A Comparative Study on the Shaping Ability and Cleaning Efficiency of Two Different Single-File Systems, Reciprocating Wave One Versus Continuous Rotation F360, Evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope: An In Vitro Study.

Background: In endodontics, the three processes of biomechanical preparation, disinfection, and obturation are each essential. The electron microprobe and scanning electron microscope (SEM) allowed for the detection and identification of the smear layer and debris. The purpose of the current investigation was to use a scanning electron microscope to evaluate the relative merits of two single-file systems, the reciprocating WaveOne and the continuous motion F360 files, in the cleaning and contouring of root canals in removed teeth. Materials and method: The 50 central maxillary permanent teeth Data was gathered from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division at Sri Ganganagar's Maharaja Ganga Singh Dental College and Research Centre for a number of reasons. Group A followed the manufacturer's guidelines for using the WaveOne instrument, whereas Group B utilised the F360. Reciprocating motion WaveOne system (group A) and continuous motion F360 system (group B) root canals were scored at three levels: coronal third, middle third, and apical third (group B). SPSS version 22 was used for the data analysis. The data were examined using the chi-square test and the one-way analysis of variance. Results: A greater quantity of smear layer was found in the apical third, whereas better results were achieved in the coronal and middle thirds. When compared to the F360 file system, the WaveOne file system is subpar when it comes to clearing the canal of debris. While both groups showed a large amount of debris in the apical third, outcomes were somewhat better in the coronal and middle thirds. Conclusion: The WaveOne and F360 file systems were both more effective in removing trash from the coronal and middle thirds of the disc than they were from the apical thirds. In comparison to the continuous motion F360 file system, WaveOne files demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the amount of debris cleared from root canals in all three root zone thirds (coronal, middle, and apical). The reciprocating action of the WaveOne file system, in contrast to the continuous motion of the F360 file system, resulted in more extensive cleaning of the root canal smear layer in the coronal and middle thirds and less thorough cleaning in the apical thirds of the canal.

Relationship between the Depth of Penetration and Fracture Resistance of Various Sealers: A Comparative Study.

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to estimate the penetration depth and fracture resistance of three different sealers and to verify the relationship between the penetration depth and fracture resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty single-rooted teeth were selected and root canal preparation was done. After the instrumentation, the teeth were divided into three groups of 20 each. The groups were then obturated with gutta-percha (GP)-AH Plus sealer, Resilon-Real Seal, and propoint-bioceramic sealers, respectively. Ten teeth from each group were sectioned at three different regions (i.e., coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal) and were viewed under a confocal microscope to determine the penetration depth of the sealer. The remaining samples were subjected to fracture resistance under a universal testing machine and the statistical analysis was done by using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: Propoint-bioceramic group showed the highest fracture resistance values followed by GP-AH Plus sealer and Resilon-Real seal groups with no significant difference noticed between them. Depth of penetration was greater for GP-AH Plus sealer, propoint-bioceramic, with no significant difference followed by the Resilon-Real seal group. CONCLUSION: The newer obturating material propoint-bioceramic group showed a greater fracture resistance. No correlation could be established between the depth of sealer penetration and fracture resistance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fracture resistance of tooth obturated with propoint-bioceramic sealer combination is significantly greater than GP-AH Plus and Resilon-Real seal combination, thereby showing propoint-bioceramic as a promising obturating material.

Association of Hormonal Fingerprints and Dental Caries: A Pilot Study.

CONTEXT: Dental caries remains the most widespread oral disease among all age groups. Hormonal fingerprints (second digit: fourth digit ratio or 2D:4D ratio) are biomarkers displaying sexual dimorphism and diverse human phenotypic traits. A person's genetic makeup may influence the occurrence of dental caries. AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of digit ratio on the incidence of dental caries. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Two hundred patients between 18 and 55 years, reporting for restorations or endodontic therapy, participated in the study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Hormonal fingerprints (2D:4D ratio) were measured with the help of a digital vernier caliper. Caries incidence was recorded using the DMFT index. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Independent t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Males had a less mean 2D:4D ratio than females, which was statistically significant (p-value = 0.003). Chi-square test was applied, and there was a statistically significant correlation between high digit ratio and caries experience (p-value = 0.002). Females with a high digit ratio and males with a low digit ratio were in the moderate and low caries risk groups with a p-value of 0.029 and 0.001 in the respective risk groups. CONCLUSION: The present study displayed a correlation between hormonal fingerprints (2D:4D ratio) and dental caries. An indicator of caries risk will help prevent caries by implementing oral hygiene measures, which will reduce its incidence as the most occurring oral disease.

Knowledge and awareness on novel coronavirus spread among dental fraternities in Visakhapatnam, India: A questionnaire-based survey.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 is a highly contagious disease. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) as a global public health emergency. Currently, the research on novel coronavirus is still in the primary stage. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and awareness on COVID-19 disease and related infection control measures among the dental fraternity in Visakhapatnam - the smart city. METHODS: A total of 808 dentists from the Visakhapatnam region completed a questionnaire-based survey on the knowledge, awareness, and infection control measures related to COVID-19 infection. The questionnaire was tailored from the guidance and information for health-care workers issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suitable sampling method was used for the collection of data and the distribution of responses was presented as percentages. Explanatory statistics were performed for all groups and subgroups based on the percentage of correct responses. Individual pair-wise comparisons were done using the Chi-square test for the percentage of correct responses. RESULTS: A total of 825 participated in the survey, of which 808 dentists completely answered the survey, and the response rate was 98%. Among the respondents, males and females are 46.8% and 53.2%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference for all the questions solicited, among age groups (P = 0.001, 0.001) and occupation (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.004). Private practitioners seem to more awareness compared to teaching faculty, undergraduates, and postgraduates, as they have answered correctly (>70%) for almost all the questions. CONCLUSION: The inputs from the survey help us throw some light and fill up lacunae where required. There is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID-19 among dentists in particular. The information from this survey helps us to make necessary changes in implementing periodic educational webinars and stress on areas where necessary, which is important for the dental fraternity for protecting themselves and shielding our society from COVID-19.

A Review on Perforation Repair Materials.

Perforation is an artificial communication between the root canal system and supporting tissues of the teeth. Root perforation complicates the treatment and deprives the prognosis if not properly managed. A wide variety of materials to seal the perforations have been suggested in literature. There are many comparative studies showing the efficacy of one material over the other. Literature shows many reviews on diagnosis, treatment plan and factors affecting prognosis of perforation repair; but none of these articles elaborated upon various materials available to seal the perforation. The present article aims at describing all the materials used for perforation repair from the past till date; it also offers a literature review of all the articles published over last four decades referred to the treatment of perforation with various root repair materials.

A simplified etching technique to improve the adhesion of fiber post.

PURPOSE: Numerous methods were used to etch the fiber posts to improve its bonding to root canal dentin. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of 37% phosphoric acid in etching fiber posts in comparison with 24% hydrogen peroxide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety human maxillary central incisors were taken and post space preparation was done. Ninety fiber posts were taken and divided into three groups (n=30) based on the surface treatment they received (H3PO4, H2O2, distilled water) and each group was further divided (n=10) based on the time period of application (15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds). All the posts were luted into canals using Rely X UniCem-2. Each tooth was then sectioned into six slices and subjected to push out test. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis at P<.05. The surface topography was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Highest bond strength values were noted in 15 seconds etched phosphoric acid group and 60 seconds etched hydrogen peroxide group with no significant difference between two groups. Surface topography revealed complete epoxy layer removal with no damage to its structural integrity in those groups. CONCLUSION: H3PO4 etching for a period of 15 seconds is an effective alternative in improving the adhesion of fiber post to root dentin.