Frontiers in Dentistry
Volume:11 Issue: 5, May 2014

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), widely used as a prosthodontic base, has many disadvantages, including a high thermal expansion coefficient and low thermal conductivity, a low elasticity coefficient, low impact strength and low resistance to fatigue. This study aimed to make an in vitro comparison of the thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and tensile strength of the acrylic base of complete dentures with those of acrylic reinforced with nanosilver. For this study, 36 specimens were prepared. The specimens were divided into three groups of 12; which were further divided into two subgroups of control (unmodified PMMA) and test (PMMA mixed with 5 weight% nanosilver).The results were analysed by Independent t-test. This study showed that the mean thermal conductivity and compressive strength of PMMA reinforced with nanosilver were significantly higher than the unmodified PMMA (P<0.05), while the tensile strength decreased significantly after the incorporation of nanosilver (P<0.05). Considering our results suggesting the favorable effect of silver nanoparticles on improving the thermal conductivity and compressive strength of PMMA, use of this material in the palatal area of maxillary acrylic resin dentures is recommended.

The effect of inter-implant distance on retention and resistance of implant-tissue-supported overdentures is lacking in the literature. An in vitro study was performed to evaluate this effect for mandibular implant-tissue-supported overdentures retained by two ball attachments. An acrylic cast of an edentulous mandible was fabricated. Three pairs of implants were symmetrically placed at both sides of the midline. The inter-implant distance was 10, 25, and 35 millimeters in positions A, B and C, respectively. A framework simulating the overdenture was fabricated on the cast. Six attachment housings were placed within the overdenture. For each sample, two ball abutments were screwed onto the implant pairs and two pink nylon inserts were seated in their respective attachment housings. The samples were tested in three groups of 15 (A, B, and C). The testing machine applied tensile dislodging forces and peak loads were measured in three directions: vertical, oblique, and anterior-posterior. A one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD was used to determine groups that were significantly different. Tests were carried out at 0.05 level of significance. Peak loads for the anterior-posteriorly directed dislodging forces were significantly the highest for group C (P<0.05); 21.25 N±3.05 N, while there were no statistically significant differences among groups with vertically and obliquely directed forces (P>0.05). Inter-implant distance did not affect the vertical retention and oblique resistance of mandibular implant-tissue-supported overdentures; however, it affected anterior-posterior resistance.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a polypeptide molecule, with important functions in epithelial growth and wound repair. It exerts its effects on cells by binding to receptors on the cell surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare salivary EGF levels in patients with gingivitis and advanced periodontitis as well as in healthy controls. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected from patients with gingivitis and advanced periodontitis and healthy individuals. The clinical parameters of plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured and recorded using a Williams probe. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine salivary levels of EGF. One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis. The mean salivary level of EGF in healthy individuals (99.27) was significantly higher than that in patients with gingivitis (61.53). This value in patients with gingivitis (61.53) was also significantly higher than that in subjects with periodontitis (36.14) (P<0.001). The reduction in salivary level of EGF in patients with periodontal disease may be related to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Distal extension removable partial denture is a prosthesis with lack of distal dental support with a 13-fold difference in resiliency between the mucosa and the periodontal ligament, resulting in leverage during compression forces. It may be potentially destructive to the abutments and the surrounding tissues. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of implant location on stress distribution, in distal extension implant assisted removable partial dentures. Three-dimensional models of a bilateral distal extension partially edentulous mandible containing anterior teeth and first premolar in both sides of the arch, a partial removable denture and an implant (4×10mm) were designed. With the aid of the finite element program ANSYS 8.0, the models were meshed and strictly vertical forces of 10 N were applied to each cusp tip. Displacement and von Mises Maps were plotted for visualization of results. When an implant was placed in the second premolar region, the highest stress on implant, abutment tooth and cancellous bone was shown. The lowest stress was shown on implant and bone in the 1st molar area. Implants located in the first molar area showed the least distribution of stresses in the analyzed models.

Educational teaching of the diagnosis of resorbed root for pulpectomy in deciduous teeth radiography has always been a big challenge in pediatric dentistry.The purpose of the study was to propose a new practical methodology to improve the quality of learning in students of dentistry. Extracted deciduous teeth were molded in the transparent epoxy resin as their real position in the jawbone. Then, their own pre-extraction radiographs were attached to them. Forty dental students were randomly allocated to the control group of conventional teaching and experimental group of natural model training. All participants were attended in a validated exam and the data were analyzed. A questionnaire was designed with an answer choice in Lickert scale to measure the students'' attitude towards the new method and finally the data were reported with descriptive statistics. The mean of the learning degree in the experimental group was graded 9.2± 3.2 and was significantly higher than 5.8± 1.1 which belongs to the participants of the conventional method as control (p= 0.04 <0.05). Considering the limitation of this study, using natural models in radiography training will improve the diagnostic competency and the student’s educational satisfaction in pediatric dentistry.

Health education in schools is one of the most effective ways of promoting health in a society. Studies have shown the effectiveness of health interventions aimed at improving students’ knowledge، attitude، and behaviors about health issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate health issues in primary school textbooks in Iran. In school year 2010-2011، the contents of all primary school textbooks in Iran were assessed in accordance to their health-related teachings. Health lessons of these 27 textbooks in the form of picture and text were retrieved and analyzed using content analysis method. In total، 502 health-related lessons were found. The textbooks of the third grade contained the highest (144) and those of the fourth grade had the lowest (26) number of health lessons. Among health-related issues، the largest number (87) of lessons were about personal hygiene، while prevention of high risk behaviors comprised the least number (8). Some important health issues such as nutrition، oral health، and prevention of high-risk behaviors were not adequately discussed in the textbooks. The potential of primary school textbooks in delivering health messages has been neglected in Iran. Taking the critical importance of school ages into account، incorporating health issues in textbooks should be more strongly emphasized.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 30% hydrogen peroxide on the microleakage of class V cavities restored with either a silorane-based composite or two methacrylate-based composites. A total of 96 standard class V cavities (1.5 × 2 × 3 mm) were prepared on the buccal surface of sound extracted human premolars with both enamel and dentin margins and randomly assigned into three groups of Filtek P90 (group A) with its respective bonding (P90 system adhesive), Filtek Z250 (group B) and Filtek Z350XT (group C), both with Adper Prompt L-Pop bonding. The teeth were subjected to thermocycling (1000×, 5–55ºC) and half of them randomly underwent bleaching (30% hydrogen peroxide, 15 min, three times), while the remaining half (control) were not bleached. Dye penetration was measured following immersion in 2% basic fuchsin for 24 h. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at 95% CI. No significant differences were found between the composites in the control groups in enamel (P=0.171) or dentin (P=0.094) margins. After bleaching, microleakage of Z250 (at the occlusal (P=0.696) or gingival (P=0.867) margins), Z350 (at the occlusal (P=0.323) margin) and P90 (at the occlusal (P=0.316) or gingival (P=0.281) margins) did not change significantly. No significant differences were noted between the bleached and control subgroups of Z250 and P90 in enamel or dentin margins. Microleakage of Z350 composite was reduced at the gingival margin compared to the control group, but no significant difference was observed at the occlusal margin. Microleakage of silorane-based composite in gingival margin was significantly more than two metacrylate-based composites.

The aim of ideal canal preparation is to prevent iatrogenic aberrations such as transportation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal transportation by Reciproc file with and without glide path. Thirty acrylic-resin blocks with a curvature of 60˚ and size#10 (2% taper) were assigned into two groups (n= 15). In group 1, the glide path was performed using stainless steel k-files size#10 and 15 at working length In group 2, canals were prepared with Reciproc file system at working length. By using digital imaging software (AutoCAD 2008), the pre-instrumentation and post-instrumentation digital images were superimposed over, taking the landmarks as reference points. Then the radius of the internal and external curve of the specimens was calculated at three α, β and γ points (1mm to apex as α, 3mm to apex as β, and 5mm to apex as γ). The data were statically analyzed using the independent T-test and Mann-Whitney U test by SPSS version 16. Glide path was found significant for only external curve in the apical third of the canal; that is, 5mm to apex (P=0.005). But in the other third, canal modification was not significant (P> 0.008). Canal transportation in the apical third of the canal seems to be significantly reduced when glide path is performed using reciprocating files.

This study compared the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and MTA-like materials as root-end fillings after incubation in phosphate buffer saline (PBS), a synthetic tissue fluid, for either 1 week or 2 months. In this experimental study, seventy-two extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. The apical 3 mm of the roots were resected. Root-end cavities were prepared with an ultrasonic retrotip. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=24) and filled with either ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA, or RetroMTA. Half of the specimens in each group were stored in PBS for 1 week the other half for 2 months. Epoxy resin replicas from the resected root-end surfaces and longitudinally sectioned roots were fabricated. The gaps at the material/dentin interface were measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Transversal, longitudinal, and overall gap sizes were measured. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. There were no significant differences between the marginal adaptation of ProRoot MTA, RetroMTA, and OrthoMTA in both transverse and longitudinal sections after incubation for either 1 week or 2 months (p > 0.05). In addition, the test groups were not significantly different regarding the overall mean gap values (p > 0.05). Under the conditions of this study, there was no difference between the marginal adaptation of ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA, and RetroMTA as root-end filling materials after exposure to PBS for either 1 week or 2 months.

To evaluate the composite-to-dentin microtensile bond strength after different pre-curing temperatures of two composite resin.The occlusal surface of forty four human molars were abraded with water cooled diamond burs and polished with 600 grit silicon carbide sand papers to obtain flat dentin surfaces.The dentinwas etched with37% phosphoric acid and bonded with Adper single bond2according to manufacturer''s instructions.The specimens were randomly divided into two groups(n=22) according to the composite resin applied;FiltekP60 and Filtek Z250. For each group, three subgroups of composite resin pre-curing temperatures (4, 23, 37) were created. Composite resins were applied and cured on the dentin surface in a plastic mold (8mm in diameter × 4mm in length)incrementally.22 composite-to-dentinhour-glasssticks with 1mm2 cross-sectional area per group wereprepared. Microtensile bond strength measurements were performed using a universal testing machine at 1 cross head speed.For statistical analysis, T-Test and Two-way ANOVA tests were used. The level of significance was set at P<0/05.The FiltekP60 pre-heated in 37ºC had significantly higher microtensile bond strength than Filtek Z250 in same condition. There were no significant different micotensile bond strength values between 4ºC, 23ºC and 37ºC subgroups from each composite resin group.Comparing the two resin composites tested in same pre-cuing temperatures had no significant different values in 4ºC and 23ºC but significant higher value was observed for Filtek P60 at 37ºC.

This study aimed to assess the anticariogenic and hemolytic activity of crude plant seed protein extracts against tooth decaying bacteria. The proteins from seeds of 12 different plants were extracted and used for antimicrobial assay against six different organisms. The extraction was carried out in 10mM of sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Protein concentrations were determined as described by Bradford method. Anticariogenic activity was studied by agar well diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was evaluated by the two-fold serial broth dilution method. Hemolytic activity, treatment of proteinase K and Kinetic study in Mimusops elengi crude seed protein extract. The anticariogenic assay demonstrated the activity of Mimusops elengi against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. A minor activity of Glycine wightii against Streptococcus mutans was also found. The protein content of Mimusops elengi seed protein extract was 5.84mg/ml. The MIC values for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes against Mimusops elengi seed protein extract were 364.36μg/ml and 182.19μg/ml, respectively. Kinetic study further elucidated the mode of inhibition in the presence of the Mimusops elengi plant seed protein with respect to time. The concentration of crude extract which gave 50% hemolysis compared to Triton X-100 treatment (HC50) value was 1.58 mg/ml; which is more than five times larger than that of the MIC. Treatment with proteinase K of the Mimusops elengi seed protein resulted in absence of the inhibition zone; which clearly indicates that the activity was only due to protein. Our results showed the prominence of Mimusops elengi plant seed protein extract as an effective herbal medication against tooth decaying bacteria.

Midwives may play an important role in oral health promotion of pregnant women, whom they are in close contact with. Our aim was to evaluate an educational intervention on the oral health attitude and practices among the junior midwifery students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010. The junior midwifery students were divided into intervention (n=29) and control (n=33) groups. The intervention group was first educated about general oral health, oral hygiene practices during pregnancy, and tooth brushing and flossing on models. Subsequently, the students performed role playing to ensure they understood the aforementioned lessons correctly. Before and three months after the training course the students filled out a validated self-administered questionnaire and a simplified plaque index was recorded. Statistical analysis was done by Mann-Whitney test and linear regression models. Before the intervention, the mean scores of attitude in general oral health for the intervention and control groups were 5.8 and 5.4, respectively, which improved to 8.9 and 5.4 after the intervention (P<0.001). The mean score of oral health attitude in pregnancy was 20.4 in the intervention group and increased to 30.9 (P<0.001). The intervention group demonstrated much better oral health practices in pregnancy and lower plaque index score after the intervention. The promising finding about attitude and practice improvement in midwifery students after participating in a short course on oral health promotion in pregnancy shows the necessity to enrich their training program by including this subject.

The bond strength of resin cements to metal alloys depends on the type of the metal, conditioning methods and the adhesive resins used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of resin cements to base and noble metal alloys after sand blasting or application of silano-pen. Cylinders of light cured Z 250 composite were cemented to “Degubond 4” (Au Pd) and “Verabond” (Ni Cr) alloys by either RelyX Unicem or Panavia F2, after sandblasting or treating the alloys with Silano-Pen. The shear bond strengths were evaluated. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and t tests at a significance level of P<0.05. When the alloys were treated by Silano-Pen, RelyX Unicem showed a higher bond strength for Degubond 4 (P=0.021) and Verabond (P< 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the bond strength of Panavia F2 to the alloys after either of surface treatments, Degubond 4 (P=0.291) and Verabond (P=0.899).Panavia F2 showed a higher bond strength to sandblasted Verabond compared to RelyX Unicem (P=0.003). The bond strength of RelyX Unicem was significantly higher to Silano-Pen treated Verabond (P=0.011). The bond strength of the cements to sandblasted Degubond 4 showed no significant difference (P=0.59). RelyX Unicem had a higher bond strength to Silano-Pen treated Degubond 4 (P=0.035). The bond strength of resin cements to Verabond alloy was significantly higher than Degubond 4. RelyX Unicem had a higher bond strength to Silano-Pen treated alloys. Surface treatments of the alloys did not affect the bond strength of Panavia F2.

Presence of available and stable fluoride in a dentifrice formulation is a major requirement for an anti-caries effect. Although the available fluoride concentration in Iranian dentifrices has been reported in previous studies, there is little information on its stability; which is dependent upon dentifrice formulation.This study was done to assess the fluoride ion concentration and stability in four widely used dentifrices in Iran. In this analytical study, three samples of each brand of dentifrice (Nasim, Pooneh, Crest, and Signal) were purchased. Total fluoride (TF) and total soluble fluoride (TSF) concentrations were determined by ion specific electrodes. Data about TF were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for nonparametric data (TSF). All dentifrices had more than 1000 ppm of fluoride ions. TSF in Crest was significantly higher than in other dentifrices (P<0.0001) and was over the maximum permitted dose. The TF concentration in Iranian toothpastes was sufficient to prevent caries.

Central anticholinergic syndrome (CAS) following general anesthesia (GA) is a well known syndrome in children and adults. Many cases of CAS have been previously reported in the literature. However, there are only two reports of post resuscitation CAS after administration of small doses of atropine. Hereby, we report a case of CAS in a child undergoing complete dental restoration under GA after receiving a small dose of atropine to reverse hypoxia induced bradycardia.Intraoperative events such as hypoxia or cardiac arrest may play a role as triggers for CAS. However, we cannot establish a causal relationship between the occurrence of CAS and such critical events.

Oral surgery in patients with bleeding disorders is associated with a high risk of bleeding during and after surgery. This article is aimed to present the case of an eight-year-old girl suffering from severe Fanconi anemia with pancytopenia who underwent a dental extraction. The hemostatic effect of local administration of tranexamic acid in combination with a primary suture seems to be extremely helpful in order to reduce the necessity of blood products and the risk of postoperative bleeding.