SMOKERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A HIGHER RISK OF SCHNEIDERIAN MEMBRANE PERFORATION THAN NONSMOKERS DURING MAXILLARY SINUS AUGMENTATION.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Association between smoking and Schneiderian membrane perforation during maxillary sinus floor augmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wang, X., Ma, S., Lin, L., & Yao, Q. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. 2022., 25.1: 166-176. SOURCE OF FUNDING: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award Number: 81801021; Hunan Provincial Health Commission, Grant/Award Number: B202308056991. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evaluation of Students' Proficiency in Removing Gutta-Percha Prior to Fiber Post Placement: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study focuses on dental students' proficiency in removing gutta-percha during fiber post space preparation, which is important for maintaining apical seal integrity in endodontically treated teeth. Emphasizing the significance of preventing further reinfection. The primary objective of this study was to assess the proficiency of undergraduate dental students in the manipulation of gutta-percha during fiber post preparation, specifically focusing on the psychomotor skills involved. In addition, the study aims to determine the predictive value of these skills on the ultimate clinical outcomes of the procedure, with particular emphasis on variations attributable to tooth type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis encompassed 290 periapical radiographs obtained from endodontically treated teeth, all of which had undergone fiber post placement by undergraduate students at the College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia. Postoperatively, the length of the remaining gutta-percha was measured by two experts in the field, and subsequent outcomes were classified into three categories: optimal, suboptimal, and inadequate, based on the extent of gutta-percha remaining. RESULTS: Students showed optimal removal rates ranging from 33.3% to 73.1%. Among the studied sample, upper anterior teeth were the highest included teeth (n=117, 40%). Remarkably, lower anterior teeth were more prone to suboptimal and inadequate gutta-percha remaining lengths (n=24, 33%). However, the chi-square test revealed no statistically significant difference in students' psychomotor skills while removing the gutta-percha and preparing the teeth to receive fiber posts across tooth types (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: With the limitations of this study, more than half of the included cases show that undergraduate students of the College of Dentistry at Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, possess an optimum level of psychomotor skills in removing gutta-percha while preparing the teeth for receiving fiber posts. This study suggests enhancing the preclinical training of students by considering more training on different tooth types in relation to dental arches.

Prevalence of Apical Periodontitis in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review was aimed to assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in Saudi Arabia, focusing on individual-level prevalence and the frequency of AP in endodontically versus untreated teeth. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and involved searches in several databases, including PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane-CENTRAL, and EMBASE, without date restrictions until August 19th, 2023. Eligibility criteria encompassed studies using CBCT, panoramic, and periapical radiographs to diagnose AP in the Saudi population. The meta-analysis employed a random-effects model due to high heterogeneity among studies. Results: From 359 records, 13 studies were included, indicating a 40% prevalence of AP in individuals and a 6% prevalence across all teeth within the Saudi population. Root canal-treated teeth demonstrated a higher prevalence at 47%. The data revealed a substantial prevalence of AP compared to global averages, with first molars being the most affected. Studies showed moderate risk of bias and significant heterogeneity. Conclusion: The high occurrence of AP in Saudi Arabia, particularly in root-treated teeth, emphasizes the need for enhanced endodontic care and more accurate diagnostics. Urgent improvements in dental health policies and further research are essential to understand AP's impact and improve oral health outcomes.

Exploring the Perception and Awareness of Dental Students and Interns in Managing and Treating Pregnant Patients.

Background Undergraduate dental students and interns express reluctance to deal with pregnant women in the dental office due to the fear of medical consequences on the fetus. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental students and interns regarding the dental considerations of pregnant women in three dental schools in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This cross-sectional study was performed between October and December 2023 and targeted the clinical academic years of dental students and interns at three dental schools in Saudi Arabia, namely, Taibah University, Umm Al-Qura University, and Qassim University. Using the convenience sampling method, 223 students were invited to respond to a questionnaire constructed from previously published studies and reviewed by experts in the field. It consisted of 15 questions divided into four sections. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were conducted to assess the difference between the different sociodemographic groups and students' educational levels with the significance level set at p-values <0.05. Results Overall, 223 complete responses were received, with a response rate of 97%. Demographics included 99 (44.40%) males and 124 (55.60%) females, with a reasonable distribution across academic years. Knowledge assessment findings revealed that 114 (51%) participants acquired adequate knowledge. Regarding participants' attitudes, 112 (50%) found the curriculum-centered information sufficient. In addition, 173 (77.6%) participants chose lectures/books as their preferred source of information. Almost 138 (61.9%) participants did not feel confident in managing pregnant women. The chi-square test revealed that educational level significantly impacts the knowledge and practice of the participants, regardless of their gender (p < 0.05). Conclusions Both students and dental interns showed adequate-to-good levels of knowledge and attitude. Both need more exposure to clinical situations with pregnant women during their undergraduate dental training programs to boost their confidence level and enhance their readiness to practice dental procedures with such a group of patients after graduation.

Assessment of Pulp Stones Among Western Saudi Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The term "pulp stones" refers to conditions of calcification that can appear in any area of the dental pulp. This study aims to assess the prevalence of pulp stones and examine whether there is any connection between their occurrence and factors such as patient age, gender, tooth location, presence of decay, or dental restorations in a western Saudi subpopulation based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODOLOGY: 500 patients were randomly selected from the College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, database. The study involved evaluating 2998 teeth in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes by four dental peer examiners observing and recording data (sequentially and simultaneously) that included whether pulp stones were present or absent, the teeth group (anterior, premolars, and molars), tooth location (maxillary or mandibular), presence or absence of restoration, presence or absence of caries, and the patient's gender. Chi-square tests were utilized for statistical analysis, and a significance level of p-value ≤0.05 was established. RESULTS: Out of 500 individuals (250 females and 250 males), only 130 individuals (26%) and 278 teeth out of 2998 (9.2%) had pulp stones, with no significant statistical correlation identified between the presence of pulp stones and gender. (P = 0.459). Molars exhibited the greatest incidence of pulp stones (238; 85.6%), followed by anterior teeth (30; 10.8%), and premolars had the lowest prevalence (10; 3.6%). Teeth that showed a higher occurrence of pulp stones were associated with caries (74; 26.6%) and restorations (58; 20.9%). The association between pulpal stone and periodontal involvement was seldom significant (0.7%). A significant association was found between the presence of pulp stones and nonintact teeth (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of pulp stones between females and males in the maxillary and mandibular (74.7% and 57.3%, respectively) (P = 0.002). Additionally, the frequency of pulp stones was statistically significant when comparing the left and right sides (P<0.001) (48.9% and 51.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Understanding the prevalence and distribution of pulp stones is crucial for dentists and endodontists, as it assists practitioners in devising an appropriate treatment plan for affected teeth that require root canal therapy. One-fourth of the Madinah population was confirmed to have pulp stones, with a higher incidence in molars, caries, and restored teeth. No difference was found between its occurrence and gender. The high prevalence is exhibited in individuals between 45 and 54 years old. However, further studies with equal patient distribution are needed to confirm this observation.

Root Canal Morphology of Premolars in Saudis.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate root number and morphological variations of the root canal system in maxillary and mandibular premolars among the Saudi subpopulation. METHODOLOGY: A total of 500 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were assessed, including 2442 maxillary and mandibular premolars. The evaluation encompassed the number of roots and canals and their configuration based on the Vertucci classification. Gender differences were considered, along with the position of premolars and unilateral or bilateral symmetry. RESULTS: Maxillary first premolars predominantly exhibited two roots (82.6%), followed by one root (16.3%) and three roots (0.97%), with a majority having two root canals (83.6%). Regarding maxillary second premolars, the most common morphology was one root (66.6%), with two root canals (40.5%) observed more frequently than one root canal (38.1%). Mandibular first and second premolars mainly featured one root (84.8% and 96.1%, respectively) with one root canal (70.8% and 90.2%, respectively), whereas two root canals were less prevalent (2.3% and 1.8%, respectively). Three canals and three roots were rarely found in mandibular premolars (0.3%). Regarding maxillary premolars, males exhibited significantly higher type IV and mandibular type I root configurations compared with females. Conversely, regarding mandibular premolars, females showed significant mandibular type V and higher type I root configurations compared with males. CONCLUSION: CBCT imaging facilitated precise assessment of root morphology and root canal configurations in maxillary and mandibular premolars. The present findings can aid dentists in diagnosing, evaluating case difficulty, and devising effective root canal treatments, particularly in patients from Saudi Arabia.

Polymeric Denture Base Materials: A Review.

An ideal denture base must have good physical and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and esthetic properties. Various polymeric materials have been used to construct denture bases. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most used biomaterial for dentures fabrication due to its favorable properties, which include ease of processing and pigmenting, sufficient mechanical properties, economy, and low toxicity. This article aimed to comprehensively review the current knowledge about denture base materials (DBMs) types, properties, modifications, applications, and construction methods. We searched for articles about denture base materials in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Journals covering topics including dental materials, prosthodontics, and restorative dentistry were also combed through. Denture base material variations, types, qualities, applications, and fabrication research published in English were considered. Although PMMA has several benefits and gained popularity as a denture base material, it has certain limitations and cannot be classified as an ideal biomaterial for fabricating dental prostheses. Accordingly, several studies have been performed to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of PMMA by chemical modifications and mechanical reinforcement using fibers, nanofillers, and hybrid materials. This review aimed to update the current knowledge about DBMs' types, properties, applications, and recent developments. There is a need for specific research to improve their biological properties due to patient and dental staff adverse reactions to possibly harmful substances produced during their manufacturing and use.