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Patents are essential in dentistry for promoting innovation and protecting intellectual property. They incentivize research and development by granting exclusive rights to inventions, ensuring new dental products and techniques benefit patients. This review explores patents’ significance, management challenges, and impacts on the dental industry, focusing on key business growth elements.

Xerostomia, commonly referred to as dry mouth, is a medical condition where the flow of saliva in the mouth is reduced or completely absent. Xerostomia is not categorized as a particular disease entity but is a symptom associated with decreased or lack of salivary secretion. Its effects on oral health and overall well-being can be significant and it can be caused by various factors such as medication use, radiation therapy, surgery, salivary gland problems, and other underlying medical conditions. A health-care professional typically diagnoses xerostomia by evaluating a patient's symptoms and conducting a physical clinical exam. The patient's medical and medication history may also be reviewed to identify any potential underlying causes. Decreased salivary secretion can make chewing, breaking up the food and the formation of a food bolus difficult, which increases the risk of incorrect swallowing as well as altered taste and can contribute to the experience of dysphagia. It is crucial for individuals experiencing xerostomia to seek medical attention from a health-care professional to determine the underlying cause and develop a suitable management plan. Xerostomia represents a serious problem with medical and dental implications. The search for related articles was conducted through databases including PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. This comprehensive review article offers the latest insights into the origins, diagnosis, and treatment of xerostomia, with a particular focus on prevention. In addition, it recognizes the significant impact of innovative approaches in addressing xerostomia and highlights their valuable contribution to its management.

Introduction: In recent times, there has been an increase in the number of esthetic smile makeovers. As a part of these procedures, achieving a brighter smile is considered essential. The treatment options for such makeovers range from simple bleaching to complex restorations. Bleaching, a conservative and straightforward method to manage discolored teeth, has become popular. Therefore, vital bleaching has gained immense popularity. To evaluate and compare the color changes on human enamel bleached with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, containing pineapple extract as an additive, and determine the bromelain content in pineapple, by reversed-phase ‑ HPLC method. Material and Methods: Twenty permanent single-rooted artificially stained maxillary anterior teeth were decoronated at CEJ, the crown component was divided into two vertical halves, further divided into four groups containing 10 samples each and bleached accordingly. Group I (A) 15% H2O2 only, Group I (B) 2 mL of pineapple extract and 28 mL of 15% H2O2. Group II (A) 25% H2O2 only and Group II (B) 2 mL of pineapple extract and 28 mL of 25% H2O2. The samples were checked for color change with the help of a reflectance spectrophotometer. RP-HPLC method was used to find the proportion of bromelain in pineapple extract. Statistical analysis: carried out using one-way ANOVA for comparison between two groups and Scheffe’s post hoc test for comparison between more than two groups. “Significance level” for all statistical tests was set at P < 0.05 (significance level

Introduction: For successful endodontics, there should be proper cleaning and shaping of the canal before the obturation. Various agitation techniques help in the removal of the debris and smear layer. With the removal of this debris and smear layer, there will be a better opening of dentinal tubules and penetration of sealer in the tubule. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of removal of debris and smear layer from prepared root canals by comparing ultrasonic agitation, F-file agitation, and NaviTip FX needle agitation using Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and SmearClear as irrigants. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study included 60 bilaterally matched pairs of extracted human premolar teeth with single canal and mature apices, were collected. All teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. The teeth were grooved longitudinally on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Instrumentation was done using K3 rotary files up to #40 and irrigation was carried out using 2 mL syringes mounted with Max-i-probe needles. Agitation procedure (n=10 for each group) was done as follows. Group 1: Ultrasonic agitation of 2.5% NaOCl for 30 seconds. Group 2: F-file agitation of 2.5% NaOCl for 30 seconds Group 3: NaviTip FX agitation of 2.5% NaOCl for one minute continuously. Group 4: Ultrasonic agitation of SmearClear for 30 seconds. Group 5: F-file agitation of SmearClear for 30 seconds. Group 6: NaviTip FX agitation of SmearClear for one minute continuously. The roots were split into two halves using a chisel and mallet. The amount of debris and smear layer was assessed using SEM at 1000X magnification at each root canal’s coronal, middle, and apical areas. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Statistically significant difference was obtained in the reduction of debris and smear layer between 2.5% NaOCl and SmearClear. Ultrasonic agitation of SmearClear was better than F-file agitation and NaviTip FX. In both debris and smear layer removal (p-value

AimsTo explore the hepatoprotective role of quercetin and its novel molecular mechanism of action on breast cancer associated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis via Vitamin D receptor (VDR).Main methodsWe used Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (mouse mammary carcinoma) model for our in-vivo experiments and human breast cancer cell lines for in-vitro assays. We inoculated 1.5 × 106 Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells into female Swiss albino mice. Quercetin (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 15 days. Liver enzymes activity was determined using a spectrophotometric assay. The hallmarks of inflammation and fibrosis were determined using Immunohistochemistry. The effect of quercetin on tumor formation was elucidated using human breast cancer cell lines and chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Docking study was performed to explore the binding mode of quercetin with VDR.Key findingsIn EAC tumor-bearing mice, cell numbers, tumor volume, body weight and liver weight were dramatically increased, while they significantly decreased in mice treated with quercetin. Additionally, the peritoneal neo-angiogenesis was also significantly suppressed in the quercetin-treated mice, compared to the control. In addition, quercetin treated EAC tumor bearing mice had lower levels of liver enzymes, decreased hepatic inflammation and fibrosis compared with EAC tumor bearing mice. Docking study confirmed VDR-quercetin interaction. Furthermore, in-vitro assays and chick chorioallantoic membrane assay revealed the Vitamin D mimicking effect of quercetin.SignificanceDietary flavonoid, quercetin could act as a promising therapeutic drug to suppress the breast cancer induced tumor angiogenesis, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis possibly via activation of VDR.

Introduction: Dentin hypersensitivity is a commonly occurring condition characterized by short, sharp pain arising from the exposed dentine in response to stimuli. Materials and Methods: Seventy extracted human permanent molars were selected and divided into four groups. The photomicrographs of the surface from the center of each dentinal block were obtained using a scanning electron microscope. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of three desensitizing dentifrices − SHY-NM (NovaMin), Sensitive Pro-Relief (8% arginine and calcium carbonate) and Thermoseal (10% strontium chloride) − for dentinal tubule occlusion using a scanning electron microscope. Results: All of the desensitizing dentifrices evaluated, SHY-NM showed the highest percentage of tubular occlusion (95.58%) followed by Sensitive Pro-Relief (89.90%). The least amount of tubular occlusion was shown by Thermoseal (86.12%). Conclusion: NovaMin-containing toothpaste, SHY-NM, showed maximum tubular occlusion and it appears to be a promising desensitizing dentifrice.

The clinical practice of yesterday′s endodontics becomes the heresy of today, and today′s endodontic practice becomes the heresy of tomorrow. The history of endodontics begins in the 17 th century. Since then, there have been numerous advances and developments, and research has proceeded continuously without pause. The manufacture of the first instruments for endodontic use dates back to 1875. These early instruments were made by hand from thin steel wires, and they performed the function of modern barbed broaches. In 1955, Ingle was the first to express the need for standardization of canal instruments. In 1965, the American Association of Endodontists adopted the terminology and nomenclature of the proposed standardized system. For many years, the standard cutting instruments have been the reamer, the K-type file, and the Hedstroem file. Recent changes in both metallurgy and endodontic concepts have led to the introduction of a wide range of new instruments. An effort has been made here to present the journey of endodontic instruments from the past to the present.

The relationship between periodontal health and the restoration of teeth is intimate and inseparable. Human teeth are designed in such a way that the individual tooth contributes significantly to their own support as well as collectively the teeth in the arch. Decay on the proximal surfaces occurs mainly due to the faulty interrelationship between the contact area, marginal ridge, the embrasures and the gingiva. An adequate understanding of the relationship between periodontal tissues and restorative dentistry is paramount to ensure an adequate form, function, aesthetics and comfort of the dentition. For long-term survival of restoration, both functionally and esthetically, certain biological considerations are very critical to preserve the health of the periodontium and thus must be given due importance in clinical practice. While most clinicians are aware of this important relationship, uncertainly remains regarding specific concept such as biologic width and its maintainces.

Introduction: Composite material used with bonding system are technique sensitive and contamination of an etched surface by saliva or blood plays a key role in bonding efficacy. Achieving good moisture control is a common problem encountered and is of importance while treating a pediatric age group since rubber dam in dental office is commonly applied in fewer than 10% of restorative treatment. Despite the advantage of rubber dam application, usage of rubber dam depends on child′s behavior and its level of co-operation for which pediatric dentists compromise with its usage. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salivary contamination of enamel and dentin on bond strength of two adhesives. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study comprised of test group of 112 central incisors divided into 4 groups for testing on enamel and dentin separately. These are Group I: Control group without salivary contamination; Group II: Contaminated with saliva and air-dried; Group III: Contaminated with saliva, rinsed and air-dried; Group IV: Coated with adhesive, light cured and then contaminated. Shear bond strength was calculated using universal testing machine. Results: For testing on enamel and dentin, significantly decreased bond strength was seen with Group II (P < 0.05) and Group IV (P < 0.01) showed decreased bond strength, whereas bond strength of group III was not significant (P > 0.05), when compared with control Group I. Conclusion: The decontamination method used in this study by rinsing the contaminated cured adhesive layer that did not reverse the harmful effect of salivary contamination. As most of the children are active and restless with swinging mood, it is important not to negotiate with the procedural steps during treatment.

Tooth bleaching has become increasingly popular in recent times. It is the preferred conservative approach for lightening discolored teeth. The primary objective of tooth bleaching is to whiten teeth using oxidizing chemicals that work on both enamel and dentin. The noninvasive nature of modern bleaching systems allow for effective treatment options that meet the high expectations of patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental practitioners in South India for managing discolored upper front teeth. We created and distributed a structured, validated questionnaire about bleaching discolored anterior teeth to South Indian dental practitioners and analyzed the data. We found a statistically significant relationship between endodontists and general dentists in their preferences for isolation techniques, choice of materials for vital bleaching, management of intact nonvital teeth, and management of postbleaching sensitivity. Women exhibit a greater preference for teeth-whitening procedures than men, with 74% opting for whitening treatments. The predominant method for addressing tooth discoloration is bleaching, which makes up approximately 63.8% of the whitening procedures. In-office bleaching is the preferred method for both vital and nonvital bleaching procedures, demonstrating its widespread acceptance and preference among practitioners., Competing Interests: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses. All rights reserved.)