A comparative evaluation of fractural strength and marginal discrepancy of direct composite veneers using four different tooth preparation techniques: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The direct composite veneers follow the concept of no preparation or minimal preparation that has developed an appropriate enamel bonding procedure. The composite veneers can be easily repaired and thus they are economically favorable. The long-term clinical performance of direct composite veneers depends on a number of factors, with fracture resistance and marginal adaptation being one of the significance. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fractural strength and marginal discrepancy of direct composite veneers using four different tooth preparation techniques (window preparation, feather preparation, bevel preparation, and incisal overlap preparation). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The present study is an in vitro study with the sample size of 75 participants. A total of 75 human extracted maxillary central incisors were collected and then divided into four experimental groups and one control group (n = 15 each). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 human extracted maxillary central incisors were collected and then divided into four experimental groups and one control group (n = 15 each). Four tooth preparation techniques were performed followed by direct composite veneering. All the study samples were then splitted into two equal halves. One half of all the samples was subjected to a cell load from 0 N to 100 KN at a crosshead speed of 1 mm at 90° angulation using universal testing machine to evaluate the fractural strength. The other halves were sectioned longitudinally, and the samples were then subjected under the travelling microscope at ×200 magnification to measure the marginal discrepancy at cervical, middle, and incisal locations. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS Version 20.0. RESULTS: The fractural strength showed the maximum strength in Group V: Control group (273.33 ± 81.01), Group III: Bevel preparation (193.80 ± 66.59), Group IV: Incisal overlap preparation (188.93 ± 76.14), Group II: Feather preparation (160.33 ± 53.59), and least in Group I: Window preparation (147.74 ± 48.95). The marginal discrepancy showed maximum discrepancy in Group IV: Incisal overlap preparation (49.11 ± 6.33), Group II: Feather preparation (48.44 ± 6.01), Group III: Bevel preparation (46.67 ± 7.07), and least in Group I: Window preparation (45.33 ± 6.31). CONCLUSION: The fractural strength was maximum in Group V, followed by Group III, Group IV, Group II, and the least mean value score was found for the Group I, and the marginal discrepancy was maximum in Group IV, followed by Group II, Group III, and the least mean value score was found for the Group I.

Applicability of Tanaka-Johnston, Moyers, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir Mixed Dentition Analyses in School-going Children of Sri Ganganagar City, Rajasthan (India): A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning are the fundamental goals during the mixed dentition period. Numerous methods have been proposed till date such as Nance method, Moyer's method, Staley-Kerber and Tanaka-Johnston's method, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir method. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the mesiodistal widths of the lower permanent canines and premolars from Tanaka-Johnston, Moyers, and Bernabé E and Flores-Mir C mixed dentition analysis and to determine the correlation coefficients and the new prediction equation for Sri Ganganagar population. SETTING AND DESIGN: A total of 3572 children were clinically examined from the contemporary population of Sri Ganganagar city and Outpatient Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. A total of 150 individuals were randomly selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were designated as "study samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 children aged 11-16 years of Sri Ganganagar city were randomly selected. The mesiodistal width of permanent incisors, canines, premolars, and molars was measured with the help of digital vernier caliper with an accuracy of ±0.01 mm. The measurements of canines and premolars were summed up and compared with those derived from Tanaka and Johnston equations, Moyers probability tables, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir equations. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics Windows version "20.0" using Student's t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: All the three methods overestimated the actual sum of permanent canine and premolars in both the arches in our population. The correlation coefficients and the new regression equations were derived for both maxilla and mandible in males and females for Sri Ganganagar population. CONCLUSION: The predicted values obtained from all the three methods overestimated the actual values.

Antimicrobial efficacy of 980 nm diode laser on Enterococcus feacalis in conjunction with various irrigation regimes in infected root canals: An in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficiency of different irrigating solutions against Enterococcus faecalis with or without the use of 980 nm diode laser in infected root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth were divided into three experimental groups (n = 30) and one control group (n = 10). Experimental group was subdivided into two subgroups A and B (n = 15), whereas control group was subdivided into positive and negative controls (n = 5). After access cavity preparation, the root canals were prepared using ProTaper rotary instruments. A volume of 5 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1.2 ml of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, and 2 ml of neem solution was used for irrigation in Group I, II, and III, respectively. E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) was inoculated into each canal of experimental groups and incubated for 2 weeks under aerobic conditions at 37°C. In all the subgroups B, laser irradiation was performed, whereas, in subgroup A, no laser irradiation was done. In negative control, E. faecalis was not inoculated in samples, but in positive control, E. faecalis inoculation and incubation procedure was followed. With circumferential filing using #40 reamer, dentinal chips were collected using sterile paper points, vortexed in sterile saline, was then applied to UTI Hicrome agar culture plates and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The cfu/ml for each plate was calculated using a bacterial colony counter. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: The study showed that the least number of bacterial cfu/ml was observed in Group IB. The order of bacterial colony count (cfu/ml) was observed as Group IB

Comparison of Push-Out Bond Strength of Furcation Perforation Repair Materials - Glass Ionomer Cement Type II, Hydroxyapatite, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, and Biodentine: An in vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: A furcation perforation is mid-curvature opening into periodontal ligament space which is a worst possible outcome in root canal treatment. Perforations should immediately be repaired with a biocompatible material to seal the communication between perforation site and gingival sulcus. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength of glass ionomer cement, hydroxyapatite, mineral trioxide aggregate, and biodentine (BD) when used in repairing furcal perforations with and without blood contamination in permanent molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 human extracted molars were collected and divided on the basis of perforation repair materials and blood contamination status (n = 15). All the materials were subjected to universal testing machine to a load cell from 0 N to 100 KN at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.0. Results and. CONCLUSION: The push-out bond strength was maximum in BD contaminated with blood and least for the hydroxyapatite contaminated with blood. A significant difference was found between all the perforation repair materials.

A Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability of New MTA Based Sealers with Conventional Resin Based Sealer: An In-vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Root canal obturation is the most important step in the root canal treatment that aims to obtain a complete hermetic seal and to prevent the re-growth of microorganisms in the root canal system. To accomplish this, many endodontic obturation materials and sealers are being used. AIM: To evaluate and compare the apical microleakage of a resin based sealer; Adseal with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) based sealers; Pro root MTA and MTA Fillapex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 75 extracted human single rooted teeth were taken and decoronated at cemento-enamel junction. The access cavities and biomechanical preparation were performed using endodontic rotary system. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups with n=15; Group I - Gutta-percha and Adseal sealer; Group II - Gutta-percha and MTA Fillapex; Group III- Gutta-percha and Pro root MTA; Group IV- Gutta-percha without sealer (positive control group); Group V- Root canal remained empty (negative control). All the specimens were stored at 37(0)C with 100% humidity for one week. All root surfaces except the apical 2mm were covered with two layers of nail varnish and then immersed in an aqueous solution of 2% methylene blue dye for 72 hours. Roots were longitudinally split using a diamond disk. Linear apical dye penetration was measured under Stereomicroscope at 40X magnification. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using paried t-test, ANOVA for interclass comparison, with SPSS statistical software (version 20.0). RESULTS: The intraobserver reliability was found to be insignificant in each of the triplicate study of all the three study samples. MTA Fillapex group showed maxmium apical microleakage followed by Pro root MTA and Adseal sealer. CONCLUSION: The results concluded that Adseal sealer showed minimal dye penetration followed by Pro root MTA and MTA Fillapex. Thus, concluding that Adseal sealer is better in apical sealing than Pro root MTA and MTA Fillapex.

A comparative evaluation of microleakage and compressive strength of Ketac Molar, Giomer, Zirconomer, and Ceram-x: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Microleakage around dental restorative material and strength to withstand the masticatory forces is major problem in dentistry. Instead, many new materials available, very few actually bond to tooth surface and bear masticatory load. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the microleakage and compressive strength of Ketac Molar, Giomer, Zirconomer, and Ceram-x. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the evaluation of microleakage, Class V cavities were prepared on sixty human premolar teeth and divided into four study groups (n = 15): Group I (Ketac Molar), Group II (Giomer), Group III (Zirconomer), and Group IV (Ceram-x). The samples were thermocycled and subjected to dye penetration test. The sections were made and evaluated under stereomicroscope at × 40 magnification. For the compressive strength evaluation, sixty cylindrical specimens were fabricated measuring 5 mm × 6 mm and grouped into four study groups (n = 15): Group I (Ketac Molar), Group II (Giomer), Group III (Zirconomer), and Group IV (Ceram-x). All were then subjected to the Universal Testing Machine at crosshead speed of 1 mm/s. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed using paired t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: The microleakage was found insignificant (P > 0.05) for all study groups, with Giomer showing maximum followed by Zirconomer, Ceram-x, and Ketac Molar. The compressive strength was found to be highly significant (P < 0.01) with the maximum score for Giomer followed by Ceram-x, Zirconomer, and Ketac Molar. CONCLUSION: The sealing ability was maximum in Ketac Molar, Zirconomer, Ceram-x, and Giomer whereas the compressive strength was maximum for Giomer followed by Ceram-x, Zirconomer, and Ketac Molar.

Morphological Variations and Biometrics of Ear: An Aid to Personal Identification.

INTRODUCTION: The morphological characteristics and dimensions of external ear vary in different human ethnic races which can be utilized in forensics for personal identification of living or deceased. AIM: To determine uniqueness of morphological and biometric variations of both ears for individualization among North East (NE) and North West (NW) subpopulation of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on randomly selected 80 students, 40 from each subgroup. Nine ear parameters were recorded twice using digital Vernier's caliper by single investigator and two indices (Ear Index and Lobule Index) were calculated for both the ears. Morphological ear shapes and lobule attachment were also noted. Pearson's coefficient correlation test was performed on cross-tabulations to evaluate significant relationship between different variables. RESULTS: Of the total 35% free and 65% attached ear lobes were noted in both population groups. Oval ear shape was most commonly noted followed by triangular, rectangular and round in both populations. On comparing anthropometric measurements of ears in two populations it was found that except the tragus length and lobule index all other values were noted more in NW population. No statistical difference was found in ear and lobular indices of males and females although the left ear index and lobule index were found to be higher than right in both populations except in NW females where right lobule index was recorded more than left. CONCLUSION: The results obtained can be used in anthropological and forensic sciences for the inclusion and exclusion of persons for identification on the basis of ear variations.

Attitude of Indian dental professionals toward scientific publications: A questionnaire based study.

BACKGROUND: Due to competitiveness and academic benefits, most dental professionals feel an urgent need to increase their publications. Hence, we explored the attitude of students and faculty members toward scientific publications through a questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 13 questions was sent by e-mails and posting the printed copies to dental postgraduate (PG) students (second and third year) and faculty members (n = 500 each). The returned completed questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: About 37% of dental PG faculty and 35.6% PG students responded to the questionnaire, with overall response of 72.6%. Among the PG faculty, professors (P) had more scientific publications, followed by senior lecturers (SL) and readers (R). The publications as first or corresponding author were less among both faculty and PG students while co-authorship was more among PG students compared to faculty members. Awareness about the term "plagiarism" was overall high and relatively highest among R, followed by SL, P and PG students. The percentage of publications in fee charging journals was more among PG students than faculty members and self-funding for publication was observed in 86.4% of PG students and 94-100% among faculty members. CONCLUSION: About 72.6% of dental professionals were involved in publishing of their research work and the number of publications increased steadily with an increase in their academic experience. All the dental professionals concurred publications as the criteria for academic excellence.

Retrieval of Iatrogenically Pushed Pulp Stone From Middle Third of Root Canal in Permanent Maxillary Central Incisor: A Case Report.

The pulp stones are the discrete nodular calcified masses commonly existing in coronal and occasionally in radicular pulp, placed freely, attached or embedded into the dentine. The present case report revealed the iatrogenic pushing of pulp stone and blockage of root canal that caused endodontic failure. The case enlightens the proper use of ultrasonic instruments with irrigating solutions to manage the calcifications in root canal for successful endodontic therapy.

Comparative evaluation of three mixed dentition analyses and formulation of regression equations for north Indian population: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of methods proposed by Tanaka and Johnston, Moyers, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir to forecast the mesiodistal dimensions of permanent canine and premolars in a North Indian population. METHODS: Mesiodistal tooth dimensions were measured from study models representing 68 male and 68 female subjects (aged 12-16 years) of North Indian descent. The mesiodistal dimensions of the teeth were measured using a digital Vernier caliper (providing measurements to 0.01 mm accuracy). The measurements of canine and premolars were summed up and compared with those derived from Tanaka and Johnston equations, Moyers probability tables (75 th percentile), and Bernabé and Flores-Mir equations. RESULTS: All the three methods exhibited overestimation of actual sum of permanent canine and premolars in both the arches and genders in this population. Because of the discrepancy observed, new regression analyses in the form of Y = A + B (X) were formulated similar to those proposed by Tanaka and Johnston originally, but separately for males and females. In males, the correlation coefficient between the sum of mesiodistal widths of mandibular incisors and the sum of widths of canine and premolars was 0.637 and 0.685 for maxilla and mandible, respectively. This value was 0.55 for maxilla and 0.64 for mandible in females. These values were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: All the methods evaluated in the study were found to be inaccurate and they overestimate the mesiodistal widths of permanent canine and premolars in North Indian population. Revised linear regression equations were derived using the data obtained from this population.

Combined use of frontal sinus and nasal septum patterns as an aid in forensics: a digital radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Skull radiographic examination is a potentially useful procedure for the personal identification in cases where fragments of skull persist with no likelihood of identification based on dental arch. AIMS: The study was to determine the uniqueness and reliability of combined frontal sinus (FS) and nasal septum (NS) patterns as observed on posterioanterior (PA) cephalograms for personal identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The randomly selected 149 digital PA cephalograms taken on Kodak 8000C Digital Panoramic and Cephalometric system were evaluated for patterns of FS and NS. Also the distribution of lobulations, area, and ratio of height/width of FS was calculated. The data obtained was statistical analyzed using Pearson's coefficient correlation. RESULTS: FS symmetry was observed in 78.5% and asymmetry in 7.3% subjects. Bilateral aplasia was noticed in 5.3% and unilateral aplasia in 8.7% of subjects. The total lobulation of FS was noted more in males on both sides while center lobes were observed slightly more in females. The straight NS was maximally seen followed by reverse sigmoid. The mean ratio of width/height of FS was observed more in males and highly significant correlation was observed with both sexes. The mean area of FS was noted more in males. There was significant correlation found between patterns of NS and FS except in right dominated asymmetrical FS. CONCLUSION: The combined use of FS and NS patterns could be used as method for identification by exclusion in forensics.

Clinical Course and Treatment of a Triplication Defect: A Case Report.

Fusion is an anomaly manifested in both deciduous and permanent dentitions. Fusion of dental tissues in the primary dentition is of clinical significance owing to the challenges in treatment of the affected teeth and aberrations encountered in development and eruption of their successors. Triple tooth refers to the union of three separate tooth entities. It can occur by fusion, germination, concrescence or a combination of both fusion and germination. Triplication is rarely encountered in the deciduous dentition. The case presented herein describes triplication of deciduous incisors and a supernumerary tooth. The diagnosis was confirmed with the help of radiographs, computed tomography (CT) imaging and histological examination. Retention of the triple tooth had led to crossbite. Extraction was performed for the triple tooth and crossbite was corrected using a composite inclined plane.

Orthodontic extrusion of subgingivally fractured tooth using a removable appliance: an alternative treatment to reestablish biological width.

Restoration of a traumatically injured tooth presents a clinical challenge for a predictable aesthetic outcome. This case report describes a multidisciplinary approach of a subgingivally fractured permanent maxillary central incisor. A removable orthodontic appliance was used for orthodontic extrusion of root, and surgical gingival recontouring was done with electrocautery to reestablish the biological width. Form and function were restored establishing biological width and esthetics was repaired with porcelain fused to metal crown.

Correlation of morphological variants of the soft palate and Need's ratio in normal individuals: A digital cephalometric study.

PURPOSE: The present study was aimed to investigate the variation of soft palate morphology in different age and gender groups. The correlations of radiographic velar length (VL), velar width (VW), pharyngeal depth (PD), and Need's ratio with soft palate variants were also studied in the North Indian subpopulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 300 subjects aged between 15 and 45 (mean: 31.32) years. The velar morphology on lateral cephalograms was examined and grouped into six types. The results obtained were subjected to a statistical analysis to find the correlation between variants of the soft palate with gender and different age groups. RESULTS: The most frequent type of soft palate was leaf shaped (48.7%), and the least common was crook shaped (3.0%) among both the genders and various age groups, showing a significant correlation. The mean VL, VW, and PD values were significantly higher in males and significantly correlated with the types of soft palate. A significant correlation was observed between the mean VL, VW, PD, and Need's ratio with various age groups, showing an inconsistent pattern with an increase in age. The types of soft palate, gender, and Need's ratio were also significantly correlated, with an overall higher mean value of the Need's ratio among female subjects and the S-shaped soft palate. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of a varied spectrum of velar morphology and the variants of the soft palate help in a better understanding of the velopharyngeal closure and craniofacial anomalies.

Craniofacial brown tumor as a result of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal disease patient: A rare entity.

Brown tumors are erosive bony lesions caused by rapid osteoclastic activity and peritrabecular fibrosis due to primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism resulting in a local destructive phenomenon. The differential diagnosis based on histological examination is only presumptive. Clinical, radiological and laboratory data are necessary for definitive diagnosis. Here, we report a very rare case of brown tumor involving maxilla and mandible, which is the result of secondary hyperparathyroidism in 30-year-old female patient with chronic renal disease.

Facial talon cusp on mandibular incisor: a rare case report with review of literature.

Talon cusp is a relatively rare developmental dental anomaly thought to arise as a result of evagination on the surface of a tooth crown before calcification has occurred. It is characterized by cusp-like projections from the cingulum area, or cemento-enamel junction of maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth, in both the primary and permanent dentition, usually observed on the lingual surface of the affected tooth. The cusp may or may not contain an extension of the pulp. The etiology remains unknown. The incidence is 0.04-8%. Any tooth may have a talon cusp but most of the cases involve maxillary lateral incisors. The anomaly has been reported to be rare especially when it occurs on mandibular teeth. This article reports a case of talon cusp on permanent mandibular central incisor that too on facial aspect which makes it a rare entity.

Pleomorphic adenoma of cheek: a rare case report and review of literature.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common tumor of the salivary glands. About 90% of these tumors occur in the parotid gland and 10% in the minor salivary glands. The most common sites of PA of the minor salivary glands are the palate, followed by lips and cheeks. Throat, floor of the mouth, tongue, tonsil, pharynx, retromolar area and nasal cavity are rarely involved. Here, we report a case of PA of the cheek in a 42-year-old female. The mass was excised and the patient was followed for 3 years post operatively with no recurrence.

A comparative study of fluoride ingestion levels, serum thyroid hormone & TSH level derangements, dental fluorosis status among school children from endemic and non-endemic fluorosis areas.

The study was undertaken to determine serum/urinary fluoride status and comparison of free T4, free T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone levels of 8 to 15 years old children with and without dental fluorosis living in an endemic and non-endemic fluorosis area. A sample group of 60 male and female school children, with or without dental fluorosis, consuming fluoride-contaminated water in endemic fluoride area of Udaipur district, Rajasthan were selected through a school dental fluorosis survey. The sample of 10 children of same age and socio-economic status residing in non endemic areas who did not have dental fluorosis form controls. Fluoride determination in drinking water, urine and blood was done with Ion 85 Ion Analyzer Radiometer with Hall et al. method. The thyroid gland functional test was done by Immonu Chemiluminiscence Micropartical Assay with Bayer Centaur Autoanalyzer. The significantly altered FT3, FT4 and TSH hormones level in both group1A and 1B school children were noted. The serum and urine fluoride levels were found to be increased in both the groups. A significant relationship of water fluoride to urine and serum fluoride concentration was seen. The serum fluoride concentration also had significant relationship with thyroid hormone (FT3/FT4) and TSH concentrations. The testing of drinking water and body fluids for fluoride content, along with FT3, FT4, and TSH in children with dental fluorosis is desirable for recognizing underlying thyroid derangements and its impact on fluorosis.

Correlation of Lip Prints with Gender, ABO Blood Groups and Intercommissural Distance.

BACKGROUND: In forensics, the mouth allows for a myriad of possibilities. Lip print on glass or cigarette butt found at crime scenes may link to a suspect. Hence, a dentist has to actively play his role in personal identification and criminal investigation. AIMS: To investigate the uniqueness of the lip print patterns in relation to gender, ABO blood groups and intercommissural distance (ICD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 208 randomly selected students. The lip print of each subject was obtained and pattern was analyzed according to Tsuchihashi classification. The blood group and ICD at rest position was recorded for each. RESULTS: The study showed that Type II (branched) lip pattern to be most prominent. The B+ blood group was the most common in both genders and the ICD is higher in males. The lip print pattern does not show any correlation between ABO blood groups, gender, and ICD. CONCLUSIONS: The lip print pattern shows no correlation with gender, ABO blood groups, or ICD. Further studies with larger samples are required to obtain statistical significance of this correlation.