Dental Treatment Research Articles

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder and Paediatric Dentistry

Aim: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) restlessness one of the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders in children, with a higher incidence observed in boys compared to girls. The fundamental characteristics of ADHD include three main symptoms: pronounced lack of attention, excessive hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. Materials and Methods: The diagnostic process for ADHD is complex and multidimensional, involving a thorough analysis of behaviour, collection of extensive and detailed information, comprehensive evaluation of the child’s developmental history, and intensive collaboration between various specialists, including educators, psychologists, paediatricians, dentists as well as active participation of parents or guardians. With the increasing number of diagnosed cases of ADHD globally, it becomes increasingly important to timely recognize the symptoms and symptomatology of the disorder and to apply appropriate therapeutic strategies and treatment methods tailored to the individual needs of each child. Results: Dental care requires special attention in the context of ADHD. Children with ADHD face greater challenges in maintaining oral hygiene, leading to an increased risk of dental caries, more frequent oral traumas, and generally poorer oral health conditions. Conclusion: It is crucial to ensure a tailored approach during dental treatment, which may include establishing special communication and techniques adapted to the child, as well as increasing the frequency of preventive check-ups and interventions to preserve and enhance oral health.

Analgesic advice for children with special needs who have odontogenic pain

Many children struggle or refuse to take oral medications. The refusal of medication occurs for many reasons including learned and pre-existing anxiety, sensitivity to tastes and textures and sensory–motor/coordination difficulties (for tablet swallowing). Oral analgesics play a vital role in managing the odontogenic pain of children. This is especially true when they have limited access to appropriate dental care services, are pre-cooperative or lack the ability to be compliant for conventional dental treatment. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Practical advice around the facilitation of analgesic administration for odontogenic pain is lacking for parents of children who may not accept conventional preparations.

Estimated compared with actual plans of paediatric dental treatment performed under deep sedation: A retrospective cohort study

AbstractBackgroundPlanning the extent of paediatric dental treatment under deep sedation is highly important, as the duration of the sedation should be limited to approximately 1 h, and the amount of local anesthesia is limited by the children's body weight.AimTo compare treatment plans estimated at initial examinations with actual dental treatments under intravenous deep sedation. We examined factors that could affect the differences.DesignFor this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from the medical records of all the children younger than 18 years who underwent dental treatment under intravenous deep sedation during 2019–2021 at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.ResultsIn total, 108 children were included. During the actual versus the estimated treatment under deep sedation, more teeth were treated (p < .001), and the treatment was more complex (p < .001). A longer waiting period for dental treatment was found to be correlated with a greater number of treated teeth than was estimated (p = .003) and with greater complexity of the actual than the estimated treatment (p = .003).ConclusionActual compared with estimated dental treatment under deep sedation involved more teeth and was of greater complexity. This suggests that referrals should include children with limited estimated treatment plans.

The psychological impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and children’s anxiety during pediatric dental practice

Abstract Purpose This study’s goal was to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on parent’s knowledge, attitude, and children’s anxiety during dental treatment. Patients and methods A structured questionnaire was applied to a sample of 400 parents of children aged from 8 to 15 years and from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The children’s dental anxiety level was assessed using the Facial image scale. The accompanied parent’s and dentist’s dental anxiety level was also evaluated using a Likert scale, 1–6. Results In total, 71.5% of parents answered that their children could be infected with COVID-19 during dental treatments and that they were concerned about their children receiving such treatment due to the outbreak. When asked about the transmission of COVID-19, 90% of participants believed it was due to aerosol-generating procedures during dental treatment. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on parental attitudes about dental care and oral health management.

Evaluation of the use of Music as a Distraction Technique on Dental Anxiety of Children – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: The delivery of dental treatment might be negatively impacted by a child’s unwillingness to cooperate. Judging a behavior-guiding strategy that successfully lowers fear and anxiety during dental treatment, results in a change in the child’s attitude toward the treatment, and is also accepted by the parents is necessary given the variety of behavior management strategies that are available. While conventional techniques of behavior modification have been effective, parents’ and dental professionals’ attitudes regarding them are evolving. New nonaversive approaches that are acceptable to parents are thus required. One such approach that may find favor with parents and dental professionals is music therapy. Methods: Pertinent medical databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1, 2001, to April 20, 2023, for randomized controlled trials and clinical studies that used music and no music (control) in children undergoing dental treatment. Primary outcomes included a decrease in pulse rate as measured through pulse oximeter in children undergoing dental treatment. Results: Through search strategy and screening through titles and abstracts, four randomized clinical trials (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE] high certainty) and eight nonrandomized studies (GRADE high certainty) were included and the pooled results bared that the music pulse rate was significantly reduced in children who were made to listen to the music than those who did not listen to music during dental treatment. Conclusion: It was established that music distraction was a better behavior management technique as compared to no music group and instrumental music was better when compared to the nursery rhyme for anxiety reduction in children.

Dental Conscious Sedation for the Treatment of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review.

Conscious sedation has been shown to be a reliable behavior management tool that can be used during dental treatments in children who are less cooperative with dental treatment. The purpose of this study is to review the currently available research on the use of conscious sedation during dental procedures for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A web-based search for published articles was conducted. Different electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Online Review, and the Cochrane Library database, for papers published until February 2023. Studies providing descriptive protocols for dental conscious sedation for children with ASD were included. The search strategy found two studies that met the included criteria. The use of nitrous oxide in conjunction with oral benzodiazepines was found to be effective in sedating children with ASD. This review highlights the lack of research on sedation techniques for children with ASD. Future studies are needed to determine the specific types of sedative medications, their combinations and dosages, and the best methods for conscious sedation during dental procedures for autistic children.

Advantages and disadvantages of three common materials in dental use

Abstract Many patients who need dental treatment like dental crowns and dentures become more and more these days. The materials used to make these products are important for further use. Three main materials used in nowadays dental treatments for patients are studied in this article, which are metal materials, ceramic materials, and plastic materials. The advantages and disadvantages of these materials are shown in cases. Metal materials have high strength and less biocompatibility; ceramic materials have a natural-teeth exterior and high strength but are brittle and easily suffer a failure during biting hard items; plastics can be made for dentures and easy to change distance and shape during use, but it is easy to tear and has the highest chance to break. This study aims to draw a conclusion on most improvements in these common and traditional materials and shows up all the possibilities and risks to patients who need a specific material for their life and appearance.

What comes first: teeth or face? Recommendations for an interdisciplinary collaboration between facial esthetic surgery and dentistry

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to provide recommendations in order to facilitate communication between dental professionals and surgeons who are collaborating in the field of dentofacial esthetics.Clinical ConsiderationsSmile esthetics are beyond the scope, both of the surgeons who are collaborating with facial esthetics and of the dentists, as a wide range of treatment options from both sides is available. It can be difficult for the surgeon or the dentist that first comes in contact with the patient to conduct an individualized global treatment plan, in order to find out how the various phases of the treatment can be sequenced, as a workflow for an efficient interaction between facial surgery and dentistry still does not exist in the scientific literature.ConclusionsFacial cosmetic procedures and dental treatment have to be planned as individual elements of the whole dentofacial esthetic rehabilitation. The treatment has to be initiated with the design of the smile and the intraoral mock‐up, followed by the required surgical interventions, and to be finished with the delivery of the definitive dental restoration.Clinical SignificanceDentofacial esthetics require comprehensive communication between surgeons and dentists. Following the proposed recommendations, an individualized interdisciplinary treatment plan can be conducted, defining the role of each specialty.

Comparison of intranasal ketamine with intranasal midazolam and dexmedetomidine combination in pediatric dental patients for procedural sedation: A crossover study.

The main goal of the pediatric dentist is to address and reduce children's fear and anxiety during the dental treatment, especially when conventional behavior-guiding strategies fail. In such cases, the use of pharmacological agents becomes an essential factor to consider. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of intranasal ketamine (INK) with the combination of intranasal midazolam and dexmedetomidine (INMzD) in pediatric dental patients for the procedural sedation. Forty-seven children aged 3-9 years who required dental procedures such as extractions, pulpectomy, and restorations were randomly distributed into two groups using the envelope drawing method. Group INK received 7 mg/kg INK, whereas Group INMzD received a combination of midazolam spray (0.3 mg/kg) and atomized dexmedetomidine (3 μg/kg). INK showed faster onset, faster recovery, and shorter discharge time than INMzD. Both groups had acceptable physiological parameters and no postoperative complications. INK was more accepted by the patients than INMzD. In terms of efficacy, safety, and acceptability, INK outperformed the combination of INMzD for the procedural sedation.

Review of Inherited Coagulation Disorders.

Most invasive dental procedures elicit some degree of bleeding which ultimately leads to clotting and eventual hemostasis. However, patients with inherited coagulation disorders may exhibit prolonged or, in some cases, excessive bleeding requiring multiple perioperative interventions. Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited coagulopathy and often manifests via easy bruising, epistaxis, or prolonged bleeding. Hemophilia A (factor VII) and B (factor IX) are factor deficiencies that are clinically indistinguishable and managed according to severity and the required dental treatment. Other coagulopathies are rare (ie, inheritance is autosomal recessive) and may only become evident in homozygotes or compound heterozygotes. Current lab values and medical consultation with the patient's hematologist are imperative prior to rendering invasive dental treatment. There are a myriad of sedation and general anesthesia considerations, including risks for epistaxis with nasal instrumentation and bruising with improper patient positioning. Preoperative treatment with desmopressin or factor replacement may be required and generally should facilitate normal hemostasis. Additional therapies should be considered to help ensure adequate postoperative hemostasis, including pressure dressings, resorbable clotting materials, laser therapy, and oral rinses.

Comparative Evaluation of Microbial Adhesion on Provisional Crowns Fabricated With Milled Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and Conventional Acrylic Resin: A Prospective Clinical Trial.

Introduction Provisional prosthetic restorations play a crucial role in dentistry by protecting dentinal tubules, offering thermal insulation, and ensuring a precise fit during dental treatments. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have improved polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), enhancing its mechanical properties such as hardness and resistance compared to traditional methods. However, bacterial accumulation remains a challenge due to inherent surface roughness. This study aims to assess and compare Streptococcus mutans adhesion on milled PMMA and conventional self-cure acrylic resin, providing insights into their microbial interaction dynamics. Materials and methods This study was a prospective trial approved by the Institutional Human Ethical Committee (SRB-IHEC) (registration number: IHEC/SDC/PROSTHO-2104/24/045) and registered in the Clinical Trial Registry, India (registration number: CTRI/2024/05/068196). The study involved 20 patients requiring single crowns in the right and left molar regions. Two groups were established: Group I (the milled PMMA group) and Group II (the conventional PMMA group). Criteria for participant selection and exclusion were set. A total of 120 swab samples from the buccal mucosa and tooth surfaces were collected before tooth preparation (the baseline) at one week and three weeks. Culture for S. mutans was done, and colony-forming units were counted. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). An independent sample t-test was employed to compare the two materials for crowns. To analyze changes over time within each group, a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. When the ANOVA test indicated significance, Tukey's post-hoc test was utilized for pairwise mean comparison. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results The mean colony-forming units (CFU) counts for the milled PMMA group were 4.46 ± 0.167 CFU at baseline, 4.163 ± 0.058 CFU at one week, and 3.87 ± 0.19 CFU at three weeks. The mean CFU counts for the conventional PMMA group were 4.41 ± 0.13 CFU at baseline, 4.29 ± 0.114 CFU at one week, and 4.16 ± 0.108 CFU at three weeks. At baseline (before cementation), there was no difference between milled PMMA and conventional PMMA (P = 0.578). After one week, a significant difference between milled PMMA and conventional PMMA was observed (P < 0.005). After three weeks, a significant difference between milled PMMA and conventional PMMA persisted (P < 0.005). Conclusion There was a significant reduction in microbial adhesion in both the milled and conventional PMMA groups. However, milled PMMA demonstrated a greater decrease in microbial adhesion as compared to conventional PMMA.

Evaluating the Influence of Acute and Chronic Orofacial Pains on the Overall Comprehensive Quality of Life.

Background Orofacial discomfort refers to various disorders that affect the mouth, jaws, and face. These conditions may substantially influence a person's quality of life (QoL). This kind of pain may be categorised into two primary classifications: acute and chronic. Acute orofacial pain (OFP) usually occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period. It is commonly caused by specific factors such as dental treatments, traumas, or infections. Hence, this study aimed to assess the influence of acute and chronic orofacial discomfort on the overall QoL. Methodology This research used a convenience sample to gather data from the five groups. It was conducted as a cross-sectional study. Four categories of OFP syndromes were utilised: temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), atypical dental pain (ADP), trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder (PDAP). In addition, a control group consisting of individuals who did not experience any discomfort was also included in the study. Participants received a standardised explanation of the questionnaires utilised, and in most instances, they completed them at the clinic under the supervision of one of the investigators. Results The correlations between each version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with correlation values ranging from 0.92 to 0.97. When comparing the occurrence of OHIP items across the four pain types, we identified 18 variations that exceeded the 35% prevalence threshold we established for identifying important items that frequently occur out of the 315 comparisons. The question "Have you had a painful aching in your mouth?" showed a low frequency in patients with TN, TMD, and ADP but a significant prevalence in patients with PDAP (90%). This difference in prevalence across pain types was the biggest seen. The question that seemed to distinguish between the pain categories most effectively was "Have you experienced a toothache?" This question had a high occurrence in PDAP (65%) and ADP (60%), perhaps allowing for differentiating these two diseases from TN and TMD. The highest prevalence differences, over 30%, were most often seen when PDAP was included as one of the disorders being compared. ADP had the fewest variances, over 30%, occurring just seven times. Conclusion Both acute and chronic OFPs have a major negative influence on QoL, but they affect it differently and to differing extents. Injury-related acute pain obviously poses rapid and severe restrictions on physical function and causes temporary psychological distress and temporary social exclusion. On the other hand, chronic pain for the patient always implies being locked in a physical world that does not allow him or her to bypass physical limitations, psychological disorders remain constant, and isolation from other people persists for life.

Analysis of Oxygen Concentration in the Oral Cavity During Intravenous Sedation with Intranasal Oxygen Administration for Dental Treatment.

Intravenous sedation (IVS) with propofol (PPF) is commonly performed in dental treatment, particular in patients with dentophobia, with gag reflex, or undergoing implant surgeries, as PPF has the advantages of rapid induction and recovery. However, PPF and other intravenous sedatives may cause respiratory depression. Thus, IVS with PPF requires oxygen administration. But airway burn may occur when high-concentration oxygen is stored in the oral cavity and catches fire. For these reasons, the present study aimed to elucidate the changes in oxygen concentration (OC) under IVS with PPF and oxygen administration. Nineteen healthy male volunteers participated in the study. None of them had missing teeth, nasal congestion, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. They were sedated with a continuous PPF infusion dose of 6 mg/kg/hr for 25 min, followed by administration of 3 L/min oxygen via a nasal cannula. The OC was measured at two sites, namely, the median maxillary anterior teeth (MMAT) and median maxillary soft palate (MMSP), before PPF infusion (baseline) and 14, 15-18 (Term 1), 19, and 20-23 (Term 2) min after the start of infusion. Compared with the values at baseline, the OC in the MMSP significantly increased at each time point, whereas the OC in the MMAT significantly increased at Term 2. Furthermore, in the comparison of the OC before and after the use of a mouth prop, the OC exhibited an upward trend, but no statistically significant differences were observed between the two time points in the MMAT and MMSP. In IVS with PPF and oxygen administration, the OC in the pharynx increases as the sedative level deepens. Oxygen administration should be temporarily discontinued, and suction should be performed to decrease the OC in the oral cavity when sparking procedures during IVS with PPF and oxygen administration are performed.

Clinical Perspective of Antimicrobial Drugs in Pediatric Dentistry- An Update

Abstract This review highlights the importance of judicious antibiotic prescribing practices for orofacial infections in pediatric patients. It emphasizes the need to adhere strictly to guidelines to mitigate the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics, alongside analgesics, are commonly prescribed by dentists due to their efficacy in treating infections. However, a significant portion of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, contributing to the development of microbial resistance. Research indicates a concerning trend of low adherence to professional clinical guidelines among dental students, dentists, and pediatric dentists regarding antibiotic prescriptions. Despite the historical success of antibiotics in dental treatments, their overuse poses a risk to this achievement. Therefore, it’s crucial to limit antibiotic use to reduce the risk of resistance development. Insufficient knowledge about significant clinical indications for antibiotic prescriptions among pediatric dentists exacerbates the problem, leading to overuse and contributing to antibiotic resistance in children. Addressing this knowledge gap and promoting adherence to guidelines is essential in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics in pediatric dental care.

Long-term Outcomes of Traditional Braces versus Invisalign in Orthodontic Treatment

ABSTRACT Objective: This research targets to compare the longstanding outcomes of traditional braces versus Invisalign in orthodontic treatment, focusing on dental alignment, occlusal stability, patient satisfaction, and treatment duration. Methods: A retrospective cohort research with 200 subjects was piloted. One hundred subjects received traditional braces, while the other 100 received Invisalign. Dental models, cephalometric radiographs, and intraoral photographs were obtained at baseline, post-treatment, and at 1, 2, and 5 years follow-up. Patient satisfaction surveys were administered at each follow-up visit. Results: Both traditional braces and Invisalign effectively improved dental alignment and occlusal stability over the 5-year follow-up period. Patient satisfaction scores were consistently higher in the Invisalign group compared to the traditional braces group. However, there were no significant differences in treatment duration between the two groups. Conclusion: Invisalign may offer comparable or superior longstanding outcomes compared to traditional braces in orthodontic treatment, with higher patient satisfaction levels. These findings support the use of Invisalign as a viable alternative to traditional braces, particularly for subjects seeking esthetic and convenient orthodontic solutions.

MRCM‐UCTransNet: Automatic and Accurate 3D Tooth Segmentation Network From Cone‐Beam CT Images

ABSTRACTMany scenarios in dental clinical diagnosis and treatment require the segmentation and identification of a specific tooth or the entire dentition in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. However, traditional segmentation methods struggle to ensure accuracy. In recent years, there has been significant progress in segmentation algorithms based on deep learning, garnering considerable attention. Inspired by models from present neuro networks such as UCTransNet and DC‐Unet, this study proposes an MRCM‐UCTransNet for accurate three‐dimensional tooth segmentation from cone‐beam CT images. To enhance feature extraction while preserving the multi‐head attention mechanism, a multi‐scale residual convolution module (MRCM) is integrated into the UCTransNet architecture. This modification addresses the limitations of traditional segmentation methods and aims to improve accuracy in tooth segmentation from CBCT images. Comparative experiments indicate that, in the situation with a specific image size and small data volume, the proposed method exhibits certain advantages in segmentation accuracy and precision. Compared to traditional Unet approaches, MRCM‐UCTransNet's dice accuracy is improved by 7%, while its sensitivity is improved by about 10%. These findings highlight the efficacy of the proposed approach, particularly in scenarios with specific image size constraints and limited data availability. The proposed MRCM‐UCTransNet algorithm integrates the latest architectural advancements in the Unet model which achieves effective segmentation of six types of teeth within the tooth. It was proved to be efficient for image segmentation on small datasets, requiring less training time and fewer parameters.

Xerostomia in a Group of Turkish Patients Using an Online Survey During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background Xerostomia is defined as the subjective feeling of dry mouth and affects millions of patients worldwide. Most studies are based on samples of the elderly in nursing homes. This study aimed to investigate the presence of xerostomia and the severity of self-reported xerostomia by sociodemographic variables and to evaluate xerostomia symptoms (self-reported halitosis, burning mouth, and mouth sores) in young adults. Methodology A questionnaire regarding sociodemographic data and the 11-item Xerostomia Inventory was delivered to patients aged 20-65 years who applied to the Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry for dental treatment before the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the relationships between the presence of xerostomia and other variables such as age, gender, the presence of a systemic disease, medication use, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the use of removable prostheses. Results A total of 300 patients were included in the study. Xerostomia presence of 54.6% (164 patients) was identified. A significant relationship was found between age and xerostomia (p = 0.023; p = 0.001). The presence of xerostomia decreased as age increased. Xerostomia was more common in female patients (p = 0.028; p = 0.004). The presence of xerostomia was found to be high, not only in the elderly but also in younger adults. Conclusions This study sheds light on the current status, symptoms, and etiology of xerostomia presence in the young population in Turkey. Factors associated with xerostomia were age, female gender, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. In this study, the high presence of xerostomia was due to smoking.

Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Health and Utilization of Dental Services: A Tertiary Care Study between 2017 and 2022

ABSTRACT Background: Worldwide healthcare systems, especially those that provide dental treatment, have been devastated by the COVID-19 epidemic. Future healthcare initiatives must take into account the pandemic’s effects on oral health and service consumption. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected dental health and the use of dental services, with a particular emphasis on a tertiary care facility from 2017 to 2022. Methods: Descriptive analysis was performed on data gathered from patient records, including demographics, diagnoses, treatments, and service consumption. Prepandemic, pandemic, and postpandemic variations in oral health trends and service use were evaluated. Findings: During the pandemic, there was a notable decrease in emergency dental visits, whereas teledentistry consultations increased. Age and socioeconomic level are two demographic variables that have an impact on variations in oral health trends. Conclusion: In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on dental health and service consumption, underscoring the necessity of flexible approaches to deal with new issues and inequities in dental care access. This study adds insightful information to the conversation on healthcare resilience and pandemic preparedness.

Inequalities in children’s tooth decay requiring dental extraction under general anaesthetic: a longitudinal study using linked electronic health records

BackgroundDental extraction under general anaesthetic (DGA) is the most severe and irreversible dental treatment for childhood tooth decay. We investigated inequalities in DGA in an ethnically diverse, disadvantaged school-age population...

Prevalence and Distribution of Dental Caries among Iraqi People

Abstract Background: Dental caries is the most prevalent oral disease worldwide. It is still a public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the occurrence of dental caries among patients attending dental school and to investigate the type of dental caries by age, sex, and geographic area. Materials and Methods: After obtaining an appropriate ethical approval, the occurrence and type of dental caries according to G.V. Black classification were recorded among all patients aged 16 years and over during routine dental treatment at the dental hospital, College of Dentistry, University of Babylon, Hillah city, Babil governorate. World Health Organization’ criteria were used to diagnose and detect dental caries. Results: The final sample size was 463 individuals distributed as 217 (46.87%) men and 246 (53.13%) women. Overall, 1851 carious lesions were noticed, in which class I (68%) represents the most prevalent type of dental caries in the study sample followed by class II (20%), then class III (6%), and the least prevalent types (3%) were class IV and class V. There was no significant difference regarding the effect of gender on different caries classes (P &gt; 0.05). However, a significant difference was recorded regarding the effect of area of residence on different caries classes (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, high percentage of class I lesions in comparison to other classes of Black’s classification was noticed among the examined patients. Women experienced more dental caries than men and the area of residency had a significant impact on caries experience.