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To review the analytical methods for carious and erosive demineralization an initial search of peer-reviewed scientific literature from the digital library database of PubMed/Medline indexed journals published up to early 2022 was carried out based on keywords relevant to the topic criteria including bibliographic citations from the papers to gather the most updated information. This current review aims to provide an updated overview of the advantages, limitations, and potential applications of direct and indirect research methods available for studying various dynamic stages of carious and erosive demineralization in enamel and dentin. This paper categorizes and describes the most suitable, frequently adopted and widely used quantitative and qualitative techniques in in vitro/in vivo research which are well-established, emerging, or comparatively novel techniques that are being explored for their potential validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing prevalence of erosive tooth wear affecting both adults and children; designing optimum protocols of management in a noninvasive manner is gaining precedence. Aim: Comparative evaluation of topically applied calcium phosphate-based agents casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) on the surface of eroded dentin. Materials and Methods: Dentin blocks from human third molars in four groups were subjected to the surface treatment: (G1) sound dentin (G2) demineralized dentin (G3) CPP-ACP (G4) ß-TCP. All the samples except control (G1) were immersed in an acidic solution incubated at 37°C for 96 h. The samples in G3 and G4 were topically treated with CPP-ACP and ß-TCP for 4 min twice daily for 14 days; followed by pH-cycling for 21 days. Surface hardness testing and surface morphology were observed using the scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software with Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc test. Results: Dentin treated with both CPP-ACP (37.25) and ß-TCP (32.05) recorded significantly higher VHN than demineralized (G2-23.51) but lower compared to sound control (G1-57.06). Conclusion: The topical application of CPP-ACP and ß-TCP agents shows definite potential in promoting the hardening of demineralized dentin surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present review article is to establish a systematic review to describe the role of various salivary components such as pH, buffering capacity, proteins, electrolyte, antioxidant, enzymes, and minerals in occurrence and initiation of dental caries in participants with and without dental caries. Methodology: An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The MESH terms (Medical Subject Headings) were "dental caries susceptibility," "caries risk assessment, "Salivary Biomarker," "saliva," "Proteins," "electrolytes," "biomarker," "Anti-oxidant's." The database search was limited to the studies published between 2008 and 2018 and only human studies were included. Furthermore, the STROBE criteria checklist was used to analyze the studies which had to be included in the systematic review. Results: A total of 150 articles were retrieved through electronic database. After evaluating the title, abstract, and full text of these articles, only 11 were selected for the present systematic review. However, two articles were excluded because they were classified as high risk of bias according to the STROBE criteria. Out of 9 studies selected, 5 were classified as low-risk bias and 4 were classified as moderate-risk bias. Conclusion: Based on the results of the systematic review, out of 11 studies, 7 found to have a statistically significant difference between individuals with and without caries experience. Hence, it can be concluded that there is an association between various components of saliva and dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To ascertain the role of Enterococcus faecalis in persistent infection and a possible method to prevent the penetration of E. faecalis into root cementum. Methodology: One hundred and twenty human single-rooted extracted teeth divided into five groups. Group I (control): intact teeth, Group II: no apical treatment done, Group III divided into two subgroups. In Groups IIIa and IIIb, root apex treated with lactic acid of acidic and neutral pH, respectively. Group IV: apical root cementum exposed to lactic acid and roughened to mimic the apical resorption. Group V: apical treatment done same as Group IV and root-end filling done using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Apical one-third of all samples immersed in E. faecalis broth for 8 weeks followed by bone morphogenetic protein and obturation and again immersed into broth for 8 weeks. Teeth split into two halves and observed under confocal laser scanning microscope and scanning electron microscope, organism identified by culture and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Results: Adhesion and penetration was observed in Group IIIa and Group IV. Only adhesion in Group II and IIIB and no adhesion and penetration in Group I and V. Conclusion: Adhesion and penetration of E. faecalis into root cementum providing a long-term nidus for subsequent infection are the possible reason for persistent infection and root-end filling with MTA prevents the adhesion and penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Incipient carious lesions are characterized by subsurface dissolution due to more fluoride ions in the 50-100 microns of the tooth's outer surface. Aims: To determine an optimal power setting for 810 nm aluminum gallium arsenide laser for caries inhibition. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four caries-free extracted teeth were sectioned mesiodistally. The samples were divided into 18 groups for each power setting being evaluated. Each group had six samples. The laser used is 810 nm aluminum gallium arsenide laser with power setting from 0.1 watts to 5 watts. Laser fluorescence based device was used to evaluate the effect of irradiation. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired "t" test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's post hoc test, and the Pearson's correlation test. Results: The paired t-test showed that there is minimum divergence from the control for 3.5 watts. Tukey's post hoc test also showed statistically significantly results for 3.5 watts. The Pearson's correlation test showed that there was negative correlation between the watts and irradiation. Conclusions: The power setting that gave statistically significant results was 3.5 watts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to address the cause of persistent infection of root cementum by Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: A sample of 60 human single-rooted teeth were divided into three groups. Group I (control group) had no access opening and one-third of the apical root cementum was sealed using varnish. Group II had no preparation of teeth samples. In group III, apical root cementum was exposed to organic acid and roughened using diamond point to mimic apical resorption. After access opening in groups II and III, all teeth samples were sterilized using gamma irradiation (25 kGy). E. faecalis broth was placed in the root canal and apical one-third of the tooth was immersed in the broth for 8 weeks with alternate day refreshment followed by biomechanical preparation, obturation and coronal seal. Apical one-third of all teeth samples were again immersed in the broth for 8 weeks with alternate day refreshment to mimic secondary infection. The samples were observed under a confocal microscope after splitting the teeth into two halves. Results: E. faecalis penetrated 160 μm deep into the root cementum in group III samples and only showed adhesion in group II samples. Conclusion: Penetration and survival of E. faecalis deep inside the cementum in extreme conditions could be the reason for persistent infection [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the enamel remineralization after treatment with three different remineralizing agents using surface microhardness assessment. Materials and Methods: This in vitro study involves 50 enamel samples divided into five groups of 10 samples each. The positive control group consisted of intact enamel and a negative control group consisted of demineralized enamel samples. All groups excluding the positive control group were subjected to demineralization following which three of these groups were remineralized using remineralizing agents (casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate [CPP-ACP] [GC tooth mousse], casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride [CPP-ACPF] [GC tooth mousse plus], sodium fluoride [phos-flur]). The groups treated with remineralizing agents were subjected to pH cycling over a period of 28 days. This was followed with assessment of surface microhardness (Micro Vickers Hardness tester, Matsuzawa Co., Ltd, Toshima, Japan). Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance test and posthoc Tukey test were conducted for multiple group comparison. Results: There was an improved enamel remineralization in the group, remineralized using CPP-ACPF in comparison with the other groups. Conclusion: Casein phosphopeptide with fluoride is a promising material for remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed at quantitatively evaluating the effect of colabased beverage on the calcium loss of enamel surface pretreated with fluorideenriched casein phosphopeptideamorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACPF) and βeta-ricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Materials and Methods: 24 enamel specimens were prepared from the buccal and palatal surfaces of extracted intact human premolars and were randomly assigned to study groups and control group. Specimens of Group II were pre-treated with CPP-ACPF and Group III treated with β-TCP twice daily for 4 for 28 days, followed by storage in artificial saliva. All specimens were evaluated for mineral (calcium and phosphorus) content (wt%) after pre-treatment using SEM-EDAX. The specimens were then placed in the acidic beverages for 4 days for 10 Mineral content was again measured using SEMEDAX. Results: Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD test was applied to compare the re-mineralization and de-mineralization of the samples. Conclusion: The present study concluded that both the remineralizing agents tested were found to be effective in inhibiting the de-mineralization caused by colabased beverage. Among the remineralizing agents tested, β-TCP was found to be more effective than CPP-ACPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the resin-dentin interface, quality of the hybrid layer of total-etching and selfetching adhesive systems under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and Methods: Class V cavities were prepared in 40 extracted human molars. In Group I XP bond (Dentsply), in Group II Adper Single Bond II (3M ESPE), in Group III Adper Easy One (3M ESPE), and in Group IV Xeno V (Dentsply) were applied. Teeth were restored with resin composite, subjected to thermocycling, and sectioned in Buccolingual plane. The samples were demineralized using 6N HCl, for 30 sec, and deproteinized with 2.5% NaOCl for 10 min, gold sputtered, and viewed using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Among the total-etch systems used, the XP Bond showed a clear, thick hybrid layer, with long resin tags and few voids. Among the self-etch adhesive systems, the Xeno V did not show a clearly recognizable hybrid layer, but there were no voids and continuous adaptation was seen with the dentin. Conclusion: The adaptation of self-etch adhesives to the resin-dentin interface was good without voids or separation of phases; showing a thin, continuous hybrid layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the remineralization potential of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate paste on enamel subsurface lesions using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Materials and Methods: Ninety enamel specimens were prepared from extracted human molars. All specimens were evaluated for mineral content (% weight) using SEM-EDX. The specimens were placed in demineralizing solution for four days to produce artificial carious lesions. The mineral content (calcium/phosphorus ratios, Ca/P ratios) was remeasured using SEM-EDX. The specimens were then randomly assigned to five study groups and one control group of 15 specimens per group. Except for the control group, all group specimens were incubated in remineralizing paste (CPP-ACP paste) for 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days twice daily for three minutes. The control group received no treatment with remineralizing paste. All the 90 specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C. After remineralization, the mineral content (% weight) of the samples was measured using SEM-EDX. Results: All the study groups showed very highly significant differences between Ca/P ratios of the demineralized and remineralized samples. There was no significant difference seen in the control group. Conclusion: CPP-ACP paste could significantly remineralize the artificial enamel subsurface lesions in vitro: the remineralizing rates increasing with the time for which the samples were kept in the remineralizing paste. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis is an efficient way to quantitatively assess the changes in mineral content during demineralization and in vitro remineralization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of the study is to assess and compare compressive strength of newer nanocomposites (FiltekZ350, Ceram X Mono, Ceram X Duo) with microhybrid (Tetric Ceram) and to compare difference in compressive strength of newer nanocomposites. Materials and Methods: Forty eight specimens of composite were fabricated using customized biparpite brass mold measuring 5mm x 5mm and were grouped with twelve specimens in each Group I : Tetric Ceram, Group II: Filtek Z 350, Group III : Ceram X Mono, Group IV : Ceram X Duo. Composite resins are placed in cylindrical recesses and covered withmylar strip and are cured using QHL light curing unit. Compressive strength is evaluated using Instron machine. Results are statistically analyzed using One way Anova and Student t test. Analysis demonstrated that nanocomposites have better compressive strength than micro hybrid (P<0.001). Results: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that nanocomposites have better compressive strength than microhybrid composite and nanocomposite showed optimal compressive strength of 312 - 417 Mpa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study is to study, measure and compare the microleakage in three different newer direct composite resins using a self-etch adhesive bonding system in class V cavities by fluorescent dye penetration technique. Materials and Methods: Class V cavities were prepared on 45 human maxillary premolar teeth. On all specimens, one coat of G-Bond (GC Japan) applied and light cured. Teeth are then equally divided into 3 groups of 15 samples each. Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE), Ceram X duo (Dentsply Asia) and Synergy D6 (Coltene/Whaledent) resin composites were placed on samples of Groups I, II and III, respectively, in increments and light cured. After polishing the restorations, the specimens were suspended in Rhodamine 6G fluorescent dye for 48 h. The teeth were then sectioned longitudinally and observed for the extent of microleakage under the florescent microscope. Statistical Analysis Used: The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: Results showed no statistically significant difference among three groups tested. Conclusions: None of the materials tested was able to completely eliminate the microleakage in class V cavities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of polymerized, two-step, self-etching and one-step, self-etching adhesive systems by using the direct contact test after one, seven, and fourteen days. Materials and Methods: The direct contact test was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Clearfil Protect Bond, Adper SE Plus, Clearfil SE Bond, and Adper Easy One on Streptococcus mutans after aging the samples in phosphate-buffered saline for one, seven, and fourteen days. Statistical analysis included the one-way Anova and Tukey's multiple comparison tests. Results: Among the tested materials, Clearfil Protect Bond exhibited an antibacterial effect for seven days when in contact with S. mutans. None of the adhesive systems exhibited any antibacterial effect after 14 days. Conclusion: The incorporation of antibacterial agents into dentine-bonding agents may become an essential factor in inhibiting residual bacteria in the cavity following a cavity disinfection procedure, and it could be recommended in situations where total disinfection of cavity is not accomplished due to lack of accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: The objective of this in vitro study was to investigate whether weight gain in three different composites occurs due to water absorption, when stored in water. Materials and Methods: The composite restorative materials selected for this study included a micro-fine hybrid (Synergy) and two nano-filled composites (CERAM X duo and FILTEK Z 350). Twenty specimens of each material were fabricated with each composite material.-- Group A: Filtek Z 350, Group B: Synergy, and Group C: CERAM X Duo. Then all the specimens were stored in 10 ml distilled water in test tubes, and then placed in an incubator at 37oC for six weeks. The weight changes of these specimens were measured daily for the first week, and, later, once a week, for the next five weeks, by using an electrical analytical balance. Results: The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Student 't' test. There was a tendency for the weight of the specimens to increase with the passage of time, when stored in water. All the groups showed maximum amount of water absorption in the first week; then there was a gradual decrease in the water absorption, from the second to the sixth week. Synergy showed the maximum amount of water absorption in the first week, as compared to FILTEK Z 350 and Ceram X Duo. However, FILTEK Z 350 showed the maximum amount of water absorption from the second week to the sixth week, as compared to Ceram X Duo and Synergy. Conclusion: All composite restorative materials absorb some amount of water. The water absorption of the composite may decrease the physical and mechanical properties of the composites; hence, it is necessary to consider the type of the material before starting treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed at evaluating the depth of cure and knoop hardness of a microfine-hybrid composite resin that was photoactivated using different methods. A bipartite brass mold was filled with composite resin and photo-activation was performed using four methods: (1) Intermittent method using quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light curing unit (LCU) (2) Continuous method (QTH) (3) Exponential method (QTH) (4) Continuous method using light-emitting diode (LED). Depth of cure was measured at the unexposed bottom surface of the specimen using microtester as a penetrometer. The surfaces exposed to light were subjected to knoop hardness testing, using a digital microhardness tester. Knoop hardness measurements were obtained at the top surface and at depths of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm. The data was analyzed using anova and Tukey's test (5%). Results showed that the depth of cure was higher with the intermittent method (QTH), followed by the continuous method (QTH), the exponential method and the continuous method (LED). At the top surface and up to 1 mm, continuous method (LED) demonstrated the highest knoop hardness number (KHN). At 2 mm and up to 5 mm, intermittent method (QTH) presented the highest KHN and continuous method (LED) showed the lowest KHN. At all depths, continuous method (QTH) showed higher KHN, as compared to the exponential method (QTH), except at 2 mm where both showed no significant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the shear bond strength of Total etch Prime and Bond NT and self etch newer dentin bonding agents Clearfil S3, Xeno III Bond, Clearfil Protect Bond and G Bond used to bond composite resin to dentin, and to compare the difference in the shear bond strengths of the self etch newer dentin bonding agents. Hundred freshly extracted noncarious human maxillary premolar teeth were selected. The occlusal surfaces of each tooth were ground to prepare flat dentin surfaces at a depth of 1.5 mm and were randomly grouped, with twenty specimens in each: Group I - Prime and Bond NT, Group II - Clearfil Protect Bond, Group III - Xeno III Bond, Group IV - Clearfil S3 Bond, Group V - G Bond. Each group was treated with its respective bonding agents, as per the manufacturers' instructions Clearfill -- Kuraray , Japan, G bond -- GC Tokyo, Japan, Xeno- De Trey Densply, Germany. Blocks or Cylinders of composite resin were built up using Teflon mold and cured. Shear bond strengths were tested using Instron Universal testing machine and recorded in Mpa. The results were statistically analyzed using One-way anova and Tukeys HSD test. The total etch adhesive showed higher shear bond strength than self etching adhesives (P<0.001). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that all the adhesive agents evaluated showed optimal shear bond strength 17-20 Mpa, except G bond. However, shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin is better with one bottle total etch adhesive than with the newer self etching bonding agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: a) To evaluate the bond strength of eugenol- and non-eugenol--based endodontic sealers to gutta-percha and dentin and b) To make a comparative evaluation of the bond strength of sealers to gutta-percha and dentin. Material and Methods: Seventy-two specimens were used in this study, which was divided into two groups -- group I consisting of 36 freshly extracted human molars with 2 mm coronal cut surface; and group II consisting of gutta-percha disks of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness embedded in 36 plaster of Paris specimens. Group I was further divided into three subgroups: subgroup 1, subgroup 2, and subgroup 3, consisting of 12 teeth each; and group II was further divided into three subgroups: subgroup 1, subgroup 2, and subgroup 3, consisting of 12 plaster specimens each. Each subgroup consisted of two materials each, which were placed in 5 mm long sections of polyethylene tubing and were then placed on coronal 2 mm cut surface of human molars; likewise subgroup 1, subgroup 2, and subgroup 3 of group II consisted of two materials each, which were also placed in 5 mm long sections of polyethylene tubing and then placed on gutta-percha disks 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, which were embedded in the plaster specimens. After the materials were set, the specimens were subjected to test for shearing bond strength using a universal testing machine (Instron). Statistical Analysis: Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Group I, i.e., zinc oxide eugenol sealers, showed more bond to gutta-percha than to dentin, in which subgroup 2b, endomethasone, showed the maximum bond. Group II, i.e., non.zinc oxide eugenol sealers, showed more bond to dentin than to gutta-percha, where the maximum bond was shown by subgroup 3b, EndoRez. Conclusion: Under the circumstances of this in vitro study, all the six endodontic sealers had significant differences in terms of shear bond strength to gutta-percha and dentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]