Efficacy of a Novel Computerized Aid in Designing Removable Partial Dentures.

BACKGROUND:  The development of computerized aids for dental education offers potential benefits in teaching complex procedures, such as the design of removable partial dentures (RPDs). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel computerized tool in enhancing the ability of both dental students and practicing dentists to design RPDs, as well as to evaluate its utility as an interactive educational instrument. METHODS:  A cohort comprising a total of 75 individuals (25 practicing dentists and 50 undergraduate dental students) was enlisted. Participants were introduced to an online interactive application tailored for the design of RPDs. They were tasked with resolving clinical scenarios that necessitated the formulation of an RPD. Throughout the exercise, users were provided with hints addressing errors made during the process, fostering self-directed learning for improved RPD design. Post-interaction, the perceptions of both dentists and students regarding the tool were gauged through a comprehensive questionnaire. RESULTS:  The deployment of the online interactive application demonstrated significant promise in the effective design of RPDs, facilitated by self-directed learning. It also appeared to enhance the proficiency of practicing dentists in formulating partial dentures. CONCLUSION:  The computerized aid evaluated in this study provided an effective platform for both dental education and practice. It not only supported self-directed learning in the design of RPDs but also improved the efficiency of professional dentists in their clinical design work.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Disinfectants on Impression Materials.

Background The disinfection of dental impression materials is a cornerstone of infection control in dental practice. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite and iodophor, on alginate and silicone impression materials, which are prone to microbial contamination. Methods The study was structured into two main groups based on the impression material: Group I (alginate) and Group II (addition silicone), each further subdivided into two subgroups for disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and iodophor. For each subgroup, initial microbial swabs were taken before any treatment, followed by a second swab after rinsing and a final swab after disinfection. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, standard deviations, and standard errors of the mean were calculated for each stage of treatment. Results Prior to disinfection, Group I had a mean CFU count of 2,529.40, while Group II had a lower mean CFU of 1,417.40. After rinsing, there was a significant decrease in CFUs in both groups, with Group I at 1,337.10 and Group II at 415.10. Post-disinfection, Group I showed a mean CFU count of 73.00 for sodium hypochlorite and 0.00 for iodophor. Similarly, Group II achieved a CFU reduction of 99.00 with sodium hypochlorite and 0.00 with iodophor, demonstrating a marked reduction in microbial presence. Conclusion Iodophor was exceptionally effective in disinfecting both alginate and silicone impression materials, eliminating all detectable CFUs. Sodium hypochlorite also significantly reduced microbial counts but was not as effective as iodophor. Rinsing prior to disinfection was instrumental in reducing the microbial load, underscoring its importance in the disinfection protocol.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Dental Caries Using Novel Bioactive Caries Detecting Dye Solution.

BACKGROUND: The goal of materials should be early caries detection, removal of carious lesions, and reduction of dentin hypersensitivity. Thus, the study aims to determine the efficacy of a bioactive caries detecting dye (BCD) for the diagnosing and mechanical removal of occlusal and proximal dental caries. METHODS: Patients with occlusal (A1, A2) and proximal carious lesions (B1, B2) were treated with the rotary technique and BCD solution on 120 teeth (n = 60 for each). Group 1: Excavation was performed using diamond points. Group 2: 0.5 mL of BCD solution was scrubbed for 20 sec and excavation was performed with a sharp spoon excavator. Post-excavation cavity volume analysis was performed using a 3D scanner. The time required, VAS for pain, VAS for facial expression, and sound eye motor scoring were scored during excavation. Post-restoration evaluation was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months (FDI criteria). RESULTS: The chi-square test revealed that the A1 (197.90 30.97 s) and B1 (273.06 69.95 s) had significantly less mean procedural time than the A2 (292.13 44.87 s) and B2 (411.86 88.34 s). BCD (A2, B2) group showed good patient acceptance, less pain during caries excavation VAS (p = 0.001, FACE (p = 0.001), and SEM (p < 0.001) analysis than the rotary group. There was a statistically insignificant difference between groups immediately (p = 0.235), (p = 0.475) and after 24 h (p = 0.561), (p = 0.688). Color score, hardness of excavated surface, and caries removal score for occlusal and proximal groups showed insignificant differences between the groups. BCD group showed significantly less mean caries excavated volume for the occlusal group (p = 0.003) as compared to the proximal group (p = 0.417) evaluated by 3D scanner. Evaluation of restoration after 3-, 6-, and 12 months intervals (Occlusal caries group (p = 0.247), (p = 0.330), and (0.489) and Proximal caries group (p = 0.299), (p = 0.594), and (0.494)) was acceptable for both the groups. CONCLUSION: BCD helps in identification of dental caries clinically, radiographically, and in effective removal of denatured teeth with less pain or sensitivity.

Analysis of Pulp Tissue Viability and Cytotoxicity of Pulp Capping Agents.

The present research study assessed the cell viability and cytotoxic effect of mineral tri-oxide aggregate (MTA), Tetric N-Bond Universal bonding agent, Theracal PT (pulpotomy treatment), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as pulp capping agents on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The cells were isolated from the pulp tissue of an extracted healthy permanent third molar. After four passages in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, the primary cells were employed for the investigation. The test materials and untreated cells (negative control) were subjected to an Methylthiazol-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) cytotoxicity assay and assessed at 24-, 48-, and 72-h intervals. The Wilcoxon matched-paired t-test and Kruskal−Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were applied (p < 0.05). PRF imparted the highest cell viability at 48 h (p < 0.001), followed by MTA, Theracal PT, and Tetric N-Bond. Similarly, PRF had the highest potential to enhance cell proliferation and differentiation (p < 0.001), followed by Theracal PT, MTA, and the bonding agent at the end of 24 h and 72 h, respectively. Finally, PRF sustained the viability of human primary dental pulp stem cells more effectively than Theracal PT and MTA; however, the application of a Tetric N-Bond as a pulp capping agent was ineffective.

The Retrospective Pilot Study of the Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction or Loss of Smell, Loss of Taste and Oral Manifestations Among COVID-19 Positive Health Workers in Muscat, Oman.

A retrospective study evaluating the prevalence of loss of smell, loss of taste and oral manifestations was carried out by framing an online questionnaire and disseminated among the health care workers including medical and dental students, who were afflicted with COVID-19. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of the loss of smell, loss of taste (LOST) and oral manifestations and whether these (LOST & oral manifestations) can be the premonitory manifestations and also whether these can predict the prognosis of COVID-19 disease. Our study showed that the loss of smell, loss of taste and dry mouth did occur before the other symptoms considerably in the COVID-19 infected health workers. All the infected health workers were in home quarantine phase and not hospitalized during the occurrence of COVID-19. The loss of smell, loss of taste and oral manifestations can be the prodromal signs of COVID-19 and may be used as a screening tool to predict the severity of the disease. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03293-w.

Evaluation of Presence of Enterococcus faecalis in Root Canals of Deciduous Molars with Necrotic Pulp by Agar Culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Objective: To assess the presence of Enterococcus faecalis in root canals of deciduous molars with necrotic pulp by agar culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Materials and methods: This is an experimental study, where a total of 120 endodontic samples were taken from deciduous molars with necrotic pulps. The presence of Enterococcus faecalis was assessed by culture, using Enterococcus confirmatory agar, and by PCR assay. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using McNemar's test. Results: The presence of Enterococcus faecalis was detected in 20 samples (16.67% of total) by microbial culture and in 45 samples (37.5% of total) by PCR assay, with a statistically significant difference between the two methods (p < 0.001). Microbial culture and PCR both detect Enterococcus faecalis, with the latter detecting an additional 25 positive samples. Conclusion: In this study, PCR assay was significantly more sensitive than agar culture method in detecting the presence of Enterococcus faecalis in root canals of deciduous molars with necrotic pulp, that is, 37.5% of all samples. Clinical significance: Importance of presence of Enterococcus faecalis in necrotic pulps of deciduous teeth, as it is primarily responsible for failure of endodontic treatment, thus helping clinicians to advocate the use of local drug delivery in primary teeth endodontics and also aids clinicians in choosing the most effective intracanal medication. How to cite this article: Nalawade TM, Bhat KG, Kale AD, et al. Evaluation of Presence of Enterococcus faecalis in Root Canals of Deciduous Molars with Necrotic Pulp by Agar Culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):816-819.

Solitary Median Maxillary Central Incisor: A Case Report with 3-Year Follow-Up and Literature Review.

A solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) is a rare anomaly that can occur alone or be associated with other systemic abnormalities. Early diagnosis of SMMCI is crucial as it might indicate the presence of an associated congenital or developmental abnormality. The prevalence of live-born children with SMMCI is determined to be 1:50,000 and is more common among females. The purpose of this paper was to report an unusual case of a 9-year-old girl with SMMCI who had no growth deficiency or any other systemic involvement. Since pediatricians and dentists are the first professionals to evaluate an SMMCI's patient in most cases, it is important that they be aware of the possibility of other related systemic problems that require systemic care. Appropriate treatment, diagnosis, and referral should also include neuropediatric evaluation, genetic testing, and craniofacial profile analysis along with multidisciplinary approach.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of oral health care in prevention of early childhood caries among parents of children in Belagavi city: A Questionnaire study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the existing knowledge, attitude, and practices of "oral health care" in the prevention of early childhood caries (ECCs) among parents of children in Belagavi city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, Karnataka. Institutional Ethical Clearance was obtained. The study was conducted during the month of April 2014 to October 2014 after taking prior informed consent from the 218 parents. Inclusion criteria were parents getting their children treated for dental caries and who were willing to participate. Parents who could not read and write were excluded from the study. The self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was written in English. It was then translated in local languages, i.e. Kannada and Marathi, and a pilot study was conducted on 10 parents to check for its feasibility and any changes if required were done. RESULTS: The response rate was 100% as all 218 parents completed the questionnaire. Of 218 parents, 116 were mothers and 102 were fathers. The overall mean knowledge score was 69.5%. The overall mean attitude score was 53.5%. The overall attitude toward prevention of ECC was not in accordance to knowledge. The overall mean of "good" practices and "bad" practices score was 33.5% and 18.5%, respectively. Good knowledge and attitude toward oral health do not necessarily produce good practices.

'Pitted' to 'Pleasing' in 20 min.

In recent times, as a result of extensive drinking water fluoridation, the number of patients affected by fluorosis has increased considerably. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe the use of enamel microabrasion for a patient with severe fluorosis using 37% phosphoric acid and pumice mixture. The results were pleasing, and hence 37% phosphoric acid can be recommended as a safe and easily available alternative in microabrasion procedures.

Giant radicular cyst of the maxilla.

Radicular cysts are inflammatory odontogenic cysts of tooth bearing areas of the jaws. Most of these lesions involve the apex of offending tooth and appear as well-defined radiolucencies. Owing to its clinical characteristics similar to other more commonly occurring lesions in the oral cavity, differential diagnosis should include dentigerous cyst, ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, periapical cementoma and Pindborg tumour. The present case report documents a massive radicular cyst crossing the midline of the palate. Based on clinical, radiographical and histopathological findings, the present case was diagnosed as an infected radicular cyst. The clinical characteristics of this cyst could be considered as an interesting and unusual due to its giant nature. The lesion was surgically enucleated along with the extraction of the associated tooth; preservation of all other teeth and vital structures, without any postoperative complications and satisfactory healing, was achieved.

Oral submucous fibrosis: a premalignant condition in a 14-year-old Indian girl.

A 14-year-old Indian girl presented with difficulty in mouth opening and burning sensation while eating. On examination, blanching of the oral mucosa with diffuse white pigmented lesion of size 3.5 to 2 cm along with melanotic pigmentation was seen on the left buccal mucosa posteriorly. The patient was diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis. A comprehensive treatment plan was made based on conservative management that included motivation and intense counselling of the patient and her parents so that she quits the habit of chewing areca nut and tobacco, along with systemic treatment of vitamin B complex supplements, antioxidants, multivitamins and oral physiotherapy. We present this case to highlight the difficulties faced by the clinical practitioners in providing treatment because of the taboos and myths associated with surgical treatment modality in rural population as well as to emphasise the menace of increasing consumption and availability of tobacco and areca nut to children.

Ameloblastoma: an aggressive lesion of the mandible.

Ameloblastoma is a benign locally invasive epithelial odontogenic tumour comprising 1% of all tumours and cysts arising in the jaws. It is commonly found in the third and fourth decade in the molar ramus region of the mandible. Among all types of ameloblastoma, multicystic ameloblastoma is believed to be locally aggressive lesion that has the tendency for recurrence. In this report we present a large multicystic ameloblastoma in the left body-ramus region of the mandible in a 55-year-old woman. This large lesion was diagnosed with the help of CT and was successfully managed by hemimandibulectomy with simultaneous reconstruction using iliac crest bone.

Aesthetic finger prosthesis with silicone biomaterial.

The fabrication of finger prosthesis is as much an art as it is science. The ideally constructed prosthesis must duplicate the missing structures so precisely that patients can appear in public without fear of attracting unwanted attraction. A 65-years-old patient reported with loss of his right index finger up to the second phalanx and wanted to get it replaced. An impression of the amputated finger and donor were made. A wax pattern of the prosthesis was fabricated using the donor impression; a trial was performed and flasked. Medical grade silicone was intrinsically stained to match the skin tone, following which it was packed, processed and finished. This clinical report describes a method of attaining retention by selective scoring of the master cast of partially amputated finger to enhance the vacuum effect at par with the proportional distribution of the positive forces on the tissues exerted by the prosthesis.

Rehabilitation of lost vertical dimension with cast post core and cast partial denture.

Loss of teeth is sometimes inevitable. But, it is the duty of a restorative dentist to restore the loss of teeth in way keeping in mind the discomfort and agony of the patient. Rehabilitation of these types of patients requires thorough knowledge and great skills on the part of a prosthodontist. This clinical case report describes the management of a 58-year-old male patient with a loss of mandibular posterior teeth and severely attrited anterior teeth opposing natural teeth. The treatment plan was to restore the loss of teeth and the loss of vertical dimension by providing prosthesis keeping in mind the occlusion and stomatognathic system. A novel approach of fixed and removable type of prostheses was implemented and successfully delivered.