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Aim The aim of this in vitro study was to estimate the penetration depth and fracture resistance of three different sealers and to verify the relationship between the penetration depth and fracture resistance. Materials and methods Sixty single-rooted teeth were selected and root canal preparation was done. After the instrumentation, the teeth were divided into three groups of 20 each. The groups were then obturated with gutta-percha (GP)-AH Plus sealer, Resilon-Real Seal, and propoint-bioceramic sealers, respectively. Ten teeth from each group were sectioned at three different regions (i.e., coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal) and were viewed under a confocal microscope to determine the penetration depth of the sealer. The remaining samples were subjected to fracture resistance under a universal testing machine and the statistical analysis was done by using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests. Results Propoint-bioceramic group showed the highest fracture resistance values followed by GP-AH Plus sealer and Resilon-Real seal groups with no significant difference noticed between them. Depth of penetration was greater for GP-AH Plus sealer, propoint-bioceramic, with no significant difference followed by the Resilon-Real seal group. Conclusion The newer obturating material propoint-bioceramic group showed a greater fracture resistance. No correlation could be established between the depth of sealer penetration and fracture resistance. Clinical significance Fracture resistance of tooth obturated with propoint-bioceramic sealer combination is significantly greater than GP-AH Plus and Resilon-Real seal combination, thereby showing propoint-bioceramic as a promising obturating material.

Background: The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 is a highly infectious disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of Corona Virus Diseases (COVID 19) as a global public health emergency. Currently, research on novel coronaviruses is still in the primary stage. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to assess knowledge and awareness on the usage of mouth masks among dental fraternity during this pandemic COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A total of 507 dentists from the Andhra Pradesh (India) region completed a questionnaire-based survey on knowledge, awareness, and infection control measures, such as usage of mouth masks during the pandemic COVID -19. The questionnaire was tailored from the guidance and the information provided for healthcare workers issued by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A suitable sampling method was used for the collection of data, and the distribution of responses was presented as percentages. Explanatory statistics were performed for all groups based on the percentage of correct responses. Results: A total of 530 participated in the survey, out of which 507 dentists completely answered the survey, and the response rate was 95.6%. Among the respondents, general practitioners and postgraduates accounted for 58.8% and 41.2%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference for all the questions solicited among the respondents. General or private practitioners seem to be more aware than postgraduates, as they have answered correctly (>65%) for almost all the questions. Conclusion: The inputs from the study help us to throw some light and fill up space where required. There is a specific and strong need to implement periodic educational programmes and training sessions on infection control practices for COVID-19 among dentists in particular.

Objective: To assess the awareness of periodontal disease, its treatment modalities and its possible association with systemic diseases/conditions, in medical students. Materials and Methods: A customized questionnaire was designed for circulating among medical students (Interns & post-graduates) of colleges in Andhra Pradesh and the data collected was analyzed. Results: 493 medical students responded to the survey. Of these, a significant number understood that there could be a probable link between periodontal disease and systemic illness/conditions, role of smoking in periodontal disease as well as the treatment modalities of this disease. Conclusion: The medical students surveyed demonstrated a moderate knowledge of periodontal disease, and its role in the etiology and progression of systemic diseases. Key Messages: To Evaluate the awareness of significance of periodontal health and disease in medical students. Results demonstrate a moderate knowledge of periodontal disease in medical students. Keywords: Survey, Periodontal medicine, Questionnaire.

Pneumonia triggered by novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China in December 2019 is a extremely contagious disease. The WHO has stated the outbreak of Covid 19(Corona virus) as a pandemic issue. Currently, the research on this virus is in its primary stage. Based on the existing and available data, this is to enlighten on the epidemiology, its clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COVID-19. This review is for the public to effectively recognize and fight with the 2019 novel coronavirus and providing a spark for future studies.

Introduction: Reattachment of fractured tooth fragment is the contemporary minimal intervention concept. Aim: To compare the fracture resistance of three reattachment techniques in fractured endodontically treated incisors. Materials and Methods: Eighty maxillary central incisors were divided into four groups (n=20 each), where group A samples served as control. Remaining (n=60) crowns were sectioned experimentally, and after root canal treatment, in group B reattachment was done by placing palatal grooves and overcontouring. In group C, teeth were reattached by placing glass fiber posts and in group D, titanium posts were used. After thermocycling, fracture resistance evaluation was done by using universal testing machine and mode of failure was analysed under stereomicroscope. Statistical Analysis: The force required to fracture the tooth recorded in newtons was subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple post-hoc test with a level of significance ?=0.05. Results: Reattachment with titanium post reinforcement has shown higher fracture resistance, whereas palatal grooves with over-contouring has exhibited lowest resistance to fracture (p= Conclusion: Reinforcement with titanium posts can significantly improve the fracture strength of reattached teeth and results in a favourable fracture mode. Keywords: Fiber posts, Reattachment, Super bond C& B, Titanium posts.

The background of this study was to improve the longevity of a restoration and optimal adaptation of restorative material to the prepared cavity walls is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the interfacial adaptation of Activa, Micron, and Predicta bulk bioactive restorative materials to coronal dentin using micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis.In thisThe interfacial gap percentages were lowest for Predicta bioactive and highest for the Micron group (Predicta bioactive followed by Activa bioactive has shown superior interfacial adaptation, whereas Micron bioactive demonstrated maximum microgaps compared to nanohybrid composite. Artificial aging with TMC has a negative influence on the internal adaptation of all tested materials.

To assess and compare the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth when the retrograde preparations were restored either with Biodentine or Endosequence BC RRM Fast set putty or Geristore.One hundred and twenty human mandibular premolars were used and allocated randomly into five groups (n=24 each). Following conventional root canal treatment, and apical root resection, retrograde cavities of 3 mm were prepared using ultrasonic tips. Group 1 (intact, sound teeth), Group 2 (without rootend filling), Groups 3, 4 and 5were allocated for Biodentine, Endosequence BC RRM putty, and Geristore respectively. Thermo-mechanical cyclic loading (TMC) was performed for one section of samples in each group (n=12 each) following which immediate and after TMC fracture resistance was evaluated using the Instron machine. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple post-hoc procedures was used for data analysis.Intact teeth had shown the highest fracture strength values than all other four groups (P0.05) and resected roots without root-end filling group exhibited the lowest resistance to fracture. Amongst the test groups, Endosequence BC RRM putty displayed improved fracture strength, and Geristore exhibited the least resistance to fracture. Fracture strength values were not statistically different among Endosequence fast set putty and Biodentine group samples immediately and after thermo-mechanical cyclic loading (P=0.5987 and 0.9999 respectively). The fracture strength was notsignificantly different between Geristore and without root-end filling groups (P=0.3530).Endodontically treated teeth with Endosequence BC RRM putty or Biodentine root-end filled teeth had shown better fracture resistance compared to Geristore. Retrofilling with Geristore was not able to improve fracture strength of root canal-treated teeth.

Background To obtain prolonged clinical success with composite restorations, better bonding of resin to the tooth substrate is crucial. Aim The study was aimed to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of bulk-fill composite resin restorations when bonded to a cavity previously restored with amalgam, comparing with that of freshly prepared dentin. Materials and method Mesio-occlusal cavity preparations were done on 80 extracted human mandibular molars with a buccolingual width of 4 mm and a 1.5 mm axial depth by placing the gingival seat 0.5 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and were restored with fine-grain amalgam alloy. After thermocycling, the amalgam restorations were removed. Disto-occlusal cavities with similar dimensions of mesial cavities were prepared, and both the proximal surfaces were filled with bulk-fill composite using either etch-and-rinse or self-etch adhesives. Following thermomechanical cyclic loading, all the teeth were sectioned for µTBS testing. Bond strength data expressed in megapascals (MPa) were subjected to statistical analyses using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple post-hoc tests. Results The total-etch adhesive exhibited statistically higher bond strength values to both dentin substrates compared to self-etch adhesives (p

Nosocomial infections are responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide every year which occur mainly because of virus exposure. One of such kind of infectious disease that has recently caused an outbreak is COVID-19 and a novel corona virus was its causative agent. It was declared as pandemic and emergency of international concern by WHO. Among the health care professions, dentistry has high risk of microbial infections either by direct/indirect contact or by atmospheric transmission. In order to limit the effects of virus diffusion infection control is an important step. Data was collected from electronic databases like PubMed, Medline, Scopus by entering the key words and all the relevant articles were collected and reviewed. The present review highlights the importance of preventing the virus transmission by possible methods of infection control procedures which should be followed during every step of a treatment procedure in a clinical practice.

Background: Posttreatment endodontic pain has been reported in 25%–40% of all endodontic patients. Effective management of endodontic pain represents a continuing challenge. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of preoperative single dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, piroxicam (20 mg), with two types of corticosteroid drugs – dexamethasone (4 mg) or deflazacort (30 mg) – for the prevention and control of postendodontic pain. Materials and Methods: A total of 132 volunteers selected for nonsurgical root canal therapy were randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 30 each) according to preoperative medication given: Group 1, piroxicam (20 mg); Group 2, dexamethasone (4 mg); Group 3, deflazacort (30 mg); and Group 4, placebo. The preoperative medications were administrated 1 h before the start of standard endodontic treatment. Patients were instructed to complete a pain diary using Visual Analog Scale preoperatively and at 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, and 72-h intervals after root canal instrumentation. Statistical Analysis: The correlation between preoperative endodontic pain to postoperative pain and pair-wise comparison of four groups was evaluated by Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance test followed by Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Compared to the placebo group, piroxicam, dexamethasone, and deflazacort resulted in a statistically significant reduction in postendodontic pain at 6, 12, and 24 h (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative single oral dose of piroxicam or dexamethasone or deflazacort is equally effective in controlling postendodontic pain.

Background To evaluate the incidence of dentinal microcracks formation after root canal shaping procedures with HyFlex EDM and Vortex Blue rotary systems comparing with that of hand instrumentation using micro-computed tomography. Material and methods Mandibular first molar teeth (n=60) having 50 to 200mesial root curvature were scanned using high resolution micro-CT imaging before root canal preparation to identify the presence of dentinal defects. Post-instrumentation cross-sectional images were taken and increased number and type of root defects were assessed and recorded. The data was statistically analysed by using chi-square test and McNemar's test at a significance level of 5%. Results HyFlex EDM has shown greater increase in post instrumentation dentinal defects. Both rotary systems exhibited increased dentinal defects formation at coronal, middle regions which is statistically significant (P=0.042) when compared to apical region. Conclusions HyFlex EDM has shown greater increase in post instrumentation dentinal defects followed by Vortex Blue rotary system and hand instrumentation resulted minimal defects. Key words:Craze lines, dentinal microcracks, micro-computed tomography, nickel-titanium files, root canal preparation.

Background To facilitate the easier placement of direct resin composite in deeper cavities, bulk fill composites have been introduced. The Mechanical stability of fillings in stress bearing areas restored with bulk-fill resin composites is still open to question, since long term clinical studies are not available so far. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the microtensile bond strength of three bulk-fill restorative composites with a nanohybrid composite. Material and Methods Class I cavities were prepared on sixty extracted mandibular molars. Teeth were divided into 4 groups (n= 15 each) and in group I, the prepared cavities were restored with nanohybrid (Filtek Z250 XT) restorative composite in an incremental manner. In group II, III and IV, the bulk-fill composites (Filtek, Tetric EvoCeram, X-tra fil bulk-fill restoratives) were placed as a 4 mm single increment and light cured. The restored teeth were subjected to thermocycling and bond strength testing was done using instron testing machine. The mode of failure was assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The bond strength values obtained in megapascals (MPa) were subjected to statistical analysis, using SPSS/PC version 20 software.One-way ANOVA was used for groupwise comparison of the bond strength. Tukey’s Post Hoc test was used for pairwise comparisons among the groups. Results The highest mean bond strength was achieved with Filtek bulk-fill restorative showing statistically significant difference with Tetric EvoCeram bulk-fill (p< 0.003) and X-tra fil bulk-fill (p

Introduction: Infiltration of early enamel lesions by materials having remineralizing capacity seems to improve aesthetics and arrests caries progression. Aim: To evaluate and compare the surface microhardness and penetration depth of a low viscosity resin and colloidal silica nanoparticle infiltrates into artificially created white spot lesions. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted human central incisors were embedded in acrylic resin blocks exposing the labial surfaces of the crowns. The specimens were immersed in demineralizing solution for 96 hours to create white spot lesions on labial surfaces. The samples were then divided into two groups (n=20 each), where in Group 1-resin infiltration (ICON DMG, Hamburg, Germany) and Group 2-colloidal silica infiltration (Arrow Fine chemicals, Rajkot, Gujarat, India) was done. Samples were subjected to vicker’s microhardness testing at baseline, after demineralization and after treatment with resin or colloidal silica infiltrates. Then, the crowns were sectioned longitudinally and penetration depth of the infiltrants was measured using confocal laser scanning microscope and compared the readings to lesion depth. All the collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using t-test. Results: Resin infiltration group showed significantly greater increase in microhardness compared to colloidal silica infiltration (p=0.001). The percentage of penetration of the resin group was 67.14% and that of colloidal silica group was 54.53% indicating significant difference between the two. Conclusion: Resin infiltrates performed better in regaining the baseline microhardness and penetrating deep into the porous white spot lesions, when compared to colloidal silica infiltrates.