The smear layer is an entity that has been widely studied and a plethora of articles have been published from time to time to have a better understanding of the subject. It has been an issue of intrigue and contemplation ever since its presence was first reported in 1975. Like the two sides of a coin, it has its advantages and disadvantages. This paper is an attempt to have a broad picture of the endodontic smear layer by highlighting its contribution to the outcome of an endodontic treatment, depending upon whether it is retained or removed from the root canal. Thought its removal is becoming equivocal, newer trends aimed at modifying its structure, so that its beneficial effect can be utilized are being popularized.

Fifty two patients having non-vital anterior teeth attending the Conservative Dentistry Department of R. Ahmed Dental College, Calcutta were studied for the presence of varied microflora in their root canals. 70 strains (80.7&) out of total 83 different strains isolated belonged to the true anaerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of composite resin to conventional and resin modified glass ionomer cement after various surface treatment procedures on the glass ionomer. The various surface treatment procedures included (a) untreated smooth surface (b) etching using 37% phosphoric acid gel (c) roughening using 400-grit silicon carbide paper. Shear testing was carried out using “ZWICK� universal testing machine. The bond strength were significantly greater to the acid etched cement surface in conventional glass ionomer cement and to the untreated smooth surface in resin modified glass ionomer cement.

For a successful endodontic procedure, an accurate diagnosis of the morphology of the root canal system must be determined. Any tooth may have atypical length, number and configuration of roots and canals. Root canal morphology of premolar teeth, either mandibular or maxillary, and discrepancies between first and second premolars have been reported throughout the literature. A case report is presented of the root canal treatment of a mandibular first premolar with type IV canal using conservative approach.

Reattachment techniques for tooth fragments present several advantages over restorations obtained with composite resin systems : better and long lasting esthetics, improved function, a positive psychosocial response and faster, less complicated procedures. Two clinical cases are presented in which dental fragment attachment was performed. Little long-term data on the effectiveness of this treatment is available but as materials improve, this approach to treatment of fractured incisor teeth should increasingly be considered.