Background: Cavity preparation often causes gingival bleeding which can be controlled by hemostatic agents (HAs). These along with blood act as contaminants and hamper the bonding mechanism. Collagen cross-linkers (CCLs) are agents known to increase the bond strength (BS) to dentin. Hence, the purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of two different CCLs, proanthocyanidin (grape seed extract [GSE]) and hesperidin on the microtensile BS (μTBS) of a self-etch adhesive (SEA) system to dentin which was contaminated with blood and a HA. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six extracted human molars were collected, and their occlusal surfaces were sectioned to expose the dentin. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups: Group I – Control, Group II – Contamination with blood and HA, Group III – Application of GSE after contamination, and Group IV – Application of hesperidin extract after contamination. The SEA was applied, followed by the use of a nanocomposite. Dentin-composite rods were obtained from each group, and μTBS testing was done. The fracture pattern was visually classified as an adhesive failure at the interface, cohesive failure in composite, or dentin. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was done for two samples from each group. Statistical analysis was done using the Student’s unpaired “t” and ANOVA test. Results: Group II showed a statistically significant reduction in μTBS in comparison to Group I. This was overcome in Groups III and IV. Hesperidin showed marginally better results than GSE. Conclusions: The use of GSE and hesperidin increases the μTBS of composite resin to dentin postcontamination with blood and ViscoStat Clear with Single Bond Universal Adhesive.
Background: Perforation repair materials should have excellent sealing ability and dislodgement resistance. While several materials have been employed for perforation repair, newer calcium-silicate materials, such as Biodentine and TheraCal LC, have shown promising outcomes. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different irrigants on the dislodgement resistance of Biodentine and TheraCal LC when used for perforation repair in simulated conditions. Methods and Material: 3% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, and 17% EDTA were evaluated for their effect on the dislodgement resistance of Biodentine and TheraCal LC. 48 permanent mandibular molars were selected for the study. The samples were divided into two groups: Group I – Biodentine and Group II – TheraCal LC, with 24 samples each. Statistical Analysis: The mean dislodgement resistance and standard deviation of Group I (Biodentine) and Group II (TheraCal LC) were compared and Failure pattern analysis was done. Results: Biodentine showed a significant decrease in push-out bond strength after contact with 3% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA whereas, TheraCal LC showed no significant decrease in push-out bond strength after exposure to 3% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA. Conclusions: Overall, TheraCal LC can be considered good perforation repair material with excellent physical and biological properties.
Objective:The objective of this study was to study the effect of medicated toothpaste on oral health, a 6-month follow-up.Methods:Four hundred and twenty-seven participants were screened and followed up for 6 months. The intraoral examination was performed to record caries, gingival bleeding, and plaque index. Saliva collected was evaluated for pH, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Vitamin C level for 6 months, and data were analyzed.Results:On the usage of medicated toothpaste with herbal extract for 6 months, the salivary pH levels were increased, the interquartile range for plaque, and the gingival bleeding index decreased. The percentage change in salivary TAC, MDA, and Vitamin C levels in the caries-free group of subgroup I was 174.8, 58.06, and 59.98, respectively, in subgroup II was 133.3, 52.08, and 58.51, and in subgroup III was 63.77, 45.11, and 47.77. The percentage change in salivary TAC, MDA, and Vitamin C levels in the caries-active group of subgroup I was 136.62, 57.27, and 72.83, subgroup II was 108.59, 37.50, and 61.55, and in subgroup III was 35.62, 30.82, and 54.10, respectively.Conclusion:The salivary pH levels increased on the usage of medicated toothpaste with herbal extract; plaque and the gingival bleeding index scores were decreased. The salivary antioxidant defense was increased in individuals using medicated toothpaste with herbal extracts which signifies an improvement in overall oral health in the 6-month follow-up.
Background: Dental bleaching is not recommended on teeth with enamel caries. Aim: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of in-office bleaching on demineralized enamel managed by resin infiltration (RI) as well as casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). Methodology: Forty-eight sound enamel specimens were divided into four groups based on the surface treatment performed before in-office bleaching. Group I consisted of no caries and no treatment (NT); Group II had artificial caries (AC) and NT; Group III had AC treated with RI, and Group IV had AC remineralized with CPP-ACP. Pre- and postbleaching teeth color and surface topography were evaluated using spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test were performed for inter-group comparisons. Results: The color change postbleaching was the least in Group IV; and this was significantly less than Group I (P < 0.05) and Group II (P < 0.001). The bleaching efficiency in Group III was not significantly different from the control group. In addition, the enamel topographic changes were less in the surface-treated group. Conclusion: RI can be considered a treatment modality for teeth with enamel caries requiring tooth whitening as the bleaching efficiency was like that of sound enamel.
Background:Cleaning and shaping represent a vital step in the endodontic procedure. In routine endodontic therapy, the fracture of nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments is a procedural problem creating a major obstacle to therapy.Aim:This study examines the life span of one Neoendo Flex and ProTaper Next (PTN) rotary file using reciprocating motion and compares the time required by both file systems for canal preparation.Materials and Methods:One hundred maxillary permanent central incisors were selected. In that, fifty teeth are utilized in a reciprocating motion (RM) with the PTN file (n = 25) and Neoendo Flex file (n = 25). To check fractured resistance and the overall root canal preparation time, fifty more teeth are employed in continuous motion (CM) with canals prepared using PTN (n = 25) and Neoendo Flex (n = 25). All canals are prepared following the sequence of respective files. Later, the fracture mechanism of the files was inspected using a scanning electron microscope.Results:In an RM motion, both PTN and Neoendo Flex files can be used in a minimum of 25 canals in single-rooted teeth. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U-test showed no significant difference in total time taken by PTN and Neoendo Flex in both motions.Conclusion:Within the limitation of this study, the RM was found to be better than CM with less incidence of instrument fracture.
Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the homogeneity and quality of different obturating systems using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty extracted maxillary and mandibular molars were included in this study which was decoronated first and then dissected into palatal and distal roots. After working length determination, all the roots were biomechanically prepared with ProTaper universal system. The prepared roots were evaluated using CBCT, and volumetric analysis was done. Samples were then randomly divided into three groups corresponding to the obturation method used - cold lateral compaction technique, single-cone technique, and BeeFill 2 in 1 system. After obturation, CBCT imaging and volumetric analyses were performed again to compare and analyze the amount of volume of obturation in different obturating techniques. To standardize the volume, pre-and postobturation images were superimposed. To avoid errors, for each section, measurements were repeated three times and the means were calculated.Statistical Analysis Used:The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by post hoc test.Results:Results showed a statistically significant difference of the single cone with lateral compaction and the BeeFill system (P < 0.001). Maximum volume of obturating material was found in BeeFill at all levels - Coronal, middle, and apical, followed by cold lateral compaction and single-cone technique (P < 0.001).Conclusion:It could be concluded that the thermoplasticized obturating technique can be a better choice for obturation rather than the single cone and lateral compaction technique.
Context:Endodontic retreatment is the first line of treatment in cases of failed primary endodontic treatment. Although associated with challenges such as incomplete removal of obturating material, increased clinical time, and extrusion of apical debris, endodontic retreatment still has considerable success rate in the general population.Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of TruNatomy, ProTaper retreatment, and RaCe file systems to remove the obturating material, time taken to remove the obturating material, and apical extrusion of debris using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Settings and Design:In vitro study.Subjects and Methods:Forty-five moderately curved mesiobuccal roots of the mandibular molars were instrumented up to #25, 4% taper and obturated with bioceramic sealer and lateral compaction technique. Teeth were divided randomly into three groups (n = 15). Teeth were retreated with TruNatomy, ProTaper retreatment, and RaCe file systems, respectively. Preretreatment and postretreatment CBCT scans were recorded and percentage of obturating material removed was calculated. Time taken to remove the obturating material and apical extrusion of debris was noted.Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics including percentage, mean, standard deviation, Tukey's post hoc test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney Post hoc test were used.Results:The total time needed for the removal of obturating material was comparatively shorter in the RaCe group, followed by the ProTaper retreatment group and TruNatomy group (P < 0.001). TruNatomy files were significantly better in removing the obturating material than the ProTaper retreatment files (P = 0.04). Statically, no difference between RaCe and TruNatomy files was noted. Apically extruded debris was more in the TruNatomy group than in the RaCe and ProTaper retreatment groups (P = 0.01).Conclusions:All tested endodontic files were effective in removal of obturating material, although none could completely remove the filling material and no system could completely eliminate apical extrusion.
Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the pericervical dentin preservation and fracture resistance of root canal-treated teeth with rotary endodontic file systems of different types of taper.Subjects and Methods:Thirty-two single-rooted human-extracted premolars were used. They were mounted in wax, and preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken with 11 × 8 Field of view (FOV). The evaluation of the pericervical dentin thickness was done at the cementoenamel junction level. After pre-CBCT, the 32 samples were divided into four groups (n = 8) - Group A: fixed tapered hand files, Group B: variable regressive tapered TruNatomy, Group C: progressive tapered ProTaper Gold, and Group D: fixed tapered HyFlex EDM. Following instrumentation, postoperative CBCT scans were taken to evaluate pericervical dentin thickness. Obturation was done and access cavity was restored with composite. Fracture strength was checked for all the samples using "universal testing machine" until fracture, and calculated in newtons (N).Statistical Analysis Used:Student's t-test and ANOVA test, along with Tukey's post hoc analysis, were used for comparing mean values between the groups, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The results of this study showed that there is no statistically significant difference in preserving pericervical dentin with file system of different types of taper and fracture resistance between the groups.Conclusions:Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that different types of file taper systems used for root canal preparation have no significant effect on the preservation of pericervical dentin and fracture resistance of teeth.
Aim:Assessment of remineralizing agent's effect on laser and nonlaser bleached enamel surfaces subjected to erosion.Materials and Methods:In this study, 80 extracted human permanent anteriors were collected and divided into 4 groups with 20 teeth per sample. Enamel specimen of 3 mm × 3 mm were made using polyvinyl chloride rings and acrylic and randomly divided into four groups. Then the specimens were subjected to initial microhardness test using Vicker's hardness tester (AVK-CO, Mitutoyo, Japan). Two indentations were placed at 100 mm from one another in the center of all the samples. Bleaching with laser and without laser using hydrogen peroxide was performed followed by remineralization in the groups (Groups 1a and 2a) and then were subjected to erosion. The final hardness was measured using the above method used for initial microhardness.Results:Microhardness in the remineralized groups showed least variation. The group in which laser bleaching was performed along with remineralization as compared with nonlaser bleaching group with remineralization showed improvement in microhardness but the data was not statistically significant. A significant difference was noted between the laser and remineralization group when compared with the groups in which no remineralization was done.Conclusion:After bleaching the enamel surface is more prone to erosion, so to improve the microhardness of bleached enamel a remineralizing agent should be used. A combination of diode laser bleaching and remineralizing agents leads to improved microhardness of the bleached enamel thus proving this combination to be efficacious.
Background:The sealing ability of different liners under composite restorations in the reduction of microleakage.Aim:To evaluate the effects of three different liners in sandwich techniques on gingival microleakage of class II composite restorations.Materials and Methods:Standardized Class II box cavities were prepared on forty premolar teeth and randomly divided into four groups, n = 10: Group A, no liner (control); Group B, Polofil NHT Flow; Group C, Ionolux; and Group D, Fuji VII. The etching, bonding, and process for restoring the whole remaining mass of the cavities with G-aenial composite were the same, with the sandwich material expectations. Dye penetration was evaluated using a stereomicroscope.Statistical Analysis:Duncan's Post hoc analysis and Friedman's test.Results:Group A showed the highest microleakage followed by Group D, Group C, and Group B.Conclusion:Polofil NHT Flow seems to be a promising liner for gingivally deep class II cavities.
A concomitant complicated crown-root fracture (CCRF) and horizontal root fracture (HRF) is rarely reported in literature. This report proposes a two-staged single-visit treatment to salvage maxillary central incisor with coexisting CCRF and HRF. A female patient with CCRF with additional HRF (AHRF) of maxillary left central incisor was successfully managed with a novel two-staged treatment strategy. Stage 1 included stabilization of AHRF followed by fragment reattachment in Stage 2 of the treatment. At 5 years of followup, clinical examinations revealed no mobility or discoloration of the reattached fragment with satisfactory periodontal condition. Conebeam computed tomography revealed accurate approximation of reattached fragment to the remaining tooth and the HRF showed type II (connective tissue) healing pattern. This case report concludes that two-staged treatment can be performed as an alternative treatment to invasive therapy like extraction.
Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonic activation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), maleic acid (MA), and fumaric acid (FA) in combination with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on postendodontic treatment root fracture toughness.Materials and Methods:Forty single-rooted mandibular premolars were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction and were kept on average 14 mm long. With the exception of eight randomly selected teeth acting as a negative control group (Group I/nonprepared), the rest were prepared till F3. Thirty-two specimens were randomly placed into four groups equally and then irrigated using the final irrigation protocols. Saline and NaOCl were used to irrigate Group II, 17% EDTA and NaOCl were used to irrigate Group III, 7% MA and NaOCl were used to irrigate Group IV, and 0.7% FA and NaOCl were used to irrigate Group V. The irrigants were ultrasonically activated in every group. The root canals were obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. The roots were embedded along the long axis in the self-curing acrylic blocks along with polyvinyl siloxane, leaving the coronal 2 mm of the root exposed. The specimens were tested using a universal testing machine.Statistical Analysis:The Post hoc Tamhane's and one-way ANOVA tests were applied to examine the data.Results:The result of the study revealed that 0.7% FA (598.09 N) provided better root fracture resistance than EDTA (428.07 N) and MA (511.87 N).Conclusion:The conclusion derived from the study was that 0.7% FA provided better fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth when compared to 17% EDTA and 7% MA.
Aim:The aim of this study was to assess and compare the effect of ultrasonic and diode laser-activated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chitosan, and chlorhexidine (CHX) on the removal of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm adherent to the root canal using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Materials and Methods:Root canals in 112 single-rooted teeth were instrumented using a rotary Ni-Ti system. Biofilms of E. faecalis were generated based on an established protocol. Samples were randomly divided into three experimental (n = 28) and one control (n = 28) group based on the irrigation protocol employed and the three experimental groups were further subdivided into subgroups based on the activation protocol (subgroup A - ultrasonic activated and subgroup B - diode laser activated). The groups were Group 1 (control), Group 2 (3% NaOCl for 6 min; subgroup A - activated using a diode laser, subgroup B - ultrasonic activation), Group 3 (2% CHX for 6 min; subgroup A - activated using a diode laser, subgroup B - ultrasonic activation), and Group 4 (0.2% chitosan for 6 min; subgroup A - activated using a diode laser, subgroup B - ultrasonic activation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to assess bacterial viability in situ. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical analyses with P = 0.05. Results:All experimental irrigation protocols destroyed the biofilm in the root canal lumen. Within the dentinal tubules, all groups had a significantly higher percentage of dead bacteria than the saline control (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between CHX activated with ultrasonics, CHX activated with a diode laser, chitosan activated with ultrasonics and chitosan activated with diode laser groups (P > 0.05), whereas NaOCl ultra and NaOCl diode groups brought about more bacterial reduction than other groups (P < 0.05). The mean effectiveness and the bacterial kill ability were seen highest for the NaOCl activated with the ultrasonics group. There was no significant difference between diode laser activation and ultrasonic activation in CHX activated with ultrasonics, CHX activated with a diode laser, chitosan activated with ultrasonics and chitosan activated with diode laser groups (P > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between diode laser and ultrasonic activation in NaOCl group. Ultrasonic activation of the NaOCl was more effective than diode activation in reducing E. feacalis biofilms (P < 0.05). Conclusions:The use of NaOCl with the activation by ultrasonics caused the greatest reduction of E. faecalis. Ultrasonic activation was found superior to diode laser activation in dentinal tubule disinfection.
Aim:The aim of this study was to assess and compare the influence of the presence of full-coverage crown on the obturation material removal efficiency of different retreatment file systems. Materials and Methods:Sixty extracted, human, maxillary premolars were accessed, instrumented, and obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. The samples were scanned with cone-beam computed tomography and volume of obturating material was measured using ITK-SNAP volumetric software. Samples were divided (n = 30) into with and without all metal full-coverage crown groups. Each group was then subdivided into three subgroups (n = 10) based on retreatment file used (ProTaper URS, HyFlex Remover, and NeoEndo). The volume of remnants of obturating material was remeasured by image segmentation using ITK-SNAP volumetric software. One-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey's post hoc test, was used for data analysis, with a significance level of 5%. Results:A significant difference in percentage remnant of obturating material after retreatment file was observed on overall comparison between with (29.84%) and without crown (21.79%) groups (P < 0.05). Each file system removed significantly more obturating material in without crown samples than with crown samples (P < 0.05). The percentage remnant of obturating material after retreatment file use was as follows: ProTaper URS > NeoEndo retreatment file > HyFlex Remover. All file systems showed significantly different (P < 0.05) efficiency in removal of obturating material. Conclusions:None of the retreatment file systems were able to remove obturating material completely. The presence of full-coverage crown negatively impacted the efficiency of retreatment files for the removal of obturating material. HyFlex Remover performed better than NeoEndo which was better than ProTaper URS.
Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of access cavity design on fracture resistance of the extracted maxillary first and second molars prepared with three minimally invasive files.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twelve extracted human maxillary molars were selected for the study and divided randomly into three groups according to different minimally invasive files used (self-adjusting files [SAF], XP-endo Shaper [XP], and 4 V-Taper 2H [VT]) and one control group (CG). All experimental groups were subdivided into two subgroups, i.e., conservative access cavity (CAC) and traditional access cavity (TAC). All the canals in different experimental groups were enlarged up to apical size 30. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance and Post hoc Tukey tests (P < 0.05).Results:The highest mean fracture resistance of teeth with CAC was of the CG (1399.957), followed by teeth with CAC instrumented by SAF (1378.314) and XP-endo Shaper (1202.929). The least value was of the V-Taper file system (937.157). Furthermore, the highest mean fracture resistance value of teeth with TAC was of the CG (1143.171), followed by teeth with TAC instrumented by SAF (1150.607) and then XP-endo Shaper (998.150). The least value was of the V Taper file system (757.050).Conclusion:Conservative endodontic access (CAC) in the maxillary molars had shown significantly increased fracture resistance over TAC. SAF showed the maximum fracture resistance, while V-Taper files showed the least fracture resistance among the experimental groups compared.
Objective:This study evaluates the effects of immediate dentin sealing (IDS) on the fracture resistance of lithium disilicate overlays using three different types of resin-luting agents (preheated composite, dual-cure adhesive resin, and flowable composite).Materials and Methods:Forty-eight maxillary first premolars of equal size were prepared using a butt joint preparation design. The teeth were separated into two primary groups, each with 24 teeth: Group DDS - delay dentin sealing (DDS) (non-IDS) teeth were not treated. Group IDS - dentin sealing was applied immediately after teeth preparations. Each group was subsequently separated into three separate subgroups of eight teeth. Subgroups DDS+Phc and IDS+Phc - cemented with preheated composite (Enamel plus HRi, Micerium, Italy), subgroups DDS+Dcrs and IDS+Dcrs - cemented with dual-cured resin cement (RelyX Ultimate, 3M ESPE, Germany), and subgroups DDS+Fc and IDS+Fc - cemented with flowable composite (Filtek Supreme Flowable, 3M ESPE, USA). The fracture resistance of each sample was evaluated using a test of a single load till failure, which was automatically recorded in Newton by a computer-controlled universal testing system.Results:The fracture resistance of the subgroup IDS+Phc was the highest mean value, in which the overlay was cemented with preheated composite (1954 N), and the lowest mean was noted in the subgroup DDS+Fc, by which the overlay cemented with flowable composite without IDS (887 N). All IDS subgroups had a high mean fracture load. Both the Bonferroni test and the one-way ANOVA test identified a significant difference between all groups of 0.05.Conclusion:In general, teeth with IDS were stronger than teeth without IDS. When the preheated composite is used as a luting agent improves overall fracture resistance, followed by resin cement and flowable composite, respectively. However, the result showed that the ceramic overlays with and without IDS are strong enough to withstand the normal mastication force. Overlays was failed in a more catastrophic, irreparable mode of fracture than the clinical situation.
Successful endodontic treatment relies upon a thorough knowledge of root canal anatomical variations along with proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical expertise. One of the difficult root canal configurations that are frequently encountered commonly in mandibular second molars is C-shaped root canal. Due to the intricate root canal configuration, it is often difficult to negotiate, debride, and obturate such canals leading to failure of root canal treatment. Understanding the anatomical variation and adequate visualization will enable the clinician to manage these cases effectively. Advanced irrigation and obturation techniques help in managing such anomalous canal configurations. This article presents the management of two different C-shaped root canal configurations under dental operating microscope using thermoplasticized obturation techniques.
Aim:The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the quality of marginal adaptation of three root end filling materials by scanning electron microscope (SEM).Methodology:Thirty extracted human permanent single-rooted single canal maxillary anterior teeth with mature apices were prepared up to 60 K-file and obturated. Teeth were resected 3 mm from the apex using a cross-cut fissure bur at 90° angle to the long axis of the tooth. Root end cavities of 3 mm were prepared in each of the teeth with an ultrasonic tip to receive the root end filling material. Group 1 - mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Group 2 - Biodentine, and Group 3 - Geristore. The samples were mounted in resin blocks for sectioning with a hard-tissue microtome and sectioned apically at 1 mm and 2 mm levels from the apex. They were gold sputtered and viewed under SEM for evaluating the adaptation of the material to the canal walls.Results:The mean value for Group II (Biodentine) was lower than the mean value for Group I (MTA) and Group III (Geristore) at 1 mm and 2 mm.Conclusion:Biodentine showed significantly better marginal adaptation as compared to MTA and Geristore.
Objective:This study compared the potential for apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) when using needle irrigation (NI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), passive subsonic irrigation (PSI), and negative pressure system (NP).Materials and Methods:One hundred freshly extracted human permanent anterior teeth with complete root formation were embedded rigidly in agarose gel-containing cresol purple. Teeth were randomly allocated to six groups: G1-NI; G2-PUI; G3-PSI; G4-NP; G5-positive control; and G6-negative control. The chemomechanical preparation was completed and 12 ml of 3% NaOCl was delivered for 180 s in all groups. Dye diffusion was standardized by doing gel photography after the NaOCl final irrigation the Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance test were used for the data analysis.Results:G1 had statistically significant apical extrusion compared to G2 (P = 0.001), G3 (P = 0.001), and G4 (P = 0.001) groups. G4 showed the least amount of apical extrusion.Conclusions:pH-sensitive gel model is useful in evaluating NaOCl extrusion. NP produced least NaOCl extrusion as compared to the other three systems. Due consideration should be given to the potential for apical extrusion of the irrigant before the selection of an irrigation system.
