Comparative Evaluation of Antifungal Efficacy of Five Root Canal Sealers against Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans: A Microbiological Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal efficacy of MTA Fillapex, Metapex, zinc oxide eugenol cement, Endomethasone, and Endoflas against Candida albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canal exudates of 30 patients were tested against MTA Fillapex (Angelus), Metapex (BioMed), zinc oxide eugenol (Deepak Enterprise), Endomethasone (Septodont), Endoflas FS (Sanlor Laboratories), MTA (Angelus) (positive control), and glycerine (negative control). Children with failed endodontic cases were included in the study. Tube dilution and agar diffusion methods were used to check the antifungal efficacy of the root canal sealers. In tube dilution method, 24-well culture plates containing freshly mixed material along with Candida albicans were used. Wells containing MTA (Angelus) along with Sabouraud dextrose agar and Candida albicans served as positive control while glycerine along with Sabouraud dextrose agar and Candida albicans served as negative control. All plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Growth of the fungi was monitored after 24 hours by the presence of the turbidity. The samples were recultured to test the experimental material using agar well diffusion method, and the Petri plates were incubated for 24 hours and 72 hours. Zone of inhibition was measured after respective time period. Paired t test was used for the data analysis. RESULTS: It was seen in tube dilution method Endomethasone showed least turbidity while maximum was shown by Metapex; similar results were seen in case of agar well diffusion method in which largest zone of inhibition was shown by Endomethasone while smallest was by Metapex. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Endomethasone showed maximum efficacy against Candida albicans as compared to Metapex. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Singh S, Srivastava B, Gupta K, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Antifungal Efficacy of Five Root Canal Sealers against Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans: A Microbiological Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(2):119-123.

Prevalence and Pattern of Hypomineralized Second Primary Molars in Children in Delhi-NCR.

BACKGROUND: Developmental defects of enamel especially enamel hypomineralization are prevalent among children. Hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM) present a serious clinical dilemma for the current practitioners. It represents as a potential predictive factor for molar incisal hypomineralization (MIH). The reported prevalence of HSPMs in India however still remains uncertain. METHODOLOGY: A total of 649 children aged 6-10 years were randomly selected from various schools in Delhi NCR. The teeth were indexed for developmental defects of enamel using modified European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry judgment criteria given by Ghanim et al. RESULTS: A total of 83 HSPMs were observed in 33 of the 649 subjects examined, with a prevalence of 5%. Molars affected had prevalence of 62.88%, with two deciduous molars being most commonly affected. Of the defects present, creamy white opacities were most common followed by yellowish brown opacities. Posteruptive breakdowns (PEB) were more commonly associated with yellowish brown opacities. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HSPMs in Delhi, NCR was 5%. Creamy white opacities were the most common lesion present. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Singh R, Srivastava B, Gupta N. Prevalence and Pattern of Hypomineralized Second Primary Molars in Children in Delhi-NCR. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(5):501-503.

A Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Four Different Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the mechanical properties (compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS)) of four different restorative materials: conventional glass ionomer (Fuji IX), ClearFil AP-X, Filtex Z350-XT, and Cention N. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens (n = 80) were prepared from Fuji IX, ClearFil AP-X, Filtex Z350-XT, and Cention N for testing compressive strength and DTS. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Results obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at significance (p < 0.001). RESULTS: There were significant differences among restorative materials tested. ClearFil AP-X exhibits the highest mechanical properties (CS and DTS) and least values were obtained by the Fuji IX. CONCLUSION: Strength is one of the most important criteria for the selection of a restorative material. Stronger materials better resist deformation and fracture, presenting more equitable stress distribution, greater probability, and greater stability of clinical success. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Iftikhar N, Devashish, et al. A Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Four Different Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(1):47-49.

Comparative Evaluation of Various Temperature Changes on Stress Distribution in Class II Mesial-occlusal-distal Preparation restored with Different Restorative Materials: A Finite Element Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The principal goal of dentistry is to maintain and improve the quality of life of the dental patients. As many of these objectives require the replacement or alterations of the existing tooth structure, the main challenge for centuries has been the development and selection of biocompatible materials that can withstand the unique conditions of the oral environment.Finite element analysis (FEA) is a modern technique of numerical stress analysis that has become a solution to the task of predicting failure due to unknown stresses by showing problem areas in a material and allowing designers to see all of theoretical stresses within. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the effect of various temperature changes on the stress distribution, in class II mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavity when restored with different restorative materials, using the finite element method (FEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using FEA, various thermal stresses generated in class II MOD lesion using different restorative materials were studied. RESULTS: The computer-generated models of intact tooth and teeth restored with the different restorative materials were designed, and thermal stress at different temperatures was observed when subjected to the thermal loads of 5°C, 20°C, 36°C, and 55°C. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that glass ionomer cement (GIC) performed best, followed by intact tooth, composite resin, silver amalgam, and zinc oxide eugenol cement. CONCLUSION: Restoration of class II MOD lesions with materials of lower modulus of elasticity and lower coefficient of thermal expansion will enable better stress distribution.How to cite this article: Srivastava B, Devi NN, Gupta N, Singh R. Comparative Evaluation of Various Temperature Changes on Stress Distribution in Class II Mesial-occlusal-distal Preparation restored with Different Restorative Materials: A Finite Element Analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(3):167-170.

Clinical outcomes of indirect composite restorations for grossly mutilated primary molars: a clinical observation.

This study was conducted to report the clinical outcomes and the parental and child satisfaction of onlays for restoring mutilated primary molars. Twenty subjects, ages 3-8 years, with the presence of at least 1 mutilated primary molar (≥3 carious surfaces and a carious surface area ≥3/4 of the occlusal surface) were recruited. This study assessed the clinical success, gingival health, and parent/child satisfaction of 28 indirect composite onlays. The onlays showed a 100% retention rate at 12 months follow-up and a marginal integrity of 96.43%. High rates of satisfactory Alpha ratings for color stability (92.86%), surface texture (92.86%), and anatomic form (100%), coupled with significant improvements in gingival health of the restored teeth (P < 0.05), were reported. Indirect composite onlays successfully restored anatomic form and function of the grossly decayed primary molars--with shorter chairside times--while satisfying the esthetic demands of the young pediatric patients.

Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Six Indian Plant Extracts against Streptococcus Mutans.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of six plant extracts of Indian origin often used as traditional medicine against standard strains of Streptococcus mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of six plant extracts was determined by the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the crude (raw), Organic solvent based, aqueous extracts was determined by the agar well diffusion method. RESULTS: Out of all the six extracts evaluated, organic solvent based and aqueous extracts of all the extracts were found to have variable antimicrobial activities against the oral pathogen. The crude extract of Garlic was the most effective against Streptococcus mutans with the highest zone of inhibition (24.62 mm) followed by the aqueous extract of Amla (19.47mm) and organic solvent based extract of Ginger (18.76 mm). CONCLUSION: Despite of the fact that the extracts were not pure compounds and antimicrobial results were obtained. This recommends the potency of these extracts. The figment of the derivation of antimicrobial compounds from plants seems lucrative as it will lead to the development of a phytomedicine to act against microbes.

Acceptability and Efficacy of Commercial Oral Preparation of Midazolam for brief Painful Procedure: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial.

AIM: To compare the acceptability and efficacy of orally administered commercially available midazolam syrup and injection midazolam mixed in honey for performing venepuncture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 40 anxious and healthy 2 to 6 years olds. All subjects received either syrup midazolam or injection midazolam mixed in honey (0.5 mg/kg) per orally, prior to venepuncture as per their group assignment. Primary outcome measures in this trial was acceptability of midazolam. Secondary outcome measures included sedation depth, success of venepuncture, observer and parental satisfaction and parental perception of child's pain. RESULTS: Although the acceptability of syrup midazolam (95%) was higher than injection midazolam (80%), there was no significant difference among two groups with respect to any primary or secondary outcome (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Syrup midazolam can serve as a suitable alternative to injection midazolam; thus, eliminating the procedural steps of mixing injection midazolam with any vehicle. How to cite this article: Srivastava B, Mittal N, Mittal P. Acceptability and Efficacy of Commercial Oral Preparation of Midazolam for brief Painful Procedure: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(3):153-156.

Comparative Evaluation of Oral Candida albicans Carriage in Children with and without Dental Caries: A Microbiological in vivo Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the presence of Candida albicans in extensive carious lesions before and after treatment of the carious lesions and to evaluate the carriage of Candida albicans in children with and without caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 childrens who were divided into two groups: Experimental group (group 1) and controlled group (group 2). Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups according to the dentition as: Group A (Deciduous), group B (Mixed) and group C (Permanent). Swab samples for mycological studies were collected from the dorsum of the tongue, vestibular sulcus and peak of the palatal vault. All samples were cultured directly on SDA plate (Sabouraud's dextrose agar). Number of Candida colonies was determined by counting colony forming unit on SDA plates. Further identification of Candida albicans was done by germ-tube test and corn-meal agar. RESULT: Overall prevalence of Candida albicans carriage was significantly higher and mean value of Candida albicans CFU (colony forming unit) was remarkably higher in group 1 (experimental group) as compare to group 2 (control group). Significant reduction in the frequency and mean value of Candida albicans CFU/plate was seen in children after treatment of carious lesions. CONCLUSION: This study supports the active role of Candida species in dental caries. Hence, Candida albicans may play an important role as a risk factor for dental caries. It was also seen that the oral environment stabilization procedures were able to reduce Candida albicans counts. Thus, these procedures can be considered efficient in the reduction of caries risk. How to cite this article: Srivastava B, Bhatia HP, Chaudhary V, Aggarwal A, Singh AK, Gupta N. Comparative Evaluation of Oral Candida albicans Carriage in Children with and without Dental Caries: A Microbiological in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(2):108-112.