International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Editorial

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2 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective

by Antonio Gracco, Alberto De Stefani and Giovanni Bruno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5364; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075364 - 3 Apr 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3485

Abstract

The advent of new technology has caused significant changes in the field of dentistry, enabling dentists and orthodontists to provide more efficient and effective treatments to their patients [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

Research

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10 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forensic Identification: Dental Scan Data Sets of the Palatal Fold Pairs as an Individual Feature in a Longitudinal Cohort Study

by Monika Bjelopavlovic, Desiree Degering, Karl Martin Lehmann, Daniel G. E. Thiem, Jochen Hardt and Katja Petrowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032691 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

The INTERPOL standard for the identification of unknown individuals includes the established primary characteristics of fingerprint, DNA, and teeth. Exposure to noxious agents such as fire and water often severely limits the availability of usable material such as fingerprints. In addition to teeth, [...] Read more.

The INTERPOL standard for the identification of unknown individuals includes the established primary characteristics of fingerprint, DNA, and teeth. Exposure to noxious agents such as fire and water often severely limits the availability of usable material such as fingerprints. In addition to teeth, the protected oral cavity also houses palatal fold pairs, which are the subject of this study to demonstrate individuality and consequently support identification. Material and Methods: In this cohort study, 105 participants’ palates were scanned twice with a dental intraoral scanner (Omnicam SIRONA®) over a 3 month period and were then analyzed using a matching program. The intraindividual and interindividual differences were determined, and the mean values and standard deviations were calculated and presented. Results: The intraindividual differences are highly significantly lower than the interindividual differences (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that palatal rugae pairs can be considered a highly individual feature and could be considered an identification feature in a young and healthy population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

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10 pages, 2696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Effects of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Oral Microcosm Biofilms

by Jiyeon Lee, Sungbo Cho and Hee-Eun Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032447 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

We comparatively evaluated the antibacterial effects of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) on oral microcosm biofilms. Oral microcosm biofilms, which are derived from inoculation with human saliva, were cultured on 48 hydroxyapatite disks for 6 days. The prepared biofilms were divided into three [...] Read more.

We comparatively evaluated the antibacterial effects of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) on oral microcosm biofilms. Oral microcosm biofilms, which are derived from inoculation with human saliva, were cultured on 48 hydroxyapatite disks for 6 days. The prepared biofilms were divided into three different daily treatment groups: distilled water for 1 min, 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) for 1 min, and NTAPP for 5 min. Using a quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital camera, the red fluorescence intensity of the biofilms was measured as red/green ratios (Ratio_R/G) before and after treatment. Total and aciduric bacteria were counted as colony-forming units. Using live/dead bacterial staining, bacterial viability was calculated as the Ratio_G/G+R. Ratio_R/G was approximately 0.91-fold lower in the NTAPP group than in the CHX group on day 1 of treatment (p = 0.001), and approximately 0.94-fold lower on both days 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). The number of total bacteria was higher in the NTAPP group than in the CHX group, but not significantly different. The number of aciduric bacteria was lowest in the CHX group (p < 0.001). However, bacterial viability was lowest in the NTAPP group. Restricted bacterial aggregation was observed in the NTAPP group. These findings suggest that NTAPP may more effectively reduce the pathogenicity of oral microcosm biofilms than 0.12% CHX. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

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10 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chronic Facial Pain in Fibromyalgia: May ElectroMagnetic Field Represent a Promising New Therapy? A Pilot Randomized-Controlled Study

by Marco Storari, Nicoletta Zerman, Benedetta Salis and Enrico Spinas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010391 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Fibromyalgic Syndrome is an important public health burden and affects up to 5% of the world population. It requires a complex treatment plan, possibly including antidepressants, anticonvulsants and benzodiazepines, which may in turn affect the patients’ quality of life: hence the need to [...] Read more.

Fibromyalgic Syndrome is an important public health burden and affects up to 5% of the world population. It requires a complex treatment plan, possibly including antidepressants, anticonvulsants and benzodiazepines, which may in turn affect the patients’ quality of life: hence the need to find additional therapies. The current pilot randomized-controlled study analyzes the effect of electromagnetic field locally administered as add-on therapy in the treatment of cervico-facial pain in patients with fibromyalgic syndrome. 17 patients were selected and low-frequency electromagnetic field was applied via small patches worn in the neck area, between vertebrae C3–C4. Patients were divided into 2 groups, Treated, receiving the therapy, and Placebo, receiving an identical device which was not working,, with respectively 8 and 9 patients. The whole follow up period was 12 months and facial/cervical pain levels were rated using VAS scale. Significant differences were found between patients who received placebo and those treated. Treated patients showed statistically significant improvements in facial/cervical pain at each time-point, both with respect to the previous one and if compared to placebo. In conclusion, low frequency electromagnetic field emerged as beneficial in treating cervico-facial pain in patients with Fibromyalgic syndrome, with no side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

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11 pages, 2171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of 3D-Printed Tooth Containing Simulated Deep Caries Lesions for Practicing Selective Caries Removal: A Pilot Study

by Piyaphong Panpisut, Patchayaporn Doungkom, Chawal Padunglappisit, Worachate Romalee and Nattira Suksudaj

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010090 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2495

Abstract

A standard model for practicing caries removal skills is needed to support learners in managing deep carious lesions. The aim of the current study was to prepare 3D-printed teeth with added simulated carious layers and a pulpal structure. A first permanent mandibular containing [...] Read more.

A standard model for practicing caries removal skills is needed to support learners in managing deep carious lesions. The aim of the current study was to prepare 3D-printed teeth with added simulated carious layers and a pulpal structure. A first permanent mandibular containing occlusal (Class I) or proximal (Class II) cavities was printed. The teeth were then filled with wax and resin-modified glass ionomer cements mixed with a color modifier to simulate pulp and deep caries, respectively. Undergraduate dental students (n = 61) were asked to remove the caries using the selective caries removal (SCR) technique on the teeth. The students then completed a self-administered questionnaire to rate their caries removal experiences. One instructor then assessed the prepared teeth. Overall, the students provided positive feedback on the use of 3D-printed teeth; 72.1% agreed that the printed teeth provided a realistic model for practicing the SCR technique, 75.4% indicated that the new teeth were the appropriate choice for practicing the SCR technique, and 86.9% agreed that 3D-printed teeth should be used before treating real patients. More than half of the students had satisfactory outcomes in terms of the depth and caries removal aspects of the cavity preparation. These findings suggest that the developed 3D-printed teeth can potentially be adopted to practice caries removals in preclinical dental education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

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6 pages, 436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Accuracy of Four Intraoral Scanners in Mandibular Full-Arch Digital Implant Impression: A Comparative In Vitro Study

by Adolfo Di Fiore, Lorenzo Graiff, Gianpaolo Savio, Stefano Granata, Michele Basilicata, Patrizio Bollero and Roberto Meneghello

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084719 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2714

Abstract

Background: We compare the accuracy of new intraoral scanners (IOSs) in full-arch digital implant impressions. Methods: A master model with six scan bodies was milled in poly(methyl methacrylate), measured by using a coordinate measuring machine, and scanned 15 times with four IOSs: PrimeScan, [...] Read more.

Background: We compare the accuracy of new intraoral scanners (IOSs) in full-arch digital implant impressions. Methods: A master model with six scan bodies was milled in poly(methyl methacrylate), measured by using a coordinate measuring machine, and scanned 15 times with four IOSs: PrimeScan, Medit i500, Vatech EZ scan, and iTero. The software was developed to identify the position points on each scan body. The 3D position and distance analysis were performed. Results: The average and ± standard deviation of the 3D position analysis was 29 μm ± 6 μm for PrimeScan, 39 μm ± 6 μm for iTero, 48 μm ± 18 μm for Mediti500, and 118 μm ± 24 μm for Vatech EZ scan (p < 0.05). Conclusions: All IOSs are able to make a digital complete implant impression in vitro according to the average misfit value reported in literature (150 μm); however, the 3D distance analysis showed that only the Primescan and iTero presented negligible systematic error sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

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Review

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13 pages, 946 KiB

Open AccessReview

Validation of Vectra 3D Imaging Systems: A Review

by Alberto De Stefani, Martina Barone, Sam Hatami Alamdari, Arjola Barjami, Ugo Baciliero, Federico Apolloni, Antonio Gracco and Giovanni Bruno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148820 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3834

Abstract

Aim: Three-dimensional facial imaging systems are a useful tool that is gradually replacing two-dimensional imaging and traditional anthropometry with calipers. In this varied and growing landscape of new devices, Canfield (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ, USA) has proposed a series of static and portable [...] Read more.

Aim: Three-dimensional facial imaging systems are a useful tool that is gradually replacing two-dimensional imaging and traditional anthropometry with calipers. In this varied and growing landscape of new devices, Canfield (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ, USA) has proposed a series of static and portable 3D imaging systems. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current literature regarding the validation of Canfield’s Vectra imaging systems. Materials and Methods: A search strategy was developed on electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus by using specific keywords. After the study selection phase, a total of 10 articles were included in the present review. Results: A total of 10 articles were finally included in the present review. For six articles, we conducted a validation of the Vectra static devices, focusing especially on the Vectra M5, Vectra M3 and Vectra XT. For four articles, we validated the Vectra H1 portable system. Conclusions: All of the reviewed articles concluded that Canfield’s Vectra 3D imaging systems are capable of capturing accurate and reproducible stereophotogrammetric images. Minor errors were reported, particularly in the acquisition of the perioral region, but all the evaluated devices are considered to be valid and accurate tools for clinicians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

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Other

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7 pages, 2664 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Multi-Material 3D Printing of a Customized Sports Mouth Guard: Proof-of-Concept Clinical Case

by Alexey Unkovskiy, Fabian Huettig, Pablo Kraemer-Fernandez and Sebastian Spintzyk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12762; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312762 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3993

Abstract

A multilayer mouth guard is known to have the best protective performance. However, its manufacturing in a digital workflow may be challenging with regards to virtual design and materialization. The present case demonstrates a pathway to fabricate a multilayer individualized mouth guard in [...] Read more.

A multilayer mouth guard is known to have the best protective performance. However, its manufacturing in a digital workflow may be challenging with regards to virtual design and materialization. The present case demonstrates a pathway to fabricate a multilayer individualized mouth guard in a fully digital workflow, which starts with intraoral scanning. A free-form CAD software was used for the virtual design. Two various CAM techniques were used, including Polyjet 3D printing of rubber-like soft material and silicone printing using Drop-on-Demand technique. For both methods the outer layer was manufactured from more rigid materials to facilitate its protective function; the inner layer was printed from a softer material to aid a better adaptation to mucosa and teeth. Both 3D printed multilayer mouth guards showed a clinically acceptable fit and were met with patient appraisal. Their protective capacities must be evaluated in further clinical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective)

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