Knowledge of microbial composition and antimicrobials’ susceptibility to periodontal abscesses is vital for their successful treatment. The current study aims to provide a thorough overview of the clinical and microbial features of periodontal abscesses of the local community. The study was carried out at Rehman College of Dentistry, Peshawar, Pakistan between December 2019 to March 2020. Clinical measurements and microbial samples were collected from 45 subjects. Microbial samples were anaerobically cultured for the growth of selected bacterial species. E-test was used to assess the susceptibility of bacterial species grown from the patient samples to amoxicillin, azithromycin, metronidazole, and tetracycline. The majority of affected patients had preexisting chronic periodontitis. All abscesses clinically demonstrated bleeding on probing and suppuration. The periodontal abscess was most commonly associated with lower incisors and canines, followed by lower molars and then upper incisor and canine teeth. Fusobacterium spp. (73%) was the most frequently detected species followed by Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens (65%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (46%) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (24%). The detected clinical isolates of certain bacteria demonstrated resistance to all tested antibiotics except azithromycin. We conclude that Fusobacterium spp., P. intermedia/nigrescens, P. gingivalis, C. rectus, T. forsythia and A. actinomycetemcomitans are closely associated with periodontal abscess. Bacterial species associated with periodontal abscess demonstrated some level of antimicrobial resistance to amoxicillin, metronidazole and tetracycline while antibiotic resistance to azithromycin could not be demonstrated.

Abstract:Background: The most common dental procedure done in the dental clinics is the extraction of teeth. Each dental practitioner should know the various complications that can happen during these procedures. Having the basic knowledge and awareness of these post-extraction complications can prevent the future untoward effects on the patients. Increased awareness and knowledge can decrease the incidence of post-extraction complications. The aims of the study was to find out the knowledge and awareness of the post-extraction complications among the dental interns of the College of Dentistry, Jazan. Materials and Methods: The study was done among the dental interns of the College of Dentistry, Jazan. A total of 60 interns were selected randomly for the study. Among these, 30 were male students and 30 were female students. The study was done with the help of pretested questionnaire consisting 11 questions regarding knowledge and awareness of the post-extraction complications. Results: The number of students who responded with correct options was 72.5% and a greater percentage of correct answers were obtained in questions relating to common appearing complications following extractions. However, there was no significant difference in relation to the percentage of corrections options obtained by either male or female students. Conclusion: Although the knowledge of Dental interns in relation to awareness of common complications post-extraction is adequate, however, they must update their knowledge regarding some rare complications that may occur following extractions. Continuing Dental Education must include lectures and videos regarding managing some rare complications that can occur during dental surgical procedures.

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to radiographically evaluate the quality of root canal treatment (RCT) performed by practitioners with different levels of experience at the Arar Dental Center, North Region, Saudi Arabia. A total of 170 periapical radiographs of root canal fillings (RCFs) were used to assess the technical quality of 376 root canal performed by the practitioners at Arar Dental Center. The length of each RCF was categorized as acceptable, overfilled, and underfilled on the basis of their relationship to the radiographic apex and surrounding structures. The density and taper of the fillings were evaluated on the basis of the presence of voids and the uniform tapering of the fillings, respectively. Root canal obturation (RCOs) was compared between practitioners. Chi-square analysis was then conducted to determine significant differences between RCF length, density and tapering in different areas of dental arches, different canal positions, and different levels of practitioner experience. Of the total number of canals, 202 (53.7%) were found in males, and 219 (58.2%) were in the maxillary arch. A total of (267; 71%) of the RCFs were located in the posterior reign. All of the parameters of the RCFs significantly differed among various areas of dental arches, canal locations, and practitioners with different levels of experience (P < 0.001) except the RCO density between different arches (P = 0.137). The technical quality of RCFs performed at the Arar Dental Center was acceptable in 63% of all cases. The length of RCFs was acceptable in the majority of cases performed by consultants and specialists, but this parameter was acceptable only in 46.4% cases carried out by general dental practitioners (GDPs). The underfilling rates reported by GDPs (43.6%) were higher than those presented by consultants (13%) and specialists (18.8%). Almost all of the cases were acceptable in terms of density and tapering among all of the practitioners. The poor density and tapering qualities of RCFs were respectively found in 24.2% and 22.3% of the cases performed by GDPs. Evaluating the quality of RCTs delivered by practitioners in any dental service center offers vital information for health service authorities. This evaluation helps improve the trend in RCT services provided by endodontists with the aid of additional new endodontic equipment and materials. This study provides insights into relevant services in terms of the standards of care in endodontic treatment.

Background: All-ceramic crown (ACC) preparations are widely used in day-to-day dental clinical practice. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate all-ceramic crown preparations performed by pre-clinical dental students at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University in Saudi Arabia and to compare the quality of the preparations between male and female groups. Materials and Methods: A total of 95 ivory teeth were prepared by fourth-year dental students (44 males, 51 females). The students prepared a maxillary right central incisor for ACC after mounting in the Frasaco typodont arches. Two silicone putty indexes for maxillary anterior were obtained that extended to cover one or two teeth on either side. The facial index was used to provide information about the facial reduction mesio-distally. Another index was prepared by cutting the silicone in half along the faciolingual midline of the prepared tooth, providing us with incisal, buccal, palatal, and axial reductions, in addition to biplane reduction. The data were encoded into a Statistical Package for Social Sciences program and analyzed accordingly using Chi-square test. Results: The preparations of ACC for maxillary anterior teeth were acceptable, ranging within 60%-85% in all criteria, which included structural durability, retention, and resistance. The male group was more excellent in incisal reduction (41.0%), whereas the female group was more excellent in axial taper preparations (59.1%), resulting in significant differences between genders in this preparation criteria. All gender groups showed acceptable tooth preparations in shoulder reductions and location of finish lines, ranging within 57%-89%. Conclusion: The preparations for ACC achieved by these dental students were considered clinically acceptable. The students clearly understood the principles of crown preparation. However, they still require more practice in order to master the art of crown preparation.

Background: Root canal treatment (RCT) is mainstay nowadays to save the precious natural tooth in the oral cavity. The present study was done to assess the knowledge and awareness of the general public regarding the root canal treatment. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire based survey was distributed to a random sample of the population of Arar, Saudi Arabia. It was done over a period of 3 months. The study was done with the help of specially prepared questionnaire which were validated by doing pilot study. The questionnaire was given to the participants by contacting them personally. The questionnaire used in the study comprised of 13 questions related to need of RCT, antibiotic role in endodontic infections, pain of RCT, etc. Results: A total of 305 participants responded including 221 (72.45%) males and 84 (27.54%) females. Most common age group which responded was 16 to 25 years (29.18%). It was found that 73.77 % participants answered that endodontic infections cannot be resolved only with antibiotics without endodontic treatment, 40.65 % participants answered that tooth becomes weaker with RCT, 50.24 % of the participants responded that two visits were required for treatment, 57.37% preferred specialist for endodontic treatment, 70.81% responded that anxiety was present during the procedure and 65.57% participants experienced pain during or after the treatment. Conclusion: Patients' knowledge and awareness regarding endodontic treatment may influence the decision-making and choice of the treatment. The results of this survey demonstrate the importance of integrating evidence-based practice concepts into teaching curriculum, continuous education courses, and postgraduate studies. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate this trend.