Background There are no studies that have systematically reviewed randomized control trials and/or prospective cohort studies that have assessed the significance of temporary skeletal mini-screw anchorage devices (TSAD) for the correction of gummy-smile. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the significance of non-surgical correction of gummy smile using TSAD. Material and Methods The addressed focused question was “Are temporary skeletal mini-screw anchorage devices effective for the correction of gummy smile?” Indexed databases were searched up to and including May 2020. Different combinations of the following key-indexing terms were used: anchorage; gummy smile, mini-screw; orthodontic; and vertical maxillary excess. The literature search was performed without time and language barriers. Randomized clinical trials and prospective cohort studies that addressed the focused questions were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black and Cochran collaboration tools. Letters to the Editor, commentaries, case-reports/series and articles published in non-indexed databases were excluded. Results The initial search yielded 2118 studies out of which, four studies met the inclusion criteria and were processed for data extraction. All studies had a prospective research design. One study was a clinical trial and 3 had a non-randomized design. Results of the clinical trial showed no statistically significant difference in the extent of intrusion between the test- and control-groups. The non-randomized studies showed that TSAD are useful in reducing deep overbite. All studies had a high risk of bias. Conclusions The TSAD are an effective and practical option in facilitating reduction of excessive gingival display or gummy-smile. However, further long-term follow-up, well-designed and power-adjusted clinical trials are warranted in this regard. Key words: Anchorage, Excessive gingival display, Gummy-smile, Mini-screw.

Background: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is an issue all over the world, although it is particularly prevalent in the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The genotoxic effects of smoking were reported to be associated with nucleus abnormalities such as micronuclei (MN), karyorrhexis (KR), karyolysis, pyknosis, binucleates, broken eggs, condensed chromatin in exfoliated buccal mucosal cells, and was believed to be associated with apoptosis of cells and was not correlated to the exposure time. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cigarette and WTS on buccal mucosa. Materials and Methods: The pertinent search was done through the computerized literature on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PUBMED databases, which included case-control, clinical and observational studies regarding the mutagenic effects of cigarettes and WTS in oral tissues. The retraction of data in this study was undertaken from May 2010 to May 2022. A total of 60 articles from the search data were retrieved. This investigation was registered with the research center of Riyadh Elm University for institution review board approval (IRB) and obtained the IRB number “FRP/2021/448/733/707 and the systematic review registration number with respect to PROSPERO is 345417. Results: After the removal of duplicates, 32 were evaluated for the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of 32 articles, twenty studies were evaluated for cytogenetic abnormalities in buccal mucosal cells of waterpipe tobacco smokers (WTS) and cigarette smokers, and 12 were excluded. The mean MN levels in the oral tissues of WTS were more (1.94 ± 0.39) than in non-smokers (1.68 ± 0.35). Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that the MN count can be employed as a biomarker and preliminary signal for the identification of changes in oral mucosa among smokers, which develop towards cancer formation.

Dental general anesthesia (GA) is a day-stay procedure and is a suitable choice for complicated cases. It is undertaken in a controlled hospital setting that ensures the quality, safety, efficacy, and efficiency of dental treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, severity, duration, and factors related to the occurrence of postoperative discomfort in young children following GA in a general hospital. This study includes a minimum sample size of 23 children that were undergoing GA over a 1-month period. Informed consent was obtained from the parent prior to the treatment. A preoperative questionnaire via the Survey Monkey program was used for the purposes of recording the responses of the survey population. All data related to the immediate postoperative period while the child was in the post-anesthetic recovery room (PAR) was collected and assessed by one of the investigators using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) pain assessment scale. Postoperative data was gathered using the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ-8) and was performed by phone 3 days after the GA procedure. The participating 23 children ranged from 4 to 9 years old (mean 5.43 ± 1.53). A total of 65.2% were girls and 34.8% were boys, with 30.4% experiencing a recent history of pain.