Push-out bond strength and dentinal tubule penetration of different root canal sealers used with coated core materials

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the push-out bond strength and dentinal tubule penetration of root canal sealers used with coated core materials and conventional gutta-percha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 single-rooted human mandibular incisors were instrumented with NiTi rotary files with irrigation of 2.5% NaOCl. The smear layer was removed with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Specimens were assigned into four groups according to the obturation system: Group 1, EndoRez (Ultradent Product Inc.); Group 2, Activ GP (Brasseler); Group 3, SmartSeal (DFRP Ltd. Villa Farm); Group 4, AH 26 (Dentsply de Trey)/gutta-percha (GP). For push-out bond strength measurement, two horizontal slices were obtained from each specimen (n = 20). To compare dentinal tubule penetration, remaining 32 roots assigned to 4 groups as above were obturated with 0.1% Rhodamine B labeled sealers. One horizontal slice was obtained from the middle third of each specimen (n = 8) and scanned under confocal laser scanning electron microscope. Tubule penetration area, depth, and percentage were measured. Kruskall-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: EndoRez showed significantly lower push-out bond strength than the others (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found amongst the groups in terms of percentage of sealer penetration. SmartSeal showed the least penetration than the others (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The bond strength and sealer penetration of resin-and glass ionomer-based sealers used with coated core was not superior to resin-based sealer used with conventional GP. Dentinal tubule penetration has limited effect on bond strength. The use of conventional GP with sealer seems to be sufficient in terms of push-out bond strength.

Effect of biofilm formation, and biocorrosion on denture base fractures

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the destructive effects of biofilm formation and/or biocorrosive activity of 6 different oral microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different heat polymerized acrylic resins (Ivocap Plus, Lucitone 550, QC 20) were used to prepare three different types of samples. Type "A" samples with "V" type notch was used to measure the fracture strength, "B" type to evaluate the surfaces with scanning electron microscopy and "C" type for quantitative biofilm assay. Development and calculation of biofilm covered surfaces on denture base materials were accomplished by SEM and quantitative biofilm assay. According to normality assumptions ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis was selected for statistical analysis (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were obtained among the adhesion potential of 6 different microorganisms and there were significant differences among their adhesion onto 3 different denture base materials. Compared to the control groups after contamination with the microorganisms, the three point bending test values of denture base materials decreased significantly (P.05). CONCLUSION: All the tested microorganisms had destructive effect over the structure and composition of the denture base materials.

Comparison of karydakis technique with limberg flap procedure in pilonidal sinus disease: advantages of karydakis technique

Several surgical techniques are being performed in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease; however there is no single agreed technique that could be used in all patients. In this study we compared the results of the patients on which we implemented Karydakis Technique and Limberg flap procedure, the two most common techniques and tried to find the better operative modality. One hundred thirty three patients operated between January 2004 and November 2008 and followed up regularly were included in the study. Patients who came applied due to recurrence were not included. Seventy three patients were operated with Karydakis technique and 60 patients were operated with Limberg flap procedure. Two groups were compared in terms of hospitalization period, work loss period, recurrence rate, infection rate, and whether seroma and hematom formed or not. Operation period, hospitalization period, work loss period were shorter for the patients on which Karydakis technique was implemented [P<0.05]. While no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of recurrence rate [P=0.034], wound dehiscence, wound infection, hematom/seroma rate were more in Limberg flap group [P=0.001, P=0.032, P=0.022, respectively]. Karydakis technique, which is one of the most practiced surgical techniques in treatment of Pilonidal sinus disease, should be a preferred method in terms of shorter operation time, hospitalization period and less work loss and lower complication

Changes in comorbid diseases in morbidly obese patients treated by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

Morbid obesity is often accompanied by several comorbid diseases which reduce lifespan and impair quality of life. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding [LAGB] is a minimal invasive procedure effective in the treatment of morbid obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the change in comorbidities in patients treated by LAGB who achieved weight loss. Among 134 morbidly obese patients treated by LAGB, 127 patients who were followed regularly and evaluated regarding the change in comorbidities, and laboratory and clinical measurements were recorded. Excess weight loss [EWL] and the percent improvement in comorbid diseases [PICD] were calculated by using the Friedman's test. P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of 127 cases with a mean age of 29.51 +/- 6.7 years. Pre-operative BMI was 48.38 +/- 7.81 kg/m[2]. Comorbid disease was present in 62 [48.8%] patients. The mean follow-up duration was 23.83 +/- 8.78 months. The EWL was 52.6% [p<0.05] and the PICD was 74.8% [p<0.05]. Complications were noted in 34 patients [26.8%]. LAGB is a minimally invasive procedure which is effective in the treatment of morbid obesity, and reduces the length of hospital stay. Comorbid diseases are significantly improved in patients who achieve weight loss by the LAGB procedure