Endodontic Ni-Ti Rotary Instruments for Glide-path, Are They Still Necessary and How to Think about the Ideal Instrument?

How to cite this article: Reda R, Maccari E, Bhandi S. Endodontic Ni-Ti Rotary Instruments for Glide-path, Are They Still Necessary and How to Think about the Ideal Instrument? J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):505-506. Keywords: Alloy, Endodontics, Glide Path, NiTi Rotary Instruments, Patency.

Incidence of Post-Operative Pain following a Single-Visit Pulpectomy in Primary Molars Employing Adaptive, Rotary, and Manual Instrumentation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and Objectives. To differentiate the intensity of postoperative pain after primary molar pulpectomy employing manual instrumentation versus two single-file systems with different kinetics (the XP-Endo shaper file with adaptive instrumentation vs. the Kedo-SG blue file with continuous rotation instrumentation). Materials and Methods. This three-arm, single-blind, randomized clinical trial included assessing 75 healthy children between 4 to 9 years who required pulpectomy for primary molars (mandibular first and second). The three groups each had an equal number of children. Children in Group 1 had their teeth instrumented with the XP-endo Shaper, children in Group 2 had their teeth instrumented with the Kedo-SG Blue file, and children in Group 3 had their teeth instrumented manually using K-files. The degree of postoperative pain was measured using a four-point pain scale at 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, and 72-h following therapy. Each participant's parent received five flashcards with four faces and a word characterizing each face. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests. The level of significance was set to 5%. Results. During the follow-up period, there was a significant difference in postoperative pain intensity between the three groups. The XP-endo shaper was associated with considerably decreased post operative at the 6- and 12-h interval followed by Kedo-SG. The highest post-operative discomfort across the groups was related to the patients who underwent manual instrumentation. Conclusion. In comparison to rotary and manual instrumentation, postoperative pain severity was reduced with adaptive instrumentation.

Adaptive instrumentation of root canals in primary teeth using XP-endo shaper: a case series.

Dental caries is indeed the biggest cause of tooth loss, particularly in the primary dentition. In primary teeth with carious pulp involvements, endodontic intervention in the form of pulpotomy (removal of only the coronal pulp) or pulpectomy (removal of coronal and radicular pulp) is advocated. Pulpectomy can be laborious and time-consuming, especially when using traditional hand endodontic files to shape root canals. In paediatric dentistry, motorised nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary instrumentation has proved significant in enhancing the quality of pulpectomy. In primary dentition, however, these files may leave more than half of the root canals unaltered by instrumentation, just as they do in permanent dentition. The XP-endo® Shaper is a revolutionary heat-dependent endodontic file that uses an asymmetrical rotating motion to address the maximum area of the root canal space, resulting in anatomic root canal instrumentation. The case series describes the use of this novel XP-endo® Shaper file for anatomic root canal instrumentation in primary molars with irreversible pulpitis. The purpose is to demonstrate the efficacy and advantages of this cutting-edge endodontic treatment method. This case series can be an informative resource for other endodontic specialists by providing a practical illustration of how adaptable instrumentation can be utilised to successfully treat a patient. In conclusion, The use of the XP-endo Shaper® for pulpectomy demonstrated faster and instrumentation that was confined with the original shape of the canals, although further research is required to fully utilise these findings.

Sulcus fluid volume, IL-6, and Il-1b concentrations in periodontal and peri-implant tissues comparing machined and laser-microtextured collar/abutment surfaces during 12 weeks of healing: A split-mouth RCT.

OBJECTIVES: To compare gingival tissue healing at surgically manipulated periodontal sites and at sites receiving implants and healing abutments with machined (MS) vs laser-microtextured (LMS) surface placed with one-stage protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four non-smoking patients each received two implants with one-stage protocol in a split-mouth design on the same jaw. In each patient, one implant with a MS collar and one immediate healing abutment with a MS, and one implant with a LMS collar and one immediate healing abutment with a LMS were used. Soft tissues healing at surgically manipulated periodontal tissues (T+) and at non-surgically manipulated periodontal tissues (T-) at MS implant sites and at LMS implant sites were compared by means of clinical and biochemical parameters at baseline and at 1-2-3-4-6-8 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: PD and BoP mean values were statistically higher in MS than LMS implant sites (p<0.05). During early healing phase (1-4 weeks), MS and LMS peri-implant tissues and periodontal tissues at T(+) showed no statistically significant difference in crevicular fluid volume changes (p>0.05). Between 6 and 12 weeks, compared with T(+), no statistically significant difference in crevicular fluid volume and IL-6 and IL-1ß concentrations was noted in LMS implant sites (p>0.05), while statistically significantly higher mean values were noted in MS implant sites (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with T(+) and T(-), both MS and LMS implant sites presented a higher pro-inflammatory state in the early phase after surgery (1-4 weeks). At 12 weeks, only MS implant sites kept a higher pro-inflammatory state, while at LMS implant sites, it becomes similar to T(+) and T(-).

Role of Periodontal Bacteria, Viruses, and Placental mir155 in Chronic Periodontitis and Preeclampsia-A Genetic Microbiological Study.

Previous studies assessed the involvement and impact of periodontal bacteria in preeclamptic women with chronic periodontitis. To explore further, the current study aimed to associate periodontal viruses and bacteria with mir155 levels in placental tissues of preeclamptic women with generalized chronic periodontitis. Four-hundred 45 pregnant women, 18-35 years of age, were selected and divided into four groups (controls, A, B, and C) where the Controls included 145 systemically and periodontally healthy pregnant women Group A-100 systemically healthy pregnant women with chronic periodontitis, Group B- 100 preeclamptic women with chronic periodontitis, Group C- 100 preeclamptic women without chronic periodontitis. Age, BMI, SES, and periodontal parameters such as PI, BOP, PPD, and CAL were noted. Periodontal pathogens such as Tf, Td, Pg, Pi, Fn, HSV, EBV, and HCMV were tested in subgingival plaque, placental tissues, and mir155. We observed that PI, BOP, PPD, CAL, Tf, and EBV were highly significant in Group B. We found a higher number of periodontal bacteria, viruses, and mir 155 in Group B showing a higher risk of preeclampsia. More genetic studies in this field are advised to ascertain the role of periodontopathogens and mir 155 in preeclampsia and periodontal inflammation. What is already known on this subject? Periodontal diseases pose an increased risk of developing preeclampsia and delivering preterm and/or low-birth-weight babies. What do the results of this study add? Periodontal variables such as PI, pocket depth, BOP, and clinical attachment levels, were found to be increased in the preeclamptic women with chronic periodontitis. The significant difference was seen in the relative fold expression of mir155 with higher gene expression of mir155 in groups B and A as compared to group C and controls. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In our study, mir155 correlation with the periodontal parameters and periodontal pathogens further strengthen the evidence of periodontal inflammation as a risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women especially when associated with chronic periodontitis. mir155 can be considered to be one of the genetic biomarkers and can be used as a diagnostic tool for the early detection of PE.

Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments: An In Vitro Comparison (Torsional Resistance of Two Heat-treated Reciprocating Files).

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the difference in torsional resistance of two reciprocating nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary files: WaveOne Gold and EdgeOne Fire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 nickel-titanium rotary instruments (n = 40): 20 WaveOne Gold Small (WOGS) and 20 EdgeOne Fire Small (EOFS) were divided into two groups. Each instrument was tested using a torsional resistance device already validated in previous studies to evaluate and compare torsional resistance. The static torsional test was implemented by blocking each instrument at 3 mm from the tip and rotating it until fracture with a reciprocating motion. Torque to fracture (TtF) and fragment length (FL) were measured and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of TtF found significant differences between the two groups (p<0.05). The EOFS showed higher TtF if compared to WOGS, with a mean value and a standard deviation of 3.05 ± 0.07 (N cm) against 2.97 ± 0.08 (N cm). Data for FL showed no significant differences (p>0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it is reasonable to assert that EOFS instruments showed a higher torsional resistance if compared to the WOGS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As evidenced by this study, EOFS should be considered as a safer solution, in terms of torsional resistance, if compared to WOGS, reducing the risk of intracanal separation due to excessive torsional load.

Future Trends in Endodontics: From the Virtual Assessment of the Anatomy to the Computer-driven Approach.

Root canal treatment is one of the most challenging practices in dentistry as the complexity and the variability of the endodontic space can often lead the operator to create false trajectories or missing canals. The technical advances in the development of even more efficient and resistant endodontic instrument reached important results in the last few years with the adoption of NiTi alloys and thermal treatments, which could increase the flexibility and the resistance of the instruments.1,2.

Mediterranean diet: a potential player in the link between oral microbiome and oral diseases.

Background: The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic assemblage of microorganisms that colonize different sites of the oral cavity maintaining both oral and systemic health. Therefore, when its composition is altered, oral diseases occur. Among oral inflammatory pathologies, periodontal diseases affect the tissues surrounding the teeth, representing the main cause of tooth loss and one of the most important threats to the oral health. Lifestyle and eating habits influence the composition of the human oral microbiota and the development and progression of oral diseases. In this context, the Mediterranean Diet (MD) model, comprising both healthy dietary choices and lifestyle, is linked to the prevention of several metabolic and chronic-degenerative pathological processes, including oral diseases. Indeed, the MD is a plant-based diet, enriched of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, which may induce beneficial effects against dental caries and periodontal diseases. Aim: This review summarizes the role of the oral microbiome in the development of the oral diseases and the potential of MD in modulating the oral microbiome leading to implications for oral health. Conclusions: The data collected highlight the need to promote the MD pattern along with the correct hygiene habits to prevent the development of oral diseases.

The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic assemblage of microorganisms that colonize different sites of the oral cavity maintaining both oral and systemic health.The Mediterranean Diet (MD) model, comprising both healthy dietary choices and lifestyle, is linked to the prevention of several metabolic and chronic degenerative pathological processes, including oral diseases.The MD may represent a potential player in the link between oral microbiome and oral diseases.

Diagnostic accuracy of conventional orthodontic radiographic modalities and cone-beam computed tomography for localization of impacted maxillary canine teeth.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment planning for an impacted canine tooth requires accurate information about its position. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two conventional orthodontic radiographic modalities with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for localization of impacted maxillary canine teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panoramic radiographs, lateral cephalograms, and CBCT scans of 30 patients with unilaterally impacted maxillary canine teeth were retrieved from the archives. Eight expert orthodontists evaluated the parameters related to the location of impacted canine teeth by using panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms of patients. After 4 weeks, the same parameters were evaluated on CBCT scans of patients. The diagnostic accuracy of conventional modalities and CBCT was compared with each other and also with the gold standard. RESULTS: The conventional radiographic modalities and CBCT had similar accuracy for assessment of the overall inclination (p = 0.11), apex morphology (p = 0.18), and mesiodistal position of the apex (p = 0.12). CBCT had significantly higher accuracy for determination of incisal tip location (p = 0.001), labiopalatal (p = 0.001) and vertical (p = 0.01) position of the crown tip, minimum bone thickness covering the crown (p = 0.001), and root resorption of the adjacent tooth (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination of panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms was sufficiently accurate to assess some diagnostic parameters such as overall inclination, apex morphology, and mesiodistal apex location of impacted canine teeth.

Prevalence of Peri-Implant Mucositis, Peri-Implantitis and Associated Risk Indicators of Implants with and without Laser-Microgrooved Collar Surface: A Long-Term (≥20 Years) Retrospective Study.

The aim of the current study was to retrospectively investigate the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis (PIM) and peri-implantitis (P) in a long-term follow-up (≥20 years) of implants with the same body design and body surface but different collar surfaces with laser-microtextured grooves (LMGSs) vs. no laser-microtextured grooves (no-LMGSs) in private practice patients. Furthermore, several patient-related, implant-related, site-, surgical-, and prosthesis-related potential disease risk factors were analyzed. A chart review of patients receiving at least one pair of implants (one with an LMGS and the other without LMGS) in the period 1993-2002 was used. Chi-square analysis was used to determine if a statistically significant difference between the investigated variables and PIM/P was present. Possible risk factors were statistically evaluated by a binary logistic regression analysis. A total of 362 patients with 901 implant-supported restorations (438 with LMGS and 463 no-LMGS) were included in the study. The cumulative survival rates of implants at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 98.1%, 97.4%, 95.4%, and 89.8%, respectively, for the LMGS group, and 93.2%, 91.6%, 89.5%, and 78.3% for the no-LMGS group. The difference was statistically significant at all timepoints (p < 0.05). In total, at the end of the follow-up period, 45.7% of patients and 39.8% of implants presented PIM, and 15.6% of patients and 14% of implants presented P. A total of 164 LMGS implants (37.4%) and 195 no-LMGS implants (42.1%) presented peri-implant mucositis, while 28 (6.3%) of LMGS implants and 98 (21.1%) no-LMGS implants demonstrated peri-implantitis. Differences between LMGS implants and no-LMGS implants were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The binary logistic regression identified collar surface, cigarette smoking, histories of treated periodontitis, and lack of peri-implant maintenance as risk factors for P. After at least 20 years of function in patients followed privately, LMGS implants compared to no-LMGS implants presented a statistically and significantly lower incidence of P. Implant collar surface, cigarette smoking, previously treated periodontitis, and lack of peri-implant maintenance are factors with significant association to P.

Evaluation of Sella Turcica Variations in Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs and its Association with Malocclusion.

Objectives: Understanding the shape and size of the sella turcica may help predict future orthodontic treatment needs related to skeletal malocclusion. This study aims to assess different morphological types of the sella turcica in lateral cephalometric radiographs and its correlation with malocclusion, as well as the relationship between gender and linear measurements of sella turcica. Materials and Methods: The lateral cephalometric radiographs of 410 volunteers (111 men and 299 women) aged 8 to 30 years were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups based on their skeletal growth patterns (cl I, II, and III). Then the anatomical shape and linear dimensions of sella turcica were assessed. Measurements were made using Adobe Photoshop Version: 20.0.0 software, and data analysis was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Results: The following morphologies were observed: normal (37.8%), oblique anterior wall (9.3%), double contour of the floor (21.5%), sella turcica bridge (8.8%), irregularity (notching) in the posterior part of sella turcica (16.6%), and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sellae (6.1%). No statistically significant relationship was found between sella turcica variations and skeletal malocclusion. The correlation between female sex with the diameter (p=0.027) and depth values (p=0.035) of sella turcica was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in length based on gender. Conclusion: The most morphological type reported was normal sella turcica (37.8%). Anatomical variations of sella turcica had no association with malocclusion. The most considerable depth and diameter of sella turcica were found in women.

Expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and a-MMP-8 in sites with healthy conditions and with periodontal and peri-implant diseases: A case-control study.

Background: This study evaluated the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and Peri- implant crevicular fluid (PICF) concentrations of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and active metalloproteinase-8 (a-MMP-8) in sites with healthy conditions vs. sites affected by periodontitis (PER) and peri-implantitis (PIM). Methods: Periodontally healthy (PH) sites with PER, sites with peri-implant health (PIH), and sites with PIM were investigated intra-individually, according to the inclusion criteria of each group. Probing pocket depth (PPD), plaque index, gingival index, and the presence or absence of bleeding on probing (BoP) were evaluated. In GCF and PICF samples, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were quantified by ELISA Duoset® kit in combination with Ultramark® micro-ELISA digital reader; a-MMP8 concentration was analyzed by a chairside test (Perio/ImplantSafe®) in combination with a digital reader (ORALyzer®). Results: The concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1ß, TNF-α, and a-MMP-8 were significantly higher in the PIM and PER sites compared to healthy sites (P<0.05). Significantly higher concentrations of IL-1ß and a-MMP-8 were found in PIM vs. PER sites (P<0.05), while the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α did not differ between the PIM and PER groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: aMMP-8, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α presented higher GCF/PICF concentrations in diseased periodontal and peri-implant sites. However, only the concentrations of IL-1ß and a-MMP-8 were significantly higher in PIM than in PER sites.

Digital versus Manual Tracing in Cephalometric Analysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Over the years, various researchers have attempted to compare digital cephalometry with the conventional manual approach. There is a need to comprehensively analyze the findings from the earlier studies and determine the potential advantages and limitations of each method. The present systematic review aimed to compare the accuracy of digital and manual tracing in cephalometric analysis for the identification of skeletal and dental landmarks. Methods: A systematic search was performed using the keywords "Digital" AND "Manual" AND "Cephalometry" to identify relevant studies published in the English language in the past decade. The electronic data resources consulted for the elaborate search included the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, ERIC, and ScienceDirect with controlled vocabulary and free text terms. Results: A total of n = 20 studies were identified that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria within the timeframe of 2013 to 2023. The data extracted from the included articles and corresponding meta-analyses are presented in the text. Conclusions: The findings of the present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed trends suggesting that digital tracing may offer reliable measurements for specific cephalometric parameters efficiently and accurately. Orthodontists must consider the potential benefits of digital cephalometry, including time-saving and user-friendliness.

Color perception and its relation to dental anxiety in children.

BACKGROUND: One of the major causes of dental anxiety in children is their first impression of the dental environment. Even minor details, such as the choice of color in a dental setting and the color of dental equipment, can positively influence a child's behavior. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the emotions in children and color combinations in a pediatric setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 200 children (99 boys and 101 girls) aged between 6 and 12 years who visited the dental clinics at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University, for the first time between November 2017 and January 2018. The participants were divided into 2 groups based on age. The younger children group included participants aged from 6 to 9 years, while the older children group included participants aged from 10 to 12 years. Anxiety levels were recorded using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Colored pencils and images of emoticons were provided to all children, who were instructed to color the negative and positive emoticons with their preferred colors. RESULTS: The analysis of anxiety levels among children in both groups revealed statistically significant differences across sexes in the younger age group, with girls being more anxious than boys (p = 0.003). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the choice of colors by children of both sexes in 2 age groups (p = 0.001). Most children were inclined towards bright colors and used them to express their emotions. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of colors in a dental setting could invoke positive emotions in children. Hence, the use of colors in the workplace has the potential to ease anxiety.

Endodontic Orthograde Retreatments: Challenges and Solutions.

Endodontic orthograde retreatments are considered one of the possible treatment options in case of post-treatment diseases considering the promising results present in the literature. Despite this, a plethora of articles have been published on this topic, and drawing conclusions could be challenging. For this reason, this review aims to summarize the crucial points on each aspect of non-surgical endodontic retreatments, discussing and comparing the current protocols, techniques, materials, and indications. Taking into consideration data from the literature, in terms of diagnosis, CBCT should be considered the first choice, since it can thoroughly affect the diagnosis and treatment plan. Regarding the procedural phases, some conclusions can be drawn: when present, coronal restoration materials such as crowns, partial prostheses, post, and core should be removed; the use of magnification devices, ultrasonic instruments, and an in-depth interpretation of radiographic images with both 2D and 3D images are strongly recommended during the orifice location; additional protocols such as irrigants activation, ultrasonic cleaning, and rotary or reciprocating instrumentation of treated canals are strongly recommended for filling materials removal and to achieve a high-quality chemo-mechanical disinfection; perforations should be treated as soon as possible, and the material of choice to treat them is the MTA or other calcium-silicate-based repair materials; the presence of ledges does not intrinsically reduce the success rate of RCRts if properly managed; in case of instrument fragments, their removal should be considered as the first treatment option, however many variables should be considered to select the proper technique or consider the option of bypassing.

Comparison of the pharyngeal airway in snoring and non-snoring patients based on the lateral cephalometric study: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Normal airways are a key factor during the craniofacial growth of the young. Therefore, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) without treatment can have harmful consequences for development and health. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the cephalometric characteristics in non-snoring individuals and snoring subjects, and investigate differences in the pharyngeal airway space between the 2 groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case-control study included 70 patients aged over 18 years, selected from a radiology center. The patients were divided into 2 groups: case (35 patients with a history of habitual snoring); and control (35 healthy patients). The Berlin sleep questionnaire was administered to the parents of the patients. The nasopharyngeal airway was measured according to the analysis of Linder-Aronson (1970), and 4 indices were measured and analyzed in each of the lateral cephalometric radiographs. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in the pharyngeal measurements between the 2 groups, although all means in the control group were higher than in the experimental group. However, there was a significant relationship between gender and the Ba-S-PNS and PNS-AD2 indices. CONCLUSIONS: Although the patients with nocturnal snoring had smaller airway dimensions, their pharyngeal measurements were not significantly different from the control group.

Connectivity and Integration of Instagram® Use in the Lives of Dental Students and Professionals: A Country-Wide Cross-Sectional Study Using the InstaAA© Questionnaire.

Purpose: This study probed towards the impact of Instagram® on the lives of dental students and professionals and how it affects their learning and professional performance. Patients and Methods: A 24-item copyrighted and validated questionnaire was employed to examine the affinity and aftermath of Instagram® in the lives of dental students using a cross-sectional survey technique. Part I (6 questions) is the first of three sections included information on the participant's sociodemographic traits, Part II (8 questions) - Screened to determine Instagram® use, and Part III (10 questions) - Was based on attitudes regarding Instagram® to assess their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It includes a Likert scale with ten questions. The sample was collected by combining convenience and snowball sampling approaches. The difference in proportion was assessed using frequency and percentage. The Chi Square test of proportion was used to the data to examine and a p value <0.05 was considered as the proportional difference. Results: The study comprised 461 participants, with 155 (33.6%) men and 306 (66.4%) women, having an average age of 23.13 ± 4.95 years. Among the participants, a significant proportion (119, 25.8%) were dental interns. In terms of Instagram® usage, 167 participants (36.2%) reported spending between 30 minutes and 1 hour on the platform (p<0.01). Approximately 52.5% acknowledged the influence of Instagram® on their dressing, behaviour, and usage of other social media platforms (p<0.01). Moreover, 52.1% experienced common distractions while performing important tasks, and 40.6% reported negative effects on their mental and emotional well-being (p<0.05). Conclusion: This research concludes by emphasizing the huge influence that Instagram® has on dental workers' life. The results underline the necessity of striking a balance between social media use and academic and personal obligations while also emphasizing the need for knowledge and education about Instagram® features and ramifications.

Relationship of the Morphology and Size of Sella Turcica with Dental Anomalies and Skeletal Malocclusions.

This study aimed to assess the relationship of the morphology and size of the sella turcica (ST) with dental anomalies and skeletal malocclusions. This cross-sectional study was conducted on records of fixed orthodontic patients treated between 2013 and 2022. Cephalometric analysis was performed to determine the anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns. Preoperative panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms, intraoral photographs, and primary dental casts of patients were used to detect dental anomalies. Gender, sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, dental anomalies, and dimensions (length, depth, and diameter), and morphology of the ST were all recorded according to the lateral cephalograms of patients. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way and two-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and log rank test (alpha = 0.05). The depth and diameter of the ST had no significant correlation with gender (p > 0.05); however, the length of the ST was significantly longer in males than females (p < 0.05). The morphology of the ST had a significant correlation with gender (p < 0.05). The ST morphology had a significant correlation with the anteroposterior skeletal pattern, microdontia, and tooth impaction as well (p < 0.05). The present results revealed a significant correlation of the ST morphology with the anteroposterior skeletal pattern, microdontia, and tooth impaction.

Effects of maintenance implant therapy with and without periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components on inflammatory peri-implant parameters.

This retrospective clinical study compared two different professional maintenance therapy (MT) approaches (with and without periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components) on peri-implant inflammatory clinical and biochemical parameters after 5 years of implant function. A retrospective analysis based on patient records was used to assess inflammatory clinical and biochemical parameters around dental implants placed by the same clinician in a private practice. The Plaque Index (PI), peri-implant probing depth (PPD), mucosal recession (REC), bleeding on probing (BOP), and radiographic marginal bone level were determined at baseline and at each follow-up year. Moreover, at the last follow-up visit, the peri-implant intrasulcular levels of active metalloproteinasis 8 (aMMP-8) were also assessed. All participants were under MT with a 6-month recall interval. A total of 92 patients with 132 implants were selected. At the end of the study period, 12 patients with 12 implants were classified as dropouts. The remaining 80 patients and 120 implants were classified into two groups: Group 1 (42 patients, 62 implants) received MT with periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components; Group 2 (38 patients, 58 implants) received MT without periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components. No statistical differences were found between the groups regarding PI, PPD, and REC. Group 1 presented a statistically significant higher number of sites with BOP (12.4% vs 6.2%). Marginal bone loss was statistically higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (0.23 ± 0.6 mm vs 0.78 ± 0.3 mm). Intrasulcular levels of aMMP-8 were statistically higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. The supplemental application of periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components during MT had a significantly positive effect on the inflammatory status of peri-implant tissues.

Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels in Adults with Different DMFT Scores in a Selected Iranian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Due to the emphasis on the protective and antimicrobial role of Nitric Oxide against gastrointestinal diseases, investigating its relationship with dental caries is a right topic. Therefore, this research has investigated the amount of saliva Nitric Oxide in different volumes of DMFT indicator in adults. Material and Methods: In this descriptive- analytical cross-sectional study, 80 participants (20-35 years old), without a history of systemic disease and drug use participated as research samples, (53.8% of the participants in the study were women). Participants were selected from patients who had visited dental Department. The participants were divided in four groups based on DMFT (DMFT=0, 1≤DMFT≤3, 3