Effects of repeated etching cycles using 15% hydrochloric acid on enamel loss and relative attenuation coefficient in resin infiltration.

BACKGROUND: Resin infiltration is used to mask enamel opacities and the recommended etching cycles are three. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that favorable esthetics outcomes can be obtained by increasing the etching cycles. AIM: To determine the incremental and total enamel loss when enamel surfaces are exposed to multiple etching cycles and to assess the relative attenuation coefficient after multiple etching cycles and resin infiltration treatment. METHODS: Ninety extracted sound human premolars teeth were divided into 9 groups (n = 10); with each consecutive group having one additional etching cycle up to 9 cycles. The teeth were scanned with optical coherence tomography and enamel loss and attenuation coefficient were measured with MATLAB software. Enamel loss (one-way ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05) and attenuation coefficient (two-way ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05) were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant total enamel loss of more than 33% found at the 7th etching cycle and more. There was no statistically significant difference in the incremental mean depth of penetration of resin between various etching cycles (F(8, 134) = [2.016], one-way ANOVA, p = 0.185). CONCLUSION: This study recommends that etching should not be repeated more than seven cycles to prevent excessive enamel loss. Following eight etching cycles, resin infiltration penetration appears approximately equal to that of healthy enamel.

Esthetic Effects and Color Stability of Resin Infiltration on Demineralized Enamel Lesions: A Systematic Review.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically review the ability of resin infiltration to conceal demineralized enamel lesions to normal enamel translucency and to maintain color stability. Materials and Methods: A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and a manual search of articles from 2009 to 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical efficacy trials (nonrandomized) were performed. Methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) of included papers was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 for RCTs and ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions) tool for nonrandomized studies. Results: A total of 352 titles and abstracts were reviewed. Eight RCTs and three clinical efficiency studies were included in this review. The masking effects of the demineralized enamel lesion were reported immediately after resin infiltration, and the color stability of this material was up to 24 months, with no adverse effects noted. For RCTs, four studies were classified as "some concerns" and four were as "low RoB." For nonrandomized studies, all of the studies presented an overall moderate RoB. Conclusion: Resin infiltration achieves the best esthetic outcomes compared with microabrasion and remineralization therapy. Color stability was achieved with this material for up to 24 months and no adverse effects were noted. Factors contributing to the esthetic outcomes of the resin include the elimination of the hypermineralized surface layer, the homogeneity of the resin itself, and polishing after resin infiltration. Longitudinal follow-up and improved control of confounding variables should characterize future high-quality systematic reviews.

The Penetration Depth of Resin Infiltration Into Enamel: A Systematic Review.

Aims and Objectives: Studies on resin infiltration and its penetration capability are becoming the focus of emerging dentistry. The depth of resin penetration could be a key determining factor in creating a diffusion barrier and in the success of infiltration. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the penetration depth of commercially available resin infiltration in early caries lesions and to identify factors that influence the penetration capability of resin infiltration. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed in four databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science) and manual searching from 2009 to December 2022. Eligibility criteria included in vitro studies pertaining to factors affecting the penetration depth of resin infiltration into the enamel. The risk of bias assessment was done by using checklist for reporting in vitro studies (CRIS). Results: The initial search resulted in a total of 297 studies. Twenty-nine were assessed for eligibility, and 23 were selected in the qualitative synthesis. According to the CRIS guidelines, all of the studies were classified as moderate risk of bias. The penetration of resin infiltration is influenced by the enamel surface treatment with hydrochloric acid, formulations containing triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), the addition of ethanol, penetration time, duration of penetration time, saliva contamination, caries activity, and type of tooth. The hypermineralized surface layer needs to be removed for better resin perfusion. Conclusion: The key to optimal resin infiltration depends on the enamel surface treatment with hydrochloric acid and application technique, infiltration duration, formulation of TEGDMA and ethanol in the resin composition, as well as the type and caries activity of involved teeth. Resin infiltration has superior penetrability compared to fissure sealant, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplexes, flowable composite, adhesive and fluoride varnish. Resin penetration depth may be a critical factor in forming a diffusion barrier and the effectiveness of infiltration in halting the progression of caries.

Repeated Etching Cycles of Resin Infiltration up to Nine Cycles on Demineralized Enamel: Surface Roughness and Esthetic Outcomes-In Vitro Study.

Resin infiltration (RI) is used to mask enamel opacities. There are three recommended etching cycles. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that favorable esthetics outcomes can be obtained by increasing the etching cycles. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated etching cycles during RI application on esthetic changes and surface roughness of demineralized enamel at multiple treatment stages. Artificial demineralization was prepared on the buccal surface of ninety sound extracted premolars. The teeth were divided into nine groups (n = 10); with each consecutive group having one additional etching cycle up to nine etching cycles. Resin infiltrant was performed twice, first for 3 min (Resin 1) and again for 1 min (Resin 2). Surface roughness and esthetic changes were assessed using a profilometer (Ambios XP-200) and Minolta spectrophotometer, respectively, at baseline (sound enamel), etching, resin 1, resin 2, 7 days, and 28 days post resin applications. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between the different stages and various groups of etching cycles on surface roughness, F(48, 126) = 3.48, p < 0.001. There was a significant interaction between the different stages and various groups of etching cycles on color changes, F(4, 126) = 1.177, p = 0.045. The surface roughness of demineralized enamel infiltrated with RI was less than that of sound enamel (baseline). There is a significant difference in color changes between resin 1 and resin 2 (p < 0.05). After five etching cycles, RI improved the esthetic of the color of teeth similar to the baseline. Surface roughness and color changes remained constant for 28 days. RI can be considered an effective and predictable treatment option for the restoration of early enamel lesions owing to its better surface characteristics and reliable masking effects. The color stability and surface roughness stay unaltered for up to 28 days.

Development and validation of a novel screening instrument to prioritize the orthodontic referral of developing malocclusion in children: The index for interceptive orthodontics referral.

Objective: The absence of a guideline to refer to developing malocclusions appropriately, may be a contributing factor to the inadequacy of timely interceptive orthodontics provision. This study aimed to develop and validate a new orthodontic grading and referral index to be used by dental frontliners to prioritize the orthodontic referral of developing malocclusion in children based on its severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving clinical assessment with 413 schoolchildren aged between 8.1 and 11.9 years was conducted in 2018. All the presenting malocclusion was listed and graded based on a few dental guidelines to produce the draft index. The validity and reliability of the draft index were tested using twenty study models. Face and content validation was carried out using the content validation index and Modified Kappa Statistics. Results: Fourteen dental and occlusal anomalies were identified as components of malocclusion and three grades of referral (monitor, standard, urgent) were included in the final index. The scale-level content validity index average value of 0.86 and 0.87 was obtained for content and face validation, respectively. There was moderate to excellent agreement in the Modified Kappa Statistics for both validations. Excellent inter- and intra-assessor agreement was obtained. The new index displayed valid and reliable scores. Conclusions: The Index for Interceptive Orthodontics Referral was developed and validated for the dental frontliners to identify and prioritize the developing malocclusion in children based on its severity and refer for orthodontic consultation to increase the possibility for interceptive orthodontics.

Correlation between Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization, Stress, and Family Functioning.

Aim: This study aims to assess the relationship between stress, family functioning, and molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Materials and Methods: A total of 162 children between the ages of 7 and 9 years were included in this retrospective study, as were their respective parents; the children were examined for MIH while questionnaires centering on stress and family functioning were given to the parents. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and independent samples T-test. Results: A significant correlation between stress as a contributing factor and MIH was concluded; children with higher stress scores had higher occurrences of MIH. On the contrary, family functioning quality was not found to have a direct correlation with MIH. Conclusions: Stress is correlated to MIH and is potentially one of the main causal factors that contribute to the development of the defect.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Professional Behavior of Silver Diamine Fluoride among Dental Personnel: A Systematic Review.

Apart from the major drawback of black staining once lesion is arrested, few studies have indicated that dental personnel's perception and attitude towards silver diamine fluoride (SDF) influences its usage. This report aims to provide a systematic review presenting dental personnel's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, (KAPs) regarding SDF. A search of multiple electronic literature databases and a manual search were performed. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement. A comprehensive search yielded 719 publications and 14 cross-sectional studies matching the inclusion criteria. Awareness of SDF among respondents ranged from 29.6% to 87.8%, whereas awareness of its use in dentistry ranged from 14.4% to 94.5%. Regarding attitude towards SDF, the mean score ranged from 3.39 to 14.35. An increase in knowledge of and attitude towards SDF is significantly associated with the usage of SDF and may increase the usage of SDF. This review provides vital information on dental personnel's KAPs regarding SDF. It is anticipated that the adaptation of SDF usage will be more widespread in the future, especially among children. Findings from the review may assist intervention programs to change misperceptions and to enhance awareness regarding SDF among dental personnel.

Role of Hypnosis in Dental Treatment: A Narrative Review.

AIM: This narrative aims to outline the use of hypnosis in managing dental anxiety in during dental treatment. The PICO used to answer the objectives are (P) dental patients, (I) hypnosis, (C) conventional behaviour management techniques & (O) reduced pain/anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search of three databases; PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost was conducted using the keywords "hypnosis or hypnotherapy" AND "dentistry or dental" between the year 2000 and 2020. A total of 19 studies were selected based on eligibility. Data extracted were study subject, design of study, parameters used to assess, type of hypnosis script used and the study outcome. RESULTS: The studies show that hypnosis is effective in pain management and dental anxiety. It can also be used for improving compliance in patients who are wearing orthodontic appliances (Trakyali et al, 2008) and reducing salivary flow during dental treatment (Satlz et al, 2014). CONCLUSION: Hypnosis has the potential to be a useful tool in the management of children and adults.

Assessing the potential association between Epstein-Barr virus and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively review the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using the keywords "EBV or Epstein Barr virus and Oral cancer or Oral squamous cell carcinoma" for published case-control studies in the English language upto August 2019. RESULTS: The search yielded 985 articles out of which 966 articles were excluded by screening their titles and abstracts as they were irrelevant or duplicates. Based on the full-text assessment of the remaining 19 articles, only 7 satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis, out of which only 4 were compatible to be included in the meta-analysis. The diagnostic modalities used included immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic targets included latent membrane protein (LMP)-1, EBV determined nuclear antigen-1, EBV-encoded small non-polyadenylated RNA-2. The meta-analysis showed that there is an association between the EBV and OSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Determining the association of EBV with OSCC is highly tedious due to the contrasting data obtained from individuals' studies which in turn is due to the wide variations in the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic modalities used and diagnostic targets selected. Although the meta-analysis revealed an association between EBV and OSCC, the number and the quality of the studies included in the meta-analysis are limited, thus the association requires further validation for any conclusive inference.

Recent research trends in dentistry.

Research being an investigative process is employed to increase or revise the current knowledge. Scientific research involves the conduct of a methodical study to prove a hypothesis or give an answer to a specific question with the main aim of finding definitive answer. This paper aims to advance knowledge of research and develop interest in the postgraduate students. It also throws light on the existing and emerging research strengths within a "high-performance culture." The trends in dental research worldwide are looked at, in particular, a comparison between the publication status in two countries, namely India and Australia. The current themes in dental research are also discussed to facilitate future projects for the aspiring pediatric dentists. Stress is given to the importance of evidence-based dentistry as the current times call for high-quality and ethical papers which are devoid of plagiarism. The common reasons for failure of a research are explored and the strengthening factors are highlighted. Proper planning of a pertinent research project is beneficial to the researcher as well as the dental community.