International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Research

Current Issue Volume 8 Issue 5 (September-October 2025)

    • Perceptions, Attitude and Barriers Towards Artificial Intelligence in Periodontics among Postgraduate Students of Periodontics: an Online Survey
      Abstract: Aim: To know attitudes, perceptions and barriers towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dentistry among postgraduate students of Periodontics. Methodology: Aim:A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among participants pursuing post- graduation. The questionnaire consisted of 15 close-ended questions divided into sections of attitude, perception and barriers. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. Result: Out of 206 respondents, 76% were aware of AI tools relevance to their speciality. 81% believed that AI can be effectively utilized for 3-dimensional implant positioning and planning. 70% believe inadequate exposure to AI during postgraduate periodontics training limits their confidence in using such tools clinically. Conclusion: This study concluded that students of postgraduation in periodontics were aware of the AI tools. Participants were positive when asked if AI can be effectively utilized for3-dimensional implant positioning and planning. Participants believed that the barriers to the introduction of AI in dentistry are lack of exposure at PG level and high cost.


      Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Knowledge, Awareness, Post graduate students, Survey



        • Methods of Studying Growth in Orthodontics – A Review
          Abstract: The growth of the craniofacial skeleton is a complex, dynamic process involving bone deposition, resorption, sutural activity, and soft tissue adaptation, all influenced by genetic and environmental factors. For orthodontists, this variability directly impacts diagnosis, treatment timing, and long-term stability. Over the last century, researchers have used diverse methods to study growth. Early craniometry on skeletal remains provided foundational but cross-sectional insights, while cephalometric radiography revolutionized longitudinal assessment in living individuals. Experimental approaches, such as implant radiography and vital staining, clarified bone remodeling, whereas recent advances like CBCT, MRI, and 3D surface scanning have enabled precise virtual reconstructions. Each method, however, has its limitations: measurement techniques may oversimplify biology, experimental approaches are invasive and often restricted to animals, and modern imaging raises concerns of cost and radiation. This review consolidates classical and contemporary methods—from craniometry and anthropometry to 3D imaging—highlighting their principles, advantages and limitations.


          Keywords: Anthropometry, Cephalometry, Craniometry, Growth Data, Growth Studies



            • Comparative evaluation of Efficacy of a local-drug delivery agents containing Curcuma longa, Quercus infectoria and tetracycline fibers- A clinico-microbiological study
              Abstract: Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical effects of local drug delivery agents—Curcuma longa, Quercus infectoria, and tetracycline fibers—in periodontal pockets with a probing depth of 5–7 mm, and to assess their antimicrobial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis.
              Methodology: A total of 30 subjects reporting to the Department of Periodontology, College of Dental Sciences were randomly allotted into 3 groups, 10 in each group. Clinical parameters such as PPD, CAL, PBI, and PI were measured at baseline and 1 month after LDD placement. Microbiologically quantity of P. gingivalis colonies was measured before and after LDD placement. Herbal medicament containing extracts from Curcuma longa, Quercus infectoria were formulated in the gel form for subgingival application in group I and group II which was compared with group III with tetracycline LDD. Data analysed by SPSS software, ANOVA test.
              Result: All 3 LDDS improved clinical parameters and reduced subgingival P.gingivalis counts.
              Conclusion: Tetracycline group showed more better improvement in clinical parameters, than Curcuma longa group followed by Quercus infectoria group. P.gingivalis colony forming units reduction was more in tetracycline followed by Curcuma longa and Quercus infectoria.


              Keywords: Curcuma longa, Local drug delivery, Periodontal pocket, P. gingivalis, Quercus infectoria, Tetracycline



                • Comparative Estimation of Antimicrobial Activity of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Incorporated with Metronidazole and Amoxicillin Against Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Fusobacterium Nucleatum – An Invitro Study
                  Abstract:
                  Background and Objectives: Surgical wound healing is often associated with a risk of infection. Despite strict disinfection measures, microorganisms may still invade and colonize the wound area, leading to tissue damage and delayed healing. Effective infection control is therefore essential for the success of any surgical procedure. In this context, the present in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) incorporated with Metronidazole, Amoxicillin, and their combination against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum.
                  Materials and methods: Blood samples were obtained from forty systemically healthy volunteers, and platelet-rich fibrin was prepared by adding 0.5 ml of antibiotics (Metronidazole 5 mg/ml, Amoxicillin 50 mg/ml, combination of Metronidazole 5 mg/ml and Amoxicillin 50 mg/ml) before centrifugation. The antibacterial activity of the prepared PRF was then evaluated using an antibiogram assay against standard strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum.
                  Results: The zone of inhibition against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum was significantly greater for combination of PRF with Metronidazole and Amoxicillin, followed by PRF with Amoxicillin, PRF with metronidazole, PRF alone.
                  Conclusions: Platelet-rich fibrin enriched with a combination of Metronidazole and Amoxicillin demonstrated a sustained antibacterial effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. This modified form of PRF may serve as a useful approach to minimize post-operative infections while retaining the natural healing benefits of PRF.


                  Keywords: Platelet-rich fibrin, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, periodontitis, local drug delivery



                    • Investigation of Awareness in Patients with Pain: A Descriptive Study by Fremantle Shoulder Awareness Questionnaire
                      Abstract: Background:Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint. This descriptive study aimed to assess the self-awareness of patients with shoulder pain at Ghazy Al-Hariri Hospital for Surgical Specialties.
                      Methods: A purposive, non-probability sample of 40 patients (male and female) with shoulder pain was recruited between May 5, 2024, and October 1, 2024. Data were collected via interviews using a structured questionnaire, which included demographic information (sex and age) and the 9-item Fremantle Shoulder Awareness Questionnaire (FreSHAQ-J). The FreSHAQ-J demonstrated good internal consistency, with a personal reliability index of 0.65 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.71. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, were used for data analysis with SPSS version 16.
                      Results: The study sample consisted primarily of males, with 33 patients (82.5%) being male. Patient ages ranged from 26 to 30 years. The findings revealed that patients with shoulder pain demonstrated a moderate level of body awareness, with a mean FreSHAQ-J score of 1.71 on a scale of 1.34 to 2.66.
                      Conclusion: The results indicate that patients with shoulder pain have moderate body awareness. These findings highlight a need to improve patient self-awareness.
                      Recommendations: The authors recommend developing and distributing nursing health education materials, such as paper brochures, to patients. Additionally, training programs are needed to teach patients how to apply the 9 items of the FreSHAQ-J scale to enhance their awareness and management of shoulder pain.


                      Keywords: Shoulder awareness, Pain, Questionnaire



                        • Protective Effects of Ginger in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats
                          Abstract:
                          Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by a high blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion and action, which also effect on lipid metabolism. Previous studies revealed that maybe ginger has hypoglycemic activity in diabetic animals in addition to control cholesterol and triglycerides levels in STZ induced diabetic rats.
                          Method: This study is an experimental research which was done in the first half of 20205. Firstly, the extracts of Fresh rhizomes of ginger (zingiber officinalis) were prepared. Then DM was induced by using streptozotocin (STZ). Rats have fasted for 12 hours before induction of diabetes, IP injection of 45 mg/ Kg body weight STZ. The animal was Ginger extract was started Two weeks before the induction of diabetes and was continued for Two weeks after induction. The control group was injected IP with equivalent amount of buffer. In the next step blood sampling were collected and biochemical analysis was performed. Having collected the data, SPSS 24 was used for the statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics and one–way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by DUN can’s multiple range test (DMRT) was run to analysis.
                          Results: STZ injection induced significant hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diabetic rats. Treatment with ginger extract, administered before and after diabetes induction, significantly reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL levels. These results suggest that ginger extract has a protective effect against STZ-induced metabolic disturbances and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for managing diabetes and its complications.
                          Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ginger extract significantly reduced blood glucose and improved lipid profile in STZ-induced diabetic rats, suggesting its potential ant diabetic and protective effects. Further studies are needed to explore its mechanisms and therapeutic applications.


                          Keywords: Ginger, Diabetes, Blood glucose, Lipid profile