Impact of radiotherapy and shielding on the efficacy of the self-etch adhesive technique.

Context: The exposure to gamma radiation affects the enamel and dentin in teeth restored with composite restoration, but a little has been done to protect from the detrimental effect. Aims: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of gamma radiation, with or without shielding (0.5 mm thickness of lead), in Class V cavities prepared on teeth exposed before and after restoration using the self-etch adhesive technique. Methods: A total of 75 intact teeth were selected. The samples were divided into five groups: Group I (15 teeth) not exposed to gamma radiation. Group II and III exposed to gamma radiation as per the standardized radiation protocol (2 Gy/day for 5 days/week = 10 Gy/week for 6 weeks = 60 Gy). Group III shielded, using a "0.5 mm thickness of lead" molded into a "C" shaped tube. Standardized Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of all teeth and were restored by composite. Groups IV (not shielded) and V (shielded) were then exposed to standardized radiation protocol. All the samples were evaluated for the assessment of microleakage under stereomicroscope. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistics were tabulated using the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test. Results: Samples showed a significant difference in dye penetration scores. Conclusions: The samples restored before being exposed to gamma radiations performed better. Shielding with 0.5 mm of lead has shown increased efficacy of self-etch adhesive system irrespective of the stage of exposure.

Third Molar Autotransplantation: An Alternative to Dental Implant - 9 Years Follow up of a Case.

Autogenous tooth transplantation is the surgical movement of tooth from one location in the mouth to another in the same individual. It is an excellent option with good functional and esthetic outcome for rehabilitating young patients with growing alveolar bone and replaces missing tooth with a natural tooth rather than a prosthesis or an osseointegrated implant. This case reports discusses a 9 years follow up of a successful autotransplantation case of third molar in place of first molar justifying autotransplantation to be a viable treatment option in present day implant dentistry practice.