Morphological assessment of the surface profile, mesiodistal diameter, and contact tightness of Class II composite restorations using three matrix systems: An in vitro study.

Context: Sectional matrices and contact rings are valuable aids to establish proximal contact tightness in Class II composite restorations. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the proximal contact area in Class II composite restorations using three matrix systems based on morphological analysis, mesiodistal (M-D) diameter and contact tightness. Subjects and Methods: A standardized DO cavity was prepared in 30 plastic molar teeth. They were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) and restored using Tetric N-Ceram composite material and three matrix systems - Saddle matrix, Palodent system, and Palodent Plus system. The quality of proximal contacts was assessed by measuring the maximum M-D diameter of the restored teeth using a digital caliper; the tightness of the proximal contact area using Unifloss and a standardized metal blade (30 µm). Qualitative assessment of contact morphology was done by visual means while quantitative assessment of contour was done using Medit scanner superimposing method and ExoCAD software. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the mean M-D diameter (in mm) in the occlusal third, middle third, and the proximal contact area between the three groups. Chi-square test was used to compare the proximal contact area tightness using the passage of Unifloss. The buccolingual and occluso-gingival morphology was also compared among the three groups. The level of significance (P value) was set at P < 0.05. Results: For the occlusal and middle third, significantly larger diameters were achieved with the Palodent Plus system than with the Saddle matrix. More flat contours were seen in the case of the Saddle matrix than in the case of the Palodent system while the Palodent Plus system exhibited a minimal depth of concavity as determined by three-dimensional imaging of the contact morphology. Conclusions: Palodent Plus and Palodent matrix systems established superior contacts and contours than the Saddle matrix.

Postspace pretreatment with 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 7% maleic acid, and 1% phytic acid on bond strength of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.

Context: Pretreatment of radicular dentin with chelating agents improves the bond strength of fiber-posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the three chelating agents as final rinse of the postspace on bond strength of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement. Settings and Design: This is an in vitro laboratory study. Materials and Methods: Forty-five mandibular premolars were prepared using MTwo rotary system and irrigation was done with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Three groups of teeth samples were considered for postspace preparation and irrigated with different solutions: Group 1: 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); Group 2: 7% Maleic acid; Group 3: 1% Phytic acid. This was followed by the luting the posts with RelyX U200. After a week, from each sample, 2 mm thick slices were obtained from each third of the root and subjected to push-out bond strength testing. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's Post hoc analysis was used for assessing the results. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Bond strength values were improved with maleic acid and phytic acid pretreatment with slight or no significant difference between these groups. A final rinse of postspace with EDTA significantly reduced the bond strength. Conclusions: Maleic acid (7%) pretreatment of postspace improved the adhesion of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.

Cone beam computed tomography evaluation and endodontic management of permanent mandibular second molar with four roots: A rare case report and literature review.

The morphological variation in the number of roots and root canals, especially in multi-rooted teeth is a constant challenge for diagnosis and successful endodontic therapy. Knowledge of the most common anatomic characteristics and their possible variations is fundamental. Although, endodontic management of four-rooted mandibular first molars have been observed on a few occasions in the literature, to the best of our knowledge four-rooted mandibular second molars having two mesial and two distal roots have not been reported. This paper highlights endodontic management of mandibular second molar with four roots (two mesial and two distal) with one canal in each root and its cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation which was primarily done for post treatment assessment for diagnosing post-endodontic complications, at the same time confirmed our radiographic diagnosis of this variation. This also helped us portraying the anatomy of this rare variation.