Evaluation of Fibrin Clot Interaction with Dental Implant after Different Surface Treatments: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The current study was carried out to assess the interaction between fibrin clots and dental implants following various surface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this investigation, 45 dental implants with dimensions of 16 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter were utilized. They were divided up into three groups, each consisting of fifteen samples. Group I: Control; Group II: Ultraviolet (UV) light treated; and group III: Sandblasted and acid-etching (SLA) treated. Healthy volunteers' venous blood samples were drawn into vacutainer tubes without the use of anticoagulants. The samples were centrifuged for 3 minutes at 2700 rpm in a table centrifuge. The entire implant was submerged in room-temperature liquid fibrinogen for 60 minutes. Then, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to examine each sample. The inter- and intragroup assessments were obtained using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test; p-values less than 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: The maximum adhesion of fibrin clot was found in SLA treated group (2.42 ± 0.10) followed by the UV light-treated group (2.18 ± 0.08) and control group (1.20 ± 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference found between the three surface-treated groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: All surface-treatment methods exhibit adhesion between the implant surface and the fibrin clot. However, the highest adherence of fibrin clot was found in SLA treated group compared to the UV light-treated and control group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The physical and chemical characteristics of an implant's surface have a significant impact on the way blood clots organize. At the interface between the implant and the bone, blood clot production can initiate and facilitate the healing process. How to cite this article: Jalaluddin M, Ramanna PK, Swain M, et al. Evaluation of Fibrin Clot Interaction with Dental Implant after Different Surface Treatments: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(3):276-279.

Estimation of Gingival Crevicular Blood as Noninvasive Method to Determine the Blood Glucose Level: A Comparative Study.

AIM: The current study's aim was to assess gingival crevicular blood as a noninvasive method to measure blood glucose levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study comprised a total of 50 patients who had been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis and age was ≥30 years old. The study's procedures were carried out after receiving informed consent. For finger capillary blood collection method, a sterile lancet was used to prick the finger and a drop of blood was taken, for gingival crevicular blood collection method, blood was taken from the gingival margin of the chosen site, and for venous blood collection method with the aid of a disposable syringe, a venous blood sample was taken from the patient's antecubital fossa for determining blood glucose levels. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the differences between the three methodologies' significance, and Karl Pearson's correlation (r) was used to determine their correlation. RESULTS: The maximum glucose level was found in venous blood (187.78 ± 18.23), followed by finger capillary blood (181.88 ± 21.67) and gingival crevicular blood (169.04 ± 11.24). And there was no significant difference between the different blood collection methods (p > 0.05). The positive significant correlation was found between gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood (r = 0.912, p < 0.001). Correlation with gingival crevicular blood and venous blood showed a positive correlation (r = 0.898, p < 0.001). Correlation between venous blood and finger capillary blood also showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.988, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggest that blood drawn from the gingival crevicular during a clinical examination may be a great source for glucometric analysis. The gingival crevicular blood may show to be a promising technique for routine dental office screening for diabetes mellitus in periodontal patients, even if capillary/venous blood samples used for diabetes mellitus screening are the gold standard. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oral health is crucial for the early detection of many systemic disorders. As a result, dentists are crucial in the screening for systemic disorders. One of the prevalent chronic disorders is diabetes. Any systemic disease that is detected early enough can avoid long-term problems.

Prevalence of Ectopic Canine in Different Sagittal and Vertical Skeletal Patterns.

AIM: The present investigation aims to find out the prevalence of ectopic canines among skeletal class I, II, and III malocclusions and to evaluate its variability among different genders and their growth patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample included orthopantomograms (OPGs), lateral skull views, and study models of 999 patients collected from departmental archives. Among the selected samples, 258 were males and 738 were females. They were divided into skeletal class I, II, and III malocclusions sagittally and hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups according to their angle formed between point A-Nasion - point B (ANB) and angle formed between the Sella-Nasion (SN) plane and Gonion (Go) - Gnathion (Gn) plane (SnGoGn) values respectively. RESULTS: Of the 999 samples, 738 (73.9%) were female and 260 (25.8%) were male patients. When compared to men, females had a higher proportion of ectopic canines. An estimated 62.3% of skeletal class I, 29.1% of skeletal class II, and 8.6% of skeletal class III cases were found to have ectopic canines. An estimated 720 (72.1%) patients were found to have maxillary ectopic canines and out of the available sample, 474 patients have horizontal growth patterns, 335 have average growth patterns and 190 patients have vertical growth patterns. Labial impaction was the commonest (65.4%) followed by palatal (24.8%). Bilateral impaction was comparatively more (51.1%) than unilateral impaction (48.2%). Maxilla was more prevalent (72.1%) as compared to the mandible (16.3%) and for both the arches it was (11.6%). Ectopic canines were identified in a total of 62.3% of cases with skeletal class I, 29.1% of cases with skeletal class II, and 8.6% of cases with skeletal class III. CONCLUSION: The bilateral ectopic canine was mostly seen in skeletal class I and class III malocclusions, whereas, a unilateral presentation was mostly seen in skeletal class II malocclusions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Knowing the likelihood of a maxillary canine erupting ectopically will aid clinicians in starting with interceptive therapy since this condition necessitates complex orthodontic mechanics.

Impact of Fluoridated Mouthwashes on Strength and Durability of Three Different Synthetic Absorbable Suturing Materials: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the current in vitro research was to assess the effect of fluoride-containing mouthwashes on the strength and durability of three different synthetic absorbable suturing materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of synthetic absorbable suture materials were employed in this research, and every group comprised 20 suture samples. These include group I: Polyglactin 910, group II: Polyglycolic acid, and group III: Poliglecaprone 25. This research utilized 4-0 gauge sutures. Each example was tied using a square surgeon's knot about elastic rubber tubing. The biology of the oral milieu was replicated in vitro through the use of artificial saliva. The medium that was subjected to test prior to inclusion were 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate as well as 0.044% sodium fluoride. The tensile strength of the specimen suture materials was subjected to test at a particular time intervals: prior to immersion, the 1st day, the 7th day, as well as the 14th day after immersion. Tensile strength was evaluated using a Universal Ultra Test machine. RESULTS: Post-immersion in 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse, the mean tensile strength of polyglactin (PLG) 910 sutures was 24.48 ± 0.08 at pre-immersion and 4.36 ± 0.01 on the 14th day. The mean tensile strength of polyglycolic acid (PGA) sutures was 24.04 ± 0.26 at pre-immersion and 2.10 ± 0.02 on the 14th day. The mean tensile strength of Poliglecaprone 25 sutures was 23.82 ± 0.11 at pre-immersion and 1.34 ± 0.08 on the 14th day. Post-immersion in 0.044% sodium fluoride mouthrinse, the mean tensile strength of PLG 910 sutures was 24.18 ± 0.02 at pre-immersion and 5.12 ± 0.21 on the 14th day. The mean tensile strength of PGA sutures was 24.88 ± 0.34 at pre-immersion and 4.58 ± 0.10 on the 14th day. The mean tensile strength of Poliglecaprone 25 sutures was 24.48 ± 0.27 at pre-immersion and 5.08 ± 0.14 on the 14th day. A statistically noteworthy difference was noted amid the three types of sutures at dissimilar time points evaluated with p <0.001. CONCLUSION: The current research arrived at a conclusion that there is a significant difference between the mean tensile strength and purpose of the medium used for immersion as well as the tenure. Polyglactin suture material exhibited superior strength as compared to PGA and poliglecaprone suture substances following immersion in the investigational media. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Suture materials are employed in the closure of incised flaps, to aid healing by primary intention, along with control of bleeding. In oral as well as periodontal surgery, the right choice of sutures is very important for good healing. Suture choice for the mouth should be influenced by the requirements of the anticipated repair and the surgeon's fondness.

Comparative Evaluation of Intrapulpal Thermal Changes during the Polymerization of Different Adhesive Resin Materials: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: Aim of this study was to assess the thermal changes within the pulp at the time of polymerization of three different adhesive resin materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty human premolar teeth that had been recently extracted for orthodontic reasons and were devoid of dental caries/flaws were included in this research. Following preparation of the cavities, all 60 samples consisting of 20 premolars in every group, depending on the adhesive resins that were positioned as were assigned at random to one of the following three groups: Group I: RelyX self-adhesive resin cement; Group II: Breeze self-adhesive resin cement; Group III: Pan F self-etch adhesive resin cement. The temperature changes were calculated using a thermocouple wire attached to a digital thermometer. The dissimilarities amid the baseline temperature as well as the temperatures at different time intervals (1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes) were established. RESULTS: The thermal value was higher at first minute (1.84 ± 0.34) and gradually reduced at 5 minutes (1.36 ± 0.29), 10 minutes (0.62 ± 0.11), and 15 minutes (0.06 ± 0.03) in RelyX self-adhesive resin cement. The maximum thermal value was found at the first minute (2.66 ± 0.21) and gradually reduced at 5 minutes (1.42 ± 0.13), 10 minutes (0.86 ± 0.09), and 15 minutes (0.28 ± 0.01) in Breeze self-adhesive resin cement. The higher thermal value was found at the first minute (1.98 ± 0.19) and gradually reduced at 5 minutes (1.49 ± 0.14), 10 minutes (0.76 ± 0.10), and 15 minutes (0.16 ± 0.09) in Pan F self-etch adhesive resin cement and there was a statistically significant difference found between various time points and with all three adhesive resin material groups (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: This current research arrived at a conclusion that each of the three adhesive resin substances showed a safe temperature change within the pulp. However, the lowest heat scores within the pulp were depicted by RelyX self-adhesive resin in pursuit by Pan F self-etch adhesive resin cement as well as the Breeze self-adhesive resin cement in that order. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical triumph of a restoration is dependent partially on the method of cementation, which is utilized to establish a connection amid the restoration and the tooth. Temporary and permanent pulp inflammation can be avoided by the decreased temperature changes in the adhesive resin cement at the time of polymerization.

Evaluation of Anticaries Efficacy of Various Fluoride Varnishes on Artificial Enamel Lesion: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: Aim of the current study was to assess the anticariogenic effectiveness of different fluoride varnishes on artificially induced enamel lesions employing scanning electron microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty healthy, normal premolars without dental caries that were extracted in course of orthodontic therapy with all the surfaces intact were included in this study. A window, 4 × 4 mm, was made discernible on the buccal surface of each sample tooth. A demineralizing solution at 37°C was used to immerse the teeth for 48 hours to induce artificial lesions on the surface of the enamel. Following preparation of the artificial enamel lesions, the 80 premolar teeth were allocated into the four groups (20 each) depending on the fluoride varnish system used as Group I: control, Group II: Duraphat varnish, Group III: MI Varnish, and Group IV: Clinpro White Varnish. The anticariogenic effectiveness of different fluoride varnishes was evaluated employing a scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: The MI Varnish (fluoride varnish) group exhibited slightly greater (127.20 ±0.14) mean demineralized lesions, pursued by Clinpro White Varnish use (126.88 ±0.09), the control group (126.36 ±0.10) and the Duraphat varnish (124.14 ±0.08) in that order. Greater mean areas of remineralization were found with use of MI Varnish (92.40 ±0.09), pursued by the Duraphat varnish use (106.68 ±0.12), use of Clinpro White Varnish (112.36 ±0.08), and then the control group (123.08 ±0.18) in that order. Statistically significant differences were noted between the experimental groups employing the various fluoride varnishes (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The current research concluded that the MI Varnish group presented a superior protective potential in comparison with Duraphat varnish and Clinpro White Varnish groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mineral exchanges among teeth and saliva render incipient enamel lesions reversible. A 5% sodium fluoride varnish is the MI Varnish that is composed of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) to provide an excellent fluoride varnish that makes available additional bioavailable fluoride, calcium, and phosphate. Therefore, it may be fruitfully utilized in remineralization of initial carious lesions. CPP-ACP may be employed in clinical practice for drawing back or ceasing initial carious lesions. Rani KBS, Ramanna PK, Mailankote S, et al. Evaluation of Anticaries Efficacy of Various Fluoride Varnishes on Artificial Enamel Lesion: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(7):774-777.

In Vitro Assessment of Intracanal Calcium Hydroxide Removal Using Various Irrigation Systems: An SEM Study.

AIM: The aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness of three different irrigation systems in elimination of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]from root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro research included ninety recently extracted mandibular premolar teeth with a solitary root. The sample teeth were subjected to disinfection employing sodium hypochlorite at 5.25%. The root canal preparation was performed followed by placement of premixed Ca(OH)2 within every canal. The sample teeth were then randomly allocated into one of the three experimental groups (each comprising 30 samples) as follows: Group 1, NaviTip FX irrigation system; group 2, Vibringe sonic irrigation system; and group 3, EndoVac apical negative pressure irrigation system. Following the preparation, each of the sample teeth was examined beneath a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at a magnification of 1000×. RESULTS: An intragroup comparative analysis revealed that the highest Ca(OH)2 elimination was seen at middle third (0.82 ± 0.09, 0.30 ± 0.11) in NaviTip FX irrigation system and Vibringe sonic irrigation system, respectively. Higher Ca(OH)2 was eliminated at the apical third (0.26 ± 0.02) by the EndoVac irrigation system. At coronal third, maximum Ca(OH)2 removal was seen in EndoVac irrigation system (0.49 ± 0.03). A statistically significant difference was noted amid Vibringe sonic irrigation and EndoVac irrigation systems. The intergroup evaluation of Ca(OH)2 elimination at coronal, middle, and apical third showed a statistically significant difference between NaviTip FX irrigation and Vibringe sonic irrigation as well as between NaviTip FX irrigation and EndoVac irrigation at a p value of 0.001. The difference between EndoVac irrigation and Vibringe sonic irrigation was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Amid the limitations of this research, this research concludes that none among the irrigation methods employed could totally eliminate the Ca(OH)2 off the root canals. Nevertheless, EndoVac apical negative pressure irrigation has slightly superior potential in eliminating Ca(OH)2 from the root canals in comparison with Vibringe sonic irrigation as well as the NaviTip FX irrigation system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Even though the Ca(OH)2 is largely suggested as medicament, its elimination at the point of canal obturation is likewise significant and complex as any remaining portion may avoid sealer diffusion inside the dentinal tubules, consequently substantially escalating the apical leakage of endodontically treated teeth.

Impact of Fluoridated and Non-fluoridated Mouth Rinses on Frictional Resistance between Orthodontic Archwire and Bracket: A Comparative Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the effect of fluoridated and nonfluoridated mouth ri nses on resistance to friction between orthodontic bracket and archwire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprises 60 premolar stainless steel (SS) brackets with 0.022 inches slot size. The 0.019 × 0.025 dimensions SS archwires were cut into 5 cm long specimens. They were grouped into three main categories, group I: artificial saliva (control solution), group II: Aloe Dent mouthwash (ALO), and group III: 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash. The specimens from each group were either immersed in the test solution or in the control solution for 10 hours. Later, the specimens were transferred to an incubator maintained at 37°C. Post 10 hours, the specimens were immersed for 30 minutes in distilled water. A scanning electron microscope was used to study the surface morphology and a universal testing machine was used to measure the frictional resistance. RESULTS: The distribution of normality for three study groups' recorded data was checked using Shapiro-Wilk test. The highest frictional resistance (1.94 ± 0.02) was demonstrated by specimens immersed in 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash than those immersed in Aloe Dent mouthwash (1.28 ± 0.66) and artificial saliva (1.10 ± 0.32). The difference found between the groups by an analysis of covariance was statistically significant. The highest surface roughness (22.30 ± 0.12) was revealed by specimens immersed in 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash than those immersed in Aloe Dent mouthwash (18.28 ± 0.26) and artificial saliva (15.86 ± 0.42). A statistically significant difference between the groups was shown by an analysis of covariance. CONCLUSION: After considering the drawbacks of this study, we conclude that specimens immersed in Aloe Dent mouthwash demonstrated less frictional resistance and surface roughness when compared to those immersed in 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: During sliding mechanism, the frictional resistance between orthodontic archwire and brackets imposes problems, such as lessening the applied force and movement of tooth, and also results in anchorage loss. So, orthodontists should always take care while prescribing mouthwashes to reduce their effects on the friction.

Impact of Different Root Conditioning Agents on Periodontally Affected Root Surface: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of various root-conditioning agents on root surfaces that are periodontally affected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 human teeth having single root that were extracted because of chronic periodontitis were chosen. The extracted teeth were cleaned of saliva and blood using a soft-bristled brush and distilled water. The investigational groups were categorized into group I-doxycycline HCl, group II-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and group III-tetracycline HCl. Samples were readied for histological study by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM was used to assess the effectiveness of smear layer removal, amount of patent dentinal tubules out of the totality of dentinal tubules present, and the appreciation of collagen fiber-like structures inside the intertubular area. RESULTS: The highest efficacy for smear layer removal was seen for group III-tetracycline HCl samples (1.80 ± 0.148) followed next by group II-EDTA (1.36 ± 0.230), and group I-doxycycline HCl (1.30 ± 0.283). The highest number of patent dentinal tubules were seen in group III-tetracycline HCl (44.50 ± 0.18) followed immediately by group II-EDTA (38.10 ± 0.42), and group I-doxycycline HCl (34.90 ± 0.23). The highest number of appreciation of collagen-like structures was recorded in group III-tetracycline HCl (2.64 ± 0.04) followed next by group I-doxycycline HCl (1.88 ± 0.10) and group II-EDTA (1.76 ± 0.28). CONCLUSION: The present in vitro study concludes tetracycline HCl root-conditioning agent to be significantly more efficient in smear layer removal, exposing collagen fibers and amount of patent dentinal tubules than doxycycline HCl and EDTA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The modification of the root surface of human teeth with the use of root conditioning agents leads to enhanced attachment by connective tissue resulting in improved reconstructive periodontal treatment goals.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Different Instrumentation for Removal of Gutta-percha and Sealers in Endodontic Retreatment: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of different instrumentation for removal of gutta-percha and sealers in endodontic retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of single-rooted mandibular premolars were collected. Access opening was performed in all specimens. The working length was determined by reducing 1 mm from the length of instruments that were seen reaching the apex. All the canals were dried with paper points. Lateral condensation technique was used to obturate the canals with gutta-percha and zinc oxide eugenol was used as a sealer. The specimens were randomly segregated into three experimental groups. Group I: ultrasonic retreatment tip, group II: R-Endo retreatment files, group III: Mtwo retreatment files. Roots were grooved into two halves with a diamond disc in a longitudinal, buccolingual direction. A stereomicroscope with ×40 magnification was used to image the quantity of gutta-percha and sealer on canal walls. RESULTS: With ultrasonic retreatment tip, least amount (1.96 ± 0.32) of gutta-percha and sealer remained, followed by Mtwo retreatment files (2.84 ± 0.24) and R-Endo retreatment files (3.18 ± 0.63). A statistically significant inter-group difference among different instrumentation groups was demonstrated by ANCOVA analysis. CONCLUSION: In the present study, ultrasonic retreatment tip file systems was found to be more effective in the removal of root canal filling material, followed subsequently by Mtwo retreatment file system and R-Endo retreatment file system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Thorough removal of filling material from the root canals is essential during root canal retreatment for probable cleaning and shaping of canal morphology. Thus, clinicians should be aware of the suitable and better instrumentation system that provides a clean and sterile root canal system without any debris. How to cite this article: Agrawal P, Ramanna PK, Arora S, et al. Evaluation of Efficacy of Different Instrumentation for Removal of Gutta-percha and Sealers in Endodontic Retreatment: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(11):1269-1273.

In vitro Analysis of Shear Bond Strength and Adhesive Remnant Index of Stainless Steel Brackets with Different Adhesive Systems to Enamel.

AIM: This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the bond strength of stainless steel brackets bonded with multiple orthodontic adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 60 premolars extracted to create space during orthodontic treatment were included in the present study. Premolar stainless steel brackets of size 0.022" slot with the surface area of bracket base of 11.15 mm2 were used. The premolars were divided randomly into three groups of 20 in each. Group I: Conventional Acid Etching (Transbond XT); group II: Seventh-generation adhesive materials (Xeno V); and group III: Flowable composite (Filtek Z350 XT). Calculation of Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was done and shear bond strength was assessed. The probability level of 0.05 was considered as clinically significant. RESULTS: The shear bond strength was highest in group II (17.46 ± 1.36), which was followed by group I (15.33 ± 2.78) and the least was shown by group III (13.96 ± 1.44). A statistically significant difference was found between group I vs II, group II vs III, and group III vs II. Utmost prevalence of about 35% was found in Transbond XT with an ARI score of 3 (followed by all adhesive left on the tooth), Filtek Z350 XT with 20%, and the least was found with Xeno V, about 5%. The probability was found to be p = 0.025 among different groups, which is statistically significant according to chi-square test. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the adhesive materials of the seventh generation showed higher shear bond strength than that of the flowable composite and conventional acid etching. The ARI indicated that a minimum amount of the residual adhesive was found on the surface of the enamel after debonding. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study helps orthodontists to select appropriate adhesive and orthodontic brackets for the benefit of the patient and to distinguish the distribution of stress homogeneously within the layer of cement while loading and subsequently minimizing the damage to the enamel during the debonding of orthodontic brackets.

Wettability of three denture base materials to human saliva, saliva substitute, and distilled water: A comparative in vitro study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the wettability of saliva, a saliva substitute, and distilled water to three denture base materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty specimens of each denture base material: Heat cure polymethylmethacrylate (DPI heat cure), high-impact polymethylmethacrylate (Trevalon HI), and nylon (Valplast) were fabricated. The specimens of each denture base material were divided into three groups of ten specimens. The advancing and receding contact angles of three media: a commercially available carboxymethylcellulose-based saliva substitute (WET MOUTH), human whole saliva, and distilled water, with each denture base material were determined using a goniometer. The contact angle hysteresis was calculated as the difference between the advancing and receding contact angles. The data were statistically analyzed using univariate analysis of variance and Duncan post hoc test. RESULTS: Low-advancing and receding contact angles were demonstrated on high-impact heat-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate denture base material. Highest hysteresis values were calculated for nylon denture base material. CONCLUSION: Best wettability was demonstrated on high-impact heat-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate denture base material. Based on the high hysteresis values calculated with nylon denture base material, it would possibly provide better denture retention.

Clinical Assessment of Gingival Sulcus Width using Various Gingival Displacement Materials.

AIM: This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of three different gingival retraction systems on gingival sulcus width. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was conducted on prepared right or left maxillary central incisor for 45 subjects. Totally, 15 patients were randomly allocated in three gingival displacement groups, i.e., group I (retraction cord impregnated with aluminum chloride), group II (magic foam), and group III (laser). The pre- and postdisplacement impressions were made with addition silicone material using two-stage double mix technique. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups at baseline. Group III produced more displacement (mean value 0.48 ± 0.101 mm) than group II (mean value 0.31 ± 0.09 mm) and group I (mean value 0.44 ± 0.11 mm), and this was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Laser gingival displacement system was found to be effective among the three retraction systems. Choice of gingival displacement system is based on clinical situation and choice of operator. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The retraction groups in the study created greater amount of gingival retraction than the least sulcus width required for the elastomeric impression material and so are clinically useful.

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) Extract on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Aim: The present study was conducted with an aim to assess the antimicrobial activity of Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) extract on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.Materials and methods: Tulsi extract with ethanol was prepared using cold extraction method in the present in vitro study. Various concentrations (2, 4, 6, and 8%) were then obtained by dilution with dimethylformamide. A 0.2% chlorhexidine served as the positive control, whereas the negative control was dimeth-ylformamide. Zones of inhibition were measured, each for A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. For comparison within the group and between the study groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests were used. A statistical significance level of p < 0.05 was established. Results: The 8% concentration of the tulsi extract showed maximum zone of inhibition against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis (40.10 ± 0.90, 33.79 ± 1.82 mm), followed by the 6, 4, and 2% concentrations. The 0.2% chlorhexidine, which was the positive control, had 39.80 ± 1.24 and 32.28 ± 1.28 mm zones of inhibition; dimethylformamide showed 13.55 ± 1.92 and 10.21 ± 2.16 mm zones of inhibition against both the microorganisms. The ANOVA showed highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001) results between and within the groups. The antimicrobial activity of tulsi extract at 6 and 8% concentrations, and 0.2% chlorhexidine against A. actinomycetemcomitans showed statistically significant differences between the groups. The concentration of tulsi extract at 8 and 0.2% chlorhexidine on P. gingivalis showed statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that 8% concentration of O. sanctum (tulsi) extract showed the maximum antimicrobial activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. It is thus recommended that this may be useful as an adjunc-tive to mechanical therapy in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Clinical significance:O. sanctum (tulsi) is a herb that is abundantly available, easily accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable. Therefore, it is very useful in the management of oral diseases and also for overcoming many barriers that exist for the utilization of dental services, such as affordability, accessibility, availability, and acceptability. Keywords:Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Antimicrobial, Ocimum sanctum, Porphyromonas gingivalis.