Knowledge and Awareness of Turkish Mothers Regarding Primary Teeth

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the mothers’ knowledge and awareness of primary teeth. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 323 children and their mothers. A questionnaire form consisting of 10 questions about the definition of primary teeth, their total number and treatment requirements was applied to the mothers. Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The rate of wrong answers given by mothers with low education level to the question "What are primary teeth?" was significantly higher (p <0.001). The rate of correct answer given by mothers with low education level to the question "How many primary teeth are there in a healthy dentition?" was significantly lower (p = 0.002). The answer of "no" given by mothers with a low education level to the question "Do you think it is necessary to treat primary teeth?" was significantly higher (p=0.016). The rate of correct answer given by families with a monthly income above 5000 TL to the questions "What are primary teeth?" and "How many primary teeth are present totally?" were significantly higher (p=<0.001). Conclusion: The superior the education level and the monthly income of the family, the higher the rate of answering questions that require information.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Dental Patients About Cross-Infection and Infection Control

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the patient’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of cross-infection control in dentistry. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Trakya University. In this study, 250 patients (134 female and 116 male) aged 18 years and older (35.5±13.9) participated and data were collected using a questionnaire containing questions to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cross-infection and infection control. Required personal and socio-demographic data were obtained. A chi-square test was conducted for categorical variables. Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare questionnaire scores (p <0.05). Results: Most of the participants (30.5%) reported that their sources of information on dental infection control were social media. Knowledge scores of females were statistically significantly higher than males (p=0.005) and participants living in the city were significantly higher than those living in the town (p=0.015). Knowledge scores of health-care workers were significantly higher than both other workers and unemployed/students (p=0.001, p=0.004, respectively). Regarding participants’ attitudes and practices, only 29.2% of the participants questioned the dentists about the contagious disease, and only 36% asked about the sterilization method of the dental instruments. Most of the participants perceived that wearing gloves, masks, eyewear, and face shield would protect both patients and dentists. Conclusion: Participants in this study seem to have a satisfactory level of knowledge about cross-infection and infection control methods in the nowadays’ pandemic condition. However, dental health professionals should make additional efforts to educate and encourage dental patients.

Examination Of Damage on Enamel Surface Due to Removal of Metal and Ceramic Brackets: A Review

During fixed orthodontic treatment, there is great possibility that the dental enamel could be damaged due to the process of debonding the bracket. Enamel cracks are one of the most common aspects that can develop or increase during debonding. This review aimed to conduct an examination of cracks in the enamel that occur both prior to and following metal or ceramic brackets being debonded.

Comparison of Diode Laser and Conventional Method in Treatment of Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation

Purpose: The goal of this study is to compare the scalpel and diode laser methods for treating gingival hyperpigmentation in terms of postoperative discomfort and wound healing. Materials & Methods: Sixteen systemically healthy individuals diagnosed with light or moderate gingival hyperpigmentation were enrolled for this study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: scalpel or laser. Dummett’s oral pigmentation index was recorded at baseline. Early wound healing and post-operative discomfort were evaluated on the 7th day by using the VAS form. Comparisons between the groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test and P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total epithelization was observed in the laser group, whereas the epithelization was incomplete in the scalpel group at the end of the observation period. The pain perception on the first two days after the surgery was significantly higher in the scalpel group than in the laser group. (p=0,002 and p=0,038, respectively). No significant differences were found between the fourth- and seventh-day when surgical techniques were compared regarding pain perception (p>0,05). Similarly, pain perceptions of female and male individuals showed no significant difference (p>0,05). Conclusion: In the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation, both surgical techniques were clinically successful. Although the treatment process was long, according to the results of our study, the laser technique is superior to the scalpel method in terms of patient comfort. The choice of the method may vary depending on the available equipment and the clinician’s preference or request of the patient.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Chemo-mechanical and Traditional Caries Removal Methods in Primary Teeth Using Micro-Computed Tomography

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dentin mineral density before and after caries removal with the traditional caries removal technique and chemo-mechanical method, with or without the use of caries detection dye. Our null hypothesis was that the chemo-mechanical method with minimally invasive treatment would achieve an effect similar to that of conservative pediatric dentistry treatment. Materials & Methods: Forty-eight medium-sized, interfacial decayed primary molar teeth without pulpal perforation were selected. Two groups were formed by Papacarie Duo and conventional method; then four sub-groups were formed by two caries detection dye applied or not applied groups, twelve teeth were randomly divided into each group. The teeth were then treated with chemo mechanical and traditional caries removal approach. Teeth were scanned with the same voxel sizes using micro-computed tomography images to figure out the difference dentin mineral density and to calculate the removed dentinal volume after chemo-mechanical or traditional method application. Results: The results showed increase of cavity volume in the chemo-mechanical and traditional method groups. No significant difference was found for cavity volume and dentinal carious volume in both groups (p>0.05). The mineral density values of demineralized dentin were between 0.52-0.66 g/cm3 before caries removal, and 1.39-1.59 g/cm3 after removing caries. These values were found to be within the range of healthy dentin mineral density values again without any significant difference between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, chemo-mechanical methods can be used effectively for removing the caries in the primary molar teeth similar to conservative treatments.

Examination Of Damage on Enamel Surface Due to Removal of Metal and Ceramic Brackets: A Review

During fixed orthodontic treatment, there is great possibility that the dental enamel could be damaged due to the process of debonding the bracket. Enamel cracks are one of the most common aspects that can develop or increase during debonding. This review aimed to conduct an examination of cracks in the enamel that occur both prior to and following metal or ceramic brackets being debonded.

Evaluation of Different Beverages’ Effect on Microhardness and Surface Roughness of Different Artificial Teeth

Purpose: This study evaluated the microhardness and surface roughness of four artificial teeth type against various beverages. Materials and Methods: Conventional acrylic resin, reinforced acrylic resin, microfiller composite resin, and nanofiller composite resin teeth were used. From each group, 10 maxillary first and second molars were immersed in 5 beverages (tea, filtered coffee, cola, cherry juice, and distilled water. The test period of 24 hours appears comparable to approximately 1 month of normal beverage consumption. The test periods used in this study were arranged according to this protocol and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months of normal beverage consumptions were simulated. Vickers microhardness and surface roughness of denture teeth were measured for each test period. Results: The microhardness values significantly decreased in all beverages especially in 6th month. The surface roughness values significantly increased in all beverages especially in 3th month. There were no statistically significant differences between the beverages. Microfiller composite resin denture teeth had the highest microhardness values and the lowest surface roughness values. Conclusions: Different types of beverages consumed daily negatively affect the microhardness and surface roughness of artificial teeth. Microfiller composite resin teeth could have the ideal surface properties

Evaluation of Clinical Students' Perspectives and Satisfaction Levels on Practical Practices at the Faculty of Dentistry of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University in the Covid-19 Pandemic

Aim: It was aimed to reveal the perspectives and satisfaction levels of 4th and 5th grade-clinical students who go on practice education at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Dentistry in the 2020-2021 Academic Year. Methods: Within the scope of the study, 146 students in total, who did their face-to-face internship between October 5 and December 11, 2020, were asked to participate in an online survey with 10 questions. Clinical students were asked about their perspective on Covid-19 infection, whether they felt safe in their dental practice, their families' level of anxiety about their internship, and whether they voluntarily chose dentistry. Results: According to the survey results; 15.1% of the students agree (TA), 27.4% agree (A), 37% partially agree (PA), 13% disagree (D) with the statement “I am pleased to have internships since the beginning of the term” 7.5% of them answered, “Strongly disagree” (SD). Pearson’s chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis of the answers given by 4th and 5th-grade students to the first 9 questions of the questionnaire consisting of the same questions. According to the survey results, it was also observed that most students chose the dentistry profession of their own will (TA 39%, A 36.3%, PA 13.7%). The number of students who think they feel safe in terms of infection control during their internship is 60% in total (TA 5.5%, A 17.1%, PA 37.7%). Conclusion: Despite the increasing number of cases until today, it is thought that the process has been successfully managed and that the students have gained experience in practical training, albeit limited.

An overview of maxillofacial radiology education activities during and after the COVID- 19 pandemic

Objective: To convey the applications of online education in the field of maxillofacial radiology, which is widely used in the world during the COVID- 19 pandemic, and the post-pandemic education and training models suggestions in accordance with the changing world order by compiling the research results and literature information on the subject. Method: Different educational models applied in maxillofacial radiology before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated in terms of their results and activities by looking into published articles. In the light of these data, regulations, and recommendations were developed for post-pandemic educational activities. Findings: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the disruptions in educational activities at all levels and fields all over the world were reflected in maxillofacial radiology education. However, studies show that learning with online education in this field, especially in the interpretation of radiological images and problem-based learning activities, is at least as successful as or more than traditional education models. Online education also provides feedback to lecturers and promotes active learning, considered best practices for the teaching-learning process. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, theoretical education has been tried to be continued in the form of online education, although various some studies showed that online education is insufficient in practical education. In radiological interpretation, it is one of the biggest problems to ensure students' attention and effective participation in practical terms. In addition, online teaching of radiographic techniques and applications may not be as effective as instructive teaching techniques. After the pandemic, it is predicted that returning to normal maxillofacial radiology education will be challenging in both theoretical and practical aspects and there will is be a need to change. Results: Considering the strengths and weaknesses of online education models, whose application area has increased so much during the COVID-19 pandemic. The development and implementation of new, effective education-training models suitable both for the conditions and for everyone involved in education for the post-pandemic period, emerges as a necessity. After the pandemic, it is important to evaluate the blended education model in theoretical education, to make various changes in maxillofacial radiology practical training and to re-determine the rules of hygiene, separation and education.

Evaluation of Dental Students' Awareness and Attitude About Preventive Dental Treatments: Survey Research

Aim: Determination of dental students' approaches to fissure sealant applications; the widespread use and evaluation of their effectiveness of protective dental practices is extremely important. This research aims to evaluate the level of understanding and clinical attitudes of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students of Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Dentistry on preventive dental treatments. Methods: The first part of the questionnaire consists of 10 questions aimed at assessing the students' technical levels of knowledge with data on age, gender and educational level. In the second section analyzing students' clinical behaviors, 11 questions were asked for answers to multiple choices (always, often, sometimes, never). This questionnaire was used on the internet in an anonymous way. Results: The questionnaire was received by 68 3rd grade, 67 4th grade and 75 5th grade students who were previously educated on fissure sealant applications. The vast majority (96.2 percent) of the students involved in the study indicated that the effectiveness of fissure sealants in preventing the development of tooth decay was confirmed by strong scientific evidence. Again, 99.5 percent of the students participating in the study indicated that the justification of the application procedures for the fissure sealant was identified and understood. With the assumption that only new teeth can be applied to fissure sealants, a statistically significant difference between the classes was observed (p<0.05); 3rd graders responded "yes" mainly. Conclusion: Although dental students have sufficient knowledge of protective dental practices and fissure sealants, variations in understanding and implementing clinical practice procedures may be found between classes. Standardization should be provided and education / lectures on preventive dental practices should be increased to obtain the equivalent of theoretical education at the clinical level.