Comparison of bite force on the dominant and nondominant sides of patients with habitual unilateral chewing: a pilot study.

Occlusion and chewing-side preference (CSP) are complex aspects of the stomatognathic system. The present study aimed to record the difference in bite force between the dominant and nondominant chewing sides of patients with a CSP. A sample of 95 subjects (aged 20-35 years) with established CSPs was selected. Measurements of bite force on both sides of the jaw were recorded while the subjects were seated in an upright, forward-looking, unsupported natural position. The recordings of each subject were accomplished in a single session with a portable customized bite recording sensor, and the maximal voluntary bite force (MVBF) value was recorded in newtons. The MVBF data were compared in pairs (dominant vs nondominant side; men vs women; and age < 30 vs ≥ 30 years) with independent-samples t tests. The combined mean (SD) MVBF for men and women was 694.73 (110.47) N on the dominant chewing side and 507.20 (86.76) N on the nondominant chewing side. In the male group, the mean MVBF was significantly greater (P < 0.0001) on the dominant chewing side (755.73 N) than on the nondominant chewing side (548.10 N). Similarly, in the female group, the mean MVBF was significantly greater (P < 0.0001) on the dominant chewing side (620.95 N) than on the nondominant chewing side (457.74 N). Furthermore, the differences between the male and female dominant sides and between the male and female nondominant sides were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in bite force between the age groups (P > 0.05).

A Comparative Evaluation of Surface Properties of Cention N and TiO2-Enriched Cention N After Brushing Simulation and Erosive Challenge: An In Vitro Study.

Background This study aimed to evaluate and compare the abrasive and erosive wear resistance of Cention N and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle-enriched Cention N after three years of brushing simulation. Methodology A total of 48 freshly extracted mandibular molars were mounted in acrylic blocks and divided into two groups of 24 molars based on the type of restorative material used to restore them. Cavities of a standardized size were prepared. Group A was restored with Cention N, and group B was restored with 5% TiO2-enriched Cention N. Each group was further divided into three subgroups of eight. Subgroup 1 was the control subgroup. Subgroup 2 was the abrasive subgroup, subjected to the abrasive challenge in a brushing stimulator with 30,000 cycles to 10,000 cycles in the linear X-axis and Y-axis each and another 10,000 cycles divided into 5,000 cycles clockwise and 5,000 cycles anticlockwise. The total number of brushing cycles was equal to three years of brushing with a duration of eight to nine hours. Subgroup 3 was the erosive and abrasive subgroup, subjected to an erosive pH cycle consisting of exposure to Coca­Cola for five minutes thrice a day for seven days, and then subjected to brushing simulation as above. After the surface treatment, specimens were subjected to the Vickers microhardness test using a diamond indenter and the surface roughness test using an optical profilometer. The resulting values were subjected to statistical analysis. Results There was a significant decrease in mean surface roughness in group B, where TiO2 nanoparticles were added after erosive challenge and brushing simulation, than in group A. There was an increase in mean microhardness in group B which was not significant. Conclusions With the addition of 5% TiO2 to Cention N, there was a significant reduction in surface roughness. The surface microhardness of Cention N containing 5% TiO2 increased non-significantly compared to the control group.

Comparative Evaluation of Microhardness, Smear Layer Removal Efficacy and Depth of Penetration Using Punica granatum, Emblica officinalis and Sodium Hypochlorite As Endodontic Irrigants: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Root canal morphology tends to be complicated by nature and dealing with this intricacy can be challenging because it makes it difficult to completely disinfect the root canal space. The success of root canal therapy is also determined by the biomechanical preparation of the canal with the application of instruments and irrigating solutions. Due to the fact that the root dentin surface continues to interact with the irrigating solution during preparation, it's critical to evaluate the mechanical characteristics and smear layer removal. Though sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most commonly used irrigant due to its tissue-dissolving abilities, it has certain drawbacks which include the inability to remove the smear layer and also affects the mechanical properties of root dentin. To overcome these limitations, a variety of herbal substitutes like Punica granatum and Emblica officinalis which possess anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties can be used as endodontic irrigants. Several studies on the anti-bacterial properties of natural irrigants of pomegranate and amla were reported. However, the mechanical properties and smear layer removal of Punica granatum and Emblica officinalis have not been explored in the field of endodontics. Aim The main aim of this in vitro study is to compare and evaluate microhardness, smear layer removal efficacy and depth of penetration of herbal and conventional irrigants. Materials and methods Thirty-six palatal roots of maxillary molars were decoronated and instrumented up to F3. These roots were sectioned longitudinally and divided into three test groups: Group 1: 12.5% Punica granatum; Group 2: 6.25% Emblica officinalis; control: Group 3: 2.5% NaOCl. All specimens were irrigated with 5ml of each irrigant for 5 minutes. Microhardness of root dentin was measured using a Vickers diamond intender, smear layer removal using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and depth of penetration using a stereomicroscope. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the inter-group comparison using Tukey's post hoc test. Results Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test using SPSS software version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago ). The highest microhardness was seen in Group 1 (cervical: 53.8375 ± 1.35956, middle: 53.9875 ± 1.01761, apical: 53.6875 ± 1.63133) while Group 2 (cervical: 43.2750 ± 1.73596, middle: 43.3125 ± 1.17648, apical: 43.8000 ± ​​​​​​​1.32665) and Group 3 (cervical: 42.7250 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 2.93391, middle: 41.9625 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 1.66985, apical: 42.0250 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 2.21085) showed significant reduction in root dentin hardness. Regarding smear layer removal Group 1 (1.3750 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 0.51755), and Group 2 (1.2500 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 0.46291) reveals greater smear removal in the middle third of the root dentin compared with Group 3 (2.3750 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 0.51755), which showed the least smear layer removal. A greater depth of penetration was seen in Group 1 (0.5488 ± 0.05222) and Group 2 (0.5263 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 0.05181) than in Group 3 (0.3087 ±â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹ 0.05743). Conclusion The present study reveals that the least reduction of microhardness was seen in Punica granatum followed by Emblica officinalis and NaOCl. The smear layer removal efficacy and depth of penetration were greater in Punica granatum and Emblica officinalis than in NaOCl. It was concluded that as these herbal irrigants are biocompatible agents, they can be considered for future use in root canal treatment.

Management Protocols of the Hot Tooth-A KAP Survey among General Dentists and Endodontists.

Aim: Pain management is a cornerstone in the practice of endodontics. However, optimum pain control has been a challenge in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis resulting in a "hot tooth." Thus, the objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude and to determine the clinical protocols of "hot tooth" management followed among general practitioners and specialists. Materials and Methods: The KAP questionnaire contained 05 knowledge, 04 attitudes, and 06 practice-related items. The questionnaire was pretested among 10 randomly selected general dentists and endodontists. Testing-retesting was also performed. The questionnaire was self-administered and the acceptance to answer the questionnaire was considered consent to participate in the study. The sample size was calculated to be 200 with a 95% level of confidence. Descriptive statistics were used. For significance level, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Chi-square test was used for comparison between the endodontists and the general dentists. Results: The anesthetic techniques that clinicians are most skilled in are infiltration and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) - 96.6% and 98.5% respectively. The intraosseous technique (IO) was the least preferred technique (6.8%). The most common supplementary injection used among both the BDS and MDS graduates was intrapulpal anesthesia. In cases of acute pulpitis, 54% of the respondents prescribed NSAIDs as a pre-anesthetic medication. Conclusion: The current study shows that supplemental injections like intraosseous and intraligamental techniques are underutilized. Also, the benefits of preanesthetic medication for hot tooth management are not harnessed among clinicians despite the sufficient body of evidence.

Antibiotic Prescription Patterns for Endodontic Procedures in India: A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Survey.

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic prescription patterns of endodontists, general dentists, and other dental specialists for endodontic procedures in India by using the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) survey method. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2022 to May 2022 and involved dentists across India. A self-made questionnaire survey was created to judge the knowledge of various dental practitioners, which includes general dentists, endodontists, other dental specialists, and post-graduates with regard to antibiotic usage guidelines for endodontic purposes. A total of about 310 dental practitioners were surveyed across India. The questionnaire was circulated via social platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. Statistical analysis Data for KAP regarding antibiotic prescription patterns among general dentists, endodontists, other dental specialists, and postgraduates were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Descriptive statistics of the study population were examined. The level of statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. Results For the percentage of patients who were prescribed systemic antibiotics every day for endodontic reasons, about 38.6% (119) responded 0-10% and 27.3% (84) responded 10-30%. For the order of antibiotics that they prefer from most to least, about 85.4% (263) responded amoxicillin > metronidazole > doxycycline > azithromycin > clindamycin > ciprofloxacin. For the question of whether they use local antibiotics, about 35% answered yes of which 25% were endodontists, 2% were general dentists, 5% were other dental specialists, and 3% were post-graduates. About 77.3% of the total participants were unaware of the antimicrobial stewardship concept and AwaRe classification from WHO. About 53.2% (164) attended CDE programs with regard to antibiotic usage. Conclusion It is evident from the results of the present study that there is over-prescription of antibiotics by practitioners especially by general dentists without following proper guidelines for endodontic treatments. More emphasis should be made on the proper prescription pattern of antibiotics, proper understanding of endodontic diagnosis, and the need for antibiotics at the undergraduate level. In addition, proper awareness, as well as proper prescription of antibiotics, should be made for existing dental professionals.

Current Trends in Intentional Replantation Treatment Among Endodontists and Postgraduate Students in India, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of intentional replantation among postgraduate students and endodontists in India, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. Materials and methods The sample size was estimated using G*Power. Based on the pilot study done before with 60 participants, a sample size of 928 was obtained. The survey consisted of 22 questions, which were finalized after content validation by two endodontic experts. It was circulated through multiple online social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other online dental communities/channels. The respondents were questioned about the case selection, extraction methods, antibiotic therapy, patient acceptance level, operator preference, prognostic indicator, and various other steps in the intentional replantation treatment modality. The data for this KAP survey were organized in an Excel sheet, and statistical analysis was done using the Chi-squared test. Analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics was conducted using SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results A strong statistical difference was found in the KAP of the practitioners in different countries. The vast majority (72.7%) considered intentional replantation as an adjunct treatment modality rather than a last resort. A total of 76.5% of the respondents preferred replantation of the tooth into the socket within 15 minutes, and 86.4% of the participants regarded replantation as the most cost-effective treatment modality. Ultrasonics (76.8%) was most commonly chosen for retrograde preparation, and Biodentine (60.1%; Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France) as root-end filling material. Conclusion It can be concluded that a broad majority of practitioners in different countries view intentional replantation as an adjunct treatment modality rather than a last resort. Thus, intentional replantation seems to be a promising option for preserving the natural dentition of teeth with high survival rates and better outcomes.

Psychological Stress as a Determinant of Increased Maximum Voluntary Bite Force - A Clinical Observational Study.

Background Psychological stress is a known risk factor and modulator for several oral diseases. It is among the critical etiological factors of bruxism and several other disorders. The quantum of bite force is one of the prime determinants of wear resistance and the clinical performance of restorations. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between the maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) and the amount of perceived stress experienced by an individual.  Materials and methods Patients (n=111) fulfilling the exclusion and inclusion criteria were divided into high, medium, and low-stress groups based on their stress scores deduced from the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire (PSS). Bite force measurement was recorded in Newtons (N) for each subject using a portable customized bite recording FlexiForce sensor (B 201). The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and independent samples t-test. Results  Among the females, the bite force in the medium and high-stress groups was greater compared to the low-stress level group. On the other hand, there was no difference in bite force between any of the stress level groups among male participants.  Conclusion The results show that higher MVBF is associated with higher perceived stress scores in adult females. Practical Implications Psychological counseling can be included in the dental treatment plan of individuals with a high-stress score to counteract their stress-related higher occlusal forces, parafunctional jaw movements, and risky oral health behaviors, thereby potentially reducing the incidence of adverse outcomes such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction and restoration failure by careful choice of restorative materials.

An Interdisciplinary Management of Avulsed Maxillary Incisors: A Case Report.

The current case report presents a case of a road traffic accident comprising dental avulsion of maxillary incisors. A 30-year-old male reported missing teeth following trauma in his upper front tooth region. The avulsion of maxillary right central and lateral incisors along with laceration in upper and lower lips was evident. The avulsed teeth were stored in milk after a brief extra-oral dry time of one hour and were carried to the department with a one-hour delay. After clinical and radiographic investigations, no mobility or fractures were apparently noticed. The avulsed 11 and 12 had closed apices with intact crown and root surfaces. Following an extra-oral endodontic therapy, immediate replantation was scheduled. Subsequently, the alveolar sockets were irrigated with saline to dislodge the clot and any gross debris that was present. Teeth were reimplanted into the socket after placement of PRF membrane around the root surface. A semi-rigid wire and composite splinting were done for a span of two weeks and antibiotics were prescribed. An exploratory CBCT taken revealed a cortical bone loss in the buccal region of 12 and 11. An interdisciplinary approach to regenerate the osseous defect was then carried out. A follow-up of two weeks, four weeks, three months, six months, and a year was done. Evaluation performed after a year revealed the absence of clinical symptoms and satisfactory healing with no signs of resorption radiographically.

Finishing and Polishing of Composite Restoration: Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Various Dental Professionals in India.

Aim The key to the success of a composite restoration lies in the important final step of finishing and polishing. This survey aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice about finishing and polishing in composite restoration among various dental professionals in India. Materials and methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among various dental professionals in India. The participation of dentists was voluntary. A total of 350 responses were received, and the data were converted to Microsoft Excel 2019 program and descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS Version 21.0 software. Results Almost 99% of respondents know the importance of finishing and polishing procedures of composite restoration. Overall, 71% of respondents felt it is necessary to remove the surface layer to improve the surface characteristics of the composite restoration, 59.8% of professionals follow the sequential order of abrasives for finishing and polishing of composites, 74.2% use interproximal strips to finish interproximal areas of restoration, and 55.8% of professionals use polishing paste for the final polishing of composite restoration. Only 44.2% are aware of liquid polish/composite glaze, among which 12.4% of practitioners use liquid polish often. Conclusion Most of the respondents were aware of the benefits of proper finishing and polishing of composite restorations. However, still they need to follow proper sequential series of burs, abrasive points, disks, strips, and polishing pastes. The usage of surface sealants should be emphasized for enhanced results.

An Immature Traumatic Teeth Management With Apical Pathology Using the Novel Biodentine™ Obturation: A Case Report.

Pulpal and periapical pathosis in an immature anterior tooth following traumatic injury is a frequent occurrence, and management of open apices in such cases poses a constant challenge to endodontists. This is due to the absence of apical constriction that would result in poor three-dimensional seal/adaptation of the obturated material within the canal system. Treatment of immature pulpless teeth with long-term calcium hydroxide may consequently weaken the dentin and increase the fracture susceptibility. Obturating the root canals completely with bioactive agents like Biodentine/mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has benefits like increased fracture resistance when compared to apexification. When used for obturation, Biodentine™, a new calcium silicate-based cement, performs superior to other Portland cement derivatives. This case report demonstrates a six-month follow-up result of an open apex and a periapical lesion involving maxillary right central incisor #11 with the Biodentine obturation that was previously subjected to triple antibiotic paste as an intra-canal medicament for three weeks. The satisfactory healing rate of tooth 11 with the reduction in the size of periapical radiolucency at the end of the six-month follow-up in this current article is highly considerable.

Neurotic personality trait as a predictor in the prognosis of composite restorations: A 24-month clinical follow up study.

The role of personality traits in modulating the incidence and progression of medical disease conditions are well documented, however, there is a paucity of information for its effects on dental health conditions and specifically on the prognosis of restorative dental materials. This study aims to evaluate the clinical performance of Micro-hybrid and Nano-ceramic composite restorations among patients with different personality traits. A total of 323 patients, indicated to receive operative treatment at a University Dental College Hospital, were invited to participate in this study. Consenting patients were requested to complete the Big Five Inventory (BFI-44 Item) personality questionnaire and were evaluated by a psychiatrist for categorizing the participants based on their personality traits. Out of the recruited patients, 124 patients falling in to the dominant trait of Agreeableness (n = 62) and Neuroticism (n = 62) were included in the study for further investigation. Next, patients from the Agreeableness (Group A) and the Neuroticism personality trait group (Group N) were randomly divided into two subgroups each-sub group Am (n = 44) and Nm (n = 48) for Micro-hybrid composite restorations and Sub group An (n = 42) and Nn (n = 47) for Nano-ceramic composite restorations. Two trained and calibrated dentists prepared the cavities according to previously published methodology. The restorations were evaluated at baseline (immediately after restoration), 6-months, 12-months and 24-months intervals by two blinded independent dental professionals for anatomical form, secondary caries, color match, retention, marginal adaptation, surface texture, marginal discoloration and post-operative sensitivity. There is no statistically significant difference noted in various parameters of restoration performance between Micro-hybrid composite and Nano-ceramic composite compared among 'agreeableness' personality group and among 'neuroticism' personality group after controlling the personality trait factor. Higher 'Neuroticism' individuals had higher restoration deterioration in color matching and surface texture when compared to higher 'Agreeableness' trait individuals. Regression analysis showed no effect of gender or cavity size on the outcome of results. Assessment of personality traits may serve as a useful tool during treatment planning which would aid clinicians in choosing suitable restorative dental material and prosthesis design according to individual patient's physiological and functional needs, thereby overall improving the quality of treatment provided.

Pattern of Traumatic Dental Injuries Among Adults.

BACKGROUND: The etiology, presentation and management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) vary significantly between the adult and the younger population. Most epidemiological studies on TDIs have focused on the pediatric age group. This study aims to report and compare the distributions of TDIs among adults in a sub-population in India. METHODS: This prospective observational study was performed on 1562 consecutively selected patients (1218 males and 344 females) from a university dental hospital in India, between July 2014 and June 2018. The clinical examinations were performed by a single trained and calibrated endodontist. Only TDIs to anterior teeth were recorded (canine to canine in the maxilla and mandible) and classified using a modified version of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) classification. Periapical and panoramic radiographs were taken for all the subjects. RESULTS: A total of 1562 patients aged between 20 and 73 years, with a mean age of 36 years, were examined during the study period. The total number of teeth with TDIs was 3044. Males (78%) clearly outnumbered the females (22%) in all the age groups. The most common type of injury occurring in both the genders is uncomplicated crown fractures (male=31.0% and female=36.6%). Avulsion injuries are more likely to be seen by a dentist within 1 hour post-trauma. About two-third of the TDIs were caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) followed by falls in about 20% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Uncomplicated crown fracture was the most commonly observed type of TDI, and RTAs were the primary cause of TDI.

Comparative evaluation of pulp tissue dissolution ability of sodium hypochlorite by various activation techniques: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The success in endodontic therapy is dependent largely on the absolute elimination of pulp tissue remnants and the maximum reduction of pathologic microbial load present within the root canal system. AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare and evaluate the ability of pulp tissue dissolution with and without activation of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pulp tissue samples collected from intact, noncarious extracted third molars were standardized to 8 mg in each group. These samples were placed in conical Eppendorf tubes of 15 ml with 10 ml 5.25% NaOCl for 4 min and were activated suitably according to the group specifications. All the procedures in this study were carried out at room temperature. The preweighed pulp tissue samples were further weighed again after the dissolution phase, and residual weight loss in each group along with its percentage was obtained. The results were then statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: The maximum amount of pulp tissue dissolution was found in the laser-assisted irrigation group, i.e., NaOCl with Er, Cr: YSGG (P < 0.05) and showed a statistically significant result in comparison with other groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, laser-assisted irrigation with a radial firing tip (NaOCl activated by Er, Cr: YSGG) was the most effective in dissolving the pulp tissue in comparison with other groups. The ultrasonic activation also showed a considerable amount of pulp tissue dissolution comparable to laser-activated irrigation in this study.

Influence of personality traits on the intensity of maximum voluntary bite force in adults.

PURPOSE: To determine the Maximum voluntary bite force among patients having different personality traits. METHODS: In total, 323 patients were given the big-five inventory (BFI) questionnaire to fill and allotted to the various personality traits. The patients in the Agreeableness (n = 62) and Neuroticism traits (n = 62) were included in the study. They were categorized into groups as Group 1a - Neuroticism male (41 patients) and Group 1b - Neuroticism Female (21 patients) and Group 2a - Agreeableness male (26 patients) and Group 2b - Agreeableness female (36 patients). Highest value of the maximal voluntary bite force (MVBF) was recorded using FlexiForce sensor (B 201) (Tekscan, USA). The statistical data were analyzed by independent t-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean bite force values for Neuroticism male was 778.66 N, Agreeableness male was 699 N, Neuroticism female was 686.24 N, and for Agreeableness female was 565.47 N. Statistically significant differences in the bite forces between the male and female groups of both the groups with the males showing significantly higher bite force values in both groups was seen. Also, the bite force in Neuroticism male was significantly higher than Agreeableness male and bite force in Neuroticism female was higher than Agreeableness female. CONCLUSION: In this study, the highest bite force was seen in Neuroticism males. Additionally, this study infers that personality has significant influence on the quantum of bite force. Thus, personality assessment of the patient can assist the clinician in planning the appropriate treatment.

Ex vivo fracture resistance of teeth restored with glass and fiber reinforced composite resin.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the ex vivo fracture resistance of root canal treated (RCT) teeth restored with four different types of fibers under composite resin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty extracted mandibular first molar teeth were assigned to seven groups (n = 20/group). Group 1 was the control group. In groups 2-7, endodontic access and standard Mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities were prepared. Following RCT, group 2 was left unrestored. In group 3, flowable composite resin (FCR) was used to line the cavities and restored with composite resin. In groups 4,5,6 and 7, Ribbond, Everstick, Dentapreg and Bioctris fibers were inserted in flowable resin and restored respectively. RESULTS: All the groups restored with fiber reinforced composite displayed higher fracture resistance than the group restored with only composite resin (p < 0.001). In addition, Groups restored with Everstick and Bioctris (Groups 5 and 7) showed higher fracture resistance when compared to Ribbond and Dentapreg (Groups 4 and 6). CONCLUSION: E glass fibers demonstrated highest fracture resistance and hence can be preferred over other fiber types to reinforce RCT teeth with weakened crown structures.

Incidence and Pattern of Dental Erosion in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients.

AIM: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common condition whose consequences of are localized not only in the esophagus; extra-esophageal involvement has frequently been reported. The aim of the study is to examine the incidence and pattern of dental erosion in GERD patients. METHODOLOGY: A total of 50 patients were recruited in this study (control -25 and GERD -25). All participants diagnosed having GERD by the endoscopic examination by their gastroenterologist are included. The patients were examined for dental erosion and will be quantified using Basic erosive wear examination index. RESULTS: The results showed that the incidence of dental erosion was 88% as compared to 32% in the control group which was found to be statistically significant.