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Background: Numerous studies have explored the correlation of periodontal disease (PD) with the risk of lung cancers, but the findings were inconsistent. Therefore, we did a meta-analysis to ascertain the correlation of PD with the risk of incident lung cancer. Methods: The authors searched relevant studies in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE) till November 2020. We registered the study at the International database of Prospectively Registered Systemic Reviews under the CRD42020198119. The summary relative risk (RR) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using fixed-effects models. Results: Twelve studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The pooled analysis revealed that PD was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (RR 1.71; 95%CI 1.61–1.81; P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis was performed based on gender distribution, geographic location, and type of studies. Conclusion: From this current evidence, PD is a potential risk factor for the development of lung cancer. The risk for incidence of lung cancer is surged twice in the patients with PD, even though age and smoking are controlled in the studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial action of calcium hydroxide relies on maintenance of high pH over a period of time. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of calcium hydroxide to retain alkalinity over extended periods in combination with different vehicles. Two grams of calcium hydroxide powder was mixed with three vehicles; Group 1: Distilled water, pH-7.9, Group 2: Lidocaine, pH-4.7, Group 3: Alkaline water, pH-11.8. The pH of pastes was measured utilizing the Ex-Stik pH meter to observe decay over 28 days. Testing was done over five intervals: Day 1, 7, 14, 21, 28. The pH meter was thoroughly washed with deionized water and wiped dry between readings. Measurements were repeated three times for each specimen, and mean values were calculated. All samples were stored in closed vials in 37°C incubation to eliminate temperature variations until the time of measurement. Statistical evaluations of results were performed with Students t-test. Results demonstrated a statistically significant difference, with pH being greater in Group 3 at all times, even at 28 days, maintaining an average pH of 12.20. Calcium hydroxide powder, when mixed with alkaline water, helps maintain an alkaline pH, enhancing disinfection and preventing postoperative flare-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In an oval-shaped canal, no single instrumentation systems were effective in absolute removing obturation. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR) system, XP-endo Shaper (XPS), XP-endo Finisher (XPF), and XP-endo Finisher-R (XPF-R) in removing root-canal filling material and preservation of sound dentin during retreatment procedure. Methodology: Root-canal preparation was performed on 60 mandibular premolars with oval-shaped canals using the ProTaper Gold file system. Preobturation scans were performed to measure canal volume of the canal and recorded. Obturation was performed and the samples were randomly assigned into four groups according to the retreatment protocol used (n = 15): H-file, PTUR files, PTUR followed by XPF file, and XPS supplemented with XPF-R file. After retreatment, the specimens were re-scanned and volumetric analysis of remaining root filling material, volume of the canal space were measured using EZ-3Di Software Version 5.0.0.2. All the data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test with a significance of 5%. Results: XPS + XPF-R showed promising results in the removal of obturating material and preservation of root dentin than any other group. The difference is statistically significant. Conclusion: XPS + XPF-R removed gutta-percha more significantly without sacrificing the sound dentin along with instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]