Physical Properties of Five Brands of K-Files

Introduction: Endodontic K-files are major tools for cleaning and shaping of the root canal systems. As there are various K-files available in Iranian market, the physical properties of the five available brands were investigated to assist the clinician when selecting suitable endodontic K-files according to the intended application. Materials and Methods: Physical properties (including debris creation, machinery defect and corrosion) of the selected K-files were investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) under 250× magnification. For evaluating the flutes number, a stereomicroscope was used with 40× magnification. Results: Maximum and minimum debris and corrosion were observed in the Larmrose and Perfect K-files, respectively. Dentsply showed the least machinery defects. Other brands had intermediary properties. In addition, Larmrose K-files showed the maximum flutes number compared to the other brands. Conclusion: According to the results, none of the K-files had the ideal properties. More studies regarding the physical properties of the K-files and their clinical efficacy, are suggested.Keywords: Corrosion; Debris; Physical Properties; Scanning Electron Microscop

The level of evidence of published articles on orthodontics in PubMed journals from Iran during 2000-2015

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Thumb sucking has been reported as one of the etiologic factors for malocclusion. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thumb sucking and use of different kinds of habit breaker (HB) appliances in children attending private kindergartens in Kerman, Iran. METHODS: The census method was used in the present cross-sectional study, and the study population consisted of all the children attending private kindergartens. A checklist was completed for each subject, and clinical examinations were done. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the relationship between thumb sucking and the variables under study. Stata 13 was used for the analysis of data. RESULTS: Of 503 4 to 6-year-old children, 14 (2.8%) had thumb sucking habits at the time of the study. Among these 14 children, only 6 children used HBs fixed (4 persons) or removable (2 persons). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of finger sucking, its side effects, as well as using the HBs of this habit in children of Kerman kindergartens were not high. Furthermore, it has same rate like other cities. In this situation, it’s necessary for the personnel of kindergartens to notify their parents about the hygiene of the problems. KEYWORDS: Finger Sucking; Malocclusion; Pacifie

The Level of Evidence in Two Leading Endodontic Journals

Introduction: The successful practice of dentistry, including endodontics, relies on a wide spectrum of dental research. The quantity and quality of research evidence in endodontics have seldom been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of evidence in current leading endodontic journals. Materials and Methods: All the articles published in 2000, 2006 and 2010 in two major endodontic journals (Journal of Endodontics and International Endodontic Journal) were evaluated. These articles were classified according to the level of evidence (LOE) using Oxford Scale from 0 to 5 and type of the study. Results: Of the articles assessed, 3.2% were clinical trials, 47.8% were experimental, 5.6% were animal studies and 43.4% were of other types. Subdivisions according to LOE were 4.3% as level 1, 0.9 % level 2, 7.3% level 3, 0.4% level 4 and 3.5% level 5. Overall, 83.6% of the articles were classified as “non-evidence-based”. There was a marginally significant increase in the percentage of articles with high level of evidence in recent years. Conclusion: There is a substantial shortage of articles with high level of evidence in clinical endodontics. However, there was a gradual increase in the number of high LOE articles published in both journals

The level of evidence of articles published in Iranian Endodontic Journal in 3 years (2007, 2012 and 2013)

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endodontists have the opportunity to apply relevant research findings to care their patients using the principles and methods of evidence-based treatment. The best level of evidence can be used to inform decisions regarding care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of evidence and study the design of all the articles published in Iranian Endodontic Journal in years 2007, 2012 and 2013. METHODS:We reviewed all articles published in 2007, 2012 and 2013 in the Iranian Endodontic Journal. These articles were classified according to the level of evidence (LOE) using Oxford Scale from 0 to 5 and type of the study. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact test. Significant level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Frequency of articles with LOE was 117, that 5 papers were level 1 (4.2%), 1 level 2 (0.9%), 10 level 3 (8.5%), 1 level 4 (0.9%), and 3 level 5 (2.5%); 97 articles (83.0%) were identified as LOE 0 or non-evidence. Comparison of the LOE of Iranian endodontic journal in 3 years did not reveal statistically significant differences between the published articles (P = 0.14). CONCLUSION: It appears that few high level of evidence-based articles have been achieved in 3 years related to endodontic subjects. Hence, journals, authors, and editors should all cooperate to achieve high-LOE articles. KEYWORDS: Clinical Trials; Dentistry; Endodontic; Evidence-Based; Journal Articl

Bibliometric Study of periodontal publications by Iranian authors between 1995-2015: A Medline approach

BACKGROUND AND AIM: One of the methods to measure scientific achievement in a particular field is bibliometric analysis of scientific publications. The main goals of this study were bibliometric analysis of Iranian periodontal literature, study design, and topics investigated in periodontal research published from 1995 to 2015 in PubMed. METHODS: PubMed search strategy was developed to identify all the international papers published in the field of periodontology (periodontics) by the Iranian scientists between 1995 and 2015. We performed the search protocol by typing “periodont*” in the title/abstract search box, and also the word “Iran” in the affiliation search box. We reviewed all the abstracts and removed the unrelated articles from the study. Retrieved data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Total of 178 papers from 83 peer-reviewed journals were found from the PubMed database and were reviewed. Seventy articles (37.4%) were published in Iranian PubMed indexed journals, and 117 (62.6%) papers were published in the journals of other countries. According to the publication type of the articles, 173 (92.5%) of them were original research papers, 6 articles (3.2%) were review papers, and 5 papers (2.7%) were case reports. The results indicated that maximum number of articles was published in 2013. The most frequent article types were cross-sectional studies (29.9%) followed by clinical trials (22.5%) and case-control studies (18.7%). CONCLUSION: In recent years, the periodontal research production has made significant progress in Iran. It seems that the Iranian periodontists should emphasize more on the design and quality of works in addition to the quantity of articles. KEYWORDS: Bibliometrics, Medline, Periodontics, Authorshi

Topographic Features of Five K-file Brands in Iranian Market: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Introduction: Endodontic files which are used to clean and shape the root canal space differ from each other regarding technical specifications. Recently, K-type files are repeatedly studied on their cutting efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the tip design and cutting efficiency of 5 brands of K-files, available in Iran dental market (naming Dentsply, Thomas, Mani, Perfect and Larmrose). Methods and Materials: In this descriptive study, topographic features of file tips were investigated by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Those features included tip symmetry, tip design, tip angle, and the distance from the tip to the lowest flute. SEM images (×250 magnification) of files were prepared. Statistical tests (Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, ANOVA, and t test) were used and P<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Dentsply files had the most number of morphologically pyramidal sharp tips and the greatest tip angles. However, Larmrose files were the most frequent files having cutting sharp tips. Symmetrical tips existed among 100% of Dentsply and Mani brands. No significant differences were found with respect to distance from the file tip to the lowermost flute between different file brands of this study (P=0.2, One way ANOVA). Conclusion: Dentsply and Mani files possessed the most symmetrical tips and greatest tip angles. With respect to tip length, all 5 brands were satisfactory. However, neither of 5 brands evaluated topographically were outstanding in every aspect.Keywords: Endodontic K-files; Scanning Electron Microscopy; Topograph

Endodontic Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of disease distribution and factors determining or affecting it. Likewise, endodontic epidemiology can be defined as the science of studying the distribution pattern and determinants of pulp and periapical diseases; specially apical periodontitis. Although different study designs have been used in endodontics, researchers must pay more attention to study designs with higher level of evidence (LoE) such as randomized clinical trials

The dietary patterns of 12-year-old children and their awareness about the effect of diet on oral health in Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Foods containing carbohydrates have a major effect on the pathogenesis of dental caries. There is a direct correlation between frequency of consumption of foods containing sugar and dental caries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary patterns of 12-year-old children and their awareness about the effect of diet on oral health in Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1554 children aged 12 years in 5 provinces in Iran. Subjects were selected based on a multistage stratified cluster random sampling procedure. Data were collected by a culturally adapted questionnaire that included demographic data (such as sex, age, parents’ job and education, and area), and questions about the frequency of consumption of cariogenic and non-cariogenic foods during the previous week. RESULTS: The mean score of diet-related behavior was 17.5 ± 5.9 (from 40). Approximately, 31.0% of children ate sweet foods (chocolate/cake/biscuit/chips), and 39.4% drank soft drinks (sugared tea or coffee or milked/soda/syrup) more than once a day, while 15 percent of children consumed fresh fruit and raw vegetables more than once a day. Students living in urban areas had higher scores in diet-related behavior (18.3 ± 5.4 vs. 16.1 ± 6.4, P < 0.001). The mean scores in Tehran (the Capital of Iran) was significantly higher than other urban areas. In rural areas, the mean scores of villages in Esfahan province, Iran, were higher than other villages. Children whose mothers were employed, and had higher education had significantly higher scores (P = 0.030 and P = 0.012, respectively). Sex and fathers’ education and job had no significant association with diet-related behavior. CONCLUSION: The results showed that dietary patterns was not satisfactory, and the level of consumption of cariogenic foods was high. Study findings recommend that school-based oral health programs should be designed for modifying the dietary habits in Iran. KEYWORDS: Oral Health; Dental Caries; Cariogenic Agents; Diet; Food Habit

Overextension of Nonsetting Calcium Hydroxide in Endodontic Treatment: Literature Review and Case Report

Premixed non-setting calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) paste in pressure syringe system is commonly used in root canal therapy. The aim of this paper is to present a case involving an iatrogenic extrusion of the medicament during endodontic treatment and a literature review of similar reports. The present case demonstrates severe tissue necrosis and other deleterious effects following the extrusion of CaOH2 paste beyond root apex. A 21-year old female was referred for endodontic treatment of her maxillary left first premolar. After completion of the canal preparation, root canals were filled by premixed CaOH2 paste. In the second appointment, a gingival detachment and an irregular zone of necrosis adjacent to the tooth apex was observed. To treat this complication, a mucoperiosteal flap was raised and the extruded material and necrotic tissues were currettaged and the area sutured. The patient was prescribed antibiotics and followed up at 2 weeks, 6 months and 2 years. Two week follow up showed good soft tissue healing. Two years postoperatively, complete radiographic and clinical healing was observed. We can conclude that the application of CaOH2 should be carried out with care and preferably applied free hand or with a lentulo spiral rather than in a pressure syringe

A systematic review of questionnaires used on oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice in 12-year-olds

BACKGROUND AND AIM: National oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) data among 12-year-old children need nation-wide programs to help promote oral health. In most countries, oral epidemiologic data are collected by selfadministered structured questionnaires. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the existing literature about questionnaires used for analyzing the oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior profile of the 12- year-old children. METHODS: The search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. The Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) search was performed applying singularly and by combining the following terms retrieved from the MeSH browser provided by MEDLINE: “Knowledge, awareness, attitude, practice, behavior, 12-year-old children, oral health.” RESULTS: Of 176 records found, 29 evaluated oral health KAP in 12-year-old children by structured questionnaires. The most important questions on knowledge (23 of 29 questionnaires) included some items which are focused on the importance of preserving natural teeth, effects of brushing, and sweets and soft drinks on the dentition. The most common questions on practice (28 questionnaires) were brushing activity and dental visits. The attitudes were evaluated by questions about fear of dental treatment, opinion about dentists and dental care (10 questionnaires). CONCLUSION: Considering differences in the available questionnaires showed that despite the importance of promotion of oral health by increasing knowledge, and improving attitudes and practice in 12-year-old children, more work is needed to form a standard questionnaire. KEYWORDS: Oral Health; Knowledge; Attitude; Behavior; Revie