Dentistry Commons^™

Dental Hygienists' Views On Salivary Diagnostics, Julie Justice

Dental Hygiene ETDs

This study assessed dental hygienists’ views on salivary diagnostic testing in the United States, including awareness, utilization, perceived barriers, and whether years of experience, clinical setting, or education level influenced these views. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data via an 18-item email survey distributed through the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s mailing list. Eligible participants were licensed dental hygienists currently practicing in the United States. The survey included demographic items and Likert-scale questions on knowledge, clinical use, perceived value, and limitations of salivary diagnostic testing. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions and Spearman correlations. Despite …

Policy Concerning Student Use Of Magnification Loupes By American Dental Hygiene Schools, Amye M. Burruss

Dental Hygiene ETDs

This descriptive study was to assess whether dental hygiene schools require students to purchase magnification loupes, at what point in the program they implement the use of loupes, and which type of loupes they require students to purchase. A survey link through Microsoft Forms consisting of nineteen multiple-choice questions was emailed to 327 dental hygiene program directors and was open for a total of three weeks. With a response rate of 13% (45 respondents), results indicate that most dental hygiene programs mandate or strongly encourage the use of magnification loupes and allow students to start wearing loupes in the first …

Does Adjunctive Low-Level Laser Therapy Provide Additional Benefit Following Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis With Hyaluronic Acid? A Randomized Clinical Trial, Moataz Bahaa, Abdelrahman Fahmy Dr., Hesham Morsi, Mahmoud Elfaramawy

Dentistry

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate whether adjunctive low-level laser therapy (LLLT) provides additional clinical benefit over an optimized arthrocentesis protocol with hyaluronic acid in patients with ADDwoR. Materials and methods From December 2022 to December 2023, a single-blinded prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted at The British University in Egypt’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The study involved 40 female participants diagnosed with Anterior Disc Displacement without Reduction (ADDwoR). Following TMJ arthrocentesis, subjects were assigned to one of two parallel cohorts: Group A received ten subsequent sessions of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), while Group B served as the …

Correlation Between Maxillary Sinus Volume And Maxillomandibular Size, Position, And Dental Occlusion: A Cbct Retrospective Study, Philip Villanueva Punzalan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This investigation used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) based three dimensional imaging to evaluate correlations between maxillary sinus volume and maxillomandibular skeletal size, position, and dental occlusion in an adult orthodontic population. A retrospective sample of 107 pretreatment CBCT scans (40 males and 67 females), aged 18–59 years, was analyzed. Right and left maxillary sinuses were segmented independently using semi-automatic volumetric segmentation in ITK-SNAP software, and total sinus volume was calculated in cubic millimeters (mm³). Linear and angular skeletal measurements of the maxilla and mandible were obtained using Anatomage TxSTUDIOViewer application software. Patients were categorized according to anteroposterior (A-P) skeletal …

Correlation Of Buccolingual Angulation Of Posterior Teeth And Transverse Skeletal Width In Adult Orthodontic Patients: A Retrospective Cbct Study, Anya T. Hatfield

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective:

Accurate evaluation of transverse skeletal relationships is essential for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Dentition may compensate for skeletal discrepancies through buccolingual tipping of posterior teeth, potentially masking underlying transverse imbalance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between transverse skeletal width and posterior tooth angulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

Sixty-six pre-orthodontic adult CBCT scans were analyzed. Maxillary and mandibular transverse skeletal widths were measured at the level of the first molar furcation using buccal cortical plate– to–buccal cortical plate landmarks. Buccolingual angulation of the first and second premolars and first and second molars …

A Comparison Of Changes In Vertical Cephalometric Measurements In Patients Treated With Invisalign And Traditional Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Retrospective Study, Shayna Mesko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Since their introduction into the field, clear aligners have significantly grown in popularity in orthodontics as they offer enhanced esthetics, improved oral hygiene, and patient comfort. Clear aligners have allowed clinicians to simulate treatment outcomes, streamline treatment with reduced office visits, control force and movement per tray, and provide more precise control of focal tooth movements. This can enhance efficiency in achieving specific and very finite orthodontic goals. Since their inception, clear aligners have evolved from only accomplishing simple tooth movements to achieving more complex and comprehensive mechanics. While they have significantly advanced, there are still limitations in efficacy …

Tumor Implantation Site Of Syngeneic Oral Cancer Models Differentially Induces Site-Dependent Local And Systemic Immunosuppression, Andrea H Molina, Gemalene M Sunga, Shawn Nguyen, Neeraja Dharmaraj, Ratna Veeramachaneni, Roberto Rangel, Jeffrey N Myers, Jeffrey D Hartgerink, Andrew G Sikora, Simon Young

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/objectives: Preclinical studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) commonly use subcutaneous heterotopic (flank) tumor models for simplicity; however, orthotopic models may better reflect the native tumor environment. Direct comparisons of the tumor immune microenvironments (TIME) and tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs) between these models remain limited. Better understanding of site-specific immune differences could improve model selection and interpretation of translational HNSCC studies.

Methods: ROC1 tumors were established in murine heterotopic and orthotopic sites, followed by assessment of tumor growth kinetics, survival, and the tumor microenvironment. Immune composition of tumors, blood, tdLNs, and spleen was evaluated at three tumor …

Resilience Of Orthodontic Sealants Against Degradation And Microbial Adhesion: A Comparative Study, Michelle X. Cui

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background:

White spot lesions are one of the most common complications encountered during orthodontic treatment. These lesions begin as demineralization of enamel around the appliance due to plaque buildup, resulting in compromised aesthetics. As they continue to develop, white spot lesions progress to cavitation, potentially threatening pulpal vitality, resulting in an increased financial burden for patients. Preventative strategies include patient education, consistent oral hygiene protocols, and the use of fluoride-releasing agents. Orthodontic sealants such as Opal® Seal™ (Ultradent) (OS) and L.E.D. Pro Seal® (Reliance) (PS) have been developed to release and recharge fluoride, thereby reducing the incidence of white spot …

Cortical Bone Density And Thickness Assessment Of Intraradicular Sites In Adolescent Patients Using Cbct Imaging, Sara Endo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: The indications for the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontics has grown since it was first introduced and dentists are discovering new ways that 3D images enhance diagnosis and treatment planning. Evaluating bone quality and quantity can be measured as bone density and thickness in CBCT imaging and is helpful for temporary anchorage device (TAD) placement in orthodontic treatment. TADs rely on primary stability and are commonly used in orthodontic treatment to increase anchorage and expand the limit that nonsurgical orthodontics can provide.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the bone thickness and density at different …

Correlation Between Maxillary Transverse Width, Alveolar Housing Width And Palatal Bone Thickness: A Cbct Retrospective Study, Eric G. Hollensbe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background:

Accurate assessment of transverse maxillary dimensions and surrounding bone morphology is critical for safe orthodontic treatment planning. Orthodontic expansion should remain within the biological limits of the alveolar housing and palatal bone to prevent adverse periodontal outcomes, including dehiscence, fenestration, and gingival recession. Standard diagnostic methods, such as dental casts and two-dimensional radiographs, offer limited information about the three-dimensional anatomy that restricts orthodontic tooth movement. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides detailed evaluation of skeletal dimensions and cortical bone boundaries. This study aimed to examine the relationships among maxillary transverse width, alveolar housing thickness, and palatal thickness using CBCT imaging. …

Exploring Spike-Dependent And Ace2-Independent Sars-Cov-2 Interactions With Salivary Epithelial Cells In The Absence Of Ace2, Caitlynn M L Barrows, Thaise C Geremias, Simon Young, Mary C Farach-Carson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Salivary gland infection by SARS-CoV-2 requires viral entry via routes and mechanisms that remain unresolved. This study examined the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in salivary tissues and basal cell-derived human salivary progenitor cells (hS/PCs), an unstudied potential entry point for SARS-CoV-2. Multiple detection modalities, including immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, flow cytometry and RT-PCR, demonstrated a consistent lack of ACE2 protein and transcript in both tissue specimens and primary salivary epithelial cells. Antigen retrieval at pH 9 was determined to be optimal for immunodetection protocols, yet ACE2 remained undetectable. Small intestine tissue served as a positive control, confirming …

Wnt-Dependent Ontogeny Of Acellular Cementum-Forming Cementoblasts On The Tooth Root Surface, Taishi Komori, Mizuki Nagata, Natnicha Praneetpong, Hanwen Fan, Yuxiao Zhou, Noriaki Ono, Wanida Ono

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Cementum is a specialized mineralized tissue that covers the tooth root surface and anchors the tooth to the surrounding periodontal ligament. The cervical acellular cementum (AC) is indispensable for periodontal attachment and represents a key target for periodontal regenerative therapies. However, the developmental origin and molecular identity of AC-forming cementoblasts remain poorly understood. Here, through an integrated spatial and single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we identify AC-forming cementoblasts as a distinct population of noncanonical mineralizing cells enriched for cell-matrix organization and Wnt signaling signatures, distinguishing them from cellular cementum-forming cementoblasts localized in the apical portion. Lineage tracing using a Wnt inhibitory factor …

Asymmetric Maxillary Molar Distalization And Guided Canine Eruption Using Temporary Anchorage Devices And Super-Elastic Niti Wire, Kah-Ying Yim, Huei-Mei Tsai, Yu-Ling Cheng, Ming-Jeaun Su, Yi-Min Liu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

An adult female patient presented with a pronounced maxillary dental midline deviation and localized crowding in the upper right quadrant, particularly involving the canine and second molar. The maxillary right canine was buccally erupted and overlapped the lateral incisor and first premolar due to insufficient arch space and unfavorable root proximity. The mandibular arch exhibited mild anterior crowding with a flat curve of Spee. Orthodontic treatment was initiated using preadjusted fixed appliances. Extraction of the maxillary right third molar was performed to allow immediate sequential distalization of the maxillary right molars. A bypassed-canine main archwire in combination with a temporary …

Management Of Lower Incisor Protrusion In An Angle Class Iii Malocclusion Using Improved Super-Elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire, Jr-Wei Jian, Yu-Hsiang Chang, Yi-Mien Cheng, Ming-Han Cheng, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

A 16-year-old adolescent female presented with the chief complaint of poor dental alignment and protrusion of the lower teeth. Clinical examination revealed Angle Class III malocclusion accompanied by lower anterior crowding and a protrusive lip profile involving both the upper and lower lips. Cephalometric analysis demonstrated a skeletal Class I relationship with a normal mandibular plane angle. To facilitate anterior retraction, four premolars (15, 24, 34, and 45) were extracted. Following extraction, Improved Super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy wire (ISW) was employed to relieve lower anterior crowding. Canine distalization and anterior retraction were subsequently performed. Elastic chains were used to assist midline …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Single Versus Two Miniscrews For Maxillary Incisor Intrusion In Gummy Smile: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Vaibhav Sunil Zanwar, Santosh Jetu Chavan, Jyoti Sunny Manchanda, Sakshi Santoshkumar Jain, Vedant S, Rishika Arya

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Background: Orthodontic intrusion of maxillary incisors is commonly used to treat gummy smiles in deep bite patients. The effectiveness of using one versus two miniscrews for this purpose remains debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the dental effects of one versus two miniscrews for maxillary incisor intrusion.

Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted across multiple databases for studies published up to December 31, 2024. Five studies (four randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized study) met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools.

Results: Intrusion was greater in …

Correlation Between Maxillary Incisor Inclination And Buccopalatal Alveolar Bone Thickness Assessed By Cbct: A Retrospective Observational Study, Raee Korgaonkar, Nandini Kamat

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the correlation between buccal and palatal alveolar bone thickness and the degree of maxillary incisor inclination. The objective was to derive clinically relevant insights for orthodontic treatment planning and controlled tooth movement. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one maxillary central incisors from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of thirty-four subjects were retrospectively evaluated and grouped as proclined, upright, and retroclined incisors. Buccal and palatal thicknesses of cortical and cancellous alveolar bone were measured at various levels of the incisor root. The correlation between bone thickness and incisor angulation was investigated using Spearman’s correlation test. Results: …

Evaluation Of Mandibular Buccal Shelf Bone Thickness And Height For Miniscrew Placement Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Roji Shrestha, Rabindra Man Shrestha, Jyoti Dhakal, Sujita Shrestha

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Introduction: Buccal shelf area (BSA) is a recommended anatomic site for mini-screw insertion. Stability of miniscrew is determined by quantity of bone available in the region.

Objective: To determine bone thickness and height of BSA for optimum placement of miniscrew.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 40 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans (23 males, 17 females) of patients aged 19-38 years. Patients were further divided into two age groups 19-28 years and 29-38 years. Measurements were made at 4 different sites: mandibular first molar mesial root (M6) and distal root (D6), second molar mesial root …

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Periodontal Disease In A Classic Maya Population From Ambergris Caye, Belize: A Cej-Ac Analysis, Avery R. Mcneil

Honors Theses

Dental remains provide a durable and information-rich record of biological, dietary, and health-related processes in past populations. This study examines periodontal disease, dental wear, and morphometric variation in a Classic period Maya population from coastal Belize (ca. A.D. 700-900) using cementoenamel junction-alveolar crest (CEJ-AC) distance as one measure of periodontal health. Dental remains were assessed using standardized bioarchaeological methods, including tooth identification, crown measurements, and periodontal scoring based on mean CEJ-AC distances recorded at preserved surfaces. The results indicate widespread mild to moderate periodontal disease across the sample, with posterior teeth exhibiting greater alveolar bone loss than anterior dentition. These …

Trauma-Informed Care (Tic) In Dental Settings, Kristi M. Soileau, Angeline Lee

New Orleans Dental Association News

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on patients, considering trauma to better utilize methods for more effective patient care. This approach contains the following ten implementation domains that serve as a guide in organizational change:

1. Governance and Leadership
2. Policy
3. Physical Environment
4. Engagement and Involvement
5. Cross-sector Collaboration
6. Screening, Assessment, and Treatment Services
7. Training and Workforce Development
8. Progress Monitoring and Quality Assurance
9. Financing
10. Evaluation

Implementing TIC will ensure that patients feel safe and autonomous in dental clinics, which results in increased trust between patient and provider, reduced patient anxiety during office visits, and therefore better oral …