Comparative evaluation of smear layer removal by various chemomechanical caries removal agents: an in vitro SEM study.

OBJECTIVES: To comparatively evaluate the efficiency of various chemomechanical caries removal agents in smear layer removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 45 extracted, noncarious molars and were divided into three groups according to the chemical treatment received. The samples were then gold palladium coated and viewed under scanning electron microscope. The presence of smear layer was evaluated based on the microscopic observations. Result and Observation: The results indicated that smear layer removal was significantly higher in the sodium hypochlorite-based chemomechanical caries removal agents than in the papain-based chemomechanical caries removal agent and was least in the control group treated with saline. CONCLUSION: The smear layer removal was maximum with Carisolv followed by the cariecare and was minimum in the saline-treated group.

Determination of the biometric characteristics of palatine rugae patterns in Uttar Pradesh population: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Identification is the establishment of identity of an individual. The basis of dental identification is based on the observation that no two individuals can have same dentition. Palatal rugae are irregular, asymmetric ridges of the mucous membrane extending laterally from the incisive papilla and the anterior part of the palatal raphe. The location of palatal rugae inside the oral cavity confers them with stability even when exposed to high temperatures or trauma. Their resistance to trauma and their apparent unique appearance has suggested their use as a tool for forensic identification. AIMS: To record the biometric characteristics of shape, size, direction, number and position of palatal rugae and analyze whether palatal rugoscopy can be used as a tool for personal identification and for sex determination. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 100 subjects (50 males, 50 females) between 18 and 25 years. Maxillary impressions were made with elastomeric impression material and dental stone was used to make models. The palatal rugae patterns were traced and analyzed with a magnifying hand lens. The biometric characteristics of number, size, shape, and direction were analyzed using Thomaz and Kotz classification (1983). The casts were coded to blind the examiners about the identity of the subjects. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 19.0 statistical program for Windows. RESULTS: The average number of rugae was slightly more in females. Wavy (44.9%) and curved (41.8%) shapes were more prevalent. Maximum number of rugae was found in E quadrant (40.73%). The average size was 9.221 mm. Most rugae were forwardly directed in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that rugae pattern are highly individualistic and can be used as a supplementary method for personal identification and sex determination. Further inter-observer and intra-observer variability were not found to be significant, which further validates the use of rugoscopy as a forensic tool.

Comparative evaluation of microleakage in conventional glass ionomer cements and triclosan incorporated glass ionomer cements.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the following study is to comparatively evaluate the microleakage of triclosan incorporated GIC with conventional restorative GIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Triclosan in powder form was added to conventional GIC to formulate a concentration of 2.5%. Class five cavities were prepared in non-carious extracted molars and were respectively restored with conventional restorative GIC and triclosan incorporated GIC. Samples were kept in 10% methylene blue dye. Ground sections were obtained and were observed under a binocular microscope for dye penetration. RESULT: No significant difference was found in the microleakage of two groups. CONCLUSION: Triclosan incorporated GIC can be considered as an alternative to GIC with enhanced antibacterial property.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by the presence of multiple odontogenic keratocysts along with various cutaneous, dental, osseous, ophthalmic, neurological, and sex organ abnormalities. Early diagnosis is essential as it may progress to aggressive basal cell carcinomas and neoplasias. Gorlin-Goltz syndrome has rarely been reported from India. We report here one such patient, diagnosed at a rural hospital.