Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry

Background: The primary stability of the dental implant is a crucial factor determining the ability to initiate temporary implant-supported prosthesis and for subsequent successful osseointegration, especially in the maxillary non-molar sites. This study assessed the reliability of the insertion torque of dental implants by relating it to the implant stability quotient values measured by the Osstell device. Material and methods: This study included healthy, non-smoker patients with no history of diabetes or other metabolic, or debilitating diseases that may affect bone healing, having non-restorable fractured teeth and retained roots in the maxillary non-molar sites. Primary dental implant stability was evaluated using a torque ratchet from the dental implant kit and ISQ values generated from the Osstell device. Results: Twenty patients (13 female and 7 male) with an age range of 25-65 years received twenty immediate dental implants. The insertion torque value ranged from 15 to 50 N/cm with a mean of 28 N/cm. At the same time, the ISQ values ranged between 50 and 80 ISQ values, with a mean of 63 ISQ values. The results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between the insertion torque of the dental implant measured by torque rachet and ISQ values checked with Osstell. Conclusion: The insertion torque can be used as a reliable method to estimate the primary stability of the immediately inserted dental implants in the maxillary non-molar sites comparable to the Osstell device ISQ values. In addition, torque ratchet is readily available in the dental implant kit at no additional cost, making it a valuable choice over the Osstell device.

Background: Although bleaching is typically considered a safe procedure, various investigations have found minor negative effects and changes in mineral composition. The aim was to Evaluate and compare the efficacy of using nanohydroxyapatite (n-HAP) serum on surface microhardness of enamel surface before and after bleaching with chemically cured Boost bleaching. Material and methods: Ten sound human permanent upper and lower premolar teeth were used and their roots were removed 2 mm apically to the cementoenamel junction, the crowns were sectioned mesiodistally into two halves buccal and lingual/palatal, the buccal surface was further subdivided into two halves. The samples were embeded in an acrylic resin, resulting in 30 specimens divided into 3 groups: Control group: using Boost bleaching and stored in artificial saliva for 14 days, prevention group: n-HAP serum applied 2-3 min once daily for 10 days followed by bleaching then stored for 14 days in artificial saliva and treatment group: in which bleaching used before n-HAP serum and stored in artificial saliva for 14 days. The samples were subjected to a Vickers microhardness test measured at 4 times: baseline, after n-HAP application, after one day of bleaching and after storage in artificial saliva for 14 days in all groups. The data were analyzed statistically using repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by Tukey's test. Results: there was a significant increase in microhardness in the prevention group (p<0.05) while there was no significant difference in microhardness readings in control and treatment groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: n-HAP may enhance the microhardness of a bleached enamel surface when used as a preventive and treatment measure. Suggested that a higher increase in enamel microhardness occurs when n-HAP is used for 2-3 min once daily for 10 days before bleaching and maintaining this increase even after storage for 14 days in artificial saliva.

Background: The structural, physical, and mechanical properties of denture-based acrylic resin are still compromised by water sorption, water solubility, and porosity. These issues have long called for improved techniques, and the use of nanoparticles is one of them. The main objective of the current investigation was to evaluate and contrast some physical parameters (water sorption, water solubility, and porosity) after the incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles (0%, 3% and 5%) into heat-cured acrylic denture base materials (Ivoclare, Major) and microwave-cured acrylic (Acron MC). Materials and methods: A total of 60 resin specimens were manufactured, including 5 specimens for each concentration of ZrO2 NP (30 for porosity and 30 for water sorption and solubility). Followed the manufacturer's directions for preparing the sample of each material. Results: The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) test, Duncan multiple range test, and independent T test demonstrated that the addition of nanoparticles (3% and 5%) decreased water sorption, water solubility, and porosity of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) for both types (microwave-cured and heat-cured acrylic denture base materials). Where, at 3%, the ZrO2 nanoparticles showed the best values for all tests compared to the control group. Conclusions: ZrO2 (3% and 5%) nanoparticle reinforcement of acrylic resin can be a useful tactic for lowering water sorption, solubility and porosity, thereby enhancing the performance of the material in various applications for microwave-cured and heat-cured acrylic denture base materials.

Background: This study aimed to compare the number of voids of primary anterior teeth obturated with Endoflas by using three different obturation techniques, namely, endodontic pressure syringe, modified disposable syringe, and reamer using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Thirty-six single-rooted primary incisors and canines with lengths ranging within 15–22 mm were randomly divided into three groups (12 teeth/group) according to the obturation techniques used. Group A, endodontic pressure syringe; group B, modified disposable syringe; and group C, reamer. A single operator instrumented and obturated all teeth by using Endoflas. An independent evaluator analysed the quality of the obturation techniques by using CBCT imaging to determine the number of voids in the root canals. Fisher's exact test and multiple pairwise comparisons adjusted by the Dunn–Bonferroni method were used to statistically assess the results. Results: All study groups showed no statistically significant difference in the number of voids (P > 0.05). Comparing the thirds of each group, the coronal and middle thirds of group A contained the maximum number of voids, followed by groups B and C, with no statistically significant difference. For the apical third, voids were highly presented in group C followed by group B. Meanwhile, group A was found to have no voids. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the current research, we concluded that voids existed in all techniques used; however, they were the least when using endodontic pressure syringes. Thus, an endodontic pressure syringe used with an Endoflas obturation material may be preferred as an obturation technique.

Background: The study aimed to assess salivary glutathione levels and the pattern of feeding on molar incisor hypomineralization among healthy children aged 7-9 years. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 90 children sample was further subclassified into two groups: the study group, including 60 children with molar incisor hypomineralization, classified into two subgroups, 30 children with mild type and 30 children with severe type of molar incisor hypomineralization. In addition to the control group involving 30 children without incisor hypomineralization and free of caries. Examination and diagnostic criteria for hypomineralization of the molar incisor and assessment of severity were according to European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) guidelines in 2003. The salivary glutathione ELISA kit was used to assess the amount of glutathione in unstimulated saliva samples. After an oral examination, the parents of each child completed a self-administered questionnaire that included information on the child's feeding pattern during the first year of life. The questionnaires were returned to the researcher the following day. The child who received a mixed feeding pattern was excluded from the study. Results: The ordinal logistic regression model (Overall model test: p < 0.001) presented that salivary glutathione (p < 0.001), saliva pH (p = 0.014) and saliva flow rate (p = 0.009) were significant predictors of hypomineralization of the molar incisor. The feeding pattern (p = 0.625) and gender (p = 0.394) were not significant predicators for hypomineralization of the molar incisor hypomineralization. Conclusion: In children aged 7 to 9 years, salivary glutathione level is a negative predicator for the degree of hypomineralization of the molar incisor. Moreover, child feeding pattern, and gender, are not significant predicators of hypomineralization of the incisor hypomineralization

Background: This study aims to enhance the biocompatibility of Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) alloy by developing a new coating using titanium dioxide (TiO2) and titanium pentoxide (Ta2O5) through direct current (DC) reactive sputtering technology. Materials and methods: Two distinct coating materials, namely, TiO2 and Ta2O5, were used to fabricate NiTi orthodontic archwires with improved surface properties. TiO2 nanoparticles, with thickness ranging from 21.90 nm to 31.93 nm, were deposited onto NiTi alloy substrates through DC reactive sputtering deposition under different power conditions. Results: X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy validated the uniformity and morphology of the coatings. Immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed significant hydroxyapatite layer growth on TiO2-coated NiTi, especially at a sputtering power of 240 W. Reduced nickel ion release was observed on TiO2 nanoparticles with a thickness of 21.90 nm at 50 W sputtering power compared with 31.93 nm-thick nanoparticles at 240 W. Ta2O5 thin films were deposited on NiTi substrates through DC magnetron reactive sputtering at ~100 °C with a deposition power of 50 W. Structural and morphological analyses through optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy revealed the homogeneity and low roughness of the coatings. Biocompatibility assessments in artificial saliva and SBF solutions established that Ta2O5-coated NiTi alloys exhibited superior electrochemical behavior, enhanced corrosion resistance, and diminished Ni ion release compared with uncoated specimens. Conclusion: TiO2 and Ta2O5 coatings not only improved the biocompatibility of NiTi orthodontic archwires but also presented a promising path for advanced biomedical applications. These coatings have potential in improving the cellular behavior and performance of NiTi-based orthodontic devices.

Background: Previous research conducted since 1968 have extensively examined the correlation between tooth color and skin color. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether skin color could effectively influence dentists in choosing tooth color. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the methodologies employed in assessing the relationship between tooth and skin color, and to identify the most precise and dependable approaches for modeling and evaluating this relationship. The systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42022356022). This systematic review was done on four databases using PRISMA 2009 search strategy, and selected studies were chosen according to PICO model. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for quality assessment. Out of 1611 articles that were found in the databases, 10 articles matched the criteria and were selected for this systematic review study. Three main methods were found in the 10 studies: conventional methods, digital methods, conventional-digital (mixed) methods. Digital methods were found to be the more reliable methods for color evaluation. Specific settings should be applied during digital color measuring methods. Conventional and digital assessment methods showed either a negative or a positive significant association between the color of teeth and skin. However, the combined method (digital for tooth and visual for skin) did not show any such relation. It is imperative to conduct and apply research in Artificial Intelligence to forecast tooth color based on knowledge of skin color.

Background: Dental primers are pivotal in achieving durable and reliable bonding between dental adhesives and tooth structures. Among the various primers’ components, the functional monomer 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate is gaining significant attention owing to its unique chemical properties and bond-enhancing capabilities. Aims: This paper comprehensively reviewed current knowledge on the functional monomer 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate. We focus on its chemistry, interactions with tooth substrates, interactions with zirconium and other metals, adhesive’s longevity, clinical applications, and potential drawbacks. Sources: Our sources are the Internet, such as Google Scholar and PubMed. Study selection: Studies investigating the efficacy of 10-MDP primers were included. Conclusions: The emergence of 10-MDP primers has significantly advanced the field of dental adhesives by providing reliable bonding solutions to enamel and dentin. The chemical interaction between 10-MDP and tooth substrates demonstrates remarkable adhesive strength and longevity.