Comparative evaluation of chelating efficacy of nano-chitosan, pomegranate extract, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on primary radicular dentin: An in vitro study.

Background: Irrigation is a crucial aspect of root canal treatment, and it is imperative to employ chelating agents to eliminate the smear layer during biomechanical preparation. They in turn react with mineral content of dentin, leading to decreased strength and increased susceptibility to fracture. Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare mineral loss and microhardness from primary root canal dentin following the usage of different irrigating solutions and determine the least detrimental irrigant among the tested solutions. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six primary anterior teeth were divided into three groups with 22 in each- Group I: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) Group II: 0.2% Nano chitosan Group III: Pomegranate extract. The decoronated teeth were split longitudinally. Half of it was directly subjected to Vickers test, and the other half was immersed in a magnetic stirrer bath containing test solution to record the mineral loss from solution. Postmicrohardness values were recorded on the specimen and compared with initial values. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (Version 20, SPSS, IBM, Armonk, NY, U. S. A). Results: Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the groups were compared using analysis of variance test and post hoc Tukey test. Pomegranate extract showed least effect on mineral content and microhardness compared to 17% EDTA and 0.2% nano chitosan. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: Pomegranate aril extract showed better results with selected parameters.

Evaluation of centralization ability and canal transportation of root canals prepared with three commercially available pediatric rotary files.

Background: The complex root canal anatomy of primary root canals is considered to be most challenging. The quality of the root canal preparation plays a significant role in the success of endodontic treatment. Now, there are very few root canal instruments that are capable of cleaning the canal three dimensionally. To evaluate the efficacy of root canal instruments, various technologies have been used; one of the most reliable strategies was cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the centralization ability and canal transportation of three commercially available pediatric rotary file systems using CBCT analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three extracted human primary teeth with a minimum 7 mm root length were randomly divided into three groups (group I - Kedo-SG Blue, group II - Kedo-S Square, and group III - Pro AF Baby Gold). Biomechanical preparation was done according to the manufacturers instructions. Pre- and postinstrumentation CBCT images were taken for each group to evaluate the remaining dentin thickness thereby assessing the centering ability and the canal transportation ability of different file systems. Results: Significant difference was noticed in canal transportation and centering ability between the three tested groups. Mesiodistal canal transportation was significant at all three levels, whereas buccolingual canal transportation was significant only at the apical third of the root. However, Kedo-SG Blue and Pro AF Baby Gold showed lesser canal transportation compared to Kedo-S Square rotary file system. Mesiodistal centering ability was significant at cervical and apical thirds of the root with Kedo-S Square rotary file system maintaining less canal centricity. Conclusions: All three file systems tested in the study were effective in removing the radicular dentin. However, Kedo-SG Blue and Pro AF Baby Gold rotary file systems showed comparatively less canal transportation and more centering ability than Kedo-S Square rotary file system.

Accidental displacement of primary anterior teeth following extraction of neonatal teeth.

Eruption of the first tooth at 6 months of age is a significant stage in a child's life. However, the presence of a tooth in the oral cavity of a newborn can lead to a lot of delusions. Natal and neonatal teeth are of utmost importance not only to a dentist but also for a pediatrician due to parental anxiety, folklore superstitions, and numerous complications associated with it. The present case report describes a 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm, slow-growing, soft-tissue gingival mass which developed following the extraction of a tooth-like structure in a 4-month-old male patient. Histological examination revealed that it contained a tooth-like hard tissue intermingled with bone and fibrous tissue. Based on clinical and histological findings, the present case was diagnosed as gingival hyperplasia with displaced tooth buds of 71 and 81, which might be due to chronic irritation or traumatic extraction of the neonatal teeth. No abnormal recurrence of the lesion was detected during the follow-up period. However, postoperative clinical and radiographic photographs further reconfirmed the absence of tooth in relation to 71 and 81.

An In Vitro evaluation of biodegradability of stainless steel crowns at various salivary pH.

AIM: To evaluate the biodegradability of preformed stainless steel crowns at varying salivary pH and the cytotoxic effect of leached out elements on fibroblasts. METHODOLOGY: A total of 243 stainless steel crowns were selected and were divided into 3 groups (I, II, III) based on Ph of immersion media. The pH of samples in group I, II, III were 4.3, 5.5 and 6.3 with 81 crowns in each group. Each group has 9 samples with 8 crowns in each sample. All samples were immersed in polyethylene bottles containing 10ml of artificial saliva and incubated at 37°C for 4 weeks. All the samples were analyzed on 1,7,14 and 21 days by atomic absorption spectrophotometer for the quantitative assement of Ni, Cr and Fe. Fibroblast tissue culture was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the samples. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance. RESULTS: Maximum release of Ni, Cr, Fe ions were observed at pH 4.3 followed by pH 5.5 and least release of ions were observed at pH 6.3 from SS crowns. The cytotoxic results showed that the least cell viability of cells was seen at pH 4.3. CONCLUSION: With decrease in pH, there is an increase in ion release from stainless steel crowns and the mean release of nickel, chromium and iron were very much below the average dietary intake. But the allergic manifestations of ions like nickel can't be ruled out.

Correlation of Mother and Child's Taste Perception and their Caries Experience.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Nowadays, clinical assessment of caries susceptibility is evaluated by the individuals taste perception. As food habits of the child are mostly influenced by the parents (mothers), it would be beneficial to assess the relation between mother and child's taste status and their caries experience to predict the caries susceptibility of the child. METHODOLOGY: A convenience sample of 310 mother-child dyads of both the sexes were selected. After obtaining the data on the taste preferences, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices, caries experience of both the mother and child were recorded using the DMFT and defs indices, followed by the taste assessment using 6-n propylthiouracil (PROP) tester strips. RESULTS: Irrespective of the taste status, the majority of the mother and child dyads showed preference to sweet foods. A statistically significant relationship between taste status and caries experience was noticed among mothers and children individually. However, there was no significant association between mother and child taste status. Whereas, a weak-positive correlation is observed between the mother and child's caries experience. The children of supertaster mothers have relatively less caries experience compared to children of moderate and nontaster mothers, which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Mother's taste perception or caries experience may not always be a risk predictor for their child's caries experience, but the PROP tester strips were very effective in predicting the caries risk of an individual.

Dermatoglyphic Analysis in Parents with Cleft Children: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There were studies in the literature which showed the altered dermatoglyphics in the cleft children. But it would be beneficial if probable expression can be proved in prior generations, so that genetic counseling and other preventive measures can be undertaken. The aim of the study is to determine variations in dermatoglyphics of prior generations which would serve as bench markers to predict the occurrence of cleft in off springs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 parents aged between 25-45 years were selected and divided into two groups - Group A consisted of parents with cleft children and Group B comprised of parents with at least 2 healthy children who met the inclusion criteria. Dermatoglyphic prints were collected by ink method and evaluated for pattern types, total ridge count and palm prints were evaluated for a-b ridge count, atd angle and asymmetry. RESULTS: Significant difference was observed between Group A and B with reference to pattern types; TRC and a-b ridge count and atd angle. Absence of t point was variably noticed in the mothers of affected children. CONCLUSION: Dermatoglyphics can be used as tool to study the developmental instability of cleft anomalies and provides data to assess the genetic etiology of clefting.

Endodontic treatment of chronically infected primary teeth using triple antibiotic paste: An in vivo study.

AIM: Maintenance of primary dentition is imperative for the development of arch form, esthetics, function, mastication, and normal eruption of permanent teeth. Premature loss can cause various problems such as ectopic eruption, space loss for the successor permanent teeth, alterations in speech, and impairment of function. Hence, decayed primary teeth should not be extracted and treated whenever possible. Pulpectomy is generally recommended as a treatment of choice in such cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of pulpectomized primary teeth with chronic infection using a mixture of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline (3MIX)-MP as an intracanal medicament before the obturation. METHODOLOGY: Sixty primary teeth were selected, which were randomly divided into two groups (Group A and Group B) with thirty teeth in each group. In Group A, 3MIX-MP was used as intracanal medicament whereas in Group B, conventional pulpectomy was performed. Resolution of clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated within 2 weeks after the treatment and at recalled 3rd, 6th, and 12th month intervals. The treated teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: High success rate was observed in Group A samples both clinically and radiographically. Although the difference in clinical success was not statistically significant, the difference in radiographic success was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: All the primary teeth with chronic infection which were treated using 3MIX-MP, followed by the instrumentation and obturation provided excellent clinical and radiographic success when compared to conventional pulpectomy and noninstrumentational lesion sterilization tissue repair therapy.

Color Stability of Heat-cure Acrylic Resin Subjected to Simulated Short-term Immersion in Fast-acting Denture Cleansers.

BACKGROUND: Regular usage of denture cleansers is recommended in complete denture wearers for effective plaque control, and these cleansers alter the physical properties of acrylic resin over a period of time. Thus, an in vitro study was carried out to assess the effect of denture cleansers on the color stability of heat-cure denture base resin. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of commercially available fast-acting denture cleansers on the color stability of heat-cure denture base resin at different time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six heat-cure acrylic resin (Ivoclar Triplex Hot-V) specimens are randomly allocated into four groups - Group A (distilled water as control); Group B (polident - 3 min); Group C (fixodent scope plus); and Group D (stain away plus) comprising of nine samples each. After recording the baseline values, the specimens were immersed in their respective cleansing solutions for a prescribed time interval. This procedure was repeated daily, and the color change (ΔE) was evaluated after 90 and 180 days interval using a colorimeter in a standard "Commission International de l'Eclairage" color system. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Paired t-test and Dunnett's T3 test. RESULTS: All the groups exhibited a variable color change (ΔE) for an immersion period of 90 days. However, significant color differences (P = 0.001) were noticed among the test groups after 180 days. CONCLUSION: The color change of denture base resin was greater for Group D followed by Groups B, C, and A respectively after 180 days of immersion. The ΔE values of all test groups increased with time.

Comparative Evaluation of Fluoride Releasing Ability of Various Restorative Materials after the Application of Surface Coating Agents - An In-vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Fluoride plays a key role in prevention of dental caries and is also an essential element for oral health promotion both in children and adults. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surface coating (petroleum jelly, G-Coat Plus) on the fluoride releasing property of conventional Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Zirconomer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 disk shaped brass mold specimens (6±0.1mm in diameter and 2±0.1mm thickness) for each test group were fabricated with conventional GIC (Group A) and Zirconomer (Group B). These test groups were further divided into three subgroups of 10 each. The unprotected specimens act as control (Group A1 and B1), G-Coat Plus specimens as (Group A2 and B2) and for the remaining specimens petroleum jelly was applied (Group A3 and B3). Fluoride ion concentration was measured with a combination of fluoride ion specific electrode and ion analyzer for every 24 hours for 15 days. The data was statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The Group B released significantly more fluoride than Group A. Among all the subgroups the greatest amount of fluoride was released from Group B1, in the first 24 hours followed by A1 and B2. The least was observed on 15th day with Group B3 and A3. CONCLUSION: Both the tested materials (GIC and Zirconomer) used in the study exhibited fluoride release whether protected or unprotected with surface coating. Though there was a difference between the groups, the pattern of fluoride release was similar and continuous throughout the study period i.e., first the initial burst followed by sustained release. The results revealed Zirconomer released more fluoride and is comparable to conventional GIC.

Diagnostic perspective of saliva in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus children: An in vivo study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The absence, destruction, or loss of ß-cells of pancreas results in type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]). Presently, diagnosis and periodic monitoring of diabetes is achieved by evaluating blood glucose levels as it is relatively invasive and dreaded by children. In the light of this, present study was planned to compare salivary glucose values with blood glucose values and the biochemical characteristics of saliva in IDDM children were evaluated and obtained results were compared with the salivary parameters of normal children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty IDDM children and 30 healthy children were selected for the study. Fasting blood sample and unstimulated salivary sample were collected from all the subjects and were subjected for analysis. RESULTS: A weak positive correlation was noticed between fasting blood glucose and salivary glucose values in IDDM children. But a mean average of salivary glucose was high in IDDM children when compared with healthy children. The biochemical parameters like acid phosphatase, total protein count, and α-amylase were increased, whereas salivary urea did not show significant variation between the groups. CONCLUSION: With presently used diagnostic armamentarium, estimation of salivary glucose cannot replace the standard method of estimation of glucose in diabetic mellitus children. The established relationship was very weak with many variations.

Maiden morsel - feeding in cleft lip and palate infants.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common craniofacial anomalies that have an incidence of 0.28 to 3.74 per 1000 live births globally. Due to the great advancements in the field of medical science, these anomalies can today be corrected. However, it cannot be ignored that the parents of these patients may face psychological stress due to the cleft defects in the baby. Also, these conditions may cause financial difficulties to the parents and cause anxiety to the mother about the proper feeding of their infant. Feeding problems can range from excessive air intake to failure to thrive. As the management of such cases is lengthy and includes a multi-disciplinary team approach, it is the role of the Pediatrician/Pedodontist to educate the mother about the proper feeding techniques. In this article, we have reviewed and highlighted the various traditional and advanced devices and techniques which help in the successful management of these individuals.