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Aim: Lack of unanimity in decision-making regarding the management of deep caries and exposed pulp has been highlighted by several questionnaire-based studies from various geographic regions. There is no research available in the Indian setting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the perspectives of the Indian Endodontic Society and Indian Association of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics members using an online questionnaire. Methods: An online structured questionnaire of 17 questions was mailed to 200 members based on the periapical radiographs of two cases (18 and 55 years of age) highlighting deep carious lesions and normal periapex in a mandibular molar. Each case had three hypothetical scenarios based on pulpal symptoms, i.e., asymptomatic pulp, reversible, and irreversible pulpitis, respectively. Results: A response rate of 65.5% (n = 131) was achieved. Nonselective caries removal was chosen by 40% and 36% of the participants in young patients with asymptomatic pulp and reversible pulpitis. On pulpal exposure, direct pulp capping was chosen by a majority of the members (66% and 54%, respectively) in a young patient. For irreversible pulpitis, pulpectomy was favored by 70%. In an older patient, less vital pulp therapy and more pulpectomy were preferred. The symptoms and patient age significantly altered treatment decisions, as determined by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a lack of agreement in managing deep carious lesions. There was partial awareness of the management of exposed pulp.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the shape, size, symmetry, and location of mental foramen (MF) in relation to mandibular dental and skeletal landmarks using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed on 135 CBCT images of 74 males (mean age 36.16 ± 13.49 years) and 61 females (mean age 37.13 ± 13.53 years). Two independent observers performed the morphometric measurements of MF using CBCT images using Invivo software. Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test were employed to evaluate the gender differences. A comparison of categorical data was performed using Chi-square test. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics were used to assess interobserver reliability. Results: The most common horizontal and vertical location of MF was the long axis of the second premolars (52.2%) and below the bicuspid root apices (70%), respectively. The most common shape was round (56.6%). Significant gender differences were observed for the MF size (mean width 0.35 mm larger in males), the distance of MF to lower border of mandible (16.10 ± 1.77 mm in males and 14.81 ± 1.48 mm in females), and MF to pogonion (28 ± 2.13 mm in males and 26.62 ± 1.98 mm in females). The horizontal and vertical locations were bilaterally symmetrical in 67.4% and 79.26% of subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Right and left sides of the mandible require separate evaluations since there are differences in the location of the MF on each side. Gender differences were observed in location of MF in the relation to skeletal landmarks. Nevertheless, skeletal landmarks are reliable for locating the MF.

Introduction: Evidence-based endodontics improves patient care by combining clinical competence, research, and patient values. This review critically assessed scientific studies at an Indian national endodontic conference. Materials and Methods: Scientific research papers presented at the 30th National Endodontic Conference of the Indian Endodontic Society 2022 were categorized according to the area of interest and the level of evidence. Cuzick's test for trend was utilized to compare the level of evidence of the abstracts at the National Endodontic Conference (n = 396) and those published from the 20th European Society of Endodontology Biennial Congress 2022 (n = 91). Results: Endodontics (n = 265, 64.6%) was the most examined domain, followed by diagnosis (n = 49, 12.4%), restorative dentistry (n = 46, 11.6%), and miscellaneous (n = 45; 11.6%). Root canal disinfection (n = 64, 16.1%) was the most prevalent subcategory, followed by endodontic instruments and apparatus (n = 40, 10.1%) and restorations (n = 36, 9%). Laboratory and animal (nonhuman) studies dominated the national conference abstracts (n = 219, 55.3%), followed by level VI (n = 108; 27.2%), level III (n = 40; 10.1%), and level II (n = 23, 5.9%). There was no significant difference between the national and international conference levels of evidence (P = 0.318). Discussion: National and international conferences lack laboratory-to-clinical translation. Researchers must do high-quality, relevant, nonredundant evidence-based research. Conclusion: New studies should use evidence-based research to efficiently address valid research questions and provide predictable and high-quality patient treatment.

Context: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is declared as a global pandemic by the WHO. Due to lack of proper vaccine, social distancing and restriction of movement in the form of“lockdown” have been implemented to curb the spread. This has crippled dental care in the country. Aims: The aim of this article is to highlight the management of endodontic emergencies during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. Settings and Design: Retrospective analysis of patient's data at a tertiary care center Materials and Methods: The data of 247 patients referred to the specialty clinic between March 23 and May 31, 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. COVID-19 risk assessment was performed for all the patients. Based on the diagnosis, the cases were classified as emergency, urgent, or nonemergency. The endodontic intervention was performed for all the emergency cases. Minimally invasive dentistry and pharmacotherapy were provided for urgent and nonemergency cases. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients presented with true endodontic emergencies (symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with or without apical periodontitis [80%], pulp necrosis and acute apical abscess [18%] or traumatic dental injury [2%]). About 82% of the emergency cases were managed by nonsurgical endodontic therapy, and vital pulp therapy was performed in 15.4% of the cases. Conclusions: Management of most of the endodontic emergencies required the use of aerosol-generating procedures. Irreversible pulpitis was the most common cause for the patients seeking emergency endodontic treatment.