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Statement of the Problem: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a protocol proposed for reduction of bacterial load in deep dentin caries in primary and permanent dentitions. However, considering the difference in the morphology of dentinal tubules in primary and permanent teeth, the effect of this treatment may be different on the two dentition types. Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of type of dentition as a determinant of microbial load reduction by aPDT in deep dentin caries. Materials and Method: An electronic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Medline, and Embase databases, from the first record until April 30, 2022. After article screening by three reviewers, seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The mean log of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) count, Lactobacillus spp. count, and the entire bacteria in the cavity before and after aPDT was calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI), and compared between the two groups of primary and permanent teeth by the random effect model. The I² test was applied to assess the heterogeneity of the findings. Publication bias was evaluated by visual examination of the funnel-plot symmetry. Results: Of 7 retrieved articles, analysis of 3 studies on permanent teeth showed that aPDT caused a significant reduction in total bacterial count in the cavity [SMD: 0.64, 95% CI:(0.31, 0.96), p= 0.0001), S. mutans count [SMD: 0.92, 95% CI:(0.58, 1.25), p< 0.0001], and Lactobacillus spp. [SMD:1.1, 95% CI:(0.76, 1.45), p< 0.00001)]. Analysis of the remaining 4 studies on primary teeth indicated that aPDT had a significant effect only on S. mutans count [SMD: 0.60, 95% CI:(0.23, 0.97), p= 0.001), and its effect on total bacterial count of the cavity [SMD: 0. 90, 95% CI:(-0.02, 1.82), p= 0.05] and Lactobacillus spp. [SMD: 0.18, 95% CI:(-0. 29, 0.64), p= 0.45)] was not significant. Conclusion: The results showed that aPDT could serve as an effective adjunct for reduction of microbial load in permanent teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Studies on the efficacy of erbium laser for enhancement of enamel resistance to acid attacks and its effects on fluoride uptake by the enamel are limited. Purpose: This study sought to assess and compare the effects of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation and application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel (alone and in combination) on remineralization of artificial white spot lesions (WSLs). Materials and Method: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 90 buccal and lingual slabs of extracted human premolars. The specimens underwent pH cycling to induce WSLs. They were then randomly divided into 6 groups of caries-free positive control (c+), negative control with WSLs (ws), 1.23% APF gel applied on the enamel (F), Er:YAG laser irradiation (80 mJ, 10 Hz, and 8 J/cm² ) of enamel (L), APF gel application followed by laser irradiation (FL), and laser irradiation followed by fluoride gel application (LF). The fluoride ion content of specimens was measured before and after the intervention using a potentiometer. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (p< 0.05). Results: APF gel application before/after laser irradiation maximally increased the fluoride uptake by the enamel (p= 0.000). Application of APF gel in group F and laser irradiation in group L increased fluoride uptake by the enamel, compared with groups 1 and 2 (p= 0.000). Laser- treated (L) and APF-treated (F) groups had no significant difference in this respect (p= 0.945). Maximum fluoride concentration was noted in combined laser and fluoride groups (FL=332.07ppm and LF=341.27ppm) with no significant difference between the two (p= 1.000). Conclusion: Er:YAG laser irradiation changes the chemical composition of enamel and probably promote its remineralization, especially when combined with APF gel application, which highlights its cariostatic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggressive periodontitis (AGP) often affects systematically healthy individuals under 30 years of age with onset around puberty and is associated with progressive bone loss. This study sought to assess the prevalence of AGP and periodontal treatment needs in high school students in Specific area of Iran. A total of 1,068 students in the age range of 15-17 years from different parts of Sabzevar city were evaluated in this study. Basic research design an organized checklist of demographic information was filled out for all participants. Clinical examination was carried out by a periodontist. Students suspected for AGP with periodontal pockets deeper than 4mm were referred to the periodontal clinic for more detailed clinical and radiographic examination. Statistical analysis used: The data were analysed using t-test. Eight (0.7%) participants showed clinical manifestations of AGP (one female and seven males). The mean DMFT index of patients was 2.83±1.6. In assessment of CPITN in eight patients with AGP, two patients had code 4, five had code 3 and one had code 2. Of eight patients with AGP, six required plaque control, eliminat ion of plaque retention factors and scaling and root planning while the remaining two required complex periodontal treatments The results of this study indicated higher prevalence of AGP in this part compared to other parts of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Studies on the efficacy of erbium laser for enhancement of enamel resistance to acid attacks and its effects on fluoride uptake by the enamel are limited., Purpose: This study sought to assess and compare the effects of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation and application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel (alone and in combination) on remineralization of artificial white spot lesions (WSLs)., Materials and Method: This in vitro , experimental study evaluated 90 buccal and lingual slabs of extracted human premolars. The specimens underwent pH cycling to induce WSLs. They were then randomly divided into 6 groups of caries-free positive control (c+), negative control with WSLs (ws), 1.23% APF gel applied on the enamel (F), Er:YAG laser irradiation (80 mJ, 10 Hz, and 8 J/cm 2 ) of enamel (L), APF gel application followed by laser irradiation (FL), and laser irradiation followed by fluoride gel application (LF). The fluoride ion content of specimens was measured before and after the intervention using a potentiometer. Data were analyzed by ANOVA ( p < 0.05)., Results: APF gel application before/after laser irradiation maximally increased the fluoride uptake by the enamel ( p = 0.000). Application of APF gel in group F and laser irradiation in group L increased fluoride uptake by the enamel, compared with groups 1 and 2 ( p = 0.000). Laser- treated (L) and APF-treated (F) groups had no significant difference in this respect ( p = 0.945). Maximum fluoride concentration was noted in combined laser and fluoride groups (FL=332.07ppm and LF=341.27ppm) with no significant difference between the two ( p = 1.000)., Conclusion: Er:YAG laser irradiation changes the chemical composition of enamel and probably promote its remineralization, especially when combined with APF gel application, which highlights its cariostatic potential., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None declared., (Copyright: © Journal of Dentistry.)