Comparison of infection control practices in dental radiographic examination during the COVID-19 pandemic among various health facilities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Dental radiography services were at high risk of becoming sites for cross-infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. To minimize the spread of COVID-19, infection control adaptations were implemented in dental radiography services across various healthcare facilities, including Type A, B, C, and D hospitals, as well as clinical laboratories. This study aims to determine the differences in infection control practices of dental radiographic examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic at various health facilities. This cross-sectional study involved 42 dental radiographers who worked in Yogyakarta. Control infections were measured using the electronic questionnaire with 27 closed-ended questions. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and descriptive analysis was continued by categorizing the control infection into high, medium, and low levels. The validity and reliability test showed that 18 questionnaire items were valid and reliable. The statistical test showed a p-value of 0.672 (p > 0.05) for the staff infection control and 0.147 (p > 0.05) for the room infection control. This study found no significant differences in infection control practices during dental radiographic examinations across various healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. All facilities implemented high levels of infection control, with clinical laboratories showing the highest compliance. The study suggests increasing the number of questionnaire items related to room infection control and expanding the study’s scope in future research to improve accuracy and represent a broader population

Silkworm cocoon (Bombyx mori) accelerates wound healing in skin excision: a study on macrophage and VEGF

Silkworm cocoon (Bombyx mori) is a natural polymer composite and largely used as bio-functional material for wound healing. It consists of fibroin and sericin protein that has antibacterial effect. This study aimed to investigate the effect of silkworm cocoons (Bombyx mori) wound dressing on the number of macrophages and VEGF expression in skin excision. The subject of this study was 12 Wistar rats, which were grouped based on the duration of wound dressing application (3rd day and 6th day) and the use of dressing materials (n = 6). The rats were anesthetized with ketamin and xylazine prior to wound excision. A punch biopsy wound excision with 4 mm diameter of subcutaneous depth was made on both sides of the rat’s back, with the right side dressed with silkworm cocoon as the treatment group and the left side dressed with moist gauze application as the control group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the number of macrophage cells. Immunohistochemical staining using an anti-VEGF antibody was performed to observe the expression of VEGF. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and an Independent t-test with confidence interval of 95%. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significantly higher number of macrophages in the silkworm cocoon wound dressing group on 6 days post-application (p = 0.026) and significantly higher VEGF expression in the silkworm cocoon wound dressing group on 3 days post-application (p = 0.002) and on 6 days post-application (p = 0.044). Silkworm cocoon (Bombyx mori) wound dressing can increase the number of macrophages and VEGF expression in wound excision model in Wistar rat

Is breastfeeding duration associated with caries in stunted toddlers? a cross-sectional study

Stunting remains a significant nutritional concern in Indonesia, potentially affecting physical and cognitive development. Stunting may lead to oral health issues, specifically dental caries, due to salivary gland atrophy in malnourished children. While dental caries have multiple contributing factors, breast milk contains protective proteins and antibacterial properties that may influence caries development. This study aims to investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and dental caries occurrence in stunted and non-stunted toddlers. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted using quota sampling of 30 toddlers attending Sumingkir Village Posyandu. Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between breastfeeding duration and caries in both stunted (p = 0.68) and non-stunted groups (p =0.66). Independent T-test revealed no significant mean differences between the groups (p < 0.05). However, the Mann-Whitney test demonstrated a significant median difference in caries (p = 0.006) between stunting (4(0-6)) and non-stunting groups (0(0-18)). This study concludes that breastfeeding duration showed no correlation with caries in either stunted or non-stunted toddlers; however, nutritional status (stunting) appeared to influence caries occurrence in toddlers

Effect of 10% lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution immersion on the dimensional stability of alginate impression

Pathogenic bacteria can easily spread through impression materials, especially alginate. One of the chemicals disinfection agents used is hydrogen peroxide and natural disinfection alternatives, such as the decoction of lemongrass leaves. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of immersing Alginate impression in a disinfection solution of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and 3% hydrogen peroxide on the dimensional stability. The samples of this research consisted of 27 alginate impression samples of the upper jaw teeth prepared by manipulating alginate powder with water according to the manufacturer’s ratio and a lemongrass solution prepared by boiling 300 grams of lemongrass leaves 3000 ml of distilled water to obtain 300ml of lemongrass leaf decoction. The 27 samples were divided into three groups: the control group soaked in aquadest, one group soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide, and one group soaked in 10% lemongrass decoction. The dimensional stability was measured by using a caliper for the horizontal dimension and then analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test. This statistical analysis found a p-value of <0.05 in the horizontal dimension, indicating a difference in the horizontal dimensional stability of the alginate impression after immersion among the hydrogen peroxide, lemongrass leaves (C. citratus), and control groups. Further comparisons among the groups by using the Mann-Whitney Test resulted in a p-value of <0.05 for all the comparisons among the horizontal dimension of the groups. The dimensional changes of the alginate impression were slightly larger in the immersion of 10% lemongrass solution compared to the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution

Development of a surgical guide using open-source software for a dental implant placement

Dental technology has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly with regard to the placement of dental implants to replace lost teeth. One such technology is the use of a dental implant guide as a tool to assist with implant installation. The primary purpose of a dental implant guide is to assist the dentist in placing implants with accuracy and precision to maximize operation success and minimize risk of problems. Dental implant guides customized to each patient’s unique tooth and jaw architecture are made possible in large part by digital dentistry. To ensure that the implant is positioned optimally in relation to the patient’s teeth and jaw anatomy, customization is important. Using the AutoDesk meshmixer for modeling and manufacturing, a 3D slicer to segment the mandible using a 3D segmentation approach and 3D printing using resin and filament are all part of the dental implant guide design process. To improve precision and customization in the placement of dental implants, this comprehensive strategy makes use of digital dentistry

Oral health attitude and behaviour among dental students

Dental students will play an important role in educating and promoting oral health. The oral health behavior of dental providers and their attitudes toward their oral health could depict the oral health of their patients. The aim of this study was to review the current studies available on the oral health attitudes and behavior of dental students. A systematic search of original articles was carried out in two databases to write this systematic review. MEDLINE (pubMed) and GOOGLE SCHOLAR. Studies published in the English, Arabic and Indonesian languages up to 31/6/2023 was carried out. Search results were managed through EndNote. The search strategy identified 180 articles (133 from Google Scholar and 47 from PubMed databases), of which 22 articles were included in the analysis after the systematic review process. Study of oral health attitude and behavior based on the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). As a result of variation in the subjects age, measure of outcomes quantitative analysis is not showed. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included a total of 7,562 undergraduate dental students and were conducted in 18 countries. The review found that clinical students have good oral health attitudes and behavior compared with preclinical students, showing improvements in oral health attitude and behavior of dental students through the students’ educational progress. The improvement in oral health care has been shown to be linked to experience, especially for clinical students that have been in clinical settings

A relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in odontectomy patients under general anesthesia at Moewardi Regional General Hospital

Odontectomy is a surgical procedure to extract impacted teeth and also commonly performed to address dental and oral health issues. One symptom observed prior to the procedure is anxiety that may cause patients to avoid dental care. One effect attributed to preoperative anxiety in odontectomy patients includes a decrease in pain control, encompassing postoperative pain, possibly through Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. Postoperative pain itself is a complex issue requiring effective management to ensure good healing. This study aimed to determine the relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in odontectomy patients under general anesthesia at Moewardi General Hospital and to measure the relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain intensity in patients undergoing odontectomy under general anesthesia at Moewardi General Hospital. This was a cross-sectional study of which the data were obtained through interviews. A total of 30 samples were selectedfrom the Dental and Oral Outpatient Clinic at Moewardi General Hospital scheduled for odontectomy under general anesthesia from December 2022 to January 2023. The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) questionnaire and Visual Analogue Score for Pain were used respectively to measure preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. Statistical analysis of the relationship was conducted using the Pearson Correlation Test to assess the strength of the relationship. The average preoperative anxiety level was 17.17 and the postoperative pain intensity was 3.93 with the correlation coefficient of 0.587 (p < 0.05), indicating that the relationship fell within moderate and significant category. Preoperative anxiety exhibited a moderate and significant correlation with postoperative pain in odontectomy patients under general anesthesia

Gonial angle and mandibular ramus height in Surabaya population: comparison and correlation analysis in panoramic radiograph

One of the crucial steps of identifying an individual is to determine their sex. The mandible, which is the largest and strongest bone in the human face, is a useful tool due to its significant sexual dimorphism. Two features that are recognized for their high sexual dimorphism are the gonial angle and mandibular ramus height. Several studies have shown different results when using both measures to estimate sex, factors that are thought to influence morphological differences include age, population, sex, and physical activity. The objective of this study was to analyze the differences in gonial angle and mandibular ramus height between sexes using panoramic radiography. Additionally, it aimed to analyze the correlation between these measurements and sex. The measurements of the gonial angle and mandibular ramus height were conducted using ImageJ software. Initially, the specific anatomical landmarks were identified, and the software’s measurement tools were then employed to accurately assess the height and angle based on these selected points. The sample consisted of secondary data obtained from 70 panoramic radiographs of patients aged 20–45 years at the Dental and Oral Teaching Hospital (RSGMP) of Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya. Data analysis was conducted using the independent t-test and Pearson correlation. There was a significant difference in the mandibular ramus height between sexes, with males having a greater height (p < 0.05). It was also discovered that, despite the fact that males exhibited a smaller gonial angle compared to females, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.29). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between mandibular ramus height and sex (r = 0.498); however, there was no significant correlation between gonial angle and sex (r = -0.128). The study reveals a significant difference in mandibular ramus height between males and females, with males exhibiting greater height. This parameter shows a strong correlation with sex, making it a reliable indicator for sex determination. Conversely, the gonial angle is not suitable for this purpose

Unsuspected oral pigmentation in patient with systemic disease histories

Oral pigmentation refers to a pigmented lesion on the oral mucosa, caused by one or more pigments that accumulate, resulting in tissue color change. Pigment lesions can vary in size, color, and location, and may range from benign to malignant. The role of the dentist is crucial in recognizing and classifying these lesions to facilitate proper treatment. This case report describes oral pigmentary abnormalities suspected to be indicative of an undiagnosed systemic disease. A 52-year-old woman presented with complaints of brittle teeth. Upon examination, changes in her oral mucosa were noted, and she was found to have uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as a history of hysterectomy due to a tumor. Intraoral and extraoral examination revealed macular pigmentation on the mucosa and skin, particularly on the extremities. After further investigation, we concluded that early detection of polyps is important, as these patients may be susceptible to neoplasia development in areas outside the intestines. Dentists should be vigilant in recognizing a wide range of lesions that can assist in diagnosing conditions beyond oral health, to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment

Effect of sodium thiosulfate irrigation on push-out bond strength of root canal obturation material

Sodium hypochlorite is used as irrigation solution during root canal preparation because of its antibacterial effect. However, it degrades dentinal collagen and generates oxygen free layer on dentin surfaces that might prevent penetration of sealer. Sodium thiosulfate is an antioxidant and has been reported to neutralize that side effect. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of concentration and application time of sodium thiosulfate irrigation on push-out bond strength of root canal obturation material. This study used extracted human mandibular premolars single root post extraction. The root canals were prepared using crown down technique up to file F3. The samples were divided into four groups. Groups IA and IB were irrigated with sodium thiosulfate 5% for 3 and 5 minutes, while Groups IIA and IIB were irrigated with sodium thiosulfate 10% for 3 and 5 minutes. The control group was irrigated with saline for 3 and 5 minutes. The root canals were obturated with epoxy resin sealer and gutta percha, and were incubated for 7 days. Samples were horizontally sectioned into 2 mm thickness in apical third and were tested with push-out technique using universal testing machine. The adherence failure of samples was observed using stereo microscope. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA. There was a significant effect between concentration of sodium thiosulfate on push-out bond strength (p 0.05). The application of antioxidant resulted in an increase in the push-out bond strength of root canal obturation material, with 10% sodium thiosulfate demonstrating the highest push-out bond strength