Awareness of forensic dentistry among dental professionals in western Saudi Arabia: A knowledge, attitude, and practice-based cross-sectional study.

The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and self-reported record for a list of items that are useful to forensic dentistry (FD) among dental professionals from the western region of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 406 dental health professionals. A pre-validated questionnaire written in Google Forms was used as a study tool. The questionnaire contained 4 parts: 1 - demographics; 2 - knowledge about FD; 3 - the attitudes; 4 - assessing dental record maintenance. Statistical data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square (χ2). The degree distribution amongst 406 respondents was: 64 bachelors; 162 masters; 180 Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs). 52% of respondents agreed that dentists should have enough knowledge about FD. Yet, 90.4% did not receive any training. All qualifications were aware of FD with no significant difference between groups (P = .06). According to degree, a significant difference between the 3 groups (P = .004), where a bachelor degree showed the least desire in testimony in court for FD evidence (50%) compared to master and PhD degrees (80%, 75%, respectively). Almost 56% of consultants reported that it is not primarily for the dentist to have a good knowledge of FD, while all other qualifications agreed to the opposite (66%). 55.4% of general dentists, 73% of residents, and 94% of consultants believed that FD is an accurate, sensitive, and reliable method in the identification of unknown victims or criminals. Our study revealed that there is a lack of knowledge, attitude, and practice among undergraduates and general dental practitioners. However, this scenario can be upgraded by the inclusion of FD in the dental curriculum in Saudi Arabia.

Synthesis of novel metal silica nanoparticles exhibiting antimicrobial potential and applications to combat periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease caused by bacterial plaque that affects millions of people and has substantial worldwide health and economic implications. However, current clinical antiseptic and antimicrobial drug therapies are insufficient because they frequently have numerous side effects and contribute to widespread bacterial resistance. Recently, nanotechnology has shown promise in the synthesis of novel periodontal therapeutic materials. Nanoparticles are quickly replacing antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections, and their potential application in dentistry is immense. The alarming increases in antimicrobial resistance further emphasize the importance of exploring and utilizing nanotechnology in the fight against tooth diseases particularly periodontitis. We developed 16 different combinations of mesoporous silica nanomaterials in this study by ageing, drying, and calcining them with 11 different metals including silver, zinc, copper, gold, palladium, ruthenium, platinum, nickel, cerium, aluminium, and zirconium. The antibacterial properties of metal-doped silica were evaluated using four distinct susceptibility tests. The agar well diffusion antibacterial activity test, which measured the susceptibility of the microbes being tested, as well as the antibacterial efficacy of mesoporous silica with different silica/metal ratios, were among these studies. The growth kinetics experiment was used to investigate the efficacy of various metal-doped silica nanoparticles on microbial growth. To detect growth inhibitory effects, the colony-forming unit assay was used. Finally, MIC and MBC tests were performed to observe the inhibition of microbial biofilm formation. Our findings show that silver- and zinc-doped silica nanoparticles synthesized using the sol-gel method can be effective antimicrobial agents against periodontitis-causing microbes. This study represents the pioneering work reporting the antimicrobial properties of metal-loaded TUD-1 mesoporous silica, which could be useful in the fight against other infectious diseases too.

A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study Comparing 3 Obturation Techniques to Seal Dentin to Root Canal Bioceramic Sealer in 30 Freshly Extracted Mandibular Second Premolars.

BACKGROUND Obturation is a crucial step in dentistry, involving the filling and sealing of a prepared root canal with sealer and core material to prevent bacterial invasion and ensure successful treatment. This study employed scanning electron microscopy to compare the effectiveness of 3 obturation techniques - single-cone technique (SCT), cold lateral compaction technique (CLCT), and continuous-wave technique (CWT) - in sealing dentin to recently introduced root canal bioceramic sealer in 30 extracted mandibular second premolars. The goal was to determine the optimal technique for minimizing gaps at the sealer-dentin interface. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty premolars were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each) based on obturation technique: SCT, CLCT, and CWT. All groups used CeraSeal bioceramic root canal sealer. Root samples were sectioned at apical, middle, and coronal thirds, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy was performed to measure marginal/internal gaps. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey range test, with P≤0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS CWT showed fewer voids at all levels, with non-significant differences within a technique. Among the techniques, SCT had the largest mean gaps at all levels [apical (5.43±0.16), middle (5.28±0.20), coronal (5.73±0.24)], while CWT had the smallest mean gaps [apical (3.02±0.19), middle (2.95±0.14), coronal (2.76±0.15)]. The differences in means between techniques were statistically significant (P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS CWT obturation with CeraSeal root canal sealer produces fewer marginal gaps at the sealer-dentin interface.

The Effect of Heat Treatments on the Mechanical Properties of Expired Endodontic Gutta-percha - An in vitro Study.

Introduction: Expired gutta-percha (GP) can lose its mechanical properties. This study aimed to compare the tensile strength values between expired and nonexpired GP-cones and to assess the outcome of different heat temperatures on this strength. Materials and Methods: Two-hundred-forty ProTaper points were obtained from nonexpired and 2 years expired pack with two different subgroups (sealed or exposed to air and light). All groups were subjected to the following treatments: control, 90°C water bath and cool either at room temperature or 0°C and 70°C water bath and cool either at room temperature or at 0°C. The strength under the tensile load was calculated using the universal testing machine. Results: The collected data were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance. Tensile strength for all control groups did not show any difference. Significant increase in the tensile strength in groups heated for 1 min in a water bath at 70°C, the tensile strengths were 8.19 ± 2.72 Mpa and 5.94 ± 1.14 Mpa cooled at 25°C and 0°C, respectively, P ≤ 0.001. Two years expiration did not lower the tensile strength of the GP and exposure to air and light did not show any change. Appropriate storage of GP is a key factor to extend its lifespan. Conclusion: A clinician may consider using expired GP as long as there are no noticeable changes in their structure and properties. A simple chairside technique using hot water may be helpful in restoring the mechanical properties of expired GP.

Endodontic mishaps during root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students: An observational study.

ABSTRACT: Endodontic mishaps during root canal treatment (RCT) are considered to be one of the most commonly encountered errors, which affect the quality of treatment and may have dangerous health implications for patients.The present study was conducted to assess the frequency and types of endodontic mishaps in root canal-treated teeth performed by undergraduate dental students.A total 404 endodontically treated teeth were performed by undergraduate dental students of King Khalid University College of Dentistry, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The radiographs of the endodontically treated teeth were studied for a period of 6 months, and the related demographic data were collected from patient files.The most commonly identified mishaps were related to obturation, where the maximum number of cases (68.1%) had under-obturated root canals. More endodontic mishaps were performed by students in level 9 education. The upper left 2nd molar teeth had a higher frequency of mishaps, and molars were found to have more access-related mishaps. Lastly, access-related and instrument-related mishaps had a low frequency of occurrence.The majority of endodontic mishaps found in the study sample were related to root canal obturation. The undergraduate students at level 9 were less proficient in conducting RCTs with many endodontic mishaps when compared to the cases performed by students at higher levels. The study suggests relevant guidance for dental students while performing RCTs, especially during obturation of the root canals.

Gingival Recession after Surgical Endodontic Treatment and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review addressed flap designs in endodontic surgery which can have an impact on the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) to identify all studies up to November 2019 that investigated the effect of flap designs on gingival recession and quality of life among healthy adults. RESULTS: The initial search identified 2701 references. Ten studies were included in this systematic review; two were randomised clinical trials and eight were non-randomised clinical trials. Studies showed that sulcular incision increases the risk of gingival recession and decreases OHRQoL. Two studies were included in the meta-analysis in relation to gingival recession. The pooled results demonstrated that submarginal incision showed a decreased weighted mean difference in gingival recession by 0.31 mm (95% CI: 0.12 - 0.51) (p = 0.002) compared to sulcular incision. CONCLUSION: Sulcular incision flap unfavourably affect the level of gingiva and OHRQoL. All nonrandomised studies had a statistically significant bias and the sample sizes in all studies were relatively small. More gingival recession and lower OHRQoL were associated with sulcular incision. Additional investigations are warranted to provide more evidence.

Incidence and distribution of pulp stones among Southern Saudi Arabian sub-population.

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of pulp stones in molar and premolar teeth of Southern Saudi Arabian adult sub-population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred patient files were randomly selected from the database (records) of the College of Dentistry outpatient department screened by Oral Medicine and Radiology division. Orthopantomogram and bitewing radiographs using radiovisiographs of first and second maxillary and mandibular molars and premolars were interpreted by three examiners. Pulp stones were identified as definite radiopaque masses and scored as present or absent. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 19. RESULTS: Out of total 600 patients, pulp stones were found in 88 (14.7%) patients. Females showed statistically significant higher presence of pulp stones in mandibular molars than males. The patients belonging to middle age group (31-40 years) showed statistically significant higher presence of pulp stones than the other two groups in all first and second molar teeth in both arches. The presence of pulp stones was observed to be higher in maxillary arch than mandibular arch with left side having more frequency than the right side of the arch. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pulp stones in the study population was found to be 14.7%, and it was higher in molars than premolars. It is quite significant to know the frequency distribution of pulp stones especially for an endodontist or a dentist to plan the root canal treatment of such teeth accordingly.

Relationship between Obesity and Periodontal Diseases in Saudi Women (Asir Region): A Prospective Study.

AIM: The present study is undertaken to assess any possible association between obesity and periodontal diseases among Saudi women in Asir region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 100 obese subjects in the age group between 16 and 35 years participated in the study. A questionnaire which consisted of anthropometric measurements [neck circumference (NC) ≥ 34 cm for women] and demographic features was used. Periodontal status was assessed for the subjects. RESULTS: The periodontal disease shows significant association with anthropometric measurements (NC ≥ 34 cm for women) and demographic features. CONCLUSION: The findings of this prospective study showed possible relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In view of changing lifestyle with dietary habits, there is a possibility of developing obesity. The results in this research show a direct relationship between obesity and periodontal diseases by measuring body mass index (BMI) and NC in the age group of 16 to 35 years females in Saudi Arabia. Thus, it helps in preventing and managing obesity, especially among youth.