Spectroscopic assessments on Sm3+ ions doped phospho-borate glasses mixed with fluoride modifiers for the applications of reddish-orange visible light.

Sm3+ions doped Phospho-Borate glasses were synthesized and their physical and spectroscopic parameters were studied to evaluate its potential reddish-orange emission for photonic applications. Structural investigation made through XRD analysis confirms the amorphous nature. The evaluated bonding parameters from the absorption spectral analysis confirm the ionic bonding of the Sm-O network in the prepared glasses. Four emission bands were observed from the luminescence spectra, and the HT 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 is observed at 601 nm. The oscillator strength values elucidate the intensity of the absorption bands, and the PBKZnF:Sm sample exhibits a higher oscillator strength value. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters were observed to trail the trend Ω4 > Ω6. > Ω2 for the majority of the samples. The CIE 1931 color chromaticity investigation confirms that the present glass samples are suitable for reddish-orange media. Barium and strontium-incorporated glasses exhibit outstanding lasing potential, which was confirmed through the efficiency of the quantum yield and some of the radiative parameters like effective bandwidth, transition probability and stimulated emission cross-section. Radiative parameters have been calculated from the luminescence spectra. Amid all transitions, 4G5/2 →6H7/2 transition has higher transition probability and higher stimulated emission cross-section values for all the prepared glass samples. Barium-incorporated glass exhibits a higher emission cross-section of 30.55 × 10-22 cm2 and a transition probability of 30.89 s-1 compared to all other glasses. The non-exponential decay profiles of the fabricated samples were plotted by examining the excitation wavelength at 402 nm and emission wavelength at 600 nm. Of all the prepared glasses, the quantum efficiency is found to be higher for the glass sample PBKSrF:Sm (65 %).

Cantilever-aided bodily protraction of a mandibular molar with clear aligner: A finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the biomechanics of molar protraction through clear aligner therapy (CAT) with and without a buccal cantilever. METHODS: Models were composed of mandible, lower dentition, periodontal ligaments, attachments, a buccal cantilever, and clear aligner. Four groups were designed: (1) control (aligner only), (2) aligner+buccal cantilever with buccal class II traction, (3) aligner+buccal cantilever with buccal class II and lingual class II tractions, (4) aligner+buccal cantilever with buccal horizontal traction named buccal class I, buccal class II, and lingual class II tractions. RESULTS: CAT alone caused mesial tipping, lingual tipping, and intrusion of mandibular second molar. Adding the buccal cantilever on the mandibular second molar with 100-g buccal class II traction was effective in preventing the mesial tipping of mandibular second molar, but resulted in a greater lingual tipping tendency. Further addition of lingual class II traction prevented aforementioned lingual tipping and bodily protraction was achieved in sagittal dimension, while buccal tipping was present. Bodily protraction without buccolingual tipping was achieved through clear aligner, buccal class II, lingual class II, and buccal class I tractions, and the stress concentrated on the alveolar bone was reduced. CONCLUSION: CAT produced mesial tipping, lingual tipping, and intrusion of mandibular molar during protraction. The incorporation of the buccal cantilever into the clear aligner improves the biomechanical effect of molar protraction. Bodily molar protraction can be achieved with a judicious combination of buccal class II, lingual class II and buccal class I tractions with clear aligner and buccal cantilever.

The manufacture, optical properties, and mechanical aspects of europium-doped borate glasses.

An investigation into the optical and mechanical properties of a novel borate glasses with the chemical composition of 70 B2O3-10 Li2O-10ZnO-5Bi2O3-5CaO-xEu2O3 was conducted. The glassy specimens of Eu3+-doped borate were prepared by the melting-quenching technique. An enhanced density from 3.0860 to 3.2176 g cm-3 and reduced molar volume from 29.27819 to 29.17447 (cm3 mol-1) are the outcome of increasing the concentration of Eu3+ in glasses. Plotting the extinction coefficient, dielectric constant (ε1, ε2), and refractive index (n) against wavelength reveals that they all rise as level of Eu3+ elements in the glass lattice increases. An increase in Eu3+ concentration results in a decrease in both the volume (VELF) and surface (SELF) energy loss functions. Also, all elastic-mechanical moduli (such as Young's, Bulk, Shear, and Elongation) increase with increasing the quantity of Eu3+ ions in the glass lattice. The Young's modulus (Y, GPa) of the glassy specimens was 34.512, 36.089, 36.504, 36.730 and 37.114 GPa for x equal 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mol ratio in the glass system, and coded by Eu-0.0, Eu-0.25, Eu-0.5, Eu-0.75 and Eu-1.0, respectively. Growing Eu2O3 levels resulted in an increase in Micro-Hardness from 2.050 to 2.146 GPa. Poisson's ratio values for Eu-0.0, Eu-0.250, Eu-0.5, Eu-0.75 and Eu-1.0 were 0.273, 0.275, 0.277, 0.277 and 0.278, respectively.

Functional Space Maintainer with Bilateral Early Loss of Primary Maxillary First Molars: NAFC.

The primary dentition plays a very important role not only in the child's growth and development but also in the guidance and eruption of permanent teeth. Premature loss of a deciduous tooth or a group of teeth will lead to a wide range of implications in the permanent dentition. The best way to avoid these problems is to preserve the primary teeth in the arch until their normal time of exfoliation. However, in cases where extraction of teeth is unavoidable due to extensive caries, the safest option to maintain arch space is by placing a space maintainer. The present case report is about a 4-year-old male patient with bilaterally decayed, nonrestorable primary maxillary first molars. After examination and radiographic investigations, it was decided to extract teeth 54 and 64. Since the permanent successors were still in Nolla's stage 4, a space maintainer was planned to prevent any migration and space loss. To encourage a positive outcome, it was decided to carry out prosthetic intervention using a Nance appliance with functional components. After the replacement of the missing teeth, a marked improvement in function, along with space maintenance, was seen. How to cite this article: Gupta A, Mohapatra A, Dutta B, et al. Functional Space Maintainer with Bilateral Early Loss of Primary Maxillary First Molars: NAFC. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):612-615.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Morinda citrifolia, Triphala, and Camellia sinensis Extracts as Root Canal Irrigants in Primary Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the reduction of microbial loading using Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia), Triphala, and Camellia sinensis (C. sinensis) as irrigating agents in deciduous molars after pulpectomy. Materials and methods: A controlled, randomized clinical trial involving 150 multirooted deciduous molars from both genders between 6 and 9 years old children were included, 30 molars irrigated with M. citrifolia (group I), Triphala (group II), C. sinensis (group III), chlorhexidine (CHX) (group IV), and saline (group V) each. In all cases, two microbiological samples from within the canal were taken with sterile paper points, one before the first irrigation and the other immediately after pulp extirpation. Cleaning and shaping were completed with intermittent irrigation with 10 mL of experimental irrigants in the initial visit. After 3 days, reentry to the root canal was obtained, rinsed with 5 mL of the test irrigants, and the second microbial sample was collected. All the microbial samples obtained were cultured under anaerobic conditions on blood agar. The colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted using a colony counter. Data was analyzed using paired student t-test and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: After analysis of the pre- and postsamples in all groups, a strong significant decrease in bacterial load (p ≤ 0.001) was found with CHX, M. citrifolia, and Triphala. Conclusion: Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) and Triphala, with effective antimicrobial efficacy, can be suggested as an alternative root canal irrigant as CHX, while C. sinensis was found ineffective in reducing microbial count as normal saline. How to cite this article: Pathivada L, Kapur D, Pandranki J, et al. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Morinda citrifolia, Triphala, and Camellia sinensis Extracts as Root Canal Irrigants in Primary Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):511-517.

The Impact of Muscle Energy Techniques on the Temporomandibular Motions Following Extraction Surgery of the Third Molar Tooth: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Trismus and subsequent restricted range of motion in the temporomandibular joint may impede vital activities of daily living. OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of the current study was to explore the impact of muscle energy techniques on the range of temporomandibular motions in individuals with trismus and restricted range of the temporomandibular motions after third molar extraction surgery. METHODS: Eligible volunteers were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group received muscle energy techniques over seven consecutive postoperative days, while those in the control group did not receive any intervention. Both groups adhered to the recommended postoperative healthcare protocol provided by a single dentist. The range of cardinal and linear intra-articular motions of the temporomandibular joint was assessed on the first, second and seventh postoperative days in each group using a vernier calliper and an ultrasound machine, respectively. RESULTS: The range of linear intra-articular motion (p-value < 0.001) and cardinal motion (p-value < 0.032) of the TMJ significantly increased within groups after the first postoperative week. The range of temporomandibular motions, except for the forward displacement of the mandibular condyle (p-value = 0.193), and the range of mandibular retrusion (p-value = 0.339) exhibited a significant difference between groups (p-value < 0.017) after the first postoperative week. CONCLUSION: The current study revealed, for the first time, that muscle energy techniques increase the range of cardinal and linear intra-articular motions in individuals with trismus and restricted range of the temporomandibular motions following third molar extraction surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials: IRCT20211016052783N1.

Contrast-Enhanced Micro-CT Imaging of Murine Mandibles: A Multi-Method Approach for Simultaneous Hard and Soft Tissue Analysis.

AIM: To develop and evaluate a novel multi-method micro-computed tomography (µCT) imaging protocol for enhanced visualization of both hard and soft tissues in murine mandibles, addressing the limitations of traditional imaging techniques in dental research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed a contrast-enhanced (CE) µCT imaging technique using Lugol's iodine as a contrast agent to visualize the intricate structures of murine mandibles. The protocol involved the combination of conventional µCT imaging as well as CE-µCT, including decalcification with EDTA, allowing for simultaneous assessment of hard and soft tissues. The method is compared with standard imaging modalities, and the ability to visualize detailed anatomical features is discussed. RESULTS: The CE-µCT imaging technique provided superior visualization of murine mandibular structures, including dental pulp, periodontal ligaments and the surrounding soft tissues, along with conventional µCT imaging of alveolar bone and teeth. This method revealed detailed anatomical features with high specificity and contrast, surpassing traditional imaging approaches. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate the potential of CE-µCT imaging with Lugol's iodine as a powerful tool for dental research. This technique offers a comprehensive view of the murine mandible, facilitating advanced studies in tissue engineering, dental pathology and the development of dental materials.

Establishing universal sectioning depth and angle for surgical coronectomy of impacted mandibular third molars: an imaging-based study.

Introduction: Coronectomy is a safer option than extraction for third molars with an increased risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. However, it can still cause complications due to a lack of standardized and effective tooth sectioning techniques. We proposed a standardized protocol for third molar coronectomy involving standardized tooth sectioning parameters to minimize potential complications, surgical failure, and the need for further procedures. Methods: The study was conducted on 69 eligible archived CBCTs. The coronal sections of the mandibular at the anterior-most level of the lower third molar were used to determine various axes and reference points. This was done to establish the target angle and depth for the coronectomy sectioning. The data on the depth and angle of the sectioning was presented in means and standard deviation. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the impact of study variables on drill depth and angle. Linear regression and correlation between study variables were also used to predict the drill depth and angle. Results: The samples included 46 males and 23 females aged from 21 to 47 years. The mean drill angle was determined as 25.01 ± 3.28. The mean drill depth was 9.60 ± 9.90 mm. The bucco-lingual tilt had a significant effect on the drill depth, F(1, 62) = 5.15, p < 0.05, but no significant impact on the drill angle, F(1, 62) = 29.62, p > 0.05. The study results suggest that a standardized sectioning protocol can be effective during surgical coronectomy procedures. Discussion: Drilling at a 25-degree angle to a depth of 9.5 mm is advisable to obtain the desired results. This approach will ensure no remaining enamel is left, minimize the chances of root extrusion and future eruption, and improve the outcome.

Assessment of Third Molar-related Symptoms Affecting Quality of Life using Nepali Version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Impacted third molars often cause pain, infections, swelling, and functional limitations. This study is an attempt to assess impacted third molars-related symptoms affecting quality of life using standardised Nepali version of oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital from October 2021 to February 2022 after institutional ethical approval. Patients with impacted third molars were included by convenience sampling technique. Patients with psychiatric illness, taking psychotropic drugs, pregnant, and lactating females were excluded. third molars-related symptoms were recorded in OHIP-14 questionnaire. Data entered in Microsoft Excel sheet were analysed. The findings have been presented as frequency, percent, mean, and standard deviation. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. RESULTS: Mean OHIP-14 score of participants was 21.77±11.59. Due to TM, "pain in the mouth" had score of (2.33±1.24) and followed by "uncomfortable experience on eating food" (2.12±2.15). Among seven OHIP-14 dimensions, "physical pain" with two items OHIP3 and OHIP4 had score of 4.53±2.19 implying most participants had "quite a lot" of physical pain due to TM: OHIP3 = 194 (50.2%) and OHIP4 = 183 (47.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Impacted third molars-related symptoms were affecting quality of life of participants.

Autologous platelet concentrates after third molar extraction: A systematic review.

Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars is often followed by postoperative sequelae like pain, swelling, trismus, etc. This systematic review explored the benefits of applying different autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in the extraction socket of third molars. For this systematic review, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus have been utilized, initially yielding 544 papers. The search was narrowed to randomized controlled trials (RCTs, n = 59) published before 2024, all comparing the outcome of applying APCs in the extraction socket of surgically removed impacted mandibular third molars with unassisted healing (blood clot). Most RCTs primarily assessed the impact of APCs on postoperative sequelae. Some RCTs looked at soft- and hard-tissue healing. Eleven studies used PRP, three PRGF, and 45 L-PRF. A detailed analysis revealed a large heterogeneity between studies rendering a meta-analysis impossible. Moreover, the risk of bias was considered high. In the majority of RCTs, the application of an APC resulted in statistically significant reductions of postoperative sequelae (lower pain intensity, lower consumption of analgesics, less postoperative edema, and a lower incidence of trismus and alveolar osteitis), as well as a faster soft tissue healing, and qualitatively and quantitatively better bone healing. A minority of studies reported significant differences in periodontal parameters distally from the second molar.