INTRODUCTION: Pit and fissures are more prone to caries as compared to smooth surfaces. Sealing the pit and fissures with sealants is considered to be highly effective in the prevention of pit and fissure caries. Hydrophobic sealants are technique sensitive in nature. Ultraseal XT Hydro sealant is moisture tolerant which incorporates the benefits of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sealants into one unique chemistry. Hence, the study was conducted to compare and evaluate the retention, cariostatic effect, and discoloration of conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ and hydrophilic Ultraseal XT Hydro sealants among 12-15-year-old schoolchildren for 6 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a single-blinded, randomized split-mouth clinical trial. Schoolchildren aged 12-15 years were recruited in this clinical trial. Clinpro sealant and Ultraseal XT Hydro were placed in the right and left quadrant molars, respectively, and were assigned as group I and II. The sample size arrived was 60 teeth per group and at 30 patients based on the computer-generated random sequence. Sealant coverage between the two sealants was compared using Mann-Whitney test and Z test for proportions. RESULTS: After 6 months, it was seen that 10 teeth out of 44 (22.72%) with Clinpro had the sealant covering all the fissures compared to Ultraseal XT Hydro which was only 9%. Fifty-nine percent of retention rate was seen with Clinpro compared to Ultraseal XT Hydro sealant (27.27%). Caries incidence was higher in the case of group II. No difference was observed with regard to the discoloration of the sealants. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that for a longer follow-up period conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ was better than Ultra XT Hydro seal in terms of retention and cariostatic effect. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Mohapatra S, Prabakar J, Indiran MA, et al. Comparison and Evaluation of the Retention, Cariostatic Effect, and Discoloration of Conventional Clinpro 3M ESPE and Hydrophilic Ultraseal XT Hydro among 12-15-year-old Schoolchildren for a Period of 6 Months: A Single-blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(6):688-693.
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization considers sealing the pit and fissures as a primary preventive measure and is one of the most effective, least invasive means to ensure the complete protection of the occlusal surface from the carious phenomenon. In vitro tests play a vital role in providing the necessary information regarding the efficacy of newer brands of sealants in a short period. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the viscosity and length of resin tag of conventional and hydrophilic sealant on permanent molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extracted third molars were randomly divided into two groups: Group I: Conventional sealant (Clinpro 3M ESPE) and Group II: Hydrophilic sealant (UltraSeal XT Hydro). Occlusal surfaces of each tooth were pretreated with the acid etchant, and the respective sealants were placed. Both the groups were then subjected to thermocycling and sectioned longitudinally. The sectioned tooth specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope for resin tag length measurements. Viscosities were evaluated using an Anton Paar viscometer. Independent t-test was used to compare the difference in mean resin tag length of Group I and Group II sealants. RESULTS: Viscosity measurements of Group I and Group II were found to be 0.9 mega Pascal (MPa) and 0.7 MPa and the mean resin tag length of Group II (10.03 ± 1.00 µm) was found to be higher than Group I (7.46 ± 0.95 µm) and was found to be significant statistically (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that Group II sealant exhibited lower viscosity and formed resin tag of sufficient length than that of Group I sealants. Therefore, hydrophilic sealant showed better results as compared to a conventional sealant.
INTRODUCTION: Oral cavity harbors wide variety of microorganisms; these are considered crucial for the dental caries initiation and progression. Plaque-induced caries is a local disease; therefore, dentifrices are the most ideal vehicle for the daily delivery of antibacterial agents. In recent years, alternatives to fluorides such as green tea, probiotic, and chlorhexidine (CHX) toothpastes have been proposed to possess antiplaque and anticariogenic properties. AIM: To compare the effectiveness of probiotic, green tea, and CHX- and fluoride-containing dentifrices on oral microbial flora. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among healthy adults. Fifty-two individuals were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 13): Group I - green tea dentifrice, Group II - fluoridated dentifrice, Group III - CHX dentifrice, and Group IV - probiotic dentifrice. Plaque and saliva samples were evaluated for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus at baseline and 15th and 30th days of follow-up. Paired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the mean differences of plaque and salivary S. mutans counts at two and three time periods. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the mean Lactobacillus count in plaque and saliva samples at two and three time periods, respectively. RESULTS: The mean S. mutans and Lactobacillus counts in plaque and saliva samples were significantly reduced by all the treatment groups at the 30th day of follow-up. However, Group III showed the highest reduction and was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: All the four groups exhibited antimicrobial activity by bringing about a significant reduction in the mean S. mutans and Lactobacillus colony counts at the 30th day of follow-up. Among all the preventive modalities, Group III (CHX dentifrice) showed better results compared to other groups.
Mass disaster situations may arise from natural or manmade circumstances like bioterrorism and dentists or dental responders have significant roles in human identification, following such occurrences. The various roles of dentists in mass disaster management, that include bio surveillance and notification, diagnosis and monitoring, triage, referrals of patients, immunizations, decontamination and infection control would be considered. The varying extents of use of forensic dental techniques and the resulting positive impacts made on human identification will also be included. The importance of preparation by way of special training for the dental personnel, mass disaster rehearsal, and use of modern day technology will be stressed on.
With the rapid expansion of the airline industry in all sectors, dentists should pay special attention to crews and frequent flyers, due to change of pressure in-flight, that cause different types of oro-facial pain. Aviation dentistry deals with evaluation, principles of prevention, treatment of diseases, disorders or conditions which are related to oral cavity and maxillofacial area or adjacent and associated structures and their impact on people who travel or on aircrew members and flight restrictions. Dentists should prevent the creation of in-flight hazards when they treat aircrew members and frequent flyers.
