Comparative Evaluation of the Anesthetic Efficacy of Needle-Free Anesthesia and Conventional Anesthesia in Patients With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction Pain is the primary reason for which most of the patients seek endodontic treatment. Local anesthesia is considered to be the most important step in the procedure to reduce the pain. However, the majority of the patients do not cooperate due to the fear of syringe anesthesia. The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of needle-free anesthesia and conventional anesthesia in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal therapy. Materials and methods A total of 54 patients were enrolled in the study, and the treatment was administered by a single operator. The initial assessment of vitality included cold testing, heat testing, and electric pulp testing. Preoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the administration of anesthesia. Local anesthesia was administered according to the group assigned: Group 1 (conventional anesthesia) and Group 2 (needle-free anesthesia). The pain was assessed during the administration of anesthesia. Following the administration of anesthesia, the vitality of the tooth was evaluated using cold testing, heat testing, and electric pulp testing. Subsequently, the tooth was isolated with a rubber dam, and the access cavity was prepared. The pain was assessed during access cavity preparation and during the first file insertion. Working length was determined using an apex locator (Root ZX Mini, J Morita, Saitama, Japan) and was confirmed using intraoral periapical radiographs. Later on, further treatment was carried out. Results A total of 54 participants were included in this clinical trial. There was no significant difference in mean age distribution between the two groups (p=0.852). Considering the frequency distribution of gender, there was no significant difference; however, Group 1 had more female participants (59.3%) compared to Group 2 (33.3%). There was a significant reduction in the mean pain score in Group 2 compared to Group 1 during the delivery of anesthetic agents (p=0.000). Conclusion Needle-free anesthesia proves to be equally effective as the conventional syringe system in patients experiencing symptomatic irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment. However, it is noteworthy that patients exhibited greater comfort levels with needle-free anesthesia systems specifically during the administration of the anesthetic solution.

Efficacy of a Novel Intracanal Medicament on Total Antioxidant Status in Patients With Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction Successful endodontic treatment relies upon the microbial debridement of the root canal system. This can be achieved to a great extent by using intracanal medicaments, which inhibit the microbes growing in the root canal. Evaluating the capacity of oxidants in the saliva is a crucial parameter for assessing the antioxidant capacity of any individual, which decreases in inflammatory conditions. An effective intracanal medicament can increase the total antioxidant capacity of saliva, which comes down because of inflammatory conditions. Aim To evaluate the effect of two intracanal medicaments on the antioxidant capacity of saliva. Materials and methods In a randomized prospective clinical trial, 42 patients with a mean age of 18-70 years were selected based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, and the baseline value of the total antioxidant capacity of saliva was recorded. The patients were categorized into two groups as per the block randomization method (Group I: calcium hydroxide (Maarc, New Delhi, India) intracanal medicament; Group II: Hekla lava (SBL Pvt. Ltd., Germany) intracanal medicament). Access opening, working length determination, and cleaning and shaping were conducted using hand K-files and ProTaper Gold rotary files. Intracanal medicaments were placed according to the groups assigned, and temporary restoration was placed. The patients were recalled after seven days. If the tooth was asymptomatic, obturation was completed, and a saliva sample was collected to assess the total antioxidant capacity. Results The total antioxidant capacity of saliva was increased after using intracanal medicaments and endodontic therapy, and there was a statistically significant difference before and after using both the medicaments (p=0.0005; i.e., calcium hydroxide and Hekla lava. When both medicaments were compared, there was no significant difference in the antioxidant capacity of saliva among medicaments (p=0.384). Conclusion The total antioxidant capacity of saliva was increased after using both the intracanal medicaments. Hence, Hekla lava can be potentially used as an alternative intracanal medicament.

Effect of nanoparticle based intra-canal medicaments on root dentin micro-hardness.

Complete eradication of bacterial infection from the root canal with minimum or no effect on the microhardness of the dentin is desirable for the success of endodontic treatment. The effect of nanoparticle based intracanal medicaments on the root dentine microhardness was assessed. The medicaments used were combination of calcium hydroxide - silver nanoparticles, Combination of graphene oxide - silver nanoparticles, Calcium hydroxide and a control group. Vickers hardness value were evaluated and compared at coronal, middle and apical third level. Graphene oxide - silver nanoparticles based intracanal medicament showed least effect on the microhardness of the root dentin compared to calcium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide combined with silver nanoparticle based intracanal medicaments.

Green synthesis of calcium hydroxide-coated silver nanoparticles using Andrographis paniculata and Ocimum sanctum Linn. leaf extracts: An antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity.

Context: Silver is known for its antibacterial properties since ages. As nanoparticles have smaller size and greater surface area, silver has been utilized in the form of nanoparticles to enhance its antibacterial properties. Calcium hydroxide is a well-known intracanal medicament and serves as a gold standard for root canal disinfection. Using herbal extracts as reducing agents for nanoparticle synthesis appears to be an ecofriendly approach. Aim: The aim of this study was to synthesize calcium hydroxide-based silver nanoparticles using herbs as reducing agents and to test the cytotoxic levels and antimicrobial activity against oral microbes. Materials and Methods: The calcium hydroxide-based silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the leaves of Andrographis paniculata and Ocimum sanctum Linn. Various properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were also characterized by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The cytotoxic effects of these nanoparticles were analyzed using brine shrimp and MTT assay. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the zone of inhibition. The statistical analysis was done using parametric independent t-test. P value was set at < 0.05. Results: The calcium hydroxide-based silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and were confirmed by UV spectrophotometer analysis, TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FTIR analysis and showed a minimal cytotoxic effect. They also showed a good antimicrobial activity and a remarkable antifungal activity. Conclusions: The green synthesis of CaOHAgNPs yielded an effective nanoparticle preparation that could be used against common oral pathogens as a potential therapeutic agent in the form of root canal irrigant or intracanal medicament in the field of dentistry.

Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Fluoride Concentration after Topical Application of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The topical fluoride acts on the tooth in many ways and their most important action is inhibition of demineralization and enhancement of enamel remineralization. Aim: The purpose of this clinical trial was to assess the fluoride concentration in saliva before and after 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) application on enamel and duration of its availability at different time intervals. Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted among 40 healthy children aged between 6 and 12 years. The participants were then randomly allocated into two different groups in which the first group (group I) was given 30% SDF and the second group (group II) were topically applied with 5% NaF solution. The fluoride concentration was measured in the salivary samples, which were collected at three time intervals, that is, at baseline (S1), 2 hours (S2), and 24 hours (S3) after application. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for evaluation and independent paired t-test was conducted for comparison between groups. Results: When using an ANOVA with repeated measures with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction, the mean scores of fluoride concentration were statistically significantly different at different time intervals for both NaF (F = 20.854, p < 0.0005) and SDF (F = 22.746, p < 0.0005). Conclusion: The present trial concluded that topical fluoride application increases fluoride bioavailability in saliva thereby increasing tooth remineralization. A steep rise in fluoride concentration was observed shortly post-SDF application at 2 hours and 24 hours time interval emerging a need for further research into the field of fluoridation with SDF. How to cite this article: Jabin Z, Nasim I, Priya V V, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Fluoride Concentration after Topical Application of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):371-375.

Anti-microbial efficacy of Vanilla planifolia leaf extract against common oral micro-biomes: A comparative study of two different antibiotic sensitivity tests.

Introduction: Over the past century, several antibiotics have been discovered and used to treat various microbial diseases. However, over the past few decades, with the emergence of anti-microbial resistant strains of microbiomes, it has become increasingly necessary to discover and develop alternative anti-microbial agents. Herbal formulations have shown promising results in the past decade. However, many herbal formulations remain unexplored. The present study aims to explore the anti-microbial properties of a newly prepared Vanilla planifolia extract. Methodology: Vanilla planifolia leaves were collected, shade-dried, and then powdered. The powdered leaves of Vanilla planifolia (100 gm) were extracted by the cold percolation method with 300 ml ethanol at room temperature for 72 hours. The extracts were then tested for its constituent anti-microbial activity by the agar well method and disk diffusion method against different commonly found oral micro-biomes. The zones of inhibition were noted and measured, and the results were derived. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test (P <_ 0.001). Based on the statistical analysis, conclusions were drawn. Results: The ethanolic extracts of Vanilla planifolia on the agar plates showed considerable anti-microbial activity in both the test methods against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus. However, no effect was found against Candida albicans. There was no significant difference in the results obtained by the two test methods (P >_ 0.001). Conclusions: This experimental study presents a medicinal plant, an orchid Vanilla planifolia, which demonstrates the presence of essential anti-microbial agents in it, making it a potent, potential dental biomaterial with a positive and benefitting effect on the oral micro-environment.

Salivary retention of silver diamine fluoride.

The topically applied fluorides are efficacious in both prevention against caries attack and inhibition of virulent bacteria. The purpose of this clinical trial was to assess the fluoride concentration in saliva before and after 38% SDF, 5% NaF and 1.23% ApF gel application on enamel and duration of its availability at different time intervals. The present randomized clinical trial was conducted among 60 healthy children aged between 6-12 years where at baseline the participants were instructed to spit for 2 min in sterile containers and the first saliva sample (S1) was taken. The participants were then randomly allocated into 3 different groups in which 38% Silver diamine fluoride, 5% Sodium fluoride and 1.23% ApF gel were applied respectively. The second saliva sample (S2) was collected after 5 min and patients were called after 1 hour for third saliva sample collection. The fluoride concentration was measured in the salivary samples. ANOVA test was used for evaluation and chi square t test was conducted for comparison of 3 groups. The fluoride concentration is comparatively slightly higher for the group receiving SDF than NaF and ApF at baseline, 5 min and 1 hour time interval but is not statistically significant. The mean scores of Fluoride concentration of the three groups were statistically significant at 5 min (F=63.556, p<0.0005) and 1 hour time interval (F=17.577, p<0.0005). Slightly increased salivary fluoride retention was observed post SDF application at 5min and 1 hour time interval when compared to Na F and ApF gel application. The present trial also concluded that topical fluoride application increases fluoride bioavailability in saliva thereby increasing tooth remineralization.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of a nanoparticle based intracanal drugs.

The most common intracanal medication is calcium hydroxide. Its efficacy can be affected by a number of factors, including pH, serum proteins, collagen, and dentin. It's also ineffective against E. faecalis and fungus, lacks an anti-inflammatory component, and has mixed reviews when it comes to pain relief. Natural alternatives to synthetic intracanal medication are being researched at the moment. We evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticle based intracanal medicaments. Silver nanoparticles integrated into calcium hydroxide and graphene oxide nanoparticles were the experimental groups and Calcium hydroxide served as the control. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH and Nitric oxide assays, while anti-inflammatory activity was determined using the protein denaturation and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition assays. Both experimental groups had higher antioxidant activity than the control group based on DPPH and Nitric oxide assays. Calcium hydroxide combined with silver nanoparticles demonstrated improved anti-inflammatory efficacy in a protein denaturation and Xanthine oxidase inhibition assay. Within the constraints of an in vitro study, it can be concluded that intracanal medicaments containing silver nanoparticles can be employed efficiently during root canal preparation. In comparison to standard calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments, it has effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Parental knowledge, awareness and acceptance of silver diamine treatment among patients from Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Silver diamine fluoride has emerged as a non invasive effective therapy for arresting active carious lesions. Therefore, it is of interest to assess parental knowledge, awareness and acceptance of SDF. A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted among 62 parents visiting the Department of Pedodontics along with their children in Modinagar. A 15 item pre-validated questionnaire was used to record baseline characteristics of child's parents and their knowledge, awareness and acceptance of SDF for their child for prevention of dental caries. 80.6% participants were aware that SDF is painless procedure whereas majority of the participants were not sure about whether placement of filling required post SDF treatment (48.4%), SDF treatment be done outside dental clinic (61.3%), and about any agents that reduce SDF staining (64.5%). Majority 71% participants were aware about SDF treatment's side effects, 90.3% aware whether their child experienced teeth blackening after SDF treatment and 83.9% aware about whether SDF treatment immediately relieves the child's pain. 90.3% preferred SDF treatment, 83.9% opted for SDF treatment despite of its tooth blackening effects. A statistically significant association was found between SDF acceptance and age of their child. There is a lack of knowledge about SDF among the study participants emerging a need for proper education to them when they visit a dental setting with their child. Although it causes discolouration of teeth post SDF treatment, still parents are willing to accept SDF as a treatment modality for their child's oral health.

Professional protocol and rational outlook of dentists towards SDF.

SDF has gained immense popularity worldwide in the recent years due to its dual performance brought about by inhibiting bacterial growth as well as promoting the remineralisation of dental hard tissues. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitude among dentists towards Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). The present study is an online survey which was designed using Google forms, to gather information about the knowledge and professional protocol followed by dentists for SDF use in their respective operatories. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants after explaining to them the purpose of the study. The detailed questionnaire comprised of two sections. First section comprised of 15 questions which inquired about SDF knowledge and protocols followed for its use by dentists. Second section analyzed rational outlook of dentists towards SDF. Sample selection was done by simple random sampling and questionnaire Google link was circulated among 224 dentists. The mean age group of the participants is 33.82 ± 12 years. A statistically significant difference was found between the participant and the use of SDF in operatory, its application for performance in cavitated or non cavitated lesions, application intervals and the potential problems associated with SDF use. A majority of dentist (62.5%) knew that 38% concentration of SDF to be used among the children which is statistically significant. (p value ≤0.05).A lack of self-reported knowledge was most frequently reported concerning the use and application of SDF among patients to arrest carious lesions in primary and permanent teeth in a dental setting. Thus further studies can be of excellent utility especially for whole community with limited resources instead of using costly preventive strategies.

Quantitative Analysis and Effect of SDF, APF, NaF on Demineralized Human Primary Enamel Using SEM, XRD, and FTIR.

INTRODUCTION: Topical fluoride therapy has proven benefits in the prevention of demineralization. Tooth enamel has shown a great potential for remineralization with an application of topical fluorides if administered at an appropriate time. In an effort to find an effective remineralizing agent, a novel fluoride agent silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has emerged as a potent caries arresting as well as caries preventing agent. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at determining the primary tooth enamel resistance to demineralization after topical application of three fluoride agents SDF, APF, and NaF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enamel specimens were prepared from 40 caries-free primary molars. These specimens were randomly allocated into three groups of 10 specimens each and they were treated by different topical fluorides namely: Group I-SDF, group II-Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), group III-Sodium fluoride. Three enamel specimens from each group were placed on custom-made acrylic blocks with 5 × 5 mm of an exposed window for scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation and rest of the specimens were ground into a fine powder for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The tooth blocks and treated samples were subjected to the demineralization process for 168 hours. They were then qualitatively assessed to evaluate their resistance to demineralization using SEM, XRD, and FTIR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Morphologically, the enamel of all groups specimens was mostly smooth with some groves and microporosities. Chemically, the Ca/P molar ratios of all groups were similar with slight variations. Structurally, the crystalline phases found in enamel by powder XRD were hydroxyapatite and carbonate apatite; and there was a higher amount of incorporated type B carbonate than type A carbonate as evidenced by FTIR. The study concludes that topical application of a 38% SDF solution can inhibit demineralization of enamel. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jabin Z, Nasim I, Vishnu Priya V, et al. Quantitative Analysis and Effect of SDF, APF, NaF on Demineralized Human Primary Enamel Using SEM, XRD, and FTIR. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):537-541.

Known data on the effectiveness of silver nano particles on root canal disinfection.

The goal of endodontic treatment is the debridement and removal of the microbial ecosystem associated with the disease process. The need for root canal disinfectants increases especially in those cases where infection is resistant to the regular treatment and the outcome of endodontic therapy is often compromised. Therefore, it is of interest to document the known effectiveness of silver nanoparticle based root canal disinfectants with other root canal disinfectants on microbial load reduction during root canal disinfection. Known data shows that the overall risk of bias for the selected studies was moderate. Silver nanoparticle based root canal disinfectants showed superior reduction of microbial counts in majority of the studies. This data is limited to vitro studies with no clinical information to validate the use of antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles used as root canal disinfectant.

Effect of 38% silver diamine fluoride on control of dental caries in primary dentition: A Systematic review.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been extensively researched and proven effective for caries prevention and arrest in children. Limited studies support its effectiveness in primary dentition at 38%. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride on control of dental caries in primary dentition. Multiple search engines and databases were searched in accordance with predefined inclusion-exclusion criteria. Quality assessment was done using Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine worksheets. Scientific works of literature were searched in October 2019 for articles. Four studies were identified that addressed the effectiveness of 38% SDF on deciduous dentition in children. All the four studies selected were controlled clinical trials. The cumulative results of the studies showed that 38% SDF application is efficacious and safe for the control of dental caries in primary teeth. Its advantages over different other techniques or placebo have been demonstrated. Based on this systematic review, 38% SDF is one of the best treatment approaches in control of dental caries in primary dentition.

Effect of intracanal cryotreated sodium hypochlorite on postoperative pain after root canal treatment - A randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The postendodontic pain is caused by either microbial, mechanical, or chemical factors or combinations of these. The incidence of postoperative pain ranges from 1.4% to 53%. The management of postendodontic pain is a crucial factor for a successful practitioner. Cryotherapy is a new therapeutic option applied in sports medicine and surgery for the management of pain and for postoperative care. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and to compare the effect of intracanal cryotreated sodium hypochlorite and room temperature sodium hypochlorite on postoperative pain after root canal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients were selected according to inclusion criteria and baseline score was recorded. After obtaining consent, the access cavity was opened under local anesthesia. On the completion of cleaning and shaping, the patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A: Normal Room temperature NaOCl and Group B: Cryotreated NaOCl (2°C-4°C), each of the canals further received 20 ml of the respective irrigants based on the groups allocated. The final rinse was done with saline, and canals were dried and obturated in the same appointment. Postoperative visual analogue scale pain levels were recorded at 6, 24, and 48 h over the phone. RESULTS: The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results of the present study showed that cryotherapy group showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative pain levels at all tested time intervals and reduced analgesic intake at 6 h postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Cryotherapy could be used as an easy and cost-effective technique for controlling postendodontic pain in the day-to-day clinical practice.

Evaluation of the re-mineralization capacity of a gold nanoparticle-based dental varnish: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is an infectious microbial disease caused by acidogenic bacteria. It leads to the dissolution of enamel, dentin, and cementum. Enamel demineralization is often appreciated as' 'White Chalky lesions or Chalky enamel''. Standard procedures for protection of these teeth are fissure sealing and topical fluoride application. A varnish is generally a material in which a resin such as copal is dissolved within an organic solvent such as ethanol. Gold is one of the most biocompatible dental materials. Gold nanoparticles were biosynthesised using aspartic acid in previous studies. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To prepare a gold nanoparticle based dental varnish and to evaluate its re-mineralizing capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gold nanoparticle dental varnish was prepared using all the necessary constituents. This newly prepared dental varnish was compared with G.C Fuji/SnF2 dental varnish. Demineralizing capacity of the dental varnishes were analysed. The tooth specimens were prepared according to methodology and mounted on resin blocks. They were subjected to demineralization remineralization cycles. ICP-OES and Knoop Hardness tests were performed. RESULTS: AuNP dental varnish had a satisfactory remineralization effect on demineralised enamel. For calcium analysis, the AuNP group showed significantly more total calcium loss when compared to the SnF2 group (P < 0.05) and was statistically significant. For phosphorus analysis, AuNP group showed significantly greater net phosphorus loss compared to the SnF2 group (P < 0.05) and was statistically significant. It was also observed that the KHN increased more significantly in Group A (SnF2) as compared to Group B (AuNP) and was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AuNP dental varnish showed considerable re mineralizing property; however, it was not superior to dental varnishes like SnF2 dental varnish. Further research needs to be done in vitro to better modify the AuNP dental varnish before proceeding to in vivo studies.

Cytotoxicity and anti-microbial analysis of silver and graphene oxide bio nanoparticles.

It is of interest to document the cytotoxicity and anti microbial analysis of silver and graphene oxide nanoparticles. The plant extracts from Andrographis paniculata and Ocimum sanctum Linn were used as reducing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD and TEM. The antimicrobial activity was completed for oral pathogens. Brine Shrimp Lethality assay was conducted for cytotoxicity. Thus, we show that silver and graphene oxide bio based nanoparticles have antimicrobial activity with minimum cytotoxic effects.

Clinical performance of resin-modified glass ionomer cement, flowable composite, and polyacid-modified resin composite in noncarious cervical lesions: One-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The restoration of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) often poses a challenge to the clinician. Various restorative materials are available in the market for the restoration of the same. Each material has various advantages and shortcomings. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare and to evaluate the clinical performance of capsulated resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), flowable composite, and polyacid-modified composite resin (PMCR) in NCCLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 101 restorations were placed among healthy controls in this clinical trial. A total of 101 restorations were divided into three groups with n = minimum 32 per group (Group 1: 33 restorations, Group 2: 34 restorations, and Group 3: 34 restorations). The restorative materials used were capsulated RMGIC, flowable composite and PMCR. After the placement, the restorations were evaluated for the United States Public Health Services criteria for six parameters, namely retention, marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, color stability, surface roughness, and sensitivity. The restorations were evaluated at baseline, 6 and 12 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistics was performed using SPSS 21.0 version. Chi-square test was done to compare the proportions between groups. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportion change between time points. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference seen among the three groups for retention, color stability, surface roughness, and hypersensitivity. RMGIC had shown superior characteristics in marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration compared to flowable composite and PMCR, and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, all the three restorative materials are clinically acceptable for the restoration of NCCLs. RMGIC is superior regarding marginal adaptation and esthetics for restoring NCCLs.

Comparative evaluation of grape seed and cranberry extracts in preventing enamel erosion: An optical emission spectrometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dental erosion is defined as the loss of tooth structure due to chemical process that does not involve bacteria. The management of such a condition calls for a comprehensive approach to identifying the cause and treating it. AIM: The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the role of grape seed extract (GSE) and cranberry extract (CE) in preventing dental erosion using optical emission spectrometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prepared enamel specimens were subjected to the erosive challenge using HCl for 10 s, followed by immersion in experimental natural groups and control fluoride group for 30 s and artificial saliva for 60 min. This cycle was repeated three times. The amounts of calcium and phosphorous present in the acid solution after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd erosive challenges were determined for each group using induced coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS: The cumulative calcium and phosphorous release after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd erosive challenges were found to be the least in SnF2 group, followed by GSE group and then in CE group. CONCLUSION: The protective of GSE and CE was inferior to the gold standard control group of stannous fluoride role, against enamel erosion. GSE showed better remineralizing effect; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Effect of gutta-percha solvents on the bond strength of two resin-based sealers to root canal dentin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of two gutta percha solvents on the bond strength of two resin-based sealers to root canal dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canals of extracted single rooted human mandibular premolars (n = 60) were decoronated and instrumented with a rotary NiTi system to an apical size of 40 and randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) based on the chemical treatment: Group I, saline (control); group II, Xylene and group III, Endosolv E. All groups were divided into two sub-groups (n = 10) based on the root filling material: sub-group A, epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus); sub-group B, methacrylate resin sealer (Epiphany). Roots were then sectioned and push-out tests were performed. The data was analysed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multiple comparison test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in bond strength of both sealers between the control and test groups (p < 0.05). The bond strength of the epoxy resin sealer (sub-group A) in group II was significantly lower than in group III (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups II and III for the methacrylate resin sealer (sub-group b) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gutta Percha solvents had an adverse effect on bond strengths of resin sealers to root canal dentin. This was dependent on the chemistry of the solvent and the sealer.

Color stability of microfilled, microhybrid and nanocomposite resins--an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two beverages-Tea and Pepsi on the color stability of three different composite resins after a period of 7 and 30 days. METHODS: Color stability of a microfilled, microhybrid and nanocomposite was evaluated after storage in Tea, a carbonated drink or Distilled Water for 7 and 30 days. Color measurement was done using reflectance spectrophotometer based on the CIE L*a*b* color scale. Mean values of the different groups were compared using three-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons of the mean values were done using Tukey-Kramer test with 0.05 as significance level. RESULTS: All tested resin composites showed color change after a period of 7 and 30 days. The color change exhibited by all three groups was significantly different for all three beverages studied, at both time periods (p<0.05). Amongst the resin composites studied microhybrid composite was found to be more color stable. The microfilled composite discolored most in Distilled Water and Pepsi at the 7th and 30th day. The nanocomposite discolored most in Tea at 7th and 30th day. CONCLUSION: All efforts should be made to minimize discoloration of composite restorations by adopting excellent polishing techniques. Patients should also be educated on the possibility of the restoration to undergo staining under the influence of beverages.