Dr. Esra’a Hatem Nouh Jaber holds a Master’s Degree in Restorative Dentistry from Ajman University, completed in 2023. Her clinical expertise spans a wide range of restorative procedures, from basic composite and amalgam fillings to complex full-mouth crown placement and comprehensive dental rehabilitation. Dr. Esra’a is dedicated to restoring both function and aesthetics, utilizing evidence-based techniques and modern dental materials. She excels in diagnosing carious lesions, managing tooth wear, and planning restorative workflows tailored to each patient’s needs. Her approach integrates precision in cavity preparation, endo-core build-ups, crown lengthening coordination, and occlusal adjustments to ensure long-term success. In her academic role, Dr. Esra’a contributes to clinical education by training students in fundamental and advanced restorative techniques, while upholding excellence in patient-centered care
Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) hybrid ceramic material (Vita Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) in different thicknesses and translucencies on the light irradiance and the obtained radiant exposure, and to measure the Vickers microhardness (HV) and the degree of conversion (DC%) of the light-cured resin cement (Variolink Esthetic LC, Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein); polymerized by the Vita Enamic samples with different thicknesses and translucencies. Materials and methods: The study comprised the polymerization of light-cured resin cement samples through blocks of different thicknesses ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 mm, and two degrees of translucency, namely, translucent and highly translucent Vita Enamic sectional blocks. Light attenuation by the Vita Enamic sections was measured using visible light transmission spectrometry, verifying the accuracy of resin curing (MARC light collector, Bluelight Analytics, Canada). The radiant exposure (RE; in J/cm3) or the energy reaching the resin cement samples through Vita Enamic sections during polymerization as well as during polymerization of the resin cement samples directly without the interposition of Vita Enamic sections (control group) was measured. The polymerization efficiency of resin cement was evaluated by using HV and DC% of resin cement using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, which indicated non-normal distribution. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine statistical significance, with Dunn's post-hoc tests for multiple comparisons when significance was detected.Normality tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro- Wilk) applied to raw data showed that the data were not normally distributed. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine statistical significance. If significance was found, multiple comparisons of the groups were tested using Dunn's post-hoc test. Results: The results showed a statistically significant decrease in RE (J/cm3), HV, and DC% with increasing thickness of the Vita Enamic sections. On the other hand, despite the decrease in RE (J/cm3), HV, and DC% with translucent compared with the same section thickness of the highly translucent Vita Enamic hybrid ceramic, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that increasing the thickness of the Vita Enamic hybrid ceramic sections reduces the light irradiance and the radiant exposure received, as well as the HV and the percentage of conversion of the light-cured resin cement Variolink Esthetic LC of neutral shade. In addition, the different translucency of the Vita Enamic hybrid ceramic, namely, translucent and highly translucent, had a small but nonsignificant effect on the light irradiance and the obtained radiation, as well as on the HV and percentage of conversion of the light-cured resin cement Variolink Esthetic LC of the neutral shade.
Objective: This study aims to measure the effect of the lateral cutting efficiency of reciprocating and rotary NiTi files on the produced intracanal splitting forces (ICSF) during root canal preparation. Materials and methods: Forty-eight mandibular anterior bovine teeth with straight roots were used to create 48 simulated premolar roots and 26 enamel-dentin disks. The required sample size was determined through power analysis conducted with G*Power 3.1.9.7 software, utilizing data from preliminary studies. Based on a large effect size (0.8), significance level of 0.05, and statistical power of 80%, the analysis indicated a need for at least 21 specimens per group for splitting force evaluation and 10 specimens for cutting efficiency assessment. To maintain sufficient statistical power and accommodate possible sample attrition, the study employed 24 specimens per group for splitting force analysis and 13 specimens for cutting efficiency evaluation. The investigation examined two file systems with comparable heat treatment but distinct kinematics, geometries, and designs to assess the intracanal stress forces generated during preparation and their respective cutting abilities in dentin discs. The tested instruments were WaveOne-Gold (WOG) and Pro-Taper GOLD (PTG). Random allocation was performed using a computer-generated randomization sequence (Random.org). Specimens were numbered consecutively and assigned to groups using block randomization to ensure equal group sizes. Tests were carried out on a custom-made platform under automated conditions. The data collected by the force gauge is in newtons (N), and the cutting efficiency was calculated by measuring the depth of cut produced in dentin in mm. Data analysis was carried out with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and one-way Anova. Results: The splitting forces test was significantly higher in the PTG group (S1) file when compared to other PTG and WOG files. The force generated in WOG strokes presented an ascending manner as the file went deeper apically. The cutting efficiency of PTG (F2) was significantly higher than WOG's primary file. However, no significant correlation between splitting force and file cutting efficiency was detected. Conclusion: WOG single reciprocating file produced significantly lower splitting force values with significantly less aggressive dentin cutting compared to PTG multi-sequence rotary files. File design, kinematics, depth of strokes, and the maximum diameter of each file at the coronal third in relation to canal diameter may be influencing factors in generating splitting forces.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, needs, and demands of patients at Ajman University regarding available tooth replacement options. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 patients attending Ajman University’s dental clinics. The sample consisted of 51.5% males and 48.5% females, all aged 18 years or older with one or more missing teeth. Participants completed a structured, closed-ended questionnaire designed to reveal their knowledge of dental prostheses, the reasons for seeking or delaying replacement, and their preferences for prosthodontic treatment options. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Significant associations were found between the demographic variables (independent variables) and the key prosthodontic-related measures assessed in the study (dependent variables). Age and gender were significantly associated with the number of missing teeth (p < 0.001), with older individuals and males exhibiting greater tooth loss. Education level showed a significant association with the timing of seeking tooth replacement (p < 0.001). Financial constraints were the most frequently reported barrier to treatment, particularly among older and more educated participants (p < 0.001). Awareness and preference for prosthodontic options were strongly influenced by education (p < 0.001) and age (p < 0.001), with dental implants being the most preferred option. Employment status demonstrated a significant association only with awareness of complete dentures (p < 0.001), while most other dependent variables showed no significant relationship with employment status or gender. Conclusion: Patients demonstrated a high level of awareness of dental prostheses, particularly removable dentures, with implants emerging as the most preferred replacement option. Financial limitations and fear of discomfort were major barriers to seeking prosthetic treatment. Enhancing patient education and implementing financial support strategies may improve the uptake of prosthetic rehabilitation.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of applying bonding agents to uncured resin-based composite surfaces on microbial adhesion and surface morphology. Materials and methods: Five resin-based composite materials (Clearfil AP-X Esthetics, Prime Dent, Beautifil II, Saremco microhybrid composite [MHC], and Saremco extra-low shrinkage composite [ELS]) were evaluated under bonded (test) and non-bonded (control) conditions (n = 7 per group). In the bonded groups, a bonding agent was applied to the uncured composite surface prior to polymerization, whereas non-bonded specimens were polymerized and subsequently polished. Streptococcus mutans adhesion was assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) analysis, and surface morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test (α = 0.05). Results: Bonded specimens exhibited significantly higher microbial adhesion than non-bonded specimens for Saremco MHC, Saremco ELS, and Clearfil AP-X Esthetics. In contrast, Prime-Dent and Beautifil II showed lower CFU values in the bonded groups compared with the non-bonded controls. Statistically significant differences between bonded and non-bonded groups were observed for all tested composite materials (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01). SEM analysis revealed increased surface irregularities, micro-retentive features, and heterogeneous topography on bonded surfaces, whereas non-bonded specimens exhibited comparatively smoother and more homogeneous surface morphologies. Conclusion: Application of bonding agents to uncured composite resin surfaces alters surface morphology and is associated with altered microbial adhesion. These findings suggest that the clinical use of bonding agents as modeling liquids may influence the biological performance of composite restorations and should therefore be considered with caution.