Awareness of patients with impacted teeth about impacted teeth in Turkey: A questionnaire study.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of patients who have at least one impacted tooth and who had previously applied to the dentist. Study design: This study was conducted in patients aged 15 years and older who applied to Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry for routine examination and agreed to fill out the questionnaire form. A total of 325 people participated in the survey conducted to determine the awareness of patients applying to the faculty of dentistry about their existing impacted teeth. A Pearson's chi-square test was used for hypothesis testing when expected frequencies exceeded 5. Results: It was determined that 56.9 % (185) of the participants were aware of their existing teeth, while 43.1 % (140) were not aware. When the patients were evaluated according to the institutions they had visited, it was seen that the group who were most aware of the presence of impacted tooth were those who apply to the faculty of dentistry (74.4 %). The rate of being informed by dentists in the institutions that they had previously visited was higher in patients with university or post-university graduates (p < 0.05). The most common information given by the dentists to the patients about their impacted dental problems was that the tooth should be followed up (40.4 %), while the removal of the tooth constituted 28.4 % of the information given. Conclusion: This study showed that although patients are aware of their existing impacted teeth, their level of knowledge about the risks it may pose is low. For a healthy oral care and health, patients should be adequately informed about impacted teeth.

Morphological evaluation of gonial and antegonial regions in bruxers on panoramic radiographic images.

BACKGROUND: This is the first study to report both cortical and trabecular bone evaluation of mandibles in bruxers, within the knowledge of the authors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of bruxism on both the cortical and the trabecular bone in antegonial and gonial regions of the mandible, which is the attachment of the masticatory muscles, by using panoramic radiographic images. METHODS: In this study, the data of 65 bruxer (31 female, 34 male) and 71 non-bruxer (37 female, 34 male) young adult patients (20-30 years) were evaluated. Antegonial Notch Depth (AND), Antegonial-Index (AI), Gonial-Index, Fractal Dimension (FD) and Bone Peaks (BP) were evaluated on panoramic radiographic images. The effects of the bruxism, gender and side factors were investigated according to these findings. The statistical significance level was set atP ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The mean AND of bruxers (2.03 ± 0.91) was significantly higher than non-bruxers (1.57 ± 0.71; P < 0.001). The mean AND of males was significantly higher than females on both sides (P < 0.05). The mean AI of bruxers (2.95 ± 0.50) was significantly higher than non-bruxers (2.77 ± 0.43; P = 0.019). The mean FD on each side was significantly lower in bruxers than in non-bruxers (P < 0.05). The mean FD of males (1.39 ± 0.06) was significantly higher than females (1.37 ± 0.06; P = 0.049). BP were observed in 72.5% of bruxers and 27.5% of non-bruxers. The probability of existing BP, in bruxers was approximately 3.4 times higher than in non-bruxers (P = 0.003), in males was approximately 5.5 times higher than in females (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, the morphological differences seen in cortical and trabecular bone in the antegonial and gonial regions of the mandible in bruxers can be emphasized as deeper AND, higher AI, increased of existing BPs, and lower FD, respectively. The appearance of these morphological changes on radiographs may be useful for indication and follow-up of bruxism. Gender is an effective factor on AND, existing BP and FD.

Evaluation of the different exposure parameters for the accurate diagnosis of peri-implantitis severity in digital panoramic radiography

Background: To evaluate the accuracy of the diagnosis of peri-implant bone defects' severities in digital panoramic radiographs obtained at different tube voltage and/or tube current settings. Material and methods: Two different sizes of peri-implant bone defects (type 1 and type 2) were prepared after the implants were inserted into 29 bovine rib blocks. Digital panoramic radiographs were obtained at eight different tube voltage and/or tube current settings for all rib blocks. Implant images were cropped separately. The average intensity value (AIV) of cropped images were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop CC software. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare AIVs. All cropped images were evaluated using a five-point Likert scale for the likelihood of a bone defect being absent or present. The weighted kappa values were calculated to compare observer agreement and ROC analysis was performed to determine the appropriate exposure parameters. Results: The lowest AIV was obtained at 72 kV/6.3 mA (92.162±16.016), and the highest AIV was obtained at 60 kV/3.2 mA (179.050±13.823). The Kruskal-Wallis H test showed significant differences in the AIVs according to the exposure parameters (p<0.001). The kappa coefficient for the inter-observer agreement was excellent (0.864, p<0.001). The AUC values for type 1 defects ranged from 0.778 and 0.860; for type 2 defects ranged from 0.920 and 0.967. The AUC value of type 1 defects was slightly better in panoramic images obtained with high kV and low mA levels (72 kV/3.2 mA), compared to others. Conclusions: In daily clinical routine, peri-implant bone defects might be evaluated by panoramic radiographs obtained with all kV and mA values tested. However, to avoid misdiagnosing and for better accuracy, panoramic radiographs obtained with high kV and low mA levels suitable for patients should be used, especially in the detection of small or initial bone defects. (AU)

A new management strategy for the treatment of streptococcal gingivitis: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a supportive treatment option based on microorganism's growth characteristics. METHODS: This study was conducted at Ordu University, Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey, between January and April, 2017, comprising patients whose periodontal parameters and saliva pH scores were measured before and after the treatments. The patients were divided into two equal groups. Group I underwent routine periodontal treatment methods for streptococcal gingivitis, while a supportive treatment that involved an antacid chewing tablet two times a day for a week based on the microorganism's growth characteristics was used on patients in Group II. SPSS 11.5 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were 16 patients in the study with an average age of 27.90±5.54 years. The periodontal index values progressively decreased for all patients post-treatment. However, the decrease of gingival index values in Group I was significantly higher than Group II (p<0.05). The decrease in the oral pH was statistically significant after the periodontal treatment procedures with supportive method (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of antacids in addition to conventional periodontal treatment may be effective in the treatment of oral streptococcal infections..

Comparison of cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic radiographs in detecting maxillary sinus septa.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the performance of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography in detecting the presence and location of maxillary sinus septa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included radiographic examination of 104 maxillary sinuses of 52 individuals (26 females, 50% and 26 males, 50%) whose panoramic radiographs and CBCT images were obtained for several dental causes which were examined by the consensus of four dentomaxillofacial radiologists. The posterior maxillary segments in proximity of maxillary sinus were classified as edentulous and dentate maxillary segments. The location of maxillary sinus septa was classified as primary septa and secondary septa according to the presence of maxillary tooth at the affected site. The maxillary sinus septa were divided into three categories (anterior, middle and posterior) according to its relation with posterior maxillary teeth. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The septa were found in 23.1% and 29.8% of the maxillary sinuses on panoramic radiography and CBCT images, respectively. The majority of maxillary sinus septa were observed in dentate posterior maxillary segments on both panoramic (45.8%) radiography and CBCT (64.5%) images. Statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were found between panoramic radiography and CBCT images for presence, location and neighborhood with the posterior maxillary teeth of maxillary sinus septa. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated the low reliability of panoramic radiography images in the detection of maxillary sinus septa. CBCT images can provide valuable information to the clinicians about the presence and location of maxillary sinus septa.

Treatment of Different Oral Soft Tissue Lesions With Surgical Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser: Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Oral soft tissue lesions cause discomfort and potentially serious clinical problems. CASE SERIES: These case reports present different gingival and/or mucosal lesions (pyogenic granuloma, verruca vulgaris, giant cell granuloma, fibroma, etc.) and the surgical treatment of these lesions with a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (320-µm optic fiber; 4 W; 100 mJ, 40 Hz; emission mode, pulsed, and contact mode). Patients were evaluated after laser surgery on degree of postoperative pain; discomfort; functional complications (eating and speech); and recurrence. Results indicated that patients had minimal postoperative pain, few functional complications, and low rates of pain. Laser surgery produced minimal bleeding, damage to the surrounding tissue, and post-surgical edema. CONCLUSION: In these cases, the Nd:YAG laser provided a non-bleeding environment at the surgical area with an acceptable operating time, quick postoperative hemostasis, good patient acceptance, low rates of pain, and no post-treatment adverse events among patients with oral soft tissue lesions.

The use of surgical Nd:YAG laser in an oral pyogenic granuloma: a case report.

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign, non-neoplastic, mucocutaneous lesion and is especially common on the tongue, lips, and gums. This case report presents a large oral pyogenic granuloma of the gingiva and the surgical treatment of this lesion with Nd:YAG laser. A 14-year-old female patient referred with a complaint of a swelling and growth on the buccal side of her mandibular left premolar teeth. A comprehensive intraoral examination revealed a localized gingival mass between mandibular left premolar teeth on the buccal aspect. The treatment selected was surgical removal using Nd:YAG laser with the following irradiation parameters: power output 4 W, energy 100 mJ, frequency 40 Hz, and pulsed emission mode. During surgery, complications including hemorrhage were not observed, and no scarring developed after surgery. The excised area gradually improved within 1 month. The use of Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma reduced bleeding during surgery, with a consequent reduction in operating time, promoted rapid postoperative hemostasis, and has better patient acceptance.

Dietary habits and oral health related behaviors in relation to DMFT indexes of a group of young adult patients attending a dental school.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the dietary habits and oral health related behaviors in relation to the dental health status in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT index) of a group of young adults attending to a dental school located in a major city in Turkey. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 416 young adults (247 females and 169 males) with an age range of 18-25 (Mean 23.2 sd 0.97) attending the Oral Diagnosis department participated in the study. The patients completed a questionnaire including questions about demographic factors, dietary habits and oral health related behaviors. Subsequently, the DMFT index and plaque index was calculated. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U/ Kruskal Wallis Variance analysis, Chi-square/Fisher's Exact tests and multiple linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis of the data when applicable. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, approximately 70% of the patients had regular main meals and a very high snacking rate (76.9%) was present. Although not at a high rate, most of the patients brushed their teeth regularly twice a day (44.2%) and approximately half used other hygiene aids in addition to brushing (43.8%). The median of the DMFT index was 5 and a majority of the patients had moderate plaque accumulation which could be seen with the naked eye (45.0%). Dental plaque had the most significant effect on the DMFT index. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, advice, including importance of regularity of main meals, decrease in snacking frequency, regular brushing twice a day and the use of other oral hygiene aids for the elimination of dental plaque would be helpful to enhance the dietary habits and oral health related behaviors of young adult Turkish patients.

Dietary habits and oral health related behaviors in relation to DMFT indexesof a group of young adult patients attending a dental school

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the dietary habits and oral health related behaviors inrelation to the dental health status in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT index) of a group of youngadults attending to a dental school located in a major city in Turkey.Study Design: A total of 416 young adults (247 females and 169 males) with an age range of 18-25 (Mean 23.2 sd 0.97)attending the Oral Diagnosis department participated in the study. The patients completed a questionnaire includingquestions about demographic factors, dietary habits and oral health related behaviors. Subsequently, the DMFT indexand plaque index was calculated. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U/ Kruskal Wallis Variance analysis, Chi-square/Fisher’s Exact tests and multiple linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis of the data when applicable.Results: According to the results of the study, approximately 70% of the patients had regular main meals and a veryhigh snacking rate (76.9%) was present. Although not at a high rate, most of the patients brushed their teeth regularlytwice a day (44.2%) and approximately half used other hygiene aids in addition to brushing (43.8%). The median ofthe DMFT index was 5 and a majority of the patients had moderate plaque accumulation which could be seen withthe naked eye (45.0%). Dental plaque had the most significant effect on the DMFT index.Conclusion: In conclusion, advice, including importance of regularity of main meals, decrease in snacking frequency,regular brushing twice a day and the use of other oral hygiene aids for the elimination of dental plaque would behelpful to enhance the dietary habits and oral health related behaviors of young adult Turkish patients (AU)