In vitro comparative evaluation of apical leakage using a bioceramic sealer with three different obturating techniques: A glucose leakage model.

Context: Bioceramic sealers have improved sealing ability by forming an interfacial apatite layer that chemically bonds the sealer and radicular dentin thus decrease apical leakage. Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the apical leakage of Cerafill RCS bioceramic sealer and gutta percha when used with three different obturating techniques. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four extracted single-rooted premolars were decoronated and prepared up to size F3. Then, the specimens were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 10) cold lateral obturation technique, warm vertical obturation technique, single-cone obturation technique, positive and negative control groups (n = 2), according to the obturation technique used along with a bioceramic sealer. To evaluate apical leakage, all specimens were mounted in a glucose leakage model and assessed at 7 and 14 days using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Statistical Analysis: The results were subjected to ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA; followed by post hoc analysis using Bonferroni correction. Results: Significant differences were found in the cumulative leakage of all the three experimental groups. Significantly higher leakage was found in groups obturated using single-cone obturation technique as compared to warm vertical compaction technique at both 7 and 14 days. Conclusions: Warm vertical compaction showed a better sealing result than single-cone obturation techniques at all observation periods.

Determining predictability and accuracy of thermal and electrical dental pulp tests: An in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Pulp sensitivity testing, even with its limitations and shortcomings, has been and still remains a very helpful aid in endodontic diagnosis. Pulp sensitivity tests extrapolate pulpal health from the sensory response. The aim of the present study was to identify the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (NPVs) of thermal and electrical tests of pulp sensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pulp tests studied were two cold and heat tests respectively and electrical test. A total of 330 teeth were tested: 198 teeth with vital pulp and 132 teeth with necrotic pulps (disease prevalence of 40%). The ideal standard was established by observing bleeding within the pulp chamber. RESULTS: Sensitivity values of the diagnostic tests were 0.89 and 0.94 for cold test, 0.84 and 0.87 for the heat tests, and 0.75 for electrical pulp test and the specificity values of the diagnostic tests were 0.91 and 0.93 for the cold tests, 0.86 and 0.84 for the heat tests, and 0.90 for electrical pulp test. The NPVs were 0.91 and 0.96 for the cold tests, 0.89 and 0.91 for the heat tests, and 0.84 for electrical pulp test. The positive predictive values were 0.89 and 0.90 for the cold tests, 0.80 and 0.79 for the heat tests and 0.88 for electrical pulp test. The highest accuracy (0.9393) was observed with cold test (icy spray). CONCLUSIONS: The cold test done with icy spray was the most accurate method for sensitivity testing.

Implants in adolescents.

Implants have gained tremendous popularity as a treatment modality for replacement of missing teeth in adults. There is extensive research present on the use of implants in adults, but there is a dearth of data available on the same in adolescents. The treatment planning and execution of implant placement in adolescents is still in its infancy. This review article is an attempt to bring together available literature.