Histological Evaluation of Pulpal Response and Dentin Bridge Formation After Direct Pulp Capping Using Recombinant Amelogenin and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA).

The purpose of the study was to compare and histologically investigate pulpal response and dentin bridge formation after direct pulp capping using recombinant amelogenin and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Recombinant amelogenin protein and MTA were used as pulp capping materials in 120 teeth from eight mongrel dogs. Dogs were sacrificed at two different evaluation times. Regenerative changes were evaluated histologically. At two weeks, in contrast to the MTA group, most of the amelogenin group showed moderately formed hard tissue formation and the pulp tissue was completely filling the entire pulp chamber. These results were statistically significant. At two months, all the samples of the amelogenin group showed complete dentin bridge formation and the pulp chamber was filled entirely with tissue-mimicking the authentic pulp in all the specimens of the amelogenin group. These results were statistically significant. In conclusion, direct pulp capping by recombinant amelogenin protein resulted in significantly better regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex than MTA.

Knowledge and attitude of emergency physician about the emergency management of tooth avulsion.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of ER physicians with different specialties, experience and hospital sectors for the management of avulsed teeth in the emergency rooms of eight major hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It also covers their attitude towards receiving further education on tooth avulsion management. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the emergency rooms of eight hospitals in Jeddah from August to December 2015. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 31 multiple choice questions assessing both knowledge and attitude was distributed to 150 physicians who were working in the ER departments. RESULTS: Response rate was 81.33%. Data revealed that 45.9% of the respondents did not have prior knowledge about avulsion. Physicians working in military hospitals had better knowledge about the ER management of avulsion cases than physicians of public hospitals. 80.3% of participants showed willingness to replant the tooth, however, 65.3% would not do it by themselves. 42.6% of the physicians did not know the importance of extra-oral time. Milk was selected as the best transport media for avulsed tooth by 31.1% of the participants. Regarding physicians' attitude, 95.1% showed interest in receiving information about the subject. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the majority of ER physicians lack the knowledge needed to manage avulsions cases. Hence, educational programs are necessary for ER physicians to provide proper management for those cases.

Scholar outcomes for dental internship research program in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential, challenges and needs for internship research activities in achieving scholar outcomes among graduates. METHODS: A qualitative general needs assessment and evaluation of an internship research program was conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD), KSA, from December 2014 to February 2015 using focus groups and interviews. The participants included: administrates, faculty, and internship students. Data were transcribed and analyzed following the grounded theory. RESULTS: The participants were two administrative personnel, 21 faculty members, and 16 internship students. Results were clustered around five main domains; curriculum design, faculty, students, administrative, and institutional domain. Reported potentials included: a multi-faceted educational intervention approach, and building evidence-based skills and inquiry minds among graduates. Time, load, and incentives were major challenges reported by faculty. Interesting and achievable research topics were major challenges reported by students. Areas that needed development included: equipped research personnel, aligned administrative and institutional support, faculty skills, students' knowledge and skills, aligned curriculum, and clear program goals, objectives, and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Curriculum design, faculty and students' skills; as well as administrative and institutional support were found to play major roles in the success of the current internship research program at KAUFD.

Comparison Between Dexamethasone and Ibuprofen for Postoperative Pain Prevention and Control After Surgical Implant Placement: A Double-Masked, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a potential adverse side effect of oral surgeries, and attempts should be made to prevent or minimize it. This study compares efficacy of preemptive ibuprofen and dexamethasone protocols for pain prevention or control after surgical implant placement. METHODS: This prospective, double-masked, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial included 117 patients with planned dental implant placement. Patients were assigned to receive one of three different protocols: 1) 600 mg ibuprofen 1 hour before surgery and another 600 mg 6 hours after the first dose; 2) 4 mg dexamethasone 1 hour before surgery and another 4 mg 6 hours after the first dose; or 3) placebo. Rescue medication (1,000 mg acetaminophen) was made available to each patient, and they were instructed to take it as necessary. Pain intensity was evaluated via a 101-point numeric rating scale and a visual analog scale, and discomfort was evaluated using a four-point verbal rating scale hourly for the first 8 hours after surgery and three times daily for the following 3 days. RESULTS: Ibuprofen and dexamethasone significantly reduced pain (Kruskal-Wallis; P <0.05) up to 3 days after surgery and discomfort (P <0.05) up to 2 days after surgery compared with placebo treatment. Both treatments reduced the number of painkillers taken and increased time before the first painkiller was taken (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Steroidal dexamethasone is as effective as non-steroidal ibuprofen for preventing or controlling postoperative pain and discomfort after surgical implant placement.