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A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 25984

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Samir Nammour

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Guest Editor

Department of Dental Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
Interests: oral surgery; laser dentistry; fluoride; dentinal adhesives; dentinal hypersensitivity; peri-implantitis; periodontitis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Aldo Brugnera Junior

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Guest Editor

Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of the São Paulo, São Paulo 11330-900, Brazil
Interests: photobiomodulation; laser dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Darinca Carmen Todea

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Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Dental Emergencies, School of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 2A Eftimie Murgu Place, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: oral preventions; oral diagnostic methods; laser surgery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of our Special Issue is to collect articles on recent progress in basic research and clinical applications in dentistry. New materials and their applications are of particular interest. Several materials and lights are currently available for use in daily practice. Their interactions with oral tissues can induce, produce or provoke biological effects which may be appreciated or not desired. In addition, knowledge of their interaction process is necessary to improve the quality of treatments and avoid side effects. Additionally, the understanding of their effects on biological material may enhance or prohibit their applications (e.g., mechanical properties, chemical properties, tissue interaction). Thus, fundamental studies or clinical applications in dentistry will contribute to the advancement of knowledge and improve the quality of oral treatments. In the oral environment, there is both hard (bone and teeth) and soft (gingival and mucosal tissues) tissue providing complex functions and aesthetics. Research and clinical studies targeting various oral tissues would enlighten the biological and interactive mechanisms that may potentially improve the quality of treatment for oral conditions and needs. Furthermore, new clinical applications are needed for the evolution and increase in the quality of dental treatments.

Prof. Dr. S. Nammour
Prof. Dr. Aldo Brugnera Junior
Prof. Dr. Darinca Carmen Todea
Guest Editors

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Keywords

preventive dentistry
oral rehabilitation
oral surgery
endodontics
periodontics
conservative dentistry
esthetic care in dentistry
photobiomodulation in dentistry
fundamental research in dentistry
clinical applications in dentistry
biomaterials in dentistry
laser dentistry

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An In Vitro Study of the Effect of CO₂ Laser Power Output on Ablative Properties in Porcine Tongue

by Amontep Mungmee and Sajee Sattayut

Life 2023, 13(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010162 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1321

Abstract

CO₂ lasers have been generally used in oral soft-tissue surgery. Although an increase in power enhances the depth of ablation, the specific correlation between units of power and ablative depth has not been stated. This study aimed to explore ablative depth and width affected by a power unit of 10,600-nm CO₂ laser continuous wave at 3 to 10 W in tissue blocks of the swine tongue. The 112 samples were randomly allocated into eight groups according to the power settings. The depth and width of the incision were measured by using the ImageJ program. The 3 W group showed the minimal depth of ablation [0.527 mm (0.474 and 0.817)] and width of ablation [0.147 mm (0.110 to 0.184)]. The maximal depth [3.750 mm (3.362 and 4.118)] and width [0.700 mm (0.541 to 0.860)] were in the 9 W group. The correlation between the ablative depth and power unit was 0.81 (p < 0.001). Based on the regression equation (p < 0.001), the ablative depth (mm) = (the power unit of laser in W × 0.491) − 0.731. In conclusion, the ablative depth of the CO₂ laser on soft tissue was strongly correlated to power units enabling the prediction equation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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10 pages, 2048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Carbonated Beverage Consumption on Oral pH and Bacterial Proliferation in Adolescents: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

by Guadalupe Carolina Barajas-Torres, Miguel Klünder-Klünder, Juan Garduño-Espinosa, Israel Parra-Ortega, María Isabel Franco-Hernández and América Liliana Miranda-Lora

Life 2022, 12(11), 1776; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111776 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2593

Abstract

Sugary soft drinks modify salivary pH and favor bacterial proliferation and are associated with the development of caries. Information on the effects of consuming carbonated drinks without sucrose is limited. Methods: In this crossover clinical trial, salivary and dental biofilm pH were determined at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after the participants (n = 18) ingested a soft drink with sucrose, a soft drink with aspartame/acesulfame K, carbonated water, and plain water on different days. Dental biofilm cultures were conducted at 0- and 120-min. Results: Salivary pH decreased significantly after ingestion of the sucrose-containing soft drink when compared with the other types of beverages (median difference, −0.3–−0.4, p ≤ 0.05), and the greatest difference was found with mineral water. A greater bacterial proliferation (Colony Forming Units [CFU]) was observed after ingestion of the drink with sucrose (↑310 × 10³ CFU, p ≤ 0.01), followed by the drink with aspartame/acesulfame K (↑160 × 10³ CFU, p ≤ 0.01) and carbonated water (↑60 × 10³ CFU, p ≤ 0.05). No significant changes in bacterial proliferation were observed after the consumption of natural water. Conclusions: Ingestion of sucrose-containing soft drinks favors the acidification of salivary pH and the bacterial proliferation of dental biofilm. Although to a lesser extent, soft drinks containing aspartame/acesulfame K also favor bacterial proliferation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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8 pages, 461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the C-Reactive Protein Level and Visual Analog Scale Scores between Piezosurgery and Rotatory Osteotomy in Mandibular Impacted Third Molar Extraction

by Lakshmi Shetty, Khushal Gangwani, Uday Londhe, Swati Bharadwaj, Mohammed Mousa H. Bakri, Ahmed Alamoudi, Rodolfo Reda, Shilpa Bhandi, A. Thirumal Raj, Shankargouda Patil and Luca Testarelli

Life 2022, 12(6), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060923 - 20 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the C-reactive protein level and visual analog scale scores of piezo- and rotatory-based surgical extraction of the third molar. As a split-mouth study, the comparative groups consisted of 25 patients, each of whom underwent surgical removal of the third molar by piezo on one side and rotatory bur on the other side. C-reactive protein levels were quantitatively assessed (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) before and immediately post-extraction. The immediate postoperative blood sample (baseline) C-reactive protein levels were compared with 24 h and 72 h post-op samples, both within and between the groups. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale at 24 h and 72 h post-operatively. The C-reactive protein levels were lower in the piezo group than in the rotatory group, although the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The visual analog scale score was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the piezo group than in the rotatory group. The C-reactive protein levels increased in both the rotary and piezo groups from the pre-op to the immediate post-op value, but in the piezo group, the levels dropped back after 24 h. On the contrary, in the rotatory group, the C-reactive level kept increasing until 24 h; the visual analog scale score dropped significantly from 24 to 72 h for both the rotatory and piezo groups. Surgical techniques that could spare the surrounding soft tissues, such as the piezo, could aid in reducing overall postoperative morbidity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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10 pages, 1355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Epoxy Resin-Based Root Canal Sealers before and after Setting Procedures

by Mijoo Kim, Marc Hayashi, Bo Yu, Thomas K. Lee, Reuben H. Kim and Deuk-won Jo

Life 2022, 12(6), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060847 - 7 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2136

Abstract

Epoxy resin-based sealers are commonly used for successful endodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of epoxy resin-based sealers under unset and set conditions. Three epoxy resin-based sealers were used: Adseal, AH Plus, and Dia-Proseal. To test cytotoxicity, an agar overlay test and a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were performed using unset and set sealers on L929 mouse fibroblasts. The genotoxicity test of the comet assay was performed using the same cell line. Extract dilutions in the culture media were used as test materials for the MTT and comet assays. The comet tail produced by the damaged DNA was calculated by image analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test. Unset sealers did not show defined decolorized areas. Hardened specimens of resin-based sealers showed circular discolored zones in the agar overlay test. Dia-Proseal was the least cytotoxic after hardening. These results were confirmed in the MTT assay. Cell viability was significantly higher in cells treated with hardened sealers in both groups than that in cells treated with freshly mixed sealers in the MTT assay. Unset AH Plus^® and Dia-Proseal™ significantly increased cell viability with decreasing dilution. Adseal™ was the least cytotoxic. Freshly mixed Adseal™ was more genotoxic when freshly mixed than when set. Unset epoxy resin-based sealers were generally more cytotoxic and genotoxic than set materials. Cytotoxicity does not always match the genotoxicity results; therefore, various test tools are required to test toxicity. It is necessary to properly evaluate the toxic effects to establish a biocompatibility test that mimics clinical conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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10 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disinfection Potential of 980 nm Diode Laser and Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) in “Critical Probing Depths” Periodontal Pockets: Retrospective Study

by Marwan El Mobadder, Samir Nammour, Melanie Namour, Amaury Namour and Kinga Grzech-Leśniak

Life 2022, 12(3), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12030370 - 3 Mar 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3491

Abstract

A successful treatment of periodontitis depends largely on the successful elimination of the periodontopathogens during non-surgical and surgical mechanical debridement. In this retrospective study, data collection was conducted from 2017 to 2021. The retrospective study included 128 patients with 128 sites of localized periodontitis with pocket depths > 5 mm. The included data were based on sites that received conventional mechanical debridement followed by different adjunctive approaches. In total, 30 patients did not receive any additional treatment (SRP group), 30 patients received SRP + 980 nm diode laser irradiation only (SRP + laser), 30 patients received SRP + 3% hydrogen peroxide irrigation (SRP + H₂O₂) only and 30 patients received a combined treatment of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 980 nm diode laser irradiation (SRP + H₂O₂ + laser). Total bacterial counts (TBC) in the periodontal pocket collected for all participants before treatment, immediately after treatment, 6 weeks after treatment, 12 weeks after treatment and 6 months after treatment were statistically analyzed and compared. When the laser was used, irradiation parameters were 10 μsec/pulse duration, 10 kHz, pick power of 10 W, average power of 1 W, irradiation time of one minute with inward and outward movements, and fiber diameter of 320 μm. The irradiation was repeated 3 times/pocket. When hydrogen peroxide was used, the irrigation was conducted for one minute and repeated 3 times. The maximum reduction in TBC was obtained when SRP was coupled with 3% H₂O₂ irrigation followed by 980 nm diode laser irradiation. After six months of follow-up, a significant reduction in TBC was obtained for the group of SRP + H₂O₂ + laser when compared to all the other groups, from 7.27 × 10⁷ before intervention to 3.21 × 10⁷ after six months. All three approaches to SRP showed a significant reduction in TBC immediately after treatment. Values were 3.52 × 10⁷, 4.01 × 10⁶, 9.58 × 10⁶, 1.98 × 10⁶ for SRP alone, SRP + diode, SRP + H₂O₂ and SRP + H₂O₂ + diode laser, respectively. At 6 months, we saw no significant difference between SRP + laser and SRP + H₂O₂ with 4.01 × 10⁷ and 4.32 × 10⁷, respectively. This retrospective study reveals that after SRP, irrigation with 3% hydrogen peroxide and irradiation with a 980 nm diode laser within specific treatment protocol can be used as an additional approach to conventional SRP to increase the disinfection of the periodontal pockets > 5 mm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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8 pages, 2060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal versus Fiberglass Post-Orthodontic Retainers Short-Term Effects on Plaque Index and Microbial Colonization: An Observational Study

by Stefano Mummolo, Vincenzo Quinzi, Alessandro Nota, Carla Marino, Laura Pittari, Rebecca Jewel Manenti and Simona Tecco

Life 2022, 12(3), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12030331 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

In orthodontics, post-treatment retention phase is crucial for maintaining the obtained clinical results. In cases of crowding, a bonded fixed retainer is often chosen to maintain teeth alignment in the anterior sector of the lower dental arch. A fixed retainer can remain in the mouth for years. Therefore, it is important that it is applied with harmless materials for the level of plaque control. The present study aimed to investigate the salivary concentrations of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli, and the Sillness and Loe plaque index, in patients wearing metal wire versus fiberglass orthodontic retainers. Forty post-orthodontic patients were included in the sample: in 20 subjects a metal wire retainer was applied (MR), while in the others a fiberglass retainer was applied (FR). The variables were recorded at baseline (T0), after 1 month (T1), and after 2 months (T2) of follow-up. The percentage of patients with a level of S. mutans and Lactobacilli colonization > 10⁵ increased over time in the FR group (T0 = 0%, T1 = 5%, T2 = 35%), compared with the MR group. PI increased in the FR group (T0 = 0, T1 = 14, T2 = 27), and remained almost the same in the MR group (T0 = 3, T1 = 0, T2 = 2). From the present results it appears that the metal wire retainer is better than the fiberglass retainer for the level of plaque control performed by the patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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14 pages, 2116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dexmedetomidine Co-Administered with Lidocaine Decreases Nociceptive Responses and Trigeminal Fos Expression without Motor Dysfunction and Hypotension in a Murine Orofacial Formalin Model

by Ji-Hee Yeo and Dae-Hyun Roh

Life 2022, 12(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12020215 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2342

Abstract

Administration of dexmedetomidine significantly induces sedation and anti-nociception in several nociceptive models, but clinical trials are restricted due to adverse side effects, including lethargy, hypotension, and bradycardia. Herein, we investigated whether intraperitoneal inoculation of dexmedetomidine reduced the orofacial nociceptive response and affected motor coordination and blood pressure and examined whether a lower dose of dexmedetomidine in combination with 0.5% lidocaine produced an antinociceptive effect without any adverse side events in a murine model. To perform the experiment, 5% formalin (10 µL) was subcutaneously inoculated into the right upper lip, and the rubbing responses were counted for 45 min. Different doses of dexmedetomidine combined with 0.5% lidocaine were administered 10 and 30 min before formalin injection, respectively. Dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg) significantly reduced orofacial nociceptive responses during the second phase of the formalin test and decreased the expression of Fos in trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Besides, a high dose of dexmedetomidine (30 μg/kg) induced lessening physical ability and significantly reduced systolic pressure and heart rate. When 0.5% lidocaine was injected subcutaneously, nociceptive responses were reduced only in the first phase. Interestingly, although a low dose of dexmedetomidine (3 μg/kg) alone did not show an antinociceptive effect, its co-administration with lidocaine significantly reduced the nociceptive response in both phases and decreased TNC Fos expression without motor dysfunction and hypotension. This finding suggests that the combination of a low-dose of systemic dexmedetomidine with lidocaine may be a safe medicinal approach for acute inflammatory pain management in the orofacial region, particularly mucogingival pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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9 pages, 906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pain Reduction during Rapid Palatal Expansion Due to LED Photobiomodulation Irradiation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Gianluigi Caccianiga, Paolo Caccianiga, Marco Baldoni, Antonino Lo Giudice, Letizia Perillo, Nicolò Moretti and Saverio Ceraulo

Life 2022, 12(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12010037 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2689

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research is to assess the analgesic efficiency of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in pain reduction in young patients during rapid maxillary expansion therapy. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were included and allocated to an experimental group [Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) and PBM] and a control group (RPE only) at random. Inclusion criteria were skeletal age from CVS1 to CVS3, examined on the cephalometric lateral teleradiography, with cervical vertebra staging and completed eruption of upper first molar. Exclusion criteria were previous orthodontic treatment, bone disease, disability, or skeletal age from CVS4. Patients referred the pain they felt using a Numerical scale rate (NRS), ranging from 0 to 10, with specific intervals of time: 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and from days 2 to 7. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate differences in NRS reported values between the two groups. Results: The final sample included 30 patients, 14 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 7.8 ± 1.2 years. The pain that was felt at each time interval and the maximum score of pain were significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.05) and decreased faster in the experimental group, with a score test near to 0 after 2/3 days. Conclusions: PBM is efficient in reducing the intensity and the time of pain felt by young patients that undergo rapid maxillary expansion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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Review

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16 pages, 3622 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Photobiomodulation on Oral Mucositis: Visualization and Analysis of Knowledge

by Wallacy Watson Pereira Melo, Walessa Alana Bragança Aragão, Daiane Claydes Baia-da-Silva, Priscila Cunha Nascimento, Rafael Rodrigues Lima and Renata Duarte de Souza-Rodrigues

Life 2022, 12(11), 1940; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111940 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

This review article mapped and analyzed the most cited articles on the association of photobiomodulation (PBM) with oral mucositis (OM) and the evolution of clinical protocols in the area. A comprehensive search was performed on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database, leading to the extraction of information such as title, authors, abstract, journal name, number, average of citations, study design, year of publication, institutions, continents, countries, type of laser used, irradiated anatomical points, primary anti-cancer therapy, and laser parameters. Among those, clinical trials and literature reviews were the most common study designs. The main type of laser used was the InGaAlP diode, with a wavelength ranging from 630–660 nm, power going in 40–100 mW, and energy density ranging from 0.375–22 J/cm². As for the anatomical sites irradiated by PBM, the cheek mucosa, upper and lower lips, lateral tongue, and bottom of the mouth stood out. This analysis highlights an increasing interest in PBM as a supportive treatment in cases of OM, as well as the evolution of the technique, types of laser devices, and protocols used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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Other

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8 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Photobiomodulation Therapy Applied after 6 Months for the Management of a Severe Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury

by Marwan El Mobadder, Samir Nammour, Marlin Ortega and Kinga Grzech-Leśniak

Life 2021, 11(12), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11121420 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3214

Abstract

Despite its significant negative impact on the quality of life, the methods for the management of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury are still limited. In this case report, the patient did not show any improvement from the day of the iatrogenic accident until 6 months. A significant improvement of the symptoms started to appear only at 6 months when PBMT was applied. A total of 42 sessions of PBMT took place. The application zone included intraoral and extraoral areas. The parameters were: Delivery power of 0.1 W, for 40 s, continuous wave (CW), contact mode, and delivered energy of 4 J. The delivered energy density related to the fiber diameter was 1415 J/cm². Each treated point was considered to be 1 cm² of diameter. At the end of the treatment, all of the symptoms disappeared except for an abnormal sensation on touching the mucosa and gingiva of the concerned area. No side effects were noted. This case report shows that PBMT can be a very promising approach for the management of severe cases that are not improving with conventional methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Applications & Fundamental Researches in Dentistry)

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