ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare six different materials commonly used for filling the root canals of primary teeth for antimicrobial efficacy against some of the microorganisms commonly found in infected root canals. STUDY DESIGN: In this experimental in vitro study six root canal filling materials were tested for antimicrobial efficacy against eight microbial strains using the agar diffusion method. RESULTS: Zinc oxide eugenol paste exhibited the strongest antimicrobial potential followed by Endoflas, zinc oxide-calcium hydroxide-sodium fluoride mixture, zinc oxide-calcium hydroxide mixture and calcium hydroxide paste (Apexcal). The addition of sodium fluoride to the zinc oxide-calcium hydroxide mixture enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy. Metapex demonstrated minimal inhibition and Vaseline was non-inhibitory. CONCLUSIONS: All the test filling materials demonstrated varying antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms tested. Zinc oxide eugenol paste and materials containing zinc oxide were found to be more effective against the microorganisms compared to materials without zinc oxide.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Root Canal Filling Materials/pharmacology , Bacillus subtilis/drug effects , Bacterial Load/drug effects , Barium Sulfate/pharmacology , Calcium Hydroxide/pharmacology , Candida albicans/drug effects , Colony Count, Microbial , Drug Combinations , Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects , Escherichia coli/drug effects , Humans , Hydrocarbons, Iodinated/pharmacology , Materials Testing , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects , Silicone Oils/pharmacology , Sodium Fluoride/pharmacology , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Staphylococcus epidermidis/drug effects , Streptococcus mutans/drug effects , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Fusion and talon cusps are rare developmental dental anomalies affecting both primary and permanent dentitions. Talon cusps normally occur on the palatal surface of permanent maxillary incisors, while fused teeth are more common in the primary anterior dentition. An understanding of these dental anomalies and their associated problems are important to provide prophylactic measures, thereby preventing or minimizing possible complications. This paper presents a unique case of fused mandibular permanent incisors with a lingual talon cusp associated with hypodontia of an adjacent tooth.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: To estimate the prevalence and the severity of malocclusion and treatment need for 329 handicapped individuals. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: 329 handicapped individuals aged 11-30 years, attending eight different nonresidential special schools of South Canara, India. METHOD: Examination and recording using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). RESULTS: 53% had a dental appearance which required no orthodontic treatment, 24% had a definite malocclusion, where treatment was 'elective' and treatment for a further 12% was considered to be 'highly desirable'. The remaining subjects (11%) had a handicapping malocclusion where treatment was considered mandatory. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of definite and severe malocclusions was higher in the mentally subnormal individuals when compared to other handicapping conditions. Orthodontic services for the handicapped have generally been neglected.
