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Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) simulations have been increasingly employed to train dental students prior to clinical practice. According to the literature, blended learning designs in the form of VR simulations can be utilized by both dental students and instructors to provide quality education. They can also save time and improve motor skills before students enter clinical stages. Therefore, this study was designed to review the importance of available VR simulators and their impact on student learning and outcomes. Method: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines were followed to review the literature systematically, and different databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched (up to December 2023) for relevant articles using keywords: "virtual reality," "virtual reality simulators," "virtual reality simulation," and "dental education." The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the study quality. Results: After a comprehensive literature search, 1477 research articles were identified, of which 16 were included in the present study. In terms of students' learning outcomes, engagement, and optimal approach, a significant improvement was observed compared to conventional training methods, specifically in their knowledge, performance, confidence, and psychomotor skills. Conclusion: The findings suggest that VR simulators enhance the overall learning abilities of dental students and should be regarded as an integral component of the current curriculum. However, it is important to recognize that VR simulators cannot fully substitute traditional training methods; rather, they can effectively complement them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The complete removal of residual filling materials from the root canal determines the success of root canal retreatment. Aim: To evaluate and correlate the efficacy of ProTaper retreatment system, R-Endo retreatment system, and Hedstrom file in the removal of gutta-percha and sealer from root canal during endodontic retreatment in addition to the period desired for the elimination of gutta-percha and sealer. Methodology: Thirty extracted premolars were prepared and filled by cold lateral compaction with gutta-percha and sealer. Retreatment was finished with ProTaper retreatment files, R-Endo files, Hedstrom files with Endosolv E as the solvent for 10 specimens each. Each half of the root was imaged using the image analyzer software Chroma allied to a stereomicroscope with 10× magnification via a charge-coupled device sensor. For statistical analysis, parametric one-way ANOVA test and Scheffe post hoc multiple range test were utilized at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: There is no significant difference among the three groups at P < 0.0001 in removing filling material. However, the rotary files needed significantly less time for removing gutta-percha along with sealer than H-file (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The gutta-percha and sealer were found in the root canal subsequent to all the retreatment techniques, especially in the apical third. Retreatment time was less only for the rotary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very rare (2%–6% cases) for a mandibular canine to have two root canals and the incidence of finding two roots with two root canals in a mandibular canine that too bilaterally is almost negligible. This case report discusses the presence and multidisciplinary management of such rarest configuration in both mandibular canines of a female patient. This case shows the importance of recognition of anatomical variations in successful accomplishment of root canal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current recommendations for the apical preparation diameter, one of the most important mechanical imperatives in the apical third preparation, are to preserve the apical foramen in its original position along with its narrowest diameter to avoid any complication such as tearing, zipping, or transport of the foramen. The aim of our study was to see the correlation between apical seal and apical preparation diameter. Materials and Methods: In total, 90 extracted maxillary incisors were randomly allocated into three groups of 30 teeth each according to the apical preparation size: Group 1: finishing file F1 corresponding to size 20 reached the working length, Group 2: prepared up to size 30 corresponding to finishing file F3, and Group 3: prepared up to size 50 corresponding to finishing file F5. After the filling of the root canals, the teeth were isolated and immersed in a dye solution, then cut longitudinally, photographed, and the dye penetration were calculated using a computer software. Results: Comparison of the three different apical preparation sizes showed no statistically significant differences regarding the apical microleakage. Conclusion: The most important value of the dye penetration was observed in the group with the largest apical diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of role of nanotechnology in dentistry and to evaluate its applicability in prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in 2 electronic databases - PMC and Cochrane. The search was restricted to the articles published during the last 5 years. First-level screening was done to select articles for the review on the basis of title and abstract. Then, full texts of selected articles were studied, and relevant articles were selected to be included in this review. Articles selected were critically appraised to evaluate their quality. Results: Literature search revealed 837 articles in PMC, 15 in Clinical trial register of US National library, and 43 in Cochrane. Additional 6 articles were identified by hand search. Eleven clinical trials were included in this review. Conclusion: Advancement in nanotechnology has greatly influenced dental disease prevention and therapy significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribbond is a biocompatible, bondable, aesthetic, translucent and easy-to-use reinforced ribbon. By virtue of its wide spectrum of intended properties, it enjoys various applications in clinical dentistry. Ribbond can be used in stabilizing traumatized teeth, in restoring fractured teeth and in creating a fixed partial denture, for direct-bonded endodontic posts and cores, orthodontic fixed lingual retainers and space maintainers. This case report demonstrates the usage of Ribbond as an endodontic post and core and a periodontal splint material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare four different obturation techniques in obturating artificially created internal resorptive defects. Thirty extracted, human maxillary central incisor teeth were collected for the study. Access cavity was prepared in each tooth. The teeth were instrumented to apical size 50. The roots were sectioned horizontally 7 mm from the apex. Semicircular cavities were created using a No 6 round diamond bur. Cyanocrylate glue was used to join the sectionstogether. The teeth were radiographed to visualize the internal resorption cavity. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n=10) according to obturation technique; standard lateral condensation carries based (Thermafill) orthermoplastized gutta perchae using Obtura. After obturation both mesio distal and bucco lingual radiographs were taken to access the quality of obturation. Obtura group showed significantly complete obturation in all the ten samples followed by samples oburated with thermafill while lateral condensation showed the least obturation of the resorptive defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Furcation perforation can have a negative impact on the prognosis of the affected tooth by compromising the attached apparatus. Hence these perforations require immediate repair. A variety of materials have been suggested for repair, of that MTA is the most promising material. The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of Gray and White MTA to seal furcation perforations using a dye extraction method under spectrophotometer. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 permanent mandibular molars were randomly divided into four experimental groups of 15 samples each as follows: Group A: Perforation repaired with White MTA. Group B: Perforation repaired with Gray MTA. Group C: Perforation left unsealed (positive). Group D: without perforation (negative). Dye extraction was performed using full concentration nitric acid. Dye absorbance was measured at 550 nm using spectrophotometer. The data analyzed using one-way-Anova Ratio and Unpaired t-test showing statistically significance difference among the groups. Result: It was seen that Group D samples without perforation showed least absorbance followed by Group A (perforation repaired with White MTA) and Group B (perforation repaired with Gray MTA). Group C (perforation left unsealed) showed highest absorbance. Conclusion: The White and Gray Mineral Trioxide Aggregate performed similarly as a furcation perforation repair material. There was no significant difference between the Gray MTA and White MTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth filled with gutta percha and Resilon. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 freshly extracted single rooted teeth are selected and their anatomical crown removed at the CEJ. All samples were instrumented with the Step-back technique. Samples were randomly divided into three groups of 20 samples each: Group A obturated by lateral condensation with gutta percha and AH plus sealer, Group B obturated by lateral condensation with Resilon; Group C recieved no filling. Restored teeth were subjected to compressive loading in a universal testing machine. The results of fracture resistance recorded and statistical analysis done. Results: The mean and SD values for the groups are as follows: Group A-536.555 ± 128.816, Group B- 885.943 ± 194.410 and Group C- 591.066 ± 68.97. It was seen that samples of Group B showed the highest fracture resistance followed by Group C. Group A showed the least fracture resistance. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that filling the canals with Resilon increased the in vitro resistance to fracture of endodontically treated single canal teeth when compared with gutta percha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND This study investigates the effect of artificial aging of direct resin nanohybrid composites on mean bond strength values for veneer ceramic samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety direct nanohybrid composite resin (Tetric N-Ceram) cylindrical discs were divided into 5 groups (n=18 each) based on aging cycles (thermocycling), as follows: TC=no aging (control), T1=850, T3=2500, T6=5000, and T12=10000 cycles, representing 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of clinical usage, respectively. Lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS e.max Press) cylindrical discs were cemented to resin discs using resin cement (Variolink N) after surface treatments (ceramic etching, silaning, composite abrasion). Differences in means between subgroups were calculated using one-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey honestly significant differences post hoc test. Differences were considered statistically significant with a P value ≤0.05. RESULTS The highest SBS between ceramic and aged composite was observed at 1 month (m=20.35) but did not differ significantly from the control group (m=20.97). For all other subgroups (3, 6, 12 months) SBS was significantly less than that of the control (P≤0.05). At 1 and 3 months, cohesive failures were more common, whereas adhesive failures were more common in 6- and 12-month-old composites. CONCLUSIONS SBS of aged composites was less than that of non-aged composites, with SBS decreasing proportionally as the resin aged. When cementing a ceramic restoration over existing composite restorations, those older than 1 month should be removed and replaced with new ones.