Dental Information Research Articles

Comprehensive Analysis of Factors Influencing Patients' Preferences and Attitudes toward Dental Treatment Choices.

In recent years, patient preferences and attitudes have become crucial in shaping dental treatment choices and service utilization. Understanding these preferences is crucial for improving service delivery and patient satisfaction. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the factors influencing these preferences, focusing on demographic, socio-economic, and behavioral variables, and the growing role of social media in healthcare decisions. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted among Indian individuals aged 18 years and above, yielding 231 responses. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and ANOVA to assess associations and significant differences among variables. Factor analysis was used to determine factors influencing the selection of dental care services. The findings suggest that younger adults (76.6% aged 18-43 years) and females (65.8%) are more engaged in digital consultations and dental care decisions. Key factors influencing dental care choices include previous experience, painless treatment, and availability. Trust in social media for dental information is low, with 72.7% expressing doubts about its accuracy. Factor analysis identified four key dimensions affecting dental care choices which were grouped as patient-centric dental service quality, external validation and assurance, experience and cost-driven decisions, and professional competence. The study underscores the importance of maintaining high-quality service, effective communication, and leveraging professional referrals and online reviews to enhance patient trust and satisfaction. Despite social media's rising role, direct professional advice remains the preferred source for dental care decisions.

Determinants of masticatory ability in Taiwanese patients with osteogenesis imperfecta

Background/purposeDespite the existing knowledge on osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), there is a notable lack of research focused on determining the optimal number and types of teeth that individuals with OI should keep to ensure effective chewing. This study aimed to identify variables influencing masticatory ability among patients with OI. Materials and methodsA total of 37 patients with OI participated in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and dental examinations. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic information, oral habits, self-perceived health, and self-rated masticatory ability, utilizing 14 common Taiwanese food groups. Dental information was evaluated through clinical examinations. Statistical methods, including the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were employed to identify factors associated with self-rated masticatory ability. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of masticatory ability. ResultsThe multiple logistic regression analysis identified the number of posterior functional tooth units (P-FTUs) as a significant predictor of masticatory difficulty in patients with OI. ConclusionEnhancing masticatory ability in patients with OI requires not only a sufficient number of natural teeth or fixed prosthetics but also a focus on the optimal arrangement and functionality of these dental supports.

Students and Patients’ Compliance towards Dental Software Used In Private Dental College in Chennai - A Prospective Trial

Objective: This study aimed to assess the compliance and satisfaction of third-year undergraduate dental students and patients using the Dental Information Archiving System (DIAS) in a private dental college in Chennai, focusing on ease of use, time efficiency, and overall experience. Methods: A prospective trial was conducted at Saveetha Dental College, involving 100 dental students and 100 patients. Compliance and user satisfaction were measured using a questionnaire administered at two-time points: at the initial clinical appointment and after four weeks of using DIAS. The questionnaire included multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions addressing key aspects such as ease of use, perceived value, and efficiency of the system. Results: Patients: Awareness of DIAS increased significantly from 78% to 96% between the first and second visits. Patient satisfaction with the software’s time efficiency and perceived security improved drastically, with 93% finding the time spent reasonable by the second visit (p = 0.000). Confidence in data security rose from 4% to 85% (p = 0.000). Students: Familiarity with DIAS improved from 7% to 61% (p = 0.000), and preference for DIAS over traditional methods increased from 28% to 67% (p = 0.000). The time required for DIAS usage decreased, while the application of clinical knowledge increased from 67% to 74% (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that both students and patients showed significant improvements in compliance and satisfaction with the dental software over time. Increased exposure led to better understanding and trust in the system, highlighting the potential of DIAS to enhance clinical education and patient care. However, challenges related to data security, interoperability, and the need for ongoing training remain critical for wider implementation.

Dental age estimation in adults using the Lamendin criteria: Validation of a bayesian model in the Brazilian population

Age estimation provides information for biological profile, which is used as an important data during the process of to aid in the identification of bodies of deceased persons. Lamendin et al. proposed a simplified dental age estimation technique for adults based on the analysis of periodontal recession height, root height, and root translucency height. These characteristics were used to build a multi-population database that served in the development of a Bayesian model, known as the Forensic International Dental Database (FIDB). However, before this research, this model did not incorporate dental information from the Brazilian population. The aim of this article was to validate the application of the FIDB Bayesian statistical model for estimating dental age in samples from the Brazilian population and compare it to Lamendin's technique. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 230 dental elements extracted for therapeutic reasons and stored in a biobank. Two independent and calibrated examiners collected the data, considering the randomization of dental samples. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability analysis included the re-evaluation of 20 % (n = 40) of the sample. For statistical analyses, the data were organized in Microsoft© Excel© 365 version 2204 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) spreadsheets, and R version 4.0.2 (R Foundation, Vienna, Austria) and IBM® SPSS® version 23.0 (SPSS Inc., IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) software were used. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample comprised 200 intact dental elements from 84 male and 116 female individuals. According to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the data did not show a normal distribution, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient indicated that intra- and inter-examiner agreements were adequate. Through the Mann-Whitney U test, statistically significant differences between sexes were not observed. In terms of overall accuracy, the Bayesian model and the original Lamendin´s technique showed a mean absolute error of 9.39 years and 9.95, respectively. Regarding bias, it was generally 0.15 years for the Bayesian model and 5.62 years for the original Lamendin´s technique. The Wilcoxon classification test revealed no statistically significant difference between chronological and estimated ages, but only for the Bayesian model. It can be concluded that the developed Bayesian statistical model was able to estimate the age of Brazilian adults satisfactorily, and overall, the error rates were acceptable.

Differences between Doctors of Dental Medicine and Doctors of Medicine Awareness of Their Online Image and Perception Concerns: a Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study.

Healthcare professionals (HCPs), including doctors of dental medicine (DMDs) and doctors of medicine (MDs), use social networking sites (SNSs) for personal and professional purposes. This study aims to: (i) explore DMDs and MDs awareness of their online presence, (ii) examine how frequently and for what reasons DMDs and MDs monitor their online images, (iii) determine the prevalence of finding inaccurate, incomplete, or unprofessional information about themselves, examine that experience, and investigate actions performed regarding unprofessional or embarrassing posted material, (iv) assess concerns about their own SNSs usage and the content they post. A cross-sectional study was conducted among DMDs and MDs in Croatia using a questionnaire. Out of 1,013 participants, 753 were active SNS users. Facebook (91.6%) and Instagram (63.1%) were the predominant SNSs used. DMDs exhibited a significantly higher inclination to utilize SNSs for professional purposes than MDs. Both groups reported a high level of proficiency in using Facebook (M=3.2, SD=0.827) and Instagram (M=2.44, SD=1.162). Approximately 55.4% of the participants repored monitoring their online presence, typically once a year or less frequently. DMDs emphasized the completeness of posted information more than MDs (U=25,623.0, p=0.001). Their highest level of concern pertained to confidentiality breaches and inaccurate medical and dental information. There are similar results for MDs and DMDs for finding erroneous information posted on SNSs. This study offers insights into HCPs' online presence, and their concerns regarding SNS usage. It underscores the significance of e-professionalism, and provides recommendations for maintaining a positive online presence while mitigating potential risks.

Assessing the quality of AI information from ChatGPT regarding oral surgery, preventive dentistry, and oral cancer: An exploration study

AimEvaluation of the quality of dental information produced by the ChatGPT artificial intelligence language model within the context of oral surgery, preventive dentistry, and oral cancer. MethodologyThis study adopted quantitative methods approach. The experts prepared 50 questions (including dimensions of, risk factors, preventive measures, diagnostic methods, and treatment options) that would be presented to ChatGPT, and its responses were rated for their accuracy, completeness, relevance, clarity or comprehensibility, and possible risks using a standardized rubric. To carry out the assessment of the responses by ChatGPT, a standardized scoring rubric was used. Evaluation process included feedback concerning the strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas of improvement in the responses provided by ChatGPT. ResultsWhile achieving the highest score for preventive dentistry at 4.3/5 and being able to communicate the complex information coherently, the tool showed lower accuracy for oral surgery and oral cancer, scoring 3.9/5 and 3.6/5, respectively, with several gaps for post-operative instructions, personalized risk assessments, and specialized diagnostic methods. Potential risks, such as a lack of individualized advice, were shown in 53% of the oral cancer and in 40% of the oral surgery. While showing promise in some domains, ChatGPT had important limitations in specialized areas that require nuanced expertise. ConclusionThe findings point to the need for professional supervision while using AI-generated information and ongoing evaluation as capabilities evolve, for the assurance of responsible implementation in the best interest of patient care.

Assessment of the quality of oral squamous cell carcinoma clinical records in oral surgery with Surgical Tool for Auditing Records (STAR) scoring

BackgroundThe Surgical Tool for Auditing Records scoring system [STAR] focuses on surgical record auditing with promising outcomes. It offers a structured approach to evaluating the quality of surgical notes.Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the STAR in evaluating oral surgical records and identifying areas for improvement in documentation practices.Materials and methodsThe data was obtained from the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS) of our institution. The sample size was determined using G*Power 3.1.9.4 software. Fifty consecutive oral surgery clinical records of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients were evaluated using STAR. Each record was reviewed for adherence to documentation standards including Initial Assessment (10 points), Follow-up Entries (8 points), Consent Documentation (7 points), Anesthesia Report (7 points), Surgical Log (9 points), and Discharge Synopsis (9 points). compiling a total STAR score (50 points). The data was tabulated in Google Sheets. The descriptive statistics with inter-observer agreement and the mean score were recorded.ResultsWe observed that each of the 50 records received a score of 49/50 points on the STAR. Deductions were necessary in the Operative record section due to the lack of information regarding the sutures used.ConclusionTo summarize, this study emphasizes the effectiveness of the STAR scoring system in evaluating the quality of oral surgical records. Identifying deficiencies, particularly in documenting operative details, can improve the completeness and accuracy of patient records. It can ultimately enhance patient care and facilitate better communication among healthcare professionals.

A Retrospective Analysis of Medical Management Strategies for Trigeminal Neuralgia: An Institutional Review.

Background Neuropathic pain results from nervous system damage, and trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a chronic disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve. TN causes sudden, severe, recurring facial pain that can be highly disabling. Treatment usually involves medications like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, or baclofen to manage nerve pain. If medications are ineffective, surgical interventions like microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery may be explored for symptom relief. Aim and objectives This study aims to assess the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with TN treated at a private institution. The objective was to assess key demographic factors, including age, gender, and the affected trigeminal nerve divisions, with a focus on identifying the most frequently involved nerve divisions in TN cases. Methodology This five-year retrospective study (January 2019-April 2023) in the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department analyzed 483 TN cases, including 300 patients with confirmed primary TN and complete records. Dental Information Archive System (DIAS) data covered demographics, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes. Pain levels were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). LFTs monitor the long-term effects of medications like carbamazepine. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Of 7,500 outpatients in the Oral Medicine Department, 483 were diagnosed with TN, and 300 met the diagnostic criteria for inclusion in a five-year study (January 2019-April 2023). The average age was 60 years for men and 58.5 years for women. TN primarily affected the right side in 158 patients (56%), while the left side was involved in 114 (43%) of the cases (p = 0.04) and most commonly involved the maxillary nerve (V2) in 159 patients (53%) and the mandibular nerve (V3) in 141 patients (47%), with a slight female predominance (p = 0.02). One hundred thirty-five patients (45%) used carbamazepine alone, while 84 were treated with carbamazepine and gabapentin, and 81 were treated with carbamazepine and baclofen. The combination of carbamazepine and gabapentin was the most effective, achieving pain control in 123 patients (75%) compared to 94 patients (70%) with carbamazepine alone and 119 patients (72%) with carbamazepine and baclofen (p = 0.06). VAS scores showed better pain relief with carbamazepine and gabapentin (VAS: 3.8 ± 1.0), carbamazepine alone (mean VAS: 4.5 ± 1.2) and carbamazepine with baclofen (mean VAS: 4.2 ± 1.1). In long-term management, 45 patients (15%) discontinued due to side effects, while 105 patients (35%) continued on carbamazepine alone, 90 patients (30%) on carbamazepine with gabapentin, and 60 patients (20%) on carbamazepine with baclofen (p = 0.04). LFTs were performed on 240 patients (80%), while 60 patients (20%) did not undergo LFTs. Conclusions This study underscores the treatment of TN, with anticonvulsants as the primary therapy and alternative options available for refractory cases. However, limitations like small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up affect the findings' generalizability. The results highlight the importance of treatment plans and the potential advantages of combination therapies in clinical practice.

How trustworthy is online dental information for individuals with Down syndrome from Ibero-American countries?

Internet has become an indispensable source of health-related information. However, several studies have shown there to be a lack of quality control for webpages related to disability. Specifically, available content concerning Down syndrome (DS) and dentistry is limited and of dubious quality. The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of online content in Spanish and Portuguese on dental care for individuals with DS. A simultaneous search in Google and Bing using the terms "Down syndrome" and "odontology/dentist/dental treatment" in Spanish and Portuguese was conducted in seven Ibero-American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal). The first 100 consecutive pages of results from the three combinations of terms in each of the search engines were accessed and selected by applying conventional exclusion criteria. The selected pages were classified according to their authorship, specificity and dissemination potential. The quality of the online content was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire and the Questionnaire to Evaluate Health Web Sites According to European Criteria (QEEC). The presence of the Health On Net (HON) and Accredited Medical Website (AMW) seals was also assessed. The mean DISCERN score was 2.51±0.85 and 2.57±0.86 for the Spanish and Portuguese webpages, respectively. The mean readability score was 3.43±1.26 and 3.25±1.08 for the Spanish and Portuguese webpages, respectively. None of the selected webpages presented the HONcode or AMW trust seals. The content available online in Spanish and Portuguese regarding Down syndrome and dentistry is scarce and of highly questionable quality.

Prevalence Of Flabby Ridge In Completely Edentulous Patients Among The Chennai Population

Aim: The aim of this present study was to evaluate the prevalence of flabby ridge in completely edentulous patients among the Chennai population. Background: Flabby tissue refers to excessive and movable soft tissue, while a ridge is an elevated, long, narrow, and raised crest. A flabby ridge is a specific condition characterized by the mobility of the soft tissue of maxillary or mandibular alveolar ridge. This occurs when soft tissue hyperplasia replaces the underlying alveolar bone. Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective study with data collection obtained from Dental Information Archiving Software (DIAS). Parameters assessed include age, gender, and flabby ridge patients. The collected data was tabulated in Microsoft Excel sheet and statistically analyzed. The correlation between the prevalence of flabby ridge, genders and different ages was analyzed by employing the Chi-Square test. Results: In the present study, a total of 31 patients aged between 31 to 85 year old were assessed for specific parameters such as gender, ages, flabby ridge, and its occurrence in different arches. Patients with flabby ridge were found more in females with 83.9% when compared to males. The most common age group is 51 to 60 years old with a 41.9% prevalence. The maxillary arch is most commonly affected by flabby ridge (55.6%) compared to the mandibular arch. There is a positive correlation between gender and flabby ridge prevalence with a p-value &lt;0.05 (statistically significant). However, the correlation between age and flabby ridge prevalence showed insignificant value, p&gt;0.05. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, the prevalence of flabby ridge among the completely edentulous patient, female is most affected with the most common age between 51 to 60 years old and the maxillary arch being the most common arch.

Assessment of Turnaround Time (TAT) for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Biopsies: A Single-Institution Experience.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. A delay in the diagnosis of OSCC can have a drastic impact on management and patient outcomes. One of the most crucial elements in oral management is the timely histopathological final diagnosis. Turnaround time (TAT) is regarded as the most important component of the quality performance evaluation. Many labs have struggled to improve their TATs despite advancements in computerization, transport systems, and analytical technologies. Aim: This study aimed to assess the TAT of OSCC cases, assess the mean TAT period, evaluate any TAT delays, and explore the reasons behind the TAT delays. Materials and methods: OSCC reports in Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, for one year from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, were retrieved from the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS), and the mean TAT was noted. Further, the number of cases with delay in TAT was also observed, and the reason for their delay was listed. Descriptive statisticsand graphical representation were performed utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). One-way ANOVA was performed with a significance set at a p-value less than 0.05. 230 OSCC cases were retrieved and included in the TAT evaluation for this study. Among 230 cases, 161 (70%) were incisional and 69 (30%) were excisional biopsies. Only seven (4%) incisional cases and seven (10%) excisional biopsies showed a delay in TAT. The most common reason for the delay in TAT was the requirement for deeper sections and decalcification of bone specimens. Out of 161 incisional cases, only 48 (29%) have undergone excision and further treatment. Twenty-one out of 69 (30%) excisional cases were found to be referral cases from other private institutions. The overall average TAT for 12 months was 3.24 ± 0.41 days for incisional biopsies and 11.88 ± 2.07 days for excisional biopsies. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.00001. Our study sheds light on specific challenges in TAT delay and opportunities for the improvement of TAT. This can result in faster TAT of OSCC reports, further improve patient care, and enable prompt treatment. This study quantified the TAT for OSCC cases and identified critical areas for process improvement. The findings can inform strategies to streamline diagnostic workflows, reduce delays, and ultimately improve the timely delivery of care to patients with OSCC.

Epidemiological Trends and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Oral Leukoplakia: A Retrospective Analysis From a Single Institution in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Background India has a high prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders and malignant transformation. Cases of oral leukoplakia are not commonly encountered, and only a small cohort of patients undergo biopsies for the same. This study aims to assess the various etiological factors causing leukoplakia, the clinical features, histopathological findings, and treatment received by the patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with oral leukoplakia. Methodology Oral leukoplakia cases were included in this study from total biopsy samples received in the oral pathology department. Details were collected from the Dental Information Archival Software of our institution. The period analyzed was from January 1, 2021, to December31, 2023. Relevant clinical and histopathological details were retrieved and tabulated. Statistical analysis (chi-square test) was used to assess the association between the clinicopathological parameters using SPSS software version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) with a significance level set at a p-value <0.05. Results A total of 76 oral leukoplakia cases were retrieved from 2,600 biopsy samples. The prevalence of oral leukoplakia was 3.1% to 3.4% for the three years. Leukoplakia was commonly observed in those aged 51 to 60 years (33%). Overall, 21% of the patients with leukoplakia showed severe epithelial dysplasia, 22% showed mild epithelial dysplasia, and 39% showed moderate epithelial dysplasia. Moreover, 30% of the patients presented with leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis and showed varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia. Finally, 45% of the patients were managed conservatively using pharmacotherapy. Conclusions Severe epithelial dysplasia was commonly associated with oral leukoplakia. Oral submucous fibrosis was also found to be associated with leukoplakia and showed epithelial dysplasia. None of our proliferative verrucous leukoplakia cases showed any association with oral submucous fibrosis. Surgical management was the preferred treatment.

Storytelling using self-designed image-based storybook as tools for reducing dental anxiety in 5 to 12-years-old children: a narrative therapy

Background: Children commonly experience dental anxiety, marked by a general feeling of fear when they have not encountered the situation before. By incorporating positive dental information through storytelling or engaging dental activity books, children can be effectively reassured and mentally prepared for their initial dental appointments. Storytelling and storybooks in healthcare serves multiple functions such as educating patients and their families, promoting specific qualities, and enhancing behaviors. Methods: A randomized clinical study involving 240 children aged 5 to 12 years was conducted. The children were randomly assigned to three groups of 80 each: group 1 (received storytelling with image-based storybook), group 2 (received only storytelling), and the control group (received neither). Pulse rate and anxiety assessment using animated emoji scale measurements were taken at the start of the appointment, after the intervention before treatment, and after dental treatment. Results: The interventional groups 1 and 2 showed a significant difference compared to the control group for pulse rate and animated emoji scale. Group 1 exhibited the highest reduction in anxiety as measured using the animated emoji scale and pulse rate. Conclusions: In conclusion, providing children with a dental storybook before dental treatment can decrease dental anxiety and improve their behavior during the dental treatment.

Longitudinal Assessment of the Quality of Life in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Background Studies evaluating the quality of life (QoL) among oral cancer patients in the Indian population are scarce. Regular follow-ups and QoL assessment in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients can aid in comprehensive support strategies to improve their QoL outcomes. Aim and objectives This study aimed to assess the QoL of oral cancer patients and correlate the QoL with demographic and treatment parameters. Materials and methods The study included oral cancer patients who had previously reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. QoL assessment was done using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HN43 questionnaires before and after treatment. The clinico-demographic details, treatment data, follow-up data, and recorded mean QoL were procured from the patient records in Dental Information Archival Software. Assessment of QoL was done before treatment and at intervals of one month, three months, six months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 monthspostoperatively after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized for comparing the average QoL scores and frequency of follow-ups across various intervals. Chi-square tests assessed differences in mean QoL among genders, across different sites, and between primary closure and graft placement. The significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results A total of 90 OSCC patients had reported to the department. A preoperative assessment of QoL was done for 90 (100%) patients. Out of these patients, surgery has been performed on 41 (45%). Twenty-five out of 41 (60%) patients had responded to regular follow-up, and QoL was assessed for these patients. After the immediate postoperative phase, only 12 (48%) had reported after three months. Only six (24%) had a 12-month follow-up, five (20%) had a two-year follow-up, and one (4%) had a three-year follow-up. There was a constant decrease in the number of follow-ups after the treatment of OSCC (p=0.00). Prior to treatment, the mean QoL index was 4.64. Females had a slightly higher preoperative QoL of 4.76 compared to males, with a score of 4.67 (p=0.157). Immediately after the treatment of OSCC, a decline in QoL scores was noted, with a mean score of 4.25 (p=0.32). Patients who underwent primary closure after excision had a mean post-op QoL score of 4.9, while patients who underwent graft placement had a mean score of 4.6 (p=0.157). Conclusion This study highlights the enduring impact of oral cancer on a patient's quality of life and emphasizes the need for ongoing research to explore specific interventions that can contribute to sustained improvement in QoL. It emphasizes personalized, holistic care approaches for such patients.

Exploring Prevalence Trends of Jaw Bone Pathologies: A Three-Year Institutional Study.

Background Head and neck bone pathologies cover various conditions with diverse causes. Infections like osteomyelitis and dental abscesses can spread to soft tissues and bones, causing tissue death, inflammation, and systemic effects. Benign and malignant tumors can develop from soft tissue, cartilage, or bone, posing challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Studies on their prevalence in local populations are rare, obscuring our understanding of regional health dynamics. Aim In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of bone pathologies documented over the last three years from 2021 to 2023. Materials and methods Histopathologically confirmed cases of bone pathologies at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India, were gathered from the institutional database (DIAS: Dental Information Archiving Software) from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. They were categorized into groups of infectious and inflammatory lesions, fibro-osseous lesions, malignancies originating from bone, malignancies invading bone, and miscellaneous conditions. The data was then compiled into a Google spreadsheet (Google, Inc., Mountain View, USA) for further analysis. Graphs were created to visualize the prevalence of bone pathologies enabling a descriptive exploration of temporal trends. Results A total of 2626 biopsy records were reviewed. Among these, 242 (9.21%) cases of bone-related pathologies were included, and the remaining 2384 (90.79%) entities without any mention of bone were excluded. Overall, considering all three years, 43.8% (100) bone-related lesions were reported in 2021, 30.3% (77) in 2022 and 25.9% (65) in the year 2023. Under each category, infectious and inflammatory lesions for 40.5% (98), fibro-osseous lesions for 14.9% (36), benign lesions for 2.9% (7), malignancies originating from bone for 1.7% (4), malignancies invading bone for 38% (93), and miscellaneous conditions for 1.65% (4) were reported. The highest number of infectious and inflammatory pathologies (53%) were reported in 2021. A steep fall was observed in 2022 and 2023 under the infectious and inflammatory category. The malignancies invading the bone showed almost similar distribution in all three years. Conclusion The observed variations highlight the unpredictability of bone pathologies, involving the jaw bones. We emphasize continuous observation and analysis to comprehend changing patterns in bone health.

High-precision teeth reconstruction based on automatic multimodal fusion with CBCT and IOS

In digital orthodontic treatment, the high-precision reconstruction of complete teeth, encompassing both the crown and the actual root, plays a pivotal role. Current mainstream techniques, prioritizing the high resolution of intraoral scanned models (IOS), are confined to using IOS data for orthodontic treatments. However, the lack of root information in the IOS data may lead to complications such as dehiscence. In contrast, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) data encompasses comprehensive dental information with roots. Nonetheless, the radiative character of CBCT scans renders patients unsuitable for repeated examinations in a short time. In addition, lower scanning precision of CBCT leads to suboptimal teeth segmentation outcomes, hindering the accurate representation of dental occlusal relationships. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the complementarity between dental multimodal data, we propose a method for high-precision 3D teeth model reconstruction based on IOS and CBCT, which mainly consists of global rigid registration and local nonrigid registration. Specifically, we extract the priori information of dental arch curves for coarse alignment to provide a good initial position for the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm, and design a conformal parameterization method for a single tooth to effectively obtain the point correspondence between IOS and CBCT crowns. The rough crown of the CBCT will gradually fit towards the IOS through iterative optimization of nonrigid registration. The experimental results show that our method robustly fuses the advantageous features of IOS and CBCT. The 3D teeth model reconstructed by our method contains the high-precision crown of IOS and the real root of CBCT, which can be effectively used in clinical orthodontic treatment.

Early‐diverging Titanosauriform (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) Teeth from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Southeastern Inner Mongolia, Northeast China

AbstractThree eusauropod teeth (SDUST‐V1064, PMOL‐AD00176, PMOL‐ADt0005) are reported from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Ningcheng, southeastern Inner Mongolia, China. Two of them (SDUST‐V1064, PMOL‐AD00176) are assigned to early‐diverging titanosauriforms in having slightly mesiodistal expansion at the base of the tooth crown, a slenderness index value &gt;2.0 and &lt;4.0, and D‐shaped cross section. Furthermore, SDUST‐V1064 and PMOL‐AD00176 are referred as an Euhelopus‐like titanosauriform on the basis of having a sub‐circular boss on the lingual surface and an asymmetrical crown‐root margin which slants apically, respectively. CT scan data of SDUST‐V1064 reveals new dental information of early‐diverging titanosauriforms, for example, the enamel on the labial side thicker than that on the lingual side, an enamel/dentine ratio of 0.26 and a boss present on the lingual side of the dentine of the crown.

CRABEL Score Assessment for Oral Surgery Excision Biopsy Case Notes of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background Oral surgical records contain all the information regarding a patient, including their history, clinical findings, diagnostic test results, pre-and postoperative care, progress, and medication. Notes that are properly drafted will help the physician argue that the course of therapy is appropriate. Several tools have been created for auditing clinical records; one such tool that may be used for any inpatient specialty is the CRABEL score system developed by CRAwford-BEresford-Lafferty. Aims This research aimed to evaluate the oral surgical records using the CRABEL scoring system for quality assessment. Materials and methods The case audit was performed from June 2023 to February 2024 for all Excisional biopsy cases of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Relevant data was retrieved from the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS) of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. It was evaluated by two independent oral pathologists trained in CRABEL scores. Two consecutive case records were evaluated. Fifty points were given for each case record. Scoring was given according to initial clerking (10 points), subsequent entries (30 points), consent (5 points), and discharge summary (5 points). The total score was calculated by subtracting the total deduction from 100 to give the final score. The mean scores of the case records were calculated. A descriptive statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0; IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). Inter-observer agreement and reliability assessment were made using Kappa statistics. Results From the DIAS in that period, the data of 52 cases were retrieved and reviewed. There was no proof of a reference source in the audited records, and one deduction was made to the reference score in the initial clerking, and the effective score was 98 out of 100. The mean values of 52 case records were also 98 out of 100. The observed kappa score was 1.0. There was no inter-observer bias in the scoring criteria. Both observers also gave the same scoring. Conclusion Our study illustrates that oral surgery case records in our institution were found to be accurate, as they maintained 98% of the CRABEL score value. Frequent audit cycles will help in standardizing and maintaining the quality of oral surgery case records.

The Relationship between the Perceptions of Risk in Dental Care and the Dental Fear Index during COVID-19

Objectives: This study examined the degree of fear of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among dental patients and the factors that affect their decision-making. Methods: A survey was conducted on patients from one dental clinic and one general hospital in City B. Results: Statistically significant differences in the dental fear index were observed in all items before and during COVID-19. Among the psychological factors that influenced the dental fear index, ‘afraid of getting COVID-19 infection’ and ‘afraid because don't have accurate dental information were statistically significant’ (p&lt;0.001 and p&lt;0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Our results confirmed that patients who visited the dentist during COVID-19 demonstrated greater fear, with increased scores in all items of the dental fear index, compared to before COVID-19.

Exploring How People Interact With Dental Misinformation on Social Media: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Social media has been widely utilized to spread health-related information, which has led to the possibility of spreading medical misinformation. The extent of the issue is unknown, even though policymakers, researchers, and medical professionals agree that health misinformation must be controlled and combated. A cross-sectional study was conducted by the faculty of dentistry at Damascus University. This quantitative cross-sectional study used a voluntary questionnaire distributed online in social media groups. Participants were of different ages, genders, and educational levels. Of the 301 questionnaires collected, 291 were analyzed. The study sample comprised secondary education certificates, university students, and postgraduate students. 96.6% of the study sample used two or more SM applications. 71.5% of the study sample uses Facebook more than other applications for dental information research, followed by Instagram (14.8%), Telegram (8.2%), and finally WhatsApp (5.5%). There was a significant difference between the age of the respondents and the SM application they used most (p = 0.027). 46.4% of the study sample were neutral in their answer about what they believed in the trust of information on SM sites, followed by 42.3% who did not agree with the trust of information on SM sites and 11.3 who agreed. 89.7% of the study sample visit the dentist when facing a medical problem, while 10.3% follow advice on SM sites. There was a significant difference between the age of respondents and the source they relied on when facing a medical problem (p = 0.019). 50.2% of the study sample sometimes feels that the advice on SM sites is marketing for a company or product or advertising for doctors and not others. In particular, understanding the methods and prevalence of health misinformation, as well as the current gaps in knowledge in this area, will help us to guide future research and, more specifically, to develop evidence-based digital policy action plans targeted at addressing this public health issue through various social media platforms.