Dentistry Commons^™

Vaping Is More Dangerous Than You Think, Chantel Perreault, Jodi Poirier, Chantelle Vazquez, Kaelyn Gallipeau

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

It is predicted that cigarette smokers and users of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have poor periodontal health and greater levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-15 and IL-18 in their saliva, compared to nonusers. Electronic cigarettes heat the liquid within the cartridge at a level that permits the individual to inhale. The inhalation within the lungs leads to tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. The studies included in this review revealed that e-cigarette users had a higher risk of periodontal disease, tooth loss, and bone loss. This is due to vapor leaving a residue behind on teeth, known …

The Effect Of Periodontal Therapy On Diabetic Patients, Amelia Cohen, Deidra Perreault, Riley Reardon

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease affecting the body’s ability to produce the hormone insulin. The comparison between diabetic patients who received periodontal therapy, as opposed to those who have not, is explored in this report. Factors such as clinical attachment loss, probing depths, and effectiveness of periodontal therapy are measured. Recognizing the study's limitations, we conclude that non-surgical periodontal treatment on diabetic patients with periodontitis is shown to be clinically significant.

Opioid Addiction And Its Effect On Oral Health, Nicholas Chamberlain-Nunes, Andalena Chancio, Annika Thomas

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Opioid addiction in this nation is an extremely prevalent public health crisis. The same can be said about dental caries and other oral health conditions. Research shows that opioid addiction and dental caries have a strong correlation, even former opioid addicts are more likely to have caries. The studies reviewed for this paper include an Iranian study, one on the effects of use during pregnancy, a systematic review and the inequities among various marginalized groups. It is clear there are harmful effects of opioid abuse on our oral cavity. The hope is that in the future more research will be …

Periodontal Disease And Alzheimer’S Disease, Lexis Labonte, Jaycee Cole

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

There is a direct correlation between patients with periodontal disease and negative cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Research has proven that those who suffer from Alzheimer’s/dementia have a reduced dentition which negatively impacts masticatory function. With impaired masticatory function, it leads to poor nutrition which has a direct effect on cerebral stimulation and blood flow which worsens the effects of Alzheimer’s. The bacteria that is present during periodontitis, causes a spike in inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines invade the brain and trigger CNS inflammation which leads to cognitive decline.

Teledentistry In Dentistry, Jaycee Murray, Lauren Chestnut

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Teledentistry is an online service that is utilized in many dental offices allowing for clinicians to virtually meet with patients using interactive tools and telecommunications. This method of care has been extremely beneficial to both the patient and clinician as it continues to become popular and more developed, it increases access to care for many populations by minimizing the cost of dental treatment and providing more convenient care options. Through teledentistry, problems that impact patients' access to care such as unequal access, lack of financial resources, and lack of practice availability are eliminated, allowing for different populations to receive consultation, …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Dental Hygiene Faculty Using Simulation With Dental Manikin Head Devices To Teach Local Anesthesia, Allison Castro

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

This study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology to explore the lived experiences of dental hygiene faculty using simulation with dental manikin head devices to teach local anesthesia. This study aimed to address the gap in the literature given the lack of discussion regarding dental manikin head simulation use in teaching local anesthesia within dental hygiene education. The purpose extended to explore if educators could guide students and ease anxieties by incorporating simulation in the development of treatment skills on a manikin before applying these skills to real-life interactions. John Dewey’s (1938) concept of interconnectedness between education and experience and David …

Effect Of Xylitol Versus Sugar On Caries Risk, Alyssa Birmingham, Kailey Hart, Raissa Igihozo, Amanda Osmolski

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

The effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk is a rising trend in caries prevention. The dominant explanation for this trend is explained by xylitol’s ability to significantly decrease caries rates in recent studies. To answer the question, in adult patients, what is the effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk, we compared previous studies in a literature review. The limitations of these findings include the many intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence plaque accumulation that were not considered. Further research is needed to determine if xylitol alone has caries-prevention qualities.

Use Of Micro-Ct To Examine Effects Of Heat On Coronal Obturation, Ivy Shen, Joan Daniel, Kali Vo, Chul Ahn, Carolyn Primus, Takashi Komabayashi

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: The aim of this study was to categorize the effects of heat on coronal obturation with gutta-percha and sealer using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).
Methods: Ten single-rooted, extracted human teeth were shaped using ProTaper NEXT files to size X5 (#50/Taper 6%) with 2.5% NaOCl irrigation. A single ProTaper NEXT X5 gutta-percha point was then inserted with epoxy resin (AH Plus) or tricalcium silicate (EndoSequence BC) sealer (n = 5/group), and cut at the cemento-enamel junction. The teeth were scanned using micro-CT (SkyScan1272) to obtain 11 sagittal 2-D images. Three calibrated raters categorized the coronal 0.5 mm of the …

Coronal And Apical Leakage Among Five Endodontic Sealers, Kali Vo, Joan Daniel, Chul Anh, Carolyn Primus, Takashi Komabayashi

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: The aim of this study was to use dye penetration to measure apical and coronal leakage simultaneously in single-canal teeth that had been treated endodontically using a single-cone obturation technique.

Methods: One hundred single-canal, extracted human teeth were cleaned and shaped with ProTaper NEXT rotary files to size-X5 (50/.06), then randomly assigned to five sealer groups for single-cone gutta-percha obturation. The teeth were soaked in 0.6% rhodamine B at 37°C for seven days, then the roots were ground mesiodistally and the maximum apical and coronal dye penetration was measured. Differences in leakage among the sealer groups were examined using …

Effects Of Heat On Seven Endodontic Sealers, Daniel Chavarria-Bolanos, Takashi Komabayashi, Ivy Shen, Jose Vega-Baudrit, Maria G. Gandolfi, Carlo Prati, Mauricio Montero-Aguilar

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: To examine the microscopic surface features, chemical composition, and thermodynamic profile of seven endodontic sealers (AH Plus, Adseal, MTA-Fillapex, RoekoSeal, GuttaFlow 2, GuttaFlow BioSeal, and EndoRez) exposed to high-temperature changes using an endodontic obturation device.

Methods: The thermal properties were examined using scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Then, six disc-shaped specimens of each sealer were prepared and divided into two groups – a room temperature group and a heat exposure group – for analysis of surface and chemical changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

Results: DSC analysis showed that AH Plus had …

Pour Me Some Polyphenols, Sara Dupont, Sadie Garceau, Sydney Jones, Debra Chalmers

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Polyphenols have a positive impact on the overall health of the oral cavity. They can be found in different drinks that are plant-based such as tea, coffee or products containing cocoa. They can be found in plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols are able to reduce the cariogenic process is what makes them have such an importance in oral health. They play a role in systemic health. The studies provided evidence that polyphenols are able to reduce caries in individuals who are frequently consuming them.

Effects Of Vaping Nicotine Vs Traditional Cigarette Smoking On Periodontal Patients, Rachel Pion, Brianna Fontes, Megan Robert, Debra Chalmers

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular as an attempt to decrease traditional smoking. Chemicals found in cigarettes are known to be harmful to the periodontium. Nicotine, found in both inhalants, is a vasoconstrictor that causes a reduction in the inflammatory response. This leads to less bleeding and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow in those that smoke cigarettes versus those that vape. Due to e-cigarettes new prevalence, additional research is required to understand its long-term effects on periodontitis.

Examining Parents Oral Hygiene Knowledge And Their Children’S Oral Hygiene Behaviors, Wallace Moore

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between a parent’s level of oral hygiene knowledge and the oral hygiene behaviors of their children ages 7 to 17 in the greater United States. The theoretical framework of Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and the Health Belief Model guided the study. Instruments included the Oral Health Surveys Basic Methods 5th Edition and the Fourth National Survey of China for data collection. Q Data analysis was performed utilizing the chi-square test of independence to determine the likelihood of a relationship between the parent’s oral hygiene knowledge and their child’s …

Micro-Computed Tomographic Evaluation Of Single-Cone Obturation With Three Sealers, Sahar Zare, Ivy Shen, Qiang Zhu, Chul Ahn, Carolyn Primus, Takashi Komabayashi

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives
This study used micro-computed tomography (µCT) to compare voids and interfaces in single-cone obturation among AH Plus, EndoSequence BC, and prototype surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) sealers and to determine the percentage of sealer contact at the dentin and gutta-percha (GP) interfaces. Materials and Methods
Fifteen single-rooted human teeth were shaped using ProTaper NEXT size X5 rotary files using 2.5% NaOCl irrigation. Roots were obturated with a single-cone ProTaper NEXT GP point X5 with AH Plus, EndoSequence BC, or prototype S-PRG sealer (n = 5/group). Results
The volumes of GP, sealer, and voids were measured in the region …

Stopping The Progression Of Periodontal Disease With Laser Therapy, Sarah Almukhtar, Autumn Baker, Joann Moulton

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

A thorough execution of bacteria is not necessarily achieved by non-surgical periodontal instrumentation alone, so it is likely that optimal healing may not take place. Numerous studies have reported on the uses of laser therapy in conjunction with nonsurgical instrumentation. In periodontal laser therapy, the fiber optic tip is placed at the top of the periodontal pocket to remove the diseased tissue that lines the pocket. This is done with a laser specific for dental hygiene such as; neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (ND:YAG) laser. When reviewing the literature, it is evident that periodontal pocketing, inflammation, and bacteria cannot be …

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (Omt), Katelynn Perkins, Sophany Srey, Courtney E. Vannah

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by upper airway obstruction during sleep. This literature review aimed to determine if myofunctional therapy (MT) could be an effective treatment for OSA. The goal of MT is to induce changes in weak and dysfunctional upper airway muscles. The literature suggests that myofunctional therapy may reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate OSA.

Cranberry Extract’S Potential To Reduce Streptococcus Mutans, Eliza Estey, Baylee Flemming, Emma Graves, Julia Hamilton, Courtney E. Vannah

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Streptococcus mutans is the most prominent cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity due to strong adhesion properties. Reducing the leading cariogenic bacteria in dental caries is important for the longevity of natural teeth. The anti-adhesion effects from cranberry derivatives could be helpful in reducing the amount of S. mutans. This literature review aims to determine whether cranberry extract based mouth rinse is effective in reduction of the S. mutans bacterial load. Current evidence seems to indicate that cranberry derivatives in mouth rinses can effectively reduce numbers of this specific bacterium in the oral cavity. As a result, cranberry extracts …

Wash Your Hands... And Brush Your Teeth!, Michelle Desjardins, Sarah Desrochers, Emma Heyland, Joann Moulton

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

COVID-19 has become a novel pandemic increasing rapidly all over the world. Periodontal disease and COVID-19 share many of the same risk factors such as age, gender, and systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Although not many studies exist on periodontal disease (PD) and COVID-19 due to it being a new and emerging topic, many studies suggest key links between the two. Maintaining superior oral health is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent PD. Further research is needed to have concrete evidence between PD and COVID-19 due to COVID-19 being a new and emerging illness, while PD is …

Effects Of Polyphenols On Periodontitis, Scott Roberts, Noah Sawtelle, Emma Nelson, Marayah Hynes, Joann Moulton

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Pharmacological agents have been used for centuries to treat or cure diseases. Foods, herbs, and extracts can produce similar pharmacological effects, one being polyphenols. This extract in particular exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One cellular study stated the biofilm forming capacity and viability of periodontitis pathogens can be significantly altered by dietary polyphenols. Each year 2.8 million people in the United States are diagnosed with an antibiotic resistant bacterial or fungal pathogen. Due to the increasing occurrence of antibiotic resistance, importance of finding new molecules capable of expanding treatment modalities is fundamental in maintaining an acceptable standard of care.

Save The Bees, They Prevent Caries, Michaela Godzick, Jessica Meyer, Magnolia Nishan, Aleigh Toof, Debra Chalmers

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Research poster investigating the question: Does the use of natural product based dental products containing propolis provide a decreased risk of caries compared to dental products that are not natural product based? Propolis is a product that is created from bees that is commonly found in a wide variety of natural dental products. Propolis has many beneficial effects; antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. Dental caries are prominent in children worldwide. Propolis containing products were shown to be as effective in reducing plaque-biofilm as non-natural products.

Micro Ct Pilot Evaluation Of Removability Of Two Endodontic Sealers, David Colmenar, Tenzin Tamula, Qiang Zhu, Chul Ahn, Carolyn Primus, Takashi Komabayashi

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study compared the removability of AH Plus and EndoSequence BC sealers using in vitro micro-computed tomography. Methods: Ten single-canal, extracted human teeth were cleaned and shaped with ProTaper NEXT rotary files to size X5 (50/0.06) (DentsplySirona). Canals were obturated with a single cone gutta-percha and either AH Plus (Dentsply-Sirona) (Group A) or EndoSequence BC (Brasseler) (Group B). ProTaper Universal Retreatment files (Dentsply-Sirona) were used to remove obturation materials after 90 days at 37o C/100% humidity. Each tooth was scanned using micro-computed tomography (SkyScan 1272; Bruker) at an isotropic resolution of 6 μm from which the percent of material …

Comprehensive Review Of Current Endodontic Sealers, Takashi Komabayashi, David Colmenar, Nicholas Cvach, Aparna Bhat, Carolyn Primus, Yohji Imai

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

Endodontic sealers for non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) span many compositions and attributes. This comprehensive review discusses current types of endodontic sealers by their setting reaction type, composition, and properties: zinc oxide-eugenol, salicylate, fatty acid, glass ionomer, silicone, epoxy resin, tricalcium silicate, and methacrylate resin sealers. Setting time, solubility, sealing ability, antimicrobial, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity are all aspects key to the performance of endodontic sealers. Because sealing ability is so important to successful outcomes, the relative degree of microleakage among all the relevant sealers was calculated by way of a meta-analysis of relevant literature. Compared to AH Plus, tricalcium silicate …

Pink Tooth Of Mummery In The Maxillary Left Canine After Fixed Partial Denture (Fpd) Preparation, Eger V. Korolevsky, Takashi Komabayashi, Denise Foran

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

Pink tooth of Mummery is typically found after trauma. However, this case report describes an unusual occurrence of pink tooth in a 67-year-old Caucasian male after fixed partial denture (FPD) tooth preparation. Pink tooth in this case may be due to one or more factors: tooth reduction and heat generation during tooth preparation; heat generation during polymerization of provisional material; and hyperocclusion of a provisional FPD. This case highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate materials and techniques to avoid pulpal complications after dental prosthesis work.

Dysfunctional Oral Health, Meghan Glidden, Brynn Mckay, Taylor Paulison, Olivia O'Keefe

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

An estimated thirty million men in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). Recent research suggests a link between periodontal disease (PD) and other systemic conditions. The purpose of this research is to answer the following research question: Is there a relationship between PD and ED in men? A 2019 study found that patients with PD were 95% more likely to be diagnosed with ED. Studies indicate that both diseases share common risk factors, and a positive correlation between radiographic alveolar bone loss and severity of ED. Additional studies showed improved IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) scores of …

Protecting The Oral Health Of Those Who Protected Us, Taylor Acheson, Jessica Daniels, Peyton Janelle, Anne Murphy, Melissa Rocha

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Research poster addressing the question: What oral health programs in long-term care facilities improve oral health outcomes? The need for effective oral hygiene programs in long-term care (LTC) veterans facilities is crucial due to the rise in the elderly population, as well as untreated caries in older adults. As a state, Maine has 15% of older adults with untreated caries, 41% with gingivitis, 14% with periodontal diseases, and 2.7% with oral and pharyngeal cancer death rates. It would serve the residents and team of caregivers well to have an interprofessional approach to the overall care of their patients. It is …

The Role Of Periodontal Disease In Lymphatic Function, Kristen Carlisle, Hanna Marie, Haley Taylor

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Research poster addressing the question: Does periodontal disease affect lymphatic function? Gingival lymphatic vessels drain interstitial fluid and transport immune cells to lymph nodes but despite this, it is unknown how the lymphatic system impacts periodontal disease in humans. In light of this, studies have been observed on animals with the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), a growth factor known to be increased in periodontal patients. VEGFC is involved in lymphatic hyperplasia and lymphangiogenesis, the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells. This growth factor is believed to affect gingival lymphatic function in periodontitis patients. When reviewing the literature, it is …

Impact Of Two Distinct Dental Anesthesia Simulation Models On The Perception Of Learning By Students, Jadith Merino-Parra, Ricardo E. Madrazo-Meneses, Takashi Komabayashi, Bernardino I. Cerda-Cristerna

Dental Medicine Faculty Publications

We evaluated an infiltration anesthesia simulation model (IAM) and a conduction anesthesia simulation model (CAM) on the perception of learning by Mexican dental students. Our aim was to compare the perception of learning by dental students trained with two distinct dental anesthesia simulation model (DASM) with dental students who were not trained with a DASM. 3 groups participated in the study: G1 (N=12 students) learned to block the mental nerve (BMN) by participating in a theoretical lecture (stage 1) and a clinical demonstration (stage 2); G2 (N=12 students) learned the BMN by participating in the stage 1, stage 2, and …

Cariogenic Pathogens: One Less Thing To Wine About, Jordan White, Kathleen Kersey, Jessica Darcy

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

Recently, studies have explored how biologically active compounds in wine benefit human teeth. Dietary polyphenols, in particular wine polyphenols, seem to balance the composition of the oral microbiota, thus leading to potentially more effective anti-carious effects on the individual. Recent research has discussed the main action mechanisms of polyphenols against oral microbial diseases and highlighted the antiadhesive capacity of caffeic and p-coumaric acids as well as grape seed and red wine extracts. It has been found that polyphenols increased their inhibition potential against S. mutans adhesion when combined with S. dentisani.¹ Other research regarding polyphenols, specifically resveratrol, discussed the anti-inflammatory …

Air Polishing: A New Look At An Old Technique, Ellen Bosland, Cristina Sevilla

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

This research poster addresses the question “What differences exist between erythritol, glycine, and sodium bicarbonate powders in air polishing?” The use of air polishers in the dental field is highly recommended; however, the ability to determine the correct powder and grit for each patient can be vital. The three types of powders have different pros and cons related to their function; though most studies show significant advantages of using air polishing in general. One study compared erythritol powder and the ultrasonic. In the results, pocket depths were decreased but there was no difference in effectiveness between the two; however, a …

When Failure Is Not An Option, Lindsey Ago, Caitlin Digirolamo, Dylan Gagner

Dental Hygiene Student Research Posters

This research poster addresses the question, “What treatment modalities are most effective at treating peri-implantitis (PI)?” Dental implants are one of the most innovative ways to support dental prosthetics. They can support heavy physical loads. However, infection causes inflammation and bone loss around implants. Studies indicate that there are many factors that can increase the risk for PI. These factors include: Smoking; pre-existing periodontal disease; oral hygiene, quality of prosthetic reconstruction; some systemic conditions and medications.

There are a significant amount of treatment options for PI that range from surgical, nonsurgical, antibiotics, and even lasers. While reviewing studies related to …