Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccine on Smokers and Diabetic Individuals: Unveiling the Efficacy and Unraveling Side Effects in Al Jouf Region, KSA.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine is crucial to inform individuals about the potential risks and benefits of vaccination and to provide appropriate medical care if necessary. The study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on smokers and diabetic individuals and to investigate the occurrence of any side effects in the subpopulation of the Al Jouf region, KSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire had three main sections: the first covered basic information including gender, age, general health status, place, socio-economic position, nationality, smoking, and diabetes. Section 2 included the COVID-19 vaccination status and side effects, and the third section dealt with the dental history. Informed consent was obtained from the recruited individuals. Participants completed a Google self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty participants responded to the survey forms. Similarly, for diabetics versus non-diabetics, there was no statistically significant difference in the type of vaccine received (chi-square value = 3.125, p-value = 0.682). For smokers versus non-smokers, the chi-square test showed a non-significant difference in side effects (chi-square = 2.56, p-value = 0.109), indicating that there was no significant difference in the side effects experienced by smokers and non-smokers. For diabetics versus non-diabetics, the chi-square test showed a non-significant difference in side effects (chi-square = 0.34, p-value = 0.560), indicating that there was no significant difference in the side effects experienced by diabetics and non-diabetics. CONCLUSION: Smokers and diabetics had higher harmful effects than non-smokers and non-diabetics. These findings need larger, robust trials to support treatment decision-making.

Colour Stability of Two Commercially Available Maxillofacial Prosthetic Elastomers after Outdoor Weathering in Al Jouf Province.

Facial prostheses are created from special elastomers modified for their specific physical and mechanical properties; however, they also show two common major clinical problems: gradual discolouration of the prosthesis over time in service environment and deterioration of static, dynamic, and physical properties. As a result of external environmental factors, facial prostheses may become discoloured and discolour by changing colour from intrinsic and extrinsic colouring, and this is associated with the intrinsic colour stability of elastomers and colourants. Thus, in this in vitro study, a comparative evaluation of the effect of outdoor weathering on the colour stability of A-103 and A-2000 room-temperature vulcanised silicones used for maxillofacial prosthesis was conducted. To accomplish this study, a total of 80 samples were fabricated, 40 samples of each material were grouped as clear (20) and pigmented (20). These samples were mounted on wooden board and the assembly was placed on the roof of the dental school from October 2021 to March 2022. To maximise the amount of sunlight on the specimens, the exposure rack was set on five 68° angles from horizontal and also to prevent standing water. The specimens were left uncovered during exposure. The testing of samples was conducted with the help of a spectrophotometer. The colour values were recorded in the CIELAB colour system. It describes the three colour coordinates (colour values) x, y, and z in three new reference values of L, a, and b, aiding in numerically classifying colour differences. After 2, 4, and 6 months of weathering, testing was conducted using a spectrophotometer and the colour change (ΔE) was calculated. The A-103 RTV silicone group with pigmentation showed the maximum change in colour after six months of environmental conditioning. The data for colour difference within groups were analysed using a one-way ANOVA test. Tukey's post hoc test assessed the pairwise mean comparison's contribution to the overall significant difference. The nonpigmented A-2000 RTV silicone group showed the maximum change in colour after six months of environmental conditioning. After 2, 4, and 6 months of environmental conditioning, pigmented A-2000 RTV silicone showed better colour stability than A-103 RTV silicone. The patients requiring facial prosthesis do need to work on outdoor fields, and thus weathering will have deleterious effects on such prosthesis. Hence, the selection of appropriate silicone material with respect to the Al Jouf province region is crucial, which includes economic, durable, and colour stability.

Assessment of Dimensional Changes in Periodontium with Immediate Replacement of Tooth by Socket-shield Technique.

Background: The reduction of alveolar bone volume following tooth extraction may interfere with the placement of implants. The present study was conducted to assess dimensional changes in periodontium with immediate replacement of tooth by socket-shield technique. Materials and Methods: Twenty fractured central incisors were enrolled, and periodontal ligament (PDL)-mediated root preservation technique was planned with simultaneous implant placement. Results: Out of 20 patients, males were 11 and females were 9. Preoperatively, buccolingual alveolar bone width was 8.1 mm and postoperatively, 9.0 mm. There was 2.1 mm bone loss preoperatively and 2.2 mm postoperatively. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PDL-mediated root preservation technique with simultaneous implant placement is effective.

Gingival-colored Porcelain: A Clinical Report of an Esthetic-prosthetic Paradigm.

Traditionally, periodontics has been instrumental in treating hard- and soft-tissue defect. Surgical and regenerative periodontal procedures can reconstruct the three-dimensional architecture of the hard- and soft-tissue defect. However, at times, these invasive procedures leave the patients with an esthetic problem. In such situations, the defects can be treated by the prosthetic approach. A predictable esthetically pleasing and functional outcome without any surgical procedure is being a choice of treatment for many. This article discusses about the treatment for the defect of excessive hard and soft tissue, using porcelain fused to a metal restoration with gingival-colored porcelain for both tooth-supported and implant-supported fixed prosthesis.

Comparison of effect of desensitizing agents on the retention of crowns cemented with luting agents: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: Many dentists use desensitizing agents to prevent hypersensitivity. This study compared and evaluated the effect of two desensitizing agents on the retention of cast crowns when cemented with various luting agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety freshly extracted human molars were prepared with flat occlusal surface, 6 degree taper and approximately 4 mm axial length. The prepared specimens were divided into 3 groups and each group is further divided into 3 subgroups. Desensitizing agents used were GC Tooth Mousse and GLUMA® desensitizer. Cementing agents used were zinc phosphate, glass ionomer and resin modified glass ionomer cement. Individual crowns with loop were made from base metal alloy. Desensitizing agents were applied before cementation of crowns except for control group. Under tensional force the crowns were removed using an automated universal testing machine. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey-Kramer post hoc test at a preset alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: Resin modified glass ionomer cement exhibited the highest retentive strength and all dentin treatments resulted in significantly different retentive values (In Kg.): GLUMA (49.02 ± 3.32) > Control (48.61 ± 3.54) > Tooth mousse (48.34 ± 2.94). Retentive strength for glass ionomer cement were GLUMA (41.14 ± 2.42) > Tooth mousse (40.32 ± 3.89) > Control (39.09 ± 2.80). For zinc phosphate cement the retentive strength were lowest GLUMA (27.92 ± 3.20) > Control (27.69 ± 3.39) > Tooth mousse (25.27 ± 4.60). CONCLUSION: The use of GLUMA® desensitizer has no effect on crown retention. GC Tooth Mousse does not affect the retentive ability of glass ionomer and resin modified glass ionomer cement, but it decreases the retentive ability of zinc phosphate cement.

Comparison of effect of desensitizing agents on the retention of crowns cemented with luting agents: an in vitro study

PURPOSE: Many dentists use desensitizing agents to prevent hypersensitivity. This study compared and evaluated the effect of two desensitizing agents on the retention of cast crowns when cemented with various luting agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety freshly extracted human molars were prepared with flat occlusal surface, 6 degree taper and approximately 4 mm axial length. The prepared specimens were divided into 3 groups and each group is further divided into 3 subgroups. Desensitizing agents used were GC Tooth Mousse and GLUMA(R) desensitizer. Cementing agents used were zinc phosphate, glass ionomer and resin modified glass ionomer cement. Individual crowns with loop were made from base metal alloy. Desensitizing agents were applied before cementation of crowns except for control group. Under tensional force the crowns were removed using an automated universal testing machine. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey-Kramer post hoc test at a preset alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: Resin modified glass ionomer cement exhibited the highest retentive strength and all dentin treatments resulted in significantly different retentive values (In Kg.): GLUMA (49.02 +/- 3.32) > Control (48.61 +/- 3.54) > Tooth mousse (48.34 +/- 2.94). Retentive strength for glass ionomer cement were GLUMA (41.14 +/- 2.42) > Tooth mousse (40.32 +/- 3.89) > Control (39.09 +/- 2.80). For zinc phosphate cement the retentive strength were lowest GLUMA (27.92 +/- 3.20) > Control (27.69 +/- 3.39) > Tooth mousse (25.27 +/- 4.60). CONCLUSION: The use of GLUMA(R) desensitizer has no effect on crown retention. GC Tooth Mousse does not affect the retentive ability of glass ionomer and resin modified glass ionomer cement, but it decreases the retentive ability of zinc phosphate cement.