Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status among general masses: An in-deep analysis of the worst "hitters" of COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: A plethora of studies have reported the adverse psychiatric outcomes among the general masses during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, not much data is available in relation to the Indian population from this perspective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status among the general masses in the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was planned in a cross-sectional study design between July 2020 and October 2021 in which a well-structured questionnaire, consisting of questions assessing the sociodemographic profile, while, also, specific questions related to the stress and anxiety-related variables, was used. The questionnaire was validated through intra-class correlation with a strong correlation of 0.84. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis to test the association between the studied variables, while P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: On comparison between the male and female participants using stress and anxiety-related variables, 43.81% of males as against 56.19% of the female participants reported that they felt horrified due to the pandemic with the results being statistically highly significant (P = 0.0043). Similarly, 45.18% of male and 54.82% of female participants expressed apprehension due to the fear of the pandemic with the results being statistically significant (P = 0.0217). CONCLUSION: The research findings of the present study indicated that men and women responded to stress differently, with women experiencing greater sadness and anxiety and were found to be at a relatively greater risk for developing anxiety and depression than men.

Traumatic Dental Injuries and their Association with Demographics and Other Predisposing Risk Factors in School Children Aged between 8-13 Years: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Traumatic dental injuries are most commonly seen in school age children. This not only affects physical, but, also, the psychological and social well-being of a child. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in school children aged between 8 and 13 years and their association with the demographics and other predisposing risk factors. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a cross-sectional study design on 1500 school children aged between 8 and 13 years. Apart from clinical examination, all the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire related to the injuries sustained. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (IBM, Chicago). Pearson's Chi-square (Χ²) test was used for categorical data analysis and distribution to determine the association between categorical variables, while P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in the present study was calculated at 9.7%. Also, the occurrence of such injuries was found to be higher in the age group of 8-11 years with 10 years being the peak age of incidence for sustaining such injuries. Again, crown fracture involving enamel was found to be the most common type of injury sustained, while proclination observed in relation to upper anterior teeth, and incompetent lips were found to be the independent, significant risk predictors associated with the frequency and severity of such injuries. Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study suggested a high prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in school children aged between 8 and 13 years highlighting the need for conducting educational programs, for increasing knowledge and awareness of parents, school children and school faculty in this regard to save the affected child patients from the more dreaded sequelae including complete loss of tooth structure, and social and emotional trauma.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists after the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Dentists are at an increased risk of encountering cross-infections because of working in close proximity with oral mucosa and saliva making use of high-speed rotary instruments during treatment generating large amount of aerosols and splatter which in turn increases the probability of nosocomial spread of infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted using Google Forms wherein a well-structured questionnaire composed of a total of 25 closed-ended questions was distributed among practicing dentists through online mode. Step-wise linear regression analysis was done to determine the influence of independent variables on the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of the participants. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: On analyzing the results, multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant difference in the knowledge scores among the participants, while good attitude and practice scores were significantly associated with higher qualification of the participants. Another noteworthy finding in the study was the significant correlation observed between the various components of the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores among the participants (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded from the findings of the present survey that dentists were found to have good knowledge scores about the COVID-19 pandemic. They should, however, pay more emphasis on practicing tele-triaging and proper screening and should follow various guidelines and advisories issued from time to time by the competent authorities.

Strategic implants and bone morphogenic changes: Survival and clinical success in long-term.

Dental implants are one of the established treatment protocols to replace/restore lost tooth/teeth structures. Ihde and Ihde redefined concept of strategic implantology based on immediate loading. The aim of present case series was to evaluate efficacy of strategic implants regarding primary stability, quality of bone, survival, and clinical success in long-term. The present case series included a total of 26 patients aged 40 to 70 years restored with strategic implants after an immediate loading protocol. On follow-up visits, clinical assessment of implant stability was done by absence of implant mobility and absence of pain and dysesthesia while radiographically, immediate postoperative crestal bone level was compared with that observed on follow-up visits. Also, integration of apical and/or crestal threads of implants were assessed radiographically for any signs of radiolucency along with healing of sockets and crestal bone levels in relation to abutment margins.

Perception of dental students regarding possible career challenges and associated factors towards working in rural areas: A questionnaire based survey.

OBJECTIVE: The shortage of health care professionals in rural areas contributes toward discriminatory health care delivery. The present study was planned with a similar intent and aimed to evaluate the perception of dental students regarding their future in rural areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional study comprising of a 30-item questionnaire survey instrument distributed among a total of 550 dental students while the results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 12.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Independent student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for comparison among the variables while the Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the attitude based on gender (P = 0.43), although, a statistically significant difference was observed in the attitude of students based on the year of their education with a positive attitude toward rural dental practice generally noted in the first year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students which significantly declined with the increasing level of education (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Dental students were more influenced by the negative aspects of rural dental practice though they had, in their mind, a positive approach for the same at the beginning of their education, but this significantly declined with the increasing level of their education.

Comparative evaluation of variations in torque expression in maxillary incisor and canine using different bracket prescriptions placed at different crown levels by finite element (FE) method: An in-vitro analysis.

OBJECTIVE: While using preadjusted brackets, the position of the bracket on the crown is one of the deciding factors that determine the tooth's final tip, torque, height, and rotation. The final tooth position is not optimal if the bracket is placed incorrectly or if the varying crown morphology does not correspond with the bracket design. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the variations in torque expression in maxillary incisor and canine using different bracket prescriptions placed at different crown levels by finite element method. METHODS: For the present study, three-dimensional models of maxillary right central incisor and canine were made using CREO version 4.0 software. CREO is a powerful three-dimensional (3-D) computer-based, computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) to aid in design processes. Simulation was done to replicate the clinical situation of an active palatal root torque acting on the incisor and canine. The induced palatal movement of root tips and labial movement of crowns tips, overall stress, and von Mises stress generated in the brackets and the total equivalent strains developed in the periodontal ligament (PDL) were calculated, while the values obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Based on the findings of the present study, the average maximum stress produced in the bracket was calculated as 265.069 Mpa in incisor and 166.742 Mpa in the canine. Likewise, the average of the maximum displacement of root apex observed in the present study was calculated as 0.01401 mm in the incisor and 0.00421 mm in the canine, while the average strain developed in the PDL was calculated as 0.0587 for incisor and 0.0498 for the canine. Furthermore, it was, also, observed that the magnitude of strain developed in the PDL increased with increase in the stress produced by the bracket prescription for both incisor and canine. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that the magnitude of displacement of root apex was significantly influenced by bracket prescription and bracket position. Also, the stress developed in the bracket was influenced by bracket prescription and position, while the variation in crown morphology in the incisor and canine played a significant role in the eventual strain developed in the PDL after torque application.

Comparative evaluation of impact strength of mechanically modified heat polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin with addition of 0.5, 1, 2 wt% of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs): An in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is one of the most widely used denture base material because of favorable esthetics and desirable characteristics such as easy handling. Acrylic resins, although, have some inherent disadvantages such as relatively poor physical and mechanical properties. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the impact strength of unmodified and modified heat cure PMMA-based denture base material with addition of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (0.5, 1, 2 wt%). METHODS: The present in-vitro study comprised of a total of 60 samples allocated to four groups with Group A samples consisting of heat cure acrylic resin without any modification (used as control); Group B samples consisting of heat cure acrylic resin modified with 0.5 wt% of AgNPs; and subsequently, Group C and Group D samples consisting of heat cure acrylic resin modified with 1 wt% and 2 wt% of AgNPs, respectively. The impact strength of the prepared acrylic samples was evaluated using Izod/Charpy Impact Tester, while the values obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), while one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple post-hoc procedures were used for statistical analysis. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The highest impact strength was found in Group C samples consisting of heat cure acrylic resin modified with 1 wt% of AgNPs to be closely followed by Group B samples consisting of heat cure acrylic resin modified with 0.5 wt% of AgNPs. Group D samples consisting of heat cure acrylic resin modified with 2 wt% of AgNPs, although, revealed relatively lower impact strength compared to Group B and Group C samples. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that the impact strength of mechanically modified heat polymerized PMMA resin was significantly enhanced with addition of varying concentrations of AgNPs, although, it was observed that with an increase in the concentration of AgNPs, a subsequent decrease in the tensile strength of the final polymer material was observed.

Comparison of shear bond strength of composite resin, compomer, and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements in primary teeth: An in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The contemporary esthetic restorative materials such as composite resin and glass-ionomer cements and their modifications have all been developed keeping in mind the requirements of permanent teeth. There have been plenty of studies that have focused on the characteristics of these materials in relation to permanent teeth with a relative dearth of such studies as regard to the primary teeth. The present study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the shear bond strength of composite resin, compomer, and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements in primary teeth. METHODS: Thirty non-carious primary molars that were indicated for extraction because of physiological resorption or, for orthodontic reasons, were selected. The selected teeth were randomly allocated to three groups of 10 each for composite, compomer, and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements. The enamel from the occlusal surface of all teeth was removed to expose the superficial dentin and was wet polished with 400 grit sand paper. Composite, compomer, and resin-modified glass-ionomer stubs were bonded on to the occlusal surfaces using a plastic tube as a template. All samples were, then, subjected to thermocycling and evaluation of shear bond strength using the universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min, whereas the results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), whereas one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple post-hoc procedures were used for statistical analysis. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength values for Groups I, II, and III were found to be 11.7 ± 3.07 MPa, 7.74 ± 4.16 Mpa, and 4.43 ± 2.08 Mpa, respectively, whereas one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post-hoc procedures indicated that there were remarkable differences among the three groups with the results being statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Composite resin showed the highest shear bond strength in relation to primary dentin when compared to compomer and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements.

Canine retraction and anchorage loss using self-ligating and conventional brackets with sliding mechanics: A split-mouth clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Appliance biocompatibility, orthodontic treatment efficiency and patient convenience are the major issues confronting contemporary orthodontic practice. Very few studies have been published till date regarding the efficiency of self-ligating brackets as against conventional brackets. Hence, the present study was planned to compare the rate of canine retraction between self-ligating and conventional brackets and to determine the amount of anchorage loss during canine retraction. METHODS: The present clinical study was designed as a prospective, observational study comprising of 25 patients requiring first premolar extraction as a part of orthodontic treatment. Self-ligating and conventional brackets were bonded using a split-mouth study design randomly. Retraction of canines was done with 150 grams of force using Dontrix gauge with E-chains. The study was conducted in relation to upper arch only, while the rate of retraction was evaluated every 4 weeks for 3 months. Average rates of retraction in 3 months were calculated. For anchorage loss, an acrylic guide plug was used in mid-treatment cast (T0) and after 3 months of retraction (T3). The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Independent t-test was used to compare the means of the two variables studied, while Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the variables studied in the groups included. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between the average rate of canine retraction with self-ligating brackets vs. conventional brackets over a period of 3 months came out to be 0.6434, while on comparing the data in terms of anchorage loss over a period of 3 months, the respective correlation coefficient value was found to be 0.6659 with the results being statistically highly significant in either case (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Self-ligating brackets showed double the amount of displacement compared to conventional brackets in some of the cases. Also, chair side time was significantly reduced with self-ligating brackets as against conventional brackets.

Osteoporosis risk group: Screening for osteoporosis in dental clinics using panoramic radiographs.

Osteoporosis is a specific condition which is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone structure resulting in an increased susceptibility to fractures. It contributes to a great deal of morbidity and mortality, and is a large burden to the healthcare system, especially in the case of the elderly population. In the last four decades, a plethora of studies have reported characteristic oral radiographic findings in the early stages of osteoporosis, suggesting the possible use of oral radiographic signs for the early detection of the condition. Digital orthopantomographs (OPGs) are usually taken for the screening of dental patients during routine dental evaluations. These radiographs and the characteristic changes seen on them may have a significant role in the screening for initial osteoporotic changes. A number of precise radiomorphometric indices of the mandible have also been developed to allow quantification of the mandibular bone mass for identification of the initial signs of osteoporosis. The present review focuses on the possible role of panoramic radiographs in the initial screening for osteoporosis in dental clinics in high-risk groups.