Ximena Anca Nicolae

Dr. Ximena Anca Nicolae


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 July 2025 in Bioengineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
XNXimena Anca Nicolae
Ximena Anca Nicolae
EPElena Preoteasa
Elena Preoteasa
CMCatalina Murariu Magureanu
Catalina Murariu Magureanu
CPCristina Teodora Preoteasa
Cristina Teodora Preoteasa
Aim: To evaluate whether maximum occlusal loading and periodontal status are different between teeth presenting deflective occlusal contacts and those without such contacts, specifically adjacent and homologous teeth. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using OccluSense to detect deflective contacts and quantify occlusal load per tooth. For group comparisons, the Kruskal–Wallis, Friedman, Cochran’s Q, and chi-squared tests were used. Results: A total of 493 teeth with deflective contacts were compared to 473 adjacent (first control group) and 457 homologous teeth (second control group). Teeth with deflective contacts showed significantly higher occlusal loading (mean value: 208) than adjacent (72) and homologous teeth (97) (p < 0.05). They also exhibited more advanced periodontal damage, including deeper probing depths, greater gingival recession, alveolar bone loss, and a wider periodontal ligament space. Deflective contacts in centric relation were more strongly linked to periodontal deterioration than those in protrusive or lateral mandibular movements, despite similar occlusal forces. Conclusions: Within this study’s limitations, deflective occlusal contacts are associated with increased occlusal forces and more severe periodontal damage, suggesting a biomechanical factor in periodontal disease progression.

22 October 2025 in Bioengineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
XNXimena Anca Nicolae
Ximena Anca Nicolae
EPElena Preoteasa
Elena Preoteasa
CMCatalina Murariu Magureanu
Catalina Murariu Magureanu
RMRuxandra Moraru
Ruxandra Moraru
CPCristina Teodora Preoteasa
Cristina Teodora Preoteasa
Background/Objectives: Occlusal trauma does not initiate periodontitis but may accelerate its progression when inflammation is present. Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash is widely used as an adjunct to periodontal therapy, although its effectiveness in patients with occlusal trauma is insufficiently documented. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CHX mouthwash on periodontal status in patients with deflective occlusal contacts, in the absence of occlusal adjustments. Materials and Methods: This observational prospective study analyzed data from 52 patients (20 males, 32 females; mean age 41.35 years). Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Patients were divided into groups based on CHX use and concentration. Statistical analysis evaluated intra- and intergroup variations. Results: Patients using CHX demonstrated statistically significant improvements in CPITN scores at 3 months for all sextants except sextant 5 (p < 0.05). Between 3 and 6 months, further significant improvement was observed only for sextant 6 and for the overall score. In contrast, patients without CHX showed a slight trend toward worsening CPITN values, with no statistically significant differences over the same period. Conclusions: CHX mouthwash significantly improved periodontal parameters in patients with occlusal trauma during the first three months of use. However, improvements plateaued after this period, highlighting the short-term benefits and limitations of CHX. These findings support the adjunctive role of CHX in managing periodontal disease associated with occlusal trauma but reinforce the necessity of mechanical occlusal correction for long-term stability. The CPITN index provides moderate clinical utility compared with full-mouth clinical periodontal measurements.