Intricate Assessment and Evaluation of Long-term Implant Success as affected by Clinicomicrobial and Salivary Diagnostics in Type II Diabetic Patients: A Longitudinal Study.

INTRODUCTION: Replacement of missing teeth by dental implants is one of the most common methods employed these days. Because of significant advancement in the design of implants and modifications in the procedure of dental implant surgery, the survival rate of the dental implants has reached up to approximately 95%. Osseointegration is one of the important factors affecting the survival of dental implants. Apart from these, the body's physiologic alterations can also predispose the dental implants for failure. Diabetes is one such metabolic disease characterized by abnormal or delayed wound healing. Hence, we assessed the clinicomicrobial and salivary profile of diabetic patients undergoing rehabilitation by dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included diabetic patients who underwent dental implant surgeries for prosthetic rehabilitation. Follow-up records of the patients' up to 1 year were maintained. Various clinicoradiographic and periodontal parameters were measured at various time intervals during follow-up time; 25 mL of salivary and blood sample was taken from all the subjects and was sent to the laboratories for assessment of various salivary biomarkers. All the results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. RESULTS: The mean level of interleukin-p at baseline time was found to be 2.38 and 2.21 in diabetic group and control group respectively. While comparing the levels of osteoprotegerin in both study groups, a significant correlation was obtained. In diabetic and control group, 62 and 61 years was the mean age of the patients respectively. No significant correlation was obtained while comparing the microbial flora of diabetic and control group. CONCLUSION: In both diabetic and nondiabetic patients, similar microbial, salivary marker, and clinicoradiological patterns were seen. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Diabetic patients who maintain their body's metabolic rate show similar success rate of dental implants as seen in nondiabetic patients.

Intricate Evaluation of Association between Dental Caries and Obesity among the Children in Al-Kharj City (Saudi Arabia).

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries and obesity are two of the most prevalent health conditions affecting children. Relative decrease in corporeal movements, escalating inactive lifestyles, and changes in dietary factors are strongly linked with the increasing incidence of overweight and obesity. Furthermore, obesity increases the risk of chronic disease and dental caries that significantly affects the quality of life of young children. The present study intends to explore the relationship between dental caries and obesity in children in Al-Kharj city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present descriptive study was designed as a cross-sectional study in which a total of 386 children in the age range of 6 to 12 years from elementary schools of Al-Kharj city and pediatric dental clinics in Prince Sattam Dental College were included. RESULTS: Mean decayed filled teeth (DFT) score was found to be considerably higher among obese children. Also, incidence of dental caries in deciduous dentition was found to be notably higher among obese children. CONCLUSION: Obesity has a considerable outcome on prevalence of dental caries among primary schoolchildren in Al-Kharj city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The importance of obesity is limited not only to systemic disorders but also in relation to carious lesions. Hence, educating primary schoolchildren about caries and its related factors is very important. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: High intake of free sugar is a well-established risk factor for dental caries and also for obesity. Therefore, it is speculated that factors that decrease these risk factors have the potential to affect both conditions at the population level to control it competently.

Knowledge and practice of implant-retained restorations among dental students in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and practice of implant retained restorations (IRR) among senior dental students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Four hundred questionnaires were distributed among senior dental students of five dental schools in Saudi Arabia. Student's knowledge was assessed regarding which implant restoration [cement retained restoration (CRR) or screw retained restoration (SRR)] better provides the desired clinical properties. Students' practice of IRR, perception of their knowledge and need for further education related to IRR were also assessed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were employed to assess collected data. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty four senior dental students responded at a response rate of 88.5%. Thirty three percent respondents did not have any practical experience of IRR. Students showed a clear preference for CRR with regards to aesthetics (71.4%), passive fit (55.3%), fabrication ease (57.3%) and fracture resistance (40%). SRR were considered to provide better retention (59.6%), soft tissue health (51.1%) and ease of retrievability (72%). Nearly 40% of students agreed that they did not get sufficient information related to IRR in undergraduate courses. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical training of IRR is compromised in the undergraduate curriculum in dental schools of Saudi Arabia. The knowledge of dental students regarding IRR was broadly in line with current evidence.