Bahn Agha

Background: Aesthetic zone refers to maxillary anterior region, from canine to canine, which is important in smile aesthetics. However, based on smile width, this area may be extended to include premolars. The aim of this study was to navigate the aesthetic zone of the upper premolar region for dental implant treatment. Methods: This study was conducted at a private dental center in Baghdad. Dental implant cases treated between January 2018 and April 2023 were included in the study. One hundred and ninety-six patients were included in the study. The demographic data, surgical information, dental implant zones, anterior aesthetic, premolars, and molar non-aesthetic zones, were recorded. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were implemented. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between nominal study variables. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 1:2. The highest percentage of implant replacement was found in the upper premolar region (28.7%), followed by the lower molar (23.6%), and the upper anterior aesthetic zone: the upper incisors (16.1%), and the upper canines (3.4%). Early success rate was approximately equal in the anterior, premolar, and other zones, but with the highest value in the premolar area (94%). Conclusion: There is a high demand for upper premolar implants by both genders compared to the aesthetic zone. This highlights the peculiarity of this zone and underpins the suggestion for classifying the upper premolar zone as aesthetic zone II.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between delayed eruption of the permanent second molars and dietary habits, body mass index, and lifestyle of the teenagers. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed at a private dental center. 110 teenagers with an age range of 13–16 years old were screened for delayed permanent second molars. The panoramic X-ray was used to localize the unerupted permanent second molar. The body mass index (BMI) of the patients was calculated. A questionnaire was distributed, and the data were collected via Google Forms. Responses were gathered from February 2024 to March 2024. The questionnaire included three main categories: food type and routine, activity and exercise, and medical and dental health. Results: The percentage of the orthodontic population of teenagers at the time of the study was 22%. Among the screened teenagers, only 11% had at least one unerupted second molar. A higher prevalence of unerupted permanent second molars was found in girls than boys (58.3%, 41.6%, respectively). The highest percentage of delayed eruption of permanent second molar was found on both sides of the maxilla (83.3%). In regards to food type, fast food (66.6%) and noodles or pasta (33.3%) were found to be a common meal at dinner. Chocolate (75%) and crisps (58.3%) were the major snacks. Calcium rich food and nuts were found to be either never or not regularly consumed by teenagers, 66.6% and 83.3%, respectively. Regarding body activity and exercise, the majority of the participants were normal weight (58%). Only 16.6% were found to be obese. The majority of the participants slept later than midnight (83.3%). All participants used the cell phone, with some spenting 5–10 hours (41.6%) on these devices. In terms of medical and dental health, all participants were healthy except 25% suffered from asthma and/or anemia. All participants were regularly visit the dental clinic; however, 41.6% of participants were not aware of delay eruption of permanent second molars. Conclusion: The quality of the food may impact the normal time of eruption of the permanent second molars. Female gender and maxillary arch were found to be more likely to have delayed eruptions. Unhealthy lifestyle, such as sitting long hours on electronics, may impact oral health. Additional risk factors should be considered in future research.

Background: The complex presentation, associated co-morbidities and multi-disciplinary requirements dictate the requirement for in-depth knowledge in order to effectively manage patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). We aimed to develop a validated questionnaire for cleft lip and palate knowledge assessment and to evaluate the knowledge of cleft lip and palate among a group of recently-graduated dentists. Materials and methods: A multiple-site, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted. The study population included recently graduated dentists involved in a dental internship program. A bespoke questionnaire was developed and validated, with internal consistency assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis performed. A 47-item prototype was distilled into a 15-item questionnaire. This was distributed to the participants with a response rate of 67% obtained. Results: The overall proportion of correct responses among dental interns was moderate (73%). The best results were found in relation to CLP treatment including the effect of unfavorable surgical outcomes on speech (89.5%) and the impact of CLP on the occlusion (87.6%). The lowest rate of correct responses (26.7%) was identified in relation to the association between CLP and smoking. Conclusion: A validated CLP questionnaire was developed, permitting evaluation of the knowledge of cleft lip and palate and its management among recently graduated dentists. There is limited appreciation among dental interns of the risk factors for CLP as well as post-surgical complications. Given that general dentists are often the gatekeepers for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate, it is important that the findings of this survey are used to inform the curriculum and teaching of cleft lip and palate.

Background.The current study aimed to develop a validated questionnaire for cleft lip and palate (CLP) knowledge assessment and to assess the knowledge of cleft lip and palate among a group of recently qualified dentists. Materials and methods. A Multiple-site, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted. A questionnaire was developed and validated with internal consistency assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis performed. The 15-item questionnaire was distributed to 156 dental interns with a response rate of 67%. Results.The overall proportion of correct responses was moderate (73%). The best results were found in relation to CLP treatment including the effect of unfavorable surgical outcomes on speech (89.5%) and the impact of CLP on the occlusion (87.6%). The lowest rate of correct responses (26.7%) was identified in relation to the association between CLP and smoking. Conclusion.A validated CLP questionnaire was developed permitting evaluation of the knowledge of cleft lip and palate and its management among dental students. Given that general dentists are often the gatekeeper for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate, this can be used to inform the curriculum and teaching of cleft lip and palate both nationally and internationally.