Showing 30 results for Gene
G. Radafshar, M. Khoshhal,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (10-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Furcation defects are one of the most challenging problems in periodontal therapy. Regenerative treatment significantly improves the prognosis of the involved teeth. The aim of this study was to compare Bio-Oss plus 10% collagen in combination with either a bioabsorbable collagen barrier (BO/GTR), or coronally advanced flap (BO/CF), in treating human mandibular class II furcation defects.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial included 10 patients with 10 pairs of similar periodontal defects. Each defect was randomly assigned to treatment with BO/CF or BO/GTR. Following basic therapy, baseline measurements were recorded including probing pocket depth (PPD),closed horizontal probing depth (CHPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival margin position (CEJ-GM), together with plaque and gingival indices. Hard tissue measurements were performed during surgery to determine alveolar crestal height (CEJ-AC), and vertical and horizontal open probing depth (OVPD, OHPD).After 6 months, all sites were re-entered and soft and hard tissue measurements were recorded.
Results: Both surgical procedures significantly reduced probing depth and improved clinical attachment levels, with no significant difference between groups. Gingival margin position (CEJ-GM), was improved in the BO/CF group (0.66±0.51 mm, p<0.05), but not statistically different from BO/GTR group in which remained relatively constant (0.00±0.81 mm). Vertical defect resolution was significant in each groups (BO/CF:3.17±1.47 mm, BO/GTR:3.33±0.51mm). Horizontal defect resolution was also significant with either procedure (BO/CF:3.67±1.31 mm, BO/GTR:3.80±1.83 mm), with no statistically significant difference between groups. Data were analyzed with wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests with p<0.05 as the level of significance.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, treatment of mandibular class II furcation defects with both procedures resulted in statistically significant improvement in open and closed probing measurements, with no significant difference between treatment groups. In BO/CF group there was an additional improvement in gingival recession (CEJ-GM) measurement, which could be attributed to applying crown-attached sutures by the use of orthodontic brackets.
A. Farhadinasab, A. Shekofteh Rad, Kh. Mani Kashani,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (10-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Oral health is a sign of overall health. Sometimes fear of dental office deprives patients from receiving proper care. This problem decreases the self-esteem of dentists and can also reduce health indices. Understanding anxiety factors may help solve this problem. The purpose of this study was to assess anxiety in patients undergoing treatment in dental offices in the city of Hamedan.
Materials and Methods: In this analytic cross sectional study patients above 9 years old and referred to general dental offices in Hamedan were randomly selected and surveyed with questionnaires in two stages. The first questionnaire included 17 standard items based on Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and screened anxious patients. Then 400 anxious patients were evaluated with a questionnaire of 64 items based on Corah scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13 with multivariate analysis of variance. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance.
Results: Factors related to dental office environment with 31.1%, those related to personal imaginations with 19.4% and factor concerning office management and dental treatment each with 19.1% frequency showed to be most related to anxiety in patients. Improper rest-rooms (46.3%), blood stains in the environment (44.5%) and dirty dentist's gowns (43.8%) were reported to be the most prominent environmental factors. Among the factors originated from personal imaginations, the risk of disease transmission was accounted for the most justifiable source of anxiety (67.3%). Regarding factors concerning office management, dentist's nervous behavior (47.8%) and his carelessness to the patient (46.8%) were considered as the most significant anxiety sources. Extraction, injection and root canal therapy (48.3%, 44.5%, 44.3%) were the treatment related factors of higher importance respectively. Previous painful treatment experience (47.3%) and poor oral hygiene of the dentist (34.5%) were reported to be among the other justifiable anxiety sources. In all mentioned situations, variations in anxiety factors were significantly higher in women.
Conclusion: This study showed that the main cause of anxiety in patients undergoing treatment in dental offices in Hamedan is their personal imagination which is by far more obvious in women than men.
A. Azari, S. Nikzad, F. Geramipanah, H. Mahgoli, L. Sedighpor,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2008)
Abstract
Amelogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disease that disturbs the formation of the enamel. It occurs as two main categories, hypomineralized and hypoplastic. Both deciduous and permanent teeth are affected, and the disorder may create unaesthetic appearance, dental sensitivity, and severe attrition. In this article through performing a structured literature review, numerous treatment modalities which so far advocated in rehabilitation of amelogenesis imperfecta in adults and children is discussed. The progressive changes on open bite, the problem of bonding during restorative phase of treatment , the rehabilitation difficulties of deciduous as well as permanent teeth is also discussed in detail and finally the interdisciplinary approach for treatment of this disability is demonstrated and some points for decision making in treatment protocols are suggested.
Ms. Sheikhrezaie, M. Amin Sobhani, K. Oloumi,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (11-2009)
Abstract
Endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth accompanies with several issues. The primary goal when treating such teeth is to maintain pulp vitality so that root development can occur normally. Indications and requirements for vital pulp therapy include asymptomatic and reversible pulpitis. Also there are controversial opinions regarding the ultimate clinical treatment of the vital pulp therapy techniques. In this manuscript we report 3 cases of immature symptomatic permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis caused by caries exposure of the pulp that have been undergone vital pulp therapy successfully.
Hr. Azimi, N. Bakhshalian, H. Shahoon,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (11-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the osteopromotion property of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix (HDDM) on experimental surgical bone defects in parietal bone of rabbits using the guided bone regeneration (G.B.R.) technique incorporating Paroguide collagen membrane.
Materials and Methods: Surgical bone defects were created in 6 Newzland white rabbits (2 defects in each rabbit). The defects were protected by Paroguide membrane alone (control group) or filled with HDDM and protected by Paroguide membrane (experimental group). The HDDM had been obtained from the central incisors of rabbits. The rabbits were sacrificed after 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days and the defects examined histologically. Data were analyzed using pair-t test. The level of significance was set at p=0.03.
Results: Histologically, the volume of newly formed bone matrix was significantly greater in the experimental group. No inflammatory reaction was seen in either experimental or control groups.
Conclusion: Bone regeneration was accelerated in the bone defects filled with HDDM in comparison to the control group.
Y. Soleymani Shayeste, A. Khorsand, S. Mahvidy Zade, M. Nasiri,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (12-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Intrabony periodontal defects are one of the important problems in periodontal diseases. Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with synthetic materials such as Cerasorb has been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Cerasorb with autogenous bone graft (A.B.G) as a gold standard in treatment of two to three wall periodontal defects.
Materials and Methods: In this interventional or randomized clinical trial study, 24 two to three wall intrabony defects were selected in a double blind manner. Defects were randomly (with tossing a coin) divided into two groups (test and control). Defects in test group were treated with flap surgery and Cerasorb. In control group, defects were treated with flap surgery and autogenous bone graft. At baseline and 3-month, 6-month and one-year follow up evaluations clinical and radiographic assessments were performed. Data were statistically analyzed using the paired t test, Wilcoxon and Mann-whiteny. The level of significance was set at P<0.05.
Result: At the 3-month, 6-month and one-year visits, the parameters of probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), bone level (distance between CEJ and alveolar crest), and bone density were not significantly difference in test and control groups (P>0.05). However, in each group there was significant difference in 4 parameters before and after surgery (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Treatment with Cerasorb compared to A.B.G produced the same results of improvement in two to three-wall intrabony defects. So the use of Cerasorb can be suggested for treatment of intrabony periodontal defects.
M. Paknejad, A. Rokn, A. Sabur, F. Elhami,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (12-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Nowadays reconstruction of alveolar defects has become one of dentists' problems especially in areas which are going to get dental implants. Inorganic bovine bone mineral (Bio-Oss) is one of the most popular graft materials that acts as a structure for migration of osteoblasts. If migration, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts can be promoted by a material, it would be possible to reconstruct more amount of bone in a shorter period of time. Milk contains vital proteins that regulate bone growth. One of these important proteins is lactoferrin. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of added bovine lactoferrin to Bio-Oss on osteogenesis.
Materials and Methods: Two doses of 50 and 500 µg/ml of lactoferrin were prepared. Ten New Zealand white rabbits were selected for this study. Four 6-mm symmetrical detects were created in each rabbit's calvarium. Two of these sites were filled with Bio-Oss that was wetted with two doses of lactoferrin. Third detect was filled with Bio-Oss alone and the forth one was left empty as control group. After 4 weeks histologic and histomorphometric analysis was performed.
Result: There was no sign of obvious inflammation in any of four groups. Also there was no difference among four groups in terms of vitality, type of new bone, and foreign body reaction. However, amount of bone formation in control group was significantly lower compared with the other 3 groups. Although lactoferrin containing groups showed little increase in bone formation especially in higher concentration, there was not statistically significant difference among the three test groups. Amount of remaining biomaterial also was lower in lactoferrin containing groups compared with the Bio-Oss group but the differences were not significant.
Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference among the test groups, it seems that the added lactoferrin increases bone formation. Considering the limitations of this study, more studies are needed in different concentrations of lactoferrin and different healing periods. Furthermore, because of possible washout of the lactoferrin from the defects, it would be helpful to find and evaluate a proper carrier agent for lactoferrin to see its real effects.
Fahime Tabatabaei,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (4-2012)
Abstract
Dentistry has been a field dominated by a constant improvement of synthetic biomaterials. Tissue engineering of tooth is coming to change the panel of the dental materials such as restorative materials and implants. Certainly, it is the largest transition in history of dental materials science in terms of accepting this new and exciting technology. The objective of this article is to present various implications of tissue engineering in different fields of dentistry. To achieve this goal, a review of the literature was carried out by using Medline database to search topics including "dental stem cells", "teeth tissue engineering", "regenerative dentistry", "oral surgery", "periodontal regeneration" and "regenerative endodontics". These searches were limited to articles published after the year 2000. On the basis of our literature review, we have found that although there are significant challenges in oral tissues engineering, engineered tissues will find many applications in dentistry within the next few years.
Alireza Choobineh, Masoud Neghab, Jafar Hasanzade, Reza Rostami,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (1-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aims: This study was conducted to assess the psychological health status of dentists in Shiraz city.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, subjects consisted of 106 dentists and 94 general practitioners (comparison group) from private and public clinics in Shiraz city. Subjects were requested to complete the standard general health questionnaire and a questionnaire on demographic variables. The data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. Chi-Square test and independent sample t-test were used to compare demographic and occupational variables of both groups. The questionnaires were scored and the overall score of each individual determined his/her psychological health status. Means of GHQ scores of both groups were compared using statistical tests.
Results: Both groups were similar in all demographic variables, except for age. The mean total score of GHQ-28 for both dentists (17.9) and physicians (16.34) groups were significantly lower than the cut-off point value of 23 (P <0.01). The means of scores for somatic problems, depression, anxiety and insomnia as well as unusual social performance scales were significantly different between both groups (P<0.05). A significant positive association was found between GHQ total score and job tenure.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that psychological health status of dentists was poorer than that of physicians. Additionally, dentists' scores were significantly different from those of their counterparts in all GHQ sub-scales.
Farzaneh Jabari, Javad Mohammadnejad, Kamal Yavari,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aims: In the last decade, several studies have reported the isolation of stem cell population from different dental sources, while their mesenchymal nature is still controversial. The aim of this study was to introduce the isolating methods for stem cells from human dental pulp and to determine their mesenchymal nature before differentiation.
Material and methods: One of the best sources for stem cell is dental pulp tissue. Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) would be the most convenient source of stem cells because teeth were easy to retrieve and removed throughout life. Pulp is a specialized connective tissue including blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and the interstitial fluid. DPSCs can be found within the ‘‘cell rich zone’’ of pulp. DPSCs have been isolated for the first time in 2000 by Gronthos these cells exhibited a differentiation potential for odontoblastic, adipogenic and neural cytotypes. Gronthos isolated stem cells in 2 different methods: The enzymatic digestion method and the second was out growth, these cells could be cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. It has also been shown that human DPSCs can be used for complex structures such as pulp or woven bone formation in vivo.
Conclusion: DPSCs originate from the cranial neural crest and have neural characteristics such as the expression of neurotrophins. Therefore, DPSCs may represent a promising source in cell therapy for neurological disorders. Characterization of these cells and determination of their potentialities in terms of specificity of regenerative response will form the foundation for development of new clinical treatment modalities, whether involving directed recruitment of the cells and seeding of stem cells at sites of injury for regeneration or use of the stem cells with appropriate scaffolds for tissue engineering solutions. Such approaches will provide an innovative and novel biologically based on new generation of clinical treatments for dental disease.
Feizi Ghader , Kaviani Naser , Mehrparvar Roza , Binandeh Elham Sadaat , Tabrizizadeh Mehdi , Saatchi Masoud ,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Postoperativee endodontic pain is an outstanding problem for dental patients. Therefore, a successful management of endodontic pain has become as one of the main dental objectives. The aim of the present study was to compare the postoperative endodontic pain in patients under general anesthesia versus local anesthesia.
Materials and Methods: For conducting this clinical trial study, 50 patients having mandibular molars candidate for root canal therapy were selected. Twenty-five patients treated under general anesthesia because of their fear, anxiety or gag reflex. Other 25 patients treated under local anesthesia. All teeth were prepared using engine-driven rotary system in a crown-down technique and filled using lateral condensation technique. Heft- parker visual analog scale was used to measure the degree of pain at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the treatment. Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and T-tests were used to compare the intensity of postoperative pain between the groups.
Results: The mean intensity of postoperative pain in local and general anesthesia groups at 6, 12 and 24 hours had statistically significant difference (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Postoperative pain in patients who treated under general anesthesia was significantly less than the patients who treated under local anesthesia.
Akbari Majid , Makarem Abbas , Fazel Akbar ,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The importance of quality in medical education makes the need for better standards in educational systems in the center of interest as the basis for certification. Standards needed to be evaluated by program administrators before the implementation phase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the general dentistry standards program in Islamic republic of Iran from dental schools view point.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed during the year 2011 and 2012. A list of 16 faculties was introduced by the dental secretariat of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. A check list was conducted based on the basic standards of undergraduate dental program that consisted of the importance and feasibility of each standard. The checklist was evaluated by sixteen dental schools representatives and asked their faculty members and reported back to the dental secretariat of the Ministry of Health. Results were reported in descriptive statistics manner.
Results: Data were collected from 14 dental schools. (Response rate=87%). All of the criteria were essential with more than 85% agreement of the faculties. There were more than 70% of criteria that were not feasible in less than one year.
Conclusion: The dental standard program was widely accepted by the faculties over the country. However, it seemed that by the faculties it would fail if used as accreditation base line.
Farzane Jabari, Behzad Houshmand, Saeed Hesaraki,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (11-2018)
Abstract
The Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) treatment concept advocates that regeneration of osseous defects is predictably attainable via the application of occlusive membranes, which mechanically exclude non-osteogenic cell populations from the surrounding soft tissues, thereby allowing osteogenic cell populations originating from the parent bone to inhabit the osseous wound. The use of membrane to exclude non-osteogenic cells, is a key principle of guided bone regeneration. A large number of membranes have been evaluated in clinical and experimental studies. The object of this study was to review the literature regarding guided bone regeneration and all types of membranes that were used in this technique. 72 articles between the years 1968 through the 2016 from PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar using the related keywords, were selected. Finally, we concluded that the modification of mechanical and physico-chemical properties of membranes could improve the process of new bone growth. However, determination of the exact role of membrane porosity in this process, still needs to be clarified. Optimization the chemical composition of membrane with the focus and attention to obstructive property and bioactivity, is an important point in this research field. Various factors such as flexibility, mechanical strength and degradation rate determine the type of membrane used for bone tissue regeneration.
Mohammad Najafi, Hassan Semyari, Rokhsareh Sadeghi, Fatemeh Mashhadiabbas, Fereshteh Shanei,
Volume 32, Issue 3 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Reconstruction of osseous defects is one of the ideal goals of periodontal treatments and dental implant therapy. Different biomaterials have been used for this purpose and many studies have tried to compare and introduce the best ones. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of PDFDB (Partially Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Graft) and FDBA (Freeze Dried Bone Allograft) on the regeneration of rabbit calvarial defects.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 similar defects with the diameter of 8 mm were generated in the calvarium of 16 rabbits. Two defects were filled with FDBA and PDFDB, while the other one remained unfilled as the control group. All defects were covered by collagen membranes. 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, the histologic and histomorphometric tests were performed to evaluate the following variables: the rate of new bone formation and its type, the amount of residual grafting material, degree of inflammation and pattern of bone formation. Comparison of osteogenesis percentage and residual biomaterial was performed by repetitive variance analysis, whereas qualitative variables were compared by Friedman non-parametric test.
Results: Regarding bone formation percentage, there was no statistically significant difference between three different groups at 6-week (P=0.33) and also at 12-week time points (P=0.98). The amount of residual material in the PDFDB group was significantly lower than FDBA (P=0.04) in the 6-week samples. However, this difference was not significant in the 12-week samples (P=0.41). Bone quality showed statistically significant difference between graft containing groups and control group after 12 weeks (P=0.01). It means, all samples in FDBA and PDFDB groups displayed lamellar bone after 12 weeks while in control group, only woven bone or a combination of woven and lamellar bone was seen.
Conclusion: FDBA and PDFDB demonstrated similar regenerating effect in the rabbit calvarial bone defects and hastened bone maturation compared to the non-grafted defects.
Mohadese Baghdadchi, Elham Siasi Torbati, Kumars Amini,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (7-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Periodontitis is one of the most common causes of damage to the gums and retaining structures of the teeth. Matrix protein, a metalloproteinase, is known as intermediate collagenase and the enzyme collagenase fibroblast, which is encoded in humans by the MMP-1 gene. The aim of this study was to investigate 1G/2G polymorphism in the MMP-1 gene and its association with the periodontal disease in the Iranian patients.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 50 patients with periodontal disease and 50 patients were selected as the control group in Kerman city. DNA was extracted from a person's blood sample using a kit. The desired primers were controlled by the NCBI site. Then, with the Tetra arms PCR technique, the desired polymorphism was multiplied. In the next step, the samples were transferred to electrophoresis gel and examined. The results were analyzed with SPSS software using T-test or Squer Chi-(X2).
Results: The percentage of 1G/1G genotype in the patients group was 8% and for the controls group was 0%. The percentage of 2G/2G genotype for the patients group was 24% and for the controls group was 18%. In addition, the 1G/2G genotype frequency was 68% for the patients group, and for the controls group was 82% (P=0.83). The results of Tetra-arms PCR genotyping of the samples were confirmed by sequencing.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that in Iranian patients, MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) was not significantly associated with periodontal disease. It is recommended to take more samples from different parts of Iran to confirm the results.
Parisa Noohi, Mohammad Jafar Abdekhodaie, Mohammad Hossein Nekoofar, Prof. Paul Mh Dummer,
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Pulp necrosis in immature teeth disrupts root development and makes the teeth susceptible to fracture. Regenerative endodontics is a relatively new modality of treatment where the necrotic pulp is replaced with newly formed healthy tissue which has normal functionality. Many clinical reports have demonstrated the potential of this strategy to induce root maturation and apical closure. However, clinical outcomes are patient-dependent and unpredictable. Developing predictable protocols can be achieved through the interplay of three basic elements of tissue engineering, namely, scaffolds, stem cells, and signaling molecules. Furthermore, the clinical success of this treatment is influenced by both the method of preparing the inner space of the root and the type of biomaterial utilized in the coronal part. In this review, we discuss recent advances in tissue engineering-based strategies for regeneration of the pulp/dentine complex along with their advantages and limitations.
Maryam Rabiei, Dr Ideh Dadgaran, Ahmad Almoussavi, Saba Masoudirad, Sahba Khosousisani,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Educational planning is one of the main areas of education and training, which plays an essential role in the optimal training of human resources. The aim of this study was to compare the educational program (curriculum) of general dentistry in Iran with that of several prestigious dental schools in the Middle East countries.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive comparative study using the dental education curricula of six prominent countries in the Middle East in the field of dental sciences. Their selection was based on similarities and common cultural, economic and social characteristics. After collecting the selected curriculums, four steps including description, interpretation, juxtaposition and comparison were done. Tables were drawn based on goals such as the number of years of education, mission, general goals, and the role of graduates in the medical system of that country.
Results: The educational curriculum of the countries reviewed in the Middle East have many similarities in terms of the number of years of study in the field of dentistry, the general mission and goals, and the role of students in the medical system of that country. The main differences were in the number and type of teaching units in the curriculum of this countries. The method of teaching and the distribution of topics in the curricula of the countries differentiated them from each other. According to the results of this study, the curriculum of the countries of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the most similar among the countries of the Middle East. The teaching method and distribution of topics in the curricula of countries distinguished them from each other.
Conclusion: Countries that are based on Russian language education have a shorter number of years of education and are similar to Russia. However, countries with an American educational base such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and even Iran have a longer academic years and more general similarities in educational content.
- Shaghayegh Kohzadi, Zahra Mohammadi,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Guided bone and tissue regeneration is a common technique used in the treatment of areas around teeth and dental implants. In this framework, barrier membranes are employed to create a suitable environment that promotes new bone growth while preventing the invasion of foreign cellular components into this specific setting. Attributes such as biocompatibility with living tissues, structural integrity, longevity, and user-friendliness constitute the principal criteria for selecting appropriate membranes for this particular application. Given the extensive diversity of membrane types concerning their sources, texture, architecture, and inherent properties, determining the most suitable variant depends on the clinical condition presented by the patient and the specific treatment modality, thereby emphasizing its considerable importance. In recent years, fibrous membranes have garnered particular attention due to their distinctive characteristics. These membranes, made of natural or synthetic fibers, typically exhibit high porosity, which facilitates the ingress of vascular structures and osteogenic cells. Owing to their porosity and flexibility, fibrous membranes are considered exceptionally suitable for the regeneration of maxillofacial and dental tissues, thereby contributing to increase bone volume, guide its growth, and at the same time prevent soft tissue encroachment into the restoration area, which ultimately has a favorable effect on treatment outcomes. On the other hand, due to the complexity and extent of oral infections, new nanotechnological approaches have been proposed in recent years to reconstruct infected sites in dentistry. These strategies, by targeting specific sites and having non-toxic properties, can help deliver antimicrobial molecules, regenerate tissue, and maintain oral health. In this context, nanofibrous membranes serve as multifunctional structures, both in the controlled release of antimicrobial agents and as scaffolds for the formation of nascent tissue. Overall, fibrous membranes, by mimicking the physiological conditions of the organism, create an ideal environment for the growth and healing of bone tissues, leading to improved effectiveness in dental procedures. This article is devoted in detail to a comprehensive review of polymeric and composite fibrous membranes with drug release potential.
Seyedreza Khosravani, Leila Azimi, Saeed Moghadamzarandi, Narges Panahandeh,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: To prevent dental caries, investigations have focused on finding new antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents without the drawbacks of the currently used synthetic agents. This study aimed to assess the effect of methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale) on expression of virulence genes of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, which was conducted in the year 1402, at the Microbiology Department of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, the methanolic extract of Z. officinale was obtained by the maceration technique. 10 clinical isolates of S. mutans were obtained from the patients with dental infection. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract against S. mutans were determined by the microtiter plate technique. The effect of extract on the expression of relA, comDE, brpA, gtfC, and spaP virulence genes by the clinical isolates was evaluated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests (alpha=0.05).
Results: The mean MIC and MBC of the methanolic extract of Z. officinale against S. mutans were 32±11.8 and 64±26.12 mg/mL, respectively. The extract caused down-regulation of relA, comDE, brpA, and gtfC by 50%, 40%, 70%, and 70%, respectively. It also caused 4 times reduction in expression of spaP gene.
Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Z. officinale caused significant down-regulation of gtfC, brpA, relA, comDE, and spaP genes, indicating its optimal efficacy to control the virulence of S. mutans.
Vahid Herandi, Fahimeh Rashidi Maybodi, Fatemeh Karamad,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Given the rapid growth of digital technologies in dentistry, assessing dentists’ awareness and attitudes toward this transformation is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of general dentists in Yazd-Iran toward digital dentistry in 2025.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 135 general dentists in Yazd-Iran were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire including demographic information and the questions related to awareness and attitude. Dat were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and the statistical analysis tests were Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square to examine the variables.
Results: A total of 59 men and 76 women with a mean age of 31.92 ± 7.87 years participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 7.76 ± 2.77 out of 12. Higher knowledge and a more positive attitude were significantly associated with older age, longer work experience, and male gender (P<0.05). Overall, 74.1% of participants were unaware of the well-known CAD/CAM system, 74.8% were unfamiliar with digital implant software, and 60% did not have adequate knowledge of correct application of intraoral scanners. While, 81.5% reported an overall positive attitude, only 11.9% considered their knowledge to be aligned with modern digital technologies.
Conclusion: General dentists demonstrated a moderate level of awareness and the existing knowledge gaps warrant greater attention in both undergraduate and continuing education. Enhancing knowledge among specific groups-such as younger, less experienced, and female dentists—is essential. Significant differences in attitudes were observed according to the age, gender, and years of professional experience.
