PurposeA key factor affecting the success of endodontic treatment is correct determination of root canal working length (WL). The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare the accuracy of Propex II and iPex II electronic apex locator (EAL) in determining the WL under clinical conditions, to that of radiographic working length (RWL) using stainless steel (SS) and nickel–titanium (NiTi) hand files.Patients and methodsThirty-seven patients, with 60 anterior teeth (60 canals) scheduled for endodontic treatment participated in this study after ethical approval. Electronic working length (EWL) was determined by the Propex II and iPex II according to manufacturer’s instructions using SS Hand K-files and NiTi Hand files. RWL was determined after EWL determination. The results obtained with each EAL with SS and NiTi files were compared with RWL. Data was analyzed statistically at a significance level of p < 0.05. Interclass correlation coefficient was calculated.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the EALs, indicating similar accuracies between them with respect to accuracy in determining the WL (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between the EWL and RWL and between SS and NiTi files for WL determination (p > 0.05) as well. The result also displayed a high intraclass correlation coefficient between the RWL and EWL measurement methods.ConclusionUnder the in vivo clinical conditions of this study, both Propex II and iPex II were similar to the RWL determination technique showing high correlation to RWL. Both are clinically acceptable EAL for WL determination and both SS hand K-file and NiTi file can be used interchangeably without compromising the WL during treatment.

Background. Oral health is dependent on the knowledge and awareness of the individuals. Teachers as individuals influence the children in every aspect including oral health maintenance. The objective of this study was to assess the oral health knowledge, attitude, practices, and oral health status among school teachers in Chitwan District, Nepal. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 550 school teachers of private and government schools in Chitwan District, to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices, and oral health status. Descriptive analysis was done and data were analyzed using chi-square. A five-point Likert Scale was applied to compute knowledge, attitude, and practices of the school teachers. Results. Most of the school teachers had good knowledge about periodontal diseases in comparison to dental caries. Private school (20.7% : 57) teachers had higher good oral health knowledge as compared to government school teachers (9.8% : 27). An almost equal percentage of private and government teachers (73.5% : 202 and 74.2% : 204, respectively) were found with fair knowledge about oral health. Males had a higher percentage for good oral health knowledge as compared to females. Conclusion. There is an incredible need to improve oral health knowledge and attitude among school teachers concerning different problems of the oral cavity and the avoidance of dental diseases. These enhancements can be applied through regular training of teachers by oral health seminars, materials, and other such types of methods.

Background. Time elapsed between trauma and treatment greatly influences the prognosis of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and radiographic findings related to complications of TDIs among patients seeking delayed treatment of such injuries. Materials and Methods. 123 permanent teeth with a history of previous TDIs were included in the study. Clinical findings analyzed were the type of fracture, type and number of injured teeth, crown discoloration, and pulpal status of the injured tooth (pulpal diagnosis). The radiographic findings analyzed included pulp canal obliteration (PCO), root resorption (RR), and periapical radiolucency (PR). Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis. Results. Tooth discoloration was the most common presenting complaint (53.65%), while fall (48.78%) was the most frequent cause of trauma. The range of time duration between trauma and presentation for treatment was 5 months to 30 years (average time 12.82 years). Pulp necrosis (PN) was the most common complication (90.24%). Almost half of the teeth with PN had fracture injury and discoloration along with a high frequency of PR (78.37%). Even teeth with a normal appearance were found to have a high incidence of PN (76.92%) and PR (53.84%). The crown discoloration was the second most frequent finding (48.78%). Many teeth (41.66%) with vital pulp were also discolored. Most of the teeth (79.31%) with yellowish discoloration and all teeth with brownish discoloration were nonvital. A high frequency of PN (90%) and PR (78.33%) was found in teeth with discoloration. PR was the most common radiographic finding (69.10%), while PCO and RR were observed in 17.88% and 21.13% of teeth, respectively. Conclusion. The findings of this study support the fact that delayed treatment of TDIs leads to increased complications. PN was the most common complication followed by tooth discoloration, RR, and PCO among patients seeking delayed treatment after TDIs.

Introduction: One of the most important aspects of aesthetic dentistry while restoring or replacing maxillary anterior teeth is the creation of harmonious proportion between the widths of them. The appearance of anterior teeth is criti­cal for an attractive face and pleasing smile. The dimensional determination of maxillary anterior teeth is an important factor for both, esthetic and function. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 140 dentate subjects. Out of the 140 subjects, 70 (50%) were males and 70 (50%) were females. The age of the patients in this study ranged from 18 to 50 years. Maxillary impressions of selected subjects were made with an irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. The mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth was measured from the casts with a Boley gauge. Results: The mean width ratios were 0.83 for right LI/CI and 0.85 for left LI/CI, 1.12 for right CN/LI and 1.1 for left CN/LI in total population. The mean width ratios in male group were 0.83 for right LI/CI and 0.87 for left LI/CI, 1.14 for right CN/ LI and 1.1 for left CN/LI. Similarly, in female group the mean width ratios were 0.82 for right LI/CI and 0.83 for left LI/CI, 1.1 for right CN/LI and 1.1 for left CN/LI. Conclusion: In the evaluation of LI/CI, CN/LI, WLRs golden proportion was not found in left and right for both sexes.

Background: Mandibular ramus undergoes remodelling with time. The remodeling is also influenced by factors such as ageing, dental status, gender, stress, trauma, force exerted during occlusion, and joint diseases. Studies have reported variations in morphology of coronoid process, condylar process, and sigmoid notch of the mandible. Objectives: To assess the morphological variations of processes of mandible and the sigmoid notch in a tertiary care centre of Nepal. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Chitwan Medical College. This study included 310 orthopantomograms (OPGs) retrieved from the archives of the hospital data from 2022 May-June. All OPGs were taken with same radiographic equipment. Data taken in predesigned proforma were entered and analysed in SPSS v.16. Descriptive statistics was used to explain the results in tabulated form. Results: Among 310 OPGs assessed, 188 (60.6%) were female and rest male. Angled mandibular condyle was prevalent on both right 123 (39.7%) and left side 134 (43.2%). More than 50% of sigmoid notch was of sloping shape on both right and left side. Triangular type of coronoid process was present 185 (59.7%) on right side and 183 (59.0%) on left side. Among the coronoid process types, triangular was found more in male and females on both right and left sides. Conclusion: This study concluded that the angled type of condylar process, sloping type of sigmoid notch, and triangular type of coronoid process were more prevalent on both right and left side. All three parameters were also observed to be prevalent in females suggesting gender variation.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is acknowledged an unprecedented crisis that has adversely affected the population globally and created a situation of emergency in health systems worldwide. The aim of present study was to evaluate the association of COVID-19 factors and psychological factors with psychological distress level among dental professional of Nepal. Methods: The data was collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted online among 350 dental practitioners in Nepal. The data was collected during the period of December 2020 to April, 2021. A self-measuring questionnaire was prepared throgh Google forms to assess COVID-19 factors. In psychological factors category, self-efficacy and subjective overload was measured. General self-efficacy scale was used for the evaluation of self-efficacy and Demand-Scale (short-version) was used for measuring the subjective overload. Kesslers’ K6 scale was used for assessing the distress level among the participants of the study. Multivariate logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Results: Findings of the study revealed that elevated psychological distress was found more among female dental staff, having fear of contracting COVID-19 from patient, and who have shown higher subjective overload. Lower psychological distress was associated with higher work-experience, and in those who got higher scores for self-efficacy. Conclusions: This study was conducted during the outbreak of deadly infectious coronavirus disease. While exploring the COVID-19 factors and psychological factors on the distress level among dental staff, it is warranted as the effects may be long-term because of their psychological implications on the mental health of dental practitioners.

INTRODUCTION: Regenerative Endodontics is one of the most fascinating development in modern dentistry. Since Endodontists are the first providers of this type of dental treatment, it is essential to learn their knowledge, attitude and practice of these procedures. Aim: This online questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst Endodontists practicing in Nepal with the aim to learn their knowledge, attitude and practice of regenerative endodontic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Endodontists in Nepal. In total 65 Endodontists participated in this study. The questionnaire was distributed to the participants using the available electronic measures. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed on the responses given by Endodontists using SPSS Statistical Software package (version 21.0). RESULTS: A total of 20 questions were included in this study. Out of the responses analyzed, 100% (n=65) had come across the term regenerative endodontics. Respondents had good knowledge about the sources of dental stem cells (87.3%, n=55). A high percentage (98.4%, n=62) of respondents strongly recommended regenerative therapy to be incorporated into dentistry. Among the participants of this study, 87.1% (n=54) had a belief that regenerative endodontic treatment could serve as the alternative treatment option to dental implant. CONCLUSIONS: The Endodontists practicing in Nepal had sound knowledge about regenerative endodontic procedures. They were enthusiastic in practicing regenerative endodontics and interested in stem cell therapy. It’s a high time to uplift the regenerative endodontic procedure from simple revascularization via blood clotting to more advanced procedure.

INTRODUCTION: The inter-incisal distance at maximum mouth opening has been referred to as normal mouth opening. Variations in the inter-incisal distance exists among different age groups, sex, gender, race and ethnicity. The mean inter-incisal distance is required during the treatment of maxillofacial fractures, temporomandibular joint disorders, oral malignancies, reconstructed mouth anomalies, and craniofacial syndromes. The aim of this study was to determine the maximal inter-incisal distance among bachelor level students of tertiary care center of Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the 320 bachelor level students of Chitwan Medical College. Convenience sampling method was used. Sex and ethnicity of the patient were recorded. Inter-incisal distance was measured in all the participants with the help of tongue depressor. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel 2019 and later transported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 for the statistical analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: In this study among the 320 participants 131 (40.9 %) were male and 189 (59.1 %) were female. The mean age was 22.34 ± 2.02 years. The mean inter-incisal distance of male and female was 48.69 ± 6.92 mm and 46.51 ± 6.24 mm respectively. The mean inter-incisal distance was maximum in Muslims who had inter-incisal length ie.51.24± 3.54 mm, followed by Buddhists 48.86± 5.89 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that the mean inter-incisal distance of male was more than that of female. On the basis of religion, Muslim students had maximum inter-incisal length followed by Buddhists, Hindus and Christians. On basis of ethnicity this study documented the maximum inter incisal distance in Chhetris and minimum in Newars.