Evaluation of Effectiveness of Two Different Endodontic Retreatment Systems in Removal of Gutta-percha: An in vitro Study.

AIM: To determine the effectiveness of two different endodontic retreatment systems for the removal of laterally compacted gutta-percha (GP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were used for the study. The teeth were instrumented with K-flex files and obturated using lateral condensation technique with GP and AH Plus sealer. The teeth were divided into three retreatment groups, each group consisting of 21 teeth. Group I: D-RaCe desobturation files (D-RaCe); group II: ProTaper Universal retreatment files (PTUR); group III: Hedstrom files (H-file). After removal of GP, the teeth were split longitudinally and divided into three equal parts: Cervical, middle, and apical third. The middle and apical thirds of all root halves were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The total surface area covered by the residual debris was evaluated using Motic Image plus 2.0 software. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with a p-value <0.05 used to determine significance and Tukey's multiple post hoc tests used for comparison between the groups, and 't' test was done for comparison between the thirds within the same group. RESULTS: The PTUR retreatment files showed overall better performance compared with D-RaCe files and H-files. The PTUR files performed better at middle third compared with others. The PTUR files and D-RaCe files performed equally at apical third better than H-files. CONCLUSION: ProTaper retreatment files are better compared with D-RaCe files and H-files for the retreatment of the previously endodontically treated teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Highest efficacy for the removal of GP was shown by ProTaper Universal System followed by D-RaCe and H-file.

Piezosurgery: A Boon for Modern Periodontics.

Dentistry has undergone significant advancement and has seen several changing concepts over a decade. One such novel innovation is piezosurgery. Piezoelectric bone surgery or otherwise known as piezosurgery is a novel technique invented by Professor Vercellotti in 1988 to overcome the limitations of traditional instrumentation in oral bone surgery by modifying and improving conventional ultrasound technology. It is a promising, meticulous, and soft tissue sparing system for bone cutting based on low frequency ultrasonic microvibrations. The absence of macrovibration makes the instrument more manageable and allows greater intraoperative control with a significant increase in cutting safety in the more difficult anatomical cutting zone. The present review compares piezosurgery with the traditional tools and emphasizes on its mechanism of action, instruments, biologic effects, advantages, and limitations, as well as its various applications in the field of dentistry.

Evaluation of dental and bone age in iron-deficient anemic children of South India.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Dental and bone age is very essential for the dental practitioner in planning treatments and is an extra source of information for the pediatrician, orthopedician, and endocrinologist. There are few published data regarding collation between dental age, bone age, and chronological age in iron-deficiency anemic children. This study has been undertaken to evaluate and compare dental age, bone age, and chronological age in children with iron-deficiency anemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred iron-deficiency anemic children were selected in the age group of 8-14 years. Chronological age of the child was recorded by asking birth date from parents or checking school records. Dental age was calculated by Demirjians method and bone age was evaluated using Bjork, Grave, and Brown's method. Unpaired student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were the two statistical tests applied to compare dental, bone, and chronological age. RESULTS: Dental and bone age was significantly lower (P < 0.001) compared to chronological age. The correlation between the three ages was positive in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Dental and bone age retardation was a significant feature in our sample of 100 iron-deficient anemic children. Bone age and dental age are valuable parameters in assessing the overall growth of the child. Further studies are required to corroborate our findings.

Computed tomography: Will the slices reveal the truth.

With the advances in the field of imaging sciences, new methods have been developed in dental radiology. These include digital radiography, density analyzing methods, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and nuclear imaging techniques, which provide high-resolution detailed images of oral structures. The current review aims to critically elaborate the use of CBCT in endodontics.

Outcome of premolar extractions on Bolton's overall ratio and tooth size discrepancies in South India.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Attainment of ideal occlusion is often restricted by disproportionate sizes of individual teeth, which is otherwise termed as tooth size discrepancy (TSD). While extraction of teeth for orthodontic purposes is not uncommon, there is considerable resistance against this school of thought. The extraction of premolars, in particular, received considerable attention because of the potential TSD that could result following the extraction of premolars. The aim of the present study was to identify the consequence of premolar extractions on Bolton's overall ratios in South Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred participants were recruited into the study through purposive nonproportionate quota sampling. Pretreatment dental casts of the study participants were measured for mesiodistal tooth widths to determine Bolton's overall ratio before the hypothetical tooth extractions were performed. The hypothetical extractions were executed in four different combinations as follows: (a) Maxillary and mandibular first premolars, (b) maxillary first premolars and mandibular second premolars, (c) maxillary second premolars and mandibular first premolars, and (d) maxillary and mandibular second premolars. Bolton's overall ratios were calculated after the hypothetical tooth extractions were performed. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 20 software. RESULTS: It was observed that extractions performed in any of the combinations followed in this study resulted in a decrease of overall Bolton's ratios. However, the discrepancy in tooth size was highest with the extraction of all first premolars, whereas least discrepancy was recorded with all second premolars extraction. It was also found that, based on the combination of teeth chosen for extraction, there was significant difference in Bolton's overall ratios between males and females. CONCLUSION: In formulating a treatment plan involving premolar extraction, significant tooth size discrepancies could change mutually after extraction.