A Molecular Approach for Detecting Bacteria and Fungi in Healthcare Environment Aerosols: A Systematic Review.

Molecular methods have become integral to microbiological research for microbial identification. This literature review focuses on the application of molecular methods in examining airborne bacteria and fungi in healthcare facilities. In January 2024, a comprehensive electronic search was carried out in esteemed databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, employing carefully selected keywords such as ((bacteria) OR (virus) OR (fungi)) AND (aerosol) AND ((hospital) OR (healthcare) OR (dental office)) AND ((molecular) OR (PCR) OR (NGS) OR (RNA) OR (DNA) OR (metagenomic) OR (microarray)), following the PRISMA protocol. The review specifically targets healthcare environments with elevated concentrations of pathogenic bacteria. A total of 487 articles were initially identified, but only 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The study disclosed that the prevalent molecular methodology for appraising aerosol quality encompassed the utilization of the PCR method, incorporating either 16S rRNA (bacteria) or 18S rRNA (fungi) amplification techniques. Notably, five diverse molecular techniques, specifically PFGE, DGGE, SBT, LAMP, and DNA hybridization methods, were implemented in five distinct studies. These molecular tests exhibited superior capabilities compared to traditional bacterial and fungal cultures, providing precise strain identification. Additionally, the molecular methods allowed the detection of gene sequences associated with antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, molecular testing offers significant advantages over classical microbiological culture, providing more comprehensive information.

Allogenic Bone Graft in Dentistry: A Review of Current Trends and Developments.

In an effort to prepare non-autologous bone graft or biomaterial that would possess characteristics comparable to autologous bone, many different allogenic bone derivatives have been created. Although different existing processing methods aim to achieve the very same results, the specific parameters applied during different stages material preparation can result in significant differences in the material's mechanical and biological properties The properties, including osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and even osteogenic potential, can differ vastly depending on particular preparation and storage techniques used. Osteogenic properties, which have long been thought to be characteristic to autogenic bone grafts only, now seem to also be achievable in allogenic materials due to the possibility to seed the host's stem cells on a graft before its implantation. In this article, we aim to review the available literature on allogenic bone and its derivatives as well as the influence of different preparation methods on its performance.

An Experimental Anodized and Low-Pressure Oxygen Plasma-Treated Titanium Dental Implant Surface-Preliminary Report.

Chemical composition and physical parameters of the implant surface, such as roughness, regulate the cellular response leading to implant bone osseointegration. Possible implant surface modifications include anodization or the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment process that produces a thick and dense oxide coating superior to normal anodic oxidation. Experimental modifications with Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) titanium and titanium alloy Ti6Al4V plates and PEO additionally treated with low-pressure oxygen plasma (PEO-S) were used in this study to evaluate their physical and chemical properties. Cytotoxicity of experimental titanium samples as well as cell adhesion to their surface were assessed using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) or L929 cell line. Moreover, the surface roughness, fractal dimension analysis, and texture analysis were calculated. Samples after surface treatment have substantially improved properties compared to the reference SLA (sandblasted and acid-etched) surface. The surface roughness (Sa) was 0.59-2.38 µm, and none of the tested surfaces had cytotoxic effect on NHDF and L929 cell lines. A greater cell growth of NHDF was observed on the tested PEO and PEO-S samples compared to reference SLA sample titanium.

Prevalence of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth in a German cleft lip with/without palate population.

BACKGROUND: The distribution of dental abnormalities among cleft patients concerning cleft type frequently poses ambiguity wherefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth in an exemplary German cleft population dependent on the cleft type. METHODS: Radiographs and dental records of cleft patients, which had been treated and followed up in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Campus, Dresden, Germany (investigation period of 22 years) were evaluated concerning hypodontia and supernumerary teeth dependent on the cleft type. Out of 386 records, 108 patients met the inclusion criteria: non-syndromic cleft of the alveolus with or without palate (CL/P), at least one clear panoramic x-ray, sufficient dental records. Statistical analysis was performed using x-square and binominal test (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Hypodontia was more frequent (54/50%) than supernumerary teeth (36/33.3%) and was more common in bilateral clefts of the lip and palate (BCLP) (70.1%) than in unilateral clefts of the lip and palate (UCLP) (51.6%) or clefts of the lip and alveolus (CLA) (34.5%) (p << 0.001). There was an average of 0.9 missing teeth per patient, thereof the upper lateral incisor was most often affected (23.2%). In contrast, supernumerary teeth were more frequent in CLA (51.7%; p = 0.014) than UCLP (29.0%) and BCLP patients (17.6%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence for numerical dental anomalies was significantly different among the cleft types. Hypodontia significantly increased with the extend of the cleft, whereas the prevalence of supernumerary teeth decreased.

In Vivo Evaluation of Periodontal Phenotypes Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Intraoral Scanning by Computer-Aided Design, and Prosthetic-Driven Implant Planning Technology.

BACKGROUND Two clinical parameters, the gingival thickness (GT) and the width of keratinized tissue (WKT), describe the gingival phenotype, which is defined as the 3-dimensional volume of the gingiva. The periodontal phenotype additionally includes the thickness of the labial plate of the alveolar crest (TLPAC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty patients with healthy periodontium on the upper canines and incisors underwent measurements for crestal, supracrestal, free gingival thickness (FGT), the alveolar crest-gingival margin (AC-GM), alveolar crest-cementoenamel junction distance, and the TLPAC at 2, 4, and 8 mm apically from the edge of the alveolar crest using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with computer-aided design and prosthetic-driven implant planning technology. For each tooth, the gingival and periodontal phenotype was evaluated on the basis of the gingival thickness, width of keratinized tissue (WKT), and TLPAC measurements. Each patient's periodontal phenotype was evaluated according to the coronal width/length ratio of both the upper central incisors. RESULTS The dentogingival units had varying average values for the 3 periodontal phenotypes (thin phenotype: FGT 0.65±0.06 mm, WKT 4.85±1.18 mm, AC-GM 3.17±0.64 mm, TLPAC2 0.66±0.28 mm; medium phenotype: FGT 0.87±0.07 mm, WKT 5.49±1.23 mm, AC-GM 3.36±0.65 mm, TLPAC2 0.76±0.37 mm; and thick phenotype: FGT 1.20 mm, WKT 6.00 mm, AC-GM 3.90 mm, TLPAC2 0.90 mm). Positive correlations were seen among WKT, FGT, AC-GM, and TLPAC2. CONCLUSIONS Positive correlations between the FGT and WKT, and the AC-GM distance confirm that measurements using CBCT with computer-aided design and prosthetic-driven implant planning technology can evaluate the gingival phenotype and TLPAC2 for the periodontal phenotype.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Decontamination Methods as Tested on Dental Implants with Various Types of Surfaces.

BACKGROUND Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory reaction affecting both hard and soft tissues surrounding dental implants. This pathological condition is caused by a polymicrobial aggressive biofilm that colonizes the implant and abutment surface at the peri-implant crevice level. The present in vitro study evaluated different methods of implant surface decontamination and assessed whether the type of the implant surface influences the results. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in an in vitro model of peri-implantitis using 30 implants. The implants were divided into 3 equal groups based on the surface characteristics: machined-surface, sand-blasted and acid-etched, and HA-coated. Implants were coated with E. coli biofilm. After an incubation period, they were decontaminated with 4 different methods: sonic scaler application, sonic scaler application with the chemical agent Perisolv® combination, Er: YAG laser treatment, and PDT therapy with methylene blue as a photosensitizer. RESULTS The highest level of decontamination was achieved for machined-surface implants and for the combined chemical-mechanical and Er: YAG laser treatment. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that the method of implant decontamination should be customized to the type of implant surface.

Chemical Composition of East Asian Invasive Knotweeds, their Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Cariogenic Pathogens: An In-Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND Giant knotweeds originating from East Asia, such as Reynoutria japonica, and Reynoutria sachalinensis, and their hybrid such as Reynoutria x bohemica, are invasive plants in Europe and North America. However, R. japonica is also a traditional East Asian drug (Polygoni cuspidati rhizoma) used in Korean folk medicine to improve oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of acetone extracts of Reynoutria species against dominant caries pathogen such as Streptococcus mutans and alternative pathogens, as well as characterize the phytochemical composition of extracts and examine their cytotoxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ultrasonic extraction was used to obtain polyphenol-rich extracts. The extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. To test bacterial viability, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. mutans, S. salivarius, S. sanguinis, and S. pyogenes were determined. The cytotoxicity of the extracts to human fibroblasts derived from gingiva was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. RESULTS The R. japonica extract had the highest bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against pathogens causing caries, mainly dominant caries pathogen S. mutans (mean MIC 1000 µg/mL and MBC 2000 µg/mL), which was most likely associated with a higher content of stilbene aglycons and anthraquinone aglycons in the extract. Moreover, the R. japonica extract demonstrated the lowest cytotoxic effect on human fibroblasts and exhibited cytotoxic activity only at the concentration causing the death of all S. mutans. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the R. japonica acetone extract can be considered as a natural, antimicrobial agent for caries control.

An evaluation of superhydrophilic surfaces of dental implants - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of a dental implant surface have a decisive influence on the process of osseointegration. According to the current state of knowledge, surface modification can not only affect the morphology of cells, and in this way have a positive impact on osseointegration. METHODS: The objective of this study was to compare survival rates and marginal bone loss as well as assess the degree of stability of Straumann SLAactive® and Thomenn Incell® implants with a superhydrophilic surface. Authors present review of data published between 01.01.2008 and 12.31.2016 that was found in PubMed/MEDLINE internet database, An Internet search of databases produced a total of 1230 studies, 20 publications were finally selected for the present study based on the established selection and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The statistical analysis was performed. A Cumulative Implant Survival Rate (CSR%) was 98.5%, Marginal bone loss (MBL) after 6 months was M = 0.60 mm and 0.6 5 mm after 12 months and secondary stability in a group Thommen implants M = 71.3 ISQ and M = 75.2 ISQ in group of Straumann. CONCLUSION: Despite certain differences in the values of the studied parameters, both of the systems, i.e. Thommen Inicell and Straumann SLActive, demonstrated a high survival rate, a high level of implant stability and low marginal bone loss.

Short Implants and Conventional Implants in The Residual Maxillary Alveolar Ridge: A 36-Month Follow-Up Observation.

BACKGROUND Short dental implants are considered an alternative method of treatment to the maxillary sinus elevation and bone augmentation procedure at the sites of a reduced alveolar ridge height. The aim of the study was to determine the most effective therapeutic approach for a single tooth replacement in a reduced maxillary alveolar crest. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 30 partially edentulous patients having a residual crestal height of 6 mm and a minimal width of the alveolar ridge of 6-7 mm: 15 patients received regular dental implants (OsseoSpeed™ L11 Ø4 mm and L13 Ø4 mm) and the implantation was preceded by the sinus lift procedure from a lateral window approach with the application of a xenogeneic bone graft, whereas the remaining 15 patients received short implants (OsseoSpeed™ L6 mm Ø4 mm) without the sinus lift and augmentation procedure. All implants were loaded with single non-splinted crowns. Radiological examination (CBCT, RVG) was performed before the surgery and after 36 months. Primary and secondary stabilization with Osstell ISQ® and Periotest® were assessed. RESULTS Good results in primary and secondary stability were achieved in both systems. The marginal bone level (MBL) loss was low (0.22±0.46 mm and 0.34±0.24 mm, for short and conventional implants, respectively). No significant difference in MBL between groups was found. CONCLUSIONS Short implants can be successfully used to support single crowns in the lateral part of the maxilla.

An in vitro evaluation of the effect of fluoride products on white spot lesion remineralization.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of combinations of fluoride (F) products on remineralization of caries-like lesions. METHODS: Demineralized human enamel specimens were assessed by surface microhardness (SMH), stratified and allocated to five treatments groups: (1) Toothpaste containing 1% nano hydroxyapatite (HAP) + 1,450 ppm F; (2) Tooth mousse containing 10% casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) + 900 ppm F plus F toothpaste (1,450 ppm F as NaF); (3) F varnish containing 22,600 ppm F plus F toothpaste (1,450 ppm F as NaF); (4) F toothpaste (1,450 ppm F as NaF); and (5) placebo--distilled water (P). Each group was treated in a 21-day pH-cycling model. Groups 1, 4 and 5 were treated 2x/day. In Group 3, the tooth mousse was administered 1x/day plus 2x/day F toothpaste treatment. In Group 4, F varnish was administered 1x/week plus 2x/day treatment with F toothpaste. After cycling, SMH was re-measured and cross-sectional microhardness measurements were taken. RESULTS: Groups 1-4 produced significant rehardening of enamel. In the superficial layer (25-50 µm deep) significantly higher mineralization (up to 83%, by Volume (V), P < 0.0001) was achieved for Groups 2 and 3. In the area of 75-100 µm deep, the highest mineralization was observed for Groups 1 and 4 (V% = 68-83%).

Comparison of surface modified zirconia implants with commercially available zirconium and titanium implants: a histological study in pigs.

INTRODUCTION: New biomaterials and their various surface modifications should undergo in vitro and in vivo evaluation before clinical trials. The objective of our in vivo study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of newly created zirconium implant surfaces after implantation in the lower jaw of pigs and compare the osseointegration of these dental implants with commercially available zirconium and titanium implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a healing period of 12 weeks, a histological analysis of the soft and hard tissues and a histomorphometric analysis of the bone-implant contact (BIC) were performed. RESULTS: The implant surfaces showed an intimate connection to the adjacent bone for all tested implants. The 3 newly created zirconium implant surfaces achieved a BIC of 45% on average in comparison with a BIC of 56% from the reference zirconium implants and 35% from titanium implants. Furthermore, the new zirconium implants had a better attachment to gingival and bone tissues in the range of implant necks as compared with the reference implants. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the new implants comparably osseointegrate within the healing period, and they have a good in vivo biocompatibility.

Analysis of aerosol generation during Er:YAG laser-assisted caries treatment: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining biosafety in dental practice involves the effective elimination of aerosols produced during dental treatment. OBJECTIVES: To assess the quantity of aerosols and aerobic bacteria in the air during the treatment of caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 60 patients with a total of 60 molar teeth (n = 60) in the mandible who were divided into 2 groups based on caries treatment method. Group 1 (G1, n = 30) received treatment with a conventional dental turbine (W&H Synea TA-98LC; W&H, Burmoos, Austria), while group 2 (G2, n = 30) underwent treatment with an Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser (LightWalker, Fotona, Slovenia). Measurements of aerosol particles between 0.3 Em and 10.0 Em near the operatorfs mouth were taken using the PC200 laser particle counter (Trotec GmbH, Schwerin, Germany). The number of aerobic bacteria in the air was determined using 60 Petri plates with a microbiological medium (Columbia agar with 5% sheep blood) and the sedimentation method. A control group (G3) was established to measure initial aerosol levels and initial total number of bacteria colony-forming units (CFUs) before each treatment. RESULTS: In G1 (dental turbine), the median value of aerosol particles was 57,021 (42,564.67,568), while in G2 (Er:YAG laser), it was significantly lower at 33,318 (28,463.35,484) (p < 0.001). The median total bacteria count per cubic meter of air in G1 (conventional dental turbine + high volume evacuator (HVE)), G2 (Er:YAG laser + HVE) and G3 (control group before caries treatment) were 734 (420.988), 158 (96.288) and 48 (32.74), respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Er:YAG laser during caries treatment resulted in a 41.6% reduction in aerosol amounts and a 78.5% decrease in the total bacterial count (TBC) compared to treatment with a dental turbine.

Relationship in development of malocclusions to polymorphisms of selected vitamin D receptors.

BACKGROUND: The development of malocclusion is related to various factor, many of which are still not fully explained. The steroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, has pleiotropic effects. It plays a key role in skeletal metabolism and the control of cell repair by attaching to the nuclear vitamin D steroid receptor (VDR). This vitamin affects bone turnover through the processes of bone tissue formation and resorption via its action on cells of the osteoblastic and osteoclastic lineage, exerts a modulating effect on the immune system, and is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. The role of vitamin D3 (VD3) and its receptor polymorphisms is a rarely studied topic in dentistry. Due to the proven influence on bone turnover processes and immune responses, the main research topic is its relation to periodontal diseases, but so far, its role in the formation and development of malocclusions has not been assessed. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association of selected VDR polymorphisms: Cdx2 (rs11658820), TaqI (rs7975232), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), and FokI (rs2228570) with the development of malocclusions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed. The examination consisted of a medical interview, intraand extraoral orthodontic diagnosis, alginate impression, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and venous blood sample to obtain genomic DNA and assess VDR polymorphisms. RESULTS: The rs11658820 polymorphism causes an almost 4-fold increase in the probability of the presence of a malocclusion. GT and TT genotypes of rs7975232 are also associated with a similar risk - almost 6 and almost 5 times higher, respectively. In turn, the effect of the rs2228570-AG and GG genotype polymorphisms on the occurrence of transversal anomalies was demonstrated (odds ratio (OR) = 8.46 and OR = 6.92, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The association of individual polymorphisms with specific malocclusions should be carefully assessed, especially since some trends have been indicated.

Histological evaluation at different times after augmentation of extraction sites grafted with a magnesium-enriched hydroxyapatite: double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To histologically analyze the early angiogenesis-osteogenesis interplay in post-extraction sockets augmented with magnesium-enriched hydroxyapatite (Mg-enriched HA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten post-extraction sites underwent post-extraction ridge preservation procedure. According to randomization, sites were divided into two balanced groups and bone specimens were collected 2 or 4 months after surgery. Sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin, Masson-Goldner trichrome, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), respectively. Furthermore, indirect immunohistochemistry was performed using alkaline phosphatase, CD34 and caveolin-1 antibodies. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated for each outcome variable. Data were then compared using one-way ANOVA test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Histomorphometric analysis presented 15.0% (±3.5) regenerated bone after 2 months of healing. After 4 months, regenerated bone increased 5.1-fold up to 77.4% (± 8.6) (P < 0.001). On the contrary, vessels and capillary reduced from 645 (±33) to 255 (± 94) (caveolin-1 expression, P = 0.008). These findings were confirmed by CD34 expression (301 ± 95 and 88 (±24), respectively, at 2 and 4 months (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present randomized controlled study, it can be concluded that Mg-enriched HA is a suitable material for socket preservation and ensures early angiogenesis and early osteogenesis.

Soft-Tissue Augmentation around Dental Implants with a Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) and Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix (CMX)-5-Year Follow-Up.

Proper horizontal and vertical thickness of the gingival connective tissue has been proven to be one of the success criteria in dental implant and reconstructive surgery. When thin tissue is found, gingiva augmentation methods can be used to increase the quality and volume of the tissue. Many methods have been described, among them pedicle soft-tissue flaps or autogenic tissue grafts. As an alternative to patients' own tissue, xenogenic materials can be used for grafting. The fundamental issue is to choose a material that will ensure the maximum therapeutic effect, while also minimizing the negative influence on the patient's health. The aim of this study was to compare gingival augmentation procedures using a palatal connective tissue graft (CTG) and an xenogenic soft-tissue substitute, Geistlich Mucograft (xenogeneic collagen matrix; CMX), and assess whether the timing of the graft surgery influences the clinical outcomes. The original study was a randomized control trial with a total of 75 implants placed. The patients received the soft-tissue thickening 3 months before the implant placement or 3 months after the implant placement (depending on the group). A connective tissue graft (CTG) or Geistlich Mucograft were used (depending on the group). For both the CTG and Geistlich Mucograft, better clinical outcomes were observed for maintaining the alveolar bone level and the thickness of the attached gingiva compared to the control group with no gingival augmentation. The Geistlich Mucograft showed good clinical performance in comparison to the control. Soft-tissue augmentation with the CTG before the implant placement was found to be most efficient method in terms of a stable increase of the tissue thickness since, throughout the entire observation period, the greatest increase of 1.035 mm (SD = 0.73 mm) in thickness was observed. Statistically important differences in the tissue thickness baseline compared after 5 years were observed for groups G1 vs. G2b (no augmentation vs. CTG before), G1 vs. G3b (no augmentation vs. CTG after) and for groups G2b vs. G3a (CTG before vs. CMX after).

Quantitative Evaluation of Aerosols Produced in the Dental Office during Caries Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Effective removal of aerosols generated during dental treatment is crucial for maintaining biosafety in dental practice. This study aimed to measure the aerosol amount and the number of aerobic bacteria in the air during caries treatment. METHODS: The study involved 50 molar teeth (n = 50) in the mandible in 50 patients divided into two groups based on the type of a high-volume evacuator (HVE); G1 (n = 25) conventional HVE (EM19 EVO, Monoart® Euronda, Vicenza, Italy) and G2 (n = 25) a new, wider, customized HVE. The PC200 laser particle counter (Trotec GmbH, Schwerin, Germany) was used to measure aerosol particles in a range of 0.3-10.0 µm near the operator's mouth. The study used 60 microbiological plates with a microbiological medium (Columbia Agar with 5% Sheep Blood) to check the number of aerobic bacteria in the air. RESULTS: The mean value of aerosol particles in the G1 group (conventional HVE) was 54,145 ± 7915, while in the G2 group (test, wider evacuator) was lower and amounted to 32,632 ± 1803. (p < 0.001). The median total bacteria count in the air per cubic meter in control, G1 (HVE), and G2 (NEW-HVE) groups were 50 [36-60]; 772 [643-881]; 120 [92-139], respectively. (p < 0.05). Gram-positive cocci were the predominant bacteria in the plates: Micrococcus sp. (50%), Bacillus species (36.4%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.8%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: the application of the wider high-volume evacuator increases the air purity during caries treatment as well as the biological safety of a dental office.

The Impact of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Fumigation on Bacterial Levels in Dental Office Environments: A Randomized Clinical Trial Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Fumigation with hydrogen peroxide has proven to be a highly effective approach to maintaining biological safety within dental offices. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fumigation in reducing bacterial levels in dental office environments. METHODS: The study involved 30 participants diagnosed with moderate caries decay (ICDAS 3 and 4) in their mandibular molars. Sixty Petri dishes (two per patient) with Columbia Agar and 5% Sheep Blood were opened at the beginning of the caries treatment. After the completion of caries treatment and tooth restoration, 30 plates (G1 group) were closed. Following this, a 20 min fumigation procedure with 6% hydrogen peroxide biosanitizer using a compressed air device was conducted. After the fumigation, the remaining plates were closed (G2 group). The total number of bacteria CFUs (colony-forming units) in the dental office air was determined using the Koch sedimentation method. RESULTS: The total bacterial colony (TBC) level, measured in cfu/m3, demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of bacteria following room environment fumigation (163.1 ± 145.7; G2 group) compared to non-fumigated samples (817.2 ± 208.2; G1 group) (p < 0.001). The predominant bacteria observed in the microbiological plates before fumigation were Micrococcus and Bacillus species, found in 80% (24/30) and 60% (18/30) of the plates, respectively. Application of H2O2 room fumigation resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial numbers: 79.2% (5/30) for Micrococcus species (p < 0.001), 83.3% (3/30) for Bacillus species (p < 0.001), and 100% (0/30) for Staphylococcus arlettae (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fumigation with 6% H2O2 is an effective method for reducing bacterial counts in a dental office environment.

Evaluation of photobiomodulation for postoperative discomfort following laser-assisted vital pulp therapy in immature teeth: A preliminary retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive endodontics is recommended for young, immature teeth to preserve healthy pulp and dentin tissue. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the cold sensitivity of immature teeth that received photobiomodulation (PBM) after vital pulp therapy (VPT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study followed the STROBE guidelines and included 123 healthy patients aged 8-13. The immature teeth (incisors, premolars and molars) that qualified for VPT received the bioceramic material - Biodentine. In this experiment, teeth were treated immediately and at 24 h post-VPT with a 635-nm diode laser using a power of 100 mW, a power density of 200 mW/cm2 and a total energy of 4 J (PBM group, n = 43), while those not treated were the control group (n = 43). The tooth sensitivity to cold was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and at 6 h, 1 day, 7, 30, and 90 days after treatment. The predictor variable was PBM skills regarding the ability to decrease cold sensitivity after VPT. The primary endpoint was the time to reverse hypersensitivity to cold, and the secondary endpoint was the occurrence of possible side effects. The Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test along with Dunn's post hoc test, and the χ2 test were used to investigate tooth sensitivity. RESULTS: Eighty-six immature permanent teeth of 86 children were included in the study. It was shown that the difference was significant for sensitivity to a cold stimulus between the groups at 6 h, 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days, but no difference was found preoperatively and at 90 days (6 h, 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days, p < 0.001, and 90 days, p = 0.079). However, patients in both groups reported a decrease in discomfort provoked by cold stimuli throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation decreased postoperative sensitivity and was more acceptable for patients. Further randomized clinical studies with placebo-controlled groups are needed.

An Experimental Anodized Titanium Surface for Transgingival Dental Implant Elements-Preliminary Report.

The characteristics such as microtopography, physical and chemical properties influence the behavior of an implant in a soft tissue. Anodization-as a potent method of titanium alloy surface modification-of the transgingival abutment or healing screw, has achieved some improvement. One of the possible surface treatment method is low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical properties and cytocompatibility of the experimental surface. Titanium discs made of grade-23 titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) anodized (A sample) with different voltage parameters (28, 67, 78, and 98 V) were included in the study. Half of the samples regarded as the "S" group were additionally treated with low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment. The surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemically investigated via a corrosion test. Furthermore, two cell lines were used, including the CHO-compatible reference line and a primary human fibroblast line for the MTT assay; direct (contact) cytotoxicity of the materials was tested with the cells, and the growth of fibroblasts on the surfaces of the different materials was tested. The morphology of the "S"-treated samples did not differ from the morphology of only-anodized samples. However, the oxygen concentration on the surface in that group slightly increased by about 1% as a result of post-trial treatment. The highest corrosion resistance was observed for both A-78 V and S-78 V samples. The cytotoxicity assay revealed no changes in cell morphology or vitality. The MTT test proved comparable culture viability among all groups; however, the "S" samples showed statistically significantly higher fibroblast proliferation and adhesion scores compared to the "A" samples. Through the in vitro study, the low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment of the anodized Ti-6Al-4V alloy presented itself as an auspicious option in the field of transgingival element surface modification of implants.

Mercury Content in Impacted Wisdom Teeth from Patients of the Legnica-Glogów Copper Area-An In Vitro Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to determine the content of mercury in impacted third molars from Legnica-Glogów Copper Area residents to emphasize the effects of environmental pollution on the human body. A group of 72 patients with an average age of 27.3 ± 6.9 years participated in the study. Within this study, the research group (Legnica-Glogów Copper Area residents) comprised 51 individuals, while the control group (residents of Wroclaw) consisted of 21 participants. A higher number of female individuals participated in the research (55). The amount of mercury present in the samples was determined through atomic absorption spectrometry with the use of a SpectraAA atomic absorption spectrometer and a V2 AA240FS flame attachment that utilized an air-acetylene flame. The accumulation of Hg in the teeth of members of the control group residing in Wroclaw was studied, with a focus on identifying the risk factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The final model analyzed the presence of various factors, including thyroid and parathyroid gland diseases, cardiac diseases, and interval-scale Vit. D3 concentration. Among these factors, the presence of cardiac diseases was deemed statistically significant in relation to an increase in Hg concentration in third molars (rate ratio = 2.27, p < 0.0001). The concentration of mercury increased with the age and time of residence in the L-G Copper District.