Search Results (48)

Partial or complete dentures are constructed from thermoplastic resins that are thermally processed and molded. This review examines the presently available evidence for the cytotoxicity of thermoplasticized denture base resins on human gingival epithelial cells, adipose cells, and fibroblasts; human amnion fibroblasts; and mouse fibroblasts. Electronic searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant articles to be included in the review until September 2022. Clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies in English language were searched for. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Toxicological data Reliability Assessment tool (ToxRTool) developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. GRADE assessment was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Seven in vitro studies were included in the review. The overall risk of bias was determined to be high, with the majority of studies assessed found to be reliable with restrictions or not reliable. Only two studies were considered reliable without restrictions based on ToxRTool assessment. The effect of thermoplastic denture base resins on viability and cell adherence of human gingival or amnion fibroblasts and mouse fibroblasts (L929s) is not significant. Conditioned media from unpolished specimens of resins were significantly more toxic to cultured cells than those from polished specimens. This may be of concern in cases of poor post-processing of dentures. Based on the limited evidence available, there is low-certainty evidence that thermoplastic denture base resins appear to be biocompatible and show insignificant cytotoxicity. Further well-designed trials adhering to standard reporting guidelines and using objective measures are necessary before outlining universal guidelines for best practice. Long-term in vivo and clinical assessment is necessary to corroborate laboratory findings with clinical outcomes. Denture base resins are in constant contact with oral tissues, and cytotoxic components released by the resins may irritate or inflame the tissues or provoke an allergic response. Full article

Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with endodontic pulpitis, causing damage to the dental pulp, leading to severe pain and a decline in quality of life. Regenerative pulp treatments using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be hindered by interactions between DPSCs and the infecting bacteria. The protein WNT family member 4 (Wnt4) plays a critical role in the differentiation of DPSCs and the regeneration of odontogenic tissue. However, the specific influence of P. gingivalis on Wnt4 remains unclear. In this study, we employed a computational approach to investigate the underlying mechanisms through which P. gingivalis-produced metabolites inhibit the Wnt4 protein, thereby diminishing the regenerative potential and therapeutic efficacy of odontogenic tissue. Among the metabolites examined, C₂₉H₄₆N₇O₁₈P₃S⁻⁴ exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the Wnt4 protein, as evidenced by the lowest binding energy score of −6782 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamic simulation trajectories revealed that the binding of C₂₉H₄₆N₇O₁₈P₃S⁻⁴ significantly altered the structural dynamics and stability of the Wnt4 protein. These alterations in protein trajectories may have implications for the molecular function of Wnt4 and its associated pathways. Overall, our findings shed light on the inhibitory impact of P. gingivalis-produced metabolites on the Wnt4 protein. Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are necessary to validate and expand upon our findings. Full article

Cement-retained implant restorations still represents a widely used prosthetic solution today, considering the simple execution, the possibility of correcting the implant axis according to the dental axis and an extremely satisfactory aesthetic. The objective of the study is to evaluate whether resin-based cements are actually more aggressive towards the peri-implant tissue compared to zinc oxide cements. In the present study 18 patients (8 males and 10 females) were examined with a split-mouth design. The follow-up period for patients after delivery of the cement-retained single crown is a maximum of 48 months. A total of 36 implants were inserted and monitored during this period. Clinical and radiographic tests were carried out on all 36 implants, with constant re-evaluation, as well as the occurrence of some prosthetic or biological problems that brought the patient back to visit. The results for both cements were in line with the indications of the respective manufacturers. During the observational period, no implant failed, with a survival rate of 100% on these 36 implants. In conclusion, it is possible to establish that the number of decementations of the cement-retained crowns cemented with Temp Bond non-eugenol was higher, but not statistically significant. In contrast, the biological complications per implant and the MBL were significantly higher in the cement-retained crowns cemented with Implacem. Full article

Since there are no data in the literature regarding the comparison of the marginal adaptation of hydraulic sealers when used with a single-cone technique or through thermomechanical compaction, this study aimed to evaluate the behavior of four different endodontic sealers used with the two above-mentioned obturation techniques by evaluating the marginal gap existing between the obturation materials and the dentinal walls through scanning electron microscopy. Given this objective, a total of 104 single-rooted, straight canal teeth were selected and divided into four subgroups according to the selected endodontic sealer ((AH) Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHP), EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (ES), C-Root SP (CR), and GuttaFlow Bioseal (GF)). Each tooth was decoronated and instrumented with the HyFlex EDM/CM systematics up to 30.04. After irrigation procedures, the teeth of each subgroup were divided into two groups and obturated according to two different obturation techniques: the single-cone technique (SC) and the thermomechanical compaction technique (TC). After the required sealer setting time, each tooth was sectioned in three parts at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex, and each section was observed with a scanning electron microscope. The marginal gap of each sample was measured using G* Power Software v3.1, and the statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by a post hoc Dunn’s test. Results showed that there were not any statistically significant differences in terms of the marginal gap between the two different above-mentioned obturation techniques for each sealer, except for the middle third of root canals, where a statistically significant difference was found for AHP, ES, and GF sealers. In conclusion, the thermomechanical compaction of hydraulic sealers and gutta-percha guarantees better sealing than the single-cone technique when the root canal shape is not rounded. Full article

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of salivary uric acid and arginase in patients with periodontitis, generalized gingivitis, and in healthy individuals. Then, the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on levels of salivary arginase and uric acid were also investigated. Methods: A total of 60 subjects were divided into three groups based on periodontal health: group I comprised 20 healthy individuals; group II comprised 20 subjects who had generalized gingivitis; group III comprised 20 subjects who had generalized periodontitis. On day 0, the clinical examination of periodontal status was recorded, following which saliva samples were collected. Group II and group III subjects underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy. These patients were recalled on day 30 to collect saliva samples. The periodontal parameters were reassessed on day 90, and saliva samples were collected for analysis of salivary arginase and uric acid levels. Results: Group II and group III showed improvement in clinical parameters following non-surgical periodontal therapy on the 90th day. The MGI score, PPD, and CAL showed improvement. On day 0, at baseline, salivary arginase levels in group III and group II were higher than those in healthy subjects, whereas on day 0, salivary uric acid levels in group III and group II were lower than those in healthy subjects. Both on day 0 and day 90, the salivary arginase level showed a positive correlation with the periodontal parameters, whereas the salivary uric acid level was positively correlated with the periodontal parameters on day 90. Conclusion: the level of salivary arginase was a pro-inflammatory marker and a raised level of salivary uric acid was an anti-inflammatory marker following periodontal therapy, suggesting their pivotal role in assessing periodontal status and evaluation of treatment outcome. Full article

(1) Background: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are derived from pulp tissue lodged within human teeth and are mesenchymal in origin. These DPSCs have been demonstrated to dissociate into clusters of various cell lineages and are very easy to isolate, culture, and expand. Melatonin, a multifaceted molecule with a spectrum of effects in the human body, is known to influence stem cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation, but little is known about the impact melatonin has on the capacity of DPSCs to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. The primary objective of this research was to explore the impact that melatonin has on proliferation, and the capacity of DPSCs to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. (2) Methodology: DPSCs were extracted from 12 healthy human teeth, cultured, and expanded. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the surface stem cell markers. Further, melatonin was added to the cultured DPSCs in various concentrations, to assess cytotoxicity using an MTT assay. Following this, the DPSCs were tested for their proliferative ability, as well as adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capabilities under the influence of variable concentrations of melatonin. (3) Results: DPSCs obtained from human teeth demonstrated surface characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells, as shown by the positive expression of CD105, CD90, and CD73 markers. An MTT cytotoxicity assay revealed that melatonin was well tolerated by the cells at low (1 µM) and high (25 µM) concentrations. Assessment of DPSC cell differentiation elucidated that melatonin at 1 µM and 25 µM concentrations with the induction media stimulated DPSCs to differentiate into osteocytes, but did not have much influence on adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. (4) Conclusions: Melatonin could be used in stem cell and tissue engineering applications for osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs and could protect these cells due to its cytoprotective, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant roles, in addition to being an osteopromoter molecule. Full article

This study analyzes the evidence of the marginal discrepancy and internal adaptation of copings fabricated using three types of resin patterns with subtractive (milling) and additive technology (3D printing), as it is not widely reported. Working casts (n = 15) were scanned and patterns were completed using computer-aided designing (CAD). Resin patterns were fabricated using the designed data and divided into three groups according to the method of fabrication of patterns: subtractive technology–CAD milled polymethyl methacrylate resin (Group-PMMA), additive technology [digital light processing (DLP) technique]–acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) patterns (Group-ABS), and polylactic acid (PLA) patterns (Group-PLA). Resin patterns were casted with Cobalt–Chromium (Co–Cr) alloy (lost wax technique). Internal and marginal gaps of the metal copings were analyzed with the replica technique under optical microscope. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare values among the groups, and post hoc multiple tests confirmed the specific differences within the groups. The median marginal gap was least for CAD milled resin patterns, followed by PLA printed resin patterns and ABS printed resin patterns. There were significant differences between Group-PMMA and Group-PLA and Group-ABS (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between Group-PLA and Group-ABS (p = 0.899). The median internal gap was least for metal copings fabricated from Group-PLA, followed by Group-ABS and Group-PMMA. The differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.638) for the internal gap. Full metal Co–Cr copings fabricated from the milled PMMA group had a better marginal fit, followed by the PLA and ABS printed groups. Copings fabricated with the PLA printed group had the best internal fit, though the values were statistically insignificant between the groups. Full article

Resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDP) are minimally invasive alternatives to traditional full-coverage fixed partial dentures as they rely on resin cements for retention. This study compared and evaluated the tensile bond strength of three different resin-bonded bridge designs, namely, three-unit fixed-fixed, two-unit cantilever single abutment, and three-unit cantilever double-abutted resin-bonded bridge. Furthermore, the study attempted to compare the tensile bond strengths of the Maryland and Rochette types of resin-bonded bridges. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of seventy-five extracted maxillary incisors were collected and later were mounted on the acrylic blocks. Three distinct resin-bonded metal frameworks were designed: three-unit fixed-fixed (n = 30), two-unit cantilever single abutment (n = 30), and a three-unit cantilever double abutment (n = 30). The main groups were further divided into two subgroups based on the retainer design such as Rochette and Maryland. The different prosthesis designs were cemented to the prepared teeth. Later, abutment preparations were made on all specimens keeping the preparation as minimally invasive and esthetic oriented. Impression of the preparations were made using polyvinyl siloxane impression material, followed by pouring cast using die stone. A U-shaped handle of 1.5 mm diameter sprue wax with a 3 mm hole in between was attached to the occlusal surface of each pattern. The wax patterns were sprued and cast in a cobalt–chromium alloy. The castings were cleaned by sandblasting, followed by finishing and polishing. Lastly, based on the study group, specimens for Rochette bridge were perforated to provide mechanical retention between resin cement and metal, whereas the remaining 15 specimens were sandblasted on the palatal side to provide mechanical retention (Maryland bridge). In order to evaluate the tensile bond strength, the specimens were subjected to tensile forces on a universal testing machine with a uniform crosshead speed. The fixed-fixed partial prosthesis proved superior to both cantilever designs, whereas the single abutment cantilever design showed the lowest tensile bond strength. Maryland bridges uniformly showed higher bond strengths across all framework designs. Within the limitations of this study, the three-unit fixed-fixed design and Maryland bridges had greater bond strengths, implying that they may demonstrate lower clinical failure than cantilever designs and Rochette bridges. Full article

Objectives: Tobacco consumption is of major concern for public health. Compromised oral hygiene accentuated by tobacco leads to alteration in the oral mucosa and microbiome, including Candida, and its species can be identified rapidly using CHROMagar. Curcumin, a naturally available compound possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal, and immunomodulatory properties. Hence, a comprehensive study was planned. Aim: To evaluate and compare cytomorphometric analysis and Candida colonization and speciation in tobacco users before and after the use of curcumin gel. Materials and Methods: The study comprised a total of 120 participants (the study (tobacco habit) group, n = 60 and control (healthy) group, n = 60). The intervention was the application of curcumin gel over the lesion area three times daily for 2 months. All participants’ oral health status was assessed, followed by cytomorphometric analysis and Candida colonization and speciation using CHROMagar. Results: Cytomorphometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in the control and study group for cell diameter (CD), nuclear diameter (ND), CD:ND ratio, and micronuclei (p = 0.0001). Candida colonization had a significantly higher number of colonies in the habit group when compared to the control group. Candida tropicalis was predominant in the study group, whereas Candida albicans was predominant in the control group. In the study group, after intervention with curcumin, a statistically significant difference was seen in nuclear diameter, CD:ND ratio, and micronuclei. There was a reduction in the number of Candida colonies, and Candida albicans was the predominant species observed in the study group after the intervention of curcumin and discontinuation of habit. Conclusion: Curcumin was found to reduce the number of micronuclei and also decreased Candida colonization, along with the discontinuation of habit in tobacco users. Full article

The essential factor in determining the preservation of restoration is the marginal seal. Restoring cervical lesions with a resin composite has always been a challenge. Composite resins with various viscosities and different bonding systems are being researched to reduce the microleakage. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is the latest non-destructive technique for visualizing the microleakage. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the microleakage of Universal Flo composite resin (G-aenial) using etch and rinse adhesive system ER-2 steps (Adper Single Bond 2), self-etch adhesive system SE-1 step (G-Bond), and self-adhesive flowable composite resin (Constic) in Class V cavities using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Materials and Method: Class V cavities were prepared on 27 caries-free human extracted premolar teeth on the buccal and lingual surfaces with standardized dimensions of 2 mm height, width 4 mm, and a depth of 2 mm. After the cavity preparation, all teeth were randomly divided into three groups, namely Group-I: G-aenial Universal Flo with Single Bond 2 (n = 9 teeth); Group-II: G- aenial Universal Flo with G-Bond (n = 9 teeth), and Group-III: Constic (n = 9 teeth). The prepared and restored specimens were then subjected to thermocycling for 500 cycles in a water bath at 5 °C and 55 °C with a dwelling time of 30 s. The specimens were placed in 0.6% aqueous rhodamine dye for 48 h. Sectioning was carried out bucco-lingually and specimens were evaluated for microleakage under a confocal laser scanning microscope. Results: There was a significant difference (p = 0.009) in microleakage when comparing total etch and rinse, specifically between Adper Single Bond 2 ER-2 steps (fifth generation) and self-adhesive flowable composite resin, which is Constic. There was more microleakage in the self-etch bonding agent, particularly G-Bond, SE-1 step (seventh generation), when compared to ER-2 steps (fifth generation bonding agent); however, the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.468). The self-adhesive flowable composite resin showed more microleakage than SE-1 step and ER-2 steps. Conclusions: None of the adhesive systems tested were free from microleakage. However, less microleakage was observed in the total etch and rinse, especially Adper Single Bond 2 (ER-2 steps), than the self-etch adhesive system SE-1 step and self-adhesive flowable composite resin. Clinical significance: Constant research and technological advancements are taking place in dentin adhesives to improve the marginal seal. This has led to the evolution of total acid-etching dentin bonding agents termed as etch and rinse (ER)-2 steps (fifth generation dentin bonding agents) and self-etching (SE) 2 steps, and SE-1 step dentin bonding agents termed as the sixth and seventh generation bonding agents, respectively. Full article

This study aimed to compare the C-reactive protein level and visual analog scale scores of piezo- and rotatory-based surgical extraction of the third molar. As a split-mouth study, the comparative groups consisted of 25 patients, each of whom underwent surgical removal of the third molar by piezo on one side and rotatory bur on the other side. C-reactive protein levels were quantitatively assessed (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) before and immediately post-extraction. The immediate postoperative blood sample (baseline) C-reactive protein levels were compared with 24 h and 72 h post-op samples, both within and between the groups. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale at 24 h and 72 h post-operatively. The C-reactive protein levels were lower in the piezo group than in the rotatory group, although the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The visual analog scale score was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the piezo group than in the rotatory group. The C-reactive protein levels increased in both the rotary and piezo groups from the pre-op to the immediate post-op value, but in the piezo group, the levels dropped back after 24 h. On the contrary, in the rotatory group, the C-reactive level kept increasing until 24 h; the visual analog scale score dropped significantly from 24 to 72 h for both the rotatory and piezo groups. Surgical techniques that could spare the surrounding soft tissues, such as the piezo, could aid in reducing overall postoperative morbidity. Full article

CAD/CAM technology is gaining popularity and replacing archaic conventional procedures for fabricating dentures. CAD/CAM supports using a digital workflow reduce the number of visits, chair time, and laboratory time, making it attractive to patients. This study aimed to provide a comparative review of complete dentures manufactured using CAD/CAM and conventional methods. The PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published in English within the last 11 years (from 2011 to 2021). The keywords used were “computer-engineered complete dentures”, “CAD/CAM complete dentures”, “computer-aided engineering complete dentures”, and “digital complete dentures”. The search yielded 102 articles. Eighteen relevant articles were included in this review. Overall, computer-engineered complete dentures have several advantages over conventional dentures. Patients reported greater satisfaction with computer-engineered complete dentures (CECDs) due to better fit, reduced chair time, shorter appointments, and fewer post-insertion visits. CAD/CAM allows for precision and reproducibility with fewer procedures compared to conventional dentures. Polymethyl methacrylate is used as the denture base material for conventional dentures. For CECDs, the resin can be modified and cross-linked to improve its mechanical properties. The advantages of CECDs include a reduced number of appointments, saving chairside time, a digital workflow allowing easy reproducibility and greater patient satisfaction with a better fit. Full article

Substance-abuse disorders are universally associated with comorbid illness. Tobacco is a widely abused substance across the globe and presents a critical public health problem. The precise correlation between tobacco use and dental caries remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between tobacco use and dental caries. Methodology: Based on selection criteria, a total of 270 (age 20–50 years) participants were included in the study, and were categorized as group A (n = 135), consisting of tobacco users, and group B (n = 135), comprising healthy controls (non-users). The Decayed, Missing, and Filled index (DMFT) was used to measure caries status. The Simplified Oral Hygiene index was used to evaluate oral health. Results: The tobacco group reported the use of cigarettes; smokeless tobacco in indigenous forms, such as gutka (areca nut, tobacco, and slaked lime), betel nut chewing; and a combination. Individuals with tobacco habits had a higher prevalence of dental caries (Mean DMFT 4.73 ± 4.32) compared to the non-habit group (Mean DMFT 3.17 ± 3.11 (p = 0.001). The Oral Hygiene index was significantly higher (indicating bad/poor oral hygiene) in tobacco abusers than those of non-users (p = 0.0001). Duration and frequency of tobacco use were correlated with the levels of moderate and severe caries (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Psychoactive substance abuse, such as smoking/smokeless tobacco consumption, is associated with higher prevalence of dental caries. Full article

Background: The clinical success of post-core restorations is determined by the composite utilized and the strength of the post-core adhesion. The effectiveness of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) as a multifunctional material with photo-induced activities and better mechanical characteristics are observed as particle size is reduced to under 50 nm. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the bond strength of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) posts with TiO₂ NP as fillers and to compare it with conventional composite resin core material. Materials and Methods: 30 single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected and routine root canal procedures were done. A quantity of 5% TiO₂ NPs were synthesized and added as silanized filler to the experimental composite resin. Post space was prepared and fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) post luting was performed. The specimens were then grouped into the following groups: Group I consisted of the experimental composite resin containing 5% TiO₂ fillers, Group II consisted of core X flow, and Group III consisted of Multicore Flow. All test groups were submitted for thermocycling. After this, the samples were tested for micro tensile bond strength. A stereomicroscope with a magnification of 20× was used to examine the fractured surfaces. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that Group I showed the highest mean bond strength value of 35.6180 Mpa. The results obtained with Group III showed the lowest mean bond strength value of 19.4690 Mpa. Adhesive failures were identified by stereomicroscopy of the fractured surfaces. Conclusion: The experimental composite resin comprising 5% TiO₂ NP had a greater bond to the FRC post than other materials tested. Full article

Objective: Despite extensive research on periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis, the underlying molecular connectivity between these condition remains largely unknown. This research aimed to integrate periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis gene expression profiles to identify interconnecting genes and focus to develop a common lead molecule against these inflammatory conditions. Materials and Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis were identified from the datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The network was constructed by merging DEGs, and the interconnecting genes were identified and ranked using GeneMANIA. For the selected top ranked gene, the potential inhibitor was searched using FINDSITE^comb2.0. Subsequently, the molecular docking and molecular dynamics were performed to determine the binding efficiency and protein-ligand complex stability, respectively. Results: From the network analysis, IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) was identified as a top ranked gene involved in most of the immunological pathway. With further virtual screening of 6507 molecules, vemurafenib was identified to be the best fit against the IFI44L target. The binding energy and stability of IFI44L with vemurafenib were investigated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Docking results show binding energy of −7.7 Kcal/mol, and the simulation results show stability till 100 ns. Conclusions: The identified IFI44L may represent a common drug target for periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vemurafenib could be a potent anti-inflammatory drug for both diseases. Full article