Global prevention

Dear readers,

The year 2020 is over and it was completely dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which as we all know started on December 30st 2019 in Wuhan [1]. In our minds we look back at a very bad year with more than 1.8 million people that passed away due to the infection that may end up being utterly deadly, especially if individuals are exposed to additional risks. We were all faced with severe restrictions which have profoundly changed our lifestyles, from the obligation to wear masks and keep social distancing to skipping social gatherings, large events, and travelling. Altogether a bad year and a big crisis. However, in every crisis there is a chance as well. The positive thing is that the world population is now talking about prevention and is sensitized to everything that is prevention. Furthermore, we can widely see how people may react to preventive measures by either accepting them or rejecting them by hiding behind abstruse theories like claiming the pandemic is an illusion created by the mighty and powerful. (read more)

Jean-François Roulet

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).edit.1

Value of randomized controlled trials

Dear readers,
In the globalization era technology is rapidly advancing in all the fields of dentistry and there is an urgent need to collect longitudinal clinical data to be shared in the world dental community. Hundreds of laboratory studies performed following different techniques are continuously published in international peer-reviewed journals (with Impact Factor) and they are useful to provide comparative data among several products within the same category. Such investigations can potentially predict to some extent the clinical performance of new materials and techniques. However, in vivo trials based on predictable and reproducible protocols should always precede the large-scale clinical use of recently introduced products. Clinical validation is indeed a cornerstone of ‘Evidence-Based Dentistry’. Such requirement is understandably strict with new adhesive materials, but it should be even more cogent when dealing with implant surgery techniques. Based on the Helsinki Declaration on the ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects, a clinical research protocol should preliminarily receive the written approval of the pertinent Ethical Committee, and should clearly state the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients should be fully informed on the objectives of the research, as well as on the methods and possible related risks. The patients’ written informed consent to the study should be obtained. All the researchers performing clinical studies should conform to this policy and the editorial boards of scientific journals should verify that all the requirements are met.  (read more)

Marco FERRARI

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).edit2

• COMMUNITY DENTISTRY

Sri Lankan dental professionals’ knowledge of the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19): a questionnaire survey

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).art.1

The first case of Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 [1]. Even though scant attention was paid to the disease at the time, within weeks it became a serious health concern leading to an epidemic spread in China, prior to the subsequent pandemic spread the world over. COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization on 30th of January 2020 [2]. As of this writing, in December 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has surpassed 75 million, with over 1.6 million deaths [3]. In Sri Lanka, the first case of COVID-19, was reported in a Chinese tourist, in January 2020, and the first, communally transmitted patient reported two months later; at the time of writing (December 2020), Sri Lanka has over 36,000 confirmed cases, with 165 reported deaths. SARS‑CoV‑2 primarily spreads via droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking. When droplets are large and heavy, they usually fall to the ground or onto surfaces, but the smaller particles, called aerosols, are entrained in the air for prolonged periods of approximately 3 hours if the ambient circulation is stagnant [4,5]. (read more)

Authors:

Ruwan Duminda Jayasinghe: ORCIDiD

Rasika Manori Jayasinghe: ORCIDiD

Pilana Vithanage Kalani Shihanika Hettiarrachchi: ORCIDiD

Lakshman Perera Samaranayake: ORCIDiD

• DENTAL MATERIALS

TESTING POSSIBILITIES OF MATERIALS USED IN PERIODONTAL THERAPIES ON LABORATORY RATS

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2020.8(2).art.2

Periodontal disease is known to have a a long history, constantly accompanying the evolution of the human species. New data regarding its prevalence confirm its high value up to 50% around the world, with the highest scores in the older population [1]. It represents one of the major causes of tooth loss which can compromise mastication, esthetics, selfconfidence, and quality of life [2]. Microbial dental plaque has been accepted as the primary etiological factor in the occurrence of
inflammatory disease. Therefore, the major goal of periodontal therapy was to eliminate the pathological organisms discovered in the dental plaque located on the surface of the tooth [3,4]. Periodontal therapy is complex and it includes: prevention strategies to control the inflammation level and regenerative therapies of all supporting structures and tissues [5]. Root planing leads to clinical improvement by disrupting the subgingival biofilm, which reduces the amount of bacteria, resulting in a delay in the repopulation of pathogenic microorganisms [6,7]
100 (read more)

Authors:

Ioana Mitruț: ORCIDiD

Horia Octavian Manolea: ORCIDiD

Alex Ioan Sălan: ORCIDiD

Ioana Neagu: ORCIDiD

Andreea Stănuși: ORCIDiD

Alexandra Drăghici: ORCIDiD

• ORTHODONTICS

CONE BEAM TOMOGRAPHY AND PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPHY IN LOCALIZATION OF IMPACTED MAXILLARY CANINE AND DETECTION OF ROOT RESORPTION

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2020.8(2).art.3

Maxillary canines play important roles in facial esthetics, dental arch development, and oral cavity functions. Non-erupted maxillary canines are relatively common because these teeth develop deep within the maxilla and follow a longer path to erupt into the oral cavity when compared to other teeth [1]. An impacted tooth can be defined as the tooth that has failed to erupt into the proper position in the dental arch within the normal period of growth, and maxillary canines are the most common teeth suffering from impaction except third molars. The prevalence of their impaction ranges from 1% to 3% in the general population [2-4].
The determination of impacted canine positions is critical for the planning of orthodontic-surgical treatment. The panoramic radiographic evaluation is the most common clinical approach used by orthodontists for this procedure. It should be known, however, that panoramic radiographs have some limitations in evaluating the labiopalatal positions of impacted canines [5]. In addition, it is difficult to localize and determine the root resorptions of adjacent teeth with this radiographic method because of the superimposition of the related structures, leading to a difficulty in distinguishing many significant details [6].(read more)

Authors:

Seden Akan
Husamettin Oktay

• MAXILLOFACIAL SURGER

OSTEOSYNTHESIS MATERIALS IN MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY: REJECTION, REMOVAL, CORROSION AND PARTICLE DETECTION RATES

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2020.8(2).art.4 

The use of plates and screws for osteosynthesis is the golden standard in maxillofacial surgery. In the literature, a wide range of different types of materials are used for different purposes, and each type of material has its own properties. Stainless steel was the first type of material to dominate the market, but it has been left behind due to its toxic and corrosive properties [1]. Stainless steel was replaced by titanium as the golden standard for osteosynthesis, which was found to be much more efficient, because of its non-toxicity and corrosion-resistance [1]. Since the introduction of titanium, an important evolution has been witnessed from standard titanium plates and screws to 3D -designed and -manufactured (CAD/CAM) titanium plates and screws [2,3]. (read more)

Authors:

Samy El Bachaoui
Constantinus Politis

• DENTAL ERGONOMICS

A standardized method to determine the proper working distance for dental magnification utilizing neutral ergonomics positioning

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).art.5

Proper ergonomics in dentistry have been viewed as contributory aspects in the prevention of musculoskeletal injury and the working distance with magnification should allow the operator to maintain optimum posture [1]. Many dental students and clinicians may not be aware of what constitutes the correct ergonomics posture. The importance of an early introduction to proper ergonomics may be beneficial to a clinician’s career, for both comfort and longevity. The cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is multifactorial and can develop from as little as a single event, or more likely through repetitive occupational movements over time. However, risks for the development of MSD have been identified among dental students with reports of pain in the back and neck regions during training [2]. (read more)

Authors:

Hind S. Hussein: ORCIDiD | ResearchGate
Shelby Anderson: ORCIDiD
Melissa Matick: ORCIDiD
Avery Greene: ORCIDiD
Mark P. Zmiyiwsky: ORCIDiD
Nader F. Abdulhameed: ORCIDiD | Publons | ResearchGate  | PubMed | WOS

• OCCLUSION and TMJ

Condylographic recording of masticatory function: explorative study on occlusal parameters and chewing performance with natural food and a standard food model

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).art.6

Throughout the history of medicine Mastication has triggered the interest of researchers due to its complexity, its functions and behavioral significance. Mastication is the process by which food is broken down by teeth into smaller pieces, mixed with saliva into a bolus and made suitable for swallowing. The quality of mastication and its efficiency are crucial even beyond the individual ability to perform chewing strokes and to swallow. Oral health has been held responsible for, or related to, a number of systemic conditions. For instance, poor oral health has been investigated in the past as an independent risk factor and association for systemic diseases such as myocardial infarction, coronary disease and diabetes [1-3]. This whole issue has reached a higher and wider awareness only in recent times, although earlier studies concerning these associations had already highlighted the importance of maintaining a satisfactory oral and dental status for the good of systemic health and for the consequences on Public Health [4]. (read more)

Authors:

Giulia Tanteri: ORCIDiD | Publons | ResearchGate | Google Scholar | Scopus | WOS
Carlotta Tanteri: ORCIDiD
Gregor Slavicek: ORCIDiD | Publons | ResearchGate | WOS

• ORAL MEDICINE

The influence of the oral microbiome on general health

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).art.7

The human body hosts many complex microbial communities that influence functions like digestion, metabolic regulation, immune response, and there
is evidence that a dysfunctional microbiome promotes the development of diseases [1]. Our oral microbiome comprises at least 772 prokaryotic species, second in diversity only to that of the gut. The oral cavity exhibits a large number of surfaces and crevices to which aerobe and anaerobe microbes can adhere, forming biofilms. These extracellular biofilms are found everywhere from the buccal mucosa to the tooth surfaces, dorsum of the tongue and gingival sulci. In addition to bacteria, diverse forms of fungi, viruses, protozoa and archaea are found as part of the normal oral microbiome [2]. Various studies have shown that an unbalanced microflora not only correlates with diseases of the oral cavity, but those of other organ systems, too [3]. (read more)

Authors:

Johannes Friedrich Carl Rohr
Aldis Rozenblats: ORCIDiD  | PubMed
Guntars Selga: ORCIDiD | PubMed | Google Scholar
Ingrīda Čēma: ORCIDiD | Publons | ResearchGate | PubMed | Google Scholar 

• ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

A rare case report of syphilis mimicking an oropharyngeal neoplasm

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).art.8

An increasing incidence of syphilis is inherently related to an increasing number of atypical presentations of the disease. Syphilis is on the rise and, with the increase in cases, there has been an increase in different and unusual presentations of the disease. Since 2010, reports of syphilis incidence rates in the European Union (EU) have been ever increasing. This trend seems to be accelerating, predominantly amongst male homosexuals [1]. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, a well-known pathogen that can cause pathology in the maxillofacial area. Although there is little literature describing oropharyngeal treponema pallidum infections as mimicking an oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), it has been described in rare cases [2]. This case report presents such a case. (read more)

Authors:

Sofia Kalantary: ResearchGate
Christophe Politis: ORCIDiD | ResearchGate
Wouter De Vos: ResearchGate
Sten Stevens
Maarten Van Genechten:  ResearchGate
Herman Jr Vercruysse: ResearchGate
Geert Van Hemelen

A new disinfection device – DeactivateTM by Xenex

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers and manufacturers of products and equipment have been frantic to develop new methods, products and equipment to effectively limit the causes. PubMed has over 111,190 articles published on COVID-19, of which over 1,820 articles on dentistry, to which one can add the over 5 articles published by the Stomatology Edu Journal (Stoma Edu J). WHO, FDI, ERO, ADA and other professional associations have developed a series of rules on protection against COVID-19, itineraries to be followed by patients, protection of patients and medical staff, disinfection of surfaces and equipment. Xenex Disinfection Services Inc., a global provider of UV-based disinfection strategies and solutions, is known for LightStrike™ Germ-Zapping rob robots, which are used by many medical institutions around the world to the room no-touch disinfection. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, LightStrike robots are now used in airports, schools, hotels, sports arenas, police stations and correctional facilities, convention centers and more to quickly disinfect rooms and large areas. (read more)

Florin-Eugen Constantinescu
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(1).prodnews.1