Evaluation of the effects of different hemostatic agent applications on mental nerve.

PURPOSE: Evaluating the effect of ABS (Ankaferd Blood Stopper®), Tranexamic Acid (Transamin®) and Thrombin-Containing Hemostatic Matrix (Floseal®) on the mental nerve of rats by using histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 Wistar Albino rats were used. Rats were randomly selected into 4 groups as Control (G1), ABS (G2), Tranexamic Acid (G3) and Thrombin-Containing Hemostatic Matrix (G4). In the control group G1, the left mental nerve was exposed and 0.3 ml of sterile saline was applied for 5 min, then closed with suture. In the other three groups, the left mental nerve was exposed and 0.3 ml ABS, Tranexamic Acid and Floseal was applied to groups, respectively. After 5 min, wounds were closed with suture. Immunohistochemical and histopathologic examinations were performed on mental nerves after 28 days. RESULTS: The total histopathologic and immunohistochemical semiquantitative scores were significantly higher in ABS (G2) compared to Control (G1), Tranexamic Acid (G3) and Thrombin-Containing Hemostatic Matrix (G4) (P < 0.05). Myelin thickness were significantly lower in G2 compared to G1, G2 and G3 (P < 0.05). G3 has the most reliable results compared to G2 and G4 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that ABS has neurotoxic effects and should not be used close to the nerve, and thrombin-containing hemostatic matrix should be used carefully. Tranexamic acid, on the other hand, was found to be the most reliable hemostatic agent for use in close proximity to neural tissues. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy of the hemostatic agents on peripheral nerve degeneration.

Endoscopic Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Efficacy in the Management of Periorbital Edema and Ecchymosis After Septorhinoplasty.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) on postoperative edema and ecchymosis for the patients undergoing septorhinoplasty (SRP). METHODS: In the study, a total number of 55 participant patients (40% male and 60% female, aged between 18 and 42 years) undergoing hump resection and osteotomies were allocated into 2 groups. The SPGB (+) group consisted of 27 patients who underwent SPGB, while the SPGB (-) group consisted of 28 patients who underwent SRP without SPGB. On the first, third, and seventh postoperative days (POD1, POD3, POD7), the score marks of periorbital edema and ecchymosis of the patients were evaluated. Additionally, postoperative upper eyelid edema and upper eyelid ecchymosis as well as lower eyelid edema, and lower eyelid ecchymosis on POD1, POD3, POD7 were evaluated. A comparison with regard to intraoperative bleeding, surgical field, and operation time between the 2 groups was also conducted. RESULTS: Upper eyelid edema, upper eyelid ecchymosis, lower eyelid edema, lower eyelid ecchymosis on POD 1, 3, 7 were found to be significantly lower in SPGB (+) group in comparison to SPGB (-) group (P < 0.001). Intraoperative blood loss and surgical field were found to be significantly lower in SPGB group (+) than in SPGB (-) group (P < 0.00). The operation time was not found statistically significant between the 2 groups (P = 0.212). CONCLUSION: Sphenopalatine ganglion block is a safe and effective way of reducing postoperative edema and ecchymosis after SRP. Besides, it provides a better surgical field and reduced bleeding intraoperatively.

Combining platelet rich fibrin with different bone graft materials: An experimental study on the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of bone healing.

AIM: The current study was based on the hypothesis that the use of PRF with bone graft materials might increase bone regeneration and focus on the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects following application of PRF with autogenous graft, xenograft and B-TCP in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was performed on the twenty-eight male New Zealand divided into four group. Two defects with a diameter 10 mm were opened in calvarium. After PRF preparation, right defects were evaluated as empty defect or graft group, and left defects were evaluated as PRF test group. All animals were sacrificed at the end of 8 weeks and specimens were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The most superior histopathological results were obtained in the autograft group. The combination of ß-TCP-PRF could not provide superiority over the ß-TCP group. The immunohistochemical results showed that, in the PRF/BTCP group, the expression of osteopontin and osteonectin was relatively higher compared to the only-BTCP group. CONCLUSION: In terms of new bone formation, autograft combined with PRF yielded superior results but the combination of ß-TCP-PRF had no effect compared to the only-BTCP group. However, further experimental and clinical studies might be beneficial to clarify the exact mechanism and results of combining PRF with bone grafts on bone healing process.

Clinical Evaluation of Complications in Implant-Supported Dentures: A 4-Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Implants that can be used in the prosthetic rehabilitation of full and partial edentulous patients are now frequently used due to advances in dentistry. Despite advanced methods of applications, failures and complications can still be seen. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical prosthetic values and complications that occurred during 4-year follow-up in implant-supported restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included 40 patients who received oral rehabilitation with an implant-supported prosthesis. A total of 162 implants were placed: 99 in the maxilla and 63 in the mandible. The prosthetic and surgical data were recorded. Data including prosthetic complications and implant loss were recorded and statistically analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. RESULTS In total, 159 implants (98.14%) survived, 3 implants (1.86%) failed, and 100% of the protheses were successful. There were 62 dental implants used as abutments for removable dentures and 97 for fixed dentures. The most frequent prosthetic complications after placement of an implant-supported prosthesis were loss of retention, mucositis, abutment screw loosening, and fracture. Patient satisfaction after prosthesis use was also evaluated, showing that satisfaction was systematically increased. CONCLUSIONS To minimize the frequency of complications, protocols must be established from diagnosis to the completion of treatment and follow-up of implant-supported prostheses, especially in terms of adequate technical steps and careful radiographic evaluation of the components.

Associations of alveolar bone loss and interleukin-1ß levels in one- and two-stage surgical procedures: a randomized prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE: Dental implants have been widely and successfully used in recent years as an alternative treatment for removable and fixed dental prostheses. The aim of this randomized prospective study was to determine the alveolar bone loss rate (ABLR) and IL-1ß levels in one- and two-stage surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 40 patients with a single missing tooth in the posterior mandible; dental implants were inserted using a one-stage surgical procedure (Group I) or a two-stage surgical procedure (Group II). All clinical periodontal parameters were recorded; peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were collected before loading (T0) and during the third (T1) and sixth (T2) months after loading. ABLR values were evaluated at T0 and T2 by using dental tomography. PICF was analysed after T2 samples were collected. The study was registered through clinicaltrials.gov; identifier NCT03045458. RESULTS: This study found that, the probing pocket depth was found to be significantly higher in Group I than Group II at both T1 and T2 (p < .05). There was no significant difference in other clinical parameters between the groups (p > .05). There was a significant difference between Group I ABLR values at T0 and T2 (p < .05). The PICF IL-1ß levels were not significantly different between groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the short observational period and small sample size of this study, two-stage implant placement shows comparable clinical outcomes to implants placed using a one-stage placement protocol.

Effects of vector ultrasonic system debridement and conventional instrumentation on the levels of TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory mediator whose levels are increased in the gingival crevicular fluid and blood serum in the case of chronic periodontitis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vector ultrasonic system (VUS) on the levels of TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the clinical parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study protocol was conducted using split-mouth design in 30 patients with chronic periodontitis. VUS and scaling and root planing (S/RP) were applied separately to 2 quadrants, including the upper and the lower jaws. At baseline and after 6 months, clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded, and concentrations of TNF-α in GCF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intergroup comparisons were evaluated by the independent Students' t-test, and the Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between parameters. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Both treatment modalities provided statistically significant improvements in clinical periodontal parameters and TNF-α levels after 6 months (p < 0.05). Also, there were no significant correlations between the TNF-α levels in GCF and the clinical parameters in both treatment group at baseline and at the end of 6 months period (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the vector ultrasonic system in the non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis presents beneficial improvements for the clinical attachment level and the probing pocket depth as well as TNF-α levels in GCF.

Biochemical and Histopathological Investigation of Resveratrol, Gliclazide, and Losartan Protective Effects on Renal Damage in a Diabetic Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the protective effects of resveratrol, gliclazide, and losartan, at biochemical and histopathological levels, on the rat kidney with experimentally induced type 1 diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 35 adult male Wistar rats were divided into control, diabetic, diabetic gliclazide, diabetic resveratrol, and diabetic losartan groups. For biochemical analysis, based on one of the kidneys, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and catalase were used for measurement. The other kidney was stained for histochemical and immunohistochemical markers and examined by light microscopy. RESULTS: Nephropathy due to diabetes was developed at the end of the third week in the diabetic group: in the glomeruli, contraction from Bowman distance, diffuse mesangial matrix increasing and tubular dilation, and cytoplasmic vacuolar changes were observed. In tubulointerstitial areas, some tubular structures, an increased expression of VEGF was observed. CONCLUSION: As a result, in diabetic rats, the effects of gliclazide, resveratrol, and losartan cure were equivalent to each other according to the parameters which were followed. Resveratrol, gliclazide, and losartan significantly protected renal glomeruli and the proximal and distal tubules.

Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Rats.

We investigated the protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats in comparison with 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA). Forty male rats were randomized into four groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (cyclophosphamide), group 3 (cyclophosphamide + MESNA), group 4 (cyclophosphamide + CAPE). Cyclophosphamide injection increased malondialdehyde levels indicating oxidative stress, whereas CAPE and MESNA ameliorated malondialdehyde levels in the bladder (p < 0.05). Only catalase activities were decreased significantly in both groups (cyclophosphamide + MESNA and cyclophosphamide + CAPE, p < 0.05). Pretreatment with CAPE (p < 0.01) resulted in a significant decrease in nitric oxide levels when compared with the cyclophosphamide group. When we consider the studies that show the critical importance of increased nitric oxide levels in pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, we suggest that it would be more beneficial to use MESNA with CAPE to prevent histological damage.

Histological investigation of the impact of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes on the healthy gingivae of rats.

This study was aimed at the histological investigation of the impact of experimental diabetes on the healthy gingiva of rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15) prior to the experiment. Group 1 experimental diabetes was created by streptozotocin injection in 15 rats. Group 2 comprised the control group (15 rats). On the 7th, 14th and 21st days after the induction of diabetes by streptozotocin, five animals from each group were euthanized by cardiac puncture. The gingiva of the maxillary left first molar tooth of the sacrificed animals was extracted for histological examination. Histological examination demonstrated that, when compared to the control group, the diabetes group displayed marked hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis of the gingival epithelium on day 21 post-induction. Furthermore, the diabetes group presented with an increased number of inflammatory cells and vasodilatation of the capillaries, in comparison to the controls. The overall evaluation of the findings obtained in this study suggested that diabetes alone could cause changes in the periodontium and affect periodontal health.

The effect of low-level laser therapy on the healing of hard palate mucosa and the oxidative stress status of rats.

OBJECTIVE: The biostimulation effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have been demonstrated recently. This study investigated the effects of LLLT on palatal mucoperiosteal wound healing and oxidative stress status in rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty-two male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were used in this study. A standardized full-thickness wound was created in the mucoperiosteum of the hard palates of the rats using a 3-mm-diameter biopsy punch. Treatment using a GaAlAs laser at a wavelength of 940 nm and a dose of 10 J/cm(2) was initiated after surgery and repeated on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days post-surgery. Seven animals from each group were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after surgery. Total antioxidant status and total oxidative status were measured in serum. RESULTS: The histopathological findings revealed reduced numbers of inflammatory cells on the 7th day, increased mitotic activity of fibroblasts on the 14th and 21st day, and the same degree of collagen synthesis and vascularization on the days 7, 14, and 21 in the LLLT group compared with the control group. No significant differences in total oxidative status and total antioxidant status were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: LLLT using a GaAlAs laser at a wavelength of 940 nm and a dose of 10 J/cm(2) elicited a positive healing effect on palatal mucoperiosteal wounds likely via the induction of fibroblasts. The oxidative stress status was not affected by LLLT.

The effects of low-level laser therapy on palatal mucoperiosteal wound healing and oxidative stress status in experimental diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: The biostimulation effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have recently been demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of LLLT on palatal mucoperiostal wound healing and oxidative stress status in experimental diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two male Wistar rats that weighed 250-300 g were used in this study. Experimental diabetes was induced in all of the rats using streptozotocin. A standardized full thickness wound was made in the mucoperiosteum of the hard palates of the rats using a 3 mm biopsy punch. The rats were divided into groups: 1 (control group, non- irradiated), and 2 (experimental group, irradiated). Treatment using a GaAlAs laser at a wavelength of 940 nm and at dose of 10 J/cm(2) began after surgery, and was repeated on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days post-surgery. Seven animals from each group were killed on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day after surgery. Biopsies were performed for the histological analysis and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. RESULTS: The histopathological findings revealed reduced numbers of inflammatory cells, and increased mitotic activity of fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and vascularization in rats in group 2. The total oxidative status was significantly decreased in the laser-treated group on the 21st day. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT elicits a positive healing effect on palatal mucoperiostal wounds, and modulates the oxidative status in experimental diabetic rats.

Identification of interleukin 2, 6, and 8 levels around miniscrews during orthodontic tooth movement.

The aim of this study was to identify the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and IL-8 around miniscrews used for anchorage during canine distalization. Sixteen patients (eight males and eight females; mean age, 16.6 ± 2.4 years) who were treated with bilateral upper first premolar extractions were included in the study. Thirty-two maxillary miniscrew implants were placed bilaterally in the alveolar bone between the maxillary second premolars and first molars as anchorage units for maxillary canine distalization. Three groups were constructed. The treatment, miniscrew, and control groups consisted of upper canines, miniscrew implants, and upper second premolars, respectively. Peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were obtained at baseline (T1) and at 1 (T2), 24 (T3), and 48 (T4) hours, 7 (T5) and 21 (T6) days, and 3 months (T7) after force application. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine within-group changes and Dunnett's t and Tukey's honestly significant difference tests for between-group multiple comparisons. During the 3 month period, IL-2 levels significantly increased (P < 0.01) but only in the treatment group after 24 hours. IL-6 levels were unchanged at all times points in the three groups. IL-8 levels increased significantly at 1 (P < 0.05), 24 (P < 0.01), and 48 (P < 0.01) hours in the treatment group and at 24 (P < 0.05) and 48 (P < 0.01) hours in the miniscrew group. It appears that miniscrews can be used for anchorage in orthodontics when correct physiological forces are applied.

Intra-articularly applied pulsed radiofrequency can reduce chronic knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most widespread chronic joint disease worldwide. Symptomatic knee OA is observed in approximately 12% of individuals more than 60 years of age. Conservative treatments models may not be effective always, and that some of them have serious adverse effects that prompted the researchers to research different treatment methods. In this study, we investigated short- and mid-term effectiveness of intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied in patients with chronic knee pain due to OA. METHODS: This study was carried out in the pain management center of a university hospital between January 2009 and June 2009. The patient record files of 31 patients who received intra-articular PRF were retrospectively reviewed. The antero-lateral area of the knee, where the intervention would be applied, was anesthetized with 1% lidocaine. An introducer needle was placed intra-articularly. PRF was started as 42°C at 2 Hz for 15 minutes. The pain of the patients was evaluated by 10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Furthermore, the ages, the gender, the symptom duration of the patients, the side of the knee on which the intervention was applied, and the complications were collected for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Although the mean initial VAS scores of the patients were 6.1 ± 0.9 cm, it was found, respectively, to be 3.9 ± 1.9 cm and 4.1 ± 1.9 cm at the first- and sixth-month follow-ups. In general, a decrease of 32.8% in mean in the VAS scores was achieved in the last follow-up; whereas the rate of patients reporting a minimum decrease of 2 points in the VAS scores was 64.5% and the rate of patients reporting a decrease of ≥50% in their pain was calculated as 35.5%. CONCLUSION: PRF applied to the knee joint appears to be an effective and safe method.

Optimization of α-amylase production by Bacillus subtilis RSKK96: using the Taguchi experimental design approach.

In this study, the Taguchi experimental design was applied to optimize the conditions for α-amylase production by Bacillus subtilis RSKK96, which was purchased from Refik Saydam Hifzissihha Industry (RSHM). Four factors, namely, carbon source, nitrogen source, amino acid, and fermentation time, each at four levels, were selected, and an orthogonal array layout of L(16) (4(5)) was performed. The model equation obtained was validated experimentally at maximum casein (1%), corn meal (1%), and glutamic acid (0.01%) concentrations with incubation time to 72 h in the presence of 1% inoculum density. Point prediction of the design showed that maximum α-amylase production of 503.26 U/mg was achieved under optimal experimental conditions.

6-month results of TransDiscal Biacuplasty on patients with discogenic low back pain: preliminary findings.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to investigate the efficacy and safety of TransDiscal Biacuplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chronic discogenic pain is one of the leading causes of low back pain; however, the condition is not helped by most non-invasive methods. The results of major surgical operations for these patients are unsatisfactory. Recently, attention has shifted to disk heating methods for treatment. TransDiscal Biacuplasty is one of the minimally invasive treatment methods. The method was developed as an alternative to spinal surgical practices and Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy for treatment of patients with chronic discogenic pain. METHODS: The candidates for this study were patients with chronic discogenic pain that did not respond to conservative treatment. The main criteria for inclusion were: the existence of axial low back pain present for 6 months; disc degeneration or internal disc disruption at a minimum of one level, and maximum of two levels, in MR imaging; and positive discography. Physical function was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index when measuring the pain with VAS. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 4-grade scale. Follow-ups were made 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: 15 patients were treated at one or two levels. The mean patient age was 43.1 ± 9.2 years. We found the mean symptom duration to be 40.5 ± 45.7 months. At the sixth month, 57.1% of patients reported a 50% or more reduction in pain, while 78.6% of patients reported a reduction of at least two points in their VAS values. In the final check, 78.6% of patients reported a 10-point improvement in their Oswestry Disability scores compared to the initial values. No complications were observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: TransDiscal Biacuplasty is an effective and safe method.

Management of duodenal injury: our experience and the value of tube duodenostomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report our experience with duodenal injuries and determine if primary repair and/or tube duodenostomy are valid options for definitive operative repair of severe duodenal injuries. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients who underwent surgery for duodenal injuries were evaluated. Management of duodenal injury was classified as primary repair and tube decompression. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were injured by a penetrating mechanism, and eight were injured by blunt mechanism. The most common injury site was in the second portion of the duodenum. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to morbidity and mortality rate. In 35 patients without morbidity, the mean length of hospital stay was 18.53+/-1.85 days in the tube duodenostomy group and 11.45+/-1.92 days in the primary repair group, and the difference was statistically significant. In the 32 patients with morbidity, the mean length of hospital stay was 47.05+/-10.46 days in the tube duodenostomy group and 49.86+/-10.86 days in primary repair group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Primary repair is suitable in the vast majority of duodenal injuries; tube duodenostomy increases the length of hospital stay and does not improve clinical outcome.

The effect of dietary supplementation of Nigella sativa L. on serum lipid profile in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of oral treatment of Wistar albino rats with different doses of Nigella sativa L. (NS) powdered seeds on the levels of serum lipids. METHODS: This study was performed in the Medical Science Application and Research Center of Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey, from February 2003 to December 2008. A total of 75 Wistar albino male rats, 60 of them with NS supplementation and 15 animals acting as controls, were included in the study. The NS groups were divided into 4 main groups of 15 each. Four doses of NS were used (100, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day). Each dose group was further divided into 3 duration subgroups of 5 rats each, the feeding of NS seeds continued for one, 2, and 4 weeks. Control animals were divided into 3 main groups of 5 rats each. The rats were sacrificed at one, 2, and 4 weeks after feeding. Lipid parameters were measured. RESULTS: Rats treated with the 400mg dose for one week's duration showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. There was a significant decrease in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels after one week for 400 and 600 mg doses, and all doses after 2 weeks and 4 weeks for 200 and 600 mg doses when compared to control groups. There was a significant decrease in very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels after one week for 200, 400, and 600 mg doses, and all doses for 2 and 4 weeks. A 400 mg dose for 2 weeks, and all doses for 4 weeks caused a significant decrease in triglyceride levels. There was a significant decrease of total cholesterol levels in all doses after 4 weeks of NS feeding. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that NS may ameliorate the alteration in the lipid levels caused by diseases or toxic agents.

Independent risk factors of morbidity in penetrating colon injuries.

BACKGROUND: The present study explored the factors effective on colon-related morbidity in patients with penetrating injury of the colon. METHODS: The medical records of 196 patients were reviewed for variables including age, gender, factor of trauma, time between injury and operation, shock, duration of operation, Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (PATI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), site of colon injury, Colon Injury Score, fecal contamination, number of associated intra- and extraabdominal organ injuries, units of transfused blood within the first 24 hours, and type of surgery. In order to determine the independent risk factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Gunshot wounds, interval between injury and operation > or =6 hours, shock, duration of the operation > or =6 hours, PATI > or =25, ISS > or =20, Colon Injury Score > or = grade 3, major fecal contamination, number of associated intraabdominal organ injuries >2, number of associated extraabdominal organ injuries >2, multiple blood transfusions, and diversion were significantly associated with morbidity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed diversion and transfusion of > or =4 units in the first 24 hours as independent risk factors affecting colon-related morbidity. CONCLUSION: Diversion and transfusion of > or =4 units in the first 24 hours were determined to be independent risk factors for colon-related morbidity.

Dental Aesthetic Index scores and perception of personal dental appearance among Turkish university students.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Turkish university students' awareness of malocclusion, their satisfaction with their personal dental appearance, and the severity of their occlusal irregularities. The sample consisted of 841 randomly selected university students, 522 (62.1 per cent) males and 319 (37.9 per cent) females, aged 17-26 years (mean age, 21.91+/-1.92 years). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the subjects' awareness of malocclusion and satisfaction with their personal dental appearance; the actual severity of malocclusion was determined using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-square for gender differences and Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients for awareness of malocclusion, satisfaction with personal dental appearance, and DAI scores. Analysis of variance and univariate analysis, with age and gender as the independent variables, were further used to analyse the data. Weak but statistically significant, negative, correlations were found between awareness of malocclusion and satisfaction at the following DAI scores: or= 36 (r= -0.477, P<0.001), and a statistically insignificant, negative correlation at a score of 31-35 (r= -0.102, P>0.05). A statistically significant association was found between DAI and awareness of malocclusion (r= -0.305) and satisfaction with dental appearance (r=0.234). There were no significant associations between the department in which the individuals studied and the investigated variables (P>0.05). DAI scores were significantly higher for females. Generally, no statistically significant gender differences were found in relation to DAI scores, awareness, or satisfaction (P>0.05). The findings of this study showed that age had a significant effect on satisfaction and gender on DAI score variation. Females had a greater need for normative treatment except in the 20- to 22-year-olds, and satisfaction decreased with age.