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Objective: To assess the pulpal calcification that was presented on radiographs after the completion of orthodontic treatment. Study Design: Retrospective Observational study. Setting: Department of Orthodontic, Ayub Medical College Abbottabad. Period: October 2023 to November 2023. Methods: Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the current study was carried out on patients who had reported and registered for orthodontic intervention within the previous five years and had case records from the orthodontics department available. A total of 670 case records were assessed for selecting 191 cases as per sample size. Results: Among 191 patients, 30.4% were male and 69.6% were female. The highest percentage belonged to the 14-16 age group (32%), followed by 20-22 (28.3%), 17-19 (26.2%), and 23-25 (12.6%) age groups. Pre-treatment calcification was 17.8% (n=34), rising to 28.3% (n=54) post-treatment. Pulp calcification significantly increased after orthodontic treatment (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between gender and age groups regarding pulp calcification (p>0.05). However, a significant association existed between pulp calcification and treatment duration (p<0.05). The 25-30 months treatment duration had the highest occurrence (n=27), followed by 31-36 months (n=19). Mandibular teeth had a higher prevalence of pulp calcification (53.7%) than maxillary teeth (46.3%), with tooth number 36 having the highest prevalence (25.9%). A significant relationship was observed between the left and right sides of the dental arches, with the left side exhibiting greater tooth calcification (68.5%) than the right side (31.5%). Conclusions: The present study concluded that there was an increase in the frequency of pulpal calcifications in the observed posterior teeth after orthodontic treatment. Pulpal calcifications were significantly more prevalent in the posterior teeth of the mandibular arch compared to the maxillary arch. Moreover, the likelihood of pulpal calcification increased over the duration of orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the prevalence, awareness, and willingness of orthodontic patients at Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, regarding the usage of social media for accessing orthodontic information and their inclination to integrate it into their treatment. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from June 2023 to July 2023. This study involved 255 consecutive patients who sought orthodontic care at the department. The inclusive sample encompassed individuals of varying ages and genders, including both existing and new patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Exclusions were made for bloggers and social media influencers. A validated questionnaire was used to gauge their social media engagement. Data analysis employed SPSS version 23, computing descriptive statistics and using the Chi-square test for variable associations (p<0.05). Results: The study encompassed 255 patients, with a significant female majority (78%). Most were receiving braces treatment (71.4%), predominantly aged 11-20 (49.8%), followed by 21-30 (35.7%) and 31-40 (14.5%). Results demonstrated noteworthy awareness regarding the usefulness of social media for orthodontic information (64.7%), although the prevalence of usage was comparatively lower (33.7%), with 62.7% expressing willingness to use a developed social media site. Notably, Instagram exhibited significant growth potential (19.6% to 35.3%) compared to Snapchat (3.9% to 13.7%). Statistical analysis suggested no substantial disparities between genders and age groups regarding social media use and platform preferences. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reveals significant potential for orthodontic patient education through social media, with notable awareness and willingness, despite the lower prevalence of usage. Tailored communication strategies are essential for enhancing patient engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collaborative orthodontic-endodontic approaches are vital in addressing complex dental cases. However, existing literature reveals a notable dearth in understanding and implementing this approach among dental practitioners. Objective: This study aimed to bridge the gap in understanding current practices among dental practitioners, fostering enhanced patient care and ethical standards. This cross-sectional survey, conducted from September 1st to 30th, 2023, involved distributing a validated questionnaire to dental practitioners in the Hazara Division, yielding 96 responses from 105 visited clinics and 44 from hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used for frequencies and percentages using SPSS version 23. Methodology: The survey involved 78.6% general dentists, 13.6% orthodontists, and 7.9% endodontists. Varying levels of correct responses were observed for the knowledge-based questions. Results: Positive attitudes were seen, with 70% of respondents expressing an interest in enhancing knowledge through educational programs, and 73% agreeing to adhere to interdisciplinary guidelines. Furthermore, 79.3% of practitioners had experience treating cases requiring both orthodontic tooth movement and endodontic therapy. Conclusion: Notably, orthodontists and endodontists showed higher percentages of accurate responses compared to general dentists. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for improved education, standardized protocols, and better patient communication for effective interdisciplinary dental care specifically in general dental practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]