Systemic effect of calcium silicate-based cements with different radiopacifiers-histopathological analysis in rats.

Aim: This in vivo study aimed to examine the systemic effects of contemporary calcium silicate cements (CSC) contain different radiopacifiers in rats. Materials & Methods: Polyethylene tubes filled with BIOfactor MTA (BIO), Neo MTA Plus (NEO), MTA Repair HP (REP), Biodentine (DENT) and empty tubes (control group) were implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of 80 male Spraque Dawley rats for 7 and 30 days (n = 8). After 7 and 30 day, samples of liver and kidney tissues were submitted to histopathological analysis. Blood samples were collected to evaluate changes in hepatic and renal functions of rats. Wilcoxon and post hoc Dunn Bonferroni tests were used to compare between the 7th and 30th days in order to evaluate the histopathological data. Paired-sample t-test was used to compare laboratory values between the 7th and 30th days, ANOVA analysis and a post hoc Tukey test were used to compare values between groups (p < 0.05). Results: On the 7th day, REP, BIO and NEO groups were statistically similar in kidney tissue and the degree of inflammation was found to be significantly higher in these groups compared to the control and DENT groups. On the 30th day, the degree of inflammation of the REP and NEO groups in the kidney tissue was found to be significantly higher than the control, BIO and DENT groups. Although the inflammation in the liver was moderate and mild on the 7th and 30th days, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. Vascular congestion was evaluated as mild and moderate in kidney and liver in all groups, and no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. While there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the 7th day AST, ALT and urea values, when the creatinine values were compared, the DENT and NEO groups were found to be statistically similar and significantly lower than the control group. On the 30th day, ALT values were statistically similar between the groups. The AST values of the BIO group were found to be significantly higher than the DENT group. While BIO, DENT, NEO and control groups had statistically similar urea values, the REP group was found to be significantly higher than the other groups. The creatinine value of the REP group was significantly higher than the groups other than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CSCs with different radiopacifiers had similar and acceptable effects on the histological examination of the kidneys and liver systemically, and serum ALT, AST, urea, creatinine levels.

The evaluation of psychological state of dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the present study was to assess anxiety among a sample of dentistry students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 355 dentistry students (165 males and 190 females) completed the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI-I), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory II (STAI-II) questionnaires. and evaluations of HAI, BAI, STAI-I, and STAI-II were based on sex, dental school year, smoking habit, and lifestyle. Female students had higher HAI and BAI scores than male students (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences in HAI scores existed between preclinical and clinical students (p = 0.048). The only statistical significant differences detected in STAI-I scores involved students with an extended family when compared to students without an extended family (p = 0.039). The HAI scores of students who had close contact were significantly higher than students who had no contact (p = 0.047). There were significant correlations between the four scales (p < 0.05). During the COVID-19 pandemic [was under control in Turkey?], the HAI scores were higher in female, clinical students and students who lived with an extended family.

The evaluation of psychological state of dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to assess anxiety among a sample of dentistry students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 355 dentistry students (165 males and 190 females) completed the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI-I), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory II (STAI-II) questionnaires. and evaluations of HAI, BAI, STAI-I, and STAI-II were based on sex, dental school year, smoking habit, and lifestyle. Female students had higher HAI and BAI scores than male students (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences in HAI scores existed between preclinical and clinical students (p = 0.048). The only statistical significant differences detected in STAI-I scores involved students with an extended family when compared to students without an extended family (p = 0.039). The HAI scores of students who had close contact were significantly higher than students who had no contact (p = 0.047). There were significant correlations between the four scales (p < 0.05). During the COVID-19 pandemic [was under control in Turkey?], the HAI scores were higher in female, clinical students and students who lived with an extended family.

Evaluation of the use of PEEK material in post-core and crown restorations using finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the stresses generated after the use of low elastic modulus polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as dental post and crown material with glass fiber post and metal supported ceramic crowns using finite element analysis. METHODS: First an image of a maxillary central incisor taken on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was uploaded to a computer program. Modeling was made of all the materials in the computer environment and 3-dimensional (3D) virtual models were obtained. Using two different post materials (glass fiber and PEEK post) and two different crown materials (metal supported ceramic and PEEK crown), the modeling of the maxillary central tooth was completed and a total of four groups were obtained. Finally, 135° and 100 N forces were applied from the midpoint of the palatal surface. RESULTS: The FEA analysis showed the use of PEEK as post material decreased the stress values in the post, post cement and composite core models and did not have any significant change in the dentin and crown cement models. The use of composite veneer with PEEK substructure as crown material reduced stress values in dentin, the post and composite core and increased stress values in both the post cement and the crown cement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Since the elastic modulus of the PEEK material is very close to dentin tissue, finite element stress analysis, less stress formation in the tooth and post core restoration compared to other post systems was observed. In this context, PEEK post may reduce irreversible complications.

Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and clinical education of dental students about COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new viral respiratory illness, first identified in Wuhan province, China. Dental professionals and dental students are at an increased risk for these viruses from dental patients, as dental practice involves face-to-face communication with the patients and frequent exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids. Dental education can play an important role in the training of dental students, adequate knowledge and adopting attitudes regarding infection control measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and clinical education of dental students about COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 355 pre-clinical and clinical dental students (242 and 113, respectively, comprising 190 females and 165 males) at Firat University Dentistry Faculty, in Elazig, Turkey answered an online questionnaire about the biosafety procedures for and their attitudes to and knowledge of COVID-19. The study was conducted in March 2020, Turkey. The data gained were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and chi-square test. RESULTS: Both the clinical and preclinical students were found to be afraid of infecting themselves and their environment with COVID-19, and the difference between them was statistically significant. Three quarters (74.9%) of the participants responded yes to the question of whether they thought that experiences related to COVID-19 affected them psychologically, with the differences between gender and clinical status were statistically significant. Responses to the question of which clinical rotation worried them more were 29.9% endodontics, 25.1% oral and maxillofacial surgery, 16.3% prosthesis, 15.2% periodontology, 6.8% restorative dentistry, 3.9% oral diagnosis and radiology, 1.7% pedodontics, and 1.1% orthodontics, with a significant difference between the preclinical and clinical students. Regarding the measures applied by the clinical students in their clinical rotation, the responses were 100% gloves and 100% mask (with 11.5% FFP3/N95 mask), 73.6% face protective shield and 37.1% safety glasses, and 49% bonnet and 16.8% disposable box, with 90.2% frequent hand washing, and 86.7% frequent hand antiseptic usage. CONCLUSIONS: While students gave good responses regarding the standard measures they take to protect against transmission of COVID-19, their knowledge and attitudes about the extra measures they can take should be improved. For students to be least affected by fears associated with the disease, dental faculties should be ready to provide psychological services to those in need.

Psychological Status of Healthcare Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of health anxiety and Beck depression according to demographic variables among a sample of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Firat University and Medical Park Hosspital, Elazig, Turkey, from March  to April 2020. METHODOLOGY: A total of 270 healthcare workers (100 males and 170 females) filled out health anxiety inventory (HAI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), questionnaires. Evaluations of HAI and BDI were conducted according to demographic variables ( age, gender, marital status, jop, life style, smoking habits, sistemic disease). RESULTS: Female healthcare workers had higher HAI and BDI scores than male (p <0.001, p <0.001). Young healthcare workers had higher HAI scores than aged healthcare workers (p=0.021) Healthcare workers with more knowledge about COVID-19 had lower HAI and BDI in (p=0.021, p=0.019). There is statistical significant differences in HAI and BDI scores in marital status (p = 0.022, p=0.002). The HAI and BDI scores of participants, who had close contact, were significantly higher than those who had no contact (p = 0.009 p=0.028). There were significant correlations between the two scales (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological support should be provided to all healthcare workers and working conditions should be corrected to relieve the anxiety and worry. Key Words: COVID-19, Healthcare workers, Health anxiety, Beck depress.

Is there a relation between dental anxiety, fear and general psychological status?

BACKGROUND: Dental anxiety is a widespread problem in many populations. This problem can be a barrier to dental care and may lead to poor oral health. Dental anxiety may be related to psychological status. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to assess the levels of dental anxiety, dental fear, Beck Depression, and state-trait anxiety according to age, gender and education level in patients at the periodontology clinic in the Diyarbakir Mouth and Dental Health Center. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 231 patients (115 males, 116 females) filled out dental fear scale (DFS), dental anxiety scale (DAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), state-trait anxiety inventory-state (STAI-S), and state-trait anxiety inventory-trait (STAI-T) questionnaires, and evaluations of DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T were conducted according to age, gender, and education level. RESULTS: The mean DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-T, and STAI -S were 45.64, 9.15, 13.16, 38.90, and 40.18, respectively. There was a significant association among DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T (p < 0.05). These surveys scores were significantly higher in females than males (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that gender age and education level have important effects on DFS, DAS, BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dental anxiety and dental fear were found to be related to psychological status (BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T) over time. There are some patients with unaddressed psychological distress.