Antibacterial efficacy of NanoCare, Fullerene (C60) activated by UV light, and Morinda Oleifera against S.Mutans and bond integrity of composite resin to caries affected dentin.

AIM: Assessment of the impact of contemporary disinfection techniques Moringa Oleifera (M. Oleifera), NanoCare Plus Silver Gold® (Nanocare), and Fullerene (C60) on survival rates of S.Mutans and shear bond strength (SBS) of composite to the carious affected dentin (CAD) MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty mandibular molars having caries progression till the middle 1/3rd of the dentin were disinfected. The CAD surface of twenty samples was inoculated with S.mutans. Based on different disinfection regimens samples were arbitrarily assigned to four groups (n:15) Group 1: 2 % CHX, Group 2:NanoCare, Group 3:Fullerene (C60), and Group 4 (M. Oleifera. This was followed by calculating the survival rate of S.mutans. Ten samples from each group were then restored with composite restoration and thermocycled. Assessment of SBS and failure mode was performed using a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope at 40X magnification. Statistical significance among groups was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test at a significance level of p = 0.05 RESULTS: Group 2 samples treated with NanoCare exhibited the lowest survival rate (0.39 ± 0.02 CFU/ml) of S.Mutans. However, Group 1 (CHX) samples exhibited the highest survival count (0.51±0.10 CFU/ml). Furthermore, the highest composite to CAD bond was observed in Group 3 Fullerene(C60) (18.44±0.25 MPa) samples and the lowest SBS was observed in Group 1 (CHX) (12.48±1.69 MPa) CONCLUSION: Fullerene(C60) and Moringa Oleifera extract hold promise as potential substitutes for chlorhexidine (CHX) in clinical applications, offering the potential for improved S.Mutans elimination and enhanced bond strength to CAD surface.

Adhesive Bond Strength of Restorative Materials to Caries-Affected Dentin Treated with Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the adhesive bond strength of restorative materials to caries-affected dentin (CAD) treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in comparison with conventional chemical disinfectants. Methods: Three databases, including the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, were searched to address the focused question: "What is the effect of aPDT compared to conventional chemical disinfection techniques on the adhesive bond strength of restorative materials to CAD?." Search keywords included "dentin*" "adhes bond*" "caries-affected dentin" "photodynamic "photochemotherapy" "photosensitizing agent" "phototherapy" "photoradiation" "laser" "light activated" "photoactivated." A fixed-effects model was used in each meta-analysis and the inverse variance was used to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD). For evaluating the statistical heterogeneity, the Cochrane's Q test and the I2 statistics were used. The risk of bias was evaluated based on the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis. The results of the meta-analyses exhibited an SMD of 2.38% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03-2.73; p < 0.00001], indicating a statistically significant difference in the shear bond strength scores between the tested group (samples treated with aPDT) and the control group (i.e., favoring the sound dentin and/or conventional chemical disinfectants). Contrarily, an SMD of -1.46% (95% CI: -2.04 to -0.88; p < 0.00001) and -0.37% (95% CI: -0.70 to -0.03; p = 0.03) was observed, indicating a statistically significant difference in the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), as well as microleakage scores between the tested group (favoring the samples treated with aPDT) and the control group (i.e., sound dentin and/or conventional chemical disinfectants). Conclusions: Adhesive bond strength of restorative materials to CAD treated with conventional chemical disinfectants showed superior outcomes compared to photodynamic therapy (aPDT).

Gelatin-Chitosan Hydrogel Biological, Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties for Dental Applications.

Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide sourced from crustaceans and insects, is often used with hydrogels in wound care. Evaluating its cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties is crucial for its potential use in dentistry. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanical properties of gelatin hydrogels based on decaethylated chitosan and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and their biological effects with stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gelatin-chitosan hydrogels were synthesized at concentrations of 0%, 0.2% and 0.5%. Enzymatic and hydrolytic degradation, along with swelling capacity, was assessed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was employed to characterize the hydrogels. The interaction between hydrogels and SCAPs was examined through initial adhesion and cell proliferation at 24 and 48 h, using the Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT assay). The antimicrobial effect was evaluated using agar diffusion and a microdilution test against S. mutans. Uniaxial tensile strength (UTS) was also measured to assess the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. RESULTS: The hydrogels underwent hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation at 30, 220, 300 min and 15, 25, 30 min, respectively. Significantly, (p < 0.01) swelling capacity occurred at 20, 40, 30 min, respectively. Gelatin-chitosan hydrogels' functional groups were confirmed using vibrational pattern analysis. SCAPs proliferation corresponded to 24 h = 73 ± 2%, 82 ± 2%, 61 ± 6% and 48 h = 83 ± 11%, 86 ± 2%, 44 ± 2%, respectively. The bacterial survival of hydrogel interaction was found to be 96 ± 1%, 17 ± 1.5% (p < 0.01) and 1 ± 0.5% (p < 0.01), respectively. UTS showed enhanced (p < 0.05) mechanical properties with chitosan presence. CONCLUSION: Gelatin-chitosan hydrogels displayed favorable degradation, swelling capacity, mild dose-dependent cytotoxicity, significant proliferation with stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs), substantial antimicrobial effects against S. mutans and enhanced mechanical properties. These findings highlight their potential applications as postoperative care dressings.

Dental Fiber-Post Systems: An In-Depth Review of Their Evolution, Current Practice and Future Directions.

The field of dental medicine is constantly evolving and advancing toward minimally invasive techniques. Several studies have demonstrated that bonding to the tooth structure, particularly enamel, yields the most predictable results. In some instances, however, significant tooth loss, pulpal necrosis, or irreversible pulpitis may limit the options available to the restorative dentist. In these cases, placement of a post and core followed by a crown is the preferred treatment option, provided all requirements are met. This literature review provides an overview of the historical development of dental FRC post systems as well as a comprehensive examination of the currently available posts and their bonding requirements. In addition, it offers valuable insights for dental professionals seeking to understand the current state of the field and the prospects of dental FRC post systems.

Influence of carbon and graphene oxide nanoparticle on the adhesive properties of dentin bonding polymer: A SEM, EDX, FTIR study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at including 2.5 wt.% of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and graphene oxide NPs (GNPs) in a control adhesive (CA) and then investigate the effect of this inclusion on their mechanical properties and its adhesion to root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) mapping were conducted to investigate the structural features and elemental distribution of CNPs and GNPs, respectively. These NPs were further characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The adhesives were characterized by evaluating their push-out bond strength (PBS), rheological properties, degree of conversion (DC) investigation, and failure type analysis. RESULTS: The SEM micrographs revealed that the CNPs were irregular and hexagonal, whereas the GNPs were flake-shaped. EDX analysis showed that carbon (C), oxygen (O), and zirconia (Zr) were found in the CNPs, while the GNPs were composed of C and O. The Raman spectra for CNPs and GNPs revealed their characteristic bands (CNPs-D band: 1334 cm-1, GNPs-D band: 1341 cm-1, CNPs-G band: 1650 cm-1, and GNPs-G band: 1607 cm-1). The testing verified that the highest bond strength to root dentin were detected for GNP-reinforced adhesive (33.20 ± 3.55 MPa), trailed closely by CNP-reinforced adhesive (30.48 ± 3.10 MPa), while, the CA displayed lowest values (25.11 ± 3.60 MPa). The inter-group comparisons of the NP-reinforced adhesives with the CA revealed statistically significant results (p < 0.01). Failures of adhesive nature were most common in within the adhesives and root dentin. The rheological assessment results demonstrated a reduced viscosity for all the adhesives observed at advanced angular frequencies. All the adhesives verified suitable dentin interaction shown by hybrid layer and appropriate resin tag development. A reduced DC was perceived for both NP-reinforced adhesives, compared to the CA. CONCLUSION: The present study's findings have demonstrated that 2.5% GNP adhesive revealed the highest, suitable root dentin interaction, and acceptable rheological properties. Nevertheless, a reduced DC was observed (matched with the CA). Prospective studies probing the influence of diverse concentrations of filler NPs on the adhesive's mechanical properties to root dentin are recommended.

Dietary Factors Influencing the Caries Status of Adults in Karachi, Pakistan: Initial Findings.

Objective: The objective was to identify the relationship between the dietary factors related to increases in the number of dental caries among an adult population group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving adult patients and their accompanying person, aged 18 years and above (n = 1730) visiting the dental outpatient department (OPD) of a public sector tertiary healthcare institute in Karachi, Pakistan. A 39-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was administered to the patients, followed by a dental caries assessment using Radke's WHO criteria. Caries assessment data were transformed into the DMFT Index (D = decayed, M = missing, F = filled teeth). Factor analysis (FA) was performed using Stata v. 11.0, followed by assessing the internal consistency of the FFQ. Multilogistic analysis was performed to explore the association between dental caries (cut-off = 5) and other independent variables, considering a p-value < 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean age of participants in the group was 32.65 ± 10.49 years. The number of female participants (934; 54%) was higher than male participants (796; 46%). Of the total, 951 (52%) participants were married. The internal consistency value for the FFQ, as measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.80. In addition to age and gender, out of four dietary patterns, only "cereals" were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased DMFT. Conclusion: This study established that the high intake of cereals is a contributory factor to the high prevalence of dental caries among adults.

Technical Accuracy of Dental Laboratories in the Quality and Shade Matching of Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: An In Vitro Study.

Dental laboratories (LABs) are integral to the performance of a dentist in providing successful oral rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare the adaptation, contour, contacts, and shade matching of different government and commercial dental LABs in the fabrication of porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns. Thirty-two dental LABs were selected to fabricate PFM crowns (one PFM crown each). Marginal adaptation, contour, proximal contacts, and shade matching were evaluated. Evaluation of the crowns' quality was performed following modified USPHS/FDI criteria. Visual and colorimeter assessments were employed to evaluate shade matching. Differences between groups were examined by Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. The quality of marginal adaptation of crowns was good in 81.25%, however the quality of contours, contacts, and shade matching was compromised in 43.75%, 59.38%, and 39% of all LABs, respectively. Visual and colorimeter shade matching was acceptable in 62.5% and 80% of LABs in the cervical third and middle third regions of crowns, respectively, however in the incisal third the shade matching was unacceptable in nearly 60% of LABs. Commercial laboratories showed significantly better contours and shade matching, but not marginal adaptation. However, no significant differences were found in comparison of proximal contacts between the groups.

Dentin Bond Integrity of Hydroxyapatite Containing Resin Adhesive Enhanced with Graphene Oxide Nano-Particles-An SEM, EDX, Micro-Raman, and Microtensile Bond Strength Study.

The aim was to synthesize and characterize an adhesive incorporating HA and GO nanoparticles. Techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS), and micro-Raman spectroscopy were employed to investigate bond durability, presence of nanoparticles inside adhesive, and dentin interaction. Control experimental adhesive (CEA) was synthesized with 5 wt% HA. GO particles were fabricated and added to CEA at 0.5 wt% (HA-GO-0.5%) and 2 wt% GO (HA-GO-2%). Teeth were prepared to produce bonded specimens using the three adhesive bonding agents for assessment of µTBS, with and without thermocycling (TC). The adhesives were applied twice on the dentin with a micro-brush followed by air thinning and photo-polymerization. The HA and GO nanoparticles demonstrated uniform dispersion inside adhesive. Resin tags with varying depths were observed on SEM micrographs. The EDX mapping revealed the presence of carbon (C), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) in the two GO adhesives. For both TC and NTC samples, HA-GO-2% had higher µTBS and durability, followed by HA-GO-0.5%. The representative micro-Raman spectra demonstrated D and G bands for nano-GO particles containing adhesives. HA-GO-2% group demonstrated uniform diffusion in adhesive, higher µTBS, adequate durability, and comparable resin tag development to controls.

Clinical and radiographic assessment of narrow-diameter and regular-diameter implants in the anterior and posterior jaw: 2 to 6 years of follow-up.

PURPOSE: The present retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic parameters, complications, and satisfaction in patients who received fixed prostheses supported by narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) in the anterior and posterior jaw. METHODS: Patients aged ≥30 years who had NDI-supported fixed prostheses in the anterior or posterior region of either jaw for at least 2 years were included. Complications such as chipping of the crown; loosening or fracture of the screw, crown abutment, or implant; and loss of retention were recorded. Clinical peri-implant outcomes and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured. A questionnaire was used to record responses regarding the aesthetics and function of the fixed restorations. Analysis of variance was used to assess the significance of between-group mean comparisons. The log-rank test was performed to analyze the influence of location and prosthesis type on technical complications. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (mean age: 39.6 years) provided informed consent with a mean follow-up duration of 53 months. Only bleeding on probing showed a statistically significant difference between NDIs in the anterior and posterior regions. The complication rate for NDIs in the posterior region was significantly higher than that for NDIs in the anterior region (P=0.041). For NDIs, CBL was significantly higher around splinted crowns than single crowns (P=0.022). Overall mean patient satisfaction was 10.34±3.65 on a visual analogue scale. CONCLUSIONS: NDIs in the anterior and posterior jaws functioned equally well in terms of peri-implant soft and hard tissue health and offered acceptable patient satisfaction and reasonable complication rates.

Bond integrity and microleakage of dentin-bonded crowns cemented with bioactive cement in comparison to resin cements: in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare restorative marginal integrity of ceramic crowns luted with bioactive and resin cements using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) microleakage evaluations and bond strength assessment. METHODS: Thirty molar teeth were prepared by sectioning and polishing for dentin exposure for resin cement build-ups. Teeth were randomly divided among three groups of cements: (1) bioactive (ACTIVA); (2) glass ionomer cement (GIC; Ketac Cem); and (3) resin luting agent (Nexus 3). Bonding regime and build-ups (4 mm × 2 mm) were performed using the recommended protocol. For microleakage assessment, 30 premolar teeth were prepared for dentin-bonded crowns using lithium disilicate ceramic and the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technique. Crowns were cemented with standard load, cement amount, and duration using three cements (Group A: bioactive; Group B: GIC; Group C: resin) and photopolymerized. Cemented crowns were evaluated for volumetric infiltration using micro-CT (Skyscan, Bruker 1173- at 86 kV, 93 µA, 620 ms) after immersion in 50% solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3) (24 hours). Shear bond strength (SBS) was assessed by fracture of cement build-ups at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: Mean SBS among bioactive (21.54 ± 3.834 MPa) specimens was significantly higher than that for GIC (14.08 ± 3.25 MPa) specimens (p < 0.01), but they were comparable to resin samples (p > 0.05) (24.73 ± 4.32 MPa). Microleakage was significantly lower in crowns luted with bioactive (0.381 ± 0.134) cement compared to GIC (1.057 ± 0.399 mm3) (p < 0.01) and resin (0.734 ± 0.166 mm3) (p = 0.014) cemented crowns. The type of luting agent had a significant influence on the microleakage of crowns and bond strength to dentin (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bioactive cement exhibited less microleakage and comparable SBS to resin luting agents in in vitro conditions.

Effect of contemporary retraction agents and cleaning with hydrogen peroxide on the polymerization of elastomeric impression materials.

The aim of the study is to investigate the polymerization inhibition of elastomeric impression materials vinylpoly siloxane (VPS) and polyether (PE) when used in combination with retraction materials with and without subsequent cleaning with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Methods: Seven stainless steel specimens were fabricated. Four hundred and twenty impressions were made with three different elastomeric materials (140 each) as follows: group 1: VPS-Panasil; group 2: VPS-Express; group 3: PE-Monophase. Each material group was further subdivided into seven subgroups, based on use of no retraction material (control), three different retraction materials [Retraction capsule (RC3M), Dryz, Expasyl], and two cleaning techniques (water and H2O2). All subgroups included 20 impressions, which were made by a single operator using an automix gun. Evaluations were made using a visual scale by three calibrated examiners blindly and independently. Subjective categorization of the impressions were made as inhibited and uninhibited. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Inhibited impressions were lower than uninhibited impressions among VPS materials (Panasil and Express); Panasil and Express showed comparable (p > 0.05) impression retardation. PE showed significantly higher inhibition compared to VPS materials (p < 0.05). Expasyl showed significantly higher polymerization inhibition than other retraction materials (p < 0.05). The use of H2O2 for cleaning showed significant reduction in polymerization inhibition than cleaning with water for Expasyl (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall contemporary retraction materials showed low potential for polymerization inhibition of elastomeric impression materials. Expasyl should be cleaned with H2O2 prior to impression making. However, Dryz and RC3M can show accurate impressions with water cleaning alone.

Effect of Photodynamic Therapy, Er,Cr:YSGG, and Nd:YAG Laser on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Fiber Post to Root Dentin.

Objective: To evaluate the push-out bond strength and modes of failure of fiber post to root dentin by using photodynamic therapy (PDT), Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG laser, and conventional cleaning and shaping (CCS). Materials and methods: Eighty anterior teeth were sectioned in a horizontal manner being 2 mm incisal to the cementoenamel junction, and root canal was prepared for post space. After post space was made, fiber posts were placed inside the root canal system. The fiber posts were subjected to PDT, Er,Cr:YSGG laser, Nd:YAG laser, and conventional cleaning and shaping (CSS) with 20 specimens in each group. Cervical and apical sections were obtained from the specimens. For performing the push-out test, the universal testing machine was used. The formula used for calculating the push-out bond strength was σ = N/mm2. Results: PDT group (8.16 ± 2.19 MPa) achieved the highest mean push-out bond strength, whereas Er,Cr:YSGG (7.24 ± 1.27 MPa) reported the lowest value in the specimens. Among the experimental groups, the ANOVA test expressed statistical difference (p = 0.481). In the cervical segments, the mean push-out bond strength was found to be higher in all of the experimental groups. For the cervical segments, the independent t-test results showed higher mean push-out bond strength values than the apical segments in PDT, Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG, and CSS groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Twenty failures were observed at the interface level between the adhesive and surface of dentin. Seven failures were found at the interface between mixed and the adhesive and post, respectively. Conclusions: Push-out bond strength to root canal dentin was not affected by PDT, Er,Cr:YSGG, and Nd:YAG laser compared with CCS. However, PDT produced the smallest number of failure modes and slightly higher push-out bond strength to root dentin. Laser treatment using PDT and Er,Cr:YSGG appeared to be clinically efficient showing acceptable push-out bond strength of fiber post with less number of failures at different regions of the root dentin.

Influence of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Irradiation on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Zirconia and Glass Fiber Posts with Radicular Dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study was designed to evaluate the influence of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the bond strength of zirconia and glass fiber posts with root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety extracted single-rooted human teeth were randomized into 6 groups (n = 15/group) on the basis of different posts (zirconia/glass fiber) and Er,Cr:YSGG laser tips (axial and radial). Specimens were prepared for push-out testing with the help of a cutting machine; six slices (2 on each cervical, middle, and apical) of approximately 1 mm thickness were sectioned for all roots on a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the post. All specimens were placed into a universal testing machine with a defined 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until the maximum failure load was obtained. RESULTS: The highest mean push-out bond strength of the glass fiber and zirconia groups was achieved with laser treatment. The highest push-out bond strength was achieved with the axial fiber tip (7.63 ± 1.22 MPa), and the lowest was achieved with a radial fiber tip of the glass fiber group (6.98 ± 0.96 MPa). ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.041). The mean push-out bond strength was found to be higher with an axial fiber tip for both cervical and apical segments in the glass fiber and zirconia groups (p < 0.05). The independent t-test resulted in the overall highest mean push-out bond strength in the apical segments (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present in vitro research study, an enhancement in the push-out bond strength of resin cement, mainly in the cervical region of the root canal, was achieved after irradiation with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser using an axial fiber tip.

Effect of photodynamic therapy and ErCrYSGG laser irradiation on the push-out bond strength between fiber post and root dentin.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the push out bond strength and modes of failure of fiber post by using photodynamic therapy (PDT), Er,Cr:YSGG laser and conventional cleaning and shaping (CCS). METHODS: Sixty maxillary anterior teeth were sectioned horizontaly 2 mm incisal to the cemento-enamel junction, and root canal were prepared for post space. Tapered fiber posts were placed inside the root canal after post space was made. The fiber posts were subjected to PDT, Er,Cr:YSGG laser and CSS with 20 specimens in each group. The specimens obtained were sectioned in cervical and apical sections. A universal testing machine was used to perform the push out test and the push out bond strength was formulated by σ = C/A, expressed in mega-pascals (MPa). RESULTS: The highest mean push out bond strength was achieved by PDT group (8.08 ±â€¯2.73 MPa) and the lowest was shown by specimens in CCS group (7.45 ±â€¯1.04 MPa). ANOVA showed no statistical difference among the experimental groups (p = 0.481). In the cervical segments, the mean push-out bond strength was found to be slightly higher for all three groups compared to apical segments (P < 0.05). The independent t-tests results showed that the mean push-out bond strength values of the cervical segments were slightly higher than the apical segments in PDT, Er,Cr:YSGG and CSS groups (P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed when mean push-out bond strengths were compared for both cervical (p = 0.037) and apical (p = 0.019) segments between all the groups. Twenty-one failures were found at the interface between the adhesive and the dentin surface, 6 failures were observed at the interface between the adhesive and post, whereas 5 failures were mixed. CONCLUSION: Push-out bond strength to root canal dentin were not affected by Er,Cr:YSGG compared with conventional cleaning and shaping. However, PDT produced the smallest number of failure modes and slightly higher push-out bond strength to root dentin.

Efficacy of phototherapy in the adhesive bonding of different dental posts to root dentin: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of phototherapy in the adhesive bonding of different dental posts to root dentin. METHODS: The outline of this systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Searches in both electronic and manual literature were performed in the main databases 'MEDLINE' and 'EMBASE' up to March 2019 using the following terms: (Phototherapy) AND (push out test) AND (bond strength) AND (post) OR (fibre) OR (metal) AND (smear layer). RESULTS: Six in-vitro studies were included and processed for data extraction. All studies incorporated the use of fiber posts. The mean shear bond strength for test group ranged from 2.23 to 15.17 MPa while mean shear bond strength for control group ranged from 2.93 to 9.38 MPa. The wavelengths of diode lasers ranged from 660 to 2940 nm (nm). Power was reported in 5 studies ranging from 0.075 W to 3 W. All studies compared shear bond strength of phototherapy in the adhesive bonding of different dental posts to root dentin. In all the included studies, greater bond strength achieved by phototherapy compared to nonirradiated group. CONCLUSION: Within the limits, this study shows that the dentin to post bond strength was significantly enhanced by phototherapy.

Longitudinal assessment of clinical and radiographic periimplant status around narrow and regular diameter implants placed in cigarette-smokers and nonsmokers.

BACKGROUND: To date, no clinical investigation has assessed the clinical and radiographic indices around narrow diameter implants (NDIs) and regular diameter implants (RDIs) in individuals with cigarette smoking habit and nonsmokers. OBJECTIVE: To estimate and compare the clinical and radiographic indices around NDIs (< 3.3 mm) and RDIs placed in cigarette smokers (CS) and nonsmokers (NS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients requiring implant surgery in the anterior mandible were divided into two groups (39 CS and 43 NS). Patients were further categorized into two subgroups on the basis of implant diameter: (a) patients with NDIs (3.3 mm) and (b) patients with RDIs (4.1 mm). Clinical indices evaluating plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were recorded at 18 and 36 months of follow-up. Digital periapical radiographs were studied to evaluate crestal bone levels (CBL) incorporating in a specialized software and examined on a calibrated computer display screen with the help of an image analyzer. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in CS group and NS group was 44.6 and 42.5 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall mean scores of PI, PD, and CBL around NDIs and RDIs among CS and NS patients at 18 and 36 months of follow-up. However, there was a statistically significant difference only in the overall mean BOP around NDIs and RDIs among CS and NS patients at 18 and 36 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study suggests that NDIs can show reliable clinical stability and radiographic bone levels as RDIs placed in CS and NS, with the support of strict oral hygiene protocols.

Is phototherapy effective in the management of post-operative endodontic pain? A systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current review was to answer the P.I.C.O.S question: In patients with post endodontic pain (Population), what is the effect of phototherapy (Intervention) as compared to placebo (Comparator) on post endodontic pain (Outcomes) considering only randomized clinical trials-RCT (Study design)? METHODS: The outline of this systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Main databases [MEDLINE (1952-February 2019), EMBASE (1984-February 2019), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (1993- February 2019)] were searched. PEP was selected as the main outcome variable. The details of the data from the accepted studies were charted according to the research designs, author/country, demographics, involvement of teeth, phototherapy administration, follow-up duration, main results and PEP outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5 RCTs were included. The wavelengths of diode lasers ranged from 808 to 970 nm. Power output was reported in all the studies ranging from 50 milliwatts (mW) to 5000 mW. All the included studies evaluated PEP after root canal therapy, root canal retreatment or surgical endodontics. Out of the five clinical studies, a total of three studies showed comparable PEP outcome between phototherapy and control groups. However, two studies showed statistically significant improvement in PEP in the phototherapy group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: It remains debatable whether phototherapy reduces PEP after root canal therapy. Further robust RCTs with standard laser parameters are warranted to assess the efficacy of phototherapy in the management of PEP.

Clinical and radiographic peri-implant health status around narrow diameter implant-supported single and splinted crowns.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing and comparing clinical and radiographic peri-implant status around narrow diameter implant-supported single crowns (NDISCs) and splinted crowns (NDISPs) are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to estimate and compare complication rates, patient satisfaction, peri-implant status and peri-implant bone loss (PBL) of NDISCs and NDISPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving narrow diameter implants (NDIs) in the posterior mandible were assessed. Technical complication and patient satisfaction were recorded. Clinical peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD) and PBL were assessed. Technical complications and patient satisfaction were recorded. Log-rank test was computed to evaluate the influence of prostheses type and NDIs location on technical complications. P-value less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (43 male and 35 females) agreed to follow up. The mean follow-up duration of the patients was 3.6 years. A total of 102 (43 NDISCs and 59 NDISPs) NDIs with moderately rough surfaces were included. No significant differences in PI, BoP, or PD were observed between NDISCs and NDISPs. The average PBL score was 1.17 (range: 0.03-4.15) at implant level and 1.14 (range: 0.03-4.14) at patient level. Seven implants and three patients showed peri-implantitis. The rates of technical complication of single crowns were significantly higher than those of splinted crowns (P = 0.036). PBL was significantly higher in molar sites than those in premolar sites (P = 0.041). A total of 67 patients (85.9%) were satisfied with the esthetics of the crowns, while a total of 59 patients (75.6%) were satisfied with the function of the crowns. CONCLUSION: NDISCs and NDISPs offer high patient satisfaction and tolerable complication rates. Peri-implant conditions and peri-implant bone levels were comparable around NDISCs and NDISPs. However, bone loss of implants was higher in molar sites than those implants in premolar sites.