Assessment of Antibacterial Effectiveness of SDF and Fluoride Varnish Agents for Application in Pediatric Dentistry.

Objectives: To assess antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and fluoride varnish treatment against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial effectiveness of SDF (group A) and fluoride varnish (group B) against S. mutans was investigated in an in vitro microbiological investigation, with distilled water (group C) serving as the positive and negative controls. After 24 hours of incubation, the antibacterial efficiency was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique, and the diameter of the zones of inhibition (ZOI) was quantified. Sumba mare's milk from MRS broth was extracted and then placed into a test tube. L. acidophilus was grown on Sumba mare's milk from MRS broth. On this media, each testing agent was poured and tested for the inhibitory zone. The obtained data was statistically analyzed. Results: SDF group had a higher mean zone of inhibition against S. mutans and Lactobacillus followed by fluoride varnish, and there was no ZOI in the case of distilled water. Intergroup comparison was significant. Conclusion: When compared to fluoride varnish, the SDF teeth remineralizing agent had greater antibacterial activity against S. mutans.

Assessment of Efficiency of Bioactive Glass, Self-Assembling Peptide, and Ozone Remineralising Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the efficacy of bioactive glass, self-assembling peptide, and ozone-remineralizing agents on the artificial carious lesion. Material and Methods: On the extracted 60 premolar teeth, an artificial carious lesion/demineralization was created. Later, the remineralization of demineralized teeth was done with respective remineralizing agents (Group A: Calcium sodium phosphosilicate (bioactive glass), Group B: Self-assembling peptide, Group C: Ozone remineralizing agents and Group D (Control): De ionized water. The degree of demineralization and remineralization were evaluated using the Vickers Hardness Number. Results: There was a decrease in microhardness from baseline to demineralization in all the groups, and this reduction was found to be statistically considerable. After the remineralization of demineralized samples with respective remineralizing agents, there was an increase in microhardness of 312.38, 276.67, and 254.42 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In contrast, in Group D, there were no changes. Conclusion: Bioactive glass and self-assembling peptides had higher remineralizing capacities, which can be used to treat early carious lesions.

Intrabony defect management with a bone graft (hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate) alone and in combination with a diode laser: A randomized control trial.

Objectives: The current research was conducted to evaluate the use of a diode laser and a bone graft (hydroxyapatite [HA] + ß-tricalcium phosphate [ß-TCP]) in healing of intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: In this split-mouth evaluation, 40 patients with bilateral intrabony defects were treated with, Group I (control) - bone graft alone (HA + ß-TCP) and Group II, (test) - bone graft with a diode laser. The clinical and radiologic parameters of all patients, such as plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GR), and relative clinical attachment level (RCAL) were recorded at baseline, after 3 months and after 6 months. Results: Reductions in PI, PD, GI, GR, and RCAL were found after 6 months. Furthermore, significant differences were displayed in the intra-group comparison while those of the inter-group evaluation (P > 0.05) were insignificant. Conclusion: In both groups, considerable decrease in intrabony pockets was discovered; however, the inter-group comparison was insignificant in relation to GR and RCAL.

Assessment of Embrace-WetBond and Fissurit F Pit and Fissure Sealants' Marginal Sealing Abilities.

Objectives: The goal of the current research was to assess marginal sealing abilities of 2 commercial pit and fissure sealants. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 premolar teeth were equally classified into 2 groups: Group A-application of Embrace-WetBond sealant and Group B-application of Fissurit F, Voco sealant. After sealant placement, samples were preserved in artificial saliva for 48 hours prior to thermocycling. Later, samples were submerged for 24 hours in a 2% methylene blue solution. The amount of microleakage based on the quantity of dye penetration at interface between the tooth substance and sealant was compared under an optical stereomicroscope. The obtained data were statistically analysed for the dye penetration scores in both groups. Result: It was observed that 8 samples from Group A (53%) had no dye penetration (Grade 0), whereas 4 samples from Group B (26%) showed Grade 0 penetration. In 5 out of 15 samples (33%) from Group B, the dye penetration was the greatest (Grade 3; P = 0.012). Conclusion: It was concluded that Embrace-WetBond had lesser microleakage compared to group 2-Fissurit F, Voco sealant.

Clinical Assessment of SDF Effect in Arresting Dental Caries in Deciduous Teeth.

Objectives: Current research was done to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on carious lesions in deciduous teeth. Materials and Method: The study included kids who had at least one carious lesion in accordance to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II. A 38% SDF (FAgamin, Tedequim Company, Córdoba, Argentina) solution was applied directly to the lesion on the deciduous teeth as per the manufacturer's instructions. A follow-up evaluation was performed after one, three, and six months. Clinical results were used to assess the efficacy of SDF. The obtained data were statistically evaluated. Result: When it came to halting dental caries in primary teeth, 38% SDF was 92% effective. Conclusion: In conclusion, 38% SDF can be used to effectively stop caries in primary teeth.

Effect of Root Canal Taper on the Ability of Endodontically Treated Teeth using the TruNatomy and Protaper Next File Systems to Resist Fracture.

Objectives: This research was done to evaluate how the root canal taper affects the Endodontically Treated Teeth (ETT) prepared with the TruNatomy and Protaper Next file systems in terms of fracture resistance. Materials and Method: Forty recently extracted mandibular premolar teeth were used in this research, which was classified into four groups at random. Groups 1a and 1b used TruNatomy 4% and 6%, respectively, while groups 2a and 2b used the Protaper Next 4% and 6% file systems, respectively. The root canals were cleaned, shaped, and sealed using cold lateral compaction. The root canals were then fixed in standardized autopolymerizing acrylic resin blocks and tested for vertical root fracture using a universal testing machine. Newtons were used to measure the forces needed to cause fractures. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: In comparison with other groups, group 1a (TruNatomy 4%) displayed greater fracture resistance (423.322.43 Newtons), and group 2b (Protaper Next 6%) displayed the least fracture resistance (264.512.76 Newtons). Conclusion: Protaper Next file system had lower fracture resistance than TruNatomy file system. With the use of greater taper instruments, a notable decrease in the fracture resistance of ETT was observed.

Assessment of Flexural and Compressive Strengths of EQUIA, GC Gold Hybrid, and Conventional GIC Restorative Materials.

Objectives: This in vitro research was performed to assess the flexural and compressive strengths of EQUIA, GC Gold Hybrid (GH), and conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorative materials. Materials and methods: This study compares three restorative. Materials: group I-EQUIA Forte GIC, group II-GC GH, and group III-conventional GIC for compressive and flexural strength evaluation. With a specially made Teflon mold, thirty-six cylindrical test specimens measuring 4 mm × 5 mm in dimension were created. They were then placed in 20 mL of deionized water and kept at 37°C for 3 hours every day for 30 days. Later, they were subjected to compressive strength and flexural strength using the universal testing machine. Statistics were used to examine each and every result. Result and Conclusion: EQUIA had the highest average compressive strength and flexural strength, whereas traditional GIC restorative material had the lowest.

Evaluation of visual pedagogy teaching method for improving oral hygiene practice in children with Autism: An interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of visual pedagogy teaching method for improving oral hygiene practice in children with Autism: An interventional study: Visual pedagogy is a relatively newer approach to improve dental care in autistic children. The present study aimed to evaluate visual pedagogy in the practice of oral hygiene in autistic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This interventional and prospective study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Required approval was obtained from Institutional Ethical Board. Written informed consent was obtained from parents/caregivers. The age range was 5-12 years which included 100 participants (40 males and 60 females). Improvement of oral hygiene was evaluated by recording the tooth brushing technique and ability to follow instructions as presented in the educational video shown on smartphones with Wi-Fi/mobile data. Inclusion criteria: (1) Accessibility and (2) Age range between 5 to 12 years. Exclusion criteria: (1) Non-cooperative children, (2) Children receiving medicines that influence oral health, and (3) Inability to follow-ups. Fones technique was used for brushing teeth in video recording demonstrating it in simple structured steps. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Independent t tests. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was observed in oral hygiene (plaque index) after training patients with visual pedagogy. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the use of visual pedagogy showed improvement in the oral hygiene scores of autistic children.

Finite element analysis to assess stress and deformation in bone with glass fiber-reinforced-poly-ether-ether-ketone, zirconia, and titanium implants.

Objectives: Recently, zirconia ceramic and glass or carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) composites have been introduced as newer implant biomaterials. This study was done to evaluate stress and deformation in bone with glass fiber-reinforced (GFR)-PEEK, zirconia, and titanium implants. Materials and Methods: A geometric model of mandibular molar replaced with implant-supported crown was generated. Implant of 12 mm length and 4.5 mm diameter was used in study. Finite element analysis models of implant assemblies of three materials GFR-PEEK, zirconium, and titanium were generated. 150 N loads were applied obliquely and vertically along the long axis of implant. Von Mises stresses and deformation generated were compared using ANSYS Workbench 17.0 and finite element software. Results: All three implant assemblies, i.e., GFR-PEEK, zirconia, and titanium, demonstrated similar stresses and deformation in bone without significant difference. Conclusion: It was concluded that GFR-PEEK and zirconia implants can be used as a substitute to titanium implants.

A comparative evaluation of nickel-titanium wires and clear aligners in the management of mandibular incisor crowding.

OBJECTIVES: To compare nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires and clear aligners in the management of mandibular incisor crowding. METHODS: Seventy-two participants were arbitrarily alienated into two groups with 36 samples in each. Group I participants were treated with NiTi arch wires and group II participants with clear aligners. Malocclusion was evaluated using Little's irregularity index. A questionnaire was applied to record the discomfort levels. Patients were recalled regularly at four weeks, eight weeks, and twelve weeks. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean score was 2.91 mm and 2.72 mm; at 4 weeks, it was 1.64 mm and1.48 mm; at 8 weeks, it was 0.98 mm and1.0 mm; and at 12 weeks, it was 0.68 mm and 0.52 mm in groups I and II, respectively. The mean change in Little's irregularity index score at 4 weeks was 1.27 mm and 1.24 mm; at 8 weeks, it was 0.66 mm and 0.48 mm; and at 12 weeks, it was 0.30 mm and 0.48 mm in groups I and II, respectively. The disparity was not-considerable (p > 0.05). The mean discomfort score at baseline was 2.8 and 2.5; at 4 weeks, it was 2.4 and 2.0; at 8 weeks, it was 1.8 and 1.4; and at 12 weeks, it was 1.3 and 1.0 for groups I and II correspondingly. The disparity was non-significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: From the present study, it was found that both NiTi wires and clear aligners were equally effective in managing mandibular anterior crowding cases.

Comparative Assessment of Crestal Bone Loss by Flapless and Flap Technique for Implant Placement: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of flapless surgery for placing dental implants is extremely popular due to better radiological tools and the availability of software that help in the planning of dental implants. OBJECTIVE: The present study was done to assess crestal bone loss by using flapless and flap techniques for placing implants. METHODS: A total of 50 subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected for this study. Selected patients were then divided equally into two study groups i.e., those who are and those who are not undergoing flap surgery. Statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Statistically considerable P values were obtained. Bone loss was lesser with the flapless technique. CONCLUSION: Flapless implant placement demonstrated less crestal bone loss compared to flap surgery.

Smartphone addiction and its impact on knowledge, cognitive and psychomotor skills among dental students in India: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Addictive behavior toward the use of smartphones has turned out to be a commonly present phenomenon in this digital era. An individual's overindulgence in smartphone devices has turned into an obsessive and compulsive disorder. This addiction has been found to influence the physical, social, and psychological wellbeing of the studied population. This observational study aimed to assess smartphone addiction and its impact on knowledge, cognitive, and psychomotor skills in students pursuing dentistry in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective and cross-sectional survey-based study comprised 100 dental undergraduate students who were selected by a random sampling technique. The age range of subjects ranged between 18 and 22 years with equal gender distribution (50 each male and female). A prevalidated questionnaire containing 30 items encompassing five variables, that is, applications related to healthcare, entertainment, shopping, communication, and education were used to assess the response. Based on scores, patients were categorized as addicted or with no addiction. For evaluating the knowledge, cognitive, and psychomotor skills of students, theory-based examinations were held in different subjects as per the semester year of selected students while psychomotor skills were assessed by conducting clinical or preclinical examinations conducted by two separate examiners who following mutual agreement were assigned appropriate scores. All scores were categorized into four grades, that is, from grades I to VI. RESULTS: Students with smartphone addiction exhibited lower performance in both theory-based and clinical/preclinical assessment examinations with a majority of them scoring grade III or IV. CONCLUSION: Smartphone addiction reduces the academic knowledge, cognitive, and psychomotor skills of dental students.

Relationship of Dental Caries and Body Mass Index amongst School Children in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine caries prevalence and its association with body mass index in school children between 9-12 years of age in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 524 school children 9-12 years of age. These children were selected from 9 Public schools in Hail Province. Dental caries was recorded as per criteria established by the World Health Organization using assessment form for children 2013. Children were weighed using an electronic scale nearest to 0.1 kg with children attired in light clothing and wearing no shoes. The height was measured using a stadiometer to the nearest full centimeter with the children in a standing position. Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined using the formula BMI = kg/m2. Results: Caries prevalence in the population was 86%. The comparisons of mean DMFT between the groups demonstrate higher scores in the overweight group (mean=2.43) compared to normal weight (mean=1.85) and underweight children (mean=1.56) which is statistically significant (p=0.000). Bonferroni Post hoc test to compare the underweight and overweight group (p=0.000) and overweight and normal weight (p=0.000) were highly significant. Conclusion: A positive correlation of caries severity, namely DMFT, with BMI is established.

An in vitro evaluation of efficacy of ViaSpan, aloe vera, gatorade solution, and propolis storage media for maintaining the periodontal ligament cell viability.

Background: Replantation is a commonly performed method for avulsed tooth. A vital periodontal membrane (periodontal ligament [PDL]) is significant for the successful healing of replanted teeth. Hence, various storage media are used to preserve the viability of periodontal cells before replantation. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ViaSpan, Aloe vera, Gatorade solution, and propolis storage media for maintaining the PDL cell viability. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 40 recently extracted teeth which were randomly divided into four study storage groups: Group I: ViaSpan, Group II: Aloe vera, Group III: Gatorade solution, and Group IV: Propolis. Later they were subjected to centrifugation, and the cells from supernatant were colored with 0.4% trypan blue for determination of viability. The obtained data were statistically evaluated with SPSS package (21.0 version, Inc.; Chicago, IL, USA) using analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney test, and Post hoc tests. Results: The mean viable periodontal cell in Group I was 30.2 cumm, in Group II was 24.6 cumm, Group III was 14.5 cumm, and Group IV in 31.4. The difference was significant (P < 0.01). Post hoc test between different groups revealed a significant difference in mean viable periodontal cells (P < 0.001). Propolis, ViaSpan, and Aloe vera had higher pH and osmolality values. Conclusion: This study found that propolis had higher periodontal cell viability followed by ViaSpan solution and Aloe vera and least in Gatorade solution. Propolis, ViaSpan, and Aloe vera media can be used as a storage media.

Résumé Contexte: la Replantation est une méthode couramment utilisée pour la dent avulsée. Une membrane parodontale vitale (ligament parodontal [PDL]) est important pour la guérison réussie des dents replantées. Par conséquent, divers supports de stockage sont utilisés pour préserver la viabilité du parodontal les cellules avant la réimplantation. Objectifs: la présente étude a été menée pour évaluer L'efficacité de ViaSpan, Aloe vera, solution de Gatorade, et des supports de stockage de propolis pour maintenir la viabilité des cellules PDL. Matériaux et Méthodes: la présente étude a été menée sur 40 récemment dents extraites qui ont été divisées au hasard en quatre groupes de stockage d'étude: Groupe I: ViaSpan, Groupe II: aloe vera, Groupe III: Gatorade solution, et groupe IV: Propolis. Plus tard, ils ont été soumis à une centrifugation et les cellules du surnageant ont été colorées avec 0,4% de trypan bleu pour la détermination de la viabilité. Les données obtenues ont été évaluées statistiquement avec le package SPSS (version 21.0, Inc. Chicago, ILLINOIS, états-unis) en utilisant l'analyse de la variance, le test de Mann-Whitney et les tests post hoc. Résultats: la cellule parodontale viable moyenne dans le Groupe I était de 30,2 cumm, dans Le groupe II était de 24,6 cumm, le Groupe III de 14,5 cumm et le Groupe IV de 31,4. La différence était significative (P < 0,01). Essai post hoc entre différents groupes ont révélé une différence significative dans les cellules parodontales viables moyennes (P < 0,001). Propolis, ViaSpan et aloe vera avaient plus valeurs de pH et d'osmolalité. Conclusion: Cette étude a révélé que la propolis avait une viabilité cellulaire parodontale plus élevée suivie D'une solution de ViaSpan et Aloe vera et moins dans la solution de Gatorade. La Propolis, le ViaSpan et L'aloe vera peuvent être utilisés comme support de stockage. Mots-clés: aloe vera, Gatorade, cellules parodontales, propolis, ViaSpan.

A cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of bone density for insertion of pterygoid implants in dentulous and edentulous patients.

OBJECTIVES: The bone quantity and quality determine the prosthetic success outcome. This research was performed to evaluate the bone density for insertion of pterygoid implants in edentulous and dentulous participants with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT evaluation was done for 66 dentate and edentulous patients for pterygoid implants at the pterygomaxillary region. The calculation of joint width, height, and volume of bone was done. Density of the bone was evaluated at the superior and inferior aspects of the pterygomaxillary column. RESULTS: It was observed that average pterygomaxillary joint height for dentulous (dentate) was -12.7 ± 7.2 mm, edentulous -12.4 ± 7.1 mm, the average pterygomaxillary joint width for dentulous was 8.15 ± 7.3 mm, and 8.13 ± 6.2 mm for edentulous. The average pterygomaxillary joint volume in dentulous participants was 279.4 ± 189.2 mm3 and for edentulous was 254.5 ± 176.4 mm3. There was expressively greater density of the bone in dentulous participants over edentulous participants (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was better bone density found in dentate participants in comparison to edentulous participants. CBCT is a recent investigative device which measures pterygoid area efficiently. Pterygoid implants may be deliberated as an alternative method for resorbed (atrophic) maxilla.

An in vitro evaluation of tensile bond strength of soft liners bonded to different denture base resins.

Background: Clinically, adhesion failure is the most critical problem because of the failure of the optimal bond between denture base and the soft liner. Objectives: This study was performed to assess the tensile bond strength of two temporary soft liners to different denture base resins. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight blocks with 16 samples each of heat-cured denture base resin of three different types were fabricated from custom-made stainless steel die after de-waxing mold space. Surface roughening of each acrylic resin specimens which bonds with soft liners was done by abrading the surface and to this temporary soft liners (Perma soft denture liner and Pro soft denture liner) were bonded. The universal testing machine was used to test the tensile strength of bonded space. The results were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20.0. (Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp.) using the Chi-square test, Post hoc Tukey's HSD, and two way ANOVA tests. Results: It was observed that Perma soft was prevalent over Pro-soft denture liner on the basis of tensile bond strength with all three different types of denture base resins. Trevalon HI and acrylic composite exhibited better bond strength results with both Perma soft and GC Pro-soft denture liner as compared to other types of denture base resins. Conclusion: Perma soft had a better bond strength compared to Pro-soft denture liner in bonding modified denture base and conventional resins.

RésuméFond: Cliniquement, l'échec d'adhésion est le problème le plus critique à cause de l'échec de l'obligation optimale entre la base de râtelier et le paquebot mou. Objectifs: Cette étude a été exécutée pour évaluer la force d'obligation extensible de deux paquebots mous temporaires à de différentes résines de base de râtelier. Matériel et Méthodes: les blocs de Forty-eight avec 16 échantillons chacune de résine de base de râtelier heat-cured de trois différents types ont été fabriqués de l'acier inoxydable custom-made meurent après que de-waxing moisissent l'espace. Le fait de rendre rude de surface de chaques exemplaires de résine en acrylique que les obligations avec moules paquebots ont été faits en abrasant la surface et à ce temporaire les paquebots mous (Perma le paquebot de râtelier mol et le paquebot de râtelier mol Avantageux) étaient bonded. La machine de mise à l'essai universelle a été utilisée pour évaluer la limite élastique à traction d'espace bonded. Les résultats ont été statistiquement analysés en utilisant le Statistique Le logiciel IBM la Statistique de SPSS pour Windows, la version 20.0. (Armonk, NEW YORK, Etats-Unis: Société d'IBM.) l'utilisation de l'épreuve de Chi-square, Postez le HSD de Tukey hoc, et deux voie. Résultats: Il a été remarqué que Perma mol était qui prévaut sur le paquebot de râtelier Pro-soft sur la base de l'obligation extensible la force avec tous les trois différents types de râtelier base des résines. Trevalon SALUT et le composite en acrylique a exposé de meilleurs résultats de force d'obligation avec tant Perma mous que GC Pro-soft le paquebot de râtelier en comparaison d'autres types de râtelier basent des résines. Conclusion: Perma mol avait une meilleure obligation la force comparée au paquebot de râtelier Pro-soft dans bonding a modifié la base de râtelier et les résines conventionnelles.

Evaluation of Microleakage and Microgap of Two Different Internal Implant-Abutment Connections: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The higher success rate (>90%) of dental implants over 5 years has made this treatment option favorable for dental surgeons as well as for patients. The present in vitro study was conducted to assess microleakage and microgap of two dissimilar internal implant-abutment associations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty dental implants were divided into two groups: trilobe internal connection fixtures in group I and internal hexagonal geometry fixtures in group II. For the immersion of implant abutment assemblies, sterilized tubes containing 4 mL of Staphylococcus aureus broth culture were incubated at 37°C for 2 weeks. Gram's stain and biochemical reactions were used for identification of colonies. RESULTS: The mean log10 colony-forming unit (CFU) in group I was 8.6 and was 9.3 in group II. The disparity among two groups was found to be significant (p < 0.05). The mean microgap in group I was 7.2 µm and was 10.4 µm in group II. The disparity among the two groups was found to be significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Authors found that microscopic space between implant and abutment may be the site of penetration of bacteria. There was significant higher log10 CFU in dental implant fixtures with an internal hexagonal geometry compared to the dental implant fixtures with a trilobe internal connection. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Microscopic space between implant and abutment may be the site of penetration of bacteria. This information will help to avoid microleakage to improve implant success rate.

Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical and Microleakage Properties of Cention-N, Composite, and Glass Ionomer Cement Restorative Materials.

AIM: The longevity of restorative materials depends on the resistance to masticatory forces. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mechanical and microleakage properties of Cention-N with glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 specimen blocks were prepared with 15 samples of each type of restorative material, namely Cention-N, GIC, and hybrid composite. Samples were subjected to load at crosshead speed of 0.75 ± 0.25 mm/min till the fracture of sample. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of orthodontically extracted premolars followed by restoration of each test material. All the surfaces of the tooth were coated with clear nail varnish except 1 mm around the margins of the restorations. These samples were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsine dye and longitudinally sectioned and observed under stereomicroscope to check microleakage. The obtained data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: We found the highest mean compressive and flexural strength for hybrid composite followed by Cention-N and least for GIC which is statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mean microleakage was least for Cention-N. Cention-N is a newer restorative material having higher mechanical properties with lesser microleakage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cention-N is a newer restorative material having promising properties. This material can be used as an alternative restorative material.

Evaluation of Hydroxyapatite Granules, CERAMENT™, and Platelet-rich Fibrin in the Management of Endodontic Apical Surgery.

AIM: The present study compared hydroxyapatite granules, CERAMENT™, and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the management of endodontic apical surgery cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 126 patients requiring apical surgery of both genders. Patients were treated with hydroxyapatite granules, CERAMENT™, and PRF and were recalled regularly for assessment of pain, mobility, presence or absence of sinus, and healing site. RESULTS: The mean days taken for the disappearance of pain in group I was 51.2 days, in group II was 52.3 days, and in group III was 44.7 days. The difference was significant (p < 0.05). There was a less number of draining sinuses in II and III groups. This was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Significantly less area remained after surgical intervention in groups II and III compared to group I recorded at follow-up period. The difference was significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Authors found PRF superior in terms of reducing pain, mobility, and sinus and improving the healing site as compared to hydroxyapatite and CERAMENT™. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Platelet-rich fibrin is considered more superior in terms of reducing pain, mobility, and sinus and improving the healing site, and it can be advised in clinical practice for endodontic management.

Evaluation of role of periodontal pathogens in endodontic periodontal diseases.

AIM: This study aimed to correlate periodontal pathogens in endodontic periodontal diseases. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted on 40 patients of both genders. All the participants were obtained from department of endodontics and periodontology with history of endo-perio lesion in same teeth. Polymerase chain reaction was performed and correlation was established. RESULTS: This study included 18 males and 22 females. The mean age of male was 42.5 years and female was 41.3 years. Specimens of Tannerella forsythia were isolated from 94% endodontium and 92% periodontium, Porphyromonas gingivalis from 71% endodontium and 55% periodontium, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans from 12% endodontium and 58% periodontium. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Bacteria in endodontic-periodontal infection confirmed statistically significant correlation between absolute quantitation of T. forsythia and P. gingivalis (r = 0.412, P < 0.05), P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans (r = 0.524, P < 0.05), and T. forsythia and A. actinomycetemcomitans (r = 0.427, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was correlation between targeted bacterial species levels from concurrent endodontic-periodontal diseases. Thus, it can be suggested that dentinal tubules may be the pathway for spread of bacteria.