Investigation of the prevalence of impacted third molars and the effects of eruption level and angulation on caries development by panoramic radiographs

This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of impacted third molars and to investigate the effects of their eruption level and angulation on caries formation in the distal of the adjacent tooth. This cross-sectional study was conducted on panoramic radiographs of 38481 patients who were admitted to the Trakya University, Faculty of Dentistry. The panoramic radiographs of 7998 patients with at least one impacted third molar were included. Third molars were classified according to Winter?s classification and Pell and Gregory?s classification. The frequency of caries in partially impacted third molars and adjacent second molars was determined. The chi-square tests were used to determine potential associations between the third molars' level of eruption, angulation, and caries development. The study group consisted of 4423 females (55.3%) and 3575 males (44.7%) with a mean age of 36.3±13.4 years. The prevalence of the third molar impaction rate was 23%. The impaction pattern of partially erupted third molars was characterized by an eruption level of A with the vertical position in both jaws. Partially erupted and vertically placed maxillary third molars in the level of position A caused more caries in the adjacent tooth and mesioangularly located partially erupted mandibular third molars were associated with more caries in the adjacent tooth. The angulation and eruption level of partially erupted third molars should be carefully examined. The prophylactic extraction of vertically and mesioangularly located third molars, especially with an eruption level of position A can be suggested to eliminate the related complications and risk of caries

Investigation of Short and Long Term Effects of Various Mouthwashes on the Color Stability of Hybrid Composites

Objective:The color stability of dental composite restorations is an important criteria for clinical success. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of various mouthwashes on the staining of direct composites.Methods:Disc-shaped samples were prepared by using 4 different commercially available hybrid composites (Clearfil Majesty, Kuraray; Charisma Smart, Heraeus Kulzer; Quadrant Universal, Cavex; Brilliant EverGlow, Coltene) and divided randomly into five groups according to mouthwashes: Sensodyne, Oral B 3D White Luxe Glamorous Shine, Listerine, Colgate Plax, Meridol. Initial colors of specimens were measured by using a spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade V, Germany). Specimens were immersed in the mouthwashes and stored in an incubator set at 37 °C for 12, 60, and 120 hours, equivalent to daily use of mouthwash for 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Subsequently, the color change value of different materials was calculated as ΔE*ab. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and paired sample t-tests.Results:The mouthwash type and application time affected the color change values (p=0.00). The most color change (ΔE*) was observed in Colgate Plax, followed by Meridol. The least ΔE* was observed in Sensodyne after 1 year and in Oral B after 5 and 10 years. The materials showing the least and most ΔE* after 1-year mouthwash application were Brilliant and Quadrant, respectively. The least and most ΔE* after 5 and 10 years were observed in Brilliant and Charisma groups, respectively.Conclusion:The staining in composite restorations caused by mouthwashes varies depending on the structural properties of the resin composite, the pH of the mouthwashes, and exposure time

Frequency and Localization of Overhanging Restorations

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency and localization of the overhanging restorations by observing patients’ routinely taken panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The panoramic radiographs of 4,960 patients who applied to a dental clinic in University between 2015 and 2016 and had one or more previous restorations were retrospectively examined. The study group included 243 patients (133 females and 110 males) with a mean age of 39.7 ± 12.5 years. Superposed interdental areas were not evaluated. Frequency distributions and percentages were calculated for the categorical data as to the surface of the maxillary-mandibular premolar and molar teeth, also the presence or absence of root canal treatment. Chi-square tests were used to compare data relating to the localization and frequency of overhanging restorations. Results: In the radiological evaluation of 243 patients, a total of 280 overhanging restorations were detected. Root canal treatment was present in 45.4% of the teeth with an overhanging restoration. The frequency of overhanging restorations in the maxilla was significantly higher (60.4%) than that of the mandible (39.6%), (p<0.05). The frequency of overhanging restorations in molar teeth (82.9%) was significantly higher than that of premolar teeth (p<0.05). Of all the overhanging restorations, 90.4% were in Class II cavities and 9.6% were in mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. More than half (57.3%) of the overhanging margins in the Class II restorations were distal; 42.7% were mesial surfaces (p<0.05). The most frequent restorations with overhanging were found in the maxillary molars (49.6%) and the least frequent were in the premolar teeth of the mandible (6.4%).   Conclusions: The restorations with overhanging margins determined most often at the disto-occlusal margins of the maxillary molars. The frequency of overhanging restorations was higher in areas that are difficult to reach during treatment

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Dental Patients About Cross-Infection and Infection Control

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the patient’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of cross-infection control in dentistry. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dentistry Faculty of……….. University. A total of 250 patients (134 female and 116 male) aged 18 years and older (35.5±13.9) participated in the questionnaire containing questions to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cross-infection and infection control. Required personal and socio-demographic data were obtained. Chi-square test was conducted for categorical variables. Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests were used to compare questionnaire scores (p lt;0.05). Results: The majority of the participants (30.5%) reported that their sources of information on dental infection control were social media. Knowledge scores of females were statistically significantly higher than males (p=0.005) and participants living in the city were significantly higher than those living in the town (p=0.015). Knowledge scores of health-care workers were significantly higher than both other workers and unemployed/students (p=0.001, p=0.004, respectively). Regarding participants’ attitudes and practices, only 29.2% of the participants questioned the dentists about the contagious disease, and only 36% asked about the sterilization method of the dental instruments. The majority of participants perceived that wearing gloves, masks, eyewear, and face shield would protect both patients and dentists. Conclusion: Participants in this study demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge about cross-infection and infection control methods in the nowadays’ pandemic condition. However, dental health professionals should take additional efforts to educate and encourage dental patients

Spatial-temporal variability and probabilistic health risk assessment of fluoride from lentic ecosystem, Türkiye

Thrace Region is a part of the Marmara Region of Türkiye. There are many natural and artificial stagnant water habitats in the region that are used for irrigation and drinking water supply. This study is intended to determine the spatial-temporal variability and probabilistic health risk of fluoride exposure in the water of stagnant water bodies in the Thrace region. A total of 33 stagnant water bodies were selected, and water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons of 2021–2022. The fluoride levels were measured using a spectrophotometric method (wavelength is 588 nm). The fluoride accumulations varied from 0.16–0.64 mg/L for the natural lakes, 0.04–0.74 mg/L for the reservoirs, and 0.01–0.53 mg/L for the artificial ponds. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested a level of fluoride in drinking water of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L. The study area had a fluoride deficiency of less than 0.5 mg/L in natural water bodies during the wet season (87.87%) and the dry season (93.93%), which might be a potential threat to dental health. Estimation Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) widely used health risk assessment methods were applied to the data in the current research to describe the non-carcinogenic risk of fluoride. All the calculated hazard quotient (HQ) values, both in the dry and wet seasons and in all age groups, were recorded as below 1. Both teenagers and children living in the central part of the study area are at higher risk than infants and adults. To evaluate model uncertainty, Monte Carlo simulations were employed. The outcome of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the major risks to the health of the inhabitants are the high content of fluoride and their daily intake of water.</p