Insights into self-evaluated stress, anxiety, and depression among dental students.

Stress, anxiety, and depression have a negative impact on students' learning and academic performances. In our longitudinal study conducted on dental students from Cluj-Napoca and Oradea, the most representative university centers in north-west of Romania, we evaluated the prevalence and effect of exams on stress, anxiety, and depression, in association with socio-demographic factors. The students self-administered the DASS-21R questionnaire at the beginning of the academic year 2022-2023, before the Christmas holiday, during the winter session, and after the winter session.

Properties of Nanohybrid Dental Composites-A Comparative In Vitro Study.

(1) Background: the current study investigated three nanohybrid composites: two commercial products ClearfilMajesty (CM) and Harmonize (HU), compared with an experimental product PS2. (2) Methods: Two sample types were molded using Teflon dies. The first sample type was represented by standard discs (20 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness) ( = 60, 20/each material), used for surface conditioning investigation, specifically roughness monitoring and color stability analysis using AFM and the CIELab test, respectively.

Polymer Mixtures for Experimental Self-Limited Dental Burs Development-A Preliminary Approach (Part 1).

Alternative techniques have been investigated for effectiveness in caries removal because conventional metallic dental burs can lead to an excessive loss of sound tissue. The aim of the present study is to realize a preliminary approach in obtaining effective polymer mixtures for polymeric bur development, capable of removing primary dental caries using combinations of polymers to ensure the requirements for such instruments, but also a greater compatibility with the teeth structure. This study assessed the main mechanical properties, water sorption, solubility and microscopic structure of four new polymer mixture recipes to provide essential features in obtaining experimental self-limited dental burs.

Smile Design and Treatment Planning-Conventional versus Digital-A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Several methods are currently available for providing a preview of the prosthodontic treatment, including computer simulations, 3D models, wax-ups, and mock-ups. The aim of this study is to compare the aesthetic aspects and assessment of conventional versus digital prefigurative methods.

Methods: The study included 5 patients and 3 observers, for each of whom a wax-up was made in both the conventional and digital techniques.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Accuracy of Three Electronic Apex Locators Using Different Sodium Hypochlorite Concentrations.

: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of three types of electronic apex locators (EALs) when two different concentrations of NaOCl irrigation solutions are used by two operators. : After creating the access cavities for 20 single rooted extracted teeth, the actual canal length (ACL) of each canal was determined visually using a #10 file and magnification. The teeth were subsequently inserted in plastic molds filled with alginate.

Oral Health-Related Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Patients in Rural Areas around Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Unlabelled: The intent of the KAP (knowledge, attitude, practices) survey is to collect information about a specific target group related to their knowledge, what they consider to be known, and what they do about a particular topic. The aim of this study was to identify the level of importance of oral health, especially the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of rural patients around Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Material And Methods: A questionnaire consisting of five parts was used, trying to assess the self-perception of oral health, knowledge and attitude towards oral health, dental hygiene practices and eating habits.

Development of New Experimental Dental Enamel Resin Infiltrants-Synthesis and Characterization.

The aim of the present study was to obtain experimental infiltration materials, intended for the treatment of dental white spots, and to investigate them. Two series of infiltrants (P1-P6)/(P1F-P6F) were obtained, based on different monomer mixtures, without/with glass filler (with fluoride release ability). Each infiltrant from the second series contained the same amount of glass powder, and each infiltrant from the (P-PF) group contained the same resin composition.

Effects of Monomer Composition of Urethane Methacrylate Based Resins on the C=C Degree of Conversion, Residual Monomer Content and Mechanical Properties.

(1) Background: This study investigated the influence of Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, UDMA, and two different polyethylene glycol (PEG)-containing, UDMO-based co-monomers on the Young's modulus and flexural strength, degree of methacrylate C=C double bond conversion and residual monomer elution of experimental dental resins. (2) Methods: Urethane methacrylate-based monomer was synthesised via a radical chain growth polymerization mechanism using PEG in order to improve the mechanical properties. Dental resins were formulated using Bis-GMA, UDMA, or UDMO as base monomers combined with TEGDMA as a dilution monomer and DMAEM + CQ as the photo-initiator system.

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Gels Based on Bromelain, Whey and Quince Extract.

The growing interest in the appearance and color of teeth has led to the emergence of a wide range of teeth whitening methods, both in dental offices and in patients' homes. Concerns about the possible side effects or toxic effects of peroxide-based whitening gels leads to the identification of alternative whitening methods, based on natural compounds with mild action on tooth enamel and remineralizing effect. In this context, this study describes the preparation and in vitro analysis of whitening gels based on natural active agents-bromelain, quince and whey-using organic (polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol) and/or inorganic (silicate) excipients.

The Influence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on ORAL Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus.

Background: oral lichen planus (OLP) is a mucocutaneous disease that affects about 4% of the global population. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was linked to lichen planus. The current study aimed to assess the impact of OLP associated or not with HCV infection on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Surface Characteristics, Fluoride Release and Bond Strength Evaluation of Four Orthodontic Adhesives.

Orthodontic adhesives have similar properties in terms of fluoride release, roughness, shear bond strength or cement debris for specific clinical conditions. Three commercial consecrated orthodontic adhesives (Opal Seal, Blugloo, Light Bond) were compared with an experimental orthodontic material (C1). Brackets were bonded to enamel using a self-etch technique followed by adhesive application and then de-bonded 60 days later.

Treatment trends in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions (Review).

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease, associated with altered cell-mediated immunological function. It has long-term evolution, repeated exacerbations, sometimes painful and resistant to treatment, even all of these, OLP significantly affects patient's life quality. Not least, OLP is accompanied by an increased risk of malignant transformation.

Comparative apical sealing evaluation of two bioceramic endodontic sealers.

Aim: The current study aims to evaluate, using scanning electronic microscopy, the sealing ability of two bioceramic endodontic sealers, one consecrated and one experimental.

Methods: Twenty monoradicular teeth were included in the study. The teeth were endodontically prepared at the working length.

Dentists' perspectives on the reconstruction possibilities of a non-vital tooth.

Background And Aims: The decision-making process when restoring a non-vital tooth is influenced by multiple factors. This study aimed to survey the dentists' preferences regarding cast post-and-core and fiber post techniques for the reconstruction of non-vital teeth and to identify a correlation between reconstruction technique and practitioners characteristics, or dental characteristics.

Methods: The survey instrument was a questionnaire, which included a with questions regarding the practitioner's profile (gender, age, years of experience, pattern and location of practice, etc.

Comparative radiographic assessment of a new bioceramic-based root canal sealer.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the radiopacity of two bioceramic-based root canal sealers, the conventional TotalFill BC sealer (FKG Dentaire Switzerland) and a new experimental filling material developed in collaboration with 'Raluca Ripan' Institute for Research in Chemistry, Cluj-Napoca.

Methods: Five disc samples were prepared using both materials (10 mm diameter × 1 mm thickness), being subjected to digital radiography together with aluminum step wedges (1 to 12 mm in thickness), in accordance with ISO 6876: 2012. Radiopacity was determined by the computer analysis of the images obtained.

Etiological factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorder - study on animal model.

The etiology of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is multidimensional: biomechanical, neuromuscular, bio-psychosocial and biological factors may contribute to the disorder. The main objectives of our study were investigation and analysis of the degree of involvement for several presumptive etiological factors of TMD: biomechanical stress (BS), estrogen hormones (EH) and emotional stress (ES). Six groups (n=10) of mature female Wistar rats were included in the study.

In vitro evaluation of root canal preparation with two rotary instrument systems - Pro Taper and Hero Shaper.

Background And Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare several parameters of root canal preparation using two different rotary Nickel-Titanium instruments: Pro-Taper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballagigues, Switzerland) and Hero-Shaper (Micro Mega, Besancon, France).

Methods: Twelve extracted maxillary premolars were randomly divided into two groups and embedded into a muffle system. All root canals were prepared to size 25 using Pro-Taper or Hero-Shaper rotary instruments.