Caries risk assessment by Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) Protocol among the general population of Pakistan-a multicenter analytical study.

Background: Caries risk (CR) assessment tools are used to properly identify individuals with caries risk and to improve preventive procedures and programs. A tool such as CAMBRA determines the precise protective factors of caries and identifies an individual's specific therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this study was to assess the caries risk using the CAMBRA protocol among the general population of Pakistan. Methods: This multicentre analytical study was conducted in ten dental hospitals in different provinces of Pakistan and the caries risk assessment was carried out using a questionnaire that was designed using the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) protocol. All 521 participants were intra-orally examined to assess oral hygiene status and the presence of disease. Multiple logistic regression test was performed for analysis. Results: A higher number of participants (61.2%) were found to be in the moderate risk category of caries risk assessment. The males are 51% less likely to have caries compared to the females (AOR = 0.49, P = 0.081). The majority of participants (71.3%) had one or more disease indicators, with white spots and visible cavities. Those with visible, heavy plaque were 13.9 times more likely to have caries compared to those without (AOR = 13.92, P < 0.001). Those using calcium and phosphate during the last 6 months were 90% less likely to have caries compared to those not using them (AOR = 0.10, P < 0.001). There was no significant interaction between all eight risk factors retained in the final model (P > 0.05), the Hosmer and Lemeshow Test P < 0.001, classification accuracy = 87.1%, and AUC = 91.2%. Conclusion: The caries risk among the general population of Pakistan is moderate, with significant variation among age groups, education levels, and socioeconomic status.

Study of the Mechanical Properties of the Novel Zirconia-reinforced Glass lonomer Cement.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of the zirconia-reinforced restorative material (Zirconomer®) with conventional glass ionomers (Fuji 1X) and amalgam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens (n = 120) were fabricated from silver amalgam, reinforced glass ionomer cement (GIC) (glass ionomer, Fuji 1X GC Corp.), and zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer (Zirconomer, Shofu Inc.) for testing the CS and DTS. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by a Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: Both CS and DTS were found to be significantly higher for the zirconia-reinforced GIC and silver amalgam compared with GIC (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A newer class of restorative material like Zirconomer helps to overcome the potential hazard of mercury, but retains the strength and durability of amalgam as well as the sustained high-fluoride release of GICs. Furthermore, long-term studies are required to confirm its use as an alternative to the currently available posterior restorative material.

Glass-ionomer Cements in Restorative Dentistry: A Critical Appraisal.

Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are mainstream restorative materials that are bioactive and have a wide range of uses, such as lining, bonding, sealing, luting or restoring a tooth. Although the major characteristics of GICs for the wider applications in dentistry are adhesion to tooth structure, fluoride releasing capacity and tooth-colored restorations, the sensitivity to moisture, inherent opacity, long-term wear and strength are not as adequate as desired. They have undergone remarkable changes in their composition, such as the addition of metallic ions or resin components to their composition, which contributed to improve their physical properties and diversified their use as a restorative material of great clinical applicability. The light-cured polymer reinforced materials appear to have substantial benefits, while retaining the advantages of fluoride release and adhesion. Further research should be directed towards improving the properties, such as strength and esthetics without altering its inherent qualities, such as adhesion and fluoride releasing capabilities.