Dental Research Journal
Volume:10 Issue: 4, Jul 2013

Materials used in the body, especially the materials used in various oral cavity regions should be stable and passive without any interactions with the body tissues or fluids. Dental amalgam, c omposite resins and dental cements are the materials of choice with such properties. The first attempts to produce active materials, which could interact with the human body tissues and fluids were prompted by the concept that fluoride-releasing materials exert useful effects in the body. The concept of using the “smart” materials in dentistry has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Conventional glass-ionomer (GI) cements have a large number of applications in dentistry. They are biocompatible with the dental pulp to some extent. GI is predominantly used as cements in dentistry; however, they have some disadvantages, the most important of which is lack of adequate strength and toughness. In an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of the conventional GI, resin-modified glass-ionomers have been marketed, with hydrophilic monomers, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylated (HEMA). Some recent studies have evaluated GI with bioactive glass in its structure to validate the claims that such a combination will improve tooth bioactivity, regeneration capacity and restoration. There is ever-increasing interest in the application of bioactive materials in the dental field in an attempt to remineralize affected dentin. The aim of this review article is to evaluate these materials and their characteristics and applications.

In today’s scenario, medical and dental professionals face a mammoth task while treating perplexing medical situations like organ failure or tissue loss. Though, different strategies exist to replace them, but ideal one is the same natural tissue or organ. In this aspect, stem cells have emerged in a promising way to provide an ideal replacement. There are different types of stem cells starting from the embryonic stage referred to as human embryonic stem cells to adult stem cells. Though in dentistry stem cell research is lagging as compared to the medical field but still a lot progress has been achieved in recent years. The stem cells have been isolated from dental pulp, human exfoliated deciduous teeth, and apical papilla and so on. These stem cells have provided exciting results like dentin-pulp regeneration, periodontal regeneration but ambiguity still prevails. As a result, much has to be further researched before its clinical application becomes a reality. Hence, these stem cells opened a new avenue in the field of regenerative dentistry.

Oral cancer is a common neoplasm world-wide. The incidence and mortality have increased over the past decades. It is characterized by poor prognosis and a low survival rate despite sophisticated surgical and radiotherapeutic modalities. Galectins are detected in a wide variety of tissues. The expression of galectins is modulated during the differentiation of individual cells and during the development of organisms and tissues, being altered in different physiological or pathological conditions including, carcinogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the role of galectins during the malignant transformation of oral cells, in order to understand their mechanisms of the action in a several cellular activities and test systems. Certainly, such information will contribute for understanding oral cancer pathogenesis.

Considering the role of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, the present study is to estimate the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in periodontal health, disease and to evaluate the effect of periodontal therapy on MMP-3 and TIMP-1 concentrations in GCF. A periodontal examination and collection of GCF by extra-crevicular method was performed in 30 subjects selected randomly and categorized into 3 groups. Group I consists of 10 subjects Group II consists of 20 patients and Group III consists of 20 patients of Group II. Non surgical periodontal therapy was performed, and GCF was collected after 8 weeks from the same site of 20 chronic periodontitis patients who are considered as Group III. MMP- 3 and TIMP-1 levels were estimated in GCF-samples by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The findings were analyzed using the software and descriptive statistical methods such as Mann- Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. P value < 0.001 was considered significant. MMP-3 and TIMP-1 was detected in all samples. Highest mean MMP-3 concentrations in GCF were obtained for Group II (7.490 ng/ml) while the lowest concentrations were seen in Group I (0.344 ng/ml) and Group III (2.129 ng/ml). This suggests that MMP-3 levels in GCF increases proportionally with the progression of periodontal disease and decreases after treatment. Lowest mean TIMP-1 concentrations in GCF were obtained for Group-II (1.592 ng/ml), while the highest concentrations were seen in Group-I (8.78 ng/ml) and Group-III (6.40 ng/ml). This suggests that TIMP-1 levels in GCF decreases proportionally with progression of periodontal disease and increases after treatment. There is a substantial increase in the concentrations of MMP-3 and decrease in TIMP-1 as periodontal disease progress. Since MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels in GCF are positively correlated with gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 may be considered as a “Novel Biomarkers” in periodontal disease. However, controlled, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this possibility.

One of the causative factors in development of dental caries is microorganisms. Two species of Mutans streptococci including Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are associated with dental caries in human beings. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in saliva of children with different caries activity and ability to form biofilm and acid susceptibility of these microorganisms. This analytical case-control study was performed on 83 preschool children, 4-6 years old. Children were divided into two groups including 41 caries-active and 42 caries-free children. Non-stimulated saliva samples were collected and culture and polymerase chain reaction techniques were used. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, Chi-square, ANOVA, and Kappa tests. S. mutans and S. sobrinus were found in 65% and 21.6% of the samples respectively. S. mutans was isolated from 75.6% of caries-active and 54.8% of caries-free children. Figures for S. sobrinus were 29.2% and 14.3% respectively. Acid susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from saliva was 87.43 in caries-active children and 94.30 for caries-free children. Biofilm formation of microorganisms in caries-active and caries-free children was 0.77 and 0.73, respectively. Frequency of S. mutans in caries-active children was significantly higher than cariesfree children, but the difference in frequency of S. sobrinus was not significant. Acid susceptibility of microorganisms in caries-active children was significantly lower, but the ability to form biofilm was not significantly different in two groups.

To assess the status of occupational hazards and their prevention among the practicing dentists in Chandigarh city, India. A closed-ended questionnaire was prepared to record demographic status, types of occupational hazards encountered, and status of measures used for their prevention. A total 113 out of 130 dentists completed the questionnaire and the response rate was 86.9%. Frequency tables were prepared and coefficient of correlation was computed to check correlation between different variables. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The most common occupational hazard reported was injury from “sharps” (77%), out of which needle prick injury was the most frequent. Of the other occupational problems job related stress (43.3%), musculoskeletal problems (39.8%), and allergies (23.8%) from things used in dental clinics were most common. A reasonably high percentage of dentists were immunized against hepatitis-B virus (88.4%) and were following proper infection control measures and hospital waste disposal methods. Very few dentists were following the correct method of disposal of excess amalgam (11%) and measurement of radiation exposure (27.5%) within their clinic. Most of them (90.2%) were satisfied with their current working hours and job. Prevalence of occupational hazards among the studied group was high and certain preventive measures were not being followed properly. Therefore, there is a need to improve the knowledge of dentists regarding these hazards and their prevention.

The most important limitation of glass ionomer cements (GICs) is the weak mechanical properties. Our previous research showed that higher mechanical properties could be achieved by addition of forsterite (Mg2SiO4) nanoparticles to ceramic part of GIC. The objective of the present study was to fabricate a glass ionomer- Mg2SiO4 nanocomposite and to evaluate the effect of addition of Mg2SiO4 nanoparticles on bioactivity and fluoride release behavior of prepared nanocomposite. Forsterite nanoparticles were made by sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used in order to phase structure characterization and determination of grain size of Mg2SiO4 nanopowder. Nanocomposite was fabricated via adding 3wt.% of Mg2SiO4 nanoparticles to ceramic part of commercial GIC (Fuji II GC). Fluoride ion release and bioactivity of nanocomposite were measured using the artificial saliva and simulated body fluid (SBF), respectively. Bioactivity of specimens was investigated by Fourier transitioned-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and registration of the changes in pH of soaking solution at the soaking period. Statistical analysis was carried out by one Way analysis of variance and differences were considered significant if P < 0.05. The results of XRD analysis confirmed that nanocrystalline and pure Mg2SiO4 powder was obtained. Fluoride ion release evaluation showed that the values of released fluoride ions from nanocomposite are somewhat less than Fuji II GC. SEM images, pH changes of the SBF and results of the ICP-OES and FTIR tests confirmed the bioactivity of the nanocomposite. Statistical analysis showed that the differences between the results of all groups were significant (P < 0.05). Glass ionomer- Mg2SiO4 nanocomposite could be a good candidate for dentistry and orthopedic applications, through of desirable fluoride ion release and bioactivity.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the bone density of various regions of jaws and skeletal bones. A total of 110 patients with a mean age of 55.01 ± 10.77 years were selected for the purpose of the present descriptive study. Dual X-ray Energy Absorptiometry (DXA) was carried out to determine bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur and lumbar vertebrae. Then all the subjects underwent DXA of the jaw bones and BMD values were determined at four jaw regions. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 statistical software, and the correlation between the various BMD values was determined by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results showed that 42.7% of females had normal BMD values in the femur, and in vertebrae, 20% were osteopenic and 37.3% suffered from osteoporosis, with statistically significant differences in the BMD values of the jaws between the three above-mentioned groups (P < 0.001). There was an increasing tendency toward osteopenia and osteoporosis with age. There was a positive correlation between BMD values of the femur and lumbar vertebrae and those of all the jaw regions under study (P < 0.005). There was a negative correlation (P < 0.01) between age and the BMD values of the femur, lumbar vertebrae and anterior maxilla. The bone density of the maxilla and mandible and presence of osteoporosis or osteopenia in these bones might reflect the same problem in skeletal bones.

In India most of the tobacco cessation centers are concentrating only on urban population, whereas, literature reveals that it is rural population, which shows high frequency of consumption of tobacco. It is well known that high frequency of tobacco consumption is associated with psychological dependence. This study aimed at identifying, which form of tobacco consumption (smoking or smokeless) is associated with psychological dependence and is associated with which particular age group in rural population. It was a questionnaire based survey where 200 subjects were enrolled. Revised version of standard Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine dependence (FTND) was given to each subject to answer. The collected data was statistically analyzed by using Karl Pearson Correlation (r) test and Student’s t-test. Study showed that subjects above 40 years of age are psychologically highly dependent on tobacco smoking as compared to tobacco chewing. Tobacco chewing is more prevalent among the younger population (20-30 years of age) and type of habit does not have any influence over psychological dependence below 40 years of age. A positive correlation was observed between duration of habit and psychological dependence in all age groups irrespective of type of the habit of tobacco consumption. This study attempts at creating a new avenue for the tobacco cessation centers where they can target their efforts towards rural population particularly people above 40 years of age with a tobacco smoking habit so that they can actually reduce the burden of a number of people at risk for developing tobacco associated oral cancer.

To evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and salivary cortisol levels in anxious and non-anxious patients with chronic periodontitis. A total of 45 patients with a mean age 43.4 ± 6.12 years were assigned to three groups: Healthy control group (Group 1), group with chronic periodontitis but no anxiety (Group 2) and group with chronic periodontitis and with anxiety (Group 3). State – Trait anxiety inventory and Hamilton Anxiety rating scale were used to assess the anxiety levels of all the subjects. Clinical measures such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. GCF and unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected, and cortisol levels were determined using ELISA kit. PI, GI, PPD, and CAL were higher in Group 3. Hormone level was significantly higher in Group 3. A positive correlation was found among salivary and GCF cortisol and CAL in Group 3. Based on the obtained results individuals with high-levels of anxiety seem to be more prone to have periodontal disease. Salivary and GCF cortisol levels can be used as biomarker for evaluating part of the etiopathogenesis of chronic periodontitis.

Dental students use extracted human teeth to learn practical and technical skills before they enter the clinical environment. In the present research, knowledge, performance, and attitudes toward sterilization/disinfection methods of extracted human teeth were evaluated in a selected group of Iranian dental students. In this descriptive cross-sectional study the subjects consisted of fourth-, fifth- and sixth-year dental students. Data were collected by questionnaires and analyzed by Fisher’s exact test and Chi-squared test using SPSS 11.5. In this study, 100 dental students participated. The average knowledge score was 15.9 ± 4.8. Based on the opinion of 81 students sodium hypochlorite was selected as suitable material for sterilization and 78 students believed that oven sterilization is a good way for the purpose. The average performance score was 4.1 ± 0.8, with 3.9 ± 1.7 and 4.3 ± 1.1 for males and females, respectively, with no significant differences between the two sexes. The maximum and minimum attitude scores were 60 and 25, with an average score of 53.1 ± 5.2. The results of this study indicated that knowledge, performance and attitude of dental students in relation to sterilization/disinfection methods of extracted human teeth were good. However, weaknesses were observed in relation to teaching and materials suitable for sterilization.

Fluoride in drinking water plays a key role in dental health. Due to the increasing use of water-purifier, the effect of these devices on fluoride concentration of drinking water was evaluated. Drinking water samples were collected before and after passing through a home water-purifier, from four different water sources. The fluoride, calcium and magnesium concentration of the samples were measured using the quantitative spectrophotometery technique. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test. P value < 0.1 was considered as significant. The result showed that the concentration of fluoride was 0.05-0.61 ppm before purification and was removed completely afterward. Furthermore, other ions reduced significantly after treatment by the water purifier. This study revealed that this device decreases the fluoride content of water, an issue which should be considered in low and high-fluoridated water sources.

Salivary amylase is an enzyme, which plays a vital role in formation of dental plaque. It has the ability to bind on the bacterial surfaces and to hydrolyze starch, giving rise to products that are transformed into acids leading to dental caries. Suppression of salivary amylase activity can lead to decrease in risk of dental caries and plaque associated periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an herb, Spilanthes calva (in form of a test dentifrice) on human salivary amylase activity and to compare it with other dentifrices. A total of 80 subjects of age 18-35 years were randomly selected and divided equally into 4 groups. Group 1 subjects were assigned to use Test Dentifrice (with S. calva root extract), while Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 subjects were assigned to use Herbal Dentifrice (Arodent™), Synthetic Dentifrice (Colgate®), and Control Dentifrice respectively. Salivary amylase activity was determined by Bernfeld method in each group, before and after using the given dentifrices. Maximum inhibition of salivary amylase activity was found in the group using test dentifrice as compared to others. The present study indicates that, the root extract of S. calva possess significant inhibitory activity for salivary amylase. Use of S. calva root extract will provide a wider protection against different pathogenic oral microflora. Use of this extract singly or in combination is strongly recommended in the dentifrice formulations.

In the sliding technique, the reduced frictional forces are associated with rapid tooth movements and better control of the anchorage. Recently, wire coating with different nanoparticles has been proposed to decrease frictional forces. This in vitro study was carried out to coat stainless steel (SS) wires with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in order to determine the effect of this coating on friction between wires and orthodontic brackets. Eighty 0.016 inch and 0.019 inch × 0.025 inch SS wires with and without ZnO nanoparticles were used in 80 orthodontic brackets (0.018 and 0.022 systems). The coated wires were analyzed by SEM and X‑Ray diffraction (XRD) observations. Kinetic friction between the wires and orthodontic brackets were calculated using a universal testing machine. Frictional forces were statistically analyzed using three‑way ANOVA, one‑way ANOVA, Student’s t‑test and Tukey multiple comparison tests. Coating with ZnO nanoparticles significantly influenced frictional force values (P < 0.0001). In 0.019 inch × 0.025 inch wires, the frictional forces were 1.6912 ± 0.18868 and 3.4485 ± 0.32389 N in the coated and uncoated wires respectively, (51% reductions). In the 0.016 inch wires, the friction values were estimated to be 1.5668 ± 0.10703 and 2.56 ± 0.34008 N in the coated and uncoated conditions, respectively, (39% reductions). Due to the positive effects of ZnO nanoparticle coating on decreasing frictional forces, these nanoparticles might offer a novel opportunity to significantly reduce friction during tooth movement.

Different techniques have been proposed for the treatment of gingival recession. The majority of current procedures use autogenous soft‑tissue grafts, which are associated with morbidity at the donor sites. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) Alloderm is an alternative donor material presented to reduce related morbidity and provide more volume of the donor tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an ADM allograft for root coverage and to compare it with a connective tissue graft (CTG), when used with a double papillary flap. Sixteen patients with bilateral class I or II gingival recessions were selected. A total of 32 recessions were treated and randomly assigned into the test and contralateral recessions into the control group. In the control group, the exposed root surfaces were treated by the placement of a CTG in combination with a double papillary flap; and in the test group, an ADM allograft was used as a substitute for palatal donor tissue. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, width of keratinized tissue (KT), recession height and width were measured before, and after 2 weeks and 6 months of surgery. There were no statistically significant differences between the test and control groups in terms of recession reduction, clinical attachment gain, and reduction in probing depth. The control group had a statistically significant increased area of KT after 6 months compared to the test group. ADM allograft can be considered as a substitute for palatal donor tissue in root coverage procedure.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer of oral region. The characteristic feature of SCC is invasion of dysplastic epithelium into the connective tissue. Oral SCC is more common in old patients. It is believed that etiology and pathogenesis of SCC in young patients differ from old patients and it is related to different molecular mechanism. In this study, histopathologic differentiation and proliferation activity (by Ki67) in oral SCC lesions of young patient (<40 years) and old patients (>50 years) have been compared. In a cohort study, Formalin Fixed and paraffin‑embedded tissue sections of 20 oral SCC of young patients and 20 oral SCC of old patients were stained by H and E and immunohistochemically by biotin‑streptavidin method. They were observed by two pathologists. Histological grade and Ki67 labeling index (LI) were determined. Data were analyzed by t‑test and Mann‑Whitney. In cases of oral SCC in young patients, 80% were grade I and 20% were grade II and Ki67 LI was 21/5% in this age group. In cases of oral SCC in old patients, 75% were grade I and 25% were grade II and Ki67 LI was 21/6% in this age group. Histological and immunohistochemical evidence of this study show that oral SCC of young patients and oral SCC lesions of old patients didn’t show any differences in histopathological differention and proliferative activity.

Pain and dysfunction of the tempromandibular joint (TMJ) are major clinical problems, especially, in arthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of intra-articular (IA) versus intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of betamethasone long acting on TMJ arthritis in rat. In this experimental study, an inflammation in the left TMJ of 29 rats was induced by injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant. After 1 week, rats were divided into 5 groups: Group A: Rats of this group were not treated (n = 5); groups B, C: Rats were injected with a single dose of ½ mg/kg betamethasone L.A IA (n = 6); groups D, E: Rats received a single dose of ½ mg/kg betamethasone L.A IP (n = 6). Rats in groups B and D after 1 week, and in groups C, E and A, at 4 weeks after drug injection were sacrificed. Severity of inflammation was scored from 1 to 11 according to synovial hyperplasia, vascularity, fibrin deposits, and synovial adhesion. Results were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney (P < 0/05 was considered significant). Significant differences were existed between groups B, D (P = 0/004) and groups C, E (P = 0/002). The least severity of Inflammation and also evidence of resorbtion in condylar head was seen in group C. The best therapeutic response was seen with IA injection of betamethasone L.A in comparison with IP injection.

Several conflicting findings have been published in the previous literature regarding the effects of impacted third molar surgery on the periodontal parameters of the adjacent second molar; some authors have shown improvement of periodontal health distal to the adjacent second molar, whilst others have demonstrated loss of attachment level (AL) and reduction of alveolar bone height. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in periodontal health parameters distal to the adjacent second molar following extraction of an impacted third molar. Out of 50 patients participated in the study, 42 patients completed the study. The mean age of the sample was 20.9 (range, 18-25) years. All teeth were mesioangular impacted mandibular third molars categorized at C1 class based on the Pell and Gregory classification. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon and the same surgeon recorded the pre-operative and post-operative measurements of probing depth (PD) and AL on the distobuccal aspect of the second molars. Data analysis were carried out with the SPSS software (version 19), using the paired-samples t-test and one sample t-test. Surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molar resulted in a significant increase of PD on the distobuccal aspect of the second molars, whereas AL was decreased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05). Unlike plenty of researches that have shown improvement of periodontal parameters of the second molar after extraction of impacted third molar, our study showed a significant increase in PD at the distal aspect of the second molar. Further follow-up on clinical and radiological parameters are required for more profound understanding of the long-term effects of third molar extraction on the periodontal parameters of the adjacent second molar.

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition of the oral mucosa. Existing treatments give only temporary symptomatic relief. Colchicine is an ancient drug with anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. We planned to study the effects of colchicine in the management of oral submucous fibrosis. Fifty OSF patients were divided randomly into two groups and treated for 12 weeks. Group 1-Patients were administered tablet colchicine orally, 0.5 mg twice daily and 0.5 ml intralesional injection Hyaluronidase 1,500 IU into each buccal mucosa once a week. Group 2-Patients were administered 0.5 ml intralesional injection Hyaluronidase 1,500 IU and 0.5 ml intralesional injection Hydrocortisone acetate 25 mg/ml in each buccal mucosa once a week alternatively. Student’s t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare pre and post treatment results. P<0.05 was considered as significant. Thirty-three percent in group 1 got relief from burning sensation in the second week. Inter group comparisons of increase in mouth opening and reduction in histological parameters indicated that group 1 patients responded better than group 2. These encouraging results should prompt further clinical trials with colchicine alone on a larger sample size to broaden the therapeutic usefulness of the drug in the management of OSF.

The occurrence of periodontal diseases in humans has been a global problem. Certain risk factors affect the initiation, progression, and severity of periodontitis. The present study has been designed to assess the periodontal status in relation to risk factors such as age, gender, oral hygiene practices, and smoking among the young adults of the Sebha city in Libya. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,255 subjects aged between 18 years and 34 years. 1,006 (80.15%) subjects were females and 249 (19.84%) subjects were males. Data was generated by conducting interview and clinical examination. The periodontal status was assessed by using Community Periodontal Index of Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs. The Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis at 5% level of significance. A total of 89.08% reported the use of toothbrush and toothpaste for cleaning and 10.91% used other aids, such as finger and Siwak. Of the 1,255 subjects, 3.98% were current smokers (all males). Only 4.7% had healthy periodontium (CPI code 1), while majority of 44.30% were detected with calculus (CPI code 2). Nearly 40.63% had shallow pockets (CPI code 3), 6.29% had bleeding (CPI code 1), and 4.06% had deep pockets (CPI code 4). The overall mean CPI score was 2.33 (0.84). Age and gender showed a statistically significant difference with the CPI codes. The result of this study provides baseline information for planning a preventive program. With preventive procedures being implemented at this young age, there is a possibility that the prevalence of periodontal disease will be lesser during adulthood.

Disinfection of impression materials prevents cross-contamination; however, the disinfectants may alter the wettability property. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the wettability changes of polyether impression material after immersing in four different chemical disinfectant solutions for a period of 10 min and 30 min, respectively. A total of 45 samples of polyether dental impression material (Impregum soft, 3MESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) were randomly divided into nine groups with five specimens each. Each specimen was disc shaped, flat of 32 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness. The samples were immersed in four disinfectant solutions: 2% Glutaraldehyde, 5% sodium hypochlorite, 0.05% iodophor, and 5.25% phenol for 10 min and 30 min, respectively. The control was without disinfection. Wettability of the samples was assessed by measuring the contact angle by using the Telescopic Goniometer. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (Fisher’s test) and Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons at 5% level of significance. The contact angle of 20.21° ± 0.22° were recorded in the control samples. After 10 min, the samples that were immersed in 5% sodium hypochlorite and 5.25% phenol showed significant statistical increase in the contact angle as compared to the control (P < 0.001). After 30 min of disinfection, only the samples immersed in 0.05% iodophor showed there were no significant changes in the contact angle, whereas the other disinfectants significantly increased the contact angle and decreased the wettability of the polyether material. Within the limitations of the study, 2% glutaraldehyde proved safe for 10 min of immersion disinfection while 0.05% iodophor holds promise as an effective disinfectant without affecting the wettability of the material.

Before the resin bond endodontic post-cementation, various solutions are used to improve bond strength of these posts to root dentine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the different pre-treatments (ethanol, ethylene de amine tetra acetic acid [EDTA] and EDTA + ethanol) on the bond strength of adhesively lutted tooth colored fiber post. Forty-eight human anterior teeth (incisor and canine) were selected in this experimental study. The species were endodontically treated, and the post-space was prepared. The species were randomly divided into four groups of 12 teeth in each and were treated as follows: (i) 0.1 M EDTA, (ii) 99.6% ethanol, (iii) 0.1 M EDTA followed by 99.6% ethanol and (iv) without any treatment (control). A push-out test was carried out after 24 h. Each tooth was cut into three 1 mm-thick sections. Fracture type was assessed using stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed by one way-ANOVA followed by Scheffe post-hoc test at P = 0.05. Almost, in EDTA and (EDTA + ethanol) every sample failed at the interface between post and lutting cement. Predominant failure mode in ethanol and control group was mixed failure. The surface treatment methods did not have any significant effect (P > 0.05) on any group but EDTA group had the highest bond strength. Surface treatment with (ethanol, EDTA, and EDTA + ethanol) does not significantly appear to be effective in improving the bond strength of fiber posts into root dentine. The highest bond strength was observed in EDTA group and the lowest in the control group.

This article describes a technique for placing subscriber identity module into a complete denture. The cards stores information in the form of text messages and contacts which is easily accessible with all mobile devices, thus enabling quicker identification.

Systemic sclerosis (also called as Scleroderma or hidebound disease) is a chronic sclerotic disease of unknown etiology which causes diffuse, increased deposition of extra cellular matrix in connective tissue with vascular abnormalities, resulting in tissue hypoxia. The disease is characterized by diffuse fibrosis; degenerative changes; and vascular abnormalities in the skin (scleroderma), articular structures, and internal organs. Aesthetic and facial dysfunctions are followed by important oral and facial manifestations. Most oral manifestations begin with tongue rigidity and facial skin changes. Bone resorption of mandibular angle and widening of periodontal ligament space on periapical radiographs are important radiological findings. Other systemic changes include the involvement of internal organs, which lead to serious complications as well as disorders in the cardiac muscle and Raynaud´s phenomenon. This is a case report of 30‑year‑old female patient with the classical features of this disease. This case is reported for its rarity and variable expressivity. The main aim of this article is to describe thorough presentation of the case report, various forms of scleroderma, pathogenesis, oral, extraoral, periodontal manifestations of scleroderma, and its treatment options. A brief review of the literature, focusing on dental alterations is also presented.

Epilepsy along with intellectual deterioration and other neurological disorders can have social, physical, and psychological consequences, especially, when they begin in childhood. Moreover, the seizure episode along with mental deterioration may compromise the oral and dental care resulting in numerous decayed teeth. This report presents the case history of an adolescent with poor oral hygiene and numerous decayed teeth. This report also presents the comprehensive endodontic, surgical, and prosthodontic management of epileptic mentally challenged patient in the dental office. Epilepsy along with intellectual deterioration and other neurological disorders can have social, physical, and psychological consequences, especially, when they begin in childhood. Moreover, the seizure episode along with mental deterioration may compromise the oral and dental care resulting in numerous decayed teeth. This report presents the case history of an adolescent with poor oral hygiene and numerous decayed teeth. This report also presents the comprehensive endodontic, surgical, and prosthodontic management of epileptic mentally challenged patient in the dental office.

Eagle’s syndrome is a condition that causes pain in the Craniofacial and cervical region of the neck. Symptoms related to the Eagle’s syndrome may be confused with the variety of neuralgias, oral, dental and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions. In this paper, a case of the very young female suffering with the difficulty in swallowing and recurrent dull pain in the throat with restriction of the movement of head to the left side was presented. A thorough past medical and dental history, extra oral and intra oral examination coupled with the panoramic radiographic interpretation were used to diagnose Eagle’s syndrome.