Aim: The main aim of the present study is in vitro assessment of the diffusion ability and degradation of calcium hydroxide from pastes prepared by using different vehicles to determine the influence of a vehicle on pH of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH) 2 ] pastes. Materials and methods: A total of 44 single-rooted premolar teeth were used in this study. The tooth crowns were removed and the root canals were prepared. Depending on the vehicle to be used for preparing calcium hydroxide pastes, four groups were made: group I: Ca(OH) 2 saline paste (control group), group II: Ca(OH) 2 neem , group III: Ca(OH) 2 aloe vera , group IV: Ca(OH) 2 turmeric paste. After biomechanical preparation, calcium hydroxide herbal paste dressings were applied and sealed with resin-based cement. The teeth were placed in containers with distilled water, and the pH of the water was measured at regular intervals over 3, 24, and 168 hours. Results: The present study showed all herbal pastes allowed the diffusion of ions, but pastes prepared with aloe vera showed more ion diffusion and a marked increase in pH, depicting better support for calcium hydroxide action. Conclusion: Aloe vera allows better diffusion of calcium hydroxide through dentinal tubules, thus enhancing its action, and advises its use as a vehicle for placing intracanal medicament. Clinical significance: Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH) 2 ] is the most common and effective intracanal medicament. However, CH is not so effective when used alone. Therefore combinations are required to enhance its clinical properties. To be effective, diffusion of hydroxyl ions are required for which vehicle plays a significant role.

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many institutions to unexpectedly adopt online learning methods to teach their students. As students’ perspectives are vital to be understood to determine whether any teaching learning method is optimum for implementation, we conducted a questionnaire-based study of students of a medical college. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this research study was to gain a better understanding of problems concerned with online learning methods. Materials and Methods: Undergraduate 1st year medical students of four different medical colleges of India were the participants. After ethical committee permission, responses were invited for a Google form’s questionnaire. Students were asked in detail about their choices. Results: Most students preferred the offline mode of study over the online mode. Majority of students preferred to keep their own camera off during online lectures. Biochemistry subject was considered comparatively easier and Anatomy was considered difficult to learn in online mode compared to offline mode. Few students felt comfortable with online learning of more than 5 h daily. Concentration in classes was difficult, deemed more difficult for online classes and majority of students felt a lack of motivation in online learning. Conclusions: Institutes using the online mode of learning need to address student’s problems before they mandate certain rules like keeping students’ videos on. Lack of motivation and screen fatigue are common problems among students which needs to be addressed by counseling or mentoring if necessary. Subject specific preferences of students need to be taken care of.

Success of root canal treatment depends upon five major steps. Among them, biomechanical preparation is most important. Root canal system shows various anatomical variations. These variations will help microorganism to harbour themselves. In order to disinfect the root canal, various irrigating solutions are used. These chemical solutions may change the surface characteristics of root dentin. Hence, this study was carried out with an aim- to determine the failure mode of sealer after obturation using the various irrigating solution.  The study was carried out using 40 extracted premolars. Biomechanical preparation was done using the crown down technique. Various irrigating solutions, namely, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, QMIX 2 in1, 17% EDTA liquid were used for irrigation. Later obturation was done using AH plus sealer and cold condensation technique. A section of 5mm root was obtained at the middle one third. Push out bond strength was evaluated and the mode of failure of the sealer was noted.  The maximum number of mixed failure mode (n=7) in Qmix 2 in1as well as in 2% CHX. Similarly, in 5.25% NaOCl, 8 samples showed Mixed failure mode. However, in 17% EDTA, the equal number of the sample had Adhesive and Mixed type of failure mode (n=5). Use of EDTA + CHX or QMix during final irrigation significantly improved sealer penetratin resulting in impervious seal to the obturation. Thus contributing to the success of endodontic treatment.

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