Orthodontics
Maryam Omidkhoda; Farid Shiezadeh; Seyedeh zahra Siadatifar; Erfan Bardideh; Milad Zarei
Abstract
Aim: Orthodontic treatment often leads to gingival hyperplasia, which may complicate oral hygiene and necessitate surgical interventions such as gingivectomy. This study compared the efficacy of ceramic burs versus scalpels in gingivectomy procedures for orthodontic patients, focusing on periodontal ...
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Aim: Orthodontic treatment often leads to gingival hyperplasia, which may complicate oral hygiene and necessitate surgical interventions such as gingivectomy. This study compared the efficacy of ceramic burs versus scalpels in gingivectomy procedures for orthodontic patients, focusing on periodontal outcomes and pain.
Methods: This case series describes six orthodontic patients with gingival hyperplasia. The patients were between 15-25 years and were non-smokers. They underwent gingivectomy using two methods: ceramic burs (NTI® Soft Tissue Trimmers) and traditional scalpels. Preoperative oral hygiene instructions were given, and intraoral photographs were obtained. Clinical measurements included the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding index (BI). Bleeding, pain (using a visual analog scale), and periodontal indices were assessed at several time points postoperatively.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in gingival hyperplasia, PI, and mean GI. However, the ceramic bur group experienced lower postoperative pain compared to the scalpel group. One patient in the scalpel group required analgesics for pain management. The results highlighted the effective management of gingival hyperplasia with both methods but with a potential advantage in pain management for the ceramic bur group.
Conclusion: This study indicated that both ceramic burs and scalpels are effective for gingivectomy in orthodontic patients. Ceramic burs might offer a less painful alternative, although both methods effectively manage gingival hyperplasia. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-ups are required to confirm the present findings and potentially recommend ceramic burs as a preferred method for gingivectomy.
Microbiology
Maryam Omidkhoda; Ali Kazemian; Seyedeh Zahra Siadatifar; Athar Nasseri
Abstract
Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for healthcare professionals, particularly in the field of dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in infection control measures in dentistry before and during the pandemic among Iranian dentists.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional ...
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Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for healthcare professionals, particularly in the field of dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in infection control measures in dentistry before and during the pandemic among Iranian dentists.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2020, and included dental healthcare professionals (DHCPs) practicing dentistry in Iran. Participants completed a web-based survey that included demographic profiles, practice-related details, and information on implemented infection control measures. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the software SPSS v. 26, and a P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 303 dentists, 200 (66%) of whom practiced specialized dentistry and 103 (34%) were general dentists, responded to the questionnaire. The majority of participating dentists (85.5%) were aware of the importance of patient screening for COVID-19 symptoms. There was a statistically significant rise in adherence to hand hygiene practices. The utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and face shields also exhibited significant increases amid the pandemic. Dentists shifted from using surgical masks to N95 respirators (p=0.05) and white coats to disposable gowns (p<0.001). We noted a significantly greater tendency towards adopting air ventilation systems, surface disinfection and prescribing preprocedural mouth rinses among DHCPs.Conclusion: The study findings indicate increased compliance with infection control protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic among Iranian DHCPs and highlight the modifications made to infection control measures in dentistry.