Archive for January 2024

Jan 09

Evaluation of the therapeutic performance of ICON infiltration resin in the treatment of White Spot Lesions in esthetic dental areas. Clinical Report

Alexandra Mihaela Stoica 1, Oana Elena Stoica 1, Timea Dako 1, Andrea-Csinszka Kovàcs-Ivàcson 1, Monica Monea 1, Zsuzsanna Bardocz-Veres 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

White spot lesions, pathologically characterized by enamel demineralization, present a significant challenge in dentistry. Notably, intervention at the white spot stage is crucial to impede further lesion progression. Recent advances studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of flowable resin infiltration as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatment modalities. This technique allows for the concurrent treatment of multiple lesions in a single appointment, circumventing the necessity for local anesthesia or extensive cavity preparation. Clinically, this method has shown consistent stability, evidenced by maintained enamel integrity, enhanced rigidity, and preservation of adjacent healthy dental tissues. Additionally, the aesthetic outcomes of this approach are noteworthy, with a gradual diminution of lesion visibility over time. The present case report elucidates the long-term clinical outcomes and the efficaciousness of the Icon kit in the targeted management of specific white spot lesion pathologies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/asmj-2023-0009

Keywords: , , , , ,
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This entry was posted in Case report, Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023 on January 9, 2024
Jan 09

Clinical and practical aspects of the gingival smile. A questionnaire-based survey

Andreea Vlasiu 1, Cristina-Larisa Friciu 2, Ana-Petra Lazăr 2, Timea Dako 2, Lumința Lazăr 2
1 County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Târgu Mureș, Romania
2 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: One of the main elements of facial esthetics is represented by the smile. A harmonious proportion between the elements of facial esthetics is an important subject of interest in dentistry. Aim of the study: This research aims to evaluate the impact of the gummy smile on future dental practitioners. Materials and Methods: A survey containing 16 questions was designed to find out the students’ perceptions about the ideal smile and if the gingival smile is considered youthful or unpleasing. The impact on their self-esteem, their willingness to change the gummy smile or not, the nonsurgical and surgical methods of treatment were also evaluated. Results: 212 answers were recorded and analyzed. Nearly three quarters (70.3%) of the respondents believe that having a gummy smile is unesthetic, while only 29.3% considered it to be a sign of youth. Self-esteem can be affected by having a gingival smile, but, according to the results, most of the students (45.8%) said that their daily lives have not been affected by it, 40.6% said that in a small amount, 10.4% said that their self-assurance has been very affected and only 3.3% admitted that the gummy smile distressed their confidence. When asked if they were willing to correct their gingival smile, 51.4% were open to improving it while 48.6% would not change it. Conclusions: Among dentistry students, excessive showing of the gums is believed to be unesthetic rather than a sign of youthfulness. The respondents are generally not affected in their daily life by having a gummy smile. Education regarding the methods of correcting it still needs to be addressed amongst future dental practitioners.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/asmj-2023-0012

Keywords: , , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023 on January 9, 2024
Jan 09

Study on the conditions of color determination in dentistry

Szabina Barothi 1, Zsuzsanna Bardocz-Veres 1, Krisztina Ildikó Martha 1, Bernadette Kerekes-Mathe 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: Several variables can impact the choice of shade. Having a thorough understanding of these factors and following the proper selection technique is crucial for achieving favorable esthetic results. Aim of the study: To review the characteristics of esthetic perception of teeth in different lighting conditions, by individuals with different levels of experience in dentistry. Material and methods: Thirty volunteers, dentistry students, and general dentists were recruited. The participants were asked to determine the color of 4 mock-ups containing artificial teeth, under standardized conditions. Therefore, the samples were introduced in a custom-made box and illuminated by two different light conditions (4300 K and 5500 K), and three different colors (black, gray, and pink) were selected as background colors. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant difference between the two examined light conditions, the number of correct color determinations was significantly higher under the light with a color temperature of 5500K (p<0.00001). It can be seen that the gray background color proved to be statistically significantly more beneficial than the black and pink background colors. Conclusions: Among dentistry students and practitioners, environmental changes that affect shade determination have been demonstrated. Further research is still necessary regarding the perception of the esthetic expectations of dental treatments for color determination.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/asmj-2023-0011

Keywords: , , , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023 on January 9, 2024
Jan 09

Quantification of flowability and hydrophilicity of elastomeric impression materials

Csaba Dudas 1, Zsuzsanna Bardocz-Veres 1, Balázs- Zoltán Metz 1, Róbert Opra 1, Mária Henrietta Dudas 1, Bernadette Kerekes-Mathe 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: Flowability and hydrophilicity are essential properties of accurate impressions and casts. Aim of study: This study aimed to quantify these characteristics of elastomeric impression materials. Material and Methods: A total number of eight impression materials, including vinyl polysiloxane (PVS), polyether (PE), and condensation silicone (CS) were thoroughly investigated in this study. The flowability of elastomers was proven with the shark fin test (SFT), and the hydrophilicity was determined with contact angle (CA) measurements. Results: The shark fins’ (SF) of VPSs presented 11.57 mm (SD 3.49), while the PE 11.37 mm (SD 5.06) and CS 8.1 mm average values. Some of the products showed better flowability. Based on 128 measured CAs, the examined polyethers had the lowest CAs which indicate good hydrophilicity. Conclusions: A good performance of an impression material in one of the involved tests (SFT and CA) does not mean a similar result in the other analysis. All investigated impression materials could be considered hydrophilic as their CA was lower than 90°. The SFTs of light-bodied VPSs and PEs suggest reliable use of them in dental practice.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/asmj-2023-0010

Keywords: , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023 on January 9, 2024
Jan 09

Comparative oral health outcomes before and after periodontitis treatment: Scaling and root planning alone versus Nd: YAG Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure

Edwin Sever Bechir 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: Periodontitis is a multifactorial condition that impacts the support tissues of the teeth. The purpose of the research was to correlate the results obtained in the treatment of patients with at least stage II periodontitis by scaling and root planing alone (SRP), or by the laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), and to assess the outcomes and patients’ perceptions regarding the influence of these therapies on their quality of life by using The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire.
Materials and methods: The oral cavities of 15 patients were divided into quadrants, and, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two quadrants were allocated to one of the groups after the effectuated therapy: SRP or LANAP. The patient`s periodontal status (VPI, PPD, BOP, and CAL) was assessed and filed in a periodontal chart at baseline and 6 weeks after the implementation of the treatments, along with the OHIP-14 questionnaire. SRP was conducted for the first group of patients, in the selected quadrant and in the two remaining quadrants that were not included in the study. The LANAP protocol was applied to the quadrant belonging to the second group (LANAP) using a 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser (Lightwalker AT-S, Fotona®, Slovenia).
Results: The results showed that both noninvasive treatments are effective in diminishing VPI, PPD, BOP, and CAL in periodontal patients, and the scores obtained 6 weeks after the end of the periodontal treatments determined the improvement of the patient’s perception in the questionnaire.
Conclusion: Both the association of the Nd: YAG laser with scaling and root planing (LANAP) and SRP alone provided safe and efficient outcomes, resulting in high levels of satisfaction among patients at 6 weeks after treatment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/asmj-2023-0007

Keywords: , , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023 on January 9, 2024
Jan 09

Systematic Review Regarding The Difference In Dental Plaque Accumulation Associated With Fixed Orthodontic Retainers And Vacuum Formed Removable Retainer

Enrica Muggianu 1, Damiano Musilli 1, Antonella D’Andrea 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: Orthodontic retention is fundamental to prevent tooth relapse after the treatment. Plaque accumulation is a serious concern, affecting periodontal health. In this study, the effects of fixed retainers with removable vacuum formed retainers on plaque accumulation by evaluating the Plaque Indices were compared.
Aim of the study: The aim of the present systematic review is to comprehend which orthodontic retainer between fixed retainers and the removable vacuum formed retainers results in the least amount of plaque accumulation.
Material and Methods: For evaluation a literature review was carried out by all the reviewers by consulting PubMed, ScienceDirect, The Lancet, Sciendo, and Google Scholars electronic databases for biomedical and health literature. The articles were selected from 2017 onwards with the restriction of the English language.
Results: 5 studies were selected, reporting on a total of 249 patients both males and females who after debonding orthodontic appliances followed up with either a fixed or vacuum formed retainer.
Conclusion: Within their limits, the results seem to show that patients who wear Vacuum Formed Retainers tend to accumulate less plaque than the ones that wear Fixed Retainers. However, subsequent studies are required to address this matter and draw a definitive conclusion.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/asmj-2023-0008

Keywords: , , , ,
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This entry was posted in Review, Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023 on January 9, 2024
Jan 09