Introduction: Pulpectomy is the treatment alternative in rescuing the pulpally involved carious primary teeth. Various obturating materials are being used to conserve an infected deciduous dentition. The present study documents the use of a novel obturating material in primary molars due to the disadvantages associated with of the currently used materials. Objective: To evaluate clinically and radiographically the success rate of the mixture of zinc oxide powder and nanohydroxyapatite with saline as an obturating material in primary molars and also to compare its efficiency with Endoflas. Material and Methods: Thirty pulpectomy indicated primary molars were randomly divided into two equal groups; Group I (mixture of zinc oxide powder and nanohydroxyapatite with saline) and Group II (Endoflas FS). The teeth were evaluated using various clinical and radiographic criteria at 3, 6 and 9-month intervals. The obtained results were statistically analyzed (P <0.05). Results: The overall present study findings revealed 100% clinical success in both the groups. Whereas radiographically, success reported was 66% for Group I and 100% for Group II at the end of 9 months follow-up. The difference in the radiographic success rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion: Endoflas FS had demonstrated high success rate both clinically and radiographically when compared to the novel combination of a mixture of zinc oxide powder and nanohydroxyapatite with saline as obturating material.KeywordsEndoflas; Mixture of zinc oxide and nanohydroxyapatite; Obturating material; Pulpectomy; Primary molars; Endoflas.

No abstract

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite with Dycal ® as indirect pulp capping material in primary molars. Material and Methods: A total of 32 carious primary molars from 22 children (6-10-years) were screened, of which 26 primary molars meeting inclusion criteria were selected and equally divided into two groups. At the first appointment, the infected dentin was excavated using a spoon excavator after treating the carious part with Carie-Care™ chemomechanical caries removal agent. After this, eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite in Group 1 and Dycal ® in Group 2 were used as liners followed by restoration of the cavity with type IX glass ionomer cement. Clinical assessment for pain and radiographic assessment for measurement of the amount of reparative dentin thickness formation was performed at baseline, 8 weeks and 3 months. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Higher mean reparative dentin formation was found in eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite group than Dycal ® group at the end of 8 weeks and 3 months and the difference was significant statistically (p<0.001). Conclusion: Eggshell derived calcium hydroxyapatite seems to be a suitable alternative to Dycal ® (calcium hydroxide) that can be used as a liner for indirect pulp capping in primary molars.

No abstract

IntrOductIOnMalocclusion is an appreciable deviation from the ideal occlusion and may be considered aesthetically unsatisfactory [1] thus implying a condition of imbalance in the relative sizes and position of teeth, facial bones and soft tissues (lips, cheek and tongue). Malocclusion is neither an unhealthy nor normal condition which occurs in most [2] as at this state the teeth stay firm, function efficiently, do not change the position during and after their contact, do not cause pain and remain in good state of health [3]. The hormonal fingerprint which is the ratio of second and fourth digit lengths (2D:4D) is a new risk marker that has been used in the study to predict caries risk at a very early stage of life is found to be more stable, reproducible and consistent for each individual. Research confirms the impact of hormones on human physical and personality traits. The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually differentiated in humans [4] as for humans, men tend to have lower 2D:4D than women, this sex effect is due to men's greater relative length of the ring finger, in comparison with their index finger. The first mechanism explaining this sexual dimorphism is that the development of digits and gonads occur by the common genes Hox A and Hox D. The timing of gene regulation results in formation of a digit ratio which is constant throughout the life and also reflects the amount of androgen produced [5]. The second proposed mechanism is that finger ratio is a function of androgen sensitivity rather than androgen concentration. That is the two digit ratio affected by exposure to androgens e.g., testosterone while in the uterus, and that this 2D:4D ratio can be considered a crude measure for prenatal androgen exposure, with lower 2D:4D ratios pointing to higher prenatal androgen exposure [5]. These sex and individual differences in 2D:4D emerge in-utero at the beginning of the second trimester and seems to be fairly stable during postnatal life. This ratio will be helpful for assessing the action of prenatal sex hormone retrospectively on the brain, body and behaviour and for the prediction of malocclusion and caries risk for the individual [5].Obesity and childhood overweight are becoming a major public health concern all over the world. Sedentary life style and altered dietary patterns have led to the development of obesity. Obesity appears to influence the general health as well as the oral health of an individual. Obesity is considered as a major risk factor in increased prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, accelerates dental development and decreases masticatory performance. Diet which is one of the etiological factors along with obesity which also has an equal importance in the caries process. There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the association between BMI and dental caries [6].