Comparison of three different materials used for indirect pulp capping in permanent molars: An in vivo study.

Background: Pulp capping should always be considered as the primary treatment of choice for teeth without irreversible pulpitis in lesions approaching dental pulp. The predictability of vital pulp therapy has improved with the introduction of newer bioceramic materials. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical success of Biodentine, calcium hydroxide (CH), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as pulp capping materials for indirect pulp capping in carious permanent teeth. Materials and Methods: Indirect pulp capping was done for 36 molars of 36 patients with deep caries lesions. They were randomly divided into three groups: Biodentine group (12 teeth), MTA group (12 teeth), and CH group (12 teeth). Patients were recalled at 1, 3, and 6 months to evaluate the clinical success of the treatment outcome. Statistical Analysis: All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare the success and failure rates between Biodentine, MTA, and Ca(OH)2 at three different time intervals (30, 90, and 180 days) and also the overall success and failure rates between Biodentine, MTA, and Ca(OH)2 irrespective of the time intervals. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In a statistical trial/study, the pulp capping materials gave different success rates, 91.67% success in the Biodentine group, 83.33% success in the MTA group, and 58.33% success in the CH group. The results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Indirect pulp capping with calcium silicate materials provided better results compared to that of calcium hydroxide.

Knowledge and attitude toward anaphylaxis during local anesthesia among dental practitioners in Chennai - a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Anaphylaxis is one of the local anesthetic dental emergencies that lead to morbidity and mortality. Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners in Chennai toward managing anaphylaxis in patients who are given local anesthesia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Seventeen questions were formulated regarding anaphylaxis reactions and its treatment. The questions were given to a random selection of dentists practicing in private clinics in Chennai. RESULTS: Two hundred dentists responded to the questionnaire. The results indicated that the majority of the participants had knowledge of one or more symptoms relating to anaphylaxis. However, none of the participants demonstrated that they knew about all symptoms relating to anaphylaxis. The results also did not vary with age. Only 62% of the dentists surveyed were equipped with emergency kits in their clinic. CONCLUSION: The present study has revealed the lack of knowledge among dentists in Chennai in relation to anaphylactic reactions and its management. Knowledge of practicing dentists in this area can be increased by providing continuing education programs consisting of workshops and hands-on courses.

Antibacterial Effect and Tensile Bond Strength of Self-etching Adhesive Resins with and without Methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium Bromide: An in vitro Study.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the antibacterial activity of a self-etching primer containing antibacterial monomer methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) (Clearfil protect bond) with a conventional self-etching primer without MDPB (Clearfil SE bond) against Streptococcus mutans and the effect of incorporation of MDPB on the tensile bond strength of the experimental self-etching primer (Clearfil protect bond). Materials and methods: The antibacterial activity of the self-etching primers was assessed using agar disk diffusion method and the diameters of the zones of inhibition were measured and ranked. For tensile bond strength testing, 20 noncarious human molars were selected and randomly divided into two groups comprising 10 teeth in each group. Group I specimens were treated with Clearfil SE bond (without MDPB). Group II specimens were treated with Clearfil protect bond (with MDPB). Composite material was placed incrementally and cured for 40 seconds in all the specimens. Tensile bond strength was estimated using the Instron Universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Results: The addition of MDPB into a self-etching primer exerts potential antibacterial effect against S. mutans. The tensile bond strength of MDPB containing self-etching primer was slightly lower than that of the conventional self-etching Clearfil protect bond primer, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Thus, a self-etching primer containing MDPB will be a boon to adhesive dentistry as it has bactericidal property with adequate tensile bond strength. Clinical significance: The concept of prevention of extension in adhesive dentistry would result in micro/nanoleakage due to the presence of residual bacteria in the cavity. Self-etching primers with MDPB would improve the longevity of such restorations by providing adequate antibacterial activity without compromising the bond strength. Keywords: Antibacterial property, Methacryloyloxydodecy-lpyridinium bromide, Self-etching primers, Tensile bond strength.

Fusion of maxillary central incisors with mesiodens.

Fusion and gemination are developmental anomalies which are quite similar to each other but can be distinguished from each other if properly assessed. Fusion and gemination have been described as a result of developmental anomalies of dental tissues. The exact etiology is still unknown, but a genetic predisposition is suggested. This article highlights the importance of clinical and radiographic correlation in arriving at a definitive diagnosis.

Probiotics in Caries Prevention.

Past few decades have seen a significant increase in the prevalence of dental caries at a global scale. To reduce the pervasiveness of cariogenic microflora, various efforts have been undertaken. However, completely eradicating caries-associated microorganisms has been futile.1 Endogenous bacteria, such as Lactobacillus species, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus persisting in biofilms ferment carbohydrate and produce weak organic acids as by-products. This, in turn, results in a drop in the local pH well below the critical level, resulting in demineralization of tooth.2.