Dental Journal (Majalah Kedokteran Gigi)

The role of forensic odontology in the identification of a mutilation victim: A case report

Debby Yatma — 2025-09-01

Background: Forensic odontology is an invaluable resource for human identification. An individual’s bones and teeth may be the only remnants of their identity in certain situations where soft tissue has been lost, carbonized, or destroyed for any other reason. The body’s hardest and best-protected structures are found in teeth, and these have individual characteristics and are resistant to factors such as temperature and chemistry. When antemortem dental records are not available for comparison, dental profiling is performed. Purpose: This case study highlights the importance of teeth in the identification process and their usefulness in estimating biological profile factors such as sex, age, and population affinity. Case: The case of an unidentified woman who was found in a house in a severely decomposed, skeletonized state is presented. The unidentified body was sent to the Forensic Medicine Installation of Bhayangkara Level I Hospital to determine the cause of death and for dental identification. Case management: The body was suspected to be a victim of mutilation. Shovel shapes observed on the lingual surface of the lateral upper incisor and tori palatini are the most outstanding diagnostic features in Mongoloid populations. The specific mesiodistal crown width and mandibular canine index revealed female traits. Using the Lamendin method, the age was estimated to be 52–58 years old. Conclusion: A forensic odontologist can identify individuals by comparing antemortem and postmortem dental data. They can also provide age estimation, sex, and population affinity determination by analyzing teeth.

Early intervention of anterior crossbite and unfavorable tongue posture with a prefabricated myofunctional appliance: A case report

Putri Ganesha Asturini — 2025-09-10

Background: Anterior crossbite in the primary dentition may be an early indicator of a developing Class III malocclusion. Clinical findings, hereditary factors, and environmental influences, such as breathing problems and tongue posture, should be considered for early intervention. Purpose: This case report describes the early diagnosis and intervention of anterior crossbite and unfavorable tongue posture as potential risk factors contributing to a Class III growth pattern. Case: An 8-year-old girl with a history of preterm birth and a familial history of Class III malocclusion presented with the chief complaint: lower teeth in front of upper teeth. Clinical findings included anterior crossbite in the primary canines, mild lower incisor crowding, and mesiocclusion in both second primary molars. The cephalogram revealed bimaxillary retrusion (SNA = 79°, SNB = 74°), a skeletal Class I (ANB = 4°, Wits = –2 mm), and a forward tongue posture. Case Management: An ENT specialist diagnosed the patient with allergic rhinitis, without any airway obstruction. A prefabricated myofunctional appliance was prescribed to guide the eruption of permanent teeth into their ideal positions, eliminate maxillary growth restriction, and retrain tongue posture. The anterior crossbite of the primary teeth and the crowding were corrected within 9 months. Use of the appliance is ongoing until all permanent incisors have fully erupted and ideal occlusion is achieved. Conclusion: Myofunctional therapy during early mixed dentition may serve as a beneficial interceptive treatment to retrain orofacial muscles and guide the eruption of permanent teeth into an ideal occlusion.

Linear and three-dimensional volumetric analysis of maxillary sinus in Saudi Arabian population: A cone-beam computed tomography study

Anuroop Singhai — 2025-09-01

Background: The maxillary sinus presents as an important anatomical structure and understanding its radiographic anatomy is crucial for surgical procedures such as dental implant placement and extractions. Measuring the linear and volumetric dimensions of the maxillary sinus is essential for accurate treatment planning and a favorable outcome. Forensic odontology requires population-specific data for victim identification. There is therefore some need to develop a multicentric, multiethnic data registry. Purpose: The present study evaluates and compares the dimensions of maxillary sinuses and their relationship with individual height in the Saudi Arabian population, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The study subjected CBCT scans of 30 individuals to linear and volumetric analysis. The measurements were taken by two observers and mean dimensions were used for the analysis. Linear and volumetric dimensions were measured for the total sample and male (n=11) and female (n=19) categories. Results: Differences between linear and volumetric dimensions were statistically nonsignificant for males, females, and the overall sample. Correlations between left- and right-sinus dimensions were significant within females and the overall group. There was weak association between individual height and maxillary sinus dimensions. Conclusion: There is no significant variation between right and left maxillary sinus dimensions among the Saudi Arabian population. A negative correlation was observed between overall height and left maxillary sinus volume in both genders, and with right sinus volume in females only.

A comparative clinical study of two different attachment systems and implant stability in implant-supported mandibular overdentures

Ammar Omar Belal — 2025-09-01

Background: Implant stability is crucial for the long-term durability of implant-supported removable dentures. Understanding the clinical impact of attachment systems such as Novaloc and Locator on stability is essential for their potential prognosis. Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Novaloc and Locator attachment systems on implant stability in implant-supported overdentures. Methods: The research sample consisted of 10 patients, all entirely edentulous in the lower and upper jaws. Each patient received a conventional complete denture in addition to two implants in the mandible. Equal numbers of patients were assigned to Group 1: Novaloc attachment system and Group 2: attachment system for locators. Implant stability was evaluated using the MegaGen implant stability quotient device and repeated after 4, 8, and 12 months. The SPSS program was used to collect, calculate, and statistically analyze the data. Results: According to one-way ANOVAs and independent t-tests conducted throughout the observation period, both groups demonstrated an improvement in implant stability, but the Novaloc group showed superiority, with statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the study’s findings, in comparison to the Locator system, the Novaloc attachment system offers better implant stability during a 1-year monitoring period.

Salivary glucose levels and estimation of food intake in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Sri Tjahajawati — 2025-09-01

Background: Saliva, an easily collectible organic fluid, offers a noninvasive means for multiple samplings to determine salivary glucose levels, comparable to blood and potentially helpful in diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes mellitus. Purpose: This research was carried out to determine the value of salivary glucose levels and food intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This research utilized a descriptive quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. The study population comprised type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Bandung and Jatinangor. The samples, consisting of 27 individuals from each group—type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy participants—were collected through purposive sampling. Saliva was collected using the spitting method and measured to determine salivary glucose levels (mg/dL). Food intake per day (in grams) was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and converted using NutriSurvey 2007. Results: Among the 27 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, salivary glucose levels were found to be ≥2 mg/dL (mean 23.47 mg/dL), whereas in the healthy group, 5 participants (18.5%) exhibited salivary glucose levels <2 mg/dL (mean 8.29 mg/dL). Most type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy participants reported food intake below the Indonesian dietary recommendations. Conclusion: In our limited sample, salivary glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were higher compared to healthy participants. Energy intake in both groups showed similar results. Salivary glucose levels and BMI exhibited a correlation, though notably weak in this study.

Level of knowledge and learning exposure on cleft lip and palate treatment among undergraduate Universitas Indonesia dental students

Dwi Ariawan — 2025-09-01

Background: Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital orofacial anomalies. Dental students must have a basic knowledge, understanding, and awareness of comprehensive cleft management. The Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Indonesia undergraduate program uses the problem-based learning (PBL) method to teach dental students about cleft management. Purpose: This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and exposure to learning with the PBL method regarding comprehensive cleft management. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from 253 dental students using an online questionnaire via Google Forms. Results: Ten preclinical students (8.5%) had a low level of knowledge, 56 (47.5%) had a sufficient level of knowledge, and 52 (44.1%) had a high level of knowledge of comprehensive cleft management. Among the clinical students, 6 (4.4%), 65 (48.1%), and 64 (47.4%) demonstrated low, sufficient, and high levels of knowledge, respectively. Furthermore, most students were content with the lectures on comprehensive cleft management (46.24% satisfied and 20.55% very satisfied) and the supervision received during the lectures (43.48% agreed and 23.71% strongly agreed). Most students believed the lectures on cleft management could be applied when they graduate as dentists. The Chi-square test showed no significant relationship between learning exposure and the student’s knowledge level. Conclusion: Most Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Indonesia students who had learned about cleft lip and palate using the PBL method had sufficient knowledge about comprehensive cleft management. However, no significant relationship was observed between learning exposure and knowledge level.

Difference of mandibular trabecular bone fractal dimension values on panoramic radiographs of vegetarians and nonvegetarians in Medan City

Dewi Kartika — 2025-09-01

Background: Vegetarians are known to be more susceptible to experiencing bone mineral density decreases compared to nonvegetarians. The trabecular bone is sensitive to any changes that disrupt the balance of bone metabolism. On panoramic radiographs, bone density can be evaluated by analyzing the fractal dimensions (FD) of the mandibular trabecular bone. Purpose: This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to assess the mandibular trabecular bone FD values on panoramic radiographs of vegetarians and nonvegetarians in Medan City. Methods: This study used a purposive-sampling technique and obtained 30 digital panoramic radiographs of vegetarians and nonvegetarians in Medan City, aged 20 to 40 years, between January and February 2023, at the radiology installation of Dental and Oral Hospital Universitas Sumatera Utara and Laboratory Clinic Pramita Medan. Fractal analysis was performed using ImageJ 1.54c software with the box-counting method. The data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. The data were analyzed using an independent samples T-test. Results: The results showed that the FD values of the mandibular trabecular bone were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The mean FD values on the panoramic radiographs were lower in the vegetarian mandibular trabecular bone than in the nonvegetarian mandibular trabecular bone. Considerations need to be made by dentists when performing treatments related to mandibular trabecular bone surgery in vegetarians.

Caspase-3/-9 as tongue cancer cell apoptosis target induced by ibuprofen

Supriatno — 2025-09-01

Background: Tongue carcinoma is different from oral cancer in other areas because it has a high amount of cell growth, localized migration, and a higher rate of spreading to cervical lymphatic nodes. Therapeutic alternatives, particularly concerning recurrent malignancies, are notably constrained. Nevertheless, it is imperative to explore novel methodologies for refractory neoplasms, one of which may involve the application of ibuprofen. Purpose: The goal of this study was to look at how well caspase-3 and -9 break down proteins as possible targets for apoptosis in tongue cancer cells that were caused by ibuprofen. Methods: A controlled laboratory experiment employing a post-test-only design was executed. We used a colorimetric test for caspase-3 and -9 to check for the induction of apoptosis. The suppression of cellular invasion was verified through the Boyden chamber assay. Western blot analysis was utilized to identify the presence of caspase-3 and -9 proteins. The administered doses of ibuprofen were calibrated at 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL. Data were subjected to analysis using two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Least Significant Different (LSD), with a significance threshold set at 95%. Results: It was established that ibuprofen at dosages ranging from 25 to 100 µg/mL significantly facilitated apoptosis in cells through an augmentation of the proteolytic activity of caspase-3 and -9. Notably, caspase-9 exhibited a superior proteolytic activity (1.85-fold) compared to caspase-3 (1.30-fold) (P = 0.038) at the 100 µg/mL concentration. The upregulation of caspase-3 and -9 proteins was observed in cells treated with ibuprofen. Ultimately, ibuprofen demonstrated an ability to inhibit the invasion of tongue carcinoma cells across various dosages. Conclusion: Ibuprofen has been shown to induce the proteolytic activities of caspase-3 and -9 in tongue carcinoma cells. However, the proteolytic activity of caspase-9 surpassed that of caspase-3, suggesting that targeting this protein may constitute a promising novel therapeutic strategy for this cancer variant.

Effect of freeze-dried platelet-rich plasma on FGF-2 and type I collagen expression in traumatic ulcers of diabetes mellitus: An in vivo study

Ni Putu Riskayanti — 2025-09-10

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by the pancreas’s inadequate production of insulin or the body’s impaired utilization of insulin, resulting in dysregulation of blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus causes prolonged wound healing due to decreased growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and type I collagen. Purpose: This research analyzes the effect of topical administration of freeze-dried platelet-rich plasma (FD-PRP) on the healing process of traumatic ulcers in diabetic Wistar rats by increasing FGF-2 and type I collagen expression. Methods: Allogenic FD-PRP was obtained from the blood of 35 Wistar rats and 2% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was added to make a gel formulation. Diabetes was induced in 30 Wistar rats using streptozotocin, followed by the creation of traumatic ulcers on the lower labial mucosa using a hot burnisher. The traumatic ulcers were then topically treated with FD-PRP gel in the treatment group and 2% CMC gel in the control group. Analysis of FGF-2 and type I collagen expression was performed through indirect immunohistochemical methods following treatment for 3, 5, and 7 days. Results: The expression of FGF-2 and type I collagen in the FD-PRP was higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Topical application of FD-PRP plays an important role, especially in increasing the FGF-2 and type 1 collagen expression, in the healing process of traumatic ulcers in diabetic Wistar rats.

Confirmation of the potential mechanism of pentagamavunon-0 against temporomandibular arthritis using bioinformatic approaches

Dwi Merry Christmarini Robin — 2025-09-10

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are widely used in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis management. However, the side effects of NSAIDs on multiple organs need to be anticipated. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, comparable to that of NSAIDs. In a previous study, structurally modified curcumin increased the pharmacological effect and simultaneously reduced the toxicity and side effects of curcumin. Pentagamavunon-0 (PGV-0) is one of the active components synthesized by the structure modification of curcumin. Purpose: In this study, we identify the potential target of PGV-0 on the pathogenesis of temporomandibular arthritis characterized by inflammation. Methods: We used a bioinformatics approach to compare the PGV-0 target with curcumin and diclofenac sodium as controls. We identified overlapping gene targets of bioactive compounds (PGV-0, curcumin, or diclofenac sodium) retrieved from the SwissTargetPrediction and GeneCards platforms, specifically for temporomandibular arthritis. An interaction model among targets was developed using the STRING database and Gene Ontology Panther to expound on the bioactive compound’s function on the key signaling pathway. Finally, we formulated a molecular docking prediction between the bioactive compound and the target protein marker derived from the previous analysis using Molecular Operating Environment tools. Results: This study found that curcumin and PGV-0 targeted different molecular pathways in temporomandibular arthritis compared to diclofenac sodium. Curcumin and PGV-0 shared a similar pathway to curcumin by modulating metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-9 and MMP-13. Moreover, diclofenac sodium influenced cyclooxygenase metabolism. Conclusion: In this study, PGV-0 targeted metalloproteinase in temporomandibular arthritis pathogenesis. This finding underlines the PGV-0 advantage in preventing metalloproteinase-related tissue damage in temporomandibular arthritis.

Social determinants and oral health among cement industry workers

R. E. Haura Azzahra — 2025-09-01

Background: Cement industry workers are exposed to significant oral health risks due to hazardous conditions, but the role of social determinants in this context is not well understood. Purpose: This study investigates the association between social determinants and oral health among factory and office workers in the cement industry. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at PT. Semen Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. A stratified random sample of 83 workers was selected. Social determinants were assessed using World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaires, while oral health was evaluated using decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMF-T), community periodontal index (CPI), and inspection. Ten calibrated dentists conducted dental examinations. Multiple linear regression was used for data analysis. Results: Factory workers exhibited higher rates of dental caries (95.83%), periodontal disease (87.50%), abrasion (91.67%), and attrition (87.50%), compared to office workers. Social determinants significantly associated with dental caries in factory workers included age, sugar intake, tooth-brushing frequency, and last dental check-up (r2 = 0.573), while only sugar intake was associated with caries in office workers (r2 = 0.290). For periodontal disease determinants associated with age, psychosocial factors, and smoking (r2 = 0.558) were significant in factory workers, whereas, in office workers, age, sugar intake, tooth-brushing frequency, last dental check-up, and smoking were significantly associated (r2 = 0.870). Age was the only significant determinant of abrasion and attrition in both groups. Conclusion: Social determinants influence oral health among cement industry workers, especially factory workers, due to physiological and psychological changes caused by working conditions. However, office workers also face oral health challenges due to poor oral health behaviors.

Effect of tooth graft particle size on the healing process of femur defects in Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Malianawati Fauzia — 2025-09-10

Background: Teeth have potential as bone graft materials because of their organic and inorganic components that can stimulate osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osteogenesis. An important success indicator of treatment using this graft material is the formation of osteoblast and new blood vessels in the applied area. Purpose: To investigate the number of osteoblast, osteoclast, and new blood vessels in bone healing after the implantation of tooth-derived bone graft materials measuring 20, 40, and 60 mesh. Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats with a 2 mm defect on the right femoral dextra condile were divided into four groups. P0 (n=9) was the control group, where the defect was not filled by any material. In the other groups, the defects were filled by 20-mesh (P1; n=9), 40-mesh (P2; n=9), and 60-mesh (P3; n=9) tooth graft material. The Wistar rats were sacrificed after 2 weeks, and then the preparations were hematoxylin eosin staining. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: The highest number of osteoblast was in the P3 group with a mean of 49.67, highest number of new blood vessels in the P2 group with a mean of 39.89, and highest number of osteoclast in the P1 group with a mean of 20.44. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the number of new blood vessels, osteoclast, and osteoblast in each group (p=0.000; p<0.05). Conclusion: Particle size differences in tooth graft material affect osteogenesis and angiogenesis in the bone healing process.

Potential of Bombyx mori fibroin peptide as an inhibitor of BMP2 and TGFB1 in the treatment of pulp tissue damage

Sartika Puspita — 2025-09-10

Background: Silk from Bombyx mori, a species of silkworm, contains fibroin, which has good biocompatibility and is potentially suitable for medical applications, especially in the treatment of tissue damage. Purpose: This study evaluated the potential interaction of B. mori fibroin peptides with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), which are protein markers for dentine reparative activity. Methods: The research was carried out in silico. The three-dimensional structure of the proteins was obtained from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB), and the antimicrobial potential of fibroin was evaluated using Antimicrobial Peptide Scanner v.1, the Collection of Anti-Microbial Peptides (CAMPR3), PeptideRanker, ToxinPred, AlgPred, and AllergenFP. Molecular modeling and analysis were performed with trRosetta, PrankWeb, the HDOCK server, and Discovery Studio. Results: The light chain 1 peptide (LC1), light chain 2 peptide (LC2), heavy chain 2 (HC2), and heavy chain 7 (HC7) showed high binding affinity to BMP2, while LC2, HC1, HC3, and HC6 showed high binding affinity to TGFB1 compared to silicic acid as a standard anti-inflammatory drug. Conclusion: These seven peptides can potentially interact with BMP2 or TGFB1 and might have anti-inflammatory capability.