Aim: This review highlights the fundamentals of finite element analysis (FEA) and its applications in various fields in dentistry. FEA is a computer-based numerical technique for calculating the strength and behavior of structures. It can be used to calculate deflection, stress, vibration, buckling behavior, and many other phenomena. Established knowledge regarding applications and limitations of FEA which are published are discussed in detail which can aid in identifying the caveats in research. Materials and Methods: Various literature sources were selected through a search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, and other electronic databases and were subjected to intense scrutiny under the search title “Finite Element Analysis in Dentistry.” We identified and reviewed most relevant and recent work mostly indexed in Scopus and PubMed. Results: A simple search on Google Scholar resulted in 144,000 scientific articles and 17,200 articles since 2017. Most of the articles were related to the application of FEA in implant dentistry. Forty-four such articles were included in this review. Conclusion: Based on our literature search, we came to the conclusion that applications of Finite Element Analysis in Dentistry are myriad and this technology is constantly upgrading. This review will provide an update on the current state of scientific knowledge in this field that encompasses all areas of dentistry. We also emphasise the need for further research in this area.

Aim: To identify and analyze recently available data related to the incidence of occurrence, etiology, and treatment options for transmigrated mandibular canines. Materials and Methods: A computer-based search of studies published from January 2010 to May 2020 was conducted. The studies were selected from various electronic databases such as Medline, Google Scholar, Epub, Embase, and Cochrane on the basis of their title, study, design, keywords, Cochrane methodology, supplemented by a gray literature search, and reference lists of selected papers were manually scanned. Results: A total of 503 transmigrated mandibular canines were reported from 53 articles and 19 different countries. Based on the number of articles published, India topped with 22 publications followed by Turkey with eight publications. Based on the number of transmigrated mandibular canines reporting, Turkey topped the list with 167 teeth, followed by Poland with 99 canines. The frequency of canine impact in the mandible ranges from 0.92% to 5.1%, according to the results of our study, whereas that of canine transmigration ranges from 0.1% to 0.3%. The quest for literature also reveals that canine transmigration is almost limited to the mandible. The etiology of this disease has been due to several causes. Cone beam computerized tomography helps to provide specific information about their position, relationship with adjacent structures, and associated pathology. Conclusion: Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan, and prompt intervention to maintain the appearance of the esthetic and functional stability are the conclusions drawn.

Aim: To investigate the role of the c-KIT mutation in oral malignant melanoma (OMM). Materials and Methods: The search strategy includes randomized control trials and clinical trials from the databases of PubMed Central, Cochrane, EBSCO, and MEDLINE from January 1999 to May 2019. A total of seven clinical trials that met all inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. Results: A previous study found that c-KIT can initiate the activation variety of downstream pathways, including the MAPK/MEK and PI3K/AKT pathways, which play important roles in cancer development. The c-KIT mutation has resulted in a loss of heterozygosity at 12p13, and loss of p27KIP1 protein has been detected. Activating c-KIT mutations in the juxtamembrane and other domains has been considered as an oncogene and also a therapeutic target in various tumors. Conclusion: c-KIT is playing the role of an important target in the research of molecular therapy in patients with metastatic OMM with c-KIT mutations.

Aim: Focussing on adult patients, this study evaluated the factors associated with preferences for ambience and human resources when receiving care at dental offices in Peru. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational, retrospective, and analytical analysis of data previously obtained through an anonymous survey among Peruvian patients (n = 618) who visited an American Dental Center in Lima, Peru between 2018 and 2020. The statistical analyses were conducted using the frequencies and percentages of each preference, whereas a χ² test and logistic regression were used to identify the factors associated with patient preferences (significance determined at P < 0.05). Results: Preferences were expressed at a rate of 80.9%, with the highest frequencies found for appointment time (91.7%), the delegation of certain functions to assistant personnel (89%), and environmental privacy (89%). Further, the logistic regression model showed that only age influenced the day of the week on which respondents preferred to receive care (odds ratio = 0.97, confidence interval: 0.95–0.98, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Respondents reported strong preferences for several elements related to ambience and human resources while receiving care at dental offices, including the professional ratings/genders of service providers and available amenities.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dentists in Nigeria, where it is underreported, and to correlate these MSDs with occupational and stress-related ergonomic challenges. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected dentists in Nigeria. A modification of the validated Nordic questionnaire was utilized to determine the prevalence of MSDs. Paired t-tests and analysis of variance tests were used to determine statistical differences between numerical variables. The logistic regression analysis was used to confirm significant effect of predictor variables on work-related MSDs (WMSDs). Difference at the 5% level was accepted as significant. Results: Most of the participants were males (58.8%), aged between 26 and 30 years (37.2%), had <5 years of experience (38.2%), and worked an average of 31–40 min for each patient. Eighty-eight participants (44.2%) had WMSDs within 7 days, whereas 126 (63.3%) had in the preceding year. Within a 12-month period, however, neck pain was the commonest complaint (22.2%), followed by lower back (20.6%) and upper back pain (18.3%). The linear regression analysis showed that age of participants: >40 years [Exp β: 1.003; confidence interval (CI): 0.848–1.187; P = 0.020], body mass index: obese (Exp β: 1.079; CI: 0.733–1.589; P = 0.027), average time spent on each patient: >50 min (Exp β: 0.903; CI: 0.313–2.609; P = 0.049), having dental nurses in the clinic: >10 (Exp β: 0.959; CI: 0.410–2.243; P = 0.000), and a high level of environmental stress (Exp β: 1.092; CI: 0.862–1.384; P = 0.029) were significantly associated with MSDs. Conclusion: Our study showed that dentists who were older than 40 years, those who were obese, those who spent an average of 50 min on each patient, and those who had few dental nurses in the clinic and had a high level of environmental stress had a significantly higher prevalence of MSDs. Modifiable chairs, correct sitting postures by the dental surgeon and the patient, adequate lighting, use of indirect vision, use of magnification loupes, and sufficient rest and breaks at work could help to ameliorate these conditions.

Aim: This large-scale study explores oral hygiene practices (OHPs) of primary school children in the region of Madinah as reported by their parents and evaluates different contributing factors on OHPs. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which questionnaires were distributed through the Ministry of Education’s online education platform Madrasati to parents of primary school children in the region of Madinah. Various sociodemographic factors related to OHPs were calculated. Factors related to good OHP were given one mark with the maximum score of 8 marks. The multivariate analysis of variance (Manova) test was used to explore the effect of socio-economic status on scores of OHP and age of onset of tooth brushing. Results: There were a total of 2690 respondents, mostly, mothers (72.2%), Saudi nationals (84.4%), parents of children enrolled in public schools (92.8%), and those living in Al Madinah city (89.9%). OHP scores ranged between 0 and 8 with an average of 4. Means of scores were compared for various variables and were found to be significantly higher for female parents, less than 40 years of age, children in private schools, schools within the city of Madinah, parents with higher education and income, employed mothers, and parents with medical and dental insurance. The Manova test revealed significantly higher OHP scores and significantly lower age of onset of tooth brushing for higher socio-economic groups. Conclusion: Parents’ perceptions on oral health practices need improvement, which is best addressed by oral health awareness programs. Results of this large-scale study can help plan oral health services and organization of oral public health intervention programs in the region. These programs should primarily target families of the low socioeconomic status, particularly those with insufficiently educated parents who reside outside the city of Madinah.

Aim: To determine the influence of short dental implant thread pitch and depth to primary stability on D4 bone density. Materials and Methods: Two short implants from BT Safe and Superline with different thread pitches and depths were used in this laboratory study and were divided into two groups. Artificial polyurethane (PU) bone block 0.32 g/cm³ was prepared, and each implant was inserted following manufacturer’s instruction. A Smartpeg was attached to each implant and transducer probe Osstell pointed stable to small magnet on the top of Smartpeg until beeping and the screen gave the implant stability quotient (ISQ) result. This procedure was repeated 20 times for every implant with four different 90^o orientations or from buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal directions. The average ISQ value was calculated for statistical analysis. Data distributed normally and independent group t-test were performed to determine which group of short dental implants had better primary stability on D4 bone density. Results: Superline implant with shorter thread pitch and deeper thread depth has a final ISQ mean value of 65.9±0.76. BT Safe implant with longer pitch and shallow thread depth have a final ISQ mean value of 63.3±0.95. Conclusion: Shorter pitch and deeper thread depth have better primary stability of short dental implant on D4 bone density.

Aim: To evaluate the initial displacement of the maxillary anterior teeth during distalization of the whole maxillary dentition and en masse retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth using interradicular MIs (IRMIs) and infrazygomatic crest mini-implants (IZCMI) with varying power arm heights. Materials and Methods: The study is a finite element (FE) study. Two FE models were created for total distalization of the maxillary dentition and en masse retraction of the maxillary six anterior teeth. Mini-implants (MIs) were placed in the IZC and IR areas. The power arms were placed on the arch wire between the lateral incisors and canines at heights of 5, 8, and 12 mm. Total distalization (3N) and en masse anterior retraction (2N) forces were applied to the power arm. Results: The von Mises stress increased as power arm height increased with no significance, but the values were significantly greater in the IRMI than IZCMI in both models. Initial backward displacement of the maxillary anterior teeth increased as power arm height increased with no significance, but the values were significantly greater in IZCMI than IRMI in both models. Initial upward displacement of the maxillary anterior teeth decreased as power arm height increased with no significance, but the values were significantly greater in IRMI than IZCMI in both models. Conclusions: A careful consideration of the MI location and the power arm height should be preceded to obtain a desired tooth movement when planning to retract or distalize the maxillary dentition.

Aim: To prolong the clinical success and durability of bonded restorations, hybrid layer stabilization is crucial for better adhesion between the resin and tooth substrate. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the ability of self-assembling peptide (curodont protect) and a remineralizing agent (MI paste plus) in promoting biomimetic remineralization for stabilization of the hybrid layer to improve the resin-dentin bond durability. Materials and Methods: Standardized mesio-occlusal (MO) and disto-occlusal (DO) cavities were prepared on 60 mandibular molars. Teeth were randomly allocated to different groups and after acid etching, half of the MO cavities (n = 30) of dentin were treated with curodont protect and another half (n = 30) with MI paste plus. Half of the DO cavities (n = 30) were pretreated with chlorhexidine, whereas the other half did not receive any dentin pretreatment before placing adhesive restoration. Half of the samples from each group (n = 15) were subjected to thermomechanical load cycles. Immediate and after aging bond strengths were estimated using a universal testing machine, and the type of bond failure was assessed under a scanning electron microscope. Data obtained in megapascals were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s multiple post hoc test with the significance level set as P ≤ 0.05. Results: Immediate bond strength values were significantly high for the control group and low for the MI paste plus group (P = 0.002). Significant differences were not observed between the curodont protect and chlorhexidine (P = 0.0514) treated groups. In all groups, bond strength values were decreased significantly after thermomechanical cyclic (TMC) loading (P = 0.0001). Adhesive type fractures were reported more in failure mode analysis. Conclusion: All groups exhibited reduced microtensile bond strength values after aging. The dentin treated with chlorhexidine, curodont protect, and MI paste plus produced more durable bonding than the control group.

Aim: The advances in CAD/CAM technique have enabled digital data from the virtual setting to be transferred to the real clinical output using surgical guides. Evidence for the accuracy of surgical guides with metal sleeves has been documented. However, the sleeveless surgical guide has not yet been analyzed for its accuracy in clinical situations. The purpose of the study is to determine the accuracy of the sleeveless tooth-supported surgical guide for guided implant surgery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluates data of 25 patients selected randomly with single implants placed using the sleeveless surgical guide, which was collected from a single center at Thane. Cone-beam computed tomography of the treatment planning and the post-implant placement data were superimposed on each other and analyzed using Evalunav (3.0 version, Claronav, Toronto, Canada) software. Descriptive analysis was done. Coronal, apical, and angular deviations were calculated and assessed using a one-sample t-test. Results: It was found that the mean coronal deviation between the planned and placed implants was 0.73± 0.4 mm (0.12–1.81 mm), the mean apical deviation was 0.81± 0.43 mm (0.12–1.66 mm), and the angular deviation was 2.32° ± 0.98° (0°–4.78°). There was a statistically highly significant difference between the achieved and accepted values (P < 0.01) with a lower deviation achieved when compared with the acceptable values. Conclusion: It was concluded that the 3d printed tooth-supported surgical guide with no metal sleeves has acceptable accuracy for placing dental implants using the guided technology.

Aim: To identify the trend for major treatment needs among patients referred for conservative and periodontal treatments upon screening at Dental Outpatient Clinic, International Islamic University Malaysia, and to forecast the future need for this treatment using time-series forecasting analysis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study used records of all patients referred for periodontal and conservative treatments from January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2016. The retrieved information includes patient’s age, gender, residential areas, and their treatment needs. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The number of patients requiring each treatment need was counted, and the major treatment need was identified. For the time-series analysis, the weekly data for the major treatment need were fitted using few univariate models (moving-average, single-exponential, double-exponential, and Holt’s) in Minitab software version 17.0 (Minitab, LLC, State College, PA, USA) and the best-fitted model was chosen for forecasting the future need of this treatment. Results: From 3388 patients, majority were women (59.2%), aged 20–34 years old (54.5%), and came from urban areas (42.4%). The major treatment needs were scaling-polishing (65.0%) and dental filling (74.1%), respectively. The 3-year weekly pattern for both time series showed no apparent seasonal component. Using the best-fit moving-average model, it is forecasted that the 741 patients per year will require scaling-polishing and 855 patients per year will require dental-filling for the following years. Conclusions: The trends for scaling-polishing and dental-filling need among this population were nonseasonal, and the future needs were forecasted to remain high as in previous years.

Aim: To examine the decreased of metastatic associated protein-1 (MTA-1), complex of cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2)–cyclin E, and nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-kB) expression as a molecular target therapy of oral Burkitt’s lymphoma (Raji) cells mediated by oligonucleotides KIP-1 sense (KIP-1 S) and SKP-2 antisense (SKP-2 AS). Materials and Methods: In the study, the pure laboratory experimental with posttest only control group design was confirmed. The MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay was performed to evaluate the suppression of cell growth. The chemotactic migration activity was carried out by Boyden chamber assay. Activation of MTA-1, NF-kB, cyclin E, CDK2, SKP-2, KIP-1, and α-tubulin was investigated by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis cells were analyzed by caspase-3 and caspase-9. Results: The growth inhibition and chemotactic migration activity of KIP-1 S and SKP-2 AS cells were significantly inhibited when compared with the scrambled control (SC) cells. Interestingly, Raji-KIP-1 S has potentially greater cell growth and migrated chemotactic suppression than SKP-2 AS. Induction of cell apoptosis was confirmed in KIP-1 S and SKP-2 AS proofed by increasing the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Decreased level of MTA-1, NF-kB, cyclin E, CDK2, SKP-2, and increased level of KIP-1 protein were detected in KIP-1 S- and SKP-2 AS-treated cells. Conclusion: KIP-1 S and SKP-2 AS have strong antitumor activity on the oral Burkitt’s lymphoma cells through downregulation of MTA-1, CDK2–cyclin E complex, and NF-kB expression. However, KIP-1 S had a stronger antitumor activity than SKP-2 AS targeting these molecules could represent a promising new therapeutic approach for this type of tumor.

Aim: The current study aimed at examining the antimicrobial activity and efficacy of Salvia officinalis against Streptococcus mutans that affect titanium dental implant (Ti6Al4V). Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted in which Salvia officinalis essential oil was investigated against antibiotic-resistant S. mutans. Salvia officinalis chemical components were analyzed using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method. Six samples of titanium dental implant (Ti6Al4V) were manufactured using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) manufacturing technology. The bioassay method was conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of Salvia officinalis essential oil against S. mutans; microdilution assay was also performed on six samples to examine the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). Two samples that showed MIC were selected to undergo scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate or observe bacterial structural changes upon treatment with Salvia officinalis essential oil. Results: Salvia officinalis essential oil exhibited a great inhibition diameter of 40 mm against S. mutans, and it showed an MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL on the titanium implant material surface and an MIC of 5 μg/mL. The SEM results have shown drastic structural changes on S. mutans on treatment with Salvia officinalis essential oil at its MIC value. Conclusion: Salvia officinalis essential oil has shown potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent; therefore, essential oils in future can be considered possible antimicrobials because of the structural changes that they induce on bacterial cells. Salvia officinalis essential oil, which was investigated in the current study, succeeded in penetrating the bacterial cell wall and caused disruption; therefore, the essential oil stands a chance of being used to inhibit the growth of S. mutans bacteria.

Aim: Periodontitis is a chronic disease of dental tissue caused by a bacterial infection, for instance, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is caused by dominant bacteria. Currently, there are many cases regarding bacterial resistance to some antibiotics, so an alternative search for new antibiotics from herbal plants is needed. Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) is a plant that is known to contain bioactive compounds that can function as antimicrobials. So far, research on turmeric extract in the form of a gel formula used as a herbal medicine for periodontitis in Indonesia has not been reported. The aim of this research was to study the oral gel formula of the indigenous turmeric extract from Aceh, Indonesia and to evaluate its antimicrobial efficacy against A. actinomycetemcomitans. Materials and Methods: This research was designed to test the effectiveness of C. longa gel in vitro in inhibiting the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitan. Turmeric rhizome was extracted using the maceration method with 96% ethanol; then, the extract was formulated into a gel with concentrations of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The curcuma gel was then tested for antimicrobials against A. actinomycetemcomitans bacteria. Results: The in vitro antimicrobial test showed that a 50% concentration of turmeric rhizome extracts gel was effective in inhibiting the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans with an inhibition zone of 10.8 mm, which is classified as a strong inhibition zone. Conclusion: The efficacy of the oral gel formula containing C. longa extracts as a natural antimicrobial agent has been confirmed, and the possibility of applying it as periodontitis herbal medicine has been suggested.

Overdenture is one of the recommended treatment methods for elderly patients with few remaining teeth and deeply resorbed ridges. Root retained under the denture base maintains more alveolar ridge resorption, which provides sensory feedback and improves the stability of the dentures. In addition, after endodontic therapy, the use of copings (short/long) and braces on the remaining teeth improves denture protection. This case report aimed to describe prosthodontic rehabilitation of a tooth-supported removable partial denture using a Locator attachment.A 48-year-old woman presented to the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, complaining looseness and repeated fracture of her denture, which led to difficulty in eating and chewing. She presented with Kennedy Classification II modification 1 on the maxilla with 23 and 24. The treatment plan was to provide her with maxillary cobalt–chromium overdenture using the Locator attachment system. The abutment teeth were designed, prefabricated using Locator, and were attached to the root of 23. Esthetics was achieved, and the patient reported satisfactory outcome.The present case report signifies that few remaining teeth are effectively preserved to support tooth-retained overdenture. This treatment approach was chosen considering the patient’s favorable inter ridge distance and economic status rather than full extractions accompanied by a complete denture or implant-supported overdenture. This technique using a Locator attachment on a natural tooth can be an alternative method in prosthodontic rehabilitation of a partially edentulous adult patient with a distinct approach to meet the needs, esthetics, and psychological well-being of the patient.