Clinical Research Directory

Oral Health in Palliative Care: A Survey Study

Oral health problems such as xerostomia or oral infections are common in palliative care patients and can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate dental care may contribute substantially to symptom control and well-being; however, oral health and dental services are often insufficiently integrated into palliative care practice. In addition, little is known about the level of awareness, knowledge, and interprofessional collaboration regarding oral health among palliative care professionals. This prospective, non-interventional survey study aims to assess the relevance of oral health in palliative care by surveying both palliative care patients and healthcare professionals who are members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine. The study investigates patients' oral health status, oral health-related quality of life, and access to dental care, as well as professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and current practices related to oral health and dental care in palliative settings. The findings are intended to identify existing gaps and inform strategies for improved integration of dental expertise into palliative care.

Manus AI-Assisted Orthodontic Education and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether adding artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted education to standard orthodontic education can improve quality of life in adults starting treatment with fixed braces. Specifically, the study aims to find out whether AI-assisted education can improve how oral health affects participants' daily activities and how participants feel about the appearance of their teeth and smile. To answer these questions, researchers will compare participants who receive standard orthodontic education with those who receive the same education plus access to a Manus-based AI chatbot for 6 months. All participants will receive standard education about caring for their teeth and braces during treatment and will complete questionnaires at the start of the study, after 3 months, and after 6 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and those in the AI-assisted education group will also use the chatbot during the 6-month study period. By comparing the two groups over time, the researchers will assess whether adding AI support provides extra benefits during orthodontic treatment.

MEBO Bio-Dressing on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Tissue Healing Following Rotary Gingival Depigmentation

The purpose of this randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO) as a biological topical dressing compared to open secondary healing (no dressing) following rotary gingival depigmentation in adult patients. The study aims to investigate whether the application of MEBO reduces postoperative pain intensity, decreases rescue analgesic reliance, accelerates soft-tissue wound healing, and improves oral health-related quality of life over a 1-month follow-up period.

Effects of Different Root Canal Filling Materials and Irrigation Agitation Techniques on Postoperative Pain in Teeth With Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This clinical study is designed to evaluate the effects of different irrigation agitation techniques and root canal sealers on postoperative pain and oral health-related quality of life in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Postoperative pain following root canal treatment may affect patient comfort and satisfaction. The choice of irrigation agitation technique and root canal sealer may influence these outcomes. Irrigation agitation techniques are used to improve cleaning of the root canal system. XP-Endo Finisher, EDDY, and passive ultrasonic activation use different mechanisms to enhance this process. Root canal sealers, including the epoxy resin-based AH Plus and the calcium silicate-based NeoSealer Flo, also differ in their composition and biological properties. Clinical evidence regarding the combined effects of these techniques and sealers on patient-reported outcomes remains limited. In this randomized clinical trial, 324 patients aged 18-65 years requiring root canal treatment for a single-rooted, single-canal permanent tooth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis will be allocated to six groups. Each group will receive one of three irrigation agitation techniques-XP-Endo Finisher, EDDY, or passive ultrasonic activation-in combination with either AH Plus or NeoSealer Flo. Root canal treatment will be completed in a single visit. Postoperative pain intensity will be assessed using a visual analog scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours and 7 days after treatment. Oral health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire before treatment and 7 days afterward. Analgesic use during the follow-up period will also be recorded. The primary objective is to compare postoperative pain among the six treatment groups. Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in oral health-related quality of life and analgesic consumption. The study will also investigate whether irrigation agitation techniques and root canal sealers have interacting effects on postoperative pain. The findings may help clinicians select irrigation agitation techniques and root canal sealers that support patient comfort and improve the patient experience following root canal treatment.

Effects of Irrigation Solutions at Different Temperatures Used in Mandibular Third Molar Surgery

The present study aims to compare the effects of saline, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide irrigation solutions at different temperatures on postoperative complications, including pain, swelling, and mouth opening, as well as oral health-related quality of life, in patients undergoing surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. The irrigation solutions will be applied immediately following surgical tooth extraction at temperatures of either 4°C or 25°C. An a prior power analysis based on repeated-measures analysis of variance (Repeated Measures ANOVA, within-between interaction) was performed. An effect size of f = 0.25, a Type I error rate (α = 0.05), and a statistical power of 1 - β = 0.95 were assumed. Based on the power analysis, a minimum of 11 participants per group was determined to be sufficient. Considering potential loss to follow-up and missing data, the sample size was increased by approximately 15%, and it was decided to enroll 13 participants in each group. Accordingly, the planned study will be conducted with a total of 78 participants allocated to six groups, and all participants will be evaluated at four different time points.

Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Cad Metallic and Poly Ether Ether Ketone (Peek) Partial Denture Frameworks in Mandibular Kennedy Class I Cases

The aim of this study was to compare CAD Poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) RPD to CAD metallic RPD in treating partial edentulism in terms of Oral health related quality of life

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Four Intraoral Suture Materials

When patients undergo minor oral surgery, dentists use various types of stitches (sutures) to help the gums heal. These stitches can be made of different materials, and some might feel more comfortable, cause less pain, or interfere less with eating and speaking than others. The purpose of this study is to compare four commonly used dental suture materials to see which ones patients prefer. Participants in this study will receive four different types of stitches in different areas of their upper jaw after a routine dental procedure. Patients will be asked to report their levels of pain, discomfort, and any difficulties with daily activities like eating and talking on Days 3, 7, and 14 after the procedure. A panel of dental specialists will also examine photos of the healing process to see if one material helps the mouth heal better than others. This research will help dentists choose the best materials to improve patient comfort after oral surgery.

The Effectiveness of the Twin Block and Carriere Motion Appliances in Post-pubertal Patients and an Evaluation of the Impact of Class II Malocclusion and Its Correction on Oral Health-related Quality of Life

The investigators of this clinical trial aim to: * Compare the effectiveness and efficiency of Clark's Twin Block Appliance (CTB) vs Carriere Motion Appliance (CMA) in correcting Class II malocclusion when used in post-pubertal older adolescents, in terms of skeletal and dental change. * Evaluate potential negative oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impacts during the active treatment phase with either CTB or CMA in post-pubertal adolescents. * Investigate the impact of Class II malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in post-pubertal adolescents. Class II division 1 malocclusion is a dental condition where the upper teeth protrude significantly over the lower teeth. It is a common type of malocclusion observed in orthodontic practice, accounting for approximately 20-25% globally. Correcting Class II malocclusion in growing patients using functional appliances and Class II correctors is relatively predictable. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, the Clark's Twin Block (CTB) is the most commonly used functional appliance. The CTB consists of two components: one for the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth. These components are engineered to position the lower jaw forward, thereby promoting the desired dentoskeletal changes (moving the upper teeth back and lower forward). Another device used for Class II correction is the Carriere Motion Appliance (CMA). The CMA is gaining popularity as a treatment option for Class II malocclusion, inducing dental changes similar to those achieved with a CTB. However, uncertainty persists regarding the effectiveness of these appliances in older adolescents in the post-pubertal growth phase (aged approximately 14.5 years or above). Additionally, although both CTB and CMA are effective in growing patients in correcting dental and skeletal discrepancies, they may influence daily activities, comfort, and psychological aspects, which often results in poor compliance. Poor adherence to orthodontic treatment, whether with fixed or removable appliances, can lead to higher rates of treatment failure.