[Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of parents of children with cardiac disease about oral health]

Cardiac patients have different dental needs than healthy individuals and clinicians should be well aware of these differences. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare knowledge, attitude and practice of parents of children with cardiac disease and healthy children. In this case-control study, data were collected using a questionnaire. The study population consisted of 25 parents of children with cardiac disease and 25 parents of healthy children selected at a pediatric physician office. Both groups were matched in terms of age, gender and parents' educational level. Data analysis was performed using independent sample t-test for knowledge and attitude and Mann Whitney test for practice with Alpha =0.05 Based on the parents' responses, knowledge of parents was 45.24 +/- 23.29 in the cardiac group and 41.10 +/- 20.45 in healthy group. This difference was not statistically significant. Attitude of parents was 79.3% +/- 9.9 in the cardiac group and 78.9% +/- 6.6 in the healthy group. This difference was not statistically significant either. In the cardiac group, 44% brushed two times a day compared with 20% in the healthy group; 50% of the cardiac children had never visited a dentist while healthy children had regular dental visits In the fields of knowledge and attitude there were no significant differences between two groups, knowledge of parents in two groups was poor but their attitude was positive also practices of parents in the field of children's brushing was good but in the field of attending to dentist was poor

[Effect of solvent removal on microtensile bond strength of etch and rinse systems under vigorous application to wet and dry dentin]

Adhesive systems are commonly used for restorative dental procedures. Solvent removal may be effective for increasing the microtensile bond strength of etch and rinse systems to dentin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of solvent removal on microtensile bond strength of etch and rinse systems to wet and dry dentin. This in-vitro study was conducted on 40 intact human extracted third molars. A flat superficial dentin surface was exposed by wet abrasion. The specimens were randomly assigned to five groups. Two coats of the solvent-based [SB] and solvent-free [SF] adhesives were applied to dry [D] or rewetted [W] surfaces, under vigorous rubbing action after phosphoric acid etching according to the manufacturer's instructions. The examined groups included: group one: adhesive with solvent on dry dentin, group two: adhesive without solvent on dry dentin, group three: adhesive with solvent on wet dentin, group 4: adhesive without solvent on wet dentin and group 5 [control group]. After light curing [600mW/cm[2]/10 s], composite build-ups were constructed incrementally and specimens were stored in water [37[degree sign]C/24 h]. They were longitudinally sectioned in the "x" and "y" directions to obtain bonded sticks [1mm[2]] for immediate testing at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The resultant bond strength was expressed for different fracture patterns. The microshear bond strength test was carried out in a Universal Testing Machine. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 2 software. P<0.05 was considered significant. The highest bond strength was achieved in group 1 and the lowest in group 4; but the differences among groups in this respect were not statistically significant Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that presence of solvent was not essential to achieve high bond strength values to dry and wet dentin when applied vigorously

Evaluation of the effect of different glass fiber post lengths on fracture resistance of endodontically treated central incisors

Use of glass fiber posts is of widespread acceptance in restoring root canal treated teeth, but studies concerning the most proper length of the post to provide the utmost fracture resistance are inadequate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glass fiber post length on fracture resistance of root canal treated central incisors. This experimental study was carried out on 40 maxillary central incisors in 4 groups of 10 each. RDT posts and cement was used in this experimental study with the lengths of 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm in the study groups. The samples were debrided and decoronated at the CEJ levels and endodontically treated using step-back technique. RDT drills were used for post space preparation. Then, the root canal walls were etched and the posts cemented in place. The composite cores were then prepared at the height of 5 mm and samples mounted 2mm down to their CEJ levels within acrylic blocks. An impression material [Impregum, 3M, ESPE] with a thickness of 0.2mm was used to simulate PDL around the samples. The samples were subjected to compressive forces at a 135-degree angle to their long axes using a Universal Testing Machine. Data pertaining to the fracture of the samples were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. The maximum resistance to fracture was recorded in 8-and 10-mm-long posts and the minimum was observed in the lengths of 6 and 12 mm. Statistical tests showed a significant difference between 8- and 10-mm-long posts with those having lengths of 6 and 12 mm in terms of fracture resistance. There was no significant difference between 8- and 10-mm-long posts as well as 6- and 12-mm-long ones. It can be concluded that the length of post is influential in the fracture resistance of the root so that the maximal resistance can be obtained in 8 to 10 mm of length and such lengths can be recommended for non-metal posts

[Evaluation of the achievement of educational objectives of the community oral health and periodontics departments using the cipp model of evaluation-students' perspective]

Evaluation is a continuous process which is necessary for improvement of students learning and planning for required changes to obtain the educational objectives. The aim of the present study was to assess students' perspective on the achievement of the educational objectives of the Community Oral Health and Periodontology Departments using the CIPP model of evaluation. A cross-sectional survey has been conducted using a questionnaire consists of four domains as introduced in the CIPP model of evaluation [Context, Input, Process and Product]. Two groups of senior dental students of the dental school of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were approached. Data was collected anonymously and was analyzed with non-parametric Mann-Whitney test using the SPSS statistical package. The response rate was 67.7% for year 6 and 87.5% for the year 5 students. Respondents considered material presented in Periodontology Department more relevant and in need for their future career. However, teaching skills and motivation of the educators in Periodontology Department was considered inadequate. 67% of students reported having problem with material taught in Periodontology Department. Overall, significant difference in domains of Context and Process was observed between two departments [P<0.05]. In the output domain students rated their clinical and theoretical ability "weak" in relation to splint, implant, management of acute gingivitis and electrosurgery compared with other topics which rated "good". Students considered their ability in using the principals of Evidence-Based Dentistry moderate. The evaluation of the educational achievements of the two departments [COH and Periodontics] using CIPP model of evaluation showed that there is significant difference in two domains [Context and Process]. In those topics which achievement was reported weak the revision of teaching methods is recommended

[Laboratory evaluation of the effect of fluoride-releasing fissure sealants on growth of oral Streptococcus]

Nowadays, application of sealants is introduced as the most effective method for prevention of occlusal caries. However, the outcome of the microorganisms that are sealed by dental sealants is important. We evaluated the effect of fluoride-releasing fissure sealants on the growth of oral Streptococcus. Pure cultures of Streptococcus mutans, sanguis and salivarius were prepared. 0.5 McFarland suspension of newly growed bacteria in normal saline was produced and using a swab, an even culture was prepared on the surface of the culture. Then, experimental fissure sealants were separately placed in 6mm diameter holes in the culture. The samples were divided into four groups; namely, plates merely including microorganisms with no changes applied; plates with microorganisms cured for 20 seconds; plates with microorganisms with cured fissure sealants [20 seconds] placed in them; plates with microorganisms and uncured sealants placed in them. After incubation in 37°C, the diameter of absence of microorganism growth was measured with a ruler in each plate. For each microorganism this test was repeated 6 times and finally the data was analyzed with ANOVA test and t-test. The results showed that fluoride-releasing fissure sealant may prevent growth of Streptococuus sanguis and salivarius [p<0.05] and the effect of this fissure sealant in preventing growth of Streptococcus mutans is not significant [p=0.05]. Furthermore, the curing process may increase antibacterial properties of fissure sealants. Clinpro-3M [fluoride releasing] may prevent growth of oral Streptococcus [sanguis, salivarius]

[Effect of curing time and application of one bottle bonding on shear bond strength of composite to dentin]

Bonding type and curing time may affect shear bond strength of composite to dentin. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of these factors on composite to dentin bond strength. The buccal dentin of seventy-two intact extracted premolar and molar teeth were etched with phosphoric acid 37% for 5 seconds [S] and washed with water, for 15S and dried for 2-3S. The teeth were randomly assigned to six groups. Group 1: Dentin Bonding [DB] was applied once and not cured; Group 2: DB was applied once and cured for 10S; Group 3: DB was applied once and cured for 20S; Group 4: DB was applied twice and not cured; Group 5: DB was applied twice and each layer cured for 10S; Group 6: DB was applied twice and each layer was cured for 20S. Then composite blocks were placed on bonded surfaces and cured for 40S. The specimens were thermo-cycled and the shear bond strength was measured using Instron testing machine. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Mean shear bond strengths of the groups in MPa were as follows: Group 1: 15.57; Group 2: 16.22; Group 3: 16.68; Group 4: 17.39; Group 5: 18.18 and Group 6: 20.02. [P<0.001] Additionally the mean bond strength of groups cured 20S was significantly higher than other groups [P<0.05]. Adequate polymerization time and increased adhesive layer thickness could improve bond strength of composite to dentin

[Recommendation of a standard method for age estimation in Iranian population based on two dental parameters]

The aim of this study was to define a standard formula for age estimation based on two dental parameters proposed by Lamendin in Iranian population. Immediately after atrumatic extraction of 333 single rooted teeth of deceased bodies with known age and sex in Tehran Medical Legal Organization, the transparency, periodontosis and their indices were analyzed, and age estimated by Lamendin method. The correlations of various parameters were evaluated. A regression analysis was made and the age were analyzed by this method. The differences between estimated age by Lamendin, regression analysis and actual age were studied. The correlation of transparency [0.891] and periodontosis [0.778] for age estimation were greater than their indices [P<0.0001].It seemed that it is better to use these parameters directly in the formula, therefore, separate formula was proposed for men and women. By evaluating the proposed formulas, it was noticed that the lower lateral incisors showed the greatest correlation with actual age. Contrary to Lamendin, in most of the age group of Iranian race population, the lower lateral incisor is more precise tooth to estimate the age based on analysis of two mentioned parameter and also based on the proposed tooth in the present formula, the range of bias reduced and the over and under estimation of more than 5 years is less. It is recommended that the applicability of the proposed formulas to be studied with greater sample size in all age groups in Iranian Medical Legal Organization

[Evaluation of rotational and vertical dimensional changes of face and jaws following the use of [Fa II] functional device in CL II female patients]

The functional appliances can influence dentofacial growth of anterior-posterior posture of jaws. However, there would be some changes on other dimensions of face in pre-adolescent age group patients. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of Fa II appliance on vertical and rotational growth of jaws in adolescent female cases. This clinical trial investigation was conducted with nineteen female CL II div.l participants who underwent functional therapy with Fa II appliance for 12-18 months. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after treatment in order to compare them with untreated control subjects as well as the template group. Student t-test was used for statistical data analysis. The analysis of data showed that vertical dimensions were increased specially in lower part of the face [P<0.01]. No rotational changes occurred on the upper and lower jaws [mandible P=0.86 and maxilla P=0.58]. Direct relationship was observed between increasing vertical dimension on the posterior part of the face and forward rotation of mandible [P=0.004] and dentoalveolar drift of mandible with backward rotation [P=0.034]. Based on the results of this clinical trial, the Fa II functional appliance can increase the vertical dimension of face [posterior-anterior] and help with rotation of both jaws in positive directions; which is preferable therapy for normal and short CL II cases

Postoperative thermal sensitivity reduction after amalgam fillings; A clinical evaluation and presentation of a new method

Prepared cavities are usually treated with liners prior to amalgam placement. Light cured glass ionomer [RMGI] have been widely used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of RMGI on decreasing postoperative sensitivity with a new method of applying self etch bonding and glass ionomer simultaneously. In a blind randomized clinical trial study, A total of 36 patients with 2 deep caries in their posterior teeth [cavities with less than 2 mm distance from pulp in radiography] were included. Diagnostic tests [cold-heat, percussion, electric pulp test] were performed for each tooth prior to final restoration. After cavity preparation, one tooth was treated by light cured glass ionomer, the next one with SE bond and glass ionomer randomly, followed by amalgam restoration. Diagnostic tests were performed three days, thirty days and three months after amalgam restoration. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 11.5 as well as Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. In second follow up, the sensitivity to cold was significantly less than the conventional method [P < 0.05] in our suggested compound method. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups when using the other vitality tests. Using SE bond and light cured glass ionomer simultaneously was an effective new method of decreasing the postoperative sensitivity in short term, [1 month] although, there was no difference between the two groups in the long term

relationship between patient, parent and orthodontic treatment need and demand in 17-year-old students residing in Abade/Iran

The planning of orthodontic treatment within a public health system requires information on the orthodontic treatment needs of the population. The aims of this study were to assess the student, parent and clinician normative need and demand for orthodontic treatment in a sample of Iranian students using the IOTN and to compare the treatment need levels according to sex and socio-economic status of the students and parents in urban and rural areas. A sample of 427, 17-year-old students was selected randomly from schools in Abade. A questionnaire of family socioeconomic status was proposed to the parents. All the students were examined according to the Aesthetic and Dental Health components [AC and DHC] of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Students' and parents' perceived need was also assessed using AC. According to DHC classification, 18.7% of the students were in the "no need"; 35.6% in the "border line" and 45.7% in the "definite need" groups. The same categories for students assessed by the dentist were 66%, 30.2% and 3.7% respectively. AC assessment by students and parents entitled even more students in "no need" category. Sex and family income were the major factors in predicting orthodontic treatment demand [P<0.05]. Orthodontic demand was highly related to the AC score and this component is of more value in predicting students demand instead of DHC

Occlusal fissure caries and restorative treatment planning: variations among dentists

The dental treatment planning for occlusal caries is quite variable among dental clinicians. The objective of present study was to assess such variations among the general dental practitioners. A cross-sectional study design was used for this investigation. After oral examination of 8-1 0 years old children who were referred to the pediatric department, 6 first molar teeth with occlusal caries in Grades I, II and III [Espelid et. al., 1994] were selected. The cavity specifications for these teeth with fissure caries were confirmed by 5 specialists, members of dental faculty. The colored photographs of occlusal surfaces as well as bitewing radiographs of selected teeth were displayed for 150 randomly selected general dental practitioners. Dentists were asked to record their diagnosis and treatment plans for these conditions. The SPSS software was used for data analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis and ordinal regression tests were used to detect statistical significance level. As a gold standard treatment plan for restoration of occlusal caries, 36.1% suggested sealant therapy and 27.8% selected PRR procedure. Overall, four different procedures were suggested for non-carious fissures by dentists. They were included: 1] no treatment [36.4%], 2] better dental care plus fluoride therapy [33.1%] and 3] sealant therapy [22.3%]. For decayed fissures that were limited to enamel, 5 different treatment plans; and for more extended cavities 6 different treatment plans were suggested. Age, sex, place of graduation, experience with pediatric patients, were evaluated for possible correlation. Among others, sex was the only factor significantly related to treatment planning among dentists [P=0.013]. Based on this assessment, there are many variations among dentists in restorative treatment planning and they mostly choose the more invasive procedures. This evidence indicates that dentists should learn and apply more preventive procedures

correlation of smile line with the vertical cephalometric parameters of anterior facial height

In the evolution of orthodontics, the changes in soft tissue, especially smile line attracts considerable attention. The present study was carried out to evaluate the correlation of the smile line with the vertical parameters of anterior part of face. Forty-six Iranian adults, aged between 18-25 years were selected. Five quantitative and three qualitative variables of smile analysis were recorded for each subject. Cephalometric analysis was carried out using angular and linear parameters. The correlations between smile line variables and cephalometric parameters were calculated using Spearman and Pearson's correlation analyses. The result of this study showed that the cephalometric parameters of N-Me, Pn-Line, N-B, N-Pg had significant correlations with quantitative variable of tooth-lower lip position. The P-values were P=0.003, P=0.027, P=0.006, P=0.002 respectively. N-Me, N-B, N-Pg represented significant correlations with interlabial gap on smile [P= 0.006, P=0.036, P=0.002 respectively]. There was a significant correlation between N-Pg and quantitative factor of tooth-upper lip position [P=0.034]. Upper incisor to palatal plane showed a significant correlation with qualitative variable of tooth-upper lip position [P=0.019], interlabial gap on smile [P=0.004], and tooth-upper lip position [P=0.006]. Upper incisor to FH represented a reverse relation with incisal edge to lower lip [P=0.028].This parameter also showed significant correlations with quantitative factors of tooth-lower lip position [P=0.040] and crown height [P=0.002]. According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that, linear skeletal and dental vertical factors affect the vertical features of smile. Angular vertical parameters, except gonial angle, influence the vertical position of smile