ABSTRACT
AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the remineralization outcomes of two agents using the Vickers microhardness test (VMHT) on artificially induced enamel subsurface lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty sound extracted premolars were selected as samples for the current study and divided into four groups of 10 teeth each: Clinpro (group 1), Remin Pro (group 2), untreated positive control (group 3), and a demineralized negative control (group 4). All the sample groups were assessed first at baseline then after demineralization and remineralization using DIAGNOdent. After the remineralization process, VMHT was performed on all sample groups to assess surface microhardness (SMH). The results obtained were then compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the difference in SMH. RESULTS: Vickers microhardness number values were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and samples in the experimental groups 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). Remineralization was higher in the Remin Pro group, followed by Clinpro group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this in vitro study show that both Remin Pro and Clinpro are equally effective as remineralizing agents. Although Remin Pro tended to yield a higher microhardness, no significant differences were observed between the two agents. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Enamel mineral loss leads to the degradation of the surface and subsurface structures of teeth. Natural remineralization that occurs physiologically is not sufficient to overcome the hurdles of mineral loss a tooth undergoes due to changes in food habits and lifestyle. A thought on remineralization and management such as prescribing remineralizing agents and regular professional topical fluoride applications would definitely render satisfactory results by a strong healthy enamel.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of intracanal bacteria extruded apically after instrumentation with three different nickel-titanium rotary instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Forty freshly extracted mandibular premolars were selected, access cavities were prepared, and the teeth were mounted in the bacterial collection apparatus. Root canals were contaminated with a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis and incubated for 24 h at 37°C. The contaminated teeth were divided into four groups of 10 teeth each according to the rotary system used for instrumentation: Group 1: ProTaper universal files, Group 2: MTwo files, Group 3: ProTaper Next files, and Group 4: Control group (no instrumentation). Bacteria extruded after preparations were collected into vials. The number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was determined for each sample. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey's test with a P = 0.05 as the level for statistical significance. RESULTS: The results suggested a statistically significant difference in the number of CFUs between four experimental groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Least amount of bacterial extrusion was seen in ProTaper Next Group while more bacterial extrusion was seen in MTwo Group.
