Aim: To analyze the bibliometric characteristics, impact, and visibility of scientific publications on artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry in Scopus. Materials and methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional bibliometric study, based on the systematic search of information in Scopus between 2017 and July 10, 2022. The search strategy was elaborated with Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Boolean operators. The analysis of bibliometric indicators was performed with Elsevier’s SciVal program. Results: From 2017 to 2022, the number of publications in indexed scientific journals increased, especially in the Q1 (56.1%) and Q2 (30.6%) quartile. Among the journals with the highest production, the majority was from the United States and the United Kingdom, and the Journal of Dental Research has the highest impact (14.9 citations per publication) and the most publications (31). In addition, the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (FWCI: 8.24) and Krois Joachim (FWCI: 10.09) from Germany were the institution and author with the highest expected performance relative to the world average, respectively. The United States is the country with the highest number of published papers. Clinical significance: There is an increasing tendency to increase the scientific production on artificial intelligence in the field of dentistry, with a preference for publication in prestigious scientific journals of high impact. Most of the productive authors and institutions were from Japan. There is a need to promote and consolidate strategies to develop collaborative research both nationally and internationally.

Aim: To assess the influence of remnants of filling material on hydroxyl ion diffusion from calcium hydroxide (CH) paste, measured by the pH value, in retreated teeth. Materials and methods: A total of 120 single-rooted extracted teeth were prepared up to a size 35 hand file and filled. For retreatment, the specimens were divided into four groups (n = 20): ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PUR), PUR with additional instrumentation (PURA), Mtwo Retreatment (MTWR), and MTWR with additional instrumentation (MTWRA). Negative (NEG) and positive (POS) control groups were composed by 20 specimens each one. The specimens, except NEG, were filled with CH paste. The retreated groups were scanned using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for analysis of filling remnants. The pH assessment was performed at the baseline, after seven, 21, 45, and 60 days of immersion in saline. Data were analyzed using Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s test, followed by a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test. Results: Additional instrumentation (PURA and MTWRA) were superior regarding removal of the filling material (p <0.05); however, without significant difference (p >0.05). The mean pH value in all groups increased (p <0.05). After 60 days, no statistical difference was observed among POS and PURA; and MTWR and MTWRA. There was less diffusion of hydroxyl ions when the amount of remnants was greater than 59%. Conclusion: Additional instrumentation improved the ability to remove filling material in both systems. All groups presented increasing pH; however, the higher the amount of remnants, the lower the diffusion of hydroxyl ions. Clinical significance: The amount of remnants allows less diffusion of calcium hydroxyl ions. Thus, additional instrumentation improves the ability to remove these materials.

Aim: The aim was to find out whether the light-tip distance affected the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets when cured with light-emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity LED at four different light-tip distances. Materials and methods: Extracted human premolars were divided into eight groups. Each tooth was embedded in the self-cure acrylic resin block, and brackets were bonded and cured with different lights and different distances. Shear bond strength tests were performed in vitro using the universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. Results: The descriptive statistics for shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets cured with LED light at 0 mm was 8.49 ± 1.08 MPa, at 3 mm was 8.13 ± 0.85 MPa, 6 mm was 6.42 ± 0.42 MPa, and at 9 mm was 5.24 ± 0.92 MPa, and those cured with high-intensity light at 0 mm was 19.23 ± 4.83 MPa, at 3 mm was 17.65 ± 3.28 MPa, at 6 mm was 13.04 ± 2.36 MPa, and at 9 mm was 11.74 ± 1.4 MPa. Mean shear bond strength was found to decrease as the light-tip distance increased with both light sources. Conclusion: Shear bond strength is higher when the light source is close to the surface to be cured, and it decreases as the distance increases. The highest shear bond strength was achieved with high-intensity light. Clinical significance: Light-emitting diode or high-intensity units can be used for bonding orthodontic brackets without compromising the shear bond strength of the brackets, and that shear bond strength is stronger when the light source is close to the surface to be cured, and it decreases as the distance increases between the light source and the surface.

Aim: The present study aimed at evaluating the increase in the rate of tooth movement by increasing the number and frequency of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs). Materials and methods: The study was a single-center, split-mouth, randomized controlled trial. A total of 20 patients were included in the study who had fully erupted maxillary canines with class I molar canine relationship and a bimaxillary protrusion that required the removal of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars. Out of 80 samples, the experimental and controlled groups were randomly assigned. The experimental group received five MOPs in the extracted site of the first premolar before retraction, at 28th day and 56th day. The control group received no MOPs. The rate of tooth movement was measured on 28th, 56th, and 84th day on both the experimental and control sides. Results: In maxillary dentition, the canine on the MOP side moved by 0.65 ± 0.21 mm, 0.74 ± 0.23 mm, and 0.87 ± 0.27 mm during 28th, 56th, and 84th day, respectively, whereas in control side the rate of tooth movement was 0.37 ± 0.09 mm, 0.43 ± 0.11 mm, and 0.47 ± 0.11 mm during 28th, 56th and 84th day, respectively, which was statistically significant (p-value = 0.000). In mandibular dentition, the canine on the MOP site has moved by 0.57 ± 0.12 mm, 0.68 ± 0.21 mm, and 0.67 ± 0.10 mm during 28th, 56th, and 84th day, respectively, whereas in control side the rate of the tooth movement was 0.34 ± 0.08 mm, 0.40 ± 0.15 mm, and 0.40 ± 0.13 mm during 28th, 56th, and 84th day, respectively, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Micro-osteoperforations effectively increased the rate of tooth movement. Overall, MOPs increased the rate of canine retraction by 2-fold when compared with the control group. Clinical significance: Micro-osteoperforation is a proven methodology to increase the rate of tooth movement and decrease the treatment time. However, it is important to repeat the procedure during every activation to increase its effectiveness.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength of heat polymerized denture base resin after thermocycling and different surface treatments done prior to repair or relining. Materials and methods: In this in vitro study, 80 specimens were made with heat-polymerized denture base resin and thermocycled (500 cycles between 5 and 55 °C). The specimens were divided in four groups based on different types of surface treatment: group I (control group: without surface treatment), group II (chloroform for 30 seconds), group III [methyl methacrylate (MMA) for 180 seconds], and group IV (dichloromethane for 15 seconds). The flexural strength was assessed using a Universal testing machine with three-point bending test. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Results: The values of average flexural strength of denture base resin measured were as follows: group I: 111.1 MPa, group II: 86.9 MPa, group III: 73.1 MPa, and group IV: 78.8 MPa. Groups II and IV possessed superior flexural strength than group III. The maximum values were observed with the control group. Conclusion: The flexural strength of heat-polymerized denture base resin gets affected by different surface treatments done prior to relining procedures. Lowest flexural strength was obtained when treated with MMA monomer for 180 seconds as compared to the other etchants used. Clinical significance: Prior to denture repair procedures, operators must choose the chemical surface treatment judiciously. It should not affect the mechanical properties such as flexural strength of denture base resins. Reduction in flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base can predispose the prosthesis to deteriorated performance when in function.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the flexural strength of feldspathic porcelain. Materials and methods: Eighty bar-shaped ceramic specimens were prepared in five groups, including a control group and four case groups containing 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w of AgNPs. Each group consisted of 16 specimens. Silver Nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple deposition method. Three-point bending test was used in the universal testing machine (UTM) machine to evaluate the flexural strength of the specimens. The fractured surface of the ceramic samples was analyzed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to analyze the data obtained, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests were used (p <0.05). Results: The results implied that the average flexural strength of the samples in the control group was 90.97 MPa and for the experimental groups reinforced with 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w of AgNPs were 89, 81, 76, and 74 MPa, respectively. Conclusion: The addition of AgNPs with a certain amount (up to a concentration of 15% w/w) without reducing the flexural strength improves the antimicrobial properties of the materials used and ultimately improves its quality for dental applications. Clinical significance: The addition of AgNPs can improve the antimicrobial properties and suitability of the materials.

Aim: To find and compare the amount of screw loosening in gold and titanium alloy abutment screws without any cyclic load, this study was performed. Materials and methods: A total of 20 implant fixture screw samples with 10 gold abutment screws from Osstem and 10 titanium alloy abutment screws from Genesis. Implant fixtures were placed into the acrylic resin using a surveyor to maintain the same path of insertion. Using a hex driver and calibrated torque wrench, initial torque was given according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. One vertical and other horizontal lines were drawn over the head of the hex driver and resin block. Acrylic block position was standardized using a putty index in a fixed table and using a tripod stand a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) camera was positioned with its horizontal arm facing the floor, as well as perpendicular to the acrylic box. Photographs were taken immediately after the application of the initial torque given as per the manufacturer’s recommendation and 10 minutes after the initial torque. Re-torque of 30 and 35 N cm was given to gold and titanium alloy abutment screws respectively. Photographs were taken again in that same position immediately after re-torquing and 3 hours after re-torquing. The photographs were uploaded into the Fiji-win64 analysis software and the angulations were measured in each photograph. Results: Both the gold and titanium alloy abutment screws exhibited screw loosening after initial torquing. There was a significant difference in the amount of screw loosening between gold and titanium alloy abutment screws after initial torquing and no change in the abutment screw position after three hours of re-torquing. Conclusion: Re-torquing of both gold and titanium alloy abutment screws after 10 minutes of initial torquing should be performed routinely for retaining the preload and minimizing the screw loosening even before loading the implant fixture. Clinical significance: Gold abutment screws may have the ability to retain the preload better than the titanium alloy abutment screws after initial torquing, re-torquing may be necessary after 10 minutes to reduce the settling effect in a routine clinical procedure.

Aim: The research was performed for the clinical and computerized tomography (CT) assessment of cortico-cancellous block allograft in the reconstruction of lateral alveolar ridge width deficiency prior to placement of dental implants. Materials and methods: Ten patients who had atrophic mandibular ridge necessitating bone augmentation prior to implant placement were randomly selected, and corticocancellous block allografts were used to augment the lateral ridge deficiency. The grafted site was assessed clinically and with CT preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Surgical re-entry was done after 6 months for dental implant placement. Results: During the 6-month evaluation period, all the block allografts had integrated well with the host tissue. Clinically, all the grafts were found to be firm in consistency, well-incorporated, and vascularized. Both the clinical and CT measurements showed increase in bone width. The dental implants had good primary stability. Conclusion: Bone-block allografts can be employed as a marked graft material for the management of lateral ridge defects. Clinical significance: During precise and accurate surgical methods, this type of bone graft can be safely used in regions of implant placement as a convenient alternative to autogenous grafts.

Aim: Aim of this research was to assess the microbial leakage of restorative materials with/without antibacterial primer as an intracoronal barrier. Materials and methods: Fifty-five extracted single-rooted teeth were included in this study. The canals were cleaned, shaped, and obturated with gutta-percha and AH plus sealer at the established working length. After removing 2 mm of coronal gutta-percha, the teeth were incubated for 24 hours. The teeth were divided into groups according to the materials used as intracoronary orifice barriers as follows: • Group I: Clearfil Protect Bond/Clearfil AP-X • Group II: Xeno IV/Clearfil AP-X • Group III: Chemflex (glass ionomer) • Group IV: Positive control (no barrier) • Group V: Negative control (no barrier and inoculated with sterile broth) Sterile 2 chambers bacterial technique was used to assess the microleakage and Enterococcus faecalis was considered as a microbial marker. The percentage of samples leaked, the time taken for leakage, and the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) in the leaked samples were calculated and analyzed statistically. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found in bacterial penetration among the three investigated materials after 120 days of use as an intracoronal orifice barrier. This study can also infer that the leaked sample from the Clearfil Protect Bond showed the least mean number of CFUs (43 CFUs) followed by Xeno IV (61 CFUs) and glass ionomer cement (GIC) (63 CFUs). Conclusion: This study concluded that all three experimental antibacterial primers performed better as intracoronal barrier. However, Clearfil Protect Bond with an antibacterial primer showed promising results as an intracoronal orifice barrier in reducing the number of bacterial leakages. Clinical significance: The significance of intracoronal orifice barriers in the success of endodontic treatment depends on the ability of the materials to prevent microleakage. This helps clinicians to provide successful antibacterial therapy against endodontic anaerobes.

Aim: This study aims to compare three different drilling techniques for implant site preparation to enhance the primary stability of the early loaded single implant in the posterior maxilla. Materials and methods: A total of 36 dental implants were used in this study for the replacement of a missing single tooth or more in the maxillary posterior region with an early loaded dental implant. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. In group I, the drilling was performed using an undersized drilling technique, in group II, the drilling was performed using bone expanders, and in group III, the drilling was performed using the osseodensification (OD) technique. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular time intervals immediately, 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after surgery. All clinical and radiographic parameters were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: All implants in group I were stable and successful, while 11 from 12 implants survived in both groups II and III. There was no significant difference in peri-implant soft tissue health and marginal bone loss (MBL) throughout the whole study period between the three groups, while there was a significant difference in implant stability and insertion torque between groups I, II, and III at the time of implant placement. Conclusion: Preparing the implant bed using the undersized drilling technique with drills with similar geometry to the implant being inserted provides high implant primary stability without the need for additional instruments or cost. Clinical significance: Dental implants can be early loaded in the posterior maxilla by using an undersized drilling technique, as it improves primary stability.

Aim: To analyze quantitatively the trends in publication and compare the scientific content published during 2011–2015 and 2016–2020. Materials and methods: An online search for all the different manuscripts published from 2011 to 2020 was performed electronically on the website of the Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society (JIPS). The manuscripts were grouped into the following broader categories: Author, article grouping, original article subtype, prosthetic division, and statistical analysis. Results: The authors from private institutions showed higher publication trends than the authors from government institutions. The period 2016–2020 showed a higher number of publications with four or more authors. There was more original research published, followed by case reports. There was an increasing trend in a systematic review during 2016–2020 as compared to the period 2011–2015. There were a greater number of in vitro experimental studies published with a comparison of the means in the statistical analysis. There was more publication on materials and technology, followed by implants in the prosthetic division of articles. Conclusion: The analysis shows the overall progress of the journal explains the characteristics of the authors involved in the research, highlights the types of research done, statistical methods used, and important areas of research and trends in research in prosthodontics at a national level. Clinical significance: The publication trends will focus on the research thrust areas and the type of research done in the specialty, pointing out the gaps in the research and identifying the future course of action for authors and journals. It also helps for comparison with international publication trends in prosthodontics and provides information to prospective authors to focus research on the priority areas of the concerned journal for better acceptance.

Aim: Aim of this study was to evaluate the dentinal surface adaptation effectiveness of different obturation methods with bioceramic sealer. Materials and methods: Sixty recently removed human permanent premolars of the mandible having a solitary, straight as well as completely produced root were chosen on the basis of clinical/radiographic evaluation. The coronal parts of the premolars were subjected to sectioning at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) with the aid of a water-cooled diamond disk. The regular access opening was done, following which the working length was visually estimated by deducting 1 mm from the length of a 10 size K-file (Dentsply, OK, USA) at the apex. Subsequent to preparing the radicular canal, the premolar specimens were randomly allocated to one of the following three groups. Group I: Lateral compaction (LC) technique; group II: Warm vertical compaction (WVC) technique; and group III: Thermafil obturation technique. Following obturation, the samples were subjected to sectioning in the horizontal direction at three dissimilar points as follows: First at the cervical third, then at the middle, and at the apical third employing a minitom under water irrigation to put off overheating. Internal spaces amid the radicular dentin as well as the obturating agents were appraised with the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: Intragroup analysis showed that higher gaps were noted at the coronal level (2.30 ± 0.04), in pursuit by middle part (1.12 ± 0.02) and apical third (0.70 ± 0.02) for the LC method. With the WVC procedure, higher gaps were situated in the coronal level (1.96 ± 0.07), again in pursuit by middle part (1.02 ± 0.02) and apical third (0.86 ± 0.04). Even with the Thermafil obturation method, higher gaps were noted at the coronal level (0.92 ± 0.10), in pursuit by middle part (0.67 ± 0.05) and apical third (0.57 ± 0.01). No statistically significant difference was noted within the group. Upon intergroup comparative assessment of dentinal surface adaptation with dissimilar obturation systems at coronal, middle and apical thirds, there was a statistically noteworthy disparity amid the groups (p <0.001). Conclusion: This research arrived at a conclusion that the most superior dentinal adaptation of bioceramic sealer was procured when the Thermafil obturation method was employed for obturating the root canals compared to the WVC technique as well as the LC technique. Clinical significance: Numerous endodontic substances have been promoted for obturating the root canal areas. Majority of the methods use a core substance, in addition to a sealer. Despite the type of core agent, a sealer indispensable to each technique offers a fluid-tight sealing. The oral physicians’ comprehension of the characteristics of the endodontic sealer plus method used, enhances the therapeutic effect.

Aim: The study aimed to assess the anticancer effects of leaves of the male and female plant and seeds Carica papaya L. extract and the active compound benzyl isothiocyanate on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line. Materials and methods: Extracts of CO₂ strain C. papaya L. seeds were prepared using water, ethanol, and ethanol:water by maceration, and benzyl isothiocyanate was quantified. Alkaloid fractions of leaves of male and female plants of C. papaya L. were prepared and quantified. The anticancer effects of the test substances on the SCC-25 cell line were assessed by MTT, apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, and determination of mitochondrial membrane potential. Results: The ethanol:water extract of C. papaya L. (seeds) demonstrated the highest quantity of benzyl isothiocyanate. Male plant leaves demonstrated greater alkaloid content. The leaves of the male plant exhibited apoptosis induction and S-phase arrest, whereas the leaves of the female plant and seeds of C. papaya L. demonstrated G2M-phase arrest and apoptosis induction. Conclusion: C. papaya L. and benzyl isothiocyanate demonstrated anticancer effects. There was a difference in the anticancer effects of leaves of male and female plants of C. papaya L. Clinical significance: The anticancer effects of papaya leaves and seeds could be further explored to develop an adjunct therapy for oral cancer to improve prognosis and reduce recurrence rates.

Aim: This study sought to correct the assessment of orthodontic camouflage treatment to provide a harmonized soft-tissue profile, consistent occlusion, and a pleasant smile. Background: Class-II, division 2 malocclusions can be treated through dental compensation and growth modification methods instead of surgical–orthodontic treatment, which can be determined by the growth and age of the patient. Case description: This case report was of a 14-year-old Chinese female whose chief complaint was crowding of anterior teeth and required treatment for the same. On necessary clinical and radiographical examination, diagnosis of convex facial profile with class-II, division 2 malocclusion was arrived and hence treated with orthodontic camouflage. On treatment completion of 33 months, cephalometric assessment revealed that the anterior maxillary teeth had been successfully intruded and substantially distalized, with a slight counterclockwise rotation of the mandible. The treatment results and profile changes were demonstrated with good patient cooperation. Conclusion: Using a utility arch with orthodontic camouflage treatment can help to reinforce molar anchoring and improve a deep bite in the maxillary dentitions. The patient was treated with the devised treatment plan and acceptable results were obtained with patient satisfaction as recorded after 1 year of follow-up. Clinical significance: To correct a maxillomandibular discrepancy, an orthodontist may conduct a process known as camouflage therapy without necessity of surgery. However, patient selection forms a crucial role, and hence systematic arrival of the diagnosis and treatment protocol is a pivotal factor.

Aim: The aim of this case report is to describe the removal of a fractured file in mandibular right first premolar through the application of an endodontic template to guide a trephine until the file. Background: The fracture of an endodontic instrument is a rare complication that requires therapeutic management. Removal procedures often cause excessive dentine loss. To limit this inconvenience, several techniques describing the removal of fractured files in the coronal third of the canal have been proposed. The guide facilitates the use of the Zumax removal kit (Zumax Medical Co. Ltd., Suzhou, China). Case description: A 30-year-old patient was referred to dental office for the endodontic retreatment of his mandibular right first premolar. The tooth was painful to percussion and buccal palpation. The periapical radiograph showed a periapical lesion, a defective root canal treatment, and the presence of a fractured file. It was decided to use the Zumax kit in order to remove the instrument. By using digital implantology software, a guide was constructed with a tube to guide a trephine and achieve straight-line access. The trephine was later driven by the resin guide. After completing the drilling, the instrument was removed with the Zumax extractor and the canal was then prepared, disinfected, and filled. Conclusion: The current case describes the removal of a separated instrument by use of a new approach that is planned on computer software and guided by a resin guide. Clinical significance: The guided endodontic technique avoids excessive loss of dental structure and simplifies the procedure by reducing chair time and increasing the operator’s confidence.