Fracture Resistance of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Restorations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Composite resin is universally used for posterior teeth restorations. Fibers have been suggested for the mechanical improvement of the restorations. This study assessed the fracture resistance of class II fiber-reinforced composite restorations and compared it with the fracture resistance of three control groups: (1) healthy teeth, (2) non-fiber-reinforced restorations and (3) unrestored cavities. A search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar from 15 May to 12 June 2023. Only in vitro studies from the last 10 years were included for this systematic analysis. This study was registered in the PROSPERO database, it followed PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN tool. Fracture resistance median values, in Newtons (N), were calculated for the experimental and control groups (95% confidence interval). For pairwise comparison, nonparametric tests (p < 0.05) were applied. Twenty-four in vitro studies met the inclusion criteria. The fracture resistance of the experimental group was 976.0 N and differed (p < 0.05) from all controls. The experimental group showed lower values of fracture resistance than healthy teeth (1459.9 N; p = 0.048) but higher values than non-fiber-reinforced restorations (771.0 N; p = 0.008) and unrestored cavities (386.6 N; p < 0.001). In vitro systematic outcomes evidenced that glass and/or polyethylene fibers improved the fracture resistance of composite restorations.

High-Power LED Units Currently Available for Dental Resin-Based Materials-A Review.

The pursuit of less time-consuming procedures led to the development of high-power light-curing-units (LCU) to light-cure dental-resin-based-materials. This review aims to describe high-power light-emitting-diode (LED)-LCUs, by a bibliometric systematization of in vitro and in vivo studies. The research-question, by PICO model, aimed to assess the current knowledge on dentistry-based high-power LED-LCUs by analyzing to what extent their use can promote adverse events on materials and patients' oral condition when compared to low-power LED-LCUs, on daily dental practice. PubMed and B-on database search focused on high-power (≥2000 mW/cm2) LED-LCUs outputs. Studies assessing performance of high-power LED-LCUs for light-curing dental-resin-based-materials were included. From 1822 screened articles, 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two marketed units with high levels of radiant emittance (≥2000 mW/cm2 up to 6000 mW/cm2) were identified. Most output values vary on 2000-3000 mW/cm2. The highest output found was 6000 mW/cm2, in FlashMax™P3. Reports suggest that light-curing protocols with lower emittance irradiance and longer exposure outperforms all other combination, however in some clinical procedures high-power LED-LCUs are advocated when compared to low-power LED-LCUs. Moreover, long time exposures and over-curing can be dangerous to the biological vital pulp, and other oral tissues. Evidence showing that high-power LCUs are the best clinical option is still very scarce.

COVID-19 Management in Clinical Dental Care Part III: Patients and the Dental Office.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic dramatically changed all aspects of life. In the context of clinical dental care, a significant number of new recommendations have been implemented to comply with public health policies, ensuring the safety of dental care professionals, staff, and patients and preventing further spread of the virus. This article is the third in a series of 3 on the management of COVID-19 in clinical dental care and presents a set of recommendations and standards to be implemented in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include remote contact with all patients for triage and guidance before scheduling a clinical visit to know if they have COVID symptoms or are positive for COVID, if they belong to a risk group, and if there is a suggestion that aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) will be required during their visit. It also reviews additional precautionary measures in the waiting room and reception area, where the environment is reorganised to protect patients and clinical staff, avoiding situations that could result in cross contamination. The dental office operates under a strict set of guidelines, namely, use of personal protective equipment by professionals, contact with patients, a strategy to avoid aerosol-generating procedures, as well as disinfection procedures for the dental office before, during, and after each patient visit. The implementation of these protocols to mitigate cross infection and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the dental office will help improve safety and restore the confidence required to provide dental care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Universal Adhesives and Adhesion Modes in Non-Carious Cervical Restorations: 2-Year Randomised Clinical Trial.

This prospective, double-blind, six-arm parallel randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the performance of two universal adhesives (UAs) in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), using the FDI criteria, and analysed if participants/NCCLs' characteristics influenced the outcome. Thirty-eight 18- to 65-year-old participants were seeking routine dental care at a university clinic. At baseline, 210 NCCLs were randomly allocated to six groups (35 restorations' each). The UAs tested were FuturabondU (FBU) and AdheseUniversal (ADU) applied in either etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE) modes. FuturabondDC (FBDC) in SE and in SE with selective enamel etching (SE-EE) modes were controls. NCCLs were restored with AdmiraFusion. The analysis included nonparametric tests, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests (α = 0.05). At 2-years, of 191 restorations, ten were missed due to retention loss (all groups, p > 0.05). FBDC (p = 0.037) and FBU (p = 0.041) performed worse than ADU in SE mode. FBDC and FBU also showed worse functional success rate (p = 0.012, p = 0.007, respectively) and cumulative retention rates (p = 0.022, p = 0.012, respectively) than ADU. Some participants/NCCLs' characteristics influenced (p < 0.05) the outcomes. FBU did not perform as well as ADU, especially in SE mode and due to functional properties. Participants' age and NCCLs' degree of dentin sclerosis and internal shape angle influenced FBU performance.

Dental tooth decay profile in an institutionalized elder population of Northern Portugal / Perfil de cárie dentária numa população idosa institucionalizada do Norte de Portugal

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to assess the dental tooth decay profile of an elderly population from Northern Portugal. Material and Methods: this is a descriptive, cross-sectional study where a questionnaire, intended to assess the institutionalized elders oral health condition, was applied with the purpose of quantifying certain oral conditions. Tooth decay was assessed using the DMFT Index for the crown's tooth and the individual radicular caries index (RCIi) for the root's condition assessment. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistical regressions were performed (p < 0.05) using the IBM© SPSS© Statistics vs.19.0. Results: three hundred and seventy-two elderly participants were assessed with an average age of 78.8 years, of which 260 were women (69.9%). Of the sample 30.4% had no literacy and 18.3% were dependent on their daily oral hygiene care, 30.9% (95%CI:26.2%-35.6%) were edentulous and 84.9% (95%CI:81.3%-88.5%) had less than 20 teeth. The average number of teeth was 8.9 (± 8.7) and the DMFT was 25.6 (± 7.3). The RCIi for men was 44.3% (± 30.4%) and 39.4% (± 31.2%) for women. Using multivariate logistical regression model the outcome RCIi≥20% was shown to be significantly and positively associated with the use of removable partial dentures (metal partial dentures: OR = 5.348 (95% CI: 1.176-24,329; p = 0.030) as well as with daily tooth brushing (no toothbrushing: OR = 2.802 (95% CI: 1.445-5.433); p = 0.002). Conclusion: the prevalence of tooth decay in this elder institutionalized population of Northern Portugal is high, mostly due to bad oral hygiene habits associated to the use of metal removable partial dentures. Institutionalized elderly need protocols tailored to their oral health needs and integrated efforts in the institutions are needed to effectively answer the demands related to the elderly cognitive and motor skills (ageing deterioration) decline of physiological functions.(AU)

Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de cárie dentária numa população idosa do norte de Portugal. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, onde foi aplicado um questionário destinado a avaliar a condição de saúde oral dos idosos institucionalizados, com o objetivo de quantificar determinadas condições orais. A cárie dentária foi avaliada usando o índice CPOD para a coroa do dente e o índice de cárie radicular individual (IRCi) para a avaliação da condição da raiz. Foi realizada análise univariada e regressão logística multivariável (p <0,05) usando o IBM© SPSS© Statistics vs.19.0. Resultados: avaliaram-se 372 idosos, com idade média de 78,8 anos, dos quais 260 eram mulheres (69,9%). Da amostra, 30,4% não tinham escolaridade e 18,3% dependiam de outros para realizar os seus cuidados diários de higiene oral; 30,9% (IC95%: 26,2%-35,6%) eram desdentados e 84,9% (IC95%: 81,3%-88,5%) tinham menos de 20 dentes. O número médio de dentes foi de 8,9 (± 8,7) e o CPOD foi de 25,6 (± 7,3). O ICRi para o género masculino foi de 44,3% (± 30,4%) e de 39,4% (± 31,2%) para o feminino. Usando o modelo de regressão logística multivariada, o resultado ICRi≥20% mostrou-se significativa e positivamente associado ao uso de próteses parciais removíveis (próteses parciais esqueléticas: OR= 5,348 (IC95%: 1,176-24,329; p = 0,030), bem como com escovagem diária (sem escovagem: OR= 2,802 (IC95%: 1,445-5,433); p = 0,002). Conclusão: a prevalência de cárie dentária nesta população idosa institucionalizada do Norte de Portugal é alta, principalmente devido à má higiene oral e hábitos associados ao uso de próteses parciais removíveis esqueléticas. Idosos institucionalizados precisam de protocolos adaptados às suas necessidades de saúde oral e esforços integrados nas instituições para atender efetivamente às necessidades relacionadas com o declínio das funções fisiológicas do idoso, cognitivas e motoras (deterioração do envelhecimento). (AU)

Multi-Mode adhesives performance and success/retention rates in NCCLs restorations: randomised clinical trial one-year report.

Aim: Compare clinical performance and success/retention rates of two multi-mode (MM) adhesives, applied in self-etch (SE) or etch-and-rinse (ER) modes, with SE-all-in-one adhesive (SE/SE with enamel etching) in NCCL restorations at one-year follow-up. Material and methods: Prospective, double-blind RCT approved by the University Fernando Pessoa and the National-Clinical-Research-Ethics Committees (CEIC-20150305), ClinicalTrials.gov registered (NCT02698371), in 38 participants with 210 restorations (AdmiraFusion®) randomly allocated to six groups (Adhesives_Adhesion mode), each with 35 restorations: G1-Control Futurabond®DC_SE; G2-Control Futurabond®DC_SE with enamel etching; G3-Futurabond®U_ER; G4-Futurabond®U_SE; G5-Adhese®Universal_ER; G6-Adhese®Universal_SE. Restorations evaluated at baseline and one-year by three calibrated examiners (ICC ≥0.952) using FDI criteria and statistical analysis with nonparametric tests (alpha = 0.05). Results: At one-year recall 36 participants, 199 restorations were available for examination; five (2.5%) restorations (G1 n = 2; G2, G3, G4 n = 1) were lost due to retention (p > .05); G1 showed less satisfying marginal adaptation (p < .05) than G2 and MM adhesives groups, particularly G6. Overall success rates (p > .05) were: 93.9% (G1), 97.0% (G2; G3; G4) and 100.0% (G5; G6). Conclusions: MM adhesives (Futurabond®U and Adhese®Universal) showed similar and acceptable performance/success rates but also better clinical outputs than the SE-all-in-one adhesive (Futurabond®DC), particularly in SE mode. Success and retention rates were similar and not dependent on materials or adhesion modes.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among a Portuguese Sample of Institutionalised Alcoholic Patients under Rehabilitation Therapy.

PURPOSE: To assess the self-reported Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) among institutionalised patients in an alcoholic detoxification programme in northern Portugal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study using the Oral Health Impact Profile-49 (OHIP-49) was carried out in 300 individuals institutionalised for alcohol detoxification in withdrawal units. The seven OHIP-49 domain scores and three summary indicators were examined: 'Prevalence' (percentage of people reporting one or more of 49 items at least 'fairly often'), 'Extent' (number of impacts [items] reported at least 'fairly often') and 'Severity' (mean sum of the participants' OHIP score). RESULTS: The sample comprised 83.3% males with a mean age of 44 ± 8.6 years and an abusive alcoholic consumption history of 21.2 ± 11.5 years. The results show a 'prevalence' of 62.4% (95% CI: 56.7%-67.7%), the mean 'extent' was 3.8 (95% CI: 3.2-4.5) impacts and the mean 'severity' level was 54.8 (95% CI: 49.9-59.7). 'Prevalence' was significantly and positively associated with patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), those with a higher estimated daily alcohol intake, who previously used hashish and who brushed their teeth after drinking alcohol. 'Extent' was higher among females, those with higher levels of education, patients with GERD, smokers, and those with a higher estimated daily alcohol consumption; it was negatively associated with not brushing teeth. 'Severity' was significantly and positively associated with female gender and smoking, and negatively associated with not brushing teeth. CONCLUSION: This population of alcohol-dependent patients undergoing an addiction rehabilitation programme presented a high prevalence of negative oral health impacts, but not a high extent or severity.

Erosive tooth wear status of institutionalized alcoholic patients under rehabilitation therapy in the north of Portugal.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine the erosive tooth wear (ETW) status of institutionalized patients for alcohol misuse rehabilitation therapy in the north of Portugal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study, conducted on 277 individuals (83.4 % men) with an average age of 43.6 ± 8.4 years, institutionalized at Instituto da Droga e Toxicodependência-Delegação Regional Norte (IDT-Norte). ETW prevalence and severity were assessed by Eccles and Jenkins index. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify ETW risk factors. Subjects with ETW risk identification according to biological and behavioral exposure were determined in the study. RESULTS: ETW prevalence was 98.6 %. In the cohort, 51.3 % showed localized ETW lesions, 40.1 % generalized ETW lesions, and 7.2 % enamel ETW lesions, more frequently localized in maxilla. From the examined dental surfaces (n = 15,598), 11,493 had erosive wear lesions: 92.4 % (95 % CI 91.7-93.1 %) of all occlusal surfaces, 71.9 % (95 % CI 70.7-73.1 %) of all palatal/lingual, and 56.7 % (95 % CI 55.4-58.1 %) of all buccal surfaces. Buccal and lingual surfaces showed 43.2 and 41.8 % enamel erosive wear lesions; occlusal surfaces had 43.4 % localized erosive wear lesions in dentin. The main ETW risk factors were as follows: age, gastroesophageal reflux disease over 1 year, daily intake of alcohol ≥240 g (grams), and intra-oral location in anterior region; 46.2 % of the participants had erosive risk by exposure to biological and behavioral factors. CONCLUSIONS: The ETW status showed high values for disease prevalence and severity, mainly located in the maxilla, and high frequency of erosive wear lesions at occlusal, buccal, and lingual surfaces, resulting from simultaneous exposure to several risk factors. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: For ETW differential diagnosis, the association of both clinical and biological/nutritional/behavioral risk factors should be done for each studied population.

Enamel lesions: Meta-analysis on effect of prophylactic/therapeutic agents in erosive tissue loss.

This study aims to perform a meta-analysis on the effect of prophylactic/therapeutic agents in enamel tissue loss due to erosion. A paper search was done on Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, and 732 papers were identified. The inclusion criteria were very restrictive in order to be able to compare different protocols and methodologies used on those studies. Sixteen papers were eligible, grouped according to the measurement method of enamel tissue loss, and a meta-analysis was done for each type of fluoride- and casein-based agent applied. Standardized mean differences were pooled across studies. There was a significant difference between all the treatment groups and their respective control groups. The highest standardized mean difference on enamel tissue loss (mean; 95% confidence interval) was obtained by stannous fluoride (4.789 µm; 1.968-7.610; P < 0.001), followed by amine fluoride (2.485 µm; 0.746-4.225; P < 0.010), and titanium tetrafluoride (1.787 µm; 1.106-2.469; P < 0.001); the lowest difference was obtained by casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (0.869 µm; 0.007-1.731; P < 0.050) and sodium fluoride (0.820 µm; 0.417-1.223; P < 0.001). Stannous fluoride as a fluoride-based prophylactic/therapeutic agent allowed the lowest enamel tissue loss in erosive conditions. Standardization among future study protocols will allow better comparison regarding the prophylactic/therapeutic agent with the best clinical efficacy.