Restoration of posterior teeth by narrow diameter implants in hyperglycemic and normoglycemic patients - 4-year results of a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the four-year clinical outcome and marginal bone loss around narrow-diameter implants in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and normo-glycemic individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 11 T2DM patients with a concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) > 6.5% (test group) and 15 normoglycemic patients (HbA1C < 6.0%; control group), one narrow-diameter tissue level implant, placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible, was investigated. The clinical parameters probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), attachment loss (CAL), recession, and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed manually after 24 and 48 months of function. The paired digital periapical radiographs were analyzed regarding the change in marginal bone level (MBL) from baseline to 48 months post-op. The technical complications were recorded. RESULTS: In the T2DM group, 11 patients were available for follow-ups. The overall implant survival rate after 48 months was 100%. The differences in means for the clinical parameters and the MBL between the T2DM and normo-glycemic patients for the observation period were statistically non-significant. No technical complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated an encouraging clinical outcome with ND implants in patients with uncontrolled T2DM compared to non-diabetics after 48 months' post loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with HbA1C > 6.5% may benefit from the treatment with narrow-diameter implants by avoiding complex surgical interventions with augmentation procedures. REGISTRATION NUMBER (CLINICALTRIALS.GOV): NCT04630691.

One-year performance of posterior narrow diameter implants in hyperglycemic and normo-glycemic patients-a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the performance of narrow diameter implants in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and normo-glycemic individuals during the first 12 months after implant loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 16 T2DM patients with HbA1C > 6.5% (test group) and 16 normo-glycemic patients (HbA1C < 6.0%; control group), one to two narrow diameter tissue level implants were placed in the posterior maxilla or mandible. After 3-month lasting integration period, implants were loaded by fixed dentures. The clinical parameters probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), attachment loss (CAL), recession and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed manually at loading and after 12 months of function. The paired digital periapical radiographs were analyzed with regard to the change in marginal bone level (MBL) from baseline to 12 months' control. The mean values calculated for both patient groups were statistically analyzed. The technical complications were recorded. RESULTS: The T2DM group accounted 13 patients due to 3 dropouts. The overall implant survival rate after 12 months was 100%. The differences in means for the clinical parameters and the MBL were statistically non-significant between the T2DM and normo-glycemic patients for the short period of loaded function reported here. No technical complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated an encouraging clinical outcome with narrow diameter implants in patients with uncontrolled T2DM compared to non-diabetics after 12 months post loading. For the short observation period, no biological and technical complications were reported regardless the glycemic status. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with HbA1C > 6.5% may benefit from the treatment with narrow diameter implants by avoiding complex surgical interventions with augmentation procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT04630691.

Free gingival graft adjunct with low-level laser therapy: a randomized placebo-controlled parallel group study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in terms of enhancing wound healing, reducing free gingival graft (FGG) shrinkage and postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to receive either FGG + LLLT (test, n = 15) or FGG + plasebo LLLT (control, n = 15). In the test group, a diode laser (810 nm, 0.1 W, energy density 6 J/cm2) was applied immediately after surgery and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days later. Measurements of the graft surface areas of the groups were made with an image-analyzing software at baseline and first, third, and sixth months. Complete wound epithelialization and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain score were evaluated after surgery. RESULTS: Shrinkage of the graft was statistically higher in the control than the test group at third and sixth months (p < 0.05). In terms of epithelization of the graft area, the test and control groups did not show any significant difference during the 28-day period (p > 0.05). Besides this, statistically significant differences were observed for VAS pain score and the number of analgesic used (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of an 810-nm diode laser provided additional benefits to FGG in terms of less shrinkage of the graft dimensions and postoperative pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low-level laser therapy reduced the shrinkage of free gingival graft's surface area after 6 months and enhanced postoperative pain relief.

The Effect of Surface Treatments on the Bond Strength Between CAD/CAM Blocks and Composite Resin.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength of three computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks repaired with composite resin using three surface treatment techniques. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three different CAD/CAM blocks were used in this study: (1) Lithium disilicate, (2) feldspar ceramic, and (3) resin nano ceramic. All groups were further divided into four subgroups according to surface treatment: control, roughened with bur (B); roughened with bur and 5% Hydrofluoric acid (HF); roughened with bur and sandblasting (HF); and roughened with bur and CoJet (C). After surface treatments on each group, a silane and bonding agent were applied, and ceramics were repaired with a nano-hybrid composite. Then, the repaired ceramics were cut with a low-speed diamond saw for microtensile bond testing. Microtensile bond tests for 40 specimens per subgroup were carried out with a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed with ANOVA, Tukey's, and LSD at the 95% significance level. RESULTS: Mean bond strengths (MPa) of subgroups B, HF, S, and C were: 0, 29.8, 0, 23.3 for lithium disilicate ceramic; 26.4, 22.3, 22.4, 22 for feldspar ceramic; 54.8, 25.3, 42.1, 25.7 for resin nano ceramic. For subgroups B and S of lithium disilicate ceramics, bonding failed during specimen preparation. No significant differences were observed among all CoJet groups. In subgroups B and S, resin nano ceramics showed the highest bond strength. In feldspar groups, subgroup B showed higher bond strength than the other subgroups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that lithium disilicate porcelain blocks required etching for repairing with composite material. Surface treatments did not increase the bond strength in feldspar ceramic groups and reduced the bond strength in resin nano ceramic groups.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of fetal maxillary sinuses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The growth of maxillary sinus is closely connected to the development of facial structures. However, its definition and reference standards on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have not been analyzed so far. In this study, the objectives were to define and evaluate the fetal maxillary sinus (fMS) formation with MRI. METHODS: We reviewed T2-weighted coronal MRI images of 75 fetuses. The MRI features, time of appearance, and boundaries of fMS were defined. Craniocaudal and transverse diameters of both maxillary sinuses and bone biparietal diameters were measured and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: In 150 fMS site analysis, 91 fMSs were identified. The fMSs were visualized as a hyperintense structures on T2-weighted image above the tooth bud. It first appeared at the 22nd gestational week, and in 4% (3/75) of fetuses, there was unilateral development. Mean craniocaudal length was 2.84 mm (1.1-4.8 mm), and mean transverse diameter was 2.67 mm (1.5-4.2 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging features of fMS that should be sought for the assessment of craniofacial anatomy are identified in this study. Fetal maxillary sinuses can be observed as hyperintense structures on T2-weighted MRI images starting from 22 weeks of gestation. The growth of fMS follows a predictable course throughout gestation; however, the dimensions are larger than the previously reported ex vivo series.

Microplastic accumulation in a lizard species: Observations from the terrestrial environments.

Microplastics are a global environmental problem, polluting both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Terrestrial lizards are suitable model organisms to study human-induced pollution in these areas, as they can live in urbanized areas where microplastics are most abundant. Therefore, we analyzed the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in a common Lacertid lizard, the snake-eyed lizard, Ophisops elegans. We detected MPs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of 33 of 152 specimens from 18 populations. The detected MPs had six distinct polymer compositions, namely Polyethylene terephthalate, Polyacrylonitrile, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Poly methyl methacrylate and Polyamide. The majority of these MPs were fiber-type and the dominant color was navy blue. The lengths of MPs varied from 37 to 563 µm, with an average length of 175 µm. MPs were detected in the GITs of 43% of juveniles (n = 7), 30% of males (n = 105), and 18% of females (n = 40), with a mean of 0.27 per specimen. Furthermore, we found that microplastic densities varied with habitat distance from human settlements, supporting the theory that high levels of microplastic contamination are associated with extensive anthropogenic activity.

Three-year clinical performance of two indirect composite inlays compared to direct composite restorations.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the incremental build-up of resin composite restorations, their polymerization shrinkage during curing presents a serious problem. Indirect composite resin systems represent an alternative in overcoming some of the deficiencies of direct composite restorations. The hypothesis of the present study states that the clinical performance of restorations may be affected by different generation and application techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty restorations (20 DI system (Coltène/Whaledent AG, Altstätten, Switzerland) composite inlays, 20 Tescera ATL system (BISCO Inc. Schaumburg, Illinois, USA) composite inlays, and 20 direct composites) were applied to premolar teeth in 49 patients. Restorations were clinically evaluated by two examiners. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks, and X2 tests. RESULTS: The Tescera ATL system performed significantly better than both direct composite restorations (p<0.001) and DI system (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this 3-year clinical study, indirect resin restorations showed better scores than direct restorations. In addition, the Tescera ATL system was found to be more successful than the DI system and direct composite restorations.

Open healing of contained and non-contained extraction sockets covered with a ribose cross-linked collagen membrane: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated whether the placement of ribose cross-linked collagen (RCLC) membranes without primary soft tissue closure predictably resulted in sufficient alveolar ridge preservation in contained and non-contained extraction sockets. METHODS: Membranes were positioned across extraction sockets, undermining full-thickness flaps, and the gingival margins were fixed by double-interrupted sutures without crossed horizontal mattress sutures for 1 week. In non-contained sockets, a bone substitute was used to support the membrane within the bony envelope. Radiographs and clinical images obtained 4 months later were analyzed by ImageJ software using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: In 18 patients, 20 extraction sockets healed uneventfully and all sites received standard-diameter implants (4.1, 4.8, or 5.0 mm) without additional bone augmentation. Soft tissues and the muco-gingival border were well maintained. A retrospective analysis of X-rays and clinical photographs showed non-significant shrinkage in the vertical and horizontal dimensions (P=0.575 and P=0.444, respectively). The new bone contained vital bone cells embedded in mineralized tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study, open healing of RCLC membranes may result in sufficient bone volume for implant placement without additional bone augmentation in contained and non-contained extraction sockets.

3D printing of silver-doped polycaprolactone-poly(propylene succinate) composite scaffolds for skin tissue engineering.

Scaffold-based tissue engineering approaches have been commonly used for skin regeneration or wound healings caused by diseases or trauma. For an ideal complete healing process, scaffold structures need to meet the criteria of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties, as well as to provide geometrical necessities for the regeneration of damaged tissue. In this study, design, synthesis and characterization of a three dimensional (3D) printable copolymer based on polycaprolactone-block-poly(1,3-propylene succinate) (PCL-PPSu) including anti-microbial silver particles is presented. 3D printing of PCL-PPSu copolymers provided a lower processing temperature compared to neat PCL, hence, inclusion of temperature-sensitive bioactive reagents into the developed copolymer could be realized. In addition, 3D printed block copolymer showed an enhanced hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation behavior. Cell viability and cytotoxicity of the developed copolymer were evaluated by using human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. The addition of silver nitrate within the polymer matrix resulted in a significant decrease in the adhesion of different types of microorganisms on the scaffold without inducing any cytotoxicity on HDF cells in vitro. The results suggested that 3D printed PCL-PPSu scaffolds containing anti-microbial silver particles could be considered as a promising biomaterial for emerging skin regenerative therapies, in the light of its adaptability to 3D printing technology, low-processing temperature, enhanced degradation behavior and antimicrobial properties.

Periodontal condition of patients with Thalassemia Major: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing evidence on the association between Thalassemia major (TM) and periodontal condition. MATERIALS & METHODS: MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Database (including the Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTER)), were searched up to September 2018 to identify observational studies eligible for systematic review and meta-analyses. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for quality assessment. RESULTS: The initial search resulted in 172 articles, and of these, 16 articles were included and a qualitative synthesis was carried out. Based on the quantitative data from 14 studies, significant differences were found in gingival index (GI) (p < 0.001), bleeding on probing (p = 0.02) as well as plaque index (PI) (p < 0.01) measures between TM and systemically healthy controls. Additional analyses (young vs. adult) for GI and PI revealed that such significant differences were only observed in adults, even though overall analysis showed no subgroup effect. The majority of the studies qualified as "intermediate quality". CONCLUSION: Patients with TM had significantly higher gingival inflammation scores compared to controls. Therefore, routine comprehensive periodontal screening in TM is recommended in order to prevent occurrence of periodontal diseases and eventually reduce the complexity of the oral health care. Also, conduction of further well-designed observational studies is recommended to contribute to this topic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on publication rate in periodontology and implantology in Turkey / Impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na taxa de publicação em periodontia e implantodontia na Turquia

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of publications in the field of periodontology and implantology in Turkey. Material and Methods: A sensitive search strategy was developed to identify relevant articles, focusing on the periodontology and implantology research fields published two years before and after the declaration of the pandemic (March 2020). The search was performed through Web of Science, Medline, SCOPUS and CENTRAL databases. A three-stage screening (titles, abstract, full-text) was carried out in duplicate and independently by two reviewers. Results: A total of 382 studies were identified before the pandemic and 307 studies during the pandemic. While there was a downward trend in the number of observational studies (185 vs 168), the number of clinical trials (CCT/RCT) slightly increased compared to the pre-pandemic period (72 vs 74). Conclusion: Limited to the selected period of time (two years) and field, publication rate on periodontology and implantology in Turkey was decreased during the pandemic. Although the present research highlights current trends, large-scale investigations are needed to probe consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on research activities in the long-run (AU).

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 no número de publicações na área de periodontia e implantodontia na Turquia. Material e Métodos:Foi desenvolvida uma estratégia de busca sensível para identificar artigos relevantes, com foco nas áreas de pesquisa em periodontia e implantodontia publicados dois anos antes e depois da declaração da pandemia (março de 2020). A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Web of Science, Medline, SCOPUS e CENTRAL. Uma triagem de três etapas (títulos, resumo, texto completo) foi realizada em duplicata e de forma independente por dois revisores. Resultados: Foram identificados 382 estudos antes da pandemia e 307 estudos durante a pandemia. Embora tenha havido uma tendência de queda no número de estudos observacionais (185 vs 168), o número de ensaios clínicos (CCT/RCT) aumentou ligeiramente em comparação com o período pré-pandêmico (72 vs 74). Conclusão: Limitada ao período de tempo selecionado (dois anos) e área, a taxa de publicação em periodontia e implantodontia na Turquia diminuiu durante a pandemia. Embora a presente pesquisa destaque as tendências atuais, são necessárias investigações em larga escala para investigar as consequências da pandemia de COVID-19 nas atividades de pesquisa a longo prazo.(AU)

Lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation caused by dental filling materials.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The two direct dental restorative materials most commonly used today are silver-mercury amalgam and resin-based composites. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of these two restorative materials and substances released by these into the oral environment on lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation after entering the blood circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples from 41 patients were collected before and 24 hours after the application of these restorative materials. The 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine ratio in these samples was measured to determine oxidative DNA damage, and malondialdehyde levels were measured to define lipid peroxidation. The paired samples t test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for the analysis of variables (α = 0.05). RESULTS: While no statistically significant difference was observed after amalgam filling application in terms of DNA oxidation, a significant difference was observed after composite application (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant increase was determined in malondialdehyde levels of two materials (P < 0.05). In both amalgam and composite applications, a significant difference was observed before and after application in terms of released substances (mercury and unpolymerized monomer, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mercury increased lipid peroxidation and Bis-GMA and TEGDMA dental resins increased both lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation markers.

The effect of "soft-start polymerization" on surface hardness of two packable composites.

It has been reported that light-initiated prepolymerization at low intensity followed by a post-light-cure at full intensity (soft-start polymerization) may lead to light-cured composite fillings with improved marginal integrity. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of softstart polymerization with different protocols on Vickers hardness of different packable composites. Vickers hardness of packable composites ALERT, and Definite were measured with a Vickers indenter and were evaluated. The results suggested that independent of the applied curing mode and curing tip, Alert showed significantly higher Vickers hardness than did Definite (p<0.05). There was no significant influence of curing mode or light guide on Vickers hardness of the samples tested. In conclusion, we found that soft-start polymerization does not have a significant influence on the degree of conversion, when compared with the conventional method. In addition, different light tips showed no significant improvement on surface hardness.

Surface hardness properties of resin-modified glass ionomer cements and polyacid-modified composite resins.

In this study the top and bottom surface hardness of two polyacid-modified composite resins (PMCRs), one resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and one composite resin were evaluated. The affect of water storage on their hardness was also investigated. The study was conducted using four different groups, each having five specimens obtained from fiberglass die molds with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. Measurements were made on the top and bottom surface of each specimen and recorded after 24 hours and again at 60 days. All tested materials showed different hardness values, and the values of top surfaces of the specimens were found to be higher than the bottom surface in all test groups. There was no statistical difference in the Vickers hardness (HV) values when the test specimens were kept in water storage. In conclusion Hytac displayed microhardness values higher than Vitremer and Dyract. We found the order of HV values to be Surfil > Hytac > Dyract > Vitremer, respectively. Vitremer presented the lowest microhardness level and Surfil the highest.

The Evaluation of Saliva Flow Rate, pH, Buffer Capacity, Microbiological Content and Indice of Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth in Behçet's Patients.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence indicate that oral microbial flora play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Behçet disease. Saliva flow rate, buffer capacity and microorganism content are very important in the maintenance of oral health. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate saliva flow rate, pH, buffer capacity and Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli content along with the decayed, missing, and filled tooth index in Behçet's patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: Forty patients with active Behçet disease [female:male (F/M) 21/19, mean age 31.05±11.08 years] and forty healthy persons (F/M 21/19, mean age 31.03±9.14 years) were included in the study. The oral region was first examined, and the decayed, missing, and filled tooth index was calculated for each person. Stimulated saliva was collected and divided into two separate millimetric tubes to calculate the buffer capacity of the saliva, determine Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli levels and measure the pH of the saliva. A Caries Risk Test buffer strip was used to calculate the buffer capacity. Caries Risk Test bacterial kit was used to determine Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli levels. A pH meter was used to measure the pH of the saliva. RESULTS: The mean saliva pH of the patients was higher than the controls (7.76±0.51, 7.18±0.46, respectively) (p<0.001). The mean level of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli in patients was higher than controls (p<0.05). The mean decayed, missing, and filled tooth index of patients was 9.82±6.59 (range 1-28), while the mean decayed, missing, and filled tooth index of the controls was 6.05±3.35 (range 1-16) (p<0.01). There were no significant differences between the patients and the controls with respect to saliva flow rate and saliva buffer capacity (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We think that the maintenance of oral health by effective, regular tooth brushing, regular dental check-ups and dental treatment for Behçet patients is very important for the prevention and therapy of Behçet disease.

A modified Rendezvous ERCP technique in duodenal diverticulum.

AIM: To postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure, we describe a modified Rendezvous technique for an ERCP in patients operated on for common bile duct stone (CBDS) having a T-tube with retained CBDSs. METHODS: Five cases operated on for CBDSs and having retained stones with a T-tube were referred from other hospitals located in or around Istanbul city to the ERCP unit at the Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. Under sedation anesthesia, a sterile guide-wire was inserted via the T-tube into the common bile duct (CBD) then to the papilla. A guide-wire was held by a loop snare and removed through the mouth. The guide-wire was inserted into the sphincterotome via the duodenoscope from the tip to the handle. The duodenoscope was inserted down to the duodenum with a sphincterotome and a guide-wire in the working channel. With the guidance of a guide-wire, the ERCP and sphincterotomy were successfully performed, the guide-wire was removed from the T-tube, the stones were removed and the CBD was reexamined for retained stones by contrast. RESULTS: An ERCP can be used either preoperatively or postoperatively. Although the success rate in an isolated ERCP treatment ranges from up to 87%-97%, 5%-10% of the patients require two or more ERCP treatments. If a secondary ERCP fails, the clinicians must be ready for a laparoscopic or open exploration. A duodenal diverticulum is one of the most common failures in an ERCP, especially in patients with an intradiverticular papilla. For this small group of patients, an antegrade cannulation via a T-tube can improve the success rate up to nearly 100%. CONCLUSION: The modified Rendezvous technique is a very easy method and increases the success of postoperative ERCP, especially in patients with large duodenal diverticula and with intradiverticular papilla.

Intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration of dimethacrylate and silorane based composites.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrinsic and extrinsic color change of dimethacrylate and silorane-based composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five contemporary composites were included within the study (Filtek LS Low Shrink Posterior Restorative [SIL], Filtek SupremeXT [SPR], Filtek Z250 [Z25], Filtek P60 [P60], and Admira [ADM]). Twenty-five specimens (8-mm diameter, 1.5-mm thickness) were prepared for each composite. After baseline color measurements were taken, specimens were immersed in 4 staining solutions (red wine, coffee, cola, and tea) or distilled water (n=5). After a 24-h and 1-month immersion, the color values of each specimen were remeasured and the color change values (ΔE(ab)(*)) were calculated. Statistical analyses were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. RESULTS: Amongst the solutions, red wine had the highest ΔE(ab)(*) value in all the composite restoratives. After the final measurement, ADM exhibited the lowest discoloration, whereas SPR exhibited the highest color change. Additionally, the color change for SIL after 1 month in distilled water was higher than the clinically accepted cut-off of 3.3. This change was correlated with an increasing L value according to the multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: All of the restorative materials used in this study were susceptible to staining by commonly consumed beverages drinks, especially red wine and coffee; however, in water, only SIL became whiter with time.

The effect of right or left handedness on caries experience and oral hygiene.

BACKGROUND: There is an indisputable relationship between tooth decay and oral hygiene. Caries can only be prevented by keeping tooth decay at bay. In several prophylactic methods, brushing is the most important. Brushing efficiency is directly related to an individuals' manual dexterity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there were differences in oral hygiene and caries prevalence between right- and left-handers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six elementary school students were included in the study. The subjects were 30 males and 16 females, ranging in age from 11 to 13 years. Handedness was ascertained by using the Edinburgh Handedness Scale. All students were examined intraorally. During this examination, the necessary values to determine oral hygiene status and to determine caries prevalence were recorded. RESULTS: It was observed that subjects who used their right hands were in a better position in terms of oral hygiene than those using the left (P < 0.01). In terms of caries prevalence, however, averages for right-handed individuals were lower than those for left-handed subjects, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: It can be stated that the right-handed individuals have better oral hygiene and the lower incidence of caries because of their better manual dexterity and brush efficiency. So, dentists should consider better manual dexterity and brush efficiency in right-handed individuals before treatment planning. However, future well-designed neurologic studies involving larger numbers of subjects will be necessary to confirm the findings of this study and to understand more about the effects of handedness on oral hygiene performance.

The color differences of direct esthetic restorative materials after setting and compared with a shade guide.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a study to evaluate esthetic restorative materials' color differences after setting and color matching between set materials and a shade guide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors evaluated 13 resin-based composites, one silorane-based composite, two polyacid-modified resin composites and one conventional glass ionomer cement. They measured the color parameters of the samples, which were 8 millimeters in diameter and 1.5 mm in thickness, before and after they were set according to the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color scale relative to standard illumination against a white background by means of a dental colorimeter. They also compared the final colors of the restorative materials with a shade guide. RESULTS: Color difference values for each restorative material ranged from 3.25 to 14.04. With the exception of Fuji IX (GC, Tokyo), Filtek P60 (3M ESPE) and Te-Econom (Ivoclar Vivadent), the restorative materials exhibited a perceptible color change after setting. Color difference values between the set materials and the shade guide tabs ranged from 1.86 to 11.83. With the exception of Filtek Supreme XT (3M ESPE) and Fuji IX, the materials exhibited a perceptible difference. CONCLUSION: Most of the materials tested exhibited a significant color change after polymerization and did not match the shade guide tab after undergoing light curing.

The Association of HLA Class I and II Antigens in Teenagers with Caries Experience.

OBJECTIVE: There have been reports of a relationship between human histocompatibility antigen types and increased incidence of dental caries. The association between specific patterns of HLA genetic inheritance is not clear and not well studied. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between MHC alleles and DMFT index in 65 teenagers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five teenagers were recruited from the students of elementary school of the university campus and the patients of the Ataturk University Dental School hospital. Low-resolution typing for the HLA-A, B, C and HLA-DR/DQ were performed by PCR-SSP method using SSP HLA class I generic DNA Typing Tray. RESULTS: The results showed that HLA-DRB1*04 and -DRB1*07 frequencies were significantly higher (30.4% and 26.08% respectively) in DMFT≥1 group as compared with DMFT:0 group (10.5% and 5.26%), (p:0.168, OR:3.719; p:0.117, OR:6.353). Although frequencies of HLA-A*2, -B*27 and -B*51 alleles were increased in DMFT≥1 group, they were not statically important. HLA-DRB1*11 were found to be more common in DMFT: 0 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogens involve in caries induce immune systems and response via the given HLA alleles could be important.