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Background Dental implants play a crucial role in modern dentistry, offering a durable and aesthetic option for tooth replacement. Understanding the preferences and practices of dentists regarding implant selection and restoration can provide critical insights into current trends and potential areas for improvement. As such, the objective of this study was to discover characteristics determining the selection criteria and preferences for dental implants and restorations among Saudi Arabian dentists. Methodology A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among Saudi Arabian dentists to assess their practices and preferences for dental implant selection and restoration. The survey explored variables, including age, gender, educational status, regional practice distribution, implant-related experience, loading protocols, and implant system preferences. Results A total of 742 dental professionals responded to our questionnaire. The study revealed that a significant majority of Saudi Arabian dentists had placed (78.7%) and restored (72.9%) implants. Most dentists (78.6%) had participated in implant treatment planning. However, consistent usage of implant planning software was relatively low (29.8%). Loading protocol preferences varied, with early loading favored for anterior teeth and immediate loading for posterior teeth and edentulous patients. The main deterrents to immediate loading were patient type (27.0%), lack of training (19.9%), additional surgeries (19.9%), and administrative restrictions (17.8%). Straumann was the most preferred implant system, with aesthetic outcomes considered the most important factor in system selection. Conclusions The study provides a comprehensive overview of dental implant practices among Saudi Arabian dentists. It highlights a strong emphasis on aesthetic outcomes, a diverse approach to loading protocols, and room for increased usage of implant planning software. The findings suggest potential areas for further training and support, particularly in the use of immediate loading and implant planning software.
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BACKGROUND: Effective and clear communication between the dentist and dental technician plays a vital role in rendering quality prostheses for patients. When fabricating a removable dental prosthesis, it is uncertain if the information received by the dental laboratory technician is clear and sufficient. This investigation aimed to assess dental technicians' perceptions of the quality of dentists' communication on the fabrication of removable partial dentures (RPDs) in Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: After obtaining the institutional review board (IRB) approval from Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional survey on a convenient sample of 115 dental technicians registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties was conducted in January 2022. The voluntary participation of 94 technicians fabricating RPDs was included. A 19-item online questionnaire was developed, including quality of written instruction, selection of impression trays, and impression materials for RPD fabrication, shared through Google Docs. Descriptive statistics were tabulated, and responses were displayed as a percentage of the total. RESULTS: Of the 94 study subjects, 35% had less than five years of experience, 44% stated that they routinely receive work authorizations with clear instructions, 13% always used digital technology to fabricate prostheses, and 58% reported difficulty with communicated work authorization by dentists having less than five years of experience. Thirty-three respondents (35.1%) reported that 75% or more of the fabricated partial dentures were cast framework partials. Thirty-three respondents (35.1%) indicated that the master casts received for partial framework construction were usually accurate. Tooth alterations, however, were reported as usually adequate by only 28 respondents (29.8%). For creating the artificial gingiva portion of cast partials, 56 respondents (59.6%) preferred heat-cured acrylic resin. Furthermore, 40 respondents (42.6%) said that 75% or more of the requested partials were entirely made out of acrylic resin. Regarding case design discussions, 26 respondents (27.7%) always engaged with dentists, while 39 (41.5%) did so occasionally. CONCLUSION: The obtained assessments pointed to the fact that dental technicians expressed a perception of inadequacy regarding the work authorizations provided by dentists for the fabrication of RPDs, where they seemingly felt that the instructions conveyed by the dentists were not sufficiently comprehensive or clear.
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Background A dental prosthesis called a removable partial denture (RPD) is used to fill the gaps left by one or more lost teeth. It serves as an option to fixed bridges and restorations supported by implants. This research was on a simple and effective method of investing RPD wax pattern and an in vitro investigation into the creation of a cutting-edge RPD technique. Methodology The method outlines the straightforward steps for waxing an RPD and validating the precision of the cast framework. The use of a laminated paper ring rather than a metallic one for investing the wax patterns is the main distinction between the novel method and the traditional ringless technique. Results A total of 30 samples were considered for investigation, with 15 in the traditional and 15 in the experimental group. The innovative wax pattern investment method exhibited a higher mean geometric orientation (9.23 ± 0.42) compared to traditional investment casting (8.90 ± 0.37 mm). Conversely, the dimensional accuracy mean was lower for the innovative wax pattern investment method (0.28 ± 0.03 mm) compared to traditional investment casting (0.31 ± 0.05 mm). The p-value was less than 0.001 for both parameters, signifying that the differences between the means of the two methods were statistically significant. The statistical power (1-ß) was the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it was false. The statistical power was 0.999 for both geometric orientation and dimensional accuracy, indicating that the study had a very high power to detect differences between the two methods. Conclusions This innovative method does away with the requirement for a commercially available plastic ring, reduces the price and time needed for RPD manufacturing, and offers decent marginal accuracy. However, it has some restrictions, such as the challenge of cutting and preparing the paper ring after investing, which could lower the finished product's quality.
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Background Maintaining one's sense of self requires having healthy teeth. A person's physical well-being is greatly impacted by their dental health. They are intimately related, and the socioeconomic situation of the individual largely determines how teeth are maintained. As a result, tooth loss causes injury to the stomatognathic system as well as the masticatory function. Morale is negatively impacted by psychological discomfort as well as the reduction in general quality of life brought on by tooth loss. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of patients about various dental prosthetic rehabilitative procedures in Saudi Arabia, their preference(s) regarding the choice of treatment, and the motivating factors that drive them to avail of dental prosthetic rehabilitative treatment. Methods After randomly selecting 600 individuals for the purpose of our investigation, a nine-variable questionnaire was framed by investigators to record the responses of those who consented to participate in our study. Results Only 68.3% of the respondents were found to be aware of the several prosthodontic replacement choices. As mentioned by the majority of the respondents, the cost element was the biggest drawback for replacement. The benefits of choosing fixed partial dentures (FPD) or dental implants were judged to be aesthetics (41.1%) and the feel of one's own teeth (40.1%). Conclusion Only 68.3% of respondents reported knowing about the several prosthodontic replacement choices. The cost aspect was cited by 348 respondents as the biggest drawback to replacement. The perceived benefits of choosing FPD or dental implants were deemed to be aesthetics (41.1%) and the feel of one's own teeth (40.1%). We believe that patients' health and quality of life can be improved by raising awareness about and changing patients' attitudes toward the most cutting-edge treatment options that are readily available. This can be done by educating people about the drawbacks of delaying the replacement of missing teeth and other treatment options.
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In this systematic review, we compare the quality and accuracy of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques currently employed in dentistry with those of traditional materials. Published literature on the study topic was searched in the online MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane library databases and the database of Indian Council of Medical Research. For this systematic review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was applied for the assessment of studies fit for investigation. Of the total 103 papers searched, 54 underwent in-depth evaluation. Using criteria for what to include and what to leave out, we chose research that was relevant to our review and narrowed it down to 14 papers that met the review's guidelines. According to our findings and the analysis of the chosen articles, the prospects and current advances of CAD/CAM technology are fascinating and are revolutionizing the field of dentistry. Even though researchers are excited, it is important to make sure that different materials have been tested and looked at well enough before making firm claims and choices to replace materials that have been made in the past. Based on previous research, it has been determined that the CAD/CAM methodology used in the dental field is the most popular method at the moment since it is quick, simple, and efficient. Since there are different kinds of CAD/CAM systems, it is very important to choose the right one and come up with a good plan for treating a patient.
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BACKGROUND: Post and core restorations are performed (generally after treating the root canals of the tooth) when the majority of the tooth structure has been rendered ineffective to support itself/the crown of the tooth. In this clinical study, we aim to compare the difference between post and core treatment of anterior and posterior teeth and their success/failure rates. OBJECTIVE: Our investigation aimed to compare the clinical survival rates of custom-fabricated cast metal post-and-cores in cases of anterior and posterior teeth while controlling for the population's age and gender, type of post material, length of the post, amount of alveolar bone tissue supporting the roots, tooth location in the dental arch, and type of cement used, as well as the effect of opposing dentition and the type of definitive prosthetic treatment received. METHODS: 112 individuals who had received root canal therapy (RCT) and were chosen to receive post and core therapy following their RCT were chosen for the study, and a total of 164 teeth were scheduled to undergo the therapy. All the posts used were made of cast metal, and the patients were divided into two groups: 48 individuals had the posts placed in their posterior teeth (a total of 71 teeth in this case), and the second group was made up of the remaining 64 patients, all with 93 teeth in the anterior region. The follow-up was done twice at a six-month interval after cementation was complete. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed between the stability of the post structures in the anterior and posterior teeth that were examined, and the survival rates were found to be similar in both instances. CONCLUSION: The cast metal posts performed at a similar success rate for the one-year period when the teeth were under our observation, and there were no considerable changes seen statistically. But it must be mentioned that a short follow-up period was observed, so the results might probably see some variations when a longer period of time is taken into consideration.
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Background: This knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) survey will provide baseline data and identify gaps that may facilitate understanding and further action to plan, implement, and evaluate practice toward 3D-printing technology among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to assess dental practitioners' self-reported knowledge, attitude, and practice of 3D printing in Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, closed-ended questionnaire of registered dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia was conducted. A sample size of 156 was considered for analysis. After obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board, Riyadh Elm University, the research was conducted during the month of April 2022 amongst 154 registered dental practitioners. The research was distributed among dental health specialists either working in dental colleges, dental clinics, or both in government as well as private settings. Dentists who were not actively involved in 3D printing were excluded. SPSS software, version 25.0, (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used to analyze the data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Of all dentists included in the study, 98% were found to be aware that 3D printing in dentistry is used in Saudi Arabia and 2 % were not aware of its usage in Saudi Arabia. In total, 78.60% of the dentists felt that 3D-printed implant guides made the placement of implants the most accurate and least complicated procedure, and 21.40% of the dentists felt it was the least accurate and most complicated procedure.
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Dental technicians' pneumoconiosis is a condition that causes interstitial inflammation and fibrosis as a result of complex drug exposure. Therefore, it is of interest to assess and evaluate the knowledge and awareness about pneumoconiosis and other respiratory disorders among dental technicians and dental technology students in Saudi Arabia. A cross sectional survey was conducted on convenient sample of 300 senior dental technician students and dental technicians from Saudi Arabia and informed consent was obtained. The participants were approached through online questionnaire using Google forms. Questions were related to the socio-demographic data, knowledge and awareness of the students and the practicing dental technicians and their willingness to learn about pneumoconiosis. Final year undergraduate, interns and Dental technicians were included, undergraduate students without practical knowledge and experience and participants with history of respiratory disease were excluded from the study. Questions were assessed by face validity. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Descriptive statistics was calculated. 34.8% of the study group were not aware of the term and don't know about the etiology of pneumoconiosis. Pearson correlation was significant in terms of awareness difference between males and females and females had less awareness compared to males.
