Evaluating the Influence of COVID-19 Among Dental Practitioners After Lockdown.

Clinical activities at dental premises after the COVID-19 lockdown period or post-COVID-19 are likely to be a challenge for all practicing dentists. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dentists and change in dental practice following lockdown, a total of 1150 participants were approached through online survey forms registered on www.surveys.google. A link containing details of the questionnaire and a consent form was sent to dentists through emails and social media forums. The questionnaire included 3 domains comprising of seventeen questions. The first section focused on demographics. The second section inquired about the change in dental practice, that is, clinical hours, use of PPE, type of treatment, and patient flow. The third section investigated the impact of COVID-19 on dentistry. Means, standard deviation, and percentages were calculated using descriptive statistics. Chi-square was used to find an association between different variables. The response rate was 87%. Demographic factors revealed participants aged from 20.45 to 40.55 years. The data showed around 89.6% (896) of dentists have altered their clinical working hours post lockdown and, approximately, 59.7% (597) of dentists provided only emergency treatments. 88.1% (881) of the dentists wore PPE during dental procedures. Overall, a huge negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was observed among practicing dentists in terms of the dental supply chain, cost, and availability of dental equipment, treatment cost, and bill payments.COVID-19 pandemic compromised dental care. Though dentists were taking precautionary measures and have changed their practice according to the guidelines provided by the ADA and World Health Organization, they were still experiencing monetary loss due to decrease patient influx post lockdown.

Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine and Metronidazole Gels in the management of gingivitis. A clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to compare the topical application of chlorohexidine (CHX) and Metronidazole (MTZ) gels, individually and in combination in patients with gingivitis for up to 12 weeks follow-up. METHODS: The clinical trial was conducted at Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro and Hyderabad, Institute of Dentistry from 1st March 2019 to 1st March 2020. Patients were selected based on inclusion criteria. Out of 125 screened patients, ninety-nine patients agreed to participate in the study. At the beginning of study all patients were assessed for gingival inflammation by using gingival index (GI) (Loe and silness, 1963). Scaling root planning (SRP) was performed in all patients. Subjects were randomly selected in three groups (n=33 each). In Group-A CHX gel was applied, Group-B Metronidazole gel was applied and the combination of two was applied to patients of Group-C. Patient follow up was done and gingival parameters were assessed at baseline, fourth week and twelve weeks. Apart from the clinical evaluation, a subjective evaluation was also undertaken. Significance level of 0.05 and a desired study power of at least 80% was estimated. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test for comparison was used within groups. RESULTS: A significant improvement in gingival scores was noted in all groups from baseline. At 4 weeks CHX (1.25±0.21) MTZ (1.81±0.38) CHX+MTZ (1.29±0.34) compared to baseline CHX (2.77±0.24) MTZ (2.84±0.54) CHX+MTZ (2.74±0.31) demonstrated substantial improvement (p<0.001). However, gingival scores showed inclination at 12 weeks CHX (1.18±0.41) MTZ (1.21±0.48) CHX+MTZ (1.11±0.14) with no significant difference to week 4 (p>0.001). CONCLUSION: Local MTZ gel and MTZ+CHX gel showed effectiveness similar to CHX gel application adjunct to scaling and root planning in the treatment of gingivitis.

Assessment of Bond Integrity, Durability, and Degree of Conversion of a Calcium Fluoride Reinforced Dentin Adhesive.

Our study aimed to synthesize and compare the mechanical properties and dentin interaction of two adhesives; experimental adhesive (EA) and EA containing 5 wt.% calcium fluoride (CaF2) nano-crystals (CaF2 adhesive-CAFA). CaF2 nano-crystals were synthesized by reacting two solutions (containing calcium and fluoride) in a glass chamber using a heated air system. The EA was produced using a mix of monomers, photo-initiators, camphorquinone, and electron initiators. The synthesized CaF2 nano-crystals were centrifuged to guarantee that inside the adhesive there is homogenized dispersion of the filler particles. Their integration in the EA yielded two groups; Gp-1: EA (without CaF2, control) and Gp-2: (5 wt.% CaF2 containing adhesive, CAFA). Sixty teeth were prepared and set to form bonded specimens using the two adhesives. The CaF2 nano-crystals were irregularly shaped with an average particle size of 30-200 nm. The highest µTBS values were obtained for CAFA-non-thermocycled (NTC) samples (32.63 ± 3.15), followed by EA-NTC (31.80 ± 3.75) specimens. On thermocycling (TC), both adhesive groups presented lower µTBS values (CAFA-TC: 29.47 ± 3.33 and EA-TC: 24.04 ± 3.69). Hybrid layer (HL) formation and resin tags of varying depths were perceived for both adhesive groups. The EDX analysis demonstrated the presence of carbon (C), silica (Si), calcium (Ca), and fluoride (F) for CAFA group. Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed distinct peaks for CaF2 nano-crystals. The CAFA group presented the greatest DC. The addition of CaF2 nano-crystals in the adhesive caused improved bond µTBS and DC. The incorporation also demonstrated suitable dentin interaction, depicted by appropriate HL and resin tag development.

Push out bond strength of glass fiber post to radicular dentin irrigated with Nisin and MTAD compared to methylene blue photodynamic therapy.

AIM: Present lab-based study intended to appraise the effect of nisin, Mixture of Tetracycline, Acid and Detergent (MTAD), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) when used as a canal disinfectant on push-out bond strength (PBS) of fiber post to radicular dentin MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty uni-radicular premolar teeth were extracted and disinfected in 0.5 % thymol solution. All specimens were decoronated to achieve standardize root length of 14 mm. Cleaning and shaping of the canal were done using protaper NiTi system. The canal space was dried and obturated. Post space was prepared using peso reamers up to 10 mm length and samples were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10). Group 1 irrigated with 10 % Nisin with MTAD, group 2: 1.3 % NaOCl and MTAD, Group 3 irrigated with 2.5 % NaOCl and 17 % EDTA and post space of samples in group 4 with PDT with MTAD. Fiber-reinforced composite post (FRCP) was fitted in canal space using self-etch resin cement. Each sample was cut into 1 mm from coronal, middle, and apical and subjected to PBS via a universal testing machine. For comparison of means, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparison test was used maintaining the level of significance at p < 0.05. RESULT: Samples in group 3 post space irrigated with 2.5 % NaOCl and 17 % EDTA demonstrated the highest PBS at all root levels (cervical: 8.83 ± 0.14 MPa, middle: 7.63 ± 0.82 MPa and apical: 5.82 ± 0.32 MPa) in comparison to other tested groups. Whereas, group 1 in which Nisin 10 % with MTAD was used as a canal disinfectant displayed the lowest PBS at all levels (cervical: 6.91 ± 0.54 MPa, middle: 6.15 ± 0.31 MPa, and apical: 3.62 ± 0.68 MPa). CONCLUSION: Post space irrigated with 1.3 % NaOCl and MTAD shows PBS similar to control group 2.5 % NaOCl and 17 % EDTA. Both types of irrigation methods have potential and can be recommended in clinical scenarios. Whereas, 10 % Nisin and PDT with MTAD as chelator needs further inquiry.

Antimicrobial efficacy of silver diamine fluoride in comparison to photodynamic therapy and chlorhexidine on canal disinfection and bond strength to radicular dentin.

AIM: To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in radicular dentin and subsequent bond strength of Fiber reinforced composite post (FRCP) to radicular dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty extracted premolars were disinfected and decoronated up-to cement-o-enamel junction (CEJ). Canals were instrumented using crown-down technique, dried and filled with gutta percha. Post space was prepared with the help of peso reamers and inoculated with E. faecalis. Samples were randomly allocated into four groups based on chemical irrigation (n = 10). Group 1, canal disinfected with (PDT, MB), group 2 (5.25 % NaOCl +17 % EDTA), group 3 (3.8 % SDF) and group 4 (CHX). Specimens were tested with confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis (CLSM) to confirm the presence of E. faecalis. Fibre post were luted in root canal and sectioned at three levels (apical, middle and coronal). Push-out test was performed and failure analysis of debonded surfaces was evaluated using stereomicroscope. Live and dead cells after exposure were calculated in percentage. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed the means and standard deviations of extrusion bond strength (EBS). Tukey multiple comparison tests was used to compare means of bond strength (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The maximum antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis was observed in group 2 which included canal disinfected with 5.25 % NaOCl and 17 % EDTA (64.41 ±â€¯1.22). Similarly, CHX showed lowest effectiveness as canal irrigant against E.faecalis (58.29 ±â€¯2.41). Intragroup comparison revealed highest bond strength for group 2 at all three level. Similarly, the lowest EBS was found in CHX group. Inter-group comparison confirmed comparable EBS at all root levels (apical, middle and coronal) for group 2 and group 3 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radicular dentin treated with 5.25 % NaOCl and 17 % EDTA displayed highest antimicrobial and bond strength scores. SDF and PDT can potentially be used in canal irrigation.

Influence of disinfection of caries effected dentin with different concentration of silver diamine fluoride, curcumin and Er, Cr:YSGG on adhesive bond strength to resin composite.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of various disinfectants (CP, MB, 3.8 % SDF, 38 % SDF and ECL) on caries affected dentine (CAD) and its bond strength to composite restoration MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty carious mandibular teeth were collected based on the criteria of ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment system). Specimens up to cement enamel junction were fixed in poly vinyl pipes. All caries molars were grinded using silicon grinding carbon disk and randomly assigned into five groups based on disinfecting regimes (n = 10). Group 1, Caries affected dentin (CAD) treated with MBP [100 mg/L]; Group 2, CAD treated with Curcumin photosensitizer (CP) [500 mg/L]; Group 3, CAD treated with 3.8 % SDF Group 4, CAD treated with 38 % SDF and group 5 sterile with Er,Cr:YSGG (ECL).Self-etch adhesive bond was smeared over the surface of all specimens followed by application of composite incrementally and light cured. Samples were debonded in a universal testing machine and shear bond strength (SBS) was noted in MegaPascal (MPa). The debonded surfaces were evaluated under stereomicroscope to determine the failure mode. For inter group comparison analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tukey HSD was applied for multiple group comparison. The significance level was kept at p < 0.05 RESULTS: The maximum bond strength was observed in group 2 CAD disinfected with CP (17.57 ± 0.85 MPa). Whereas, minimum bond strength values were presented by group 3 CAD disinfected with 38 % SDF (11.14 ± 0.29 MPa). CAD treated with MBP (14.21 ± 0.22 MPa) was comparable to group 5 (p > 0.05). Similarly, group 2 was found to be comparable to group 4 CAD disinfected with 3.8 % SDF (16.22±0.53 MPa) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3.8 % SDF and PDT with CP have shown potential to be adopted for dentin disinfection treatment without adversely affecting bond strength of CAD to composite resin.

Management of caries affected dentin (CAD) with resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in the presence of different caries disinfectants and photosensitizers.

AIM: To evaluate Shear bond strength (SBS) of resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) on caries affected dentin after using different cavity disinfectants i.e., chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), Er,Cr:YSGG laser (ECYL) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total 50 freshly extracted mandibular molars were obtained through non-traumatic extraction. All the samples were rooted vertically within self-cure acrylic resin blocks up to cervical level so that only coronal portion remain visible. Silicon carbide grinding discs 1200 and 600 grits was used to prepare the teeth. However affected dentin remains untouched. All samples were randomly distributed in to five groups (n = 10). Group 1: 2 % CHX, Group 2: 2 % solution of methylene blue (MB) and Diode laser, Group 3: Indocyanine green (ICGP) solution and Diode laser, Group 4: curcumin (CP) and LED curing unit, Group 5: ECYL. The specimens were then stored at a temperature of 37 °C for 24 h and 100 % humidity before specimens were placed in to universal testing machine for the SBS measurements. Failure mode examination was performed by a stereomicroscope. ANOVA test analyze inter group comparison. Tukey HSD test was used to analyze multiple group comparison. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 value. RESULTS: Among all the groups, group 1 (control, CHX treated) demonstrated highest SBS value (18.31 ±â€¯1.06 MPa). Whereas lowest SBS was displayed by group 2 (PDT, MB) (12.31 ±â€¯0.57 MPa). Dentin disinfected with group 4 (PDT, CP) (16.86 ±â€¯0.97 MPa) and group 5 (ECYL) (17.39 ±â€¯2.26) showed comparable result to that of CHX (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bond strength of RMGIC bonded to CHX disinfected caries affected dentin was highest among study groups. Use of MB showed lowest shear bond strength outcomes. Moreover, application of ECYL and curcumin with LED showed bond strengths comparable to CHX control.

Treatment of caries affected dentin with different photosensitizers and its effect on adhesive bond integrity to resin composite.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different photosensitizers activated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) on shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin on caries affected dentin compared to conventional cavity disinfectants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty carious mandibular teeth were collected through non-traumatic extraction. All samples were embedded in polyvinyl cross-sections to the cemento-enamel junction. The preparation of caries-affected dentin was performed by grinding the specimens using silicon carbide discs. All specimens were arbitrarily allocated in to four groups (n = 10). Group 1, affected dentin disinfected with methylene blue (MB) [100 mg/L]; Group 2, caries affected dentin disinfected using curcumin photosensitizer (CP) [500 mg/L]; Group 3, affected dentin disinfected with indocyanin green photosensitizer (ICGP) [0.5 mL] Group 4, affected dentin treated with 3 % H2O2. Two-step self-etch adhesives was smeared on all specimens for 15 s and photopolymerized for 10 s. All specimens were placed in an incubator with humid environment for 24 h at 37 °C followed by positioning in universal testing machine for SBS testing. Failure mode examination of debonded samples was performed by a stereomicroscope. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for inter group comparison through mean and standard deviation of each group. For multiple group comparison Tukey HSD was employed. Level of significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULT: In group 2 dentin disinfection using CP, displayed the highest SBS value (18.21 ± 1.39 MPa). Whereas, group 4 (3% H2O2 as cavity disinfectant) presented the lowest SBS values (13.39 ± 1.26 MPa). SBS in Group 3 (ICGP) (17.42 ± 0.55 MPa) specimens was comparable to group 2 (p > 0.05) samples. In group 1, samples disinfected with MB (15.18 ± 0.39 MPa) was found to be significantly lower compared to group 2 and group 3 (p < 0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: Curcumin and Indocyanin green (ICGP) PS have the potential to be used as cavity disinfectant as it improves SBS of caries affected dentin to resin composite. Photodynamic therapy for disinfection of caries affected dentin will augment its bond strength, however its long-term effect on bond integrity still needs to be investigated.

Efficacy of chlorhexidine, Er Cr YSGG laser and photodynamic therapy on the adhesive bond integrity of caries affected dentin. An in-vitro study.

AIM: To evaluate the adhesive bond integrity (shear bond strength-SBS) of composite resin bonded to carious dentin using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), Er,Cr:YSGG laser (ECYL) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty carious and ten non-carious mandibular teeth were collected through non-traumatic extraction. All samples were embedded in polyvinyl cross-sections to the cemento-enamel junction. The preparation of caries-affected dentin was performed by grinding the specimens using silicon carbide discs. All specimens were randomly allocated in to four groups (n = 10). Group 1, non-affected dentin with no disinfection; Group 2, caries affected dentin treated with 2% CHX; Group 3, affected dentin disinfected with PDT [100 mg/L methylene blue solution (MBS) and Diode laser]; Group 4, affected dentin treated with ECYL. Self-etch adhesive was smeared on all specimens for 10 s and photopolymerized for 10 s. All specimens were placed in an incubator with humid environment for 24 h at 37 °C followed by positioning in universal testing machine for SBS testing. Failure mode examination of debonded samples was performed by a stereomicroscope. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for inter group comparison through mean and standard deviation of each group. For multiple group comparison Tukey HSD was employed. Level of significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The highest SBS value was observed in group 1 (24.98 ± 1.59 MPa). Whereas, the lowest bond strength was displayed by group 3 (14.22 ± 1.40 MPa) specimens. Lased dentin in group 4 (15.89 ± 3.22 MPa) exhibited SBS values comparable to group 3 (14.22 ± 1.40 MPa). Group 2 (CHX-18.25 ± 1.29 MPa) exhibited statistically significant difference compared to all experimental groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adhesive bond strength of disinfected carious dentin was higher with CHX treatment as compared to Photodynamic therapy and Er,Cr: YSGG laser treatment. Carious dentin showed lower bond strength to composite resin as compared to non-carious dentin.