Odovtos - International Journal of Dental Sciences

Effect of Temporary Cement on the Color of Temporary Crowns Made by Conventional Pressing Methods and Substractive CAM/CAD Technologies

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The color stability of temporary restoration is crucial, especially in sensitive areas in terms of aesthetics. This research aimed to determine the effect of temporary cement on the color of temporary crowns made by conventional pressing methods (indirect) and CAM/CAD technologies using milling machines and 3D printers. This study was carried out in a laboratory, utilizing A2 color in all manufacturing methods. The color of the restorations was measured by a spectrophotometer after cementation with semi-permanent resin cement. Subsequently, color changes of the samples (ranging from 0 to 100) were calculated using the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) Lab system. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics methods and statistical tests, including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test. According to the results of ANOVA, there was a significant difference between the three groups in terms of the 'a' and 'b' indexes (P<0.001). However, regarding the 'l' index, no significant difference was observed among the three groups (P=0.250). Also, based on Tukey's post hoc test, a significant relationship was seen between the first and second pairs in the 3D printer group, and between the first and third pairs in the milling group (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the conventional pressing group. The results showed that the 3D printing method exhibited the highest amount of color change among the three methods, while the milling method demonstrated the lowest amount of change.

Instagram as a Pedagogical Tool in Pediatric Dentistry and Ortodontic Courses

Natalia Gutiérrez-Marín, Ingrid Miranda-Garro, Andrea López-Soto — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Social networks have become an ideal space for the exchange of information and knowledge. The objetive of this study was to determine the usefulness of the implementation of Instagram as a didactic tool to promote and facilitate student learning in the theoretical and laboratory courses of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics during 2022. Private Instagram accounts were created for each of the four courses. During 4 months relevant information was posted to review concepts and strengthen the teaching-learning process of the students. At the end of the courses, a survey was conducted containing the following variables: usefulness of the social network, amount of information provided, preferred place to view content (wall or stories) and whether students recommend the use of Instagram in other courses of the Department of Dentistry and Orthodontics. For the association of variables, the chi-square test was used, value of p<0.05, 95%Cl. The participation in the accounts was 222 individuals; the interaction of the students with the accounts was 87.5% with respect to the stories, 95% observed the stories completely. There was a statistically significant difference with respect to where the information was posted: stories was the preferred place for students. There were 167 students participating in the survey. All the students found very useful or useful the content of the application on the social network.100% of the respondents recommended keeping the implementation of social networks in the theoretical courses of the Department. Instagram is not only a social application but also a channel to make the teaching process more dynamic and attractive. Teachers can integrate this social platform to foster motivation and learning in students.

Effects of a Benzalkonium Chloride Surfactant-Sodium Hypochlorite Combination on Microhardness and Mineral Content of Dentin

Eda Ezgi Aslantas, Hacer Aksel, Hatice Dogan Buzoglu — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the combination of Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and sodium hypochloride (NaOCl) and its application after ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in root canal irrigation procedures on the microhardness and mineral content of dentin. Distal roots of mandibular third molars were embedded in auto-polymerizing acrylic resin, sectioned coronally to apically resulting in fifty-four root sections. Thirty sections underwent microhardness evaluation, and twenty-four sections were randomly chosen for mineral analysis. The microhardness assessment comprised three groups: Group 1 (2.5% NaOCl), Group 2 (2.5% NaOCl with 0.084% BAC), and Group 3 (2.5% NaOCl with 0.084 BAC post-17% EDTA). Initial and post-irrigation microhardness values were measured for each group. For mineral analysis, samples were categorized into four groups: distilled water, 2.5% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl with 0.084% BAC, and 17% EDTA+2.5% NaOCl with 0.084% BAC. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy immediately measured magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium mineral contents on dentin surfaces post-irrigation. Results indicated a significant reduction in root dentin microhardness for all solutions (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference in the percentage of reduction was observed among the groups (p>0.05). XPS analysis revealed no significant disparity in dentin surface mineral content among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the addition of Benzalkonium chloride to sodium hypochloride, either alone or after EDTA, did not induce a significant alteration in dentin microhardness or mineral content. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of dental irrigation protocols and their effects on dentin properties during endodontic procedures.

Biocompatibility of Bioactive Sealers Bio-C Sealer vs MTA Repair HP in Human Fibroblasts

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Bioactive cements based on tricalcium silicate have been introducedto the market for use in dentistry, with a variety of clinical applications. These cements are in contact with vital tissues such as dental pulp or periodontium in cases of unintentional extrusion; thus, it is important to know the genotoxicity and cytoxicity of these materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of bioactive sealers, Bio-C® Sealer and MTA Repair HP®, in human fibroblasts. Discs of bioactive sealers Bio-C® Sealer, and MTA Repair HP®, were prepared and set for 24h under sterile conditions. The discs were placed in culture medium at 2.5mg/mL inside a SRT6D roller mixer (Stuart, UK) at 60rpm for 24h. The eluates obtained were incubated for 24h with previously activated and cultured ATCC cell line fibroblasts at 80% confluence. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by Alamar Blue® and LIVE/DEAD assays, as well as the analysis of the Tunel and Mitotracker assays to evaluate genotoxicity using the confocal laser-scanning microscope. In the Alamar Blue® assay, the Bio-C® Sealer presented a cell proliferation of 87%, while the MTA Repair HP® Sealer was 72%. A statistically significant difference was found between the MTA Repair HP® Sealant and the negative control (p=<0.001). Regarding the genotoxicity tests, in the Tunel assay, both materials stain the nucleus of the fibroblast cells exposed to the eluates, while in the Mitotracker assay, the MTA Repair HP® Sealer showed greater mitochondrial function than the Bio-C® Sealer. Calcium silicate-based sealers, Bio-C® Sealer and MTA Repair HP®, are not cytotoxic and have low genotoxicity.

Crystallographic and Topographic Analysis of Ultra-Translucent Zirconia After Various Surface Treatments

Tatiana Vargas Koudriavtsev, Jorge Santamaría Villalobos — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of 4 different surface treatments, on the crystallographic characteristics of Ultra-Translucent Zirconia. Fully sintered zirconia specimens of highly translucent yttria partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ) (KATANA UTML) were divided into four experimental groups and a control group (n=10). Each group received one of the following surface treatments: sandblasting with 50µm alumina particles (Al₂O₃), sandblasting with 110µm alumina particles, and grinding with a rotary high-speed turbine with and without water irrigation. For each sample, x-ray diffraction was carried out to analyze peak intensity, calculate the crystallite size, and detect the presence of compressive and tensile stress. Surface roughness was measured on all specimens using a standard scanning profilometer. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to qualitatively analyze the surfaces of the specimens. Statistical analysis included repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test (p≤0.05). The control group exhibited the highest crystallite size (323nm). All surface treatments led to a reduction in the crystallite size, with the most significant reduction observed in the groups subjected to sandblasting with 110µm alumina particles and high-speed grinding with irrigation. Sandblasting with 50µm alumina particles resulted in less transformation of the crystallite size. A general tendency of the diffraction peaks to shift to a lower angle can be observed in the experimental groups, indicating the presence of compressive stress on the samples. Profilometry revealed higher roughness in the ground samples (6,14µm and 6,57µm) compared to the sandblasted groups (2,93µm and 2,02µm). The crystal domain size showed a tendency to decrease after the surface treatments. Sandblasted samples, as well as ground samples without irrigation, exhibited compressive stress. Sandblasted samples had lower surface roughness compared to the ground samples. Sandblasting with 50µm alumina particles caused the least decrease in crystallite size.

Reshaping Smiles: A Successful Clinical Case with Botulinum Toxin for Gummy Smile Reduction

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The use of botulinum toxin (BTX) represents an effective and safe approach in treating the gummy smile, reducing excessive gum exposure during smiling. This minimally invasive procedure can yield remarkable aesthetic results and contribute to an increase in the patient's self-confidence. The aim of this study is to report a clinical case of a female patient undergoing treatment to correct a gummy smile. The case study involves a 21-year-old patient with excessive gum exposure (5 mm when smiling) who sought dental treatment. The origin of her gummy smile was mixed, and the treatment involved the application of 6 units of BTX type A at three specific points on the face. No complications were observed during the three-month follow-up period. Based on the case report, it can be concluded that BTX application for gummy smile treatment proved to be effective, safe, and comfortable in terms of recovery. The BTX approach to correcting a gummy smile is considered safe and entails straightforward recovery, producing satisfactory results that contribute to the improvement of aesthetics and the patient's well-being.

Potential of Artificial Intelligence to Generate Health Research Reports of Decayed, Missed and Restored Teeth

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

This study aims to indicate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in epidemiological reports of decayed, missed and restored teeth. As a proof of concept our study model used panoramic x-ray images and an AI algorithm for tooth numbering, detection of the caries and restorations with accuracy over 80% for such diagnostic tasks. The output came as the number of decayed, missed and restored teeth according to patient´s age and the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth) which varied from 3.6 (up to 20 years old) to 20.4 (+60 years old). Thus, it is suggested that AI is a promising method to automate health data collection through the analysis of x-rays.

Prevalence of Lesions and Oral Mucosal Normal Variations in an Elderly Population in Costa Rica

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

To establish the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and normal variations in a population of older adults. This observational study was conducted from 2015 to 2016 and involved 156 participants from Los Guido (San José, Costa Rica). The participants’ sociodemographic information, risk factors, comorbidity, and clinical examination were evaluated and analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Findings in oral mucosa were found to preferentially affect women (n=111; 71%) and individuals between the ages of 60 and 69 years (n=65; 42%), having smoking as a risk factor (n=67; 43%), and suffering from arterial hypertension (n=101; 65%). Intraoral findings were mainly presented together with variations from normal and pathology (n=71; 46%), predominantly one variation from normal (n=67; 33%) and one pathology (n=51; 43%). The most prevalent normal variations were the saburral tongue, lingual varicose veins, and cryptic tonsils. Infectious diseases (n=33; 21%), potentially malignant disorders (n=30; 19%), and physical and chemical injuries (n=18; 12%) were the most prevalent groups. The four most predominant lesions were prosthetic stomatitis, actinic cheilitis, frictional keratosis, and atrophic glossitis. The differences in pathological groups were not statistically significant (p=0.392) when comparing the frequency ratio by sex. Variations of the normal anatomy are the predominant ones, the saburral tongue being the most prevalent individually; among the pathologies, the most remarkable group was the infectious diseases, and prosthetic stomatitis was the most frequent. The information about this subject in Costa Rica is limited. So it is important to conduct more studies that contribute to the oral health of the elderly population in this area.

Salivary Cytokine Profile in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

This study aimed to determine salivary concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-10, IL-23, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nitrate (a by-product of nitric oxide oxidation), and cortisol in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). Twenty patients diagnosed with OLP and 20 sex-matched healthy volunteers (HV) were included in this cross-sectional study. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected in the morning. Salivary cytokine and cortisol concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Nitrate was measured in a nitric oxide analyzer. We found higher salivary concentrations of IL-2 (p<0.003), IL-23 ( p<0.04), and TGF-β (p=0.05) in patients with OLP compared to HV. No significant differences were found in salivary levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-10. Nitrate concentrations were markedly increased in OLP patients (1,227.0 ± 738.8 µM/mg total protein) when compared to HV (261.6 ± 166.8 µM/mg; p<0.0001). Salivary cortisol levels were also higher in OLP patients (2.79 ± 1.39 vs. 1.94 ±1.21 ng/mg; p<0.048). The markedly increased salivary levels of nitric oxide in patients with OLP suggest a relationship of this molecule with the cell death and tissue damage observed in these lesions.

Courses that Impact the Terminal Efficiency in the Dentistry Career at the University of Costa Rica (2007-2014)

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The main objective of this study was to determine the failure rates of the courses in the curriculum of the Dentistry degree program at the University of Costa Rica for the cohorts from 2007 to 2014. Data from 736 records were used. The variables considered were the following: gender, age at admission, nationality, marital status, children, domicile, previous high school attended, admission exam scores, and approved courses. The data were obtained from the Student Application System, physical records, and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Among the students, 98% were Costa Rican, 68% were female, 79% were admitted based on their admission exam scores, 43% were admitted at the age of 18 or younger, 50% came from public schools, 77% resided in the Greater Metropolitan Area, and 95% were single and childless. The majority of study dropouts occurred in the first four cycles of the dentistry degree. The courses with the lowest overall success rate in the curriculum were service courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Elemental Mathematics. Among the core courses, the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Clinic and the Endodontics Clinic had the highest failure rates. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between the approval rates of the physics course and the school of origin. In the Dentistry degree program at University of Costa Rica, the failure rate is high in the first four cycles of the program, which is when service courses are mainly offered. As for the core courses, the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Clinic and the Endodontics Clinic had the lowest success rates.

Agreement Between Two Cephalometric Analyses of Facial Growth Direction and Biotype

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Cephalometry is a morphological and descriptive diagnostic method that provides relevant data on skeletal and dentoalveolar malocclusions of patients seeking orthodontics treatment. Several authors have proposed different cephalometric measurements to determine facial growth direction and facial biotype, the results of these different measurements from the same patient do not always agree on the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the level of agreement between Ricketts and Björk-Jarabak cephalometric analyses for the determination of facial growth direction and facial biotype in patients from a population of Yucatan, Mexico. A total of 260 lateral cephalograms of patients between 18 and 59 years of age were digitally traced using the Ricketts and Björk-Jarabak cephalometric analyses to determine the direction of facial growth and facial biotype using Dolphin Imagine software. Cohen's kappa statistical test was performed to establish the strength of agreement between the diagnostic results obtained by the cephalometric analyses. A poor diagnostic concordance strength was found for growth direction (K=0.105), and acceptable for facial biotype (K=0.362). The concordance strengths for each diagnostic possibility (level) ranged from slight to acceptable, except for the brachyfacial and dolichofacial biotypes, with a moderate strength of agreement. In conclusion, the Ricketts and Björk-Jarabak cephalometric measurements used for the determination of facial biotype and facial growth direction could suggest non-concordant diagnostic assessments in some individuals.

Bridging Cultures: Challenges and Opportunities when Translating and Adapting Instruments for Dental Studies

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Exploring the Potential of Probiotics in Dentistry: A Literature Review

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

To describe the scientific literature on the uses and application of probiotics in dentistry. An electronic search was carried out without date restriction in the PubMed and Scopus databases. The articles were compiled, and their characteristics, objectives and methods were studied using the following keywords: "probiotics", "S. mutans", "oral health", "biofilm", among others. For the present literature review, 10 studies were chosen that investigate the probiotic action of certain strains such as Lactobaccillus and Bifidobacterium in periodontal and orthodontic treatments, among others. These studies proved their efficacy in different types of presentations such as tablets and yogurt, in different types of populations such as infants, young people and older adults. Finally, a large part of these studies determined biofilm reduction. Based on the research articles, strains such as Lactobaccillus and Bifidobacterium showed positive effects in the reduction of bacterial plaque such as S. mutans in short- and long-term periods in different populations. There is a large production of studies concerning the application of probiotics in dentistry. However, it is necessary to carry out studies with other types of bacteria and different vehicles to determine more precisely which species help to maintain oral health.

Unveiling Oral Anaerobic Bacteria Outer Membrane Vesicles: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Priscilla Castro-Vargas, Frédérique Barloy-Hubler, Luis Acuña-Amador — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are spherical structures limited by membranes and shed by several cell types. Specifically, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanometric particles constitutively produced by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) under different environmental conditions. OMVs are biologically active; they are loaded with selected lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, and even different types of nucleic acids. OMVs from pathogenic oral bacteria play key roles in pathogen-host interactions, constituting a possible link between oral health and systemic disease. OMVs participate in adhesion, invasion, and damage to cells, as well as in modulating the host's immune response, biofilm formation, and promotion of virulence. The objective of this systematic review was to collect, analyze and synthesize the knowledge available on literature reviews on OMVs of the most studied pathogenic oral anaerobic GNB. This information was classified into the following categories: induction of vesiculation and biogenesis, its liberation from the parental cell, content, internalization by another host cell, and the interaction with the host cell. It was found that the most studied OMVs are those of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides spp. and, to a lesser extent, Aggregatibacter spp., and Treponema spp. This systematic review provides a synthesis of the current knowledge regarding OMVs, with emphasis on the information available for periodontopathogens.