Sinan Yasin Ertem

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the impaction level and angulation of third molars and the incidence of caries in the adjacent second molars. Materials and methods: A total of 690 panoramic radiographs obtained from patients at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University between May 2022 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Third molars were classified based on their eruption status using the Pell and Gregory classification (levels A, B, and C), and angulation (mesioangular, distoangular, vertical, horizontal, and inverted). The presence of caries in adjacent second molars was assessed using the international caries detection and assessment system/international caries classification and management system. The association between third molar position and the presence of caries in second molars was statistically evaluated. Results: Among the 1164 third molars assessed, 52.9% were located in the mandible, and 75.2% were in a vertical position. Carious lesions were identified in 22.3% of third molars. Adjacent mandibular second molars had caries in 53.2% of cases, compared to 35.6% in the maxilla. According to the Pell and Gregory classification, class I, level A mandibular third molars were associated with the highest incidence of caries in adjacent second molars (159 out of 616). Furthermore, when only impacted teeth were considered, mesioangular impactions were associated with the highest prevalence of caries, observed in 41.1% of cases (51 out of 123). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the position and angulation of third molars play an important role in the risk of caries development in adjacent second molars. In the mandible, level A third molars in vertical (65.2%) and mesioangular (41.1%) positions had the greatest risk for caries development in adjacent second molars, whereas in the maxilla, the highest risk was found in vertical (47.3%) and mesioangular (25.7%) impactions. These results underscore the importance of early clinical evaluation and the implementation of preventive strategies to minimize caries risk in second molars associated with impacted third molars.

Amaç: Çalışmanın amacı bruksizm ve buna bağlı ağrı ve masseter hipertrofi şikayeti olan hastalarda, botulinum toksin enjeksiyonu uygulamasının, erken ve geç dönem sonuçlarını 6 aylık takip ile 4 periyodik zaman diliminde karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bruksizmi olan 39 hastanın, her bir masseter kasına 60 ünite botulinum toksin tip A enjeksiyonu uygulanmış, işlem öncesi ve sonrasında 1. hafta, 1. ay, 3. ay ve 6. ayda görsel analog skala (VAS) skorlaması kullanılarak diş sıkma, ağrı ve estetik şikâyet seviyeleri takip edilerek değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Hastaların 33’ü kadın, 6’sı erkek hastalardan oluşmaktadır. 34 hastanın (%87.1) estetik şikâyeti varken tüm hastaların diş sıkma ve buna bağlı ağrı şikâyeti bulunmaktaydı. Ağrı VAS skoru ortalamaları işlem öncesinde 7.12, 6 ay sonrasında 1.51’dir. İşlem öncesine göre işlem sonrası gruplarında anlamlı derecede VAS skorunda azalma mevcuttur (p

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of theoretical and hands-on teaching methods in preclinical settings, specifically evaluating the impact of video conference training versus dental simulator-based training on practical skills during the preclinical phase, as well as assessing the effects of theoretical education versus practical application on learning outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective, randomized investigation comparing the contributions of video conference training and Nissin dental simulator communication-based training methodologies to the practical training competence of dental students at two different institutions. After a 45-minute theoretical anatomy and anesthesia lecture, a multiple-choice examination was administered to third-year preclinical dental students at each institution. Students who scored 70 or above were included in the study. Participants were then randomly divided into two groups based on the learning style to be applied (video conference training and Nissin dental simulator communication-based training). Each student was asked to respond to a questionnaire consisting of ten questions assessing changes in their learning capacities before and after the training. The responses were subsequently compared within and between the two different learning styles. Results: No statistically significant increase in knowledge levels was observed among students utilizing the video conference learning method at either institution. Conversely, students engaged in Nissin dental simulator communication-based teaching methods demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge levels, both compared to their prior performance and to those receiving video conference training. While no differences were observed between the learning styles within either institution, students at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University exhibited a greater increase in knowledge levels compared to those at Yildirim Beyazit University receiving video conference training. Conclusions: Direct pre-procedural Nissin dental simulation training proved to be more effective than video conference training in enhancing students' understanding of dental anesthesia and regional anatomy, as well as in improving their practical skills. The increase in clinical simulator applications prior to patient care during circumstances such as insufficient patient availability, personnel limitations, or pandemic-related restrictions can facilitate the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing the experience of future practitioners.

Background/Objectives: The use of dentin grafts in bone regeneration has gained increasing attention as an alternative to conventional grafting materials. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), known for their osteogenic potential, have been combined with various biomaterials to enhance regenerative outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the regenerative potential of dentin grafts and bovine-derived xenografts, with or without MSCs, in experimentally created bone defects in a rat model. Methods: A total of 25 male rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control, dentin graft, dentin graft and MSC, xenograft, and xenograft and MSC. Standardized 2-mm cortical defects were created bilaterally in the femoral shafts. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed after a 90-day healing period. Statistical evaluation was carried out using the Kruskal–Wallis H test and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons. Results: Complete healing was achieved in all groups without evidence of complications or inflammatory reactions. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated no positive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen type I (COL1), or osteopontin (OPN) reactions in defect areas, consistent with complete maturation, although collagen type 3 (COL3) positivity was observed in residual xenograft material. Quantitative analysis showed that the dentin graft and MSC group achieved the highest degree of new bone formation (M = 92.88%, SD = 6.09), significantly greater than the control (p = 0.002) and xenograft groups (p = 0.013). Conclusions: Both dentin grafts and xenografts demonstrated enhanced bone defect healing when combined with MSCs. Nevertheless, dentin grafts in conjunction with MSCs yielded the most favorable regenerative outcomes, suggesting their clinical superiority over conventional xenografts.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the volume and density of the anterior maxillary region in Class II and Class III patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to investigate whether there are differences between these two patient groups that could affect the stabilization of plates and screws. Methods: CBCT images of 48 patients (24 Class II and 24 Class III) were retrospectively examined.The volume of the maxillary anterior region (between the midline and the canine teeth), surface area and average density were calculated from the tomography images. Additionally, the distances of the maxillary canine, lateral and central teeth to the nasal fossa were measured. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between skeletal Class II and III patients in maxillary volume, surface area, density, or the vertical height of maxillary teeth to the nasal fossa floor (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between volume and surface area measurements on the right and left sides according to gender (p

Objective: Endocrine disorders, including diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunctions, can significantly impact bone metabolism and structure. This study aimed to assess mandibular trabecular architecture in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism using fractal dimension (FD) and histogram analyses (HA), comparing the findings with a healthy control group. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed panoramic radiographs from 200 individuals, comprising 40 patients in each of the four endocrine disorder groups and 40 healthy controls. Fractal dimension and histogram-based pixel intensity analyses were conducted using ImageJ™ (version 1.53) software. Four standardized regions of interest (ROI) were evaluated on the right mandible, and statistical comparisons were conducted across groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test, Mann–Whitney U, and Spearman correlation analyses. Results: Age and gender distributions did not differ significantly between groups. FD analysis revealed a significant reduction at ROI1 in the hyperthyroidism group compared to controls (p = 0.018); however, no other significant FD differences were observed among the remaining groups or ROIs. A significant positive correlation was found between FD and histogram values at ROI1 and ROI2 (p < 0.001), while pixel intensity values did not differ significantly across groups in any ROI. Conclusion: Although no significant differences were found in diabetic groups, the decreased FD in hyperthyroid patients suggests that FD analysis may be a useful non-invasive method to detect subtle bone alterations. Further research with larger sample sizes and comprehensive biochemical analyses are needed to confirm these findings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioural habits, basic knowledge and handwashing habits of dental hygiene students regarding infection control procedures. 60 dental hygiene students answered 26 questions and one open-ended question on infection control procedures between May and June 2023. The questions were designed to assess dental hygiene students' attitudes about infection control protocols and handwashing practices. According to the results of the questionnaire, it was observed that students had a high awareness of the necessity of handwashing but a low awareness of other infection control methods. The main reasons for not washing hands were found to be lack of time and forgetfulness due to workload and lack of adequate handwashing areas. Providing adequate protective equipment, reducing the high workload that may cause forgetfulness and reducing physical deficiencies such as increasing the number of handwashing units are measures that can increase washes. It is important to increase the level of education and knowledge of healthcare professionals in line with current information on handwashing and infection prevention procedures.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the histopathological examinations of biopsy samples obtained from patients, and to determine the prevalence, age, and gender distribution of intraoral benign lesions. The study examines the distribution of all benign intraoral pathologies, including both soft tissue and hard tissue lesions, through which the goal is to contribute to clinical diagnostic processes. Methods: The histopathological evaluation results of 235 patients who underwent biopsy between 2021 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Out of 235 patients, 123 (52.34%) were female and 112 (47.66%) were male. Lesions were categorized into two groups: soft tissue lesions and intraosseous lesions. The frequency, gender distribution, and age ranges of these lesions were assessed. Lesions exhibiting dysplasia or malignancy were excluded from the study. Results: The most common benign intraoral lesion was identified as the radicular cyst, observed in 69 patients. The age range for radicular cysts varied from 8 to 80 years, with 30 cases in females and 39 in males. The most frequently encountered soft tissue lesion was traumatic fibroma, which constituted 25.33% (19 patients) of all soft tissue lesions. Traumatic fibromas were observed in patients aged between 12 and 62 years. In terms of overall prevalence among all benign intraoral pathological lesions, radicular cysts ranked first (29.36%), followed by periapical granulomas (15.31%), dentigerous cysts (11.06%), and traumatic fibromas (8.08%). The occurrence of soft tissue lesions was significantly higher in females (66.66%) compared to males (33.34%). Conclusions: There are no recent studies in the literature evaluating the prevalence and demographic distribution of intraoral benign lesions. The most common lesions diagnosed in the study are typically associated with inflammation and irritation. The most common hard tissue lesion was the radicular cyst, which was seen across a wide age range and in similar proportions in men and women. Among soft tissue lesions, traumatic fibroma was the most common, particularly in women, and was seen across a wide age range. In terms of gender distribution, soft tissue lesions were twice as common in women as in men.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with finite element analysis (FEA). Material and Methods: 5 and 10 mm mandibular setback and advancement were applied to models by using SSRO and a control model without osteotomy evaluated. The articular disc was modeled as superelastic, and the stresses on the articular fossa, disc, and condyle were evaluated. Results: The stresses on the cartilage were 1.150 MPa on the 5 mm advancement model and 1.506 MPa on the 10 mm advancement model. The stresses on the disc were 11.56 MPa on the 5 mm advancement model, 7.94 MPa on the 10 mm advancement model and the amount were significantly higher than other models. The stress, especially in the cartilage, increased with the amount of advancement. In the setback models, the stresses on the condylar cartilage and the disc were higher than in the control model, and the stress in the condylar cartilage increased with the amount of setback. Conclusion: SSRO increases the stresses in the TMJ components and stresses increase depending on the amount of advancement and setback and may cause the development of joint problems.