While the regeneration of a lost tissue is known to mankind for several years, it is only in the recent past that research on regenerative medicine/dentistry has gained momentum and eluded the dramatic yet scientific advancements in the field of molecular biology. The growing understanding of biological concepts in the regeneration of oral/dental tissues coupled with experiments on stem cells is likely to result in a paradigm shift in the therapeutic armamentarium of dental and oral diseases culminating in an intense search for "biological solutions to biological problems." Stem cells have been successfully isolated from variety of human tissues including orofacial tissues. Initial evidence from pioneering studies has documented the likely breakthrough that stem cells offer for various life-threatening diseases that have so far defeated modern medical care. The evidence gathered so far has propelled many elegant studies exploring the role of stem cells and their manifold dental applications. This review takes you on a sojourn of the origin of stem cells, their properties, characteristics, current research, and their potential applications. It also focuses on the various challenges and barriers that we have to surmount before translating laboratory results to successful clinical applications heralding the dawn of regenerative dentistry.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Electrosurgery has been used in dentistry for more than half a century. There is abundant literature on electrosurgery dating back more than a century. During the past three decades, a substantial increase in minimally invasive surgery and microvascular surgery prompted greater use of electrosurgery. Although this surge in utilization has resulted in new applications, equipment features, problems and solutions, the use of electrosurgery in the field of restorative dentistry has remained relatively unchanged. The presence of conflicting and sometimes confusing information on electrosurgical wound healing in the dental literature is the most likely reason. This article briefly explains the literature review of electrosurgery and clinical application of electrosurgery in aesthetic and restorative dentistry.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Aim/Objective: To evaluate the in vitro effect of bonded restorations on the fracture resistance of root canal-treated teeth. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty extracted, maxillary, permanent premolars were collected. After preparing the access cavity, the teeth were biomechanically prepared and obturated. Samples were divided into six groups based on the type of restorative material used to restore them. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin and their fracture strength was measured using a Universal Testing Machine. Data were evaluated statistically using one-way ANOVA-F and unpaired t-test. Results: Teeth restored with bonded amalgam and composite resin showed higher fracture resistance than those restored with conventional amalgam. Fracture strengths of bonded restorations and intact teeth were not statistically different. The results suggested that the group restored with conventional amalgam had the lowest fracture resistance. No statistically significant differences were found between the bonded amalgam and composite resin groups. Conclusion: Conventional amalgam core showed the least fracture resistance whereas; composite resin and bonded amalgam core showed fracture resistance was similar to that of natural tooth.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Aim/Objective: To compare the laterally condensed gutta-percha, vertically compacted thermoplastized gutta-percha (E and Q Plus system) and cold free-flow gutta-percha (GuttaFlow). This is a volumetric analysis using spiral CT, an in vitro study. Materials and Methods: Access cavities were prepared in 60 single rooted anterior teeth; cleaning and shaping was done and obturated with three of the different techniques: group A: cold lateral; group B: vertically compacted thermoplasticized and group C: cold free-flow obturation techniques. Volume analysis was done using spiral computed tomography (CT). The percentage difference was calculated and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc multiple comparison Tukey HSD tests. Results: There were statistical significant differences between group A (0.183cm ³ ) and group B (0.136cm ³ ); group A (0.183cm ³ ) and group C (0.128cm ³ ). But there was no statistical significance between group B (0.136cm ³ ) and group C (0.128cm ³ ). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study it can be concluded that cold free-flow obturation technique showed the highest volume of obturation, followed by the vertically condensed thermoplasticized technique. The least volume of obturation was observed in cold lateral condensation technique.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Aims/Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study is to study, measure and compare the microleakage in three different newer direct composite resins using a self-etch adhesive bonding system in class V cavities by fluorescent dye penetration technique. Materials and Methods: Class V cavities were prepared on 45 human maxillary premolar teeth. On all specimens, one coat of G-Bond (GC Japan) applied and light cured. Teeth are then equally divided into 3 groups of 15 samples each. Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE), Ceram X duo (Dentsply Asia) and Synergy D6 (Coltene/Whaledent) resin composites were placed on samples of Groups I, II and III, respectively, in increments and light cured. After polishing the restorations, the specimens were suspended in Rhodamine 6G fluorescent dye for 48 h. The teeth were then sectioned longitudinally and observed for the extent of microleakage under the florescent microscope. Statistical Analysis Used: The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: Results showed no statistically significant difference among three groups tested. Conclusions: None of the materials tested was able to completely eliminate the microleakage in class V cavities.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Anatomic variations can significantly contribute to the incidence of endodontic mishaps. Perforations and separated instruments form the bulk of such mishaps. Furcal perforations are undesired complications of endodontic treatment, which result in the loss of integrity of the root and further destruction of the adjacent periodontal tissues. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a promising material that has been successfully used to repair perforations. This clinical case demonstrates the use of MTA as a repair material for furcal perforation due to an iatrogenic error in radix entomolaris in the mandibular first molar. It also describes the application of ultrasonic technique in the retrieval of separated instrument from the same. Both clinical and radiographic follow-up showed a stable condition without any probing defect, ongoing root resorption, or furcal pathosis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

This article presents clinical cases in which different bleaching modalities have been used to successfully treat unsightly teeth. Depending upon the type and severity of discoloration, in-office vital and nonvital bleaching procedures were carried out. Discoloration of a single tooth has been managed using nonvital bleaching alone or with a combination of other minimally invasive modalities for an acceptable esthetic outcome. The case selection was done by considering the patient's needs and expectations, the type and cause of discoloration and patient economics. Moreover, prime importance was given to the conservation of the existing tooth structure and acquiring a complete change in the shade of teeth, which was comparable to that of the adjacent teeth. The desire to have a bright smile has become an important esthetic need of patients. The article explores various forms of bleaching and their successful usage in day-to-day clinical practice.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Aims/Objectives: The objective of this in vitro study is to compare the sealing ability of Ketac-Endo and Acroseal. Materials and Methods: Seventy teeth were selected and sectioned at the cementoenamel junction. The teeth were cleaned and shaped, and they were divided into five different groups. Group1: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was left intact using sodium hypochlorite. Group 2: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was removed using 17% EDTA. Group 3: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was removed using 17% EGTA. These groups (1, 2, and 3) were further subdivided into two subgroups (a and b) by obturation utilizing lateral condensation with Gutta-percha and Acroseal (subgroup "a") or Ketac-Endo (subgroup "b").The subgroups contained 10 teeth each. Group 4: 5 teeth that were instrumented but not obturated. Group 5:5 teeth that were neither instrumented nor obturated. The specimens were immersed in methylene blue dye, and microleakage was assessed using a stereomicroscope. Results: The data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and student's t-test. Conclusion: 17% EGTA is a better and potent alternative to 17% EDTA for smear layer removal. Acroseal sealer has less microleakage as compared with Ketac-Endo. Sealing ability of Acroseal sealer is better when it is used in conjunction with 17% EGTA.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]