Shade guides continue to be the most widely used method in clinical practice for shade selection of restorative materials. The Vitapan shade guide is the most widely used method in clinical practice for shade selection of restorative materials. The Vitapan shade guide is the universal standard against which shade matching for ceramics is done. The same does not hold good for composites because each manufacturer has their own system for shade matching. This study highlights the discrepancies existing in different shade guide systems.

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Maxillary incisors are very susceptible to developmental anomalies that can lead to periodontal and/or endodontic problems. One such developmental anomaly is the palatal groove which is often associated with incorrect diagnosis, and subsequent treatment failure. This case report describes the use of spiral CT (Computed Tomography) scan to not only to accurately diagnose the groove on the maxillary right lateral incisor but also to confirm the depth and the relation of the groove to the pulp cavity. The management included a combination of endodontic therapy and periodontal regenerative techniques. Root canal therapy was performed followed by flap reflection, removal of granulation tissue and odontoplasty of the groove. Bone graft was placed followed by a resorbable barrier for guided tissue regeneration. Use of bone graft and a resorbable barrier in the treatment of palatal groove showed an improvement in clinical attachment, reduced probing depth and deposition of bone in the osseous defect.

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Aim: A Confocal Microscopic Evaluation of the hybrid layer and resin tag formation -of a total etch technique in comparison with self etching primers with three different ph. Materials and Methods: 20 non carious human premolars stored in normal saline were used for the study. Occlusal surfaces of all the teeth were ground using slow speed diamond disc with copious water supply, so as to expose a flat surface of dentin with an approximate residual dentin thickness of 1.5-2mm. The teeth were then randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 specimens each. Group 1: (Blot dry)­ Prime and Bond NT (Dentsply), Group 2; Strong self etch adhesives usually have a ph of 1 or below { Adper Prompt L- Pop (3M ESPP)}, Group 3; Intermediary self etch adhesives have a ph of about 1.5 { AdheSE (Vvadent)}, Group 4; Mild self etch systems have a ph of about 2- {Cleatfil SE bond plus primer (knraray)}. Bonding agents mixed with Rodhamine B dye was applied according to the manufacture's instructions and cured using a light curing unit. All the bonded surfaces were restored with 2mm of resin composite Z 350 (3M) and cured for 40 seconds, to protect the bonding layer. All the specimens were stored in normal saline. After 24 hrs of storage the teeth were longitudinally sectioned using a slow speed diamond disc under copious water supply. The sectioned surface was polished' with a' 600 grit silicon carbide paper. The dentin/adhesive interfacial region was examined using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). Statistical analysis was done to compare the values among the groups using Kruskal-Wallis One way ANOVA appropriately by testing the means. Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated that Mean length of resin tag formation and thickness of hybrid layer formation in Group I was maximum followed by Group IV; Group II and Group III respectively. Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study the Prime and Bond NT (Group 1) performed better than all the three self etching primers in terms of resin tag formation and hybrid layer thickness.

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A study was done to quantify the release of calcium ions from calcium hydroxide containing root canal sealers and their pH at various time intervals and the antimicrobial action. pH was measured using the pHmeter and the calcium amount using the atomic absorption spectrometer. Six strains of microorganisms were used to evaluate the antimicrobial action of the sealers using Agar diffusion test. Seal apex showed the maximum release of calcium ion and pH level at 30 days but with no antibacterial effect.

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Tetracycline staining the developing teeth is a well known and documented condition. But newer tetracycline derivatives like minocycline can even stain the permanent teeth. We report a case of 45 year old female patient, a known case of multiple myeloma who developed green discoloration of her permanent teeth following minocycline therapy for treatment of acne vulgaris.

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The use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) for both complete obturation and as a coronal barrier for non vital bleaching in immature maxillary central incisor is reported. A 18 year- old female reported with pain and discoloration of upper central incisors. Radiograph revealed immature maxillary central incisors. Single step apexification was done with MTA and root canal system eras obturated with MTA followed, by using this obturated MTA as a barrier for non vital bleaching. After 2 weeks esthetic management was done with direct composite. Follow up radiographs after 6months and one year revealed good bone healing and closure of the apex.

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