Search

Introduction: Intraoral photography is crucial in dentistry for documentation, communication and education. Contrasters play a pivotal role, influencing patient experience and image quality. Traditional metal contrasters have limitations regarding patient friendliness and procedural compatibility. Aim: To assess ease and comfort among patients and operators and to compare the contrasting ability of commercially available contrasters with newly designed contrasters in intraoral photography. Materials and Methods: A single-blinded, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Conservative and Endodontics and the Department of Orthodontics, KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from January 2024 to February 2024. After obtaining ethical approval, 50 patients with no pain, swelling, or discomfort in the maxillary anterior region, as well as, only those operators trained in intraoral Digital Single-lens Reflex (DSLR) photography, were enrolled. Following randomisation and standard camera settings, intraoral images were captured by 50 operators using both conventional metal and newly designed 3D-printed contrasters. Patients and operators evaluated Introduction: Intraoral photography is crucial in dentistry for documentation, communication and education. Contrasters play a pivotal role, influencing patient experience and image quality. Traditional metal contrasters have limitations regarding patient friendliness and procedural compatibility. Aim: To assess ease and comfort among patients and operators and to compare the contrasting ability of commercially available contrasters with newly designed contrasters in intraoral photography. Materials and Methods: A single-blinded, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Conservative and Endodontics and the Department of Orthodontics, KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from January 2024 to February 2024. After obtaining ethical approval, 50 patients with no pain, swelling, or discomfort in the maxillary anterior region, as well as, only those operators trained in intraoral Digital Single-lens Reflex (DSLR) photography, were enrolled. Following randomisation and standard camera settings, intraoral images were captured by 50 operators using both conventional metal and newly designed 3D-printed contrasters. Patients and operators evaluated [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate proximal contact tightness and contours using two newer contact-forming systems in Class II composite restorations. Materials and Methods: After institutional ethical approval and Clinical Trials Registry-India registration, patients were chosen according to the inclusion-exclusion criteria with informed consent. A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A: LM Arte contact former (n = 30) and Group B: The design village (TDV) contact former (n = 30). Quadrant isolation was performed after the complete elimination of dental caries, preceded by the insertion of a matrix band and retainer with the proper wedging system. The LM Arte with the appropriate tip was selected for Group A, whereas the TDV contact former was selected for Group B based on the cavity size. Following the conversion of Class II cavities to Class I, nanohybrid resin composite restoration was done by cuspal layering. It was followed by finishing and polishing. E. B. Hencock criteria were used to evaluate gingival index, pocket depth, interproximal calculus, overhangs, food impaction, and contact integrity in both groups at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. Statistical Methods: The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software version 18.0, IBM. Results: A statistically significant reduction in gingival index score was observed in both groups 6 months and 1 year after the procedure. However, the values revealed in terms of gingival index (P < 0.05) and (P > 0.05) for pocket depth, interproximal calculus, overhangs, food impaction, and contact integrity in both groups for 6 months (P > 0.05) and (P > 0.05) after the procedure. Conclusion: Both the LM Arte and TDV contact-forming systems are effective in establishing perfect proximal contacts and contours. However, the LM Arte contact-forming system edges out the TDV contact-forming system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The complete removal of Calcium Hydroxide {Ca(OH)2} using various techniques remains a challenge in root canal therapy. One of the most commonly used methods for removing calcium hydroxide is by using a Master Apical File (MAF) along with sodium hypochlorite and Ethylenediaminetetracetic Acid (EDTA). Various new modalities, like Canal Brush, NaviTip and file systems, have emerged to tackle the residual calcium hydroxide in the canal; but none of these methods have been able to completely remove it from the canal. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of H-files, NaviTip FX and Canal Brushes in removing calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament from root canals. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was carried out in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from December 2023 to March 2024. To standardise the length at 14 mm, 30 mandibular premolar teeth (n=30) with a single root were decoronated at the Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ). The working length was determined, followed by the cleaning and shaping of all specimens using ProTaper Rotary Files. Intracanal medicament (Metapex) was placed and the canals were sealed with Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC). The specimens were then placed at 37±1°C and 100% relative humidity for 30 days. The medicament was subsequently removed by three different protocols: H-file, NaviTip FX and Canal Brush (n=10 each). The residual volumes in the mesial, distal and apical thirds were assessed, referring to the volume of medicament left in the canal, which was measured using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The recorded variables were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) post-hoc tests (p<0.05). Results: The Canal Brush removed the maximum amount of Metapex in the apical third (0.108) of the roots of the premolars, followed by NaviTip FX and then H-file. In the middle third of the root, NaviTip FX removed more Metapex than the Canal Brush, followed by H-files. A comparison of retrieval between and within the groups it showed that none of the techniques were capable of removing all the Metapex from the specimens, with p>0.05. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the Canal Brush showed superior results in retrieving Metapex from the apical third of the root and the distal side (middle third), whereas NaviTip FX removed more Metapex from the mesial side (middle third) of the root, but H-file exhibited the least efficacy in the retrieval of Metapex. Total removal of calcium hydroxide from the entire canal is not possible regardless of the technique used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the penetration depth and persistence of sealer residues in obturated canals with three different bioceramic sealers using confocal microscopy. Materials and Methods: In total, 60 single-rooted human premolars were selected and decoronated to maintain the working length of 14 mm. The samples were biomechanically prepared and obturated with Protaper Universal GP coated with three different bioceramic sealers, that is, CeraSeal RC, Bio-C and MTA Fillapex. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 20) depending on the sealer used. Rhodamine B fluorescent dye was added to the sealers before using them for obturation. The obturated samples were sealed and placed in 100% humidity at 37oC for 7 days. Gutta-percha was removed from all the samples using retreatment files. Each sample was horizontally sectioned into 2 mm thick slices at 3 mm and 5 mm from the apex, which were analysed under a confocal scanning microscope to detect the depth of penetration of sealer into the dentinal tubules. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests. Results: Intergroup comparison of penetration depth at 3 mm showed that the mean depth of penetration among CeraSeal samples was found to be significantly more as compared to the other two materials, while, no statistically significant difference was found among Bio-C and MTA Fillapex with the significance level established at 5% (P <.05). Similarly, an intergroup comparison of penetration depth at 5 mm showed that the mean depth of penetration among CeraSeal samples was found to be significantly more as compared to the other two materials, while, no statistically significant difference was found among Bio-C and MTA Fillapex. CeraSeal RC sealer showed significantly higher depth of penetration than Bio-C and MTA Fillapex. Conclusion: All bioceramic sealers show a significant penetration into the dentinal tubules. However, none of the sealers was completely removed from the tubules following retreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]