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Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024Rubber dam isolation is crucial in dentistry, but its use varies among dental students. There is a need to assess their awareness, attitudes, and practices and find ways...
Rubber dam isolation is crucial in dentistry, but its use varies among dental students. There is a need to assess their awareness, attitudes, and practices and find ways to promote its usage. To evaluate dental students' knowledge and practices regarding rubber dam isolation and identify barriers to its use. The study employed a cross-sectional design to assess dental students' knowledge and practices regarding rubber dam isolation. Data were collected from dental students at Al-Qassim University during the period from January to March 2023. A convenience sampling method was used, involving students from the third, fourth, and fifth academic years, with a total of 62 questionnaires distributed. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of 11 closed-ended questions was used to collect data, and the analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, with results presented through descriptive statistics. Only 21% always used rubber dam for amalgam restorations, while 53.2% used it for composite restorations. Over 70% believed their education on rubber dam was adequate. The main barriers were difficulty (40.3%) and time constraints (53.2%). About 68% felt rubber dam should be mandatory for composite treatments. Dental students need more education and training to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice concerning rubber dam isolation. Implementing it can enhance the quality of dental care.
PubMed: 38882844
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1256_23 -
PloS One 2023This study investigates the biomechanical performance of various dental materials when filled in different cavity designs and their effects on surrounding dental...
This study investigates the biomechanical performance of various dental materials when filled in different cavity designs and their effects on surrounding dental tissues. Finite element models of three infected teeth with different cavity designs, Class I (occlusal), Class II mesial-occlusal (MO), and Class II mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) were constructed. These cavities were filled with amalgam, composites (Young's moduli of 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 GPa), and glass carbomer cement (GCC). An occlusal load of 600 N was distributed on the top surface of the teeth to carry out simulations. The findings revealed that von Mises stress was higher in GCC material, with cavity Class I (46.01 MPa in the enamel, 23.61 MPa in the dentin), and for cavity Class II MO von Mises stress was 43.64 MPa, 39.18 MPa in enamel and dentin respectively, while in case of cavity Class II MOD von Mises stress was 44.67 MPa in enamel, 27.5 in the dentin. The results showed that higher stresses were generated in the non-restored tooth compared to the restored one, and increasing Young's modulus of restorative composite material decreases stresses in enamel and dentin. The use of composite material showed excellent performance which can be a good viable option for restorative material compared to other restorative materials.
Topics: Finite Element Analysis; Composite Resins; Elastic Modulus; Glass Ionomer Cements; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Dental Stress Analysis; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 38128035
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295582 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) Jan 2024Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal with multiple uses in various medical devices. Hg is used in dentistry as a restorative material. Such use creates significant...
BACKGROUND
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal with multiple uses in various medical devices. Hg is used in dentistry as a restorative material. Such use creates significant exposure to dental practitioners. Hence, it is important to assess the risk created by Hg use in healthcare.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify airborne Hg vapour exposure and Hg levels in dental healthcare workers, and determine the association of various symptoms and diseases to Hg exposure.
METHODS
Air monitoring of Hg vapours were conducted in dental clinics and amalgam rooms. Urine samples were collected from occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers and urine Hg levels were measured. A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in 23 healthcare units of Delhi to determine an association between Hg exposure and various health effects.
RESULTS
Hg vapour concentration ranged from 0.96μg/m3 to 15μg/m3, the highest concentration was recorded in the amalgam room (15μg/m3). Urine Hg levels in healthcare workers (0.51±0.17μg/L) were higher than the control (0.29±0.05μg/L). A cross-sectional health survey revealed a significant prevalence of confusion, forgetfulness, muscle spasm, and tremors by the respondents.
CONCLUSION
Hg concentration in dental clinics may hover above the prescribed safe levels posing a definitive health risk to healthcare workers. Urinary Hg measurements did not reveal an excess of body burden except in one case. Since Hg bio accumulates, it is probable as these workers grow older, they may end up with a higher body burden of Hg that may lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes.
PubMed: 38251084
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230109 -
Cureus Mar 2024Foreign body sinusitis is a rare but important condition that should be taken into account when considering differential diagnoses. In this case report, we present a...
Foreign body sinusitis is a rare but important condition that should be taken into account when considering differential diagnoses. In this case report, we present a unique case of sinusitis caused by a foreign body originating from a dental procedure. Additionally, the complexity of the case was compounded by the patient's occupation as a flight attendant. A 49-year-old female flight attendant presented with a two-month history of facial pressure exacerbated by flying. A computed tomography (CT) of her paranasal sinuses confirmed the presence of a radiopaque foreign body near the left maxillary infundibulum, with minimal left ethmoid sinus mucosal thickening. Initially, she elected for non-operative management due to schedule conflicts. Upon follow-up over the next year, she complains of recurring severe facial swelling and congestion. A repeat CT scan shows that she has a dental amalgam that migrated from her left maxilla to the ethmoid infundibulum, lodged between her uncinate process and ethmoid bulla. The patient subsequently underwent foreign body removal. The patient recovered well, and a follow-up CT confirmed the complete removal of the foreign body. This case provides excellent insight into the mechanism of foreign body migration and sinusitis complicated by the unique circumstances of barotrauma associated with regular air travel.
PubMed: 38586646
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55639 -
Anesthesia Progress Dec 2023This case report describes a 51-year-old man who swallowed an amalgam fragment dislodged during dental treatment performed without a throat screen. The patient was...
This case report describes a 51-year-old man who swallowed an amalgam fragment dislodged during dental treatment performed without a throat screen. The patient was transferred to the emergency department, where the foreign body was confirmed to be in the esophagus following radiographic imaging. Foreign body removal from the esophagus is routinely achieved via esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). However, this incident occurred in September 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the patient's preoperative positive COVID-19 test, the option for EGD retrieval was eliminated per hospital protocol. Instead, a noninvasive approach with serial radiographic monitoring was deemed mandatory to observe the fragment as it passed through the gastrointestinal tract, warranted by the small size of the foreign body and the patient's lack of signs and symptoms of respiratory distress. This case report reinforces the importance of using airway protection during every dental procedure. Furthermore, reevaluation of EGD as the gold standard for treatment of ingested small materials may be warranted.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Pandemics; COVID-19; Foreign Bodies
PubMed: 38221701
DOI: 10.2344/anpr-70-03-03 -
General Dentistry 2024The aim of this study was to identify and quantify artifacts produced by commonly used dental restorative materials in both standard and high-resolution cone beam...
The aim of this study was to identify and quantify artifacts produced by commonly used dental restorative materials in both standard and high-resolution cone beam computed tomographic imaging. In this in vitro study, 25 different dental materials were placed in holes (3 mm in diameter × 2 mm thick) prepared in the center of 10 × 10-mm polymethyl methacrylate plates. The specimens, along with a control plate prepared with an unfilled hole, were scanned at standard and high resolutions. The gray values (GVs) of the specimens were measured at 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-mm distances from the material surfaces, and in 8 different directions, resulting in 32 measurements per specimen. The absolute value of the difference (ΔGV) between the GV of each measurement point on the specimen disc and the GV of the corresponding point on the control disc was considered to be the number of artifacts at that point. The median ΔGV of each material was calculated, and the materials were then ranked in terms of artifact formation using the Kruskal-Wallis test. At standard resolution, the greatest numbers of artifacts were caused by AH 26 root canal sealer and Heraenium S nickel-chromium alloy, and the fewest were caused by Whitepost DC #3 glass fiber post and ChemFil Superior glass ionomer cement. At high resolution, the greatest numbers of artifacts were found in amalgam (admix; SDI) and Heraenium S, and the fewest in Whitepost DC and GC Initial enamel porcelain. The median ΔGV values at standard and high resolutions were 46.0 and 57.0, respectively. High and standard resolutions were significantly different in terms of artifact formation (P = 0.001; Wilcoxon test). AH 26 sealer was the only material that demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in artifact formation at high resolution compared with standard resolution (P = 0.05; Wilcoxon test). The number of artifacts produced by dental materials at both resolutions decreased with an increasing distance from the surface of the material.
Topics: Artifacts; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Dental Materials; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Materials Testing
PubMed: 38905603
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Dentistry 2024Teeth bleaching is an accepted and modern treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching agents may affect amalgam restorations and increase mercury release; therefore,...
Teeth bleaching is an accepted and modern treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching agents may affect amalgam restorations and increase mercury release; therefore, patients are at increased risk of mercury exposure in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polishing and universal bonding application on mercury release from aged amalgams exposed to bleaching. In this in-vitro experimental study, 64 dental amalgam specimens with dimensions of 3×5×10 were prepared and divided into two experimental and control groups. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups and received one of the following treatments: no intervention, surface bonding, polishing, or polishing and surface bonding. Subsequently, the samples were immersed in bleaching agent containing 7% hydrogen peroxide and the amount of mercury released after 96h was measured. The results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α≤0.05). The results showed that the type of solution (P<0.05) and surface treatment (P<0.001) significantly affected the level of mercury release. However, there was no significant interaction between surface treatment methods in the bleaching group and those in the phosphate buffer group (P=0.621). Bleaching agents were found to enhance mercury release from dental amalgam. The application of polishing and universal bonding on amalgam surfaces exhibited significant effects on the reduction of the mercury release
PubMed: 38919769
DOI: 10.18502/fid.v21i14.15392 -
Brazilian Dental Journal 2024This study analyzed the physical-chemical properties of bioactive ionomer materials. Cention N bioactive materials were evaluated chemically activated (CN) and...
This study analyzed the physical-chemical properties of bioactive ionomer materials. Cention N bioactive materials were evaluated chemically activated (CN) and light-cured (CN-LC), Equia Forte Fill (EQUI); conventional resin composite Filtek Z350 XT (Z350); resin glass ionomer cement Riva light Cure (RIVA) and flowable resin composite Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (BULK-F) were evaluated. Sixty specimens (n=10) were prepared for sorption (SR), solubility (SL), flexural strength (FS), shrinkage stress (SS), conversion degree (CD), microhardness (MI), and surface roughness (SR) tests. Non-cured and light-cured materials were assessed on FTIR. 30 human molar teeth were used in the bond strength test (BS). Data were subjected to ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test (5% of significance). EQUI showed more sorption in SR and no statistical difference from RIVA and CN-LC. CN group showed more solubility and EQUI presented less (p<0.05). BULK-F showed higher FS (MPa), without differences from CN and Z350, whereas EQUI presented the lowest FS not differing from RIVA. BULK-F and CN-LC showed more shrinkage stress differing from EQUI. CN-LC and CN showed higher CD differing from the other which showed no differences (p>0.05) between them. EQUI showed the highest hardness (p<0.05) in MI. There were no differences (p>0.05) in SR (µm). Z350 and BULK-F presented higher BS, whereas CN-LC showed the lowest, although not differing from EQUI and RIVA. Equia Forte's solubility and microhardness make it a good alternative as a restorative material. Cention N degree of conversion and flexural strength making it an esthetic option to amalgam.
Topics: Humans; Glass Ionomer Cements; Materials Testing; Composite Resins; Dental Materials; Flexural Strength; Hardness
PubMed: 38537023
DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440202405728 -
Journal of Conservative Dentistry and... 2023Tooth wears in general term means loss of tooth structure. Tooth loss increases with age and thus causes difficulty in chewing and increased sensitivity. Wear facets on...
Tooth wears in general term means loss of tooth structure. Tooth loss increases with age and thus causes difficulty in chewing and increased sensitivity. Wear facets on the occlusal surface are subjected to high occlusal stresses leading to repeated dislodgment of the restoration. This article presents the use of bonded amalgam as a restorative material for restoring localized occlusal wear facets.
PubMed: 38292365
DOI: 10.4103/jcd.jcd_253_23 -
Journal of Dental Sciences Apr 2024Computer aided implant surgery has been widely adopted in modern implant dentistry. However, absence of reliable anatomic landmarks for superimposing digital data sets...
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Computer aided implant surgery has been widely adopted in modern implant dentistry. However, absence of reliable anatomic landmarks for superimposing digital data sets for patients with terminal dentition or complete edentulism remained challenging. Utilization of additional fiducial markers intraorally as the reference points for the improvement of accuracy became crucial in implant digital workflow. Nevertheless, the choice of the material for fiducial markers should present the least radiographic artifacts under cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for better accuracy. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the volume of radiographic artifacts generated through different materials under the image of CBCT.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifteen dental materials were selected and configured into cubic shape. All the materials were scanned initially with the laboratory scanner as the control groups. The samples were scanned by CBCT machine as test groups and the volume of artifact generated under CBCT images were compared and analyzed using 3D modeling software.
RESULTS
Eleven out of fifteen materials could be recognized under CBCT images. Volumetric analysis reported that statistically significant differences among the materials could be noted, and the flowable composite resin presented the least volumetric difference. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, flowable composite resin, and gutta-percha presented the least deformation and maintained their cubic shapes.
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study may imply that flowable composite resin compared to all ceramic materials, amalgam and gutta-percha may be a preferable choice when utilized as fiducial markers under CBCT images.
PubMed: 38618050
DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.07.001