Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate Saudi dentists’ knowledge of light-curing units in clinical use, technical features of their light-curing units, and safety awareness.

 

Materials and Methods: A pre-coded questionnaire was sent electronically to all dentists (n = 407) in various regions of Saudi Arabia, total of respondent were (n = 354).
 

Results: 76% of the respondents are using light-emitting diode light-curing units. Almost half (49.2%) are currently working in the central region of Saudi Arabia. The majority of the respondents (88.7%) were unaware of the intensity value of their light-curing unit. A total of 73.7% stated that they do not do routine maintenance of their light-curing units. 70.3% of the dentists were averting their eyes while using

the light-curing units. Almost one-third of the practitioners were not using adequate eye protection against blue light. The odds of using adequate eye protection were significantly higher among young dentists (p < 0.01). For the majority of the respondents (87.6%), their understanding of the term “depth of cure” fell between “familiar” to them and “could explain it to others”. Majority of dentists in this group do not have regular maintenance of their light-curing unit.
 

Conclusions: This study revealed considerable variations in levels of knowledge about light-curing units among Saudi dentists working in various regions in Saudi Arabia. Concluding that the dentists needs more education about the light curing units.

Aim: Aim of the present study was clinical and radiographic evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of periodontal regeneration of

intrabony defects using demineralized bone matrix (ColoCast®) alone and in conjunction with beta tri calcium phosphate (R.T.R®).

Materials and Methods: A total of 45 intrabony defects were treated in 28 patients. Defects were randomly divided by using lot technique into group I (n=15; ColoCast®), group II (n=15; ColoCast® + R.T.R®) and group III (n=15; OFD). Clinical parameters included of plaque index, gingival index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), and cemento enamel junction from a fixed reference point (acrylic stent). Radiographic parameters included radiographic defect depth, radiographic defect fill, percentage defect fill and radiographic bone density analysis. Radiographs were recorded and analyzed using radiovisiography (RVG) and film grid. All the parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months visits.

Results: The mean PD reduction, gain in CAL, mean GR, reduction in mean radiographic defect depth and mean percentage defect fill was 3.87mm, 2.87mm, 0.33mm, 2.73mm and 27.8% respectively in group I at 9 months. The mean probing depth reduction, gain in clinical attachment level, mean gingival recession, reduction in mean radiographic defect depth and mean percentage defect fill was 5.20mm, 4.60mm, 0.33mm, 4.33mm and 30.7% respectively in group II at 9 months. The mean PD reduction, gain in CAL, mean GR, reduction in mean radiographic defect depth and mean percentage defect fill was 2.93mm, 2.73mm, 0.47mm, 3.07mm and 26.3% respectively in group III at 9 months.

Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that regenerative periodontal surgery with both demineralized bone matrix (ColoCast)® alone and in conjunction with beta tri calcium phosphate (R.T.R)® resulted significant clinical improvements in intrabony defects when compared to open flap debridement alone, as evidenced by reduction in probing depths and gain in clinical attachment level and satisfactory defect fill. Improvement of clinical and radiographic parameters at sites treated with ColoCast® + R.T.R® were better compared to that of sites treated with ColoCast® alone and OFD.

Thymic tumors usually metastasize locally to the liver, lung, bone and brain. Thymic carcinoma metastasizing to the mandible is a rare occurrence. This case report describes metastatic thymic carcinoma that was presumed to be medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after extraction of a molar tooth. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of metastases from the thymus gland to the

mandible in the medical and dental English literature. We report a case of metastatic thymic carcinoma to the mandible that was mistaken for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)

Dentistry is a quintessential curative and foremost healing profession. Traditionally, Dentistry produces waste materials that may cause harm to the soil and to the biosphere. Extreme climate change, increased pollution, diminishing green spaces and vanishing plant and wildlife species are testaments to the need for a change in the environment. Dentistry as a profession has contributed to a heavy load of metallic waste on the environment and has over exploited the water and the electricity for various dental procedures, which specifically emphasize the thrust to move towards “green dentistry”. Eco-friendly dentistry is an intellectual way of dental practice which is environment friendly and at the same time conserves money and time by reducing waste, decreasing pollution, and conserving energy with the use of latest techniques and procedures. This literature review article provides an insight on series of ‘green’ recommendations that dentists around the world can implement to become leading Stewards of the environment.