Aim: The aim of the present study was to estimate the salivary copper levels in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) condition.
Materials and methods: A total of 60 individuals of which an equal number of 30 each in normal healthy control group as well as in clinically and histopathologically (the biopsy was done once after the clinical confirmation of OSMF in the patient) confirmed patients of OSMF were included in the study group. Total of 51 males and 9 females were considered for the present study and the age distribution of these groups ranged from a minimum of 21 years to a maximum of 74 years. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from the patient followed by the conventional biopsy practice. The collected saliva was then subjected for the analysis of copper levels. Trace element copper was estimated by using Digital Semiautomatic Analyzer with the help of copper kit. The clinical mouth opening of OSMF was estimated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD post hoc test was used analyze the data wherein the participants were grouped into age ranges of 20-30, 31-40, 41-50, and >60 years.
Results: The mean salivary copper level among OSMF and control groups with respect to age in 20-30 years was 55.98 ± 15.50 and 30.87 ± 7.70, in 31-40 years was 63.96 ± 21.13 and 32.95 ± 4.56, in 41-50 years was 50.11 ± 6.83 and 30.46 ± 3.28, and >60 years was 45.65 and 13.67 µg/dL, respectively. The mean salivary copper levels among OSMF and Control groups with respect to males were 55.60 ± 15.27 and 31.18 ± 6.97 and among females were 67.0 ± 24.25 and 30.06 ± 5.77 µg/dL, respectively. The mean salivary copper levels with histopathological grades in very early stage was 47.18 ± 5.73, in early stage was 49.22 ± 7.65, in moderately advanced was 73.53 ± 10.62 and in OSMF with mild dysplasia was 79.98 ± 16.27 µg/dL, respectively. The mean salivary copper levels in individuals with clinical mouth opening more than 35 mm was 45.65 ± 6.57, in 25-35 mm was 48.94 ± 21.60, in 15-25 mm was 70.54 ± 3.52 and in less than 15 mm was 81.50 ± 16.66, respectively.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that salivary trace element levels could be used as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients with OSMF.
Clinical significance: Trace elements are involved in many different physiological and metabolic processes in humans, either directly or indirectly. Copper is involved in vital biochemical activities like different redox and free radical formation and in maintaining cellular proton homeostasis. It is also associated with the processing of oxygen and a component of arecanut in all forms, which is implicated in the etiology of OSMF. How to cite this article: Gupta R, Jayanti I, Das A, et al. Estimation of the Salivary Copper Levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis Condition: An In Vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):498-502.
Aim: The current study aimed to assess the efficiency of two desensitizing dentifrices on the management of dental hypersensitivity.
Materials and methods: For the purpose of this investigation, 60 extracted human sound premolar teeth that were removed for orthodontic purposes were collected. On the buccal cervical areas, an inverted-cone bur was used to create cavities that were 2 mm deep and 3 mm wide. The blocks were submerged in 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 40 minutes in order to ensure the complete dentin tubule opening. Following preparation, all samples were split into three groups, each containing 20 samples, Group A: Control, Group B: Dentifrice containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate, Group C: Dentifrice containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the occlusion of dentinal tubules. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the desensitization efficacy of dentifrices. At a p-value less than 0.05, statistical significance was determined.
Result: Before application of different dentifrices, the maximum dentinal tubules opened in dentifrice containing CPP-ACP group (4.24 ± 0.10) followed by control group (4.18 ± 0.01) and dentifrice containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate (4.12 ± 0.06). And there was no significant difference between the different dentifrice groups (p > 0.001). After application of different dentifrices, the highest occlusion of dentinal tubules found in dentifrice containing CPP-ACP group (2.50 ± 0.05) followed by dentifrice containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate (2.84 ± 0.10) and control group (4.02 ± 0.07) and there was a highly significant difference between the different dentifrice groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: On conclusion, dentifrice containing CPP-ACP exhibited the highest level of dentinal tubule occlusion in comparison to the control group and dentifrice containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate.
Clinical significance: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a condition that is frequently experienced. With variable outcomes, a number of products are utilized in the management of DH. Need is felt in dentistry for a material that chemically reacts, physically occludes and adheres intimately to dentinal tubules to reduce the possibility of its recurrence. How to cite this article: Pulipaka S, Ramanna PK, Samson A, et al. Assessment of the Effectiveness of Desensitizing Dentifrices on Management of Dental Hypersensitivity: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):494-497.
Aim: Endodontically treated teeth often require 360° ferrule to retain post and core restoration. The literature support on scientific evidence of partial ferrule is limited, hence this study was conducted to evaluate the fracture resistance of two post and core systems, i.e., Edelweiss and glass fiber post and core system with varying ferrule locations.
Materials and methods: About 54 extracted mandibular 1st premolars were divided into Edelweiss post and core (Group A) and glass fiber post and core (Group B). They were further subdivided into 3 groups each (Partial functional, partial non-functional, and circumferential). A standardized endodontic procedure was carried out on all the specimens. For group A, an Edelweiss drill of 1.4 mm was used to prepare the post space. Canals were then etched, a bonding agent was applied and posts were luted with paracore resin. For group B, post space was prepared with a straight fissure bur, followed by the same procedure as that of group A. Core build-up was done with composite resin. Cast crowns were fabricated and cemented with GIC. Fracture resistance was evaluated with UTM with a compressive load capacity of 1000 N until fracture occurred.
Results: The results of this study stated that in the Edelweiss group partial functional ferrule showed higher fracture resistance and in the glass fiber group circumferential ferrule showed higher fracture resistance. The study also showed that MOF is favorable in all the groups.
Conclusion: The type of ferrule was one of the factors that affected the fracture resistance of Edelweiss and Glass fiber post and core group of specimens. The study also concluded that there was a predominant favorable mode of fracture across all groups, in all different ferrule locations.
Clinical significance: This study opens multiple avenues and methods in tooth restoration and shows that even a partial functional ferrule is sufficient for restoration, provided the right system is used. How to cite this article: Jadhav PD, Shetty R, Mehta D, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance in Different Post and Core Systems with Varying Ferrule Locations: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):480-485.
Background: Healthcare embraces simulation's learning boost, from medicine to dentistry. But can it unlock the secrets of intricate fixed prosthodontics? This study takes a pioneering step to find out.
Aim: To evaluate low-fidelity medical simulation (LFMSim) in fixed prosthodontics by assessing its effectiveness in training corono-radicular preparations and by exploring participants' perceptions of LFMSim as an innovative teaching tool for developing pre-practice skills.
Materials and methods: A prospective, descriptive study was executed to explore these facets among 6th-year students. The Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH©) evaluation grid, student version, was employed for assessment. The study encompassed one week, from 03/03/2023 to 10/03/2023.
Results: The study involved 28 learners with an average age of 23 and a sex ratio of 0.33, half of whom had prior exposure to simulation sessions. Seventy-five percent of participants watched the instructional video a day before the simulation, with nine expressing presession stress. Overall, 19% of students found the session as expected, while 43% considered it better than anticipated. Satisfaction levels varied, with 50% indicating they were "rather satisfied," and 46.4% expressing absolute satisfaction. The Debriefing Assessment using DASH yielded an average score of 4.85.
Conclusion: The study's findings shed light on the effectiveness of LFMSim in training corono-radicular preparations and post-space impressions for fixed prosthodontics among 6th-year students. The varied satisfaction levels and the emphasis on debriefing discussions suggest avenues for improving simulation sessions in the future.
Clinical significance: These insights are pertinent for educators and institutions aiming to enhance dental education through innovative teaching tools like simulation. By refining simulation sessions based on debriefing feedback, educators can better prepare students for real-world clinical scenarios, ultimately improving patient care outcomes. This highlights the practical importance of incorporating simulation-based learning into dental curricula. How to cite this article: Hadyaoui D, Boukhris H, Riahi Z, et al. Low-fidelity Medical Simulation: Relevance in the Learning of Dental Students in South Africa. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):463-472.
Aim: This study aims to examine the awareness, attitudes, and perceptions towards dental fluorosis in Hail, Saudi Arabia.
Materials and methods: It was an epidemiological study with a descriptive cross-sectional design. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited from Hail, Saudi Arabia, through a convenient non-probability sampling strategy. The study planned to recruit at least 400 participants. However, (n = 419) was obtained during the 2 months of data collection. Data for the present study was collected using a validated questionnaire via Google form by disseminating it to the targeted population using non-probability snowball sampling through various social media platforms. The questionnaire comprised three parts including demographics (6 questions), a knowledge-related section comprised of (6 questions), and attitude relation portion (14 questions).
Results: The majority of participants (n = 369, 88.1%) were willing to undergo treatment for dental improvement. Additionally, most respondents (n = 389, 92.8%) advocated for government participation in preventive programs and emphasized the importance of raising public awareness. Furthermore, a significant proportion (n = 401, 95.7%) expressed interest in launching mass public health campaigns to prevent dental fluorosis. Females showed significantly higher awareness levels.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant sociodemographic influences on awareness and attitudes towards dental fluorosis. While age, nationality, and income showed no impact, gender and education were significant factors. Despite gaps in knowledge, there was strong support for preventive measures. Esthetic concerns were evident, with high rates of dental consultations and recognition of social stigma. Targeted interventions are needed to address knowledge gaps and promote preventive measures, considering sociodemographic differences and broader social implications.
Clinical significance: The findings could be the cornerstone for promoting preventive measures and improving consultation behaviors, ultimately enhancing the overall management and prevention of dental fluorosis in the community. How to cite this article: Siddiqui AA, Alanazi YA, Almagdawy EA, et al. Knowledge Attitude and Practices Regarding Dental Fluorosis among Saudi Subpopulations: A Questionnaire-based Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):405-410.
How to cite this article: Abhishek G. The Evolving Landscape of Shade Matching: From Softwares to Mobile Apps. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):403-404. Keywords: Digital shade guide, Mobile shade matching.
Aim: To evaluate the morphology of the mastoid process and its role in sex determination with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 200 adults who were subjected to full FOV CBCT scans (100 males and 100 females). Eight parameters of the mastoid process were assessed for sex determination. The study measured eight parameters of the mastoid process, including mastoid length (ML), mastoid width, mastoid height (MH), intermastoidale distance (IMD), intermastoidale lateral surface distance (IMLSD), mastoid medial convergence angle, mastoid size (MS), and mastoid surface area (MSA). Data were recorded and statistically analyzed.
Results: Statistics revealed a significant value for MH (p < 0.001), IMD (p < 0.001), IMLSD (p < 0.001), MSA (p < 0.001), MS (p < 0.001), and ML (p = 0.032). A highly significant value was noted for MH (p < 0.001), IMD (p < 0.001), IMLSD (p < 0.001), MSA (p < 0.001), MS (p < 0.001), followed by ML, all of which were found to be greater in males. Out of the eight parameters, IMD was found to be the best sex determinant among all the eight parameters, with an accuracy of 70%. The study showed a significant difference between the mastoid process morphometric measurements for males and females.
Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that IMD can be used as a good index for sex determination. The combined parameters that were found to be the most accurate were right MH, left ML, and IMLSD, with an accuracy of 75%.
Clinical significance: The three-dimensional imaging techniques can contribute significantly towards disaster victim identification and sex determination in the fields of forensic odontology and anthropology. For the recognition of victims, sex determination becomes one of the most difficult parameters to assess. In such events, the mastoid process can become an important anatomical landmark for the estimation of sex. This is due to the condensed nature of the petrous bone and its protected position in the skull. How to cite this article: Ahmed J, Saha A, Muralidharan A, et al. Efficacy of Mastoid Morphometry in Sex Determination Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Analysis in Dakshina Kannada Population. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):453-458.
Aim: The present study clinically analyzes implant survival of immediate implant placement cases using the drilling through roots (DTR) technique for anatomically-guided implant site preparation, as an aid to placing immediate dental implants in multi-radicular teeth.
Materials and methods: This clinical analysis utilized patients' electronic dental records who underwent immediate implant surgery using the DTR technique. All immediately placed implants were followed up regularly every year, after restoration. Implant survival was assessed with the Albrektsson et al. criteria. Inferential statistics was performed using SPSS v 21(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) software. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was done to assess the implant survival probability.
Results: A total of 250 records of dental implants placed in 227 subjects using the DTR technique were considered. Results showed that the mean survival duration of implants was found 63.29 months and the median survival duration to be 55 months. A 100% success rate was seen in implant fixed bridge cases, and about 97.6% success was seen in single crown cases. No significant difference was seen in the survival rates during the follow-up period when compared according to the quadrants/site of implant placement.
Conclusion: The findings concluded that tooth-guided rapid implant placement is a unique strategy for convenient and safe insertion, providing accurate three-dimensional positioning.
Clinical significance: The DTR method is a novel approach that facilitates accurate positioning and angulation of the implant bed preparation by stabilizing and guiding the osteotomy drills using the retained root. As a result, it enables optimal implant positioning at multirooted extraction sites. How to cite this article: Mahesh L, Miselli A, Bhasin MT, et al. The DTR Technique-Drilling through the Roots of Posterior Teeth for Anatomically Guided Immediate Implant Placement: A Cohort Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):432-439.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the reporting quality of systematic review (SR) abstracts in leading orthodontic journals using the PRISMA abstract criteria. Additionally, the study examined characteristics associated with improved abstract reporting quality.
Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study design was employed. Systematic reviews published between January 2018 and December 2022 in four prominent orthodontic journals were identified through electronic and manual searches. Inclusion criteria focused on articles with "SR" or "meta-analysis" keywords in the title or abstract. Narrative and historical reviews, scoping reviews, and case reports with extensive literature reviews were not considered as part of the exclusion criteria. The screening was carried out in duplicate and independently by the two authors.
Results: The European Journal of Orthodontics had the highest number of included articles, while the Journal of Orthodontics had the lowest. The majority of SRs had authors affiliated with academic institutions. Compliance scores varied across journals and regions, with Asia scoring the highest. Certain checklist items, such as identifying the report as an SR, stating objectives, describing included studies, providing interpretation, and registration, were adequately reported in over 93% of the reviews. However, the reporting of risk of bias and synthesis of results showed room for improvement.
Conclusion: The study revealed a significant improvement in the overall Preferred Reporting Items for SRs and Meta-Analyses for Abstracts (PRISMA-A) score of included SRs, primarily due to enhanced reporting of specific checklist items. However, there remains considerable scope for further improvement in abstract reporting, highlighting the importance of striving to meet higher standards in SR abstracts.
Clinical significance: The study showed a notable increase in the PRISMA-A score. However, there is still a need for continued efforts to meet higher reporting standards in SR abstracts. How to cite this article: Alharbi F, Alghabban RO. Reporting Quality of Abstracts in Systematic Reviews in Orthodontics: An Observational Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):459-462.