Comparative Evaluation of Internal Margin Adaptation and Integrity of Class I Preparations using Two Composites: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the internal margin adaptation and integrity of Class 1 preparations using two composites types (bulk fill/conventional) with two placement methods (4/2 mm increments). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class 1 preparations of 4 mm × 4 mm dimensions were made on 30 extracted human mandibular molars. They were randomly divided into three groups; among them, in Group 1 (n = 10), cavities were filled with SureFil SDR Bulk Fill, Group 2 (n = 10) cavities were filled with Filtek Bulk Fill of 4 mm increments in both groups, and in Group 3 (n = 10), cavities were filled with conventional composite Filtek Z350 with 2 mm increments. Samples were sectioned occlusogingivally. Then, dye was on internal margins, and images of each specimen were recorded using a digital camera to evaluate the marginal integrity and adaptation of restorative material to the tooth surface with image analysis software. Then, collected data were put under the statistical analysis with analysis of variance test and post hoc Tukey's test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in overall dye penetration in bulk fill and conventional (incremental fill) composite resins; however, when dye penetration was evaluated at different locations, within enamel and mid-dentin, significantly more gap-free margins were found than at the pulpal interface. Filtek Bulk Fill and conventional composite (Filtek Z350) showed comparatively more dye penetration toward the pulpal interface compared to SDR Bulk Fill. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in percentage of gap-free margins between fill types for any of the composite materials. The proportions of gap-free margin were less at the pulpal interface and mid-dentin portions and enamel when filled with 4 and 2 mm increments.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Clinical Characteristics with Special Emphasis on Etiological Criteria.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an entity to describe the enamel defects of the first permanent molars with the involvement of one or more incisors due to an underlying systemic cause. It is a frequently encountered challenge by dentists in a dental clinic and dental complications affecting patient's quality of life. Early diagnosis is the key to protect and prevent the deterioration of the condition. This article aims to highlight different aspects of etiology to treatment options in young patients related to MIH.

Assessment of Remineralization Capacity of Various Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Enamel Lesions Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of diverse remineralizing agents on artificial enamel lesion using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 80 mandibular premolars which were single rooted were included. All teeth were suspended in a demineralizing solution to create artificial enamel lesions on the exposed enamel. The samples were separated randomly into four groups (20 each) depending on the application of the remineralizing agents as follows: group 1: control; group 2: calcium sucrose phosphate (CaSP); group 3: fluoride varnish; and group 4: casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). The samples in individual group were treated with the corresponding remineralizing agent (except for the control group) two times a day for 14 days. The experimental and control groups were exposed to CLSM assessment to analyze the data of remineralization and demineralization. RESULTS: The mean depth of remineralization of fluoride varnish group was slightly more compared to other groups. The highest mean depth of remineralization was found in the fluoride varnish group (122.26 ± 0.28) followed by CaSP (110.58 ± 1.34), CPP-ACP (107.08 ± 0.48), and control (157.78 ± 0.46) groups. The different comparisons among the remineralization material groups showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in almost all groups except group 2 vs group 4. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that improved remineralization of artificial enamel lesion could be achieved with the fluoride varnish group when compared to the CaSP and CPP-ACP groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Remineralization as a treatment technique has received a lot of consideration from clinicians. The process of remineralization and demineralization is considered an active process categorized by the movement of calcium and phosphate in and out of the enamel. Presently, the attention has changed toward increasing the resistance of the tooth by applying remineralizing agents topically, which has led to the notable fall in dental caries.

Does Cavity Disinfectant Affect Sealing Ability of Universal Self-etch Adhesive?

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 2% chlorhexidine disinfectant (CHX), chitosan, and octenidine dihydrochloride (as cavity disinfectants) on microleakage in cavities restored with universal self-etch adhesive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty extracted human permanent premolars were selected. Class V cavities were prepared on the facial surface of each tooth. The teeth were then divided into four groups of 20 teeth each. For the control group after cavity preparation, no disinfectant was applied. The other 3 groups were treated with 0.1% chitosan, 2% CHX, and 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT). All the groups were restored with universal adhesive followed by composite resin. The teeth were then immersed in 1% methylene blue dye and were sectioned buccolingually. Microleakage was checked under a stereomicroscope on both occlusal and gingival margins. RESULT: Among all the groups chitosan-treated cavities showed the least microleakage. Chlorhexidine treated cavities showed less leakage as compared to control, OCT group at both the margins. CONCLUSION: Chitosan as a cavity disinfectant improves the sealing ability of the self-etch adhesive. Furthermore, in vivo studies need to be conducted to examine the interaction and long-term effect of chitosan with the other self-etch adhesive systems. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Chitosan a natural polysaccharide can be used as a cavity disinfectant as it improves the sealing ability of self-etch adhesive.