Assessment of the Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Three Different Agents on Periodontally Compromised Tooth: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the smear layer removal efficacy of three various agents on periodontally compromised tooth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study included 75 molar teeth that were extracted due to periodontal disease. After that, 25 samples were randomly assigned using a simple random technique to the three different agent groups, group A: Scaling and root planing (SRP) and application of SofScale agent, group B: SRP and application of QMix agent, group C: SRP and application of MTAD agent. Using a diamond circular saw, the treated portions were divided into horizontal and vertical halves. All samples were viewed under Scanning Electron Microscope. Every tooth was focused at the coronal third, middle third, and apical third portion with a magnification of 1000×. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The smear layer removal efficacy was more in the QMix agent (3.06 ± 0.04) group followed by MTAD agent (3.28 ± 0.09) and SofScale agent (4.14 ± 0.10) group on the root surface. On intra group comparison, there was a statistically significant difference found in all the intra group agents with all the three levels. On inter group evaluation, at coronal third, there was no significant difference found between the different agents. There was a significant difference found between the different agents at middle and coronal third. CONCLUSION: On conclusion, the current investigation found that, the root surfaces treated with QMix shown a greater ability to remove smear layers compared to tooth surfaces treated with MTAD and SofScale agent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conventional therapies such as SRP effectively eliminate calculus, plaque, and necrosed cementum; nevertheless, they leave behind a smear layer that could impede normal healing. In an effort to overcome this, root conditioning agents were applied on the root surface to remove the smear layer. The traditional root conditioning agents such as citric acid have certain disadvantages, though, such as an acidic pH that could harm the root surface. As a result, researchers have been looking for biocompatible root conditioning treatments that are more effective. How to cite this article: Singh DK, BS Raj H, Soans CR, et al. Assessment of the Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Three Different Agents on Periodontally Compromised Tooth: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):156-159.

Effectiveness of Topical Ozone Gel Application in the Management of Postextraction Wound Healing: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: The purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of topical ozone gel application in the management of postextraction wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study involved a total of 40 participants. The patients were randomly placed into two groups with sample size estimated as n = 20 in each group. Group A: Control: patients received only saline irrigation and group B: patients receiving topical ozone gel. The surgical procedure was standardized for all groups, and local anesthesia was used during the procedure. After the removal of the mandibular third molar, the control group irrigated the socket with saline, whereas in the study group, the socket was filled with ozone gel. On the first, third, fifth, and seventh postoperative days, a single examiner evaluated each participant for postoperative mouth opening, discomfort, and patient satisfaction. The t-test was used to analyze quantitative data, whereas the Fisher exact test was employed to analyze qualitative data. Statistical significance was defined as a p value less than 0.05. RESULTS: On comparison of patient satisfaction, in the ozone gel group, 13 patients were very satisfied but in the control group, 8 patients were very satisfied. On comparison of pain intensity, on the 5th day, the complete absence of pain patients was more in the ozone gel group (12 patients) compared with the control group (4 patients). There was a statistically significant difference found between these two groups (p < 0.001). On comparison of mouth opening, on the 3rd and 5th day, mouth opening was better in the ozone gel group (29.22 ± 1.28 and 34.06 ± 0.09) compared with the control group (27.38 ± 1.03 and 31.14 ± 0.82), respectively. And there was a statistically significant difference found between these two groups (p < 0.001) on both the days. CONCLUSION: The current study came to the conclusion that using ozone gel significantly improves postoperative pain, mouth opening range, and promotes faster wound healing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The primary goals of postoperative care for exodontia patients have always been pain management and infection control. The most frequent postoperative consequences are pain and edema. Hence, ozone therapy can be used as an effective topical agent to manage postextraction pain and swelling in healthy patients without the need for excess medications. How to cite this article: Varghese LJ, Lahiri B, Penumatsa NV, et al. Effectiveness of Topical Ozone Gel Application in the Management of Postextraction Wound Healing: An In Vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(11):887-890.

Influence of Three Different Denture Cleansers on Surface Roughness and Strength of Heat-polymerizing Resin: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of three different denture cleansers on the strength and surface roughness of heat-polymerizing resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 resin discs (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) were created using a stainless steel mold for surface roughness testing and flexural strength testing (in accordance with the American Dental Association (ADA) Specification No.12). Samples were divided into one of three groups (40 samples in each group): group I: Clanden, group II: Clinsodent, group III: Fittydent. Samples were immersed in denture-cleansing solutions for 30 minutes every day, and this process was repeated over a period of 15 days. Samples were stored in distilled water at room temperature in between the immersions. A surface analyzer was utilized to compare the surface roughness of each sample before and after immersion treatments. For recording flexural strength, each sample was subjected to three-point bending test by mounting samples on Universal testing machine. Comparing mean values between groups using one-way ANOVA and the Tukeys honest significant difference (HSD) post hoc test. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all statistical calculations Results: After 15 days, the maximum change of mean surface roughness of heat-polymerizing resin was found in Clanden denture cleanser group (2.64 ± 0.12) followed by Clinsodent group (2.26 ± 0.09) and Fittydent group (1.92 ± 0.06). After 15 days, the maximum change of mean flexural strength changes of heat-polymerizing resin was found in Clanden denture cleanser group (94.78 ± 0.14), followed by Fittydent group (98.64 ± 0.03) and Clinsodent group (99.26 ± 0.21). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation, the current study concluded that changes were observed in surface roughness and flexural strength of all heat-polymerizing resin samples after immersion in all three denture cleansers; but least surface roughness and flexural strength changes were observed with the Fittydent cleanser group and Clinsodent group, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cleaning dentures is crucial for maintaining both the prosthesis and oral health; therefore, it is necessary to select a cleanser that is effective without negatively affecting the base resin's qualities over time.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on exposure to Bisphenol A among dental surgeons in Southern India.

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a product in the manufacture of Bis-GMA, which is commonly used in dentistry, and is known to have a number of adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice based on exposure and handling of BPA containing materials among dental surgeons for better understanding about the level of care rendered to the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 400 dental surgeons in Southern India. The questionnaire consisted of 20 objective type questions out of which ten questions assessed knowledge and five questions assessed the attitude and five questions to understand the practice related measures taken by the dentist. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: A total of 402 responses were collected for this online questionnaire survey over a period of 2 months. It was found that females showed higher knowledge and attitude towards exposure to BPA which was statistically significant when compared to males. It showed that dentists with more than 20 years of practice had a higher level of knowledge. Though most of the groups agreed fairly on safety practice to be undertaken related to BPA exposure in their clinics, the ones with experience more than 20 years displayed the least positive attitude and dentists with 6-10 years of practice had the least positive behaviour among all. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of having a good knowledge regarding the harmful effects of BPA, dental surgeons are not very cautious while using materials containing them on a regular basis. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the awareness with the help of Continuing Dental Education programs or proper instructions on the packaging.

Third Molar Angulation Changes in Class II Div I Malocclusion Subjects Treated with Extraction of Four Premolars: A Retrospective Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in maxillary and mandibular third molar inclinations in individuals with class II div 1 malocclusion, before and after orthodontic treatment with extraction of all four first premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of the pretreatment and posttreatment records of 30 patients that were obtained from the archives of the department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences. The maxillary third molar's relation to the palatal plane and the mandibular third molar's relation to the mandibular plane were measured. The paired t test was used to calculate pre- and posttreatment changes. A value of P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The maxillary third molars showed a mean correction of 6.15° (P < 0.001) and the mandibular third molars showed a mean correction of 5.10° (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Maxillary third molars showed more uprighting when compared to the mandibular third molars and that both maxillary and mandibular third molars showed an improvement in their angulations to their respective planes after extraction of the first premolars. However, the results of the study cannot be analyzed to state if the third molars do become fully functional.

A proposed classification for orthodontic practice in India.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Dental practice is blooming in India with many conventional and advanced setups providing orthodontic services. Orthodontics as a specialty has come to the forefront, as awareness of orthodontic therapy has increased. It is important to classify any health practice to understand, compare, and research the implications of various organizational setups in the country. It should possess the ability to chart the similarities and distinctions between different setups for ease of communication and patient awareness. Presently, there is no defined system that classifies the type of orthodontic practice in the country. Lack of any classification of the organizational setups makes it impossible to categorize or compare the various setups for research purpose, recognition of the dental personnel and facilities provided. This article aims to propose a simple 3-stage classification to orthodontic practices in India. TECHNIQUE: Three-stage classification of orthodontic practice in group, type, and subtype gives a comprehensive coverage to all types of orthodontic setups in India. The group explains the center in three levels based on the armamentarium and services provided. The type explains the center in five levels based on ownership and scope of providing care. Finally, the subtype explains the availability and qualification of the operating personnel. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: This classification aims to provide a tool for communication and recording the levels of orthodontic care possible at any given center. It also facilitates continued study of its impact on practice efficacy and patient awareness.