The accuracy of two electronic apex locators on effect of preflaring and file size: An in vitro study.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of preflaring and file size on the accuracy of the Root ZX and E-PEX Pro electronic apex locators (EALs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The actual working length was set 1 mm short of the apical foramen in the forty extracted mandibular premolars. The teeth were embedded in an alginate mold, and two examiners performed the electronic measurements using #10, #15, and #20 K-files. The files were inserted into the root canals until the "0.0" or "APEX" signals were observed on the light-emitting diode or display screens for the E-PEX Pro and Root ZX, respectively, retracting to the 1.0 mark. The measurements were repeated after the preflaring using the S1 and SX Pro-Taper instruments. The mean differences between the actual length and electronic length values were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-ranked test with a significance level of P < 0.05. The factors evaluated were "Accuracy of EALs," "size of file," and "presence of preflaring. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the accuracy of both EALs when compared with the actual lengths. On the size of the file, significant difference noticed with #20 K-file. The preflaring procedure significantly (P < 0.05) increased the accuracy of the measurements for the Root ZX and Epex Pro. CONCLUSIONS: The tested EALs showed acceptable accuracy, whereas the preflaring procedure revealed a more significant effect than the used file size.

Comparative Assessment of Canal Transportation, Dentin Loss, and Remaining Root Filling Material by Different Retreatment Files An In vitro Cross-Sectional Study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the centering ability, canal transportation and efficacy of re-treatment rotary and hand files in removing Gutta Percha from root canals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human maxillary anteriors were obturated and randomly divided into three groups. Root fillings were removed with ProTaper Universal retreatment system, R-Endo system, and Hedstrom files. CBCT scans were taken. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND RESULTS: The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 15.0, IBM). The mean and standard deviation among the groups was calculated by one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann- Whitney U-tests, and the comparison among the various groups was done by post hoc Tukey's test. A statistically significant amount of remaining root canal filling material and canal transportation was noted (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: No system completely removed the root filling material from root canals. Manual instrumentation resulted in more dentin loss and canal transportation than rotary file system.

Cervical Microleakage in Giomer Restorations: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of different composite placement techniques on gingival microleakage of giomer restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty class II preparations were created in 30 extracted molar teeth with cervical margins 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction. The teeth were divided into three groups of 10 teeth each. In group I, teeth were restored with open sandwich technique using Beautifil II and Beautifil II Flow. In group II, teeth were restored with snowplow technique using Beautifil II and Beautifil Flow. In group III, teeth were restored with oblique increment technique using Beautifil II. After thermocycling and immersion in 2% methylene blue, the teeth were sectioned and dye penetration was evaluated. RESULTS: Statistically significant reduction in microleakage was found along the gingival walls in snowplow restorations compared to sandwich restoration and oblique increment restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Microleakage was reduced along the gingival walls in snowplow restorations. CONCLUSION: Microleakage was significantly lower in the snowplow restorations.

A comparative clinical evaluation of accuracy of six apex locators with intraoral periapical radiograph in multirooted teeth: An in vivo study.

AIM: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare and clinically, to evaluate the accuracy of six apex locators with intra oral periapical (IOPA) radiograph in multirooted teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 multirooted teeth (maxillary and mandibular molars) with irreversible, infected or necrotic pulp tissue and completely formed roots were included in this study and were divided randomly into six groups (Root ZX II, Raypex 6, I-Root, Romiapex A-15, Sybron Endo Mini and Root ZX mini). The working length was determined using six different apex locators, and the accuracy of the apex locators was compared with IOPA radiographs, to be categorized as accurate, short, and long or beyond. RESULTS: A total of 270 canals were evaluated, of which 233 (86.3%) canals exhibited acceptable working length, 28 (10.4%) canals exhibited short working length, and only 9 (3.3%) canals exhibited working length beyond the apex. There were a statistically significant results in all the groups (P < 0.05) and the comparison between the groups was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: The repeatability with that of apex locators is of great advantage, but the information gained from the radiographs cannot be obtained by any other means. Therefore, it is recommended that radiograph and apex locators are the best combinations in accurately determining the working length and the successful endodontics.

A Survey on Nickel Titanium Rotary Instruments and their Usage Techniques by Endodontists in India.

INTRODUCTION: The preference and usage of nickel titanium rotary instruments varies from individual to individual based on their technique, experience with the rotary systems and the clinical situation. Very limited information is available to explain the adoption of changing concepts with respect to nickel titanium rotary instruments pertaining to the endodontists in India. AIM: The aim of this study was to conduct a questionnaire survey to acquire the knowledge concerning different NiTi rotary instruments and their usage techniques by endodontists in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Survey questionnaire was designed which consisted of 32 questions regarding designation, demographics, experience with rotary instruments, usage of different file systems, usage techniques, frequency of reuse, occurrence of file fracture, reasons and their management was distributed by hand in the national postgraduate convention and also disseminated via electronic medium to 400 and 600 endodontists respectively. Information was collected from each individual to gain insight into the experiences and beliefs of endodontists concerning the new endodontic technology of rotary NiTi instrumentation based on their clinical experience with the rotary systems. The questions were designed to ascertain the problems, patterns of use and to identify areas of perceived or potential concern regarding the rotary instruments and the data acquired was statistically evaluated using Fisher's-exact test and the Chi-Square test. RESULTS: Overall 63.8% (638) endodontists responded. ProTaper was one of the most commonly used file system followed by M two and ProTaper Next. There was a significant co relation between the years of experience and the file re use frequency, preparation technique, file separation, management of file separation. CONCLUSION: A large number of Endodontists prefer to reuse the rotary NiTi instruments. As there was an increase in the experience, the incidence of file separation reduced with increasing number of re use frequency and with experience, the management of separated file was better.

A comparative evaluation of anesthetic efficacy of articaine 4% and lidocaine 2% with anterior middle superior alveolar nerve block and infraorbital nerve block: An in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: The ideal maxillary injection should produce a rapid onset of profound pulpal anesthesia for multiple teeth from a single needle penetration. The main objective is to compare the efficacy of articaine 4% and lidocaine 2% and to compare anterior middle superior alveolar nerve block (AMSANB) and infraorbital nerve block (IONB) for anesthesia of maxillary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients undergoing root canal treatment of maxillary anteriors and premolars were included and randomly divided into four groups of ten each. Group I: patients receiving AMSANB with articaine, Group II: Patients receiving IONB with articaine, Group III: Patients receiving AMSANB with lidocaine, Group IV: Patients receiving IONB with lidocaine. The scores of onset of anesthesia and pain perception were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Onset of action was fastest for articaine with AMSANB and slowest for lidocaine with IONB by Tukey's test. A significant change was observed in the electrical pulp test readings at onset and at 30 min by paired t-test. All patients experienced mild pain during the procedure recorded by visual analog scale. CONCLUSION: Articaine 4% proved to be more efficacious than lidocaine 2%, and AMSANB was more advantageous than IONB in securing anesthesia of maxillary anteriors and premolars.

Smear layer removal efficacy of combination of herbal extracts in two different ratios either alone or supplemented with sonic agitation: An in vitro scanning electron microscope study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of two natural extracts in varying ratios for removal of smear layer either alone or supplemented with sonic agitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty extracted single-rooted teeth were collected, disinfected and decoronated below the cementoenamel junction to obtain standardized root length of 10 mm. Root canals were instrumented using rotary files at working length 1 mm short of the apex. Specimens were divided into six groups according to the irrigation protocol as follows: Group A - Distilled water, Group B - 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Group C - Herbal extracts in 1:1 ratio, Group D - Herbal extracts in 1:1 ratio supplemented with sonic agitation, Group E - Herbal extracts in 2:1 ratio, Group F - Herbal extracts in 2:1 ratio supplemented with sonic agitation. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned and evaluated under scanning electron microscope for smear layer removal efficacy. Obtained scores were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc test. RESULTS: Among all, Group B showed the best results followed by Group F. Remaining other groups showed inferior outcome (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of two extracts in 2:1 ratio was slightly better than 1:1 ratio and the smear layer removal efficacy was further improved when accompanied with sonic agitation.

Electromyographic Evaluation of the Effect of Lined Dentures on Masticatory Muscle Activity in Edentulous Subjects.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in relative electromyographic (EMG) activities of temporal and masseter muscles after relining the dentures with silicone and acrylic-resin based denture liners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional complete dentures were fabricated for 20 edentulous patients. One month after completing adjustments of the dentures, electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscle during maximum intercuspation was recorded. The dentures were then relined with a silicone denture liner and after an adaptation period of one month, were again subjected for electromyographic evaluation. Further, the dentures were relined with acrylic denture liner and subjected to electromyographic evaluation. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0. Intergroup comparisons were done using ANOVA followed by post-hoc assessments using Tukey HSD test. RESULTS: Mean amplitude and duration with conventional dentures was found to be significantly lower as compared to silicone lined and acrylic lined dentures for all the comparisons. Statistically, no significant difference between silicone lined and acrylic lined dentures was observed for any of the comparisons. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this experimental design, it was concluded that relining significantly increases electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Thus, resulting in an improved biting force, chewing efficiency and masticatory performance. There were no significant differences between silicone and acrylic based denture liners for both electromyographic variables.

Dental caries and its relationship to malocclusion in permanent dentition among 12-15 year old school going children.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to know the prevalence of dental caries among children having malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 880 students aged 1215 years, among whom 488 were boys and 392 were girls. A proforma was prepared to record dental caries status and dental esthetic index (DAI) using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (1997). Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and ANOVA. The P value of 0.05 or less was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: It was found that 644 (73.2%) had no abnormality or minor malocclusion, whereas 115 (13.0%), 100 (11.4%) and 21 (2.4%) had definite, severe and very severe or handicapping malocclusion, respectively. Overall mean of decayed teeth (DT) component was found to be 0.95 ± 1.006, missing teeth 0.23 ± 0.670 and filled teeth 0.23 ± 0.559 and decayed, missing, filled tooth (DMFT) was 1.41 ± 1.483. DT and overall DMFT component significantly increased with increasing DAI of malocclusion (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The severity of dental caries showed positive relation with DAI and age.

Role of Regulatory Approach in the Prevention of Smoking among Professional Students in India.

BACKGROUND: This study was done to know the effect of antismoking legislation among different professional students as, in this age group individuals tend to involve in such adverse habits. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, three different professional students (Arts, Engineering and Dental) were considered. A pretested self administered structured questionnaire was used to know the attitude of students towards anti smoking legislation like smoking habits, awareness of antismoking legislation etc. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data was analysed using ANOVA and students't test. p<0.05 was considered as the level of significance. RESULTS: The total study subjects were 990 including 396 -smokers and 594 - non smokers. 84.7% knew about antismoking legislation and around 70.2% answered that it was good to ban smoking in public places. Non smokers gave significantly more positive response towards law against smoking. CONCLUSION: Overall results were supporting for the antismoking legislation. But there is a lack of enforcing mechanism in support of legislation, so a total ban on smoking may give us better and healthy results. How to cite the article: Vadvadgi VH, Sanjay V, Gupte A, Kamatagi L, Kathariya MD, Gugawad SC. Role of Regulatory Approach in the Prevention of Smoking among Professional Students in India. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(1):95-9.