A Literature Review on Biofilm Formation on Silicone and Poymethyl Methacrylate Used for Maxillofacial Prostheses

Comparative Analysis of Periodontal Parameters and Patient Satisfaction Utilising Different Temporary Crown Fabrication Techniques: A Parallel-Group Randomised Controlled Trial

Aim The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different techniques for temporary crown fabrication in maintaining periodontal health and patient satisfaction, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature and informing evidence-based clinical practices. Materials and methods This study, conducted in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, was a parallel-group randomised trial conducted at a dental institute in India. In total, 36 participants aged 18-65 requiring anterior tooth region crowns were randomly assigned to three groups: direct (control), indirect (Test Group 1) and direct-indirect (Test Group 2) fabrication techniques. Participants were selected from outpatient departments based on eligibility criteria, and interventions were allocated using randomization tables. Outcome assessments included gingival health metrics and patient satisfaction levels, with statistical analyses performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Significant differences were observed in the pink esthetic score (PES) and patient satisfaction (P=0.029) among the three groups, with the direct-indirect technique group demonstrating the highest median PES (9 out of 10). However, no significant disparities were noted in the plaque index (PI) or probing depth (PD) among the groups. Conclusion The direct-indirect technique demonstrated superior PES and patient satisfaction, indicating potential benefits for periodontal health and patient experiences. Integration of virtual preparation workflows may optimise outcomes, but further research is needed for validation and guideline development.

An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability

AIM

This study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy and impact on color stability of Thymus (T.) vulgaris solution compared to conventional disinfectants on maxillofacial silicones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various solutions were evaluated, including T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10%, saline (control), chlorhexidine (4%), and soap water. The substrates were MDX4-4210 silicone elastomers, and the microorganisms tested were Candida (C.) albicans and Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The viability of microorganisms was determined through an 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, and color stability was measured using a spectrophotometer with X-Rite Europe software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U post hoc test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test.

RESULTS

Soap water demonstrated superior disinfectant action against both microorganisms, while T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10% exhibited comparable antimicrobial efficacy. Chlorhexidine and 10% T. vulgaris solution showed minimal color changes in the silicone material. In contrast, soap water and the 5% T. vulgaris solution resulted in clinically unacceptable color alterations.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the potential of T. vulgaris as an herbal disinfectant for combating microbial biofilms on maxillofacial silicones, particularly at concentrations of 5 and 10%. The importance of maintaining color stability is emphasized, with Chlorhexidine and the 10% T. vulgaris solution demonstrating effective preservation of esthetics. These findings suggest the viability of considering T. vulgaris as an alternative disinfectant in clinical settings for maxillofacial silicone prostheses.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Maxillofacial silicones are vital in restoring aesthetic features for individuals with facial trauma, congenital deformities, or post-surgical interventions. Yet, biofilm-related infections jeopardize their durability and visual integrity. Clinically, T. vulgaris signifies a potential advance in prosthodontic care, offering valuable insights for improving antimicrobial performance and aesthetic durability in maxillofacial prostheses. How to cite this article: Peter M, Kanathila H, Bembalagi M, et al. An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):967-973.

Assessment of the antibacterial effect of Barium Titanate nanoparticles against Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion after addition to maxillofacial silicone

Background: Maxillofacial silicones are the most popular and acceptable material for making maxillofacial prostheses, but they are not perfect in every sense. To enhance their effectiveness, more improvements to their properties are required, such as their antimicrobial efficiency. This study assess the antibacterial effect of barium titanate nanoparticles in various percentages against staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm adhesion after addition to maxillofacial silicone. Methods: Barium titanate nanoparticles were added into VST-50 platinum silicone elastomer in four weight percentages (0.25wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.75wt% and 1wt%). 50 specimens were prepared and categorized into five groups; one control group and four experimental groups. All conducted data was statistically analyzed using (one-way ANOVA) analysis of variance, and Games-Howell multiple comparison test (significant level at p < 0.05). Shapiro-Wilk and Levene's tests were used, respectively, to evaluate the normal distribution and homogeneity of the data. Result: One-way ANOVA test revealed a highly significant difference between all groups, and Games-Howell test revealed a highly significant difference between the control group and the four experimental groups. The 0.25wt% and 0.5wt% groups revealed a highly significant difference between them and with the (0.75%wt and 0.1%wt) groups. While the 0.75wt% group revealed a significant difference with 1wt% group. Conclusions: The addition of barium titanate to VST-50 maxillofacial silicone enhanced the antibacterial activity of silicon against Staphylococcus epidermidis, and this activity seems to be concentration dependent. FTIR analysis demonstrated no chemical interaction between the Barium Titanate and the VST-50 maxillofacial silicone elastomer. SEM pictures show that the barium titanate nanopowder was effectively dispersed inside the maxillofacial silicone matrix.

P. aeruginosa interactions with other microbes in biofilms during co-infection

This review addresses the topic of biofilms, including their development and the interaction between different counterparts. There is evidence that various diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, otitis media, diabetic foot wound infections, and certain cancers, are promoted and aggravated by the presence of polymicrobial biofilms. Biofilms are composed by heterogeneous communities of microorganisms protected by a matrix of polysaccharides. The different types of interactions between microorganisms gives rise to an increased resistance to antimicrobials and to the host's defense mechanisms, with the consequent worsening of disease symptoms. Therefore, infections caused by polymicrobial biofilms affecting different human organs and systems will be discussed, as well as the role of the interactions between the gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is at the base of major polymicrobial infections, and other bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the establishment of human infections and diseases. Considering that polymicrobial biofilms are key to bacterial pathogenicity, it is fundamental to evaluate which microbes are involved in a certain disease to convey an appropriate and efficacious antimicrobial therapy.

Multimodale Therapie bei lokal fortgeschrittenem kutanem Plattenepithelkarzinom

Die Therapieoptionen für lokal fortgeschrittene oder metastasierte Plattenepithelkarzinome waren bisher stark begrenzt und nicht standardisiert. Durch die Zulassung des monoklonalen Antikörpers Cemiplimab, der gegen den programmed death-1-Rezeptor (PD-1) gerichtet ist, hat sich die Prognose der betroffenen Patienten deutlich gebessert, wobei z.T. anhaltende Komplettremissionen erzielt werden können.

In der vorgestellten Kasuistik wurde ein multimorbider, 81-jähriger Patient aufgrund eines ausgedehnten Plattenepithelkarzinoms frontoparietal mit Schädelkalotteninfiltration und Einbruch nach intrakraniell zunächst mit Cemiplimab behandelt. Immunvermittelte Nebenwirkungen sind nicht aufgetreten. Bei klinischer und radiologischer Remission wurde der Restbefund interdisziplinär operativ versorgt, wobei die defekte Schädelkalotte rekonstruiert wurde. Histologisch wurde eine pathologische Komplettremission des Plattenepithelkarzinoms nachgewiesen. 6 Monate postoperativ ergab sich kein Anhalt für ein Lokalrezidiv oder Metastasen.

Dieser Fall zeigt exemplarisch einen Patienten, der trotz seines hohen Alters und Ko-Morbidität von der Therapie mit Cemiplimab profitiert hat. Darüber hinaus demonstriert dieser Fall die Relevanz eines interdisziplinären/multimodalen Therapieregimes im Management dieser in der Inzidenz deutlich ansteigenden Tumorentität.

Multimodale Therapie bei lokal fortgeschrittenem kutanem Plattenepithelkarzinom

Die Therapieoptionen für lokal fortgeschrittene oder metastasierte Plattenepithelkarzinome waren bisher stark begrenzt und nicht standardisiert. Durch die Zulassung des monoklonalen Antikörpers Cemiplimab, der gegen den programmed death-1-Rezeptor (PD-1) gerichtet ist, hat sich die Prognose der betroffenen Patienten deutlich gebessert, wobei z.T. anhaltende Komplettremissionen erzielt werden können.

In der vorgestellten Kasuistik wurde ein multimorbider, 81-jähriger Patient aufgrund eines ausgedehnten Plattenepithelkarzinoms frontoparietal mit Schädelkalotteninfiltration und Einbruch nach intrakraniell zunächst mit Cemiplimab behandelt. Immunvermittelte Nebenwirkungen sind nicht aufgetreten. Bei klinischer und radiologischer Remission wurde der Restbefund interdisziplinär operativ versorgt, wobei die defekte Schädelkalotte rekonstruiert wurde. Histologisch wurde eine pathologische Komplettremission des Plattenepithelkarzinoms nachgewiesen. 6 Monate postoperativ ergab sich kein Anhalt für ein Lokalrezidiv oder Metastasen.

Dieser Fall zeigt exemplarisch einen Patienten, der trotz seines hohen Alters und Ko-Morbidität von der Therapie mit Cemiplimab profitiert hat. Darüber hinaus demonstriert dieser Fall die Relevanz eines interdisziplinären/multimodalen Therapieregimes im Management dieser in der Inzidenz deutlich ansteigenden Tumorentität.