RESUMEN
Removal of the microbial organisms from the root canal system is a prerequisite for the successful outcome of any root canal treatment. Use of an effective intracanal medicament will assist in the disinfection of the root canal system. Intracanal medicaments have been used to disinfect root canals between appointments and reduce interappointment pain. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and awareness about the principal choice of intracanal medicaments among general dental practitioners and nonendodontic specialists. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions related to intracanal medicaments in Endodontics. It was distributed to 75 general dental practitioners and 75 other specialists (nonendodontists). Results: In the present study, the authors observed that the knowledge level among the study participants was moderately satisfying. However, the need for more education of the dentists with regard to the intracanal medicaments was perceived. Discussion: Correct knowledge of intracanal medicaments would help the practitioners to decide the apt material of choice as intracanal medicaments in different clinical situations. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the need for more continuing dental education programs with active participation of general practitioners and nonendodontic specialists to update themselves.
RESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to compare the porosity characteristics of AH Plus Jet(tm) syringe-mix and the conventional hand-mixed AH Plus root canal sealers by three-dimensional quantitative high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Seven test specimens were prepared from each tested sealer by a single operator following the manufacturer's instructions and poured into pre-lubricated plastic split-ring moulds. Set sealer test specimens were scanned using a micro-CT device and the shadow images were reconstructed into cross-sectional slices. The evaluated parameters were (i) total pore count, (ii) total pore volume and mean pore volume, (iii) total porosity (% of pore volume in relation to total sealer volume) and (iv) mean pore distance to the sealer lateral external surface. In both groups, most pores were localized within the external sealer perimeter (0.05 mm from the external surface). Hand-mixed AH Plus specimens showed statistically significant higher mean total pore count, total pore volume and total porosity (p=0.001) than the syringe-mixed specimens. However, mean pore sizes in AH Plus syringe-mixed specimens were significantly higher (p=0.046) than the AH Plus hand-mixed counterparts. Hand-mixed AH Plus was associated with higher total mean pore count, volume and total porosity compared to syringe mixed AH Plus.
Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a porosidade do AH Plus Jet(tm) dotado de misturador automático com o AH Plus convencional manipulado a mão a partir de um método quantitativo de microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT). Para cada cimento, sete espécimes foram preparados por um único operador, seguindo as instruções do fabricante, e inseridas em anéis de plástico. Após o tempo de presa, os cimentos foram escaneados utilizando o micro-CT e as imagens foram reconstruídas. Os parâmetros avaliados foram (i) contagem total de poros, (ii) volume total de poros e média dos volumes dos poros, (iii) porosidade total (% de volume de poros em relação ao volume total do cimento) e (iv) distância média dos poros em relação ao perímetro externo (0,05 mm da superfície externa). O AH Plus manipulado a mão apresentou maior número de poros, maior volume total de poros e porosidade total (p=0,001) comparado com o AH Plus com misturador. No entanto, a média de tamanho dos poros foi estatisticamente superior no AH Plus com misturador quando comparado com o AH Plus manipulado a mão (p=0,046). O AH Plus manipulado a mão foi associado com uma maior média de poros, volume e porosidade quando comparado com o AH Plus com misturador.