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Introduction: The replacement of missing teeth is an increasing concern among the population due to functional and esthetic reasons. Along with the increase in demand for replacement, the need for fixed and permanent replacement is also increasing widely. The use of implants is increasing among the population due to its long term and fixed properties in spite of its high price. Aim: The purpose of this survey was to determine the awareness of various impression techniques used in implant dentistry among the dental interns and practitioners in Chennai. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted among 100 dental interns and practitioners among the South Indian population. A set of 10 questions was created and the questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the awareness of impression techniques used in implant dentistry. The information was collected from the clinicians and recorded. A comparison of the answers from the collected data was made. Results: There was found to be an awareness of 100% in the impression techniques. However, the awareness of splinting and non-splinting techniques was less (80%) when compared to the open and closed tray techniques (100%). The reason could be the limited use of these practically among the dental interns and a use of these clinically would bring about a full awareness of these techniques as well. Conclusion: A positive response is seen on the basic impression techniques that include open and closed tray techniques, whereas the impressions taken on a multiple implant case with some modifications are yet to be more familiarized. As regards, short hands-on courses can help in teaching the shortcomings of impression techniques for various cases and hence to increase the knowledge on these topics of implant dentistry which is flourishing in the present day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retraction cords are used after preparation of a tooth to push the gingiva away from the tooth to create enough space for recording an accurate impression. Retraction cords are placed with hemostatic agents to constrict the blood flow. Hemostatic agents used for retraction cords are said to have an effect on the systemic circulation, and hence, their use in cardiac patients is restricted. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 participants were divided into two groups of 20 and their normal blood pressure (BP) was checked. The BP of the Group I subjects was checked immediately after placing the retraction cord (without LA) and rechecked after a duration of 5 minutes and noted. The BP of the Group II subjects was also checked and recorded similar to that of Group I subjects, with retraction cord soaked in local anaesthesia containing epinephrine. Results: The mean systolic BP of the two groups was 116.8 ± 12.7 mmHg and diastolic was 74.45 ± 10.6 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of Group I subjects immediately after placing the retraction cord was 115.45 ± 14.21 mmHg and diastolic was 97.1 ± 12.46 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of Group I subjects after the removal of the retraction cord was found to be 114.85 ± 14 mmHg and diastolic was 72 ± 12.65 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of the Group II subjects immediately after placing retraction cord was 119.35 ± 9.6 mmHg and diastolic was 77.5 ± 8 mmHg. The mean systolic BP of Group II subjects after the removal of retraction cord was 116.3 ± 10.25 mmHg and diastolic was 77.15 ± 8 mmHg. Conclusion: There is an increase in the systolic and diastolic BP of the Group II subjects immediately after placing the retraction cord and systolic BP reaching to the normal level after the removal of the cord after a time duration of 5 min and no decrease in the diastolic BP on removal of retraction cord and no significant change in the BP of the Group I participants. The change in the BP on using epinephrinesoaked retraction cord could be of significance for their use in cardiovascular disease or hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]