Assessment of Periodontal Health Among Removable and Fixed Partial Denture Wearers in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND Prosthetic rehabilitation will have harmful effects on periodontal structure if the patient fails to maintain an oral hygiene protocol. This study aimed to evaluate oral hygiene in fixed and removable partial denture wearers in the Aseer Province of Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study done on 286 prosthesis wearers aged between 25 and 55 years; 142 were men and 144 women. Clinical examination was done using 3 periodontal parameters: plaque index, gingival index, and calculus surface index. RESULTS It was found that 72% and 25% of patients used fixed and removable partial prostheses, respectively. Most patients were in the 45-55 year age group (38.1%), were medically fit (78%), and used toothbrush and paste (70.6%). Most patients were instructed regarding the use of oral hygiene measures for their prostheses (71.3%). However, around half of the study group (52.8%) had odor from their prostheses. Most fixed prostheses were in the posterior teeth (73.2%) and had 3 units or more (58.7%). Removable partial dentures were mostly tooth-tissue supported (74%). A statistically significant difference was found for plaque index and gingival index between natural teeth and abutments in terms of various prosthetic parameters (P£0.001). The higher prevalence of gingival inflammation, plaque, and calculus accumulation in this study may be correlated to improper oral hygiene methods used by patients. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that there is a need to reinforce meticulous oral hygiene practices among patients using prosthodontic appliances.

Role of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry - Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of Dentists.

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of dentists (dental students, dental school graduates/interns, postgraduate dentists) of the role of robotics (R) and artificial intelligence (AI) in oral health and preventive dentistry. The null hypothesis was that dentists would not be aware of R and AI use in dentistry and would not be ready to accept them in oral health and preventive dentistry for dental care management and training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study in which data was collected from a representative population in Saudi Arabia. 570 participants answered 26 closed-ended questions. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were evaluated for vetting and remarks. The questionnaire collected demographic data of participants and their knowledge, perception and attitude about R and AI. Questions were to be answered with 'yes', 'no' and 'I don't know'. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the control chart technique and the chi-squared test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The majority of the participants (n = 313; 54.6%) were males. Dental students, dentist school graduates/interns, and postgraduate dentists comprised of 58.8%, 18.2%, and 23.0% respectively. Most of the respondents gave affirmative answers for knowledge, attitude and perception of R and AI (58.3%, 67.4%, and 60.3%, respectively). Participants agreed that R and AI is beneficial in dentistry and would provide better results. Most (83.3%) would be willing to be treated using R/AI and would recommend (84.5%) treatment with R/AI, as shown in the control chart by affirmative answers. These were significantly above the overall affirmative answers, as the corresponding point lies above 95% UCL (upper confidence limit). CONCLUSION: Most dentists were unacquainted with R and AI. Dentists had a positive attitude towards R/AI, but due to inadequate knowledge and understanding, its use and applications were very limited. There is significant need in the near future to increase awareness of this concept, as it may increase treatment efficiency and effectiveness.

A cross-sectional survey to evaluate acquaintance about dental photography among dental students in daily clinical practice.

Background: In today's world of digital dentistry, dental photography plays an important role as multilevel significance and represents the synonym of contemporary dentistry. Thus, we aimed at evaluating the acquaintance of practice, opportunity and morals of dental photography in everyday practice among undergraduate dental students. Design and Methods: The current research was an observational cross-sectional study. Total 233 students participated; each was given questionnaire consisted of three parts covering the following aspects: questions 1 to 3 on the practice of dental photography, questions 4 to 7 on morals in dental photography and question 8 to 11 on opportunities of dental photography. The answers were tabulated and statistically analysed and association with the factors were tested for significance using Chi-square tests, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The total response rate was 86%. Among the 201 respondents, 100 were males and 101 females; 96% male students were taking photographs and 93% females were taking photographs, on regular basis. Phone cameras (41.3%) were the most commonly used device followed by DSLR cameras. Surveyed students mentioned patient education (53.2%) as most needed requirement for taking photographs, followed by treatment planning (49.8%) and monitoring of the treatment outcome (34.3%). Ninety-one percent of students feel that there is an opportunity for advancement in dental photography techniques. Conclusions: The participants aware of dental photography, but they require detail insight on proper capturing of photographs and morals, with regards to confidentiality of the patient and patient consent.