Extrusion of Sodium Hypochlorite in Oval-Shaped Canals: A Comparative Study of the Potential of Four Final Agitation Approaches Employing Agarose-Embedded Mandibular First Premolars.

Background: The aim of this investigation was to assess the apical extrusion potential of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in agarose-embedded mandibular first premolars employing four final agitation procedures. Methods: Based on CBCT confirmation of single oval-shaped canals, one hundred extracted mandibular first premolars were chosen. Using 5.25% NaOCl, the teeth were prepared using the XP Endo Shaper and divided into experimental and control groups. The following were the experimental groups: Group 1 comprised the XP-Endo Finisher, Group 2 the Ultrasonic Activation, Group 3 the Gentle File Finisher Brush, and Group 4 the 27-gauge side-vented needle. To test extrusion, the teeth were placed in a 0.2% agarose gel that contained the pH-sensitive dye m-cresol purple, allowing pixel quantification via ImageJ software (version 1.54i). Results: The XP Endo Finisher featured the most pixels, depicting higher apical extrusion (p < 0.01), followed by the side-vented needle, Gentle File Finisher Brush, and PUI, while the Control Group endured no extrusion. Conclusions: The effective irrigation method for root canal therapy is critical, especially in situations of open apices, resorption, or perforation. According to in vitro experiments, the XP-Endo Finisher has the maximum sodium hypochlorite extrusion, which is determined by parameters such as apical preparation size and irrigation system.

The Multifaceted Influence of COVID-19 on Indian Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: COVID-19 has had a new challenge on dental workers, radically altering clinical and personal management. The cross-sectional survey sought to examine and comprehend the influence of COVID-19 on Indian dentistry practitioners. Methods: A 38-item questionnaire-based survey was communicated to Indian dental practitioners through a web-based form (Google form). The questionnaire was categorized into four sections: (i) Personal protective equipment (PPE), (ii) dental treatments, (iii) auxiliary management, and (iv) personal impact. The findings were examined and studied in order to comprehend the repercussions of COVID-19. The questionnaire was completed by 513 of the 1129 dentists to whom it was delivered. Results: For the current questionnaire, a response rate that we received was 45.44%. When compared to the pre-pandemic era, the use of PPE has increased dramatically (95.7%). The use of PPE alleviated dental practitioners' and patients' doubts about viral transmission. The epidemic prompted the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to issue specific recommendations for dental treatments, which were followed by 92.5% of dentists. The majority of dentists reported a considerable impact on both financial and mental health concerns. Teleconsulting and distant learning gained greater prominence. The COVID-19 epidemic affected the lives of dental professionals both within and outside of the dental setting, as well as the auxiliary. Conclusion: COVID-19 has left a trail of devastation in its aftermath. Dentists were affected both emotionally and professionally. Dentists rapidly and uniformly followed the revised recommendations.

COVID-19 Contraction Among Dental Healthcare Workers in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics - A Retrospective Analysis During the Pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major challenges for the healthcare sector across the globe including dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) due to the increased risk of transmission of virus during aerosol-generating procedures. We conducted the present retrospective analysis determining the risk of contraction of COVID-19 infection among DHCWs since the outbreak of the pandemic for a year (March 2020 through March 2021) in Mumbai. Methods: In total, 18,058 patients visited the Nair Hospital Dental College for dental treatment related to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics during the assessed year. All the patients were subjected to intensive triage, which included recording their body temperature, oxygen saturation level, travel, and COVID-19 exposure history. Results: A total of 26 DHCWs were responsible for attending and treating the patients with all the standard infection control measures. Seventy-four (0.40%) patients out of 18058 were referred for a nasal rapid antigen test (RAT) on giving a positive affirmation about COVID-19 like symptoms when screened at the triage. Of those 74 patients referred, 20 reported a positive nasal rapid antigen test and the infection was confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Among 26, 9 (34,7%) DCHWs were found to have contracted the infection during the assessed year. Conclusion: The analysis found that the risk of COVID-19 infection contraction amongst the DHCWs is considerably less. This could be attributed to the intensive triage and the preventive measures taken while rendering treatment.

Shape and anatomical relationship of the mental foramen to the mandibular premolars in an Indian sub-population: a retrospective CBCT analysis.

Objectives: This study assessed the shape and anatomical relationship of the mental foramen (MF) to mandibular posterior teeth in an Indian sub-population. Materials and Methods: In total, 475 existing cone-beam computed tomography records exhibiting 950 MFs and including the bilateral presence of mandibular premolars and first molars were assessed. Images were evaluated 3-dimensionally to ascertain the position, shape, and anatomical proximity of MFs to mandibular teeth. The position and shape of MFs were measured and calculated. The Pythagorean theorem was used to calculate the distance between the root apex of the mandibular teeth and the MF. Results: MFs exhibited a predominantly round shape (left: 67% and right: 65%) followed by oval (left: 30% and right: 31%) in both males and females and in different age groups. The root apices of mandibular second premolars (left: 71% and right: 62%) were closest to the MF, followed by distal to the first premolars and mesial to the second premolars. The mean vertical distance between the MF and the nearest tooth apex calculated on sagittal sections was 2.20 mm on the right side and 2.32 mm on the left side; no significant difference was found according to sex or age. The distance between the apices of the teeth and the MF was ≥ 4 mm (left; 4.09 ± 1.27 mm and right; 4.01 ± 1.15 mm). Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of the location of the MF in treatment planning and while performing non-surgical and surgical endodontic procedures.

Endodontic Emergencies in Mumbai City during COVID-19 Lockdown and Different Phases of Unlock.

The present descriptive research focused on determining the traits of patients who required endodontic treatment during the COVID-19 lockdown and various stages of unlocking in Mumbai metropolitan region. The descriptive analysis was carried out by examining the patients who were registered at Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai during four phases of lockdown (25 March to 31 May 2020) and eight phases of unlock (1 June 2020 to 31 January 2021). The evaluation was performed by evaluating the number of days and the overall number of patients reported for endodontic treatment for the first and subsequent visits. Each patient underwent intensive triage, which included taking their body temperature, oxygen saturation level, and travel history. The sex, age, and endodontic diagnosis of the offending tooth were also reported. The pain parameters were analyzed using a verbal numerical rating score (VNRS). During the lockdown phases, 297 patients seeking endodontic treatment visited the hospital over a total of 26 working days, and during the unlock phases, 16,195 patients visited the hospital over 189 working days. The average age of the patients that visited were 31-40 years of age (57.23%). The mean VNRS score was 5.85 ± 1.62. For both the lockdown and unlock periods, a significantly higher percentage of males visited dental school (p < 0.001). When compared to other stages, the number of patients attending during lockdown phase 4 (55.56%) and unlock phase 8 (32.35%) was the highest. The majority of endodontic emergency diagnoses were reversible pulpitis (36.5%) and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (33.14%), all of which had higher mean VNRS (p < 0.05). Of the 49 patients that reported with COVID-19 symptoms, 11 tested positive. During the lockdown and unlock periods, 12 of the 41 treating workers tested positive. Personal protective equipment and patient screening are critical in shielding clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of commonly used irrigants on the colour stabilities of two calcium-silicate based material.

PURPOSE: The aim of present study was to evaluate the color stability of calcium-silicate based cements (CSC) Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and BiodentineTM when exposed to endodontic irrigating solutions 5% Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 (n=30) cylindrical samples (10 mm diameter, 2 mm height) were prepared by manipulating white MTA Angelus (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) and BiodentineTM (Septodent, Saint Maur, France) according to manufacturer's instructions. These samples were immersed in 5% sodium hypochlorite (Prime Dental Products Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (Dentochlor, Saronno VA, Italia), or distilled water for 24 hours. Color changes were measured using UV spectrophotometer (UV-1650, Shimadzu, Europe) and the values were tabulated. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between group I and II with respect to both parameters A & B (p<0.05). Both the calcium-silicate-based materials exhibited significant discoloration when immersed in NaOCl and CHX. Distilled water did not cause clinically perceptible discoloration of any material. CONCLUSION: A significant discoloration was observed with a specific combination of calciumsilicate- based cement and irrigant. BiodentineTM exhibited significant discoloration with CHX whereas, MTA showed more discoloration with NaOCl.

Profile of Dental Caries in Teenagers in Mumbai City Visiting Nair Hospital Dental College.

BACKGROUND: Witnessing the alarming rise and pattern of distribution of dental caries worldwide, the need of the hour is to take initiative in preventing the spread further. AIM: This survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of dental caries and its associated risk factors in teenagers of Mumbai city who visited Nair Hospital Dental College. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The objective of the study was to analyze the current dietary habits, oral hygiene status, and the number of sugar exposures in teenagers by a questionnaire followed by clinical examination which was carried out using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II to detect the profile of dental caries. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained from the questionnaire and examination were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The survey showed that, out of the 300 teenagers examined, 67% visited the dentist only when they were symptomatic. Around 60% consumed sweets 2-3 times/day. A major percentage, 89%, consumed sweets irrespective of meal time and 52% consumed aerated drinks often. Only 16% used appropriate brushing techniques and 93% were not aware if their toothpaste was fluoridated. ICDAS II revealed that a total number of teeth requiring preventive treatment ranged from 8.3% to 14% and total number of teeth requiring definitive treatment ranged from 36% to 48%. It was found that tooth most commonly treated was 36 followed by tooth number 46 showing that the incidence of caries is higher in lower arch. CONCLUSION: Most of the teenagers had a high rate of sweet consumption in between meals and poor knowledge of brushing techniques, fluoridated toothpaste, interdental aids, and mouthrinses. ICDAS showed a high incidence of caries in teenagers, especially in the lower arch. ICDAS II showed good accuracy in differentiating between noncavitated and cavitated lesions which helps to provide an accurate treatment plan for teenagers so that it prevents the progression of the lesion.