The Influence of Dental Trauma Education on Undergraduate Students at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates: An Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of a lecture on dental trauma on the knowledge of undergraduate dental students at Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: Fourth-year dental students were asked to attend a lecture on dental trauma and then respond to an online questionnaire containing 10 close-ended questions related to their approach to managing dental trauma cases and tooth avulsion before (T0) and directly after (T1) the lecture. They were given 5 min for filling the questionnaire either time. McNemars test was used to compare the accuracy of their answers based on the correct or incorrect response for each question. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The questionnaire was sent to 164 students, out of which 157 responded, giving a response rate of 95.7%. After receiving the educational intervention, the students showed a significant improvement in their knowledge on managing permanent tooth avulsion, especially regarding the handling of an avulsed tooth before replantation, extra-alveolar time, and media used for the storage and transportation of avulsed teeth (< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study reveals that the lecture on dental trauma had an excellent outcome on the knowledge of the students. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize the importance of this information among undergraduate dental students in order to save teeth exposed to trauma and to reduce the social burden of such cases. This study contributes to better understanding of the effect of dental trauma education on undergraduate dental students' knowledge of the subject.

Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning versus Traditional Teaching Methods in Improving Acquisition of Radiographic Interpretation Skills among Dental Students-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Problem-based learning is an experiential and student-centred learning method to practice important skills like querying, critical thinking, and collaboration through pair and group work. The study is aimed at comparing the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional teaching (TT) methods in improving acquisition of radiographic interpretation skills among dental students. Clinical trials (randomized and nonrandomized) were conducted with the help of dental students studying oral radiology using PBL and TT methods and assessing radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level as outcomes. Articles published from PubMed/MEDLINE, DOAJ, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool, the MINORS Checklist, and the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBIN-I) tool. Meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3. There were twenty-four articles for qualitative synthesis and 13 for meta-analysis. The cumulative mean difference was found to be 0.54 (0.18, 0.90), 4.15 (-0.35, 8.65), and -0.14 (-0.36, 0.08) for radiographic interpretation skills, knowledge scores, and satisfaction level, respectively, showing significant difference favouring PBL as compared to TT except for satisfaction level which favoured the TT group. To understand the long-term effectiveness of PBL over TT methods in oral radiology among dental students, well-designed long-term randomized controlled trials are needed.

Tobacco Cessation Behavior Among Smoking and Smokeless Form Tobacco Users in the Indigenous Population of Ernakulam, India.

PURPOSE: Tobacco usage is the leading preventable cause of death in the world today. The tribes in Kuttampuzha region are the aboriginal tribal community found predominantly in the south Indian state of Kerala, India, and this study was conducted to identify tobacco cessation behavior in smoking and smokeless form of tobacco users among them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional design survey was conducted among 516 indigenous community people of Kuttampuzha area of Kerala, India, for the outcome of quit attempts made by the current tobacco users. The sociodemographic variables and tobacco user data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using Open Source R Software. RESULTS: When considered the quit attempts among current smoking and smokeless form of tobacco users, a statistically significant difference was found in subjects who had quit attempts of 1 day or longer in the previous year (P = 0.01) than who were in groups of quit attempts more than 30 days or more than 6 months. Smokers had higher probability predicted of attempting quitting in comparison to smokeless form of tobacco users (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24, confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.39). The probability of doing a quit attempt was higher among users of tobacco who were having a comparatively higher socioeconomic status (OR = 1.30, CI = 1.12-1.48). CONCLUSION: This study provides useful insights into different determinants for quit attempts of tobacco users in South India, exploring the sociodemographic features of attempts to quit. International prevention and cessation initiatives will need to be customized to the social-cultural context of these primitive tribal areas of Kuttampuzha, Kerala, to help in prevention and cessation of tobacco usage.

Detection of Vertical Root Fractures Using Three Different Imaging Modalities: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of nondisplaced longitudinal fractures [vertical root fractures (VRFs)] is challenging in clinical practice. Radiographic techniques showed a difficulty in detection of VRFs. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new diagnostic imaging modality that provides high-quality three-dimensional (3D) images for dental diagnosis. AIMS: The aim of this in vitro study is to compare accuracy of three different imaging modalities: conventional periapical radiographs, digital radiographs, and CBCT in detecting VRFs in teeth that are endodontically as well as nonendodontically treated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro model consisting of 60 recently extracted human mandibular lower premolars were used. Root canal treatment was carried out for 30 teeth. Root fractures were created in 30 teeth (15 root canal treated and 15 non-treated) by mechanical force. Other 30 teeth remain intact. The teeth were mounted and images were taken with a periapical, digital, and CBCT X-ray unit. Three endodontists separately evaluated the images. RESULTS: Interobserver κ values showed a very good interobserver agreement (0.98 for CBCT, 0.88 for digital, and 0.93 for conventional periapical X-rays). There was an overall statistically significant difference (p = 0.00) in detecting of root fracture among the three imaging modalities and the highest accuracy with CBCT images. CONCLUSIONS: In in vitro model, CBCT scan appears to give the highest accuracy in detecting VRFs when compared with the periapical systems in both endodontically and nonendodontically treated teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The CBCT scan shows higher sensitivity in detection of VRFs in comparison with periapical images.

Corrigendum to "Human dental pulp stem cells differentiation to neural cells, osteocytes and adipocytes- an in vitro study" [Heliyon Volume 6, Issue 1, January 2020, e03054].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03054.].

Human dental pulp stem cells differentiation to neural cells, osteocytes and adipocytes-An in vitro study.

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are promising source of cells for numerous and varied regenerative medicine applications as those possess high proliferation potential with multilineage differentiation capacity compare to other sources of adult stem cells; therefore, hDPSCs could be the good source for autologous transplantation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study stem cells were isolated from dental pulp and were characterised by flowcytometry and immunocytochemistry. The controlled cells as well as, 7-day cultured cells were positive for transcription factors, OCT 4 and SOX 2 thatconfirmed isolated cellsasmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells showed positive expression for CD 19, CD 73, CD 90, CD 105 and are negative for CD 34, CD 45. Viability of hDPSCS were studied by trypan blue (TB) staining and fluorescent microscopic study. After 7 days of passaging by using several growth factors, cells express neural cell markers oligodendrocyte and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Specifically, osteocytes were grown from dental pulp MSCSsin vitro with the help of growth factors, dexamethasone, ascorbic acid-2- phosphate and ß-glycerophosphate whereas, adipocytes were grown with indomethacin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and insulin. Osteocytes and adipocytes were characterized by von Kossa and Oil red O staining, respectively. Chromosomal analysis of dental pulp-MSCs was done for qualitative assessment of MSCs. Karyotyping indicated diploid chromosome number in dental pulp derived MSCs. In vitro grown osteocytes could be used for bone fracture reunion cases, and adipocytes could be used for further research purposes.

Lasers: A Review With Their Applications in Oral Medicine.

Lasers in dentistry began to gain popularity in the 1990s. Lasers in dentistry are used as a treatment tool or as an adjunct tool. By using the laser in the field of dentistry, the main goal is to overcome the disadvantages, which are currently being experienced in conventional dental treatment procedures. Many specialties in dentistry including oral surgery, implants, oral medicine, periodontics, pediatrics, and operative use the current new laser technology. The ability of lasers to provide minimally invasive procedures with less discomfort to the patient has been useful in the patient delivery system in dental practice. This article describes in brief on the uses of lasers in oral mucosal lesions.

Apical Debris Extrusion by Novel Endostar E5 Compared to Other Commercial Rotary Files: An in Vitro Study

Objective: To compare the amount of apical debris extrusion in samples instrumented by EndoStar E5, ProTaper Universal, and M-two rotary files. Material and Methods: Forty-five freshly extracted non-carious mandibular premolar teeth with single roots and single canals were acquired, and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15). Samples in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were instrumented using EndoStar E5 (EE5), ProTaper Universal (PTU), and M-two (MTO) rotary file, respectively. Following instrumentation, the debris extruded was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes and stored in an incubator at 70°C for 5 days. Tubes containing the dry extruded debris were then weighed. One-way analysis of variance was applied to the weights obtained followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparison. Results: The mean debris extruded (mg) for the 3 groups were 1.23 (±0.72), 2.16 (±0.66), and 1.39 (±0.86) for EE5, PTU, and MTO respectively. Samples instrumented with PTU were associated with significantly higher debris extrusion (p<0.01) compared to EE5 and MTO. The groups EE5 and MTO did not differ in the amounts of debris extrusion (p>0.05). Conclusion: The novel EE5 and M-two rotary files result in less debris extrusion compared to PTU in mandibular premolars.

Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata compared to Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, and sodium hypochlorite when used as root canal irrigants against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus: An in vitro antimicrobial study.

AIM: The aim is to test the antimicrobial activity of Andrographis Paniculata, Azadirachta indica (neem), and Curcuma Longa (curcumin) as a root canal irrigant, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans using agar diffusion test. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) served as a standard control for comparisons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bacterial strains of C. albicans and S. aureus culture were grown overnight (18-20 h) in the brain heart infusion broth at 37°C and inoculated in Mueller-Hinton agar plates. Antibacterial inhibition was assessed using agar well-diffusion method using the methanolic extracts of the three plants to be tested and NaOCl. Bacterial inhibition zone around each well was recorded. The results were tabulated and analyzed statistically for significance. RESULTS: The novel A. paniculata showed significantly higher zone of inhibition against C. albicans (P < 0.0001) compared to the experimental irrigants. Against S. aureus, it exhibited similar results as that shown by NaOCl (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Zones of inhibition exhibited by novel herbal agent A. paniculata were higher against C. albicans and similar against S. aureus, when compared to NaOCl.

Effect of Fruit Juices and Other Beverages on Loss of Tooth Structure

Objective: To determine the effect of seven different beverages on tooth enamel. Material and Methods: Human teeth samples were immersed in each beverage (Pepsi, Red Bull, Orange juice, Apple juice, Lemon juice, Coffee and Green tea). Specimens were divided into seven groups by beverage type (n = 5 per group). Weight of the enamel was measured before and after immersion in different beverages daily for at periodic intervals of 24hrs, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. The data were recorded after weighing the teeth at each time. The beverages were replaced daily. Anova and Tukey post hoc test was performed to compare the differences in percent weight loss. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: There was change in the mean percent weight loss amongst the different beverages with orange juice showing a high reduction in comparison to green tea and coffee. The mean weight reduction of orange juice was by 21% followed by Red Bull (13%), Pepsi (11%), Lemon juice (16%), Apple juice (16%), coffee (3%) and green tea (3%). Conclusion: This study shows that different beverages have erosive potential on teeth depending on the duration of the exposure.

Prevalence of Dental Developmental Anomalies in Patients Attending a Faculty of Dentistry in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental developmental anomalies among patients visiting the dental clinics at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates. Material and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 425 digital panoramic radiographs. The study sample included people in the United Arab Emirates who have visited the outpatient dental clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, at Ajman University. These OPGs have been evaluated for the presence of dental anomalies such as: Macrodontia, Microdontia, Talon cusp, Taurodontism, Dilaceration, Ectopic Eruption, Supernumerary teeth or roots, Fusion, Gemination, and Concrescense. Results: 80.7% had at least 1 anomaly, with the maximum of 5 anomalies presented in 1.2% of the sample. Dilacerations were the most commonly identified anomaly (61.4%), followed by missing third molars (22.8%), and Ectopic Eruption (15.5%) where (12.9%) of this anomaly has affected the maxillary canines. Hypercementosis (10.2%) followed by Microdontia (4.6%), which was mostly seen in the Upper laterals. Taurodontism accounted for (4.1%), Macrodontia (2.3%) and Talon cusp (2.3%). Gemination, Dens Invaginatus, and Concrescence were separately present in 1.1%, each one, of the cases observed. Conclusion: Variations in data and results among different studies suggest the impact of racial, genetic and environmental factors. The high frequency of dental anomalies emphasize the need of early detection and diagnosis which can be achieved through radiographic imaging, this would aid in further awareness to minimize any means of complexity in dental problems.