All specimens showed discoloration after completion of the test period which was visually perceptible and clinically unacceptable. At the end of 30th day, among the materials, nanofilled composite resin showed comparatively less surface roughness and color change than microhybrid and hybrid composite resins.

Technological advances and discoveries in instruments and materials have made it possible to achieve treatment objectives that once were considered unattainable in the field of dentistry. The introduction of microscopes into endodontics in the early nineties brought on a renaissance in endodontics that led to new and exciting discoveries and the blossoming of new ideas and techniques� The microscope proved to be an invaluable instrument, allowing endodontists to render treatment for problems which were previously thought to be impossible to treat� This review article provides a comprehensive review about the applications of microscopes in endodontics�

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Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Calcium hydroxide, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) and Punica granatum (Pomegranate) gels as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis. Methodology: Crude extracts of Pomegranate peel, Neem leaves and Tulsi leaves were used to determine MIC following which gels of 5% neem, 10% tulsi and 10% pomegranate were prepared. Forty-eight single rooted human premolars were procured and inoculated with E.faecalis for 7 days. Specimens were then randomly distributed into 4 groups. Group I-Calcium hydroxide Group II-5% A. indica (Neem) gel Group III-10% O. tenuiflorum (Tulsi) gel Group IV-10% P. granatum (Pomegranate) gel The experimental gels were then introduced into the samples and were sealed at both ends. The antimicrobial activity of medicaments was assessed by measuring CFU/ml at the end of 1, 3 and 5 days. Results: Calcium hydroxide showed the maximum antibacterial activity (5.3X10 4 CFU/ml) followed by Pomegranate gel (5.4 X10 4 CFU/ml) with no statistically significant difference between them. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed between the mean CFU/ml values of the neem (10.2 X10 4 CFU/ml) and tulsi gel (10.2 X10 4 CFU/ml). However, pomegranate gel showed statistically significant antibacterial activity when compared to Neem and Tulsi. (Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, table 4) (Figure 1). Conclusion: Calcium hydroxide showed the best antibacterial activity against E.faecalis. Among herbal gels, pomegranate showed the maximum antibacterial activity, however, further in-vivo research is required for it to be used as a sole intracanal medicament clinically.