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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]

The present in vitro investigation evaluated the shear bond strength of superficial, middle and pulpal dentin restored with composite resin in conjunction with 3 different dentin bonding agents namely Excite, Clearfil Liner Bond 2V, and Prompt -L- Pop. Research on bond strength values against pulpal dentin with self etching primer is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of endodontic treatment on performance of bonding to pulpal dentin in comparison to normal dentin at various levels. 54 freshly extracted non carious intact human maxillary and mandibular teeth were selected for this study. They were divided into 3 groups of 18 teeth each. The occlusal surface of the teeth were ground to prepare flat dentin surface at three different levels i.e. group 1, superficial dentin; group 2, middle dentin; group 3, pulpal dentin. Each group was further divided into subgroups of 6 teeth each depending on the bonding agents used. In all the 3 groups, the different dentin bonding agents were used on the flat dentinal surfaces according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cylinders of composite resin were built on the prepared surface using Teflon mould. The prepared specimen were then embedded on an acrylic jig of suitable dimension & transferred to Instron machine for shear bond strength analysis. Shear bond strengths were measured at a cross head speed of 0.03mm/sec. This investigation concluded that superficial dentin fractured at the highest mean shear load while pulpal dentin fractured at the lowest value with all three dentin bonding systems. Highest mean shear bond value was observed in Clearfil liner Bond 2V followed by Excite and Prompt -L- Pop [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]

Background: Search for a root-end filling material fulfilling all the ideal characteristics is an ongoing process. The present study aimed to evaluate the marginal seal of the following materials when used as root-end filling materials, MTA Angelus, White ProRoot MTA, Biodentine and Glass ionomer cement (GIC). Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted maxillary central incisors were included in the study. The crowns were resected followed by cleaning and shaping with hand files and protaper rotary files followed by obturation of the roots. The root ends were resected at 3 mm level. Then, root-end cavity preparation of 3 mm depth was done using ultrasonic tips. The samples were randomly divided into four groups of 15 each and cavities restored with, such as (1) Group 1: MTA Angelus, (2) Group 2: ProRoot MTA, (3) Group 3: Biodentine, and (4) Group 4: GIC. The root samples were coated with two coats of nail varnish and immersed in methylene blue dye 2% for 48 h. Longitudinal root resection was done. The depth of dye penetration was evaluated under the stereomicroscope to examine the extent of microleakage. The amount of dye penetration was measured in millimeters. The results were then statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey's test. Conclusion: Microleakage was present in all the samples. Least amount of apical dye microleakage was seen in biodentine with mean value of 0.16 mm followed by ProRoot MTA 0.68 mm, MTA Angelus 0.74 mm, and GIC 1.53 mm. The best sealing ability was seen in biodentine, and this difference was statistically significant. [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]

Context: The success of endodontic treatment depends on the eradication of microbes from the rootcanal system and prevention of reinfection. The root canal is shaped with hand and rotary instruments under constant irrigation to remove the inflamed and necrotic tissue, microbes/biofilms, and other debris from the root canal space. The main goal of instrumentation is to facilitate effective irrigation, disinfection, and filling. Throughout the history of endodontics, endeavors have continuously been made to develop more effective irrigant delivery and agitation systems for root canal irrigation. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different newer irrigation delivery techniques; namely Endovac, Stropko Irrigator, and laser disinfection with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Materials and Methods: Forty teeth after disinfection by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations were instrumented and inoculated with bacterial strains of Enterococcusfaecalis. The teeth were divided into four groups, in the experimental group, the irrigants were delivered with the Endovac, Stropko Irrigator, and laser irradiation and the control group which received no irrigation. The samples were incubated in Muller-Hilton media plates and incubated for 24 h. Statistical analysis used: The colony forming units were determined and statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: According to the results obtained, laser irradiation resulted in complete disinfection of the root canal system. The Endovac system resulted in significant disinfection as compared to the Stropko Irrigator system. Conclusion: Laser irradiation resulted in significantly higher antimicrobial effects compared with the Endovac and Stropko irrigation groups when in conjunction with sodium hypochlorite [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 is a metabolic syndrome, affecting the oral health in various ways with dental caries being one of the most common problems encountered. Saliva is one of the most abundant secretions in the human body with a variety of natural protective and defence molecules bathing the oral cavity maintaining equilibrium. Its collection is easy and non-invasive. Aims: To compare and evaluate salivary alkaline phosphatase levels and calcium ion levels between caries active type II diabetes mellitus patients and non-diabetics. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on caries-active age and gender matched 60 non-diabetic and 60 patients with known Type II diabetes mellitus subjects of age group 25-50 years with DMFT index >10. Saliva sample was collected to analyse for alkaline phosphatase enzyme and concentration of calcium ions using Agappe kits. Statistical Analysis: Student 't' test was used to correlate the salivary electrolyte concentration in non- diabetic and diabetic patients with dental caries. A 'P' value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (X ± SD). Results: The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in saliva was higher in diabetic patients when compared to that of non-diabetic patients with salivary calcium ions were significantly higher in non-diabetic individuals. Conclusion: Diabetes Mellitus patients are more prone to dental caries, hence require intervention to improve the quality of saliva. [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]

Aim: The aim was to determine the effect of four different intracanal medicaments on the apical seal of the root canal system in vitro. Methodology: Fifty freshly extracted intact human permanent maxillary central incisors were collected, stored and disinfected. The root canals were prepared to a master apical size of number 50 using step back technique. Depending upon the intracanal medicament used, the teeth were divided randomly into five groups of 10 teeth each including one control group and four experimental groups. Group A: No intracanal medicament. Group B: Calcium hydroxide powder mixed with distilled water. Group C: Calcium hydroxide gutta percha points (calcium hydroxide points). Group D: 1% chlorhexidine gel (hexigel). Group E: Chlorhexidine gutta percha points (Roeko Activ Points). The medication was left in canals for 14 days. Following removal of the intracanal medicament, all the groups were obturated with lateral compaction technique. The apical leakage was then evaluated using dye extraction method with the help of a spectrophotometer. Results: Results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test, which showed statistically significant difference among the five groups tested. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the control group showed least amount of leakage, whereas the 1% chlorhexidine gel group showed maximum amount of leakage. Apical leakage was observed with all the experimental groups with little variations in between them. Under the parameters of this study, it can be concluded that use of intracanal medicaments during endodontic treatment has a definite impact on the apical seal of the root canal system. [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: 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]

Objectives. To evaluate and compare the antifungal efficacy of 1.3% NaOCl/MTAD with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), and iodine potassium iodide (IKI). Materials and Methods. Fifty-two single rooted teeth were used which were divided into four groups with 10 teeth in each group: 2.5% NaOCl, 2% CHX, IKI, 1.3% NaOCl/MTAD, and physiologic saline. Two teeth served as negative controls and were placed in fresh brain-heart infusion broth (BHI) after autoclaving. The teeth were inoculated and incubated with Candida albicans after which the teeth were instrumented and irrigated with the test irrigants. The first microbial sampling was then performed and colony forming unit/mL (cfu/mL) was counted. The second microbial sampling was performed 1 week after instrumentation and irrigation. Results. The test irrigants were effective against C. albicans in both the first and second microbial samplings. When the irrigants were compared, there was no statistical difference in their activity in the 1st and 2nd microbial sampling. On comparison of the change in mean cfu/mL between the 1st and 2nd microbial samplings, the antifungal activity of the test irrigants was in the order 2.5% NaOCl > 2% CHX > 1.3% NaOCl/MTAD > IKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block does not always result in successful pulpal anesthesia and therefore has a poor success rate in patients with irreversible pulpitis. An enzyme called "HYALURONIDASE"; a component of the extracellular matrix, temporarily cleaves the 1,4-beta glycosidic bond of hyaluronan and reduces the viscosity of the tissue, enhancing early onset of akinesia.In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, 32 healthy patients with irreversible pulpitis were divided into 2 groups. The control group was administered inferior alveolar nerve block using lidocaine with epinephrine. The experimental group was administered Hyaluronidase along with lidocaine with epinephrine. The duration of effect on the pulpal tissues was evaluated by response to electrical stimuli applied to the affected tooth. On interpretation of 'T' test, there was a statistically significant difference in the onset of ankinesia in the two groups with a 'p' value of <0.001 . The control group showed a mean of 3.5, whereas the study group showed a mean of 2.237.The results of the present study showed a statistically significant increase in the onset of the inferior alveolar nerve block when administrated with Hyaluronidase compared to plain Lidocaine with Epinephrine. [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 : 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]

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes severe immunosuppression due to progressive decrease in the CD4 T lymphocyte cells during the course of the disease and this affects all the body systems including glandular secretions. A number of lesions affecting the salivary glands have been noted in HIV infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the salivary pH and the buffering capacity in HIV positive individuals and comparing it with the HIV negative healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 200 HIV positive subjects aged 20-40 years, divided into two groups on the basis of CD4 count and 100 HIV negative healthy individuals as control group. Both unstimulated and stimulated saliva were collected and the pH and buffering capacity ascertained using the saliva check kit. (GC Asia Dental Pvt. Ltd., Singapore, 508724). Results: All the three groups were compared using the ANOVA and it was found there was highly significant decrease in pH and buffering capacity with increase in immunosuppression. The intergroup comparison was carried out using the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) and the Chi square test. Group 1; CD4 count <200 and Group 2, CD4 count >200 showed a significant decrease in unstimulated salivary flow, stimulated salivary flow, and pH in comparison to HIV negative individuals; however, change in buffering capacity in Group 2 was not significant. Conclusion: There is a decrease in pH and buffering capacity in HIV infected patients. This decrease may be one of the factors responsible for increased caries in HIV infected population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of permanent anterior tooth fracture due to trauma in South Indian population. Materials and methods: 2000 patients were examined for anterior tooth fracture due to trauma. Case history recording was done and incidence of anterior tooth fracture was determined and evaluated using statistical analysis. Results: Out of 2000 patients examined, 229 (11.5%) cases had tooth fracture due to trauma, 85.2% cases were seen in maxillary anteriors, 38.4% cases were seen in an age group of 41-50, 56.8% cases affected were males, 58% cases were seen in urban centers, 72.4% cases of tooth fracture due to falls, 85.2% cases with respect to maxillary central incisors. Conclusion: The present study noted that the middle age group and individuals with Class II molar relationship had more chances for facing fracture. So, preventive education programmes should be instituted to the population. [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]

Context: Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense systems which are widely recognized as an important feature of many diseases including dental caries, suggesting that total antioxidant status may be of importance in determining the progression of caries. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in saliva and serum of caries-free and caries-active adults and to correlate the TAC level with DMFT index (D = decayed, M = missing, F = filled, T = teeth). Settings and Design: The present study included 100 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. Materials and Methods: Saliva and serum samples were collected from all the four groups. The TAC of saliva and serum was estimated by phosphomolybdenum method. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the TAC of saliva and serum. Only differences with "P" < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean TAC level of both saliva and serum increased significantly (P < 0.001) with the DMFT index. Conclusion: Total antioxidant capacity of saliva has a linear relation with caries, i.e., as the severity of caries increases, the TAC level also increases. [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]

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: The objective of this in vitro study was to investigate whether in-office bleaching products employing the use of strong oxidizing agents cause chemicals oftening of direct tooth colored restorations. Material and methods: The tooth colored restoratives selected for this study included an ormocer, 2 micro-fine hybrid and a nano-filled composite. 24 specimens of each material were fabricated, randomly divided into 3 groups of 8 and treated as follows- Group A: stored in distilled water (Control); Group B: treated with 35% carbamide peroxide (Opalescence Quick) and Group C: treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide power bleach (Opalescence Xtra). The treated specimens were subsequently subjected to microhardness testing (load=500gf; dwell time= 15 seconds). Result: The bleached groups showed a significant decrease in the hardness when compared to control group for the two micro-fine hybrid composites (Synergy and Solare P). There was no significant difference in hardness among all groups for the ormocer(Admira) andnano-filledcomposite(NanoceramX). Conclusion: The effects of in-office tooth whiteners onhardness was material dependent. The bleaching agentmay soften some tooth colored restorative materials; hence it is necessary to consider the type ofthe material before starting the treatment. [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]

The health of the tooth is governed by both endodontic tissue and periodontal apparatus. "Endo-perio lesion" is the term used to describe the lesions in which inflammatory products involves both pulpal and periodontal tissues in varying degrees. The disease of endodontium may lead to the involvement of the periodontium and vice versa. Endo-perio lesions are the clinical conditions that are often difficult to diagnose and persistent if not treated appropriately. Lasers have been used successfully in endodontic as well as periodontal procedures. With endodontic treatment alone, only part of the lesion will heal to the level of the secondary periodontal lesion. Overall prognosis depends upon the severity of periodontal damage and the efficacy of the periodontal treatment. Laser can be considered as an efficacious tool and an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy both for its decontaminating and biostimulating effects. [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]