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Negar Kamali, Farimah Sardari, Mostafa Sadeghi,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The quality of sleep plays a significant role in the academic performance of dental students, especially in the clinical years. Identifying and treating students at risk of sleep disorders can reduce or limit the drop in academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the sleep quality and educational performance of Rafsanjan dental Student-Iran.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted among all dental students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences - Iran. This study was presented to all dental students in Rafsanjan by online questionnaire method on Pressline website. The questionnaire included demographic information and student number along with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Standard Questionnaire. The Pittsburgh Questionnaire examines the quality of sleep in the range of 0 to 21. The link of the questionnaire was made available to the students through Telegram, and the GPA of the total students was obtained by using the student number from the Vice-Chancellor of University Education. The data were analyzed with SPSS26 software. First, the data were analyzed with Smironov's kermograph test. The results of this test showed that the data distribution is not normal (P<0.05). Due to the non-normality of the data distribution, non-parametric tests such as K-score, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman were used.
Results: 151 students participated in the questionnaire of which, 73 were men (48.3%) and 78 were women (51.7%). The mean and standard deviation of the age of the subjects studied was 22.11±2.3 years. The overall average sleep quality score of dental students was equal to 8.13, which according to the questionnaire, students experience poor sleep quality. 86.1% of students had poor sleep quality. Examining the correlation between the sleep quality and academic performance showed that there was no significant relationship between them. Sleep quality had no significant relationship with gender, marital status, place of residence, and entry year (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that majority of dental students in Rafsanjan had low sleep quality. Although, there was no relationship between the quality of sleep and academic performance, it seems necessary to pay attention to the sleep status of these students in order to improve their sleep quality, which is an important factor in improving their health by administrators and Rizan health program.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted among all dental students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences - Iran. This study was presented to all dental students in Rafsanjan by online questionnaire method on Pressline website. The questionnaire included demographic information and student number along with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Standard Questionnaire. The Pittsburgh Questionnaire examines the quality of sleep in the range of 0 to 21. The link of the questionnaire was made available to the students through Telegram, and the GPA of the total students was obtained by using the student number from the Vice-Chancellor of University Education. The data were analyzed with SPSS26 software. First, the data were analyzed with Smironov's kermograph test. The results of this test showed that the data distribution is not normal (P<0.05). Due to the non-normality of the data distribution, non-parametric tests such as K-score, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman were used.
Results: 151 students participated in the questionnaire of which, 73 were men (48.3%) and 78 were women (51.7%). The mean and standard deviation of the age of the subjects studied was 22.11±2.3 years. The overall average sleep quality score of dental students was equal to 8.13, which according to the questionnaire, students experience poor sleep quality. 86.1% of students had poor sleep quality. Examining the correlation between the sleep quality and academic performance showed that there was no significant relationship between them. Sleep quality had no significant relationship with gender, marital status, place of residence, and entry year (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that majority of dental students in Rafsanjan had low sleep quality. Although, there was no relationship between the quality of sleep and academic performance, it seems necessary to pay attention to the sleep status of these students in order to improve their sleep quality, which is an important factor in improving their health by administrators and Rizan health program.
Mostafa Sadeghi, Niloufar Jafari, Mohammadhossein Kafi, Ali Rostami,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The development and regular use of adhesive systems has started to revolutionize many aspects of restorative and preventive dentistry. The success of adhesive restorations highly depends on correct application of them. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the knowledge of dentists in Rafsanjan city (Iran) in choosing correct dental adhesive systems in 2023.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, all dentists working in Rafsanjan city were included. The data was collected by a valid and reliable electronic questionnaire, which included two parts of demographic information (gender, age, place of work and year of graduation) and the 12 multiple-choice questions aimed to assess respondents' knowledge regarding the selection of dental adhesive materials in combination with self-cure or dual-cure composites, anterior and posterior composite restorations, fiber posts, fissure sealants, primary teeth, anterior composite veneers, ceramic laminates, and non-carious cervical lesions. The scoring of this questionnaire was as follows: 0 to 3 correct answers = Low level of knowledge; 4 to 6 correct answers = Moderate level of knowledge; 7 to 9 correct answers = Good level of knowledge; 10 to 12 correct answers = Very good level of knowledge. The four answer choices included "etch-and-rinse (three-step)", "etch-and-rinse (two-step)", "self-etch (two-step)", and "self-etch (all-in-one bottle)". Then data were analyzed by parametric tests (ANOVA, t-test, and Pearson). The significant level was considered as P<0.05.
Results: Out of 91 dentists in Rafsanjan, 79 (86.8%) participated in the study, of which 35 (46.3%) were men. The average work experience was 3.49±3.96 years for men and 2.98±3.73 years for women. The average knowledge score was 4.38±2.16 out of 12 (4.29±2.23 in men and 4.45±2.12 in women). The results showed that there was no significant relationship between the knowledge score and the gender, age, work experience, and workplace (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results which indicated the insufficient knowledge of dentists in choosing correct dental adhesive systems, it is suggested to pay more attention on teaching in this field at the dental schools. For graduate dentists, new and practical information about the choice of adhesive systems should be provided by continuous education programs.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, all dentists working in Rafsanjan city were included. The data was collected by a valid and reliable electronic questionnaire, which included two parts of demographic information (gender, age, place of work and year of graduation) and the 12 multiple-choice questions aimed to assess respondents' knowledge regarding the selection of dental adhesive materials in combination with self-cure or dual-cure composites, anterior and posterior composite restorations, fiber posts, fissure sealants, primary teeth, anterior composite veneers, ceramic laminates, and non-carious cervical lesions. The scoring of this questionnaire was as follows: 0 to 3 correct answers = Low level of knowledge; 4 to 6 correct answers = Moderate level of knowledge; 7 to 9 correct answers = Good level of knowledge; 10 to 12 correct answers = Very good level of knowledge. The four answer choices included "etch-and-rinse (three-step)", "etch-and-rinse (two-step)", "self-etch (two-step)", and "self-etch (all-in-one bottle)". Then data were analyzed by parametric tests (ANOVA, t-test, and Pearson). The significant level was considered as P<0.05.
Results: Out of 91 dentists in Rafsanjan, 79 (86.8%) participated in the study, of which 35 (46.3%) were men. The average work experience was 3.49±3.96 years for men and 2.98±3.73 years for women. The average knowledge score was 4.38±2.16 out of 12 (4.29±2.23 in men and 4.45±2.12 in women). The results showed that there was no significant relationship between the knowledge score and the gender, age, work experience, and workplace (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results which indicated the insufficient knowledge of dentists in choosing correct dental adhesive systems, it is suggested to pay more attention on teaching in this field at the dental schools. For graduate dentists, new and practical information about the choice of adhesive systems should be provided by continuous education programs.
Adele Nazari, Reza Faraji, Manouchehr Rahmati Kamel, Tanya Ghasemi, Hoda Shirafken,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dentists’(specialists and general practitioners) perceptions of smile esthetics, which are often shaped academically based on standard criteria and hard and soft tissue relationships, may differ from those of the general public and patients, potentially failing to meet patients’ expectations of treatment. This study aimed to assess and compare the views of dental specialists, general dentists, and members of the general public regarding the influence of different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors on smile esthetics.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on general dentists, dental specialists, and laypersons. General dentists and specialists practicing in Mazandaran Province were recruited, while laypersons were selected through convenience sampling from patients attending the Faculty of Dentistry in Babol-Iran. One male and one female subject were chosen based on the clinical and lateral cephalometric criteria, and two photographs (neutral facial expression and smiling) were taken of each. After image editing, five final photographs of each subject were prepared and presented in a questionnaire to evaluate participants’ perceptions of smile esthetics according to different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with independent t-tests and ANOVA.
Results: A total of 92 laypersons, 47 general dentists, and 141 specialists (47 orthodontists, 47 restorative dentists, and 47 oral and maxillofacial surgeons) participated in this study. Across all three groups, the most attractive male smile was associated with the -5° inclination (medium negative), whereas, the most attractive female smile was rated at 0°. Conversely, the least attractive smile in all groups was the −10° inclination (severe negative) in female images. Photographs with −10° inclination received the lowest scores for both male and female subjects. Specialists assigned lower mean scores to the 0° inclination images compared to general dentists and laypersons.
Conclusion: The divergence between dentists’ and laypersons’ perceptions of the impact of different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors on smile esthetics highlights the need for greater attention to patients’ expectations and treatment goals.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on general dentists, dental specialists, and laypersons. General dentists and specialists practicing in Mazandaran Province were recruited, while laypersons were selected through convenience sampling from patients attending the Faculty of Dentistry in Babol-Iran. One male and one female subject were chosen based on the clinical and lateral cephalometric criteria, and two photographs (neutral facial expression and smiling) were taken of each. After image editing, five final photographs of each subject were prepared and presented in a questionnaire to evaluate participants’ perceptions of smile esthetics according to different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with independent t-tests and ANOVA.
Results: A total of 92 laypersons, 47 general dentists, and 141 specialists (47 orthodontists, 47 restorative dentists, and 47 oral and maxillofacial surgeons) participated in this study. Across all three groups, the most attractive male smile was associated with the -5° inclination (medium negative), whereas, the most attractive female smile was rated at 0°. Conversely, the least attractive smile in all groups was the −10° inclination (severe negative) in female images. Photographs with −10° inclination received the lowest scores for both male and female subjects. Specialists assigned lower mean scores to the 0° inclination images compared to general dentists and laypersons.
Conclusion: The divergence between dentists’ and laypersons’ perceptions of the impact of different labio-palatal inclinations of maxillary incisors on smile esthetics highlights the need for greater attention to patients’ expectations and treatment goals.
Mahnaz Hatami, Fariman Abdolahi, Fatemeh Owlia,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Sleep quality may be a predictive factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) compared to other risk factors. Patients with TMD may experience quality-of-life problems such as sleep disorders and orofacial pain. Timely diagnosis of TMD can halt its progression in the initial stages and reduce its severity. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and severity of temporomandibular joint disorders and their co-occurrence with sleep quality among dental students in Yazd in 2023.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 211 students at the Yazd Dental School. The Fonseca and PSQI questionnaires were used to determine the severity of TMD and sleep quality, respectively. Clinical examination was conducted to assess the symptoms of TMD. Additionally, demographic information such as gender, marital status, and place of residence was recorded. The data were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests.
Results: The final analysis was performed on 211 individuals, comprising 118 males (56%) and 93 females (44%). Among all the participants, 204 individuals (83.88%) had at least one symptom of TMD. The participants' most prevalent symptoms were jaw sounds, midline deviation, pain, and mouth opening limitation. There was no significant difference in the frequency of TMD symptoms, jaw sounds, jaw deviation, and limitation in opening, based on gender. Similarly, the prevalence and severity of TMD and their symptoms showed no significant association with residence or marital status (P>0.05). Although, a correlation was observed between the poor sleep quality and the severity of TMD, no association was found between the presence of TMD symptoms and poor sleep quality (P>0.05).
Conclusion: While, the frequency of TMD symptoms did not differ significantly between genders, the severity of TMD and jaw pain was significantly higher among female students. Individuals with poor sleep quality exhibited significantly higher severe degree of TMD.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 211 students at the Yazd Dental School. The Fonseca and PSQI questionnaires were used to determine the severity of TMD and sleep quality, respectively. Clinical examination was conducted to assess the symptoms of TMD. Additionally, demographic information such as gender, marital status, and place of residence was recorded. The data were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests.
Results: The final analysis was performed on 211 individuals, comprising 118 males (56%) and 93 females (44%). Among all the participants, 204 individuals (83.88%) had at least one symptom of TMD. The participants' most prevalent symptoms were jaw sounds, midline deviation, pain, and mouth opening limitation. There was no significant difference in the frequency of TMD symptoms, jaw sounds, jaw deviation, and limitation in opening, based on gender. Similarly, the prevalence and severity of TMD and their symptoms showed no significant association with residence or marital status (P>0.05). Although, a correlation was observed between the poor sleep quality and the severity of TMD, no association was found between the presence of TMD symptoms and poor sleep quality (P>0.05).
Conclusion: While, the frequency of TMD symptoms did not differ significantly between genders, the severity of TMD and jaw pain was significantly higher among female students. Individuals with poor sleep quality exhibited significantly higher severe degree of TMD.
Neda Samie, Azita Kaviani, Soroor Samie, Ali Saramipour,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Oral health affects the quality of life and plays the main role in achieving optimal conditions of health and general well-being. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the psychosocial effects and quality of life related to oral health in patients treated with composite veneers.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 48 patients who referred to the restorative department of Jundishapur University of Ahvaz for composite veneer treatment were participated. The PIDAQ questionnaire was used to investigate the aesthetic effects of composite veneer treatment on the psychosocial conditions of the patients, and the OHIP-14 questionnaire was used to investigate the quality of life related to oral health. Patients were asked to complete both questionnaires before treatment and one month after composite veneer treatment. Also, demographic information including age, sex, education and marital status of the patients were recorded. The purpose and benefits of participating in this study were fully explained to the patients and the patients voluntarily participated in this study. Then, an informed consent form was given to the patients. In order to compare the scores before and after the treatment, the paired T-test and its non-parametric equation expression (Will-Coxon) were used, and P<0.05 was considered.
Results: According to the results, the average age of the respondents was 28 years. In terms of gender, 54.2% of the patients were male, and in terms of education, most of the participants in the study had a bachelor's degree (35.4%). The total score of OHIP-14 before treatment was 26 and after treatment 22. Also, the total score of PIDAQ before treatment was 49 and after treatment 28. Comparing the scores of psychosocial effects and quality of life related to the oral health before and after composite veneer treatment showed that there was a difference between the average score of psychosocial effects and quality of life. There was a significant difference related to the oral health before and after composite veneer treatment, which significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed that suitable veneer composite treatments could improve the oral health related to the quality of life of people. Also, treatment with composite veneers could have a significant effect on patients' self-confidence. Composite veneers could reduce social effects, psychological effects, and cosmetic concerns related to patients’ teeth.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 48 patients who referred to the restorative department of Jundishapur University of Ahvaz for composite veneer treatment were participated. The PIDAQ questionnaire was used to investigate the aesthetic effects of composite veneer treatment on the psychosocial conditions of the patients, and the OHIP-14 questionnaire was used to investigate the quality of life related to oral health. Patients were asked to complete both questionnaires before treatment and one month after composite veneer treatment. Also, demographic information including age, sex, education and marital status of the patients were recorded. The purpose and benefits of participating in this study were fully explained to the patients and the patients voluntarily participated in this study. Then, an informed consent form was given to the patients. In order to compare the scores before and after the treatment, the paired T-test and its non-parametric equation expression (Will-Coxon) were used, and P<0.05 was considered.
Results: According to the results, the average age of the respondents was 28 years. In terms of gender, 54.2% of the patients were male, and in terms of education, most of the participants in the study had a bachelor's degree (35.4%). The total score of OHIP-14 before treatment was 26 and after treatment 22. Also, the total score of PIDAQ before treatment was 49 and after treatment 28. Comparing the scores of psychosocial effects and quality of life related to the oral health before and after composite veneer treatment showed that there was a difference between the average score of psychosocial effects and quality of life. There was a significant difference related to the oral health before and after composite veneer treatment, which significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed that suitable veneer composite treatments could improve the oral health related to the quality of life of people. Also, treatment with composite veneers could have a significant effect on patients' self-confidence. Composite veneers could reduce social effects, psychological effects, and cosmetic concerns related to patients’ teeth.
Narjes Amrollahi, Ashkan Habibian,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The status of oral diseases in children with visual impairments is a topic of concern for dental researchers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of dental caries in these children according to the PUFA index.
Materials and Methods: To evaluate the rate of tooth decay, sixty 6-12 year old children with visual impairments were selected by convenience sampling in 2022 in Isfahan-Iran. The examination and pufa/PUFA index (exposed pulp, residual root mucosal ulcers, fistulas, and abscesses) were recorded. Data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney tests (comparison of pufa/PUFA index according to gender, type of disorder and severity of disorder) and Spear-Man (examining the relationship between pufa/PUFA index and child age).
Materials and Methods: To evaluate the rate of tooth decay, sixty 6-12 year old children with visual impairments were selected by convenience sampling in 2022 in Isfahan-Iran. The examination and pufa/PUFA index (exposed pulp, residual root mucosal ulcers, fistulas, and abscesses) were recorded. Data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney tests (comparison of pufa/PUFA index according to gender, type of disorder and severity of disorder) and Spear-Man (examining the relationship between pufa/PUFA index and child age).
Results: The means of pufa/PUFA index in primary and permanent dental systشems were 0.89±0.68 and 0.44±0.2, respectively, of which the highest portion was related to the caries with pulp involvement. There was no significant relationship between the pufa and PUFA index according to gender, type of disorder, and severity of visual impairment (P<0.05). Also, only a significant and direct relationship was observed in pufa between the primary tooth system and age (P=0.042).
Conclusion: Untreated caries in children with visual impairment based on the PUFA index in primary and permanent dental systems had a relatively low prevalence. The highest PUFA index portion was related to the tooth decay with pulpal involvement. Furthermore, untreated caries in primary teeth were increased by increasing the children’s age.
Mohammad Hossein Zare Mehrjardi, Sina Hooshmand, Mahnaz Hatami,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Despite significant advancements in rehabilitation of edentulism with implants, complications such as implant failure before and after prosthetic loading remain concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of dental implant failure before and after prosthetic loading in some of Yazd dental clinics between 2018 and 2023.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 1060 patients’ files from three public dental clinics were reviewed. These patients were treated by dental implants between April 2018 and June 2023. The collected data included patients’ age and gender, implant diameter, brand, and placement site, type of prosthesis, and fixture failure after surgical and prosthetic phases. Data were statistically analyzed by independent t-tests and chi-square tests.
Results: The mean age of patients was 55.25 ± 12.37 years and 56.3% were female. The frequency of overall implant failure was 3.4%. The implant failure rate after prosthetic loading was 2.8% in females and 2.3% in males (P=0.47). This rate was 2% and 1.9% for maxillary and mandibular implants, respectively (P=0.5). This amount was 2.4% in molar areas,1.7% and 1.8% in premolar and anterior regions, respectively (P=0.8). Implant failure rate was 1.3% in overdentures, 5.9% in cement-retained, and 3.2% in screw-retained prosthesis (P<0.001). This amount for implants with a diameter less than 3.75 mm was 2.6% and for those with a diameter more than 4.5 mm was 3.7% (P<0.001). Implants with a diameter less than 3.75 mm had a 2.6% failure rate, whereas those with a diameter greater than 4.5 mm had a 3.7% failure rate (P<0.001). The implants failure rate was 1.6% for Dio brand and 2.5% for Dentis (P=0.5).
Conclusion: The overall implant failure rate in this study was 3.4%, of which 1.5% occurred before and 1.9% occurred after prosthetic loading. The frequency of implant failure after loading was significantly associated with the implant diameter and prosthesis type. This was not related to the patient's gender, implant site, or the implant brand.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 1060 patients’ files from three public dental clinics were reviewed. These patients were treated by dental implants between April 2018 and June 2023. The collected data included patients’ age and gender, implant diameter, brand, and placement site, type of prosthesis, and fixture failure after surgical and prosthetic phases. Data were statistically analyzed by independent t-tests and chi-square tests.
Results: The mean age of patients was 55.25 ± 12.37 years and 56.3% were female. The frequency of overall implant failure was 3.4%. The implant failure rate after prosthetic loading was 2.8% in females and 2.3% in males (P=0.47). This rate was 2% and 1.9% for maxillary and mandibular implants, respectively (P=0.5). This amount was 2.4% in molar areas,1.7% and 1.8% in premolar and anterior regions, respectively (P=0.8). Implant failure rate was 1.3% in overdentures, 5.9% in cement-retained, and 3.2% in screw-retained prosthesis (P<0.001). This amount for implants with a diameter less than 3.75 mm was 2.6% and for those with a diameter more than 4.5 mm was 3.7% (P<0.001). Implants with a diameter less than 3.75 mm had a 2.6% failure rate, whereas those with a diameter greater than 4.5 mm had a 3.7% failure rate (P<0.001). The implants failure rate was 1.6% for Dio brand and 2.5% for Dentis (P=0.5).
Conclusion: The overall implant failure rate in this study was 3.4%, of which 1.5% occurred before and 1.9% occurred after prosthetic loading. The frequency of implant failure after loading was significantly associated with the implant diameter and prosthesis type. This was not related to the patient's gender, implant site, or the implant brand.
Mitra Montazerlotf, Mehrdad Mehrdad Hosseini Shakib, Reza Radfar, Mina Khayamzadeh,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic oral diseases worldwide. Timely and accurate diagnosis of dental caries plays a crucial role in preventing lesion progression and reducing complications. This study aimed to systematically review the studies on dental caries detection using machine learning algorithms applied to periapical radiographs.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar databases up to the end of 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised studies using machine learning algorithms for detecting dental caries in periapical or intraoral radiographs. The quality of studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.
Results: From 825 initial articles, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies used Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with various architectures including ResNet, VGG, Inception, DenseNet, and YOLO. ResNet-based models and their hybrid variants showed the best performance with diagnostic accuracy ranging from 82% to 98%. Comparison with human experts in 6 studies revealed that deep learning algorithms demonstrated similar or superior performance.
Conclusion: From the results, deep learning especially convolutional neural networks, had significant potential for improving dental caries detection in periapical radiographs. However, challenges such as limited high-quality training data and generalizability issues need further investigation.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar databases up to the end of 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised studies using machine learning algorithms for detecting dental caries in periapical or intraoral radiographs. The quality of studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.
Results: From 825 initial articles, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies used Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with various architectures including ResNet, VGG, Inception, DenseNet, and YOLO. ResNet-based models and their hybrid variants showed the best performance with diagnostic accuracy ranging from 82% to 98%. Comparison with human experts in 6 studies revealed that deep learning algorithms demonstrated similar or superior performance.
Conclusion: From the results, deep learning especially convolutional neural networks, had significant potential for improving dental caries detection in periapical radiographs. However, challenges such as limited high-quality training data and generalizability issues need further investigation.
Seyed Hosein Tabatabaei, Elaheh Ebrahimi, Sara Heydari, Fatemeh Owlia,
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Volume 38, Issue 0 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Student perspectives play a crucial role in evaluating educational systems. This study assessed the self-efficacy of dental students at Yazd Dental School in diagnosing and managing oral and maxillofacial pathological lesions.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students from semesters 6 to 12. A total of 250 self-efficacy questionnaires, designed to evaluate students' abilities in lesion management, were distributed. The questionnaire covered biopsy procedures, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Data were collected using structured self-reporting methods and analyzed through SPSS version 16, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests. The semester progression, gender, age, academic performance, and marital status were examined for their impact on self-efficacy. According to the mean and standard deviation obtained in this study, the scores were divided qualitatively.
Results: The response rate of the questionnaire was 91.6%. The average self-efficacy score was 80.30±14.72 (out of 150), indicating a moderate level of confidence. Performing biopsies had the lowest self-efficacy, while diagnosing and managing oral ulcers had the highest. Higher-semester students showed significantly greater self-efficacy (P=0.018), whereas variations based on gender, age, academic performance, and marital status were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Increased exposure to the clinical cases and theoretical knowledge contributed to a growth in self-efficacy over time.
Conclusion: Overall, the students demonstrated moderate self-efficacy in lesion management. Higher-semester students benefited from accumulated experience, though specific areas, such as biopsy procedures and lesion diagnosis, which require further emphasis. Future strategies should enhance teaching methods, clinical practice opportunities, and assessment approaches to prepare students for the practical challenges they will face.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students from semesters 6 to 12. A total of 250 self-efficacy questionnaires, designed to evaluate students' abilities in lesion management, were distributed. The questionnaire covered biopsy procedures, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Data were collected using structured self-reporting methods and analyzed through SPSS version 16, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests. The semester progression, gender, age, academic performance, and marital status were examined for their impact on self-efficacy. According to the mean and standard deviation obtained in this study, the scores were divided qualitatively.
Results: The response rate of the questionnaire was 91.6%. The average self-efficacy score was 80.30±14.72 (out of 150), indicating a moderate level of confidence. Performing biopsies had the lowest self-efficacy, while diagnosing and managing oral ulcers had the highest. Higher-semester students showed significantly greater self-efficacy (P=0.018), whereas variations based on gender, age, academic performance, and marital status were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Increased exposure to the clinical cases and theoretical knowledge contributed to a growth in self-efficacy over time.
Conclusion: Overall, the students demonstrated moderate self-efficacy in lesion management. Higher-semester students benefited from accumulated experience, though specific areas, such as biopsy procedures and lesion diagnosis, which require further emphasis. Future strategies should enhance teaching methods, clinical practice opportunities, and assessment approaches to prepare students for the practical challenges they will face.
Hossein Naghdi Varnosfaderani, Kamran Amini, Mohammad Khodaei,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: It is very important and practical to make machinable blocks with the ability to maintain the edge and at the same time have sufficient hardness for chewing. One of the most important groups of materials for making dental crowns and veneers for dentistry by CAD-CAM is lithium disilicate ceramics such that extensive research is being conducted in the field of modifying their structure and properties. All-ceramic restorations enhance the beauty of teeth due to their closeness to the tooth color and transparency. At the same time, these materials also have high biocompatibility. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of hot-pressing temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the lithium disilicate block fabrication.
Materials and Methods: The present laboratory study was conducted on the lithium disilicate blocks produced by powder metallurgy at Islamic Azad University, Khomeini Shahr Branch. In this regard, initially, the raw materials (including: Tetraethyl orthosilicate, Lithium nitrate, Triethyl phosphate, potassium nitrate) were processed by sol-gel method and the resulting frit (the glassy state of a ceramic) was crushed by a ceramic mortar. Then, the 3 groups of samples (n=3) were subjected to the hot-pressing at different temperatures of 750 and 900 °C for 60 minutes at a constant pressure of 200 kPa. Subsequently, the microstructure and elemental phases of lithium silicate samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Statistical analysis of the results was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: X-ray diffraction results on the resulting powder before hot pressing showed the formation of a glass phase with lithium metasilicate and after hot pressing, the formation of a lithium disilicate phase. The results also showed that in all samples, the lithium disilicate phase was formed and had some porosity. In addition, with increasing the pressing temperature, the size of lithium disilicate particles increased. However, with increasing the hot-pressing temperature from 750 to 900°C, the amount of porosity decreased from about 23% to 20%.
Conclusion: The hot-pressing temperature had a significant effect on the microstructure and phases present in the produced ferrite sample. It was concluded that by changing the hot-pressing temperature, the microstructure and consequently the properties of the lithium disilicate blocks can be modified to achieve improved properties for dentistry applications.
Materials and Methods: The present laboratory study was conducted on the lithium disilicate blocks produced by powder metallurgy at Islamic Azad University, Khomeini Shahr Branch. In this regard, initially, the raw materials (including: Tetraethyl orthosilicate, Lithium nitrate, Triethyl phosphate, potassium nitrate) were processed by sol-gel method and the resulting frit (the glassy state of a ceramic) was crushed by a ceramic mortar. Then, the 3 groups of samples (n=3) were subjected to the hot-pressing at different temperatures of 750 and 900 °C for 60 minutes at a constant pressure of 200 kPa. Subsequently, the microstructure and elemental phases of lithium silicate samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Statistical analysis of the results was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: X-ray diffraction results on the resulting powder before hot pressing showed the formation of a glass phase with lithium metasilicate and after hot pressing, the formation of a lithium disilicate phase. The results also showed that in all samples, the lithium disilicate phase was formed and had some porosity. In addition, with increasing the pressing temperature, the size of lithium disilicate particles increased. However, with increasing the hot-pressing temperature from 750 to 900°C, the amount of porosity decreased from about 23% to 20%.
Conclusion: The hot-pressing temperature had a significant effect on the microstructure and phases present in the produced ferrite sample. It was concluded that by changing the hot-pressing temperature, the microstructure and consequently the properties of the lithium disilicate blocks can be modified to achieve improved properties for dentistry applications.
Behnoush Selahbarzin, Samad Darabian, Mahtab Shahivand,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Many oral health problems, including tooth decay mostly begin in childhood. Since decay in pits and fissures accounts for a higher percentage, it is of great importance to expand fissure sealant therapy, raise awareness and parents' attitudes towards preventive methods, especially fluoride and fissure sealant therapy. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the awareness of parents of 6-12 year old children in Khorramabad city in Iran about the fissure sealant method for preventing tooth decay.
Materials and Methods: The present study was descriptive-analytical. In this study, 601 parents of 6-12 year old children in Khorramabad schools were evaluated using cluster sampling in the academic year 2021. The designed questionnaire included demographic information and questions that estimated the level of parental awareness about fissure sealants. Then, data were analyzed by the SPSS version 23 software and Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and T-test statistical tests.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.54 ± 8.09. 339 of the subjects had a bachelor's degree or higher. 17.3% of parents had a good level of knowledge. In this study, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the knowledge score and the variables of education level (P<0.02), oral hygiene education history (P<0.001), and time of visiting the dentist (P<0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between the age, parental relationship, and economic status (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the awareness score of most of the individuals participated in the study was low about fissure sealants, especially in the individuals with low level of education or no education. Therefore, more attention and serious attempts should be done to increase the parental awareness in this regard.
Materials and Methods: The present study was descriptive-analytical. In this study, 601 parents of 6-12 year old children in Khorramabad schools were evaluated using cluster sampling in the academic year 2021. The designed questionnaire included demographic information and questions that estimated the level of parental awareness about fissure sealants. Then, data were analyzed by the SPSS version 23 software and Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and T-test statistical tests.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.54 ± 8.09. 339 of the subjects had a bachelor's degree or higher. 17.3% of parents had a good level of knowledge. In this study, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the knowledge score and the variables of education level (P<0.02), oral hygiene education history (P<0.001), and time of visiting the dentist (P<0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between the age, parental relationship, and economic status (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the awareness score of most of the individuals participated in the study was low about fissure sealants, especially in the individuals with low level of education or no education. Therefore, more attention and serious attempts should be done to increase the parental awareness in this regard.
Bita Kheiri, Mona Fazel Ghaziani,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly common in dentistry because it facilitates the process of diagnosis and clinical decision-making. It is necessary for dentists to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence before implementing it. The present study aimed to comprehensively review the various applications of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of dental diseases along with its challenges and disadvantages.
Materials and Methods: For this review article, a complete search was conducted on the PubMed and Google Scholar databases and studies published in recent years as well as studies published in 2024 were collected using the keywords "artificial intelligence," "dentistry," "diagnosis." Finally, the relevant articles were selected and evaluated, focusing on artificial intelligence in dentistry and the diagnosis of dental diseases.
Results: Advances in artificial intelligence in dental imaging, particularly through machine learning (ML) and artificial neural networks (ANN), have dramatically transformed the way dental disease is diagnosed. These technologies help dentists to analyze complex information and produce more accurate results by using algorithms that allow systems to learn and respond to data. The most recent development in this area is deep learning (DL), which uses multiple layers of neural networks to process unlabeled data and predict outcomes. These techniques are used in various fields such as diagnostic imaging, periodontology, dental caries detection, and osteoporosis screening, which help to improve the quality of dental services. Despite the benefits of AI in clinical dentistry, three controversial challenges remain and need to be addressed: ease of use, return on investment, and evidence of performance, or reliability.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the most important advantage of AI is the diagnosis of dental diseases. AI has great potential to reduce the pressure on health systems by automating routine tasks and improving patient care. However, this technology can never replace human expertise and must be guided by ethical principles. Ultimately, AI is recognized as a valuable tool in dentistry and the final decision-making always remains with the dentist.
Materials and Methods: For this review article, a complete search was conducted on the PubMed and Google Scholar databases and studies published in recent years as well as studies published in 2024 were collected using the keywords "artificial intelligence," "dentistry," "diagnosis." Finally, the relevant articles were selected and evaluated, focusing on artificial intelligence in dentistry and the diagnosis of dental diseases.
Results: Advances in artificial intelligence in dental imaging, particularly through machine learning (ML) and artificial neural networks (ANN), have dramatically transformed the way dental disease is diagnosed. These technologies help dentists to analyze complex information and produce more accurate results by using algorithms that allow systems to learn and respond to data. The most recent development in this area is deep learning (DL), which uses multiple layers of neural networks to process unlabeled data and predict outcomes. These techniques are used in various fields such as diagnostic imaging, periodontology, dental caries detection, and osteoporosis screening, which help to improve the quality of dental services. Despite the benefits of AI in clinical dentistry, three controversial challenges remain and need to be addressed: ease of use, return on investment, and evidence of performance, or reliability.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the most important advantage of AI is the diagnosis of dental diseases. AI has great potential to reduce the pressure on health systems by automating routine tasks and improving patient care. However, this technology can never replace human expertise and must be guided by ethical principles. Ultimately, AI is recognized as a valuable tool in dentistry and the final decision-making always remains with the dentist.
Mohaddeseh Mesvari, Mehdi Akhoondzadeh Hanzaie,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Panoramic radiographs are routinely used for the assessment of dental conditions; however, their manual interpretation is time-consuming and highly dependent on the clinician's expertise. This study aimed to develop a deep learning-based U-Net framework for the automatic segmentation of four common dental conditions: dental caries, dental fillings, root canal-treated teeth, and impacted third molars.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed as the development of an applied model and was conducted in 2021 at the University of Tehran. Panoramic dental images were collected from publicly available sources. Two dentists collaboratively annotated the images and assigned labels corresponding to four dental conditions: dental caries, dental fillings, root canal treatment, and impacted wisdom teeth. To prevent data leakage, 10% of the entire dataset were initially reserved as an independent test set. Data augmentation were then applied exclusively to the training and validation data. Following augmentation, the remaining dataset were split into training and validation sets using an 80:20 ratio, respectively. A modified U-Net model was trained using preprocessed images resized to 512 × 512 pixels. Model performance was evaluated using Recall, precision, F1-score, and accuracy.
Results: The proposed model demonstrated promising performance in detecting the four target conditions. F1-scores, which were considered the primary performance metric because of potential class imbalance, were 73.56% for caries, 92.2% for fillings, 87.1% for impacted wisdom teeth, and 76.0% for root canal treatment. Precision values were 79.74%, 97.5%, 77.0%, and 61.2%, respectively, while accuracy values ranged from 98.4% to 99.5%.
Conclusion: The proposed U-Net-based framework demonstrated promising performance for the automated identification of dental conditions in panoramic radiographs and might facilitate computer-aided dental screening and treatment planning. Further validation using larger and more heterogeneous datasets are required to enhance the model’s generalizability.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed as the development of an applied model and was conducted in 2021 at the University of Tehran. Panoramic dental images were collected from publicly available sources. Two dentists collaboratively annotated the images and assigned labels corresponding to four dental conditions: dental caries, dental fillings, root canal treatment, and impacted wisdom teeth. To prevent data leakage, 10% of the entire dataset were initially reserved as an independent test set. Data augmentation were then applied exclusively to the training and validation data. Following augmentation, the remaining dataset were split into training and validation sets using an 80:20 ratio, respectively. A modified U-Net model was trained using preprocessed images resized to 512 × 512 pixels. Model performance was evaluated using Recall, precision, F1-score, and accuracy.
Results: The proposed model demonstrated promising performance in detecting the four target conditions. F1-scores, which were considered the primary performance metric because of potential class imbalance, were 73.56% for caries, 92.2% for fillings, 87.1% for impacted wisdom teeth, and 76.0% for root canal treatment. Precision values were 79.74%, 97.5%, 77.0%, and 61.2%, respectively, while accuracy values ranged from 98.4% to 99.5%.
Conclusion: The proposed U-Net-based framework demonstrated promising performance for the automated identification of dental conditions in panoramic radiographs and might facilitate computer-aided dental screening and treatment planning. Further validation using larger and more heterogeneous datasets are required to enhance the model’s generalizability.
Mogtaba Bayani, Hadiseh Mohammadi, Behzad Khonsarinejad, Dr. Seyed Hamed Mirhoseini,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, capable of airborne transmission through aerosols, poses a significant challenge in clinical settings such as dental clinics. The use of high-speed instruments, including handpieces and ultrasonic scalers, generates considerable aerosols that, if contaminated, may facilitate infection transmission. This study aimed to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the clinical and non-clinical areas of a dental clinic.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 20 air samples were collected from various sections of the Dental School of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was performed using a pump equipped with a filter for two hours at a flow rate of 5 L/min and a height of 1.5 m above the floor. The samples were transported under a cold chain, the viral RNA was extracted, and then were analyzed using a specific RT-PCR kit.
Results: Out of 20 collected air samples, 3 samples (15%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Two from clinical departments (restorative and fixed prosthodontics) and one from a non-clinical area (pre-clinic).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detectable in some air samples from both clinical and non-clinical areas of the dental clinic. These results highlight the importance of strict adherence to infection control protocols across all sections of dental clinics to minimize the risk of airborne transmission.
Firoozeh Nilchian, Fatemeh Faraghani, Niloufar Ramazani, Rosanna Vaez,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries is a multifactorial chronic disease that affects the majority of the population, causing a very serious health problem worldwide This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the incidence of dental caries, parents' understanding of children's oral health, and factors affecting the use of dental services in the population of primary school children.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and the desired information was collected using the OHL-AQ questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which was confirmed in the previuos study. A total of 400 students between the ages of 6 and 12 were included in the study. The decay, missing, filling (DMFT) Index was used for calculating dental caries index. The statistical population of this research were the parents and students of the primary level of education in the six districts of Isfahan city in the academic year of 1402-1403. The sampling method was random cluster sampling. Then, the data collected from the examinations and questionnaires were analyzed by correlation tests, Independent Samples
T-Test and linear regression using SPSS software version 26, and the error level was 0.05.
Results: Among 400 students, the highest frequency (20.8%) was related to the second grade and the lowest frequency (12.5%) was related to the sixth grade of education. The average age of students' parents was 39.8 years. In most cases (56%) parents had university education. The educational level of students and the level of parents’ education had a significant relationship with the DMFT score (P<0.001). The average oral health information literacy score and average age of the parents had a significant relationship with the DMFT score (P<0.001). In this study, the average oral health information literacy score of parents was estimated to be 9.1.
Conclusion: In the present study, the information literacy score of the parents was evaluated as average and showed a significant relationship with the DMFT index. Also, the educational level of the student and the level of parents’ education had a significant relationship with the DMFT score. Therefore, it can be concluded that promotion of the level of education in the society is necessary as it can affect the level of oral health of children.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and the desired information was collected using the OHL-AQ questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which was confirmed in the previuos study. A total of 400 students between the ages of 6 and 12 were included in the study. The decay, missing, filling (DMFT) Index was used for calculating dental caries index. The statistical population of this research were the parents and students of the primary level of education in the six districts of Isfahan city in the academic year of 1402-1403. The sampling method was random cluster sampling. Then, the data collected from the examinations and questionnaires were analyzed by correlation tests, Independent Samples
T-Test and linear regression using SPSS software version 26, and the error level was 0.05.
Results: Among 400 students, the highest frequency (20.8%) was related to the second grade and the lowest frequency (12.5%) was related to the sixth grade of education. The average age of students' parents was 39.8 years. In most cases (56%) parents had university education. The educational level of students and the level of parents’ education had a significant relationship with the DMFT score (P<0.001). The average oral health information literacy score and average age of the parents had a significant relationship with the DMFT score (P<0.001). In this study, the average oral health information literacy score of parents was estimated to be 9.1.
Conclusion: In the present study, the information literacy score of the parents was evaluated as average and showed a significant relationship with the DMFT index. Also, the educational level of the student and the level of parents’ education had a significant relationship with the DMFT score. Therefore, it can be concluded that promotion of the level of education in the society is necessary as it can affect the level of oral health of children.
Fariba Abdal, Ali Aghajani, Nasim Jafari, Maryam Kazempour,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Bruxism or teeth grinding is a common parafunctional habit childhood that can lead to serious physical and mental complications. The etiology of bruxism remains unclear. However occlusal factors have been suggested as one of several possible contributors that may play a role in its onset.Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the possible relationship between the occlusal factors and bruxism in children aged from 3 to 6 years old in the city of Ilam-Iran in 2022.
Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional, descriptive‑analytical study was conducted in 2022. A total of 100 children aged from 3 to 6 years old were selected. During clinical examinations, the following occlusal factors were assessed in relation to bruxism: anterior and posterior crossbite, overbite, and overjet. In addition, a demographic checklist was completed by the parents. The statistical tests, Spearman's correlation index, trend test, and chi-square were used for data analysis in SPSS version 23, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: The results of this study showed that among 100 children with bruxism, 48% were boys and 52% were girls. There was a weak correlation between the age and gender with bruxism, which is not statistically significant (p=0.356) and (p=0.412). Flush terminal occlusion was observed in 42% of left-side and 39% of right-side occlusions, and the chi-square test revealed a significant association between this occlusal pattern and bruxism (p=0.001). The highest amount of dental facet (51%) was on enamel, with significant relationship observed between bruxism and anterior and posterior crossbite (p=0.663). However, a significant relationship was found between the bruxism, overbite, and overjet (p=0.003), demonstrating that the increased severity of overbite and overjet correlates with a higher rate of bruxism.
Conclusion: The study concluded that excessive overjet, normal overbite, flush terminal occlusion in both sides, and dental facet were significantly associated with bruxism among occlusal factors.
Mohammadreza Rahimi Ghajour, Babak Akbari,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
This review article elucidates sol-gel thin films as an engineering tool for the targeted tuning of restorative interphases within the structure-process-property-performance framework. The primary focus is placed on how low-temperature solution routes, through precursor selection, adjustment of deposition parameters, and control of condensation schedules, can lead to network organization, pore distribution, and the formation of surface functionalities; the components that play a decisive role in interfacial adhesion, light transmission, and initial microbial adhesion. In the adhesion domain, siliceous interphases generated via surface infiltration or overlapping thin coatings create silanol-rich surfaces on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia, thereby enabling durable bonding with methacrylate-based systems. Concurrently, the design of zirconia-silica mixed oxides mitigates local incompatibilities and facilitates uniform primer spreading. In the optical domain, refractive index engineering is pursued through the incorporation of porous silica or nanoscale organic-inorganic networks, strategies that target antireflective behavior, preservation of surface gloss, and increased tolerance to layer thickness variations via gradient structures. In biofilm control, visible-light-responsive titania coatings exhibit effective performance under clinical illumination conditions. In contrast, the siliceous matrices or ion-doped organic-inorganic systems provide localized release of silver or zinc ions and light-independent antibacterial effects. Key challenges reported for these approaches include balancing refractive index reduction and hardness retention, improving hydrolytic stability to mitigate the risk of embrittlement, and preventing undesirable photocatalytic effects on surface color and gloss. From a clinical translation perspective, reproducibility remains dependent on defining narrow processing windows, precise monitoring of layer thickness and surface roughness, alignment with common airborne-particle abrasion and silanization workflows, and judicious adjustment of light dose. Overall, sol-gel nanolayers provide a modular engineering toolbox for selective interphase reinforcement, optical tuning, and surface bioactivation, provided that layer structure and quality control are considered as central design variables.
Mohammadreza Rahimi Ghajour, Babak Akbari,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of plant-derived polyphenols in restorative and preventive dentistry. As natural bioactive compounds such as polyphenols reshape the oral microbial ecology by attenuating virulence, inhibiting quorum-sensing communication, disrupting extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) formation, and reducing acidogenicity within dental biofilms. Beyond their antimicrobial effects, polyphenols can protect host tissues, namely, enamel, dentin, and gingiva, by cross-linking collagen fibrils, suppressing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and modulating inflammatory pathways. Experimental, in situ, and clinical evidence consistently demonstrated improved bond durability at the dentin–resin interface. The most compelling data support the use of primers containing proanthocyanidins, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol. In preventive applications, catechin-based varnishes have demonstrated remineralization effects comparable to those of fluoride varnishes. Conversely, pomegranate extract–enriched mouthrinses, in the presence of fluoride, could enhance both anti-demineralization and antibiofilm activity. In the context of implants and dental prostheses, the polyphenol-functionalized coatings, particularly those based on tannic or caffeic acid, would reduce biofilm formation and provide corrosion resistance for metallic surfaces. Nevertheless, several formulation challenges remain, including rapid oxidation, limited solubility, and discoloration, all of which require careful management. Strategies such as dose optimization, solvent selection, covalent stabilization, and microencapsulation are recommended to overcome these limitations. For broader and more effective clinical translation, standardization of multispecies laboratory models and harmonization of clinical endpoints are essential. Furthermore, future longitudinal trials are needed to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical performance. Ultimately, with the design of innovative delivery systems and long-term monitoring of parameters such as restoration survival, secondary caries, periodontal health, and color stability, polyphenols hold promise to define a new generation of antibacterial, biocompatible, and aesthetically stable dental materials.
Niki , Meysam Mirzaie, Farida Abei, Shervin Masoudi Khalajifard, Hemmat Gholinia,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental crowding is considered a significant factor in the development of malocclusion. Identifying the factors contributing to its formation aids in selecting appropriate treatment strategies and achieving stable post-treatment results. Since the relationship between jaw base length and this factor remains unclear, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between the jaw base length and dental crowding in individuals with different skeletal patterns in the sagittal dimensio in north of Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 42 individuals from each skeletal class (I, II, and III) were enrolled based on crowding of >4 mm and ≤4 mm, selected through census from all patients referred to the Orthodontic Department of Babol Dental School (Iran) between 2011 and 2025. These samples were examined for the association between jaw base length in each skeletal classification and dental crowding. Lateral cephalograms from before treatment were used to measure the jaw base length. T-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were employed to examine the desired associations, with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: A total of 126 patients (64.3% female) were evaluated. The relationship between jaw base length and crowding was not significant with respect to age, but it was reported as significant in females in the mandible (P=0.024). The present study indicated that the length of the maxillary and mandibular bases in the entire sample did not show a direct and significant correlation with the degree of dental crowding. However, subgroup analysis based on skeletal classes revealed significant differences in maxillary and mandibular base lengths between skeletal classes I, II, and III at both crowding levels (≤4 mm and >4 mm) (P=0.008, 0.011, and P<0.001, respectively). In the mandible, class III had the greatest length and class II had the shortest. In the maxilla, class III had the shortest length and class II had the greatest.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that sagittal skeletal patterns play a significant role in the dimensional changes of the jaws. Furthermore, in classes I and III, examining the mandibular base length is more important, as its reduction may be associated with more severe crowding. The maxillary and mandibular base lengths in the entire sample did not exhibit a direct and significant correlation with the severity of dental crowding. These variables were not significant with respect to age but were reported as significant in females in the mandible. Therefore, a single anatomical index like base length cannot solely predict the severity of crowding.
Sareh Habibzadeh, Fatemeh Behroozi,
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Volume 39, Issue 0 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Digital impression systems have transformed prosthodontics by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort. Despite these advantages, their clinical adoption remains constrained by technical and operational challenges. This review aimed to critically evaluate the limitations of digital impression systems in the field of fixed and removable prosthodontics.
Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Scientific sources were reviewed for their contribution to understanding the limitations and challenges of digital impression systems in the field of fixed and removable prosthodontics. The selected studies were then analyzed descriptively, and their findings were interpreted to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges, limitations, and future perspectives of this technology.
Resulrs: Findings indicated that although digital impression systems could demonstrate high accuracy and reproducibility under controlled laboratory conditions, their clinical performance has been influenced by multiple factors. Operator experience, scanning strategy, and image stitching significantly could affect data accuracy. Environmental conditions such as moisture, light, and temperature might further compromise outcomes. Patient-related variables, including arch morphology, tooth preparation, implant presence, and restorative materials, also contributed to variability in results. Additionally, technical factors such as scanner design, software version, and scanning head size would play an imporant role.
Conclusion: Evidence suggests that while digital systems may outperform conventional impressions in controlled settings, clinical limitations persist. Therefore, optimized protocols and integration of digital and conventional techniques may enhance reliability and improve prosthodontic outcomes.
Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Scientific sources were reviewed for their contribution to understanding the limitations and challenges of digital impression systems in the field of fixed and removable prosthodontics. The selected studies were then analyzed descriptively, and their findings were interpreted to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges, limitations, and future perspectives of this technology.
Resulrs: Findings indicated that although digital impression systems could demonstrate high accuracy and reproducibility under controlled laboratory conditions, their clinical performance has been influenced by multiple factors. Operator experience, scanning strategy, and image stitching significantly could affect data accuracy. Environmental conditions such as moisture, light, and temperature might further compromise outcomes. Patient-related variables, including arch morphology, tooth preparation, implant presence, and restorative materials, also contributed to variability in results. Additionally, technical factors such as scanner design, software version, and scanning head size would play an imporant role.
Conclusion: Evidence suggests that while digital systems may outperform conventional impressions in controlled settings, clinical limitations persist. Therefore, optimized protocols and integration of digital and conventional techniques may enhance reliability and improve prosthodontic outcomes.
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