Aim Biocompatibility of materials used in regenerative endodontics is of prime importance. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate and compare cytotoxicity and apoptotic changes of propolis, chitosan, and their nano counterparts on dental pulp stem cells. Materials and methods Aqueous and ethanolic extract of propolis, chitosan, propolis nanoparticles, and chitosan nanoparticles were prepared. Dental pulp stem cells were isolated from human third molars and characterized. Cultured cells were incubated with each extract of each material used for 24 and 72 h. Thereafter, cellular viability was assessed using MTT assay and DNA fragmentation using DNA fragmentation laddering assay. Control samples containing only medium were treated similarly. Differences in mean values of cell viability and DNA fragmentation between materials were assessed by using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Results Nanoparticles of both materials expressed higher cell viability and lower DNA fragmentation in comparison to their original particles counterpart. Chitosan nanoparticles recorded a lower cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation after 24 h, which increased by time, meanwhile that of propolis nanoparticles were decreased by time. Type of vehicle was a factor affecting the results of chitosan nanoparticles, while time was the factor affecting propolis nanoparticles. Conclusion Both propolis and chitosan nanoparticles displayed an acceptable biocompatibility and can be used in endodontic regeneration purposes.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim/purpose Comparative evaluation of surface roughness of stainless steel (SS), nitinol (NiTi), titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) and copper nitinol (Cu NiTi) orthodontic arch wires before and after clinical use to find the smoothest wire surface best used in orthodontic sliding mechanics. Materials and methods Surface roughness of 40 arch wires divided into four groups (group 1: 10 SS arch wires, group 2: 10 NiTi arch wires, group 3: 10 TMA arch wires and group 4: 10 Cu NiTi arch wires) were measured at five different points for each wire before and after its clinical use in oral cavity for 4 weeks using atomic force microscope and optical digital microscope. All obtained data was statistically tested. Results SS arch wires had the smoothest surface (average roughness: 17.38 μm for new wires and 104.1 μm for used wires) and Cu NiTi arch wires had the roughest surface (average roughness: 221.12 μm for new wires and 499 μm for used wires) with high significant differences between both groups either new or used arch wires (P < 0.001). High significant difference was found between new and used wires for all groups. NiTi wires had greater surface roughness (average roughness: 211.8 μm for new wires and 313.8 for used wires) than TMA wires (average roughness: 138.5 μm for new wires and 221.2 μm for used wires). Conclusion SS orthodontic arch wires exhibited the least amount of surface roughness and advocated to be used in sliding mechanics to minimize the friction during orthodontic tooth movements.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dental, skeletal, and soft-tissue change in crowding cases treated with nonextraction approach using the Damon system. Materials and methods The sample included 20 patients, with an average age of 17.8 ± 3.7 years, selected on the basis of pretreatment class I skeletal and molar relationships with an acceptable soft tissue facial profile, and a moderate crowding range between 4.0 and 9.0 mm for the maxilla and 2.0 and 6.0 mm for the mandible. None of them had received any orthodontic treatment before, or had extraction or any congenital anomalies such as supernumerary teeth. Results The evaluation of the study was performed by detecting the dental, skeletal, and soft tissue changes between pretreatment and post-treatment study models and lateral cephalometric radiographs. The paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. The treatment required 20.7 ± 2.2 months to be finished, with an average of 13.8 ± 1.5 appointments. Conclusion The results of this study revealed that the correction of crowding was achieved through expansion of the dental arches and mandibular incisors proclination.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Purpose The aim of the present study was to analyze retrospectively the age and sex distribution, etiology, and location of mandibular and midface fractures in a sample of patients from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Alexandria University, Egypt. Patients and methods The data for this study were obtained from the medical records of 177 cases treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Alexandria University, from April 2010 to August 2011. Results The total number of patients with maxillofacial trauma presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, during the period from April 2010 to August 2011 was 177 patients. The male population was more frequently affected compared with the female population, males were more frequently affected than females, where males accounted for 82% (145 patients) and females accounted for 18% (32 patients) of the study population with a ratio of 4.5:1. The ages of the patients in the study population ranged from 1.5 to 75 years, with a mean of 25.56 ΁ 14.04 years. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common cause of trauma, accounting for 77.97% (138) of cases. A total of 103 cases had isolated mandibular fractures, 54 cases had midface fractures only, and 20 patients had mandibular fractures associated with midface fractures. The most common site in mandibular fractures was the parasymphysis (40.64%; 63 fractures), and zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures were the most common, accounting for 70.13% (54 fractures) of midface fractures. Most of the fractures were treated by means of open reduction and internal fixation using plates (144 cases; 81.36%), whereas the remaining 33 (18.64%) cases were treated conservatively by means of closed reduction. The duration of hospital stay ranged from 0 to 26 days, with an average of 7.34 ΁ 4.64 days. Conclusion RTAs are the main etiological factor in maxillofacial injuries occurring in Alexandria, with men between 21 and 45 years of age being affected predominantly. Preventive strategies remain the best way to reduce the sequelae of RTAs.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the Young's modulus (E) and nanohardness (H) of recently developed high viscosity bulk-fill and self-adhering resin composites by using nanoindentation technique. The effect of water aging on these properties was also studied. Materials and methods Four resin composites that fall into the categories of conventional (Filtek Z250 XT; FZ), high viscosity bulk-fill (Filtek Bulk-Fill Restorative Posterior), flowable (Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable), and self-adhering flowable (Vertise Flow) were evaluated in this study. Ten disc specimens (5 mm × 2 mm) were prepared from each material. After polishing, half the specimens of each material (n = 5) were dry stored and the other half stored in distilled water for 30 days at 37°C. The E and H were determined by nanoindentation test using Bruker CETR-Apex nanoindenter. Ten indentations were made on top surface of each specimen. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and paired t-test. Results All materials were significantly different from each other regarding both E and H in both testing circumstances. A 30-day water storage caused a significant decrease in E and H of all tested composites except for Filtek Bulk-Fill Restorative Posterior, where its E increased and its H not affected. There was a positive correlation between E and H. Conclusion Generally, both E and H were significantly increased when the filler content increased and they were significantly affected by 30-day water aging. E and H were affected not only by the filler content but also by the quality of resin matrix particularly after water storage.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer widely used throughout the world. It is the salt of glutamic acid, one of the naturally occurring amino acids. It is produced commercially and has classified as generally recognized as safe. Nevertheless, it has been alleged to cause many ills. Objective The present work aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of MSG on the rat gingiva. Materials and methods Thirty adult Wistar rats weighting 150–250 g at the age of 6–8 weeks were used in this study. They were partitioned evenly into three groups, each group of 10 rats. Group 1 was the first group that was maintained as control group. Group 2 was the first experimental group while group 3 was the second experimental group. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were administered MSG at two different doses, 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight respectively for 6 weeks. Each gingival tissue sample was divided evenly to be processed and prepared for routine histological examination and molecular study. Results Using hematoxylin and eosin stain, gingival sections presented variable structural changes in both experimental groups including hyperchromatism, pleomorphism of basal cell layer and cytoplasmic basophilia. Group 2 showed areas of epithelial atrophy while group 3 presented acanthosis and hyperkeratosis. Analysis of DNA extracted from gingival tissue samples using five different primers showed marked decrease in the DNA quality. The genotoxic effect of MSG was more declared in group 3 that exhibited the least numbers of bands created with the tested five primers. Conclusion It can be concluded that MSG is genotoxic agent to gingival tissue that has deleterious effects on DNA. These effects were clearly detected in the molecular study and supported by the routine histological findings of the current work.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background A glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorative materials is commonly used in dentistry for permanent cementation of indirect restorations, liner, base or as atraumatic restorative treatment for the restoration of primary teeth, especially in developing countries. Water sorption and solubility of dental cement could be a primary cause of restoration failure. Early moisture contamination on luting cements during setting results not only in an increased loss of substance but also a reduction of physical properties especially its surface hardness. Chitosan can improve the mechanical properties of GICs and decrease its solubility, therefore it is necessary to do research on the solubility, water sorption and surface hardness of the chitosan modified GICs. Aim This study was aimed to investigate the effect of addition of chitosan to the liquid of GIC on water sorption, solubility and microhardness of GIC. Materials and methods Commercially available powder/liquid restorative GIC was used in this study. A total of 60 samples were used in this study. The GIC samples was divided into samples of conventional GIC as a control (group I), GIC modified with 25% (v/v) chitosan solution (group II) and GIC modified with 50% (v/v) chitosan solution (group III). Water sorption and solubility results obtained from the difference between the weights of samples before and after immersion in an incubator and after dehydration. The samples with 6 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness were used for Vickers microhardness test. Results were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Results The addition of chitosan to GIC may increase water sorption of GIC and decreased its solubility. The addition of chitosan to GIC significantly decreased its surface hardness. Conclusion The modification of GIC liquid with chitosan showed to be more effective in decreasing the solubility of GIC. However, the microhardness may significantly decrease with chitosan incorporation in polyacrylic acid liquid.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate bite force and oral health impact profile (OHIP) in completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with two different types of denture bases. Patients and methods A total of 26 patients were selected from outpatient clinic, Removable Prosthodontic Department, Al-Azhar University. For each patient two types of complete dentures were made: (a) a heat-polymerizing hard Polymethyle-methacrylate (PMMA) and (b) thermoplastic PMMA. Bite force were evaluated 1 month and 6 months after denture insertion. Oral health-related quality of life was measured after 6 months of denture use using modified OHIP scale for edentulous patients. The data were statistically analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences V21 software. Results After 6 months of denture insertion, the bite force with a thermoplastic PMMA was better than that of heat-polymerizing hard PMMA with statistically significance difference. After 6 months, the OHIP for thermoplastic PMMA recorded better values more than a heat-polymerizing hard PMMA. Conclusion A thermoplastic PMMA denture was found to significantly has better maximum bite force values and OHIP after 6 months of denture use as compared to heat-polymerizing hard PMMA complete dentures.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare wettability, dimensional changes, flexibility and tear resistance of two recent elastomeric impression materials, vinyl polyether silicone (VPES) hybrid material and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) containing nanofillers with conventional PVS and polyether (PE) impression materials. Materials and methods: The elastomeric impression materials are divided into four groups, two experimental: VPES (EXA'lence) and PVS containing nanofillers (Elite HD+) and two control groups: PVS (Imprint II) and PE (Impregum Soft). The properties that were investigated are wettability, dimensional changes%, flexibility and tear resistance. Ten specimens were made for each property of all groups. Results: The results indicated that VPES (EXA'lence) and PE (Impregum Soft) showed the highest wettability. PVS containing nanofillers (Elite HD+) showed the lowest dimensional changes%. The strain in compression % (flexibility) of PE, VPES and PVS were not significantly different from each other and they were significantly different from PVS containing nanofillers which showed the lowest strain in compression%. The tear resistance (N/mm) of PVS containing nanofillers (Elite HD+) and VPES (EXA'lence) were significantly higher than PE (Impregum Soft) and PVS (Imprint II) which were not significantly different from each other. Conclusion: All tested materials were hydrophilic specially VPES and PE which recorded the highest wettability. All tested mterials showed accepted dimensional changes according to ANSI/ADA No. 19 and PVS containing nanofillers showed the greatest dimensional stability. All materials recorded accepted flexibility according to ANSI/ADA No. 19. As related to flexibility; PE, VPES and PVS recorded higher flexibility than PVS containing nanofillers while PVS containing nanofillers and VPES showed the highest tear resistance.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of the rehabilitated overflared canals with anatomically adjustable everStick post. Patients and methods: Thirty extracted human maxillary central incisors with close similarity were selected. The specimens were coronally horizontally sectioned, endodontically treated and randomly divided into three groups (n = 10). Twenty of specimens were overflared, leaving 5 mm gutta percha seal. Group I: overflared specimens were rehabilitated with everStick post. Group II: overflared specimens were rehabilitated with EasyPost/composite. Group III (control group): specimens had normal unflared canals and were restored with EasyPost/core system. Composite resin was used to complete the core building-up for all groups. Fracture resistance of all specimens was measured using Instron testing machine. Statistical analyses were submitted to one-way analysis of variance and a post-hoc test. The level of significance was adopted atP value less than 0.05. Results: The results showed that the control group recorded the highest fracture resistance values, followed by everStick and EasyPost/composite group and the difference was significant among them (P < 0.05). Mode of failures showed 76.7% of specimens exhibited a repairable mode of failure while 23.3% displayed nonrepairable mode. Root fracture was recorded in one specimen of everStick group and in two specimens of EasyPost/composite group, however, four specimens in the control group displayed EasyPost fracture. Conclusion: The use of anatomically adjustable everStick post in rehabilitation of compromised teeth with flared canals seems to be significantly effective, promising in the improvement of fracture resistance, and increase the favorable mode of failure.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objectives The present study was performed to evaluate and compare the effect of ozonized water lavage followed by ozone injection with that of lactated Ringer lavage followed by either corticosteroid or sodium hyaluronate injection. Materials and methods A total of 27 patients suffering from internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint and not responding to conservative therapy were randomly classified into three groups. In group A joint lavage was performed using ozonized water followed by injection of ozone. In group B joint lavage was performed using lactated Ringer solution followed by corticosteroid injection. In group C joint lavage was performed using lactated Ringer solution followed by sodium hyaluronate injection. The treatment outcome was evaluated biochemically by measuring the change in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level in the synovial fluid preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively. Clinical measurements of maximal mouth opening and lateral and protrusive excursions were taken preoperatively and at 1 week, 1, and 3 months postoperatively. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale at the study intervals. These data were statistically analyzed. Results The three groups showed significant improvement (P ≤ 0.05) in all biochemical and clinical measurements. However, joint lavage using ozonized water followed by ozone injection provided more favorable results compared with treatment with sodium hyaluronate, which in turn was more superior to corticosteroid treatment with respect to maximal mouth opening. All of the study groups showed significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in TNF-α level in the synovial fluid. Group A had the highest reduction of TNF-α level with significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between its results and those of groups B and C, whereas groups B and C showed nonsignificant difference between their results (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion Data from our study suggested more favorable outcomes from ozonized water lavage followed by ozone injection with regard to the clinical and biochemical parameters.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objectives The aim of this study is to compare the shaping ability (straightening of curved root canals, apical transportation, preparation time) of single and multi-file rotary systems during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human molar teeth. Methods Sixty mandibular molars were divided according to the instrument used into three groups of 20 teeth each: group PTU (ProTaper Uneiversal), group PTN (ProTaper Next) and group OS (One Shape). Using standardized pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of canal curvature was determined using image analysis software. A double-digital standardized radiographic technique was used to determine apical transportation. Preparation time was also recorded. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey's test, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Results During root canal preparation, no instruments fractured. The use of PTN resulted in significantly less canal straightening followed by OS then PT. There were no significant differences between the three groups with respect to apical transportation. PTN were significantly faster than PTU and OS. Conclusion Under the conditions of this study, ProTaper Next Protaper Universal and One Shape instruments respected original canal curvature and were safe to use. Protaper Next was the fastest among them.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess dental age among a group of children in Tanta city by using the Demirjian method. Materials and methods A sample of 400 children aged 5–13 years were selected from the Pedodontic and Orthodontic clinics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University. All patients had to undergo panoramic radiography during their course of treatment. Dental maturity was assessed. Results Both boys and girls showed advanced dental age compared with their chronological age, which was found to be statistically significant. Boys were 0.208 years and girls were 0.294 years ahead. Conclusion The Demirjian standard is not applicable to Egyptian children and a new adapted dental score for Egyptians must be established for each sex and age separately.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim To evaluate sealing ability and quality of obturation when canal filled with gutta-percha and either mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), or AH Plus sealer with detection of any possible correlation between microleakage and voids. Materials and methods Human freshly extracted 30 maxillary one-rooted teeth were prepared and assigned to experimental groups (n = 10), designated as group I: gutta-percha/AH Plus, group II: gutta-percha/MTA sealer, group III positive control group (n = 5) teeth unobturated, group IV: negative control group (n = 5) teeth obturated with gutta-percha, AH Plus sealer. After obturation, each tooth was prepared for fluid filtration assessment. Voids detection was performed through cross-sectional analysis at three root levels. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance at a level of confidence of 95%. Results None of the tested obturation systems was able to provide leak proof filling. The sealing ability of MTA FillApex sealer showed higher parameters than AH Plus sealer even if it was not significant. The lowest percent of voids was recorded at the apical third for both tested sealers. The correlation between leakage and voids percentage was nonsignificant. Conclusion Calcium silicate root canal sealer (MTA FillApex) and AH Plus sealer can provide adequate seal with low voids percent. None of the root canal filled teeth were gap-free. Voids percentage cannot be used as an indicator for sealing ability.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fluoride gel, Remin Pro, and GC tooth mousse plus in changing surface roughness of enamel after bleaching procedures. Materials and methods Dental enamel blocks measuring 2 × 3 × 4 mm were prepared from nonerupted human third molars. The 38% hydrogen peroxide in-office bleaching protocols were performed. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 samples per group) according to the remineralizing agent used: group 1: using fluoride gel, group 2: using Remin Pro, and group 3: using GC tooth mousse plus. Measurements of surface roughness were carried out using a contact stylus profilometer before bleaching, after bleaching, and after remineralization. Results Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's test. There was a highly significant difference of enamel surface roughness measurements among initial, after bleaching, and final regarding the three tested groups (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference among the three tested groups in relation to enamel surface roughness before and after bleaching (P = 0.739 and 0.341, respectively). There was a highly significant difference in relation to final measurements (P < 0.001) among the three tested groups. The difference in Ra value of enamel between the group used fluoride gel and that used Remin Pro and GC tooth mousse plus was highly significant and that between groups 2 and 3 was not significant. Conclusion GC tooth mousse plus and Remin Pro are more effective in reducing enamel surface roughness after bleaching than fluoride product.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate surface and mechanical properties of bulk fill composite compared to conventional incremental composites. Materials and methods: The bulk fill composites were Filtek Bulk Fill, Sonic Fill, SDR Smart Dentin Replacement and Tetric-N-Ceram Bulk Fill while the incremental ones were Filtek Z350 × T and Herculite XRV Ultra. Surface roughness and wettability was measured using profilometer (Bruker) and drop shape analyzer (Kruss), respectively. Surface hardness of the top and bottom surface was measured using Micromet 6040 (Buehler). For mechanical test, the universal testing machine was used under the three-point bending test. Results: There was no statistical significant difference in wettability and surface roughness between bulk fill and incremental composites, except the SDR that showed statistically significance higher roughness than incremental composites. All composites showed significantly lower hardness than Filtek Z350; the lowest hardness was recorded for SDR. There was no significant difference between bulk fill and incremental composites in flexure strength and modulus. SDR showed the lowest flexure strength and modulus but the highest strain% (P < 0.05) compared to all tested materials. Sonic fill system showed significantly higher flexure strength and modulus when compared to other bulk fill materials (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The difference between bulk fill and incremental composite is mainly material dependent.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Turkish dentists on different scenarios in dental traumatology. Materials and methods A two-part online questionnaire was used to collect data. The first part included questions about practitioners' demographics, their meeting frequency for trauma cases, their self-evaluated knowledge, educational information about dentistry. The second part included multiple-choice for 10 clinical scenarios about a variety of dental trauma cases and their complications. Results A total of 472 questionnaires returned. 55.5% of participants were general dentists. Overall, 7.8% reported extensive and comprehensive knowledge about dental trauma, 55.3% considered their dental traumatology knowledge to be sufficient, but incomplete, and 36.9% self-evaluated their knowledge as insufficient. 40.9% of participants refer their patients for diagnosis and treatment mostly to endodontists, pediatric dentists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. In questionnaire 2, overall the correct answer average was 5.79 based on 10 clinical scenarios. The average of correct answer in 1–5 years experience group was significantly higher than the groups having experience over 10 years. Conclusion Turkish general dentists demonstrated insufficient knowledge regarding the management of traumatized teeth. Informing the students during their undergraduate education and encouraging the clinicians to follow the updates in trauma guidelines may be beneficial for a higher success in trauma cases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The intent of this review is to highlight the hazards and risks associated with prosthodontic practice and briefly discusses their diagnosis in routine practice with the intention to enhance awareness, and take preventive measures to reduce the risks among professionals.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background Patient's satisfaction with dentures depends only on the treatment modality is quite questionable. The aim of the study was to find out various factors affecting the expectations and satisfaction of the patient with conventional complete dentures (CCDs). Materials and methods An electronic search was performed using Medline, PubMed, Ebscohost, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Manual search of Gerodontology and Prosthodontics journal was also done. Articles in English or whose abstract was available in English were included. The search was focused on various factors affecting the expectations and satisfaction of the patient with CCDs. After screening of titles and abstracts literature that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected for full-text reading. Results The initial literature search resulted in 377 articles out of which 319 articles were excluded. Three additional articles were included by hand searching, resulting in total 61 articles for systemic review. Conclusion Patient's expectation with CCDs is always more than patient's satisfaction. Stable mandibular denture is most important determinant of patient satisfaction. Patients are usually more satisfied with their maxillary CCDs compared to the mandibular CCDs. Satisfaction with denture also depends on the psychological status of patient.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare four different working length determination techniques. Materials and methods: Fifty extracted single-canaled anterior teeth were decoronated. The root canals' working lengths were repetitively determined in five groups (n = 50 each) using regular radiographic film (group 1), digital radiographic image (group 2), cone-beam computed tomographic image (group 3), electronic apex locator (group 4) and direct measurement (group 5, control) by subtracting 0.5 mm from the length of # 15 k-file visible at the apical foramen. The collected data was statistically analyzed using both analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) comparisons at P value less than or equal to 0.05. Results: The one-way analysis of variance indicated a difference between the data of study groups (P = 0.011). The LSD comparisons revealed a longer working length (LSD, P ≤ 0.05) in groups 1 and 2 than groups 3 and 5 (control). On the other hand, No difference (LSD, P > 0.05) was detected between the working length in groups 3 and 4 in comparison with group 5 (control). Conclusion: The electronic apex locator and the cone-beam computed tomography are more accurate techniques to determine root canal's working length than the normal and the 2D digital radiographs.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Context: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer, and over the last decade its incidence has increased by 50%. The tendency of OSCC for local and regional metastasis is high and this is thought to be the greatest contributor to the morbidity and mortality associated with OSCC. Aim: The aim of this study was directed to evaluate the role of both cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) and cortactin (CTTN) in lymph node (LN) metastasis of OSCC. Materials and methods: The study groups comprised blocks of OSCC with LN metastasis (n = 20) and blocks of OSCC without LN metastasis (n = 20). The blocks were prepared for immunohistochemical staining for CD44 and CTTN. Results: The result of this study revealed significant correlation between expression of both CD44 and CTTN and LN metastasis. Conclusion: From the present study, it can be concluded that assessment of CD44 and CTTN in OSCC represent an important tool for prediction of risk of metastasis for each case and the significant correlation between CD44 and CTTN could provide insights of their critical role in metastasis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective: The purpose of this in-vitro study was to investigate the effect of glow discharge and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on repaired acrylic denture base resin as regard to shear bond strength and transverse strength. Materials and methods: Eighty specimens were prepared in this study, 30 for shear bond strength and 50 for transverse strength. Shear bond strength specimens are double fused discs. One disc prepared from heat-cured acrylic resin 15 mm × 3 mm. Glow discharge and DBD plasma with consumed energy of 360 and 720 J were used to treat the specimens. The surface of specimen was wetted with methylmethacrylate. The other disc, prepared from self-cured acrylic resin 6 mm × 2 mm, was attached to that surface as a repair material. Shear bond strength was determined using a universal testing machine. Transverse strength specimens were prepared in dimensions of 65 mm × 10 mm × 2.5 mm. Specimens were fractured, treated with plasma, wetted with methylmethacrylate then repaired. Transverse strength was measured by three-point bending test. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison test interval at 0.05 level of significance. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean values of shear bond strength (MPa) and between the mean values of transverse strength (MPa) of repaired acrylic denture base resin (P < 0.05%). The highest shear bond strength was recorded with glow discharge at 720 J while the highest transverse strength was obtained with DBD plasma at 360 J. Conclusion: Using glow discharge plasma at 720 J as a surface treatment could increase the shear bond strength. Also, using DBD plasma treatment at 360 J could increase the transverse strength.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background and objective: Recent findings have suggested that osteoclastogenesis is directly regulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). Aim: Evaluate and compare the level of RANKL and OPG and its ratio (RANKL/OPG ratio) in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with chronic periodontitis and clinically healthy individuals. Patients and methods: Ninety patients were selected and divided into group 1: 45 patients with clinically healthy gingiva as a control group. Group 2: 45 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index and attachment level were measured, unstimulated whole saliva and GCF samples were collected from four deepest sites in different quadrants, both analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: All periodontal indices (pocket depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index and attachment level) were significantly higher in the test groups than in the control group, it was found that RANKL and RANKL/OPG ratio significantly increased while OPG level significantly decreased in GCF and saliva in the chronic periodontitis group compared with the controlled group. Conclusion: Both GCF and saliva collection are a noninvasive approaches as a diagnostic markers for RANKL, OPG and RANKL/OPG ratio.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective The study aimed to investigate the capability of flaxseed oil (FXO) to alleviate the degenerative effect of chemotherapy with cisplatin (CP) on rats' submandibular salivary glands (SMGs). Materials and methods Rats were allocated equally into four groups: control, CP-treated, FXO-treated, and CP-FXO-treated groups. Rats of third and fourth groups were orally given a daily dose of FXO. After 10 days, rats in second and fourth groups were injected with a single dose of CP. After rat sacrifice, samples of SMGs were processed for histological, ultrastructural study beside immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions. Analysis of variance was used to compare Ki67 and VEGF expressions between groups. Results The SMGs of CP group showed abnormal architecture when compared with control and FXO groups. CP group treated with FXO revealed architecture improvement in their SMGs. Immunohistochemical study revealed significant decrease in Ki67 and VEGF expressions in CP rats. However, CP group treated with FXO simulated control group in both Ki67 and VEGF expressions. Conclusion CP administration caused deleterious effects on rats' SMGs. However, dietary consumption of FXO was able to ameliorate CP effects. Hence, FXO intake is recommended simultaneously during chemotherapy with CP.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Context The main target in vital pulp therapy and regenerative procedures is to preserve or regenerate the pulp vitality via progenitor stem cells differentiation into secretory terminal cells. This differentiation was suggested to be triggered by the direct contact with the capping material. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of three bioactive materials on the odontogenic differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells using two different culture mediums. Patients and methods Nanohydroxyapatite, mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium enriched mixture cements were mixed and molded into equal sized cylinders. Isolated dental pulp stem cells from human third molars were characterized and then, the cultured cells were classified according to biomaterials supplementation in odontogenic differentiation medium or in growth medium. Cells without biomaterial supplementation in differentiation medium or in growth medium were served as positive and negative control respectively. After 14 days of incubation, alizarin red staining test was carried out to detect the presence of mineralized nodules in addition to measuring the relative expressions of the odontogenic differentiation genes in the cells by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCRs. Results Biomaterials cultured with odontogenically induced dental pulp stem cells had more significantly odontogenic differentiation potential than those cultured with uninduced dental pulp stem cells or than dental pulp stem cells cultured with differentiation medium only. Conclusion All tested materials can promote the odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Therefore, they can be considered as bioactive materials for pulp capping and regenerative applications.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]