Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry

Abstract: Background: The oral stereognostic ability (OSA) examines an individual\'s oral functioning and determines how patients respond to various dental therapy. Natural tooth loss may result in a reduction in oral perception. Reduced oral perception has been linked to cognitive deterioration in the elderly. The aim of this study was to assess the oral stereognostic ability among dental implant patients in relation to cognition status and compare them with partially edentulous and fully dentate patients. Material and method: The study group included 90 dental implant patients aged 50-60 years old compared with partially edentulous and fully dentate patients. Five different test samples were used to assess the oral stereognostic ability including (cubic, circle, pyramid, star and cross). The criteria for the assessment of oral stereognostic ability were the time required for the patient to recognize the shape of the samples. The cognition status was assessed using the Self-Administered Gero-cognitive Examination (SAGE) test according to which the participants were divided into two groups poor and good. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 22, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Results: The mean time is taken to recognize the shape of all samples was less in the fully dentate group followed by the implant group and then the partially edentulous group with a statistically significant difference. Concerning the cognition status, the mean time taken to distinguish the shape of all sample were significantly higher among person with poor than good cognitive status for implant, partially edentulous and fully dentate groups. Conclusion: The results of the current research revealed that loss of natural teeth decreases both cognitive status and oral perception represented by oral stereognosis ability as the oral stereognosis of partially edentulous subjects was significantly poorer than that of fully dentate subjects.

Abstract: The introduction of three-dimensional technology has revolutionized the orthodontic digital workflow and facilitated diagnosis and treatment planning. The aims of this study were to evaluate the plane-line matching of conventional lateral cephalometric analysis and three dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to assess the reliability and consistency of linear and angular measurements obtained from the two digital modality. Materials and Methods: Forty five participants with an age range of 18-26 years and Class I skeletal malocclusion were recruited. A standardized cephalometric radiograph and CBCT scans were obtained according to specific indication protocols. The digital images were analyzed using an AI based software, 3D Slicer (version 5.6.2), for enhancement and registration. Anatomical landmarks were allocated and anatomical planes and lines, were aligned for quantitative measurements analysis. Results: The findings indicated an acceptable degree of matching between the two-dimensional cephalometric X-ray analysis and the three-dimensional CBCT analysis. Although linear measurements showed high consistency, some angular measurements presented statistically significant differences between the two modalities. Overall, the paired t-test results indicated that certain measurements, such as ANS-Me and N-Me, exhibited variability, while others, like SN and NB, showed no significant differences. The reliability of measurements was further confirmed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), which demonstrated strong consistency across most linear measurements. Conclusion: The study concluded that three-dimensional cephalometric analysis using CBCT provides a promising approach for comprehensive and accurate assessment of craniofacial structures, offering significant advantages over traditional two-dimensional methods.

Abstract: Background: Lithium disilicate veneers rely on both strong resin–ceramic bonding and intimate adaptation for long term success. Universal adhesives containing 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate may enhance the performance of contemporary resin cements, yet evidence for their effect on bioactive and self-adhesive luting agents remains limited. Aim: To compare the shear bond strength (SBS) and internal adaptation of IPS e.max CAD veneers luted to enamel with three resin cements — bioactive dual cure (Predicta), light cure (Variolink Esthetic LC) and self-adhesive (RelyX U200) — used with or without a universal bonding agent. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight sound third molars were prepared to mid enamel, CAD/CAM veneers were etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid and silanated, and teeth were etched with 37 % phosphoric acid. Specimens were allocated randomly (n = 8 per subgroup) to one of six cement–bonding combinations. Bonded subgroups received a 10 MDP universal adhesive; unbonded subgroups did not. After cementation and light curing, all samples were thermocycled 5,000X between 5 °C and 55 °C. SBS was measured using a universal testing machine (1 mm min⁻¹), failure modes were classified at 20× magnification, and marginal/internal gaps were quantified by micro computed tomography (micro-CT). Results: Predicta exhibited the highest SBS in both bonded (140 ± 24 MPa) and unbonded (80 ± 60 MPa) conditions. Variolink LC showed the lowest SBS, especially when unbonded (26 ± 35 MPa). RelyX U200 displayed moderate SBS that increased significantly with bonding (p < 0.05). Micro CT revealed smaller gap volumes for RelyX U200 overall, while Predicta’s adaptation improved notably when bonded. Failure analysis showed predominantly cohesive failures for Predicta and Variolink; RelyX U200 shifted from cohesive to adhesive failures when adhesive was applied (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Applying a universal bonding agent significantly improved both bond strength and internal adaptation of resin cements, particularly Predicta and RelyX U200. Predicta cement combined with 10 MDP adhesive delivered the most favorable enamel–ceramic interface, supporting its clinical use for lithium disilicate veneers.

Abstract: Background: Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin®), Metronidazole, Amoxil/Metro combination, and Azithromycin are commonly utilized as adjunctive treatment of periodontitis. Moringa oleifera L (Mo) leaves extracts have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of facultative anaerobic bacteria including Porphyromonas. gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Bacillus megaterium as well as dental biofilm development. Objectives: The present study was set out to determine the antibacterial efficacy of Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin®), Metronidazole and Ethanolic extract of Mo leaves against P. gingivalis clinical isolate. Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), and sensitivity of the clinical isolated P. gingivalis against Mo ethanolic leaves extracts, Augmentin, and Metronidazole were determined using two-fold serial dilution, agar well diffusion, and disk diffusion, respectively. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for phytochemical analysis of the Mo leaves extract using ethanol solvent. Results: P. gingivalis exhibited inhibition to Mo leaves extract, while it demonstrated resistance to Augmentin and Metronidazole. MIC and MBC of Mo leaves extract were found to be 0.78 mg/ml and 1.56 mg/ml against P. gingivalis, respectively. The extract had highest anti-biofilm effect at the minimum concentrations of 1.55 mg/ml and 0.78 mg/ml equivalent to 0.06% Chlorhexidine compared to its lowest conc at 0.34 mg/ml, and this activity was inversely proportional to the extract’s concentration. Conclusion: While Augmentin and Metronidazole showed no sensitivity against P. gingivalis, the promising antibacterial effect of Mo leaves extract against this bacterium may indicates its potential for use in oral health promotion, suggesting further in vivo studies to validate Mo extracts as alternative adjuncts in periodontitis therapy.

Abstract Background: Date Palm Seed Oil (DPSO) contains antifungal properties and health benefits due to the presence of essential minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. Consequently, it has the ability to provide distinct characteristics when combined with Soft Denture Liner Material (SDLM); however, it may have an impact on the latter's physical and mechanical properties. Thus, the current study aimed to show how DPSO [Saudi (SA) or Pakistani (PK)] integration affects the roughness, hardness, wettability (contact angle), and thermal conductivity of SDLM. Materials and Methods: Two hundred SDLM specimens were manufactured and separated into five groups with varied (vol. %) DPSO concentrations depending on each test (n=40) for roughness, hardness, wettability, and thermal conductivity. The SDLM specimens were separated into five categories: Group A (0% pure control) with no DPSO integration, Group B 2.5%, Group C 5% (DPSO) [Saudi (SA)], Group D 2.5%, and Group E 5% (DPSO) [Pakistani (PK)]. All the synthesized samples were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The ANOVA test was employed to demonstrate considerable variance among all of the sample data. Results: Findings indicated substantial differences (P ≤ 0.05) in roughness, hardness, and thermal conductivity testing. There was a significant difference in wettability test results (P < 0.001) across all samples studied. Conclusions: Incorporating DPSO improved SDLM's roughness, hardness, wettability, and thermal conductivity, resulting in more distinctive SDLM. The 5% (DPSO) [SA or PK] produced an optimal proportion that enhanced the SDLM characteristics.

Abstract: Background: Nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) endodontic files are revolutionizing root canal therapy because of their remarkable flexibility, shape memory, and corrosion re-sistance. Nonetheless, cyclic fatigue, corrosion-related fractures, and biofilm development have restricted their clinical efficacy. Recent developments in nanotechnology provide so-lutions using surface coatings with nanoparticles to enhance the mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of Ni-Ti alloys. Materials and Methods: Current developments in nanoparticle coatings for Ni-Ti alloy are investigated in this narrative study. Of the 57 pa-pers generated from a preliminary literature assessment, only 10 fit the inclusion criteria for relevance, approach, and scientific interest. Results: The selected studies highlight a spectrum of nanoparticles: Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), Zirconia (ZrO₂), Silver (Ag), Silicon carbide (SiC), Graphene oxide (GO), Hydroxyapatite (HA), Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and Fullerene-like tungsten disulfide (IF-WS₂). Fatigue resistance, wear resistance, corro-sion resistance, and antibacterial properties of Ni-Ti alloy coated with these nanoparticles have shown significant development. These coatings not only extend the lifetime of Ni-Ti alloy but also reduce bacterial colonization, therefore improving the possible rates of root canal treatment success. Physical vapor deposition, sol-gel dip coating, electrodeposition, chemical deposition technique and direct current magnetron reactive sputtering have been evaluated among several coating techniques. These coatings have therapeutic value de-pending on homogeneity, adhesive strength, and biocompatibility. Excellent coating per-formance is thought to depend critically on the eradication of the natural titanium oxide layer from Ni-Ti alloys. Conclusion: Despite these positive advancements, numerous chal-lenges still exist, including regulatory approval, coating durability, and the need for long-term clinical validation. Self-healing coatings, bioactive layers for regenerative endo-dontics, and intelligent coatings with antimicrobial release driven by environmental changes should be the main focus of further studies. Bringing these discoveries into practi-cal application depends on cooperation among materials scientists, nanotechnologists, and endodontists, thereby improving the performance and durability of Ni-Ti endodontic files.

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer's disease causes cognitive decline and neuronal death due to amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Current diagnostic methods are intrusive, expensive, and few, but early diagnosis improves patient outcomes. Due to its oral-brain axis relationship to the central nervous system, saliva may be a viable source of non-invasive Alzheimer's biomarkers. This systematic review aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of salivary biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease by carefully reviewing the existing data. Meth-odology: Studies published between January 1, 2008, and September 30, 2023, were the subject of a thorough literature search in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Relevant data were extracted after studies were evaluated according to predetermined in-clusion and exclusion criteria. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria were implemented to evaluate the quality of the studies that were incorporated. Results: A total of 36 studies were included in the systematic review, as they met the inclusion criteria. Alz-heimer's disease patients exhibited significantly elevated salivary levels of beta-amyloid- 42 and p-tau in comparison to healthy controls. Patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibited non-significant trends in salivary t-tau and lactoferrin. Conclusion: The levels of be-ta-amyloid-42 and p-tau in the saliva of patients with Alzheimer's disease are significantly altered. Beta-amyloid-42 regard as a best marker in early diagnosis by salivary sam-ple. These findings emphasize the prospect of saliva as a non-invasive source of biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, salivary tests must undergo additional validation in larger, well-characterized cohorts and standardization of methodologies before they can be implemented in clinical practice.