This study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic activity of Endosequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) putty using rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The extract of set ERRM and ProRoot-mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (control) was cocultured with rat MSCs and incubated for one, three, and seven days. The cell viability and proliferation were assessed. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin gene expression was performed. Both materials enhanced cell viability and proliferation, which increased over time. On day seven, the cells treated with either material exhibited significantly greater cell viability compared with control untreated cells. MSCs treated with either material showed deeper alkaline phosphatase staining after three days compared to control untreated cells. Treated MSCs also exhibited upregulation of the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin. Both ERRM and ProRoot-MTA enhance the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and the effect of solubility on the surface morphology and composition of the root canal sealers MTA-Bioseal, MTA-Fillapex, and Adseal. Discs (n = 10) of freshly mixed sealer were prepared and then analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The discs were immersed for 1, 7, 14, and 28 days in deionized water. The solubility %; pH change of the solution; and released calcium, phosphate, and silicon were measured for each period. The flowability and film thickness were also evaluated. Changes in the surface morphology and composition after 28 days of immersion were evaluated by SEM/EDX. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA at p < 0.05. The FTIR and EDX results revealed similar compositions of MTA-Bioseal and MTA-Fillapex, but with different concentrations. The two MTA-based sealers had higher solution alkalinity (pH > 10) than Adseal (pH ≈ 8.5). MTA-Fillapex exhibited the highest solubility % and the largest calcium and silicon ion release. MTA-Bioseal had the highest phosphate ion release. After 28 days, the sealer surfaces showed large micropores, with larger pores in MTA-Fillapex. Adseal had an intermediate flowability but exhibited the greatest film thickness. Finally, the highest solubility and largest amount of silicon release was exhibited by MTA-Fillapex, which might predispose it to the development of large micropores, compromising the apical seal of obturation.

Since the setting characterization of a root canal sealer has an impact on its biological behavior of final obturation, this study evaluated the setting characterization of mineral trioxide aggregate MTA-Fillapex versus MTA-Bioseal compared with epoxy resin (Adseal) root canal sealers. Freshly mixed sealer was inserted into the mold (n = 10). The initial and final setting times were evaluated using a Vicat needle and were then statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA at p < 0.05. The raw pastes and the stages of the setting reaction were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The phase compositions were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). A significant and fast setting time was recorded by Adseal (4.7 ± 0.46 h) followed by MTA-Bioseal (11.4 ± 1.34 h) at p < 0.001. The MTA-Fillapex did not set completely in three months. The FTIR and XRD of both MTA-Bioseal and Adseal detected bands of the polymerized phases, while those of MTA-Fillapex detected partial polymerization with a low percentage of polymerized silica. MTA-Bioseal and Adseal met the ISO standards for setting times. However, MTA-Fillapex did not fulfill the ideal requirement for the sealer. Although the raw pastes of both MTA-sealers had nearly similar compositions, they behaved differently during the hydration reaction. MTA-Bioseal set completely, while MTA-Fillapex was not completely set.

Background: Dental health care providers (DHCPs)are at high risk of cross-infection during clinical practice therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the DHCPs Covid-19 related concerns, its perceived impact, and their preparedness in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study on DHCPs was carried out at five dental teaching hospitals/colleges in four provinces of Saudi Arabia from October to December 2020. A 35-item valid and reliable questionnaire was used to assess the concerns, perceived impact, and preparedness of DHCPs in the COVID-19 pandemic. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to compare parameters between the clinical and non-clinical staff. Results: A total of 320 DHCPs participated in this study with proportion of clinical staff (57.5%) surpassing the non-clinical staff (42.5%). The clinical DHCPs felt greater odds of falling ill with COVID-19 than non-clinical workers (OR, 2.61) and willing to look for another job (OR, 3.50). The higher proportion in both groups was worried that people close to them would be at higher exposure risk (96.3%) however, slightly more clinical DHCPs were concerned for their children than a non-clinical worker (OR, 3.57). The clinical DHCPs have greater odds of worrying that people would avoid them and their family members because of their job (OR, 2.75). A higher proportion in both groups (75.0%, 63.2%) felt that they would feel stress at work. More non-clinical DHCPs (94.1%) had received training for infection control than clinical (94.1% vs 63.0%: OR 0.10). Similarly, more DHCPs in the nonclinical group received adequate personal protective equipment training (88.2%; OR, 0.48). Most participants practiced self-preparation such as buying masks and disinfection (94.4%, 96.9%). Conclusion: The majority of DHCPs felt concerned about their risk of exposure and falling ill from infection and infecting friends/family. These concerns could potentially affect the working of DHCPs during this pandemic. Measures to improve protection for DHCPs, minimize psychological implications, and potential social stigmatization should be identified at the planning phase before any pandemic.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and potential association between intimate partner violence (IPV) with traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and the subsequent need for root canal treatment (RCT). Methods: A total of 100 subjects with TDIs presented at emergency or postgraduate restorative clinics at University Dental Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia post-TDI. All study subjects completed the Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream (HITS) domestic violence screening tool and were clinically and radiographically examined to determine the type of TDI they suffered along with the pulp and periapical status of affected teeth. Demographic data were also recorded. Based on the findings, management included regular follow-up, splinting, reattachment of broken tooth part, vital pulp therapy and/or RCT as seen appropriate. Results: Mean age of participants was 28.4± 5.7 years. Prevalence of IPV among subjects presented with TDIs was 18%. Most of the IPV victims held a bachelor’s degree (67%) and were unemployed (61%). Most of TDI cases were crown fracture (84%) followed by luxation and avulsion (10% and 6%, respectively). Among all TDI cases, 73% required RCT. Crown fracture was the most prevalent TDI among IPV victims followed by luxation and avulsion with prevalence of 56%, 33%, and 11%, respectively. Out of a total of 73 patients requiring RCT, nine were IPV victims (12.3%) which indicated that one of each eight TDI cases requiring RCT might be a potential IPV victim. Half of the IPV victims required RCT to manage their TDIs. Conclusion: Prevalence of IPV among TDIs was 18%. IPV screening should be included as routine assessment part for TDIs. Identification of IPV victims could be difficult, however, employment status, type of TDI, and RCT needs were suggested as potential predictors of positive IPV cases.