Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of epoxy resin-based sealer and a pozzolan-based mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) sealer on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. Materials and methods:Thirty single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized root length of 15 mm. ProTaper rotary files up to a master apical file size of F3 were used for cleaning and shaping the root canals followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 each), and the obturation was completed using gutta-percha with Endoseal MTA (group I) and AH Plus (group II) as root canal sealers. Group III served as control (instrumented and unfilled). Each specimen was then subjected to fracture testing by using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute until fracture. The force required to fracture each specimen was recorded and the data were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by pairwise comparison using post hoc Games-Howell test (p < 0.05). Results:The fracture resistance of groups I and II were significantly higher than those of group III. No significant difference in the fracture resistance was observed between group I (Endoseal MTA) and group II (AH Plus) groups. Conclusion:It can be concluded that the new root canal sealer, Endoseal MTA, is able to reinforce the tooth against fracture as good as AH Plus.Clinical significance: Endoseal MTA is a sealer for the reinforcement of endodontically treated teeth.

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Introduction:Accurate determination of working length (WL) is a critical factor for endodontic success. This is commonly achieved using an apex locator which is influenced by the presence or absence of the apical constriction. Hence, this study was done to compare the accuracy of two generations of apex locators in teeth with simulated apical root resorption.Materials and Methods:Forty maxillary central incisors were selected and after access preparation, were embedded in an alginate mold. On achieving partial set, teeth were removed, and a 45° oblique cut was made at the apex. The teeth were replanted and stabilized in the mold, and WL was determined using two generations of apex locators (Raypex 5 and Apex NRG XFR). Actual length of teeth (control) was determined by visual method.Statistical Analysis:Results were subjected to statistical analysis using the paired t-test.Results:Raypex 5 and Apex NRG was accurate for only 33.75% and 23.75% of samples, respectively. However, with ±0.5 mm acceptance limit, they showed an average accuracy of 56.2% and 57.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the accuracy between the two apex locators.Conclusion:Neither of the two apex locators were 100% accurate in determining the WL.

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Objective: To evaluate the common dental emergencies reported to dental practitioners and to compare the mitigation strategies implemented during the Shelter-In-Place (SIP) warning with dental practitioners’ age and sex. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among the dental practitioners of south India during the period of COVID-19 SIP warning. An initial pool of items was prepared to capture the mitigation strategies in managing local dental emergencies. A structured questionnaire was then prepared in English based on the inputs of four expert dentist panel. Age and sex of the practitioners were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the dental practitioners was 37.11(range: 23 - 63) years.Of 159 dental practitioners that responded to survey, 90 were male. Most dental practitioners responded that they were contacted through a phone call (n=140) and WhatsApp messaging (n=108). The common dental emergencies reported were tooth pain (100%), swelling (91.7%), a decayed tooth (81.3%), and gum pain (78.6%). A higher number of male than female dental practitioners had “scheduled the treatment immediately” (OR=3.45; P=0.002) after adjusting for age. Conclusion:The most common dental emergencies during COVID-19 SIP were tooth pain, swelling, decayed teeth, and gum pain. Males and older dental practitioners scheduled appointments immediately.

Background: To compare the surface roughness and microhardness of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT after in-office vital bleaching with Pola office. Methods: A total of 20 samples of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT were prepared. The samples were subjected to two bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Pola office) with a seven-day interval between each session. Surface roughness and microhardness of the prepared samples prior to and after the bleaching regimen were measured using a profilometer and Vickers hardness tester, respectively. Results: A significant reduction (p <0.001) in the surface hardness of Filtek Z350 XT from 26.67 ± 2.10 to 17.83 ± 1.36 Vickers hardness number (VHN) was observed after the bleaching whereas no significant reduction in surface hardness was observed with Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one. However, in-office bleaching of these materials did not significantly alter their surface roughness. Conclusions: The effect of in-office bleaching on the surface hardness of resin composites seem to vary due to variations in the composition of dental composites such as filler loading. Among the composites tested, in office bleaching of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ did not result in significant changes in its surface hardness and roughness.

Laser assisted procedures evoked the field of endodontics almost 3-4 decades ago by means of using appropriate energy produced by light for alteration of various hard and soft tissues. During the initial years, the cumbersome laser delivery systems and handling limited its use, despite the purported advantages. However, the last few years, have seen tremendous advancements in terms of tip designs, disinfection agents, photoacoustic streaming etc. This paper has been compiled in an attempt to discuss the effects of photo-activated technology on the root canal system.