Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the surface hardness of the heat–cured acrylic resins with two different thicknessescured by two curing methods conventional water bath and microwave energy. Materials and Methods:Heat–cured acrylic resin was used in this study. Rectangular specimens were prepared with twodifferent thicknesses (3 and 6mm) and cured by two different curing methods, conventional water bathand microwave energy methods. The specimens were divided into two groups according to the curingmethod and specimens thickness. Forty specimens were prepared, ten specimens for each group. Thesurface hardness was evaluated with Rock well hardness tester. Mean values wear compared statisticallywith one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan' s multiple range test to determinethe significant different among the groups at (p<0.05) level of significance. Results: The resultsshowed that there is a highly significant difference of the means value of the surface hardness amongthe four tested groups. Specimens cured by conventional water bath with 3mm thickness have the highestvalue in relation to 6mm thickness of specimens cured by microwave energy. Conclusions: Thecuring method, and specimens thicknesses have a significant effect on the specimens surface hardnessvalue. The specimens that cured by the conventional water bath method have a higher values than thatcured by the microwave energy curing method and the thicker specimens have a lower values than thethinner one in both curing methods.

Abstract: Aims: The aims of this study are to compare the dimensional changes of record base from heat and cold cured acrylic resin, with the latter cured by two techniques, and to study the regions vulnerable to dimensional changes. Materials and Methods: The adaptation of the record base on edentulous maxillary casts were tested by sectioning the record base–stone casts sets transversely and measuring the gaps with travelling microscope. The gaps represent the crest of the ridge, midline, and the deepest points of buccal sulcus. Results: Record base made from cold cured acrylic resin showed significantly higher dimensional changes than that from heat curd acrylic resin. There were no significant difference between the bench–curd and thermopress curing for cold cured acrylic resin. No significant differences found between the ridge crest and midline , but both show significantly less dimensional changes than the buccal vestibules. Conclusions: Curing cold cured acrylic resin by thermopress machine would not improve dimensional stability. And to improve the dimensional stability, the denture base that is made from heat cured acrylic resin may be used as a record base.

Abstract: Aims: To compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite bonded to dentin cured by three light curing units (LCUs), which are quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) and two types of light emitting diode (LED) machines. Materials and Methods: Buccal dentin of 90 upper premolars was exposed, prior to restorative procedure. Samples divided into 3 groups, restoration of each group cured by Astralis 5 [Austria], Top Light, [Taiwan] and Ultradent [USA]. Each group further subdivided into three subgroups. After bonding application, each subgroup of every group restored by one of 3 composites: Point 4™, Tetric and Degufill mineral. Composite applied and cured for 40 seconds. Samples thermocycled and loaded at tooth–composite interface. Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance p < 0.05 followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test, showed that SBS of subgroups that cured by Ultradent (400 mW/cm2) was significantly higher than Astralis 5 (405 mW/cm2) and Top Light (141 mW/cm2). The SBS of Astralis 5 was significantly higher than Top Light. No significant differences found among subgroups those cured by same LCU. Conclusions: Shear bond strength of resin composite bonded to dentin is directly proportional with the light intensity. However, better result obtained by a high intensity LEDs compared with an equivalent intensity QTH–LCUs.

Abstract: Aims: To describe the subjectively perceived symptoms and frequency of the objective signs of the mandibular dysfunction and their severity by using Helkimo index ,age distribution and their relation to sex. Materials and methods: This study includes 450 TMDs patients, who admitted to TMJ clinic at college of dentistry in Mosul City, Helkimo index was used to assess the symptoms and signs of the TMDs and their severity. Results: It was found that TMDs most frequently affected the age group 21– 30 years. TMJ sounds (Clicking and Crepitation) were found as the most frequent symptoms (71.5%) followed by difficulty in opening (29.3%). No sex difference in relation to TMJ sounds was found p>0.05. Impaired TMJ function was the most prevalent sign (82.6%). No sex difference in relation to ITF was found p>0.05. Concerning the distribution of the patients according to Ai (Anamenstic dysfunction index). It was found that 51patients (11.3%) were symptoms free (Ai0), 169 patients (37.5%) reported mild symptoms (AiI) and 230 patients (51.1%) complained from severe symptoms (AiII). No significant sex difference in relation to Ai was found p>0.05. Regarding the distribution of the patients in relation to Di (Clinical dysfunction index).This study reveals that 7 patients (1.5%) were sign free (Di0), 114 patients (25.3%) with mild signs (DiI), 172 patients (38.2%) with moderate signs (DiII)and 157 patients (34.8%) with severe signs (DiIII). No significant sex difference in relation to clinical dysfunction index (Di) p>0.05 was found in this study. Conclusions: The age 21–30 years consider the high risk age group. The TMJ sounds were the most frequent symptoms. Severe symptoms (Ai II) and signs (DiIII) represents high percentages (51.1%) and (34.4%) respectively in a patients with TMDs in Mosul City.

Abstract: Aims: To reveal the changes of the soft tissue profile of the nose, that include; length, height and depth of the nose among four age groups. Materials and Methods: The studying sample subjects included 48, 41, 50 and 44 individuals of age 11, 12, 13 and 14 years respectively. The subjects were Iraqi individuals of class I normal occlusion, who live in center of Mosul City. All subjects were radiographed with the lateral cephalometric films, these films were traced and drawing the linear parameters of the nose, the tracing involve the length (N` – Prn), width (N – Sn) and depth (Prn – Prn`). The results were subjected to the descriptive and variance analyses. Results: The results appeared in males the length of the nose increase in dimension with no significant differences when compared among the four age groups, whereas in females showed significant increase when compared the 11, 12 years with 13 years and with 14 years age groups. While, the h weight of the nose (N`– Sn) appeared in males and females significantly increase at 14 years age group when compared with other age groups. But significantly increased at 12 years age group as compared with 11 years age group, in males only. Mean while, the depth of the nose (Prn – Prn`) displayed significantly increase at age 14 years group when compared with 11 and 12 years age groups for both sexes. The comparison between sexes for the nose parameters demonstrated that the length, width and depth of the nose displayed significantly increase in males than females at 11 years age group and no significantly differences at other age groups. Conclusions: The conclusions of the study are that the nose have significantly increase between 11 and 14 years age group in both sexes, the nasal profile parameters have insignificant difference in dimensions among 12, 13 and 14 years age groups.

Abstract: Aims: The aims of this study are to determine the effect of different polymerization treatment on the transverse strength and residual monomer of auto polymerized acrylic denture base. Materials and Methods: Sixteen samples of heat cured acrylic resin were prepared as a control samples. Eighty samples of auto polymerized acrylic resin were prepared with different polymerization treatments to be tested for transverse strength and residual monomer concentration. These polymerization treatments were carried out by: (1) Open air polymerization treatment, (2) Under hydraulic pressure, (3) Under clamp pressure, (4) Water bath post polymerization. (5) Microwave post polymerization. One half of specimens were subjected to transverse strength test and another one subjected to residual monomer test. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Results: The result of this study showed that the microwave post polymerization treatment had significantly higher transverse strength, and also showed that the residual monomer significantly lower with microwave and water bath post polymerization treatment. Conclusions: The fracture resistance was improved after post polymerization treatment for auto polymerized acrylic denture base with microwave, and the adverse effect of monomer was decreased by water bath and microwave post polymerization treatment.

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study is radiological assay of at least two years period of clinically asymptomatic faulty endodontic treatment among the patients sex and treated teeth location. Materials and Methods: A total of 447 individuals (20–60y age) from both sexes were selected, they had history of endodontic treatment for at least two years ago. They were clinically asymptomatic and radiographic examination showed they had faulty endodontic treatment. Radiographic examinations in this study was intraoral periapical projection, used bisecting angle technique, used dental x–ray machine, periapical film. Special chart was prepared for this study. The faulty endodontic treatments were radiographically categorized as under–filling, overfilling, missing root canal, perforations of the root canal, and fractured or separated instrument in the root canal. Statistically frequency distributions calculated. Chi–square test was used to calculate significance difference with the level of p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that the under–filling had the highest percentage of the faulty endodontic treatment and the females had a higher percentage than that of the males, and the posterior teeth had a higher percentage than that of the anterior teeth. Conclusion: Faulty endodontic treatment is not the direct cause of the signs and symptoms of endodontic treatment failure, there are no significant differences of the faulty endodontic treatment among the patients sex, but there is a significant difference among the location of the treated teeth.

Abstract: Aims: This study was conducted to find the effect of adrenaline and nor adrenaline containing local anesthesia on the blood glucose level on non insulin dependent diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were given 1.8ml of 2% lignocaine containing 1:100000 adrenaline as infiltration local anesthesia intraorally, and other thirty patients received 1.8ml of 2%lignocaine containing 0.072mg of nor–adrenaline in the same manner. Fasting blood sugar was measured before the administration of local anesthesia and 30 minutes after the administration of local anesthesia. Results: There were no significant differences in blood glucose level measured before and after the injection of adrenaline containing local anesthesia. However, there were significant differences between the results obtained with nor–adrenaline containing local anesthesia, where there is a significant increase in blood glucose level 30 minutes after the injection of local anesthesia. Conclusions: The administration of anesthesia containing adrenaline has no effect on blood glucose level of diabetic patients. While administration of anesthesia containing nor adrenaline cause a significant effect (hyperglycemic effect) in those patients.

Abstract: Aims: The aims of the study were to measure different variables of pharynx in class I and class II skeletal relation, clarify the effect of gender on the pharyngeal measurements and to find the effect of different classes (class I and class II) on the pharyngeal measurements. Materials and Methods: The samples consisted of cephalometric films of 40 subjects, 20 males (10 class I and 10 class II) and 20 females (10 class I and 10 class II). These films were traced and ten linear measurements of the pharynx. Results: No significant difference were noticed between males and females in class I participants except in Ba–PNS (sagittal depth of the bony nasopharynx), PNS–ppw (the sagittal depth of the pharynx along the line ANS – PNS) and hy–MP (millimeter distance from hyoid to the mandibular plane), where males showed a significantly higher value; while males showed a significantly higher value in Ba – ad2 (sagittal depth of the nasopharyngeal airway along line S – Ba) and hy–apw2 (millimeter distance from hyoid to ap2) in class II. Conclusions: No significant differences were noticed between males and females in class I and class II skeletal relation in most of the measured variables and also no significant differences were noticed in the same gender neither in class I nor in class II.

Abstract: Aims: In this research, the antifungal effect of tea tree oil on Candida that colonizes the heat cured acrylic resin denture base material was evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 24 patients wearing upper complete dentures for more than one year were selected randomly from patients who were attending private dental clinics at Mosul city. Swabs from inner surface of upper complete dentures were taken for each patient then Candida albican were isolated, after that these dentures were immersed in the antifungal drugs (tea tree oil solution 15% and fluconazole solution 64 μg/ml) at 24 h and 48 hr. After that another swap was taken for each sample of complete denture to determine the antifungal effects of these agents. Results: The results of this study revealed that tea tree oil solution 15% and fluconazole solution 64 μg/ml had a significant antifungal effects, although tea tree solution effect was significantly less than fluconazole effects compared to control group [Candida albican culture (before immersion)]. Conclusions: The use of therapeutically active compounds extracted from plants like tea tree oil will offers a natural alternative with excellent antifungal effect and can be employed to reduce number of Candida albicans cells including those adhered to acrylic denture base material. This approach to fungal control is believed to be a practical for home care of dentures.

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the force values of different types of arch wires. Materials and Methods: Five types of arch wires used. The sample consisted of 150 wires specimens divided into three deflections (1 mm, 2mm and 3 mm). A universal tensile testing machine with the use of special designed fixture was used to perform Three Point Bending Test and the force value related to gram (gm) was measured during loading (activation) of the wire to 1 mm, 2 mm or 3 mm deflections. Results: The results of this investigation showed a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) in force values among all arch wires. Conclusions: The conclusions of this study showed that the solid stainless steel wires provided a heavy force, while the multistranded gave rise to the lowest force value.

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of some nursing caries factors related to presentation such as gender variation, pattern of feeding habits, parent’s education and area of residence through a random sample of preschool children in Mosul City. Materials and Methods: A sample of 271 children was selected from 2–5 year olds, attending the Pedodontic clinic of Dentistry College at Mosul University and some others private dental clinic in Mosul City. For each child, clinical exanimation was performed on dental chair. The examination was conducted with a visual and non tactile technique. The criterion used for nursing caries was the presence of caries on the labial or lingual surfaces (smooth surface) of at least two maxillary incisors with absence of caries in mandibular incisors. The questionnaire was designed to collect general information on each child: name, age, gender as well as questions including area of residence (rural or urban) and parental education levels. Dietary information sought included past and current infant feeding practices either; breast feeding, bottle feeding or mixed of both. Chi – square (X2) test was used to determine the gender differences for each group and between total samples of different groups. The differences were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 271 children with nursing caries, 146 (53.87%) males and 125 (46.13%) females of 2 – 5 years old were included in this study. The higher number of children was from rural area than those from the urban area with significant difference (p≤ 0.05) between them. Concerning parents’ education, nursing caries was significantly the higher amongst children of mothers and fathers with the lowest level of education. The lowest percentages of children were seen in the children of parents educated to beyond college level. The higher number of children was of breast feeding group followed by bottle feeding group and mixed feeding group with a significant difference (p≤ 0.05) between breast feeding and mixed feeding groups only. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between different genders among all variables groups. Conclusions: The occurrence of nursing caries in preschool children appears to vary significantly with respect to the area of residence, parental education and feeding habits groups. The improvement of different familial factors may have an impact on the oral health of children.

Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study were to estimate the percentage of general and oral complications among patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents and correlate the oral complications with the age of the patients and with the drugs either used singly or in combination with the other chemotherapeutic agent and the effect of xylitol chewing gum on oral dental hygiene in patients having malignant diseases. Materials and Method: In this clinical trial, 70 patients with ages ranging between 7–65 years treated with different cancer chemotherapy for a duration from 3 months to 3 years. The patients were selected from those who treated in Hazim Al–Hafith center for treatment cancer in Mosul City. General and oral complications of chemotherapeutic agents were recorded and the agent recorded either used singly or in combination with the other chemotherapeutic agent. Twenty patients from those who had oral com-plications were examined and the plague and gingival indices were measured according to Silness and Loe (1963) at the base line. Then those patients were instructed to take xylitol chewing gum (4 grams/day); four times immediately after eating. The plague and gingival indices were measured again after 3 weeks of using the chewing gum. Results: The results of this study revealed that approximately half of the patients have general and oral complications while the others either had only general com-plications or had no complications (48.57%, 27.14%, 24.29% respectively). The incidence of oral com-plications correlated with the increasing in patients' age (P<0.01). The distribution of general and oral complications were correlated with the agent used either singly or in combination, where 100% of pa-tients medicated with single therapy had general and oral complications while the patients medicated with multiple therapy 70.69% of them had general and oral complications and 29.13% had no signifi-cant complications. The patients who had taken xylitol chewing gum had a significant reduction in pla-gue index while there is no significant reduction in gingival index (p<0.01). Conclusions: the study concluded that the general and oral complications arising in cancer patients can be attributed to the various modalities of cancer chemotherapy. Routine oral hygiene and elimination of preexisting dental disease and sources of mucosal irritation with a giving of salivary substitutes like xylitol reduce the incidence and severity of a number of oral complications of chemotherapy.

Abstract: Aims: To determine the correlation between intensity (I) of light–emitting diode (LED) and tungsten–halogen light sources, and depth of cure of a resin composite at different distances. Materials and Methods: LED curing light (Ultra Lite 200E plus) and tungsten halogen light (Astralis 5 Vivadent) were evaluated. Intensity was measured at distances of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10mm between the light tip and detector. A blackened aluminum plate, 0.5mm thick, with a 4mm–diameter aperture was placed over the detector. The use of this aperture limited the amount of light reaching the detector to a uniform area for both curing lights and also corres-ponded to the area of the mould for the depth of cure studies. Both light tips were centered on this aperture to reduce any influence of varying I across the light tip. Depth of cure (DOC) of light–curing universal micro hybrid composite shade A2 was also measured. A metallic mould was used to measure the depth of cure at distances of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10mm between light tip and mould. The degree of divergence of the light of both light curing units was also determined by tracing the illuminated area at a 10mm distance for each of the curing lights. Results: For both lights, intensity decreased as distance increased. While, both I and DOC decrease with increasing distance, the relationship between these factors and distance may not be similar for both lights and may depend on the characteristics of individual lights. Conclu-sions: Both I and DOC decreased with increasing distances. DOC usually decreases with de-creasing I, the rate of decline varies between various light brands.

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the effects of orthodontic treatment, sex on the maxillary arch measurements, anatomical landmarks position, dimensional differences of artificial teeth selection and position on the comfort for treated partially edentulous patient; with and without previous orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: two groups of patients: (Males and females) included in this study. First group were with Orthodontic group classified as: Angle class I malocclusion, crowding more than 5 mm, there were 48 in number. Second group were 32 in number, and they're partially edentulous (with previous orthodontic treatment or without as a control group), they were selected with special criteria. A 192 dental stone casts were prepared, and 64 linear measurements were done for each individual cast of the first group, and 22 measurements for the second group. Crom–Cobalt (Cr–Co.) partial dentures were constructed for the second group individuals, follow up for 3–6 months to detect the comfort of the patient in relation to mean differences in the length measurements of the saddle area were recorded. Results: Incisal canine dimension showed a marked expansion of right side (0.7342 mm) post orthodontic treatment, constriction in the upper inter 1st molar distance 2.7334 mm in relation to control. Anatomical landmark (canine to hamular notch right and left post orthodontic treatment), in female showed an increase in measurements in relation to male. Length difference of free end saddle area of partially edentulous control group in relation to partially edentulous patient with orthodontic treatment was about 2.987 mm. An increase in percentage of comfort of control patients wearing removable prosthesis was shown in female. Conclusions: Mean values of the all measurements were generally higher in the males than females post orthodontic treatment. Increase in the arc measurements, but with constructions in the inter–molar distance, anatomical landmark labial surface of the central incisors to the incisive papilla, and canine to hamular notch for both groups. Length of artificial teeth of free end partially edentulous with orthodontic treatment was reduced, but the comfort after prosthodontic treatment was higher in female of both groups

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the amount of rotation, tipping and extrusion using different wires and to Estimate the difference in the amount of tipping, rotation and extrusion between Stainless steel and Teflon ligature in different wires. Materials and Methods: The standardizing criteria were all Typodont teeth situated in well–aligned, covered and immobilized by the acrylic bite except canine; The available space for canine sliding was (14 mm) measured by digital vernia. Elastic chain exerting 180 gm of force on canine measured carefully by tension gauge. In both vertical and horizontal direction a photographs that were taken for Typodont using digital camera. The angle between bite plane extension bar and Canine extension bar were (90o) measured by protractor directly on the photograph. Preformed band with its attachments, ready made stainless steel, composite coated and TMA arch wires all were (0.018×0.025) with the use of stainless steel and Teflon ligature, Standard titanium spring 11 mm length, Typodont components, within six types of connection the two types of ligation material had been applied to the three different wires then the 1st premolar space tend to be closed by distal canine displacement then the resultant rotation, tipping and extrusion were measured. Statistical Descriptive analysis: One–way and, Two–ways Analysis of Variance were done to detect the variability between methods and which is the best. Results: Three important results showed in the study: First, canine sliding over the composite coated arch wire with the use of stainless steel ligature gave rise to significant decrease in rotation, tipping and extrusion when compared with other methods. Second, stainless steel ligature when compared with Teflon ligature of the same corresponding method gave rise to a significant decrease in the degree of rotation tipping and extrusion. Third, Composite coated arch wires showed lowest degree of rotation then followed by TMA arch wires ordinarily this is due to their rough surface. The largest rotation seen in the stainless steel arch wire this is due to its smooth surface texture, and the same thing for the tipping of the composite coated wires that gave rise to the lowest degree of tipping followed by the stainless steel wires, these result possibly due to their stiffness then higher tipping seen at TMA wires ordinarily a result of their flexibility this sequence were the same for both types of ligations. Conclusions: Best method of space closure is the use of either composite coated arch wire or stainless steel arch wire with stainless steel ligature that give us highest resistance to tipping, lowest extrusion and relatively little rotation when compared with other methods.

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the fracture resistance of premolars with mesio–occluso–distal (MOD) preparations with resin composite using different incremental techniques when submitted to occlusal load. Materials and Methods: Fifty premolars were used and randomly divided into five groups of ten teeth each. The teeth in group I were prepared and not restored. The teeth in group II were restored in vertical technique. Teeth in group III were restored in horizontal technique. Teeth in group IV were restored in oblique technique. Teeth in groups II, III and IV were restored using Exite adhesive system and Tetric hybrid composite. Teeth in group V were restored in horizontal technique using combinations of Tetric flowable composite and Tetric hybrid composite. After thermocycling, the teeth were tested under universal compression machine. The data obtained in this research were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results: Both groups V and IV significantly increase the fracture resistance of teeth over groups II and III. Conclusions: Selection and appropriate use of materials, better placement technique and control polymerization shrinkage may increase the resistance of teeth to fracture with Class II resin composite restorations.

Abstract: Aims: the study was planned to assess the value of the change among four pubertal age groups of Class l occlusion. Materials and Methods: The sample subjects were comprise of the flowing groups: 11yeas(23 males&25 females), 12years(19 males &22 females), 13years(22 males &28 females) and 14years(22 males &22 females). Each individual radiographed with cephalometric film. The cephalometric films traced and the mandibular lengths ( Ar–Pog, & Go–Gn & Ar–Go) were measured. The data subjected to the descriptive and variance statistics at 0.05 significant level. Results: The findings disclosed that the mandibular lengths (Ar–Pog, Go–Gn &Ar–Go) were significantly greater value at 14years age group as compared with 11,12,&13 years age groups. The sex variation appeared insignificant change among the four age groups for the mandibular lengths. Conclusion: The increase mandibular length at age 14 years can be regarded in relive the crowding at 11,12, &13 years age groups for both sexes

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic methods, preparation techniques and restorative materials used by dentists in Mosul City for the management of proximal carious lesions. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire sheet with numerous items were distributed randomly among 150 dentists (specialists and non–specialists) working in Mosul City. The sheets were collected and the data were analyzed. Results: The results revealed that there are several differences in performing specific steps of proximal caries diagnosis and the treatment among the dentists involved. Conclusions: The conclusions of this study indicated that the variations among dental practitioners in managing proximal caries refer to the role of the continuing dental education. Dentists are in need to be in contact through meetings ,lectures and training courses with the recent and up–to–date advancement in dentistry.

Abstract: To evaluate the shear bond strength of intra oral porcelain repair system using different surface treatments when fracture of porcelain with complete metal exposure. Materials and Methods: forty specimens were prepared in form of metal disks (8mm in diameter, this diameter is for each specimen and 15mm height) and randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The first two groups were treated with air abrasion. The other groups leaved untouched. Groups I and III were treated with 37% phosphoric acid while in groups II and IV the surface were treated with 9% hydrofluoric acid, after that the surfaces of all samples were treated with silane coupling agent then bonding and composite were applied according to the manufacturer instructions. All the samples were stored in a normal physiological saline for 7 days. Then the samples were thermocycled after that Shear bond strength was tested using universal testing machine. Results: The result showed that there was a highly significant difference between groups treated with Al2O3 with those untreated one, the acid etch material. There was a highly significant difference between samples acid etched using hydrofluoric acid with those etched with phosphoric acid. Conclusion: Air abrasion and the hydrofluoric acid significantly increase the shear bond strength between composite resin and exposed metal of metal ceramic restoration.