Two Palatal Roots in Maxillary First Molar, a Rare Entity: Report of Two Cases.

An in-depth understanding of the anatomical variations of maxillary molars is essential for endodontic success. Unlike the maxillary second molars, the presence of a second palatal root is uncommon in the first maxillary molar. This case report describes two cases of non-surgical management of maxillary molars with extra palatal roots. Careful clinical examination, knowledge of the internal anatomy, and the use of advanced radiographic modalities like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can reveal the presence of variations in the internal and external anatomy of any tooth. Therefore, for nonsurgical as well as surgical management clinicians should always watch out for any deviations in a tooth and utilize all the available tools to diagnose and manage them successfully.

Internal root resorption in permanent mandibular molars - A rare entity: Report of two cases.

The cases presented here aim to highlight the occurrence of a very rare internal root resorption (IRR) of inflammatory type among mandibular molars (prevalence 0.01%-1%). Patients reported in the outpatient department with a chief complaint of pain in the lower posterior region of the jaws, on thorough clinical and radiological examinations a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis was made and nonsurgical root canal treatment was planned using thermoplastic obturation technique along with the use of magnification, cone-beam computed tomography, endosonics, and intracanal medicament to attain a successful outcome. Six-month follow-up showed arrest of IRR. This report of two cases with a literature review discusses the etiology, prevalence of IRR, the clinical decision, and the therapeutic management. Early detection of such resorption is the key to successful management and preserves the integrity of the tooth.

Does the presence of full-coverage crown interfere with removal of obturation material: A cone-beam computed tomography image segmentation volumetric analysis.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the influence of the presence of full-coverage crown on the obturation material removal efficiency of different retreatment file systems. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted, human, maxillary premolars were accessed, instrumented, and obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. The samples were scanned with cone-beam computed tomography and volume of obturating material was measured using ITK-SNAP volumetric software. Samples were divided (n = 30) into with and without all metal full-coverage crown groups. Each group was then subdivided into three subgroups (n = 10) based on retreatment file used (ProTaper URS, HyFlex Remover, and NeoEndo). The volume of remnants of obturating material was remeasured by image segmentation using ITK-SNAP volumetric software. One-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey's post hoc test, was used for data analysis, with a significance level of 5%. Results: A significant difference in percentage remnant of obturating material after retreatment file was observed on overall comparison between with (29.84%) and without crown (21.79%) groups (P < 0.05). Each file system removed significantly more obturating material in without crown samples than with crown samples (P < 0.05). The percentage remnant of obturating material after retreatment file use was as follows: ProTaper URS > NeoEndo retreatment file > HyFlex Remover. All file systems showed significantly different (P < 0.05) efficiency in removal of obturating material. Conclusions: None of the retreatment file systems were able to remove obturating material completely. The presence of full-coverage crown negatively impacted the efficiency of retreatment files for the removal of obturating material. HyFlex Remover performed better than NeoEndo which was better than ProTaper URS.

Effectiveness of polyhexamethylene biguanide, chlorhexidine, and calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament against intraradicular mature polymicrobial biofilm: A microbiological study.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of different intracanal medicaments against polymicrobial biofilm formed by Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Eighty mature human roots with intraradicular polymicrobial biofilm were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 20). Intracanal medicaments 0.2% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and calcium hydroxide (CH) were applied into the root canals. Collected dentine samples were tested at 7th, 15th, and 30th day for microbial growth, and the colony-forming units per ml (CFU/ml) were determined. Results: The CFU/ml data were analyzed using unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA-F comparison test. All medicaments resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in microbial growth at all time intervals compared to the control group. CHX and PHMB showed a similar reduction in CFU/ml at 7th and 15th day but significantly more than CH at all time intervals. At 30th day, PHMB caused a significantly more reduction in CFU/ml than CHX. Conclusions: All the three tested intracanal medicaments such as CH, CHX, and PHMB Gel were effective in reducing the microbial count. CH has a limited antimicrobial effect against the polymicrobial biofilm found inside the root canal. 2% CHX gel has a time-dependent antimicrobial effect. PHMB has a superior antimicrobial effect in comparison with CHX and CH.

Do whey protein beverages affect the microhardness of composites? A laboratory study.

Background: Whey protein supplements might be a potential risk factor for the restoration surface due to its pH and lactose content. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of whey protein beverages on the microhardness of four restorative composites with different microstructures (Filtek Z 350XT, Filtek Z 250XT, Filtek Bulk Fill (FBF), and Filtek P 60). Materials and Methodology: Forty disc-shaped samples from each material (in total 160) were prepared and wet polished. The samples of each group were randomly divided into four subgroups and subjected to four immersion media namely, whey protein Concentrate (WPC), whey protein Isolate (WPI), whey protein water (WPW), and distilled water (DW). The immersion protocol was performed twice for 10 min daily for 30 days followed by immersion in artificial saliva for another 10 min and stored in DW till the next cycle. The pre immersion and post immersion microhardness of all the samples were recorded with a Microhardness Tester FM-800. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25 software. Results and Conclusions: All composites exhibited decline in microhardness, except for FBF. P 60 composites which showed the highest decline in microhardness. WPC and WPI caused the greatest reduction in microhardness compared to WPW.

Effect of monowave and polywave light curing on the degree of conversion and microhardness of composites with different photoinitiators: An in vitro study.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of light-curing units (LCUs) on the degree of conversion (DC) and microhardness of composites with varying photoinitiator systems. Materials and Methodology: Two groups were formed based on LCU - monowave (Group M) and polywave (Group P). Each group was further divided into two subgroups based on photoinitiator systems - combination of camphorquinone (CQ), Ivocerin, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (Subgroup CIT) and only CQ (Subgroup C) in the composite. Samples prepared were 4 mm thick. Microhardness was measured at bottom surface by Vickers hardness tester, and DC was evaluated by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. Statistical Analysis: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used. Results: Both the mean microhardness and DC of composite in subgroup C were similar (P > 0.05) in Group M (52.42 ± 2.67 and 48.30 ± 5.81) and Group P (51.77 ± 1.96 and 48.50 ± 4.87). The mean microhardness of composite containing a combination of photoinitiators was more in Group P (57.09 ± 2.61) as compared to Group M (47.37 ± 3.51). The mean DC was higher in Group P (59.75 ± 5.30) as compared to Group M (39.70 ± 3.57), and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The type of LCU affects DC and microhardness only in the case of composites containing a combination of photoinitiators.

To compare the continuous and intermittent irrigation method on the removal of dentin debris from root canals and to evaluate the dynamics of irrigant flow using computational fluid dynamics.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of continuous and intermittent irrigating methods on the removal of dentin debris from the simulated grooves and to evaluate the dynamics of irrigant using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). METHODOLOGY: Seventy-five extracted human permanent maxillary canines were selected. Access cavities were made, working length was determined, and canals were prepared by crown down technique. The teeth were split longitudinally and standard groove 2.0 mm in length was made in split halves and each groove was filled with dentin debris and the images were taken under a microscope (E200). The halves were re-assembled and divided into five groups based on different irrigation methods. Group 1: ultrasonic Irrigation with continuous flow for 3.0 min; Group 2: ultrasonic irrigation with continuous flow for 1.5 min; Group 3: ultrasonic irrigation with intermittent flow for 3.0 min; Group 4: ultrasonic irrigation with the intermittent flow for 1.5 min; and Group 5: syringe irrigation for 1 min. The root halves were again separated and re-evaluated for debris elimination after the irrigation protocol for all the groups separately. The effect of time and method of passive ultrasonic irrigation were compared. For the computational fluid analysis, a GAMBIT 2.2 (Ansys) software was used for mesh construction. FLUENT 6.2 (Ansys) software was used to set the boundary conditions and reconstruction of the canal; flow patterns and turbulence were graphically constructed. RESULTS: The continuous irrigation methods were better at debris removal than intermittent irrigation flow methods. The CFD showed that the turbulence of flow of irrigant was dependent on the inlet velocity and pressure of the irrigant. CONCLUSION: Debris removal from the simulated grooves was better with continuous irrigation compared with intermittent irrigation. CFD study revealed that the turbulence that was affected by the velocity and pressure of the irrigant introduced and is a variable entity.

Effect of prophylactic instrumentation on surface roughness of tooth-colored restorative material: An in vitro study.

AIM: To compare and evaluate the surface characteristics of different restorative materials used for restoration of cervical defects when subjected to periodontal prophylactic instrumentation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Sixty box-shaped cavities were prepared on the labial surface of decoronated permanent maxillary anterior teeth which were randomly divided into two groups (n = 30) based on the instrumentation technique Group I: Manual instrumentation using curettes and Group II: Ultrasonic instrumentation. The samples were further divided into three subgroups based on restorative material subgroups I V and II V-restored with Vitremer, subgroups I F and II F-restored with Filtek Z 250 XT and subgroups I D and II D-restored with Dyract flow, respectively. After finishing and polishing, the samples were subjected to surface profilometry analysis for determining the surface roughness values (Ra). Thereafter, the restored surfaces of all the samples in different subgroups were subjected to prophylactic instrumentation with Gracey's curettes (Group I) and ultrasonic scalers (Group II). Ra values were recorded again after prophylactic instrumentation and after polishing. The data thus obtained were subjected to the statistical analysis using the independent t-test and one-way ANOVA (p<0.05). RESULTS: Ra values were significantly higher for both manual and ultrasonic prophylaxis compared to preprophylaxis and postpolishing in all the three restorative materials. Ultrasonic scaling produced significantly higher Ra for subgroup V as compared to subgroup F and subgroup D, whereas the difference between the materials was not significant for manual scaling. CONCLUSION: Manual prophylaxis resulted in significant reduction in surface roughness of all the three restorative materials while ultrasonic prophylaxis resulted in significant reduction for Vitremer only. Polishing after scaling significantly reduced the effect of both manual and ultrasonic prophylaxis on surface roughness.

Effect of intracanal and extracanal heating on pulp dissolution property of continuous chelation irrigant.

Context: Extracanal and intracanal heating of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) improve its pulp dissolution, but limited literature is available on its effect as a combined single irrigant with etidronate. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of temperature on the effectiveness of NaOCl and continuous chelation protocol on the time required for the dissolution of vital and necrotic pulp. Materials and Methods: Dissolution time of 120 standardized bovine (buffalo) pulp fragments, divided into 12 subgroups based on tissue type (vital/necrotic), irrigant (NaOCl/continuous chelation), and temperature (extracanal, intracanal, and nonheated irrigant), was noted. Conical glass tips mimicking the root canal were considered specimen containers. About 0.2 ml of irrigant corresponding to the irrigation protocol was taken in them and then pulp samples were added to it. Samples were observed using loupes under 2.5 X magnification. Dissolution time was recorded using a stopwatch. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee (SDC/2019/591). Statistical Analysis Used: Two-way analysis of variance; statistical product and service solutions version 25. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Time for pulp dissolution by continuous chelation mixture was significantly more as compared to NaOCl alone in all subgroups. Pulp tissue dissolution for both vital and necrotic pulp was improved by the increase in temperature of both irrigants and dissolution time was more for necrotic than vital tissue. Pulp tissue dissolution was significantly better by intracanal heating as compared to extracanal heating. Conclusion: Although intracanal heating of continuous chelation mixture improves its pulp dissolution capacity significantly as compared to extracanal heating and nonheating protocol but pulpal dissolution capacity of nonheated 5% NaOCl still remains significantly better as compared to intracanal and extracanal heated continuous chelation mixture.

Does eugenol affect the microtensile bond strength of self-adhering composite? - An in vitro study.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of eugenol-based temporary on microtensile bond strength of self-adhering composite at 1 day and 7-day time intervals. Materials and Methods: Occlusal enamel of 24 human molars was removed. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZnOE) and noneugenol temporary cement (ZnONE) were placed on the dentin surfaces and left for different times (1 day, 7 days). After removal of temporary cement, teeth were randomly divided into eight subgroups: subgroup GE1S (n = 3): ZnOE cement + Self-adhering composite (SAC), subgroup GE1N (n = 3): ZnOE cement + adhesive system (one coat 7 universal) + nanohybrid composite, subgroup GE7S (n = 3): ZnOE cement + SAC, subgroup GE7N (n = 3): ZnOE cement + adhesive system + nanohybrid composite, subgroup GNE1S (n = 3): ZnONE cement + SAC, subgroup GNE1N (n = 3): ZnONE cement + adhesive system + nanohybrid composite, subgroup GNE7S (n = 3): ZnONE cement + SAC, subgroup GNE7N (n = 3): ZnONE cement + adhesive system + nanohybrid composite. Four sticks per tooth were obtained, resulting in 12 sticks per group with a cross-sectional area of 0.5 mm 2. The µTBS test was performed with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Statistical Analysis: Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for analysis. Results: Highest and lowest mean value of microtensile bond strength was observed in GNE7N (12.75MPa) and GE1S (1.42MPa), respectively. Conclusion: The presence of eugenol at early stage, i.e. 1 day, has a negative influence on microtensile bond strength of SAC. At 7 days, the negative effect of eugenol on microtensile bond strength gets nullified. Thus, a waiting period of 1 week is sufficient to overcome negative influence of eugenol-based temporaries on polymerization of SAC.

Comparative evaluation of substantivity of two biguanides - 0.2% polyhexanide and 2% chlorhexidine on human dentin.

BACKGROUND: Substantivity is one of the desirable characteristics of root canal irrigants. Among conventional endodontic irrigants, only chlorhexidine (CHX) is known to exert significant substantivity on root canal dentin. This study explored the substantivity activity of a polymeric biguanide-poly hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the substantivity of a polymeric biguanide - 0.2% PHMB and compare it with that of 2% CHX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate and compare the substantivity of 0.2% PHMB and 2% CHX on root canal dentin, dentin disks were prepared and substantivity after 1 h, 24 h, 7 days and 21 days was measured using spectrophotometry. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data so obtained were analyzed, and the intergroup comparison was made using unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that 0.2%. PHMB exerts significantly greater substantivity than 2% CHX on human dentin. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations, this study supports the use of 0.2% polyhexanide as an endodontic irrigant based on its property of substantivity.

Effect of mechanical alteration of enamel surface on shear bond strength of different bonding techniques.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mechanical alteration of enamel surface on shear bond strength in different bonding techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy samples were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups: Group A (n = 30) - prepared enamel surfaces, Group B (n = 30) - unprepared enamel surfaces, and Group C (n = 10) - prepared enamel surfaces + etch and rinse which served as a control group. Group A and Group B were further divided into three subgroups (n = 10), sub-Group A1, B1 (nanohybrid composite + self-etch), sub-Group A2, B2 (self-adhering composite), and A3, B3 (self-adhering composite + self-etch). Teflon ring molds were used to make composite resin cylinders with the specific bonding protocol of each group. Shear bond strength testing was conducted, and data were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean shear bond strength values were as follows: C> A1> A3>A2>B1> B3> B2. CONCLUSIONS: Prepared enamel surfaces resulted in higher shear bond strength values as compared to unprepared enamel surfaces. Prior application of self-etch agent resulted in higher shear bond strength values of self-adhering composite in prepared and unprepared enamel surfaces.

Effect of ultrasonic root-end cavity preparation on dentinal microcrack formation: A micro-computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Root-end preparation during surgical endodontics may produce dentinal microcrack formation and/or propagation, leading to vertical root fractures. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the microcrack formation and propagation during ultrasonic root-end cavity preparation, with diamond- and zirconium nitride-coated tips using micro-computed tomography (CT). METHODOLOGY: Twenty-eight extracted, mature, free-of-defect, mandibular premolars were decoronated and micro-CT scanned for the presence of preexisting microcracks. Samples were prepared till F4, were obturated, and were re-scanned to determine an increase in the number of microcracks. After 3 mm of root-end resection, the samples were randomly divided for ultrasonic root-end preparation into Group 1 (n = 12): preparation was done with ProUltra Surg tip, Group 2 (n = 12): preparation was done with KiS tip, and Group 3 (n = 4): no preparation was done. The samples were rescanned, and data collected were analyzed using ANOVA and Student's t-test. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Preexisting microcracks were observed in few samples. The mean percentage number increase of microcracks after root-end preparation in ProUltra Surg group was 1.25 and in KiS group, it was 0.5. The difference in mean percentage increase for the number of microcracks after root-end cavity preparation using ProUltra Surg tip and KiS tip was 0.75. However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.34). CONCLUSION: Both diamond- and zirconium nitride-coated ultrasonic tips resulted in more number of dentinal crack formation and propagation when preexisting cracks were present.

Effect of Different Finishing and Polishing Systems on the Surface Roughness of Resin Composite and Enamel: An In vitro Profilometric and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

AIM: The aim is to compare and evaluate the different finishing and polishing systems for the change in surface roughness of resin composites and enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To conduct the study, 30 extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected, decoronated, and molded in self-cure acrylic molds. A box-shaped cavity of dimensions 3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm was prepared in all the teeth. A nanohybrid composite resin (Filtek Z250) was then used to restore the prepared cavities. Thirty samples were divided into two groups, control group (Group A, n = 10) and experimental group (Group B, n = 20). The samples in Group A were cured through the Mylar matrix. The experimental group, i.e., Group B was divided into two subgroups, i.e., Subgroup BX, n = 10 in which Sof-Lex polishing system was used for polishing the tooth surface and Subgroup BF, n = 10 in which Shofu composite polishing system was used. The mean surface roughness (Ra in µm) of the composite restoration as well as for the enamel surface of all the samples before and after polishing was measured with a contact profilometer, and the values were correlated with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test. The results exhibited a significant decrease in the surface roughness of the resin composite and enamel surface irrespective of the finishing and polishing system used. The mean surface roughness values demonstrated by Mylar matrix was the lowest followed by Sof-Lex polishing system. Shofu polishing system demonstrated the highest surface roughness values. CONCLUSION: Finishing and polishing of composite restoration can achieve a surface roughness similar to that of enamel. Involvement of marginal enamel in finishing and polishing procedures carried out for composite restoration results in smoother enamel surface.

Comparison of fluoride ion release and alkalizing potential of a new bulk-fill alkasite.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare fluoride ion release by Cention-N (self-cure and light-cure) and conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC) at different pH and time intervals. METHODOLOGY: Cavities of similar dimensions were prepared in mandibular molars and restored with Cention-N (by self-cure and light-cure techniques) and GIC. Samples were stored in deionized water, and the cumulative fluoride ion release and change in pH were assessed utilizing spectrophotometer and pH meter, respectively, at the end of 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: All the tested materials released fluoride ions in both acidic and neutral pH at all time intervals, and the fluoride ion release was significantly higher (<0.05) in acidic pH as compared to neutral pH except in GIC. All the groups showed a statistically significant increase in pH in acidic medium, whereas no significant increase was observed in neutral medium. CONCLUSIONS: Cention-N (self-cure) has the highest fluoride ion release and alkalizing potential in acidic pH as compared to Cention-N (light-cure) and GIC.

Induction of dentinal microcracks during postspace preparation: A comparative microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated and compared techniques of postspace preparation for induction of dentinal microcracks utilizing microcomputed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 extracted micro-CT scanned mandibular premolars were prepared and obturated. After the second micro-CT, samples were divided into three groups (n = 15). In Group 1, postspace preparation was done using hand K files up to the size of #110. In Group 2, postspace preparation was done using Peeso reamer up to the number of #3. In Group 3, postspace preparation was done using ParaPost XT Drills with the tip diameter of 1.1 mm. Thereafter, the third micro-CT scan was performed for microcracks evaluation, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Few unprepared samples showed the presence of microcracks (1.54%). There was statistically significant (P < 0.05) percentage increase in the number of microcracks after root canal preparation and obturation (5.44%) and after postspace preparation (8.35%). The percentage increase in microcracks observed for Group 1, 2, and 3 from obturation to postspace preparation was 0.19%, 4.21%, and 6.86%. There was a significant difference among the three techniques of postspace preparation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Microcracks may exist preoperatively. Postspace preparation increased the number of microcracks irrespective of the technique utilized. ParaPost XT Drills produces maximum microcracks in the root dentin followed by Peeso reamers and K files.

Effect of root canal preparation, obturation, and retreatment on the induction of dentinal microcracks: A microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effect of root canal preparation, obturation, and different techniques of retreatment on the percentage increase in the number of dentinal microcracks using microcomputed tomography (CT) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five mandibular premolars after micro-CT scanning were prepared using Protaper universal files up to F4 and obturated. After the second micro-CT scanning again, the samples were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15) for retreatment procedure. In Group 1, retreatment was done with Protaper universal D1, D2, and D3 retreatment files followed by Protaper universal file till F4. In Group 2, retreatment was performed with R-Endo reciprocating motion, Re, R1, R2, R3, and Rs followed by Hero Shaper size #40. In Group 3, retreatment was performed with H-files and xylene till size #40. After gutta percha removal, the samples were again scanned for micro-CT for the evaluation of percentage increase in dentinal microcracks. Data were analyzed using "Kruskal-Wallis test ANOVA" and "student t-test" at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Few unprepared samples showed preexisting microcracks. There were statistically significant percentage increase dentinal cracks after root canal preparation and obturation as well as after retreatment procedure with statistically significant percentage increase in the number of dentinal microcracks between all three groups. CONCLUSION: Intraradicular procedures such as shaping and cleaning and obturation as well as the use of retreatment file lead to the induction and propagation of dentinal microcracks. In the present study, the maximum microcracks were produced with Protaper universal retreatment file system followed by R-Endo system. H-files produced minimum cracks during retreatment procedures.

Evaluation of marginal sealing ability of self-adhesive flowable composite resin in Class II composite restoration: An in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the marginal sealing ability of self-adhesive flowable composite resin when used as a liner in Class II composite restoration with and without aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 standardized Class II tooth preparations with gingival margins 1 mm coronal and apical to cementenamel junction (CEJ) were prepared on 60 extracted permanent mandibular molars and were randomly divided into eight equal Groups: Group 1: cavities coronal to CEJ and restored with Dyad flow liner + Herculite ultra, Group 2: same as Group 1 but cavities margins apical to CEJ, Group 5: cavities coronal to CEJ and restored with only Herculite ultra, and Group 6: same as Group 5 but cavities apical to CEJ. Groups 3,4,7,8 were similar to Groups 1,2,5,6, respectively, but were aged for 6 months. After thermocycling, microleakage testing was done using 0.5% basic fuchsin dye. RESULT: At cervical level, Group 5 exhibited statistically lower (P = 0.006) microleakage than Group 6, and Group 1 showed lesser microleakage than Group 5 (P = 0.162). Group 2 exhibited significantly less microleakage than Group 6 (P = 0.002). Increased microleakage was observed in aging Groups; however, the difference with nonaging Groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.005). CONCLUSION: Margins of the cavity in cementum can be better sealed by placing self-adhesive liner and is not affected by aging.

In vitro evaluation of the contact angle formed between AH Plus, Hybrid Root Seal and mineral trioxide aggregate Plus sealer with dentin and gutta-percha.

AIM: The purpose of this study was evaluation and comparison of the contact angle of new root canal sealers - Hybrid Root Seal, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Plus, and the conventional AH Plus sealer with dentin and gutta-percha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups (Group D - dentin and Group G - gutta-percha) of 18 samples each were further randomly divided into 3 subgroups based on the type of sealer used, that is, AH Plus, Hybrid Root Seal, and MTA Plus. Contact angle measurement device (Phoenix 300) was used to measure the contact angle of the sealers on both dentin and gutta-percha. The results thus obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test. RESULTS: MTA Plus recorded significantly higher values of contact angle on both the substrates, that is, dentin and gutta-percha when compared to AH Plus and Hybrid root canal sealer. The lowest value of contact angle in gutta-percha and dentin was shown by Hybrid root canal sealer and AH Plus, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both AH Plus and Hybrid Root Seal exhibited lower contact angle values, and hence, better wettability on both dentin and gutta-percha as compared to MTA Plus.

Diastema Closure in Anterior Teeth Using a Posterior Matrix.

Presence of diastema between anterior teeth is often considered an onerous esthetic problem. Various treatment modalities are available for diastema closure. However, not all diastemas can be treated the same in terms of modality or timing. The extent and the etiology of the diastema must be properly evaluated. Proper case selection is of paramount importance for a successful treatment. In this case report, diastema closure was performed with direct composite restorations. One bottle etch-and-rinse adhesive was used and a single shade was used to close the diastemas. Contoured sectional posterior matrix was used to achieve anatomic contouring of the proximal surfaces of the teeth. This was followed by finishing and polishing using polishing discs. Patient was kept on recall every 6 months. Conclusion. Diastema closure with correct anatomic contouring is easy to perform using the contoured sectional matrices. At 14-month recall, no clinical signs of failure like discoloration or fracture were evident. Also, patient did not complain of any sensitivity. Thus, direct composite restorations serve as durable and highly esthetic restorations leading to complete patient satisfaction.