Aim: To evaluate and compare the shear bond strength of metal brackets bonded to ceramic surfaces using different conditioning methods and to assess the site of bond failure after debonding. Materials and methods:A total of 70 ceramic surfaces were produced with uniform shape, size and composition. The samples were divided into 7 groups (each of 10 samples).Group 1 was the control group (untreated surface); in group 2 the surface were roughened with a diamond bur; in group 3 the surface were etched with hydrofluoric acid; in group 4 the surfaces were sandblasted; in group 5 the surfaces roughened with bur and silane applied; in group 6 the surfaces were etched with hydrofluoric acid and silane applied and in group 7 the surfaces were sandblasted and silane applied.To all the above groups, metal orthodontic brackets were bonded with light cure adhesive. The brackets were later stored in artificial saliva and incubated at 37°C (24 hours). The samples were then subjected to shear bond strength test using an Instron universal testing machine. The debonded porcelain surfaces were then studied under stereomicroscope to assess site of bond failure.Results: Sandblasting the ceramic surface and silane application showed the highest bond strength. Stereomicroscope examination after debonding showed that the bond failure is at bracket-adhesive interface in four groups namely hydrofluoric acid, sandblasting, hydrofluoric acid with silane and sandblasting with silane. Conclusion:Sandblasting with silane combination produced the highest shear bond strength, so it is a clinically suitable method for bonding orthodontic metal brackets onto ceramic surface.Clinical relevance: Bonding orthodontic brackets to ceramic crowns of patients has been a tough task. In this study, different conditioning methods were used to treat the ceramic surfaces before bonding. The results showed that sandblasting the ceramic surface prior to application of silane produced the highest shear bond strength which is clinically suitable to reduce bond failures.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intensive application of sodium fluoride varnish in prevention of caries in molars in children between 6 and 7 years and to evaluate the caries status in molars before and after application of fluoride varnish (Cavity Shield).

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of hereditary disorders that affect the quality and/or quantity of dental enamel. This paper describes the clinicopathological features of a patient who was born of nonconsanguineous parents and who presented with oral alterations, including yellow and misshapen teeth, intrapulpal calcifications, delayed tooth eruption, and gum enlargement. Scanning electron microscopy of the teeth revealed hypoplastic enamel, and a renal ultrasound detected bilateral nephrocalcinosis, leading to a diagnosis of AI and nephrocalcinosis syndrome. Since nephrocalcinosis is often asymptomatic and can be associated with impaired renal function, dentists who see children with a generalized and thin hypoplastic AI should consider a renal ultrasound scan and referral to a Nephrologist. Children with nephrocalcinosis should also be considered for a dental check.

The endodontic triad comprises of cleaning and shaping, disinfection and obturation. Success of root canal therapy is majorly achieved by proper cleaning and shaping. However, elimination of bacterial contaminants as well as necrotic debris of the canals requires the adjunctive use of irrigants. To achieve a satisfactory biological and mechanical preparation proper selection of endodontic instruments and irrigants is necessary. In this study we are comparing and evaluating cleaning efficacy of endofiles (K-files and handprotapers ) and root canal irrigants (sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine) by microbial quantification. Root canal samples were collected in autoclavable bottles containing transport media (nutrient broth) and samples were cultured in tryptose soya agar at incubation temperature of 37°C for 24-48 hours and colonies were counted with digital colony counter. The significance of this study is to help the clinician select proper instrument and irrigant which minimize the failure rate of root canal treatment for the benefit of patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the contamination of toothbrushes and pacifiers by Streptococcus mutans, and the efficacy of microwave and chlorhexidine for their disinfection. Materials and methods: Sixty pacifiers and 60 toothbrushes were contaminated with S. mutans and then divided into groups according to the disinfection protocol: Group 1-chlorhexidine solution; group 2-microwave sterilization; and group 3-sterile tap water. The devices were evaluated microbiologically after disinfection for the survival of S. mutans colonies and were examined. The results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Turkey test. Results: The results of both types of evaluation showed a large number of S. mutans colonies after spraying with sterile tap water, and chlorhexidine spraying and microwaving were effective in eliminating colonies. Groups 1 and 2 were statistically similar to each other (p > 0.05) and differed significantly from group 3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 0.12% chlorhexidine solution spray and 7 minutes of microwave irradiation were almost equally effective for disinfection of pacifiers and toothbrushes.

Background: Dentifrices containing fluoride are known to possess anticarious benefits and are also used for enamel remineralization. A dentifrice is the best source of fluoride for children. However, there seems to be a risk of dental fluorosis as children tend to consume passable amount of fluoride from toothpastes itself. Due to the deliberate swallowing of toothpaste and the menace of fluorosis, dentifrices with lower fluoride concentrations for young children are developed and marketed. Aim: The objective of the study is to determine and equate the efficiency of fluoridated toothpastes of children at altered or diluted levels against Streptococcus mutans. Methodology: The preparation of the slurry was done by diluting the measured amount of toothpastes (20 g) in calculated 20 mL of sterile distilled water that gives a 1:1 (toothpaste:distilled water) concentration. Blood agar plates were made, and after solidification of culture medium, wells were made in each agar plate and all the concentrations of the two test materials, i.e., 1:1, 1:4, and 1:8 of 20 μL each were added to respective wells and were incubated at 37°C for 48 h and under strict aerobic conditions. The study was performed and repeated 10 times under sterile conditions. The zone of inhibition was measured using a digitalized Vernier caliper in millimeter. Results: The zone of inhibition of the studied samples against the tested strain was significant at diluted levels of fluoride. Conclusions: The fluoridated dentifrices even after having lesser fluoride concentration show antimicrobial property. Clinical Significance: This study will help us in understanding the antimicrobial efficiency of fluoride at reduced concentrations and thereby can help curb the menace of fluorosis and nip it at the bud. By manufacturing, dentifrices contained reduced levels of fluoride.

Endodontic treatment makes the tooth brittle due to loss of bulk of tooth structure, decrease in the moisture content of dentin and dentin elasticity. The following study was carried out to evaluate the effect of endodontic treatment on the fracture resistance of the tooth and reinforcing ability of three different core materials. The following study comprised of sample size of 30 deciduous second molars divided into control group (6) and test group (24). Access opening was done in 24 and 18th teeth with access opening were restored with three different core materials namely IRM (6), silver amalgam (6), GIC (6). All the 30 were subjected to fracture test using UTM (Universal testing machine)- Instron 95. Result showed a drastic reduction in the fracture resistance of the tooth on access opening (1/3rd) and out of the three core materials glass ionomer was shown to be the best core material giving the highest fracture registrance followed by silver amalgam and IRM. How to cite this article Shah P, Gugwad SC, Bhat C, Lodaya R. Effect of Three Different Core Materials on the Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Deciduous Mandibular Second Molars: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(1):66-70.

Background: Dental caries is the most widespread disease affecting human race where Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus are prime microorganisms involved. Chlorhexidine is used as antiplaque agent, but it has some side effects such as unpleasant taste and staining on long-term use, leading to search of a suitable alternative. Chicory, an ayurvedic plant, has antiplaque, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties along with aromatic cooling property. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of chicory extract mouthwash and chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.12%) against S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Methods: Strains of S. mutans and Lactobacillus were grown and subjected to test solutions (chicory and chlorhexidine) and zone of inhibition measured by agar well diffusion method. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Zone of inhibition of chicory extract and chlorhexidine against S. mutans and Lactobacillus shows highly significant P < 0.001 with +value 19.982 and 21.731, respectively. Conclusion: Chicory extract showed statistically significant inhibition against S. mutans as compared to chlorhexidine rinse mouthwash. While chlorhexidine mouthwash has shown statistically significant inhibition against S. mutans as compared to chicory extract. Clinical Significance: Chicory has a promising antibacterial activity. Thus, it can be incorporated as one of the ingredients in mouthwash.