Indications for Dental Specialists for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Mandibular Advancement Devices: A Narrative Review.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is characterized by repeated airway collapse during sleep. It determines cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurocognitive consequences and is associated with several daytime and nighttime symptoms that influence the patient's quality of life. The contribution of the dental specialist in the clinical management of OSA patients entails participating in the screening process as diagnostic sentinels and providing adequate treatment using mandibular advancement devices (MADs). Since the treatment of OSA requires a multidisciplinary approach, including different medical specialists, dentists should have a comprehensive understanding of medical and dental factors that influence the strategy and effectiveness of OSA treatment with MAD. Such expertise is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment indications and helps clinicians establish a consolidated position within the multidisciplinary OSA team. In this regard, this review summarizes the evidence of the clinical indications for MAD treatment and provides the dental specialist with helpful information about medical, functional, and other relevant factors that should be considered during diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up stages. Information retrieved was organized and discussed, generating specific domains/queries oriented to the clinical management of OSA patients from the clinical perspective of dental specialists.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of resveratrol on oral cancer: potential therapeutic implications.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of resveratrol on oral neoplastic parameters through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has shown promising potential as a therapeutic agent in various cancer types, including oral neoplasms. Understanding the collective findings from existing studies can shed light on the efficacy and mechanisms of resveratrol in oral cancer management. The systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed to identify relevant studies from various databases, registers, websites, and citation searches. The inclusion criteria encompassed in-vivo studies investigating the impact of resveratrol on oral neoplastic parameters in animal models. After screening and assessment, a total of five eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the selected studies revealed that resveratrol treatment exhibited a potential impact on reducing oral neoplastic proliferation and promoting neoplastic apoptosis. The combined analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in neoplastic parameters with an overall effect size (ES) of 0.85 (95% CI: [0.74, 0.98]). Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential variations among different cellular types and exposure compounds, providing further insights into the efficacy of resveratrol in specific contexts. This systematic review and meta-analysis support the potential of resveratrol as a promising therapeutic agent in oral cancer management. The findings indicate that resveratrol may effectively modulate neoplastic proliferation and apoptosis in various cellular types within animal models of oral cancer. However, further well-controlled studies and clinical trials are warranted to validate these observations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of resveratrol's actions. Resveratrol holds promise as a complementary therapeutic approach in the prevention and treatment of oral neoplastic conditions.

Does hormone replacement therapy impact implant osseointegration in females- A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This review aimed to comprehensively investigate the impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) on implant osseointegration and bone loss. The study considered factors such as HRT type, osteoporosis, smoking, and diabetes mellitus, and analysed the available literature to provide insights into the association between HRT and implant outcomes. Methods: Multiple databases were utilized, and studies with diverse designs and methodologies were included that examined the relationship between HRT and implant osseointegration. The selected studies were analyzed and relevant data on implant success rates, bone loss, and other correlations was extracted. Results: The review findings indicate that HRT has a detrimental impact on implant osseointegration, as evidenced by lower implant success rates and increased bone loss in HRT-treated individuals. The odds ratio analysis further strengthens this association, with significant values of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.50-0.70) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.54-0.76), indicating a higher likelihood of implant failure in HRT-treated patients., highlighting the need for caution when considering HRT as a treatment option in patients undergoing implant procedures. Smoking and diabetes mellitus were also found to significantly affect implant outcomes, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors in patient management. Conclusion: The assessments demonstrate that HRT adversely affects implant osseointegration and increases bone loss. The results suggest the importance of considering the potential negative impact of HRT on implant outcomes and the need for thorough patient evaluation and management. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms, assess the impact of specific HRT types and dosages, and evaluate preventive strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of HRT on implant success.

Survivability of endodontically treated cracked tooth: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Literature evidence describes various treatment protocols that have been employed for the effectiveness in improving survival and addressing associated symptoms of cracked teeth. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review investigates the survivability of endodontically treated cracked teeth and associated assessments, focusing on various treatment protocols. METHODS: The PRISMA guidelines were utilised for guiding the article selection framework of this review. A comprehensive search of relevant literature was conducted in May 2023 across various databases, and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. Data extraction, guided by a standardized form, captured crucial details, including study characteristics, treatment protocols, and treatment outcomes, enhancing the consistency and accuracy of information collection. Data extraction and synthesis was done by two reviewers independently. The Newcastle Ottawa tool was used to measure the methodological quality of the study. Six observational studies were eventually included. RESULTS: Mandibular molars are particularly prone to developing cracks, with research indicating a heightened susceptibility to this dental issue. Studies reveal that endodontically treated cracked teeth boast robust overall survival rates ranging from 75.8% to 100%. The risk of bias assessment, utilizing the Newcastle Ottawa scale, indicated a moderate risk across studies, highlighting the necessity for careful interpretation of findings. CONCLUSION: Endodontically treated cracked teeth show marked success in survival, with the incorporation of crowns post-endodontic treatment significantly enhancing longevity and resilience.

Photographic analysis of orofacial soft tissue alterations related to rapid maxillary expansion in pediatric patients.

Maxillary transverse deficiency is widely recognized as one of the most common skeletal issues in orthodontics, and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is commonly employed as a treatment method. This study aimed to investigate the impact of RME on the soft tissues of the orofacial region in pediatric patients. The study included two groups: an experimental group comprising 30 patients (16 females and 14 males) with maxillary skeletal transverse deficiency who required rapid maxillary expansion (RME), and a control group consisting of patients (10 females and 10 males) who did not require RME or orthodontic treatment. Frontal and profile photographs were taken before and after RME for both groups. Frontal photographs were used to obtain 12 linear measurements, while profile photographs were used to perform 2 linear and 2 angular measurements using the "protractor" and "pixel ruler" software. Burstone-Legan, Steiner and Rickett's analyses were performed to determine the locations of the upper and lower lips. Student t-test, paired samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate the data. In the experimental group, there was a statistically significant increase in nose width and intercommissural distance at the end of the treatment (p < 0.05). Similarly, both the experimental and control groups showed a statistically significant increase in the dorsum of nose length at T2 compared to the initial measurement (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the male participants in the experimental group exhibited a statistically significantly higher increase in nose length and dorsum of the nose during the T1 and T2 periods compared to the female participants in the experimental group (p < 0.05). RME may lead to changes in soft tissues in pediatric patients and was observed to be gender-specific. However, these changes were not clinically noticeable, and long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of these changes.

The relationship between pregnancy and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) through diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) axis II evaluation: a case-control cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This study focuses on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which affect the temporomandibular joint and related muscles and have multiple causes. Recent studies have examined the connection between menstrual cycles, estrogen levels, and TMDs, but results are inconsistent, highlighting the need for more research. The aim is to explore the prevalence of TMDs in pregnant women and consider how hormonal changes during pregnancy might influence these disorders. METHODS: In this cross-sectional case-control study, we compared 32 pregnant women with 35 non-pregnant women. We evaluated several TMD-related factors such as pain levels, chronic pain classification, scores on the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 and Oral Behaviors Checklist, and psychological health. We used various statistical methods including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, linear regression, and adjustments for multiple comparisons to analyze the data. RESULTS: Pregnant women showed different pain perceptions, generally reporting less pain and lower severity. Nonetheless, these differences were not uniform across all TMD-related measures. Linear regression did not find a consistent link between pregnancy and TMD scores, except for chronic pain grade, which was not significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There was a significant relationship between depression and TMD severity, emphasizing the need to consider mental health in TMD evaluations. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that pregnancy is neither a risk nor a protective factor for TMD. Differences in pain perception, functional status, and psychological health were observed in pregnant women but were not consistent for all TMD-related aspects. The role of estrogen in TMJ health and TMD risk is complex and requires further study. The research highlights the necessity of including mental health, especially depression, in TMD assessments. More comprehensive research with larger sample sizes is essential to better understand the connections between pregnancy, TMD, and hormones, aiming to improve TMD management in pregnant women and others.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in oncological patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potential association with cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, aimed to evaluate the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed to identify relevant studies published up to September 2021. Eligible studies reporting on the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients, encompassing various study designs, were included in the analysis. Pooled estimates of the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: Seventeen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were subsequently included in the review. The prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients was estimated to have an overall OR of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.85). In comparison with non-cancer patients, cancer patients had a statistically significant greater risk of OSAS, as indicated by the total estimated RR for the prevalence of OSAS in cancer patients, which was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92). Nonetheless, there was a significant amount of heterogeneity (I2 = 96%) among the studies. CONCLUSION: The overall data analysed in this review indicates that patients with cancer had far reduced likelihood of developing OSAS than individuals without cancer. However, the significant variation across the included studies highlights the need for additional investigation to fully clarify the complex association between OSAS and cancer incidence. These results emphasise how critical it is to identify OSAS as a possible comorbidity in cancer patients, one that should be taken into account for clinical management and ongoing research.

Chewing Function with Efficiency Tests in Subjects Wearing Clear Aligners.

This study assessed the masticatory function of participants wearing clear aligners in order to determine whether these devices can be worn even when eating and therefore worn to extend treatment time and boost treatment effectiveness. An intercontrol test was conducted on 20 patients who received Invisalign® treatment. Each participant was instructed to chew two pieces of Hue-Check Gum® chewing gum (one pink and the other blue) in 5, 10, and 20 cycles both with and without aligners. After being removed from the oral cavity, the gum was dried and pressed using a 1 × 50 × 50 mm model that was 3D printed with a transparent layer in between. After being scanned on both sides with a flatbed scanner at 600 dpi, the samples were saved as jpg files and subjected to an optoelectronic examination using ViewGum software. To validate the procedure, a control group from a different institution (University of Bern) was used. A statistical analysis of the data was carried out. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm the normality of the samples. A one-way ANOVA test, a homogeneity of variance test, and a t-test did not reveal statistically significant differences between the two control groups, thus validating the methodology employed. In summary, clear aligners do not radically change the masticatory function while they are worn. As a result, clinicians can exploit the aligners for chewing to obtain a better fit of the plastic material to the dental surface and to attachments. Treatment times for patients could also be shorter.

Evaluation and assessment of the survival of tooth implant supported prosthesis in tooth and implant supported rehabilitation cases with metal frameworks.

INTRODUCTION: Over the years, implant therapy has been a commonly used treatment option for individuals who are partially or totally edentulous, with a long-term success rate of over 90%. With significant advancements in biomaterials and technology, implant dentistry can now conduct prosthetic rehabilitations in the majority of patients catering to all types of needs. However, in order to meet the demands of a patient base that is always growing, new trends in implantology are emerging in recent years that are focused on minimally invasive surgery and financial sustainability. In certain clinical scenarios, connecting teeth and implants to support fixed partial prosthesis (FPPs) may be a predictable and workable course of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 22 patients were selected for this study who had tooth and implant supported prosthesis placed as a final restoration. Out of these 22 patients; 12 were male and 10 were female patients. Implants were placed following proper protocol and if grafting procedures were required they were carried out. A second stage surgical procedure was carried out and delayed loading protocols were followed. The statistical analysis was done using the IBM SPSS 24.0, Chicago, USA. The survival of the implants and teeth were measured by the Kaplan Meier survival scale. Bone loss was assessed at baseline(upon loading), 12 months and 24 months. RESULTS: The implant survival rate was measured at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. At 24 months, one implant showed failure, so the survival rate of the implants were 95.4%. Bone loss of 1 mm was seen around one implant at 12 months. Bone loss of 1 and 2 mm was present around two implants and one implant respectively at 24 months. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, we can conclude that tooth implant supported prosthesis show very good survival when used in rehabilitation cases.

Antimicrobial Activity of Antibacterial Sutures in Oral Surgery: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review was to explore and synthesise the current evidence on the antimicrobial activity of antibacterial suture materials used in oral surgery. METHODS: The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed and Scopus databases to retrieve all human clinical studies that investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of antibacterial-coated sutures used in oral surgery. Included studies were screened and extracted independently by 2 examiners. Data were tabulated and qualitatively described. RESULTS: The search initially returned 150 articles and resulted in 5 included studies after the duplicates' removal and the full-text screening. Selected studies were published from 2014 to 2019. Three studies (60%) were randomised clinical trials, whilst the remaining studies did not report information on randomisation. The antimicrobial agents for coated sutures included triclosan and chlorhexidine. In almost all the studies, antibacterial-coated sutures exhibited lower bacterial retention compared to those without coating. CONCLUSIONS: Within limitations, the antimicrobial-coated sutures employed in oral surgery exhibited good results in terms of their microbicidal activity when compared with sutures that were not coated. Considering the high variability and confounding factors identified in the included studies, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these results. Antimicrobial-coated sutures could represent a promising and clinically valid strategy to reduce microbial colonisation in oral surgery. The reduced bacterial adherence is likely to improve the clinical success of the surgical procedures. Yet, the cost-benefit ratio of antimicrobial-coated sutures should be assessed in larger clinical trials to confirm their efficacy over conventional noncoated sutures.

Accuracy of temporomandibular disorders diagnosis evaluated through the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder (DC/TDM) Axis II compared to the Axis I evaluations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that facilitates mandibular movements during speech, chewing, and swallowing activities. The Axis I evaluation of the DC/TMD focuses on assessing physical diagnoses related to TMDs. It includes an assessment of pain and functional limitations, such as jaw opening range, joint sounds, and joint tenderness. The Axis II evaluation of the DC/TMD provides information on the patient's psychological status and quality of life. This Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Temporomandibular Disorders diagnosis considered through the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (DC/TDM) axis II compared to the Axis I evaluations. METHODS: A search was made in PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs for articles published from the inception until 20 January 2023. We applied the Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcomes (PECO) model [1] to assess document eligibility. Only studies that evaluated patients by DC/TMD Axis I and Axis II were considered. Review Manager version 5.2.8 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for the pooled analysis. We measured the odds ratio (OR) between the two groups (Axis I and Axis II). RESULTS: Fifty-one articles were selected because of the search. Four papers were excluded before the screening: 2 pieces were not in English, and two were reviewed. The remaining 47 articles were selected for the title and abstract screening to evaluate whether they met the PECO criteria. Among these, four papers were established; the overall effect showed that there was no difference in TMD diagnosis between Axis I and Axis II (RR 1.17; 95% CI: 0.80- 1.71; Z:0.82; P = .41), suggesting that there is no difference between Axis I and Axis II. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, DC/TMD is an effective tool for the diagnosis of TMD. It improves the accuracy of TMD diagnosis, allows for the classification of subtypes, and assesses psychosocial factors that may impact the development or maintenance of TMD symptoms.

Reliabilty of recording occlusal contacts by using intraoral scanner and articulating paper - A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The recording of occlusal contacts is a pivotal step in many dental procedures, yet the lack of a standardized method could introduce clinical errors. The aim of this study was to compare the occlusal contacts recorded using a intraoral scanner to the contacts recorded using articulating paper. As a secondary outcome, the subjective clinical assessment made using the two methods was compared between different observers. METHODS: Twenty-eight records were analysed for this study. Digital scan and intraoral photos of the coloured marks impressed by articulating paper were taken at the same time point for every patient. Using a standardized occlusal template, two operators recorded the number of occlusal contacts for every tooth provided by the two techniques. Then, 11 clinicians analysed the collected records and answered questions about the quality of the occlusions observed. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the number of contacts recorded by digital scan and those recorded by the photographed articulation marks, except in the case of the upper central incisors and first premolars. The Kappa Fleiss showed slight and fair agreement between clinicians when judging the occlusions. CONCLUSION: The occlusal contacts recorded using the intraoral scanner and those recorded with the articulating paper did not match, and overall the clinicians showed low agreement when rating the recorded data. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite of the great clinical importance of occlusal contact there is a lack of a precise method for recording and collecting occlusal contacts.

Efficacy of acupuncture and laser acupuncture in temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the scientific literature regarding the use of acupuncture and laser acupuncture in the treatment of pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The aim of this article was to assess the clinical evidence for acupuncture and laser acupuncture therapies as treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review includes randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and laser acupuncture as a treatment for TMD compared to other treatments. Systematic searches were conducted in 3 electronic databases up to July 2023; PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases. All RCTs of acupuncture for TMD were searched without language restrictions. Studies in which no clinical data and complex interventions were excluded. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) tool was employed to analyze randomized controlled trials. A Meta-analysis was performed in order to investigate a quantitative analysis comparing acupuncture and laser acupuncture to placebo. RESULTS: A total of 11 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. The findings show that acupuncture is short-term helpful for reducing the severity of TMD pain with muscle origin. Meta-analysis revealed that the Acupuncture group and Laser Acupuncture group had a higher efficacy rate than the Placebo control group, showing a high efficacy of Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture group in the treatment of temporomandibular. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our systematic review demonstrate that the evidence for acupuncture as a symptomatic treatment of TMD is limited. Further rigorous studies are, however, required to establish beyond doubt whether acupuncture has therapeutic value for this indication. However high efficacy of Laser Acupuncture in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders was reported.

Prenatal incidence of cleft lip/palate and cocaine abuse in parents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the association between maternal cocaine abuse during pregnancy and the prevalence of cleft lip/palate (CL/P) in offspring, synthesizing existing evidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis. CL/P is a congenital craniofacial anomaly with complex etiology, and prior research has suggested potential links between maternal cocaine use and CL/P. However, these associations remain inconclusive. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to the study's cutoff date in September 2021. Several databases were systematically searched using predefined search terms. Inclusion criteria were set to encompass studies reporting on the prevalence of CL/P in infants born to mothers with a history of cocaine use during pregnancy, with a comparison group of non-cocaine-using mothers. Data were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) and relative risks (RR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The review included data from 4 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The combined OR from two studies was 0.05 (95% CI: 0.00, 4.41), which does not suggest a statistically significant association between prenatal cocaine exposure and the incidence of CL/P due to the confidence interval crossing the null value. Additionally, the combined RR was 0.17 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.66), indicating a statistically significant decrease in the risk of CL/P associated with prenatal cocaine exposure. These results, with an OR that is not statistically significant and an RR suggesting decreased risk, should be interpreted with caution due to considerable heterogeneity and variability among the included studies' findings. Further research is needed to clarify these associations. CONCLUSION: The findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that maternal cocaine use during pregnancy is not a statistically significant independent risk factor for the development of CL/P in offspring. These results underscore the multifactorial nature of CL/P etiology and emphasize the importance of considering other genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors in understanding the condition's origins. While the study provides important insights, limitations such as data heterogeneity and potential confounders should be acknowledged. Future research should adopt rigorous study designs and explore a broader range of potential risk factors to comprehensively elucidate CL/P development.

Evaluation and assessment of the wettabilty and water contact angle of modified poly methyl methacrylate denture base materials against PEEK in cast partial denture framework: an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of adults with partially dental arches is expected to be more than imagined and patients requiring replacement of missing teeth are slowly increasing in number too. Removable partial dentures are known to provide for substantial replacement for the missing teeth with also added advantages when compared to fixed or implant prosthesis, mainly in elderly patients. Denture base material performance and durability are greatly influenced by wettability and water contact angle. In the case of dentures; adequate moisture distribution is necessary to ensure excellent wettability which has an influence on comfort and oral health. The purpose of conducting this study was to find out whether the advancements made using PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) would prove to be more beneficial than the current upgrades in the current material spectrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed under in vitro conditions. All the fabrication and processing was done only by one operator. The materials used were divided into three groups each comprising 20 samples. Group A was modified polymethylmethacrylate (Bredent Polyan), Group B was polyoxymethylene acetal resin (Biodentaplast) and Group C was PEEK. An Ossila Goniometer was used to measure the contact angle. The three types of liquids used for the testing included distilled water, natural saliva and mouth wetting solution (Wet Mouth Liquid, ICPA India). Human saliva was collected from an individual with no medical conditions and normal salivary secretion. RESULTS: The data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and a pairwise comparison using the Post Hoc Tukey's Honest Significant Difference. Table 1 consists of the mean water contact angles of the denture base materials and mean contact angles of various denture base materials. In saliva, mouth wetting solution and distilled water, the highest mean and least mean contact angle was seen in Polyan and Biodentaplast respectively. A signicant difference was seen between PEEK and Polyan and Biodentaplast and Polyan on further comparison. CONCLUSION: From the resources and the materials at our disposal, it could be concluded that Polyan, Biodentaplast and PEEK and could be used as viable options in cast partial denture framework.

The commercially available oral rinse vs. curcumin photosensitizers in an artificial mouth model mimicking their use after meals on early colonizers single species biofilm: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Commercially available oral rinses contain active ingredients with concentration that is claimed by manufacturers to be effective as antiplaque agent. To date there has been no mention of the effect of oral rinse on the adherence of early plaque colonizers in plaque formation and the concentration to be used before/after meals. OBJECTIVE: The chief aim of the study was to evaluate microbial retention on the salivary pellicle on treatment with oral rinses (CHX & EO)/PS (mimicking after meals use of mouth wash/PS). METHODS: Noordini's Artifical Mouth model was used for developing the single species biofilm with early microbial colonizers of oral biofilm (A. viscosus, Strep. mitis and Strep. sanguinis respectively). The microbial retention on use of oral rinses comprising of CHX and EO as an active ingredients respectively was compared with Curcumin PS. For evaluating the microbial retention, the pellicle with microbial inoculation was developed on the glass beads in the mouth model. Subsequently the respective single specie biofilm was exposed to the mouth wash and PS after inoculation. It mimicked as use of mouth wash/PS after meals. The bacterial count in the dental biofilm was evaluated on serial dilution (CFU/ml). Sterile deionized water was used as a negative control. For qualitative analysis, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the microbial count. RESULTS: From the data it was observed that for the treatment of single species experimental biofilm with commercially available mouth rinses (CHX & EO) and PS (curcumin), there was significant retention for S.mitis, S.sanguinis and A.viscosus. There was no significant difference observed between PS and CHX treated single species biofilm. Whereas a significant difference was observed between EO treated biofilms and CHX/PS treated biofilms (p⩽ 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the results that curcumin PS and CHX should not be used after meals whereas EO containing mouth rinse can be used to maintain the oral mocroflora.

Up regulation of serum L fucose glycoprotein as a diagnostic biomarker for dysplasia in oral sub mucous fibrosis patients.

Glycoproteins, essential for cellular functions, contain monosaccharides like Levo-fucose, crucial for cell communication. Recent research highlights serum L-fucose as a potential biomarker for early detection of malignancies. Typically, serum L-fucose levels are low but rise with malignancy. This study evaluates serum L-fucose as an early biomarker in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients. Aim: Assess serum L-fucose's diagnostic potential for dysplasia in OSMF patients. Objectives: Determine the Association between Serum L Fucose Glycoprotein Levels and Dysplasia in OSF Patients.Evaluate the Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum L Fucose Glycoprotein as a Biomarker for OSF-Related Dysplasia. Methodology: Over a span of two years, this study encompassed 80 subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years, who were clinically and histopathologically identified as OSMF patients, with or without dysplastic alterations. From each participant, 5 ml of blood was collected. Following centrifugation to separate the serum, the samples were analyzed to determine the levels of Levo-fucose. Statistical analysis: Using SPSS (version 17.0), serum L-Fucose levels of the case group were compared to the control group using ANOVA. Frequencies were analyzed with the chi-square test, and Tukey's Test was used for multiple comparisons. Significance was set at p < 0.01. Results: The analysis revealed a statistically significant disparity in the mean serum L-Fucose levels between the two groups (p < 0.01). Notably, Group II patients (those with OSMF and dysplasia) exhibited markedly elevated mean serum L-fucose levels. Conclusion: Elevated serum L-Fucose levels were observed in OSMF patients with dysplasia. Harmful habits, especially gutkha chewing, were linked to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma onset. Serum L-fucose can be a reliable marker for evaluating precancerous conditions.

Applications of artificial intelligence in the utilisation of imaging modalities in dentistry: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in-vitro studies.

Background: In the past, dentistry heavily relied on manual image analysis and diagnostic procedures, which could be time-consuming and prone to human error. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought transformative potential to the field, promising enhanced accuracy and efficiency in various dental imaging tasks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the applications of AI in dental imaging modalities, focusing on in-vitro studies. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were systematically searched: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Google Scholar. The meta-analysis employed fixed-effects models to assess AI accuracy, calculating odds ratios (OR) for true positive rate (TPR), true negative rate (TNR), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity and overall effect tests were applied to ensure the reliability of the findings. Results: 9 studies were selected that encompassed various objectives, such as tooth segmentation and classification, caries detection, maxillofacial bone segmentation, and 3D surface model creation. AI techniques included convolutional neural networks (CNNs), deep learning algorithms, and AI-driven tools. Imaging parameters assessed in these studies were specific to the respective dental tasks. The analysis of combined ORs indicated higher odds of accurate dental image assessments, highlighting the potential for AI to improve TPR, TNR, PPV, and NPV. The studies collectively revealed a statistically significant overall effect in favor of AI in dental imaging applications. Conclusion: In summary, this systematic review and meta-analysis underscore the transformative impact of AI on dental imaging. AI has the potential to revolutionize the field by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and time savings in various dental tasks. While further research in clinical settings is needed to validate these findings and address study limitations, the future implications of integrating AI into dental practice hold great promise for advancing patient care and the field of dentistry.

Therapeutic evaluation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles based herbal dental varnish derived from rosemary and ginger extracts:A comprehensive investigation into anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

BACKGROUND: Titanium nanoparticles (NPs) offer promising applications in the treatment and prevention of inflammatory disorders due to their unique physicochemical characteristics. However, additional research is necessary to attain a thorough comprehension and validate the efficacy of this approach in dental practice. OBJECTIVE: This study scrutinizes the anti-inflammatory properties of a dental varnish infused with ginger and rosemary extracts mediated by titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. METHODS: A herbal dental varnish was formulated by integrating ginger and rosemary extracts with titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 µL. Anti-inflammatory properties were assessed through Bovine Serum Albumin denaturation and membrane stabilization assays, comparing results with a control group. RESULTS: The results reveal concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the test group when compared to the control group. The BSA assay corroborates increased percent inhibition with rising titanium dioxide nanoparticle concentrations. In line with existing literature, titanium dioxide nanoparticles enhance dental material properties. CONCLUSION: The bioactive compounds in ginger and rosemary, such as phenolic compounds and terpenes, contribute to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the varnish. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in addressing inflammatory diseases underscores their significance in this formulation.

Impact of various aligner auxiliaries on orthodontic activity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: It is imperative to analyze the forces and moments produced by various auxiliaries in order to select the optimal attachments and, eventually, to maximize the efficacy and efficiency of orthodontic therapy. Through this investigation, we aimed to highlight the impact of various aligner auxiliaries on orthodontic activity in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment on a pre/post treatment protocol basis. Methods: After a thorough search of the online journals, a total of 482 documents were found using keywords such as "Orthodontic Treatment", "Aligner Auxiliaries", "Elastic Ligatures" and "Tooth Movement." The database research, elimination of duplicate studies, data extraction and risk of bias were performed by the authors independently. This systematic review and network meta-analysis included prospective studies and clinical trials to evaluate research that had looked at the impact of various aligner auxiliaries on orthodontic activity in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Results: Eight investigations of varying designs were selected for this review. The majority of investigations revealed that aligner auxiliaries significantly improve anterior root torque, rotation, and mesio-distal (M-D) movement, as well as posterior anchoring. They also significantly improved anterior root rotation. However, few studies have presented inconsistent or non-statistically significant findings. Conclusion: Auxiliaries for aligners also appear to improve extrusion and other orthodontic movements, but there is insufficient evidence to support these claims. No research has examined posterior bucco-lingual expansion or tilting. Clarification of the effect of attachments and their related variables requires additional clinical investigations.