ABSTRACT
Background: Soft tissue excision around natural teeth is carried out to increase the clinical crown lengths, expose the caries apical to the gingival margins and to correct irregular and un‑esthetic soft‑tissue contours. Aims: The study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the stability of the soft tissue margins after excision either with a laser or scalpel. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients indicated for soft tissue excision for correcting soft tissue discrepancies were selected. The patients with thick gingival biotype were included in the study. They were grouped randomly into excision by laser or scalpel methods. The change in the soft tissue positions from the time of excision to 1‑month follow‑up were evaluated immediate postoperatively, after 2 weeks and after 1‑month postrestoration. Results: The soft tissues remained stable in the laser group at 1‑month follow‑up, in contrast to the scalpel group and were found to be statistically significant, (Student’s t‑test) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The soft tissue margins are more stable and stay at the point they were excised with lasers when compared with scalpel.
ABSTRACT
Background: Barrier membrane helps in periodontal regeneration by preventing the migration of epithelial cells and cells from the gingival connective tissue onto the root surface. Different types of membranes have been used to regenerate periodontal tissues. There are very few documented reports where rubber dam has been used as a barrier membrane for regeneration of periodontal defects. Case Description: A female patient aged 20 years with localized aggressive periodontal disease participated in this clinical report. Infrabony defect in the lower anterior region was selected for surgical treatment. Rubber dam was trimmed to cover the defect. Orthodontic treatment was done for the realignment of malpositioned teeth 1 year after the surgery and patient was followed up for a period of 3 years after surgery. Results: Rubber barrier membrane did not result in any untoward side effects. Patient did not show any sign of inflammation or recurrence of probing depth at 3-year follow-up period. Clinical Implications: Rubber dam as barrier membrane yields good results.
ABSTRACT
Root debridement by scaling and root planing may not completely remove contaminated cementum particularly in more apical areas. The smear layer formed during root planing inhibits cell migration and attachment leading to impaired marginal periodontal healing. In the present study an attempt is made to compare the morphological effects of root surface demineralization using citric acid, TTC and EDTA as root conditioning agents. The findings obtained from this study could form the basis for future in vivo studies using the same agents for demineralization procedures.
ABSTRACT
Background: Dentin hypersensitivity is a recurrent condition causing discomfort and sometimes pain to the patient, which also deters him from maintaining adequate oral hygiene. Home care and office measures are used for treatment of this malady. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of 2 treatment modalities for dentinal hypersensitivity, iontophoresis with acidulated phosphate gel (APF) gel, and dentin-bonding agent application. Materials and Methods: This split mouth randomized clinical study recruited subjects with a history of hypersensitivity with at least 2 teeth, verified by a light stroke with a dental explorer along the cervical third of the teeth. The patients were subjected to a 1-s air blast and cold water stimuli and their responses were recorded on a verbal rating scale. A total of 30 sites from 15 patients were divided into Group A-1.23% APF gel iontophoresis; and Group B-aqueous solution of hydroxyl-ethyl-methacrylate and glutaraldehyde. The teeth were evaluated immediately after the treatment and at the end of 2 weeks. In case of failure, the tooth was retreated with the same agent as before. Results: The results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the end of 2 weeks. However, Group A was more effective clinically, with fewer number of failures compared with Group B. Conclusion: Both the agents showed a statistically significant reduction in sensitivity compared with baseline; however, APF gel iontophoresis was more effective in reducing hypersensitivity over a longer time period.