Knowledge, Practice, and Awareness of Oral Cancer and HPV Infection among Dental Students and Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Dentists play a very important part in the early identification of oral cancer lesions. This aspect of dental practice depends on the knowledge acquired during the faculty years. The aim of this study was to assess dental students' and residents' levels of awareness in terms of oral cancer. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine within the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, on a sample of 197 students in the fourth and the fifth years and first year residents in general dentistry. To assess their knowledge, a questionnaire was created containing 22 questions about the risk factors for oral cancer, with a focus on HPV infection. Results: Most participants correctly identified smoking, alcohol, and the HPV infection as risk factors and leukoplakia and erythroplasia as potentially malignant lesions. At the opposite site, aspects considered as unsatisfactory focused on the palpation of lymphatic nodules, a procedure largely carried out by 41.6% of the fourth year students, the counseling only of the patients at risk performed by 59.7% of residents, the lack of knowledge about the prevention of oral cancer through anti-HPV immunization found in 39.7% of the fifth year students. Other incorrect answers focused on other types of suspicious lesions, such as actinic cheilitis, as well as certain areas in the oral cavity subject to the frequent onset of oral cancer, such as buccal mucosa. Conclusions: Although the fifth year students and residents have better knowledge than the fourth year students, the gaps in terms of knowledge and practice encountered in all three categories of participants require a reevaluation of the academic curriculum and the focus on the building of the skills necessary for the correct screening of oral cancer.

An Interdisciplinary Study Regarding the Characteristics of Dental Resins Used for Temporary Bridges.

Background and Objectives: The surface condition of the materials that are used for temporary prostheses influences their microbial colonization, with a direct impact on the oral tissues. This study aims at a comparative analysis of three types of resins for temporary bridges using conventional and digital technologies. The attention was focused on the analysis of the surface characteristics and mechanical strength of these materials. Materials and Methods: The surface condition was assessed for three distinct materials both before and after polishing- heat-curing resin Superpont C + B (SpofaDental, Jicin, Czech Republic) used unconventional technology, Zotion dental milling polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) block (Zotion, Chongqing, China) for provisional crowns/bridges used in digital subtractive technologies and Freeprint Temp (Detax GmbH & Co. KG, Ettlingen, Germany) resin for temporary crowns and bridges that are used in 3D printing technologies. The two-way ANOVA analysis indicated that polishing leads to a statistically significant increase in roughness coefficients for all the three resins that were tested (p < 0.001). While the highest roughness coefficients were displayed in the 3D cured sample, the largest decrease was reported by the milled sample Results: The results revealed that surface roughness was significantly influenced by both the type of resin that was used (p < 0.001) and the treatment that was induced by finishing and polishing (p < 0.001). Similar p-values were obtained for each of the three resins. Conclusions: The results demonstrated a significant optimization of the surfaces after finishing and polishing and statistically significant differences between the surface parameters and the mechanical properties of the samples. The low values of the roughness and the acceptable values of the mechanical resistance for the conventional samples indicate these materials for the long-term temporary bridge's realization, allowing the correct restoration of the functions and the rehabilitation at the oral level.

Customized 3D-Printed Titanium Mesh Developed for an Aesthetic Zone to Regenerate a Complex Bone Defect Resulting after a Deficient Odontectomy: A Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Alveolar ridge augmentation in the complex bone defect is a popular topic in implantology. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is one of the most commonly applied methods to reconstruct alveolar bone. The application of a membrane is the fundamental principle of GBR. There are many membrane types used in oral surgery, but the advantage of the titanium mesh is the rigidity which provides space maintenance and prevents contour collapse. The smooth surface also reduces bacterial contamination. Using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) in dentistry allows us to obtain the perfect architecture form of the mesh, which covers and protects the bone reconstruction. Case presentation: We present a surgical case of a 27-year-old female patient with severe aesthetic bone atrophy after a deficient odontectomy. Based on the GBR clinical applications, the technique consists of bone reconstruction and a customized titanium mesh application. Using mesh titanium in this case presentation was a reliable alternative to perform a lateral alveolar bone augmentation and reconstruct ridge deformities before reaching an ideal implant placement. Conclusions: According to our case report, the customized titanium mesh could be a valuable option for guided bone regeneration in aesthetic maxillary defects.

A Comparative Analysis of Dental Measurements in Physical and Digital Orthodontic Case Study Models.

Background and Objectives: Study models are essential tools used in the dental teaching process. The aim of the present study was to compare the values obtained by manual and digital orthodontic measurements on physical and digital case study models. Materials and Methods: The physical experimental models were obtained by traditional pouring (improved stone-type IV gypsum products) and by additive manufacturing (resins). The digital experimental models were created by scanning the physical ones, using a white light-emitting diode (LED) source and an L-shaped dental scanner­Swing DOF (DOF, Seoul, Korea). The physical study models were first measured using a digital caliper, and then, they were scanned and evaluated using the DentalCad 3.0 Galway software (exocad GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany). The Pont, Linder−Harth, and Bolton indices, which are used in orthodontics for training students, were derived using the available data. Results: When comparing the linear measurement mean ranks taken on physical study models to those of digital models, no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found. A similar result was also shown when the dentoalveolar growth indicators were analyzed. Conclusions: It can be concluded that dental study models made by direct light processing (DLP) and pouring type IV class gypsum are both acceptable for orthodontic teaching purposes.

Knowledge and Attitudes towards Medical Emergencies among Dentists in Iași, Romania.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main medical emergency conditions. The study included a sample of 152 new graduates and residents in the first, second, and third year of training in Prosthodontics and General Dentistry from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi, Romania. Their level of knowledge and the attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire with 24 questions, divided into four sections. The differences among groups were identified using the chi-square test (p < 0.05). A high level of knowledge was found among the three groups of subjects for the questions regarding the recognition of clinical signs in hypoglycemic crisis (88-100%), in anaphylactic shock (83.3-94.5%), and the treatment of angina pectoris (76.2-84.2%). In contrast, a low level of knowledge was found for the questions regarding pulse evaluation in the case of an emergency (26.3-35.7%), the parameters of normal breathing (28.9-43%), and the treatment of hypoglycemic crisis (27.8-44.8%). The study indicated that the dentists had a moderate understanding of dental office medical emergencies and preferred practical training over theoretical courses.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of 3D-Printed Subperiosteal Titanium Implants: A 6-Year Follow-Up.

As an alternative to regenerative therapies, numerous authors have recently proposed bringing back subperiosteal implants. The aim of the study was to present our clinical experience with a subperiosteal jaw implant that needs minimal bone preparation and enables the rapid implantation of prosthetic teeth in edentulous, atrophic alveolar bone. The research included 36 complete or partial edentulous patients (61 subperiostal implants) over a period of 6 years. To create the patient-specific subperiostal implants design, DentalCAD 3.0 Galway software (exocad GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany) was used and fabricated with a Mysint 100 (Sisma S.p.A., Piovene Rocchette, Italy) by titanium alloy powder. The results showed that only 9 of the 36 cases were successful at 6-year follow-up, while 27 cases had complications, including exposure of the metal frame (early or delayed), mobility of the device prior to the first 4-6 months, and late mobility due to recurrent infections and progressive structure exposure; 1 case failed for reasons unrelated to the device. This study indicated that the prudent application of fully customized subperiosteal jaw implants is a dependable alternative for the dental rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous cases that necessitate bone grafts for traditional fixed dental implant solutions.

Various Surgical Interventions in Treating Odontogenic Keratocyst: A Radiological Case Report.

The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is among the most aggressive odontogenic cysts because of its high recurrent rate. This study's objective was to describe a 7-year radiological and clinical follow-up of an OKC with two recurrences and a combination of surgical treatments. The cyst contents were drained at the biopsy to allow decompression, and then marsupialization (Partsch I) was carried out with good results. In the following two years, the endodontic and radiological evaluation of the neighboring teeth indicated endodontic avoidance. The remaining OKC enucleation (Partsch II) with chemical curettage and suture was performed two years after the first presentation, and the multifocal recurrences developed were also treated by enucleation and chemical curettage. At the last radiological follow-up, no recurrence was evident. Based on our experience, we concluded that patients diagnosed with a OKC should be radiologically evaluated at least once a year for at least 7 years, the endodontic diagnosis and treatment of neighboring teeth should be performed as early as possible, and the combination of surgical treatment and the long follow-up period is challenging.

The Use of 3D Technology in the Management of Residual Asymmetry following Orthognathic Surgery: A Case Report.

The purpose of this case report was to present the aesthetic result of the reconstruction of facial residual asymmetry after orthognathic surgery using a patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) mold and a custom-made polymethyl methacrylate implant. Through computer-aided design (CAD), the healthy contralateral side of the mandible was superimposed onto the side with the defect. Exocad Gallway (exocad GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany) was used to design the patient-specific implants (PSIs) of the right mandibular angle. Next, the implant mold was created using the Meshmixer software (Version 3.5, Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, CA, USA) and fabricated using additive manufacturing. During the surgical procedure, the patient-specific implant (PSI) was cast inside the resin mold using Simplex P bone cement (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA). The implant was fixed using three screws. Combining both indirect (involving the dental laboratory) and direct (with surgical intervention) approaches, this innovative hybrid method, which incorporates both computer-aided design and additive manufacturing (AM), not only enhanced facial aesthetics, functional rehabilitation, and patient quality of life but also mitigated the potential risks linked to conventional grafting methods.

Influence of Dynamic Strain Sweep on the Degradation Behavior of FeMnSi-Ag Shape Memory Alloys.

Iron-based SMAs can be used in the medical field for both their shape memory effect (SME) and biodegradability after a specific period, solving complicated chirurgical problems that are partially now addressed with shape-memory polymers or biodegradable polymers. Iron-based materials with (28-32 wt %) Mn and (4-6 wt %) Si with the addition of 1 and 2 wt % Ag were obtained using levitation induction melting equipment. Addition of silver to the FeMnSi alloy was proposed in order to enhance its antiseptic property. Structural and chemical composition analyses of the newly obtained alloys were performed by X-ray diffraction (confirming the presence of ε phase), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The corrosion resistance was evaluated through immersion tests and electrolyte pH solution variation. Dynamic mechanical solicitations were performed with amplitude sweep performed on the FeMnSi-1Ag and FeMnSi-2Ag samples, including five deformation cycles at 40 °C, with a frequency of 1 Hz, 5 Hz and 20 Hz. These experiments were meant to simulate the usual behavior of some metallic implants subjected to repetitive mechanical loading. Atomic force microscopy was used to analyze the surface roughness before and after the dynamic mechanical analysis test followed by the characterization of the surface profile change by varying dynamic mechanical stress. Differential scanning calorimetry was performed in order to analyze the thermal behavior of the material in the range of -50-+200 °C. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) along with Neaspec nano-FTIR experiments were performed to identify and confirm the corrosion compounds (oxides, hydroxides or carbonates) formed on the surface.

Evaluation of Knowledge and Practice of Resident Dentists in Iasi, Romania in the Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Dentists play an essential role in the treatment of dental and periodontal traumatic injuries by providing early and correct treatment. The purpose of the present study was to assess the level of knowledge of dental residents regarding dental trauma. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine within the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, Romania on a sample of 366 residents in General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry and Periodontology. To assess their knowledge, a questionnaire was created containing 18 questions about the clinical signs and therapy of dental trauma, with a focus on tooth avulsion. A very low level of knowledge (<25%) was found only for the type of splinting required to maintain an avulsed tooth on the arch. The highest number of correct answers was provided by the residents in Periodontology. Physiological serum as storage medium was recognized by a percentage of 75.9-80% of the subjects, and 60-77% of them recognized pulp necrosis as complication of dental avulsion. The study underlines the need to introduce in the curriculum of all categories of residents additional information, not only in the already existent theoretical form, but also as possible scenarios of various clinical situations.

[The efficiency of some antibacterial agents on bacteria from saliva]. / Eficienta unor agenti antimicrobieni asupra microorganismelor din Saliva.

UNLABELLED: Chlorhexidine is considered to be one of the most effective antiseptics, decreasing dental plaque formation and inhibiting the development of gingivitis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The aim of the present study was to compare two antimicrobial rinsing solutions on saliva from 49 volunteer patients, randomly divided into three groups: Group A (n=16), in which each participant used NaF 0.05% for mouthrinsing twice a day, Group B (n=17), in which the patients used Chlorhexidine digluconat 0.2% for mouthrinsing twice a day and Group C, which was used as a control. Microbiological analysis of saliva was done by "Checkerboard DNA-DNA Hybridization" method for ten bacterial species. RESULTS: The SPSS 10.1 for Windows statistical software (SPSS Inc 2000) was used for data management and statistical tests. The chlorhexidine significantly reduced the salivary levels of mutans streptococci (p < 0.0001) and lactobacilli (p < 0.05) while the Na F solution did not. The results of this study show the efficiency of mouthrinses with chlorhexidine in reduction of cariogenic species. The chlorhexidine solution is very efficient in reduction of bacteria from saliva and the NaF solution in prophylactic concentration does not have influence on it.

[Dental caries in adults, 35 to 44 years, Iasi county]. / Statusul odontal la populatia adulta de 35-44 ani din judetul Iasi.

AIM: To determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries in Iasi adults aged 35 to 44. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural area of Iasi. A total of 928 people were examined. The World Health Organization's caries criteria were used. RESULTS: Caries prevalence was 66.7% and the mean DMF-T index was 10.30. Significant statistical differences in dental caries prevalence were found according to sex, province and urbanization, family income. CONCLUSION: The worst results were observed in the group of lower income and rural area, indicating a need for the implementation of social policies that address these populations aiming and diminishing the differences in the health-disease process indicators.