Radiofrequency Glow Discharge as a Mode of Disinfection for Elastomeric Impression Materials.

INTRODUCTION: Prosthodontic practice involves procedures in which impressions of the maxillary and mandibular arches are mandatory. Cross infection is one of the major problems that can occur in regular dental practice. Every dentist should take utmost care to prevent cross infection as oral cavity is the source of variety of microorganisms which can often cause diseases that can be fatal. Although precautions, such as wearing of gloves and mask, sterilization of instruments are given importance, the need for disinfection of impressions is often neglected. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the disinfection potential of radiofrequency glow discharge (RGD) by microbiological studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disinfection potential of RGD on addition silicone (Reprosil, Dentsply, Milford DE, USA) was assessed. Total sample size was 20. Samples were divided into two groups of 10 each. Group I - control group and group II -RGD-treated group. Main groups were subdivided into subgroups A and B. Data collected were analyzed. RESULTS: The RGD-treated samples were found to be culture sterile which meant that there were no signs of growth of any organisms, thus proving the disinfection potential of RGD. CONCLUSION: From this study, we can conclude that RGD is a very rapid and handy device, which can disinfect saliva contaminated elastomeric impression material surfaces. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When compared with the difficulties and lack of efficiency encountered in disinfecting impressions by immersion and spray atomization, RGD can be very handy in dental clinics, as it is a very rapid and convenient method for infection control.

Evaluation of an Indigenously Prepared Herbal Extract (EndoPam) as an Antimicrobial Endodontic Irrigant: An Ex Vivo Study.

BACKGROUNDG: Root canal irrigation plays a pivotal role in endodontics. Constant increase in antibiotic resistance and side effects caused by synthetic irrigants has shifted the research toward developing herbal alternatives. The current study aims to assess the ex vivo effectiveness of an indigenously prepared herbal extract "EndoPam" and compare it with the conventional endodontic irrigants for disinfection of root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a preliminary study of the antimicrobial efficacy of the test irrigants, an Agar diffusion study was conducted, and zone of inhibition measured. Forty extracted mandibular premolars with straight root canals were selected and standardized to 12 ± 1 mm in length. Root canals were prepared using rotary ProTaper system until F3 instrument and were infected with the culture of E. faecalis for three weeks. Specimens were divided into four groups (n = 10). Group 1: EndoPam (. INGREDIENTS: Syzigium aromaticum, Eucalyptus globulus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Mentha piperita), Group 2: 2% chlorhexidine, Group 3: 5.25% Sodium hypochlorite, Group 4: Normal Saline. Irrigation was performed for each group. Samples were inoculated and incubated for 24 h at 37°C for qualitative analysis qualitative analysis. RESULTS: In the preliminary Agar diffusion study, EndoPam exhibited a zone of inhibition comparable to that of sodium hypochrorite. The diameter of the inhibition zone was in the following order: 2% chlorhexidine gluconate > EndoPam > 5.25% NaOCl > Normal Saline. The qualitative assay done by culturing the bacteria after a period of 3 weeks showed no bacterial growth in any of the tested irrigants, except in normal saline. CONCLUSION: It was found that the experimental product was as effective as conventional irrigants in reducing the microbial count.