The Influence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on ORAL Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus

Background: oral lichen planus (OLP) is a mucocutaneous disease that affects about 4% of the global population. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was linked to lichen planus. The current study aimed to assess the impact of OLP associated or not with HCV infection on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: The study included patients diagnosed with OLP who filled in the Romanian version of OHIP-14 questionnaire at their first appointment and 6 months later, after the OLP treatment. A control group of OLP-free subjects similar as age and sex was also included in the study. Results: 68 patients with OLP and 46 controls were included in the study. The OHIP scores are significantly higher on OLP group than controls (p-value < 0.0001) and significantly reduced at 6-month follow-up (p-values: < 0.0001 pre- vs. post-treatment in OLP group). Patients with and without HCV associated with OLP demonstrated a similar oral quality of life (p-values > 0.05). Conclusions: the OHRQoL for patients suffering from OLP is compromised but is improved after treatment. The HCV associated with OLP did not influence the overall OHRQoL, but the patients who associate HCV reported more frequently aching in the mouth and discomfort eating food at six-month follow-up

Surface Characteristics, Fluoride Release and Bond Strength Evaluation of Four Orthodontic Adhesives

Orthodontic adhesives have similar properties in terms of fluoride release, roughness, shear bond strength or cement debris for specific clinical conditions. Three commercial consecrated orthodontic adhesives (Opal Seal®, Blugloo®, Light Bond®) were compared with an experimental orthodontic material (C1). Brackets were bonded to enamel using a self-etch technique followed by adhesive application and then de-bonded 60 days later. Share bond strength evaluation, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and fluoride release analysis were performed. The highest amount of daily and cumulative fluoride release was obtained for the experimental material, while the lowest value was observed for Opal Seal®. The materials evaluated in the current study presented adequate shear bond strength, with the experimental material having a mean value higher than Opal Seal and Blugloo. The atomic force microscopy measurements indicated that the smoothest initial sample is Opal Seal® followed by Light Bond®. Scanning electron microscopy evaluation indicated different aspects of cement debris on the enamel and/or bracket surface, according to the type of adhesive. The experimental material C1 presented adequate properties in terms of shear bond strength, fluoride release, roughness and enamel characteristics after de-bonding, compared to the commercial materials. Under these circumstances, it can be considered for clinical testing

Polymer Mixtures for Experimental Self-Limited Dental Burs Development—A Preliminary Approach (Part 1)

Alternative techniques have been investigated for effectiveness in caries removal because conventional metallic dental burs can lead to an excessive loss of sound tissue. The aim of the present study is to realize a preliminary approach in obtaining effective polymer mixtures for polymeric bur development, capable of removing primary dental caries using combinations of polymers to ensure the requirements for such instruments, but also a greater compatibility with the teeth structure. This study assessed the main mechanical properties, water sorption, solubility and microscopic structure of four new polymer mixture recipes to provide essential features in obtaining experimental self-limited dental burs. Two mixtures have in their composition polymer mixtures of Bis-phenol A diglycidyl ether dimethacrylate/Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate/Urethane dimethacrylates (R1, R2), and two other mixtures have Bis-phenol A diglycidyl ether dimethacrylate/Polymethyl methacrylate/Methyl methacrylates (R3, R4). The incorporation of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix has become essential due to the need of polymer biocompatibility increasing along with teeth surface remineralization, so that the powder charge was added to four recipes, such as 5% glass with BaF2 and 0.5% graphene with silver particles. All data sets were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA test. R3, R4 showed higher compressive strength and diametrical compression values; these values increased when glass and graphene were added. Moreover, the addition of glass particles lead to an increase in flexural strength. Regarding the sorption, sample R3 had the most significant differences between day 69 and the rest of the investigation days, while the solubility varied at different intervals. From the mechanical evaluation, we could conclude that the Bis-GMA/PMMA/MMA mixtures fit the mechanical characteristics supported by polymer burs, following future studies regarding their use on the affected dentin

Comparative In Vitro Studies on the Effect of Bleaching Agents on Dental Structures in Healthy and Predialysis Patients

(1) Background: What is the effect of 16% and 40% concentration bleaching agents on dental structures in healthy patients compared to predialysis patients? (2) Methods: Forty teeth were included in the study (20 from healthy patients and 20 from predialysis patients). Each group was randomly divided into another two subgroups (n-10), depending on the bleaching agent concentration (16% and 40% gels). Color parameters were registered before and after the whitening process using a spectrophotometer. To determine enamel ultramicroscopic modifications, SEM and AFM analysis were performed before and after bleaching. (3) Results: An increasing trend was identified in the average values of ∆E and ∆L within the groups of predialysis teeth between teeth whitened with 40% concentration gel and those whitened with 16% concentration gel, while for the enamel samples from healthy patients the trend was reversed. The average values for roughness in the case of the two bleaching agents in healthy and predialysis teeth presented statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The effects of bleaching agents are less significant on teeth from predialysis compared to healthy patients. A direct link exists in terms of the clinical effect between the concentration of the whitening gel and color modifications

Simona Maria Iacob

Aim of the study The aim of this literature review was to assess the difference in muscle activity recorded on electromyography in patients with TMDs before and after receiving different types of treatments. Materials and method. The study is the literature review, an electronic search was initiated using PubMed, to identify the relevant literature. The search string comprised a combination of keywords (Medical Subject Headings [MeSH]) and free-text terms. The inclusion criteria were represented by clinical trial and randomized controlled trial, publications available in English and full text publications. Results. The final electronic search provided 23 articles. After removing the duplicates, 20 articles were selected for eligibility. According to the inclusion criteria, 16 articles were selected for this review. Conclusions. Short term therapeutic effect of the low-level laser therapy improves the pain and sEMG findings in TMD patients, better than soft occlusive splints. Sensorimotor training has a positive effect on pain for patients with myofascial TMD pain and a reduction in muscular activity on sEMG. Splint assisted by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS, had better results than splint alone in EMG recordings

Effects of Monomer Composition of Urethane Methacrylate Based Resins on the C=C Degree of Conversion, Residual Monomer Content and Mechanical Properties

(1) Background: This study investigated the influence of Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, UDMA, and two different polyethylene glycol (PEG)-containing, UDMO-based co-monomers on the Young’s modulus and flexural strength, degree of methacrylate C=C double bond conversion and residual monomer elution of experimental dental resins. (2) Methods: Urethane methacrylate-based monomer was synthesised via a radical chain growth polymerization mechanism using PEG in order to improve the mechanical properties. Dental resins were formulated using Bis-GMA, UDMA, or UDMO as base monomers combined with TEGDMA as a dilution monomer and DMAEM + CQ as the photo-initiator system. Degree of conversion (DC), mechanical properties, and residual monomer content of light-activated methacrylate resin formulations were evaluated and statistically analysed by ANOVA and a Tukey’s test. (3) Results: PEG-containing UDMO resins had lower Young’s modulus and elastic strength than UDMA-derived resin for all irradiation times. The highest DC (67,418%) was observed for the PEG-containing UDMO-based resin formulation when light cured for 40 s. For all samples, DC increased with the photo-polymerization time. The amount of residual monomer decreased after increasing the light-curing period from 20 to 40 s, resin with UDMO content 0.01 mol of PEG having the smallest amount of free eluted monomer. (4) Conclusions: A strong structure–property relationship exists in photo-cured dimethacrylate-based dental resins. The time and quantity of the photochemical initiation system can influence the physical–mechanical properties of the resins but also the monomers in their composition

CORRELATION BETWEEN BRUXISM, OCCLUSAL DYSFUNCTION AND MUSCULO-ARTICULAR STATUS

Aim of the study. The objective of the current study is to determine if a correlation exists between bruxism and occlusal dysfunction. It was also investigated whether bruxism is influenced by musclo-articular status and/or is associated with dental-periodontal pathologies including dental wear, dental fissures, gingival retraction or abnormal dental mobility. Materials and method. The study was carried out in two stages. In the first phase an original bruxism questionnaire was distributed to the 180 subjects included in the study. Based on the answers two groups were formed: subjects with self-reported bruxism (n=60) and the second group without bruxism (n=120). In the second phase an intraoral examination was performed, including static and dynamic occlusion, masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation. Dental signs of bruxism were also identified and registered (dental wear, gingival retraction or dental mobility). Results. Occlusal dysfunction and TMJ pain (83,3% vs 16,7%) or disc displacement (80% vs. 20%) were more frequently diagnosed in patients with bruxism. A significant correlation (p<0,005) was observed between the presence of bruxism and muscle pain, hypertonia and/or hypertrophy (63%). Conclusion. Bruxism is more frequent in patients presenting occlusal imbalance. Dental signs in patients with bruxism are represented by pathological wear, dental fissures or fractures, mobility and gingival retraction. Jaw muscle symptoms (such as pain, hypertonia or hypertrophy) and temporomandibular joint signs (pain or/and disc displacement) often coexist with bruxism

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Gels Based on Bromelain, Whey and Quince Extract

The growing interest in the appearance and color of teeth has led to the emergence of a wide range of teeth whitening methods, both in dental offices and in patients’ homes. Concerns about the possible side effects or toxic effects of peroxide-based whitening gels leads to the identification of alternative whitening methods, based on natural compounds with mild action on tooth enamel and remineralizing effect. In this context, this study describes the preparation and in vitro analysis of whitening gels based on natural active agents—bromelain, quince and whey—using organic (polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol) and/or inorganic (silicate) excipients. Five natural products gels were prepared, containing bromelain extract, quince extract and whey, in various proportions. Two supplementary gels, one containing Lubrizol and another containing SiO2, were prepared. All gels were submitted for multiple in vitro analysis such as: SDS-PAGE analysis, UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, SEM microscopy, antibacterial activity on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The quince extract sample was the only one which completely discolored the blue dye on SDS-PAGE analysis. On the UV-vis spectra, the 303 nm band is assigned to an in situ modified form of bromelain. SEM images of gels containing SiO2 particles show evident marks of these particles, while the rest of the gels containing Lubrizol or whey are more uniform. Regarding antibacterial tests, the SiO2 gel samples did not show inhibition in any strains, but the other tested samples varied in the size of the inhibition diameter depending on the amicrobial strain tested; the protease activity of bromelain modulates the composition of the added whey proteins. Bromelain added as a nanoencapsulated assembly better preserves its integrity. The prepared gels showed antibacterial properties

Development of New Experimental Dental Enamel Resin Infiltrants&mdash;Synthesis and Characterization

The aim of the present study was to obtain experimental infiltration materials, intended for the treatment of dental white spots, and to investigate them. Two series of infiltrants (P1&ndash;P6)/(P1F&ndash;P6F) were obtained, based on different monomer mixtures, without/with glass filler (with fluoride release ability). Each infiltrant from the second series contained the same amount of glass powder, and each infiltrant from the (P&ndash;PF) group contained the same resin composition. The characteristics of the experimental infiltrants were investigated by degree of conversion (DC), mechanical strength, water sorption (WS), and fluoride release, in addition to residual monomer for (P1F&ndash;P6F) infiltrants. The results were compared with those obtained for commercial Icon infiltrant. For the experimental infiltrants, without/with filler, the recorded DC was in the range of 58.27&ndash;89.70%/60.62&ndash;89.99%, compared with Icon (46.94%) 24 h after polymerization. The release of fluoride depends on the permeability of the polymer matrix, with respect to the water sorption, which may help to diffuse ions in the storage medium but which can also influence the release of residual monomers. The highest flexural strengths were recorded for the (TEGDMA/HEMA/Bis-GMA) infiltrants (133.94 &plusmn; 16.389 MPa/146.31 &plusmn; 7.032 MPa). The best experimental infiltrants were P2 and P2F (Bis-GMA/HEMA/TEGDMA)