Unveiling Therapeutic Potential: Targeting Fusobacterium nucleatum's Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis for Endodontic Infections-An In Silico Screening Study.

Complex microbial communities have been reported to be involved in endodontic infections. The microorganisms invade the dental pulp leading to pulpitis and initiating pulp inflammation. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a dominant bacterium implicated in both primary and secondary endodontic infections. Drugs targeting the molecular machinery of F. nucleatum will minimize pulp infection. LpxA and LpxD are early acyltransferases involved in the formation of lipid A, a major component of bacterial membranes. The identification of leads which exhibit preference towards successive enzymes in a single pathway can also prevent the development of bacterial resistance. A stringent screening strategy utilizing physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters along with a virtual screening approach identified two compounds, Lomefloxacin and Enoxacin, with good binding affinity towards the early acyltransferases LpxA and LpxD. Lomefloxacin and Enoxacin, members of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic class, exhibit wide-ranging activity against diverse bacterial strains. Nevertheless, their effectiveness in the context of endodontic treatment requires further investigation. This study explored the potential of Lomefloxacin and Enoxacin to manage endodontic infections via computational analysis. Moreover, the compounds identified herein serve as a foundation for devising novel combinatorial libraries with enhanced efficacy for endodontic therapeutic strategies.

Nanoparticle Augmentation of Adhesive Systems: Impact on Tensile Strength in Fiberglass Post Placement within Root Dentin.

BACKGROUND Modification of the glass fiber post (GFP) with titanium dioxide or silver particles can improve the durability and reliability of dental treatments for ensuring long-term success. This research assessed the tensile bond strength (TBS) of an adhesive system used for cementing GFPs into root dentin following the incorporation of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (NTiO2) and silver (NAg). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty human maxillary canines were prepared to create a 10-mm intra-radicular space for post placement from the cementoenamel junction. The specimens were randomly allocated into 2 groups (a non-thermocycling group and a thermocycling group). Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (10 samples each) according to the adhesive system used (adhesive system devoid of any addition, adhesive system including 1% NAg, and adhesive system infused with 1% NTiO2). TBS tests were conducted and recorded in MPa using a Universal Testing Machine, with an axial load applied at a rate of 0.5 mm/min until failure. The TBS for both groups (non-thermocycling and thermocycling) was measured in megapascals (MPa), and the failure type was recorded. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test with P.

Comparison of color changes, fracture strengths, and failure modes of conventional endocrowns and endocrowns with different design modifications.

BACKGROUND: Endocrowns (ECs) are alternatives for rebuilding severely damaged teeth and show superior efficacy in molars over premolars. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this in vitro study is to evaluate the effects of different preparation designs with short pulp chambers on the mean color change (Δ⁢E), fracture resistance, and failure types of mandibular molar ECs. METHOD: A total of 40 extracted mandibular molars were treated endodontically and divided into four groups. Samples in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 had occlusal preparation depths of 5 mm, 3 mm, 3 mm with ferrule, and 3 mm with boxes, respectively. The samples were immersed in coffee and their Δ⁢E values were measured by using the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage color system. They were also subjected to a fracture test. Next, all specimens were examined visually under a stereomicroscope to evaluate their failure modes and identify their fracture origins. Data were entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: Among all groups, group 4 (3 mm + boxes) presented the highest Δ⁢E (4.15) after immersion in coffee. Moreover, ANOVA revealed that the Δ⁢E of group 4 (occlusal preparation depth of 3 mm with boxes) was significantly different (p< 0.05) from that of group 2 (3 mm + ferrule, 3.07). The EC with a 3 mm chamfer and ferrule showed the highest maximum load of 2847.68 ± 693.27 N, whereas that with a 5 mm chamfer finish line had a marginally reduced load at fracture of 2831.52 ± 881.83 N. The EC with a 3 mm chamber and boxes had a slightly increased maximum load of 2700.75 ± 436.40 N, whereas that with the 3 mm chamber had the lowest maximum load at fracture of 2385.97 ± 465.61 N. One-way ANOVA showed that different EC preparation designs had no effect on maximum fracture load (F [3,16] = 0.550, p= 0.6). CONCLUSION: The recorded Δ⁢E values of ECs in all groups were equal or marginally higher than the acceptable values. The EC with a 3 mm chamfer and ferrule displayed the highest mean maximum load. The EC with a 5 mm chamfer finish line had a marginally lower maximum load at fracture than other ECs. Failures, such as ceramic fracture, split fracture, and ceramic and tooth splitting above the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) or vertically were predominant in samples with occlusal preparation depths of 3 mm with ferrule and 5 mm.

Radiographic Assessment of 121 Glass Fiber Post Procedures in 32 Patients Aged 21-60 Years Performed by 6th-Year Dental Students During the 2022-2023 Academic Year at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) and severely damaged teeth has been a concern of clinicians. Glass Fiber Post (GFPs) combine the strength of carbon fiber posts with the esthetic appearance of glass to resemble natural dentin during dental restoration procedures. This radiographical study assessed the GFP carried out by students enrolled in the Clinical Comprehensive Course at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 patients treated by 18 6th-year dental students with 121 GFPs were assessed in this cross-sectional radiographic study. The assessment covered tooth type, arch, post-to-root width, length of post in relation to the crown and root lengths, amount of remaining gutta percha (GP), and gap between GP and post. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test. RESULTS Maxillary teeth were the most frequently restored with posts (88.4%) with most being (58.7%) anterior teeth, and 50.4% of posts had widths that were one-third that of the root. The percentage of posts was twice (71.1%) or equal to (26.4%) the crown length, whereas two-thirds of the tested GFPs were >5 mm of the remaining GP. Significant differences were observed in location and position of teeth with post width, post length in relation to crown or root length, and amount of remaining GP, with P values of 0.018, 0.000, and 0.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The assessed radiographs revealed that the performance of sixth year students in accomplishment GFP radiographically was satisfactory and within the values recommended in the literature.

Comparative Analysis of Three Nickel-Titanium Rotary Files in Severely Curved L-Shaped Root Canals: Preparation Time, Aberrations, and Fracture Rates.

Background: This simulated study of 30 severely curved L-shaped root canals aimed to compare preparation time, aberrations, width measurements, and fractured files of three nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) files, namely, ProTaper, ProTaper Next (PTN), and WaveOne (WO). Methods: Thirty simulated L-curved root canals of resin blocks were randomly divided into three groups. The canals were prepared to a tip size of 25 using ProTaper, PTN, and WO rotary file systems. Pre- and post-operative views for each sample were captured by a professional camera at a standardized distance and position. Blue India ink was injected into the pre-operative canals, and red India ink was injected into the post-operative canals to give a clear superimposition image. Five points were assessed through the halfway of the canal to the orifice (area between the beginning of curvature and apical end point). Preparation time, aberrations, width measurements, and fractured files were recorded and analyzed. Results: Mean preparation time was longest in ProTaper (4.89±0.68 minutes). PTN and WO were the fastest in preparing the canals (about 3 minutes). A statistically significant difference was found between WO and ProTaper & PTN and ProTaper (p=0.000), while the difference was non-significant (p > 0.05) between WO and PTN. Nine aberrations consisting of three zips, one ledge and one outer widening were related to ProTaper, while WO recorded a ledge and fractured file, but for PTN system, it verified an outer widening and ledge. Only one WO file fractured, with no deformation observed in the other instruments. No significance was recorded among the width measurements in the different levels. Conclusion: ProTaper next achieved faster cutting than the ProTaper and WO file systems. PTN maintained the best apical termination position and produced the least canal aberration, followed by WO and ProTaper.

Factors Influencing Dentists' Choice of Restorative Materials for Single-Tooth Crowns: A Survey Among Saudi Practitioners.

BACKGROUND Material selection is crucial in restorative dentistry, influenced by aesthetics, material properties, and tooth location. This understanding is key for advancing dental practices and patient outcomes. The present study aimed to assess dentists' preferences for restorative materials in single-tooth crowns (SC) and how abutment tooth location and preparation margins influence these choices. MATERIAL AND METHODS A web-based pre-validated questionnaire survey was conducted among 811 actively practicing dentists in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS In posterior teeth, we found that ceramic was the most preferred material for SC regardless of the abutment tooth location and location of margins, followed by porcelain fused to metal (PFMs). In anterior teeth, ceramics were preferred, followed by CAD/CAM-based resin SC. Among the choice of ceramics in teeth for both supra-gingival margins, monolith zirconia was the most-preferred material for SC fabrication in posterior teeth, followed by zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic. Similarly, for sub-gingival margins, monolith zirconia crowns were the most popular option in posterior teeth among the respondents, with the highest in the mandibular molar region. In the anterior region, layered zirconia was the least preferred, and lithium disilicate ceramics was the most-favored option. A statistically significant difference existed between supra- and subgingival preparation for teeth 11 (P=0.01), 16 (P=0.03), and 34 (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Ceramic was the material of choice among Saudi dentists for replacement of SC, irrespective of the location and preparation margin. Monolith zirconia was usually selected for posterior teeth and lithium disilicate ceramics was the top choice in anterior teeth.

A Systematic Review of Publications on Perceptions and Management of Chronic Medical Conditions Using Telemedicine Remote Consultations by Primary Healthcare Professionals April 2020 to December 2021 During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Telemedicine technologies allow distribution of health-related services and information and can include electronic and telecommunication technologies, remote patient and clinician contact, referral and prescribing, patient education, and monitoring. This systematic review aimed to evaluate publications on the perceptions and management of chronic medical conditions using telehealth remote consultations by primary healthcare professionals between April 2020 and December 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic databases, including Cinhal, PubMed, Science Direct, and ProQuest were searched to extract qualitative studies relevant to the topic. Inclusion criteria were developed based on the Population, Exposure, and Outcomes scoping framework. The target population was healthcare professionals working in primary care settings. Included studies encompassed various types of telemedicine, such as synchronous telemedicine, video conferencing, telephone conversations, and smart devices. Eight studies were included. Synchronous telemedicine was highly effective in ensuring the continuity of care and treatment, providing patients with convenience, improved access to treatment, and earlier disease management. Video conferencing and telephone consultations were the most common methods used. Challenges included concerns about patient privacy, technology literacy, and acceptance. Telemedicine was commended for its ability to provide access to immediate expert medical advice and eliminate the need for long-distance travel, contributing to increased patient compliance. Synchronous telemedicine is a promising solution for managing chronic conditions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, offering benefits to patients and healthcare professionals. To maximize its potential, concerns regarding patient privacy, confidentiality, and technology literacy need to be addressed. Proper legislation and regulations are required for long-term success of telemedicine, making it a valuable component of healthcare systems.

Clinical Performance of Glass Ionomer Cement in Load-Bearing Restorations: A Systematic Review.

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a self-adhesive dental restorative material composed of a polyacrylic acid liquid and fluoro-aluminosilicate glass powder. It is commonly used for cementation during dental restoration. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature regarding the clinical performance of GIC in load-bearing dental restorations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in EBSCO, PubMed, Embrace, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the search, and a broad search technique was used, where inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. After a thorough evaluation, 12 RCTs were extensively reviewed, and whether GIC is suitable for load-bearing restorations was determined. Significant variations in staining surface or margin, color match, translucency, esthetic anatomical form, retention, material fracture, marginal adaptation, surface luster, occlusal contour, wear, and approximal anatomical form indicated the unsuitability of GIC. By contrast, significance differences in patient view and periodontal response indicated that GIC is suitable. No significant differences in postoperative sensitivity, recurrence of caries, or tooth integrity were observed. Nevertheless, the results of the review demonstrated that the clinical performance of GIC is comparable to that of traditional restorative materials with regard to the parameters analyzed. GIC is a suitable restorative material for load-bearing restorations regarding surface margin, esthetic anatomical form, material retention and fracture, marginal adaptation, occlusal contour, wear, and approximal anatomical form. It reduces other parameters, such as postoperative sensitivity, recurrence of caries, and tooth integrity.

Bibliographic analysis and evaluation of the mesh keywords in the journal of prosthodontics: Implant, esthetic, and reconstructive dentistry.

BACKGROUND: Various studies have been conducted to analyze data via bibliometric analysis in different dentistry, including prosthetic dentistry. However, these studies evaluated the most cited published articles in dentistry. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the characteristic development of several mesh keywords in the Journal of Prosthodontics - Implant, Esthetic, and Reconstructive Dentistry between 1992 and 2022. METHODS: The Scopus databases was searched to retrieve the data related to 8 categories, including published articles, most cited documents, authors and organizations, and maximum articles cited during the evaluation period. The data retrieved were exported to a Microsoft Excel sheet and were analyzed using the bibliometrix package. The data were first analyzed for ten years and then for 30 years. The highest of 10 were reported for each category, and co-authorship, reoccurrence, and linked data were also reported. RESULTS: 2603 published documents were recorded from the Scopus databases. Articles comprised 87.9% of the total published work, followed by review articles at 5.46%. The most productive decade was between 2013 and 2022. 3793 terms were used during the evaluation period, with the maximum number in 2003-2012 (2481). A total of 5392 keywords were used during 1992-2022, with the highest number (3232) from 2013 to 2022. A total of 6108 authors were acknowledged, with the maximum number (3964) from 2013 to 2022 and the fewest (767) from 1992 to 2002. Authors from different countries increased from 17 countries in 1992-2002 to 52 countries in 2013-2022 (total = 63 countries). Similarly, the number of organizations increased from 312 organizations in 1992-2002 to 1315 organizations in 2013-2022 (total = 1976 organizations). CONCLUSION: The current bibliometric analysis delivered a comprehensive overview about more spread research topics and its impactful role in contemporary dentistry, especially prosthetic dentistry.

Orthodontic Extrusion as an Aid for Restoring Extensively Destroyed Teeth and Preserving Implant Site Creation: A Case Series.

Preserving questionable maxillary teeth for aesthetics is challenging for many practitioners. This report presents the clinical and radiographic results of an orthodontic extrusion technique for clinical crown lengthening of female patients' maxillary teeth to increase the restorability of teeth. Splinting was carried out by using specially designed hucks cast with custom-made post joined with orthodontic brackets with adjusting teeth. Teeth were carefully extruded to the desired level without harming the marginal bone areas or root apices. Clinical follow-up evaluations were performed for 3 months before construction of the final prosthesis. Intra-oral radiographs showed normal periodontal contour consistent with new bone formation in the periapical area of all cases, with no evidence of root or crestal bone resorption or endodontic problems. This technique is highly recommended in the aesthetic area of the maxillary arch.

A Comparative Analysis of Marginal Adaptation Values between Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics and Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Endocrowns: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies.

This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze in vitro studies on the marginal adaptation values of computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and heat-pressed lithium disilicate glass ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and endocrown restorations. A full literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ProQuest electronic databases. The following keywords: endocrown [(marginal adaption) or (marginal fit) or internal fitting)], endocrown [(molar(s)) or (premolar(s) or (posterior teeth) or (maxillary arch) or (mandibular arch)] and ceramic materials as [(lithium disilicate glass ceramic CAD/CAM) or (zirconia) or (heat-press)] were used. Articles were manually searched utilizing their reference lists. Study selection was restricted or limited to the time of publication but not to the type of tested teeth or ceramic material, endocrown design, system of endocrown construction, abutment scanning, and system of the marginal adaption measurement. A total of 17 in vitro studies published between 2016 and 2023 were included in this systemic review. Less than half of the studies were published during 2023. Most studies used lithium disilicate glass ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate all-ceramic materials by CAD/CAM or heat-press systems. Marginal adaptation, or marginal gap, was almost equal in the 2 materials, while it was slightly or marginally higher in the heat-press than in the CAD/CAM system. All-ceramic lithium disilicate glass ceramic and/or zirconia endocrowns fabricated for posterior teeth in both arches using CAD/CAM or heat-press had recorded marginal adaptation values within an acceptable range.

High Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Professionals: A Study on Ergonomics and Workload in Yemen.

BACKGROUND Dentists frequently have work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) diseases, which are the profession's second most common cause of disability. Awareness of dental ergonomics is necessary for controlling MSDs associated with dental workload. Dental professionals need additional training in dental ergonomics to reduce serious complications associated with dental workload. This questionnaire-based study aimed to evaluate the understanding of physical ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders in 310 dental health professionals and students in Yemen. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 dental professionals working in various clinics and universities in Sana'a City, Yemen. They received a self-administered questionnaire that was developed from earlier studies. Five sections made up the questionnaire. The first section of the survey included questions about sex, age, and clinical professions; the second section focused on ergonomic awareness; the third section asked about work conditions; the fourth section asked about the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders; and the fifth section asked about interventions used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, and a P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Only 310 questionnaires were completed. The participants'; level of understanding of ergonomics was low. One-way ANOVA showed a significant portion of respondents reported having MSDs, and they frequently reported pain related to workload. The neck, lower back, upper back, and shoulders experienced the highest levels of pain. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of MSDs was high among dental professionals, especially in the lower back, upper back, and shoulder. This necessitates preventive measures like ergonomic positions, ergonomic equipment, regular exercise, and work breaks.

Correlation Between Maxillary Anterior Teeth and Common Facial Measurements.

Background: The symmetry between maxillary anterior teeth and the face holds significant importance. This study assessed and analyzed the relationship between facial parameters and anterior teeth in the maxillary arch of male and female subjects. Specifically, individual width and combined width (CW) measurements of the maxillary anterior teeth were investigated. Methods: This study involved a total of 150 dentate Yemeni subjects (74 men and 76 women), whose ages ranged from 18 years old to 30 years old. A maxillary cast was created, and two digital photographs of the face of each subject were taken and analyzed. Digital calipers and AutoCAD were used to gather measurement data of the dental parameters (intercanthal distance [ICD], interpupillary distance [IPD], interalar width [IAW], intercommissural width [ICW], and bizygomatic width [BZW]) and facial parameters (profile distance). Results: Significant correlations were found for the following: IPD and width of six maxillary anterior teeth of each of the study subjects; ICD and their central incisors; and BZW and their canine width measurements. In contrast, IAW and ICW were not correlated with all tooth measurements. Linear regression findings showed that the CW measurement of the four incisors was significantly correlated with all facial parameter measurements, excluding the ICW and IAW in females and the IAW, ICW, and profile distance in males. Conclusion: The IPD and ICD of males and females may be used to determine their CW measurements. The BZW and IPD of males can be used to take precise anthropological measurements of the width of the central canines and incisors. Meanwhile, the IPD distance of females can be used to assess the central and lateral incisor widths.

Comparative Evaluation of Hardness and Energy Absorption of Some Commercially Available Chairside Silicone-Based Soft Denture Liners and a Heat-Cured Soft Denture Liner.

Aim: To investigate the hardness and energy absorption of four commercially available chairside types of silicone materials and compare their properties with heat-cured silicone material. Materials: The chairside materials investigated were GC reline soft, mucopren soft, sofreliner soft and elite soft relining. The heat-cured polymer silicone material was Molloplast B. All soft lining materials were processed according to manufacturers' instructions. Two properties were investigated. Ten specimens for each test were prepared for each soft liner except for the water absorption and solubility test, for which only five specimens were prepared. The specimens of energy absorption (10 × 10 × 3 mm) were tested using a Lloyd instruments testing machine. Hardness specimens (38 × 38 × 3) were tested using a shore A durometer and were divided into two subgroups; dry and wet storage. Results: The specimens of energy absorption (10 × 10 × 3 mm) were tested using a Lloyd instruments testing machine. Sofreliner soft was significantly softer than Molloplast B. GC reline soft was significantly harder than molloplast B. At high loads, sofreliner soft and elite soft relining was significantly more resilient than molloplast B. Mucopren soft was significantly stiffer than Molloplast B. At low loads, all materials showed similarities in stiffness and resilience; the difference between them was insignificant. After one month of immersion, GC reline and mucopren significantly increased hardness values. Conclusion: In all conditions and at all four-time points, the hardness values for GC Reline soft were the greatest, and hardness values for Sofreliner Soft were the least. Some chairside soft denture lining materials could have similar significant properties to molloplast-B, such as sofreliner soft and elite.

Comparative Analysis of Properties in Chairside Silicone Denture Liners versus Heat-Cured Molloplast-B: An In-Depth In Vitro Evaluation.

BACKGROUND We investigated the bond strength, tensile strength, and water absorption properties of 4 widely used chairside silicone long-term denture soft lining materials and compared properties with those of heat-cured silicone material. MATERIAL AND METHODS Four chairside materials (GC Reline Soft, Mucopren Soft, Sofreliner Soft, and Elite Soft Relining) and a heat-cured silicone material (Molloplast B) were investigated. For tensile and shear bond strength and tensile strength, samples were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions and the testing machine used. For water absorption, IOS 1567 was followed to prepare specimens. Bond strengths were measured using a Lloyd Instruments materials testing machine. Ten specimens for each test were prepared for each soft liner, except for water absorption and solubility tests, for which only 5 specimens were prepared. ANOVA, Bonferroni, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare values of materials and assess changes over time. RESULTS There was strong evidence of differences in the properties between materials. GC Reline Soft showed comparable tensile bond (1.4±0.6 MPa), shear bond (1.1±0.4 MPa), tensile strength (5.44±0.98), water absorption (0.92±0.2 µg/mm³), and solubility values (0.3±0.2 µg/mm3) to that of Molloplast B (1.4±0.4; 1.6±0.5; 4.53±0.9 MPa, 1.7±0.3, and 1.0±0.3 µg/mm³, respectively). The water solubility of Sofreliner Soft was significantly lower (1.5±0.8 µg/mm³) than that of Molloplast B. CONCLUSIONS There were significant differences between some properties of 4 chairside denture soft lining materials and that of Molloplast B, which had higher shear and tensile bond strength than chairside denture silicone soft lining materials but had the highest water solubility.

Prevalence of burnout and practice-related risk factors among Saudi Board dental residents using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory: A survey-based cross-sectional study.

Occupational burnout is a chronic psychological problem affecting professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the types and categories of burnout among Saudi Dental board residents at different levels of residency in different provinces of Saudi Arabia, using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Questionnaires were sent to 170 Saudi Dental board residents via Email and WhatsApp. at various training centers in Saudi Arabia, in May 2022. A part of the questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants such as gender, training level or center, number of working sessions or hours per week and day, dental speciality, and marital status. The second part consisted of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory survey with 21 questions. Only 110 participants returned the answered questions. The overall significant type of burnout was present in 46.3% of the respondents while 53.7%, were for free or minimal burnout. Personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout recorded 62%/38%; 40% to 60%, and 60%:40% for free or minimal to significant burnout. The overall burnout types of values were equal in both gender as well as training levels with no significant differences and P-values ≤ .05. Burnout values were close to each other among the participants in different specialties, except for orthodontics residents which were the least. Analysis of variance, followed by chi-square tests showed a significant difference among participants in different specialties in type and categories of burnout with P-values between .002 to .029. Finally, the burnout value was higher among married participants. Overall burnout types were marginally similar between genders and training levels, while the significant was slightly higher in females, married, highest training level, restorative, and prosthodontic speciality participants.

Analysis of Root Canal Characteristics in Permanent Canine Teeth Among 270 Saudi Subjects: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study.

BACKGROUND An understanding of root canal morphology is vital for successful endodontic treatment. However, variations in the root canal system of permanent canines, especially in relation to population-based diversity, are not well-documented. This study thus aimed to analyze the root canal numbers, configurations, and bilateral symmetry in 1080 permanent canine teeth among 270 Saudi individuals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), contributing to the existing body of knowledge and aiding clinicians in devising effective treatment strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS The CBCT images of 270 participants, encompassing 1080 canines (540 pairs of upper and lower canines), were scrutinized for root and canal counts. Canal configurations were assessed based on Ahmed's and Vertucci's classifications. Bilateral symmetry in these parameters was recorded and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS The study revealed variable prevalence of multiple roots and canals in maxillary and mandibular canines. Ahmed's and Vertucci's type I canal configuration was predominantly observed. Notably, significant bilateral symmetry was noted in root and canal numbers, and canal configurations. CONCLUSIONS The most common configuration of permanent canines was a single root and canal, usually adhering to Ahmed's and Vertucci's type I classification. Mandibular canines showed a higher incidence of two canals than two roots. The extent of bilateral symmetry, especially in mandibular canines, could provide valuable insights for better contralateral tooth treatment planning.

Unlocking Endocrown Restoration Expertise Among Dentists: Insights from a Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND This study, employing an online questionnaire, aimed to assess and contrast the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of dentists in Saudi Arabia (SA) regarding endocrowns (EC) as post-endodontic restorations with those of dentists educated in various other countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among dental interns and practicing dentists in government facilities, private dental centers, and dental colleges in SA, including participants of diverse nationalities. We disseminated validated, closed-ended questionnaires through WhatsApp via Google Forms. The Chi-square test was applied to assess associations between categorical variables, with a P-value of ≤0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS The majority of participants (61.2%) indicated that EC restorations are best suited for molar teeth. Furthermore, 69.6% asserted that the primary objective of employing EC is to accomplish minimally invasive preparations while preserving the existing tooth structure. Among the responses, 68.3% pinpointed debonding of ECs as a significant cause of failure. Notably, substantial differences were observed in responses concerning the knowledge or practice of EC across various factors such as gender, educational attainment, country of graduation, and workplace. CONCLUSIONS The findings reveal a comparatively low adoption of ECs among the participants, irrespective of experience or country of education. This underscores the need for incorporating ECs into dental curricula through theoretical and clinical discussions or considering them as a subject for post-graduate continuing education programs.

Online Questionnaire-Based Study to Evaluate the Attitudes and Use of Rubber Dental Dams by Saudi Dental Practitioners.

BACKGROUND A dental dam is a protective sheet with an aperture and is used to prevent the spread of infection during dental procedures. This study aimed to use a 2-part online questionnaire to evaluate the attitudes and use of rubber dental dams by 300 Saudi dental interns, general dental practitioners, residents, specialists, and consultants in prosthodontics, endodontics, and restorative dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHODS The 17-item validated questionnaire consisted of 5 questions on demographics, 2 on knowledge, 6 on attitudes, and 4 on perceptions. It was distributed through Google Forms. The chi-square test was used to determine the associations between the study variables and perception questions. RESULTS A total of 41.67% participants were specialists/consultants, among which 59.2% were in the prosthodontics specialty, 12.8% in endodontics, and 28% in restorative dentistry. Most participants (84.67%) stated the necessity of using rubber dams during post and core procedures. A total of 53.67% had received enough training for using rubber dams during their undergraduate/residency education. The majority of participants (41%) also preferred using rubber dams during the prefabricated post and core procedures, and 28.33% stated that the remaining tooth structure was one of the major reasons for not using rubber dams during the post and core procedures. CONCLUSIONS Workshops and hands-on training should be conducted among dental graduates to instill a positive attitude regarding the use of rubber dams.

A Systematic Review of Publications Using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to Monitor Education in Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate publications using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) and its domains, genders, and educational level (EL) to monitor the education environment in medical colleges (MCs), applied medical science colleges (AMSCs), and dental colleges (DCs) in Saudi Arabia (SA). MATERIAL AND METHODS A literature search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Wiley Library, and Web of Science database keywords and medical, applied medical science, dental colleges headings, followed by a summary and analysis of results. We included all related studies that used DREEM as a tool and were published up to 2022. The following information was extracted from the included studies: researcher's name(s), publication year, overall DREEM, domain, gender, and educational levels. RESULTS Among the 40 studies included in this review, 25 papers were conducted in medical colleges, 5 in applied medical science, and 10 in dental colleges. Overall, DREEM scores among all involved colleges were "more positive than negative," with scores between 101 and 150. In relation to the 5 domains of DREEM, the percentages of medical colleges ranged from 75% to 88% for all domains, whereas it was higher in dental (80% to 90%) in most domains, but considerably lower for applied medical science (50% to 75%). Females had higher DREEM values in dental than medical and applied medical science colleges, whereas educational levels were higher in applied medical science colleges. CONCLUSIONS Overall, DREEM scores were more positive than negative and moved in the correct direction among all involved colleges, with varying degrees of significance between genders and educational levels.