Background The era of Nanomaterials has had a long lasting impression in the field of medical science. It’s excellent use in medicine has led to its application in dental science. Serious concerns regarding the eradication of microbial biofilms from the root canal system still exists in the field of endodontics. Nanoparticles have proven to be much more efficient with good bonding capabilities and surface chemistry as compared to the conventional materials. The practical applications of nanotechnology in endodontics has led to future prospects in research in this field. Main body Nanoparticles in endodontics have shown promising results. The various nanoaprticles like graphene, silver nanoparticles, chitosan, hydroxyapaptite nanoparticles, Iron compound, zirconia, Poly (lactic) co-glycolic acid, bioactive glass, mesoporous calcium silicate, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, Magnesium, Calcium oxide and Copper oxide have been discussed. These nanoparticles have fetched and shown great results in various application in endodontics like incorporation of nanoparticles in selaers, obturating materials, irrigation, and intracanal medicament. Conclusion The application of nanoparticles from natural and synthetic materials is rapidly evolving in dentistry. These biomaterials have helped in treatment of oral diseases, in eradication of smear layer and biofilms, have been incorporated in various dental materials for their antimicrobial effects. Combining all their beneficial aspects, these nanoparticles will provide new paradigm shift in dentistry. This review on nanoparticles will provide the reader with the latest knowledge of these materials, their mechanism of action and its implications in endodontics.

Background Accidental ingestion of a dental bur during the dental procedure is a rare, but a potentially serious complication. Early recognition and foreign body retrieval is essential to prevent adverse patient outcomes. Case presentation A 76-year old male patient, presented to the department with a chief complaint of sensitivity in his upper right back tooth due to attrition. After assessing the pulp status, root canal therapy was planned for the tooth. During the procedure, it was noticed that the dental bur slipped out of the hand piece and the patient had accidentally ingested it. The patient was conscious and had no trouble while breathing at the time of ingestion of the bur although he had mild cough which lasted for a short duration. The dental procedure was aborted immediately and the patient was taken to the hospital for emergency care. The presence and location of the dental bur was confirmed using chest and abdominal x-rays and it was subsequently retrieved by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure under general anaesthesia on the same day as a part of the emergency procedure. The analysis of this case reaffirms the importance of the use of physical barriers such as rubber dams and gauze screens as precautionary measures to prevent such incidents from occurring. Conclusion Ingestion of instruments are uncertain and hazardous complications to encounter during a dental procedure. The need for physical barrier like rubber dam is mandatory for all dental procedures. However, the dentist should be well trained to handle such medical emergencies and reassure the patient by taking them into confidence. Each incident encountered should be thoroughly documented to supply adequate guidance for treatment aspects. This would fulfil the professional responsibilities of the dentist/ clinician and may help avoid possible legal and ethical issues. This case report emphasizes on the need for the usage of physical barriers during dental procedures in order to avoid medical emergencies.

Background Rehabilitation of the entire dentition with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) tends to pose a great challenge to the clinician. Most of the cases of amelogenesis imperfecta are reported to be associated with skeletal and dental deformities which results in severe sensitivity of the dental tissues. Case presentation This clinical case report marks out the total restoration of the oral condition of a young Indian patient diagnosed with the hypoplastic type of amelogenesis imperfecta. Fixed metal ceramic prosthesis were planned to strengthen the masticatory activity, aesthetics, to banish the dental sensitivity and to build up the general persona of the patient. The patient was followed-up at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years intervals. Functional and esthetic impairment was not visible after the follow up period and the treatment outcome was successful. The entire treatment plan was intended to enhance the functional, esthetic and the masticatory component of the occlusal architecture. Conclusion This case report details the presentation, characteristic radiographic findings, and management of a patient with an extremely rare condition of amelogenesis imperfecta.

A lot of dentists and dental personnel are at high risk of contracting eye infections during operative procedures involving aerosols. As many may not be aware of it, they often ignore the precautions to be taken for prevention of such infections. This is one such case report of a dental intern where an eyelid infection arose shortly after she treated a patient with an infected tooth in an operative procedure. This case report emphasizes the importance of preventive barriers for the dentist, and that how special protective gear is required for doing restorative cases which involve dealing with infection.

Purpose: To critically assess the unmet oral health needs and oral health-related quality of life among old age home inhabitants in Karnataka, India. Methods: A total of 96 older adults (males=32, 33.33%, females=64, 66.67%) aged 60 years and above, residing in old age homes were included in this cross-sectional study. The mean age of the participants included in the study was 69.25±7.99 years. Oral health status and dental needs were assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHIS) and the WHO Oral Health Assessment forms. Oral health-related quality of life was evaluated by administrating the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire through an interview format. Statistical Analysis: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 was used. Descriptive statistics was tabulated for oral health status and GOHAI scores. Student's t-test and ANOVA were applied to check the association of the GOHAI responses with the number of years of residence in old age homes, age groups, gender, and dentition status. Results: The mean age of the participants included in the study was 69.25±7.99 years. Twenty-six (27.1%) participants reported diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Most of the participants 89 (91.7%) visited the dentist when they had dental complaints. Among the dentulous study population, the majority of the participants had untreated dental caries indicated for dental extraction and needed periodontal therapy. Amongst the participants, 68 (70.82%) required prosthetic rehabilitation. More than 10 years of residence in old aged homes, over 80 years of age, being female, and completely edentulous groups showed lower total GOHAI scores compared to their counterparts. Conclusion:The majority of the participants showed unmet oral health needs and lower GOHAI scores indicating poor oral health-related quality of life.