Aim: To compare two different techniques for lip augmentation: A surgical technique (V-Y in V-Y) and a filler technique (autogenous micro-fat injections), with a focus on comparing the patients’ satisfaction using the Visual analog scale (VAS). Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 female patients, aged 18–45, who were outpatients at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department. The patients were randomly assigned with a 1:1 allocation ratio into two groups. The first group (n = 20) underwent the surgical procedure using the V-Y in the V-Y Technique. The second group (n = 20) received autogenous micro-fat injections using an abdomen fat extraction technique that was subsequently centrifuged. The VAS assessed the patient's satisfaction after 1 and 6 months. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the evaluation of patient satisfaction with treatment 1-month post-procedure when comparing the surgical procedure group and the fat injection (p < 0.001), favoring the fat injection group. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in the evaluation of patient satisfaction with treatment 6 months post-procedure when comparing both groups (p < 0.001), favoring the surgical group. Conclusion: The micro-fat injection technique had higher VAS scores reported by patients in the first month of treatment. In contrast, the surgical technique using the V-Y method was more favorably received by patients in the sixth month of treatment. Clinical significance: The V-Y in V-Y technique may yield more favorable long-term outcomes for upper lip augmentation, while micro-fat injection is initially well-received by patients, but satisfaction tends to diminish over time.

Aim: The aim of the current study was to assess the microleakage below orthodontic brackets after bonding with three different adhesive materials. Materials and methods: In total, 75 healthy human premolars that had been extracted for orthodontic treatment were utilized in this investigation. The samples were divided into three groups of 25 samples randomly. Premolar brackets with stainless steel bondable 0.022 slot pre-adjusted edgewise appliances were utilized. Group I: Brackets bonded with Nanocomposite Filtek Z350 XT, group II: brackets bonded with Transbond XT, group III: brackets bonded with resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement-GC Fuji Ortho LC. A surveyor applied a 200 g weight to each bracket, making minor adjustments to ensure the adhesive thickness was consistent. Thermocycling was then carried out for 1000 cycles at 5 ± 2°C to 55 ± 2°C with a dwell time of 30 s and a transfer time of 5 s. The samples were incubated in a 0.5% basic fuchsine solution for a day. Every sample was inspected using a stereomicroscope with a ×16 magnification. The data were collected and analyzed. Results: The least microleakage was found in Transbond XT adhesive group (1.84 ± 0.12), followed by Filtek Z350 XT (1.96 ± 0.08) and GC Fuji Ortho LC (2.44 ± 0.10) group. There was a highly significant difference between the different adhesive agent groups. There was a statistically significant difference found between Filtek Z350 XT vs GC Fuji Ortho LC and Transbond XT vs GC Fuji Ortho LC with a mean difference of –0.48 and 0.60, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between Filtek Z350 XT vs Transbond XT with a mean difference of 0.12. Conclusion: Within the limitation, the present study concluded that the Transbond XT showed better adhesive properties and least microleakage compared with Filtek Z350 XT and GC Fuji Ortho LC. Clinical significance: There are many undesirable side effects of orthodontic therapy, including cavities, demineralization, and discoloration of the enamel. Unpleasant “white-spot lesions” or secondary caries under and around the brackets can result from microleakage between the adhesive and the base of the orthodontic bracket as well as between the adhesive and the enamel.

Aim: Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations are essential in fixed prosthodontics for their strength and esthetics, but are prone to fractures due to material disparities and stress factors. This study evaluates the shear bond strength (SBS) of two porcelain repair systems for cohesive and adhesive fractures in conventional PFM and direct metal laser-sintered (DMLS) restorations, addressing clinical repair needs. Materials and methods: Thirty metal-ceramic discs were fabricated and divided into two main groups based on the fabrication method: Conventional casting and DMLS. Each group had three subgroups: Conventional casting (A: Control, B: Cohesive defect, C: Adhesive defect) and DMLS (D: Control, E: Cohesive defect, F: Adhesive defect), each with 5 specimens. Shear bond strength was measured using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05), and Tukey's post hoc test was used for significant differences. Student's t-tests compared SBS between control groups. Results: A one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in SBS among Conventional Casting subgroups (p < 0.001). Subgroup A (36.282 ± 1.692 MPa) had higher SBS than B (13.202 ± 1.336 MPa) and C (17.033 ± 1.634 MPa), with Tukey's test confirming significant differences (p < 0.001). For DMLS subgroups, subgroup D (37.768 ± 0.560 MPa) had higher SBS than E (22.381 ± 1.137 MPa) and F (13.245 ± 0.693 MPa), with Tukey's test showing significant differences (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between subgroups A and D (p = 0.10). Subgroup E had a higher SBS than B (p < 0.001), and subgroup C had a higher SBS than F (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study offers insights into the performance of two porcelain repair systems, aiding clinicians in selecting effective materials and techniques for PFM restoration repairs. Clinical significance: Understanding the bond strength of these repair systems can enhance clinical outcomes by guiding the selection of optimal repair materials and techniques, improving the longevity and durability of fractured PFM restorations.

Aim and background: This study aimed to determine the optimal finish line and material criteria for optimal marginal fit and fracture resistance in endocrowns. The impact of two preparation designs on endocrowns made from computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) lithium disilicate and pre-processed CAD/CAM composite was compared. Materials and methods: In a randomized 3-arm trial involving 42 mandibular molars, two marginal configurations (with and without chamfer finish lines) were evaluated for each material group. Marginal fit was assessed pre- and post-cementation using scanning electron microscope, and fracture resistance was tested with a universal testing machine. Student t-test was used to compare within group differences and ANOVA with Tukey test was used to compare intergroup differences. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Edelweiss CAD/CAM blocks demonstrated the least marginal gap pre- and post-cementation, and superior fracture resistance compared to lithium disilicate and HIPC composite resin. Finish lines significantly affected marginal adaptation in all groups. Fracture resistance differences between designs within the same group were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The CAD/CAM composite proved effective for endocrown restorations, with finish lines impacting marginal adaptation but not fracture resistance. Edelweiss CAD/CAM blocks showed superior performance in both aspects, suggesting their suitability for such restorations. Clinical significance: The study highlights the clinical significance of using Edelweiss CAD/CAM blocks for endocrown restorations, demonstrating superior marginal fit and fracture resistance. Clinicians can enhance restoration longevity by selecting appropriate materials and preparation designs, particularly the use of finish lines, to optimize marginal adaptation without compromising fracture resistance.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate internal fit and marginal adaptation of posterior CAD/CAM crowns fabricated from partially crystallized lithium disilicate and fully crystallized lithium disilicate with two finish line thicknesses (0.5 mm chamfer and 1 mm round shoulder). Methodology: In this in vitro study, 20 sound extracted human molar teeth were collected. The teeth were prepared using a dental surveyor. Teeth were divided into main groups: Group I partially crystallized e.max CAD (Em) and Group II fully crystallized Initial LiSi (Li). Each group was subdivided according to finish line thicknesses into 0.5 mm chamfer and 1 mm round shoulder finish lines. All samples were tested for internal fit by triple scanning technique and the marginal adaptation was measured by stereomicroscope before cementation. Results: The results showed that the finish line thicknesses (0.5 mm chamfer,1 mm round shoulder) had no statistically significant effect on mean internal fit (p = 0.954). Ceramic types: Em and Li had no statistically significant effect on mean internal fit (p = 0.902). Regarding the marginal adaptation, Em showed statistically significantly higher mean marginal gap distance than Li (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The finish line thicknesses did not affect the internal fit or marginal adaptation values. Ceramic types did not affect the internal fit values. The marginal adaptation of Em was lower than Li. Clinical significance: GC Initial Lisi produced comparable results to the gold standard IPS e.max CAD, thus it can be used due to its clinically acceptable internal fit and marginal adaptation.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy and intralesional injection in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients. Materials and methods: The present study comprised of 52 grade II OSMF patients aged between 20 and 60 years. A pretreatment assessment was done for each patients. And 52 patients were divided into two groups (26 patients in each group). Group I received intralesional injections, and group II received low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The intralesional injection group received 0.5 mL 1500 I.U. Hyaluronidase with 2 mL dexamethasone biweekly for a month. The LLLT group underwent sessions of 0.1 watt laser only once for 3 cycles, each lasting 1 minute with 5-minute intervals. Evaluation of overall accessibility, burning sensation and mouth opening was done for both the treatment modalities on 0, 3rd, 7th and 15th day. All data were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: On comparison of burning sensation in intralesional Injection group, at baseline, the mean value was 4.00 ± 0.84 and it reduced to 1.19 ± 0.40 while in LLLT group from 4.15 ± 0.96 at baseline, it reduced to 2.65 ± 0.68 at the end of 15 days, respectively. On comparison of mouth opening in intralesional Injection group, at baseline, the mean value was 21.73 ± 1.56 and it increased to 32.53 ± 0.97 while in LLLT group from 22.70 ± 2.17 at baseline, it increased to 24.50 ± 1.31 at the end of 15 days, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference found between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study concluded that intralesional injections are more effective in treating grade II OSMF compared with LLLT. Clinical significance: Several different treatment options are available to treat OSMF, including medical approaches, surgical management, and physiotherapy. One of the important therapeutic modalities is intralesional injection therapy with corticosteroids as they reduce inflammation and immunosuppression while hyaluronidase increases tissue permeability.

Aim and background: To find out which management methods are preferred by dentists in the private sector of Casablanca for a deep carious lesion or a pulp exposure during carious tissue removal in adult patients. Materials and methods: A questionnaire consisting of 25 questions was sent to 300 randomly sampled dentists in Casablanca. Only specialists in conservative dentistry and endodontics and general practitioners were included. There were three clinical scenarios allowing to approach the therapy recommended by each practitioner according to the proposed pulp diagnosis, these three different scenarios were based on preoperative symptomatology: Healthy pulp, reversible pulpitis, and irreversible pulpitis. Data entry and analysis were carried out using Epi7 and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: The survey was answered by 214 dentists,145 women and 69 men. Approximately 74.3% of the respondents always establish a pulp diagnosis before carious tissue removal. Approximately 56.54% use partial carious tissue removal techniques. During pulp exposure, 79.25% of the practitioners opted, respectively, for a direct pulp capping (DPC) in the case of healthy pulp and 46.7% in the case of reversible pulpitis, while no practitioner chose DPC in the case of irreversible pulpitis. In addition, 3.31, 27.83, and 4.23% opted for pulpotomy in cases of healthy pulp, reversible and irreversible pulpitis, respectively. Glass ionomer cement (GIC) and calcium hydroxide (CH) are the materials of choice for dentists in cases of partial caries removal. In the case of DPC, dentists use CH and Biodentine™ in particular. Conclusions: Partial carious tissue removal techniques are not adopted by the majority of dentists. When faced with irreversible pulpitis, most dentists (93.33%) go directly to endodontic treatment in the case of deep carious lesion without pulp exposure. While 204 dentists (95.33%) preferred root canal treatment (RCT) too in the case of deep carious lesion with pulp exposure. The use of bioactive materials should be encouraged in the management of deep caries lesions and pulp exposure, Biodentine™ and MTA were chosen by 96 of the practitioners. Clinical significance: Traditionally, the treatment of deep caries has been destructive, with removal of all carious dentin; however, the promotion of biologically based minimally invasive treatment strategies has been recommended to selectively (partially) remove caries and reduce the risk of pulp exposure.

Aim: The study aimed to assess early childhood caries and its correlation with risk variables among school children. Materials and methods: 242 children under the age of 5 years were clinically assessed and to ascertain early childhood caries, a validated structured questionnaire was utilized. Demographic data (four questions) and oral health-related activities questions (two questions) were included. To verify visible signs of caries on the occlusal, buccal, and lingual surfaces, the community periodontal index (CPI) probe was used. Caries was diagnosed using the WHO criteria for carious lesions Children's saliva samples (3 mL) were taken, and a digital portable pH meter was used to determine the pH level. All data were gathered and statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age with early childhood caries (ECC) was 4.6 ± 0.4 and 3.8 ± 0.8 without ECC. In both the groups, the highest education of mothers was secondary and less [104 (59%) and 37 (56%), respectively]. In both with and without ECC, the maximum number of mothers Working was 111 (63%) and 41 (62%), respectively. The maximum number of children brushing their teeth once a day in both the groups were 139 (79%) and 35 (53%), respectively, and 148 (84%) were using dentifrices to brush their teeth in the ECC group and 37 (56%) were using dentifrices to brush their teeth in without ECC group. The salivary pH is slightly less in with ECC (7.22 ± 0.34) group compared to without ECC group (7.48 ± 0.46). And there was a statistically significant difference found between the groups. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a significant association between the risk factors under investigation and early childhood caries among school children considered in the present study. Clinical significance: Identifying children who are at risk might be aided by early screening for caries development. Both developed and developing nations continue to face a major public health issue with ECC. Despite the extensive knowledge that dental health professionals possess about the variables that lead to the development of ECC, it continues to be the most common and neglected oral healthcare requirement in children.

Aim: The current study's aim was to evaluate the orthodontic bracket's bond strength employing three different bonding agents on a ceramic crown surface. Materials and methods: Tooth preparation on 60 permanent maxillary premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes was carried out. Supragingival finishing margins were made for all samples, and ceramic (PFM) crowns were fabricated. Following crown cementation on the prepared samples, they were divided into three experimental groups randomly (n = 20) as follows: group I: Bracket bonding using Transbond XT bonding agent; group II: Bracket bonding using RelyX^TM Unicem bonding agent; and group III: Bracket bonding using Assure Plus bonding agent. A universal testing machine was utilized to conduct the shear bond strength test. Using a stereomicroscope with a 10× magnification, adhesive remnant index scores were also used to assess the adhesive that was remaining on the surfaces. Data was recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: The highest bond strength was found in RelyX^TM Unicem bonding agent (19.38 ± 0.84) followed by Transbond XT bonding agent (17.12 ± 1.04) and Assure Plus bonding agent (16.14 ± 1.02). A highly significant difference was found between Transbond XT vs RelyX^TM Unicem groups and RelyX^TM Unicem vs Assure Plus groups. There was no significant difference found between Transbond XT and Assure Plus (p > 0.001). Adhesive Remnant Index scores showed that score 1 was higher [7 (35%)] in the Transbond XT bonding agent group. Score 1 was 8 (40%) and score 2 was 6 (30%) in RelyX^TM Unicem bonding agent groups and in Assure Plus bonding agent group, score 2 was higher [9 (45%)]. Conclusion: In conclusion, RelyX^TM Unicem exhibited superior bond strength with ceramic crowns when compared to Assure Plus and Transbond XT bonding agents. Clinical significance: One of the most important steps in orthodontic therapy is bonding brackets to the teeth. A high enough and long-lasting bond between brackets and artificial surfaces is necessary for orthodontic treatment to be successful, as is the requirement for a bonding agent with the highest possible binding strength. The necessity for a more dependable process to glue the artificial crown surface has arisen due to the rise in adult patients seeking fixed orthodontic treatment.

Aim: This study aims to assess the effects of surface conditioning and different composite types on the surface roughness (SR) and shear bond strength (SBS) between lithium disilicate and clear aligner composite attachments. Materials and methods: Eighty ivoclar vivadent pressable (IPS) e.max press specimens were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 20) based on the surface treatment method employed. Group I: Used sandblasting with 50 μm Al₂O₃ slurry particles; group II: Used 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HFA); group III: Used 37% phosphoric acid (PhA); and group IV: Used an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Surface roughness was measured using a stylus profilometer. For SBS, each group was split into two subgroups based on the composite type (n = 10): Filtek^TM Z350 supreme ultra flowable and Filtek^TM Z350. The evaluation of SBS was conducted using Instron universal testing equipment. Results: The results indicated that the sandblasting group gave the highest mean surface roughness, while the 37% PhA group showed the lowest recorded value. In addition, the HFA group had the highest mean SBS, while the 37% PhA group demonstrated the lowest SBS. Conclusion: The interaction of HFA and Filtek^TM Z350 demonstrated the highest SBS, followed by sandblasting and Filtek^TM Z350. Clinical significance: The current study may guide orthodontists to choose the appropriate composite material and conditioning technique to achieve a strong SBS between clear aligner composite attachments and lithium disilicate ceramic.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of noninvasive cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the estimation of periodontal bone defects and compare it with that of measurements obtained by invasive surgical exploration using open flap debridement procedure for the evaluation of bony topography. Materials and methods: Bone defects in 384 sites with moderate-to-severe periodontitis from eight patients were considered. Probing depth was measured in the following six sites in the selected teeth: mesiobuccal (MB), mesiopalatal (MP)/mesiolingual (ML), buccal (B), palatal (P)/lingual (L), distobuccal (DB) and distopalatal (DP)/distolingual (DL). The bone defects were measured from CBCT images followed by surgical intervention at all six sites. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference observed between CBCT and surgical intervention. However, surgical intervention was found to have higher mean values than the CBCT measurements. The Pearson correlation showed a significantly positive correlation (p < 0.05) between CBCT and surgical intervention in all sites except L/P site. Additionally, there were negative correlations observed for all sites except B and L/P sites; however, these were not statistically significant. Moreover, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) observed between anterior and posterior sites measured via CBCT except for the MB site. On the other hand, a comparison between anterior and posterior teeth measured via surgical interventions showed significant differences (p = 0.0001) in all measured sites. Conclusion: A significant correlation has been observed between measurements acquired from CBCT and surgical intervention for the anterior teeth. On the contrary, no significant correlation was observed for the posterior teeth. Clinical significance: Overlapping and the absence of 3D information are two of traditional radiography's main drawbacks. Surgerical exposure can yield precise information, but it gives less time to plan the kind of periodontal regeneration that will be needed. The accuracy and feasibility of CBCT have been established.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the patient satisfaction and marginal adaptation of milled BioHPP polyether ether ketone (PEEK) copings veneered with CAD/CAM composite resin and compare them to milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual layering. Materials and methods: A total of 32 patients required anterior crowns to restore discolored, fractured, or maligned anterior teeth. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of restoration used. The Comparator group included patients receiving milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual layering, while the intervention group was veneered with CAD/CAM composite resin. After final cementation, patient satisfaction and marginal adaptation were evaluated according to the rating score, and modified RYGE criteria respectively, after 6 and 12 months follow-up interval. Results: Patient satisfaction results at baseline, the mean satisfaction scores were similar between groups, with no significant difference (p = 0.1536). After 6 months, scores increased in both groups, but the difference between groups remained non-significant (p = 0.0660). By 1 year, scores were identical between groups (means both 1.750), and marginal adaptation comparison between both groups (manual veneered) and (CAD/CAM veneered) revealed insignificant differences between both groups at T0, T1, T2. Conclusions: After 1 year of follow-up, milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual veneering and CAD/CAM composite resin veneering, showed successful patient satisfaction, and marginal adaptation. Clinical significance: The study may provide guidance for the clinicians to use this veneering technique to match shades that are clinically acceptable when esthetic is required with PEEK crowns good adaptation and easier modification.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiolucent lesions associated with impacted lower third molars, focusing on their pathological diagnosis and the distribution of sex and age among the affected individuals. Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid Dental University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2020 and August 2023. A total of 312 orthopantomography (OPGs) records were examined, covering 549 teeth. Data regarding impaction depth, ramus relationship, angulation classification, and the presence of lesions were analyzed. Results: Out of 549 teeth studied, 103 exhibited radiolucent lesions. These lesions were more frequently observed in male patients compared to female patients, and in individuals aged ≤30 years compared to those aged >30 years, showing significant differences. Most impacted teeth were classified as impaction depth A, indicating a position at the same or higher level relative to the occlusal plane of the second molar. Conclusion: The study found significant associations between the pattern of lower third molar impaction and dental characteristics (impaction depth classification, ramus relationship, angulation classification, and tooth type) with age. There was no significant association between gender and dental characteristics, except for the presence of a lesion. Clinical significance: Understanding the patterns of impaction and associated radiolucent lesions can help guide clinical decision-making regarding the management of impacted third molars, particularly in younger patients who may exhibit a higher risk of associated pathologies.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical performance of bioactive injectable resin composite vs nanohybrid resin composite in restoring carious posterior teeth. Materials and methods: A total of 18 patients with 26 class I and II carious cavities were recruited. Teeth were divided into two groups (n = 13): group I: Bioactive injectable resin composite (Beautifil Flow Plus X F00) while group II: Nanohybrid resin composite (Tetric N-Ceram) and were restored according to the manufacturer's instructions. The restorations were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed with a significant level set at (p ≤ 0.05). Using the Chi-squared test and Cochran's Q test. The survival rate was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier and Log-rank tests. Results: Inter- and intra-group comparisons showed no statistically significant difference between bioactive injectable resin composite and nanohybrid resin composite at different time intervals in terms of anatomical form, marginal adaptation, secondary caries, marginal staining, postoperative sensitivity. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between both materials regarding the overall survival rate after 18 months. Conclusions: The clinical performance of bioactive injectable resin composite and nanohybrid resin composite was similar and found to be clinically acceptable after 18 months of clinical use. Clinical significance: Bioactive injectable resin composite can be used to restore occlusal anatomy as a nanohybrid resin composite in restoring posterior cavities with acceptable clinical performance. Trial registration: It was registered in (www.clinicaltrials.gov) database in June 2022, with identification number NCT05499494.

Aim: To analyze the scientific literature on infrared thermography and thermal therapies in dentistry published between January 2019 and August 2024 and to identify trends, collaborations, and the impact of research in this field. Materials and methods: A descriptive, bibliometric study was conducted. The search was performed in Scopus using different MeSH terms, thesauri and other Emtree terms. Data were subsequently exported to SciVal and Bibliometrix for comprehensive analysis. The study evaluated publication trends, institutional and international collaborations, co-authorship networks, keywords, and citation patterns. Key metrics assessed included scholarly output, views per publication, citations per publication, CiteScore 2023, SNIP 2023, collaboration maps by country, Lotka's Law, Bradford's Law, and the corresponding author's country. Results: The bibliometric analysis identified 41 documents from 23 sources, exhibiting a negative annual growth rate of –4.3%. The average age of the papers was 2.4 years, with each paper receiving an average of 5.2 citations. A total of 153 specific keywords were identified, and 206 authors contributed to the publications, with no single-authored papers. Besides, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba in Brazil led with 4 publications and an average of 7 citations per publication. The journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry stood out with 12 publications with a cite score of 8.5 and 5.3 citations per publication. Conclusions: Brazil, China, and Indonesia have distinguished themselves through their substantial academic output and notable impact, as evidenced by the high number of citations per publication. Clinical significance: This bibliometric analysis underscores the most impactful and collaborative research areas on infrared thermography and thermal therapies in dentistry. Beyond collaborative research, the study highlights the diverse techniques employed, the advancements in these techniques, and the geographical regions contributing significantly to this field. The findings provide valuable insights that can guide future research directions, enhance clinical practices, and foster international collaborations in infrared thermography and thermal therapies in dentistry.