The present in-vitro study was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a traditional zincoxide eugenol based scaler(Tubliseal) with a iodoform incorporated zincoxide eugenol based sealer (Endotas FS), a calcium hydroxide based sealer (Apexit) and the epoxy resin based sealers (AH PLUS and PC Seal), against the micro organisms Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The method employed to test the antimicrobial efficacy was the Kirby-Bauer method (Agar Disc Diffusion). The sealers were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and 0.1 ml of each sealer was placed on the sterile paper discs. The diameter of the zones of inhibition was measured in millimeters with the help of an inhibition zone measuring scale and the values were recorded. The antimicrobial efficacy of an iodoform incorporated zincoxide eugenol based sealer, Endoflas FS against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans was statistically superior to the rest of the test groups._Endotlas FS performed far better than even the controls being employed (Amoxycillin and Nystatin) respectively._Tubliseal, a zincoxide eugenol based seater also showed significant antimicrobial properties, but was statistically inferior to Endoflas FS Apexit, a calcium hydroxide based sealer did not show significant antimicrobial efficacy against both Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. AH PLUS and RC seal, epoxy resin based sealers showed no antimicrobial properties whatsoever.

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Composite resin is presently used primarily as a direct esthetic restorative material. The esthetics of these tooth-coloured restorations is heavily dependent on surface finish Polishing of composite resin can produce potentially injurious temperature rise within the pulp chamber. This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the pulp chamber temperature rise associated with the polishing of light cured composite veneer restorations using 2 different polishing systems (Astropol, Shofu- Snap kit). 40 extracted maxillary central incisors were used in this study. They were randomly divided into 4 groups-Groups 1, II (Dry Continuous, Intermittent respectively) and Groups III, IV (Wet, Continuous, Intermittent respectively). Groups I, II were polished with the Shofu System and Groups Ill, IV were polished using Astropo System. The temperature rise was recorded within each group and the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) was measured after sectioning of the teeth. The results indicated:

1. There were significant differences in the temperature rise between the dry and the wet systems.
2. The correlation of the temperature rise and the remaining dentin thickness was significant for the dry, intermittent group and was dependent on application time of the disks.
3. Remaining dentin thickness is an important factor in regulating the magnitude of temperature rise during polishing of restorations.

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The concept of smear layer removal prior to obturation has gained importance in recent times. The efficiency of sodium hypochlorite and EDTA in removing the smear lay, has been extensively studied. Yet, the perfect solution for root canal debridement is still elusive. This study aims at comparing the extent of smear layer removal by sodium hypochlorite, EDTA and an indigenously developed irrigant using Doxycycline, Citric acid and Tween 80. The non-availability of MTAD in India at present has made us to find out an indigenous mixture with sodium hypochlorite, citric acid and Tween 80, the detergent. The success of this indigenous irrigant would make it an effective and a cost effective alternative to MTAD.

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The aim of this study is to reveal how any alteration in occlusion results in functional disturbances in masticatory muscles, which may in turn develop TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome in the long ran. Electromyography (EMG) of masseter and temporalis muscles (if ten adult individuals with normal occlusion and either 36 or 46 carious, was recorded in rest position and during chewing activity of mandible. After cavity preparation, inlay with high point (or occlusal interference) was fabricated, which seas fitted in the tooth and EMG recordings were repeated. Again the same recordings were done after stablishing the occlusal equilibrium. Atypical pattern of muscle activity was observed only in presence of occlusal interference and obolished after removal of the same. This activity resembled the spasm in skeletal muscle. Spasm in masticatory muscles may initiate the symptoms of TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome.

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The aim of this study was to determine whether amalgam bonded to tooth structure with sixth generation adhesives can increase the fracture resistance of restored teeth. Fifty- two extracted mandibular molars were randomly divided into six groups, which included two control groups of six teeth each and four experimental groups of ten teeth each. Group I consisted of six intact teeth which served as negative control. Standardized class 2 (mesio­occlusal / disto-occlusal) preparations were made in groups 2-6. The preparations were lined with: group 3. varnish; group 4, Excite DSC; group 5, AdheSE; group 6, Clearfil liner Bond 2V and then restored with high copper amalgam. Group 2 preparations were not restored and served as positive control. The bonded amalgam technique using sixth generation adhesives also increase the fracture resistance of mandibular molars and could be used as time saving alternatives to the conventional multistep adhesive systems

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Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) chelating agent is used to remove the smear layer more effectively than EDTA. This study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial activity of DMSA and was compared with EDTA. DMSA did not show any antimicrobial activity.

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The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of two different concentrations of EDTA at two different pH values for lmin & 10 min applications respectively on root dentin. 54 human maxillary incisors instrumented to size 60 to apical foramen were sectioned at the middle third (8mm sections) longitudinally into two equal mesial and distal halves. The sectioned specimens were irrigated for I and 10 min respectively using EDTA of concentrations 17% & 10% at 7.5 and 9 pH. The amount of demineralization and removal of smear layer was evaluated by phosphorus liberation, surface roughness studies and SEM analysis. Optimum results were obtained with EDTA at 10% concentration at 9 pH for 1 min.

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