Journal of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Volume:15 Issue: 1, Mar 2014

Statement of Problem: The modern dentistry approach is moving toward preventive dentistry, an approach that has decreased the prevalence of caries within the past decades. Since some reports imply that dentists are not knowledgeable enough in this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the attitude and awareness of future dental graduates toward preventive dentistry regarding gender and educational characteristics. This cross-sectional study was performed on one hundred and forty questionnaires which were distributed among dental students of Isfahan province, Azad university of Khorasgan, Iran. Data regarding the level of awareness of dental students about preventive dentistry were recorded and analyzed by using the mean and standard deviations on scores as appropriated. Majority of dental students were aware about the role of sugar in caries process, while only a minority were aware about the role of fluoridated toothpaste and brushing method in caries prevention. Most of the students (82.1%) were among the group with medium level of awareness. Compared with their female counterparts, male students had more knowledge about fluoride efficacy and general hygiene role in caries process. Dental students of the Isfahan State University and Azad University of Khorasgan had acceptable levels of awareness about the role of sugar and fluoridated water in caries process, but were not aware enough about the role of fluoridated toothpaste in preventing dental caries.

Statement of Problem: Reattachment of the fractured tooth fragment should be considered as a conservative treatment and valid alternative to a composite restoration. This in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different adhesives and composite resins on fracture resistance of dental fragment reattached to the sectioned incisal edges. 120 sound human maxillary central incisors were selected under standard conditions and randomly divided into 3 groups, 12 sound teeth were used as a control group and the remaining teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n=36) and each group into three subgroups (n=12). The incisal third of the samples was sectioned using a diamond disk and the respective fragments were then reattached utilizing different intermediate restorative materials, namely: i) adhesive materials alone (OptiBond S or OptiBond XTR or OptiBond All-in-One; ii) Premise flowable composite and iii) Point 4 composite in the one of the mentioned adhesive interface. After storage for two weeks at 37°C and 100% humidity and then thermocycling; shear bond strength (SBS) was recorded in kilogram force (kgf) by applying a load in the middle incisal third with a Zwick Universal Testing Machine at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. Data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD (p< 0.05). The control group had a significantly higher SBS than other groups (p= 0.001); the highest SBS values were obtained using the Premise flowable composite and OptiBond S adhesive (112.44±30.46 MPa); and the lowest with OptiBond All-in-One alone (33.97± 15.63 MPa). Although, none of the tested materials provided fracture resistance similar to that found with the intact maxillary central incisors; utilizing the Premise flowable composite and OptiBond S adhesive improved the SBS of the reattached fragment than other materials.

Statement of Problem: Information about the etiology and incidence of maxillofacial trauma is important for prevention and appropriate treatments of such injuries. The purpose of this retrospective study was to conduct an analysis of maxillofacial injuries transferred and/or referred to the department of maxillofacial Surgery at Chamran emergency hospital, Shiraz, over a 6-year period with special reference to age, gender, occupation, date, type, site, etiology and clinical management. The data for this study were collected and reviewed retrospectively from the records and radiographs of 768 patients who were treated for maxillofacial trauma in the department of maxillofacial surgery at the Shiraz Chamran Emergency Hospital, Iran, between 2004 and 2010. A total of 730 of the subjects were the patients with fractures of the facial skeleton. The mean age was 26.6± 12.6 years, ranging from 2 to 81 years. Traffic accident was the most frequent etiological factor of maxillofacial fractures irrespective of gender (69.9% for men and 54.2% for women), whereas the second most frequent cause of injuries was falling down (9.8% for men and 21.5% for women). The other etiologies were assaults (5.2%), sport related injuries (1.3%) and firearm injuries (1%). Regarding the head injuries in patients with maxillofacial fractures, brain contusion was seen in 227(29.6%) patients and 13.5% of patients had lacerations in the facial soft tissue. The monthly distribution peaked in October, with 81 cases (10.5%), which would be for the reason that schools open in this month. The next highest incidence was in December, with 80 cases (10.4%), probably because of the changing weather''s effect on road traffic. Isolated mandibular fracture due to the road traffic accident was the most common type of maxillofacial injuries in the city of Shiraz.

Statement of Problem: A strong bond of fiber post to resin core, as well as to dentin would critically ensure the durability of restorations in endodontically treated teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of etch-and-rinse dentin bonding systems on the bond strength between resin core and fiber post after application of 24% hydrogen peroxide. 24 fiber posts (RTD; St. Egèven, France) were treated with 24% hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes. They were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6) based on the bonding agent used: Group P: Prime&Bond, Group O: One Step, Group S: Single Bond and Group E: Excite. Each group was prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For all posts, a flowable composite core (ÆliteFlo; Bisco, USA) was built-up over the bonded area. Each specimen was sectioned to produce 2 sticks, 1mm in thickness and underwent microtensile bond strength (µTBS). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at the 0.05 level. The fractured surfaces of all sticks were evaluated by stereomicroscope (× 20). Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) assessment of two sticks from each group was performed to evaluate the surface morphology. The means and SDs of µTBS were: Group P: 10.95±1.74; Group S: 10.25±2.39; Group E: 9.52±2.07; and Group O: 9.12±1.34. There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength means between the groups tested (p> 0.05). The results of this study indicated the bonding agents used had no significant influence on the bond strength of fiber post to composite core.

Statement of Problem: One of the most challenging procedural accidents during pulpotomy of primary molars is furcal perforation. To prevent bacterial invasion, the perforation site should be sealed as soon as possible. The aim of the current study is to investigate the ability of the pro-root MTA and new endodontic cement (NEC) in repairing the furcation perforations of primary molar teeth. In this in vitro study, 42 extracted primary molars were selected. Their roots were sectioned horizontally and standard access cavity was prepared. The orifices and the root apices were sealed with two layers of resin composite.The samples were randomly assigned into 2 groups. 6 teeth were considered as the positive and the negative controls. In the experimental groups; perforation was made. In group 1 and 2, perforation site received pro-root MTA and NEC respectively. The teeth were covered by two layers of nail polish except for the external surface of the perforation site. The negative control group received no repairing material. All teeth were mounted and sterilized for 24 hours. Lower chambers were filled with sterilized Muller Hinton broth. Bacterial suspension of Enterococcus faecalis in 0.5 McFarland was prepared. The repaired site was then exposed to the bacterial suspension of Enterococcus faecalis every 3 days. All samples were inserted in an incubator at 37oC and 100% humidity. The turbidity of the samples was detected for a period of 30 days. Data were analyzed by Chi- square test. 44% of samples in Pro- root group, 50% of the samples in the NEC group showed contaminations during 30 days. There was no significant difference between these two groups (p= 0.799). With limitations of this study, Pro- root MTA and NEC showed similar capability in sealing the furcal perforations of the primary molars.

Statement of Problem: Systematic reviews of the literature show that the dental erosion is associated with the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).The prevalence of the problem may not be exclusively similar in different countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) with dental erosion in a sample of Iranian population regarding the standing difference in the Iranian oral hygiene and diet. 140 patients with the average age of 30 to 50 years old comprised the study group. The participants were already eligible for the endoscopic examination, diagnosed by their gastroenterologist. All patients completed a detailed questionnaire regarding the medical and dental situations. After completing the questionnaire and before endoscopy, dental examination was performed by two blinded dentists.The endoscopy was then performed by a gastroenterologist and the patients were divided into three groups of healthy, suspected to GERD, and positive GERD. Data were collected and analyzed by Chi- Square test. The cross tabulation test was performed to compare the qualitative variants and discover the correlations. The statistical significance was adopted as: p < 0.05. The prevalence of dental erosion in GERD patients (22.6%) was found to be higher than the suspected (5.3%) and the healthy (7%) individuals. This study declared the GERD patients are at higher risk of developing dental erosion compared to the healthy individuals in a sample of Iranian population.

Statement of Problem: The main purpose of a root canal treatment is to eliminate the bacteria and their products from the pulp space. Sodium hypochlorite has excellent antibacterial properties, but also some negative features. The aim of the present study is to compare the antimicrobial effect of Aloe Vera solution with sodium hypochlorite on E.faecalis in the root canals of human extracted teeth. Sixty human extracted single rooted teeth were selected for this in vitro study. The teeth recruited in this study had no cracks, internal resorption, external resorption and calcification. Enterococcus faecalis was injected in the root canals of all teeth. The teeth were then divided into three groups randomly. Each group consisted of 20 teeth that were all rinsed with one of the following solutions: sodium hypochlorite 2.5%, Aloe vera and normal saline. Subsequent to rinsing, root canals of all teeth were sampled. The samples were cultured and growth of the bacteria was assessed after 48 hours. The number of colonies of the bacteria was then counted. The difference between the inhibitory effect of Aloe vera and normal saline on E.faecalis was not significant according to independent t-test (p= 0.966). The inhibitory effect of sodium hypochlorite on E.faecalis was much greater than that of Aloe vera and normal saline (p< 0.001). Aloe vera solution is not recommended as a root canal irrigator, but future studies are suggested to investigate the antibacterial effect of Aloe vera with longer duration of exposure and as an intra canal medicament.

This article describes an esthetic rehabilitation of a case of severe fluorosis associated with tooth mobility and gingival recession. Direct composite technique was applied to improve the color, shape and alignment of the teeth using direct composite veneering and replacement of the missing tooth by fiber-reinforced composite bridge. One year follow up have displayed acceptable outcomes and esthetic appearance.