Levels of nitric oxide in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis before and after nonsurgical periodontal treatment.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of nitric oxide (NO) in both serum and saliva of smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis before and after scaling and root planing, as well as to compare the same (NO levels) with the severity of periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty people took part in the study and were divided into three groups. The control group (Group I) involved 20 patients who were nonsmokers with healthy periodontium. The other two groups included 20 patients each, where Group II was nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis and Group III was smokers with chronic periodontitis. In addition, NO generation was quantified indirectly in this study using the Griess reaction to determine the nitrite level in serum and saliva. Results: The mean value of salivary and serum NO was higher in Group III than in Group II, and NO decreased considerably (P < 0.01) in both Groups II and III after treatment compared to before treatment. Conclusion: Serum and salivary NO levels can be used as a good predictor of the inflammatory condition of the periodontium in smokers.

Effect of adding ribbond fibres on marginal adaptation in class II composite restorations in teeth with affected dentine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effect on marginal adaptation in class II composite restoration reinforced with polyethylene fibres in teeth with affected dentine using scanning electron microscopy. METHOD AND MATERIAL: Class II cavities with dimension 1.5 +0 .25 pulpal depth and 4 ± 0.25 mm buccolingual width/.were prepared on proximal surfaces extracted human molars or premolar with affected/sound dentine on gingival margin. The etching priming and restorations were done in prepared samples as per manufacture directions. The samples were divided in 2 groups depending on use of ribbond inserts in composite restorative material. Samples were finished, stored in distilled water and then thermocycled manually and then sectioned longitudinally through the restorations. The marginal adaptation was evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULT: The result showed that there was a definite gap all along the interface between caries affected dentine and the composite material in both the groups. The bigger gap was present in group II compared to group I.