Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Removable partial denture (RPDs) is a common therapy for rehabilitation of partialy edentulous patients while RPD causes a lot of periodontal problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RPDs made in Babol dental school on the periodontal health of abutment and non-abutment teeth.
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 70 patients who were candidates for RPDs divided into four groups according to Kennedy classification. The following periodontal parameters were evaluated for abutment and non-abutment teeth, plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI), width of keratinized gingiva, bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), tooth mobility (TM) and gingival recession. This clinical measurement was taken immediately before insertion of the RPD, then one, three, and six months later. These parameters were then analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Independent sample t-test, Covariance, Chi-square statistical tests.
Results: In Class I; the mean score for the width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), PPD (P=0.002), and BOP (P<0.001) of the abutment and non-abutment teeth were significantly different after 1 month. After 3 months there were significant differences with regard to the PI (P=0.01), width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), BOP (P<0.001) and PPD (P<0.001). After 6 months, only the PI, CI, and TM parameters were not statistically significant. In Class II; the mean score for width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001) and PI (P=0.002) after 1 month, width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), BOP (P=0.02), PPD (P=0.05) and TM (P=0.03) after 3 months and width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), PI (P=0.04), BOP (P<0.001) and TM (P=0.03) after six months were statistically significant. In Class III; only gingival recession did not show any significant difference at 1 and 3 months later. The width of keratnized gingiva (P<0.001), PI (P=0.001), BOP (P<0.001) and TM (P=0.03) after 6 months were statistically significant.
Conclusion: This study showed that RPDs affect the periodontal condition of both abutment and non-abutment teeth, which can be reduced by more precise design of the prosthesis, periodontal follow ups and good oral hygiene.

Background and aims: Dental anxiety is one of the most common barriers to utilizing oral health services. It can lead to delayed dental visits, treatment avoidance, and worsening of oral health problems. This study aimed to assess the level of dental anxiety among patients visiting general dental clinics in Babol, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 400 patients over the age of 18 who attended private general dental practices in Babol and were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Persian version of the standard Dental Anxiety Inventory (DAI), consisting of 36 items rated on a five-point Likert scale (score range:
36-180), the validity and reliability of which have been confirmed in previous studies. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 31.61  ± 9.03 years, and 61.8% were female. The mean dental anxiety score was 129.52 ± 31.04 out of 180, indicating a relatively high level of anxiety among the participants. Dental anxiety was significantly higher in female (P=0.002) and single participants (P=0.007), while no significant differences were observed based on the age, occupation, education level, or number of previous dental visits (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicated a high level of dental anxiety among patients attending general dental clinics in Babol. It is recommended that educational, psychological, and communication-based interventions be implemented in dental settings to help the reduction of anxiety and improvement of patient care.

Background and Aims: Despite the functional and aesthetic benefits, orthodontic treatment is often associated with pain and discomfort that can adversely affect patients’ quality of life. Given the growing emphasis on the patient-reported outcomes in clinical care, this study aimed to investigate the association between the pain intensity caused by orthodontic treatment and orthodontic-related quality of life in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment with a metallic MBT system (slot 0.022 inch) at a private clinic in Babol, Iran. A total of 85 patients aged 15–25 years were selected using convenience sampling. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Quality of life was evaluated using the persian version of the Orthodontic Quality of Life questionnaire, with a scoring range of 22 to 88. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS, with a significance level set at P<0.05.
Results: Among the participants, 72.9% were female, 68.2% were under the age of 20, and 31.8% were aged between 20 and 25 years. The mean pain score was 4.75 ± 1.91, and the mean  Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) score was 37.95 ± 9.51. A significant negative correlation was found between the pain intensity and overall OHRQoL, as well as all of its subdomains (oral function, social impact, dentofacial aesthetics, and self-awareness of appearance) (P≤0.001). No statistically significant differences in pain or OHRQoL scores were observed based on gender or age group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Orthodontic pain has a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Early pain management strategies and supportive interventions during the initial phases of orthodontic treatment can enhance patients’ overall treatment experience and improve compliance.