Aftab Ahmed Khan

Influence of mouth rinses on the surface hardness of dental resin nano-composite.

Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the effect of mouth rinses with and without alcohol on the hardness of dental nano-filled composite. Methods: The micro-hardness of fifty circular disk shaped specimens of 7 mm x 2 mm were measured after 14 days. Specimens were immersed into alcohol containing (Listerine and Colgate Perioguard) and alcohol-free (Prodent and Sensodyne Oral antiseptic) mouth rinse solutions. Artificial saliva served as the control. Vickers Micro-hardness was measured with a 30gram load for 30 seconds dwell time by using a diamond indenter. Significant differences were represented by p<0.05, whereas highly significant difference represented by p<0.01. The level of significance (p) was calculated with the help of repeated measure ANOVA. For multiple comparisons, Tukey’s multiple comparison test was used. Results: Statistical analysis revealed highly significant difference between specimens immersed in artificial saliva (control) and Listerine (p<0.01). Whereas significant difference were observed between control and Colgate Periogard (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed on comparing Prodent and Sensodyne Oral antiseptic mouth rinses with control group(p>0.05). Control specimens depicted highest value of micro-hardness(60.5746 ± 3.2703) compared to the lowest value seen in specimens immersed in Listerine solvent(54.4687 ± 1.0937). Conclusion: Alcohol containing mouth rinsing solutions have more deleterious effect on hardness of nano composites as compared to alcohol-free mouth rinses.

Physical, mechanical, thermal, and dynamic characterization of carbon nanotubes incorporated poly(methyl methacrylate)-based denture implant

The objective of this study was targeted to synthesize and characterize a carbon nanotubes (CNTs) incorporated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based denture polymer. Two experimental denture base polymers were fabricated either by incorporating single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) (SW-group) or multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) (MW-group). In both groups, 0.5 wt% of the CNTs were incorporated into MMA monomer. Using a commercially available heat-cured PMMA (Interacryl Hot, Interdent, Opekarniska, Slovenia), a polymer-to-monomer ratio of 3:1 was used to fabricate the specimens (14 × 14 × 3 mm3 in dimensions) of the control group (without CNTs) (C-group) and the experimental groups (either SWCNT–PMMA or MWCNT–PMMA) (n = 30, N = 90). Physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological attributes of the tested materials were assessed. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (SPSS®, Chicago, IL, USA) and results were explored with one-way ANOVA. Incorporation of CNTs changed the surface morphology and topography of the PMMA specimens. No thermal changes were observed among C-, SW-, and MW-groups. Conversely, the hardness, elastic modulus and wear resistance were improved in both SW-group and MW-group. Additionally, the dynamic mechanical analyzer showed improvement in storage modulus in SW-group, affirming the load transfer capability of SW–PMMA composite. The CNT–PMMA composite might favorably be used as a potential denture base polymer.

Outcome of Palliative and Radical Radiotherapy in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - a Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND The treatment selection for the oral squamous cell carcinoma remains controversial. Radiation therapy or surgical excision of the lesion can be applied as the sole treatment or it can be used in combination with other treatment modalities. Radiotherapy is considered to be the safest of all the treatment modalities and can be used in several situations for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival outcome differences in patients treated with radical and palliative radiotherapy as the primary treatment modality. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included a total of 47 patients with oral cancer reporting to our hospital between years 2009 to 2010. The age group for the selected patients was more than 65 years, treated with radical and palliative radiotherapy with no prior surgical interventions. Patients were evaluated till Dec 2013 for overall survival time. RESULTS Twenty nine patients were treated with radical radiotherapy as main stay of treatment, out of which 21 died during the follow up time with median survival of 352 ± 281.7 days with 8 patients alive. All the 16 patients were dead who received palliative radiotherapy with a median survival time of 112 ± 144.0 days. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study showed improved overall survival time, loco regional control rates and reduced morbidity in patients treated with radical radiotherapy when compared to patients treated with palliative radiotherapy.

Effect of Short E-Glass Fiber Reinforcement on Surface and Mechanical Properties of Glass-Ionomer Cements

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of E-glass fibers (≈1.0mm long, o=0.017mm with 1.0wt.% and 5.0wt.%) in two (MegacemTM and GlassFillTM) glass-ionomer cements (GIC) to enhance their mec...

Effect of experimental primers on hydrolytic stability of resin zirconia bonding

Abstract This study assessed the effect of experimental silane primers and two adhesive resin cements on resin zirconia adhesion strength. The surfaces of cut Y-TZP zirconia blocks (Lava™ Frame), 16 mm × 16 mm × 4.5 mm, were pretreated twice. First, they were grit-blasted with Korox™ alumina powder (110 μm) followed by silica-coating with Rocatec™ Soft. Next, the blocks were randomly assigned into eighteen sub-groups (n = 6, N = 108) according to three primers (control ESPE Sil™, 1.0 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and 1.0 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane + 0.5 vol.-% bis-12-(triethoxysilyl)ethane), two in dentistry used resin cement products (Multilink™ Speed, and Multilink™ N), and three storage conditions (24 h dry, 1 month immersed in distilled water, and 6 months immersed in distilled water at room temperature) used. Onto each pretreated zirconia block, four cylindrical resin composite cement stubs were prepared and light-cured. The surface roughness, contact angle, and adhesion (shear bond) strength (SBS) were measured, and statistically analyzed (ANOVA, the Tukey’s test, p < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in surface roughness values of different primer-treated zirconia groups. After six months of water aging, the shear bond strength of the groups that employed 1.0 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (9.0 MPa ± 0.8 MPa), and the blend of 1 vol.-% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane + 0.5 vol.-% bis-12-(triethoxysilyl)ethane (8.9 MPa ± 2.0 MPa) with Multilink™ Speed resin composite cement were statistically insignificantly higher compared to using ESPE Sil™ (8.7 MPa ± 1.8 MPa). The experimental primers may have potential to be used for long-term resin zirconia adhesion.

Enhanced resin titanium adhesion with silane primers using tribochemical silica-coating

Experimental silane primers and a urethane dimethacrylate resin were prepared to resin titanium bonding. Commercially pure 2 Ti coupons were pretreated and randomly assigned into groups: group-SM (ESPE Sil™+Multilink® Speed), group-SE (ESPE Sil™+experimental resin), group-AM (1.0 vol% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane+Multilink® Speed), group-AE (1.0 vol% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane+experimental resin), group-BM (1.0 vol% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane+0.5 vol% bis-(1,2-triethoxysilyl)ethane+Multilink® Speed), and group-BE (1.0 vol% 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane+0.5 vol% bis-(1,2-triethoxysilyl) ethane+experimental resin). Specimens were stored in a desiccator for 24 h, and artificially aged by thermo-cycling (6,000 and 12,000 cycles). According to ANOVA and the Tukeys test (n=10, α=0.05), the mean enclosed mold shear bond strength after 24 h was highest in group-AE (26.2±4.0 MPa). After 12,000 thermo-cycles, the group-BM exhibited the highest adhesion strength (13.4±3.2 MPa). This study suggests that a silane primer (3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane+0.5 vol% bis-(1,2-triethoxysilyl)ethane) might enhance adhesion strength.

Incidental radiographic finding of the concealed art of susuk

Susuk, or charm needles, are small, metallic needles inserted under the skin, considered to enhance beauty, health and luck. This hidden secret of inserting susuk is a traditional superstitious ritual, widely practiced among women of Southeast Asia. Here, we present an interesting case of incidental radiographic finding of the concealed art of susuk, which was exposed on a panoramic radiograph taken on a routine basis as a part of diagnostic work up at our centre. An orthopantomogram revealed bilateral metallic foreign bodies in the maxillo-facial region. Anamnestic data affirmed the practice of the body art of susuk. The charm needles were present in the orofacial region without the patient experiencing any pathological signs or symptoms.

Effect of different pH solvents on micro-hardness and surface topography of dental nano-composite: An in vitro analysis.

Objective: Erosion of tooth surface is attributed to recent shift in diet pattern and frequent use of beverages. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of different beverages on surface topography and hardness of nano-filled composite material. Methods: Sixty flat disc shaped resin composite samples were fabricated and placed in distilled water for 24 hours. After 24 hours test samples were dried and divided into 4 groups. Group A (n=15) specimens were placed in tight amber bottle comprising 25 ml of artificial saliva. Similarly Group B, C and D were stored in equal amounts of orange juice, milk and coca cola drink respectively. Samples were checked for hardness and surface changes were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Results: There were strong significant difference observed in samples immersed in orange juice and artificial saliva. A strong significant difference was seen between Group D and Group A. Group A and Group C showed no significant difference. The micro-hardness test showed reduced values among all samples. Conclusion: Beverages consumed daily have a negative influence on hardness and surface degradation of nano-filled dental composite. Comparatively, nano-filled composites possess higher surface area to volume ratio of their fillers particle size may lead to higher surface roughness than other resin based dental biomaterials.

Sociodemographic Characteristics as Predictors of Satisfaction in Public and Private Dental Clinics

Objective: This study aimed to investigate influence of multiple sociodemographic characteristics on the patient satisfaction levels in outpatient public and private dental practices of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Questionnaire-based survey data were collected from 500 patients, 250 each from the public and private dental clinics of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September to December, 2017. Questions related to demographic factors and service attributes were included. A Likert scale of 5-points was used to measure satisfaction levels. Data was analyzed to calculate the descriptive and inferential statistics (analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis) to find the statistical difference (p < 0.01). Results: Satisfaction level differed significantly by education level (P< 0.001) and the type of clinic (P<0.001). The multiple regression analysis suggest that all variables influenced satisfaction, except age and marital status. The satisfaction score was higher by 27% for private clinics compared to public clinics. Conclusion: This study was exploratory and revealed an effect of individual variables on overall satisfaction score of the services attributes. Future plans for patient care could be developed with the help of this research.

Post traumatic stress disorder among school children of Army Public School Peshawar after Six month of terrorists attack

Background & Objectives: Terrorist attack in Army Public School Peshawar, Pakistan left behind more than hundred children dead. It was the highest death toll of children in the world in a single terrorists attack. The attack dominated national and international news, high level security measures have been adopted in all school throughout Pakistan, which created fear and stress in children. The objective of the study was to determine post-traumatic stress disorder among children after six month of terrorist attack inspite of rigorous psychosocial support and rehabilitation. Methods: We wanted to determine Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among children of Army Public School of age range 10 to 18 years after 5 months of intervention and rehabilitation following terrorists attack. For this a self-report questionnaire, Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS), which assess and identify symptoms matching DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) IV criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder of children, was filled. Informed consent was taken from school Principal and responders. Results: A total 205 students of age range 10 to 18 years participated in the study. The most frequent age group of the study were 16 years and 14 years students with frequency 58 (28.3%) and 46 (22.4%) respectively. Among 205 participated school children PTSD were found in 154 (75.2%) children while only 24.8% students had no PTSD symptoms. In more than 50% PTSD positive school children had functional impairment for each category of fun and hobbies, friendship, school work, family relation, doing chores, general happiness and saying prayers. Conclusion: Study found a very high prevalence of PTSD among 10 to 18 years age group students of Army Public School inspite of five months continuous intervention and rehabilitation services. Study showed that this age group needs long term psychosocial treatment in case of trauma.