Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Calcium Hydroxide, MTA, and TheraCal LC in Indirect Pulp Capping in Primary Molars: In Vivo Study.

AIM: This investigation aimed to observe the effects of Dycal, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and TheraCal LC, as indirect pulp-capping materials in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 75 children with lower primary molars aged between 4 and 7 years suggested for IPC were selected and randomly allocated into: Group I - Dycal, group II - MTA, and group III - TheraCal LC. An immediate postoperative radiograph was taken after the procedure. Recall examination was done after 3 and 6 months for clinical and radiographic assessment. The radiographs were digitized, and the amount of thickness of dentin was assessed using Corel Draw software. The values were tabulated and subjected to paired t-tests and independent t-tests for intra and intergroup analysis, respectively. The p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in dentin thickness in the first 3 months compared to the 6-month follow-up. At the end of the research phase, TheraCal LC had more tertiary dentin deposited than MTA, followed by Dycal. CONCLUSION: TheraCal LC can be a reliable indirect pulp-capping agent in primary teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Indirect pulp capping (IPC) is a very extensively employed treatment regimen to manage extensive caries. For many decades, calcium hydroxide has been regarded as the benchmark of pulp capping materials. With several advancements in materials for restoration, TheraCal LC a resin-modified, light-cured calcium silicate-filled liner serves as a pulp-capping agent and dentin protector, promoting pulp healing and preserving vitality as an obstacle cum protector of the dental pulp complex. How to cite this article: Thomas NA, Jobe J, Thimmaiah C, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Calcium Hydroxide, MTA, and TheraCal LC in Indirect Pulp Capping in Primary Molars: In Vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):365-371.

Assessment of failure rate of dental implants in medically compromised patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The present study was conducted to assess failure rate of dental implant in medically compromised patients. METHODS: This study comprised of 68 medically compromised patients of both genders who underwent dental implants 5 years ago (Group I). Equal number of healthy subjects was taken as control (Group II). Amount of bone loss around the implant over 1mm of bone loss in the first year and over 0.3 mm bone loss every subsequent year were considered as failures. RESULTS: The age group of 30-40 comprised of 25 patients in group I and 35 in group II, 40-50 years had 27 in group I and 23 in group II and 50-60 years had 16 in group I and 10 in group II. Medically compromised patients were diabetes (25) with 30 dental implants followed by osteoporosis (16) with 17 dental implants, hypothyroidism (12) with 14 dental implants, organ transplant (10) with 12 dental implants and CVD (5) with 7 dental implants. Chi- square test was applied which revealed significant difference in patients (P < 0.05). In group I, there were 18 (22.5%) and in group II, there were 4 (5.56%) dental implant failures. The difference with chi- square test found to be significant P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among medically compromised conditions, higher failure rate was found in diabetes.

A proposed classification for orthodontic practice in India.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Dental practice is blooming in India with many conventional and advanced setups providing orthodontic services. Orthodontics as a specialty has come to the forefront, as awareness of orthodontic therapy has increased. It is important to classify any health practice to understand, compare, and research the implications of various organizational setups in the country. It should possess the ability to chart the similarities and distinctions between different setups for ease of communication and patient awareness. Presently, there is no defined system that classifies the type of orthodontic practice in the country. Lack of any classification of the organizational setups makes it impossible to categorize or compare the various setups for research purpose, recognition of the dental personnel and facilities provided. This article aims to propose a simple 3-stage classification to orthodontic practices in India. TECHNIQUE: Three-stage classification of orthodontic practice in group, type, and subtype gives a comprehensive coverage to all types of orthodontic setups in India. The group explains the center in three levels based on the armamentarium and services provided. The type explains the center in five levels based on ownership and scope of providing care. Finally, the subtype explains the availability and qualification of the operating personnel. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: This classification aims to provide a tool for communication and recording the levels of orthodontic care possible at any given center. It also facilitates continued study of its impact on practice efficacy and patient awareness.