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Journal of Clinical Periodontology Feb 2024The epidemiological relationship between periodontitis and caries remains controversial, and evidence synthesis is currently lacking. Therefore, this systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
The epidemiological relationship between periodontitis and caries remains controversial, and evidence synthesis is currently lacking. Therefore, this systematic review was designed to answer the following PECO question: 'In human adults (P), do subjects suffering from periodontitis (E) have higher presence/number of untreated carious lesions and caries experience (O) than subjects not suffering from periodontitis (C)?'.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Observational studies that met specific inclusion criteria established to answer to the PECO question were included. Two review authors independently searched for eligible studies, screened the titles and abstracts, carried out the full text analysis, extracted the data and performed the risk of bias assessment. In case of disagreement, a third review author took the final decision during ad hoc consensus meetings. Data synthesis was carried out through random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies on 21 cohorts, involving 135,018 participants, were included. Meta-analyses showed a significant association between periodontitis and the presence of at least one tooth with either untreated carious lesions (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32-2.01; p <.00; I = 83.0%) or caries experience (decayed and filled teeth ≥ 1) (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01-1.59; p = .038; I = 90.0%). Moreover, subjects with periodontitis exhibited a higher number of surfaces (difference in means [MD] = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.46-1.27; p <.001; I = 0.0%) and teeth (MD = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.28-0.42; p <.001; I = 69.6%) with untreated carious lesions, as well as a higher number of teeth with caries experience (standardized difference in means [SMD] = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.15-2.78; p = .029; I = 98.9%) compared with those without periodontitis. Sensitivity analyses focusing on severe periodontitis as exposure mostly showed consistent results. Estimates for caries experience were only slightly attenuated in adjusted models compared with crude models. Subgroup analyses by caries location also indicated that periodontitis was associated only with root caries, while it was not with caries affecting the anatomical crown.
CONCLUSIONS
Periodontitis was found to be associated with the presence and number of treated/untreated root carious lesions. Therefore, caries-specific preventive measures (e.g., fluorides) should be considered for individuals with periodontitis.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Dental Caries; Periodontitis; Fluorides; Dental Care; Root Caries
PubMed: 38084804
DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13910 -
BMC Oral Health Aug 2023The timely and appropriate utilization of dental health care is essential to the prevention and accurate treatment of oral diseases. Therefore, it is crucial that... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The timely and appropriate utilization of dental health care is essential to the prevention and accurate treatment of oral diseases. Therefore, it is crucial that managers, health professionals and healthcare providers be fully aware of the predictors encouraging the utilization of dental services and reduce social inequalities. In this scoping review, we aimed to analyze the published articles and reports to find out the factors associated with dental services utilization and the comprehensiveness of the applied models among general adult populations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This scoping study was based on the 5-steps of Arksey and O'Malley framework. Keywords were selected under two main concepts: determinants of dental care utilization and the concept of the applied models. Searches were conducted in some electronic databses including PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus with variations, and a combination of the keywords under the two main afore-mentioned concepts. All the relevant articles reporting the utilization of dental care and its potential predictors among adult populations were chosen. No restrictions involving terms of study time, location or methodological aspects of oral health utilization were considered. Using tables and charts mapping, we tried to group the studies based on the year of their publication, geographic distribution, the range of included indices and the type of their measurement. Also, a directed content analysis method was used to investigate the comprehensiveness of the studies in regard to considering the determinant factors at different levels suggested by the Andesen model.
RESULTS
Fifty-two articles were included in the analysis. Thirty-six (69%) had been published between 2016 and 2020. The United States had conducted the most research in this scope. About 30% of studies had mentioned all three domains of demographics, social structure and beliefs, simultaneously. To evaluate the enabling factors, in 84.61% and 59.61% of studies, the income levels and insurance feature were assessed, respectively. 57.69% of the retrieved studies considered the perceived need features and 38.46% referred to the evaluated ones. The dental services utilization, in terms of the last visit during the "past 12 months", was assessed more commonly. Only 11.54% of studies did evaluate the contextual characteristics and about 71.15% of articles were relatively comprehensive.
CONCLUSION
Overall, it seems that in most of the studies, not all of the determinant factors at different levels of the Andersen model have been considered. In order to discover the conceptual linkages and feedback loops of the model, it is essential to conduct more comprehensive research in the future.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Awareness; Facilities and Services Utilization; Health Personnel; Dental Care
PubMed: 37635224
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03323-1 -
Special Care in Dentistry : Official... 2023To outline key factors that contribute to oral health issues of refugees and asylum seekers and provide management strategies for dental providers to teach...
AIMS
To outline key factors that contribute to oral health issues of refugees and asylum seekers and provide management strategies for dental providers to teach desensitization and fear reduction for this special population.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We researched published literature in the PubMed database and incorporated lessons gained from treating refugee and asylee patients at a Vulnerable Populations Clinic (VPC) at an urban academic dental school. Refugees and asylees are at high risk for oral conditions due to a tendency to not seek routine dental treatment, psychological stressors, and various systemic factors. Oral health providers can teach patients desensitization and fear reduction by working to gain patients' trust by having effective communication and prioritizing comfort in the dental operatory. Providers should also utilize translation, psychological, and/or multicultural support services during their management of care.
CONCLUSION
By having a stronger understanding of the key causes of oral health issues among refugees and asylees in the United States, dental providers can better approach managing care for this vulnerable patient population. The concepts of teaching desensitization and fear reduction utilized for this special population can be applied to managing care for the wider special needs patient community.
Topics: Humans; Refugees; Oral Health; Patients; Dental Care; Health Services Accessibility
PubMed: 36310108
DOI: 10.1111/scd.12794 -
Gerodontology Sep 2023To estimate the prevalence of dental services use and its association with social capital among Brazilian older adults.
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the prevalence of dental services use and its association with social capital among Brazilian older adults.
BACKGROUND
Health inequities can be explained by the social determinants of health, which are the social, environmental, cultural and behavioural factors that directly or indirectly affect people's health. Among these determinants is social capital, that seem to affect health behaviours, such as use of dental services among older adults.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Longitudinal Study of the Health of the Brazilian Elderly, nationally representative of people aged 50 years or older. The baseline survey was carried out between 2015 and 2016, using structured questionnaires. The dependent variable was use of dental services in the last year. The main exposure variable was social capital, assessed through two dimensions: structural and cognitive. The covariates used were sex, skin colour, age, education, wealth, need for dental treatment, self-perception of oral health, tooth loss, type of dental services used, reason for dental care, smoking and alcohol consumption. Descriptive analyses and Poisson regression modelling were used.
RESULTS
The sample consisted of 9323 individuals. The prevalence of dental services use was 32.6% (95% CI: 30.7-34.5). No associations were found between social capital and the use of dental services.
CONCLUSION
This study did not find an association between structural and cognitive social capital and dental services use in Brazilian older adults. Further researches using instruments with different assessments of social capital are needed.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Care; Longitudinal Studies; Oral Health; Social Capital; Middle Aged
PubMed: 36151702
DOI: 10.1111/ger.12658 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Jan 2024To assess treatment options for the reconstruction of the lost interdental papilla and to evaluate evidence for their efficacy. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To assess treatment options for the reconstruction of the lost interdental papilla and to evaluate evidence for their efficacy.
METHODS
An electronic search (Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library Database and OpenGray) and a hand search were carried out to identify all types of studies investigating interdental papilla reconstruction (except for reviews) with a minimum of 3 months follow-up.
RESULTS
Forty-five studies were included in the study including 7 RCTs, 2 cohort studies, 19 case series and 17 case reports. Fifteen studies reported on the use of hyaluronic acid, 6 studies on platelet-rich fibrin, 16 studies on soft tissue grafting, 4 studies on orthodontics and 4 on additional modalities. The most common outcome measures were black triangle dimensions and papillary fill percentage. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the high heterogeneity of the studies.
CONCLUSION
There are various options for interdental papilla reconstruction of which hyaluronic acid injections, PRF, surgical grafting and orthodontics seem to improve outcomes at a minimum 3 months. The use of soft tissue grafting with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft seems to be associated with the most robust evidence for the longer-term reduction of 'black triangles'. There is insufficient evidence to make recommendations to clinicians. Further research is needed in the form of well conducted RCTs with longer follow ups and patient reported outcome measures.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Patients frequently complain about the appearance of black triangles and their management options seem unclear. This systematic review provides insight into the available reconstructive options.
Topics: Humans; Gingiva; Hyaluronic Acid; Dental Care; Electronics
PubMed: 38231354
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05409-0 -
Restorative Dental Treatment and Endodontic Surgery in a Pregnant Patient Receiving Corticosteroids.Dental Clinics of North America Oct 2023Corticosteroid therapy (CST) can be used to treat complicated pregnancy. Second trimester of pregnancy is the preferred period to perform dental treatments. The... (Review)
Review
Corticosteroid therapy (CST) can be used to treat complicated pregnancy. Second trimester of pregnancy is the preferred period to perform dental treatments. The long-term use of CST may result in hyperglycemia, hypertension, immunosuppression, and adrenal suppression, which, theoretically, may cause adrenal crisis during surgical procedures. The risk of adrenal crisis at the dental clinic caused by exogenous CST depends on the dosage, duration of treatment, route of administration, frequency, time lapse since the last dose, and type of procedure performed. Current evidence found that patients on CST undergoing general dental procedures or minor surgical procedures under local anesthesia do not require supplementary corticosteroids.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Dental Care; Adrenal Cortex Hormones
PubMed: 37714631
DOI: 10.1016/j.cden.2023.05.030 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) aim at recreating dental pulp tissue using biomaterials such as hydrogels. Their bioactivity is mostly related to the nature of... (Review)
Review
Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) aim at recreating dental pulp tissue using biomaterials such as hydrogels. Their bioactivity is mostly related to the nature of biomolecules or chemical compounds that compose the endodontic hydrogel. However, many other parameters, such as hydrogel concentration, bioactive molecules solubility, and apex size, were reported to influence the reciprocal host-biomaterial relationship and hydrogel behavior. The lack of knowledge regarding these various parameters, which should be considered, leads to the inability to predict the clinical outcome and suggests that the biological activity of endodontic hydrogel is impossible to anticipate and could hinder the bench-to-bedside transition. We describe, in this review, that most of these parameters could be identified, described, and studied. A second part of the review lists some challenges and perspectives, including development of future mathematical models that are able to explain, and eventually predict, the bioactivity of endodontic hydrogel used in a clinical setting.
Topics: Humans; Precision Medicine; Biocompatible Materials; Dental Care; Hydrogels; Solubility
PubMed: 37762359
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814056 -
JDR Clinical and Translational Research Oct 2023Dental caries is the most common chronic health condition of humankind and goes untreated in many resource-limited settings. When clinical dental care is accessible,...
BACKGROUND
Dental caries is the most common chronic health condition of humankind and goes untreated in many resource-limited settings. When clinical dental care is accessible, tooth extraction is often chosen over potentially more quality-of-life favorable restorative services.
OBJECTIVES
To identify patient-perceived barriers to utilization of dental restorative services among Tanzanian dental patients.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients in 5 public dental facilities in Tanzania. Participants ( = 736) were interviewed before and after their dental visit on the same day using structured questionnaires. Sociodemographic characteristics, oral care-seeking behavior, previous experiences with dental restorations, and perceived barriers toward utilization of dental restorative services were assessed. Among patients treated for dental caries, logistic regression models estimated associations between patient factors and receipt of either dental extractions or restorative treatment.
RESULTS
About one-third (36.3%) of patients who reported being diagnosed with dental caries received a dental restoration. Stated barriers to utilization of restorative care included uncertainty about treatment outcomes (43.1%), cost (31.5%), and fear of treatment (31.0%). Among all patients who had received restorative treatment in the past, almost two-thirds (61.7%) reported ≥1 negative experience associated with the treatment. In multivariable adjusted modeling, higher education and income levels, having health insurance, and less perceived uncertainty about treatment outcomes were positively associated with receiving restorative treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
In this setting, most public dental patients with caries received extractions over restorative care. Addressing cost, quality of care, and other patient concerns may all be needed to increase utilization of tooth-retaining procedures.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT
For many public dental patients in Tanzania, dental caries is addressed with extractions over restorative care. To advance greater utilization of tooth-sparing treatment, patient factors, including uncertainty about the quality of restorative care and delayed dental care-seeking behavior, should be addressed. Targeted interventions to increase patient awareness on positive outcomes of restorative care and strengthen preventive dental visits are required.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Tanzania; Dental Caries; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Care
PubMed: 36131512
DOI: 10.1177/23800844221121262 -
Journal of Dentistry Jun 2024This article examines the past, present and future of primary care dentistry. It provides a historical background of primary care dentistry and describes stages of its... (Review)
Review
This article examines the past, present and future of primary care dentistry. It provides a historical background of primary care dentistry and describes stages of its evolution. It further reviews the purpose and mission of contemporary primary care dentistry and outlines a vision for the development of primary care dentistry in the future. The type and extent of innovations and technological advances that have impacted - and improved - primary care dentistry revolutionising clinical activities, ranging from early computerised tomography to modern digital systems and workflows are summarised. A discussion of current scientific evidence base pertinent to primary care dentistry highlighting the need for 'effectiveness' rather than 'efficacy' studies is included in order to provide research data pertinent to the primary care dentistry setting where most dental patients receive most of their care most of the time.
Topics: Humans; Dental Care; Dentistry; Forecasting; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 38677403
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105007 -
BMC Oral Health Aug 2023Regular use of oral and dental services by the elderly is one of the important factors in reducing oral and dental diseases. This study aimed to identify the factors...
BACKGROUND
Regular use of oral and dental services by the elderly is one of the important factors in reducing oral and dental diseases. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting oral and dental services` utilization among elderly.
METHODS
The published articles on the factors affecting oral and dental services` utilization among elderly were found through a scoping search and using related keywords in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases within January 2000 - December 2022 according to the PRISMA guidelines. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method.
RESULTS
Among the 2381 articles retrieved from the databases, forty-two were extracted. The factors affecting oral and dental services` utilization among elderly were classified into five main components as follows: access, demographic factors, social factors, health level, and mental factors. The results showed that income, education level, living area, number of teeth, and importance of care were the most frequent in the main components of access, demographic factors, social factors, health level, and mental factors, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Equitable utilization of oral and dental services is the right of all members of the society, especially the elderly. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the elderly with suitable conditions to utilize such services, which are mostly luxury items. Furthermore, increasing the elderly's awareness and encouraging them to use oral and dental services regularly can help reduce the burden of oral and dental diseases.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Databases, Factual; Dental Care; Educational Status; Facilities and Services Utilization; Stomatognathic Diseases
PubMed: 37635217
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03285-4