Dental Explorer Research Articles

A Comparative Evaluation of New and Used Dental Explorer Working Tips

Abstract The dental explorer medical device assists multiple functions, including marginal assessment. The working tip quality of this instrument has been previously established as a factor affecting operator judgment. However, little data exists to demonstrate the actual quality of working tips in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to investigate and quantify if any real, measurable differences of the explorer working tip dimension exist among such instruments currently in service and compare to published medical device industry standards. Twenty new #23 dental explorer instruments from two manufacturers served as controls and sixty-three instruments in circulation at a dental school clinic were observed using light microscopy. The instruments were measured 50 micrometers from the terminus. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to analyze values among groups. No statistically significant difference between the mean working tip dimension of new instruments was detected between brands. However, statistically significant differences between new and used instruments were detected regardless of brand. The range of values was 92.5–227.5 micrometers with average used instrument tip estimated over 50% wider than the average new instrument. These findings imply that other studies employing a dental explorer may be confounded if the instrument is not measured. Furthermore, the results of this study should serve as a motivating factor toward future research to update quality standards regarding the medical device with a goal of defining acceptable dimensions of the instrument working tip for certain applications in relation to clinical performance and expected outcomes.

Methods used for caries detection and diagnosis in Ontario dental practices: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundEarly detection of caries is essential for applying non-surgical treatment procedures and preventing the formation of cavitated lesions leading to unnecessary removal of tooth structure. Understanding dentists’ preferences for caries detection tools can inform stakeholders about their strategies and knowledge of contemporary, evidence-based caries management approaches. However, there is a lack of research exploring the detection methods of caries commonly used by dentists in Ontario, Canada. The objective of this study was to investigate the methods of caries detection and diagnosis preferred by dentists in Ontario.MethodsA 21-item self-reported survey was mailed to one thousand Ontario dental practices in the Winter of 2022. Descriptive and bivariate data analysis were performed to determine the associations between: demographics and professional practice characteristics (explanatory variables), and methods for detecting and diagnosing dental caries (outcome variables) using SPSS Statistics 29.0.ResultsA total of 325 dentists (33%) responded to the survey, with 274 answering all of the questions completely. The highest proportion of respondents were 35–44 years of age (32.8%) and male (53.4%). More than half of the respondents reported using a dental explorer to assess primary occlusal caries (57.6%), secondary caries (57.1%), and cervical caries (57.5%). Likewise, 57.9% of the participants reported using dental radiographs to diagnose proximal caries. Among additional caries detection tools, digital radiography (89.8%) and traditional radiography (84.7%) were the most used methods/modalities, while cone beam computed tomography was the least (12.8%). Most study participants did not use any caries classification system (77.7%) or caries risk assessment tool (85.3%).ConclusionsParticipants preferred conventional methods for caries detection, instead of contemporary visual-tactile caries lesions classification and/or caries risk assessment systems. These findings indicate a need for continuing dental education programs tailored to evidence-based caries management approaches.

Dental treatments under sedation-analgesia in patients who are unable to collaborate: a prospective observational study.

Excessive fear of dental procedures leads to disruptive behavior during dental examinations and treatments. Dental examinations and treatments of these patients usually require additional techniques, such as sedation. The most commonly used techniques are inhalation of nitrous oxide, infusion of propofol with fentanyl, and premedication and infusion of midazolam. A prospective observational epidemiological study was conducted on patients who required sedoanalgesia techniques for dental exploration and procedures. The reasons for the inability of patients to cooperate (excessive fear or intellectual disability), age, sex, weight, systemic pathology, oral pathology, treatment performed, time of intervention, anesthetic technique performed, and occurrence of complications were recorded. In total, 218 patients were studied. Sixty-five patients came for fear of dental treatment and 153 for presenting with a diagnosis of intellectual disability and not collaborating in the treatment with local anesthesia. The average age of all patients was 30.54 ± 17.30 years. The most frequent oral pathologies found in patients with excessive fear were tartar (6.8%) and wisdom teeth (6.4%), followed by missing teeth (5%). In patients with disabilities, a combination of tartar and cavities appeared most frequently (41.3%), followed by cavities (15.6%). The most frequently used sedoanalgesia technique was the infusion of propofol with fentanyl in both groups of patients, followed by nitrous oxide. The combination of propofol and fentanyl was the most frequently used alternative in patients who were unable to collaborate because of intellectual disability or carry out longer or more complex treatments. Inhaled nitrous oxide and midazolam were the sedative techniques of choice for simpler oral treatments, such as tartrectomies, shallow obturations, and shorter interventions, or in younger patients.

Efficacy of Maxillary Buccal Infiltration of Articaine for Palatal Anesthesia: A Prospective, Randomized, Crossover Study.

Although there are conflicting data, several authors have proposed that articaine's molecular properties suggest improved perfusion capabilities over other amide anesthetics. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, crossover study was to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of palatal soft-tissue anesthesia following a buccal infiltration of 1.8 and 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. One hundred eighteen adults received 1.8 or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine as a buccal infiltration of the maxillary first molar at 2 separate appointments. Palatal soft-tissue anesthesia was evaluated with a dental explorer. Anesthetic success was defined as the absence of pain with an explorer stick. For the subjects who achieved palatal anesthesia, mapping was conducted over 70 minutes, and the overall area of palatal anesthesia was calculated. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests. The highest percentage of palatal anesthetic success was 20% for the 1.8-mL volume and 32% for the 3.6-mL volume both at 30 minutes. A statistically significant difference between the 1.8- and 3.6-mL volumes was seen at 40 minutes. There was high variability in area measurements for subjects who achieved palatal anesthesia. The highest area measurements were 92 mm2 for the 1.8-mL volume at 20 minutes and 113 mm2 for the 3.6-mL volume at 10 minutes. Because of the low success rates (20%-32%) and the high variability of the area anesthetized for the subjects who achieved palatal anesthesia, the clinical efficacy of 1.8 or 3.6 mL of articaine via buccal infiltration for palatal anesthesia is of questionable value.

Dental Health Status Among Adult Population in Mosul City

This study was done to evaluate the Oral health status (dental caries , periodontal disease and treatment needs) in mosul adult individuals the sample include 250 individuals age with ranging between 20-40 years of bothSexes using sharp dental caries explorers with W.H.O periodontal probs to detect periodontal health by the use of DMFT index of W.H.O (1997) and CPITN by W.H.O (1987) .The mean DMFT for the total sample was (3.98 ± 0.15) which was increased with increasing age for the different age groups with significant difference in the mean DMFT for total males and females has been found.The results also showed that the total number of health 468 with a mean of 1.12 tooth /person in need of treatment is the most prevalent needed one surface filling and 308 teeth with a mean 1.01 tooth/person needed two or more surfaces filling.According to the highest CPITN there was significant difference between male and female in calculus at p ≤ 0.05 and shallow pockets at p ≤ 0.01.The results also revealed that the mean number of healthy sextants for the total sample was 4.13 while for bleeding and calculus were 0.82 and 0.31 respectively. It means that the treatment need for periodontal disease is more toward oral hygiene procedure and prophylaxis as general. The dental health education program is an essential activity for promoting optimal oral health and preventing oral disease.

A laboratory pilot study on voids in flowable bulk-fill composite restorations in bovine Class-II and endodontic access cavities after sonic vibration

This pilot study investigated whether sonic-powered application of a bulk-fill resin-based composite (RBC) in Class-II or endodontic access cavities reduces void formation. The crowns and roots of 60 bovine teeth with Class-II cavities (C) and endodontic access cavities (E) respectively, were assigned to ten groups (C1–C5, E1–E5). Cavities were filled with RBC (SDR flow + , one increment) using different application techniques: no adaptation (C1 + E1), spreading of RBC on the cavity surfaces with a dental explorer tip (C2 + E2), low (C3 + E3) or high frequency (C4 + E4) direct activation by inserting a sonic-powered tip into RBC and high frequency indirect activation with an ultrasonic insertion tip (C5 + E5). The restorations were light-cured and investigated for voids using microtomography. The number of voids and percentage of voids related to the volume were statistically analysed (α < 0.05). While most voids in Class-II restorations were observed in C4 (p ≤ 0.0031), no significant differences were found between the other groups (p > 0.05). The percentage of voids showed no differences in E1-E5 (p > 0.05). C4 showed a significantly higher percentage of voids compared to C2 (p < 0.001). There is no benefit in applying sonic vibration when filling Class-II or endodontic access cavities.

Comparison of Dental Caries and Tooth Loss Prevalence between Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients: Kabul, Afghanistan

Background: Diabetes is a systematic disease that reduces the amount of fluid in the body and causes Xerostomia or dry mouth, which leads to dental caries. Besides, type 2 diabetes is an inflammation-related disease that negatively affects the inflammatory response to dental plaque, leading to intense periodontitis that, if untreated, results in total tooth loss. Aim and Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and tooth loss by comparison in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Material and Method: The cross-sectional study was carried out on 1391 OPD patients over 16 in two governmental hospitals, Kabul University Hospital and National and Specialized Stomatology Hospital. The needed information has been obtained through a questionnaire. Then the oral cavity and the teeth of patients were examined directly in a dental unit in sufficient light and using dental instruments such as dental mirrors and dental explorers. Afterward, data analysis was performed in IBM SPSS Statistic 25.0. Result: The finding of this study shows that 100% of examined patients were suffering from dental caries, and on average, at least there were six teeth lost in each patient. Besides, 55.51% of patients had diabetes with tooth defects. There was 29.92% tooth decay and 25.59% tooth loss, with a remarkable difference between anterior and posterior teeth, as the significant percentage of tooth decay and tooth loss in anterior teeth of diabetic patients than non-diabetics.

Micro Tensile bond strength and microleakage assessment of total-etch and self-etch adhesive bonded to carious affected dentin disinfected with Chlorhexidine, Curcumin, and Malachite green

Assessment of micro tensile bond strength (microTBS) and micro-leakage scores of total-etch adhesive (TAE) and self-etch adhesive (SAE) bonded to carious affected dentin (CAD) sterilized using different cavity disinfectant (curcumin photosensitizer (CP) and malachite green (MG) and Chlorhexidine (CHX) in comparison to no disinfection (ND) control group. One hundred and twenty human molars having International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores of 4 and 5 were included. Visual inspection, dental explorer hardness testing, and caries detector solution using 5% basic Fuchsin dye solution was applied to dentin to identify the CAD surface. All the specimens were divided into four groups (n = 30) according to the cavity disinfectants used. Group A: 2% CHX, Group B: CP, Group C: MG, and Group D: ND. Each group was further divided into two subgroups (n = 15) based on the adhesion protocol. Groups A1, B1, C1, and D1 were held using TEA, and groups A2, B2, C2, and D2 were adhered using SEA system. The composite material was then built in 2 mm increments and then cured with light. MicroTBS and failure mode assessment using a universal testing machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope at a 40X magnification was performed on 10 samples from each subgroup. The microleakage assessment was performed using a dye penetration test on five samples from each group. ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used to compare means and standard deviation (SD) of bond strength and microleakage (p < 0.05). RESULTS The maximum microTBS was displayed by A1= CHX and TEA (13.28± 1.01 MPa). The lowest bond scores were demonstrated by C2= MG and SEA (5.98±0.44 MPa). The highest micro-leakage was exhibited by C1= MG and TEA (58.32 ± 2.11 nm). Whereas, the lowest micro-leakage values were displayed by A2= CHX and SEA (24.34± 1.11 nm). Chlorohexidiene displayed better bond strength and the lowest microleakage scores with Total-etch adhesive and Self-etch adhesives when used as a cavity disinfectant. Total-etch adhesives performed better in terms of microTBS scores whereas self-etch adhesives displayed superior seal ability within the same disinfectant group.

A Three-step Etch-and-Rinse vs a Universal Adhesive in Nanohybrid Composite Anterior Restorations: A Retrospective Clinical Evaluation.

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical behavior of direct anterior composite restorations performed with a universal adhesive or with a three-step etch-and-rinse (E&R) adhesive. Patients were randomly treated with a three-step E&R adhesive (Optibond FL, Kerr) or a universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray Noritake) applied in E&R mode. All restorations were performed with a nanohybrid composite (ClearFil Majesty ES-2, Kuraray Noritake) by the same experienced operator. Two calibrated examiners evaluated the restorations using a dental mirror and explorer, in accordance with modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) procedures. Clinical events were registered and classified as either failure (F), survival (SR), or success (S). 168 restorations were evaluated in 90 patients with an average follow-up period of 37.9 (± 22.9) months. A total of 132 restorations were performed on vital teeth, and 36 were performed on endodontically treated teeth (ETT). A total of 128 Class-IV and 40 Class-III restorations were performed. In 89 restorations, a three-step E&R adhesive was applied (14 Class-III and 75 Class-IV), while in 79, a universal adhesive was used (26 Class-III and 53 Class-IV, p = 0.0091). A Cox regression analysis was performed (p < 0.05) to analyze which factors were involved in the failure of the restorations, considering failure (F) as restorations that needed re-intervention at the follow-up period of 37.9 (± 22.9) months. No statistically significant differences were observed when considering parameters directly involved with the adhesives tested. Endodontically treated teeth were more prone to fractures (p = 0.0006) compared to vital teeth. Restorations made with universal adhesives failed by fracturing significantly more frequently (p = 0.0234), while restorations made on endodontically treated teeth had a significantly worse outcome (p = 0.0001). Restorations made on canines also failed significantly more frequently (HR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.4-10.1, p = 0.0062). Based on the obtained results, both the universal adhesive and the three-step E&R adhesive proved to be good treatment choices for direct anterior restorations after 37.9 (± 22.9) months of follow-up. Tooth vitality seems fundamental for the prognosis of a direct anterior composite restoration over time.

The distribution of marginal excess cement of implant-supported vented and non-vented zirconia crowns with and without cleaning procedures.

To investigate the distribution of marginal excess cement in vented and non-vented crowns and evaluate the effect of clinical cleaning procedures on the reduction of excess cement. Forty models with implant analogs in the position of the right maxillary first molar were divided into four groups (n=10/group, vented/non-vented crowns with or without cleaning procedures). The abutment finish lines were placed 1mm below the artificial gingiva buccally, mesially, and distally and at the gingival level palatally. A standardized amount (20mg) of resin cement was applied in a thin layer to the intaglio surface of zirconia vented and non-vented crowns. The excess cement was removed by a dental explorer in groups with cleaning procedures. The distribution (area and depth) of the marginal excess cement was measured at each quadrant (buccal, mesial, palatal, and distal) for all study samples. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (ɑ=0.05). The area and depth values of the excess cement in each quadrant in the vented group were significantly smaller than that in the non-vented group, both with and without cleaning (p<0.001). Cleaning procedures significantly reduced the area of excess cement in both vented and non-vented groups (all, p<0.001 except for p<0.05 at the buccal aspect of the vented group). The depth of excess cement in the vented group was significantly decreased with cleaning in the buccal quadrant compared with that without cleaning (p<0.01). However, the depth of excess cement of the non-vented group was significantly increased with cleaning in all quadrants compared with that without cleaning (all, p<0.001 except for p<0.05 at the distal aspect). Crown venting significantly reduced the area and depth of the marginal excess cement in vitro. Cleaning procedure with a dental explorer significantly reduced the area of marginal excess cement in vitro; however, the excess cement can be pushed deeper in the non-vented group.

Comparison of Plaque Removal Efficacy of Modified Bass Technique and Charter’s Technique in Orthodontic Patients

Aim: To compare the efficacy of modified bass technique and charters technique in plaque removal among orthodontic patients. Study design: Single Blind Randomized control trial Place and duration of study: Department of Periodontology, Sardar Begum Dental College Peshawar from 1st July 2022 to 31st December 2022. Methodology: Forty six patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were enrolled. Patients were divided into two equal groups using lottery method. Group A used Modified Bass technique and Group B used Charter’s brushing technique. Plaque scores were measured by principal investigator and were recorded onthe Online Periodontal Chart of University of Berlin. Plaque score was recorded on all sides of the tooth in relation to bracket (mesial, distal, gingival, occlusal) using dental explorer after disclosing plaque by plaque disclosing tablet. Results: There were 24 (52.2%) females and 22 (47.8%) males. The mean plaque score for Group A was 25.76 and for Group B was 27.64, with no statistical difference after the test was applied. Conclusion: The modified Bass and Charters brushing techniques showed similar results in plaque removal efficacy. Scrubbing is the simplest and most often used cleaning procedure. Keywords: Plaque, Fixed appliances, Brushing techniques, Efficacy

Marginal Integrity of Class-I Restorations, Restored with Amalgam and Bonded Amalgam; A Comparative Study

Objective: To compare the marginal integrity of Class-I amalgam and bonded amalgam restorations in maxillary and mandibular molars at seven days, three, six and twelve-months intervals.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative prospective study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi Pakistan,from Jul 2017 to Jul 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: A total number of 114 patients of either gender with an age range of 14-45 years having Class-I cavities in first and second maxillary and mandibular molars on both sides were equally distributed in two groups. Group-A received conventional Amalgam, and Group-B received bonded amalgam restorations. All the fillings were placed and carved using routine instruments used for amalgam restorations, and the restorations were polished after 24 hours. The patients were initially evaluated for marginal ditching around restorations with the help of a dental mirror and explorer at seven days,followed by inspection at 3, 6 and 12 months.&#x0D; Results: Of the 114 participants, all showed excellent marginal integrity at seven-days intervals regardless of the restorative material used. However, marginal integrity deteriorated swiftly with time among those 57(50%) participants who acquired conventional Amalgam. Marginal integrity at 3, 6 and 12-months period was 51(89.5%), 35(61.4%) and 17(29.8%), respectively.Bonded amalgam restorations performed superiorly with 100%, 56(98.2%) and 43(75.4%) successful marginal integrity at 3, 6 and 12-months, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Bonded amalgams can be a better substitute than non-bonded amalgam restorations with superior longevity in marginal integrity.Keywords: Amalgam, Bonded amalgam, Marginal integrity, Micro-leakage, Marginal deterioration, Restoration longevity.

Comparative evaluation of clinical efficiency of application of pit and fissures sealant performed under microscope and loupes

Aim: To compare the clinical effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants applied under naked eye, magnifying loupes, and microscope. Materials and Method: This study was carried out on 30 permanent molar teeth of patients aged between 6-9 years. The clinical examination of all patients included visual inspection with the aid of a dental mirror, probe, explorer, cotton rolls, and radiographic imaging. Sufficient lighting was also utilized during the examination. The study was divided into three groups. The procedure for the application of pit and fissure remains the same. However, group A was performed under naked eyes, group B under magnified loupes, and group C under a microscope. After the procedure teeth were analyzed for retention. Statistical Analysis Uses: Statistical analysis used was Rydges Criteria with a comparison of results from the same. Results: Observations vary greatly when the sealant is applied clinically vs. with loupes and microscopes. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that bubble formation was among the highly significant criteria on application with naked eyes compared to the microscope and magnifying loupes, which didn’t illustrate the same. Conclusion: The result of this research illustrates that bubble formation on applying pit and fissure sealant suggests that microorganisms could still penetrate the area of the pit and fissure, which might cause dental decay later in life. Teeth with partially retained sealants are more susceptible to developing caries lesions than those with fully covered pits and fissures because particles and food can accumulate in the uncovered areas.

Primary care dental professionals' experiences of sharp injuries in Qatar: A cross-sectional study.

Very few studies assess sharp injuries solely among dental professionals globally. This study aims to understand the experiences of sharp injuries among primary care dental professionals in Qatar. This is a cross-sectional study where dental professionals working at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), a public sector healthcare organization and Qatar's largest primary care provider with 27 primary healthcare centers in Qatar, were invited to participate. An online questionnaire was administered to understand participants' experience of sharp injuries and access to occupational health services and training. A total of 114 dental professionals participated in this study. In total, 68.42% (N=78) of participants reported experiencing a sharp injury in the 12months prior to the survey. Majority (N=58; 75.36%) of the reported causes of sharp injuries were related to dental explorers (N=31; 40.26%) and dental injection needles (N=27; 40.26%). Of those who had experienced a sharp injury, 84.47% (N=87) did not report them. In conclusion, the results highlight that sharp injuries are common among primary care dental professionals, and despite having good access to occupational support services, most dental professionals did not report their injuries. Continuous education and training programs must be implemented to improve knowledge and raise awareness to reduce the burden of sharp injuries among dental professionals. More studies from other dental settings are needed to better understand dental professionals' experiences of sharp injuries in Qatar and elsewhere.

Diş Hekimliği Klinik Öncesi Eğitiminin İlk İki Yılında Öğrenci Yaralanmalarının Araştırılması ve Yaralanma Sonrası Davranışlarının İncelenmesi

Background: The attitudes and behaviors of students after their injuries in preclinical education in the faculties of dentistry are very important in terms of blood-borne diseases and infection risks. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the injuries experienced by dentistry students in preclinical courses in detail and to determine their post-injury behaviors. Methods: The study was conducted on students who completed their first and second education years. The surveys we prepared were conducted anonymously by sending to the volunteer participants via "Google Forms". In the surveys, we questioned the types of injuries they experienced in the courses; the materials that caused the injury; the number of injuries; the time period of the course and in which preclinical training course the injuries occurred; and their behaviors after injury and their reasons. In the study, information (n) and (%) were given as descriptive statistics of the data. In the analysis of the relationship between two categorical variables, Pearson Chi-Square analysis was applied when the sample size assumption was met, and Fisher's Exact test was applied when the sample size assumption was not met. Analyzes were carried out in IBM SPSS 25 program. Results: 66% of the students (n:87) stated that they were injured at least once in pre-clinical courses. The most common injuries were cutting-penetrating (72.9 %) due to the use of dental spatula and injury from direct fire source (59.4 %) in the first-year students. Dental wires (96 %) dental explorer (78 %) and burning injuries with hot dental wax (64 %) resulted in high rates of students who completed the second year. 87.5 % of the students who completed their second year stated that they were injured mostly in the preclinical education courses of Prosthodontics. It was found that only 24 % of the students reported all their injuries. Conclusions: The high injury rates in our study revealed the inability of the students to use cutting-penetrating tools and laboratory materials safely. In addition, their attitudes and behaviors after injuries showed that blood-borne diseases and cross-infection knowledge were insufficient. In order to take precautions in these issues, students must be educated before preclinical courses.

Oral disease burden amongst residents of an internally displaced persons camp in Nigeria

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: To assess the prevalence of oral diseases and conditions amongst residents of an isolated camp that caters for internally displaced persons to define their oral health need in order to facilitate surveillance and planning of interventional programmes.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out among randomly selected residents of a camp at Uhogua village forest reserve, Edo State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic data was obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Oral examination was carried out under natural illumination using mouth mirror, wooden spatula and blunt dental explorer. Oral hygiene was graded using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. Diagnoses of caries and periodontal disease were according to the World Health Organization criteria. Clinical diagnosis of oral lesions/conditions was by visual inspection. IBM SPSS version 25.0 was used for descriptive and inferential analysis at 95% confidence interval with p set at &lt; 0.05 significance.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the 437 study participants was 15.81 ± 8.42 with a range of 4 - 71 years. Males (43.0%), females (57.0%) and participants with primary education (78.7%). Only 3.4% of the study participants had good oral hygiene and 11.9% of the group had periodontal pockets. Dental caries prevalence was 19.7%. The DMFT/dmft index value was 0.33/0.13 with PUFA/pufa score of 0.06/0.02. However, 35.0% of permanent teeth and 79.0% of deciduous teeth had evidence of dento-oral infection and ulceration. The prevalence of oral ulcers (1.8%), leukoplakia (2.1%), erythroplakia (0.5%), oral candidiasis (5.3%), cleft palate (0.2%) and traumatic dental injury (4.3%). were noted. Lower educational attainment was associated with presence of periodontal pockets (p=0.029) and dental caries (p=0.004).&#x0D; Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene was prevalent in this group. Although the prevalence of oral diseases and conditions were low in comparison with previous local studies, many of the carious lesions had signs of dento-oral infections. Improved access to education with a significant oral health education content and preventive oral health services are recommended strategies in reducing the oral health challenges of this group.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Evaluation of Pulp–Dentine Complex Response to Different Direct Pulp–Capping Agents (An Experimental Study)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pulpal response of dogs’ teeth after direct pulp capping using Biodentine (BD) and compared it with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Materials and Methods: Following the split-mouth design, forty intact teeth in two healthy Mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to two experimental groups; group I: BD and group II: MTA. Standardized Class V cavities were prepared on the vestibular surface of each tooth where the pulp exposure was performed with a dental explorer. The pulp-exposed teeth were immediately capped with one of the tested materials. The prepared cavities were then finally restored with glass-ionomer cement. After termination of the observation periods (one week and three months), the animals were euthanized. Then, teeth were extracted for histopathological evaluations. Data collected and statistically analyzed by using Fisher’s exact test. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Histopathological analysis showed complete dentin bridge formation and an absence of inflammatory pulp response. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the BD and MTA experimental groups during the observation periods. However, a significantly higher thickness of the dentin bridge was found in the group of teeth treated with BD at three months. Conclusion: BD may be considered an interesting alternative to MTA. Both materials produced favorable pulpal responses that were similar in nature.

Frequency of cusp of carabelli in maxillary permanent first molars and its association with dental caries in patients visiting Peshawar Dental Hospital, Peshawar.

Objective: To find out the frequency of cusp of Carabelli and its association with dental caries in maxillary permanent first molars in both male and female patients of Peshawar. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Setting: OPD of Peshawar Dental Hospital, Peshawar. Period: July 2016 to December 2016. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 300 patients (125 males and 175 females) were selected through consecutive sampling technique and the number of teeth examined was 600 (two teeth per patient). Age group selected for the patients was from 13 to 30 years. Both the genders having fully erupted maxillary permanent first molars on both sides of the jaw were included in the study and the teeth were examined usin0g mouth mirror while the presence of caries in Carabelli groove was checked with the help of dental explorer (probe). Results: Of the total 300 patients, 118 (39.3%) presented the cusp of Carabelli on maxillary permanent first molars and the number of teeth having the cusp was 192 (32%) out of the total 600 among them. 24.7% of the patients had cusp present on both right and left MPFM while 10.3% of patients had CC present only on right maxillary molars and in 4.3% of patients, it was located on left molars. Gender differentiation of the cusp did not show a statistically significant difference (p-value 0.140). The frequency of caries associated with the cusp of Carabelli groove was found to be 17.7%. Out these patients, 8 males (34.7%) and 15 females (65.2%) were affected. P value for this distribution was 0.651, which shows no statistically significant difference between genders for the presence of caries. Conclusion: The cusp of Carabelli is a common finding on the palatal surface of mesiolingual cusp of maxillary permanent first molars in a hospital-based population of Peshawar with no statistically significant difference between males and females. Caries in cusp of Carabelli groove is a common association with the cusp having no significant difference between genders.

Preparation of Zirconia-Based Dental Restorative Materials and Exploration on Their Wear Performances on Enamel/Dentine

A dental restorative material based on the zirconia matrix was designed for the analysis of friction and wear performances of enamel/dentine in vitro. First, the calcium phosphate powder was obtained by the sol–gel method. Then, three kinds of candidate composite ceramic restorative materials (4Zr6D, 5Zr5D, and 6Zr4D) were obtained by sintering at different mixing ratios with zirconia. The materials were analyzed by physical property characterization and compared with polymer porcelain, glass ceramics, and zirconia, thereby exploring the difference in wear performances of different dental restoration materials in enamel and dentine. In the tests and analyses of hardness, porosity, and density, zirconia-based restorative materials with a ratio of 5Zr5D showed better toughness and less mass loss. In the comparison of wear performances, zirconia-based composite restorative materials showed higher hardness (1575.66 ± 27.36 Hv). In the enamel and dentine wear tests, the greater the hardness was, the greater the mass loss was; however, the morphology of tooth cusp and tooth surface remained unchanged. The friction performance of polymer porcelain-based restorative material matched with that of the dentine and enamel; therefore, its mass loss was less; however, its surface morphology would change. The results showed that the application of zirconia-based restorative materials as dental restorative materials could achieve the higher hardness and ensure the stability of the enamel/dentine appearance.

Clinical Orodental Anomalies in Taiwanese Children under Age Six: a Study Based on the 1995-1997 National Dental Survey.

There are few published studies that report the prevalence of intraoral anomalies for young children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of several congenital oral and paraoral anomalies in Taiwanese children under age six. Twenty-five cities and townships were randomly sampled in different areas of Taiwan using the stratified method. These cities and townships represent cross-sectional samples of geographic locations and socioeconomic levels. A total of 981 Taiwanese children under age six were examined with dental mirrors and explorers as part of the national dental survey. The results of this survey indicated an 11.31% prevalence of geographic tongue. This number is higher than that reported in studies previously performed in different countries. The occurrence of double teeth in primary dentition was found to be 2.14%. Ankyloglossia had a frequency of 1.22%, and primary talon cusp a frequency of 0.61%. Seven (0.71%) children exhibited fissured tongues. Thirteen (1.33%) cases of hypodontia were found. These values were different from those reported in several other countries, which may be attributed to differences in the ethnic and racial composition of the population studied.