Dentika: Dental Journal

Earthquake Preparedness in The Dental Office

Manuel DH Lugito — 2024-12-31

An earthquake is an unpredictable and potentially devastating natural event typically caused by the movement of tectonic plates along fault lines, volcanic activity, or even human-induced events such as nuclear tests. This devastating event has been observed to possess the capability to trigger various secondary hazards, including ground shaking, soil liquefaction, landslides, fissures, avalanches, fires, floods, and tsunamis. Accordingly, in the context of a dental office, earthquakes pose significant risks to the structure of the building, dental equipment, as well as patient records, and can lead to electric shocks, malfunctioning of X-ray machines, exposure to radiating ionization, and fires, all of which can further result in severe injuries, disability, or death. To mitigate the effects of the outlined threats, earthquake preparedness within dental offices is crucial. This includes not only preparation before an earthquake but also the implementation of effective mitigation and evacuation strategies. Earthquake preparedness among dentists and dental staff is essential for safeguarding individuals present in the office, both patients and workers. Therefore, this form of preparedness should comprise risk reduction, evacuation plans, data restoration protocols, recovery efforts, and reconstruction strategies. It is also important to state that providing dentists and dental staff with targeted disaster response training can further enhance individual ability to respond effectively to natural disasters. Written safety and emergency procedures should be reviewed annually, as well as regular drills and practices are promoted to ensure readiness in the event of an earthquake.

The Role of Ergonomic Interventions to Prevent Low Back Pain Among Dentists: A Scoping Review

Jane Analdi — 2024-12-31

Dentists are typically at high risk of developing low back pain (LBP) due to their working position. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of ergonomic interventions in preventing LBP. The study procedures were carried out using a scoping review method with Boolean search based on PCC (Population, Concept, and Context) on PubMed, Wiley, and Google Scholar. Article management and selection process was then conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) as a guide. Inclusion criteria were experimental articles from 2011 to 2021, while exclusion criteria included scoping, rapid, and systematic reviews, gray literature, or papers that were not fully accessible. A total of 1775 articles were obtained and only 12 were selected with a total of 557 participants. The selected articles consisted of 2, 1, and 7 in the work environment, organizational, and individual domains, respectively, while 2 articles had more than 1 ergonomic intervention in different domains. The results showed that ergonomic interventions could prevent LBP among dentists. The clinical significance reported across all included articles showed that participants experienced positive changes in posture, decreased pain levels, and improved work quality after receiving the treatment across all domains.

Effect of Oregano on Silicone Soft Denture Liner

Ariyani — 2024-12-31

Silicone soft denture liner (SDL) is designed to absorb, reduce, and distribute pressure on denture-bearing tissues. The properties include a poor bonding strength to heat-polymerized acrylic resin base and surface roughness which promotes Candida albicans adhesion. SDL absorbs disinfectant solution during the immersion of denture in a disinfectant solution, leading to stiffness. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oregano essential oil as an antimicrobial and the impact on the physical and mechanical properties of SDL. Antimicrobial test was conducted on 27 samples (3 groups) using disc diffusion methid and measured with a digital caliper, while surface roughness, elastic modulus, and bond strength test was performed on 20 samples (4 groups).. Surface roughness was evaluated with a profilometer. Furthermore, elastic modulus and bond strength were assessed using the universal testing machine (UTM). The results of one-way ANOVA test showed significant differences (p<0.05) in all groups of antimicrobial, surface roughness, elastic modulus, and bond strength tests showed significant differences (p<0.05). In conclusion, the addition of oregano essential oil to SDL, enhanced the antimicrobial properties, without compromising its physical and mechanical properties. Oregano extract is expected to be developed as a commercial product.

Forensic Identification through Tongue Print in Bataknese Students

2024-12-31

Tongue print is a novel forensic odontological concept and serves as a conventional biometric device providing basic information on a variety of unique shape and texture of tongue in each individual. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the dominant pattern of tongue print based on the shape, lingual apex, fissures (location, depth, shape), and texture in Bataknese male and female students from Universitas Sumatera Utara. The experiment was carried out using descriptive-analytic method with a cross-sectional design. The samples were 30 Bataknese male and 30 female students from Universitas Sumatera Utara. Tongue samples obtained were printed by using alginates (irreversible hydrocolloid impression material), filled up with gips stone type IV, and the figure was taken with a digital camera. The data were analyzed based on Stefanescu classification descriptively, using percentage values and tabulation, followed by chi-square statistic test (x²). The results showed that there were variations in tongue print pattern among Bataknese males and females, but no significant difference was observed except for shape (p<0.05). The dominant pattern was square (U-shape), pointed tip of lingual apex, physiological texture, and absent fissure. These results suggested that tongue print pattern could be used for gender identification.

Optimal Dose of 5-Fluorouracil in Inducing Oral Mucositis in Rats

Essie Octiara — 2024-12-31

Oral mucositis is a side effect of chemotherapy, characterized by deep ulceration that causes white spots in the mouth. This research aimed to determine the optimal dose of 5-Fluorouracil in causing oral mucositis in rats by injecting a single dose intraperitoneally (IP) with and without chemical stimulus. The research design was a post-test control group with 24 male Wistar rats divided into eight groups. Six groups were injected with 5-Fluorouracil without chemical stimulus at a dose of 200 mg/kg, 175 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 70 mg/kg. Meanwhile, two groups were given chemical stimulus with a dose of 5-fluorouracil 100 mg/kg (D0: 60 mg/kg, D2: 40 mg/kg), and 60 mg/kg. Observation was carried out for 21 days by paying attention to the appearance of oral mucositis and how long the rats survived. The results showed that rats injected with 5-Fluorouracil at a dose of 175 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 70 mg/kg died before 21 days without the appearance of oral mucositis. Furthermore, rats injected with a dose of 100 mg/kg survived until an average of 13.34 days and oral mucositis appeared on day 7. Rats injected with a dose of 60 mg/kg survived more than 21 days with oral mucositis appearing on day 5. In conclusion, the optimal dose to cause oral mucositis in rats was 60 mg/kg and added a chemical stimulus in the form of 50% acetic acid.

Oral Health Problems Perceived: Electronic Cigarettes versus Conventional Smokers

Indri Lubis — 2024-12-31

Electronic cigarettes are currently becoming a new trend for smokers, particularly among youth and young adults. Oral health problems related to their use are still not fully understood compared to the adverse effects of conventional cigarettes that are widely recognized. Therefore, this study aimed to compare oral health problems perceived between electronic cigarette users and conventional smokers. The method used was an observational cross-sectional design comprising 100 enrolled college students at Universitas Sumatera Utara. Electronic cigarette users and conventional smokers were invited to participate in the study and data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages were obtained for socio-demographic, Cigarette Dependence Index, and self-perceived oral health problems due to smoking according to their status. A Chi-square test was used to assess the variation between the study groups with the different factors. The result showed that there was no statistical difference in oral health problems perceived between electronic cigarettes and conventional smokers (p = 0.648). Irritation of the mouth, cracked or broken tooth, and dry mouth were more prevalent in electronic cigarettes at 24%, 36%, and 64%, compared to conventional smokers at 14%, 28%, and 56%, respectively. In conclusion, this study observed no difference in oral health problems perceived between electronic cigarette users and conventional smokers.

The Effect of Immersion Duration in Cinnamon Extract on Color Stability of Heat-Polymerized Acrylic Resin Denture Base

Veronica Angelia — 2024-12-31

Heat polymerized acrylic resin is a material that is often used as a denture base. Cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum burmannii) has the ability to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. However, ideally, denture cleaning agents should not affect the color stability of heat polymerized acrylic resin. The aim of this study was to evaluated the effect of immersion duration in cinnamon extract simulating 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of use on colour stability of heat-polymerized acrylic resin denture base. Thirty unit samples heat polymerized acrylic resin with measurment 20 x 3 mm divided into 2 groups, group A (Aquabidest) B (alkaline peroxide), and C (50% cinnamon extract). After measuring the pretest values, the samples were soaked for 5 minutes each day simulated 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of use. Discoloration (âˆ†E) was evaluated using a colorimeter according to CIELAB (Commision de l'ECLAIRAGE) standards. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and LSD (Least Significant Difference) statistical tests. There is an effect of immersion duration of heat polymerized acrylic resin denture base in use for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years in groups A and B on colour stability 0.0001 (p<0.05). The colour change in group B was greater than that in group A, the âˆ†E value of all samples in both groups continued to increase with the length of immersion duration. However, the colour change that occurred is still clinically acceptable.

Color Stability of Resin Dentures Base after Immersion in Cinnamomum Burmannii Extract and Chlorhexidine Solution

Iin Ventika Sari br Sinuhaji — 2024-12-31

Heat cured acrylic resin is a widely known dentures base material, which is often cleaned using Cinnamomum burmannii. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of soaking heat cured acrylic resin dentures base on color stability. The study procedures were carried out using a laboratory experimental method with pretest and posttest control group design. The test samples comprised 24 heat cured acrylic resins divided into 6 groups, namely soaking in Cinnamomum burmannii 20%, chlorhexidine 0.2%, and distilled water for 1 and 2 years. Color stability assessement was then carried out using a colorimeter. The results showed that the average color change in the samples after soaking in Cinnamomum burmannii 20% for 1 year was 2.12 and 2.20 for 2 years. Meanwhile, the average color change after being soaked in chlorhexidine was 2.53 and 3.05 after 1 and 2 years, respectively. The results of One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soaking the samples in Cinnamomum burmannii 20%, chlorhexidine 0.2%, and distilled water for 1 year and 2 years had a significant effect on color stability. The results of LSD (least significant difference) analysis after 1 year of immersion revealed a significant difference in the effects of soaking in chlorhexidine 0.2% compared to distilled water. After soaking for 2 years, a significant difference was observed in the effects of the treatment groups on color stability.

The Influence of Smoking Behavior on Dopamine Level Increase in the Blood of Active and Passive Smokers at Kwala Bekala Market, Medan

Chaidara — 2024-12-31

Cigarette is responsible for the death of 6 million people worldwide each year, with approximately 600,000 deaths related to exposure to secondhand smoke (World Health Organization (WHO)). A molecular biomarker in smoking behavior is the high level of dopamine in the blood. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the differences in the blood dopamine levels between active and passive smokers. This comparative study consisted of 80 respondents, comprising 40 active and 40 passive smokers. The blood samples of 3 cc were taken from the vein and taken to the laboratory for measurement of dopamine level using the ELISA method. The results showed that the average dopamine level in active smokers was higher, at 70.48±21.89, while passive smokers at 65.98±25.30, with an average difference of 4.5 pg/ml. This suggested that smoking behavior could influence dopamine level in the blood of both active and passive smokers. Consequently, public awareness should to be raised about the health impacts of smoking, and the enforcement of smoking bans in public places such as Smoke-Free Areas (KTR/KUTARO) was essential to protect others from the dangers of exposure to cigarette smoke.

Management of Traumatized Tooth with Cantilever Bridge

Frida Maya Rustiqa — 2024-12-31

Dental trauma may lead to tooth loss despite various efforts to retain and maintain the compromised tooth. Several studies have shown that the upper anterior teeth are more likely to suffer from trauma. In addition, their loss can lead to significant aesthetic and functional problems that are difficult to manage. A 22-year- old patient came to RSGM Universitas Sumatera Utara with chief complaint of fractured tooth that impaired appearance. Clinical and radiographic examination showed complicated crown and root fracture on anterior maxillary teeth (Andreason classification). Diagnosis of the fractured tooth revealed the presence of necrotic pulp with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Treatment plan for tooth 11 was endodontic treatment, while tooth 21 was extracted due to poor prognosis. Subsequently, aesthetic rehabilitation was restored with the use of cantilever bridge. Management of tooth 11 was carried with endodontic treatment using a rotary file under rubber dam isolation, followed by retraction with dental floss. Cantilever bridge was then used as final restoration to optimize the aesthetic result. In addition, 1 month follow up showed good outcome in the patient. Increased patient demand for optimal aesthetics had led to the widespread use of alternatives to restore aesthetic following post- traumatic endodontic treatment, such as cantilever bridge. Lithium disilicate was an indirect restoration material that could be bonded using the latest universal adhesive system and had excellent aesthetic for use in the repair of aesthetic disorders. Root canal treatment and cantilever bridge could serve as treatment options to manage anterior tooth fracture and anterior tooth loss caused by dental trauma.