Assessment of Surface Roughness, Color, and Bonding Efficacy: Self-Adhesive vs. Conventional Flowable Resin.

This in vitro study aimed to analyze the surface roughness (Ra) and color stability (ΔEab, ΔE00) following simulated mechanical brushing and to evaluate the microtensile (µTBS) of self-adhering resin flowable (SARF) to dentin. The selected materials were Constic, Yflow AS, and Tetric N flow (TNF/control). Thirty composite resin cylinders were fabricated for surface property evaluation. Ra and color were assessed both before and after simulated brushing. The thresholds of 50:50% perceptibility and acceptability of color differences in the evaluated resins were assessed. For µTBS analysis, fifteen molars were selected, sectioned to expose flat dentin surfaces, and restored according to the manufacturers' instructions for microtensile testing. There were statistically significant differences in Ra among the groups, with Constic exhibiting the highest Ra value (0.702 µm; p < 0.05), whereas Yflow AS presented the lowest Ra value (0.184 µm). No statistically significant difference in color was observed among the groups (p > 0.05). The 50:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds were set at 1.2 and 2.7 for ΔEab and 0.8 and 1.8 for ΔE 00. All the results fell within the acceptable limits. The mean µTBS values of Constic, Yflow AS, and TNF were 10.649 MPa, 8.170 MPa, and 33.669 MPa, respectively. This study revealed increased Ra and comparable color stability among all the tested composite resins after abrasion. However, the SARF exhibited lower µTBS compared to conventional using an adhesive system.

Effectiveness of different surface treatments on bond strength between 3D-printed teeth and denture base.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of different surface treatments and thermal cycling on the shear bond strength between 3D-printed teeth and denture bases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the shear bond strength (SBS) test, the specimens were the maxillary central incisors (11 × 9 × 7 mm) bonded on a cylindrical base (20 × 25 mm). The control group was heat-cured polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (N = 20). The printed group was divided into five subgroups (N = 20): no treatment, sandblasting with aluminum oxide (Al2O3), methyl methacrylate monomer, acetone, and adhesive with urethane dimethacrylate. Half of the samples were subjected to 2000 thermal cycling cycles, and all samples were subjected to the SBS test. The failure mode was established as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed through stereomicroscopic analysis. The surface roughness test (Sa) was performed using optical profilometry, and the rectangular specimens (14 × 14 × 2.5 mm) were divided into four groups according to the surface treatments (N = 7 per group). Paired T and Wilcoxon tests were conducted to perform comparisons within the same group. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner post-hoc tests were conducted to compare the groups. RESULTS: Al2O3 sandblasting in the 3D-printed groups achieved high SBS values comparable to those of the control group in the thermal cycled (p = 0.962) and non-thermal cycled samples (p = 0.319). It was the only treatment capable of modifying the surface of the 3D-printed resin, thereby increasing the roughness (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Sandblasting is recommended to increase the bond strength between the tooth and denture bases.

Impact of CAD/CAM burs lifetime on surface properties of dental zirconia: Implications for biocompatibility of custom abutments.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the deterioration of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) burs during zirconia milling, on surface roughness, contact angle, and fibroblast viability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ceramic blocks were milled and 75 ceramic disks (8 × 1.5 mm) made and allocated into three groups (n = 25): G1-brand new 2L and 1L burs, G2-2L bur at the end of lifetime and brand new 1L bur and G3-both burs at the end of their lifetimes. Roughness (Ra, Rq, and Rz) was evaluated using a 3D optical profilometer, the contact angle by the sessile drop method and the cell viability of the mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblast, using the Alamar Blue assay at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h (ISO 10993-5). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Roughness increased as the burs deteriorated and G3 (0.27 ± 0.04) presented a higher value for Ra (p < 0.001). The highest contact angle was observed in G3 (86.2 ± 2.66) when compared with G1 (63.7 ± 12.49) and G2 (75.3 ± 6.36) (p < 0.001). Alamar Blue indicated an increase in cell proliferation, with no significant differences among the groups at 24 and 72 h (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The deterioration of the burs increased the surface roughness and decreased the wettability, but did not interfere in cell viability and proliferation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of custom zirconia abutments represents an effective strategy for single crowns restorations. Our findings suggest that these abutments can be efficiently milled using CAD/CAM burs within their recommended lifetime.

Color and surface roughness alterations of bulk-fill resin composites submitted to simulated toothbrushing with whitening dentifrices

Aim: To evaluate the surface roughness and color stability of bulk-fill resin composites after simulated toothbrushing with whitening dentifrices. The radioactive/relative dentin abrasion (RDA) and radioactive/relative enamel abrasion (REA) of dentifrices were also assessed. Methods: Specimens (n=10) of Tetric N Ceram Bulk Fill (TNCB), Filtek One Bulk Fill (FOB) resin composites, and Z100(Control) were prepared using a cylindrical Teflon matrix. Surface roughness (Ra, µm) was assessed by a roughness meter and the color evaluations (ΔEab , ΔE00 , WID ) were performed using a digital spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. Three measurements were performed per sample, before and after simulated toothbrushing with 3D Oral-B White Perfection (3DW) and Black is White (BW) dentifrices. The abrasivity (REA and RDA values) of the used dentifrices was also determined by the Hefferren abrasivity test. Results: The Ra values increased significantly in all resin composites after 3DW and BW toothbrushing. The acceptable threshold color varied among resin composites, and TNCB and Z100 presented the highest ΔEab and ΔE00 for BW dentifrice. The 3DW dentifrice was significantly more abrasive than BW dentifrice on enamel and dentin. Conclusions: simulated toothbrushing with tested whitening dentifrices increased the surface roughness at acceptable levels. The Tetric N Ceram Bulk-fill and Z100 composite showed the highest color alteration in BW. 3D White Perfection dentifrice was more abrasive on dentin and enamel than Black is White.

Effect of simulated brushing with dentifrices on surface roughness and the mass loss of acrylic resin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Brushing with dentifrice is the most commonly used denture cleaning method. However, it can result in the mass loss of acrylic resin and an increase in surface roughness, which favors the adherence of microorganisms. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to assess the influence of simulated brushing by using dentifrices and water on surface roughness and the mass loss of acrylic resins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Embase, Open Gray, and Google Scholar databases in September 2022. The study selection process, data extraction, and risk of bias analysis were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the Open Science Framework (DOI number 10.17605/OSF.IO/QD4GH). Meta-analysis was performed by using a random effects model (α=.05) in the RevMan (Cochrane Collaboration) software program. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 2 studies in the quantitative synthesis. The manual toothbrush was the most analyzed (n=9), followed by the electric toothbrush (n=5) and denture brush (n=1). Denture base resin (n=8) was evaluated more than acrylic resin for the abrasiveness of toothpaste (n=6). Most studies used conventional toothpaste (n=12), whereas 6 used specific dentifrices. The period of brushing corresponding to 1 year was the most predominant (n=6). Surface roughness (n=13) was evaluated more than mass loss (n=4). In general, dentifrices resulted in greater surface roughness than water. According to meta-analysis results, brushing by using dentifrices reported higher mass loss values than brushing with distilled water (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Brushing acrylic resins with dentifrice was more abrasive than brushing with water.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma attendance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma patient attendance. The study was registered in the PROSPERO system, using the CRD42021288398 protocol. Searching was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and OpenGrey databases, using the following keywords: "Tooth injuries," "Dental trauma," "Traumatic Dental injury," and "COVID-19". We included observational studies evaluating dental trauma in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analysis was performed in RevMan 5.4 software with Odds Ratios as a pooled measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval, and using random-effects modeling. After applying the eligibility criteria, 32 studies were included for qualitative analysis, in which 10 were used to assess the frequency of dental trauma diagnoses in dental emergencies. Despite the decrease of visits during COVID-19, the analysis revealed no difference between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Regarding the type of dental trauma, two of the studies revealed no differences for the periods before and during the pandemic. This study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted the frequency or type of dental trauma compared to previous periods.

Antimicrobial effect and the mechanical and surface properties of a self-disinfecting and a chlorhexidine-incorporated Type IV dental stone.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Stone casts are subject to contamination, but whether disinfectants incorporated into the stone are effective is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the mechanical and surface properties of self-disinfecting gypsum (SDG) and gypsum mixed with 2% chlorhexidine (GCHX). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antimicrobial action was evaluated using the diffusion-disk technique on Streptococcus aureus and Candida albicans 1 hour and 24 hours after pouring the gypsum. The groups were SDG, GCHX, a positive control (PC) of gypsum mixed with distilled water, and a negative control (NC) of filter paper disk soaked with 2% chlorhexidine; n=8. Inhibition halos were measured using the ImageJ software program and statistically analyzed using the repeated measures mixed ANOVA with time×group interaction. Compressive strength (CS) in MPa and surface roughness (SR) in µm (parameters: Ra - roughness average; and Sa - 3-dimensional (3D) arithmetic mean of the surface profile) tests were performed to characterize the specimens (evaluated groups: SDG, GCHX, and PC; n=10). CS data were analyzed by a 2-way ANOVA with time×group interaction, and SR data by a 1-way ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: For S aureus, there were differences between GCHX and SDG at 1 hour and 24 hours (P<.05), but no significant differences were found for C albicans (P>.05). GCHX was better than PC, except for C albicans, and showed a reduction in CS when compared with PC and SDG (P<.05) at all time intervals. The SR of GCHX increased (Ra:1.76, Sa:2.08) when compared with PC (Ra:0.89, Sa:1.12) and SDG (Ra:1.03, Sa:1.35) (Ra: P<.004 and Sa: P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial activity of GCHX against S aureus was better than that of SDG, but neither had an effect against C albicans. As for CS and SR, GCHX presented a decrease in properties when compared with PC and SDG but was within the American Dental Association #25 specification values.

Temporomandibular disorders: knowledge, competency, and attitudes of predoctoral dental students.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge, competency, and attitudes related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among predoctoral dental students, and to investigate the curricular organization of contents related to TMD and occlusion. METHODS: Predoctoral dental students (n = 147) answered a questionnaire with topics related to TMD. Another questionnaire evaluated the organization of TMD and occlusion courses. RESULTS: Contents related to TMD and occlusion were taught in the same course in all dental schools. The students' responses showed low agreement with the current gold standards pertaining to TMD. Most students declared that they did not feel confident to treat patients with TMD (62.6%), were not satisfied with the content pertaining to TMD (55.8%), and considered a lack of clinical practice to be the primary limitation in their training (59.2%). DISCUSSION: Students' knowledge of basic concepts related to TMD was limited, highlighting the need for readjustment of the dental curriculum to increase clinical experience.

Linear and areal surface roughness assessments for the study of tooth wear in human enamel.

OBJECTIVES: To test 8 models of linear surface roughness assessment in characterizing surface profile description and to correlate these models with equivalent areal parameters over sound human enamel in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty enamel blocks were randomly selected. The roughness data (2D-Rp; Rv; Rz; Rc; Rt; Ra; Rq; Rsk; Rku/3D-Sp; Sv; Sz; Sa; Sq; Ssk; Sku) was obtained in duplicate in a non-contact 3D optical profilometer. The models were composed by 1 single vertical trace (model 1) until 8 traces (model 8 composed by three vertical traces, three horizontal traces, and two diagonal). RESULTS: The addition of linear sampling traces to the enamel blocks did not result in Rp, Rv, Rz, Rc, Rt, Ra, Rq, Rsk, and Rku value changes (low power-from 5 to 72%). Significant Spearman's correlation coefficients were obtained in most correlation analysis (Rp ↔ Sp; Rv ↔ Sv; Rz ↔ Sz; Ra ↔ Sa; Rq ↔ Sq; and Rku ↔ Sku). CONCLUSIONS: A single vertical trace in the middle of the sample was representative of the overall enamel surface roughness (Rp, Rv, Rz, Rc, Rt, Ra, Rq, Rsk, and Rku) models. The majority of the assessed models in the correlation evaluation presented significant and positive association. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings highlight the applicable model for roughness analysis over human enamel recommended for research and in situ trials assessments.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma attendance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma patient attendance. The study was registered in the PROSPERO system, using the CRD42021288398 protocol. Searching was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and OpenGrey databases, using the following keywords: "Tooth injuries," "Dental trauma," "Traumatic Dental injury," and "COVID-19". We included observational studies evaluating dental trauma in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analysis was performed in RevMan 5.4 software with Odds Ratios as a pooled measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval, and using random-effects modeling. After applying the eligibility criteria, 32 studies were included for qualitative analysis, in which 10 were used to assess the frequency of dental trauma diagnoses in dental emergencies. Despite the decrease of visits during COVID-19, the analysis revealed no difference between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Regarding the type of dental trauma, two of the studies revealed no differences for the periods before and during the pandemic. This study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted the frequency or type of dental trauma compared to previous periods.

Effects of long-term cinnamaldehyde immersion on the surface roughness and color of heat-polymerized denture base resin.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Cinnamaldehyde has been successfully used for the short-term disinfection of dentures; however, its long-term effects on the surface and color properties of denture base materials remain unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of simulated immersion in cinnamaldehyde for up to 5 years on the surface roughness and color parameters of a heat-polymerized denture resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty Ø10×5-mm disk-shaped specimens were prepared from microwave heat-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and immersed in 4 solutions (n=20): TW-tap water (control), SH - 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, PX-alkaline peroxide, and CA-cinnamaldehyde (27 µg/mL). The immersion protocol simulated 104 cycles (3.5 months), 913 cycles (2.5 years), and 1825 immersion cycles (5 years) of a daily immersion cleaning protocol, with immersion times ranging from 10 to 20-minutes. Surface roughness (Sa) and the color parameters of CIELab (L∗ a∗ b∗, ΔEab), CIEDE2000 (ΔE00), and the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) were analyzed at baseline (t=0) and after the immersion cycles. The data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and the Tukey post hoc test (α=.01). RESULTS: Sa was significantly increased in all groups after 1825 cycles compared with baseline (P<.01), regardless of the solution. Only the time factor significantly affected ΔEab, ΔE00, and NBS parameters, which were below the perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. After a simulated 5-year immersion, the surface roughness and color values of CA-treated specimens were not statistically different from those of the other groups (P>.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cinnamaldehyde solution (27 µg/mL) produced minor effects on the surface roughness and color parameters of a heat-polymerized denture base resin similar to those of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and alkaline peroxide after a 5-year simulated immersion.

Nanoparticle-modified PMMA to prevent denture stomatitis: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the antifungal effectiveness of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) modified by nanoparticles (NPs) and to compare it with conventional acrylic resins for denture bases. The present study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Searches were performed using PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, EMBASE, and LILACS. Eligibility criteria were as recommended by PRISMA. The studies presented great variability regarding NP type, synthesis method, antifungal evaluation method, and antifungal effect. The most commonly used NPs were silver (AgNP) and zinc oxide (ZnONP), ranging in size from 10 to 100 nm. The incorporation methods were mechanical or agitated. Despite PMMA modification by ZnONP being shown in vitro to be a combination with the best antifungal effect, future studies are still needed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration for Candida spp. and assess its biocompatibility before the protocol is clinically tested.

Effect of the incorporation of silica blow spun nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (SiO2/Ag) on the mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties of a low-viscosity bulk-fill composite resin.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed at producing silica-blow-spun nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (SiO2/Ag) and investigating the effect of their incorporation in different proportions, with or without pre-treatment with a silane coupling agent, on the mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties of a commercial composite low-viscosity bulk-fill resin. METHODS: The production of SiO2/Ag nanofibers was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). A portion of the produced nanofibers was silanized. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, and agar diffusion tests against Streptococcus mutans were used to verify the differences between silanized and non-silanized nanofibers. Different proportions (0.5 wt% and 1 wt%) of silanized (SiO2/Ag-0.5S and SiO2/Ag-1S) and non-silanized (SiO2/Ag-0.5NS and SiO2/Ag-1NS) nanofibers were incorporated into the bulk-fill composite (Opus Bulk Fill Flow, FGM). A commercial composite was used as the control. Evaluation of the color parameters (L*, a*, and b*), radiopacity, contact angle, antimicrobial activity, Vickers microhardness, surface roughness (Sa and Sq), flexural strength, and SEM of the fractured surfaces were performed. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (fiber morphology), Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Dunn's post hoc test (antimicrobial activity of the specimen against S. mutans), Student's t-test (disk diffusion), one-way ANOVA and Tukey (color, radiopacity, and contact angle), and two-way ANOVA and Tukey (microhardness, surface roughness, and flexural strength) tests. All statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of 1% (α = 0.01). RESULTS: Porous nanometric SiO2/Ag fibers were successfully produced. The silanization process, confirmed by FTIR, increased the diameter and contact angle and reduced the growth inhibition halos of the nanofibers (p < 0.01). After the incorporation of nanofibers into the dental composite, all color parameters were altered in all the experimental groups (p < 0.01). All the groups presented adequate radiopacity values. No statistical difference was observed in the contact angles of the experimental composites (p > 0.01). The lowest microbial counts were obtained in the SiO2/Ag-0.5S group; although no significant difference was observed with the control group (p < 0.01). The SiO2/Ag-1S, SiO2/Ag-0.5S, and SiO2/Ag-0.5NS groups exhibited higher microhardness after 30 d of immersion in water (p < 0.01). The surface roughness (Sa-µm) resembled that of the control at baseline, except for the SiO2/Ag-1NS group. For the baseline evaluation of flexural strength, all the experimental groups exhibited lower values than the control, except for SiO2/Ag-0.5NS and SiO2/Ag-0.5S, but after 30 d of immersion in water, there was no difference (p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of 0.5% wt. of silanized nanofibers in the commercial composite (SiO2/Ag-0.5S) seemed to be promising, especially for its greater inhibition of S. mutans, adequate roughness, and flexural strength, in addition to high hardness, even after aging in water.

Prosthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: prevention and implications.

The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Dental practice," "Prosthodontics," and "Dental infection control." Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.

Influence of size of field of view (FOV), position within the FOV, and scanning mode on the detection of root fracture and observer's perception of artifacts in CBCT images.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of field of view (FOV) size, scanning position within the FOV and scanning mode on the detection of root fracture and artifact perception. METHODS: Forty single-rooted premolars restored with NiCr and AgPd posts were divided into two groups: fractured and sound. All teeth were scanned using four CBCT scanning protocols varying FOV sizes (80 × 80 mm and 50 × 55 mm) and scanning modes (Standard and High Definition). The sample was positioned within the FOV in two pre-set positions (central and lateral) and in four positions established by the operator (quadrants). Detection of root fracture and artifact perception were assessed by two observers using 5-point and 4-point scales. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values were calculated and compared by ANOVA two-way and Tukey's test. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used to assess artifact perception. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The central position within the FOV presented higher sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values and differed from the lateral position within the FOV for the studied metal posts (p<0.05). Quadrant 2 presented the best sensitivity, accuracy, and AUC values (p<0.05). The lateral position within the FOV, AgPd posts, quadrants 1 and 3 and protocols 1 (SM, 80 × 80) and 2 (HD, 80× 80) presented higher frequency of artifacts classified as "severe". CONCLUSION: Positioning the object in the center or closer to the anterior periphery of the FOV while using a small FOV improved the detection of root fracture and decreased artifact perception.

Is there an association between rheumatoid arthritis and bone changes in the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by cone-beam computed tomography? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the relation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and bone changes in the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were recorded in the PROSPERO database, using the CRD42020153246 protocol. The electronic searches were performed in the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cochrane, and Open Grey. Cross-sectional studies that evaluated patients with RA with bone changes in the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by CBCT, without language restriction or publication date, were included. Meta-analysis was performed in Stata Software (StataCorp, TX, USA, version 12.0), using the metan, and a random effects model, and the risk of different bone alterations occurring in adults with and without arthritis was estimated using odds ratios (ORs) as a pooled measure of effect. Forest plots were used to present the isolated and the pooled effects (ORs and 95% CI). RESULTS: Six studies were used for qualitative synthesis and 2 studies for quantitative synthesis. All studies diagnosed higher prevalence changes in the bone structures of the TMJ of RA patients, described as erosion, flattening, sclerosis, and osteophytes. Meta-analysis showed that the chance of bone changes occurring in components of the TMJ is greater in individuals who have RA. CONCLUSION: There is an association between RA and bone changes in TMJ structures diagnosed through CBCT, as RA patients were more likely to have osteoarthritic changes in this joint. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the existence of an association between bone alterations in TMJ and RA can assist in the management of patients.

Prosthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: prevention and implications

Abstract: The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Dental practice," "Prosthodontics," and "Dental infection control." Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.

Orofacial antinociceptive activity and anchorage molecular mechanism in silico of geraniol.

We aimed to evaluate the orofacial antinociceptive effect of geraniol in mice and its molecular anchorage mechanism. Seven mice per group (probabilistic sample) were treated with geraniol (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.), morphine (6 mg/kg, i.p.) and vehicle (saline + Tween 80 at 0.2%, i.p.) 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the experiment. Injecting glutamate (25 µM), capsaicin (2.5 µg) and formalin (2%) into the right upper lip (perinasal) of the mouse induced nociception. Behavioral analysis of the animals considered the friction time (in seconds) of the mentioned region using hind or front paws by a researcher blinded to the treatment groups. The statistical analysis was performed blindly, considering α = 5%. The results showed that in the glutamate and capsaicin tests, concentrations of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg presented antinociceptive activity (p < 0.005, power> 80%). In the formalin test, geraniol was able to reduce nociception at a concentration of 50 mg/kg (p < 0.005, power> 80%). In the molecular anchorage study, high values of binding between the evaluated substance and receptors of glutamate were observed (metabotropic glutamate receptor, -87.8501 Kcal/mol; N-methyl-D-aspartate, -86.4451 Kcal/mol; α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid, -85.6755 Kcal/mol). Geraniol presented orofacial antinociceptive activity, probably by interacting with glutamate-related receptors.

Cinnamaldehyde is a biologically active compound for the disinfection of removable denture: blinded randomized crossover clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections associated with the use of dentures, like denture stomatitis, are difficult to prevent and treat. This in situ study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde for the disinfection of complete removable dentures, and the effect on the physical and mechanical properties (Vickers microhardness, color, and surface roughness) of the acrylic resin. METHODS: Acrylic resin disks were inserted into the dentures of a probabilistic sample of 33 complete denture users, that used cinnamaldehyde (27 µg/mL) and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solutions in a 20 min/7-days protocol of dentures immersion in each solution, with a wash-out period of 7 days, to constitute a crossover-study. The disks were analyzed before and after the immersion, for the presence of microorganisms (CFU/mL) and by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Also, the surface roughness (Ra) and Vickers microhardness were measured, and color parameters were analyzed using the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) method. Data was analyzed by Wilcoxon and Friedman (microbiological evaluation), paired t-test (color and roughness) and independent t-test (Vickers hardness) (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of microorganisms was observed for each species (total microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida spp.), with no significant differences (P > 0.05) between hypochlorite and cinnamaldehyde. There was an increase in the roughness and a decrease in the hardness of the test specimens, with no difference between the two disinfectant substances (P > 0.05). Both hypochlorite and cinnamaldehyde also caused changes in color, considered as "perceptible" by the NBS classification, but with no significant difference between disinfectant substances (P < 0.05), and under the clinically acceptable limit (ΔE ≤ 3.7). CONCLUSION: The 27 µg/mL cinnamaldehyde solution was effective against all evaluated microorganisms and caused minor alterations in hardness, surface roughness, and color parameters, with no clinical relevance.

Morphologic Changes of Apical Foramen and Microcrack Formation after Foraminal Enlargement: A Scanning Electron Microscopic and Micro-computed Tomographic Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphologic changes on the apical foramen and the formation of dentinal microcracks after foraminal enlargement in straight and curved root canals using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) analyses. METHODS: Sixty teeth were selected and divided into 2 experimental groups: GI (incisors/straight group, n = 30) and GM (molars/curved group, n = 30). Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (n = 15) according to the analysis performed: SEM or micro-CT analysis. The incisors and mesiobuccal canal of molars were instrumented with Reciproc Blue R25 instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) using standardized shaping procedures in the apical foramen and 1 mm beyond. The occurrence of foraminal deformation was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The z test was used for statistical analysis (P < .05). Micro-CT imaging was used to observe the presence of microcracks in the root apical third. Afterward, pre- and postoperative cross-sectional images were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects. RESULTS: The curvature of the canal did not influence the occurrence of foraminal deformation either for instrumentation in the foramen or for instrumentation beyond the foramen (P > .05). It was also observed that the increase in the working length did not influence the appearance of new deformations in the GI/SEM and GM-SEM groups (P > .05). Qualitative micro-CT analysis showed the presence of dentinal defects in 0.8% (112) and 1.5% (208) of the cross sections of incisors and molars, respectively, from a total of 13,987 slices. All dentinal defects identified in the analysis of any postoperative scans were already present in the corresponding preoperative images. Therefore, no new microcracks were observed after root canal preparation. CONCLUSIONS: The preparation of straight and moderately curved root canals with Reciproc Blue, regardless of the working length, did not influence the occurrence of apical foramen deformations and did not cause the formation of dentinal microcracks.