Dental treatment in children is often complicated by anxiety, fear, and lack of cooperation, which may hinder the successful completion of procedures. Conscious sedation is widely used as an advanced behavior management technique to facilitate pediatric dental treatment. However, parental knowledge and perceptions of conscious sedation may influence clinical decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate parental knowledge and attitudes toward conscious sedation and their association with demographic factors and previous conscious sedation experience. This cross-sectional questionnaire study included parents of pediatric patients for whom conscious sedation was planned following clinical evaluation at the Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Dentistry. A 17-item questionnaire based on previously published surveys assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge about conscious sedation procedures, previous conscious sedation experience, safety perception, and attitudes toward conscious sedation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons were used (p < 0.05). A total of 422 questionnaires were analyzed. Limited parental knowledge regarding conscious sedation procedures was observed. Specifically, 40.8
This prospective randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the radiographic, histological, and immunohistochemical outcomes of allograft, xenograft, and combined graft use in maxillary sinus augmentation. Patients with a residual alveolar bone height ≤ 4 mm in the posterior maxilla were randomized into three sinus augmentation groups: allograft (G2), xenograft (G3), and 1:1 combined graft (G4). A control group (G1) underwent implant placement without sinus lifting. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 6 months. Residual bone height, initial graft height, and graft height reduction were measured. At 6 months, bone biopsies were harvested prior to implant placement and analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically for osteocalcin (OC), osteopontin (OP), and RUNX2 expression. Correlations between radiographic and immunohistochemical findings were evaluated. Significant vertical bone gain was achieved in all sinus augmentation groups. Although greater initial graft height was observed in the allograft and combined groups in the early postoperative period, no significant differences were detected among the groups at 6 months (p > 0.05). Greater graft height reduction was observed in the allograft group, whereas the xenograft group demonstrated better preservation of graft height. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed higher osteogenic activity in the allograft group. Moderate positive correlations were found between radiographic height gain and OC (r = 0.62, p = 0.004) and RUNX2 (r = 0.57, p = 0.011) expression. Allograft, xenograft, and combined grafting approaches provided comparable bone height at 6 months following maxillary sinus augmentation. However, graft height changes and biological activity differed according to graft type. Xenografts demonstrated greater graft height stability, whereas allografts exhibited higher osteogenic activity at six months. Graft selection should consider both radiographic graft height changes and biological healing characteristics. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07407361. Registration date: 2026-02-05. Retrospectively registered.
INTRODUCTION:Bullying-related behaviours in dental education may negatively affect students' psychological well-being; however, evidence regarding their association with depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms among clinical-year dental students remains limited. This study aimed to assess exposure to bullying-related behaviours and its association with psychological distress among undergraduate dental students in Türkiye. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This two-centre cross-sectional survey included 414 fourth- and fifth-year dental students from two universities in Türkiye. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including demographic items, a 30-item bullying questionnaire adapted from AbuAlula et al. and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Associations between bullying total score and DASS-21 scores were assessed using correlation analyses. Multivariable linear regression models with HC3 robust standard errors were used to examine the independent associations between bullying total score and depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms after adjustment for age, gender, grade and university. RESULTS:Exposure to at least one bullying-related behaviour was reported by 99.3% of participants. Mean raw DASS-21 scores were 8.26 ± 5.75 for depression, 8.45 ± 5.09 for anxiety and 9.01 ± 5.30 for stress. At least mild symptom severity was observed in 70.3% for depressive symptoms, 82.1% for anxiety symptoms and 57.7% for stress symptoms. Bullying total score was positively correlated with depression, anxiety, stress and DASS total score (all p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, bullying total score remained independently associated with higher depression, anxiety and stress scores (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:Reported exposure to at least one bullying-related behaviour was common among clinical-year dental students and was independently associated with greater psychological distress. Given the broad operational definition used, this finding should not be interpreted as the prevalence of persistent, severe or repetitive bullying victimisation. These findings highlight the importance of supportive learning environments and institutional strategies aimed at reducing bullying-related behaviours in dental education.
Objectives: Dental implantology has become a contemporary and important component of dentistry practice, the importance of which is increasing. The fact that dental implantology has become an important treatment option in dentistry practice reveals the importance of implantology education. The aim of this survey study is to evaluate undergraduate and postgraduate dental implantology education in Turkey by undergraduate dentistry students.Materials and Methods: A total of 233 5th year undergraduate dentistry students who completed dental implantology theoretical training from three different dentistry faculties were included in the study. Participants were asked to fill out a printed survey consisting of a total of 20 questions with different answer options. The survey aimed to obtain the participants' opinions on various topics such as implantology education, educational qualifications, practice authorizations, postgraduate dental implantology education, adequacy of courses, and standardization of education levels. Results: A total of 233 participants (110 male, 123 female) were included in the study. The distribution of the answers to the survey questions according to the faculties was tabulated. The answers to the open-ended questions were categorized and classified. According to the results of the study, the participants think that dental implantology education provided until graduation in Turkey is inadequate. It is thought that the lack of education is especially in clinical practice and according to the study results, the practical aspect of dental implantology education should be strengthened. The study results indicate that dental implantology education in Turkey should be standardized at an international level and indicate that universities have an importance in this standardization. Conclusions: Intern dentists do not consider themselves competent in performing dental implantology treatments after graduation, and the majority of participants find dental implantology courses useful. In addition, participants state that the courses should be provided by universities.
Maxillary sinus augmentation is widely performed to enable implant placement in the atrophic posterior maxilla, and the radiographic remodelling patterns of different graft materials remain a topic of clinical interest. This retrospective study compared trabecular bone remodelling following lateral window maxillary sinus augmentation with allograft versus xenograft materials using FD analysis of panoramic radiographs over a one-year follow-up. One hundred patients (50 allograft, 50 xenograft) treated between 2015 and 2023 were included. Panoramic radiographs obtained immediately postoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were analyzed using ImageJ software according to the White and Rudolph box-counting method. Intragroup temporal changes were evaluated with the Friedman test and Bonferroni-corrected Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test or independent samples t-test according to data distribution. Interobserver reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Age and sex distributions were comparable between groups (p = 0.250 and p = 0.288, respectively). FD values changed significantly over time in both the allograft (p = 0.021) and xenograft (p < 0.001) groups. In the allograft group, only the 3-month versus 6-month comparison reached significance (p = 0.001), whereas in the xenograft group all pairwise comparisons except 6 months versus 1 year were significant. Intergroup comparisons revealed significantly higher FD values in the allograft group immediately postoperatively (p = 0.010) and at 3 months (p < 0.001), but no differences were detected at 6 months (p = 0.107) or 1 year (p = 0.751). Interobserver reliability was good across most measurements (ICC 0.794–0.856), with moderate reliability for the 6-month xenograft measurement (ICC = 0.744). Allografts produced higher early-phase FD values, while both materials achieved comparable radiographic trabecular complexity by the 6-month and 1-year follow-up periods. These findings suggest convergent radiographic remodelling over time. Further histomorphometric and clinical studies are needed to confirm these FD-derived findings. Not applicable.
Background Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a treatment method used to correct maxillary transversal deficiencies in individuals who have completed their growth and development.The purpose of this study was to evaluate skeletal, soft tissue, and nasal septum changes associated with maxillary movements after SARME using conventional radiographic analysis. Methods A total of 35 patients (24 females and 11 males) who underwent SARME surgery were evaluated. Posteroanterior and lateral cephalometric radiographs taken before surgery (T0) and at least three months after surgery (T1) were examined. Changes in maxillary position, nasal cavity parameters, nasal septum deviation, and maxillomandibular measurements were assessed. Changes after treatment were statistically analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Results Nasal septum deviation and nasal height did not show statistically significant changes between T0 and T1. A significant increase in lateral nasal width was observed after surgery (p < .05). No significant differences were found in upper lip to E-plane distance or nasolabial angle measurements. Significant increases were observed in SNA and SN-GoGn angles, while a significant decrease was found in the U1-SN angle (p < .05). Conclusion SARME was associated with a significant increase in nasal lateral width and changes in skeletal parameters, including increases in SNA and SN-GoGn angles and a decrease in U1-SN angle, during the early postoperative period.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) usage patterns, knowledge levels, and clinical approaches among general dentists and specialists, and to examine the effect of professional status on CBCT referral behavior, image interpretation practices, and awareness of incidental findings. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 275 dentists, comprising 155 specialists and 120 general dentists. Data were collected using an 18-item questionnaire assessing CBCT referral frequency, clinical indications, educational background, image evaluation habits, radiation awareness, and attitudes toward incidental findings. Data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Comparisons between specialists and general dentists were performed using the Pearson Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with CBCT referral behavior. Results: Overall, 64.7% of participants reported referring patients for CBCT imaging, with implant planning being the most common indication (59.1%). Most respondents (81.8%) had not received formal CBCT interpretation training. Specialists reported encountering incidental findings significantly more frequently than general dentists (52.9% vs. 31.7%, p
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four different ambient sounds in the waiting room before impact-ed third molar surgery on patients' preoperative anxiety levels and postoperative pain intensity.Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial involved four study groups: Group 1 (silent group) – patients waited in a soundproof room; Group 2 (clinical noise group) – patients were exposed to typical clinic sounds; Group 3 (white noise group); and Group 4 (classical music group). Preoperative anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Postoperative pain levels on the third day were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale.Results: A total of 198 participants [Group 1: 46 (23.2%), Group 2: 51 (25.8%), Group 3: 49 (24.7%), Group 4: 52 (26.3%)] were included in the study. The sample consisted of 141 women (mean age: 23.51 ± 6.02 years) and 57 men (mean age: 24.47 ± 5.58 years). On the third postoperative day, the mean pain score was significantly higher in women (2.55 ± 1.88) compared to men (1.75 ± 2.13) (p < 0.005). A statistically significant difference was also observed among the groups in terms of postoperative third-day pain scores (p < 0.005).Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant differences in postoperative pain scores among the groups. Gen-der-based differences were observed in preoperative anxiety scores, with women reporting higher anxiety levels. However, no significant differences were found between the groups regarding preoperative anxiety scores.
This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of melatonin and ascorbic acid, alone and in combination, on radiation-induced brain injury, specifically focusing on vascular and immunological modulations. Thirty-three male Wistar-Albino rats were assigned to five groups: Control (G1), Radiotherapy (RT) only (single dose 20 Gy) (G2), RT + Melatonin (20 mg/kg) (G3), RT + vitamin C (100 mg/kg) (G4), and RT + Melatonin + Vitamin C (G5). The treatments were administered intraperitoneally the day after RT. Brain tissues were evaluated 28 days post-irradiation for histopathological neural damage, vasocongestion, and immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). High-dose RT significantly increased vasocongestion and neuronal damage while suppressing VEGF expression and elevating IL-2 levels (p < 0.001). Both melatonin and ascorbic acid effectively reduced histopathological injury, maintained VEGF levels, and balanced IL-2 expression compared to the RT-only group (p < 0.05). However, combining both agents provided no significant synergistic advantage over monotherapies. Notably, single-fraction high-dose RT resulted in a marked suppression of VEGF expression, suggesting an impaired vascular synthetic capacity rather than a compensatory angiogenic response. Melatonin and ascorbic acid provide substantial neuroprotection against radiation-induced brain injury by preserving vascular integrity and modulating local immune responses. These antioxidants represent potential therapeutic strategies for minimizing RT-induced neurotoxicity.
PURPOSE:Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapy drug, but its severe toxic effects, including inflammation and taste disturbances, limit its clinical use. This study examined the protective effects of vitamin D on DOX-induced changes in tongue tissue and systemic inflammation in rats. METHODS:Twenty-eight adult male Wistar Albino rats (10-12 weeks old) were divided into four groups: Control, DOX, Vitamin D 5000 + DOX, and Vitamin D 60 000 + DOX. Vitamin D3 was administered intraperitoneally either daily (5000 IU/kg) or 3 days a week (60 000 IU/kg) for 21 days. DOX (18 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was administered on days 19-21. Tongue tissues were analyzed for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression via immunohistochemistry, and serum cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS:DOX treatment significantly increased ACE2 expression in tongue tissue compared with controls (p < 0.001), accompanied by elevated serum inflammatory cytokine levels and reduced body weight. Vitamin D supplementation significantly attenuated DOX-induced ACE2 upregulation and inflammatory cytokine elevations (p < 0.05). However, no clear dose-dependent difference was observed between the two vitamin D regimens, as ACE2 expression did not differ significantly between the 5000 IU/kg and 60 000 IU/kg groups. CONCLUSION:DOX administration is associated with increased ACE2 expression in tongue tissue and systemic inflammation in a rat model. Vitamin D supplementation mitigates these DOX-induced alterations; however, within the tested dose range, no additional benefit of the higher vitamin D dose was demonstrated. These findings suggest a potential modulatory role of vitamin D on chemotherapy-associated inflammatory and molecular changes, while highlighting the need for further mechanistic and functional studies.
Aims: Prophylactic antibiotic therapy in dental implant surgery remains controversial. This study evaluated the pre- and postoperative prescribing patterns of Turkish clinicians performing implant surgery and assessed the influence of specialization and workplace on prescribing behaviors.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a 15-item questionnaire adapted from validated instruments and reviewed by experts. Items covered clinician characteristics, pre- and postoperative prescribing habits, antibiotic choice, dosage, route, and duration. The survey was distributed electronically, and 333 responses were analyzed. Descriptive statistics summarized prescribing trends; Chi-square tests and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals examined associations. Results: Of 333 respondents, 201 (60.4%) were general dentists, 69 (20.7%) residents, and 63 (18.9%) specialists. Preoperatively, 30 clinicians (9.0%) routinely prescribed antibiotics, 171 (51.4%) never prescribed, and 132 (39.6%) prescribed occasionally. The most common indication was systemic comorbidities (58.6%). Aminopenicillins were the preferred agents (64.0%), mainly administered orally. Postoperatively, 282 clinicians (84.7%) prescribed antibiotics, most often amoxicillin–clavulanic acid 875/125 mg twice daily (59.5%) or amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily (28.8%) for 5–7 days. Preoperative prescribing was significantly associated with workplace(p
Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the awareness of fourth- and fifthyear dental students from three Turkish universities (Sakarya, Uşak, and Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Universities) regarding bisphosphonates (BPs), medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), and related issues, as well as to identify potential improvements in their education. Methods: A survey consisting of 16 multiple-choice and 1 open-ended question was used to assess students’ knowledge of BPs, MRONJ, and their educational preferences. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Comparisons between educational years were made with t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests, and differences among faculties were evaluated with one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: A total of 382 students participated: 217 fourth-year and 165 fifth-year students, with a mean age of 22.84 ± 0.94 years. Fifth-year students had significantly more knowledge about BPs (P=.000) and listed their university as the primary source of information (P=.000). They also had a better understanding of BP active substances (P=.038) and MRONJ definitions (P=.001) than fourth-year students. Conversely, fourth-year students were less aware of diseases treated by BPs (P=.038) and appropriate patient approaches for MRONJ (P < .001). Uşak University students outperformed others in recognizing BP indications and active substances (P < .001). Overall, 64.3% of participants felt inadequate in evaluating MRONJ risk and treatment, while 88.48% expressed a desire for further education, with 34.91% requesting more clinical training. Conclusion: The findings indicate that students feel underprepared in managing MRONJ cases, highlighting the need for enhanced clinical and theoretical training. Cite this article as: Erdil A, Sami Demirsoy M, Çolak S, İğneci M, Başal A. Awareness of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw among dentistry students: a multicenter survey study. Essent Dent. 2025; 4, 0003, doi: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25003.
Oral mucositis (OM) is a common complication of chemotherapy, particularly with anthracyclines like doxorubicin (DOX), which induce oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated the protective effects of edaravone (EDO), a free radical scavenger, against DOX-induced oral mucosal injury. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7): Control, DOX (18 mg/kg, i.p., days 19–21), and two EDO + DOX groups (1 or 30 mg/kg EDO daily for 21 days). On day 22, tongue tissues and plasma were analyzed for oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD, TAS, TOS) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10). NF-κB, SIRT1, and TLR4 expression were assessed via immunohistochemistry and ELISA, while ACE2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. DOX significantly upregulated ACE2 (p < 0.001), TLR4 (p < 0.001), NF-κB (p < 0.001), and proinflammatory cytokines in plasma and tongue tissue (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β; all p < 0.01), while reducing IL-10 (p < 0.001), GSH (p = 0.002), SOD (p = 0.001), and SIRT1 (p < 0.001). EDA treatment reduced ACE2 and TLR4 expression, with 30 mg/kg normalizing ACE2 (p = 0.978 vs. control). EDO restored antioxidant markers and significantly lowered MDA, TOS, cytokines, and NF-κB (all p < 0.05). Histological injury and inflammation scores also improved significantly (p < 0.001). Edaravone effectively attenuates DOX-induced mucosal injury by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and TLR4/ACE2 pathways, suggesting therapeutic potential in mucosal protection. Doxorubicin induces mitochondrial ROS production, leading to oxidative stress (↑MDA, ↑TOS, ↓GSH, ↓SOD, ↓TAS). This redox imbalance downregulates SIRT1 and activates TLR4, both of which contribute to NF-κB signaling. As a result, proinflammatory cytokines (↑TNF-α, ↑IL-6, ↑IL-1β) are upregulated, while anti-inflammatory IL-10 is suppressed. This inflammatory cascade, in turn, promotes ACE2 overexpression in the tongue epithelium. Edaravone treatment mitigates these effects through ROS scavenging, restoration of SIRT1, and suppression of TLR4/NF-κB signaling, ultimately protecting the oral mucosa.
Radiotherapy applied in the treatment of head and neck cancers significantly increases the risk of developing osteoradionecrosis (ORN). As there is no universally accepted standard treatment protocol for ORN, evaluating the potential therapeutic effects of antioxidant agents such as melatonin and ascorbic acid is of great importance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of these agents on bone healing in an experimental ORN model through histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. A total of 41 young-adult male Wistar-Albino rats were included in the study. All rats in the experimental groups received a single 20 Gy dose of radiotherapy, followed by tooth extraction seven days later. Group G3 received 20 mg/kg of melatonin intraperitoneally for 21 days post-RT and tooth extraction. Group G4 received 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid intraperitoneally for 21 days. Group G5 received a combination of melatonin and ascorbic acid (20 mg/kg + 100 mg/kg) for the same duration. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate bone healing, focusing on the expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Osteonectin (ONC), and Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP). ALP expression was significantly lower in the G2 group compared to both G1 and G5 (p < 0.05), although the difference was not significant when compared with G3 and G4. BMP-2 expression was significantly reduced in G2 compared to G1 (p < 0.05), but the differences between G2 and G3, G4, G5 were not statistically significant. ONC expression was significantly lower in G2 compared to G1 and G5 (p < 0.05), but not significantly different from G3 and G4. TRAP expression was higher in G2 than all other groups, though this difference did not reach statistical significance. The findings indicate that melatonin and ascorbic acid may exert protective effects against ORN by enhancing bone healing. : Clinical trial number: not applicable.
INTRODUCTION Achondroplasia is the most common bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, but most cases occur as a result of spontaneous mutations. Early loss of primary teeth, delays in the eruption of permanent teeth, anterior crossbite, open bite and maxillary growth deficiency oral cavity findings are observed. This case report presents a patient with achondroplasia whose all permanent and some primary teeth were impacted. CASE DESCRIPTION A 25-year-old female patient applied to the clinic with the complaint of multiple missing teeth. Intraoral examination revealed only a few primary teeth. In the radiographic examination, it was observed that all impacted teeth and some primary teeth remained impacted. Additionally, odontomas and enlarged dental follicles were detected in some areas. All teeth, odontomas and associated pathologies were removed under general anesthesia. The procedures were performed with a minimally invasive approach, taking into account the risk of fracture. DISCUSSION Although various dental findings associated with achondroplasia have been reported in the literature, to our knowledge, no case has been reported in which all permanent teeth were impacted. CONCLUSION/CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This case report presents a patient with achondroplasia in whom all his permanent teeth and some primary teeth were impacted. Although a clear relationship between achondroplasia and multiple tooth impaction has not yet been established, this case report touches on an important point in the evaluation of the oral findings of achondroplasia.
Objective:The study aims the evaluation the content on the YouTubeTM platform about botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of bruxism regarding information quality. Methods: The YoutubeTM database was scanned using the keyword "masseter botox." According to the study criteria, 33 videos were included and the number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, duration, and the number of days since uploading were recorded. According to their quality, the information content was divided into four groups (bad, poor, good, excellent). Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, and post-hoc Tamhane-T2 tests were used to analyze the study data, and Fleiss Kappa analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between researchers. Statistical significance was determined as p<0.05. Results: According to the installer source, 19 videos were uploaded by doctors, seven by patients, five by doctors+patients, and two by other sources. Significant differences were obtained between the uploaded source and the duration of the video; the number of views, the number of likes, dislikes, comments, interaction index, and viewing rate were respectively p<0.001, p=0.035, p=0.003, p=0.008, p=0.002, p=0.007, and p=0.013. According to the information content, 14 videos were bad, 15 were poor, and four had good information. A significant difference was observed between the number of comments (p=0.016) and video duration (p=0.029) regarding the information content quality. Conclusion: The results have indicated that YouTubeTM content cannot be a reliable source of information. Experts should recommend videos that meet specific standards to patients and produce content that provides accurate information in the absence of this content.
The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for dentomaxillofacial diagnostics in pediatric dentistry is expanding and concerns have been raised about the radiation risks associated with this imaging modality, especially for children. Dentomaxillofacial paediatric imaging: an investigation towards low-dose radiation induced risks (DIMITRA) is a multidisciplinary project focused on optimizing CBCT exposure for children and adolescents. This study aims to clarify the indications behind CBCT scans in children aligned with DIMITRA’s recommendations. For each CBCT examination, data were collected on patient age at the time of the CBCT examination, gender, reason for request, referring department, CBCT-requested region, and the field of view (FOV) dimension of imaging. The CBCT indications were categorized under six headings according to an adaptation of the DIMITRA project recommendations: impacted teeth, dentoalveolar trauma, orofacial clefts, dental anomalies, bone pathology, syndromes. Indications not categorized in DIMITRA were recorded below the heading “other”. The most common indication was the “other” category (34.8
Objectives: To investigate the effects of increasing propolis doses on salivary glands exposed to radiotherapy (RT). Methods: Thirty-seven rats were divided into 4 groups: The control group (G0, n: 7), G1 group (n: 10), G2 group (n: 10), and G3 group (n: 10). The rats in the G1 group received 15 Gray (Gy) RT only to the head and neck area. The rats in the G2 and G3 groups received 15 Gy RT for the head and neck area along with 100 mg/kg/ml and 200 mg/kg/ml of propolis. The parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands of rats were immunohistochemically stained with aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) and aquaporin-5 (AQP-5). They were also evaluated for malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPO), total antioxidant (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS). Results: AQP-1 and AQP-5 values were highest in G0 group followed by G3, G2, and G1 groups in decreasing order. The MDA and TOS values were highest in G1 group, which was followed by G2, G3, and G0 groups. The highest GPO, SOD, and TAS values were observed in G0 group followed by G3, G2, and G1 groups in decreasing order. Conclusion: It was found that propolis increased antioxidant products and decreased oxidative products in the salivary glands receiving RT in parallel with the dose increase. Similarly, in the groups receiving propolis, an increase in the immune expression of aquaporin molecules was detected in a dose-dependent manner. Based on these data, it could be stated that propolis has a healing effect on the salivary glands exposed to RT.
Impacted third molar extractions are one of the most common oral surgical procedures. In cases where a pathological condition is observed, it is relatively easy to decide on surgery. However, cystic changes can be observed in follicular tissues even in cases where pathological changes are not observed on radiography. The present study aimed to evaluate the histopathologic changes in dental follicles associated with radiographically normal impacted lower third molar. One hundred and one dental follicles were obtained after third molar surgeries. The patients with follicular width of less than 2.5 mm in the panoramic radiographs were included in the study. The relationships between pathological changes in follicular tissues and angular position of impacted teeth, age and gender were statistically examined. Cystic changes were observed in 65 (64.3%) of 101 follicles examined. The relationship between cystic changes and the angular position of impacted lower third molars was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Cystic changes were observed in 13 (43.3%) of 30 mesioangular teeth, 24 (80%) of 30 vertical teeth, 19 (65.5%) of 29 horizontal teeth, and 9 (75%) of 12 distoangular teeth. About 60% of cystic changes and 64.06% of inflammation occurred in patients between the ages of 20 and 30. Cystic changes can be observed in the follicular tissues of impacted lower third molars that are radiographically normal. There is a probability of histopathological changes, especially in patients over the age of 20 years and in the impacted lower third molars in the vertical position.