In Vitro comparison of the microbial leakage of obturation systems: Epiphany with resilon, guttaflow, and ah plus with gutta percha.

AIM: To compare the microbial leakage of three root canal filling materials: AH Plus with Gutta-percha, Epiphany with Resilon, and Guttaflow using Enterococcus faecalis as the bacterial marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 30 caries free, human maxillary incisors with straight roots were used. The teeth were de-coronated with a diamond disc and the length was standardized for all specimens. Access opening was done through the coronal portion and the working length was determined. All the teeth were prepared to a standardized size apically and coronally. The teeth were then randomly divided into three experimental groups each. After obturation of the root canals, the outer surfaces of the teeth were coated with two layers of nail enamel except the apical 2 mm. The teeth were then subjected for bacterial leakage test using E. faecalis as a bacterial marker in dual chamber bacterial leakage model for a period of 30 days. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test. RESULTS: Results showed that Resilon/Epiphany (Group-2) demonstrated less leakage and Gutta-percha/AH Plus (Group-1) showed maximum leakage with the statistically significant difference between the two (P < 0.05). Guttaflow (Group-3) also showed less leakage than Gutta-percha/AH Plus (Group-1) with the statistically significant difference between the two (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between Resilon/Epiphany (Group-2) and Guttaflow (Group-3). CONCLUSION: Resilon/Epiphany and Guttaflow groups demonstrated less microbial leakage than Gutta-percha/AH Plus group.

Comparison of antibacterial activity of glass-ionomer cement and amalgam in class two restorations by Streptococcus mutans count analysis at fixed intervals: an in vivo study.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of glass ionomer cement and amalgam restoration on the level of Streptococcus mutans in the interproximal plaque at periodic intervals and also to compare these values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen adult patients having two proximal carious lesions on any quadrant of the jaw (either opposing or contralateral) were selected for this study. Carious lesions were diagnosed clinically and from bitewing radiographs. Of the two carious lesions, one was restored with glass ionomer cermet cement and another with amalgam. Plaque samples were collected from interproximal areas before and at 1 month and 3 months post-treatment in a test tube containing 5 ml of modified Stuart's liquid transport fluid. Identification of organisms in the colony was done after Gram staining. RESULTS: Comparison of values before restoration and after restoration at 1 month interval showed a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001). Similarly, comparison of values before and after restorations at 3 months also showed statistically significant decrease (p<0.02). But comparison of restorations of 1 and 3 months intervals showed no statistical significant difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Glass ionomer restorations have definite advantage over the amalgam, as the tunnel preparation is more conservative and fluoride release from the glass ionomer inhibits the growth of S. mutans in the plaque. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Glass ionomer cement should be preferred over amalgam in conservatively prepared restorations as it reduces the microbial activities due to fluoride release.