Assessing the efficacy of citrus aurantifolia extract on smear layer removal with scanning electron microscope

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of citrus aurantifolia [CA] extract on smear layer removal in different parts of root canals. Thirty-nine single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into three experimental [n=12] and one control [n=3] groups. Teeth were instrumented using MTwo rotary instruments. Root canals were irrigated with NaOCl during instrumentation. The canals in each group were irrigated with one of the following: completed mixture of citrus aurantifolia extracts, 17% EDTA, and alcoholic extract of CA. Distilled water was used for the control group. The irrigants were left within the canal for 20 minutes, and then rinsed with normal saline solution. Teeth were subsequently split longitudinally into 2 halves, and the canals were examined by a scanning electron-microscope. Cleanliness was evaluated using a five point scoring system. Statistical significant difference was found between groups [P<0.05]. The smear layer was more effectively removed with 17% EDTA compared to alcoholic CA extract. However, they were both able to remove the smear layer in the coronal segment. Completed CA extract removed more smear layer in coronal and middle parts compared with the alcoholic extract [P=0.001]; however, there was no significant difference in the apical part. Both of the alcoholic and completed mixtures of citrus aurantifolia extracts were not able to effectively remove smear layer compared with 17% EDTA during root canal therapy

[Coronal microleakage in root canals filled with resilon or gutta percha following smear layer removal with EDTA or MTAD]

By the advancements in root canal filling systems, a new sealer namely Epiphany self-etch sealer [Pentron Clinical Technologies, LLC, Wallingford, CT, USA] was recently introduced to the market that does not require self-etching primer application prior to the use of sealer. On the other hand, dentin surface conditioning with various irrigation solutions can cause chemical and structural dentinal changes. The present study sought to assess the effect of EDTA [final irrigation with distilled water or chlorhexidine] and MTAD on coronal microleakage in root canals filled with Resilon/Epiphany self-etch or AH Plus/Gutta Percha obturation materials. In this ex-vivo study, a total of 140 extracted single rooted human teeth were selected and irrigated with 1.3% sodium hypochlorite during preparation. Samples were divided into 6 test groups and 2 positive and negative control groups. Smear layer was removed by EDTA and final irrigation with distilled water in groups 1 and 4, by EDTA and final irrigation with 2% chlorhexidine in groups 2 and 5 and by MTAD in groups 3 and 6. In groups 1, 2 and 3 canals were filled with AH Plus sealer and Gutta Percha while in groups 4, 5 and 6 canals were filled with Resilon and Epiphany self-etch sealer using lateral condensation method. After placing samples in a split-chamber and sterilizing them, the coronal part of teeth was contaminated with human saliva. Samples were controlled daily for 60 days. Chi square test, survival analysis and log-rank test were used for data analysis. Nine samples [45%] in group 1, 14 samples [70%] in group 2, 18 samples [90%] in group 3, 13 samples [65%] in group 4, 7 samples [35%] in group 5 and 13 samples [65%] in group 6 had microleakage after 60 days. Difference in resistance against microleakage between groups 1 and 3 and also 3 and 5 was statistically significant. MTAD does not have a negative impact on sealing properties of Resilon/Epiphany self-etch sealer but EDTA can be an appropriate dentin conditioner before using AH Plus sealer and Gutta Percha. Also, Chlorhexidine can be a good final irrigant in root canals that are going to be filled with Epiphany self-etch sealer/Resilon

examination of pre/post-adenotonsillectomy obesity indices in 3-10 year old children in Mashad, Iran

Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most frequent surgical operations on children, which may result in weight gain in a number ways, for instance, by increasing IGF-1 or decreasing respiratory hyperactivity. This was an intervention study with a control group, conducted on fifty 3-10-year-old children who had undergone adenotonsillectomy and on fifty children as the control group. The intervention and control groups were identical in terms of age and sex. Height, weight, midarm muscle circumference, waist circumference, and percent body fat measures were performed on the intervention group before and six months after the surgery. The same measurements were also performed on the control group at zero time and six months later. Ultimately, the results were examined and compared. The body mass index [BMI] and percent body fat in the intervention group showed a significant change after six months, with P values of 0.002 and 0.024 respectively. There were no significant correlations for other variables. Based on the findings of this study, children who had undergone adenotonsillectomy for various indications showed a gradual postoperative increase in their BMI and percent body fat

effect of carvacrol on Enterococcus faecalis as a final irrigant

Sodium hypochlorite [NaOC1] is an effective antimicrobial irrigant, however its toxic effects and deterrent odor are not ideal. Carvacrol is an edible plant extract with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that is effective against Enterococcus [E] faecalis. The aim of this study was to evaluate Carvacrol's antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis bacteria as a final irrigant. Forty extracted single-rooted human teeth were utilized. After mechanical preparations, samples were randomly divided into three experimental [A, B and C] and two control groups. E. faecalis was cultured in both experimental and positive control groups. After bacterial counting in all canals, 5.25% NaOC1, 0.6% Carvacrol emulsion and MTAD were used as final irrigants in groups A, B and C respectively. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney Utests. There was no meaningful difference in bacterial reduction between groups A and B; however, group C showed significantly lower efficacy compared to other groups [P<0.05]. The 0.6% Carvacrol disinfects root canals effectively. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities and therefore may be an acceptable alternative for NaOC1

In vitro comparison of the effectiveness of Chiorhexidine and two calcium hydroxide formulations on Enterococcus faecalis

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of three intracanal medicaments in disinfecting the root canal and dentin of experimentally infected human teeth with Enterococcus faecalis [EF]. One hundred extracted human single-rooted teeth were used. After root canal preparation, teeth were mounted in epoxy resin. Following sterilization, the teeth were infected for 28 days with EF. Then root canals were filled with one of three different disinfectants: viscous 2% Chlorhexidine [CHX], calcium hydroxide paste [CH] or a mixture of CH and CHX [n=30 in each group]. Antimicrobial assessments were performed at 1, 3 and 7 days [n=10 in each time period]. Microbial samples were obtained from root canals before and after the experiment. Also dentin samples were examined. The data was analyzed using Two- Way ANOVA test. The findings showed that there was no difference between experimental groups at different time periods. The mixture of CH/CHX in 7 days was able to eliminate EF completely from root canal system. The most elimination of EF was from dentinal tubules. According to the results of this in vitro study, viscous 2% CHX, mixture of CH with distilled water and 2% CHX are all effective disinfectants