginal bone level through follow up, showed no statistically significant difference in median value in subepithelial CTG or in enhanced DuraGen, while there was statistically significant reduction in DuraGen matrix alone. In the intergroup comparison there was no-statistical significance reduction in all follow up periods in three studied groups. Conclusion: When it comes to soft tissue augmentation around implants, CTG is the gold standard. However, concentrated growth factor can be utilized as a legitimate substitute for CTG to lower patient morbidity because the improved xenogeneic dural graft results are quite similar to CTG. Trial registration: The trial is retrospectively registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry with the identification number for the registry PACTR (202407826889857) 30/07/2024.
Abstract Objective: To evaluate cuspal deflection of mesio-occluso-distal cavities restored with two different composite resin restorations; short fiber-reinforced and conventional bulk fill composite resin restorations. Materials and methods: A total of 32 sound maxillary human premolars were selected for the cuspal deflection test and each tooth received mesio-occluso-distal cavity preparation. The sample were divided into two groups and restored according to the manufacturer’s instructions with two different composite resins, group I: restored with conventional bulk fill (X-tra fil), group II: restored with short fiber-reinforced composite (ever-X posterior), both of the tested restorative materials were bonded with a universal adhesive system (Futurabond U), then cuspal deflection reading were recorded after three different durations: 6 min after completing restorations, after simulated periods of 24 h and 3 months of chewing conditions, a highly sensitive digital micrometer was used to evaluate the cuspal deflection degree, the four stations chewing simulator CS-4 was used for chewing simulation. The collected data were recorded tabulated, and then statistically analyzed. Repeated measure analysis of variance followed by a Tukey test was performed for multiple comparisons, the level of significance was set at P value less than 0.05. Results: There was a significant increase in the degree of cuspal deflection in group I than group II after the three durations (after 6 min of finishing restorations and simulated periods of 24 h and 3 months of chewing in oral cavity), with P value of 0.009, P value of 0.028, P value of 0.001, respectively, there was no significant difference in the degree of cuspal deflection after 6 min and 24 h of chewing simulation in both groups. Also there was highly significant difference between the degree of cuspal deflection after the three different durations, where there was decreased degree of cuspal deflection in group II than group I. Conclusion: Both the tested restorative materials exhibited a degree of cuspal deflection however conventional bulk fill composite exhibited higher cuspal deflection values than that reinforced with short fibers.
Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the improvement of the quality of life of patients with hemi-maxillectomy after reconstruction of such cases by full digital obturators. Materials and methods: Partially edentulous patients with unilateral healed maxillary defects had received full digital computer-aided designing/computer-aided manufacturing obturators processed by additive manufacturing technique. Digital obturator patients have been evaluated regarding retention and stability at the day of insertion and after 6 months of follow up regarding the affected quality of life using special scales for such cases (Kapur Index and Obturator Functioning Scale). Results: After 6 months of follow-up using digital obturators, the patients recorded high scores indicating high patient satisfaction that compete conventional obturators. Conclusion: Within limitation of this study, digital obturators offers good treatment option offering high retention and stability values that raised the patient satisfaction and improve the quality of life.
Abstract Aim: To evaluate stresses transmitted to abutment teeth and residual ridges by using modified and conventional attachment types. Materials and methods: Ten ready-made mandibular epoxy resin models were used. Two types of attachments were placed on each side of the models. Group A received conventional attachment type on the left side of each model (34 abutment tooth) while group B received modified attachment type on the right side of each model (44 abutment tooth). The final constructed attachment types connecting between removable partial denture and fixed porcelain fused to metal crown. Strain gauge technology was used in this study to measure the stresses applied on the models with final restorations. The models were subjected to 300 N bilateral static vertical load. The stresses transmitted to abutment teeth and residual ridges were measured using universal testing machine. Results: The modified attachment showed decreased in the mean of stresses around the abutment teeth and residual ridges. Large decreases in the mean of stresses on the crest of the ridge under the first molar of partial denture were recorded compared to the conventional type of attachment. Results showed also that removable partial denture retained by modified attachment demonstrated reduction in the microstrains around abutment teeth and residual ridges. Statistically significant differences in the stresses between the two attachment types were reported. Conclusions: The residual ridge in group A exposed to a lot of stresses than group B Therefore, the residual ridge at conventional attachment side exposed to a greater bone resorption especially at the crest of the ridge. The modified attachment is getting a better distribution of forces than conventional type. Removable partial dentures fabricated with precision attachments were the viable options for patients in whom fixed prosthesis and implants were contraindicated.
Abstract Aim: To evaluate the effect of fluoridated and nonfluoridated charcoal toothpaste on the enamel surface microhardness compared to the regular fluoridated toothpaste. Patients and methods: Thirty human intact upper incisors were used in this study that were de-coronated and fixed in acrylic blocks leaving the labial surface exposed. The samples were randomly divided into three equal groups based on the type of toothpaste used for brushing ( n = 10); group I: samples were brushed using fluoridated charcoal toothpaste, group II: samples were brushed using nonfluoridated charcoal toothpaste, group III: samples were brushed using regular fluoridated toothpaste. They were brushed using custom made tooth brushing simulating machine, simulating a period of 12 weeks brushing. Vickers Microhardness values were evaluated before and after the brushing. All the collected data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS version 26). Results: At the baseline, the mean enamel microhardness values were 342.5, 347.7 and 341.5 for group I, II, and III, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between them ( P = 0.366). These values were significantly increased after the brushing in group I and III to 352.1 and 368.8 ( P = 0.003 and 0.001), respectively. However, group II showed slightly decrease to 340.7 with nonsignificant difference ( P = 0.239). There was no significant difference between group I versus both group II and III ( P = 0.347 and 0.117), respectively. While group II was statistically significantly different versus group III ( P = 0.005). Conclusion: Fluoridated toothpastes either charcoal or regular had the ability to enhance the enamel microhardness. However, nonfluoridated charcoal toothpaste did not provide any noticeable effect on the enamel microhardness. Recommendation: Long-term clinical studies are recommended to assess the claimed whitening potential of charcoal-based toothpastes without affecting either the microstructure or microhardness of the enamel surface.
Abstract Background: Regaining normal occlusion, function, and bone alignment after mandibular fracture requires reduction and fixation, which can be achieved through either an open or closed approach. Various bone plating systems have been used to provide stable fixation of mandibular fractures. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare both clinically and radiographically, the use of single locking miniplate versus double non-locking miniplates in fixation of anterior mandibular fracture. Patients and methods: The main inclusion criteria in this prospective study were 20 patients with fractures in the main anterior mandibular region involving the symphysis and parasymphysis areas. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups according to the type of plating system. Group I comprised of 10 patients whose fractures were fixed with a titanium single locking miniplate and group II comprised of 10 patients whose fractures were fixed with double conventional titanium miniplates. Results: At the different observation periods, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding soft tissue and bone healing, paresthesia, clinical stability, or intergonial distance. Conclusion: The use of a single locking miniplate fixation system in anterior mandibular fractures provided good stability, satisfactory bone healing, excellent occlusion, and early return to normal function, in addition to the intraoperative advantages of simplicity intraoperatively and reduced hardware.
Abstract Background: Oral health behaviors and attitudes are critical for dental hygiene students, who serve as future educators and role models in preventive dentistry. This study assesses the impact of clinical training on the oral health attitudes and practices of undergraduate dental hygiene students at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 involving 102 male students using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory. Participants were categorized into preclinical and clinical groups. Results: Clinical students demonstrated significantly higher Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory scores (6.9 ± 1.8) than preclinical students (6.0 ± 1.6, P = 0.043), indicating more positive oral health behaviors. Significant differences included more frequent self-monitoring and reduced use of hard-bristled tooth brushes among clinical students. Logistic regression revealed that clinical students were less likely to report outdated beliefs and behaviors. Conclusion: Clinical training enhances dental hygiene students’ attitudes and practices, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals to elevate healthcare quality and human capital. Early integration of clinical exposure and preventive education in curricula is recommended to cultivate health-conscious, community-oriented dental professionals capable of advancing national wellness initiatives. As this study was conducted exclusively among male students – reflecting the absence of a female dental hygiene section at Al-Baha University – generalization to female students should be made with caution.
Abstract Microcirculation, the flow of blood in the minutest blood vessels, involves arterioles, metarterioles, capillaries, and venules, linking arterial and venous vessels. Essential functions include oxygen transport to tissue cells and contributing to peripheral vascular resistance. Microcirculation disorders often start with arteriolar spasms, affecting capillary blood flow. Specific rheological effects like erythrocyte aggregation occur in microvessels. Gingival inflammation and periodontitis involve pathological angiogenesis and increased microvessel density, impacting periodontal health through transcapillary metabolism. Microcirculation in the periodontium is vital for delivering nutrients and removing waste, essential for maintaining healthy periodontal tissues.
Abstract Background: In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has captured significant attention within the field of dentistry. The adoption of AI-based technology in daily dental practice has surged, enabling dental practitioners to utilize AI applications for patient diagnosis and treatment planning. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards AI among dental students of Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was adopted using an English language online-based questionnaire that was sent to undergraduate dental students and interns, in the Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions that were created using Microsoft form and was disseminated through several open social media groups of dental students. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were implemented with IBM SPSS version 29. Results: The response rate was 93.53% (n = 347). Of those, about 50.1% of participants know the basic principles of how AI works and 50.4% of participants are aware of the use of AI in dentistry. Most participants (88.2%) agreed that AI is predicted to improve dentistry. 66% of participants disagreed that dentists could one day be replaced by AI. In addition, 82.4 and 72.3% of the participants agreed that AI could be utilized for radiological detection of dental caries and diagnosing periodontal diseases, respectively. Conclusions: Based on the present study results, dentistry students in Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, are eager to embrace AI technology in the near future and believe it would aid in diagnosis and treatment. Dental curricula must include AI technology so that students can learn about these innovative technologies.
