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Aim: The purpose of this study to evaluate and categorize the complexity of extracting impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and methods: CBCT used to analyze 315 lower third molars from 182 patients who met the inclusion criteria. CBCT scans were acquired with a CS 9300 Premium 3D machine. Patient demographics and IMTM details were recorded by two observers using CS 3D Imaging Software for image analysis. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess criteria for impaction and extraction difficulty. Differences in surgical risk indicators for IMTM extraction were statistically examined between age groups, gender, and ethnicities using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Patients aged 18-75 years showed that mesioangular impaction was most common at 41.90%, followed by horizontal at 30.79%, vertical at 25.72%, distoangular at 0.95%, and inverted at 0.63%. Class IA and IIA classifications were most prevalent at 27.30% and 23.49%, respectively, with Class IIIA being the least common at 1.58%. significantly higher surgical difficulty indicators seen in patients under 40 compared to older patients for right and left IMTMs (p = 0.026 and 0.011, respectively), but no statistically significant differences in these indicators were observed between genders or ethnicities.Conclusion: CBCT examination revealed that mesioangular impaction was the most frequent occurrence, followed by horizontal, vertical, distoangular, and inverted impactions. Class IA and IIA prevalent; Class IIIA least common. Surgical difficulty indication more in younger than 40 years old patients, no gender or ethnicity differences.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ridge preservation using a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to promote bone regeneration before implantation. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. It included 30 participants requiring the extraction of their last mandibular premolar before constructing an implant-supported overdenture. The participants were divided into three groups: Group A was treated with a PCL scaffold and PRF as ridge preservative materials, Group B was treated with PRF alone, and Group C (control) was treated with no preservative material. Bone samples were collected for histomorphometric analysis at implant placement. Results: The participants’ mean age was 65.3 ± 4.27 years, and 18 (60%) were male. Postoperative alveolar bone lengths differed significantly between Groups A and B (P = 0.001). However, alveolar bone width changes did not differ significantly among groups. In contrast, the postoperative bone density and loss differed significantly among groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Combining two ridge preservation techniques (PCL and PRF) enhanced participants’ alveolar bone remodelling by decreasing its resorption and maintaining its width.

Abstract Background This study determined the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding COVID-19 and assessed the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers and the general population. Methods A web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling in Libya from December 1 to 18, 2020 among the general population and healthcare workers. Data on demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccination-related concerns, knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding COVID-19, and knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine were collected using a self-administered survey. A binomial logistic regression was performed with 70% efficacy to determine the association between acceptance of the vaccine and study variables. Results Valid and complete responses were collected from 15,087 participants. Of these, 6227 (41.3%) were male and 8860 (58.7%) were female, with a mean (SD) age of 30.6 ± 9.8 years. Moreover, 485 (3.2%) participants were infected with COVID-19 at the time of the study, while 2000 (13.3%) had been previously infected. Overall, 2452 (16.3%) participants agreed, and 3127 (20.7%) strongly agreed, with “having concerns about serious vaccine-related complications.” Mask-wearing adherence was reported by 10,268 (68.1%) of the participants. Most participants (14,050, 93.1%) believed that the vaccine should be provided for free, while 7272 (48.2%) were willing to buy it. Regarding vaccine acceptance and efficacy, 12,006 (79.6%) reported their willingness to take the vaccine with an efficacy of 90% or more, 9143 (60.6%) with an efficacy of 70% or more, and only 6212 (41.2%) with an efficacy of 50%. The binomial logistic regression revealed that vaccine acceptance was not associated with belonging to the medical field versus the general population. Acceptance was statistically associated with younger age groups, especially 31–40 (OR = 1.3 [1.09, 1.55]) and 41–50 years (OR = 1.29, [1.09, 1.54]). However, having a family member or friend infected with COVID-19 was positively associated with the likelihood of vaccine acceptance (OR = 1.09 [1.02, 1.18]), while having a friend or family member who died due to COVID-19 was negatively associated with it (OR = 0.89 [0.84, 0.97]). Conclusions Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is an essential determinant of vaccine uptake and the likelihood of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing strategies to decrease public hesitation and increase trust is vital for implementing vaccination programs.