The oldest dental journal of Pakistan (established in 1981)
Pakistan Society for Promotion of Oral & Dental Research
PUBLICATION ETHICS AND PUBLICATION MALPRACTICE STATEMENT
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
International Committee of Medical Journals Editors (ICMJE) - Who is an Author?
EFFECTS OF THREE DIFFERENT LIGHTING CONDITIONS ON THE OUTCOME OF VISUAL TOOTH SHADE SELECTION USING THE VITAPAN CLASSICAL SHADE GUIDE
Objective: To evaluate the frequency of correct shade selections under three different lighting conditions using the Vitapan Classical shade guide among undergraduate dental students. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Foundation University College of Dentistry (FUCD), from October 2024 to March 2025. Visual shade matching was carried out using a standard shade selection protocol to match a masked A3 shade tab to reference tabs under three different lighting conditions- natural daylight, standard operatory light, and color-corrected artificial light. A two-week interval was given between each trial. Shade agreement and selection time were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 95 dental students participated in the study, with a mean age of 25.06 ± 2.7 years. Among the participants, 31 (32.63%) were male and 64 (67.37%) were female. Shade agreement significantly varied with the type of light condition, with maximum accuracy under color-corrected light (62.11%), followed by natural sunlight (45.26%) and dental operatory light (32.63%) (p < 0.001). Time spent in shade selection was considerably less under color-corrected light (median = 28s) than natural sunlight (35s) and operatory light (37s) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Color-corrected lighting significantly improves shade-matching accuracy and efficiency compared with natural daylight or operatory light.
IMPACT OF DIAZEPAM ON PAIN PERCEPTION AND MOUTH OPENING IN PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Objective: To identify the effectiveness of muscle relaxant (once daily Diazepam 5 mg) on mouth opening and pain perception in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) reporting to the Maxillofacial OPD of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methodology: This study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad; during a duration of 6 months from January to June 2025. A total of 60 clinically diagnosed temporomandibular disorder patients were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Baseline intensity of pain was assessed with the help of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and mouth opening was measured in millimeters with the help of a vernier caliper. Diazepam 5 mg was given orally once daily to the patients for 7 days. Post-treatment measurement of pain and mouth opening was recorded. Data were computed with SPSS version 20. Results: The pre-treatment median pain score was 7 (IQR: 1), which decrease significantly to 4 (IQR: 1.25) after treatment (p < 0.001). Likewise, the median mouth opening increased from 38 mm (IQR: 3) to 41.5 mm (IQR: 2) after treatment (p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlation was identified between gender, education, or income level and baseline pain or mouth opening. Conclusion: Diazepam was found to produce significant pain relief and increased mouth opening in the TMD patients within a brief treatment period. It can be regarded as an important pharmacologic treatment for muscular TMD in outpatients.
ASSESSING THE NEED FOR INTEGRATION OF PERIODONTAL-SYSTEMIC DISEASE EDUCATION AMONG MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS; A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN LAHORE
Objective: Periodontal disease is linked to systemic health, yet knowledge gaps remain among medical practitioners. This study assessed practitioners’ awareness, knowledge, and clinical practices regarding these associations. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 101 medical practitioners, exploring awareness of periodontal–systemic links, clinical practices, training, and attitudes toward interdisciplinary care. Results: 86.1% acknowledged periodontal disease impacts systemic health. Although 82% practitioners knew the link between diabetes and periodontal disease, fewer than half recognized links with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, respiratory illness, or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Only 34.7% routinely assessed oral health and 36.6% discussed systemic implications. Confidence in identifying oral issues was reported by 40.6%, while 81.2% lacked formal training and 68.4% lacked access to guidelines. Despite this, 94.1% expressed willingness to pursue training and 88.1% would implement new knowledge. Conclusion: Practitioners show good baseline awareness but limited clinical integration and institutional support. Strong interest in training highlights the need to embed oral–systemic health into medical curricula and continuing education to enhance interdisciplinary care.
POSTURE, PRACTICE, AND PAIN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS IN ISLAMABAD
Objective: To estimate MSD prevalence across anatomical regions and identify occupational and demographic predictors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 participants (149 dentists, 54 DAs) from dental teaching hospitals. MSDs were assessed using the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and logistic regression identified predictors. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess the association between MSDs in various body parts and different demographic variables at 5% level of significance. Results: Dentists most frequently reported neck (72.5%), shoulder (56.4%), and lower back pain (55.7%), while DAs had more wrist (44.4%) and lower limb complaints. Neck pain was less likely in female dentists (OR = 0.225, p = .027). Shoulder pain was associated with older age (OR = 1.225, p = .013) and right-hand dominance (OR = 48.446, p = .007). Wrist pain was linked to males (female OR = 0.131, p = .002), older age (OR = 1.159, p = .042), hospital practice (OR = 0.020, p = .010), and seated posture (OR = 5.821, p = .005). Lower back pain was predicted by prior injury (OR = 24.026, p = .023), whereas >5 hours non-chairside work was protective (OR = 0.032, p = .012). Longer experience reduced knee (OR = 0.003, p = .019) and ankle pain (OR = 0.001, p = .007), while 4–8 chairside hours increased knee risk (OR = 31.362, p = .002). Among DAs, wrist pain was more likely with prior injury. Conclusion: MSDs are widespread among dental professionals, with distinct patterns between dentists and DAs. Ergonomic interventions, workload management, and preventive strategies are essential to reduce long-term occupational risks.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MATERNAL LITERACY AND CHILD ORAL HEALTH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Objective: To assess whether maternal education level predicts key child oral health behaviors and outcomes using logistic regression analysis. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving mothers of pre-school aged children across different schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected on following oral health indicators: knowledge about dental caries, brushing frequency, brushing supervision, dental visits in the past year, use of fluoride toothpaste and bedtime oral hygiene. Maternal hygiene was categorized into four levels and analyzed as an ordinal predictor. Chi-square was used to test associations and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate predictive strength. Results: Maternal education was significantly associated with six of seven oral health outcomes. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher maternal education predicted higher odds of brushing supervision, dental visits, fluoride toothpaste use and bedtime oral hygiene. Brushing frequency showed a positive trend but was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Maternal education and awareness are strong predictors of child oral health behaviors and habits. These findings indicate the need for public health interventions that incorporate maternal education and tailored oral health education to promote improvements in pediatric dental health.
Culture of Science and Clinical Excellence
search- based education, and evidence-based clinical practices within dental education and professional environments. It reflects how the dental profession values critical thinking, technological advancements, and multidisciplinary approaches to improve both education and patient care1. Though this understanding is a widely accepted premise today, there was a well-recognized absence of a culture of science in dental education three decades ago2. There has been an exponential growth of scientific innovations and technological advances over the past years in dental field. Within the sphere of contribution of biological and digital revolutions have greatly affected dental education and daily clinical practice, biomimetics, personalized dental medicine regenerative dentistry, nanotechnology to name a few. Moreover, high-end simulations creating a unique virtual reality, acquiring of detailed genomic information, and further stem cell studies are moving dentistry to a different dimension1.
Analogue to digital dentistry, Human to Artificial Intelligence & Open access
Welcome to the 45th year of Pakistan Oral and Dental Journal. The journal’s journey is guided through the vision, dedication, perseverance and unparalleled leadership of Prof. Dr. Ahmad Iqbal, the founder of the journal, who has decided to retire. Hats off to him (I salute him on behalf of the editorial board members). During the past over four decades, the journal has witnessed ever-expanding world of sciences. It has been dissipating available contents at its disposal to Pakistani and international readership audience. The achievements and impact of the journal are numerous; I will confine myself to only one at the moment. The untold and unacknowledged achievement of the journal is that it helped many “academicsâ€ to be positioned in universities around the globe. Hopefully, they remain in gratitude and recognition to the vision of Prof. Iqbal and the journal. Throughout the numerous obstacles and uncertainties, he kept the journal alive. He contributed to serving the profession not only as a mentor, but a visionary leader full of passion and a sense of responsibility. Above all, his self-less demeanor made him a very special member of our dental fraternity. His leadership was not void of criticism, which he faced with humbleness and wisdom. May Allah SWT bless him long, healthy, happy retired life and reward him with His eternal bounties.
EXPLORING PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY FORMATION AMONG EARLY-CAREER DENTISTS: A QUALITATIVE MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL STUDY
Objective: Professional identity is defined as “the individual’s developing and continuing construction of oneself within the context of one’s profession and the ongoing communication of this to others.â€ Professional identity formation (PIF) in dentistry is relatively underexplored in the Pakistani context. The unique socio-cultural and educational systems in the country present specific challenges and opportunities for developing professional identity. While PIF has been studied in other disciplines in Pakistan, empirical evidence regarding its development among young dentists remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the experiences and perceptions of early-career dentists from various institutions in South Punjab. Methodology: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through purposive sampling using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were licensed dentists practising in South Punjab. Interviews explored factors influencing PIF. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework, applying inductive coding to identify themes and subthemes. Results: Four major themes and 21 subthemes emerged. Participants described milestones crucial to PIF, while also highlighting challenges such as limited resources, delayed clinical exposure, job scarcity, heavy workloads, and lack of recognition. Key facilitators included mentorship, patient satisfaction, task accomplishment, and institutional support. Recommendations included integrating undergraduate research, interprofessional collaboration, structured mentorship, and continuous development opportunities. Conclusion: The study identified key contextual factors affecting PIF among early-career dentists. Supporting identity formation during this phase may enhance professionalism, job satisfaction, and patient care. Institutional efforts to address barriers and promote facilitators are essential to fostering professional growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Malik Zain Ul Abideen, Gul Muhammad Sheikh, Saad M. Al Zubaidi, Qasim Saleem, Rabia Ashraf, Fizzah Ali, Ammar Ahmed Siddiqui
PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF DRY SOCKET IN DIABETIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING TOOTH EXTRACTION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Objective: To determine the prevalence of dry socket in diabetic patients and its associated risk factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Foundation University College of Dentistry & Hospital (FUCD&H), Islamabad, from March to September 2024. A total of 499 diabetic patients who underwent tooth extractions were included. Data was collected for gender, age, number of visits, type of extraction, endodontic status, smoking history, physician’s experience, and blood sugar levels (BSR) at extraction. Statistical analyses, including chi-square and t-tests, were conducted to determine associations between these factors and dry socket occurrence. Results: Out of 499 diabetic patients, 83 (16.6%) developed dry socket. The condition occurred more frequently in females (88%) than males (12%). Most patients with dry socket had two visits (83.1%). Dry socket was more common in non-surgical extractions (92.8%) than surgical (7.2%). Most cases (79.5%) were treated by students, with significantly fewer in patients treated by senior doctors, indicating the impact of operator experience. Non-root canal treated teeth had a higher incidence (89.2%). A significant association was found with smoking, as 36.1% of smokers developed dry socket. The mean BSR (Blood sugar random test levels) for affected patients was 188.42mg/dl. Conclusion: The prevalence of dry socket in diabetic patients was significantly associated with the number of dental visits, smoking history, physician’s experience, and elevated blood sugar levels. These findings emphasize managing blood sugar and smoking cessation to reduce dry socket risk in diabetic patients.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Nawfal Sahi, Arooj Aslam, Maidah Hanif, Fatima Ather, Zain Bin Iftikhar
EXPLORING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN MEDICAL AND DENTAL EDUCATION: A MULTICENTER ANALYSIS OF FACULTY PERSPECTIVES
Objective: Social responsibility (SR) is the ethical obligation of healthcare institutions and professionals to contribute to the well-being of communities by addressing health disparities, promoting equity, and responding to social determinants of health. This study explores the current practices, challenges, and opportunities for SR integration in medical and dental education in South Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology: A qualitative exploratory design using a constructivist paradigm was adopted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 Heads of Departments from four PMDC-recognized public and private sector institutions. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were transcribed, validated through member checking, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s sixstep inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four major themes emerged 1) Awareness and Understanding: Faculty exhibited limited conceptual clarity and training related to SR. 2) Institutional Practices: Participants reported inadequate policies, weak cultural competency training, and limited structured programs. 3) Challenges and Barriers: Identified issues included resource scarcity, minimal institutional support, and lack of engagement. 4) Recommendations: Suggestions included policy development, capacity building, community partnerships, and evaluation mechanisms. Conclusion: Despite a growing recognition of SR, institutional gaps hinder its integration. Clear regulatory guidance, structured training, and resource allocation are essential to embed SR into the educational fabric and foster community-responsive healthcare professionals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Malik Zain Ul Abideen, Gul Muhammad Sheikh, Asma Malik, Azeem Khan, Qurat Ul Ain Mehfooz, Jia Fatima, Ammar Ahmed Siddiqui
COMPARISON BETWEEN PERIODONTAL DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC PERFOMANCE OF GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS AND AN AI TOOL (EBHnow)
Objective: To compare the periodontal disease diagnostic performance between general dental practitioners and an AI tool (EBHnow). Methodology: This comparative observational study was conducted in Islamabad from October 2023 to August 2024 with a sample of 100 general dental practitioners. General dental practitioners working in private dental clinics of Islamabad were included through cluster sampling. Four standard periodontal disease cases accompanied with radiographs and brief clinical histories were used to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance between the general dental practitioners and EBHnow. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26 and summarized through descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages. McNemar test and chi-square analysis, were applied to assess diagnostic agreement and associations. Results: Out of the 100 participating general dental practitioners, only 42% made the correct diagnosis. The highest diagnostic accuracy among general dental practitioners (66.7%) observed for the highest confidence level (5) in contrast, the lowest accuracy (23.1%) was observed for confidence level 2. McNemar test revealed statistically significant difference between the diagnosis made by the dentist and EBHnow across all four cases (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study concluded that the periodontal disease diagnostic accuracy of the AI tool EBHnow was higher compared to general dental practitioners.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Aala Malik, Hajra Shahid, Sheze Haroon, Hamdia Yumun, Naveeda Farooq, Hina Mahmood, Fatima Khan
RELIABILITY OF DOLPHIN CEPHALOMETRIC IMAGING SOFTWARE BY OBSERVERS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the reliability of Dolphin Imaging Software (Version 11.95) for experienced and new users. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was designed involving the identification of 16 cephalometric landmarks by three observers on 28 lateral cephalograms using Dolphin Imaging Software (DIS). One of these observers was novice, and the other two observers were well-experienced in using the DIS. Consequently, three linear and six angular cephalometric measurements were derived by the software. To determine intra-observer differences, six (20% of total sample size) radiographs were re-digitized after two weeks of the first recording. Both the inter-observer and intra-observer reliabilities were determined via Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICc) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) respectively using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The ICc values signified a strong correlation among the experienced and new users. Conclusion: Dolphin Imaging Software (version 11.95) showed an excellent agreement among different observers with a distinctive range of proficiencies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariam Khalid Mahmood, Urva Ameen, Shifat A. Nowrin, Fazal Shahid, Anwar Ali Shah
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF MODELING AGENTS ON THE SURFACE PROPERTIES OF AESTHETIC NANO-HYBRID
Objective: Resin-Based Composite is one of the most widely used direct restorations in modern dentistry. However, it has its own drawbacks as its stickiness to the dental instrument upon packing which results in some difficulties when handling, therefore some clinicians resort to the use of some agents to ease the handling of the composite. However, this practice raises the question of how such agents can affect the restoration's physical properties. Aim: This in vitro study aims to assess the effect of different modeling agents on the Nano-hybrid Resin Composite, specifically the restoration's color change and microhardness. Materials and Methods: The study involved 45 Nanohybrid Resin-based Composite blocks divided into 3 groups with 15 blocks in each. First group was a control group consisting of only composite, meanwhile the second and third groups were subjected to a Modeling Liquid and a Universal adhesive respectively, then all three groups were light cured, immersed in colored media and kept in a container for 1 week. Color change and Microhardness of the cured blocks were measured before and after there immersion into the colored media. Results: Results have shown statistically significant difference among the values of color change and microhardness within the three groups. Conclusion: Modeling agent use might negatively affect the microhardness and color stability of the Nano-hybrid Resin-Based Composite depending on the type of the modeling agent itself. Clinical implications: Based on our findings, it is advised for the clinicians to be more cautious about the use of different agents on Composite, with extra care to be taken when selecting the type of the modeling agent to be used.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mayyadah Almozainy, Zain Hafiz, Abdulelah Alqahtani, Abdulrahman Alqublan, Faris Alghamdi, Fahad Alsayyari, Manal Almutairi
Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement
PERCEPTION OF THE MIDLINE DEVIATIONS IN SMILE ESTHETICS BY LAYPERSON
Objective: This study aimed to assess laypersons' perception of upper dental midline deviations and explore how viewing adjacent facial structures, including lips, chin, and nose, influences the diagnosis of such deviations. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 100 patients was conducted using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Participants meeting inclusion criteria (age 18 years or older, no prior orthodontic treatment, normal or corrected-to-normal vision) provided written informed consent. Patients with craniofacial anomalies, severe dental malocclusions, ongoing orthodontic treatment, psychological disorders affecting self-perception, and personals having professional training in dentistry were excluded from the study. Photographs of a female subject with digitally manipulated upper dental midline deviations (0mm to 5mm) were categorized into two groups. one with adjacent facial structures (LCN) and one with lips only (L). Layperson evaluators assessed aesthetic appeal using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Among 100 participants (mean age 31.41 ± 8.01 years; 40% female), perception scores decreased significantly with increasing midline deviation (p < 0.001). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant association between midline deviation and perception scores (p < 0.001). Perception scores were lower in the LCN group compared to the L group. Conclusion: Laypersons were able to detect upper dental midline deviations of 1mm or more when viewing adjacent facial structures. However, they required deviations of 2mm or more when focusing solely on lips. Viewing adjacent structures influences laypersons' perception of midline deviations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Imtisal Asim, Shahab Adil, Zafar Ul Islam, Hasan Ali Raza, Ghazala, Sana Naz
EVALUATION OF ARCH WIDTH VARIATIONS AMONG SKELETAL VERTICAL PATTERNS
Objective: This study aimed to compare arch widths among individuals with different vertical skeletal patterns at Peshawar Dental College, Peshawar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Orthodontics department, Peshawar Dental College, from July 2022 to February 2023. Ninety patients were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling, divided into normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups. Arch width measurements were taken on plaster dental casts, and facial patterns were classified based on the Frankfort mandibular plane angle. Results: Mean age was 23.58 ± 6.64 years, and wide lower arches were predominant. Statistically significant differences were found in maxillary total arch length (p=0.03) and mandibular posterior intermolar width (p=0.04). Hyperdivergent individuals exhibited narrower maxillary inter-canine (p<0.001), maxillary inter-molar (p=0.010), and mandibular inter-molar (p<0.001) widths compared to hypodivergent and normodivergent subjects. No significant differences were observed in mandibular inter-canine width. Conclusion: The vertical skeletal pattern significantly influences arch width in both arches, except for mandibular inter-canine width. Arch widths tend to be narrower in high-angle cases.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lalina Taj, Shahab Adil, Zafar Ul Islam, Hasan Ali Raza, Sana Naz, Ghazala
CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF A QUALITATIVE REVIEW: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Objective: This review explores the structure, content, and objectives of most widely used appraisal tools available for qualitative reviews. Materials and Methods: This literature search utilizes the practice as proposed by Haig and Dozier in BEME guide no. 3; finding the literature through databases, hand searching. grey literature and Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis checklist 2020 (PRISMA) was used in the process of filtering articles for literature review. After defining key terms, both clinical and educational databases; MEDLINE/PubMed (2014–2024) and ERIC (2014–2024), were searched in the subjects of education and medicine. Grey literature was searched through Google Scholar. Other search strategies included ancestry searching and forward tracing and seeking expert advice. The inclusion criteria for studies was Tools published between 2014 and 2024 in English language, Reports of appraisal tools along with reports about appraisal tools in health-related discipline, published in a peer-review journal, and tools with clear criteria. Comparative analysis for characteristics of six appraisal tools, which were frequently used in the reports for qualitative appraisal, was performed. Results: The characteristics of the study showed that each tool has different strengths and limitations which are mentioned in the form of percentages for each of them. Conclusion: In this study characteristics of six qualitative appraisal tools were reviewed and came up to the conclusion that rationale of the evidence preparation, the researcher’s proficiency, and allocated time along with resources which dictate decision to choose an appraisal tool for QES.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sadaf Humayoun, Bakhtawar Yaqoob, Nabeela Abbasi, Muhammad Sajid, Khaliq Aman, Nouman Noor
A TECHNIQUE FOR FABRICATION OF CUSTOM-MADE PORCELAIN DENTURE TEETH
Partial or complete dentures are more commonly constructed for the elderly group of the population. Artificial teeth fabricated from acrylic resin or porcelain are widely used in these dentures. The biggest disadvantage of acrylic denture teeth is that wear resistance is not as good as porcelain teeth. The amount of wear depends on how much you grind, how strong is your bite, and if the denture teeth are opposing natural teeth, denture teeth, crowns, bridges or if implants are involved. The advantages of porcelain teeth are that they look better than acrylic teeth. If you have crowns and bridges next to your missing teeth and if you make the adjacent denture teeth with the same material (i.e. porcelain), the teeth will match a lot better. The present case report is about a patient seeking removable prostheses with opposing metal ceramic fixed partial dentures and limited inter-arch space. The patient was treated by fabricating customized porcelain teeth for his/her removable dentures. Selection of this technique improved the patient’s esthetics and avoided the wear of the artificial and opposing fixed partial denture teeth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdulaziz S. Alqahtani
AWARENESS ABOUT HOT TOOTH AND ITS MANAGEMENT AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS- A QUESTIONNAIRE BASED SURVEY
Objective: To determine the awareness of hot tooth and its management among dental practitioners. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 131 participants were recruited. Inclusion criteria included qualified dentists with a BDS qualification, trainees in operative dentistry, endodontists, dental professionals in Pakistan, and individuals aged 21 to 60 years. Exclusion criteria included trainees of other dental specialties not currently practicing, dental technicians, quacks, and undergraduate students. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire shared via WhatsApp and email. Chi-square/Fisher exact test employed to compare awareness levels across different academic qualifications. Results: The mean age was 35.85±6.12 years and 61 females (46.56%) and 70 males (53.44%). General dental practitioners made up the largest group (62, 47.33%), followed by trainees (52, 39.69%) and endodontists (17, 12.98%). Most participants had 1 to 4 years of experience (96, 73.28%). Awareness of the term "hot tooth" was high, with 112 (85.50%) participants familiar with it. In maxillary anesthesia, infiltration was the predominant technique (83.97%). For mandibular anesthesia, the inferior alveolar nerve block was most common (79.39%). Mandibular molars were identified as the most difficult teeth to anesthetize (81.68%). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the preferred medication for managing a hot tooth (90.84%). Significant differences in awareness and management practices were observed across different qualification levels. Conclusion: Awareness of hot tooth and its management varies significantly among dental practitioners, with higher awareness and specific management techniques more prevalent among endodontists compared to general dental practitioners and trainees
Copyright (c) 2025 Jamal Ahad, Fayyaz Alam, Azra Umar, Brekhna Yousafzai, Faisal Islam, Sheraz Muhammad Khan
GENDER-WISE VARIATIONS OF WIDTH, LENGTH, AND WIDTH-LENGTH RATIO OF RIGHT AND LEFT MAXILLARY CENTRAL INCISORS (MCI)
Objective: Current study aimed compare variations of width, length, and width-length ratio of MCIs among patients presenting with replacement of posterior teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 participants male and female subjects with age between 18 to 40 years, having angle class I occlusion and anterior permanent teeth present, presence of anatomically whole MCI, from which good diagnostic cast can be obtained, and no restorations in MCI. Measurements of all these parameters were performed with digital vernier caliper. The clinical crowns of MCI were calculated, the maximum length of the crown and mesio-distal (MD) breadth between the incisal point of the MCI crown and the apical point of the gingival margin. Sample t-test will be applied to compare the effect of gender on width, length, and width-length ratio in both genders. The level of significance was kept 0.05. Results: The males were 54(53.3%) and females were 56(46.7%). The mean age was 30.12 ± 7.25 years. The width of central incisors on right and left sides were 7.96 ± 0.53mm and 7.83 ± 0.61mm respectively. The length of right and left central incisors were 8.27 ± 1.15mm and 8.06 ± 1.57 mm. The ratio of width/length on right and left side was 0.98±0.11 and 1.02±0.29 respectively. There was not statistical difference mean width among genders (p = 0.201 right side, p=0.388 left side). Conclusion: There was no sexual dimorphism for width but width to length ratio was statistically different among gender, higher in females.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ashfaq Azim, Jawad Ullah Shah, Nuzhat Ayub, Waleed Ishaq, Muhammad Usman Khattak, Huma Kamal