Bioceramics are materials which include Alumina, Zirconia, Bioactive glass, Glass ceramics, Hydroxyapatite, resorbable Calcium phosphates, among others. They have been used in dentistry for filling up bony defects, root repair materials, apical fill materials, perforation sealing, as endodontic sealers and as aids in regeneration. They have certain advantages like biocompatibility, non toxicity, dimensional stability and most importantly in endodontic applications, being bio-inert. They have a similarity to Hydroxyapatite, an intrinsic osteo conductive activity and have an ability to induce regenerative responses in the human body. In Endodontics, they can be broadly classified into Calcium Phosphate/ Tricalcium/ Hydroxyapatite based, Calcium Silicate based or mixtures of Calcium Silicate and Phosphates. This review focuses on an overview of Bioceramics, classification and their advantages. It also gives a detailed insight into individual bioceramic materials currently used in the fields of Endodontics along with their properties and applications.

Background:The indications for surgical management of fractures of the shaft of the humerus are clear, but selecting the right implant for internal fixation of humeral fractures has been a dilemma.Materials and Methods:Thirty-six patients (mean age 40.53 years) with fractures of the shaft of the humerus were followed for 12 to 24 months in a prospective study. Eighteen patients each underwent open reduction and internal fixation with compression plating and ante grade interlock nailing. Clinical and radiographic outcome measures included fracture healing, shoulder and elbow functions, need for additional procedures and any complication such as infection and recovery of radial nerve palsy. The results were analyzed statistically using the SPSS 11.5 software, with parametric and nonparametric tests.Results:Nine of the fractures treated with compression plating and seven of those treated with interlock nailing achieved union within six months. Though there was no significant difference in union time between the treatment groups, patients operated with interlock nailing underwent more number of secondary bone grafting procedures to obtain union (six against two). There were 12 patients (66.6%) with excellent and good results in the plating group compared to four patients (25%) in the nailing group. Interlock nailing was associated with significant reduction in shoulder function (P=0.03) and in overall results (P=0.02).Conclusion:Though there was no significant difference between plating or nailing in terms of time to union, compression plating is the preferred method in the majority of fractures of the shaft of the humerus with better preservation of joint function and lesser need for secondary bone grafting for union.

Root canal therapy has enabled us to save numerous teeth over the years. The most desired outcome of endodontic treatment would be when diseased or nonvital pulp is replaced with healthy pulp tissue that would revitalize the teeth through regenerative endodontics. ‘A search was conducted using the Pubmed and MEDLINE databases for articles with the criteria ‘Platelet rich plasma’, ‘Platelet rich fibrin’, ‘Stem cells’, ‘Natural and artificial scaffolds’ from 1982–2015’. Tissues are organized as three-dimensional structures, and appropriate scaffolding is necessary to provide a spatially correct position of cell location and regulate differentiation, proliferation, or metabolism of the stem cells. Extracellular matrix molecules control the differentiation of stem cells, and an appropriate scaffold might selectively bind and localize cells, contain growth factors, and undergo biodegradation over time. Different scaffolds facilitate the regeneration of different tissues. To ensure a successful regenerative procedure, it is essential to have a thorough and precise knowledge about the suitable scaffold for the required tissue. This article gives a review on the different scaffolds providing an insight into the new developmental approaches on the horizon.

Aim: To evaluate antimicrobial ability of neem leaf extract, 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) against Candida albicans. Methods: Neem leaf extract was prepared by using absolute ethanol with fresh neem leaves, filtering the extract through muslin cloth, coarse residue and filter paper. Cultures of C. albicans were maintained on Brain Heart Infusion broth and Agar. The antimicrobial efficacy was checked using the Agar Diffusion and the zones of inhibition were measured. The results were statistically analysed using ANOVA test. Inter-group comparison was checked using Kruskal Wallis ANOVA and Mann Whitney tests (a=0.05). Results: There was statistically significant difference between the zones of inhibition seen with 3% NaOCl and Neem extract with 2% CHX (p<0.05). There was no significant difference observed between Neem extract and 3% NaOCl. Conclusions: Efficacy of Neem extract is comparable to 3% NaOCl against C. albicans and it is significantly better than 2% CHX.

The variability of root canal system morphology presents a continuous challenge to endodontic diagnosis and therapeutics. There have been reports of teeth with multiple roots and canals as also those with lesser number of root and root canals. Variations of root canal systems need not always be in the form of extra canals. Clinicians should be aware that there is a possibility of existence of fewer numbers of roots and root canals than normal, which presents varied canal anatomy and poses a challenge to the clinician's expertise. This case report deals with the management of an unusual case of C-shaped canal in mandibular molar with two buccally fused roots. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was employed to confirm the extension of the unusual anatomy. The Self Adjusting File (SAF) system was used to ensure complete cleaning of the canal system. One-year follow-up of the case showed good healing. The clinician should expect to encounter unusual features when performing endodontic treatment. Use of diagnostic aids like CBCT, improved magnification with dental operating microscope, and the use of novel file systems like SAF ensure success.

The main objective of root canal treatment is thorough cleaning and shaping of the entire pulp space and its complete filling with an inert filling material. A major cause of post-treatment disease is the inability to locate, debride or adequately fill all canals of the root canal system. The form, configuration, and number of root canals in the maxillary first molars have been discussed for more than half a century. Maxillary first molars commonly present with three roots and three canals, with a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) also present. With the advent of improved magnification there are reports of multiple root canals in the maxillary first molars. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy of a left maxillary first molar with three roots and seven root canals was successfully performed under a dental operating microscope. The diagnosis of multiple root canals was confirmed with the help of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images.

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