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Dent. J., Volume 12, Issue 6 (June 2024) – 18 articles

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10 pages, 370 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Anxiety on Postoperative Quality of Life Regarding Implant Treatments: An Epidemiological Study
by Carmen de la Calle Cañadas, Natalia Martínez-Rodríguez, Juan Santos-Marino, José María Martínez-González and Cristina Barona-Dorado
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060165 (registering DOI) - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Dental treatment anxiety is highly prevalent worldwide. This is particularly important in the field of implantology since, in daily clinical practice, it translates into an increase in the difficulty of treatments, extending surgical times and having repercussions in the postoperative period. The aim [...] Read more.
Dental treatment anxiety is highly prevalent worldwide. This is particularly important in the field of implantology since, in daily clinical practice, it translates into an increase in the difficulty of treatments, extending surgical times and having repercussions in the postoperative period. The aim of this multicentre, cross-sectional, epidemiological study was to determine the influence of anxiety levels in the postoperative period of an implant treatment on patients treated at two dental departments in Extremadura (Spain). To analyse anxiety levels, the modified Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale questionnaire was administered before surgical treatment. To analyse the postoperative period, another questionnaire was provided 7 days after surgery. The study was conducted on a total of 102 patients (55 men and 47 women), with a mean age of 47.99 years. The results indicated that patients with a high and severe degree of anxiety had a poorer quality of life in general. Patients with a higher degree of anxiety perceived greater swelling at 24, 48, 72 h and one week after surgery. Full article
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18 pages, 2876 KiB  
Review
Intraoral Applications of Lasers in the Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Fixed Partial Dentures—A Narrative Review
by Magdalena Kwaśna, Paulina Cłapińska, Zuzanna Piosik, Kamila Barysz, Iga Dubiec, Adam Bęben and Iwona Ordyniec-Kwaśnica
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060164 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Laser, an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, is a powerful tool with diverse applications in modern dentistry. It emits monochromatic, coherent light resulting from photon-induced chain reactions. Available dental lasers include diode, argon, Er,Cr:YSGG, Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and CO2 [...] Read more.
Laser, an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, is a powerful tool with diverse applications in modern dentistry. It emits monochromatic, coherent light resulting from photon-induced chain reactions. Available dental lasers include diode, argon, Er,Cr:YSGG, Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and CO2. The unique property of these lasers, allowing them to be effectively used on both soft and hard tissues based on the operational parameters, positions them as particularly suited for a wide range of dental procedures. Compared to traditional methods, lasers offer advantages such as improved hemostasis and quicker wound healing. Such benefits stress the shift towards laser technology in dental treatment. In the realm of dental prosthodontics, which focuses on esthetics, functionality, and the physiological aspects of dental prostheses, lasers provide promising outcomes. Among the prosthetic options, fixed partial dentures stand out for their ability to mimic natural teeth, offering both esthetic and functional features, leading to satisfactory long-term outcomes if managed properly. This review paper delves into the specific application of laser technology in the context of prosthetic rehabilitation involving fixed partial dentures. By investigating intraoral laser procedures, it contributes to understanding laser’s role in improving patients’ satisfaction and clinical efficiency in this field. Full article
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17 pages, 3654 KiB  
Systematic Review
Interventions to Reduce Intra-Operative and Post-Operative Pain Associated with Routine Dental Procedures in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Mohammed A. Alzubaidi, Bernadette K. Drummond, Jianhua Wu, Adam Jones and Vishal R. Aggarwal
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060163 - 28 May 2024
Viewed by 226
Abstract
Objective: implementing appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate pain related to routine dental procedures in paediatric patients could enhance children’s ability to manage dental care. The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of and provide recommendations for interventions that [...] Read more.
Objective: implementing appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate pain related to routine dental procedures in paediatric patients could enhance children’s ability to manage dental care. The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of and provide recommendations for interventions that can be used to reduce intra-operative and post-operative pain associated with routine paediatric dental procedures. Methods: A systematic review of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCT) was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were systematically searched. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of the interventions using the Cohen’s d standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous outcomes. The GRADE tool was used to assess the certainty of evidence to make recommendations. Results: The review included forty-five RCTs comprising 3093 children. Thirty-seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, which showed the effectiveness of behavioural interventions (SMD = −0.50, 95% CI −0.83 to −0.18), mechanoreceptor and thermal receptor stimulation (SMD = −1.38, 95% CI −2.02 to −0.73) for intra-operative pain, and pre-emptive oral analgesics (SMD = −0.77, 95% CI −1.21 to −0.33) for reducing post-operative pain in children receiving routine dental care. Conclusion: The GRADE results for these interventions were strong recommendation (IB) for their use, based on moderate evidence and their benefits far outweighing the harm, and they can be delivered readily with minimal training to reduce the pain experience of paediatric patients. Full article
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10 pages, 757 KiB  
Article
Traditional Hands-On Puzzle Method versus Fully Digital Approach in Teaching Tooth Morphology: A Comparative Study of Educational Outcomes
by Amer Sehic and Qalbi Khan
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060162 - 27 May 2024
Viewed by 170
Abstract
Objective: Tooth morphology education is a critical component of dental curricula, providing a foundational understanding of the intricate structural anatomy of teeth. This study evaluates the learning outcomes in relation to tooth morphology of two student cohorts from different academic terms, comparing the [...] Read more.
Objective: Tooth morphology education is a critical component of dental curricula, providing a foundational understanding of the intricate structural anatomy of teeth. This study evaluates the learning outcomes in relation to tooth morphology of two student cohorts from different academic terms, comparing the traditional ‘tooth puzzle’ method to an alternative fully digital approach. Materials and Methods: Two groups of Master of Dentistry students were retrospectively analyzed. The control group (55 students) was taught via the ‘tooth puzzle’ method in 2021, while the experimental group (55 students) underwent a fully digital course in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Both groups completed a digital examination involving the identification of 40 teeth, presented as images and videos. Results: In the control group of 55 students, nearly half (49.1%) achieved faultless results, while 65.5% had at most two faults, and 74.5% had no more than four faults. The group had a total of 163 faults, averaging 3.0 per student, with only one student (1.8%) failing the test. In stark contrast, the experimental group had no students without faults, 9.1% had four or fewer faults, and a significant 61.8% made 10 or more faults, with 29.1% failing their first test attempt by exceeding 12 faults. Overall, the experimental group registered 582 faults, averaging 10.6 per student. Conclusions: The ‘tooth puzzle’ method, with its interactive and tactile elements, proved more effective in teaching tooth morphology than the digital-only approach. The increased number of faults and failed tests in the experimental group suggest that while digital tools offer meaningful support in learning tooth morphology, their main advantage is seen when coupled with traditional hands-on techniques, not unassisted and independently. Full article
11 pages, 419 KiB  
Article
Skeletal Anterior Open Bite Attenuates the Chewing-Related Increase in Brain Blood Flow
by Chihiro Kariya, Hiroyuki Kanzaki, Masao Kumazawa, Saaya Sahara, Kana Yoshida, Yuri Inagawa, Fumitaka Kobayashi and Hiroshi Tomonari
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060161 - 27 May 2024
Viewed by 297
Abstract
The masticatory function of patients with skeletal anterior open bite (OPEN) is reported to be impaired compared with that of patients with normal occlusion (NORM). In this study, we compared brain blood flow (BBF) in patients with OPEN and NORM and investigated the [...] Read more.
The masticatory function of patients with skeletal anterior open bite (OPEN) is reported to be impaired compared with that of patients with normal occlusion (NORM). In this study, we compared brain blood flow (BBF) in patients with OPEN and NORM and investigated the factors related to BBF during mastication in patients with OPEN. The study included 17 individuals with NORM and 33 patients with OPEN. The following data were collected: number of occlusal contacts, jaw movement variables during mastication, and BBF measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy during chewing. The number of occlusal contacts, maximum closing and opening speeds, closing angle, and vertical amplitude were smaller in the OPEN than in the NORM group. Interestingly, BBF increased less in the OPEN group. Correlation analysis revealed that several parameters, including number of occlusal contacts and closing angle, were correlated with changes in BBF during mastication. These results suggest that not only occlusion but also jaw movement variables and factors related to masticatory muscles contribute to the chewing-related increase in BBF. In conclusion, BBF increases less during mastication in patients with OPEN than in those with NORM. In addition, the higher increase in BBF is correlated with jaw movement. Together, we discovered that OPEN exhibits significant adverse effects not only on masticatory function but also on brain function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics and New Technologies)
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13 pages, 773 KiB  
Article
Can a Novel Device with Pure Dry Air Increase the Shear Bond Strength of Dental Composites to Dentin? An Experimental Study
by Khalil Kharma, Louis Hardan, Cynthia Kassis, Bogdan Dimitriu, Ryan Harouny, Nadim Z. Baba, Rim Bourgi and Carina Mehanna Zogheib
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060160 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 318
Abstract
Modern conservative dentistry is taking the lead in daily clinical practice and is relying on adhesion. Whether it is a simple composite, ceramic inlays, onlays, veneers or crowns, the common factor for a successful outcome is a good bonding of these elements to [...] Read more.
Modern conservative dentistry is taking the lead in daily clinical practice and is relying on adhesion. Whether it is a simple composite, ceramic inlays, onlays, veneers or crowns, the common factor for a successful outcome is a good bonding of these elements to dental structures. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of resin composite to dentin when using a new device, the DENTIPURE KM™ (KM, Beirut, Lebanon), which provides a pure air flow, free of any contaminants and without humidity, when compared to other dental equipment. One hundred and eighty extracted human molars were equally divided into three groups according to the device used, the DENTIPURE KM™ (KM, Beirut, Lebanon), the KAVO™ (ESTETICA E30/E70/E80 Vision, KAVO, Biberach, Germany), or the ADEC™ (A-dec Performer 200, Newberg, OR, USA). The shear bond strength (SBS) was evaluated after 24 h of storage in distilled water on a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was set with a level of significance at p ≤ 0.05. The results revealed that significantly different bond strength was imparted by the DENTIPURE KM™ device and the ADEC™ dental unit (p = 0.042). In conclusion, while the DENTIPURE KM™ device shows promise in providing contaminant-free air during bonding, its impact on dentin bond strength compared to devices like the KAVO™ appears minimal. Further research is needed to fully assess its potential in enhancing dentinal adhesion procedures. Full article
17 pages, 472 KiB  
Review
The Expression Patterns of Non-Coding RNAs in Periodontal Disease
by Dimitra Adamouli, Chrysa Marasli and Yiorgos A. Bobetsis
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060159 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 507
Abstract
During the last few decades there has been a growing interest in understanding the involvement of epigenetics in the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal disease. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), may serve as epigenetic [...] Read more.
During the last few decades there has been a growing interest in understanding the involvement of epigenetics in the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal disease. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), may serve as epigenetic modifiers affecting the expression of genes involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. There is increasing evidence supporting the idea that the function of all three types of ncRNAs seems to be interdependent. LncRNAs can act as miRNA decoys, while circRNAs can act as miRNA sponges, leading to the re-expression of miRNA target genes. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the expression patterns of ncRNAs in periodontal disease. Studies demonstrate a positive correlation between miRNA expression and periodontitis; however, this cannot be claimed for lncRNAs and circRNAs, which appear to be differentially expressed in periodontitis patients. Several studies have also suggested utilizing ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in periodontitis, or even as potential therapeutic targets; Nevetheless, the evidence to support this is premature. Future well-designed research remains necessary to establish the functional role of ncRNAs in the evolution and progression of periodontal disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oral Hygiene, Periodontology and Peri-implant Diseases)
25 pages, 1358 KiB  
Systematic Review
Clinical Effectiveness of Ion-Releasing Restorations versus Composite Restorations in Dental Restorations: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Heber Isac Arbildo-Vega, Fredy Hugo Cruzado-Oliva, Franz Tito Coronel-Zubiate, Sara Antonieta Luján-Valencia, Joan Manuel Meza-Málaga, Rubén Aguirre-Ipenza, Adriana Echevarria-Goche, Eduardo Luján-Urviola, Tania Belú Castillo-Cornock, Katherine Serquen-Olano and Carlos Alberto Farje-Gallardo
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060158 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 326
Abstract
Background: To compare the clinical effectiveness of ion-releasing restorations (IRR) vs. composite resin (CR) in dental restorations. Methods: A systematic search was carried out from articles published until January 2024, in the biomedical databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science and [...] Read more.
Background: To compare the clinical effectiveness of ion-releasing restorations (IRR) vs. composite resin (CR) in dental restorations. Methods: A systematic search was carried out from articles published until January 2024, in the biomedical databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Randomized clinical trials were included, with a follow-up time greater than or equal to 1 year, without time and language limits and which reported the clinical effect of IRR compared to CR in dental restorations. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies and the GRADEPro GDT tool was used to assess the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation of the results. Results: The search yielded a total of 1109 articles. After excluding those that did not meet the selection criteria, 29 articles remained for the quantitative synthesis. The analysis found no statistically significant difference when comparing the dental restorations with IRRs or CRs. Conclusion: The literature reviewed suggests that there are no differences between the IRRs and CRs in dental restorations. Full article
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29 pages, 664 KiB  
Review
Temporomandibular Disorders Management—What’s New? A Scoping Review
by Giovanni Mauro, Alessio Verdecchia, Carlota Suárez-Fernández, Riccardo Nocini, Enrico Mauro and Nicoletta Zerman
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060157 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 294
Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders include various conditions that impact the masticatory system, affecting its structure, function, or physiology. Clinicians face a complex array of therapeutic options when treating this group of diseases, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the current evidence to guide decisions in patient [...] Read more.
Temporomandibular disorders include various conditions that impact the masticatory system, affecting its structure, function, or physiology. Clinicians face a complex array of therapeutic options when treating this group of diseases, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the current evidence to guide decisions in patient care. The main objective of this article is to conduct a scoping review on the available treatment approaches to manage temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). An extensive search of the literature was performed on Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Systematic reviews published in the last 5 years were considered. Out of the 2183 publications identified, 109 studies were included in this review. Among them, 39 articles focused on the non-invasive approach, while 120 delved into the minimally invasive approach, and 15 explored the surgical approach. Non-invasive or conservative approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture offer effective pain management and functional improvements in TMDs. Emerging treatments offer promising alternatives for treating these disorders. Surgery should be reserved for severe cases, with conservative therapies used in conjunction with invasive procedures for optimal patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tradition and Innovation in Orthodontics)
13 pages, 695 KiB  
Systematic Review
Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin in the Management of Temporomandibular Symptoms Associated with Sleep Bruxism: A Systematic Review
by Roxana Buzatu, Magda Mihaela Luca, Luca Castiglione and Cosmin Sinescu
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060156 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 294
Abstract
Sleep bruxism, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, poses significant challenges in management due to its potential to induce temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) and other related symptoms. The use of Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT-A), also known as Botox [...] Read more.
Sleep bruxism, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, poses significant challenges in management due to its potential to induce temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) and other related symptoms. The use of Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT-A), also known as Botox®, has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A in the management of sleep bruxism, focusing on pain reduction, improvement in jaw function, reduction in bruxism episodes, and the incidence of adverse effects. An exhaustive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to January 2024, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving 137 participants were analyzed for efficacy and safety outcomes. The studies demonstrated a significant reduction in mean pain scores (from 7.1 to 0.2 at 6 months and 1 year post-treatment in one study) and a notable decrease in the number of bruxism events (from 4.97/h to 1.70/h in the BoNT-A group in another study). Additionally, improvements were observed in jaw stiffness and total sleep time. Adverse effects varied but were generally mild and transient, including injection site pain in 20% of participants in one study and cosmetic changes in smile in 15.4% of patients in another. These findings suggest that BoNT-A injections may provide some benefits for treating nocturnal bruxism, potentially reducing TMD symptoms like pain and improving jaw function. However, these findings are preliminary due to variability in study designs and the absence of detailed statistical analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Dentistry)
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11 pages, 428 KiB  
Article
Retrospective Study Regarding the Correlation between Dental Anxiety and Color Preferences in Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries
by Daniela Esian, Cristina Bica, Alexandru Vlasa, Eugen Bud, Elena Stepco, Anamaria Bud and Liana Beresescu
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060155 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Background: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is recognized as a significant chronic disease which affects the quality of life starting at very young ages and has a very rapid evolution towards pulp complication and loss of dental tissue. Children with a high caries [...] Read more.
Background: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is recognized as a significant chronic disease which affects the quality of life starting at very young ages and has a very rapid evolution towards pulp complication and loss of dental tissue. Children with a high caries index DMFT are more likely to develop high levels of dental anxiety, which will influence the degree of cooperation during dental procedures. Emotions play an important role in the psychosomatic development of children, and all the factors that contribute to the modeling of these emotional states must be known and taken into consideration. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the association between dental anxiety in children with S-ECC and the color preferences for the components of the dental environment to reduce the levels of dental anxiety during medical visits. Material and Method: For this study, 91 children between 3 and 6 years of age diagnosed with S-ECC were selected from the Pediatric Dentistry Department of UMFST from Targu Mures and from a private dental office. The level of dental anxiety was determined by measuring the pulse rate, and a questionnaire was completed to establish the color preferences for the dental office environment and the dentist’s attire. For this purpose, six different colors and their variants with three shades less intensity were chosen by using RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) identification codes for each color. Result: The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the age of the subjects and dental anxiety levels, but there was no significant correlation between the DMFT score and dental anxiety. Also, the results showed that there was no significant difference between girls and boys when choosing the colors preferred by them for the dental office, but when comparing the colors that represented happiness, significant statistical difference was found between the girls’ and boys’ groups (p = 0.0039). For all the subjects, the colors associated with happiness were light yellow and pink, while the colors associated with anxiety were red and dark blue. Conclusion: The data obtained showed that dental anxiety is strongly influenced by age, and an important role in inducing positive emotions is played by the dental environment if dressed in specific colors in order to reduce dental anxiety and create familiar conditions, especially for young children with S-ECC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health Care in Paediatric Dentistry Volume 2)
22 pages, 2500 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments for Excessive Gingival Display
by Mahdis Maleki, Bo Huang, Vanessa C. Mendes, Marco F. Caminiti and Yoav Finer
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060154 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Excessive gingival display (EGD) is defined as more than 2 mm of gingiva display above the maxillary incisors at maximum smile. Various skeletal, dental, and soft tissue etiological factors for EGD have been suggested. This study assessed the effectiveness and stability of surgical [...] Read more.
Excessive gingival display (EGD) is defined as more than 2 mm of gingiva display above the maxillary incisors at maximum smile. Various skeletal, dental, and soft tissue etiological factors for EGD have been suggested. This study assessed the effectiveness and stability of surgical (SX) and nonsurgical (NSX) interventions for correction of EGD through a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. An electronic search of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS was conducted (2010–2023). Results were expressed as mean change in gingival display using the random-effects model at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up. At 1 month, SX and NSX treatments yielded a comparable mean reduction of 3.50 mm (2.13–4.86) and 3.43 mm (2.67–4.19) in gingival display, respectively. However, by 6 months, NSX treatments showed a reduction of 0.51 mm compared to 2.86 mm with SX treatments. SX outcomes remained stable past 6 months, while NSX outcomes partially relapsed at 6 months and returned to baseline levels at 12 months. Notably, NSX treatments were more effective in cases with mild initial EGD, while SX treatments showed a better outcome in severe cases. To draw more robust conclusions regarding the treatment outcomes, future primary studies of greater rigor are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Esthetic Dentistry: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects)
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11 pages, 16997 KiB  
Article
A Docking and Network Pharmacology Study on the Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in Dental Caries and Streptococcus mutans
by Juan Manuel Guzmán-Flores, Ángel Pérez-Reyes, Sonia Isela Vázquez-Jiménez, Mario Alberto Isiordia-Espinoza and Fernando Martínez-Esquivias
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060153 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Background: Dental caries is a dynamic, multifactorial disease that destroys teeth and can affect anyone’s quality of life because it can cause tooth loss and make chewing difficult. Dental caries involves various factors, such as Streptococcus mutans and host factors. Currently, adjuvant therapies, [...] Read more.
Background: Dental caries is a dynamic, multifactorial disease that destroys teeth and can affect anyone’s quality of life because it can cause tooth loss and make chewing difficult. Dental caries involves various factors, such as Streptococcus mutans and host factors. Currently, adjuvant therapies, such as curcumin, have emerged, but how they work has not been adequately described. Therefore, this work aims to identify the molecular mechanism of curcumin in caries and Streptococcus mutans. Methods: We obtained differentially expressed genes from a GEO dataset, and curcumin targets were obtained from other databases. The common targets were analyzed according to gene ontology enrichment, key genes were obtained, and binding to curcumin was verified by molecular docking. Results: Our analysis showed that curcumin presents 134 therapeutic targets in caries. According to the gene ontology analysis, these targets are mainly involved in apoptosis and inflammation. There are seven key proteins involved in the action of curcumin on caries: MAPK1, BCL2, KRAS, CXCL8, TGFB1, MMP9, and IL1B, all of which spontaneously bind curcumin. In addition, curcumin affects metabolic pathways related to lipid, purine, and pyrimidine metabolism in Streptococcus mutans. Conclusions: Curcumin affects both host carious processes and Streptococcus mutans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)
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20 pages, 504 KiB  
Systematic Review
Manifestations and Treatment of Hypovitaminosis in Oral Diseases: A Systematic Review
by Barbara Bačun, Dora Galić, Luka Pul, Matej Tomas and Davor Kuiš
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060152 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 422
Abstract
This review’s objective is to examine the findings from various studies on oral signs and symptoms related to vitamin deficiency. In October 2023, two electronic databases (Scopus and PubMed) were searched for published scientific articles following PRISMA principles. Articles eligible for inclusion in [...] Read more.
This review’s objective is to examine the findings from various studies on oral signs and symptoms related to vitamin deficiency. In October 2023, two electronic databases (Scopus and PubMed) were searched for published scientific articles following PRISMA principles. Articles eligible for inclusion in this review had to be published in English between 2017 and 2023, be original studies, and involve human subjects. Fifteen studies were included in this review: three examining oral symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency; one assessing vitamin B complex and vitamin E for recurrent oral ulcers; one investigating serum vitamin D levels in recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients; three exploring hypovitaminosis effects on dental caries; two measuring blood serum vitamin D levels; one evaluating vitamin B12 hypovitaminosis; three investigating hypovitaminosis as indicative of gingival disease; one focusing on vitamin deficiencies and enamel developmental abnormalities; one assessing vitamin deficiencies in oral cancer patients; one examining vitamin K as an oral anticoagulant and its role in perioperative hemorrhage; and one evaluating vitamin effects on burning mouth syndrome. Despite some limitations, evidence suggests a correlation between vitamin deficiencies and oral symptoms. This systematic review was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) database (202430039). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Diagnostics in Oral Diseases: Volume II)
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14 pages, 5496 KiB  
Article
Histological In Vivo Evaluation of Intense Pulsed Light Technology: Assessing the Safety on Oral Soft and Hard Tissues
by Yaniv Mayer, Amit Shenhav, Amin Younis, Eran Gabay and Hadar Giladi Zigdon
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060151 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. According to recent literature, utilizing IPL may boost upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concerns have been raised about potential thermal damage to the soft and hard tissues in [...] Read more.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. According to recent literature, utilizing IPL may boost upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concerns have been raised about potential thermal damage to the soft and hard tissues in the oral cavity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the safety of using IPL of various intensities in the tissues of the oral cavity. Methods: Three adult pigs were included in the trial. The oral cavity was divided into four quadrants and projected with a wide range of IPL settings. Alveolar bone, buccal mucosa, and gingival tissue samples were taken immediately and after 24 h. In each animal, one quadrant of the jaw was left untreated and served as a control. All samples were processed and stained with H&E. Results: Clinical examination showed no evidence of changes in the integrity of the examined tissues. Histological examination of the different tissues did not demonstrate significant thermal damage or changes in the characterization of the cells compared to the control tissues. Conclusions: The use of IPL in the oral cavity is safe and does not negatively affect the tissues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photobiomodulation and Its Application in Dentistry)
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22 pages, 5774 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Use of Statins as an Adjunctive Periodontal Disease Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Alice Rose Greethurst, Cosimo Galletti, Roberto Lo Giudice, José Nart, Cristina Vallés, Francisco Real-Voltas, Cosme Gay-Escoda and Enrico Marchetti
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060150 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Background: the purpose of this systematic review was to assess the clinical and radiographic effect of subgingival-administered statins as an adjunct periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis. Methods: Electronic literature searches in Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Library were conducted to identify all relevant [...] Read more.
Background: the purpose of this systematic review was to assess the clinical and radiographic effect of subgingival-administered statins as an adjunct periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis. Methods: Electronic literature searches in Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Library were conducted to identify all relevant articles. Eligibility was based on inclusion criteria which included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published after 2010, where the periodontal variables were assessed before and after periodontal treatment in combination with a statin administration. The risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-2 tool. The outcome variables were probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and bone fill in systematically healthy patients, patients with type 2 diabetes, and smokers. Results: Out of 119 potentially eligible articles, 18 randomized controlled trials were included with a total of 1171 participants. The data retrieved from the meta-analysis showed the positive effect that statins have as an adjunctive periodontal disease treatment. When comparing the different types of statins, the PD reduction in the Simvastatin group was significantly higher than the Atorvastatin group at 6 months and at 9 months, while no differences between statins were found for the rest of the outcomes. Over 66% of the articles presented an overall risk of bias with some concerns, making this a limitation of this present RCT. Conclusions: The adjunct administration of statins has proven to have a positive effect on the periodontium by improving both clinical and radiographic parameters by a considerable margin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Tissues Health Management)
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16 pages, 798 KiB  
Article
Clinical Study on the Implications of Immunological Markers in the Diagnosis of Periodontitis in People with Diabetes Mellitus
by Andreea Dinu and Oana Raluca Antonescu
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060149 - 21 May 2024
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Abstract
The basic idea from which the working hypothesis for this study started is the fact that the only systemic disease today that is clearly linked to periodontal disease by biochemical mechanisms is diabetes mellitus, as well as the clinical finding that diabetes causes [...] Read more.
The basic idea from which the working hypothesis for this study started is the fact that the only systemic disease today that is clearly linked to periodontal disease by biochemical mechanisms is diabetes mellitus, as well as the clinical finding that diabetes causes a number of specific periodontal changes. Highlighting the biochemical markers of inflammation during periodontal disease in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is the main aim of the study. To achieve this objective, we used the human ELISA kit from Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (Pleasanton, CA, USA), for the detection of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and TNF-α. The data analysis shows that plasma levels of these cytokines are associated with the progression of periodontitis. In conclusion, we can state that the involvement of immunological markers is evident in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Periodontal Health: Disease Prevention and Treatment)
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14 pages, 577 KiB  
Article
Knowledge and Attitudes towards Medical Emergencies among Dentists in Iași, Romania
by Alice Murariu, Livia Bobu, Simona Stoleriu, Roxana-Ionela Vasluianu, Gianina Iovan, Gabriela Luminița Gelețu, Vasilica Toma and Elena-Raluca Baciu
Dent. J. 2024, 12(6), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12060148 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 335
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main medical emergency conditions. The study included a sample of 152 new graduates and residents in [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main medical emergency conditions. The study included a sample of 152 new graduates and residents in the first, second, and third year of training in Prosthodontics and General Dentistry from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi, Romania. Their level of knowledge and the attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire with 24 questions, divided into four sections. The differences among groups were identified using the chi-square test (p < 0.05). A high level of knowledge was found among the three groups of subjects for the questions regarding the recognition of clinical signs in hypoglycemic crisis (88–100%), in anaphylactic shock (83.3–94.5%), and the treatment of angina pectoris (76.2–84.2%). In contrast, a low level of knowledge was found for the questions regarding pulse evaluation in the case of an emergency (26.3–35.7%), the parameters of normal breathing (28.9–43%), and the treatment of hypoglycemic crisis (27.8–44.8%). The study indicated that the dentists had a moderate understanding of dental office medical emergencies and preferred practical training over theoretical courses. Full article
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