The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of final surface treatment and dental composite type on the roughness of the composite surface, composite/enamel interface, and composite/cementum interface, as well as on the polishing time. Class V cavities prepared in extracted teeth (n = 126) were restored using one of the three nanohybrid composites with different filler sizes. The specimens were randomly assigned to three different finishing and polishing sequences. The roughness (Ra) of the investigated surfaces was measured using the contact profilometer. The time required to achieve visible gloss was documented. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). There was no significant influence of the composite type on the restoration surface roughness (p = 0.088), while the polishing method had a significant impact (p < 0.001). The Ra of the composites ranged between 0.08 µm and 0.29 µm, with the lowest values (0.09 µm ± 0.05 µm) found in the aluminum oxide disc group (p < 0.001). The time to achieve a visible composite gloss was influenced by the polishing method, composite type, and interactions between these factors (p < 0.001). The interface roughness was significantly greater than that of the composite surface (p < 0.001), and depended on the composite type and polishing system employed.

Purpose: This prospective study is aimed at investigating clinically and histologically the effectiveness of a biomimetic magnesium-enriched-hydroxyapatite (MgHA)/collagen-based bone substitute for alveolar socket preservation. Materials: Patients scheduled for posterior single tooth extraction were included. The alveolar socket was filled either with MgHA or deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM). In DBBM group, a punch of mucosa was taken from the palate and used to cover the graft. Vertical and horizontal dimensional changes of the alveolar process were assessed clinically with a periodontal probe and with 3-dimensional (3D) analysis of a cast model. Postoperative quality of life was assessed through a questionnaire. After 6 months of healing, an alveolar tissue biopsy was taken for histologic and histomorphometric analysis of the newly formed tissue. After checking normality of the distributions, parametric or nonparametric tests were used for statistical comparisons. Results: Twenty patients (12 males, 8 females, mean age 42.8 ± 5.1 years, range 33–50 years) were treated. After 6 months, vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge resorption was similar in the 2 groups. The 3D analysis of the models showed a significantly higher resorption at the buccal side than at the palatal/lingual side. Histomorphometric analysis showed similar new bone formation for MgHA group (23.07 ± 10.3%) and DBBM (22.77 ± 6.95%), and a significantly higher residual material% for DBBM (15.77 ± 1.95%) than MgHA (5.01 ± 1.04%). Significantly less pain was reported in the first 3 days after surgery in patients of the MgHA group. Conclusion: The MgHA was as safe and effective as DBBM and may represent a feasible bone substitute for alveolar socket preservation.

A BSTRACT Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite (nHAP), Zn-Mg-hydroxyapatite (nZnMgHAP), and fluorapatite (nFAP) nanocrystals on dentin hypersensitivity (DH) associated with noncarious cervical lesions. Materials and Methods: Thirty consenting volunteers aged 35−45 years with DH were enrolled in a double-blind, parallel study, randomly assigned to the nHAP group ( n = 10), the nZnMgHAP group ( n = 10), or the nFAP group ( n = 10), and instructed to use the toothpaste twice daily for one month. The primary outcome was Schiff scores at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks. Results: All patients fulfilled the study requirements, and no adverse effects were registered. A reduction in DH was registered in 90%, 100%, and 50% of patients using nHAP, nZnMgHAP, and nFAP-containing toothpastes with effect sizes 2.52 (confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.82, 4.14), 3.30 (CI 95%: 1.33, 5.20), and 1.44 (CI 95%: 0.09, 2.72), respectively. At 4 weeks, Schiff index scores decreased significantly in all groups compared to baseline. Conclusions: nZnMgHAP may be considered a promising agent for DH management.

We aimed to assess the effect of oral probiotics containing the Streptococcus salivarius K12 strain on the salivary level of secretory immunoglobulin A, salivation rate, and oral biofilm. Thirty-one consenting patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group study and randomly divided into probiotic (n = 15) and placebo (n = 16) groups. Unstimulated salivation rate, concentration of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, Turesky index, and Papillary-Marginal-Attached index were assessed after 4 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks of washout. Thirty patients completed the entire study protocol. We found no increase in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A levels and salivary flow rates in the probiotic group compared with placebo. Baseline and outcome salivary secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations (mg/L) were 226 ± 130 and 200 ± 113 for the probiotic group and 205 ± 92 and 191 ± 97 for the placebo group, respectively. A significant decrease in plaque accumulation was observed in the probiotic group at 4 and 6 weeks. Within the limitations of the present study, it may be concluded that probiotic intake (Streptococcus salivarius K12) does not affect salivation rates and secretory immunoglobulin A salivary levels but exhibits a positive effect on plaque accumulation. Trial registration NCT05039320. Funding: none.

Aims: Xerostomia syndrome is a significant medical and social problem. It is manifested by objective and subjective symptoms of a “dry mouth” and a decrease in sialometry. The aim of the study was to determine the dental status of students of different nationalities, to identify xerostomia induced on a background of stress, and to assess the effectiveness of the use of moisturizing foams in alleviating xerostomia. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study survey (Fox test) of 100 students of the dental faculty was conducted to detect false xerostomia. The study involved 60 people with false xerostomia, divided into four groups of 15 each according to the nationality. The level of oral hygiene was determined using the Simplified Oral Hygiene and Silness-Loe indices and the rate of salivation was assessed with sialometry method by Pozharitskaya. Oral hygiene instructions were given to the participants. They were to apply moisturizing foams with lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and aloe vera, two–three times during the day for 3 weeks. A set of statistical programs was used (Microsoft Excel [2007] and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS], version 23) to perform Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Shapiro–Wilk, Kruskal–Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests. Results: A statistically significant improvement in oral hygiene was observed in all study participants. A significant increase was detected in the rate of salivation in students from Russia ( P = 0.005), Transcaucasian countries ( P = 0.006), and Arab countries ( P = 0.005). Conclusion: It has been established that the use of moisturizing foam has a positive effect on the rate of salivation and improves the level of oral hygiene, thereby improving the quality of life for patients.

We aimed to assess the effects of ultrasonic scaling and air-powder polishing on the roughness of enamel, three nanocomposites (Premise, Herculite Ultra, Harmonize), and composite/enamel and composite/cementum interfaces. Class V cavities were restored in 99 extracted third molars with one of the three nanocomposites and treated with ultrasonic scaler or air-powder polishing device (calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate powders). The roughness (Ra) of the investigated surfaces was measured with contact profilometer before and after treatment. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Specimens’ Ra values before instrumentation were near the clinically acceptable 0.2 μm threshold. All techniques increased the roughness of the tested surfaces; however, the enamel was slightly affected. The mean Ra values after prophylaxis for composite, composite/cementum and composite/enamel surfaces were 0.32–0.55, 1.33–1.73, and 1.25–1.36, respectively. The extent of composite surface damage was material dependent. Premise surface was not altered by ultrasonic scaling significantly. Air-powder polishing with both powders produced a greater increase in surface roughness of composite resin and restorations margins than ultrasonic scaling. The Ra values after both types of air polishing for Herculite Ultra and Harmonize were approximately 1.5 and 2 times higher, respectively, than those after ultrasonic scaling (p < 0.05).

Стоматологическое здоровье является важным составным компонентом качества жизни современного человека. Немаловажное место в стоматологии отводится профилактике кариеса зубов и его осложнений у детей и взрослых, что обусловлено высоким уровнем показателей распространенности и интенсивности этого заболевания. В ряде стран мира использование зубных паст, особенно фторидсодержащих, является основополагающим и самым массовым методом профилактики кариеса зубов. Трудно представить в наше время человека, не пользующегося зубной пастой, однако ассортимент на потребительском рынке очень велик. Вследствие этого перед врачами и пациентами встает проблема рационального выбора наиболее эффективного и подходящего средств индивидуальной гигиены полости рта. Все зубные пасты можно разделить на две группы: гигиенические и лечебно-профилактические [13, 14]. Гигиенические пасты обладают только очищающим и освежа

A BSTRACT Background: Currently various studies are conducted to improve the effect of existing and developing new remineralizing agents. One of the trends in remineralizing therapy is the development of toothpaste allowing brushite crystals formation in the demineralized lesions of hard tooth tissues. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of toothpaste, forming a brushite, on the functional acid resistance of enamel and the speed of its remineralization. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized controlled double-blind clinical study. Sixty consent patients aged 20–25 years were enrolled in the three groups: test group ( n = 20), positive control group ( n = 20), and negative control group ( n = 20), which used brushite-forming toothpaste, toothpaste with hydroxyapatite (HAP), and toothpaste without remineralizing agents, respectively. The hygiene indices, the rate of enamel remineralization, the dynamics of acid resistance of enamel, and the level of enamel sensitivity were determined at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks to assess the effectiveness of toothpastes. Friedman rank sum test (for related variables) and the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test (for independent variables) with Nemenyi post hoc test were used for statistical comparisons. Results: The study test and positive control groups showed significantly greater acid resistance of enamel ( P > 0.05) and rate of its remineralization at the study endpoints as compared with negative control group. In the test and positive control groups, Schiff index values significantly decreased after 4 weeks, whereas in the negative control group no significant differences were observed at the study time points. The oral hygiene level improved significantly after 2 and 4 weeks in all groups. Conclusion: The 30-day use of paste that promotes brushite formation and paste with hydroxyapatite resulted in faster enamel remineralization and higher enamel resistance. Brushite-containing toothpaste may be used as an alternative to HAP containing for remineralizing and desensitizing treatment.