Effect of ultrasonic activation on calcium ion quantification, smear layer removal, and canal cleaning efficacy of demineralizing irrigants.

BACKGROUND: Effective removal of smear layer ensures better penetration of irrigants ensuring root canal disinfection and has the potential of sealing dentinal tubules during obturation. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the canal cleaning efficacy and calcium ion liberation with the use of demineralizing irrigants, namely, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 7% maleic acid, and 10% citric acid with or without ultrasonic (US) activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crowns of 62 extracted maxillary central incisors were decoronated and root canals prepared. Based on the final irrigant teeth were divided into following groups (n = 10), namely, 10% citric acid, 7% maleic acid, 17% EDTA, and 10% citric acid with US activation, 7% maleic acid with US activation, and 17% EDTA with US activation. Irrigants were subjected to inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy followed by debris scoring and scanning electron microscope analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni's correction for multiple testing was employed. RESULTS: About 10% citric acid with US activation liberated the highest calcium ions and removed the maximum smear layer. CONCLUSIONS: Citric acid with US activation is a potentially effective irrigation regimen with sodium hypochlorite.

Comparative Assessment of Canal Transportation and Centering Ability of Reciproc and One Shape File Systems Using CBCT-An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Root canal preparation leads to deviation of the canal anatomy causing canal transportation which affects the success of the treatment. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a non invasive imaging technique to analyse the shape of the root canal before and after the preparation. AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate and evaluate the canal transportation in curved mandibular molar root canals and centering ability of Reciproc and One Shape file systems after instrumentation using CBCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty mandibular molars were taken and allocated into two groups (n=10): Group 1-One Shape and Group 2-Reciproc. The canals were then scanned using CS 3D CBCT scanner (Carestream) before and after preparation, to assess the transportation and centering values at different levels respectively from the apex. The data gathered were then assessed statistically with Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that Reciproc and One Shape showed statistically no significant difference in terms of canal transportation and centering ability (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: One shape and Reciproc performed similar in terms of canal transportation & centering ability.

Solubility of a new calcium silicate-based root-end filling material.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare solubility of a new calcium silicate-based cement, Biodentine with three commonly used root-end filling materials viz. glass-ionomer cement (GIC), intermediate restorative material (IRM), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty stainless steel ring molds were filled with cements corresponding to four groups (n = 5). The weight of 20 dried glass bottles was recorded. Samples were transferred to bottles containing 5 ml of distilled water and stored for 24 h. The bottles were dried at 105΀C and weighed. This procedure was repeated for 3, 10, 30, and 60 days. Data was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Biodentine demonstrated significantly higher solubility than MTA for 30- and 60-day immersion periods. Statistical difference was noted between the solubility values of Biodentine samples amongst each of the five time intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Biodentine exhibited higher solubility in comparison with all other cements.

In vivo antimicrobial efficacy of 6% Morinda citrifolia, Azadirachta indica, and 3% sodium hypochlorite as root canal irrigants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of 6% Morinda citrifolia, Azadirachta indica, and 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as root canal irrigants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty nonvital maxillary anteriors were randomly assigned to one of the three groups corresponding to the irrigant to be tested; 6% Morinda citrifolia juice (MCJ) (n = 10), A. indica (n = 10) and 3% NaOCl (n = 10). After the root canal access opening a root canal culture sample was taken with two paper points and cultured under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Cleaning and shaping were completed with irrigation by 10 mL of respective irrigants and 5 mL of final rinse. The patients were recalled after 3 days and canals were rinsed again with 5 mL of the test irrigants. This was followed by obtaining a posttreatment root canal culture sample and culturing and analyzed by counting the colony forming units (CFUs). RESULTS: Six percentage MCJ, A. indica, and 3% NaOCl showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the mean CFU counts for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria between baseline and 3 days. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the antimicrobial efficacy of 6% M. citrifolia, A. indica, and 3% NaOCl as root canal irrigants.

A comparative evaluation of endodontic practice trends in India: "the Mumbai study".

INTRODUCTION: Multiple treatment protocols are available to the Indian endodontist. Hence a survey is required to recognize the common trends in endodontics and set a basic standard of treatment. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to present practice trends among Indian endodontists and compare the same with established practice trends internationally through various surveys that have been conducted respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to 1085 endodontists in dental schools and private practice in India. A response rate of 42% was observed. The data was analyzed and compared with other studies. RESULTS: Most of the endodontists in India follow the basic protocols and techniques in their practices. 40% of the Endodontists preferred digital radiography technique. 2.5% NaOCl is the most preferred irrigant of choice for primary root canal treatment and 2% chlorhexidine in retreatment cases. Calcium hydroxide was the most preferred intracanal medicament in all clinical situations. Lateral compaction (70.8%) was the most widely used method. AH Plus was the most preferred root canal sealer (46.6%). CONCLUSION: Indian endodontists are following the basic protocol but when compared to other studies there were concepts like, the use of rubber dam and microscope which need to be improved and raised to a level that ensures international standards in clinical practice.

Tooth regeneration: current status.

Regeneration of a functional tooth has the potential to be a promising therapeutic strategy. Experiments have shown that with the use of principles of bioengineering along with adult stem cells, scaffold material, and signaling molecules, tooth regeneration is possible. Research work is in progress on creating a viable bioroot with all its support. A new culture needs to be created that can possibly provide all the nutrients to the stem cells. With the ongoing research, tissue engineering is likely to revolutionize dental health and well-being of people by regenerating teeth over the next decade.