Comparative evaluation of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and geristore as a root end filling material: An in vitro scanning electron microscope study.

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the quality of marginal adaptation of three root end filling materials by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methodology: Thirty extracted human permanent single-rooted single canal maxillary anterior teeth with mature apices were prepared up to 60 K-file and obturated. Teeth were resected 3 mm from the apex using a cross-cut fissure bur at 90° angle to the long axis of the tooth. Root end cavities of 3 mm were prepared in each of the teeth with an ultrasonic tip to receive the root end filling material. Group 1 - mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Group 2 - Biodentine, and Group 3 - Geristore. The samples were mounted in resin blocks for sectioning with a hard-tissue microtome and sectioned apically at 1 mm and 2 mm levels from the apex. They were gold sputtered and viewed under SEM for evaluating the adaptation of the material to the canal walls. Results: The mean value for Group II (Biodentine) was lower than the mean value for Group I (MTA) and Group III (Geristore) at 1 mm and 2 mm. Conclusion: Biodentine showed significantly better marginal adaptation as compared to MTA and Geristore.

A comparative evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of Thymus vulgaris, Salvadora persica, Acacia nilotica, Calendula arvensis, and 5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis: An in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of Thymus vulgaris, Salvadora persica, Acacia nilotica, Calendula arvensis, and 5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis. METHODOLOGY: Herbal extracts of T. vulgaris, S. persica, A. nilotica and C. arvensis were prepared. Tryptone soya broth was used to grow E. faecalis and agar plates were prepared. The tested solutions (Group A: 5% NaOCl, Group B: 20% T. vulgaris, Group C: 12.5% S. persica, Group D: 10% A. nilotica, Group E: 10% C. arvensis) were added to the wells made on agar media. Agar diffusion test was performed. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Bacterial zones of inhibition were recorded. RESULTS: The data were analyzed statistically by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc comparison by Tukey's t-test. The highest zone of inhibition against E. faecalis was shown by 5% NaOCl, followed by 10% C. arvensis, 20% T. vulgaris and 10% A. nilotica showed similar comparable antibacterial activity. The least zone of inhibition was showed by S. persica. CONCLUSION: 5% NaOCl showed the maximum antibacterial activity, and herbal products demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and can be employed as an alternative to NaOCl.

Evaluation of remaining dentin thickness following use of three different rotary nickel-titanium retreatment files: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

AIM: The aim of the study is to measure the amount of remaining dentin thickness (RDT) following retreatment using three different rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) systems. METHODOLOGY: Mesiobuccal roots of 45 extracted maxillary first molars were prepared up to F2 ProTaper File and obturated. After cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, to evaluate the obturation, the samples were randomly assigned to three retreatment groups (n = 15). Group I was retreated with ProTaper Universal retreatment kit, Group II and III with MTWO and D-Race retreatment files, respectively. Postoperatively, all samples were subjected to CBCT imaging and evaluated with AutoCAD software (AutoDesk, Inc.) Mill Valley, California, U.S. to calculate the RDT. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests, and the level of significance was set at P = 0.05. RESULTS: The amount of RDT was significantly more in D-Race and MTWO groups when compared to ProTaper group. CONCLUSION: D-Race and MTWO instruments were associated with significantly more RDT than ProTaper.

Grape seed extract: An innovation in remineralization.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine remineralizing potential of grape seed extract (GSE) compared to casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) through pH-cycling model and subsequent evaluation using polarized light microscope (PLM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty sound human teeth fragments of ten teeth were obtained from the cervical portion of the roots and were stored in demineralizing solution for 96 h at 37°C to induce artificial root carious lesion. The sections then were divided into four treatment groups including: 6.5% GSE, CPP-ACP, 0.5% CaGP, and control group (no treatment). The demineralized samples were then pH cycled through treatment solutions, acidic buffer, and neutral buffer for 8 days at six cycles per day. The samples were subsequently evaluated using PLM. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc comparison test (P < 0.001). RESULTS: PLM data revealed a significantly thicker mineral precipitation band on the surface layer of the GSE-treated lesions compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: GSE positively affects the demineralization and/or remineralization processes of artificial root caries lesions.

Use of clinical bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide in esthetic improvement of fluorotic human incisors in vivo.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate esthetic improvement with the use of 35% hydrogen peroxide clinical bleaching as related to the different grades of enamel fluorosis in vivo and to study adverse effect of clinical bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide on teeth and gingiva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 children of different grades of fluorosis were included in the study. With 35% hydrogen peroxide-based dual activated bleaching system, in-office vital teeth bleaching was carried out for each subject. Clinical evaluation for improvement in esthetics, effect on teeth and gingiva were performed for each child during preoperative, immediate postoperative and later 6 months postoperative period. For evaluation and comparison, all the collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Although in all the subjects, partial shade relapse was seen over a period of time, good homogeneous and esthetic results were seen in very mild and mild cases. A total of 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office bleaching has no adverse effect on teeth and gingiva. CONCLUSION: Comparing all the three groups who participated in the study, 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office bleaching seems to be very effective in very mild and mild forms of fluorosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In very mild and mild forms of fluorosis, in-office vital tooth bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide is the most conservative and effective approach in esthetic improvement.

Effect of denture cleanser on weight, surface roughness and tensile bond strength of two resilient denture liners.

AIM: Evaluating effects of a denture cleanser on weight, surface roughness and tensile bond strength on two resilient lining materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of heat cure acrylic resin were prepared to verify weight change, surface roughness and tensile bond strength. Specimens were divided into four groups: Relined with resilient liner Visco-gel, soft liner immersed in Clinsodent denture cleanser and water and evaluated immediately, 24 hours, 7 and 15 days. Weight changes, roughness and tensile bond strength were determined and data submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Visco-gel specimens immersed in water (group 1) have shown significant increased surface roughness than those immersed in Clinsodent (group 3) during 24 hours, 7 and 15 days. The soft liner specimens immersed in water (group 2) have shown increased surface roughness than those immersed in Clinsodent (group 4) during 24 hours and 7 days. Visco-gel specimens immersed in water have shown significant increased tensile bond strength during 7 and 15 days than those immersed in Clinsodent. The soft liner specimens immersed in water have shown increased tensile bond strength than those immersed in Clinsodent during immediately, 24 hours and 7 days. CONCLUSION: Within limitations of this study, specimens immersed in Clinsodent demonstrated increased weight changes compared with water. Specimens immersed in water demonstrated lesser surface roughness and tensile bond strength compared with specimens immersed in Clinsodent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resilient denture liners and denture cleansers are most commonly used materials in prosthodontics. Caution should be taken while selecting the materials which cause the detrimental changes on properties of the materials.

Pulp stone--an endodontic challenge: successful retrieval of exceptionally long pulp stones measuring 14 and 9.5 mm from the palatal roots of maxillary molars.

Pulp stones are nodular, calcified masses commonly appearing in the coronal pulp and occasionally extending in radicular pulp. Retrieval of pulp stones remains a challenge for the endodontist as complete cleaning and shaping of root canal system is the bases for successful endodontic therapy. The aim of this case report is to show the retrieval of long pulp stones measuring 14 and 9.5 mm by utilizing synergistic effect of ultrasonics and sodium hypochlorite from the palatal roots of maxillary molars. Such case has not been reported in the literature so far.

Effects of a self-etching primer and 37% phosphoric acid etching on enamel: a scanning electron microscopic study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the etching effects of a self-etching primer with 37% phosphoric acid on enamel by using a scanning electron microscope. Bond strength and the site of bond failure were also determined for brackets bonded using SEP and 37% phosphoric acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 maxillary premolar teeth were used for this study and they were divided into four groups. First two groups were used for studying the different types of etch patterns obtained and the next two groups were used to test the bond strength with the help of Universal testing machine. After debonding, the amount of residual adhesive was assessed according to adhesive remnant index using a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: The majority of etch patterns obtained in the 37% phosphoric acid group were type II, whereas in the SEP group, type IV pattern was more common. There was no statistically significant difference between mean bond strengths obtained with the SEP group and the phosphoric acid group. Use of SEP results in less amount of residual adhesive on tooth surface after debonding. CONCLUSION: SEP produces more conservative etch pattern compared to 37% phosphoric acid. Use of SEP for bonding provides similar and clinically acceptable bond strength compared to use of 37% phosphoric acid etching technique and requires less clean-up procedures hence, reduces enamel loss. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of 37% phosphoric acid for orthodontic bonding yields high bond strength but, causes enamel loss during both etching and debonding. SEPs not only provide adequate bond strength with a more conservative etch pattern but also enable easy debonding, thereby reducing the enamel damage.