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Aim: This study was conducted to estimate and correlate salivary thiocyanate (SCN) levels in periodontally healthy subjects, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka-chewers with chronic periodontitis. Methodology: The study population consisted of 40 systemically healthy subjects in the age group of 18-55 years that was further divided into four groups: Control, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka-chewers with chronic periodontitis. Gingival index (GI) (Loe and Silness-1963), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss was assessed. Estimation of SCN was performed by ultraviolet spectrophotometer at 447 nm wavelength. Statistical analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVAs Welch test and Pearson′s correlation test using SPSS version 17 software. Results: Results showed statistically significant increase in SCN levels in smokers as compared to gutka-chewers with chronic periodontitis, control, and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis subjects. Significantly higher PD and loss of attachment were seen in smokers group compared with other groups. A negative correlation observed between the GI and thiocyanate levels. Conclusion: The present study revealed a significant increase in SCN levels in smokers with periodontitis as compared to nonsmokers.

Context: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a commonly encountered problem. Several products are used in management of DH with varying results. Need is felt in dentistry for a material that chemically reacts, physically occludes and adheres intimately to dentinal tubules to reduce the possibility of its recurrence. One such material is calcium sodium phosphosilicate-Novamin®. Aim: To evaluate an efficacy of a 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Novamin® SHY NMTM) containing dentifrice compared to placebo for the relief of DH. Settings and Design: Outpatients visiting Dept of Periodontics, Yenepoya Dental College with DH were deemed eligible for this case-control clinical trial after an informed consent. Materials and Methods: 30 patients having at least 2 sensitive teeth with a VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) of >3 cm after air blast stimulation, qualified to participate in the study. Test (SHY NMTM toothpaste containing 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate) and control (Pepsodent toothpaste without a desensitizing agent) groups, each containing 15 participants, were subjected to cold water and air blast stimulation for an assessment of DH at baseline, 6th and 8th week using VAS. Statistical analysis used: Unpaired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: 5% Novamin® containing dentifrice significantly reduced DH within 6th and 8th week of usage when compared to a placebo dentifrice. Conclusions: A Novamin® containing dentifrice significantly reduced DH when compared to a placebo dentifrice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accuracy in fit of cast metal restoration has always remained as one of the primary factors in determining the success of the restoration. A well-fitting restoration needs to be accurate both along its margin and with regard to its internal surface. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the marginal fit of metal ceramic crowns obtained by conventional inlay casting wax pattern using conventional impression with the metal ceramic crowns obtained by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique using direct and indirect optical scanning. Materials and Methods: This in vitro study on preformed custom-made stainless steel models with former assembly that resembles prepared tooth surfaces of standardized dimensions comprised three groups: the first group included ten samples of metal ceramic crowns fabricated with conventional technique, the second group included CAD/CAM-milled direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) crowns using indirect scanning, and the third group included DMLS crowns fabricated by direct scanning of the stainless steel model. The vertical marginal gap and the internal gap were evaluated with the stereomicroscope (Zoomstar 4); post hoc Turkey's test was used for statistical analysis. One-way analysis of variance method was used to compare the mean values. Results and Conclusion: Metal ceramic crowns obtained from direct optical scanning showed the least marginal and internal gap when compared to the castings obtained from inlay casting wax and indirect optical scanning. Indirect and direct optical scanning had yielded results within clinically acceptable range.