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Composite resins represent a class of material widely used in restorative dentistry, not only for anterior aesthetics but also as the first choice to restore posterior teeth. However the key limitation in the use of composite resins as a restorative material is related to shrinkage during polymerization which leads to poor marginal seal,marginal staining, restoration displacement, tooth fracture and recurring caries [1]. Polymerization shrinkage may affect negatively the clinical outcome of the restoration. Hence the present study evaluates the Polymerization shrinkage of 2 different posterior composites; Filtek Z350(3M)and everX Posterior(GC), using a pycnometer. Independent Sample T-Test was used to determine statistically significant difference in volumetric shrinkage among the tested composite resins. everX Posterior showed comparatively less shrinkage than Filtek Z350; which can be attributed to the presence of silanated e-glass fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim : In the present era of relationship-based care, effective communication between practitioners and patients vastly affects treatment planning and ultimately patient satisfaction .This study compared the communication skills of two groups of final year's undergraduate dental students with and without prior training in effective communication. Methodology : Eighty final year student were asked to participate in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of forty each. One group received training in history taking and effective communication with patients, through a course that spanned across three hours. The remaining forty were not put through the course. Subsequently all the eighty students were asked to examine one patient each and record patient case history. The communication skills of the students were evaluated by the patients in the form of a feedback questionnaire provided to them after the dental examination. Results : The results indicated that students who had received training in communication skills were rated significantly higher than the untrained student in all aspects of communication Conclusion : Proper training improved communication skills significantly among dental students [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context : High levels of stress and burnout affect the academic, and clinical learning process and long term health of the individual. Aims : The aim of the study was to assess stress and burnout among post graduate dental students in a dental college in India Settings and Design : 82 post graduate dental students enrolled in the MDS programme in a dental school in India completed the Graduate Dental Environment Stress (GDES) questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Burnout was assessed in three domains Emotional Exhaution, Depersonalization and Personal Accomplishment Statistical analysis used : Summary statistics (proportions, mean and standard deviation) were used to summarize the responses to the Graduate Dental Environment Stress (GDES) questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory Results : The statistical analysis revealed that the mean overall score on GDES 30 stress questionnaire was 2.28. Top three stressors among the Postgraduate students was lack of leisure time, examinations and assessments, and insecurity regarding professional future . Females had significantly higher stress rates . 21% of respondents were "cases of burnout" in the Emotional Exhaustion (EE) component, 29 % were "burnout" cases of Depersonalization (DP) while 54% were "burnout" cases in the Personal Accomplishment (PA) domain Conclusions : Moderate to high levels of stress and burnout were detected among this study sample. There is a need to come up with effective strategies in the postgraduate curriculum to tackle stress and burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and their co-relation to deleterious habits of smoking, tobacco and alcohol consumption. 2000 patients visiting both rural and urban centres were screened for oral lesions and information regarding habits was obtained through a questionnaire. The results showed the prevalence of oral mucosal lesion to be 16.7% in the study population. The most frequent observation was the presence of Fordyce's spots (6.2%) followed by smoker's palate( 5.6%), leukoedema (3.15%), leukoplakia (2.1%), oral sumucous fibrosis (2%), recurrent aphthous ulcers and lingual varices (1.6%), Lichen planus (1.2%) and oral candidiasis (1%). The habits were found to be associated with increased prevalence of oral mucosal lesions, especially in men. The study concluded the need for formulation of public health programmes discouraging these practises and public awareness of their ill-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Diabetes Mellitus and dental caries association has been determined successfully but the electrolyte imbalance responsible is still under investigation. Aims : This study aims to evaluate the salivary electrolyte concentration in non-diabetic and diabetic patients with active dental caries. Methods and Material : 60 diabetic individuals with active dental caries were selected fulfilling the inclusion criteria as the study group with equal number as controls. 5ml of saliva was collected from the patient, centrifuged and the supernatant obtained was subjected to subsequent analysis for Na+, K+ and Cl-ions concentration in saliva. Statistical analysis: The intergroup comparison correlating the salivary electrolyte concentration was done using student't' test. A 'p' value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (X ± SD). Results: The mean value of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in diabetic patients was 0.97+ 0.14, 10.40±0.9 and 135.4±3.67 respectively (p<0.05). However, in non-diabetics it was 0.23±0.07, 6.87±1.86 and 96.24±4.85 respectively (p<0.05). Conclusions: From our study it is evident that salivary levels of electrolytes show a positive relationship between diabetics and nondiabetics with active dental caries. However, a longitudinal data might help in better understanding of this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare and evaluate in-vitro the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth obturated with resilon & epiphany sealer and guttapercha using different sealers. Epoxy resin based sealer AH-plus and zinc oxide eugenol based sealer-TubliSeal (EWT). Methodology : sixty four human single rooted maxillary anterior teeth, cleaned stored in 0.9% saline. All the teeth were decoronated to root length 14mm and bucco-lingual diameter of 5-7mm, After access openings teeth were instrumented using K3 .06 up to final apical size 30/.06 and randomly allocated into 4 experimental groups (n=16 per group). Group 1 (Control group): teeth were instrumented but not obturated, Group 2: Resilon cones and epiphany SE-sealer. Group 3: guttapercha cones and epoxy based sealer AH plus. Group 4: guttapercha and Tubli seal EWT. Coronal seal was done using IRM cement. Each of the specimens were tested for fracture resistance by instron universal testing machine. Results : Higher fracture resistance values were observed for group 2 (Resilon & Epiphany SE sealer) followed by group 3(Guttapercha & AH Plus sealer) and group 4(Guttapercha & TubliSeal EWT) when compared to group1 (control-instrumented but not obturated). Conclusion: filling the root canals with contemporary polymer based root canal obturating system- Resilon increased the in vitro fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful treatment of any case mainly depends on proper diagnosis; this is particularly true when we are doing an endodontic treatment. Internal anatomy of root canal system varies a lot and predisposes to inadequate root canal preparation and should be recognized before or during treatment. Proper knowledge of these anatomical variations and proper diagnosis are of paramost important. As the routine diagnostic aids, radiograph is a two dimensional representation of a three dimensional object where the internal anatomy of the tooth cannot be appreciated properly. Spiral computed tomography (SCT) has got an advantage as it gives a 3 dimensional image of a given object. We present an interesting case of multiple canals in all the teeth except incisors in a single patient which was diagnosed with the aid of Dental CT and its potential role, this diagnostic method can help in the field of endodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim : to know ability of Enterococcus faecalis invasion into root dentin. Methodology : Forty single rooted human intact teeth were selected, after access opening and canal debridement, all the samples were subjected for gamma sterilization to ensure complete absence of microorganisms, then exposed to Enterococcus faecalis broth, broth is placed with the help of micro pipette into root canal and also at the same time apical 1/3 of tooth were immersed into broth for 8 weeks, biomechanical preparation, obturation and coronal sealing done using GIC followed by examination under confocal laser scanning microscope after splitting the teeth samples into two halfs buccolingually. Results : This study shows invasion of Enterococcus faecalis upto 160 µm deep in to root dentin. Conclusion : penetration and survival of Enterococcus faecalis deep into dentin in extreme conditions may be the possible reason for persisting infection after root canal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the vitamin C levels in saliva and serum of caries free and caries active adults and to correlate the vitamin C level with DMFT index (D=decayed, m=missing, f=filled, t=teeth) index. The present study included eighty healthy adults who were divided into four groups; Control, Group- I, Group II and Group- III with a DMFT index 0, <3, <10 and > 10 respectively. Saliva and serum samples were collected from all the four groups. The vitamin C of saliva and serum was estimated by dinitro phenyl hydrazine (DNPH) method. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the vitamin C levels of saliva and serum. Only differences with 'p'value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Saliva and serum vitamin C level decreases with increase in caries activity and is statistically significant suggesting the powerful antioxidant property of vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Dental caries is an infectious microbiological disease affecting all age groups. Fluoride slows down the progression of an existing carious lesion thus reducing the incidence of dental caries. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 0.5 to 1 ppm fluoride content in community water supply and milk fluoridation in case of non-feasibility of community water fluoridation. The aim of present study was to determine fluoride levels in water and milk in Dakshina Kannada District and to co-relate them with the DMFT scores in 13-15 year old adolescent population. Methodology Water samples were collected from six different regions and sources from Dakshina Kannada District. Water samples were tested for fluoride content by ion specific electrode. A school dental survey was conducted to determine different brands of milk consumed by the children and their DMFT index. Milk samples were tested for fluoride levels by Ion Specific electrode using TSAB-II solution. DMFT scores were correlated with fluoride level of milk consumed by population. Interobesrver reliability by kappa statistics and association test with one way ANOVA was done. Results The range of fluoride levels in waters samples was 0.01 to 0.17 ppm and that of milk samples was 0.176 to 1.38 ppm. There was no much difference in fluoride levels of different milk sources. Hence association between DMFT and milk fluoride levels was not statistically significant (p=0.2). Conclusion Negligible amounts of Fluoride levels were found in water and milk. There is scope to conduct milk or water fluoridation programme in South Kannada District as a caries prevention method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus faecalis is a micro-organism that can survive extreme challenges. Its pathogenicity ranges from life-threatening diseases in compromised individuals to less severe conditions, systemic diseases such as endocarditis, brain abscesses, and septicaemia to infection of obturated root canals with chronic apical periodontitis. This article highlights some of the virulence factors of E. faecalis that may be related to endodontic infections and the periradicular inflammatory response. The most-cited virulence factors are aggregation substance, surface adhesins, sex pheromones, lipoteichoic acid, extracellular superoxide production, the lytic enzymes gelatinase and hyaluronidase, and the toxin cytolysin. Each of them may be associated with various stages of an endodontic infection as well as with periapical inflammation. While some products of the bacterium may be directly linked to damage of the periradicular tissues, a large part of the tissue damage is probably mediated by the host response to the bacterium and its products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the incidence of loss of anterior teeth due to caries in 2000 patients randomly selected from the South Indian population in 2009. Material and Methods: 2000 patients were examined for incidence of loss of anterior teeth due to caries and the recorded data was statistically analysed using Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: Incidence of loss of anterior teeth due to caries in the population of South Canara district was found to be 16.3%. It was observed incidence of loss of anterior teeth that there was increased in age group above 65 years. No difference in incidence of anterior tooth loss was observed between urban and rural patients and also between males and females. There was high rate of replacement for the missing lost anterior teeth. Conclusion: This study showed that less than one fourth population of South Canara district had missing anterior tooth due to caries. Since anterior teeth occupies a strategic position in the dental arch, it is necessary to know the caries prevalence in this tooth and take adequate measures to prevent its progression and/or development of new carious lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the the physical, cytoxic and genotoxic properties before and after electron beam irradiation of comercially available type II glass ionomer (3M ESPE). Materials and Method: Samples were prepared according to ISO standards and divided into two groups- Non radiated and radiated groups. The set material was placed in polypropylene vials and exposed to 10KGy of electron beam irradiation. The extraction was done for a duration of 24 hours, 7days and 14 days. Blood sample was collected. Erythrocytes were separated. Hemolysis assay was performed as per the method described by Black et.al., 2003, with slight modification. Percentage of Cell viability was analysed by MTT assay. The cytotoxicity was rated based on cell viability relative to control as Dahl et al, 2006. Lymphocyte was separated and used for genotoxicity study. The alkaline comet assay was performed as described by Tice et al. 1991. DNA diffusion assay was performed as described by Singh et.al., 2004. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Result and Discussion: Technical properties showed noticeable changes in color, setting time, viscosity and flow. Physical properties mainly flexural strength increased and compressive strength decreased in irradiated samples. Hemolytic effect of radiated samples was less in samples incubated for 7 days, when compared to irradiated. In glass ionomer type-II, non-radiated samples had a higher cell viability than irradiated at 10 KGy. In the present study, irradiation of Glass Ionomer type II with 10 KGy dose of electron beam irradiation showed increase in the frequency of DNA damage when compared to that of the non-radiated group. Conclusion: From the study it can be concluded that the reduction in hemolysis after electron beam irradiation of samples may be due to cross linking of unbound acids and increase in hemolysis of non radiated samples may be due to the presence of unbound acids. Increase in the frequency of DNA damage after electron beam irradiation may be due to the release of unbound acids because of chain breakage and due to the release of fluoride ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These proteins are produced in response to stress in cells. It is scientifically shown that heat shock proteins are expressed during change in temperature and damage due to increased cell stress. These chaperon's stabilize new protein during various type of cell stress. The present study gives an insight into salivary heat shock protein levels in individuals undergoing radiotherapy. The variation in heat shock protein 70 is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiotherapy is a frequently used treatment for oral cancer. Although radiation therapy may promote healing, head and neck-irradiated patients are susceptible to oral complications. Radiation caries is one of the highest indirect and late effects of radiation in the head and neck region damaging the structural and mechanical properties of tooth Enamel & Dentin. The weakened Enamel and Dentin are more susceptible to caries formation. So far, very little is known about the influence of irradiation on the tribological properties of enamel. Therefore, this study is aimed investigate the effect of electron beam radiation on the endodontically treated tooth. Material & Methods: A total number of 20 Intact teeth samples were selected for the study. The samples were endodontically treated and further used for the analysis. Microhardness test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were used to evaluate the structural and Morphological properties of enamel and dentin before and after irradiation treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to analyse the changes in crystallography and chemical composition induced by irradiation. Results: The results showed that irradiation resulted in decreased micrhardness values and loss of prism orientation in both the tissue layers. Also, the variations in mechanical and morphological properties were closely related to changes in the crystallography and chemical composition of the dental tissues. Conclusion: Altogether, the test measurements indicated that irradiation had a direct deleterious effect on the mechanical and morphological properties of human tooth enamel along with the resultant variation in the tissue composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]