Objective: The study aimed to investigate the influence of different polishing systems on the surface roughness of nano-hybrid composite resins. Background: Different shapes of polishing systems are available according to the site of work. To minimize variability, a new system with single shape is developed that can be utilized in both anterior as well as posterior teeth. Materials and Methods: Seventy composite discs were fabricated using Teflon well (10 mm × 3 mm). Two main group of nano-hybrid composite Group I - Filtek Z350 and Group II - Tetric N-Ceram were used (n = 35 for each group). Both groups were further divided into four subgroups. Subgroup a - OneGloss (n = 10), Subgroup b - PoGo (n = 10), Subgroup c - Sof-Lex spiral (n = 10), Subgroup d - Mylar strip (control, n = 5). Samples were polished according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Surface roughness test was performed using contact profilometer. The obtained data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance test. Result: Tetric N-Ceram produced smoother surfaces than Filtek Z350 (P < 0.05). Mylar strip and "PoGo" created equally smooth surfaces, while significantly rougher surfaces were obtained after applications of "Sof-Lex spiral" and "OneGloss" (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Polishing ability of Tetric N-Ceram is better than Filtek Z350 XT. "PoGo" seems to be a better polishing system than "OneGloss" and "Sof-Lex Spiral."

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of two natural extracts in varying ratios for removal of smear layer either alone or supplemented with sonic agitation. Materials and Methods: Fifty extracted single-rooted teeth were collected, disinfected and decoronated below the cementoenamel junction to obtain standardized root length of 10 mm. Root canals were instrumented using rotary files at working length 1 mm short of the apex. Specimens were divided into six groups according to the irrigation protocol as follows: Group A - Distilled water, Group B - 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Group C - Herbal extracts in 1:1 ratio, Group D - Herbal extracts in 1:1 ratio supplemented with sonic agitation, Group E - Herbal extracts in 2:1 ratio, Group F - Herbal extracts in 2:1 ratio supplemented with sonic agitation. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned and evaluated under scanning electron microscope for smear layer removal efficacy. Obtained scores were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc test. Results: Among all, Group B showed the best results followed by Group F. Remaining other groups showed inferior outcome (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of two extracts in 2:1 ratio was slightly better than 1:1 ratio and the smear layer removal efficacy was further improved when accompanied with sonic agitation.

Context: Endodontically treated premolars are currently restored with direct bonded techniques in conservative manner enabling them to bear functional stresses homogeneously. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of placement of compactable glass fibers in reinforcing the endodontically treated teeth in a novel conservative manner. Settings and Design: Research laboratory, in vitro study. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five extracted maxillary premolars were procured. Fifteen teeth were left untreated (Group A) and the remaining teeth were endodontically treated followed by standardized mesio-occluso-distal preparation and randomly assigned to experimental groups (n = 15) as follows: (B) no restoration, (C) restoration with composite, (D) EverStick^® POST followed by composite, and (E) vertical glass fibers within 3 mm of the coronal root canal space and buccopalatal flaring of the coronal fibers followed by composite. After conditioning and thermocycling, specimens were loaded under a universal testing machine to evaluate fracture resistance and fracture pattern of specimens. Statistical Analysis Used: Obtained scores were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance test for stress analysis, post hoc Tukey's test for intergroup comparison, and Chi-square test for analysis of favorable and unfavorable fracture. Results: The fracture resistance was highest to lowest as follows: Group A > E > C > D > B (P < 0.001). Conclusion: EverStick^®POST used in conservative manner improved fracture strength of teeth significantly.

Anatomic variations in maxillary molars are frequent. These deviations are also one of the major cause for endodontic treatment failure owing to inadequate cleaning, shaping and sealing of root canal system. Diagnosis of such aberrations using newer imaging techniques like cone beam computed tomography is firmly advocated. The present paper highlights the root canal treatment of a rare case of type I canal morphology diagnosed with an aid of cone beam computed tomographic technique.

Management of enamel discoloration via modified microabrasion technique followed by in office bleaching....

Immature teeth with necrotic pulp and large periapical lesion are difficult to treat via conventional endodontic therapy. The role of materials such as calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate in apexification is indispensable. This case report presents the successful healing and apexification with combined use of white mineral trioxide aggregate and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft.