Effectiveness of Laser-activated and Ultrasonic Irrigation Techniques in Removal of Calcium Hydroxide and Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste from the Root Canals: An In Vitro Evaluation.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) and ultrasonic irrigation (UI) in the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and modified triple antibiotic paste (MTAP) from the root canals. Materials and methods: Root canals of freshly extracted human permanent maxillary incisors (n = 80) were prepared. The root canals of half sample (n = 40) were filled with Ca(OH)2 and the other half (n = 40) with MTAP, in which propylene glycol was used as a vehicle. After 14 days, roots were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20) according to the irrigation technique used-group I [Ca(OH)2 with UI], group II (MTAP with UI), group III [Ca(OH)2 with LAI], group IV (MTAP with LAI). The roots were sectioned, and the intracanal medicament residues were evaluated at 25× magnification under stereomicroscope using 4-grade scoring system. Statistical analysis: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests were performed. Results: Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) was found to be superior compared to UI. Ca(OH)2 was better removed compared to MTAP with either of the irrigation techniques. A statistically significant difference was found between the Ca(OH)2 with LAI and MTAP with UI groups in all the regions, that is, coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Conclusion: Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) was superior to UI in removing Ca(OH)2 and MTAP. Ca(OH)2 was better removed than MTAP, irrespective of the technique used. However, none of the irrigation techniques could completely remove the intracanal medicament from the root canals. How to cite this article: Swathi P, Uloopi KS, Vinay C, et al. Effectiveness of Laser-activated and Ultrasonic Irrigation Techniques in Removal of Calcium Hydroxide and Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste from the Root Canals: An In Vitro Evaluation. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S1-S5.

Evaluation of Dentin Remineralization with Zinc Oxide and Calcium Fluoride Nanoparticles - An In vitro Study.

Background: Partially demineralized dentin is remineralizable when mineral ions are made available in the near vicinity. Nanoparticles (NPs) have wide applications in remineralization process. Zinc promotes remineralization and has a synergistic effect when combined with fluoride. Hence, zinc oxide and calcium fluoride NPs were considered for dentin remineralization. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralizing ability of zinc oxide and calcium fluoride NPs on demineralized dentin individually and in combined form. Settings and Design: This was an in vitro study. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight dentin disks were prepared from the crowns of 12 extracted human molars and were allocated into four groups of 12 each, i.e., Group I - nano zinc oxide (nZnO), Group II - nano calcium fluoride (nCaF2), Group III - combined group (nZnO + nCaF2), and Group IV - artificial saliva (AS, control group). The specimens were demineralized with 37% phosphoric acid and placed in the respective remineralizing solutions for 24 h and 1 month. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) uptake was measured using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and structural changes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance, Student's t-test, and post hoc Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis. Results: At 1-month interval, all the groups showed an increase in Ca/P ratio, with highest being the combined group (4.24), followed by nCaF2 (3.30), nZnO (1.71), and AS (1.31) groups, and these differences were statistically significant (P = 0.000). On SEM analysis of dentinal samples at 1 month, depositions were evident in intertubular regions, wherein the highest deposits were observed in the nZnO group, followed by nZnO + nCaF2 and nCaF2 groups. Conclusion: Dentin samples subjected to remineralization with aqueous solutions of nZnO and nCaF2 showed an increase in calcium and phosphorous uptake and also dense granular depositions were evident in intertubular regions of dentin.

Vaccine hesitancy among the nursing officers working in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry - A mixed-method study.

Background: Vaccination was considered one of the vital moves in controlling the spread of highly infectious COVID-19 pandemic. But, the initial acceptance level was highly improbable among nursing professionals (57%) in India.1 Thus, it was necessary to explore the reasons behind this reluctance, as they can act as trusted advisors for general population in decision-making. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the proportion of nursing officers with COVID- 19 vaccine hesitancy during the phase one drive (15th January to 28th February 2021) of vaccination and the various factors contributing to it. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical mixed-method study was done among 422 nursing officers working in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry. Data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire along with WHO -SAGE Vaccine Hesitancy Scale for the quantitative component and an interview guide for qualitative part. Results: More than half of the participants were found to be COVID- 19 vaccine hesitant based on the operational definition, with fear of side effects being the most reported reason. Factors like work experience of five years or less, previous history of COVID- 19 infection, and delayed receipt of the first dose of the vaccine were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Improper flow of evidence-based information was identified as one of the major concerns related to vaccine acceptance. Measures should be taken for proper awareness generation through dependable channels and at the same time for the prevention of spread of infodemics pertaining to the new interventions for better penetration and utilization.

Adenomatoid hyperplasia of minor salivary glands: A case report in an unusual site.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Adenomatoid hyperplasia (AH) is an unusual entity which simulates salivary gland neoplasm. As suggested some lesions indicate reactive hyperplasia due to the chronic trauma by the ill-fitting complete dentures but here in the present case it's due to a fixed prosthesis. Here is an AHMSG occurring in a rare location that is in the lingual vestibule. Meticulous histopathological examination is an effective diagnostic tool to arrive in the diagnosis of AH. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60 years male patient with a lesion in the lingual vestibule of slow growth and an ulcer noted on the surface due to the trauma from the prosthesis. The patient was unaware of the growth and a provisional diagnosis made by the clinician was an irritational fibroma with traumatic ulcer but the final diagnosis turned to be AHMSG. DISCUSSION: The present case and previous case series suggest AH has a male preponderance. Histological analysis is a basic fundamental in arriving at a proper diagnosis. It's a 102-case added to the available web knowledge world-wide on AHMSG and the 4th case in India to be noted in the Indian literature. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of the lingual vestibular placed exophytic lesions should include AHMSG.

Effectiveness of Distraction with Virtual Reality Eyewear in Managing 6-11-year-old Children with Hearing Impairment during Dental Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of distraction with virtual reality (VR) eyewear along with modified tell-show-do (MTSD) on anxiety levels of 6-11-year-old children with hearing impairment (HI) during the noninvasive dental procedure. Materials and methods: The randomized controlled trial included 40 children with HI aged 6-11 years requiring oral prophylaxis. The children were randomly allocated into two groups. Oral prophylaxis was carried out in both groups, where in group I (VR + MTSD, n = 20), distraction with VR eyewear was performed along with MTSD, and in group II (MTSD, n = 20), MTSD alone was used. Pre and postoperative anxiety levels were assessed using facial image scale (FIS) (subjective) and pulse rate (PR) (objective) measures. Paired t-test and unpaired t-test were used to analyze the obtained data. Results: Postoperative (post-op) PR readings in the VR + MTSD group were reduced by 6.95, whereas it was increased in the MTSD group by 8.55, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Post-op FIS scores were found to be reduced in the VR + MTSD group by 2.15, whereas it was increased in the MTSD group by 0.10, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Distraction using VR eyewear along with MTSD is effective in reducing anxiety levels in 6-11-year-old children with HI during noninvasive dental procedures. Clinical significance: Hearing-impaired children are usually anxious about the unknown and have unmet oral health needs due to communication barriers. This study provides evidence that the distraction using VR eyewear along with MTSD is effective in reducing anxiety levels in children with HI. How to cite this article: Varshitha K, Uloopi KS, Vinay C, et al. Effectiveness of Distraction with Virtual Reality Eyewear in Managing 6-11-year-old Children with Hearing Impairment during Dental Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):820-823.

Association of serum Vitamin D and salivary calcium and phosphorus levels in 3-11-year-old schoolchildren with dental caries.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D plays an essential role in the formation of healthy teeth, protection against dental caries, and the appropriate secretion of salivary calcium. Salivary calcium and phosphate help in maintaining equilibrium between demineralization and remineralization of teeth. If we know the association between serum Vitamin D and salivary calcium and phosphorus, we may get a clue regarding serum Vitamin D levels which in turn is essential for good oral health. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the association of serum Vitamin D levels and salivary calcium and phosphorus levels in children with dental caries. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred children of age 6-11 years, 50 with Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) ≥5 (test group) and 50 with DMFT = 0 (control group), were included in the study. Oral examination was carried out and DMFT/deft scores were recorded. Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D levels and salivary calcium and phosphorous levels were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent sample t-test, linear regression analysis, and Pearson correlation test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Children with dental caries have shown lesser mean serum Vitamin D levels (15.37 ± 3.53) than caries-free children (17.26 ± 3.16). Children with decayed teeth have exhibited lower salivary calcium levels (3.92 ± 0.99) than those without caries (4.42 ± 1.37). Conversely, children with dental caries have shown higher mean salivary phosphate levels (6.27 ± 1.74) than caries-free children (5.18 ± 1.47). There is a significant decrease in salivary calcium (P = 0.018) and serum Vitamin D (P = 0.004) with a significant increase in number of decayed teeth. The greater the Vitamin D deficiency, the lesser are the salivary calcium levels observed (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with Vitamin D deficiency have lower salivary calcium levels. Vitamin D deficiency and lower salivary calcium levels can be the potential risk factors for the occurrence of dental caries.