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Background and objective Applying different hygiene tools for implant maintenance alters surface configurations, impacting bacterial adhesion on titanium implant surfaces and potentially leading to peri-implant diseases. This study aimed to assess the alterations in surface topography of titanium implant fixtures after utilizing hygiene instruments such as airflow; erbium, chromium-doped: yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er, Cr: YSGG) laser; and titanium brush, under scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. Materials and methods We employed an experimental laboratory study design for this research, involving 20 MegaGen ST titanium implant fixtures (MegaGen Implant Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea). These were classified into four groups: untreated/control fixtures (n=5); fixtures treated with airflow using sodium bicarbonate powder (n=5); fixtures treated with an Er, Cr: YSGG laser system at 1.5 W power and a laser pulse of 30 Hz (n=5); and fixtures treated with titanium brush operating between 300 to 1000 rpm (n=5). All fixtures were then rinsed with normal saline, fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde, and observed under SEM. Results In the SEM analysis, at 50x magnification, there were no differences between the fixtures. However, at 1000x, 2000x, and especially at 5000x magnification, the control group surfaces appeared to have no obvious change and were quite similar, with clearer surface details. The airflow group exhibited smoother surfaces with less complex and more organized structures. The laser group displayed a more irregular and haphazard structure, revealing a rougher topography. The titanium brush group showed the areas of the implant fixture surfaces appearing smoother and flatter. Conclusions In this SEM study, the titanium brush group yielded the smoothest surfaces and the most favorable overall outcomes, highlighting its efficacy., Competing Interests: Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Ghaffar et al.)

Peri-implant diseases can still develop despite oral hygiene practices being maintained. Consequently, regular debridement must be carried out to ensure the implant is sustained. This review evaluated bacterial colonization on implants following the use of different hygiene instruments. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases for articles published from 2012 to 2022. A total of 19 full-text papers were selected. The number of bacteria colonized was most commonly evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or by colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, crystal violet assays, plaque index, probing depth, bleeding on probing, turbidity test, and live-dead assays. Rubber cup polishing with an abrasive paste showed a significantly greater reduction in biofilm formation compared with air abrasion with glycine powder, while the air abrasion treatment was found to be more efficient than piezoelectric, carbon, and stainless steel scalers. Surface treatment with Er, Cr: YSGG laser, and Er: YAG laser resulted in statistically significant superior dental biofilm removal compared with titanium curettes and photodynamic therapy. Air abrasion, plastic curette, titanium curette, and ultrasonic scaler showed no significant differences in bacterial colonization, but air abrasion and plastic curette were safer for zirconia implant decontamination. Furthermore, the titanium brush showed better results in decontaminating the implant surface than the Er: YAG laser. Although no single instrument or method could be considered as offering a gold standard in treating peri-implant diseases, the use of air abrasion with glycine powder, laser therapies, rubber cup polishing with an abrasive paste, and a titanium brush had high levels of cleaning efficacy and acceptance by patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Chen et al.)

Background/objectives Dental amalgam has been a successful restoration for over a century. However, restoration failures due to secondary caries, fractured teeth or restorations, marginal deficiencies, tooth wear, and secondary caries remain significant concerns. Amalgam-bond, known for its ability to bond amalgam to the tooth structure and prevent percolation, forms a strong bond with vital dentin. This study aimed to compare the outcome of marginal fractures in bonded amalgam and conventional amalgam posterior restorations among patients at a tertiary care dental hospital. Materials and methods Sixty consecutive patients aged 25-35 years, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, participated in this study. A thorough history, clinical examination, and standardized periapical radiographs were conducted. Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups, group A and group B. Group A received bonded amalgam restorations, while group B received conventional amalgam restorations. Polishing was performed at a recall visit after seven days, and a follow-up evaluation was done after two months. The final assessment of marginal fractures was recorded after six months. Results After six months, 28 (46.7%) patients showed no marginal fractures, including 11 males and 17 females. On the other hand, 32 (53.3%) patients exhibited marginal fractures, comprising 17 males and 15 females. The clinical success rate of group A was better than group B ( p = 0.001). Conclusion Bonded amalgam demonstrates a high success rate and should be a routine choice for treating carious permanent molars in dental practice., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Iqbal et al.)