Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Biaxial Flexural Strength of Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal.

INTRODUCTION: Ceramics are widely applied in dentistry owing to their excellent mechanical and physical attributes. The most popular ceramics are Lava™, KaVo Everest, and Cercon. However, it is unclear whether or not a different surface treatment along with low-temperature aging and mechanical loading (ML) affects the physical properties of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)-machined yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic. AIM: The objective of this research was to assess the impact of various surface treatments as air-particle abrasion, ML, low-temperature degradation (LTD), and their cumulative effects on biaxial flexural properties of Y-TZP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally, 50 specimens were fabricated by CAD-CAM machining from Cercon® and divided into five groups following different surface treatments as control (C), air-particle abrasion (Si), ML, LTD, and cumulative treatment (CT) group. Results were investigated by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) test. RESULTS: The highest biaxial flexural strength was observed in the Si group (950.2 ± 126.7 MPa), followed by the LTD group (861.3 ± 166.8 MPa), CT group (851.2 ± 126.5 MPa), and the least with ML (820 ± 110 MPa). A significant difference was observed in the two-way ANOVA test. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the control group consists of 100% tetragonal zirconia and the maximum amount of monoclinic phase was obtained after LTD. CONCLUSION: No negative effect on biaxial flexural strength was observed; indeed, it increases the biaxial strength. Hence, these surface treatments can be done in routine clinical practice to improve the performance of ceramic restoration.

A Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Chat-Generative Pre-trained Transformer-Assisted Teaching Methods in Undergraduate Dental Education.

INTRODUCTION: In the present era, individuals have the ability to improve their study organization, attendance in classes, and use of mnemonics via the utilization of contemporary technology. The use of the open AI-based application Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) in dentistry is a developing domain, and the integration of this technology into dental education relies on the accessibility and efficacy of AI technology, as well as the readiness of institutions to adopt it. Furthermore, it is crucial to contemplate the possible ethical ramifications associated with the utilization of AI in the field of dentistry, as well as the need for dental practitioners to have adequate training in its use. In order to include the Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer in the dentistry curriculum, a thorough evaluation and consultation with field specialists would be necessary. This study aimed to determine whether the Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer is more effective than conventional teaching methods in teaching undergraduate dental students. METHOD: Comparative research was conducted at Shri. Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Medical and Rural Development Foundation's Dental College, Ahmednagar. Computer-generated random numbers were used to divide 100 students into two groups. Each group consists of 50 students. A didactic lecture was given using PowerPoint (Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corp.) for both groups. Group A was given textbooks to read and Group B used the Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer. An online questionnaire using Google Forms (Menlo Park, CA: Google LLC), which had been pre-validated, was sent via email to both groups. The pre- and post-test scores are then compared using the t-test. RESULT: The calculated t-value is 12.263 (at 81 degrees of freedom) and the p-value is 0.000, which is less than 0.01. Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected, and it is concluded that conventional method scores and ChatGPT method scores for the post-test have a high significant difference. Also, it is observed that the mean scores for the conventional method are higher than the mean scores for the ChatGPT method for the post-test. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded from the study that traditional teaching methods are more effective for learning than understanding ChatGPT.

Prevalence and Management of Early Childhood Caries in Preschoolers.

Background: "Early childhood caries (ECC)" is a prevalent and serious oral health issue affecting preschool-aged children globally, with adverse effects on their overall health and well-being. Objective: This center-based research designed to investigate the prevalence and management of ECC among preschoolers within a specific setting and evaluate associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 300 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years. Clinical examinations were conducted, and data on demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and dental visits were collected through structured interviews. Statistical analysis was performed to assess ECC prevalence and examine associations between demographic/behavioral factors and ECC severity. Results: The prevalence of ECC among preschoolers was 65%, with a mean dmfs score of 4.2. Factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and oral hygiene practices were associated with ECC severity. Management strategies included topical fluoride application, oral health education, and restorative treatments. Conclusion: ECC remains a significant public health concern among preschoolers. Comprehensive oral health programs targeting this population are essential to mitigate ECC burden and improve oral health outcomes. Further research is needed to address systemic barriers and disparities in ECC prevention and management.

Longitudinal Study of Oral Precancerous Lesions: Transformation Rate and Predictive Markers for Malignancy.

Background: One of the main risk factors for the occurrence of oral cancer is oral precancerous lesions (OPLs). Early management and preventive efforts depend on knowing the transformation rate and detecting predictive signs of malignancy. Methods: For 6 months, a group of 200 individuals with clinically diagnosed OPLs was followed up on in this longitudinal research. To examine biomarker expression levels and describe the lesions, examinations using immunohistochemistry, histopathology, and clinical methods were carried out. Findings: Over the course of 2 years, 200 patients with OPLs were monitored in this study. Most lesions had mild dysplasia, according to histopathological examination. The expression of many biomarkers that were correlated with the dysplasia grade were p53 (60.0%), Ki-67 (40.0%), CDKN2A (30.0%), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (25.0%). Conclusion: In summary, this study emphasizes how crucial it is to provide patients with OPLs with individualized care plans and routine surveillance. Certain biomarkers, such EGFR, Ki-67, and p53, can be useful prognostic markers for identifying malignant transformation. To confirm these results and create tailored therapies for high-risk patients, more study is necessary.

Retrospective Analysis of Implant Survival Rates and Complications in Edentulous Patients with Different Bone Types.

Background: Dental implants are an effective treatment option for edentulism, which poses a substantial barrier to oral health. The quality of the bone at the implant site may have an impact on the outcome of implant therapy. The purpose of this retrospective investigation was to assess implant survival rates and problems in individuals who were edentulous and had varying forms of bone. Methods: Patients who were edentulous and had dental implants placed between 2020 and 2022 were included. Preoperative radiographic examination was used to establish the kind of bone, which was then used to analyze implant survival rates and problems. A statistical study was carried out to compare the results between various bone kinds. Findings: The analysis comprised 225 edentulous patients in total. The implant survival rates varied according to the kind of bone; kind 1 bone had the highest survival rate (94.0%), while Type 4 bone had the lowest (75.0%). As bone quality declined, so did the incidence of complications such as peri-implantitis, implant movement, and implant breakage. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study emphasizes how important bone type is for implant survival rates and issues in edentulous individuals. Comprehending these correlations is essential for enhancing therapeutic results and directing clinical judgment in implant therapy.

Evaluation and comparison of dimensional accuracy of newly introduced elastomeric impression material using 3D laser scanners: an in vitro study.

AIM: Aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate dimensional accuracy of newely introduced elastomeric impression material after repeated pours at different time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study a total of 20 (10 + 10) impressions of master model were made from vinyl polyether silicone and vinyl polysiloxane impression material. Each impression was repeatedly poured at 1, 24 hours and 14 days. Therefore, a total of 60 casts were obtained. Casts obtained were scanned with three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner and measurements were done. RESULTS: Vinyl polyether silicone produced overall undersized dies, with greatest change being 0.14% only after 14 days. Vinyl polysiloxane produced smaller dies after 1 and 24 hours and larger dies after 14 days, differing from master model by only 0.07% for the smallest die and to 0.02% for the largest die. CONCLUSION: All the deviations measured from the master model with both the impression materials were within a clinically acceptable range. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In a typical fixed prosthodontic treatment accuracy of prosthesis is critical as it determines the success, failure and the prognosis of treatment including abutments. This is mainly dependent upon fit of prosthesis which in turn is dependent on dimensional accuracy of dies, poured from elastomeric impressions.

A comparative evaluation of flexural strength of commercially available acrylic and modified polymethylmethacrylate: an in vitro study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the flexural strength of commercially available acrylic (trevalone) and modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups were tested; Group 1- control group regular MMA, group 2-2% methacrylic acid, 88% MMA, group 3-16% methacrylic acid, 84% MMA group 4- 20% methacrylic acid, 80% MMA 15 resin specimens of each group were polymerized. After processing, the specimens were subjected for flexural strength testing using three point bending test in a Universal Testing Machine. All data was statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA, differences within the groups were analyzed by Scheffe's analysis. RESULTS: As the ratio of incorporated methacrylic acid to PMMA increased, the flexural strength decreased. Analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in flexural strength of specimens (p < 0.000) after incorporation of 12%, 16%, 20% methacrylic acid to heat polymerized acrylic resin, when compared with the control group. Lowest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing 20% methacrylic acid and highest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing conventional monomer without methacrylic acid. CONCLUSION: It was observed that as the concentration of methacrylic acid in heat polymerized acrylic resin increases, the flexural strength decreases. Lowest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing 20% methacrylic acid and highest flexural strength was observed with specimens containing conventional monomer without methacrylic acid. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The major advantages of addition of methacrylic acid to polymethylmethacrylate could be for the elderly people with restricted manual dexterity or cognitive disturbances, especially for patients who do not follow an adequate denture cleansing protocol and diabetic patients who are more susceptible for denture stomatitis.

COVID Infections Breakthrough Post-Vaccination: Systematic Review.

Introduction: Many new variants of the coronavirus are infecting the already vaccinated people. There have been reports of deaths also among the already vaccinated subjects. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the infection breakthrough after COVID vaccination. Materials and Methods: We piloted a review of the healthcare workers who completed the vaccination for COVID. The data were collected from the online resources for the breakthrough infections after vaccination. We then enumerated those subjects who had a breakthrough infection post-vaccination. The data collected were meta-analyzed for the incidence of the infection among the vaccinated individuals. Results: We observed that among nearly 2.3 lakh subjects, less than 3% were infected with the various new strains of the virus. The ratio of the breakthrough infection was different for the vaccinated (1.2%) and the partially vaccinated (3.2%) individuals with greater infection among the partially infected individuals. Discussion: The breakthrough infections are very low among vaccinated individuals and even lower among fully vaccinated individuals. Hence, vaccination is highly recommended to prevent the loss of life.

In vivo Comparative Evaluation of Esthetics after Microabrasion and Microabrasion followed by Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Fluoride Phosphate on Molar Incisor Hypomineralization-Affected Incisors.

BACKGROUND: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an esthetic setback for the patient as well as for the dentist, treatment options for MIH includes minimally invasive techniques like microabrasion which has a limited literature of its effect. Furthermore, the effect of remineralizing such as casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) agent on MIH-affected teeth is minimally studied. AIM: Comparative evaluation of the esthetic after microabrasion and microabrasion followed by Tooth Mousse Plus on hypomineralized incisors of MIH-affected patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was a randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised Grade I MIH patients in the age strata of 7-16 years having lesions on incisors. As per inclusion criteria, 46 lesions were divided into two groups of microabrasion and microabrasion followed by CPP-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (ACFP). Photographs were obtained before treatment, just after treatment, and 6 months after treatment. The photographic evaluation was done using the CIE L*a*b* scoring method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA and posthoc Tukey's test were applied to compare the difference in lightness ΔL and total color change ΔE of these two groups. RESULTS: In microabrasion group, the overall change in ΔL of white tooth discoloration came -0.9 standard deviation (SD) 7.3. In microabrasion followed by CPP-ACFP group, statistically significant difference was found between both these groups with P value of P ≤ 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Microabrasion followed by the remineralizing agent can improve the esthetics of white tooth discoloration with time.

Concealment effect of resin infiltration on incisor of Grade I molar incisor hypomineralization patients: An in vivo study.

CONTEXT: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a commonly occurring esthetic setback among patients. Depending on the graveness of the lesion, esthetics of MIH can be improved by treatments such as enamel microabrasion, bleaching, composite resin bonding, and the combination of some or all of these techniques. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the esthetic results of resin infiltration treatment on incisors with Grade I molar incisor MIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22incisor lesions with MIH were infiltrated with resin. Photographs were captured before infiltration, just after infiltration, and 6 months after infiltration. The photographic evaluation was done by the CIE L*a*b* scoring method. The means of each parameter such as ΔL and ΔE were calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: ANOVA in conjunction with Turkey's post hoc test was used to evaluate the means. RESULTS: The total color change observed was equal just after treatment and 6 months after treatment, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.87) between these two time points. The mean of difference in total color change (ΔE3) of white tooth discoloration was 13.2 SD 6.8, showing an overall color change. CONCLUSION: Infiltration can conceal the white opaque appearance of Grade I MIH lesions, and also reduction in lesion whiteness is seen with time.

Parental awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward conscious sedation in North Indian children population: A questionnaire-based study.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to find the opinion, attitude, beliefs, and the existing knowledge of parents of Himachal Pradesh suburban city about conscious sedation. OBJECTIVE: To know the effect of education of parent and prior sedation experience of the child on opinion, attitude, and knowledge of parent about conscious sedation. METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire in Hindi/English was provided to parents who accompanied their child for the treatment in the Paedodontics Department of HPGDC College Shimla. Information regarding demography, existing knowledge gained through television, the internet, opinion about the safety of the procedure, knowledge of nothing by mouth guidelines, restraints usage, and knowing their preferences of staying with the child during treatment was explored. Questions were straight yes or no type and multiple choice type. Some questions were statements and wanted the respondents to strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 350 questionnaires were collected. Parents feel sedation is safe in the dental office as an adjunct to dental treatment. Education played a role in existing knowledge about sedation and perception about the safety of conscious sedation.