Comparative evaluation of natural enamel wear against polished yitrium tetragonal zirconia and polished lithium disilicate - An in vivo study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare wear of the natural teeth against polished yttrium tetragonal zirconia and polished lithium disilicate crowns. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: Experimental type of study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polished yttrium tetragonal zirconia and polished lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated and given to 15 patients each (n=15). Crowns were fabricated opposing natural tooth. Patients were recalled after 1year and impression were recorded with opposing arch and baseline and final cast were scanned and superimposed using 3 D scanner. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data collected by experiments were computerized and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The normality of the data was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Shapiro-Wilk tests. The data were normally distributed. Statistical analysis was done by using tools of descriptive statistics such as Mean, and Standard Deviation for representing quantitative data (enamel wear measured in µm) Parametric tests: Student t-test for intergroup comparison was done. RESULTS: No statistical difference were found between wear of opposing enamel for polished yttrium tetragonal and polished lithium disiliacte crowns [p=0.446]. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that polished lithium disilicate showed better clinical outcome than polished yttrium tetragonal zirconia, though the evaluated data was statistically non significant.

Comparative evaluation of marginal fit and axial wall adaptability of copings fabricated by metal laser sintering and lost-wax technique: An in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to compare and evaluate the marginal fit and axial wall adaptability of Co-Cr copings fabricated by metal laser sintering (MLS) and lost-wax (LW) techniques using a stereomicroscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stainless steel master die assembly was fabricated simulating a prepared crown; 40 replicas of master die were fabricated in gypsum type IV and randomly divided in two equal groups. Group A coping was fabrication by LW technique and the Group B coping fabrication by MLS technique. The copings were seated on their respective gypsum dies and marginal fit was measured using stereomicroscope and image analysis software. For evaluation of axial wall adaptability, the coping and die assembly were embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin and sectioned vertically. The discrepancies between the dies and copings were measured along the axial wall on each halves. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The mean values of marginal fit for copings in Group B (MLS) were lower (24.6 µm) than the copings in Group A (LW) (39.53 µm), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean axial wall discrepancy value was lower for Group B (31.03 µm) as compared with Group A (54.49 µm) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The copings fabricated by MLS technique had better marginal fit and axial wall adaptability in comparison with copings fabricated by the LW technique. However, the values of marginal fit of copings fabricated that the two techniques were within the clinically acceptable limit (<50 µm).

Effect of marginal sealant on shear bond strength of glass ionomer cement: used as a luting agent.

BACKGROUND: Moisture sensitivity and dissolution has been a known drawback of glass ionomer cement (GIC). When used as a luting agent for cementation of casted indirect restoration, the exposed cement at the margins is often a primary factor for marginal leakage and consequent failure of the restoration. The following in vitro study was planned to evaluate the effect of a marginal sealant on GIC used as luting agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty healthy extracted premolars were selected and prepared to receive metal-ceramic prosthesis. The prepared restorations were cemented using GIC and were divided randomly into two groups. The specimens in Group A were directly immersed in artificial saliva solution without any protection at the margins, while the exposed cement for Group B specimens was protected using a marginal sealant before immersing it in the artificial saliva solution. The specimens were tested after 24 h using a crown pull test on the universal testing machine to measure the shear bond strength of the cement. RESULT: The specimens in Group B showed statistically significant difference from the specimens in Group A with the mean shear bond strength of 6.60 Mpa and 5.32 respectively. CONCLUSION: Protection of GIC exposed at the margins of indirect cast restorations with a marginal sealant can significantly increase the longevity of the prosthesis by reducing the marginal leakage and perlocation of fluids. How to cite the article: Nazirkar G, Singh S, Badgujar M, Gaikwad B, Bhanushali S, Nalawade S. Effect of marginal sealant on shear bond strength of glass ionomer cement: Used as a luting agent. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(3):65-9.

Effortless effort in bone regeneration: a review.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the concept of osteoconduction in bony changes in the oral cavity showed a wide range of biomaterials and their osteoinductive potential that emerged gradually and has to a large extent improved the quality of the bone prior to the placement of an implant. Alveolar bone loss is a major concern after tooth extraction in patients and therefore atraumatic extraction procedures should be followed to avoid further bone loss. To overcome the alveolar bone loss and to augment support for placing dental implants, many bone regenerative substitutes are available such as allografts, autografts, xenografts, synthetic biomaterials and osteoactive agents. In light of the steady progress in bone grafting techniques and graft materials, it has become possible to improve the volume, width, and height of bone in deficient areas of the oral cavity. These advances in regenerative dentistry thus facilitate an easy and convenient placement of an implant in an ideal position and angulations resulting in superior esthetics and function. Bone grafting materials and their substitutes are the alternative filler materials, which facilitate to reduce additional surgical procedures, risks, chances of cross infection involved in placing autografts and allografts into the bony structures. This review literature highlights various biomaterials that are helpful in bone healing and thus create an anatomically favorable base for ideal implant placement. How to cite the article: Nazirkar G, Singh S, Dole V, Nikam A. Effortless effort in bone regeneration: A review. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(3):120-4.

Effect of Anatase Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Flexural Strength of Heat Cured Poly Methyl Methacrylate Resins: An In-Vitro Study.

Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin is the most widely used material for fabrication of dentures since 1937 as it exhibits adequate physical, mechanical and esthetic properties. But one of the major problems faced using this material is that, it is highly prone to plaque accumulation due to surface porosities and its food retentive properties. This in turn increases the bacterial activity causing denture stomatitis. In efforts to impart antimicrobial property to these resins, various nanoparticles (NP) have been incorporated viz. Silver, Zirconia oxide, Titanium dioxide (TiO2), Silica dioxide (SiO2) etc. However, as additives they can affect the mechanical properties of the final product. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effect of different concentration of TiO2 NP on the flexural strength of PMMA resins. Specimens made from heat polymerizing resin (DPI) without NP were used as a control group (Group A). The two experimental groups, (Group B and Group C) had 0.5 and 1 % concentration of TiO2 NP respectively. The specimens were stored in 37 °C distilled water for 50 ± 2 h. A three-point bending test for flexural strength measurement was conducted following ADA specification no. 12. The maximum mean flexural strength (90.65 MPa) belonged to the control group; and acrylic resin with 1 % TiO2 NP demonstrated the minimum mean flexural strength (76.38 MPa). But, the values of all the three groups exceeded the ADA Specification level of 65 MPa. Conclusion may be drawn from the present study that addition of TiO2 NP into acrylic resin can adversely affect the flexural strength of the final product and is directly proportional to the concentration of NP.

Assessment of Oral Health Related Quality of Life Among Completely Edentulous Patients in Western India by Using GOHAI.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life in elderly is a very sensitive issue. It is important to know if the dental problems, general health and dental treatment have an impact on the quality of life in elderly. The elderly population has a typical set of mind regarding their oral health. This study examines the trends in patients' behavioral patterns due to tooth loss, suggestive of some change in quality of life. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to identify and acknowledge the problems of completely edentulous patients and their relationship to the Quality of Life (QOL). Also, the study was aimed at exploring the changes in global self-rated general health between the pre and post-treatment scores. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial study which is done to evaluate the problems in the elderly and quality of life as long as their oral health is concerned. It is conducted on a group of people representing the elderly population with complete edentulism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty three patients with mean age 69.41 who needed dentures were investigated before and after 6 months of their treatment by administration of GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index) scale. Comparison between Pre & Post-treatment values of various scores were done with McNemar-Bowker Test. Quantitative data was represented using Mean ± SD and Median, IQR (Interquartile range). Analysis of Pre & Post-treatment quantitative data was done using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. RESULTS: The results of the present study showed GOHAI scores increased from 28.90 + 7.28 to 42.19 + 7.60 (p=highly significant). There was a significant change in the quality of life in elderly after their prosthodontic rehabilitation, though the self rated general health did not show any significant improvement. CONCLUSION: It is the responsibility of the entire dental fraternity to understand the needs of elderly associated to their oral health. It is important to evaluate and assess the psychological effects of tooth loss on their quality of life. A thorough investigation is necessary before and after the dental/prosthodontic care.

Assessment of Facial Golden Proportions among North Maharashtri-an Population.

BACKGROUND: Divine Proportion in Orthodontics and Prosthodontics has always been intriguing. This was applied to the North Maharashtrian population to evaluate the relationship between facial esthetics and the golden proportions. MATERIALS & METHODS: Facial proportions were assessed by examining photographs of sum total of 300 subjects of North Maharashtrian population. Young adults with a skeletal and dental Class 1 occlusion, competent lips, and balanced facial proportion were selected. Photographic prints were taken and manually parameters were plotted and analysis was done. RESULTS: The measurements of anterior facial height showed proportionality with the total facial height. The values showed shorter lower anterior facial height and deviation of facial width parameters from the divine proportion indicating small mouth, nose, and narrow-set eyes with respect to the inter-temporal width. CONCLUSION: There is soft-tissue facial balance of North Maharashtrian population in comparison with the golden proportion. However, certain parameters show some deviation from the divine proportion.. How to cite this article: Sunilkumar L N, Jadhav K S, Nazirkar G, Singh S, Nagmode P S, Ali F M. Assessment of Facial Golden Proportions among North Maharashtrian Population. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(3):48-54.

Student apathy for classroom learning and need of repositioning in present andragogy in Indian dental schools.

BACKGROUND: In the world of technology, when today's student is approaching the on-line /distance learning in the open universities and doing on-line self-assessment, the classroom learning is vanishing slowly. Globally, teachers are taking efforts to improve the pedagogy by implementing effective methods to retain the classroom teaching and student attendance. The present study aims at shedding some light on the need of changing the adult education strategies (andragogy), which can effectively improve the student attendance for lectures. METHODS: It is an observational study, and the conceptual framework of it is based on beliefs, opinions and personal experiences of the respondents. Triangulation method is used for collecting the data. The data is achieved from three groups of concerned population who could provide valid results to support the study. It is collected by interviewing 10 senior faculty members who are/were the 'education experts' in the universities, while the main concerned groups of present educational stream, i.e. 'institution-teachers' and the 'students', were given questionnaires. 570 teacher respondents and 200 student respondents are the main participants of this study. RESULTS: As per data, it has been observed that senior faculty (90%) and students (93.25%) feel need of student motivation more than the institutional teachers (52.44%). P-values were obtained using Chi-Square test for testing the significance of difference between agreement and disagreement for a specific question. CONCLUSIONS: In India, Universities have already sensed the need of 'teacher development programmes'. But teachers in dental colleges, demand more efforts to be taken by universities and managements in this regard and expect better educational policies to give them accessibility to prove themselves.

Is advertising ethical for dentists? An insight into the Indian scenario.

BACKGROUND: The question of whether Indian dentists should advertise their services is an important issue with significant ethical and professional implications. Individual dentists may feel the need to advertise in order to establish or grow a dental practice, but what effect does this have on the standing of the profession as a whole? As health care professionals are bound by a code of ethics, should dentists be allowed to advertise? PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes of Indian dentists to the issue of advertising. It also aims to explore whether advertising could have positive benefits (to increase the community's awareness of dental health care, encourage better quality dental services, decrease unemployment in the industry, and help consumers choose a dentist), or, on the contrary, whether advertising could have a negative impact by undermining the reputation of the industry, in particular the definition of dentistry as a medical profession. METHODS: Of 1500 eligible participants, 423 dentists (28.2%) participated in the study. The questionnaire, comprising 14 questions, was provided to the respondents. The data was collected and analyzed by applying the "Chi-squared test" of association and the "Z test" of difference between two proportions at 5% and 1% levels of significance (ie, P = 0.05 and P = 0.01). RESULTS: A majority of 56.02% of the respondents were in favor of dentists advertising their services. The majority of dentists in favor of advertising were in the youngest age group (22-30 years, 75.86%). The older age groups were more likely to agree and comply with the government ban on advertising by dentists. CONCLUSION: While Indian culture and law does not regard advertising as ethical, in recent years there has been a change in the attitudes of dental professionals to the issue of advertising.