Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Obturation Techniques in Deciduous Teeth Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: An In Vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric dentistry has evolved from extraction acclimatized practice to prevention and preservation. Successful endodontic treatment is mandated for retention of pulpally involved primary teeth. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To comparatively evaluate the obturation techniques namely lentulospiral and skini syringe with NaviTip in primary teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out among children ranging between the ages of 4 years and 8 years of either sex with pulpal involvement of primary molars which were indicated for pulpectomy. The study population was divided into two groups according to the type of obturating technique used. Group I included samples obturated with lentulospirals while group II samples were obturated using skini syringes with NaviTip. Postoperatively, CBCT imaging was used to evaluate the quality of fill of both the obturation techniques by determining the presence of voids in the root canals. RESULTS: The total number of voids present in group I were 48, in which, 8 were in the coronal third, 16 in the middle third, and 24 in the apical third. On the other hand, the total number of voids present in group II was 21, out of which 7 were in the coronal third, 10 in the middle third, and 4 in the apical third. A statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of the overall voids present. CONCLUSION: Within the limits imposed by the conditions used in the present study, both techniques can be used for obturation in the root canals of primary molars. Voids were observed with both the techniques, but minimum in group II, i.e., skini syringe with NaviTip. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Nezam S, Mukherjee CG, Shukla JN, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Obturation Techniques in Deciduous Teeth Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):75-80.

Comparison of Dimensional Accuracy of Three Different Impression Materials Using Three Different Techniques for Implant Impressions: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: To compare the dimensional accuracy of polyether, polyvinyl siloxane, and polyether polyvinyl siloxane hybrid impression materials using closed tray, open tray splinted, and open tray nonsplinted coping impression techniques and to find out the best suitable impression material and technique combination for implant impressions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample size of the study was 45. The combinations of materials and techniques were divided into nine groups, namely polyvinyl siloxane with closed tray, polyvinyl siloxane with open tray nonsplinted copings, polyvinyl siloxane with open tray splinted copings, polyether with closed tray, polyether with open tray nonsplinted copings, polyether with open tray splinted copings, polyvinyl siloxane-polyether hybrid with closed tray, polyvinyl siloxane-polyether hybrid with open tray nonsplinted copings, and polyvinyl siloxanepolyether hybrid with open tray splinted copings. Five samples of each group were evaluated. A total of 45 impressions were taken. A stainless steel master metal framework with three internal hex implants was fabricated and used to generate the samples. A common condensation silicone putty spacer was applied over the impression copings attached to the implants, which was then duplicated. All trays were fabricated on this duplicated silicone die using light cure acrylic resin. Trays to be used for open tray techniques had their top removed for gaining access to screws of the impression copings. Splinting of coping for OS group was done using pattern resin. Impressions were poured, and master cast was generated. Interimplant distance was measured using stereomicroscope and an image analyzing software. RESULTS: Open nonsplinted technique resulted in significantly better replication of implant positions compared to open splinted and closed techniques. Hybrid impression material depicted significantly better dimensional accuracy than polyether and polyvinyl siloxane. Hybrid open nonsplinted depicted least mean difference in interimplant distance, followed by hybrid open splinted and polyether open splinted groups. Polyvinyl siloxane closed tray showed maximum difference in interimplant distance in comparison with other groups. CONCLUSION: Polyvinyl siloxane-polyether hybrid impression material and open nonsplinted technique gave best replication of implant positions on the master cast. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Accuracy of impressions and casts is of great importance for the fabrication and long-term clinical success of precisely fitting implant-retained prostheses.

Effect of Intracanal Medicaments (Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste, Calcium Hydroxide, and Aloe Vera) on Microhardness of Root Dentine: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: To compare the effect of three different intracanal medicaments, namely, modified triple antibiotic paste (MTAP), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and aloe vera, on the root dentine microhardness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 extracted mandibular bicuspids were prepared using ProTaper Next rotary files. The roots of the bicuspids were alienated to three groups (n = 10 each) and one control group (untreated; n = 20). In three groups, the root canals were filled with MTAP, Ca(OH)2, and aloe vera medicaments. After 21 days, medicaments were removed by Endo activator. Mean Knoop hardness numbers were calculated after treatment and compared with the untreated control group. Data were evaluated using the Student's t test (paired), ANOVA (one-way) followed, and the post hoc test. RESULTS: All treated groups except the aloe vera group had shown significant reduction (p < 0.05) in microhardness of the root dentin as compared with the untreated control group. The aloe vera group showed least reduction of microhardness and was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aloe vera shows promising results in terms of fewer effects on microhardness of the root dentin compared to MTAP and Ca(OH)2. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Elimination of most of the bacterial infection from the root canal and very minimum to no effect on the microhardness of the dentin in the root part are the basics of success in any endodontic treatment. Further in vivo studies are required to compare the efficacy of these intracanal medicaments.

Correlation of dental caries and dermatoglyphic patterns: A study in pediatric population.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic disease among children worldwide irrespective of the advancements in oral healthcare. The basis of considering dermatoglyphic patterns as marker for dental caries is that the epithelium of finger buds and enamel are both ectodermal in origin and develop during the same period of intrauterine life. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To record and evaluate the dermatoglyphic patterns, its correlation with early childhood caries (ECC) and to predict its efficacy in assessing the caries risk. METHOD: The study was carried out on 100 school going children within the age group of 36-71 months. Study population was divided into two groups comprising of 50 individuals each on the basis of def score, experimental group (def ≥ 1) and control group (def score 0). Dermatoglyphic patterns of all ten palmar digits were recorded using Cummins and Midlo method and assessed using a magnifying glass (2×). RESULTS: Statistically significant increase in number of whorls was found in ECC group, whereas higher number of loops was seen in control group. In ECC group, value of both, the mean axial t triradius angle and mean total ridge count was low as compared to the caries-free group. CONCLUSION: There is definite variation in dermatoglyphics between the ECC and caries-free group, indicating that dermatoglyphic patterns can be used as a non-invasive predictive tool for children with ECC.