Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial and Anti-Adherent Properties between Titanium Oxide, Silver Dioxide-Coated, and Conventional Orthodontic Wires Against Streptococcus Sanguis Causing Gingivitis.

Objective: To compare the antibacterial and anti-adherent properties of conventional stainless steel (SS) orthodontic wires and surface-modified silver dioxide-coated and titanium oxide-coated SS orthodontic wires against Streptococcus sanguis causing gingivitis. Materials and Methods: The study used 60 orthodontic SS wire specimens, organized into six groups of ten each. The control group had uncoated wires, and the experimental group featured wires coated with silver dioxide and titanium oxide. Surface modification was done using DC sputtering, and microbiological tests assessed the antibacterial and anti-adherent properties of the AgO2- and TiO2-coated wires. Results: This study demonstrated the antibacterial effect against S. sanguis in orthodontic wires coated with the photocatalytic AgO2 and TiO2 compared to the uncoated wires. Also, this study demonstrated an anti-adherent effect in the AgO2- and TiO2-coated orthodontic wires. Moreover, the bacterial accumulation on orthodontic wires coated with AgO2 and TiO2 was lower compared to that on the uncoated wires. Conclusion: During orthodontic treatment, the formation of dental plaque can be prevented by coating the surface of stainless-steel orthodontic wires with photocatalytic AgO2 and TiO2. Compared to silver dioxide, the titanium oxide-coated SS orthodontic wires showed better antibacterial and anti-adherent properties.

Evaluation of Surface Changes of Stainless Steel Miniplates and Screws Following Retrieval from Maxillofacial Trauma and Orthognathic Surgery Patients: A Comparative Study.

Background: This study examines the surface changes of stainless steel miniplates and screws after their retrieval from patients who underwent maxillofacial trauma and orthognathic surgery. The assessment focuses on comparing the alterations in these materials, aiming to contribute to our understanding of their durability and performance in clinical settings. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 stainless steel miniplates and screws were collected from 30 patients who had previously undergone either maxillofacial trauma or orthognathic surgery. The retrieved miniplates and screws were carefully removed from the patients and cleaned to remove any organic debris. Each specimen was then examined for surface changes. Surface changes were evaluated using visual inspection, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and roughness measurements. Visual inspection provided a qualitative assessment, while SEM allowed for a more detailed examination of the surfaces. Roughness measurements were conducted using a profilometer. Results: Visual inspection revealed varying degrees of surface changes in the retrieved miniplates and screws. These changes included scratches, corrosion, and discoloration. SEM analysis confirmed the presence of surface alterations, with some specimens showing more significant damage, such as pitting and cracks. Roughness measurements indicated an increase in surface roughness for both miniplates and screws, suggesting that the surfaces had become less smooth. Conclusion: This comparative study of stainless steel miniplates and screws retrieved from maxillofacial trauma and orthognathic surgery patients demonstrated that these materials undergo surface changes over time.

An Insight into the Present Pandemic Scenario (COVID-19) with Respect to Maxfac Speciality.

The December 2019 pandemic killed about 2 million people and impacted countless more. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. The sickness causes dyspnea, high temperature, dry cough, loss of taste smell, etc., Due to the disease's fast spread, oral and maxillofacial surgical practices must be reconsidered. The World Health Organization, Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India, and other reputable bodies have released guidelines for safe and efficient COVID-19 therapy. This poll seeks surgeons' awareness of these worldwide and national bodies' guidance. A social media poll generated 173 replies, which were analyzed and interpreted. Many surgeons were aware of the recommendations and safety precautions, but others were unaware of the modifications in oral and maxillofacial surgery practice procedures.

Periapical Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia: A Journey from Diagnostic Dilemma to Accurate Diagnosis with Use of 3D Imaging.

Cemento-osseous dysplasia is a subgroup of fibro-osseous dysplasia commonly invading the tooth-bearing regions of the mandible quite often. These bony pathologies are asymptomatic and are seen on radiographs as an incidental finding. Accurate diagnosis of periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia is very crucial as it will help in the proper management of the patient as the incorrect diagnosis can lead to the unnecessary endodontic treatment of the concerned teeth as it may be misdiagnosed as a periapical pathology. We describe a case of periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia in which a 52-year-old woman had been experiencing discomfort in the right mental area of her mandible for the previous 6 months and had finally sought help at the outpatient department. This case study aims to highlight the significance of making an accurate diagnosis of cemento-osseous dysplasias in the tooth-bearing area.

Investigating the Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Case-Control Study.

Background: This study aims to explore the connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) through a case-control investigation. OSA is a sleep-related breathing disorder that affects breathing during sleep, whereas TMD involves pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint. Understanding any potential association between these two conditions could contribute to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 participants were included in both the OSA group and the control group. Participants with diagnosed OSA constituted the OSA group, whereas individuals without OSA formed the control group. TMD symptoms were assessed using standardized diagnostic criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the prevalence of TMD symptoms between the two groups. Results: In the OSA group, 36 out of 50 participants exhibited TMD symptoms, whereas in the control group, 18 out of 50 participants displayed such symptoms. The calculated P value was found to be 0.023, indicating a statistically significant association between OSA and TMD. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest a notable association between OSA and TMD. Individuals with OSA are more likely to experience TMD symptoms compared to those without OSA. This underscores the importance of considering TMD symptoms in individuals with OSA and vice versa for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Postoperative Follow-Up Care After Dental Implant Surgery. A Pilot Study.

Aim: Telemedicine has emerged as a potential solution to enhance postoperative follow-up care after dental implant surgery, offering the convenience of remote monitoring and reduced need for in-person visits. Materials and Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to either the telemedicine group (n = 15) or the in-person group (n = 15). In the telemedicine group, patients received remote follow-up care through virtual consultations, during which they could communicate their concerns and share images of the surgical site. The in-person group received standard in-person follow-up visits. Patient satisfaction was measured using a standardized survey, with responses collected on a Likert scale. Results: Telemedicine group exhibited comparable levels of patient satisfaction (mean satisfaction score ± standard deviation: 4.6 ± 0.3) to the in-person group (4.7 ± 0.2). Moreover, clinical outcomes, including wound healing assessment, were similar between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of postoperative complications or the need for additional interventions. Conclusion: In conclusion, this pilot study demonstrates that telemedicine is an effective alternative to traditional in-person follow-up care for postoperative dental implant surgery patients. It offers comparable patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes while proving to be more cost-effective.

Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Treatment Outcomes in Digital Smile Design vs. Conventional Smile Design: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The esthetics of a smile holds significant importance in an individual's self-esteem and overall quality of life. In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, smile design has traditionally relied on conventional methods, but recent advances in technology have introduced digital smile design (DSD) as a promising alternative. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 150 adult patients seeking smile enhancement procedures were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the DSD group or the conventional smile design group. The DSD group underwent smile design using digital technology, including intraoral scans, computer-aided design, and 3D simulations. Meanwhile, the conventional smile design group received smile design through traditional methods, involving manual impressions, stone models, and manual wax-ups. Patient satisfaction was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 100 immediately after the procedure, while treatment outcomes were assessed three months post-procedure by dental professionals using a standardized assessment scale. Results: In terms of patient satisfaction, the DSD group demonstrated a mean score of 85.4 (SD ± 6.2), while the conventional smile design group had a mean score of 79.8 (SD ± 7.1). This suggests that patients in the DSD group reported higher levels of satisfaction with their smile enhancements. Regarding treatment outcomes, 92% of patients in the DSD group exhibited excellent restoration fit, occlusion, and esthetics, whereas 78% of patients in the conventional smile design group achieved the same level of excellence. These findings collectively indicate that digital smile design (DSD) may yield superior patient satisfaction and improved treatment outcomes when compared to conventional smile design methods, particularly with regard to esthetic results and overall patient contentment. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this randomized controlled trial emphasize the potential advantages of integrating digital technology into smile design procedures.

Investigating the Long-Term Success and Complication Rates of Zirconia Dental Implants: A Prospective Clinical Study.

This study addresses the durability and complications of zirconia dental implants through a prospective clinical investigation. Zirconia implants are increasingly utilized in dental implantation, and a comprehensive understanding of their long-term performance is essential. Background: Zirconia dental implants have gained attention due to their biocompatibility and aesthetics. However, research on their extended success and complication rates is limited. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study involved the placement of 30 zirconia dental implants in patients requiring tooth replacement. The implants were followed up for five years. Success was defined as the implant remaining stable and functional. Complications, including peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, were monitored. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and P-values were set at P < 0.05. Results: The long-term success rate of zirconia dental implants was found to be 93.3%. Among the 30 implants, only 2 exhibited failure. The most common complication was peri-implant mucositis, occurring in 16.7% of implants. Notably, the incidence of peri-implantitis was limited, observed in 6.7% of implants. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between implant failure and smoking (P = 0.021). Conclusion: Zirconia dental implants demonstrated a high long-term success rate of 93.3% over five years. Peri-implant mucositis was the predominant complication, with a relatively low occurrence of peri-implantitis. The findings underscore the potential of zirconia implants for reliable dental implantation. Addressing modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, could further enhance implant success. Continued research is recommended to validate and expand upon these outcomes.

Salivary Interleukin-1 Levels in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a significant impact on global health. The identification of non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of OSCC remains crucial. Methods: A total of 100 subjects, comprising 50 patients with histopathologically confirmed OSCC and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. Salivary samples were collected from all participants and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to measure IL-1 levels. Clinical data, including demographic information, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption, were obtained from patient records. Results: The mean salivary IL-1 level was significantly higher in OSCC patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, subgroup analysis demonstrated that advanced stages of OSCC correlated with significantly elevated IL-1 levels when compared to early-stage OSCC (P < 0.05). Additionally, high salivary IL-1 levels were associated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype and poorer prognosis, as reflected by tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival (P < 0.01). Conclusion: This case-control study provides compelling evidence that salivary Interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels are significantly elevated in patients with OSCC.

Influence of Zirconia/Glass Veneer Thickness and Implant Abutment Material on the Final Shade of Implant Restorations.

Background: Achieving an optimal shade match for these restorations is crucial for aesthetic outcomes. The thickness of zirconia/glass veneer and the choice of implant abutment material play vital roles in determining the final shade of implant restorations. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the influence of zirconia/glass veneer thickness (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm) and implant abutment material (zirconia and titanium) on the final shade of implant restorations. A total of 60 identical implant restorations were fabricated and divided into four groups based on the combinations of veneer thickness and abutment material. The shade of each restoration was assessed using a shade guide, and color differences (ΔE) were measured with a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using statistical tests (e.g., ANOVA). Results: The results indicated that the veneer thickness significantly influenced the final shade of implant restorations. Restorations with 0.5 mm veneer thickness exhibited a lower ΔE value (indicating a closer shade match) compared to those with 1.0 mm veneer thickness. Additionally, the choice of implant abutment material had a minor but statistically significant effect on shade. Zirconia abutments yielded slightly better shade-matching results compared to titanium abutments. Conclusion: In implant restorations, the thickness of the zirconia/glass veneer plays a critical role in achieving a desirable shade match. A veneer thickness of 0.5 mm is recommended for optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Data on ultrasound therapy as an adjuvant pain control method among Indian TMDS patients.

It is of interest to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound therapy as an adjuvant pain control modality in dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint. The study comprised 20 patients with TMJ issues who had received a clinical diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMDS). These patients underwent independent VAS evaluations for the intensity of pain, opening and closing of the mouth, and soreness of the muscles of mastication, including the masseter muscle, medial pterygoid muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle, and temporalis muscle, as well as additional auxiliary muscles. The chosen patients received ultrasonic treatment. The mean value of mouth opening before therapy was 39.51cm, with SD values of 7.61 cm. The mean value of mouth opening after therapy was 42.91 cm with SD values of 6.08.The findings were statistically significant, with a p-valueof0.021. The mean value of VAS in the TMJ area before therapy was 8.41 with SD values of 2.11.There was a reduction in the mean values of VAS after therapy, which was 3.11 with SD values of 1.12. The findings were significant statistically, with a p-value equal to 0.001. Thus, ultrasonographic therapy for temporomandibular joint pain demonstrated a considerable improvement in pain reduction and mouth opening. It is possible to view this therapy as the adjuvant methodology to control pain in disorders of TMJ.