A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Dental Professional's Knowledge of Locally Delivered Antimicrobial Agents and their Application in Periodontal Practice.

Introduction: Dentists must employ locally delivered antimicrobial agents (LDAs) in a way that is in line with current recommendations from the scientific literature and the guidelines set by professional organizations. Considering the dearth of research on this topic, it is not known what strategies are adapted when using LDAs in their periodontal practice. So, the purpose of this research was to investigate how LDAs are utilized by dental professionals in their distinct periodontal practices. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used a closed-ended questionnaire. Dental professionals received electronic copies of the eight-item questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the relevance of LDAs, how frequently they are used, which ones are used most, the number of patients who receive them, their understanding of pharmacological activities, and their knowledge of current treatment guidelines. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were evaluated before being presented to participants. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), the input was analyzed. Results: A total of 120 dental professionals, with an average age of 34.7 years, answered the questionnaire. Half of these individuals have no history of ever using LDAs. The most frequent LDA used in its different forms was chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), followed by tetracycline. The majority of participants placed LDAs (80%) in less than 10 patients. Less than half acknowledged the different LDAs and their pharmacological activities. Not even 70% of clinicians were up-to-date on the current European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) guidelines. None of the participants discounted the significance of LDAs in periodontal care. Conclusion: Dental professionals regard LDAs as essential to periodontal therapy. Yet, they lacked knowledge about general, pharmacological, and clinical aspects. The patient experience with LDAs was limited by an inappropriate deployment pattern.

An insight into gingival depigmentation techniques: The pros and cons.

Pigmentation of gingiva not just has an impact on esthetics but also creates psychological negativity. Although a wide array of depigmentation techniques are available to manage this condition, there is a scarcity of literature that guides clinicians to choose the most appropriate technique. Hence, the aim of this review is to evaluate the available depigmentation therapeutic modalities with an emphasis on their merits and demerits. The databases of MEDLINE and Cochrane databases of systematic reviews were searched to collect relevant scientific literature. Cryosurgery followed by lasers has been reported to be the superior techniques with better esthetic results and low rate of recurrence. However, further randomized controlled longitudinal studies are warranted to elaborate the efficiency and effectiveness of available techniques.

Comparison Between Dexamethasone and Ibuprofen for Postoperative Pain Prevention and Control After Surgical Implant Placement: A Double-Masked, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a potential adverse side effect of oral surgeries, and attempts should be made to prevent or minimize it. This study compares efficacy of preemptive ibuprofen and dexamethasone protocols for pain prevention or control after surgical implant placement. METHODS: This prospective, double-masked, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial included 117 patients with planned dental implant placement. Patients were assigned to receive one of three different protocols: 1) 600 mg ibuprofen 1 hour before surgery and another 600 mg 6 hours after the first dose; 2) 4 mg dexamethasone 1 hour before surgery and another 4 mg 6 hours after the first dose; or 3) placebo. Rescue medication (1,000 mg acetaminophen) was made available to each patient, and they were instructed to take it as necessary. Pain intensity was evaluated via a 101-point numeric rating scale and a visual analog scale, and discomfort was evaluated using a four-point verbal rating scale hourly for the first 8 hours after surgery and three times daily for the following 3 days. RESULTS: Ibuprofen and dexamethasone significantly reduced pain (Kruskal-Wallis; P <0.05) up to 3 days after surgery and discomfort (P <0.05) up to 2 days after surgery compared with placebo treatment. Both treatments reduced the number of painkillers taken and increased time before the first painkiller was taken (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Steroidal dexamethasone is as effective as non-steroidal ibuprofen for preventing or controlling postoperative pain and discomfort after surgical implant placement.

Evaluate the Malocclusion in Subjects Reporting for Orthodontic Treatment among Saudi Population in Asser Region.

BACKGROUND: Oral health is an important component of general health and is associated with the development of a healthy personality. The malocclusion has been shown to affects oral health, leads to increased prevalence of dental caries and may result in temporo-mandibular joint disorders. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the malocclusion in subjects reporting for orthodontic treatment among Saudi population in Asser region by using Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was designed. A total of 162 study samples was participated in the study. A pre-designed proforma was used to evaluate various parameters determining malocclusion and DAI was used. RESULTS: The mean age of 27.07 ± 9.76 years. The mean DAI score of the study participants was 27.27 ± 13.83. Maximum (75%) of the participants had Angle's Class I molar relation followed by Angle's Class II and II. Comparison of mean over jet and DAI score in the various age groups using one-way ANOVA there was a statistically significant difference in the mean DAI score between the participants in the various age groups. CONCLUSION: Knowing the prevalence of malocclusion in a community is of utmost importance, so that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent and treat the dentofacial irregularities.