Microbiological Effectiveness of Sodium Hypochlorite Gel and Aqueous Solution When Implemented for Root Canal Disinfection in Multirooted Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Study.

The aim of endodontic therapy is to use various antimicrobial medications for proper cleaning and shaping to create an environment free of microorganisms by eradicating as many as possible from the root canal space. Even although it is a gold standard irrigant, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is known for its cytotoxic effects on vital periapical tissues, making its higher concentrations inappropriate for use in conditions such as wide, underdeveloped, or damaged apices and in cases of perforations. Consequently, if it is ascertained that a gel form of sodium hypochlorite has equivalent antibacterial activity to the aqueous solution form, it could be employed in such situations. The aim of this study was the microbiologic evaluation of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel and aqueous solution as root canal disinfectants in multirooted teeth with primary endodontic lesions. Following ethical approval and CTRI registration, 42 patients who gave their consent and had multirooted teeth with pulpal necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis were considered for the study. Following the opening of the access, pre-endodontic build up in case of class-II cavities and working length determination, a pre-operative sample (S1), which was regarded as the pre-operative microbial load of that canal, was acquired from the largest canal using a sterile paper point while maintaining strict isolation and disinfection. The computer randomization approach was used to divide the teeth into two groups at random just before beginning of chemo-mechanical preparation: Group A (n = 21)-canal disinfection with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel; Group B (n = 21)-canal disinfection with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution. Following the canal disinfection, a post-operative (S2) sample which was regarded as the postoperative microbial load of that canal was collected from the same canal using a sterile paper point. The Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) for the S1 and S2 samples were determined after 48 h aerobic incubation on Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) agar plates. The patients and the microbiologist were blinded throughout the procedure. Using SPSS 20.0 software (USA), the Shapiro-Wilk test and the Lilliefors Significance Correction were used for normality, followed by the Mann-Whitney U test which was used to compare the CFU difference (×105) between the two groups. A p value of <0.05 was perceived as statistically significant. The mean colony-forming units count difference between the 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel and aqueous solution groups did not differ in a manner that was statistically significant (p = 0.744). In multirooted teeth with primary endodontic lesions, the 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel and the aqueous solution demonstrated comparable antimicrobial effectiveness when implemented as root canal disinfectants.

Clinical evaluation of winged versus wingless rubber dam clamps in single tooth isolation - A randomized clinical study.

Context: Retention of the rubber dam is done with metallic or nonmetallic clamps for isolation. The two types of metallic clamps most frequently used are winged and wingless. The clinical efficacy of both clamps is needed to be compared. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the postoperative pain and clinical efficacy of winged clamps and wingless metallic clamps in rubber dam isolation of permanent molars in class I restoration. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical approval and CTRI registration, a total of 60 patients with mild-to-moderate deep class I caries were included after obtaining informed consent and randomly allocated into two assigned groups: Group A - winged clamp and Group B - wingless clamp, with n = 30 per group. Local anesthesia was administered and the tooth was isolated using a rubber dam as per the standardized protocol. The postoperative evaluation was done for pain using the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) at 6 and 12 h; trauma to the gingival tissues, sealing ability of the clamp, and slippage of the clamp were evaluated using criteria for clinical evaluation of rubber dam isolation. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare VRS and clinical parameters, respectively, with P < 0.05. Results: Gingival trauma (P = 0.006) and postoperative pain were statistically significantly more in the wingless group at 6 h (P = 0.016) and 12 h (0.01). Statistically significant lower seepage of fluid (P = 0.017) was observed in the wingless group. Slippage was observed more with the winged group but was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Both clamps showed acceptable clinical performance. Their use should be planned as per the requisite of the case and the position of the tooth.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of calcium silicate and epoxy resinbased root canal sealers on postoperative pain in patients with primary endodontic lesion: A randomized clinical study.

Introduction: This study's objective was to assess and compare postoperative pain response between bioceramic sealer (Nishika BG) and epoxy resin based (AH Plus) in patients with primary endodontic lesion at time interval of 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Materials and Methods: The study included 40 individuals with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis. Calcium hydroxide was administered as the intracanal medication during the two-visit endodontic therapy. They were subsequently allocated randomly to either the AH Plus root canal sealer or the Nishika Canal Sealer BG, with a total of 20 participants in each group. Patients were told to use a VAS to rate their postoperative pain severity as none, minimal, moderate, or severe after 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days following obturation using the appropriate sealers. Results: Nishika Canal Sealer BG (CS-BG) has a lower pain score as compared to the AH Plus group at 24-h time point. VAS ratings for both the groups decreased over time. According to the intergroup analysis, there was a significant difference in postoperative pain at the 24 h (P = 0.022), but not at the 48 h or 7 days (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Although bioceramic sealer (Nishika Canal Sealer BG) resulted in significantly lower levels of pain as compared to epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus) at 24-h interval, there was no significant difference of postoperative pain at 48-h interval and 7-day period.

A 1-year comparative evaluation of clinical performance of conventional direct composite restoration technique with a novel "custom shield" technique in class I compound lesions - A randomized clinical study.

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the 1-year clinical performance of conventional direct composite restoration technique with a novel "custom shield" technique in class I compound lesions. Subjects and Methods: After ethical approval, 72 patients who signed the informed consent form participated in the study. They were divided into two groups - Group A: Conventional direct composite restoration (n = 36) and Group B: Composite restoration using custom shield technique (n = 36) by computer randomization. In Group A, composite restoration was performed by the incremental layering technique. In Group B, restoration was performed using a novel custom shield and occlusal stamp along with the incremental layering technique. Patients were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria by blinded evaluators for 1 year. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test and Friedman test using SPSS version 21.0. Results: A statistically significant difference was obtained for marginal adaptation (P = 0.024), retention (P = 0.23), surface texture, and anatomic form (P < 0.001), and time taken to perform the procedure for Group B was higher than Group A. Conclusion: Conventional composite restoration and custom shield technique can be successfully used in class I compound lesions with custom shield technique having a higher edge over the conventional technique.

Comparative evaluation of biodentine and endosequence root repair material as direct pulp capping material: A clinical study.

Aim: The study was designed to clinically evaluate biodentine and endosequence root repair material (ERRM) as direct pulp capping agent at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months intervals. Materials and Methods: Sixty permanent posterior teeth with deep caries, without any signs of irreversible pulpitis were allotted into two experimental groups: Group I -Biodentine, Group II-ERRM. Follow-up evaluations were done. Every 24 h for 7 days, the pain was assessed using visual analog scale. Statistical Analysis: Paired t-test along with Pearson's Chi-square test was performed. Results: The success rate of clinical assessment at 12 months for biodentine group is 78.60% and ERRM Group is 64.70%. Conclusion: Biodentine group performed superior than ERRM group clinically at all-time interval and hence it can be successfully used to restore exposed vital tooth.

Comparative evaluation of novel customized cushees during rubber dam isolation using self-designed evaluation criteria: A randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Rubber dam plays essential role in dentistry and various modifications have been done to improve patients acceptance and to eliminate the discomfort caused due to clamps. AIM: Clinical evaluation of efficacy and postoperative outcome of metal clamps with customized cushions and standard metal clamps during rubber dam isolation procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After institutional ethical approval and informed consent total 64 patients were randomly assigned in two groups. Group A - rubber dam metal clamp with customized cushees (n = 32), Group B - rubber dam with standard metal clamp (n = 32). After selection of appropriate clamp for Group A, Customized cushions were prepared and restoration was performed. The evaluation was done using self-designed assessment criteria which included postoperative pain, rubber dam slippage, trauma to gingival and adjacent tissues and sealing ability of both the groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square value was calculated with SPSS software version 18.0. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference between postoperative pain, rubber dam slippage, trauma to gingival tissues (P < 0.001) with reduced postoperative pain. CONCLUSION: Cushions have played significant role in reducing postoperative pain, trauma to the gingival tissue and slippage of rubber dam clamp compared to standard metal clamps.

An In vitro Comparison and Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Newly Introduced C-point System, Cold Lateral Condensation, and Thermoplasticized Gutta-Percha Obturating Technique: A Dye Extraction Study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare and to evaluate sealing ability of newly introduced C-point system, cold lateral condensation, and thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturating technique using a dye extraction method. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Sixty extracted maxillary central incisors were decoronated below the cementoenamel junction. Working length was established, and biomechanical preparation was done using K3 rotary files with standard irrigation protocol. Teeth were divided into three groups according to the obturation protocol; Group I-Cold lateral condensation, Group II-Thermoplasticized gutta-percha, and Group III-C-Point obturating system. After obturation all samples were subjected to microleakage assessment using dye extraction method. Obtained scores will be statistical analyzed using ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey's test. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference among the three groups with P value (0.000 < 0.05). Tukey's HSD post hoc tests for multiple comparisons test shows that the Group II and III perform significantly better than Group I. Group III performs better than Group II with no significant difference. CONCLUSION: All the obturating technique showed some degree of microleakage. Root canals filled with C-point system showed least microleakage followed by thermoplasticized obturating technique with no significant difference among them. C-point obturation system could be an alternative to the cold lateral condensation technique.

Evaluation of remaining dentin thickness and fracture resistance of conventional and conservative access and biomechanical preparation in molars using cone-beam computed tomography: An in vitro study.

AIM: The present study aimed to compare the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) and fracture resistance of conventional and conservative access and biomechanical preparation in molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 freshly extracted human molars were selected and were randomly divided into two groups of conventional and conservative access preparation group (n = 30). Samples were subjected to pre-CBCT scan at the pericervical region for the measurement of total dentin thickness. For the conventional group, samples were accessed and biomechanical preparation was done using K3 XF file. For conservative group, samples were accessed using CK microendodontic burs using a dental operating microscope and biomechanical preparation was done using self-adjusting file. After obturation and postobturation with nanohybrid composite restoration, samples of both groups were subjected to post-CBCT scan at pericervical region for the measurement of RDT. The samples were then loaded to fracture in the Instron Universal Testing Machine, and the data were analyzed using paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. RESULTS: The mean RDT was less in conventional group than conservative group. Pericervical dentin was preserved more in conservative group. The statistical difference among both the experimental group was highly significant (<0.001). The mean load at fracture was less in conventional group than conservative group (<0.001). CONCLUSION: Coronal dentin was conserved in molars when accessed through conservative than through conventional. The dentin conservation afforded an increased resistance to fracture in conservative group which is doubled the fracture resistance in conventional group.

Biocompatibility and sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine as root-end filling material: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review intended to compare the biocompatibility and sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and biodentine as root-end filling material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computerized literature search was performed on March 1, 2016, in MEDLINE, PubMed, and COCHRANE LIBRARY for data published from January 2011 to March 2016. Quality assessment of the selected studies was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, 2009. RESULTS: A total of 12 in vitro studies were included in this review. Of these, four studies compared the biocompatibility and eight compared the sealing ability. With regard to biocompatibility, two articles showed biodentine to be better and two showed comparable results, while in the case of sealing ability, one article showed MTA to be better, six articles showed biodentine to be better, and the rest one article showed the comparable result. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that good sealing ability of biodentine along with its favorable biological properties show that materials can be used competently in clinical practice as a retrograde filling material. However, long-term assessment in clinical situations is necessary for further inferences.

Comparison of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with nanohybrid, silorane, and fiber reinforced composite: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the most suitable restorative for badly mutilated endodontically treated teeth. AIMS: To evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars restored with conventional nanohybrid, silorane composite with glass fibers and newer fiber-reinforced composite in mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human maxillary premolars were selected. Fifteen intact teeth served as positive controls (Group 1). Endodontic therapy was done in the remaining 45 teeth. MOD cavities were prepared in all the teeth with standardized dimensions and were randomly divided into three groups (Group 2 - nanohybrid + glass fibers, Group 3 - silorane + glass fibers, and Group 4 - fiber-reinforced composite). Restorations were done for all groups. Fracture resistance was measured by Instron universal testing machine. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way anova test and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Highest fracture resistance was shown by intact teeth group followed by fiber-reinforced composite, nanohybrid, and silorane, respectively. Statistically Significant difference was revealed by anova test (P < 0.0001) and Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Among the experimental groups, fiber-reinforced composite showed the highest fracture resistance. Statistically significant difference was observed for all the groups.

Microleakage in Sub-Gingival Class II Preparations Restored Using Two Different Liners for Open Sandwich Technique Supplemented With or Without Ultrasonic Agitation: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Probability of bond failure at sub-gingival cavosurface margin is high in class II cavity designs especially when margins are located in cementum or dentin. Previous researches have proved ultrasonics to be a beneficial tool in improving the marginal adaptation of the restorative material. Therefore, the effect of ultrasonic activation of the lining material at the gingival cavosurface margin was tested in the present research. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the cervical micro-leakage in class II preparations with gingival margin located below cemento enamel junction and restored using open sandwich technique using two different liners and supplemented with or without ultrasonic agitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty recently extracted human molars were collected, disinfected and stored in 0.9% saline solution. Standar dized class II cavities were prepared with gingival margin located 1mm below the cemento-enamel junction. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=10) and restored using open sandwich technique as follows - Group A: Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement as liner and Beautifil II as coronal restoration; Group B: Same as group A supplemented with ultrasonic agitation; Group C: Beautifil Flow Plus as liner and Beautifil II as coronal restoration; Group D: Same as Group C supplemented with ultrasonic agitation. Prepared samples were subjected to thermo cycling, followed by immersing in 0.5% methylene blue dye solution. After 24 hours they were cleaned and sectioned in mesio-distal direction using diamond disc and evaluated for microleakage. Obtained scores were statistically analysed using one way ANOVA test and Post Hoc test. RESULTS: Group B showed least microleakage amongst all groups but the results were statistically insignificant (p value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Marginal adaptation of liner with ultrasonic activation was somewhat better however, the results were statistically insignificant.

One year comparative clinical evaluation of EQUIA with resin-modified glass ionomer and a nanohybrid composite in noncarious cervical lesions.

AIMS: Comparative evaluation of EQUIA with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC; GC Gold Label glass ionomer light cured universal restorative cement) and a nanohybrid composite (Tetric N-Ceram) in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). BACKGROUND: To establish the most suitable material for the restoration of NCCLs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: In vivo study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven NCCLs were randomly restored with EQUIA, a RMGIC, and a nanohybrid composite. Clinical evaluation of the restorations was done following the Unites States Public Health criteria by a single-blinded investigator. Data were formulated, and statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between EQUIA, RMGIC, and nanohybrid composite at 1-month, at 6 months, and at 1-year (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EQUIA, resin-modified glass ionomer, and nanohybrid composite performed equally at 1-month, 6 months, and 1-year follow-up periods.