Objective SARS-CoV-2 can be carried by aerosols and droplets produced during dental procedures, particularly by the use of high-speed handpieces, air-water syringes, and ultrasonic scalers. High-volume evacuators (HVEs) and extraoral vacuum aspirators (EOVAs) reduce such particles. However, there is limited data on their efficacy. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of HVE and EOVA in reducing aerosols and droplets during ultrasonic scaling procedures. Materials and Methods Three ultrasonic scaling simulations were conducted on mannequins: 1. saliva ejector (SE) was used alone (control); 2. SE was used in combination with HVE; and 3. SE was used in combination with HVE and EOVA. Paper filters were placed on the operator's and assistant's face shields and bodies, and the contamination of aerosols and droplets was measured by counting blue spots on the paper filters. Statistical Analysis All data were analyzed for normality using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The differences between each method were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA, followed by a posthoc test. The differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Result Using HVE and EOVA reduced aerosols and droplets better than using SE alone or SE and HVE: the posthoc test for contamination revealed a significant difference (p < 0.01). The assistant was subjected to greater contamination than the operator during all three ultrasonic scaling procedures. Conclusion The usage of HVE and EOVA significantly reduced aerosols and droplets compared with using SE solely. Using these techniques together could prevent the transmission of airborne disease during dental cleanings, especially COVID-19. Further studies of aerosol-reducing devices are still needed to ensure the safety of dental workers and patients.

Background: The aim of the present parallel clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy of 3D-printed biopolymers compounded with osteoconductive material (beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite) for soft tissue closure after tooth extraction. Materials and Methods: this study followed the CONSORT reporting guidelines; 39 patients were treated with socket preservation using 3D-printed biopolymers and randomly divided into 3 groups (Test 1, Test 2, and Control). All cases were treated without flap elevation, careful cleaning and debridement of the sites, and then randomly sealed as follows: In T1, with a 3D-printed disk of poli-D-lactic acid with 10% of hydroxyapatite; in T2, using a 3D-printed disk of poli-ε caprolactone with 20% of β-tricalcium phosphate; and in T3, the socket was left open to heal. At baseline (extraction time) and 6 weeks after extraction, the rate of exposure was evaluated and stratified according to the site (anterior, posterior). Results: No dropouts were observed during the 6 weeks follow-up. All sites underwent uneventful healing with no complications. For posterior teeth, Test 1 and Test 2 showed full healing of the soft tissues with a reduction of the exposed area from 46.5 ± 8.25 mm² to 0.6 ± 0.84 mm² and from 47.1 ± 8.67 mm² to 0.6 ± 0.7 mm², respectively. The Control group exhibited a reduction from 45.6 ± 7.25 mm² to 1.2 ± 0.9 mm². Both Tests 1 and 2, when compared to the Control group, showed statistically significant better healing (p < 0.05). Anterior teeth showed a complete closure of the socket 4 weeks after the extraction with no noticeable differences between Test and Control. Conclusions: Both materials used in this study showed evidence to achieve the purpose. Ethical Guidelines: written informed consent was obtained from the participants of the study, as requested by the Ethics Committee for Health Research Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, with the following number: 641/S3/KEPK/FKG/5/2023.

Periodontal disease is an oral health problem, a global concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2016 indicates that severe periodontal disease ranks 11^th in global prevalence and is expected to rise. Periodontal disease, caused by bacterial plaque, is a leading cause of tooth loss, impacting mastication, aesthetics, and quality of life. Plaque, a biofilm of microorganisms, triggers a chronic inflammatory response leading to dysbiosis and clinical disease. Microorganisms like Streptococcus sanguinis and Porphyromonas gingivalis play a crucial role in forming periodontal biofilm, with virulence factors that damage tissues. While chlorhexidine gluconate is effective in removing biofilm, it has long-term side effects. Therefore, natural ingredient-based mouthwashes are being researched. Rosella flower petals (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) have antibacterial properties inhibiting S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis. They also exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Previous studies found Rosella extract effective in inhibiting biofilm formation of these bacteria compared to chlorhexidine, but its effects in mouthwash formulations are unstudied. The phytochemical, organoleptic, pH, viscosity, antibiofilm activity of various mouthwash formulations containing Rosella petals extract has been evaluated. Rosella extract showed significant antibiofilm activity against both bacteria. The formulations maintained acceptable organoleptic properties, stable pH levels, and consistent viscosity. Higher Rosella concentrations correlated with increased effectiveness. Rosella extract is a promising natural ingredient for mouthwash, providing effective therapeutic antibiofilm activity against periodontal pathogens better than chlorhexidine. Further research is recommended to optimize formulation and assess long-term benefits and safety.

Background: Tooth loss can be caused by periodontal disease, caries, and other factors. Dental implants made of titanium are a common solution to replace tooth loss. Titanium grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) is often chosen for an implant. Modern commercial implant surface roughness (Ra) ranges from 1 to 2 μm. Surface roughness has an important role in osseointegration. The acid etching method can be used to improve surface roughness. This study evaluates titanium alloy surface roughness after etching with varying concentrations of H3PO4 acid.Method: A laboratory experiment with a pre-test and post-test group design. 25 titanium alloy samples were divided into 5 groups (n=5) and treated with saline, HCl 37%, and H3PO4 acid 38%, 48%, and 58%. Surface roughness was measured using a surface roughness tester, while EDS and SEM tests analyzed titanium composition and surface characteristics.Result: The titanium used in this study is a titanium alloy. Surface roughness modification using acid had a higher roughness compare to saline with significant different (p0.05). Referring to the SEM results, each acid showed morphological changes on the surface and for saline there were no morphological changes.Conclusion: Varying concentrations of H3PO4 acid can effectively improve the surface roughness of titanium alloys, with solutions at 48% and 58% demonstrating similar effectiveness to 37% HCl acid.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive periodontal tissue destruction and dysregulated inflammatory responses. Current therapies mainly target bacterial infection but are often less effective in controlling inflammation. Tea (Camellia sinensis) contains bioactive polyphenols with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising alternative therapeutic candidate. However, molecular interactions of tea-derived compounds with inflammation-related proteins through molecular docking remain unclear. This study evaluate the binding affinity and interaction profiles of tea-derived compounds with inflammation-related to periodontitis protein targets using molecular docking.METHODS: Ligand and protein structures were retrieved from public databases and prepared using standard optimization protocols. Toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties were predicted using ProTox-3.0 and SwissADME, respectively. Molecular docking was performed using CB-Dock 2.0 with AutoDock Vina, and ligand-protein interactions were analyzed using Discovery Studio.RESULTS: All tested compounds, including catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), theaflavin, and thearubigin showed low predicted toxicity. Theaflavin showed the strongest binding affinity across multiple targets, particularly against IRAK-4 (−9.8 kcal/mol), TLR4 (−9.2 kcal/mol), and IKK-β (−9.5 kcal/mol), supported by stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions.CONCLUSION: Among all compounds, theaflavin exhibit strong multi-target binding potential against key inflammatory proteins in periodontitis, followed by EGCG and thearubigin. These findings support their potential as alternative or adjunctive anti-inflammatory agents, although further in vitro and in vivo validation are required.KEYWORDS: periodontitis, tea polyphenols, theaflavin, molecular docking, inflammation, NF-κB pathway