Evaluating the Impact of Different Education Methods on Cleft Lip and Palate Anatomy Training.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of different educational methods on short and long-term learning outcomes and to investigate the satisfaction and perception of cleft lip and palate (CLP) education among dental students. DESIGN: The theoretical exam on CLP to determine their baseline level of knowledge was taken by the participants(T0). After the exam, the students were randomly divided into three groups and all students attended a lecture-based traditional education on CLP. Students in the first group (n = 40) received no additional teaching (Group A). Students in the second group (n = 38) received model teaching with 3D-printed models (Group B). The third group (n = 39) was trained in e-learning-supported education (Group C). The theoretical exam was repeated immediately after the education (T1/short-term learning), one week later (T2/early long-term learning), and one month later (T3/late long-term learning), and the effect of the education methods on information level was assessed. In addition, a post-training satisfaction questionnaire was administered to participants of Group B and Group C. RESULTS: Both 3D model-based and e-learning-supported approaches significantly improved immediate knowledge of CLP. However, no significant differences were found in knowledge retention over time between the all methods. A majority of students favored the incorporation of both methods in orthodontic education. CONCLUSIONS: While both 3D models and e-learning effectively enhance short-term CLP knowledge among dental students, their long-term educational impacts are comparable. However, student preferences indicated that the use of 3D-printed models and e-learning strategies may be useful augmentations to traditional lecture education.

A 3D dynamic finite element analysis of biomechanical behaviour of maxilla and fixative appliances following advancement Le Fort I surgery applied in different lengths.

OBJECTIVES: Dynamic analysis of chewing impact on the stability of rigid fixation techniques following Le Fort I osteotomy has not been investigated in the previous literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate segmental displacement and von Mises (VM) stress values on the fixation devices following different amounts of Le Fort I advancements under dynamic loading conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 3D finite element models simulating 3, 5 and 8 mm advancement of maxilla at the Le Fort I level were generated using CBCT scan data. The models included two anterior L plates and two posterior I plates fixations bilaterally. Dynamic finite element analysis was performed to evaluate their biomechanical behavior against chewing cornflakes bio. Von Mises stresses and displacement values on three points were calculated. RESULTS: Calculations were made in a time of 38, 40 and 40.5 ms for 3, 5 and 8 mm advancement models, respectively. As the advancement increased, stress values on the plates and displacement values in the D1 (intersection of the apex of the canine tooth with the osteotomy line), D2 (the most prominent point of zygomatic buttress on the osteotomy line), and D3 (intersection of the midline of the second molar tooth with the osteotomy line) points increased. The lowest stress and displacement values were found in the 3 mm advancement model. As advancement increased, the highest values were found in the I plates. The stress levels on the plates and screws remained within safe limits. CONCLUSIONS: The von Mises stresses and displacement values tend to increase in according with the amount of advancement. More stress is transferred to posterior I plates and screws under dynamic forces.

YouTube™ as a source of parents' information for craniosynostosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the content, reliability and quality levels of YouTube™ videos regarding craniosynostosis for parents' information. METHODS: A keyword search for 'craniosynostosis' was conducted on YouTube, and the uniform resource locators of the first 160 videos were initially recorded and evaluated. Ninety-four videos that met the inclusion criteria were analysed. Each video received a score ranging from 0 to 9 points, classifying them as low-content (0-3), moderate-content (4-6) and high-content (7-9). The reliability scores adapted from DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) scores were recorded. RESULTS: The median content score for the videos was 4. According to the content scores, 34% of included videos (n = 32) were classified as low-content, 60.6% (n = 57) as moderate-content, and 5.3% (n = 5) as high-content. The median reliability score for the videos was 3, and the median GQS score was 3. The reliability and quality levels of videos classified as high-content and moderate-content were significantly superior to low-content videos (P < .05). Laypersons were identified as the most frequent source of information in the videos. However, most of the videos lacked information about syndromic/non-syndromic forms and specific complications. The importance of early referral/timing of surgery and minimally invasive surgical treatment techniques was mentioned in all high-content videos. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that YouTube™ in its current format, is not a fully trustable source for parents seeking information on craniosynostosis. Craniofacial units must increase the content, quality and reliability level of videos on craniosynostosis.

Are Social Media Platforms Appropriate Sources of Information for Patients Regarding the Topic of Facial Trauma?

BACKGROUND: Internet technologies have made a wide variety of information available to the public. Social media platforms (SMPs) can also be used as a source of information for patients seeking health care information. However, the quality of health information on SMPs is not clear and standardized. PURPOSE: To evaluate the content, reliability, and quality levels of videos reporting on facial trauma on a SMP (YouTube [Google LLC, San Bruno, California]) regarding patients' information. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This was a cross-sectional study, and the sample is composed of videos found on a SMP based on searching the keyword "facial trauma." English-language videos with acceptable audiovisual quality and content related to facial trauma were included in the study. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The descriptive features such as number of views, number of likes, number of comments, video duration, date of uploading, and the demographic features such as source and uploader were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: The primary outcome variable was content level. Secondary outcome variables were reliability and quality levels measured by DISCERN and Global Quality Scale. COVARIATES: The name and uniform resource locator of the videos were recorded as additional data. ANALYSES: The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare low-content and high-content videos with a significance level of P < .05. The Kappa test was used to assess the inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 50 videos that met study's inclusion. The mean total content score for the videos was 2.87 (range: 0 to 7), with 64% of all videos (n = 32) classified as low-content. The reliability and quality levels of videos classified as high-content were significantly superior (P < .001). In addition, the video duration was significantly higher in the high-content videos (P = .045). High-content videos were uploaded by health care professionals with a ratio of 39%, and the sources of these videos were predominantly oral and maxillofacial surgeons; however, low-content videos were mostly uploaded by clinics (75%), with the sources of these videos predominantly laypersons. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Given the generally low content, reliability, and quality of online videos regarding facial trauma, clinicians should be cautious in recommending or referring patients to SMPs.

Social appearance anxiety and oral health-related quality of life in middle-aged adults with implant therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The success of implant therapy is strongly related to the perceptions and expectations of the patients. AIM : This study aimed to assess the level of social appearance anxiety and oral health-related quality of life in middle-aged adults with implant-supported fixed prostheses and compare with individuals who have tooth loss without any prosthetic rehabilitation or who have natural teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The participants (n=292) were divided into three groups: group 1, individuals with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses; group 2, individuals with tooth loss; and group 3, individuals with totally natural teeth. A questionnaire form including basic questions, Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was distributed among patients. RESULTS: Group 2 showed a significantly higher level of SAAS and OHIP-14 scores compared with groups 1 and 3 (p<0.001). The SAAS scores were similar between groups 1 and 3, with no significant differences. The median OHIP-14 score was the lowest in group 3. For all groups, education was related to SAAS and OHIP-14 scores (p=0.037 and 0.002, respectively). The SAAS and OHIP-14 scores were significantly and positively related (p<0.001, r=0.501). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that patients with tooth loss had higher levels of SAAS and OHIP-14 scores. Besides, the SAAS scores were similar for patients with implant-supported fixed prostheses and those with natural teeth. Middle-aged adults with higher educational levels tended to present better oral health-related quality of life and lower social appearance anxiety.

Clinical and microbiological comparison of knotless/barbed and silk sutures for impacted third-molar surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several types of suture materials are available for oral surgery. However, the most used non-resorbable suture in oral surgery is 3/0 silk. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of knotless/barbed sutures with silk sutures during the postoperative period after the third molar surgery in terms of clinical and microbiological parameters. METHODS: The study comprised 38 patients who underwent surgical extraction of a mandibular impacted third molar. The patients were divided into two groups. The mucoperiosteal flap was closed using 3/0 knotless/barbed sutures for the test group and 3/0 silk sutures for the control group. The duration of suturing was recorded during surgery. Pain level, postoperative edema, and trismus were measured at 3 and 7 days after surgery. The status of plaque formation on the sutures was scored using the Plaque Index at 3 and 7 days after the surgery. At 7 days, the suture materials were removed and submitted to the laboratory for microbiological analysis. The level of pain during suture removal was also recorded by a Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: The duration of suturing in the barbed sutures group was found significantly lower than in silk sutures (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the suture types in terms of trismus and edema at 3 and 7 days after surgery (P>0.05). On the third day after surgery and during suture, removal pain scores were statistically significantly lower in the barbed suture group than in the silk suture group (P<0.05). The Plaque Index values of the barbed sutures were statistically significantly lower than that of the silk sutures at 3 and 7 days after surgery (P<0.05). Aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic/anaerobic mean colony forming units (CFUs) were statistically significantly lower in the barbed suture group than in the silk suture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Barbed sutures increase the ease of operation and patient comfort with less postoperative pain than silk sutures. Additionally, less plaque accumulation and lower bacterial colonization were found on the barbed/knotless sutures than on the silk sutures.

The effects of conscious sedation with nitrous oxide/oxygen on cognitive functions.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conscious sedation with 40% nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) on cognitive functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty dental patients referred to the sedation unit at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery received a combination of 40% N2O/O2 inhalation for conscious sedation. Psychometric tests were applied three times: before sedation, during sedation, and at the end of the recovery, for assessing cognitive functions. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the 40% N2O/O2 combination impaired cognitive functions during the conscious sedation. Recovery of most of the cognitive functions occurred 15 min after sedation. However, in addition to the persistence of 'hypnotic effects' and 'sensations of isolation' during the recovery period, 'motor loss value' showed more cognitive impairment 15 min after sedation than before the sedation period, and, thus, the ability to execute fine motor skills was not totally recovered by then. CONCLUSION: The results of this study could be crucial for informing patients about avoiding attentive activities soon after conscious sedation via 40% N2O/O2.