European Journal of General Dentistry

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 15% hydrogen peroxide (Illumine Office) and 16% carbamide peroxide (VivaStyle) on the surface roughness and hardness of nano-restoratives. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 specimens of each material were fabricated using Clearfil Majesty Esthetic (Group1), Tetric EvoFlow (Group2) and Ketac N100 (Group3). Each group were divided into 3 subgroups and treated as follows: Group 1a, 2a, 3a was treated with Illumine Office, Group 1b, 2b, 3b was treated with VivaStyle, Group 1c, 2c, 3c was stored in distilled water at 37°C for two weeks (control). Surface roughness and microhardness tests were performed. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of roughness and microhardness among Clearfil Majesty Esthetic and Tetric EvoFlow groups, seperately (P > 0.05). Illumine Office increased the roughness and decreased the microhardness of Ketac N100 (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Bleaching may affect the roughness and microhardness of nano-restoratives depending on material and bleaching system.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate color stability (ΔE), surface roughness (Ra), and Knoop microhardness (KHN) of composite resins under simulated toothbrushing with whitening toothpastes and desensitizing toothpaste. Methodology: One hundred disks were made with composite resins: Filtek Z350 XT (3M/ESPE) and Grandio SO (VOCO) and divided into five subgroups: AS (Control I) - immersed in artificial saliva; CS (Control II) - immersed in coffee solution; LW - brushing with Colgate Luminous White; OD – brushing with Oral-B 3D White; and SP - brushing with Sensodyne Total Protection, as control. The LW, OD, and SP groups had the disks brushed daily with 120 cycles after immersion in coffee solution (10 min) for a period of 30 days. ΔE, Ra, and KHN were obtained at baseline and after the treatments. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests (P < 0.05). Student's t- test and Bonferroni test were performed to compare variables. Results: ANOVA revealed significant differences for ΔE, Ra, and KHN. ΔE: the highest ΔE mean values for Filtek were presented by SP group. For Grandio, the highest values were presented by SP and CS. Ra: Both composite resins presented similar behavior, with the highest mean values for groups AS and CS. KHN: The groups OD and SP made the most alteration on the surface, reducing the KHN values. Conclusions: Whitening toothpaste and immersion in coffee influenced on color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness of composite resins.

Objective: Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) remains a common chronic dental pain affecting the daily life of sufferers. Patients' perception of the impact of oral conditions on their quality of life as well as treatment outcome has become popular. Little is however known about the impact of DH on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among these patients. The aim of this study was therefore to assess and compare the OHRQoL before and after treatment among patients presenting with DH. Materials and Methods: Conducted as a randomized, controlled study, the patients were randomized into experimental (n = 51) and control groups (n = 17) for the application of three in-office desensitizing agents: copal fluoride; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and glutaraldehyde (Gluma desensitizer); arginine-calcium carbonate (Pro-Argin); and distilled water. The English version of the Oral Health Impact Profile with 14 items (OHIP-14) was administered to all patients before treatment and afterward at 1, 2, and 4 weeks to assess the OHRQoL. Results: Prevalence of impact (24.7%), extent of impact (12.9 ± 4.1), and severity of impact (10.56 ± 5.55) all revealed impact on the OHRQoL. The OHIP-14 scores reduced significantly among the patients treated with the desensitizing agents (P = 0.000), with no significant reduction in patients treated with the placebo (P = 0.901). There were no gender differences in the overall OHIP-14 scores. Regression analysis revealed age and number of hypersensitive teeth as predictors of pretreatment impact of DH on OHRQoL. Conclusions: DH had a significant impact on the OHRQoL of patients suffering from the condition. Treatment resulted in significant improvement in OHRQoL.

Background: Professionalism as a concept is complex and is associated with multiple factors including patients’ age, gender, education qualification, ethnic background in addition to their social, psychological, and economic status. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess patients’ perceptions of professionalism practiced by students during clinical practice. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was given to 215 new patients attending Comprehensive Care and Intern Clinics at King Khalid University College of Dentistry Campuses. They were asked to respond to specific questions regarding student behavior and communication during treatment procedure. Results: Results revealed that majority of the students displayed professional appearance and behavior. However, they need to emphasize more on answering treatment-related patient’s questions and doubts. Students and support staff need to make sure patients sign the informed consent form only after reading it completely. Conclusion: Results also indicate that dental students practice professionalism when they are trained right from the beginning of the dental program.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate ceramic/titanium shear bond strength and microstructure of two commercially dental ceramics. Materials and Methods: Ceramic/titanium bond strength (6.0 mm × 2.0 mm) was measured using a universal testing machine. The load was applied with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. The titanium received different modifications for commercially pure titanium (airborne-particle abrasion and acid and thermic treatment). Results: All specimens showed different features within the interfacial area according to the different kinds of surface treatment. The tensile bond strength showed significant difference among the ceramics and surface treatment where the acid treatment groups had least means bond strength as differences between ceramic groups (P = 0.03). Conclusion: It was concluded that the use of acid solutions did not improve titanium-ceramic bonding strength values and the combination of airborne-particle abrasion and thermic treatment produced the most significant improvement in the titanium-ceramic bonding.

The absence of premolars is relatively common, occurring approximately 1.5% in the maxilla, but the absence of the both premolars in the same arch is rare and usually observed in cases of oligodontia. The objective of this article is to present a clinical case with a malocclusion in the permanent dentition and an absence of both premolars in the left hemiarch, and with the canine positioned adjacent to the maxillary left first molar. The movement of the canine was slow through the alveolar ridge in the edentulous region during movement. Rectangular arches associated with stainless steel open springs alternated with elastomeric chains were used to move the canine adjacent to the lateral incisor. The retention was with a Hawley type and an acrylic tooth while waiting for implant prosthesis placement. The orthodontic movement, even to a significant extent of the maxillary canine through the atrophic alveolar bone, generated new bone, obviating the need for bone grafting. The result with the implant placement of a premolar achieved good dental and functional occlusion with improved esthetics and periodontal health, which was evident by improvements in patient self-esteem and satisfaction.