Publications

Spatial attention and eye movements jointly contribute to efficient sampling of visual information in the environment, but maintaining precise spatial attention across saccades becomes challenging due to the drastic retinal shifts. Previous studies have provided evidence that spatial attention may remap imperfectly across saccades, incurring systematic feature inference with ongoing perception, yet the role of saccade predictability remains largely untested. In the current study, we investigated whether spatiotemporal predictability of saccades influences postsaccadic remapping and feature perception. In two preregistered experiments, we implemented the postsaccadic feature report paradigm and manipulated spatiotemporal predictability of saccades. Experiment 1 manipulated spatial and temporal saccade predictability together, whereas Experiment 2 dissociated the roles of spatial and temporal predictability in separate conditions. In addition to spatial and temporal saccade predictability both improving general task performance, we found that spatial saccade predictability specifically modulated postsaccadic feature interference. When saccades were spatially unpredictable, "swap errors" occurred at the early postsaccadic time point, where participants misreported the retinotopic color instead of the spatiotopic target color. However, the swapping errors were reduced when saccades were made spatially predictable. These results suggest that systematic feature interference associated with postsaccadic remapping is malleable to expectations of the upcoming saccade target location, highlighting the role of predictions in maintaining perceptual stability across saccades.

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of anatomical variations in completely edentulous patients concerning incisive papilla prominence, labial frenum attachment, and ridge relation and their correlation with age and gender.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using data from 8,600 patients from June 2022 to March 2025 were screened, and 512 complete denture patients with photographic evidence were analyzed. Incisive papilla was categorized as prominent or nonprominent. Labial frenum attachment was classified as class I, II, or III. Ridge relation was assessed as class I, II, or III. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS (version 23.0) to assess correlations between anatomical features, age, and gender.

RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 64.5 ± 10.2 years, with 282 (55%) males and 230 (45%) females among the 512 completely edentulous patients. A significant correlation was found with age (p < 0.001), showing that incisive papilla flattens with age. Class II was most prevalent in 261 (51%) patients, followed by class I in 169 (33%) and class III in 82 (16%). A significant association was found between labial frenum type and gender (p = 0.039). Class II ridge relation was most common in 266 (52%) patients, followed by class I in 154 (30%) and class III in 92 (18%). A significant correlation was observed between ridge relation and gender, with class I more prevalent in the 61-70 age-group.

CONCLUSION: In the present study, incisive papilla prominence decreases with age, and class II ridge relation and labial frenum attachment are the most common.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the correlation between age, gender, and anatomical variations in completely edentulous patients helps clinicians anticipate potential challenges during prosthodontic rehabilitation. Knowledge of these variations, aids in better treatment planning, improving denture fit, stability, and patient satisfaction. How to cite this article: Britina G, Rajaraman V, Bhattu BK, et al. Correlation of Age and Gender with Anatomical Variations in Completely Edentulous Patients and Their Clinical Implications in Prosthodontic Treatment Planning: A Retrospective Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):854-859.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new surgical concept with new tools utilized for crestal sinus elevation to determine the incidence of sinus membrane perforation during surgery. A completely new approach, associated with new instruments, allows sinus bone grafting in all cases of atrophy of the posterior maxilla.

BACKGROUND: Crestal sinus augmentation is frequently required for implant placement in the maxillary molar sites to provide sufficient crestal height to permit implant placement. This is performed in conjunction with implant placement at the same surgical appointment but has the potential for sinus membrane perforation and may be technique sensitive for some practitioners. The technique and instrumentation discussed in the article simplify the procedure and greatly diminish the potential of sinus perforation during treatment. Clinical technique: Two Kits are discussed, with Kit A utilized to treat maxillary atrophy presenting less than 4 mm of sub-sinus bone height, and Kit B to treat maxillary atrophy presenting more than 4 mm of sub-sinus bone height. The technique involves minimally invasive, simple surgery, using a very precise protocol and instrumentation to permit sinus elevation via a crestal approach, to eliminate sinus membrane perforation potential.

DISCUSSION: The results of this article focused on 100 cases for Kit A and 300 for Kit B, obtaining 97% success in avoiding sinus membrane perforation.

CONCLUSION: Transcrestal sinus elevation provides a very good alternative utilizing the All Secure Sinus Elevation Kit (ASSEK) A compared to older techniques that have proven themselves to have associated complications, including sinus membrane perforation. The ASSEK B allows you to perform a Summer's sinus elevation approach in direct vision for added safety Clinical significance: The design of the Kit's components avoids any complications of sinus membrane perforation. The Kit uses a minimally non-invasive surgery, avoiding any healing complications that present with more extensive surgical approaches. Sinus augmentation is frequently required for implant placement in the maxillary molar sites, especially when ridge resorption has occurred. The technique and instrumentation discussed provide a simpler surgical procedure to achieve increased crestal height with significantly decreased sinus perforation potential. How to cite this article: Baranes D, Le Gal RZ, Kurtzman GM, et al. A Simplified Approach for Sinus Augmentation to Avoid Sinus Membrane Perforation: An Analysis of 400 Cases. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):924-929.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the canal centering ability (CCA) of a single-file retreatment system and a multiple-file retreatment system, with and without the use of gutta-percha (GP) solvent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extracted human mandibular molars with a canal access angle (CAA) of 20-40° were selected and treated endodontically. Samples were equally distributed into two groups, group I (10): HyFlex Remover, group II (10): ProTaper Universal Retreatment File, with two subgroups of five samples each: With solvent, without solvent. Retreatments were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to evaluate CCA in coronal, apical, and middle thirds. Data were analyzed using an independent Student's t-test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: Group I, with p-values of 0.001 at 3 mm, 0.024 at 6 mm, and 0.041 at 9 mm, showed significantly better centering ability than group II at all levels when xylene was used. Without xylene, both groups performed similarly in the apical and middle thirds, but group I outperformed group II at the coronal third (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: HyFlex Remover demonstrated superior CCA across all root canal levels, regardless of solvent use. However, xylene significantly improved the performance of the ProTaper system at the apical and coronal thirds.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Endodontic retreatment poses challenges in maintaining canal anatomy while removing obturating materials. This study was necessary to evaluate the CCA of single- vs multiple-file retreatment systems, with and without solvent use. Findings showed HyFlex Remover maintained superior centering ability, minimized solvent dependence, and provided clinicians with a safer, more reliable option for retreatment. How to cite this article: Gnanasekaran S, Rajakumaran A, Kalaiselvam R, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Canal Centering Ability of Single-file Retreatment System vs Multiple-file Retreatment System, with and without Gutta-Percha Solvent: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):898-903.

AIM: This study evaluated the amount of bone regeneration and its microarchitectural integrity in peri-implant gaps in rabbits treated with one of the following approaches: Bovine bone combined with hyaluronic acid (HyA), bovine bone alone, or left untreated as an empty defect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult male New Zealand White rabbits were included in this study. In each group (n = 10), a critical bone defect (6 mm diameter × 4 mm depth) was surgically prepared using a trephine bur under copious saline irrigation in the femoral condyle bone. A dental implant was subsequently placed into each defect. The peri-implant defects were left untreated (no biomaterial), filled with bovine bone alone, and filled with bovine bone combined with (HyA) in groups I, II, and III, respectively. All rabbits were randomly selected for euthanasia after 2 months, implant stability, and marginal bone loss (MBL) were evaluated. Then, the bone samples were processed for histological analysis.

RESULTS: The highest Implant stability after 2 months was recorded with the group bovine bone combined with HyA (74.69 ± 0.75), followed by the bovine bone alone group (70.25 ± 0.82), and the lowest implant stability in a control group (65.10 ± 0.77), (p < 0.001*), which was supported by a significant difference in MBL between groups (p < 0.001*). The highest MBL was measured in the control group (0.63 ± 0.15). The percentage of newly formed bone in the grafted groups was significantly higher compared to the control group (4.10 ± 0.14) (p < 0.05), as measured by histomorphometry.

CONCLUSION: The combination of HyA with bovine bone exhibits a combined effect promoting bone regeneration and graft replacement. This approach enhances osseointegration of the implant.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of HyA in conjunction with bovine bone improves both the rate and quality of newly formed bone potentially increase the osseointegration of the implant and reducing alveolar ridge resorption. How to cite this article: Dakhil R, Abdulrahman M, Kandil I, et al. Evaluation of Hyaluronic Acid in Addition to Xenograft Material in Treatment of Peri-implant Bony Defects in Immediate Implant Placement: An Animal Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):876-882.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of adding Aloe Vera nanoparticles encapsulated by chitosan nanospheres on glass ionomer for antibacterial activity and solubility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty samples were used in the study and divided into two groups according to the test (n = 20) for each group. The antibacterial activity of each group was tested using the agar diffusion test. The samples were dried in a desiccator for the solubility test until a constant weight was achieved. Then, the dried samples were weighed accurately using an analytical balance. This record is the initial weight (W1). Then, the samples were immersed in distilled water at a controlled temperature for 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7 days. The samples were weighed again to determine the weight after sorption.

RESULTS: The average inhibition zone diameter was 0.050 ± 0.009 mm for the control group and 3.44 ± 0.107 mm for the 15% GI-Aloe Vera (ECnS) group. This difference was statistically significant. Regarding solubility, the difference between groups was statistically significant (p = 0.000). At 1 hour, control recorded 0.714 ± 0.106, while GI-Aloe Vera (ECnS) 15% recorded a lower value of 0.504 ± 0.075. At 24 hours, control recorded (0.950 ± 0.142), while GI-Aloe Vera (ECnS) 15% recorded a lower value (0.670 ± 0.100). On day 7, the control recorded 1.187 ± 0.177, while GI-Aloe Vera (ECnS) 15% recorded a lower value of 0.838 ± 0.125.

CONCLUSION: Incorporating Aloe Vera nanoparticles improved the microbiological properties by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) on the glass ionomer cement (GIC) and reducing solubility, making them more durable and effective for dental restorations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of Aloe Vera nanoparticles encapsulated by chitosan nanospheres significantly enhanced the antibacterial properties of GIC against S. mutans and reduced solubility, potentially improving the material's clinical performance and longevity. How to cite this article: Elzoka AH, El Saeed SA, Abogabal AD, et al. Effect of Incorporation of Aloe Vera Nanoparticles Encapsulated by Chitosan Nanospheres on Antibacterial Properties and Solubility of Glass Ionomer. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):860-867.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the treatment difficulty of impacted maxillary canines by using the KPG index and qualitative measurement of the surrounding alveolar bone based on Hounsfield Unit (HU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 115 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of patients aged 13 years or older with impacted maxillary canines. The KPG index was used to assess spatial position in three planes. Bone density was measured on buccal, palatal, mesial, and distal surfaces at cervical, middle, and apical root levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Most impactions were palatal (74.78%), unilateral (58.26%), and more frequent in females (69.6%) than males. According to the KPG index, 49.6% were classified as "Difficult," followed by "Moderate" (33.9%). Bone density was highest at the apical root third and increased with age, though no significant gender or impaction-type differences were observed. KPG scores and bone density values showed no significant correlation.

CONCLUSION: Most impacted maxillary canines were classified as "difficult" based on the KPG index. Bone density was highest apically and increased with age, but showed no correlation with KPG scores, highlighting the need for independent evaluation of both factors in treatment planning.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Integrating the 3D-based KPG index with bone density measurements enables earlier and more accurate prediction of treatment difficulty in impacted maxillary canines, leading to better treatment planning and improved patient outcomes. How to cite this article: Mahmood KO, Omer ZQ. 3D Assessment of Orthodontic Treatment Difficulty of Maxillary Impacted Canine Using KPG Index and Qualitative Bone Measurement: A Retrospective Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):836-845.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to measure Steiner's cephalometric norms for the Kazakh adult population representing the indigenous population of Kazakhstan and compare them with published measurements from selected ethnic groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 adult Kazakh patients, 60 males and 60 females, aged 16-35 years, with normal class I occlusion, a balanced profile, and no previous orthodontic treatments. Steiner's cephalometric norms were measured from lateral cephalometric radiographs.

RESULTS: Most of the Kazakh cephalometric parameters did not significantly differ from Steiner's (Caucasian) norms. Although SNB (angle) and U1-NA (angle) were statistically significantly less than the presented Caucasian norms. In contrast, parameters such as L1-NB (angle) and L1-NB (line) statistically significantly exceeded Steiner's norms. We found slightly protruding upper jaws, a characteristic of Kazakhs with normal occlusion. Specifically, the ANB angle of 2.8°, which slightly exceeds Steiner's norms, indicated the dominance of the class II bite. Various measures differed between Kazakh males and females, including angles U1-NA, L1-NB, Occl.-SN, GoGn-SN, and the position of the lips relative to the S-line.

CONCLUSION: We established the cephalometric norms of the Kazakh population and highlighted similarities and differences with the Caucasian population (as a representative of their geographical neighbors) and other selected populations. Our data will significantly support and improve the diagnosis and treatment of the Kazakh adult population.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Considering ethnic-specific craniofacial morphology is essential for achieving effective and lasting orthodontic outcomes. Our findings support the need for national cephalometric standards to improve diagnosis and treatment planning for the Kazakh population. How to cite this article: Dosmatova K, Yasa Y, Nigmatov R, et al. Cephalometric Norms of Kazakh Adults Using Steiner's Analysis and Comparison of Their Craniofacial Features with Other Populations: An Observational Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):821-827.

AIMS: This study aimed to extract nanoparticles from the bones of the snakehead fish (Channa striata) and evaluate their physicochemical characteristics.

METHODS: High-speed blending and ball milling techniques were employed for the extraction process. The morphological features, crystalline structure, and elemental composition of the resulting nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.

RESULTS: The results indicated that fish bone milled for 7 hours at 600 rpm produced an average particle size of 38.68 nm. The calcium oxide and phosphate contents were found to be 62.14% and 35.96%, respectively. The calcium phosphate compound derived from the fish bone exhibited 100% crystallinity.

CONCLUSION: Nanoparticles from the bones of the snakehead fish (Channa striata) have a significant profile to be used for vital pulp therapy.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The presence of calcium and phosphorus elements, along with the distinct diffraction pattern of hydroxyapatite, as well as the particle morphology and size, suggests that this compound holds potential as an alternative material for pulp capping. How to cite this article: Salmiah S, Ilyas S, Abidin T, et al. Extraction and Characterization of Nanoparticles from Snakehead Fish (Channa striata) Bone as a Pulp Capping Material. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(9):828-835.

BACKGROUND: Hypokalemic paralysis is a rare but potentially life-threatening neuromuscular emergency characterized by the sudden onset of flaccid weakness due to reduced serum potassium. While inherited channelopathies represent primary causes, secondary etiologies-particularly endocrine, renal, and metabolic disorders-are more frequently encountered and require timely recognition to avoid complications.

CASE SUMMARY: We report four patients presenting with acute flaccid paralysis associated with documented hypokalemia (serum potassium <3.5 mmol/L). The first case involved a pregnant woman with primary hyperaldosteronism due to an adrenal adenoma, managed initially with spironolactone and subsequently cured by adrenalectomy. The second case was a normotensive female diagnosed with distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) in the setting of Sjögren's syndrome, treated with potassium citrate and sodium bicarbonate. The third case was a young male with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) secondary to Graves' disease, who improved with antithyroid drugs and beta-blockers. The fourth case described a young male with primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP), presenting with exertion-induced weakness, successfully treated with intravenous potassium supplementation.

CONCLUSION: This case series underscores the diverse etiologies of hypokalemic paralysis, spanning endocrine, renal, autoimmune, and genetic causes. A systematic diagnostic approach, guided by clinical and biochemical evaluation, is essential for timely treatment. Identifying the underlying cause not only ensures effective acute management but also prevents recurrence and reduces the risk of serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmias.