Purpose: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising technique for postoperative pain control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the TAP block in managing postoperative pain after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had received ultrasonography-guided TAP blocks after surgery from January 2019 to August 2023 were reviewed and compared with those of patients who had not received. Propensity score matching was controlled for age as a confounder. Postoperative pain levels were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: After matching, 95 patients were included in each group. The TAP block group (2.7 vs. 4.0, P < 0.001) had significantly lower NRS scores immediately and early postoperative pain than the control group (1.9 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion TAP block is effective and safe for managing immediate and early postoperative pain in laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair and does not increase the risk of complications.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) crowns offer a provisional option for esthetic restorations in pediatric patients. PEEK has mechanical properties similar to dentin but exhibits low bond strength with luting cements. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength between PEEK and four luting cements by measuring shear bond strength (SBS). Sixty specimens were divided into three surface treatment groups: control, sandblast, and 98% sulfuric acid, and further divided into four cement subgroups: methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resin cement, composite-based resin cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGI), and glass ionomer cement (GI). Failure modes and treated surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wettability was assessed through water contact angle. Both surface treatment methods showed significantly higher SBS than the control. The combination of sulfuric acid treatment with MMA-based resin cement demonstrated the highest bond strength (11.25 ± 1.86 MPa), while the second highest value was observed with sandblasting combined with MMA-based resin cement. These values were significantly higher than other groups and exceeded the clinically acceptable SBS threshold of 10 MPa. SEM analysis revealed that sandblasting created irregular fissures with large grooves and cracks for improved micro-retention, while sulfuric acid treatment produced a complex fiber network with sponge-like porosities. Within the limits of this in vitro study, MMA- and composite-based resin cement application with sandblast or sulfuric acid surface treatment proved effective bonding methods.

This study compared and evaluated the color change and fracture resistance of reattached tooth fragments stored in different media after trauma. Sixty extracted permanent incisors were examined. Tap water, saline solution, milk, artificial saliva, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium and phosphate (CPP-ACP) were used as storage media. The control group used no storage media. Color changes were calculated using CIE L*a*b* values measured by a spectrophotometer at seven time points: just before reproducing the tooth fracture (T0); after drying the fractured crown for 24 hours following fracture (T1); immediately after rehydration in the storage medium for 20 minutes (T2); and 12 hours (T3), 24 hours (T4), 1 week (T5), and 3 weeks (T6) after reattaching the fractured crown. Fracture resistance was uniformly measured 3 weeks after reattachment. The results showed that the CPPACP group showed significantly more effective color recovery than the other storage media groups, with the color returning to natural levels by T2. Color recovery was observed in all groups at T6. Fracture resistance did not differ significantly between the six groups. No significant difference was observed between the storage media regarding color recovery and fracture resistance three weeks after reattachment.

Purpose: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising technique for postoperative pain control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the TAP block in managing postoperative pain after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had received ultrasonography-guided TAP blocks after surgery from January 2019 to August 2023 were reviewed and compared with those of patients who had not received. Propensity score matching was controlled for age as a confounder. Postoperative pain levels were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: After matching, 95 patients were included in each group. The TAP block group (2.7 vs. 4.0, P < 0.001) had significantly lower NRS scores immediately and early postoperative pain than the control group (1.9 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion TAP block is effective and safe for managing immediate and early postoperative pain in laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair and does not increase the risk of complications.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) crowns offer a provisional option for esthetic restorations in pediatric patients. PEEK has mechanical properties similar to dentin but exhibits low bond strength with luting cements. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength between PEEK and four luting cements by measuring shear bond strength (SBS). Sixty specimens were divided into three surface treatment groups: control, sandblast, and 98% sulfuric acid, and further divided into four cement subgroups: methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resin cement, composite-based resin cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGI), and glass ionomer cement (GI). Failure modes and treated surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wettability was assessed through water contact angle. Both surface treatment methods showed significantly higher SBS than the control. The combination of sulfuric acid treatment with MMA-based resin cement demonstrated the highest bond strength (11.25 ± 1.86 MPa), while the second highest value was observed with sandblasting combined with MMA-based resin cement. These values were significantly higher than other groups and exceeded the clinically acceptable SBS threshold of 10 MPa. SEM analysis revealed that sandblasting created irregular fissures with large grooves and cracks for improved micro-retention, while sulfuric acid treatment produced a complex fiber network with sponge-like porosities. Within the limits of this in vitro study, MMA- and composite-based resin cement application with sandblast or sulfuric acid surface treatment proved effective bonding methods.

This study compared and evaluated the color change and fracture resistance of reattached tooth fragments stored in different media after trauma. Sixty extracted permanent incisors were examined. Tap water, saline solution, milk, artificial saliva, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium and phosphate (CPP-ACP) were used as storage media. The control group used no storage media. Color changes were calculated using CIE L*a*b* values measured by a spectrophotometer at seven time points: just before reproducing the tooth fracture (T0); after drying the fractured crown for 24 hours following fracture (T1); immediately after rehydration in the storage medium for 20 minutes (T2); and 12 hours (T3), 24 hours (T4), 1 week (T5), and 3 weeks (T6) after reattaching the fractured crown. Fracture resistance was uniformly measured 3 weeks after reattachment. The results showed that the CPPACP group showed significantly more effective color recovery than the other storage media groups, with the color returning to natural levels by T2. Color recovery was observed in all groups at T6. Fracture resistance did not differ significantly between the six groups. No significant difference was observed between the storage media regarding color recovery and fracture resistance three weeks after reattachment.

Purpose: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising technique for postoperative pain control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the TAP block in managing postoperative pain after laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had received ultrasonography-guided TAP blocks after surgery from January 2019 to August 2023 were reviewed and compared with those of patients who had not received. Propensity score matching was controlled for age as a confounder. Postoperative pain levels were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: After matching, 95 patients were included in each group. The TAP block group (2.7 vs. 4.0, P < 0.001) had significantly lower NRS scores immediately and early postoperative pain than the control group (1.9 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion TAP block is effective and safe for managing immediate and early postoperative pain in laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair and does not increase the risk of complications.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) crowns offer a provisional option for esthetic restorations in pediatric patients. PEEK has mechanical properties similar to dentin but exhibits low bond strength with luting cements. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength between PEEK and four luting cements by measuring shear bond strength (SBS). Sixty specimens were divided into three surface treatment groups: control, sandblast, and 98% sulfuric acid, and further divided into four cement subgroups: methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resin cement, composite-based resin cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGI), and glass ionomer cement (GI). Failure modes and treated surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wettability was assessed through water contact angle. Both surface treatment methods showed significantly higher SBS than the control. The combination of sulfuric acid treatment with MMA-based resin cement demonstrated the highest bond strength (11.25 ± 1.86 MPa), while the second highest value was observed with sandblasting combined with MMA-based resin cement. These values were significantly higher than other groups and exceeded the clinically acceptable SBS threshold of 10 MPa. SEM analysis revealed that sandblasting created irregular fissures with large grooves and cracks for improved micro-retention, while sulfuric acid treatment produced a complex fiber network with sponge-like porosities. Within the limits of this in vitro study, MMA- and composite-based resin cement application with sandblast or sulfuric acid surface treatment proved effective bonding methods.

This study compared and evaluated the color change and fracture resistance of reattached tooth fragments stored in different media after trauma. Sixty extracted permanent incisors were examined. Tap water, saline solution, milk, artificial saliva, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium and phosphate (CPP-ACP) were used as storage media. The control group used no storage media. Color changes were calculated using CIE L*a*b* values measured by a spectrophotometer at seven time points: just before reproducing the tooth fracture (T0); after drying the fractured crown for 24 hours following fracture (T1); immediately after rehydration in the storage medium for 20 minutes (T2); and 12 hours (T3), 24 hours (T4), 1 week (T5), and 3 weeks (T6) after reattaching the fractured crown. Fracture resistance was uniformly measured 3 weeks after reattachment. The results showed that the CPPACP group showed significantly more effective color recovery than the other storage media groups, with the color returning to natural levels by T2. Color recovery was observed in all groups at T6. Fracture resistance did not differ significantly between the six groups. No significant difference was observed between the storage media regarding color recovery and fracture resistance three weeks after reattachment.

Ankylosis, the abnormal fusion of root cementum and surrounding bone, commonly affects primary molars, leading to space loss and infraocclusion. This often results in mesial tipping of the adjacent permanent molar, necessitating orthodontic intervention to regain space, upright the molar, and establish proper occlusion. In mixed dentitions, patient compliance and proper appliance design are critical, as inappropriate appliances can cause root resorption and undesirable tooth movements. This case report presents a three-step treatment approach for managing ankylosis using a novel fixed appliance that uses the ankylosed tooth as skeletal anchorage. The process includes 1) space regaining, 2) extraction of the ankylosed tooth, and 3) space maintenance for the successor tooth’s eruption. The fixed appliance, comprising a minitube, double-helical spring, free arm, and resin ball, was used to regain space and facilitate the eruption of the permanent successor by correcting the inclination of the adjacent first permanent molar. Two patients with mixed dentitions were treated successfully, achieving space regaining and molar uprighting without anchorage loss. This three-step treatment is simple, effective, and produces desirable outcomes in a short time, making it a promising alternative for pediatric patients with ankylosis, space loss, and mesial inclination of adjacent teeth. The novel appliance emphasizes the importance of stable and biocompatible anchorage in pediatric dentistry.