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Introduction: Physical factors like stiffness and surface features are among the characteristics that affect the performance of barrier membranes and determine the results of regenerative processes. A perfect equilibrium between the membrane's rigidity and mechanical stability guarantees effective periodontal regeneration. The study's novelty lies in comparing the physical characteristics, namely morphology, tensile strength, wettability, and biological characteristics, namely biocompatibility and enzyme resistance properties, of the Fix-GideTM membrane against the gold standard membrane, Bio-Gide®. Aim: To explore the physical and biological properties of two commercially available barrier membranes in oral tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study compared two commercially available membranes, namely Bio-Gide® and Fix-GideTM. Both membranes are bilayered resorbable membranes, with Bio-Gide composed of porcine dermis Type-I and III collagen and Fix-GideTM of bovine origin. The study was conducted at the Central Leather Research Institute, and the membranes were procured from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. Morphological characterisation was done using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Physical properties were evaluated using a tensile strength test, enzyme resistance test, and wettability measurement. Biocompatibility assessment was also performed. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to run the Mann-Whitney U test to analyse the statistical data obtained in the enzyme resistance test. Results: Biocompatibility assessment showed no cytotoxic profile of both membranes, portraying their biocompatible nature. Morphological analysis using SEM showed the surface of the Bio-Gide® membrane to be considerably smoother than the Fix-GideTM membrane. Both membranes, however, have fibrous and porous features on their inner surfaces. Tensile strength assessment found that the percentage of elongation was better with Bio-Gide (1.7±0.4 and 4.8±0.4) when compared to Fix-Gide (15.8±0.2 and 2.2±0.2) in both wet and dry states, respectively. The enzyme resistance test evaluated in dry and wet settings showed that the membranes, namely, Bio-Gide® membrane exhibited around 29±2% of degradation, whereas the Fix-GideTM exhibited only 18±2%. These mechanical profiles exhibited that the membranes has appreciable differences, although there wasn't a statistically significant difference between them (p=0.68). According to wettability studies, Bio-Gide is hydrophilic, but Fix-GideTM is hydrophobic. Conclusion: The observations of the present study showed that Fix-Gide had comparable physio-biological properties to that of the Bio-Gide membrane. This supports the suitability of the use of both membranes for various oral tissue regeneration procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antiseptic agents used in periodontics as anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agents are primarily chemical substances such as Bis-biguanide derivatives (chlorhexidine) or essential oils. Herbal derivatives have gained prominence in the recent past due to their activity against putative periodontal pathogens; however, only a few have achieved commercialisation. This study focusses on determining the efficacy of an extract from a widely available herb, Indian mint-Plectranthus Amboinicus Methanolic extract (PAM), which has known anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties against periodontal pathogens in-vitro. Aim: To assess the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and anti-biofilm property of PAM solvent extract against pure strains of putative periodontal pathogens, namely Porphyromonas gingivalis (American Type Culture Collection-ATCC 33277), Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC 25586), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 43718). Materials and Methods: The extract of PA was prepared using methanol and a Soxhlet extractor. An in-vitro analysis of the MIC and anti-biofilm efficacy of the extract was performed against standard strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum using the broth dilution method and microtitre-crystal violet assay, respectively. The MIC activity of the PAM extracts was compared with Chlorhexidine as a standard. Results: The MIC value of P. amboinicus extract was nearly similar to Chlorhexidine as assessed by the broth dilution method. The MIC of P. amboinicus extract for A.a and P.g was 0.4 ug/mL, F.n was 0.8 ug/mL, and the Chlorhexidine values against all three periodontal pathogens were 0.2 ug/mL. The anti-biofilm activity of The extract of PAMwas evaluated using the microtitrecrystal violet assay, and the Optical Density (OD) values were reduced after exposure to the extract, with a significant reduction (p<0.001) of the biofilm-forming bacteria observed. Conclusion: The methanol extract of PAM demonstrated a noteworthy MIC, exhibiting effectiveness at a low concentration of 0.4 µg/mL against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in three repeated trials. Moreover, this extract displayed significant inhibitory effects on the biofilm formation of periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Pg, Aa, Fn), suggesting its potential as an alternative to conventional chemical anti-microbials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cross infection refers to the transfer of harmful microorganisms from one person to another. Dental impressions are considered semi-critical as it directly comes in contact with patient's saliva and oral mucosa. Improper handling of these dental impressions can potentially have the risk of transmitting infections especially to the dentist. The role of herbal preparation in disinfecting the dental impressions is sparse in the literature. Aim: To evaluate and compare the disinfection ability of a commercially available herbal formulation (HiOra®) with chlorhexidine digluconate solution (0.2%) and 1% sodium hypochlorite on dental impressions made using condensation silicone. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Outpatient Department of Periodontology and Implantology at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, between June 2019 and November 2019. A total of 60 maxillary and mandibular dental impressions using condensation silicone material were obtained from 30 systemically healthy volunteers. The impressions were divided into three groups and were subjected to three antimicrobial agents for 10 minutes: 1% Sodium Hypochlorite (group 1); 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (group 2); HiOra® (group 3), respectively. Following this, microbial culturing was performed to detect the presence of Streptococcal and Staphylococcus species in samples obtained both prior and after impression disinfection. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the significance of the difference in microbial reduction between the groups. Results: Antimicrobial efficacy was similar against both Streptococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp., for the three disinfectants tested. No statistically significant difference in the microbial colony count reduction between the three disinfectants tested was observed (Streptococcus spp, p-value=0.064, Staphylococcus spp., p-value=0.337). Conclusion: The herbal mouthwash was found to have an equivalent efficacy as chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite for disinfection of impressions made from condensation silicone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diastema between the teeth negatively affects the patients' smile, psychology and daily activities by creating a disharmony in the patients' face. The development of diastema has been attributed to several factors such as labial frenulum, microdontia, mesiodens, peg-shaped lateral incisors, agenesis, cysts, habits such as finger sucking, tongue thrusting, or lip sucking, dental malformations, genetics, proclinations, dental-skeletal discrepancies, and imperfect coalescence of interdental septum. Patients often present with complex problems that require a multidisciplinary treatment approach which includes determination of the aetiological factors, soft tissue morphology, occlusion, patient demands and aesthetic consideration to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Lack of current literature on classification of diastemas and multi-disciplinary approach of management led to the proposal of a new classification the ATAC (Anatomic and Therapeutic Classification) for management of the diastema. This case report highlights the use of the proposed classification for management of diastemas, requiring a perio-restorative intervention using a Chu's proportion gauge to achieve ideal aesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advancement in treatment modalities has improved as a result of research. Individual’s critical thinking and analysis has enhanced. In the advent of incorporating their clinical trials into practice, it had greatly improved in treating patients and enhancing patients care. Aim: To compare the awareness, attitude and obstacles in the field of research among interns, postgraduate students and faculty members among Dental professionals. Materials and Method: An institutional based cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among interns, postgraduates and faculty members of the dental profession. A sample size of 261 was determined. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and student’s t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: On analyzing the questionnaire, 61.2%of study subjects were currently guiding and undertaking research projects. Majority of the subjects stated that doing research enhanced their critical thinking and knowledge. The most common obstacle stated for research was lack of time and lack of financial incentives. When assessing barriers to publishing an article, it was reported that lack of publication related knowledge was the most major obstacle in all groups. Majority of the post graduates and faculty members prefer to conduct recent advance based research; whereas interns prefer to do research based on innovative idea which was statistically significant. Conclusion: This research study revealed positive attitude toward research among dental professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Saliva is an oral fluid that gives a protective effect against dental caries. Chewing of fennel seeds after food is a common culture in the Indian Sub-continent. A review of previous studies on fennel seeds showed that some of them have an anti-microbial efficacy, but there are no extensive data available on the effect of chewing fennel seeds on the pH of saliva.Aim: The aim of the study was to record the baseline pH of saliva and to record the changes in salivary pH after chewing fennel seeds.Setting and Design: The study was carried out in the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, prior to which a pilot study was carried out.Subjects and Methods: Voluntary enrolment of 30 individuals was done. A written and informed consent was obtained from the individuals prior to the study. The pH of the saliva was recorded by placing the standardized salivary strip below the tongue in the oral cavity and colour changes were matched with the pH scale colour chart within about 15 sec. The subjects were asked to chew fennel seeds for 5 min. Salivary pH was measured immediately after chewing (SP2) at 0 min and the experiment was repeated for 5 min (SP3), 10 min (SP4), 15 min (SP5) and 30 min (SP6).Statistical Analysis: The data was gathered and analysed using paired t test.Results: There was an increase in salivary pH from baseline (SP1) to 0 min (SP2) was found to be highly significant (P = 0.000). The mean salivary pH reduced to 7.64 ± 0.06, 5 min after chewing the seeds (SP3) and the drop in pH was found to be highly significant (P = 0.000). The subsequent drop in pH from 10 min (SP4), 7.50 ± 0.05 to 15 min (SP4), 7.38 ± 0.05 to 30 min (SP4), 7.24 ± 0.05 were found to be highly significant as well (P = 0.000).Conclusion: Chewing of fennel seeds increases the pH of saliva, thus making it a suitable anti-cariogenic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Periodontal diseases are among the most prevalent oral diseases in the world. Apart from repercussions in the oral cavity, there is evidence that periodontitis contributes to systemic damage in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm low birth weight.Aims:: The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of chronic periodontitis in a sample urban population (<18 years) in Tamil Nadu and to estimate the inflammatory burden posed by chronic periodontitis by calculating the periodontal inflammatory surface area.Settings and Design:: This was a population-based study and cross-sectional design.Subjects and Methods:: A total of 1000 individuals (<18 years) were selected and screened for their periodontal status, oral hygiene status (OHI), and the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) in an outreach center located in Chennai, India.Statistical Analysis Used:: The proportion of individuals with different periodontal states (health, gingivitis, and periodontitis) was determined. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the influence of the individual risk factors such as habits (tobacco use), systemic conditions (diabetes), and oral hygiene maintenance on periodontitis prevalence in the sample population.Results:: A high prevalence of periodontal disease was observed in the study population (42.3%). Among the urban participants, age, cigarette smoking, pan chewing, decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores, OHI scores, and PISA scores were found to be significantly associated with periodontitis (P < 0.05).Conclusions:: Periodontitis prevalence appears to be high even in areas with adequate access to oral health care and an inflammatory burden risk exists in a definitive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Internet has become an essential tool in day to day life. It has become an important and convenient mode for networking and information exchange. Excessive use of internet adversely affects an individual's physical, mental and social health along with academic performance. Aim: The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of internet addiction among undergraduate and postgraduate medical and paramedical students and also the effect of internet on gender. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire based, cross-sectional study carried out among 1011 medical and paramedical undergraduate and postgraduate students of Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai. A questionnaire consisting of two components; basic demographic information of the participants and Modified Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used to gather data. The normal users were categorized as non-addicts and mild, moderate and severe users were categorized as addicts. Descriptive statistics was calculated in terms of frequency and percentage. Inferential statistics was calculated using Chi-Square test. Results: According to the findings, most of the students were mild internet addicts 590 (58.40%) followed by moderate addicts 239 (23.60%), normal users 171 (16.90%) and severe addicts 11 (1.10%). Prevalence of internet addiction was outnumbered by medical 112 (91.10%) students among all the other medical and paramedical specialties. Conclusion: Internet addiction has become an emerging problem among the professional students, which has educational, physical and mental impact on student's life. So, it is necessary to understand the importance of prevention of internet addiction, which is essential for promoting safe and healthy use of the internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction with dental health services provided at a rural health and training center. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted over a period of 3 months from March 2014 to May 2014. Patient's satisfaction was evaluated using a face to face interview for 200 patients, which consisted of 15 questions under the dimensions of convenience, communication, and technical quality. Patients aged 18 years and above who underwent treatment and referral cases to Sri Ramachandra dental college for further treatment were included in the study. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 16. Results: The results showed that overall satisfaction for convenience was 83.02%, communication was 68.2%, and technical quality was 93.06%. Conclusion: The level of patient satisfaction was high overall and it reflects the good work of the dental team providing quality dental care at the rural health center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]