The Journal of Dentists

Local Elements Content on Working Surfaces of Five Different New Ni-Ti Rotary Endodontic Files: SEM-EDS Study

Igor Noenko — 2024-02-20

Objective: To assess diversity of local elements content within working surfaces of five different new Ni-Ti rotary endodontic files.

Methods: Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) for local elements content analysis was held within three specific areas of working surfaces of the files identified over received SEM images: 1) with pronounced visible signs of impurities; 2) with slightly visible signs of impurities; 3) with no visible signs of impurities. EDS procedure was provided with the use of EDS-detector. Local elements content data at the three above-mentioned specific areas of files’ working surfaces was presented in means of weight percent (wt%), normalized to 100%, and was automatically calculated by the SEM-EDS software.

Results: Expressiveness of visible signs of impurities present over working surfaces of the files demonstrated correlation with nickel (r=-0.62, p < 0.05) and titanium (r=-0.49, p < 0.05) content at analyzed areas, while also with carbon (r=0.57, p < 0.05) and oxygen (r=0.50, p < 0.05) content at analyzed areas. Odds ratio for possibility to register traces of one of the following elements N, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, Cr, Fe, Ca at the working surface of endodontic file under condition of present pronounced visible signs of impurities was found to be at the level of OR=12.5 (95% CI: 1.08; 143.44; p=0.04).

Conclusions: None of the analyzed files was free of impurities over their working surface. Carbon, oxygen, nickel, and titanium were the most prevalent elements observed along working surfaces of five new different endodontic files, while some instruments were characterized with the presence of tungsten, silicon, aurum, iron, chromium, magnesium and nitrogen, maximum level of which at selected areas with pronounced visible signs of impurities outreach 10% weight percent values.

Comparing Antimicrobial Effects of Heterotrigona itama Propolis from Two Regions of Malaysia Against Enterococcus faecalis

Nur Syaza Amni Ibrahim — 2024-07-02

Objective: This present study aimed to determine and compare the antimicrobial properties of Malaysian propolis (MP) produced by Heterotrigona Itama from different regions of Malaysia, against E. faecalis.

Methods: The propolis were obtained in Lenggong MLP (North Peninsula Malaysia) and Raub MRP - (Central Peninsula Malaysia). The antibacterial activities of the ethanolic extracts of propolis were conducted using antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The effect of these extracts on the cell morphology were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Calcium hydroxide and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used as controls.

Results: Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test to differentiate the difference of the two averages. The ethanol extracts of MLP showed higher activity compared to MRP at 50mg/ml on E. faecalis with zone of inhibition of 14.33mm and 10.00mm respectively. MIC test for MRP and MLP was 0.78125mg/ml and 3.125mg/ml respectively. Whereas the MBC value for both MRP and MLP was 12.50mg/ml and 50.00mg/ml respectively. SEM analysis showed that MP disrupted the size, cell morphology and the structure of the bacteria cell wall.

Conclusion: Our study showed MRP outperformed MLP against E. faecalis via MIC, MBC and SEM. Dissimilarities of surrounding trees in Raub and Lenggong may provide the variable chemical source contributing to this contrast. Thus, these stingless bees have a very special relationship with plant resins, relying on them for the very survival of their nests.

The Role of the Dentist in Home Care for the Older People: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Luís Eduardo Genaro — 2024-07-05

Objective; This study aimed to discuss the role of dentists in providing home care to older people.

Methodology; Studies on the role of the dentist in the oral health of older people living at home were reviewed. The search terms used included: home care, domiciliary care, older people, and oral health. Inclusion criteria comprised articles published in Scielo and Google Scholar databases. The article was categorized to provide a clear exposition of the information.

Results; Home Care (HC) in Brazil evolved from an informal practice initiated by sanitary agents in the early 20th century to a structured service with the creation of the Unified Health System (UHS) in 1988. The UHS established programs such as the Family Health Program, which integrated home visits by doctors and nurses, and later incorporated HC in three levels (HC1, HC2, HC3) to address different care complexities. The role of dentists in HC includes promoting oral health, treating urgenties, guiding caregivers, and performing clinical procedures, which are essential for the quality of life of the older people. This approach requires specific handling techniques and professional adaptation, focusing on prevention and less invasive treatments, considering the biopsychosocial health of patients. Conclusion: Home Care Services are crucial, with dentists providing care that includes the prevention and promotion of oral health. HC promotes humanized and comprehensive care, positively impacting the well-being of the older people. Long-term effectiveness depends on prevention, caregiver education, and professional adaptations.

Guided Endodontics in Calcified Canals: Literature Review

Frujeri Maria de Lourdes Vieira — 2024-10-08

Endodontic treatment controls the root canal microbiota by shaping, disinfecting and filling the canals to promote periapical healing. The calcification process is linked to pulp alterations, usually caused by an inflammatory process due to caries, loss of tooth surface, trauma or pulp exposure. This study aimed to emphasize the influence of computed tomography-guided endodontics on the accuracy and efficacy of endodontic treatments compared to conventional techniques. Articles were selected from PubMed, SCIELO and BVS databases using the descriptors "endodontics OR root canal treatment AND dental calcification AND pulp cavity AND cone beam computed tomography". The study included articles published from 2013 to 2023. After analyzing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 articles were selected. Endodontic treatment of calcified teeth is challenging and can result in failures in root canal instrumentation and disinfection. Also, it leads to complications such as perforation and weakening of the tooth structure due to excessive wear. Thus, minimally invasive endodontics is gaining prominence in contemporary endodontics. New techniques, such as guided endodontics, are emerging and have helped to reduce the risk of root perforation.

Combined Layer-by-Layer Segmentation Level Set Model Applied to Dental CBCT Image Segmentation

Du Wenjie — 2024-12-15

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image technology is widely used in the oral healthcare service industry to Detect the alignment, shape, position, and orientation of the patient's teeth, and tooth segmentation based on the level set model is an important step in the reconstruction and visualization of the tooth's three-dimensional structure. In response to the error accumulation problem that occurs in the conventional layer-by-layer segmentation level set model, this paper proposes a combined layer-by-layer segmentation level set model, which reduces the number of segmentation error transfers, and at the same time reduces the amount of segmentation error accumulation. Two consecutive sets of level set function iterations are designed to lead the curve from the inside of the tooth to the tooth edge and perform accurate tooth contour segmentation. The first set moves the curve from the inside of the tooth to the vicinity of the tooth contour to avoid over-segmentation, and the second set moves the curve from the vicinity of the tooth contour to the edge of the tooth contour for further optimization. Ten CBCT images were randomly selected to test this model, and the experiments showed that the combined layer-by-layer segmentation level-set model was superior to the conventional layer-by-layer segmentation level-set model, with the VOE value reduced by 12.44%, and the results of tooth segmentation were more accurate and better displayed; the time spent was shorter, but not significant; and good segmentation accuracy could be achieved for various classes of teeth.

Instrumental Colorimetric Evaluation of Combined Enamel and Dentin Composite Resins Compared to the Vita Classic Shade Guide

Jaime Sarmiento-Cornejo — 2024-12-18

Accurate color determination in dental restorations is crucial for achieving aesthetically pleasing and functional results. Traditionally, color selection has been performed using visual methods, which are subject to observer variability and factors such as lighting and experience. However, the use of instrumental technologies like spectrophotometry has allowed for greater objectivity and reproducibility in color measurement. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of color determination in composite resin restorations using spectrophotometry, comparing the results obtained with the Vita Classic shade guide.

A total of 120 samples were prepared using 4 types of composite resins and 3 enamel/dentin combinations (A2, A3, and A3.5), with 0.7 mm thickness for enamel and 1.3 mm for dentin, achieving a final thickness of 2 mm. Color measurements were taken with a Vita™ Easyshade^® spectrophotometer, and the results were expressed in terms of ΔE using the CIE Lab* formula. Normality (Shapiro-Wilk) and homoscedasticity (Levene) tests were applied, and one-way ANOVA was used to assess differences between resin brands and shades.

The results showed that, although no statistically significant differences were found in the A2 and A3 shades between brands, the A3.5 shade exhibited significant variations, with Filtek Z350 XT^® 3M Espe Solventum being the resin that showed color values closest to the ideal.

Oral Health Practices in Home Care: A Report on Bonding and Care

Luís Eduardo Genaro — 2024-12-21

Introduction: Home Care (HC) is a form of healthcare that provides patients with a comprehensive range of services. The guidelines of Brazil's National Oral Health Policy highlight HC as a key approach for expanding access to services and fostering a connection with the population. Methodology: This study presents an experience report from the Oral Health Team within the Family Health Strategy (FHS). The intervention period was from March to July 2023 in the city of Itatiba, SP. Results: A total of 25 patients received home care consultations, with an average age of 65 years. Eleven patients used full dentures, five had carious lesions, eight presented dental calculus, and one patient had an ulcerated lesion on the alveolar ridge. Interventions included oral hygiene guidance, restorative treatment, periodontal treatment, and referrals to secondary care for complementary exams. Conclusion: The study concluded that most procedures performed were denture guidance, atraumatic restorative treatment, and scaling and root planing. Additionally, the importance of oral cancer screening was highlighted, with one case identified in a patient. Moreover, the need for sensitivity and compassion in home care was emphasized, recognizing the conditions of both the patient and their family.