Effect of microbubble as local drug delivery system in endodontic management - An In-Vitro study.

Background and Objectives: Microbubbles (MBs) are gas or vapor-filled cavities inside liquids with sizes ranging from 2 to 3 µm. Recently, MBs have shown great promise in nanomedicine owing to their high encapsulation efficiency, targeted drug release, improved biocompatibility, and longer blood circulation. Furthermore, they are more suitable for focusing on particular body regions and are safer and non-invasive. MBs generators are used to create bubbles in fluid dynamics, chemistry, medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Drug delivery using MBs increases penetration without causing systemic toxicity. In this study, we examined whether the use of microbubbles as a local drug-delivery mechanism increases tubular penetration of endodontic medications and irrigant. Materials and Methods: An Enterococcus faecalis culture was added to 38 dentin cylinders of single-rooted teeth. Samples were divided into the experimental and control groups that received a triple antibiotic paste with and without MB infusion (n = 19 in each group), respectively. After 14 days, the number of live bacteria in the samples was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: After 14 days of contact with the medication, the percentages of live and dead bacteria were assessed. Results show that Group 2 (Triple antibiotic infused micro bubble) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibacterial efficacy than Group 1 (TAP). Conclusion: In this study, the antibacterial efficacy was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Therefore, within the limitations of the study it can be said that MB infusion is a viable technique to improve root canal disinfection. Hence, it can be considered as a novel technique for local drug delivery systems in endodontic management.

Effect of various preparation designs on pull-out bond strength of endocrown.

Background: The endocrown is described as monobloc ceramic component. The pull-out bond strength acts as a real-life scenario of failure that occurs in endocrown. The different preparation designs have been included to assess the type of preparation that resists the least failure. Aim: To evaluate the effect of three different types of preparation designs on the pull-out bond strength (PBS) of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) monolithic endocrowns. Methods and Materials: Thirty extracted mandibular first molars were used for this study. Root canal treatment was done. Samples were divided into three groups of 10 samples each. Group A consists of traditional endocrown preparation with a butt joint preparation. The group B consists of a modified preparation with 50-60 degree inward slope. The group C consists of preparation with a 50-60 degree outward slope. Endocrowns were fabricated using CAD/CAM lithium disilicate glass-ceramics. The endocrowns were adhesively bonded to the respective preparations. Pull-out bond strength was calculated using the universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Statistical Analysis: The results were statistically evaluated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analysis. Results: Group B had higher pull-out bond strength compared to the other two types of preparation designs and showed a statistically significant value with a mean significant difference at 0.05 level (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The 50-60 degree inward bevel in endocrown preparation increased the pull-out bond strength in lithium disilicate endocrowns.

Evaluating the Effect of Tideglusib-Loaded Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles as a Potential Dentine Regenerative Material.

Dental pulp treatment is the least intrusive procedure currently available for preserving the vitality of the pulp. Several studies are underway to improve the bioactivity of pulp capping materials. Tideglusib isa potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a regenerative drug developed against Alzheimer's disease and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of dental cavities. However, its bioactive properties encapsulated within the nanoparticles as a component of pulp capping material are largely unknown. In this study, tideglusib-loaded bioactive glass nanoparticles were synthesized (tideglusib-BgNPs) and mixed at various concentrations into the calcium silicate cement to testits physiomechanical and bioactivitiescompared with biodentine (control). The calcium silicate cement with 10wgt% tideglusib-BgNPs showed comparable physiomechanical properties to that of biodentine. Additionally, the assessment of cytotoxicity and bioactivity (cell proliferation, wound healing, and cell migration assays) showed increased bioactivity in terms of better wound healing, increased proliferation, and better migration of human dental pulp stem cells than biodentine. These findings suggest new opportunities to use tideglusib-BgNPs in pulp therapy.

Comparative evaluation of three different glass ionomer cements.

Context: Newer glass ionomer cements with improved properties are constantly being developed. One such material is the novel Hybrid Glass-Ionomer cement (HGIC) with properties yet to be studied. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the flexural strength, shear bond strength, wear resistance and fluoride release of Hybrid Glass Ionomer restorative with Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement (CGIC) and Resin modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC). Settings and Design: This was an in vitro study. Methods and Material: A total of 300 samples were tested in this study, with 100 samples per group and each group was further subdivided into 5 sub-groups with 20 samples each. Flexural and Shear bond strength values were determined by subjecting the specimens to a universal testing machine. For wear resistance, the specimens were assessed using a pin on the disc tribometer. For fluoride release, the test specimen suspended in 10 mL deionised water was tested at 24 h and 1 week. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA. Results: RMGIC had the highest flexural and shear bond strength values followed by HGIC and CGIC. HGIC had the least wear rate followed by RMGIC and CGIC. At 24 h and 1 week, HGIC had the highest fluoride release among the study groups. Conclusions: HGIC exhibited the highest wear resistance and fluoride release among the cements studied. However, flexural and Shear bond strength values, of RMGIC, was comparatively higher.

Direct metal laser sintering: a digitised metal casting technology.

Dental technology is undergoing advancements at a fast pace and technology is being imported from various other fields. One such imported technology is direct metal laser sintering technology for casting metal crowns. This article will discuss the process of laser sintering for making metal crowns and fixed partial dentures with a understanding of their pros and cons.

Periapical radiolucency not requiring endodontic therapy: an unusual case.

The article is a case report of an unusual manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism seen in the mandible. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare disorder that can present its first symptoms in the jaws. The pre- and post-treatment radiographic features of such cases have only rarely been reported in dental literature. This case report highlights the importance of careful clinical and radiographic examination before commencing root canal treatment.

Alginate impressions: A practical perspective.

The choice of an impression material for a particular situation depends on the treatment being provided, operator preference, and so on. Even with the introduction of more advanced and more accurate rubber base impression materials, irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials have stood the test of time. This article gives a detailed perspective of how best to make alginate impressions.