The effect of water filter pitchers on the mineral concentration of tap water.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of water filter pitchers on the concentration of different minerals in tap water.

Methods: Nine water filter pitchers (A-I) were chosen based on consumer preferences and Amazon reviews. Each filter was tested for its ability to modify the concentrations of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in tap water.

Revolutionizing CAD/CAM-based restorative dental processes and materials with artificial intelligence: a concise narrative review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly prevalent in biomedical and industrial development, capturing the interest of dental professionals and patients. Its potential to improve the accuracy and speed of dental procedures is set to revolutionize dental care. The use of AI in computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) within the restorative dental and material science fields offers numerous benefits, providing a new dimension to these practices.

Shear Bond Strength and Fluoride Release of a Universal Adhesive: An In-Vitro Study on Primary Teeth.

This investigation aimed to assess the shear bond strength and fluoride-releasing capabilities of Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Forty-four extracted primary molars were divided into two groups, and the enamel substrate was prepared for evaluating shear bond strength.

Anterior provisional fixed partial dentures: A finite element analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the stress distribution of fiber-reinforced composite provisional fixed partial denture utilizing a finite element analysis model.

Material And Methods: Three anterior teeth were collected: upper right central, left central, and right lateral incisors. A fiber-reinforced composite strip was applied to the palatal surfaces of the teeth.

Comparative evaluation of weighted mean and composite score for combining assessments.

Objectives: Approaches for combining scores have been based on weighted mean (WM) without consideration for psychometric characteristics of each individual assessments. This study evaluates consequences of WM and composite score (CS) approach.

Methods: Data from two longitudinal cohorts (n = 219) were utilized for performance in three Operative Dentistry courses as basis to compare the two score-combining methods.

Effect of Light Curing Distance on Microhardness Profiles of Bulk-Fill Resin Composites.

Bulk-fill (BF) dental resin composites are made to be polymerized in increments of up to 5 mm rather than the 2 mm increment recommended for conventional composites. This project aimed to determine microhardness (MH) profiles of BF resin composites at different depths and varying light cure (LC) distances from the light source in an attempt to mimic varying clinical situations. Forty-eight cylindrical specimens (4 mm diameter and 6 mm height) were prepared from 3 BF composites: Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill (TBF), Filtek One Bulk-Fill (FBF), and Sonic-Fill 2 (SF2).

Current Novel Caries Diagnostic Technologies: Restorative Dentists' Attitude and Use Preferences.

Early detection of caries lesions is key to a successful restorative dental treatment plan. The aim of this study was to investigate the preferences and attitude of graduate restorative dentistry residents (RDRs) regarding novel caries diagnostic technologies (NCDT) and to provide a brief overview of available technologies for both specialized and general dental practice. This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire (17 questions) concerning RDRs' attitude, preferences, and insights regarding five available NCDTs.

Antimicrobial properties of dental cements modified with zein-coated magnesium oxide nanoparticles.

The aim of this study was to test the antimicrobial properties of dental cements modified with magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. Zein-modified MgO nanoparticles (zMgO) in concentrations (0.0, 0.

Utilizing Light Cure Units: A Concise Narrative Review.

The use of photo-curable resin composite restorations is an essential treatment modality in modern dental practice. The success and longevity of these restorations depend on achieving predictable and effective polymerization. Understanding the dynamics of the polymerization and the effect of light cure units (LCUs) on this process is paramount.

Effect of dentifrice slurry abrasivity and erosive challenge on simulated non-carious cervical lesions development in vitro.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of slurry abrasive levels and acidic challenges on the development of non-carious cervical lesions.

Methods: Ninety-six extracted upper premolars were affixed in pairs to acrylic blocks and had their root surfaces covered by acrylic resin except for 2 mm from the cemento-enamel junction. The specimens were distributed into six groups (n = 8 pairs) based on two experimental factors: (1) slurry abrasivity level [low/medium/high] and (2) citric acid challenge [yes/no].

Irradiance of Different Curing Modes of Common Light Cure Devices: An Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to test the irradiance values of different curing modes of commonly available light cure devices (LCDs).

Materials And Methods: An investigation was carried out to compare the irradiance output of 10 brands of LCDs available in Saudi Arabia measured using a digital radiometer. Values were recorded for three time points when applicable (0, 10, and 20s).

Dental Caries Preventive Considerations: Awareness of Undergraduate Dental Students.

The aim of this study was to assess awareness and knowledge of undergraduate dental students of common caries-related preventive considerations and to highlight these factors in a concise manner to act as a guide for dental practitioners. A sample of 118 undergraduate students at a local government dental school was included. An interactive survey that contains questions related to common preventive strategies against dental caries was presented to the students.

Color Shift, Color Stability, and Post-Polishing Surface Roughness of Esthetic Resin Composites.

The aim of this study was to compare color shift, color stability, and post-polishing surface roughness of esthetic restorative materials. Twenty-five disc-shaped specimens (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) from five esthetic resin materials (Z250XT, IPS Empress-Direct, G-ænial, Vit-l-escence, and Ceram.X) were fabricated.

Computer simulation and virtual reality in undergraduate operative and restorative dental education: A critical review.

The primary aim of this review was to synthesize the literature for studies investigating the use of computer simulation (CS) and virtual reality (VR) in undergraduate dental education in operative and restorative dentistry. The secondary aim was to list best practices that maximize the simulation experience in dental education. A literature review of the PubMed and ERIC databases was conducted using the search terms "Dental AND Simulator," "Dental AND Virtual reality," and "Simulation AND Dental education.

Color Stability and Micro-Hardness of Bulk-Fill Composite Materials after Exposure to Common Beverages.

Objectives: To assess the color stability and surface microhardness of Bulk-Fill composite materials available in the Saudi Arabia market.

Methods: Five composite materials (Filtek Z350, Filtek Bulk-Fill, Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill, Sonic Fill 2, and SDR) were investigated. Samples ( = 20; 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were fabricated using a stainless-steel mold and were immersed in tea, coffee, berry juice, and distilled water (control).

Fluoride Release from Two High-Viscosity Glass Ionomers after Exposure to Fluoride Slurry and Varnish.

The effect of brushing with different fluoride slurries on the fluoride release (FR) of different high-viscosity glass ionomer cements (GICs) was investigated. Fifty-eight discs were fabricated from two high-viscosity GICs (GC Fuji IX (F9) and 3M ESPE Ketac-fil (KF)). Five specimens from each brand were used to measure Vickers microhardness and the remaining were randomly assigned to one of four groups ( = 6) based on two-factor combinations: (1) fluoride concentration in the abrasive slurry (275 or 1250 ppm fluoride as NaF) and (2) immersion in a 22,500 ppm fluoride-containing solution.

Infection Control Barrier and Curing Time as Factors Affecting the Irradiance of Light-Cure Units.

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of infection control barrier (ICB) and curing time on irradiance of light cure units (LCUs).

Methods: Irradiance (mW/cm) of the LCUs at a government dental school were recorded with and without ICB at 0 (T), 10 (T), and 20 (T) seconds using a digital radiometer. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 17 for Windows software for the analysis of variance and Bonferroni methods at 0.

Impact of toothbrushing frequency and toothpaste fluoride/abrasivity levels on incipient artificial caries lesion abrasion.

Objectives: To investigate the interplay among brushing frequency, dentifrice slurry abrasivity, and fluoride content on the surface loss (SL) of incipient enamel caries-like lesions.

Methods: Lesions were created in 96 bovine enamel specimens (5 × 5 mm) using methylcellulose acid gel. Specimens were randomly allocated to 12 groups (n = 8), resulting from the association of three experimental factors: (1) slurry abrasive level [low: REA = 4/RDA = 69 and high: REA = 7/RDA = 208], (2) fluoride concentration [275 and 1250 ppm F as NaF], and (3) brushing frequency [1, 2 and 3× daily].

Efficiency of light curing units in a government dental school.

The light intensity of a light-curing unit is a crucial factor that affects the clinical longevity of resin composites. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of light-curing units in use at a local governmental dental school for curing conventional and bulk-fill resin materials. A total of 166 light-curing units at three locations were examined, and the brand, type, clinic location, diameter of curing tip, tip cleanliness (using a visual score), and the output (in mW/cm using a digital radiometer) were recorded.

Biofilm sensitivity of seven strains to different fluoride levels.

The effect of fluoride concentrations in dental products could be different depending on the strain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different fluoride concentrations corresponding to dental products on biofilm formation and metabolic activity of S. mutans strains.

Effect of brushing with two different abrasives on fluoride release by high-viscosity glass ionomer cement.

The effect of brushing with two abrasive levels on the fluoride release of high-viscosity glass ionomers (GIs) was investigated. Forty-eight GI discs were fabricated and randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Treatments, performed for 30 days, included exposure to a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) solution without fluoride (CMC-F), CMC with 275 ppm fluoride (CMC+F), CMC with fluoride plus brushing with a low abrasive slurry (relative enamel abrasivity = 4; L-ab), and CMC with fluoride plus brushing with a high abrasive slurry (relative enamel abrasivity = 7; H-ab).

Dentifrice fluoride and abrasivity interplay on artificial caries lesions.

Incipient caries lesions on smooth surfaces may be subjected to toothbrushing, potentially leading to remineralization and/or abrasive wear. The interplay of dentifrice abrasivity and fluoride on this process is largely unknown and was investigated on three artificially created lesions with different mineral content/distribution. 120 bovine enamel specimens were randomly allocated to 12 groups (n = 10), resulting from the association of (1) lesion type [methylcellulose acid gel (MeC); carboxymethylcellulose solution (CMC); hydroxyethylcellulose gel (HEC)], (2) slurry abrasive level [low (REA 4/ RDA 69); high (REA 7/RDA 208)], and (3) fluoride concentration [0/275 ppm (14.

Effect of honey on Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation.

Because of the tradition of using honey as an antimicrobial medicament, we investigated the effect of natural honey (NH) on Streptococcus mutans growth, viability, and biofilm formation compared to that of an artificial honey (AH). AH contained the sugars at the concentrations reported for NH. NH and AH concentrations were obtained by serial dilution with tryptic soy broth (TSB).