A Comparative Evaluation of Micro-Leakage in Fiber Post Luted and Core Buildup Performed with Two Different Resin Cements: An In vitro Study.

Objective: To compare the micro-leakages of fiber post luted and core buildup performed with ParaCore (Coltene) and LuxaCore (DMG) resin cement. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six single-rooted teeth were selected and treated with root canal treatment and fiber post cementation with two types of resin cement (LuxaCore and ParaCore). Samples were exposed to 500 cycles of thermocycling, immersed in 2% methylene dye and centrifuged and sectioned longitudinally, and checked under a stereomicroscope. Results: LuxaCore and ParaCore showed a mean of 0.39250 mm and 0.47500 mm micro-leakage, respectively. Conclusion: There was a statistically non-significant difference seen with group 3 (LuxaCore) versus group 4 (ParaCore) (P > 0.05).

A comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of tooth restoration complex restored with PEEK and lithium disilicate endocrowns.

PURPOSE: This in vitro study was conducted to compare the fracture resistance of tooth restoration complex restored with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and lithium disilicate endocrowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 extracted premolars were collected and treated endodontically. The teeth were mounted in cylindrical molds using autopolymerizing resin and were prepared for endocrown restoration. Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 23) to receive endocrowns made with two different materials (polyetheretherketone and lithium disilicate). All the specimens were subjected to thermal cycling. The fracture resistance test was carried out using a Universal Testing Machine. Fractographic analysis was carried out using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope after load test. The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Intergroup comparison (two groups) was performed using a t-test. Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables with groups was performed using chi-square test. RESULTS: Fracture resistance tests showed a statistically significant difference in values between the two groups (p < 0.01). High fracture resistance values were seen with lithium disilicate endocrowns. Failure mode analysis showed that both groups exhibited mainly catastrophic failure. There were no significant differences in frequencies of the type of fracture between the groups. CONCLUSION: The fracture resistance of endocrowns fabricated with lithium disilicate material was found to be significantly higher than polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. Hence, lithium disilicate material is superior for endocrowns.

Reinforcement of Aluminum Oxide Filler on the Flexural Strength of Different Types of Denture Base Resins: An In vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acrylic resins have been used extensively for the fabrication of denture bases because of their aesthetic qualities, ease of manipulation and repairability. Flexural fatigue of the denture base has been shown to be a factor in the clinical failure of polymethyl methacrylate resin dentures. Also, the fracture can result from impact, fatigue or degradation of the base material. Hence, there is a need to increase the strength of denture base resins. AIM: To evaluate the effect of reinforcing alumina oxide filler on the flexural strength of different acrylic resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 acrylic specimens were fabricated, which were divided into three groups self cure acrylic resin (SC), conventional heat cure resin (HC) and high strength heat cure resin (HI). Each group was divided into four subgroups i.e., control group and the specimens of the remaining three groups were reinforced with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) powder by 5%, 10% and 15% by weight. Specimens were stored in distilled water for one week; flexural strength was tested by universal testing machine. Results were analysed by one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey paired group comparison tests. RESULTS: Flexural strength of SC increased by 9%, 13% and 19%, Flexural strength of HC increased by 8%, 15% and 19% and that of HI increased by 21%, 26% and 29% compared to control group by adding 5%,10% and 15% of alumina filler (p-value <0.001). Addition of 15% of alumina powder to SC showed high flexure strength compared to control group of HC (p-value <0.001). Addition of 10% and 15% of alumina powder to HC showed high flexural strength compared to control group of HI (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION: Addition of alumina to self cure acrylic resin, conventional heat cure acrylic resin and high strength heat cure acrylic resin increased the flexural strength. Increasing the flexural strength of the acrylic resin base material could lead to more clinical success.

Case-based learning: A study to ascertain the effectiveness in enhancing the knowledge among interns of an Indian dental institute.

OBJECTIVE: Time and again, it has been shown that active learning promotes critical thinking, and this environment has to be fostered in dental education too. Therefore, the present study was carried out with an aim to know the effectiveness of case-based learning (CBL) in enhancing the knowledge of dental interns of a dental institute in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pre-post single-blinded, experimental study was conducted in two sessions on a purposive sample of 45 dental interns who gave informed consent. The interns answered a pretest questionnaire comprising questions related to their knowledge of hyperplastic tissue in complete denture patients. The interns were randomly allocated into three subgroups for thorough discussion. Each group viewed all three parts of a case related to hyperplastic tissue and presented the case in the presence of a facilitator. The facilitator discussed the subject with the three subgroups. A post-test was conducted immediately, and the results were compared with the pretest. The facilitator explained about hyperplastic tissue with an audio-visual aid after the post-test was administered. The perception of interns toward CBL was assessed by a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: On analysis, the comparison of the overall knowledge scores pre- and post-CBL showed a statistically significant increase from 9.8 ± 2.14 to 12.6 ± 1.37 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CBL proved to be effective in enhancing the knowledge of dental interns.

Perception and knowledge of dental interns toward interdepartmental coordination for successful prosthodontic treatment: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The graduating dentist should be trained in providing treatment utilizing the interdisciplinary approach because of the rapid advancements and increase in patient expectations, which demands for collaboration between the different specialists. PURPOSE: A pilot study was undertaken with an aim to assess the perception and knowledge of dental interns toward interdepartmental coordination for successful prosthodontic treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Dental interns from two dental colleges in Sangli (India) participated in the study. A 24-item self-administered, structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect the data. Four questions assessed the perception and 20 questions assessed the knowledge, which were based on the four domains viz.: General, Endodontics, Orthodontics, and Prosthodontics. They were framed from case scenarios reporting to the Department of Prosthodontics, which required interdepartmental consultation. The questionnaire was validated before its application and reliability were also assessed. The final score for each question was calculated based on the correct responses. Descriptive analysis was calculated using the frequencies, percentages, and mean values by using SPSS 16 software. RESULTS: Among 117 interns who participated in the study, 79.5% reported that they lacked training in an interdisciplinary approach. Approximately, 96% reported that the curriculum should be designed to include interdisciplinary training. Nearly, 88% reported that specialist from different specialty should be posted in one interdisciplinary department. Around 60% reported that they did not have the confidence of treating the patient as a whole. When the overall mean scores were considered, the highest scores were obtained for the general domain (95.3) and the lowest for the prosthodontic domain (83.6). CONCLUSION: The dental interns perceived that they lacked training in interdisciplinary approach, and the curriculum should include interdisciplinary training.

The dental management of troublesome twos: renal tubular acidosis and rampant caries.

Renal tubular acidosis is a group of disorders in which there is metabolic acidosis due to defect in renal tubular acidification mechanism to maintain normal plasma bicarbonate and blood pH. Irrespective of organ system involved, oral cavity often reflects the disease occurring anywhere in the body. Thus congenital chronic renal diseases, causing acid-base disturbances affects development and structure of the teeth. Chronic renal tubular acidosis causes enamel defects, dental caries, oral candidiasis, angular cheilitis, etc. We hereby present an unusual case report of a 4-year-old boy suffering from renal tubular acidosis associated with rampant caries, whose full mouth rehabilitation has been done.

Effect of denture cleanser on weight, surface roughness and tensile bond strength of two resilient denture liners.

AIM: Evaluating effects of a denture cleanser on weight, surface roughness and tensile bond strength on two resilient lining materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of heat cure acrylic resin were prepared to verify weight change, surface roughness and tensile bond strength. Specimens were divided into four groups: Relined with resilient liner Visco-gel, soft liner immersed in Clinsodent denture cleanser and water and evaluated immediately, 24 hours, 7 and 15 days. Weight changes, roughness and tensile bond strength were determined and data submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Visco-gel specimens immersed in water (group 1) have shown significant increased surface roughness than those immersed in Clinsodent (group 3) during 24 hours, 7 and 15 days. The soft liner specimens immersed in water (group 2) have shown increased surface roughness than those immersed in Clinsodent (group 4) during 24 hours and 7 days. Visco-gel specimens immersed in water have shown significant increased tensile bond strength during 7 and 15 days than those immersed in Clinsodent. The soft liner specimens immersed in water have shown increased tensile bond strength than those immersed in Clinsodent during immediately, 24 hours and 7 days. CONCLUSION: Within limitations of this study, specimens immersed in Clinsodent demonstrated increased weight changes compared with water. Specimens immersed in water demonstrated lesser surface roughness and tensile bond strength compared with specimens immersed in Clinsodent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resilient denture liners and denture cleansers are most commonly used materials in prosthodontics. Caution should be taken while selecting the materials which cause the detrimental changes on properties of the materials.