Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry

Abstract: Background: To determine the prevalence and severity of periodontitis in an
Iraqi population using the 2017 classification. Methods: Data on the periodontal status of patients
were retrospectively collected from healthcare records. The information included demographics,
clinical parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth
(PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were
performed using SPSS (version 26, IBM, USA) software. Results: Out of 1578 records, the periodontal
health, gingivitis, and periodontitis represented 26.4%, 37.1%, and 36.5%, respectively
with males more affected by periodontal disease compared with females. Periodontitis
cases were dominated by stage 3 and 4 which combined accounted for 77.3%, followed by
stage 2 (21.3%), and stage 1 (1.4%). When looking at disease grade and levels of stability, localized
pattern, Grade C, and unstable status were the most prevalent domains. Regression
analysis suggested age, BOP, male, and positive family history as predictors for increasing
extent and severity of CAL both in periodontal health and disease. Conclusion: The prevalence
of periodontal disease (periodontitis, and gingivitis) was almost equally expressed. Severe
periodontitis was the most dominant group whilst milder forms of disease were least
prevalent. The data indicated that demographic variables and clinical parameters could predict
severity of attachment loss.

Abstract: Background: Early detection of periodontal tissue loss prevents further
development and halts additional damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
diagnostic ability of salivary Pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I
collagen (ICTP) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) in differentiating periodontitis from
periodontal health. Material and method: A case-control included 80 participants who were
divided into two groups: 40 periodontitis patients and 40 subjects with a healthy
periodontium. Salivary samples were collected from each patient, followed by a clinical
examination. The collected saliva samples were centrifuged and frozen at -80⁰C until analysis
using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Results: the results indicated that both
biomarkers were effective in diagnosis periodontitis. The area under the curve (AUC) for
ICTP was 0.99 and the proposed cut-off point was 6.6 ng/ml, while for DPD the AUC was 0.95
and the proposed cut-off point was 211.5 nmol/L. Conclusion: Salivary ICTP and DPD
demonstrated diagnostic ability in distinguishing periodontitis from a healthy
periodontium, making them valuable tools in early detection and management of
periodontal diseases

Abstract: Background: Silicone elastomers have been extensively used as the most
acceptable material in the manufacturing of maxillofacial and other kinds of prosthetic
devices. The durability of maxillofacial prostheses depends on the material chosen, the
patient's attitude and feelings regarding the prosthesis, and how they perform for specific
needs. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the influence of adding barium titanate (BaTiO3)
nanoparticles on the mechanical and physical characteristics of room-temperature-vulcanized
(RTV) VerSilTal (VST-50) maxillofacial silicone elastomer, including thermal conductivity,
tear strength, and water absorption and solubility. Materials and methods: 0.5 wt% and 0.75
wt% BaTiO3 nanoparticles were added to RTV VST-50 platinum silicone elastomer. Ninety
specimens were prepared and divided into three main groups: one control group and two
experimental groups (0.5 and 0.75 wt%). The collected data were statistically analyzed by oneway
ANOVA and Tukey (HSD) test (significant level at P ≤ 0.05). The homogeneity and
normal distribution of data were assessed by Levene's and Shapiro Wilk's tests, respectively.
Result: Both experimental groups showed a remarkable increase in tear strength, thermal
conductivity, and water absorption compared with the nonadditive control group. For
solubility, the group of 0.5 wt% additive showed an insignificant increase, whereas the group
of 0.75 wt% showed a significant increase compared with the control group. Conclusion: The
addition of BaTiO3 nanoparticles to RTV VST-50 enhanced the thermal conductivity and tear
strength. Water absorption and solubility were also increased, but the values were clinically
insignificant. FTIR revealed no chemical interaction between BaTiO3 and silicone. FE-SEM
showed the uniform scattering of BaTiO3 inside the silicone matrix.

Abstract: Background: The interactions of genetic and environmental factors may account
for the variability in the expression of malocclusion. The study of malocclusion etiology is
fundamental to understand the biology underlying craniofacial growth and dental relations.
Understanding biology will improve progress toward effective treatment and prevention,
thereby decreasing the burden of this condition. Aims: The present study was set out to
investigate the association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different genes
(rs2249492 in COLA1A, rs4434184 in SOX2, rs2162540 in FGFR2, rs11696257 in MAFB, and
rs881301 in FGFR1) with Class III malocclusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients,
comprising 5 with Skeletal Class I and 5 with Skeletal Class III malocclusion, were included
in the present study. Salivary DNA samples were collected and analyzed using Sanger
sequencing. Digital tracing was performed on lateral cephalometric radiographs by using
AutoCAD software for digitization to assess the anterio-posterior and vertical relationship of
the maxillary and mandibular arch. Results: Out of five genes polymorphisms only two genes
polymorphisms (SOX2 and FGFR1) showed an association with Cl.III malocclusion.
Conclusion: This study reveals that SOX2 and FGFR1 genetic polymorphisms may be
responsible for Class III malocclusion. However, more study with a larger participant pool is
required to confirm these findings.

Abstract: Background: Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) is considered a promising material for
prosthetic dental applications due to its superior density, high strength, improved corrosion
resistance and superior biocompatibility. Due to the low strength and brittleness of the
practicable denture foundation material in heat-cured acrylic resin, improving the strength
properties is a crucial issue. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of Ti6Al4V alloy
particles on the tensile strength transverse strength, and the surface hardness of heat-cured
PMMA as a base material. Materials and methods: A total of 75 specimens were prepared by
combining heat-cured acrylic resin with Ti6Al4V additive particles (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt. %
respectively). Each group was subdivided into three subgroups according to the samples
subjected to the test (n = 25), tensile strength; transverse strength; and surface hardness.
Results: The result showed a significant difference (P= 0.007) in all tested groups. The results
showed that the addition of Ti6Al4V particles to heat-cured material considerably increased
the tensile strength, transverse strength, and surface hardness-a compared to the untreated
control specimens. Conclusion: It was found that increasing the weight concentration (wt.) of
Ti6Al4V particles improved the tensile strength, transverse strength, and surface hardness of
heat-cured PMMA specimens

Abstract: background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bioactive composite
(ACTIVA) on enamel demineralisation when used as an orthodontic adhesive, compared
to other adhesives. Materials and methods: Human upper premolars (n=64) were
randomly divided into two equal groups; the first group stored the bonded teeth in
deionised water for 30 days at 37°C, and the second group exposed the bonded teeth to
acidic media. Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups, with eight
premolars in each subgroup, based on the type of adhesive used to bond metal brackets:
non-fluoride-releasing adhesive (Transbond XT), fluoride-releasing adhesive (Light
Bond), light-cured, resin-reinforced glass ionomer (GC Fuji ortho LC), and bioactive
restorative composite (ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE). Enamel demineralisation
was assessed at baseline and after 30 days with a laser fluorescence device
(DIAGNOdent™ Pen). Results: There were significant differences in fluorescence
variation values (ΔFV) among all four tested adhesive systems in both water and acid
groups after 30 days. Light Bond adhesive showed the highest fluorescence variation
value, while glass ionomer showed the lowest, indicating less enamel demineralisation
around the bracket. ACTIVA had less enamel demineralisation in acidic media. However,
there was no significant difference in enamel demineralisation between water storage and
acidic media groups. Conclusion: ACTIVA (RMGIC + composite) exhibited less enamel
demineralisation than Light Bond; however, Fuji ortho LC showed the lowest enamel
demineralisation.

Abstract: College students experience several sleep problems, which may impact academic
performance and health including dental health. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect
of sleep disorders on dental caries status related to salivary alpha-amylase among dental students.
Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was done among dental students, aged 22 to 23
years attending the College of Dentistry, Al- Kufa University, 270 students have participated in
this study. A questionnaire completed by those students was used to collect information about
sleep disorders using Pittsburg sleep quality index. According to Manji et al (1989) criteria, teeth
affected by dental caries were recorded. Unstimulated salivary samples were chemically analyzed
for the detection of alpha-amylase using Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay. Results: It was
found that the prevalence of poor sleep quality among dental students was 58.9% while the
prevalence of dental caries in students with good sleep quality (75.68%) was higher than that for
students with poor sleep quality (71.07%), also founded decay,missing and filling surfaces and
decay level three of caries severity were significantly higher for students who had a good sleep
quality. The mean value of salivary alpha-amylase was higher for students who had poor sleep
quality yet difference was not significant. Conclusion: Caries experience was significantly higher
among students with good sleep quality that was not affected by salivary amylase.

Abstract: Background: Aggressive global pandemics such as COVID-19 can disrupt societies
tragically, imposing a suspension to almost every field throughout the world; the orthodontic
treatment and follow-up is no exemption. Objectives: To provide practical recommendations about
resuming treatment for orthodontic patients during the “Return-to-Practice” phase and emphasize
the validity of certain digital interceptive measures post global pandemics to minify the risk of
infection spread. Materials and Methods: Sources of information pertaining to
orthodontic/therapeutic implications during the COVID-19 pandemic were searched using
electronic databases including COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19 2020), Google Scholar,
Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, reports from Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health
Organization, in addition to recommendations by the American Association of Orthodontists
(AAO) and British Orthodontic Society (BOS). Results: Many viruses are transmitted
predominantly via droplets and secretions (cough, sneeze), providing the virus a path through the
mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, and eyes. The virus can survive for days on plastic and
stainless-steel objects. Tele-orthodontics has proven successful in performing many tasks that can
be valid and helpful even post the pandemic. Conclusions: With the high expectations of a
pandemic recurrence, attempts to reinforce tele-orthodontics, digital prescription and patient
follow-up, and adherence to strict infection control measures are mandatory steps towards
reducing contamination within dental/orthodontic practices.