Journal of Isfahan Dental School
Year:2014 | Volume:10 | Issue:2|Papers Count:12

Introduction: To prevent growth of residual bacteria, it has been proposed that sealers and filling materials should have antibacterial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of AH26 sealer combined with two different antibiotics on Enterococcus faecalis.Materials and methods: In this in vitro study, the antimicrobial effects of amoxicillin and minocycline which were added separately to AH26 sealer were evaluated on Enterococcus faecalis. In group 1, 25% amoxicillin with AH26 sealer, in group 2, 25% minocycline with AH26 sealer, in group 3, pure AH26 sealer, and in group 4, distilled water were used. The samples were placed in agar plates inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. All the plates were incubated for 7 days at 37oC under anaerobic condition, and zones of growth inhibition were measured in millimeters at 24-, 48-, 72- and 7-day intervals. Data were analyzed using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA and multiple comparisons were made by Tukey tests (a=0.05).Results: The results showed that adding antibiotics at 25% concentrations to AH26 sealer created significantly larger zones of growth inhibition compared to the sealer alone (p value<0.05). In groups 1 and 2, there were significant differences in zones of growth inhibition with an increase in incubation period from 14 to 72 hours; however, there were no significant differences between 72-hour and 1-week intervals. The maximum antibacterial activity was observed in the amoxicillin group.Conclusion: Mixing AH26 sealer with amoxicillin and minocycline significantly increases the antibacterial property of the sealer against Enterococcus faecalis.

Introduction: Lichen planus is a skin and mucosal disease with an unknown etiology. However, a number of factors are known to play a role. One of these factors is inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, which play a key role in inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of TNF-a in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and (contact/drug-induced) oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) in comparison with normal controls.Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study, 10 OLP (mean age 46.84±8.59), 20 OLR patients (mean age 49.18±13.34) and 20 normal controls (mean age 39.86±6.99) were compared and the serum levels of TNF-a were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16, using Kruskal-Wallis test (a=0.05).Results: The OLR patients, OLP patients and normal group exhibited no significant differences in the serum levels of TNF-a (p value=0.465). The mean serum levels of TNF-a in OLR and OLP patients and in healthy individuals were 10.45, 30.76 and 50.73, respectively.Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, there were no significant differences in the serum levels of TNF-α in patient with OLP and OLR and healthy subjects. Therefore, TNF-a cannot be used to make a distinction between lichen planus and lichenoid reaction lesions.

Introduction: Malocclusion not only affects oral function and appearance, but also has economic, social and psychological effects. The aim of this study was the analysis of association between the psychosocial aspects of dental esthetic and quality of life of university students.Materials and methods: In this descriptive analytical study, 82 students (41 males and 41 females) with a range of 18-25 years, without any history of orthodontic treatment, were selected by random simple sampling method. All the subjects were examined for DAI (Dental Aesthetic Index) and then 3 questionnaires, including PIDAQ (Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire), BES (Body Esteem Scale) and OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) and a demographic questionnaire, were completed by the subjects. Data was analyzed by ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation test and Spearman’s test using SPSS 20 (a=0.05).Results: The results showed a significant relationship between malocclusion severity and dental self-confidence (p value=0.002). Furthermore, the young people who did not have attractive dental appearance had worries about the beauty of their teeth (p value=0.02), with significant psychological effects on them (p value=0.01). There were no significant relationships between the severity of malocclusion and satisfaction with body status (p value=0.012), the quality of life (p value=0.13) and the social effects of dental esthetics (p value=0.234). There were no significant differences between the two genders in different components of questionnaires and quality of life.Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, although severity of malocclusion had no effects on students’ quality of life and their social life, it appears body self-esteem affects their quality of life and other psychosocial aspects of dental esthetics. Further studies are recommended.

Introduction: Polishing is a method to make tooth surface smooth using a bristle brush or other methods with an abrasive prophylactic paste. Placing the paste on the brush by hand is time-consuming. The aim of this study was qualitative and quantitative evaluation and comparison of a new automatic instrument with conventional manual technique in terms of polishing time and the number of teeth polished per specific time intervals and by asking for the ideas of dental practitioners.Materials and methods: In this study, 60 tooth samples were randomly selected from the upper and lower jaws and underwent polishing with an automatic polishing system and conventional polishing system and the number of teeth polished in a minute was calculated. Qualitative evaluation was carried out using a questionnaire completed by users in relation to the performance of the new system in comparison to the conventional system. Data were analyzed with SPSS 11 using two-way ANOVA (a=0.05).Results: Polishing time decreased up to 60% with the automatic system, which was statistically significant (p value=0.003). The jaw type had no significant effect on procedure time and the number of teeth polished during time intervals with the new system compared to the conventional system (p value=0.3, p value=0.96). In relation to quality evaluation of the new system, 86.6%, 10% and 3.3% of the users rated its efficacy as good, fair and weak, respectively. In addition, 76.6% of users were satisfied with the new system’s efficacy; 73.3% were interested in buying the new system; 60% were satisfied with dilution of paste with water; and there was a 50% increase in tooth surface smoothness with the use of the new system.Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, automatic polishing system was superior to the conventional system quantitatively (time and the total number of teeth polished) and qualitatively (user satisfaction, ergonomics and ease of use). Further studies are recommended.

Introduction: Many factors may cause distortion of panoramic radiographs, of which patient’s head position can be mentioned. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of changing the head position in sagittal plane on magnification in different zones of the jaws and to compare it with the normal position.Materials and methods: In this in vitro descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study seven human dry mandibles were used. The skulls were marked in different dental areas at specific horizontal and vertical distances by radiopaque markers. Panoramic radiographs were taken from each skull tilted and rotated 1-2, 2-4 and 4-6 degrees to left. Magnification in each area was calculated. Data were analyzed with SPSS 18, using t-test and ICC (a≤0.05).Results: The results suggested that changing the position of head in the sagittal plane resulted in greatest changes in the horizontal dimension. The majority of statistically significant changes were observed in values higher than 4 degrees in the third to sixth left mandibular teeth (p values of 0.044, 0.005, 0.044 and 0.006, respectively). Changes in the second premolar and first molar were observed in lower degrees (higher than 2 degree). During tilting and rotation of skulls, the maximum changes were observed in horizontal plane from maxillary lateral incisors to second molars (with p values of 0.013, 0.026, 0.011, 0.016, 0.007 and 0.012, respectively) and in the mandibular lateral incisors to the first molars (with p values of 0.033, 0.002, 0.026, 0.017 and 0.052, respectively). Significant changes were observed in rotations higher than 2 degrees on the left side.Conclusion: Changing head position (rotation and tilting) to a maximum of 6 degrees around the sagittal plane will cause statistically significant changes in horizontal dimensions, but these changes are clinically negligible.

Introduction: A standardized questionnaire is the principal tool for assessing individuals’ knowledge. Since no standard questionnaire is available for assessing elementary school hygiene instructors’ knowledge about dental taumas the aim of this study was to design and standardize such a questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability.Materials and methods: In the present descriptive study in order to design a standard questionnaire, existing questions about individuals’ knowledge on dental trauma were evaluated from papers published in English and 42 questions were selected. The English questions were translated into Persian in a linguistic style. The validity of the questions was fully evaluated by experts in epidemiology, Persian language, pedodontists and endodontics, considering the target group and a Persian questionnaire was prepared. In order to evaluate the reliability of the designed questionnaire, 30 hygiene instructors from Shiraz elementary schools were asked to answer the questionnaire. Inter-item correlation, Cronbach's alpha and alpha when the item was deleted, were used along with intra-class correlation test with SPSS 18. All the necessary changes were made and validity and reliability tests were repeated until appropriate results were achieved.Results: Assessment of the reliability of the questionnaire was carried out twice, which resulted in a questionnaire with 19 multiple choice questions. Cronbach’s alpha of the final questionnaire was 0.887 and ICC was 0.716. No significant change was observed after deleting each question.Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that a standardized Persian questionnaire, including 19 questions with acceptable validity and reliability is now available to evaluate school hygiene instructors’ knowledge about dental trauma and can be used in other similar studies in Iran.

Introduction: Proximity of the apices of posterior teeth to maxillary sinus is a concern in any treatment procedure in this area. The aim of present study was to compare the distance of the apices of posterior maxillary teeth to the maxillary sinus floor in cross-sectional and panoramic views in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 20 CBCT scan samples were selected randomly. The reconstructed cross-sections were evaluated serially, beginning from the anterior segment. The distances from the root apices to the inferior border of the sinus were measured. This distance was also measured on panoramic views. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 using t-test and pair t-test (a=0.05).Results: The mean distances between the apices of upper first premolars and the maxillary sinus floor on cross-sectional and panoramic views were 9.13±4.17 and 9.51±4.22 mm, respectively (p value=0.001). These means for upper second premolars on cross-sectional and panoramic views were 7.06±3.40 and 7.51±3.40 mm, respectively (p value=0.011). These means for upper first molars in cross-sectional and panoramic views were 4.73±2.26 and 4.91±2.25 mm, respectively (p value=0.011). Finally, for upper second molars, the mean distances were 4.01±1.92 and 4.30±1.95 mm in cross-sectional and panoramic views, respectively (p value=0.011).Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, the distances from the upper tooth apices to the maxillary sinus floor were different on two cross-sectional and panoramic views of CBCT technique and the distance on panoramic view was significantly greater than that on crosssectional view.

Introduction: Decayed teeth are one of the diseases of civilization. Intraoral factors which interact with the others such as heredity, cultural and social factors are involved in the initiation of the disease. Among social factors, health care is particularly important. The aim of the present study was to evaluate DMFT, dmft and gingivitis in the first-year students of elementary, guidance and high schools in rural and urban areas in 23 provinces of Iran.Materials and methods: This descriptive nationwide study was conducted in 2009-2010 as part of the routine examination of first-year students of elementary, guidance and high schools in 23 provinces in Iran. This examination was performed across the country by physicians and medical personnel in relation to DMFT and dmft and gingival inflammation. Data were recorded in students’ health records and frequencies were extracted and reported.Results: The results showed first-year elementary students had the highest caries rate with 45.56%. Caries rates were 40.99% and 35.8% in rural and urban areas, respectively. First-year students of elementary, guidance and high schools in Kashan and Shiraz had the highest and lowest caries rates with 62% and 13%, respectively.Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, the highest caries rate was reported in elementary students in Kashan. The highest rates of tooth extractions, tooth restorations and gingival inflammation were reported in elementary, high school and guidance school students, respectively.

Introduction: Intraoral imaging technology has become one of the most exciting new fields in dentistry. Three-dimensional scanning of the oral cavity is used in many dental procedures such as restorative dentistry and orthodontics. To date, a number of intraoral scanners have been developed for restorative dentistry throughout the world, and many researchers and manufacturers seek the design and development of new digital devices. Only some of these devices are currently available on the market and some others are being clinically tested. All existing intraoral scanners try to overcome the drawbacks of traditional impression processes. The aim of the present article is to provide an extensive evaluation of intraoral scanners in restorative dentistry, with special attention to their assessment principles, characteristics and performance.Review report: This review article was prepared by scientific searching in electronic sources of Pubmed and ISI Web of Science in connection with articles published in English until 2014, and with these key words: intraoral scanners and digital impression.Conclusion: Over the years there have been major advances in digital scanning systems, and a variety of digital systems have been introduced that enable the dentist to select different intraoral reconstruction methods in the extraoral environment. The ultimate goal of dentists is to provide accurate and efficient dental restorations for the patient, while maintaining patient comfort during the impression process. High-resolution dental optical scanners will enable the operator to provide high-quality restorations. With digital impression techniques, the number of operators and material variables will decrease, making restoration fabrication processes more predictable and easier.

Introduction: One of the most common odontogenic cysts is odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). It often occurs in men and diagnosis is most common in the second and third decades of life. These cysts have an expansive growth and often without clinical symptoms and bone expansion. The aim of this study was to report an uncommon OKC with unusual characteristics.Case report: A 67-year-old female patient was referred to a maxillofacial surgeon with a complaint of swelling of the left lower jaw. The patient was edentulous and had no pain and tenderness. Intraoral examination showed a swelling on the facial aspect of the alveolar bone with a boney consistency. Panoramic radiograph and CT scan examination showed a multilocular radiolucent lesion with corticated margins, which extended into the ramus and angle of the mandible with perforation of buccal and lingual cortices. The histopathological examination of the lesion after incisional biopsy was performed. Partial resection was carried out and OKC was confirmed.Conclusion: Due to the aggressive nature and high recurrence rate of OKC they should be diagnosed in early stages. Therefore, it is recommended that dentists be aware of the possibility of unusual characteristics of this cyst and follow it after treatment because of its high recurrence rate.