Comparison of three different biomaterials used in in vitro molar apexification models.

OBJECTIVES: New biomaterials had some advantages such as mixing and easier application as compared to traditional MTA in single step apexification method. This study aimed to compare the three biomaterials used in the apexification treatment of immature molar teeth in terms of the time spent, the quality of the canal filling and the number of x-rays taken to complete the process. METHODS: The root canals of the extracted thirty molar teeth were shaped with rotary tools. To obtain the apexification model, ProTaper F3 was used retrograde. The teeth were randomly assigned into three groups based on the material used to seal the apex; Group 1: Pro Root MTA, Group 2: MTA Flow, Group 3: Biodentine. The amounts of the filling, the number of radiographs taken until treatment completion and the treatment duration were recorded. Then teeth were fixed for micro computed tomography imaging for quality evaluation of canal filling. RESULTS: Biodentine was superior to the other filling materials according to time. MTA Flow provided greater filling volume than the other filling materials in the rank comparison for the mesiobuccal canals. MTA Flow had greater filling volume than ProRoot MTA in the palatinal/distal canals(p = 0.039). Biodentine had greater filling volume more than MTA Flow in the mesiolingual/distobuccal canals (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: MTA Flow was found as a suitable biomaterial according to the treatment time and quality of root canal fillings.

YouTube as a source of information on space maintainers for parents and patients.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years the social media offers a handy platform for patients who want to receive medical information. The aim of this study is to assess the content of YouTube as an information source on space maintainers and to evaluate the efficiency of videos by parents and patients. METHODS AND FINDINGS: YouTube was searched for information using two keywords 'space maintainer' and 'space maintainers in pediatric dentistry'. Two dentists reviewed the first 200 videos for each search term. After exclusions, 52 videos were included for analysis. Demographics of videos, including the type of source, date of upload, length, viewers' interaction and viewing rate were evaluated. The overall usefulness of videos was scored according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guideline based on 9-point scales. The mean usefulness score of evaluated videos was 4,4 ± 1,5 (range 1-8). There was a significant correlation between usefulness and video length (p<0,05). But there was no significant correlation between usefulness and other demographics. Most videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals (51.9%). Videos uploaded by individual users were less useful compared with videos uploaded by healthcare professionals or organizations. Most of the videos (88,5%) used representative images for visualizing. CONCLUSIONS: YouTube videos about space maintainers are useful for parents only to understand and visualize their function. However, it does not provide sufficient information about adverse effects and types of them. Dentists should warn their patients that videos on the internet may contain incorrect and limited information.

Assessment of dentists awareness and knowledge levels on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Abstract Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is the most recent infectious disease that is spreading rapidly throughout the world. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of dentists on COVID-19. This survey study, consisting of 37 questions, was sent to dentists via an online link in the first two weeks of April 2020. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the knowledge level of dentists on COVID-19 during the pandemic period. The knowledge level of dentists was assessed with a 24-point scoring, consisting of correct answers. A Chi-square test was used to compare qualitative data (p < 0.05). A total of 267 dentists participated in this study, of which 51.7% were aged under 30 years, and 67% were women. The participants' knowledge level means score was 19.03 ± 3.15. According to these results, 231 were determined (86.5%) as high knowledgeable. Positive associations between increased knowledge level and factors such as being a woman, working in a university hospital, and being informed outside the institution were determined. The knowledge level of the dentists working in Istanbul about the COVID-19 pandemic is quite high.