Comparative Evaluation of Ridge Width for Implant Placement Using Ridge Mapping on the Diagnostic Cast, Cone-beam Computed Tomography, and Direct Surgical Measurements.

AIM: This study was undertaken with an objective to find out the accuracy and reliability of presurgical ridge mapping (RM) on a diagnostic cast for linear measurements in the horizontal direction on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and direct surgical assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 25 patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. An acrylic stent with two points marked at 3 mm and 6 mm from the soft tissue summit of the alveolar ridge was fabricated. Linear measurements at these points were estimated with three techniques viz. RM on the diagnostic cast, CBCT, and direct surgical in situ measurements after flap reflection. RESULTS: Considering direct in situ surgical measurements as the gold standard with an accuracy of 100%, the accuracy for CBCT and RM on the diagnostic cast was 95.5% and 87.4%, respectively, for the maxillary arch. Whereas the accuracy for CBCT and RM on the diagnostic cast was 88.6% and 92.2%, respectively, for mandibular arch. CONCLUSION: The three approaches discussed are reliable for the assessment of ridge dimensions in the horizontal direction. Ridge mapping on the diagnostic cast is a simple, precise, noninvasive technique without any radiographic exposure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ridge mapping on a diagnostic cast along with two-dimensional (2D) radiography can be used as a valuable chairside diagnostic tool in the treatment planning prior to dental implant placement in the cases of a regular alveolar ridge and even mucosal lining. This clinical technique provides zero radiation exposure and is also cost-effective.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chlorhexidine, Sodium Hypochlorite, the Diode Laser and Saline in Reducing the Microbial Count in Primary Teeth Root Canals - An In Vivo Study.

Introduction: One of the primary goals of pulpectomy is to decrease the sum total of microorganisms and disinfect the tooth root canal system. To achieve this, mechanical preparation, irrigation, disinfection and obturation of the root canal is necessary. The present study was set out to evaluate the difference in the antibacterial efficacy of primary teeth root canals either irrigated with chlorhexidine, saline, and sodium hypochlorite or irradiated with a soft tissue diode laser (980 nm, Photon Plus, Zolar Tech & Mfg Co. Inc, Ontario, Canada). Methods: Sixty primary teeth of children requiring pulpectomy were divided into 4 groups of 15 each, group 1 (2% chlorhexidine), group 2 (1% sodium hypochlorite), group 3 (laser irradiation) and group 4 (saline). Pulp tissue was extirpated from the canals and the samples were collected using sterile absorbent paper points. After cleaning and shaping, the root canals of the teeth in each group were irrigated using sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, and saline or were irradiated with the laser. The samples were obtained again and sent for microbiological examination. Results: The colony-forming unit (CFU) counts from pre-disinfection sample served as a baseline for comparisons throughout the study. The mean bacterial colony counts of all the isolated bacteria reduced after irrigation or irradiation. Intergroup comparisons showed no significant difference when groups 1, 2, and 3 were compared to each other (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was seen when groups 1, 2, 3 were compared to group 4 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Two percent chlorhexidine, 1% sodium hypochlorite and laser irradiation succeeded in reducing the root canal infection. Hence, diode laser irradiation may be a possible supplement to existing protocols for disinfecting the root canal system.