The association between Dental Fluorosis and COL1A2 gene polymorphism among a Tunisian Population.

Dental fluorosis (DF) is a prevalent developmental defect of tooth enamel caused by exposure to excessive fluoride, with the severity dependent on various factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between DF and a specific genetic polymorphism (rs412777) in the COL1A2 gene among a Tunisian population. A case-control study was conducted from July to November 2022, involving a total of 95 participants including 51 cases and 44 controls. Dental examinations and genetic analysis were performed to assess the relationship between the COL1A2 gene polymorphism and DF.The results of allelic distribution revealed that A allele carriers were significantly protected against (DF) when compared to those with the C allele (C vs. A, p = 0.001; OR = 0.375 (0.207-0.672)). This suggests a strong correlation between the presence of the C allele and the risk of developing DF. Additionally, significant association between the CC genotype of rs412777 and an increased risk of DF was found under both codominant and dominant genetic models (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001 respectively).The findings suggest that genetic predisposition plays a relevant role in the development of DF. Further research is needed to explore the potential use of genetic markers for DF and their implications for public health. This study provides the first insights into the genetic factors associated with DF in the Tunisian population, contributing to our understanding of this prevalent dental condition.

Laser-assisted debonding of ceramic veneers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The process of removing ceramic veneers is difficult, time consuming, and invasive. However, although lasers should provide a straightforward method for the debonding of ceramic veneers, a systematic review is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of the laser-assisted debonding of ceramic veneers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Then, an analysis was performed using the meta-analysis approach to investigate the efficacy of the laser-assisted debonding of ceramic veneers. Quality assessment of the included articles was carried out using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. For the meta-analysis, the RevMan 5.4 software program was used to perform a random-effects model of standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 1108 studies were identified, of which 627 studies were selected for title and abstract analysis. The qualitative analysis included 16 studies, of which 3 studies were used in the quantitative synthesis. In the meta-analysis, the shear bond strength of the laser groups was compared with that of the control group. A substantial level of heterogeneity was noted in the included studies (I2=67%, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that erbium lasers have a significant immediate effect in decreasing the shear bond strength of ceramic veneers. Furthermore, with proper laser settings, veneers can be safely removed without damaging the underlying tooth structure.

Temporary fixed prosthesis materials and beverage colorants: an in vitro study.

The esthetic outcome of temporary prostheses, especially those in the anterior area, is of primary importance. The purpose of this in vitro study was therefore to evaluate the color stability of 3 temporary restorative materials: self-curing (SC) acrylic resin (Tempron); heat-curing acrylic resin (SR Ivocron); and polymethyl methacrylate resin blocks (Telio CAD) machined using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The heat-curing material was polymerized with either a pressure-curing technique (PT) or a flasking technique (FT). As a result, there were 4 experimental groups: SC, PT, FT, and CAD/CAM. Sixteen specimens were prepared for each group. After polymerization or milling, all specimens were polished using a diamond polishing paste, and 1 specimen from each group was exposed to Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy before immersion. The specimens were exposed to pigmented beverage agents (coffee, cola, turmeric solution, or tea), and the color change was monitored for 4 weeks using FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy as well as by macroscopic observation of the specimens (n = 4 per group per immersion period). The PT specimens showed the most significant color change, followed by the SC specimens. A less significant color variation was noted in the FT specimens, and insignificant change was reported in the CAD/CAM group. The solution that had the most significant staining effect was turmeric, and the CAD/CAM resin showed the greatest color stability of the tested materials. Color stability depends on the material used, the polymerization technique, the polishing steps, the pigmentation agent, and the duration of exposure to the agent.

Replacing Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors by CAD/CAM PMMA Cantilever Bridges.

Introduction: Management of missing maxillary lateral incisors can be a challenging endeavour for dentists. Whether from agenesis or tooth loss, several treatment modalities are currently present to tackle this task to ensure satisfactory aesthetics. Most patients, especially younger patients are more likely to prefer fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation. Among these options is the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing polymethyl methacrylate (CAD/CAM PMMA) cantilever bridge. Case Descriptions. These two clinical cases describe the management of missing lateral maxillary incisors in two Tunisian female patients with different etiologies, using CAD/CAM PMMA cantilever bridge. Conclusions: CAD/CAM technologies allow for a fairly quick and simple try-in thanks to their high accuracy as well as being predictable, minimally invasive, and affordable treatment options. This type of restoration can be put to use for mid- to long-term solutions to missing maxillary lateral incisors. However, its success depends mainly on patient selection regarding age, general health, occlusal context, and proper indication.

The impact of COVID-19 on dental education in Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic might have an unprecedented impact on dental education. AIM: The main aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 among Tunisian dental students. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from January to March 2022, at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir (FDMM), Tunisia. The population consisted of the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year dental students registered for the academic year 2021/2022 at the FDMM. The potential number of participants was 881 according to the administration of the faculty. The applied questionnaire was made of 17 questions adapted to the Tunisian context. Incomplete answers were considered as exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 446 students responded to the online survey giving an overall response rate of 50.6%. The study revealed that the FDMM was not doing its best to solve the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for 88.8% of the responders. Dental students were concerned about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their dental education (69.6%) especially about graduating on time (63.0%) since changes made in dental medicine education due to the pandemic were stressful for 61.1% of them. The students reached emotional support from their family and friends (46.5%) whereas only 9.8% of them requested assistance from faculty's staff. CONCLUSION: This study provides information about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental education. These findings may sensitize officials in the FDMM to take measures in order to deliver better education to dental medicine students.

The assessment of Golden and Red Proportions among a North-African population.

INTRODUCTION: The constant increase of both esthetic demands and advancement in materials and technologies have led to the development of guidelines to achieve optimal aesthetic results. These tools are useful to predict the teeth proportion and dimensions. Golden and Red proportion are the most described theories. AIM: of present study was to evaluate the existence of both Golden and Red proportion in the maxillary anterior teeth among a North-African population. METHODS: This was an observational study performed at the Fixed Prosthetic department of the dental clinic of Monastir, Tunisia. The study included participants with full intact anterior dentition. Those with diastema or teeth crowding were excluded. For each one, an alginate impression was done. Measures were, including the perceived width and length, have been taken on casts using digital caliper. Width ratios of maxillary lateral incisor to maxillary central incisor and lateral incisor to canine were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 100 Tunisian participants including 97 females and 21 males. The maxillary central incisors were the largest (8.60±0.58mm) and the longest (99.71±1.14mm). The ratio was 0.89±0.09mm. Anterior teeth dimensions were not statistically not different between males and females. Significant differences were observed between calculated ratios with GP and to each other's. (p=0). CONCLUSIONS: Either GP nor RP is applicable amongst the Tunisian Population.

Facial Line Angles: A Key to Tooth-like Rehabilitation.

Recently, improvement of appearance and a quest for beauty have become a primary concern for patients. It is a challenging task for a clinician to achieve esthetic integration of prosthetic pieces for anterior teeth, particularly for highly demanding patients who give attention to particular details. The challenge is harder when only one tooth has to be restored. The objective is to achieve a fully and perfectly integrated rehabilitation with natural dentition. Poorly described, facial line angles are key to the success of achieving the desired tooth shape, especially for the maxillary central incisor. They influence both the shape and color of the tooth through optical illusion. Their misplacement could certainly spoil the esthetic outcome. Thus, it is mandatory to respect and recreate them. The objective of the present study was to define and then to highlight their importance. It also aimed to give some tips on how to perfect the shape of prosthetic teeth through a clinical case of central incisor esthetic rehabilitation.

Assessment of learning by students in dental medicine: case of the faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir (Tunisia).

INTRODUCTION: The teaching methods used in medical science are constantly evolving. To identify the involvement of students in their training, a study of their evaluation of the different teaching methods is essential. AIM: To evaluate the different teaching methods offered by the faculty of dental medicine of Monastir by students. METHODS: A descriptive and qualitative study was conducted among students in the 6th year of the faculty during the academic year 2020/2021. The data were collected through a questionnaire written in french evaluating the teaching methods. A focus group of ten persons was led to understand better student's opinions. RESULTS: Among the 240 enrolled students, 161 responded to the questionnaire. They considered themselves as fully (18.6%) or partially (66.4%) active learners. However, 67.1% of them judged their FMDM training below their expectations. Clinical education is the teaching method most appreciated by students (46.7%) followed by practical work (24.8) and lecture note (15.5%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that students are interested in studying dentistry. However, they criticize the teaching methods used which present a certain passivity.