Alexidine: a Safer and an Effective Root Canal Irrigant than Chlorhexidine.

INTRODUCTION: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is generally used as the final irrigating solution in root canal therapy. Recent studies have reported that, toxic precipitates containing parachloroaniline (PCA) are formed when CHX reacts with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Whereas, Alexidine (ALX), a bisbiguanide disinfectant similar to CHX, has proven to form no precipitates with NaOCl. AIM: To compare antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of ALX with CHX individually and when combined with NaOCl against E. faecalis strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different concentrations of ALX and CHX (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) were tested individually and when mixed with 2.5% NaOCl (1:1 ratio) using disc diffusion method against E. faecalis. After 24 hours incubation at 37°C, zones of inhibition were measured for each solution. The results obtained were statistically analysed using one way ANOVA and Scheffe's post-hoc tests. The p-value <0.001 was considered as highly significant. RESULTS: Regardless of the concentrations, ALX obtained the best results in comparison to CHX. There was no statistically significant difference between ALX + NaOCl and CHX + NaOCl mixtures. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that, the antimicrobial property of ALX against E. faecalis was found to be superior to CHX at same concentrations.

Dimensional accuracy and details of the panoramic cross-sectional tomographic images: an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Transversal slicing system (TSS) of Planmeca PM 2002 CC is a tomographic technique which enables us to take cross-sectional views of jaws. Tomographic imaging modalities are commonly applied to acquire cross-sectional images of the jaws for preimplant assessment of bone. Among the available tomographic imaging modalities, panoramic radiography is the most accessible imaging system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was conducted using 25 mandibles, out of these five were used for linear dimensional accuracy measurement and the rest 20 were utilized to study the details within the mandible. Study was aimed to evaluate dimensional stability in the images using different parameters, such as determination of direction of slice, determination of horizontal and vertical magnification, angular distortion, three dimensional distortion and determination of details. RESULTS: For the direction of slice and for determination of horizontal and vertical magnification change in + 5º to - 5º was in acceptable limit. In determination of details, it was found that there was great discrepancy in readings given by nonradiologist which offset the mean value which was attributed to lack of training for interpretation of the observers. CONCLUSION: 99% of the readings were in the clinically acceptable limits. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The easy availability, use of routine equipment, the low cost, low radiation dose for cross-sectional radiography make the TSS most preferred modality.

In vitro evaluation of influence of salivary contamination on the dentin bond strength of one-bottle adhesive systems.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of salivary contamination on the bond strength of one-bottle adhesive systems - (the V generation) at various stages during the bonding procedure and to investigate the effect of the contaminant removing treatments on the recovery of bond strengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study the V generation one-bottle system - (Adper Single Bond) was tested. Fifty caries-free human molars with flat dentin surfaces were randomly divided into five groups of ten teeth each: Group I had 15 second etching with 35% Ortho Phosphoric acid, 15 second rinse and blot dried (Uncontaminated); Group II contaminated and blot dried; Group III contaminated and completely dried; Group IV contaminated, washed, blot dried; Group V contaminated, retched washed, and blot dried. The bonding agent was applied and resin composite (Z-100 3M ESPE) was bonded to the treated surfaces using the Teflon mold. The specimens in each group were then subjected to shear bond strength testing in an Instron Universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm / minute and the data were subjected to one way ANOVA for comparison among the groups (P<0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the group that was dried with strong oil-free air after contamination (Group III) and the other groups. When the etched surface was contaminated by saliva, there was no statistical difference between the just blot dry, wash, or the re-etching groups (Groups II, IV, V) if the dentin surface was kept wet before priming. When the etched dentin surface was dried (Group III) the shear bond strength decreased considerably. CONCLUSION: The bond strengths to the tooth structure of the recent dentin bonding agents are less sensitive to common forms of contamination than assumed. Re-etching without additional mechanical preparation is sufficient to provide or achieve the expected bond strength.