Direct Pulp Capping with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Biodentine in Cariously Exposed Molar Teeth: 1-Year Follow-up - An In vivo Study.

Aim: To assess and compare the treatment outcome of direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine, after complete excavation of caries in permanent dentition with a 2-visit treatment protocol. Materials and Methods: Direct pulp capping with white MTA was performed in 70 teeth. Direct pulp capping with Biodentine was also done in 72 teeth. In the subsequent visits after 2 weeks, pulp sensibility tests were attempted in both studied groups. All clinical outcomes were categorized as success or failure. Results: The success rate of the pulp capping procedure in the MTA group at the end of 12 months study was 94.3% in the Class I subgroup and 93.3% in the Class II subgroup. Conclusion: Direct pulp capping with MTA and Biodentine, after pulp exposure during excavation of deep caries could maintain pulp vitality in permanent teeth.

Evaluation of Total Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin A and Mi/fans-specific SIgA among Children having Dissimilar Caries Status.

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of dental caries has become quite a common phenomenon nowadays. The varying levels of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) usually determine the progression of caries. The present study was aimed to determine the correlation between SIgA and mutans-specific antigen SIgA in children having different caries status. Scanning electron microscopic analysis was also completed to correlate the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprised 60 subjects, who were divided into three groups depending on caries status. In all, saliva was collected to determine the level of SIgA and mutans-specific antigen SIgA using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and method were used to evaluate dental caries. Bradford reagent was used to evaluate the levels of protein in the antigen. Furthermore, 20 sections of enamel were randomly obtained to estimate the severity of caries development among groups. RESULTS: Categorical characteristics among all groups were compared by basic statistical analysis and Chi-squared test. Mean age (years) was found to be 9.214 ± 2.28, 9.5 ± 2.51, and 10.2 ± 2.35 in groups I, II, and III respectively. Mutans-specific IgA level (|jg/mL) was 34.63 ± 7.46, 28.24 ± 4.52, and 23.56 ± 1.62 in groups I, II, and III respectively. Total SIgA (jg/mL) was 142.53 ± 22.4, 186.10 ± 24.70, and 214.8 ± 27.56 in groups I, II, and III respectively. Caries index was 6.74 ± 2.16, 2.32 ± 0.86, and 0 ± 0 in groups I, II, and III respectively. CONCLUSION: Immunoglobulin A is dominantly present in saliva and it plays a significant role in prevention of dental caries. Hence, dental caries is more likely to develop in subjects with low level of salivary IgA (high caries index). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A low level of IgA may be associated with a high risk of developing dental caries. This association may possibly be useful in predicting the future caries status. Accordingly, suitable caries-preventive measures can be selected and employed.

Effect of Different Obturation Techniques on the Prognosis of Endodontic Therapy: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Success of root canal therapy (RCT) is largely dependent upon the quality of biomechanical preparation and obturation of the pulp canal. Improperly cleaned or shaped root canal, regardless of the type of obturation method and obturating material, cannot lead to the success of endodontic therapy. Hence, we conducted a clinical comparative analysis of two obturating techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 patients receiving RCT at the department of Endodontic were included in the present study. The average follow-up time for the patients was 29 months (18-38 months). Patients were grouped into two depending on the type of obturating technique used. Evaluation of the clinical and radiographic follow-up records of the patients was done and analysis was made. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for assessing the level of significance. RESULTS: The average age of the patients undergoing obturation with carrier-based obturation (CO) technique and lateral compaction (LC) technique was 43 and 48 years respectively. While comparing failure and success of the teeth at the time of follow-up, nonsignificant results were obtained. Significant difference was seen, while comparing the presence of voids and type of teeth in which endodontic therapy was performed using different obturating techniques. CONCLUSION: Endodontic therapy done with LC obturating technique or with CO technique shows prognostic difference on the outcome or quality of treatment therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Quality of obturation is more important rather than type while performing endodontic therapy for better prognosis.