Objective The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel and fluoride varnish on the color stability of esthetic restorative materials. Methodology The materials included were glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and composite resin. A Teflon matrix (12×2 mm) mold was used to fabricate 108 specimens from all restorative materials. Further, 36 disks of each restorative material were then randomly divided into three groups (n = 12) according to the fluoride application: deionized water (control), APF (1.23%), and fluoride varnish. Color change was measured by means of a spectrophotometer using a CIE L*a*b* (Comission International l´Eclairage) system before and 24 h after fluoride treatment. Statistical comparisons were made using first mixed model repeated measure analysis of variance on the transform ranked data under the assumption of non-normal data and to see which main or interaction effect was significant. Results In control groups, when the baseline and final readings of glagg ionomer cement, resinmodified glass ionomer cement, and composite materials were compared for color changes, similar values were observed and hence results were nonsignificant. When all materials were compared for color changes before and after the application of APF, highly significant mean differences were found among the groups. Hence, application of APF results in a highly significant color change in all materials compared with varnish application. Conclusion Topical fluoride agents – either fluoride varnish or APF gels – cause discoloration in all esthetic restorative materials. However, this discoloration is not visually perceptible.

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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.

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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.

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Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different desensitizing agents, oxalate desensitizer and I-Bond, on the shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin surface. Materials and methods Occlusal surfaces of 80 sound human molars extracted were trimmed to expose a flat dentin surface. Each prepared sample was inserted in a metallic mold, which was designed with a Teflon mold having a hole (4 mm diameter ×3 mm height) for filling the restorative material. The samples were divided into four groups (20 each): group I (the control group), in which Adper Single Bond 2 and composite were applied; group II, in which oxalate desensitizer (D/Sense Crystal) was applied followed by Adper Single Bond 2 and composite; group III, in which oxalate desensitizer was applied, followed by re-etching and application of Adper Single Bond 2 and composite; and group IV, in which I-Bond and composite were used. All samples were thermocycled for 500 cycles (5–55°C). The samples in each group were subdivided into two subgroups (10 each) (A and B) according to storage time (24 h or 6 months, respectively). Shear bond strength of eight samples from each subgroup was measured. Debonded surfaces were examined under a stereomicroscope at magnification ×40 to determine the mode of failure. The remaining two samples were prepared to be examined under scanning electron microscope to reveal the resin penetration. Results Group I (the control group) recorded the highest shear bond strength values (11.838 ± 3.141 and 6.842 ± 3.912, respectively) in the two subgroups, followed by group IV (6.695 ± 3.164 and 6.217 ± 3.276, respectively) and group III (7.707 ± 3.845 and 3.681 ± 1.743, respectively), whereas the lowest values were found in group II (6.347 ± 3.208 and 3.240 ± 1.804, respectively). The incidence of adhesive mode of failure was higher in all tested groups, followed by mixed mode. Scanning electron microscope results confirmed the obtained statistical analysis of collected data. Clinical significance Both desensitizing agents and storage time had a negative significant effect on the shear bond strength of composite restoration to dentin surface.

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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.

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Background Clear cell carcinoma (CCC), or hyalinizing CCC, and clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) are rare and typically indolent malignancies that can be diagnostically challenging. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of p63, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CD10, pan-cytokeratin (pan-CK), and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) in the diagnosis of CCOC and hyalinizing CCC. Material and Methods The study groups comprised patients with CCOC (n = 15) and CCC (n = 10). The blocks of CCOC and CCCs were prepared for immunohistochemical staining for p63, CEA, CD10, pan-CK, and CK19. Results The results of this study revealed significant differences between the expression of pan-CK, CK19, and CEA between CCOC and hyalinizing CCC, with no significant value of p63 and CD10 expression. In conclusion, CCOC and hyalinizing CCC are malignant, locally aggressive tumors with the capacity to metastasize. Conclusion Based on the current observations and immunostains, it can be concluded that they are difficult, and, in some cases, impossible to distinguish morphologically and immunohistochemically despite a different cell of origin. Pan-CK, CK19, and CEA may have slight significant difference between CCOC and hyalinizing CCC but the diagnosis of these tumors mainly depends on the exclusion of other tumors. In addition, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of neoplasm features have limited value.

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Objective The aim of this study was to compare the microshear bond strength (μSBS) and adhesive dentin interfacial ultramorphology of a solvent-free self-etch adhesive with those of a solvent-containing adhesive. Materials and methods Twenty caries-free third molars were used to prepare specimens of dentin surfaces. Ten specimens were prepared for each material. Specimen surfaces were further divided according to the prepared dentin surface into superficial and deep. The adhesives were applied on dentin surfaces according to the manufacturer's instructions, after which Filtek Z250 XT composite resin was condensed through a polyethylene tube with a 0.75-mm internal diameter and 1-mm height attached firmly to the dentin surfaces and light cured. The bonded specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h before being tested. The μSBS values of the adhesives to dentin were evaluated and the collected data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance. In addition, in each experimental group, three specimens were prepared for analysis under scanning electron microscopy. Results There was a significant difference in μSBS between solvent-free self-etch adhesives and solvent-containing adhesives. Scanning electron microscopic findings confirmed the results. Conclusion Elimination of the solvent from a self-etch adhesive systems hindered the infiltration of adhesive components into dentin, which affects the bonding quality of resin composite to dentin.

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Objective This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of two-flap palatoplasty in improving the growth rate and repairing speech abnormalities in patients with an isolated cleft palate. Patients and methods In 30 patients with an isolated cleft palate, two-flap palatoplasty was used for correction. The immediate postoperative gain in palatal length was assessed and the incidence of postoperative oronasal fistula was also observed. All patients received speech and nutritional therapy. Speech parameters were obtained preoperatively and at 6, 18 and 30 weeks postoperatively. Patients' height was recorded 6 months preoperatively, at the time of surgery and 6 months postoperatively, whereas patients' weight was recorded 6 and 3 months preoperatively, at the time of surgery, and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results There was a significant increase in palatal length (the mean palatal length gain was 6.09 ± 0.15 mm). The incidence of oronasal fistula was reported in three patients. A significant improvement was recorded in speech outcome at different follow-up periods. There was a significant gain in children's weight and height postoperatively. Conclusion Two-flap palatoplasty is a reliable technique for correction of an isolated cleft palate, with a limited incidence of oronasal fistula. Palatoplasty combined with proper nutrition has a positive effect on the catch-up growth rate. Speech therapy after palatoplasty is essential to achieve good speech outcomes.

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