Objective. To investigate the role of implant surface debridement alone and in conjunction with systemic antibiotics on the clinical and microbiological variables of periimplantitis. Materials and Methods. Data of forty-six patients with at least one dental implant having bleeding-on-probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD) of more than 5 mm, and radiographic bone loss of more than 3 mm were retrieved from clinical records. Data was recorded for dental implant with the deepest PPD, BoP, and bone loss from each patient. “Group-A” received implant surface debridement alone, while “group-B” additionally received systemic antibiotics. Clinical and microbiological data of patients were compared before and after the treatment. Results. At the implant level, a significant reduction of PPD, mucosal recession (MR), and BoP was achieved for all patients. Group B achieved significant improvement in MR and BoP compared to group A at implant level. PPD, MR, and plaque scores showed improvement at implant site level. At 3 months recall visit, 44% of group A and 52% of group B implants required surgical treatment. The presence and proportions of studied bacteria of both groups did not differ significantly at the recall visit when compared to the initial visit. However, P. intermedia and P. micros showed a significant reduction in group A at the recall visit. Conclusions. Implant surface debridement improved the clinical parameters of periimplantitis. In addition, adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics increased mucosal recession and improved bleeding on probing in periimplantitis.

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.

Objective: To measure the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices of parents in regards to their understanding of early childhood caries (ECC) in Al jouf province, Saudi Arabia (KSA). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional oral health survey was conducted among 228 parents, who were selected by stratified cluster sampling. A questionnaire consisting of 10 questions in each domain addressing knowledge, attitude, and preventive practice for ECC was applied. Scoring in the knowledge field included Yes/No/Don't know, while the attitude and practice domains used a 5-point Likert scale. Results: The mean values for knowledge of the respondents was 'Yes' (106.1 ±46.12), 'No' (63.5 ±50.95), and 'Don't know' (58.4 ±23.21); the p-value was p>0.05. The mean values for attitudes of the parents were strongly disagree (49.8 ±33.51), disagree (28 ±15.63), cannot say (47.4 ±20.33), agree (69.4 ±26.57), and strongly agree (33.4 ±30.48); the p-value was p<0.05. The mean values for preventive practices were strongly disagree (23.3 ±25.15), disagree (27.6 ±28.29), cannot say (38.9 ±31.8), agree (84.9 ±28.07), and stronglyagree (53.3 ±38.73); the p-value was <0.05. Conclusion: The parents did not have adequate knowledge of ECC but did have a good attitude and practice towards its prevention.

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.

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