Original paper

Jun 16

Comparison of the gutta-percha amounts used by two root canal obturation techniques in simulated root canals shaped with four different NiTi file systems.

Oana-Paula Butean 1, Valentina Costin 1, Bogdan Rusu 1, Zsuzsanna Bardocz-Veres 1, Damla Erkal 2, Kürşat Er 3
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania.
2 Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkiye.
3 Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkiye.

Introduction: The three-dimensional and hermetic obturation of the root canal is considered a fundamental element for successful root canal treatment. Aim of the study: This study aimed to compare the effects of different NiTi file systems and canal obturation techniques on the amount of root canal filling. Material and Methods: A total of 80 standardized transparent acrylic blocks (TABs) with canals of 17 mm length, a constant taper of 2%, and a curvature of 30 degrees were used. The canals were shaped using 4 different NiTi file systems [ProTaper Next (PTN), ProTaper Ultimate (PTU), VDW Rotate (VR), and XP-Endo Shaper (XPS)], with 20 samples per system. After shaping, TABs were weighed 3 times using a precision scale, and the averages were recorded. They were then randomly divided into 2 subgroups [Single Cone (SC) and Continuous Wave Compaction (CWC)], and canal obturation procedures were performed. After obturation, TABs were again weighed 3 times on a precision scale, averages were recorded, and weight differences were calculated. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests. Results: Statistically significant differences were found among all groups (P < 0.05). The PTU-CWC group exhibited the highest filling amount (0.0248 ± 0.0032), while the lowest filling amount was observed in the XPS-SC group (0.0083 ± 0.0027). Among SC groups, VR-SC showed the highest filling amount and XPS-SC the lowest. Within CWC groups, the PTU-CWC group had significantly higher filling amounts compared to the other groups, while no significant differences were found among the PTN, VR, and XPS groups. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the amount of root canal filling significantly varies depending on the NiTi file system and obturation technique used. Thermoplastic techniques generally produced similar results; however, the PTU system provided significantly greater filling amounts. In SC techniques, the VR system exhibited the highest, and the XPS system showed the lowest filling effectiveness.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2025.1.04

Keywords: , , , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 8, Issue 1, June 2025 on June 16, 2025
Jun 16

Comparative assessment of the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus to pedodontic crowns made of metal and zirconium.

Teofana Amarie 1, Cristina-Ioana Bica 2, Oana Elena Stoica 2
1 St. Spiridon County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania
2 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: The microbial flora in children’s oral cavities is diverse, with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus playing key roles in the development of dental caries and periodontal inflammation. Resin restorations, commonly used for carious lesions, may lead to secondary decay and complications over time, making dental crowns a preferred option in pediatric dentistry. Metal crowns are effective for multiple surface lesions, while zirconium crowns offer superior aesthetics and biocompatibility. However, crown placement can promote bacterial adhesion, particularly by S. Mutans on enamel and cementum, and Lactobacillus on dentin, potentially affecting long-term restoration success. Bacterial adhesion can be assessed through plaque samples to evaluate restoration durability. Aim of the study: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the microbial adhesion of S. mutans and Lactobacillus on pedodontic crown surfaces. Material and methods: 60 patients with metal and zirconium pedodontic crowns were included in the study. We analyzed the bacterial load with KariesScreenTests. Conclusion: Metal pedodontic crowns have higher microbial adhesion, with S. mutans outnumbering Lactobacillus. Zirconium crowns show lower microbial adhesion, with fewer bacteria overall. S. mutans is present in higher quantities than Lactobacillus, but still less than in metal crowns. Zirconium crowns are a better option for restoring primary teeth, as they reduce plaque buildup and bacterial growth, offering improved long-term oral health benefits.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2025.1.03

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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 8, Issue 1, June 2025 on June 16, 2025
Dec 12

Awareness of consent among Nigerian orthodontic patients; a study of perceptions and practices.

Sylvia Simon Etim 1, Onyinye Dorathy Umeh 2
1 College of Health Sciences. University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
2 College of Medicine. University of Lagos, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment is elective but not without risks. Prospective patients need to be fully informed of their treatment options and understand the associated risks and benefits.
Aim of the study: To assess the perception of Nigerian orthodontic patients regarding the consent and assent-giving process before orthodontic treatment.
Material and Methods: A total of 349 patients from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, who received orthodontic treatment between December 2023 and May 2024, participated in this study. A 21-item questionnaire was administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire contained demographic questions and items assessing knowledge, perception, and practice of consent in orthodontics. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages).
Results: Of the 349 participants, 99 (28.4%) were male, and 250 (71.6%) were female, with a mean age of 23.43 ± 10.49 years. Of the study population, 88% of female and 91.9% of male participants had heard of consent before treatment. A total of 93.1% of participants gave consent, with 78.5% of these being verbal. Pain (45.6%) was the most commonly explained complication, while infection (6.9%) was the least. In terms of satisfaction, 92% of participants were satisfied with the consent process.
Conclusion: Most Nigerian orthodontic patients are aware of the consent process and are generally satisfied with it. Orthodontists in Nigeria should prioritize obtaining written informed consent to ensure patient protection and avoid potential legal issues.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2024.2.04

Keywords: , , , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2024 on December 12, 2024
Dec 12

Contact angle comparison of two elastomeric impression materials during initial setting.

Usama Nassar 1, Faraz Tavoossi 1, Yan Wen Pan 1, Nathan Milavong 1, Giseon Heo 1, John A. Nychka 1,2
1 University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2 Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Introduction: Hydrophilicity of elastomeric impression materials is a key property in producing an accurate impression in prosthodontic treatment.
Aim: To study the hydrophilicity (wettability) of two different elastomeric impression materials in vitro by comparing the initial water contact angles on five materials during setting.
Materials and methods: Vinyl polysiloxane VPS (Imprint 4 Light and Super Quick Heavy) and Vinyl polyether silicone VPES (EXA’lence Light Regular, Light Fast and Heavy Fast set) were used. The leveled material surface received 1-μl droplet of deionized water 15 seconds after dispensing the impression material. Contact angles were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 seconds using a drop shape analysis machine. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with time as a within-subjects factor and material as a between-subjects factor (α=0.05).
Results: All material had high contact angles at time 0 (T1). Imprint 4 had lower contact angles than EXA’lence at all times. There was a statistically significant difference in contact angles of all EXA’lence materials compared to Imprint 4 when not accounting for time (P < .001). When time was factored in, there was no significant difference at T1 only (P = .08). There was no significant difference among the three EXA’lence materials (P > .990) at all-time points. However, there was a significant difference between Imprint 4 materials with Imprint 4 Super Quick Heavy having lower means than Imprint 4 Light (P = .001). This was true for all time points except T1.
Conclusions: Despite the high contact angle values at time 0 (T1), both materials reached a significant hydrophilic level with Imprint 4 having drastically lower mean values.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2024.2.03

Keywords: , , , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2024 on December 12, 2024
Dec 12

Periodontal soft tissue changes observed during orthodontic treatment with conventional metal fixed appliances.

Bădărău-Șuster Andrei-Mario 1, Zamfir Anca-Georgiana 1, Vlasa Alexandru 1, Coman Tatiana-Maria 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: We are currently seeing an increase in the number of patients seeking orthodontic treatment, many of whom are young adults. Besides the obvious advantages of orthodontic therapy, there are also some side effects that can be seen at the level of periodontal soft tissues, which can influence the final result. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study is to identify the main changes observed in the soft tissues during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (colour, size, position, texture of gingiva and shape of anterior interdental papillae), and to analyse them depending on individual clinical characteristics, gender and gingival phenotype. Material and Methods: 22 patients were included in this study – 12 women and 10 men, aged between 14 and 30 years, that presented to the Integrated Centre of Dental Medicine in Târgu Mureș, in the period 2019-2024, in search of orthodontic treatment. Results: The study found significant differences in gingival changes based on gender and gingival phenotype, with females showing more pronounced colour changes and gingival hypertrophy in the mandibular regions, and males exhibiting substantial gingival hypertrophy and colour changes, both in the frontal and lateral maxillary regions. Conclusions: This study shows gingival changes during orthodontic treatment that differ by gender and gingival phenotype. Thus, females with a thick gingival phenotype show distinct colour and size changes in the frontal mandibular region, whereas male patients tend to have more changes in the frontal and lateral maxillary regions, regardless of the gingival phenotype.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2024.2.02

Keywords: , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2024 on December 12, 2024
Sep 13

Periodontal soft tissue changes observed during orthodontic treatment with conventional metal fixed appliances.

Bădărău-Șuster Andrei-Mario 1, Zamfir Anca-Georgiana 1, Vlasa Alexandru 1, Coman Tatiana-Maria 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: We are currently seeing an increase in the number of patients seeking orthodontic treatment, many of whom are young adults. Besides the obvious advantages of orthodontic therapy, there are also some side effects that can be seen at the level of periodontal soft tissues, which can influence the final result. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study is to identify the main changes observed in the soft tissues during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (colour, size, position, texture of gingiva and shape of anterior interdental papillae), and to analyse them depending on individual clinical characteristics, gender and gingival phenotype. Material and Methods: 22 patients were included in this study – 12 women and 10 men, aged between 14 and 30 years, that presented to the Integrated Centre of Dental Medicine in Târgu Mureș, in the period 2019-2024, in search of orthodontic treatment. Results: The study found significant differences in gingival changes based on gender and gingival phenotype, with females showing more pronounced colour changes and gingival hypertrophy in the mandibular regions, and males exhibiting substantial gingival hypertrophy and colour changes, both in the frontal and lateral maxillary regions. Conclusions: This study shows gingival changes during orthodontic treatment that differ by gender and gingival phenotype. Thus, females with a thick gingival phenotype show distinct colour and size changes in the frontal mandibular region, whereas male patients tend to have more changes in the frontal and lateral maxillary regions, regardless of the gingival phenotype.

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This entry was posted in Original paper on September 13, 2024
Jun 04

Comparative study on the degree of dental anxiety among adolescents/young adults versus middle-aged/senior adults.

Horodincă Claudia-Iulia-Beatrice 1, Tohati Adrian 2
1 Emergency County Hospital Târgu Mureș, Romania
2 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania

Introduction: Dental anxiety is one of the most common diseases present in the global population. It induces aversion to dental procedures by causing a psychological response which misinterprets a dental stimulus as imminent danger. The purpose of this study was to analyze the degree of dental anxiety based on age groups, gender, background, but also on previous experiences, through a questionnaire distributed in different areas of Romania.
Materials and methods: A series of 14 questions relevant to the subjects was compiled in a questionnaire which was distributed to subjects of varying backgrounds. The questionnaire was formatted to allow the relevant drawing of conclusions from the collected data.
Results: 413 people responded to the questionnaire, of which 126 were women, 287 were men, 165 were from rural areas, and 248 were from urban areas. The age groups were divided in the following way: <35years, included adolescents/young adults, and >=35 years, included middle-aged adults/seniors.
Conclusions: It has been found that adolescents and young adults are more anxious than middle-aged adults and seniors, and that previous unpleasant experiences have left their mark on the patients’ anxiety levels before the visit to the dentist.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2024.1.04

Keywords: , ,
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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2024 on June 4, 2024
Jun 04

Comparison of the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite, citric acid, and diode laser in disinfection of the root canal system.

Andrea-Csinszka Kovács-Ivácson 1, Alexandra-Mihaela Stoica 1, Örs Bodó 2, Timea Dakó 1, Monica Monea 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania
2 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Târgu Mureș, Romania

Introduction: To achieve a proper disinfection of the root canal system, besides many irrigant solutions, laser has become increasingly popular in recent years. Bacteria that penetrate deep in the dentine can be destroyed by laser up to 1150 μm. The aim of the study is to investigate and to compare the efficiency of conventional chemical disinfection using cleaning solutions – sodium hypochlorite (2%), citric acid (20%) – and the physical disinfection using a diode laser (940 nm, 1 W) in vitro using extracted teeth. Material and Methods: 23 intact, single rooted teeth were prepared and inoculated with Enterococcus Faecalis. Afterwards samples were taken from each group and placed on solid mediums. The following were applied to members of each group prior to sampling: 2% sodium hypochlorite, 20% citric acid and diode laser (940 nm, 1W). To evaluate the results, so that the bacterial strains on the medium could be counted, quenches were performed from 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskall-Wallis and unpaired T-test with a value of p>0.05. Results: Statistical analysis on the 3 groups (NaOCl, citric acid, and diode laser) showed significant differences between the counted remaining colonies after disinfection. Conclusions: The diode laser used for disinfection under the used settings is not effective enough, but as an adjuvant, associated with conventional irrigation effective disinfection can be obtained.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2024.1.03

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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2024 on June 4, 2024
Jun 04

Assessment of lingula and foramen mandibulae morphology and their implications for inferior alveolar nerve block: a comparative study of contemporary and medieval individuals.

Veress Szidonia Krisztina 1, Péter Előd Attila 1, Bojin Helga 1, Száva Dániel Tamás 1, Bögözi Bálint Botond 1, Gál Szilárd Sándor 2, Muresan Mircea Gabriel 1
1 George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Romania
2 Mures County Museum, Târgu Mureș, Romania

In this study, we conducted a detailed morphological analysis of the lingula and foramen mandibulae, aiming to examine their anatomical characteristics and relationships within contemporary and medieval individuals.
Our primary objective was to provide valuable insights to assist clinicians in minimizing potential intraoperative complications during anesthesia procedures targeting the inferior alveolar nerve.
To accomplish this, we examined the mandibular structures of 22 adults, 11 children aged 6-12 from archaeological findings in the Târgu Mureș area, and 14 contemporary adults. Our observations encompassed the size, shape, and spatial relationships of the lingula and foramen mandibulae concerning various points along the ascending branch of the mandible.
The study revealed a distinct order of lingula shapes among medieval children and adults, with the triangle, trapezoid, nodular, and assimilated shapes being most prevalent. In modern adults, the order of nodular and assimilated shapes was reversed. Additionally, oval foramina were more common in adults, while round foramina predominated in children. Notably, there was no statistically significant difference between children and adults in the distance from the most prominent point of the lingula to the anterior edge of the ascending branch.
Our findings imply that the depth at which the inferior alveolar nerve can be accessed remains relatively consistent between children and adults. Furthermore, we identified a correlation between the relationship of the shape of the lingula and the position of the mandibular foramen, providing valuable insights for clinical practice.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2024.1.02

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This entry was posted in Original paper, Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2024 on June 4, 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

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