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The conventional restorative materials amalgam and glass ionomer have multifarious drawbacks leading to introduction of newer materials with superior biomechanical attributes. The present study aimed to assess and compare the compressive strength of ceramicreinforced glass ionomer cement, zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement, high strength glass ionomer posterior restorative material, alkasite restorative material, and amalgam when used as posterior restorative materials. Materials and Methods: Five restorative materials were evaluated: modified glass ionomer cements including ceramic-reinforced, zirconia-reinforced, and high strength glass ionomer; alkasite restorative material; and dental amalgam. Fifty cylindrical specimens were fabricated using test materials (n = 10 for each group). Class II cavities prepared on 50 intact permanent molars were restored with test materials. After thermocycling and 24h of storing, the specimens in artificial saliva, compressive strength, and fracture resistance were tested. Data were analyzed statistically. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test were used for intergroup comparison. Pearson’s correlation was used for correlating the maximum load by cylindrical and tooth specimens. Results: A significantly high compressive strength was displayed by specimens of group 4, followed by group 5, group 3, group 1, and least by group 2. The highest fracture resistance was displayed by teeth restored with the test materials in group 4, group 1, group 5, group 2, and least by group 3. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, alkasite restorative material (Cention N) showed the highest compressive strength in cylindrical and highest fracture resistance in tooth specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Composite have evolved significantly due to the increase in the demand for a more esthetic and conservative approach in dentistry. Modifications have been made on the filler particle size and loading, followed by alterations in the resin matrix substance. Methacrylate-based composite with the addition of nanoparticles to the filler has been introduced in the market, providing improved esthetics and lower polymerization shrinkage. The present study was done to compare the fracture resistance of teeth restored using two newer methacrylate-based composite materials, along with the flexural strength of the composites. Methods: Sixty mandibular premolars were divided into two control groups of 10 teeth each and two experimental groups of 20 teeth. Group I -- intact teeth with no preparations (n=10), Group II -- prepared but unrestored teeth (n=10), Group III -- teeth prepared and restored with a stackable nanohybrid methacrylate-based composite material (IPS Empress DirectTM), and Group IV -- teeth prepared and restored with a packable submicron methacrylate-based composite material (Brilliant EverglowTM), respectively. The teeth were embedded in resin-filled PVC rings, and a compressive loading test was carried out for all groups at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. The flexural strengths of the two composite materials were also analyzed using three-point bending test using Universal Testing Machine. The statistical significance (P < 0.05) of the differences between the experimental groups was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. Results: The mean fracture resistance was highest in Group IV (1877.37 ± 494.79) followed by Group III (1763.69 ± 392.51), Group I (1607.08 ± 283.48), and Group II having the least (1442.08 ± 373.66). The mean fracture resistance overall differed significantly between the four groups (P=0.048). Tukey test showed fracture resistance differed significantly between Group II and Group IV (P=0.042) and no significance among other groups. Conclusion: Fracture resistance was highest in the group restored with the packable submicron hybrid composite material. The packable submicron methacrylate-based composite material also showed higher flexural strength than stackable nanohybrid composite material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To review the analytical methods for carious and erosive demineralization an initial search of peer-reviewed scientific literature from the digital library database of PubMed/Medline indexed journals published up to early 2022 was carried out based on keywords relevant to the topic criteria including bibliographic citations from the papers to gather the most updated information. This current review aims to provide an updated overview of the advantages, limitations, and potential applications of direct and indirect research methods available for studying various dynamic stages of carious and erosive demineralization in enamel and dentin. This paper categorizes and describes the most suitable, frequently adopted and widely used quantitative and qualitative techniques in in vitro/in vivo research which are well-established, emerging, or comparatively novel techniques that are being explored for their potential validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly used local anaesthetic (LA) solutions in the field of dentistry are acidic, and have been known to cause pain and a burning sensation. The present study aimed to determine the pH levels of commercially available LA solutions with and without adrenaline and 8.4% sodium bicarbonate‑buffered LA solution, and to evaluate the pain during the administration of buffered and non‑buffered LA solutions. For this purpose, 20 patients with deep dentinal carious lesions with pulpal involvement affecting the bilateral posterior teeth and requiring the administration of a local nerve block were randomly selected to receive buffered and non‑buffered LA agents on either side, respectively. The patients were instructed to score the pain perceived during LA administration with the aid of a visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 1‑10. All the data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The results revealed that the LA solution of 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline buffered with sodium bicarbonate had a mean (± SD) pH level of 6.92±0.34 and non‑buffered LA solution had a mean pH level of 3.49±0.26. As per the VAS, a greater level of pain was reported during the non‑buffered LA administration (3.15±1.27) compared to the buffered LA administration (1.40±0.68). Buffered local anaesthetics were more likely than non‑buffered solutions to achieve successful anaesthesia [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09‑2.41; P<0.001]. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that a significant reduction in the pain perceived in patients during the administration of LA agents buffered with sodium bicarbonate when used during pulpal involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  To assess the patients' knowledge and perceptions regarding endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods  A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in a group of 400 patients, consisting of questions based on sociodemographic details as well as their knowledge about endodontic treatment. The collected data was tabulated and analyzed using methods of descriptive analysis. Results  The majority of the respondents stated their level of knowledge regarding endodontic treatment as average. Conclusion  Within the limitations of the study, an improvement in the knowledge regarding endodontic treatment among patients was observed. Clinical Significance  Population-based surveys are useful for evaluating the community and patients' mentality toward endodontic treatment. Proper information regarding the treatment modalities can be explained to the patient based on their lack of information, which is of utmost importance to develop a positive approach to root canal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction  Molars have been known to display varied morphologies. Maxillary first molar is the tooth with the largest volume and most complex root and root canal anatomy; also, possibly the most treated and least understood posterior tooth. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and morphology of MB2 canals in maxillary first molars in an Indian subpopulation (Dakshina kannada) using cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging. Materials and Methods  A total of 330 maxillary molars were placed on "U-" shaped modelling wax template, mimicking the natural arch and digitally scanned, of which 196 scans met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for unusual root canal anatomy by CBCT. To analyze the occurrence and morphology of the canals, the acquired data was examined by two endodontists and discussed till an agreement was reached. Results  The results were subjected to descriptive analysis. The majority of patients 103 (52.6%) teeth showed the presence of MB2 canals. As much as 83.5% of teeth depicted Vertucci's type II morphology, and 16.5% teeth presented with Vertucci's type IV morphology. Conclusion  CBCT overcomes the limitations of conventional radiography. However, the decision to use CBCT in the management of endodontic problems must be based on a case-by-case basis and only when sufficient diagnostic information is not obtained from diagnostic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has compelled universities worldwide to implement strategies for resuming academic courses by transferring some courses to a virtual modality. e-Learning has provided an excellent platform for education during this crisis. This review article discusses the various aspects of e-learning process that have to be considered before implementation, and the strengths and flaws of online education during this pandemic. It also sheds light on the necessary actions required to enhance the efficiency of e-learning in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given that diabetes has been declared a pandemic of non-communicable diseases, a chairside, non-invasive, less technique-sensitive, cost-effective approach that reduces discomfort, anxiety, and fear among the general population and encourages them to monitor the level of glucose on a regular basis should be considered. Methods: All salivary samples were collected 2 hours after breakfast between 9 and 11 a.m. Volunteers were asked to sit upright on the dental chair and 2 ml of saliva were collected in the sterile fluoridated container. The standard salivary glucose level was measured using the O-toluidine reagent method using a double beam spectrophotometer. Results: The study found out that the salivary glucose levels are measured more accurately using the O-toluidine reagent method. A 1-5 pg/ml of glucose standard solution is used for standardizing normal salivary glucose levels using the O-toluidine reagent method and measuring the optical density using a double beam spectrophotometer. Conclusions: The study concluded that the normal salivary glucose level was measured more accurately by the O-toluidine reagent method using a double beam spectrophotometer. Therefore, it can be concluded that the standard glucose solution needed for measuring normal glucose levels in the blood and saliva is in the ratio of 1:200-1:160. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endodontic treatment aims at eliminating the microbes and proving a 3 dimension hermetic seal. Access opening, irrigation, intracanal medicaments often renders the tooth structure weak. So restoring these teeth back to function is much more challenging. There are evidence in literature with different schools of thought in restoring these teeth. While some authors advocate for the use of crown, with the advancement in composite resins it has gained more importance in restoring endodontically treated teeth. This systematic review aims at finding the survival and modes of failure of composite as post endodontic restoration. Online databases like PubMed, Wiley Online Library, SAGE journals were searched with MeSH terms followed by hand searching of 5 journals from 2000-2020. A total of 7 studies were included in this systematic review. The articles were reviewed by 2 independent reviews and selected for the study. The full text eligible article was assessed for the risk of bias using various tools. It was concluded by the end of the systematic review that the survival of composite was comparable to that of crown. More randomized controlled trials must be conducted in order to have a standard recommendation since there was only limited randomized controlled trials on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare compressive strength and flexural strength of newer posterior composites (Ceram X sphere tech one, Endure nano, Swiss tec) using Universal Testing Machine. Methodology: As per ISO standardisation 4049:2009 and ISO 9917-1:2007 for polymer based materials and powder/liquid acid-base cements respectively, 6x4mm custom mould was fabricated for preparing samples to analyse the compressive strength of the materials. A total of 30 samples were prepared and allocated into the main group ‘A’. It was further subdivided into four sub-groups, each containing ten samples, as follows: • Group A1: Pre-polymerised Nanoceramic nano composite (Ceram X sphere tech one, Densply Sirona, UK) • Group A2: Nano ceramic composite (Endure nano, Septodont, India) • Group A3: Micro-hybrid composite (Swiss Tech, Coltene). As per ISO standardisation 4049:2009 and ISO 9917-1:2007 for polymer based materials and powder/liquid acid-base cements respectively, 25x2x2mm custom mould was fabricated for preparing samples to analyse the flexural strength of the materials. A total of 30 samples were prepared and allocated into the main group ‘B’. It was further subdivided into four sub-groups, each containing ten samples, as follows: • Group B1: Pre-polymerised Nanoceramic nano composite (Ceram X sphere tech one, Densply Sirona, UK) • Group B2: Nano ceramic composite (Endure nano, Septodont, India) • Group B3: Micro-hybrid composite (Swiss Tech, Coltene). The compressive strength testing of the fabricated samples was performed with a Universal Testing Machine (Tec-Sol India) at a cross head speed of 0.5mm/min. For flexural strength, the fabricated samples were mounted on a 3-point bending test device and loaded in the Universal Testing Machine (Tec-Sol India) at a cross head speed of 1 mm/min. Results: The Nano hybrid composite (Endure Nano, Septodont) exhibits the highest compressive and flexural strength making it suitable for posterior restoration procedures. The pre-polymerised nano ceramic composites (Ceram X sphere Tech One, Densply sirona, UK) possess minimum compressive and flexural strength in this study, within the limitations of this study Conclusion: All the tested materials exhibited sufficient flexural and compressive strengths with Nano hybrid composite exhibiting significant higher physico-mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing prevalence of erosive tooth wear affecting both adults and children; designing optimum protocols of management in a noninvasive manner is gaining precedence. Aim: Comparative evaluation of topically applied calcium phosphate-based agents casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) on the surface of eroded dentin. Materials and Methods: Dentin blocks from human third molars in four groups were subjected to the surface treatment: (G1) sound dentin (G2) demineralized dentin (G3) CPP-ACP (G4) ß-TCP. All the samples except control (G1) were immersed in an acidic solution incubated at 37°C for 96 h. The samples in G3 and G4 were topically treated with CPP-ACP and ß-TCP for 4 min twice daily for 14 days; followed by pH-cycling for 21 days. Surface hardness testing and surface morphology were observed using the scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software with Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc test. Results: Dentin treated with both CPP-ACP (37.25) and ß-TCP (32.05) recorded significantly higher VHN than demineralized (G2-23.51) but lower compared to sound control (G1-57.06). Conclusion: The topical application of CPP-ACP and ß-TCP agents shows definite potential in promoting the hardening of demineralized dentin surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate randomized control trials (RCTs) to answer the question "Can oil pulling with coconut oil help patients with poor oral health?" Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted for RCTs till January 2021. A total of 47 articles were retrieved through five electronic databases, i.e., Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Review, SCOPUS, and Embase using key words related to the topic. The selection of articles was based on the PICOS criteria and the PRISMA protocol for systematic reviews. The studies which discussed coconut oil and its effect on the plaque, gingival index, and Streptococcus mutans count were included in the study. Results: The final selection included 13 articles from which data were extracted for further evaluation. The articles included show coconut oil's efficiency as an antimicrobial agent to reduce bacterial colonization with significant improvement in oral hygiene by practicing oil pulling. However, the quality of evidence is low and more well-designed clinical trials with a wide range of oral health outcomes are required. Conclusion: Based on the results of the systematic review, there is a significant statistical difference in plaque and gingival index between individuals with and without using coconut oil. Hence, further research is mandatory to clearly explain the role of microbiota and their transformations in the oral cavity. We conclude that continued surveillance of patients in a long-term study design with holistic alternatives and early management of complications are important in lifelong care and well-being of patients with a compromised oral cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-microbial peptides and vitamin D levels in saliva, GCF play an important role in oral health and its maintenance. The peptide levels are regulated by the Vitamin D cathecidilin pathway and their association and influence on oral health is of outmost importance. The aim of the present review article is to establish The aim is to establish a relationship and possibly the role of Cathelicidins and Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in relation to oral health. Methodology: The preferred reporting items for systematic review ad meta analysis (PRISMA) were used for reporting this systematic review. The study protocol has been approved by all co-authors. The study has been registered at the National institute for health research (NHR) under the Prospero ID: CRD42020200946. Results: A total of 102 articles were retrieved through electronic database search. After evaluating the title, abstract and full text of these articles only 7 were selected for the present systematic review. However 3 articles were excluded because they were classified as high risk of bias according to PRISMA guidelines. Out of 7 studies selected, 4 were classified as low risk bias and 3 were classified as moderate riskbias. Conclusion: The current evidence suggests anti-microbial peptide LL-37 and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism plays an important role in caries prevalence and periodontal health. Highlight: Understanding the role of antimicrobial peptides in saliva helps in enhancing focus on the effect of these components on oral health and its maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The key for long-term success in root canal therapy is the effective debridement with chemical irrigants before obturation. The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine along with activation using sonic and an ultrasonic device in teeth when used in teeth infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Material and Method: A total of 90 single rooted mandibular premolar were infected with E. faecalis and placed in the incubator for 24 hours .The specimens were divided into six groups as follows: Group I: positive control; Group II: negative control; Group III: sodium hypochlorite + passive ultrasonic activation for 20, 40, and 60 seconds; Group IV: chlorhexidine + passive ultrasonic activation; Group V: sodium hypochlorite + endoactivator; and Group VI: chlorhexidine + endoactivator activation. After disinfection, dentinal shavings were collected using H file and subcultured in brain heart infusion agar (BHI) broth further streaked in brain heart agar plates to check the colony counting. Result: Bonferroni post hoc test was done to compare the significant difference between different experimental groups. Group III showed a significant difference in the antimicrobial activity compared to Group IV, V, and VI with P < 0.05. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis was done to analyze the intergroup comparison of the bacterial count at various time intervals (20, 40, and 60 seconds). It was observed that there was a statistically significant difference with P < 0.01 between the time interval of different experimental groups. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, sodium hypochlorite along with passive ultrasonic irrigation showed a reduction in E. faecalis count compared to the other irrigating protocols used in the study and the results were statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]