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Aim: The objective of the present research was to assess and compare the residual dentin thickness after biomechanical preparation of teeth using three distinct rotary nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) file systems. Materials and Methods: In the current experimental study, a total of 45 single-rooted teeth were selected for the analysis. The cementoenamel junction of each tooth was decoronated using a diamond disc. The teeth were randomly allocated to three groups, with each group representing a different rotary file system: Group 1: Hero GOLD (Micro Mega), Group 2: One Curve (Micro Mega), and Group 3: HyFlex electro-discharge machining (EDM) (Coltene-Whaledent, Altstatten, Switzerland). To evaluate the initial condition of the teeth, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were conducted before the biomechanical preparation. The teeth were positioned on a modeling wax sheet, and the CBCT scans provided baseline measurements. The biomechanical preparation of the root canals followed the manufacturer's recommended guidelines for each file system. After the completion of the canal preparation, follow-up CBCT scans were conducted. The postprocedure CBCT scans were then compared with the initial scans to assess any changes in the residual thickness of dentin in the teeth. Statistical Analysis: Post hoc Tukey analysis of variance tests was utilized to examine differences between the groups. A statistically significant result was defined as P = 0.05 or less for every test. Results: The comparison of preinstrumentation and postinstrumentation CBCT images showed that the HyFlex EDM group removed less dentin clinically compared to the other two groups, i.e., Hero GOLD and One Curve. No significant statistical difference was found between Hero GOLD versus One Curve, One Curve versus HyFlex EDM, and Hero GOLD versus HyFlex EDM. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the HyFlex EDM file system exhibited superior cutting efficiency at various levels. Nonetheless, additional investigations are required to comprehensively assess the influence of Ni-Ti rotary file systems on the remaining dentin thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, it is estimated that nearly 3%–4% of the population is affected by hepatitis-B virus (HBV). During the initial stage of the disease, the patient is asymptomatic, and there is a possibility for cross infection to dental surgeons and to other patients. The purpose of this study was to find the incidence of such HBV-infected asymptomatic patients visiting dental clinics of North India. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the outpatient department at five different centers of North India. Three centers in Uttar Pradesh, one centre in Bihar, and one centre in Himachal Pradesh. All the patients visiting dental OPD were advised hepatitis-B surface antigen (HbsAg) screening test day before dental procedure, and the procedure was planned on the next day or on the second day after reports were submitted. Those patients who were found positive for HbsAg were further tested for HBV DNA using polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: Five thousand patients were screened, of 5000 patients, 4840 patients submitted complete blood test reports. One thousand six hundred and ninety patients were female and 3150 patients were male. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2.5. Fifty patients were found to be hepatitis B positive. Thirty patients of hepatitis B were in early infective stage. It was found that forty patients were positive for HBV DNA, whereas ten patients were negative. Conclusion: Incidence of asymptomatic hepatitis-B positive patients visiting oral surgery outpatient department in North India is 1%. We recommend routine HbsAg testing and proper sterilization of dental instruments in all dental surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the relationship between conservative dentistry and endodontics. Topics include the formation of the Federation of Operative Dentistry (FODI) on March 5, 1982 by senior teachers in Operative Dentistry and then became Indian Association of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics (IACDE), the importance of restorative surgery in endodontics, and the need for physicians to undergo the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.

An editorial is presented which discusses the need for government India to support a full-scale research activity to develop and improve users-friendly end-product for oral health and overall publc health.

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss various reports related to dental education and research for undergraduates and post graduate students in India for the improvement of dental restoration and treatment at a lower cost.