Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Aufbereitung von Wurzelkanälen mit rotierenden Nickel- Titan- Instrumenten

Es wurden 120 Kanäle in Kunststoffblöckchen mit acht rotierenden NiTi-Systemen aufbereitet, die Ergebnisse hinsichtlich Kanalform und Behandlungsablauf verglichen und der Materialabtrag segmentbezogen morphometrisch ausgewertet. Außerdem wurden die Instrumente auf Beschädigungen untersucht. Für jeden Kanal erfolgten die Messung der Präparationsdauer und die Bestimmung des Lerneffekts für die Systeme. Für Instrumente aus martensitischem Material waren der beste Formerhalt, ein gleichmäßiger Materialabtrag und schnellste Präparation zu beobachten

The Impact of Multiple Autoclave Cycles on the Surface Roughness of Thermally Treated Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Files

In this study, we evaluate the surface roughness (SR) of three thermally treated nickel-titanium rotary instruments (i.e., TruNatomy [TN], ProTaper Gold [PTG], and EdgeTaper Platinum [ETP]) after impact testing with multiple autoclave sterilization cycles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, 60 thermally treated files were sourced (i.e., 20 TN, 20 ETP, and 20 PTG files), and each group was divided into four equal subgroups of five files (n = 5). An unsterilized group was assigned as the pre-autoclaving group (Cycle 0), and the other three groups underwent various autoclave sterilization cycles (Cycles 1, 5, and 10). The roughness average (Ra), root mean square (Rq), and average maximum peak-to-valley height (Rz) values were evaluated using SEM and ImageJ software. The Shapiro-Wilk test, one-way analysis of variance, and post-hoc Tukey test were used to analyze the data. The statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Before autoclaving, all instruments showed debris and SR but with no statistically significant differences existing between the groups. SR values decreased after one autoclaving cycle for all instruments. After five autoclave cycles, the Rz value of ETP was statistically higher compared with PTG and TN. After 10 autoclave cycles, the Ra and Rq values of TN were statistically higher compared with ETP and PTG. These results suggest that multiple autoclaving sterilization cycles influence the SR of TN, PTG, and ETP, with ETP showing higher levels of surface irregularities than PTG and TN.Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2022R162), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Case Report: An association of the gubernacular canal, supernumerary tooth and odontoma with an impacted canine on cone-beam computed tomography [version 2; peer review: 3 approved]

This report describes a clinical case of asymptomatic compound odontoma in the anterior left side of the maxilla associated with an impacted canine and supernumerary tooth with a gubernacular canal of a 47- year-old female with no relevant medical history. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed for precise threedimensional localization of each structure and assessment of their spatial relationship with the associated structures before surgery. The treatment protocol involved surgical enucleation of the odontoma and open extraction of both impacted and supernumerary teeth. The patient had uneventful healing and proceeded with the prosthodontic treatment plan. The dentist should be aware of the probability of a close relationship between the development of odontoma and presence of the gubernacular tract, which could be used as a future radiographic diagnostic criterion of an odontoma. Also, we recommend that more studies be performed in this field to deeply analyze the imaging characteristics of GT and its spatial association with various pathological lesions in the future.Grant information: This research was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University through the Fast-track Research Funding Program.Scopu

Case Report: Unusual association of gubernacular canal, supernumerary tooth and odontoma with an impacted canine on cone beam computed tomography

This report describes a clinical case of asymptomatic compound odontoma in the anterior left side of the maxilla associated with an impacted canine and supernumerary tooth with a gubernacular canal of a 47- year-old female with no relevant medical history. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed for precise three-dimensional localization of each structure and assessment of their spatial relationship with the associated structures before surgery. The treatment protocol involved surgical enucleation of the odontoma and open extraction of both impacted and supernumerary teeth. Patient had uneventful healing and proceeded with the prosthodontic treatment plan. An experienced clinician can accurately diagnose a compound odontoma, as it has distinctive clinical and radiographic features. Thus, early detection and management of odontomas can help correction of any dental irregularity and avoid further complications.Scopu

The Potential Association Between Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Apical Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Recent literature has suggested a potential association between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and apical periodontitis (AP). The present systematic review and meta-analysis sought to analyse and appraise the available evidence regarding the reported association. Following 2020 PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of multiple online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was conducted for all relevant studies published from the date of inception until 27 April 2023 using various relevant keywords. All observational studies that assessed the association between IBD and AP in humans were eligible for inclusion. The quality of the selected studies was carried out independently by two reviewers, and meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2.2.064. Six studies (five case-control studies and one cohort study) were included. A total of 657 patients (277 with IBD) were included in 5 case-control studies, and 48,223 subjects (35,740 with AP) were included in the cohort study, where 188 developed IBD on follow-up. The pooled data from the five case-control studies revealed that IBD was significantly associated with a higher risk of AP (OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.21-2.42; I2=10.337%, fixed-effect, p=0.002). The qualitative analysis also showed that most of the included studies found a higher mean number of teeth with AP in IBD groups than the healthy controls. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS)-based quality appraisal results demonstrated that five studies were of high quality, and one was of moderate quality. The results suggest a potential association between IBD and AP. Large-scale and prospective studies are required to further confirm and elucidate the nature of such an association

Development of Self-Regulation amongst Dental Students in Problem-based Learning Curricula: A Qualitative Study

To explore the value of problem-based learning in the development of self-regulation amongst undergraduate dental students. A qualitative approach using focus groups was used to explore the perceptions and experiences of the participants regarding the role of problem-based learning (PBL) in promoting self-regulation in undergraduate dental education. The study was carried out at a newly established dental institution in Qatar. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. Invitations to potential participants were sent by e-mail through appropriate professional channels. All focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and data were imported into NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. A total of five focus groups were conducted with 37 participants which included 27 females and 7 males from two different cohorts. Participants expressed their views on a range of issues related to the self-regulation in problem-based learning and also provided recommendations to enhance the learning experiences of students. PBL was perceived to be an appropriate and effective strategy to support student autonomy in construction of knowledge and developing problem solving and interpersonal skills. However, the workload of the students can impact adversely on their motivation and time management skills. This study provides useful insights into the concept of self-regulation in problem-based learning environments as perceived by the stakeholders at a newly established dental institution. The findings of this study may offer clarity on how problem-based learning can be best utilised to promote self-regulation in undergraduate dental education.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library

Impact of Virtual Reality Simulation in Endodontics on the Learning Experiences of Undergraduate Dental Students

Abstract: We aimed to evaluate the impact of Virtual Reality Dental Simulators (VRDS) on preclinical training in endodontics for undergraduate dental students. Purposive sampling technique was used to target undergraduate dental students at two dental schools: in Qatar and Turkey. After training on endodontic access cavity preparation on upper anterior teeth using acrylic teeth on dental mannequins and virtual reality haptic dental simulator, a questionnaire based on a combination of open- and closed-ended items was distributed to the participants. The sample included 60 dental undergraduate students. The participants reported positive experiences with VRDS and 76% considered it to be helpful in improving their fine motor skills. Endodontic access cavity preparation on VRDS was perceived to be similar to natural and acrylic teeth by 73.34% and 53% of participants, respectively. Overall, 85% of participants supported the use of VRDS training to supplement conventional training on dental mannequins but also recommended the need for improvements in VRDS training in endodontics. The findings of this study underscore the benefits of VRDS in endodontics. Future research involving larger samples from multiple institutions may help to optimize VRDS in undergraduate dental education

Development of professional identity among dental students - A qualitative study

The study explored dental students' perception of their professional identity (PI) development at a newly established dental college with a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum. Qualitative methods based on focus groups were used for data collection. The conceptual framework of the study was informed by a subject-centered sociocultural approach to PI development. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from five focus groups of undergraduate dental students to gain a deeper understanding of their PI development in a PBL environment. Out of a total of 38 dental students in years 2 and 3, 34 students (89.47%) participated in the focus groups. A theory-driven thematic analysis was used to dissect the views and experiences of the participants to explore factors contributing to PI development in the early years of the program. At an individual level, PBL was seen to be appropriate for PI development. However, some participants placed more emphasis on practical training in operative dental skills. Relational sources especially role modeling by the PBL facilitators and faculty staff were identified as a key factor to nurture PI development. Mixed views were observed on the value of PBL to enhance team-working skills. The participants also identified challenges of PBL and provided recommendations on further improvements to enhance the learning experiences of the students. This study provided useful insights into a PBL curriculum at a newly established dental institution. The findings underscore the value of PBL in developing PI and also highlight the challenges of implementing PBL in a socio-cultural context and pedagogical implications for further program improvement.The authors would like to thank all the student participants for their contribution to this research. Open access funding was provided by the Qatar National Library

Shaping Ability of Superelastic and Controlled Memory Nickel-Titanium File Systems: An In Vitro Study

Improvements in the thermomechanical processing procedures of NiTi wires have led to the development of new NiTi instruments that compose mainly of martensite crystals, making the wire stable at clinical condition. This study aimed at comparing the shaping ability of two rotary nickel-titanium systems manufactured from different NiTi wires. Twenty simulated root canals each with a curvature of 35° in resin blocks were divided into two groups of 10 canals each. Canals in the first group were prepared with superelastic F360 instruments (Gebr. Brasseler, Germany) while canals in the second group were prepared using controlled memory HyFlex®CM™ instruments (Coltène Whaledent, Switzerland). Images were taken before canal preparation and after the use of each instrument. The assessment of the canal shapes was accomplished with a computer image analysis program. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS program. Within the limitation of this in vitro study, HyFlex®CM™ instruments remained better centered in the apical third of the canals. In most canal segments, no significant differences were observed between either system in the amount of material removed. Both systems were comparable to each other in regards to their ability to enlarge root canal in the same way without procedural errors