A Clinical Study of 50 Partially Edentulous Patients with Fixed Partial Denture Restorations to Compare Clinical Parameters and Changes in Gingival Sulcus Width After Displacement with 2 Different Gingival Retraction Cord Materials (Cotton and Polymer).

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to compare the clinical performance and gingival sulcus width changes in partially edentulous patients using cotton and polymer gingival retraction cords. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty partially edentulous patients were divided into 2 groups (Gp C and Gp P) and were subjected to single crown/fixed partial denture treatment. Clinical parameters, including plaque index scores, placement time, and hemorrhage control scores, were assessed. Gingival sulcus width changes before and after retraction were evaluated using individual type 4 dental stone dies observed under an optical microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using dependent/independent t tests. RESULTS The mean placement time, hemorrhage control time, and hemorrhagic scores were lower in Gp P than in Gp C, indicating better clinical performance of polymer-based retraction cord. Both groups showed an increase in sulcus width after retraction, but Gp P had a significantly higher sulcus width (690.03±45.37) compared to Gp C (471.38±28.13). The mean difference in sulcus width between baseline and after retraction was also significantly higher in Gp P (525.84 micrometers) than in Gp C (309.11 micrometers). CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that polymer-based cords produce more sulcus width and have better clinical performance compared to cotton-based gingival retraction cords. These results suggest that the use of polymer-based retraction cords can improve the quality of dental impressions in partially edentulous patients.

Role of Synthetic Hydroxyapatite-In Socket Preservation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Since a long time, the preservation of the socket is emphasized for various reasons. Many studies have suggested the ridge preservation through socket grafting using various bone graft substitute materials (GSMs). But none of the studies suggested the material of choice for the grafting. So, the systematic review was planned to analyze the outcomes of synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA) graft material for socket preservation. The review was aimed to determine the existing evidence for the use of SHA GSM for grafting and its usefulness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was performed for the studies published in the English language independently by all four authors (search team) in the Medline database through the PubMed search engine for the past 5 years. The study involved predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the search. The final lists of clinical trials were analyzed to determine the existing evidence and suggested the mechanism of action. REVIEW RESULTS: The search resulted in 117 titles. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of seven studies were found eligible for this systematic review. Out of seven, two studies were found eligible for meta-analysis whereas remaining included for the systematic review. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis favors socket grafting compared to control in terms of preservation of existing bone height and width. The SHA grafting showed successful bone regeneration with less connective tissue component. The histomorphometric evaluation showed a good bone regeneration associated with SHA than xenograft. Within the limitations of this meta-analysis, the synthetic GSM can be used for socket grafting. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In the wake of increasing graft materials in the market and different origin raw material sources for the preparation of graft materials, clinicians are in dilemma for selection and its use. The success of grafting depends on the selection of appropriate material with a suitable calcium/phosphate (Ca/P) ratio. The review provided available evidence for the use of SHA.

Prevalence of Self-reported Medical Conditions among Dental Patients.

BACKGROUND: In general, it is important to assess the medical history of patients before initiating any treatment. In particular, patients seeking dental treatment could possibly have significant medical conditions that may affect the diagnosis and/or alter the treatment provided. However, many dentists assume that their patients are systemically healthy, and thus they do not record the medical history of their patients. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of medical conditions in patients seeking periodontal treatment at the dental teaching hospital of King Khalid University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Upon presentation at the periodontal clinics of the dental teaching hospital of King Khalid University, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, patients' history from medical records was screened. RESULTS: The medical history was taken for 455 periodontal patients. The most frequently encountered medical conditions were diabetes mellitus and hormonal disorders, followed by respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: The results of our study found a high prevalence of medical conditions among patients seeking periodontal treatment, thereby highlighting the need to record patients' medical and dental care history in detail.