Prevalence of palatogingival groove affecting maxillary anterior teeth in Saudi subpopulation: A cone-beam computed tomographic study with literature review.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of palatogingival groove (PGG) affecting maxillary anterior teeth, bilateral occurrence, and distribution among sex in the Saudi subpopulation and to review the literature on the prevalence of PGG. Introduction: Palatogingival groove (PGG) primarily affects maxillary lateral incisors and, when present, may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal and endodontic lesions. Materials & methods: A total of 509 CBCT scans of Saudi patients with 2747 maxillary anterior teeth were included in the study. Patients' information, the tooth type, the presence/absence, the unilateral/bilateral distribution, and the type of PGG according to Gu's classification (type I, II, or III) were recorded. Results: The prevalence of the PGG in maxillary anterior teeth was 1.3%, affecting 32 (6.3%) patients. The PGGs were mostly detected in lateral incisors 25 (2.77%). The PGG was found to be unilateral in most patients (96.9%), with higher frequency in males than in females without significance for sex. Conclusion: PGG is not a rare anomaly in the Saudi population and is most frequently found in maxillary lateral incisors. Type I Gu's classification was mostly detected.

Photo-induced photoacoustic streaming and pineapple peel extract as final irrigant on extrusion bond strength of root filling material to canal wall.

Objective: Photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) with pineapple peel extract (PPE) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a final endodontic irrigant on the push-out bond strength (PBS) of root filling material to conventional irrigation NaOCl with EDTA. Methods: An in vitro study at Dar Al Uloom University was conducted over three months. Root canal preparation was performed. Based on final irrigation, all the specimens were divided randomly into four groups (n=10) Group 1: 2.25% NaOCl+ 17% EDTA (control), Group-2: 2.25% NaOCl+PIPS + 6.25% PPE, Group-3: 2.25% NaOCl+PIPS + 17% EDTA, Group-4: 2.25% NaOCl + 6.25% PPE. Canals were obturated and sealed with AH Plus sealer. Root sectioning was performed at 1mm thickness and PBS testing was performed using the universal testing machine. The debonded samples were analyzed for failure mode. ANOVA compared the means and standard deviations (SD) of all investigated group. Assessment of multiple comparisons was performed using Tukey's post hoc test. Results: The maximum PBS was demonstrated by the coronal section of Group-2 (2.25%NaOCl +PIPS+6.25%PPE) specimens (8.21±0.81MPa). The apical section of Group-1 (2.25% NaOCl+17% EDTA) specimens demonstrated minimum bond strength (2.80±0.18 MPa). The intergroup comparison revealed that Group-3 (2.25% NaOCl +PIPS +17% EDTA) and Group-2 demonstrated comparable outcomes (p>0.05). Group-4 (2.25% NaOCl +6.25% PPE) specimens established significantly lower values than Group-3 and Group-4 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Photon-induced photoacoustic streaming with pineapple peel extract and EDTA demonstrated better bond strength of root canal sealer and have the potential to be used as the final irrigant.

Problem-based learning: Dental student's perception of their education environments at Qassim University.

AIMS: The objectives of this study were to assess perceptions of the Saudi dental students of the problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum and to compare their perceptions among different sex and academic years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data was collected through a questionnaire-based survey at Qassim College of dentistry. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions regarding the perception of PBL curriculum and was distributed to 240 students. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: Out of the 240 students recruited for this study, 146 returned a complete questionnaire (the response rate was 60.8%). The majority of the students perceived that PBL enhances the ability to speak in front of people (91.1%); improved the ability to find the information using the internet/library (81.5%); enhances the problem-solving skills (71.3%); increases the practice of cooperative and collaborative learning (69.2%); improves the decision-making skills (66.4%). Sixty-five percent (n = 96) noted that some students dominate whereas others are passive during PBL discussion session. Statistically, significant differences were found in the following variables according to the academic year students assuming before responsibility for their own learning (P < 0.037) and the role of facilitator in the process (P < 0.034). Moreover, according to gender; there were statistically significant differences in the following variables, assuming responsibility for own learning (P < 0.003); activating prior knowledge and learning to elaborate and organize their knowledge (P < 0.009); enhancing the ability to find the information using the Internet/library (P < 0.014); PBL is effective without having lecture of the same topic (P < 0.025); helping in identifying the areas of weakness for improvement (P < 0.031); student understanding the objectives of the PBL session better than the conventional way (P < 0.040); and enhancing the ability to speak in front of people (P < 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of Saudi dental students regarding their education environments at Qassim College of dentistry using PBL hybrid curriculum were more positive than negative. However, improvements are still required to provide students with stimulating favorable learning environment and to take the students recommendations into consideration.