An In Vitro Study on the Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Bleaching Agents on Enamel: Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) With Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) Evaluation.

Aim and objective The aim of the present in vitro study is to evaluate the morphological and elemental alterations in enamel following bleaching with hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agents of different concentrations and pH values when exposed to different treatment times. Materials and method Twenty extracted maxillary central incisors were selected for the study. Tooth samples were prepared by sectioning the tooth cervico-incisally into two halves. The teeth were divided into different groups based on the bleaching protocol and bleaching agent applied: Group IA, Group IB, Group IIA, and Group IIB. Group IA received a 35% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 6 for 10 minutes with light application. Group IB received a 35% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 6 for 30 minutes with light activation. Group IIA received a 40% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 8.5 for 10 minutes with chemical activation. Group IIB received a 40% hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent of pH 8.5 for 30 minutes with chemical activation. The morphology of the enamel before and after the application of the bleaching agent was evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The elemental analysis of enamel between the control and test samples was done with the help of energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results Paired t-test was used to analyze the data obtained from the study. The test samples showed erosive alterations in enamel surface morphology and also a decrease in the concentration of minerals when compared to the corresponding control groups. Conclusions The present study evidences the erosive potential of hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agents. It can be concluded that bleaching agents containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide with acidic pH can cause mineral loss and surface erosion of enamel which is extremely detrimental to the tooth integrity.

A novel management of vertical root fracture in an endodontically treated mandibular premolar with titanium screw: A case report.

Introduction: Vertical root fracture is one of the conditions prevalent in endodontically treated teeth. The treatment options include extraction of the fracture fragment or the affected tooth as a whole. This case report highlights the successful management of vertical root fracture in an endodontically treated mandibular first premolar. Method: Surgical intervention was initiated, and a full-thickness flap was elevated. The separated fracture segment was safely retrieved, and the existing caries were removed and then reattached to the main fragment with the help of a titanium screw. The tooth was rehabilitated with a composite resin core followed by a porcelain-fused metal crown and the patient was followed up for 7 years. Result: The tooth was functional with evidence of new bone formation. Conclusion: Reattachment of the fracture fragments with a titanium screw might be considered as an option for managing vertical root fracture cases with poor prognosis.

Cone beam computed tomography aided endodontic and aesthetic management of fused mandibular incisors with communicating canals.

Endodontic treatment of fused teeth needs special care and attention due to its complex anatomy. The aim of this article is to highlight the problems encountered and the strategy in treating such cases. We report a case of unilateral fusion of the left mandibular central incisor and lateral incisor, with a single pulp chamber. The single pulp chamber separates into two root canals and a large communication exists at the apical third of the root canals. This is the first time fused teeth with a large communication is reported. CBCT analysis was effective in confirming the morphological aberrations and aided in accurate planning and treatment. Chemomechanical preparation with manual dynamic irrigation coupled with passive ultrasonic activation of the irrigant and obturation with thermoplasticised gutta percha helped in successful outcome of the case.

Chronic sinusitis of odontogenic origin due to an undiagnosed displaced root fragment in the maxillary sinus and the role of cone beam computed tomography in successful management.

Radiographic imaging is an important criteria in diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of an endodontic treatment. When clinicians encounter with diagnostic difficulties and persistent symptoms, the need for advanced diagnostic aids, especially imaging methods, become imperative and essential. This paper reports a case, in which primary endodontic therapy having failed, the patient had persisting symptoms such as pain, swelling, and draining sinus along with signs and symptoms of maxillary sinusitis. Advanced diagnostic aids such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography was useful in accurate identification of the etiology, which was a fractured mesiobuccal root tip of maxillary molar. This is the first reported case, in which the fractured root tip has migrated to the maxillary sinus, during primary endodontic treatment, through the perforated antral floor causing odontogenic sinusitis. The operating microscope helped in the successful completion of endodontic retreatment along with fractured root fragment retrieval.