Oral health assessment in a sample of displaced people as a result of the war in Syria in Damascus city: results of non-profit initiative.

BACKGROUND: War on Syria extended for a long time and resulted in significant impacts on various aspects, one of these aspects was displaced people crisis, and thus its impact on complete neglecting of oral health despite of its importance and impacts on the general health. This study aims to assess the oral health of the displaced Syria sample as a result of the war on Syria. METHODS: The sample included 118 patients of displaced families from different regions and cities to shelters in Damascus city, and the study included 118 control samples from the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University. The non-profit initiative team included 20 dentists of all dental specialties. Oral health was assessed using DMFT index. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.22 in comparison with the gender of the patients, age groups, and socioeconomic status. Finally, the number of the treatment provided by the non-profit initiative was collected and presented in the study. RESULTS: No significant differences found in the DMFT index between children and adults (P = 0.750), DMFT value ranged between (0 and 11) with a mean value (2.4). The total DMFT value for adults was (2.77), while for children (2.12). Also, no statistical difference was found between males and females (P = 0.688). While the control group had an average DMFT value of (2.37), the difference between the displaced and control samples was not significant. Over 200 dental treatments were provided by the team. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the DMFT value is high among the displaced people as one of the consequences of the war on Syria, however, no significant difference was found when the results of the displaced sample was compared to a control sample.

Comparative study between using a tissue adhesive (N-BCA & OCA) and surgical sutures in free gingival graft surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The success of periodontal surgery depends on the appropriate coaptation of the incised edges, the elimination of empty spaces and the reduction of the amount of blood coagulum. In free gingival graft (FFG) surgery, the stabilization of the graft, hemostasis and cleansing the site remain a necessity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare the use of the tissue adhesive N-butyl cyanoacrylate + octyl cyanoacrylate (N-BCA + OCA; Iceberg-glue®) and surgical sutures to evaluate the stabilization and fixation of FGG, which is indicated to increase the width of the keratinized attached gingiva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 24 cases - 12 patients aged 18-45 years with gingival recession and the absence of the keratinized gingiva underwent FGG surgery at 2 parallel sites at the same time. A long piece of FGG was taken from the palate, from the area adjacent to a canine to a second molar, and divided into 2 equal pieces. The bed of the graft was prepared at each side with a 15C blade. One piece was applied to each bed, one graft was sutured using 0/5 nylon sutures and the other one was stabilized using the tissue adhesive. RESULTS: The data analysis showed that the postoperative pain ended after 3 days at the tissue adhesive site, but it continued up to 4 days at the suture site. The healing index was significantly better after 2 months at the tissue adhesive site. Graft shrinkage was significantly lower after 3 months at the tissue adhesive site, whereas there was no significant difference in graft shrinkage between the 2 methods at 6 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The Iceberg-glue tissue adhesive proved to be a reliable alternative material to sutures in stabilizing the free gingival graft at the recipient site. It reduced postoperative pain and improved the healing of the recipient site.

Comparison of Free Gingival Graft and Gingival Unit Graft for Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the use of gingival unit graft (GUG) with free gingival graft (FGG) for treating wide gingival recession and increasing keratinized tissue. This randomized controlled trial with a split-mouth design included 30 localized bilateral recessions (Miller Classes I and II) that were randomly treated with GUG or FGG. Both grafts were fixed by cyanoacrylate glue. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, vertical recession depth, and keratinized tissue width were recorded at baseline and 1 and 6 months after surgery. The postoperative mean percentage of root coverage at 1 and 6 months was better on GUG side, and KTW significantly increased on the same side 1 month after surgery (P < .05). GUG might be an acceptable modality for increasing keratinized tissue and treating recession.