IntroductionThe key idea of nanotechnology is to construct and preserve functional structures by means of exploiting atoms and molecules. Nanotechnology has proven to be crucial in pharmacological medicine, tissue engineering, clinical diagnosis, long term conservation of biological tissues in a cryogenic state, protein detection, tumor destruction and magnetic resonance imaging.The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the specific characteristics of nanostructured materials, their applications and advantages that they bring to dentistry.MethodWe conducted an electronic scientific database research that included PubMed, Cochrane and Medline. The following keywords were used: nanotechnology, nanodentistry and silver nanoparticles. Initially 1650 original articles were retrieved from the these mentioned international databases, which were screened in detail. We included literature reviews that dealt with the comprehensive applications of nanostructured particles and silver nanoparticles in particular, in all fields of contemporary dentistry. Case reports, clinical trials, editorials and opinion letters were excluded in the first phase of our research. Fifty two articles met all the selection criteria and were ultimately selected and reviewed.ResultsNanotechnology deals with the production of various types of nanomaterials with potential applications in the field of biomedicine. Silver nanoparticles have the capacity to eliminate dental caries producing bacteria or repair teeth enamel with signs of dental decay. Nanodentistry will allow better oral health by use of nanostructured materials. Treatment opportunities that nanotechnology has to offer in contemporary dentistry include local anesthesia, permanent treatment of dental hypersensitivity, orthodontic and oral health care with nanorobotic dentifrice.ConclusionThe studies that we reviewed are largely in favor of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials, highlighting their qualities and enhancements they bring to the field of dentistry. Although many of these products that benefit from silver nanoparticles properties are still expensive and exclusive, we can foresee major improvements and demand regarding dental biomaterials with nanoparticles incorporated in the near future.

Background and aimDental fear and anxiety is a major barrier for dental care provision. Identifying anxious patients can help dental professionals manage them appropriately. The study aimed at assessing dental fear and anxiety among a deaf population in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and their associated and contributing factors.MethodIn this cross sectional study 165 deaf participants were invited to complete a questionnaire comprising three sections. The first section contained questions about social and economical status, the second comprised a Romanian version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) while part three was the Dental Fear Survey (DFS). Data was introduced and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA).ResultsThirty four point nine percent (34.9%) of respondents were found to be insignificantly anxious, 59.7% were moderately or extremely anxious with 5.3% being identified with dental phobia based on the MDAS scores. Mean total score for dental anxiety on the MDAS scale was 13.7. Patients suffering from a prior negative experience were found to be more anxious (p<0.05).ConclusionsDental fear and anxiety is widespread in the deaf communities. Higher percentages were observed among women and people with a previous traumatic dental experience.

Introduction. White spot lesion is a demineralization of the enamel that appears as a white spot on the surfaces of the tooth. The cause of this spot is determined by the activity of the bacterial plaque and it represents the initial stage of a carious lesion. This lesion is a common side effect for patients with fixed orthodontic appliances mainly because of the brackets’ position that favors the accumulation of plaque that ultimately leads to the formation of the white spot.Methods. We conducted a search on a single database, PubMed. “Orthodontic”, “white spot lesions”, “enamel demineralization treatment” and “remineralization’’ were the search terms used. We found 324 articles, but we took in consideration only the ones from the last 10 years, which resulted in 223 articles.Results. The first step after research was article selection: first by scrutinizing the title and secondly by reviewing the abstracts or full texts. The exclusion criteria were: meta-analysis, reviews, original articles regarding prevention of white spot lesions and their prevalence or incidence. We included the articles that seemed relevant for the treatment of white spot lesions, made either on extracted teeth either on orthodontic patients. We found 75 articles to be eligible for this research and we eliminated 5 because of the lack of an abstract or full text and a further 22 were rejected because they did not fit the aforementioned criteria.Conclusion. Although some traditional methods for the treatment of white spot lesions seem to have undesirable results, nowadays with new technologies and thorough investigations in nanotechnology, the eradication of the lesion appears to be short term.

Background and aimsDeleterious oral habits represent a serious public health issue. The information available about this problem in children with hearing impairment is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of deleterious oral habits among children with hearing impairment and comparing results against children without hearing impairment.MethodThis epidemiological study was carried out in a sample size of 315 children. We used a random sampling technique that included 150 children with hearing impairment and 165 without hearing impairment. All subjects were submitted to a clinical examination. The parents/legal guardians were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the deleterious habits of their children.ResultsThe data collected indicated a higher prevalence of deleterious oral habits among children with hearing impairment: 53.3% as opposed to 40.6% among children without hearing impairment. There was a higher incidence of malocclusion in children with hearing impairment (79.3%) compared to children without hearing impairment (57%).ConclusionsThis study highlighted the need to establish protocols for preventive orthodontic treatment at an early age, in order to reduce the deleterious oral habits and prevent malocclusion. Dental institutions/clinicians need to implement oral care programs including proper oral education aiming to promote oral health.

Background and aims. Pit and fissure sealant placement corresponds to an effective approach of the prevention of caries on occlusal surfaces. Fissure morphology and dental material characteristics are the key factors for sealant effectiveness. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the penetration ability of two commercially available pit and fissure sealants. Methods. Twenty sound human premolars extracted for orthodontic purpose have been sealed according to manufacturer's instructions as follows: Group I (n=10), lightcured unfilled resin-based sealant, Admira Seal® (Voco GmbH); Group II (n=10), resin modified glass ionomer sealant without varnish, GC Fuji Triage® (GC Corporation). The teeth have been sectioned buccal-lingually in the middle of the occlusal surface, and the sections were examined at 40x with an inverted microscope. Results. Penetration of the sealants was found to be greater in U-type fissure pattern (91.69%) followed by V-type (75.42%), IK-type (71.24%) and then in I-type (63.98%). The depth of penetration of GC Fuji Triage® (82.85%) demonstrated to be superior to Admira Seal® (76.28%). Conclusion. U fissure design was more common than other fissure patterns and showed significantly higher penetration for the two type of sealants evaluated. Resin modified glass ionomer sealant used in the present study perform comparably with the filled resin sealant.