Evaluation of Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale leaf extracts and 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate on disinfection of maxillofacial silicone material surface contaminated with microorganisms - An invitro study.

Maintenance of the quality and hygiene of maxillofacial prosthesis allows to maintain the health of the residual tissues. Sampling of the maxillofacial prostheses has relieved presence of microbial colonization on silicone surfaces. Cleaning procedures of maxillofacial silicones are done using mechanical means or using adjunctive with chemical means. Cleaning with a 2-4% chlorhexidine gluconate spray or dipping in solution for a minute and then washing under running water can sufficiently condition to reduce the amount of bacterial contamination. Due to rising microorganism resistance and fewer adverse effects, phytoextracts appear to be a viable option. Additionally, the use of excipients derived from plants is provides new opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry into the creation of innovative pharmaceutical products that are sustainable. Aim: To evaluate and compare the leaf extracts of Mangifera indica (M.indica), Anacardium occidentale(A.occidentale) and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on disinfection of maxillofacial silicone material surface contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Candida albicans (C.albicans). Methods: Of the 150 maxillofacial silicone elastomer silicone samples, 75 samples were contaminated with S. aureus and 75 with C.albicans. The contaminated disc was rolled on blood agar and pre-disinfection Colony Forming Units (CFU) were evaluated followed by subjecting the discs to disinfection protocols. The contaminated discs with S. aureus and C.albicans were disinfected using M.indica leaf extracts, A.occidentale leaf extracts and 0.2% CHX for 10 min. Post-disinfection CFUs were evaluated by rolling the disc on blood agar. The results were tabulated and analysed using dependent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukeys multiple posthoc procedure. Results: Pair-wise comparison of pre-and post-disinfection log CFU counts of S.aureus gave a statistical significance between 0.2% CHX and and M.indica leaf extract. No statistically significant results were found between 0.2% CHX and A.occidentale. Pair wise comparison of the log CFU from pre-disinfection to post-disinfection of C.albicans gave a statistical significance between all the three groups. Conclusions: In the present study A.occidentale leaf extract and M.indica leaf extract have shown significant reduction in CFU of both the organisms. 0.2% CHX showed the most CFU reduction post disinfection of maxillofacial silicone material surface contaminated S.aureus and C.albicans followed by A.occidentale leaf extracts and M.indica leaf extracts. Given the limitations of the current research, A.occidentale leaf extract and M.indica leaf extract can be used as an alternative for disinfection of maxillofacial silicone prosthesis.

Assessment of knowledge, awareness and practices toward the use of 3D printing among dental laboratory technicians in Karnataka, India: A cross-sectional study.

With the use of CAD/CAM technology and rapid prototyping, the opportunities for digitisation and technology are unlimited. 3D printing is going to revolutionise traditional teaching and laboratory methods with rapid progress of new materials, printing technology and machines. Given the large number of options available, one must keep up with the current and emerging technology in order to make benefit of the same. The aim of the study is to assess dental laboratory technicians' knowledge, understanding and practices related the use of 3D printing in dentistry in India. Methods: From November 2021 to January 2022, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was done among dental laboratory technicians in India. Dental technicians were given access to a self-explanatory questionnaire via Google forms link consisting of 12 questions that evaluated their knowledge, awareness and practices regarding 3D printing. The CHERRIES protocol for presenting the findings of the survey was followed. Chi-square test and independent t-test was used for statistical analysis by SPSS version 20.0. Results: A total of 191 responses were obtained after the questionnaire was circulated to 220 technicians. 171 dental technicians (89.53%) were acquainted of the usage of 3D printing in dentistry.169 (88.48%) Dental technicians preferred 3D printing to traditional procedures. Majority of dental technicians indicated they want to include the 3D printing into their regular work practices and believe digital technology will enhance our profession. Conclusion: The level of awareness of digital dentistry and 3D printing among the participants is acceptable. Dental technicians at private laboratory showed better understanding about 3D printing as compared to technicians working at dental colleges nevertheless, dental education programmes, webinars and hands-on training should be undertaken that will enhance their expertise of 3D printing.

Assessment of knowledge, awareness, and practices toward the use of 3D printing in dentistry among dental practitioners and dental technicians: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The applications and scope of digitization and technology in dentistry are becoming increasingly valuable right from clinical dentistry to research, student training, teaching, and laboratory techniques. Mastering 3D printing and its usage are essential for dental practitioners and dental technicians as it allows them to choose and necessarily know what is offered, as well as how to implement it in everyday practices thereby contributing to the betterment of the dental profession. The study aims to assess dental practitioners' and dental technicians' knowledge, understanding, and practices related to the use of 3D printing in dentistry. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was done among dental practitioners and technicians in Karnataka, India who were given access to a self-explanatory questionnaire via Google link consisting of questions that evaluated their knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding 3D printing. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 380 replies were obtained after the questionnaire was circulated. Awareness regarding the use of digital technology in dentistry was known by 98.9% of practitioners and 92.7% of technicians, of which we discovered that 9.28% of practitioners and 17.7% of technicians were unfamiliar with 3D printing, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0400*). 81.6% of practitioners consider 3D printing can be used to fabricate complex design prostheses. Conclusion: The participants' understanding of digital dentistry and 3D printing is acceptable. The majority of dental professionals expressed an interest in adopting 3D printing and believe that there should be a forum for collecting and exchanging skills and knowledge about 3D printing.

Unique, Cost-effective and Retentive Removable Prosthesis to Rehabilitate Long Span Kennedy's Class I Edentulism with Custom Attachment System: A Case Report.

AIM: This case report describes about a distinctive custom-made attachment on the abutment teeth to improve the retention and stability of the removable partial denture (RPD). It also throws light on the cost-effective method for altering the abutment teeth with the aid of the crowns and custom-made attachments. BACKGROUND: Achieving retention in Kennedy's class I bilateral edentulism usually affects the abutment teeth's periodontal health and eventually the retention is compromised. Distal extension edentulism also affects patient's masticatory efficiency. The rehabilitation of a patient with the long span Kennedy's class I condition complicates the problem because of the unavailability of enough abutments to support the prosthesis. Conventional removable prosthesis with clasps and cantilever fixed partial prosthesis are not advisable in this situation for the same reason. CASE DESCRIPTION: A case with Kennedy's class I modification 1 partially edentulous arch with 1st and 2nd molars missing along with central incisors was rehabilitated with an inexpensive custom attachment using die pin and sleeve for giving a fixed prosthesis on abutment teeth and removable prosthesis with missing teeth. CONCLUSION: This technique has advantages of retention better than conventional RPDs, protection of abutment health by restoring it with crown, easy to place and remove and very cost-effective. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The entire technique demands less skill compared to semi precision and precision attachments.

Evaluating the Association of Tooth Form of Maxillary Central Incisors with Face Shape Using AutoCAD Software: A Descriptive Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the different forms of maxillary central incisors (MCI) and determine their association with the shape of the face for men and women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 subjects (100 women, 100 men) aged between 18 and 30 years with healthy dentition were randomly selected from K.L.E. V.K Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, India. Two standardized photographs (portrait and shape of the MCI) were taken for each subject and opened in AutoCAD 2009 software that was used to prepare technical drawings of face and tooth forms. The dental ratios (extent of line TA: extent of line TB) obtained after the tracings, were classified as tapered (≤0.61), ovoid (>0.61 and <0.69), or square (≥0.70). This classification was used to relate tooth form to the shape of the face and compare the form of MCI between men and women. Association between the shape of the MCI and the face was determined by Chi-square test using R 3.3.1 software. RESULTS: The most prevalent tooth form among the subjects was ovoid (women, 32%; men, 31%) followed by tapered (women, 13%; men, 16%). The least prevalent shape was square (women, 5%; men, 3%). The most prevalent face shape was tapered (women, 34%; men, 25%) followed by ovoid (women, 15%; men, 22%) and the least prevalent was square (women, 1%; men, 3%). An association between face shape and tooth form was statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent tooth form in both men and women was ovoid, and the least prevalent was square. The association between face shape and tooth form was not significant and did not abide by William's "Law of Harmony." However, there was an association between face shape and gender.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect and Dimensional Stability of Self-disinfecting Irreversible Hydrocolloid: An in vitro Study.

AIM: This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and dimensional stability of irreversible hydrocolloids mixed with different concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate instead of water. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental specimens (45 specimens) were prepared and allocated into three groups of 15 each. Group I: Impression material mixed with distilled water served as control. Groups II and III were prepared with 0.12 and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution, respectively. Specimens in each group were subjected to tests for dimensional stability. For antimicrobial activity, 30 specimens were prepared and allocated into three groups of 10 each named as group I (control), group II (0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate), and group III (0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate) similar to specimens for dimensional stability. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test. RESULTS: Zones of inhibition were observed around test specimens, but not around control specimens; there was a significant intergroup difference in the diameters of the inhibition zones. In the test for dimensional stability, no significant differences were detected among groups, and the accuracy was clinically acceptable. CONCLUSION: Irreversible hydrocolloid impression material mixed with chlorhexidine exhibits varying degrees of antibacterial activity without influencing the dimensional stability of set material. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Many contagious diseases can be prevented by practical control of infection in the dental office. Chlorhexidine gluconate, as a mixing liquid, ensures disinfection of impression, and this method of disinfection is more convenient and avoids extra effort as in other disinfection techniques.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Mandibular Defects with Fixed-removable Partial Denture Prosthesis Using Precision Attachment: A Twin Case Report.

The restoration of normal function and esthetic appearance with a dental prosthesis is a major challenge in the rehabilitation of patients who have lost their teeth and surrounding bone because of surgery for oral cyst or tumor. Rehabilitation with fixed or removable prosthesis is even more challenging when the edentulous span is long and the ridge is defective. Anatomic deformities and unfavorable biomechanics encountered in the region of resection add to the misery. In such situation, a fixed-removable prosthesis allows favorable biomechanical stress distribution along with restoration of esthetics, phonetics, comfort, hygiene, and better postoperative care and maintenance. This article describes rehabilitation of two cases with mandibular defects with an attachment-retained fixed-removable hybrid prosthesis.

Flexible feeding obturator for early intervention in infants with Pierre Robin sequence.

Pierre Robin sequence presents with distinct features of retrognathia and glossoptosis with or without cleft palate, which results in potentially serious, life-threatening respiratory obstruction and feeding complications. A multidisciplinary approach is required to manage such complex features. This article describes a novel technique for managing Pierre Robin sequence using a flexible feeding obturator. This custom-made intraoral appliance overcomes numerous problems associated with the available feeding obturators and helps infants and parents cope with a variety of difficulties.

Effect of the impression margin thickness on the linear accuracy of impression and stone dies: an in vitro study.

The space available for impression material in gingival sulcus immediately after the removal of retraction cord has been found to be 0.3-0.4 mm. However after 40 s only 0.2 mm of the retracted space is available. This is of concern when impression of multiple abutments is to be made. Hence a study was planned to determine the minimum width of the retracted sulcus necessary to obtain a good impression. Five metal dies were machined to accurately fit a stainless steel block with a square cavity in the center with spaces, 1 mm deep and of varying widths (0.11-0.3 mm) away from the block. Polyvinyl siloxane impressions were made and poured using a high strength stone. Using traveling microscope, length and widths of abutment, impression and die were measured and compared for linear accuracy and completeness of impression. Results showed 1.5-3 times greater mean distortion and larger coefficient of variance in the 0.11 mm group than in the wider sulcular groups. ANOVA test for distortion also showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). 75 % of impressions in 0.11 mm group were defective compared to less than 25 % of impressions in other width groups. It is not always possible to predictably obtain accurate impressions in sulcus width of 0.11 mm or lesser. Dimensionally accurate and defect free impressions were obtained in sulcus width of 0.15 mm and wider. Hence clinicians must choose retraction methods to obtain a width greater than 0.35 mm. Further immediate loading of the impression material after cord removal may improve accuracy.

Efficacy of various spray disinfectants on irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Most of the materials (casts, impressions, etc.) that are sent to the dental laboratories show the presence of numerous pathogenic microorganisms. All the spray disinfectants are not equally effective against these microorganisms. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare the effectiveness of different spray disinfectants on irreversible hydrocolloid impressions and to find out the most effective dilution, contact time, and effect against each microorganism studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of four spray disinfectants, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 0.525% sodium hypochlorite, 1:213 (1 part in 213 parts of water) povidone iodine, and 2% glutaraldehyde along with control (distilled water) on irreversible hydrocolloid impressions contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus viridans were studied. RESULTS: Sodium hypochlorite, 5.25%, showed 1-min exposure time which was able to effect a 4 log 10 reduction in bacterial counts against S. aureus and S. viridans followed by 0.525% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde for 10 min. None were able to effect a 4 log10 reduction against B. subtilis. CONCLUSION: Sodium hypochlorite with a concentration of 5.25% was the most effective disinfectant and required the shortest contact time (1 min). Not all ADA-approved concentrations of surface disinfectants work equally well on irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials.

A study to evaluate the retentive ability of different denture adhesive materials: an in vitro study.

Denture Adhesives are commonly used by denture wearers to enhance the retentive ability of their dentures however, little is known about the efficacy of these materials. To compare the retentive ability of three different commercially available denture adhesives. To find out the best available denture adhesive material. An in vitro investigation to evaluate the retentive ability of three commercially available denture adhesive powders and two adhesive pastes was conducted. The adhesion and cohesion that developed between the glass surface and acrylic resin samples when the various materials were interposed between them was evaluated by means of a testing apparatus. Denture adhesives increase the adhesion of resin samples to the glass surface. Fixon powder showed the highest resistance to dislodgement. The paste forms were found to be more retentive. Denture adhesives when used in combination with synthetic saliva showed the maximum value.