ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: One of the most common organisms responsible for root canal failure even after the usage of intracanal medicament is Enterococcus faecalis. Newer medicaments with higher antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis need to be analyzed. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial property of bioactive glass (BAG) alone and its combination with chlorhexidine (CHX) against E. faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty permanent maxillary single-rooted teeth were included in the study. These teeth were randomly divided into three groups of ten teeth each. Dentin blocks were prepared. After debris and smear layer removal, dentin blocks were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated for 7 days for biofilm formation. Medications including BAG alone and combination of CHX with BAG were placed into the dentin blocks and incubated at 37°C for 72 h. Dentinal shavings were collected, and the mean bacterial count was recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The comparison of colony-forming unit (CFU) counts was done using one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, and unpaired t-test. The analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 for Windows. RESULTS: Based on the CFU count obtained after 72 h, compared to the control group, both Group 1 and Group 2 reduced the bacterial load effectively. In comparison with Group 1, Group 2 (combination) was found to be more effective against E. faecalis. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that although BAG was effective against E. faecalis, its efficacy increased significantly in combination with CHX.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface hardness of a newly developed fiber-reinforced composite and bulkfill composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fiber-reinforced composite and other commercially available bulkfill composites were used. Fifteen cylindrical specimens (5 mm × 5 mm) were made from each material in metal template. Molds were filled in one increment for both bulkfill composites and fiber-reinforced composite and cured using Ivoclar blue phase light-curing unit at a wavelength of 850 mW/cm2. A dark container was used to store specimens to keep dry at room temperature for 24 h before testing. Vickers hardness number (VHN) on the top and bottom surfaces of each specimen was measured by a microhardness tester. Data for VHN were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pair-wise Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in Vickers hardness test. The mean value of VHN on the top and bottom surfaces showed significant difference from each other. Fiber-reinforced composite showed the highest VHN as compared with other materials. CONCLUSION: Fiber-reinforced composite has the highest Vickers hardness ratio indicating highest degree of conversion and better clinical performance.
ABSTRACT
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of over 25 secreted and membrane-bound enzymes responsible for pericellular substrate degeneration. In response to injury, they play key roles in morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair and remodeling. They have been isolated from dentin, odontoblasts, pulp and periapical tissue. They play a major role in the formation of dentin matrix and secondary and tertiary dentin. These are also responsible for releasing dentinal growth factors. MMP family proteins elicit a dual role in the pathogenesis of inflammation, stimulating protective innate and/or adaptive immune functions, as well as tissue destruction. The main organic component of tooth structure is collagen, and MMPs that degrade collagen and the extracellular matrix have been implicated in the progression of dental caries, dental erosion as well as degradation of the hybrid layer. MMPs have also been shown to be active in pulpitis, and studies have shown that they can be used as diagnostic markers of pulpal and periapical inflammation. This review describes the role of MMPs in dental caries, dental erosion, bond stability as well as in pulpal and periapical inflammation.
