Salivary factors associated with noncarious cervical lesions: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of observational studies searching the association between salivary factors (amount and quality of saliva) and noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) in individuals with permanent dentition. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies performed in humans with permanent dentition (population) and considering noncarious cervical lesions (outcome) in association with salivary characteristics (exposure) were included. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS/BBO, Scopus, Embase, IBCT, NICE, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar were searched, with no language or date restrictions. Of 6561 potentially eligible studies, 142 were selected for full-text analysis. Three reviewers independently selected the studies, performed data extraction, and quality analysis through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Finally, ten references were included in the review, four case-control and six cross-sectional studies. Several salivary parameters were evaluated. Some parameters were considered associated with the presence of noncarious cervical lesions: salivary buffering capacity, salivary pH, citric acid, and calcium and potassium levels. The methodological quality varied across studies, with high heterogeneity among them. CONCLUSIONS: Some associations between saliva and NCCL suggesting protective factors and others risk factors were found. However, the evidence is sparse and comes from a few studies with great heterogeneity. New scientific evidence, with standardized methods, should be encouraged. Understanding salivary parameters that influence the occurrence of NCCL is important to guide dentists in relation to etiological factors that could potentially be neglected. The results may help in the development of new and early diagnostic methods and treatments for noncarious cervical lesions.

A new way of analyzing tooth movement using universal coordinate system geometry single point superposition in a 3D model.

INTRODUCTION: Superposing 3D models is an imminent need. However, current methods rely on marking multiple points on the maxilla and mandible, which could increase point marking and overlapping errors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at developing a method for superimposing 3D models of the maxillary and mandibular arches with Autodesk Inventor® engineering software, using a single universal coordinate system (UCS) point superposition. METHODS: A total of 104 STL (stereolithography) models of the maxillary and mandibular arches exported from My iTero® platform were retrospectively selected, in which T0 and T1 were the initial and refinement periods, respectively (n=26 per group). The X, Y, and Z coordinates associated with a single point in each arch were inserted into the models with SlicerCMF® software for model orientation. The arch models with UCS registration were transferred to Autodesk Inventor® for superimposition and to measure tooth movements performed during Invisalign® treatment. Arch expansion, intrusion and rotation were analyzed by two examiners. The statistics were performed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Dahlberg's formula, and t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: A reliable method of superimposing 3D digital models using a single UCS point in the maxilla and mandible was developed. ICC showed excellent intra- and inter-examiner correlation (ICC>0.90). A systematic error was not found concerning linear and angular measurements (<1mm and <1.5°, respectively). Digital dental movements could be analyzed, including arch expansion, dental intrusion, and tooth rotation. CONCLUSIONS: The developed method was proven reliable and reproducible for superimposing 3D models of the maxillary and mandibular arches by using UCS system.

Noncarious cervical lesions in the aging population analyzed through digital scanning: occlusal risk factors, dimensions, and morphology.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) in older adults by analyzing each lesion's morphology, dimension, and occlusal risk factors using intraoral scanning and clinical evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals over 60 treated at the School of Dentistry in Minas Gerais, Brazil, were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. We clinically evaluated 1245 teeth for the presence of NCCL and dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in 53 individuals. Three-dimensional models were obtained using Omnicam, and occlusal risk factors were evaluated through the presence of wear facets, intense occlusal contacts, and interferences. The 3Shape 3DViewer software was used to classify NCCL morphology and to measure their height. NCCL depth, width, and area measurements were determined using ImageJ. Descriptive analyses were performed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed that quantitative data exhibited non-normal distribution. For bivariate analyses of quantitative data, the Mann-Whitney test was employed. The results were reported with mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum. For bivariate analyses of categorical data, the Pearson chi-square test was used. The results were reported with frequencies (counts) and percentages. A regression model evaluating the association between occlusal risk factors and the absence/presence of NCCL was built. RESULTS: Most participants were female (58.5%), with a mean age of 66. The frequency of NCCL was 28.27%, corresponding to 352 teeth. Of these, 68.18% exhibited saucer morphology and 31.82% wedge-shaped morphology. The frequency of DH was 13.92% in teeth with NCCL. Saucer NCCL exhibited significantly greater height (p = 0.02), while wedge-shaped lesions showed greater depth (p < 0.001). Also, teeth with NCCL had a higher proportion of wear facets (66.8%; p < 0.001), intense occlusal contacts (39.8%; p = 0.008), and occlusal interferences (21.9%; p = 0.05). The regression model showed that teeth with wear facets were 1.50 times more likely to exhibit NCCL than teeth without wear facets (p < 0.001). Teeth with intense occlusal contact were 1.22 times more likely to exhibit NCCL than teeth without intense occlusal contact (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: NCCL is a common dental condition in the older adults evaluated in this study. Wedge-shaped NCCL exhibited greater depth, while saucer NCCL had more expressive height. Occlusal risk factors may represent a crucial mechanism for the occurrence of NCCL in this population. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the mechanisms involved in developing NCCL is helpful in diagnostic and preventive practices. The study showed the importance of dental occlusion and characteristics of different NCCL morphologies that help the clinician in decision-making.

Perceptions and conducts of oral and maxillofacial surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are among the frontline healthcare workers and are classified as a high-risk group for COVID-19 infection; however, it has not yet been defined how these professionals were impacted. The aim of this study was to explore the conducts and perceptions of oral and maxillofacial surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Nine individuals, mean age 34.8 years, 66.6% men, were included in the study. A semi-structured interview with a qualitative approach was applied to professionals belonging to a messaging application group (WhatsApp). Content analysis was performed in the light of Hellerian theory in its daily theoretical framework for the interpretation of the memories reported by the participants. Four themes were identified. The lack of knowledge about COVID-19 and the fear of being contaminated during care were the main factors responsible for changes in the professionals' work routine. An important point was the collective reflection of the participants about the increase in biosafety barriers, which ensured a greater sense of security. The need for social isolation to contain the virus was also described. As a result, there was a great distance between professionals and their families, which generated high levels of anxiety in the former. Repetitive reports of slowness and reduced attendance directly related to financial loss and aggravated stress were also highlighted. The findings of this study reveal that oral and maxillofacial surgeons had their professional-personal axis affected in terms of daily habits, family life and financial strain, aspects that were responsible for impacting stress and anxiety levels.

A multilevel analysis model for dental caries determinants in independently-living elderly

To evaluate the prevalence of untreated caries and its association with biological, individual, and environmental variables in independently-living elderly people. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 72 elderly (≥60 years) patients of a university dental clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Sociodemographic data, systemic diseases, medications, and free sugar intake were collected. Visible plaque, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT), and Decayed and Filled Root (DFR) indexes were assessed through clinical examination. Unstimulated saliva was collected to determine salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity. Descriptive analysis and multilevel logistic regression analysis were performed following a dental caries theoretical model (p <0.05, 95% CI). Results: The mean DMFT and DFR were 24.44 (SD=4.59) and 3.21 (SD=2.93), respectively. The prevalence of untreated caries was 61.11%. In the adjusted multilevel regression model involving 1639 teeth, untreated dental caries was significantly associated with the presence of biofilm (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.24­2.74), salivary buffering capacity (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77­0.99) and per capita income (OR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.004­0.74). Conclusion: The experience of dental caries was widespread among independently-living elderly patients, and its variability was best explained by the presence of biofilm, reduced salivary buffering capacity, and low per capita income. A comprehensive assessment is needed of the biological, individual, and environmental factors related to the presence of dental caries in independently-living elderly people

A new way of analyzing tooth movement using universal coordinate system geometry single point superposition in a 3D model

ABSTRACT Introduction: Superposing 3D models is an imminent need. However, current methods rely on marking multiple points on the maxilla and mandible, which could increase point marking and overlapping errors. Objective: This study aimed at developing a method for superimposing 3D models of the maxillary and mandibular arches with Autodesk Inventor® engineering software, using a single universal coordinate system (UCS) point superposition. Methods: A total of 104 STL (stereolithography) models of the maxillary and mandibular arches exported from My iTero® platform were retrospectively selected, in which T0 and T1 were the initial and refinement periods, respectively (n=26 per group). The X, Y, and Z coordinates associated with a single point in each arch were inserted into the models with SlicerCMF® software for model orientation. The arch models with UCS registration were transferred to Autodesk Inventor® for superimposition and to measure tooth movements performed during Invisalign® treatment. Arch expansion, intrusion and rotation were analyzed by two examiners. The statistics were performed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Dahlberg's formula, and t-test (p<0.05). Results: A reliable method of superimposing 3D digital models using a single UCS point in the maxilla and mandible was developed. ICC showed excellent intra- and inter-examiner correlation (ICC>0.90). A systematic error was not found concerning linear and angular measurements (<1mm and <1.5°, respectively). Digital dental movements could be analyzed, including arch expansion, dental intrusion, and tooth rotation. Conclusions: The developed method was proven reliable and reproducible for superimposing 3D models of the maxillary and mandibular arches by using UCS system.

RESUMO Introdução: A sobreposição de modelos 3D é uma necessidade iminente. No entanto, os métodos atuais dependem da marcação de múltiplos pontos na maxila e na mandíbula, o que pode aumentar a incorporação de erros no processo de sobreposição. Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver um método para sobrepor modelos 3D das arcadas superior e inferior utilizando o software de engenharia Autodesk Inventor®, por meio da marcação de um único ponto em cada arcada, usando o sistema de coordenadas universal (UCS). Métodos: No total, 104 modelos STL das arcadas superior e inferior exportados da plataforma My iTero® foram selecionados retrospectivamente, onde T0 foi o período inicial e T1, o de refinamento (n=26 por grupo). As coordenadas X, Y e Z associadas a um único ponto em cada arcada foram inseridas nos modelos usando o software SlicerCMF®. Os modelos com os pontos UCS demarcados foram transferidos para o software Autodesk Inventor® para realizar a sobreposição e medir os movimentos dentários realizados durante o tratamento com Invisalign®. Os movimentos de expansão, intrusão e rotação foram analisados por dois examinadores. A análise estatística foi realizada usando os coeficientes de correlação intra-classe (ICC), fórmula de Dahlberg e teste t (p<0,05). Resultados: Foi desenvolvido um método confiável de sobreposição de modelos digitais 3D usando um único ponto UCS na maxila e mandíbula. O ICC apresentou excelente correlação intra e inter-avaliadores (ICC>0,90). Não foi encontrado erro sistemático nas medidas lineares e angulares (<1mm e <1,5°, respectivamente). Os movimentos dentários puderam ser analisados por meio do método proposto, incluindo expansão da arcada, intrusão e rotação dentária. Conclusão: O método desenvolvido provou ser confiável e reprodutível para sobreposição de modelos 3D das arcadas superior e inferior usando o sistema UCS com marcação de ponto único.

Short-term effect of adhesive system on clinical performance of bulk fill composite: randomized clinical trial

Aim: Although bulk fill composites have been widely used as restorative material, there is no consensus regarding the best clinical protocol in terms of composite technique and adhesive system. Therefore, this clinical trial evaluated the clinical performance of bulk fill composites for class I restorations under different protocols. Methods: A randomized clinical trial including 155 class I restorations was conducted using different adhesive systems: conventional technique (phosphoric acid + conventional three-step adhesive system) (Group 1, 2 and 3); or self-etching adhesive system (Groups 4, 5 and 6). Control groups 1 and 4 were restored with conventional composite; groups 2 and 5 with low viscosity bulk fill and conventional composite as occlusal coverage; groups 3 and 6 with high viscosity bulk fill. The FDI criteria was used for clinical evaluation at baseline and after 6 months. Results: All groups showed good clinical performance. At baseline, the adhesive system did not affect postoperative hypersensitivity. After 6 months, group 5 showed a significant reduction in color and translucency; group 6 a reduction in terms of anatomical form and for postoperative sensitivity and an improvement in patient satisfaction (p<0.05). Considering the same restorative technique, the use of the self-etching adhesive system showed a significant decrease in color and translucency (p<0.05). Conclusion: All groups showed favorable clinical performance, and promising results were found for the conventional adhesive system and high viscosity bulk fill protocol

Adjunctive therapies for in vitro carious lesions: Antimicrobial activity, activation of dentin metalloproteinases and effects on dental pulp cells.

BACKGROUND: Adjunctive therapies used before dental restorative procedures may encourage carious tissue removal. Beyond promising antimicrobial properties, treatments could positively modulate the dentin-pulp complex while not interfering with restoration survival. Herein, we evaluated a set of substances and their effects on carious lesions and the underlying dentin or pulp cells. METHODS: Artificial caries lesions were developed in bovine teeth cavities immersed in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei co-cultures. The cavities were treated according to the following groups: Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS), Chlorhexidine (CHX), Papacárie® (Papain gel), Ozone (O3), and antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). After treatments, samples were cultivated to count isolated microbial colonies. The zymography assay evaluated the activity of dentin metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Cell viability was indirectly assessed on human dental pulp cells after 24, 72, or 120 h, whereas the odontodifferentiation potential was evaluated after ten days of cell culture. RESULTS: CHX and aPDT led to around 1 log bacterial load reduction. PBS, CHX, and aPDT showed the eventual expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Cell viability was reduced (< 30%) after 120 h for all groups compared to the control. CHX, O3, and aPDT induced greater odontodifferentiation (≈ 20% higher) than PBS and papain gel. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive therapies presented little or no biological significance in reducing bacterial load in artificial carious lesions. Although the activation of endogenous metalloproteinases may represent a possible concern for adhesive restorations, some of these treatments may have a positive role in dental pulp tissue repair.

Enhanced mechanical properties, anti-biofilm activity, and cytocompatibility of a methacrylate-based polymer loaded with native multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to optimize the mechanical and biological properties of a conventional methacrylate-based dental polymer by loading it with double- and triple-walled carbon nanotubes as growth (DTWCNTG). METHODS: A formulation of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (mass ratio = 2:1) was mixed with DTWCNTG at concentrations of 0.0% (control), 0.001%, 0.005%, and 0.010%. The concentrations were physicochemical and morphologically evaluated, and antibacterial activity was assessed by seeding a Streptococcus mutans strain (ATCC 25175) on the experimental polymeric surfaces. Cellular survival and osteodifferentiation were evaluated in epithelial (HaCat) and preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1). RESULTS: The 0.001% DTWCNTG concentration yielded higher compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, water sorption, and solubility than the control. The degree of conversion and color did not significantly change with a low amount of DTWCNTG incorporated into the polymer. Antibacterial activity significantly improved when tested on the 0.001% DTWCNTG discs. No groups showed cytotoxicity in a short-term analysis and adding DTWCNTG favored MC3T3-E1 mineralization over the control, particularly in the 0.001% formulation. SIGNIFICANCE: The micro-addition of 0.001% DTWCNTG confers mechanical resistance, antimicrobial properties, and bioactivity to methacrylate-based polymers without significantly compromising color. Incorporating DTWCNTG improved dental composite properties and could be a biomodified material for minimally invasive procedures.

Evaluation of the clinical performance of GIOMERs and comparison with other conventional restorative materials in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the clinical performance of GIOMER restorative composites and compare them with other conventional restorative materials in permanent teeth.Methods Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid and Cochrane Library were conducted. Grey literature search was also performed. Clinical trials that evaluated the clinical performance of restorations with GIOMER restorative composites in permanent teeth compared to those using composite resin, glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and other GIOMERs were included. Meta-analyses comparing GIOMER restorative composites with RMGIC at 6- and 12-month follow-ups and comparing two types of GIOMER were feasible.Results Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In these studies, GIOMER was compared to different types of dental restoration materials. Dental restorations were evaluated by United States Public Health Service criteria in all included studies. Four studies were suitable for meta-analysis, which showed significant differences between GIOMER and RMGIC surface roughness at 6-month (odds ratio [OR] = 6.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.38-18.13) and 12-month (OR = 8.76; CI = 3.19-24.07) follow-ups. No significant differences between GIOMER restorative composites and RMGIC for marginal adaptation were found at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. When comparing two GIOMERs, significant differences were seen between Beautifil II and Beautifil Flowable Plus F00 for marginal staining (OR = 2.58; CI = 1.42-23.27; I2 = 0%) and surface roughness (OR = 4.59; CI = 1.11-18.97; I2 = 0%) at the 36-month follow-up. No significant differences between Beautifil II and Beautifil Flowable Plus F00 were seen for marginal adaptation and anatomic form at 6-, 18- and 36-month follow-ups.Conclusions GIOMER restorative composites presented similar performance concerning marginal adaptation and better surface roughness when compared to RMGIC. GIOMER Beautifil II presented similar performance to GIOMER Beautifil Flow Plus F00 concerning marginal adaptation and anatomic form and worse marginal staining and surface roughness when compared to Beautifil Flowable Plus F00.

Comparison of instrumental methods for color change assessment of Giomer resins.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the color change of the Giomer resin composite (Beautifil-Bulk) by using photographs obtained with a smartphone (iPhone 6S) associated with Adobe Photoshop software (digital method), with the spectrophotometric method (Vita Easyshade) after immersion in different pigment solutions. Materials and Methods: Twenty resin composite samples with a diameter of 15.0 mm and thickness of 1.0 mm were confectioned in A2 color (n = 5). Photographs and initial color readings were performed with a smartphone and spectrophotometer, respectively. Then, samples were randomly divided and subjected to cycles of immersion in distilled water (control), açai, Coke, and tomato sauce, 3 times a day, 20 minutes for 7 days. Later, new photographs and color readings were taken. Results: The analysis (2-way analysis of variance, Holm-Sidak, p < 0.05) demonstrated no statistical difference (p < 0.005) between the methods in all groups. Similar color changes were observed for all pigment solutions when using the spectrophotometric method. For the digital method, all color changes were clinically unacceptable, with distilled water and tomato sauce similar to each other and with statistical differences (p < 0.005) for Coke and açai. Conclusions: Only the tomato sauce produced a color change above the acceptability threshold using both methods of color assessment. The spectrophotometric and digital methods produce different patterns of color change. According to our results, the spectrophotometric method is more recommended in color change assessment.

Obliteration of Dentinal Tubules by Desensitizing Agents Based on Silver Fluoride/Potassium Iodide or Pre-Reacted Glass Particles: An in Vitro Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of desensitizing agents for the obliteration of dentinal tubules subjected or not to a simulated oral environment. Material and Methods: Dentinal discs (n=8) treated with Riva-Star (RS) or PRG-Barrier-Coat (PRG) were submitted (cycled) or not submitted (control) to erosive-abrasive-thermal cycles and evaluated using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis. The variables analyzed were tubule obliteration and dentin surface chemical composition. Data were analyzed by non-parametric tests (p<0.05). Results: The cycled and control groups did not differ significantly for the responses in each material. The PRG control and cycled groups had fewer visible tubules and a higher proportion of totally obliterated tubules than the RS groups. The percentages of silver coverage were higher in the RS-control than in the RS-cycled. There was a significant inverse correlation between the presence of silver and non-obliterated tubules (R=-0.791; p<0.001). The percentages of carbon, aluminum, strontium, and potassium were significantly higher in the PRG-control and PRG-cycled compared to the RS control. The percentages of calcium, phosphorus, and silver were significantly higher in the RS compared to the PRG groups. PRG-control showed a higher percentage of boron than RS-control. Conclusion: PRG promoted greater tubule obliteration than SR. Simulated stress did not affect the obliterating effect of each agent. Greater silver coverage corresponded to a lower proportion of non-obliterated tubules in RS. Carbon, aluminum, strontium, boron, and potassium predominated in the dentin surface treated with PRG, while calcium, phosphorus, and silver prevailed in RS groups (AU).

Degree of conversion and microhardness of resin cements photoactivated through glass ceramic.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether glass-ceramic shade, thickness and translucency affect degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop microhardness (KHN) of resin cements photoactivated using light-emitting diode (LED) or quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) units. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Glass-ceramic blocks were cut (2, 3 and 4mm) and sintered. For DC FT Raman spectroscopy (n=3), film specimens of cements (RelyX ARC, U200, Veneer, C&B) were obtained. For KHN test (n=3), cements were inserted in cylindrical matrix and covered by polyester strip. Specimens were photoactivated (30s) using LED or QTH according to each group: direct photoactivation (DP), interposing ceramic specimens or no photoactivation (NP). Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey's test, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Ceramic features had significant effect on DC of RelyX ARC, U200 and Veneer (p<0.0017). Light source had no effect (p=0.9512). C&B and Veneer had higher DC, followed by dual cements. NP dual cements showed the lowest DC. For KHN, ceramic shade (p=0.1717) and light source (p=0.1421) were not significant, but ceramic translucency, thickness and resin cement were significant (p=0.0001). KHN was higher for U200 followed by ARC, and lowest for Veneer. CONCLUSIONS: DC was affected by ceramic shade, translucency and thickness. KHN was dependent on ceramic translucency and thickness. Higher DC and KHN were achieved for dual-cured cements photoactivated through 2mm-thick low translucent or 3mm-thick high translucent glass-ceramic. Key words:Cementation, composite resin cements, dental curing lights, glass ceramics.

Periodontal Outcomes in Liver Transplantation Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

AIM: To systematically review the literature for observational studies evaluating periodontal outcomes in pre- and post-liver transplant (LT) individuals compared to a control group. METHODS: Specific strategies were designed to search five databases and the grey literature. Hand-searches were also performed. The following periodontal outcomes were analyzed in pre-LT, post-LT and control groups: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival growth (GO), alveolar bone loss (ABL) probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Among the 257 studies retrieved, 11 studies were included. Four studies were incorporated into the meta-analysis and showed that PI (mean difference=0.15, 95%CI: 0.12-0.18) and GI (mean difference=0.31, 95%CI: 0.06-0.56) were significantly higher in post-LT individuals compared to the control group. There was no significant mean difference of PD (mean difference=0.49, 95%CI: -0.26-1.25) but CAL (mean differ- ence=1.47, 95%CI: 0.19-2.75) were significantly higher in pre-LT individuals compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The higher means of PI and GI in post-LT and CAL in pre-LT compared to healthy individuals suggest a relationship between the periodontal condition and the transplantation status.

Is dental caries associated with liver transplantation? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the experience of dental caries in individuals pre- or postliver transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and Lilacs from databases' inception date up to April 2020 were undertaken. Gray literature and manual searches were also conducted. Observational studies were eligible. The retrieved references were evaluated by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment using the University of Adelaide tool were conducted. The strength of the evidence was assessed with GRADE. RESULTS: The search retrieved 1990 references. Twenty-four cross-sectional studies were included. One subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the number of teeth with dental caries between pre-liver transplant and healthy individuals (mean difference = 1.65, confidence interval = -0.87 to 4.17). The prevalence of dental caries among pre-liver transplant individuals was 73.82% and in the post-transplant individuals was 72.83%. In the included studies, the main concern regarding risk of bias was the absence of control for confounding variables. The strength of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries may be a relevant issue in pre- and postliver transplant individuals. Oral health counseling should be included in the care of pre- and/or postliver transplant individuals.

Root Canal Treatment and Apical Periodontitis in a Brazilian Population with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Paired Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study radiographically analyzed the prevalence of root canal treatment (RCT) and apical periodontitis (AP) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and nondiabetic individuals and its association with the history/current status of T1DM. METHODS: In a cross-sectional paired study, the radiographic records of 50 individuals with T1DM and 100 age- and sex-matched nondiabetic subjects were examined. The presence of RCT and AP was evaluated. Information regarding the history and current status of T1DM was collected from the medical records of each patient. RESULTS: One or more RCTs were found in 76% and 44% of diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, respectively (P = .000). AP in 1 or more teeth was found in most T1DM patients (58%) and in 15% of the control subjects (P = .000). One or more RCTs associated with AP were found in 52% and 8% of T1DM and nondiabetic subjects, respectively (P = .000). Bivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that RCT (odds ratio [OR] = 10.435, P = .000), AP (OR = 3.508, P = .011), and RCT + AP (OR = 7.220, P = .000) were significantly associated with the presence of T1DM. Multivariate logistic regression showed that among T1DM individuals, there is an association between 11-15 years of diagnosis time and at least 1 RCT (OR = 46.316, P = .038) and an association between T1DM control and at least 1 tooth with AP (OR = 15.611, P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: RCT, AP, and RCT with AP were more prevalent in individuals with T1DM than in nondiabetic individuals. RCT and AP were associated with the presence of T1DM, specifically RCT with diagnostic time and AP with glycemic control.

Effect of ethanol-wet bonding on porosity and retention of fiberglass post to root dentin.

This in vitro study aimed to assess the effects of different pretreatments used to adapt glass-fiber posts cemented to root canals with different resin cements, regarding porosity percentage and bond strength. Twelve bovine incisor roots were prepared with Largo drills. After post space preparation, the specimens were randomized into two types of pretreatment groups (n = 3): water-wet bonding and ethanol-wet bonding. After the post were cemented, the roots were stored in 100% humidity at room temperature for 7 days. The samples were scanned by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Images were reconstructed by NRecon software, and CTAn software was used to analyze the porosity percentage (%) at the luting interface. Evaluation of the push-out bond strength was performed by serially cutting the roots, and submitting the slices to testing. Additionally, the resin cement post-gel shrinkage values (%) were measured using the strain-gauge method (n = 10). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, Tukey's test and Student's t test (a = 0.05). The roots prepared with ethanol-wet bonding using RelyX™ U200 had significantly lower porosity in the coronal and apical thirds (p < 0.05). The group prepared with ethanol-wet bonding using RelyX™ ARC presented better bond strength results in the coronal and apical thirds (p < 0.05). RelyX™ ARC (0.97%) produced a higher post-gel shrinkage value than RelyX™ U200 (0.77%). Canals pretreated with ethanol-wet bonding presented better outcomes in regard to porosity percentage and push-out bond strength.

Anxiety and pain perception in patients undergoing mandibular autogenous block bone surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate pain perception and anxiety within the context of surgery for the placement of mandibular block bone and to evaluate the causality effect between theses variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 13 patients were recruited for the study and were submitted to mandibular autogenous block bone surgery. Demographic data were collected and the anxiety level was determined using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The STAI was administered on the day of surgery and on the 14th postoperative day. Pain was determined using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and limitation of daily activities and postoperative symptoms were also reported. Data were analyzed using parametric tests (α=0.05) and cross-lagged analysis was performed to verify a causality effect. RESULTS: Few patients reported interference with daily activities or the presence of postoperative symptoms. A significant association of bad breath/taste with STAI-State was detected on the 14th postoperative day. No evidence of causality between STAI and VAS was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The patient's self-evaluation indicates that the pain and anxiety level felt during treatment was not directly associated with the clinical aspects of the surgical procedure or with postoperative activities/symptoms limitations. Key words:Anxiety pain, questionnaires, autogenous bone block, treatment, outcomes.

Metallization and Ar-O plasma effects on dental enamel roughness evaluated with SEM and MeX™ for 3D reconstruction.

The MeX™ software is a useful tool for tridimensional data collection for surface evaluation and could be relevant to evaluate the same specimen in different phases of the study, assuming repeated measures of dental enamel roughness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sample metallization for dental enamel roughness analysis with 3D images reconstructed using MeX™ software from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. The influence of 74.98% (%mol/mol) argon-oxygen plasma for carbon layer removal on surface roughness of the metallized specimen was also evaluated. Dental enamel specimens were prepared for SEM analysis with and without carbon metallization using conventional or environmental modes. Argon-oxygen plasma for carbon layer removal was used and surface roughness was re-evaluated. Roughness obtained by SEM and MeX™ reconstructed images, with or without metallization, did not differ. No significant alteration on surface roughness after carbon layer removal using plasma was found. SEM baseline evaluation using conventional mode without sample preparation and in environmental mode were not comparable. Roughness of enamel 3D images reconstructed with MeX™ software from SEM images, with or without metallization was similar. The 74.98% (%mol/mol) argon-oxygen plasma removed the carbon layer with no effect on enamel roughness.

Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Patients with Resection of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Report of Two Cases.

Maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation is almost always indicated after surgical treatment of affected individuals with oral cavity and pharynx cancers. Few articles have described in detail the technical sequence of maxillofacial prosthesis fabrication. The first case is a 56-year-old woman who was rehabilitated with pharyngeal obturator prosthesis after a partial maxillectomy, including soft palate, tonsil, oropharynx, and retromolar space regions. The second case is an 83-year-old man who was rehabilitated with hard palatal obturator prosthesis after a maxillectomy, including hard palate and nasal floor. In both cases, the patients complained of oronasal regurgitation and difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and speaking. A multi-professional approach including oral rehabilitation should be part of the treatment plan for individuals with oral and pharyngeal cancer after tumor resection.