Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to determine probable HP infection in oral aphthous samples by RUT in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Materials and Methods: This in vivo cross-sectional study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Swami Devi Dayal Dental College and Hospital according to the ethical standards. A total of 30 patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis and 20 healthy control groups were included in the study. Results: Out of 30 patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, including 17 male and 13 female patients, with mean age of 47 and 38 years respectively, 21 patients (70%) were RUT (positive). Out of 20 healthy control groups, 12 males and 8 females, 2 (10%) were RUT (positive) [Table 1]. Conclusion: HP may play a role in the etiology of RAS; also it is likely that RUT may be rapid and reliable for investigation of HP in RAS lesions.

Introduction: The Purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between craniofacial structures and nose in Himachali population. Materials and Methods: Sample included 100 Himachali adults (50 male, 50 female), aged 18 to 30 years. 27 parameters were measured on standardised lateral cephalometric radiographs. Which included 15 facial skeleton and 12 nasal parameters. Values of all the parameters obtained were statistically analyzed. Result: Nasal length and Nasal Depth showed positive correlation with the length of maxillary and mandibular jaws and facial height. Nasal hump, Nasolabial angle, Nasal base angle and Columella convexity showed no correlation with the underlying craniofacial structures. Conclusion: Nose, a prominent characterstic of the face, is related to underlying craniofacial structures in Himachali adult population. Himachali males have a longer protrusive nose with nasal tipped downwards and females have a shorter and lesser protrusive nose with nasal tip turned upwards.

Aim: The aim of the study was to that assess the perceptions and understanding of dental practitioners in the provision of dental treatment to pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional type. A sample size of 200 dental practitioners were included in the study between the period of 6 months, i.e. June–December. A cluster sampling technique was employed covering four different dental institutes. A structured questionnaire was designed to assess the perception and understanding of dental practitioners in providing treatment to the pregnant women. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. Chi-square test was done to analyze the association of perception of dental practitioners in treating pregnant women in relation to gender. Results: A total of 200 dental practitioners filled the questionnaire out of which 43% (86) were males and 57% (114) were females. Eighty-two percent of the total participants said that it is safe to provide dental treatment during pregnancy, almost 90.4% of the total dentist interviewed was aware of the special position in which to place a pregnant woman on a dental chair. 85.5% of the study population do not prefer taking radiographs of a pregnant woman, 63% of the entire dentist surveyed prefers to use local anesthesia before any dental procedure on a pregnant patient. 96.5% care to educate their pregnant patient about improving dental health care. 59.5% of the dental practitioners said that they would consult the patient's gynecologist as a mandatory requirement before treating the patient. 57% of the dental practitioners answered with gingivitis. 70.5% agreed on scaling. The majority of the dentists prescribed paracetamol 85.5%. Conclusion: Little is known about the perception and utilization of dental practitioners in providing dental treatment to pregnant women in Pakistan. The present survey concluded that dental practitioners lack appropriate knowledge of X-rays and its effects, prescribing appropriate medications, consultation with patients' gynecologist as a mandatory requirement before provision of dental treatment and educating pregnant woman to seek dental care. There is a need to arrange continuous dental education programs for dental practitioners to gain updated knowledge when providing dental treatment to pregnant women.

Background: Simple orthodontic procedure such as separator placement can be associated with the occurrence of transient bacteraemia. Use of clorhexidine before separator placement has been recommended as a measure to decrease the bacteraemia. Aim: The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of transient bacteremia after separator placement following use of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. Methodology: The study group consisted of 27 adult patients who reported for orthodontic treatment (18 males and 9 females). The patients were asked to rinse their mouth for 60 sec with 15 mL of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash before the separator placement. An aseptic technique was used to draw out 5 ml of blood was from either the left or right antecubital fossa immediately before orthodontic separator placement (as control group), and the second 5 ml sample was taken 1–2 min after the placement of separators mesial and distal to all the first molars. All the blood samples were inoculated into culture bottles containing Brain Heart Infusion and incubated aerobically for 7 days. Media used for bacterial growth is chocolate agar and MacConkey agar. Results: From a total of 27 patients and 54 samples, none of the sample was found positive for bacteremia. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there is no bacteremia after the placement of separators following the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Statement of the Problem: Sorption and solubility by soft liners is accompanied by volumetric changes, microbial infestation, distortion, hardening, color change, and reduced bond strength between the liner and denture base. Water sorption and solubility of soft liners are, therefore, of obvious importance because of their influence on the long-term stability of a soft liner. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the water sorption and solubility of two chemically distinct soft liners (acrylic-based soft liner, Viscogel and silicone-based soft liner, Mollosil) at different storage intervals over 3-month period. Methods: Sixty disc-shaped specimens (30 mm × 1 mm) of each liner were fabricated, weighed, and divided into six groups of ten specimens each. The specimens were immersed in distilled water and in artificial saliva, and their weight data following immersion and subsequent drying were collected at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The percentage sorption and solubility were calculated, and the data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The means were compared using Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc comparison. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed significant difference in the sorption and solubility between the two materials. Acrylic-based soft liner, Viscogel, demonstrated higher percentage absorption and solubility than its silicone-based counterpart, Mollosil, at all-time intervals in both distilled water and artificial saliva. Conclusion: On the basis of lower water sorption and solubility, silicone-based soft liner, Mollosil, may provide for better clinical success than acrylic-based soft liner, Viscogel.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the effective method for restoring badly mutilated primary anterior teeth, by comparing the fracture load resistance of polyethylene fiber post with composite resin short post containing omega-shaped stainless steel wire. Subjects and Methods: Sixty carious deciduous incisors, with 2/3 root length remaining, were endodontically treated and divided into two groups. Group I consisted of thirty samples of Ribbond fiber post and Group II consisted of thirty samples of resin short post with omega-shaped stainless steel wire. They were tested under the universal testing machine for fracture resistance, and the fracture site was noted under the stereomicroscope. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were statistically analyzed using Windows IBM SPSS 8.0 and Student's t-test. Results: Resin short post with omega-shaped stainless steel wire showed a statistically significant high fracture resistance and retention when compared with Ribbond fiber post. Conclusions: Insufficient fiber length and shape of the fiber post had reduced its resistance to fracture, whereas resin short post and omega-shaped wire have got synergistic action when they are used together resulting in increased resistance and retention to fracture.

Aim: To evaluate the tensile bond strength of three one step self-etch adhesives: Adper easy Bond, G-Bond, Tetric N bond self etch to dentin which contained ethanol and water, acetone and water and only water as a solvent respectively. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted intact sixty permanent molars were collected for the study. To standardize the depth of cavity, 1.5 mm hole was drilled in the deepest part of the central fossa. All the teeth were ground and polished to expose the flat dentinal surface. All the teeth were embedded in the autopolymerising acrylic resin in separate moulds and were divided into three equal groups of twenty teeth each. Group 1: Twenty samples restored with composite and Adper easy one as bonding agent. Group 2: Twenty samples restored with composite and G-Bond as bonding agent. Group 3: Twenty samples restored with composite and Tetric N Bond as bonding agent. A wire loop was placed over the predesigned locationin the composite held with the split brass mold. Tensile loading was done using UTM and statistical analysis was done using one step ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Results: The mean bond strengths of ethanol containing, acetone containing and water containing adhesives were 12.57 MPa, 10.16 MPa and 11.46 MPa. Conclusion: Comparison of contemporary adhesives in this ex-vivo study revealed that in self-etch adhesives, the type of solvent may be one of the factors that affects the bond strength. The adhesives containing ethanol based solvent showed better bonding than acetone and water based self etch adhesives.

Background: The purpose of the study was to compare clinical efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy with hand scaler, conventional ultrasonic scaler, and Vector^™ ultrasonic system in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with generalized chronic periodontitis fitting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned to one of the three treatment groups (n = 20 in each group). Group I – hand scalers, Group II – conventional ultrasonic scalers, and Group III – Vector™ ultrasonic system. Before oral prophylaxis, clinical parameters (gingival index [GI], plaque index [PI], calculus index [CI], periodontal probing depth [PPD], clinical attachment loss [CAL], and hypersensitivity) were recorded. GI, PI, CI, and hypersensitivity were reevaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks. PPD and CAL were reevaluated at 6 and 12 weeks. Results and Conclusion: The results showed that nonsurgical therapy with Vector^™ ultrasonic system is clinically comparable in all the parameters, to hand and conventional ultrasonic scalers, suggesting that it can be used as a gentle root debridement device for supportive periodontal therapy, as an alternative to other ultrasonic or sonic scalers.

Background: One of the methods to overcome the problem of polymerization contraction of posterior composites is to use prefabricated ceramic inlays in combination with composites. Several studies have shown that these pre fabricated ceramic inlays act as mega fillers which allow a reduction in resin based composite volume by 50-75% and a concomitant reduction in polymerization shrinkage and marginal micro leakage. Moreover the integration of pre fabricated ceramic inlays into composites reduces the overall coefficient of thermal expansion. Aims and Objectives: The performance of cerena prefabricated inlay system was evaluated. Material and Methods: 20 proximo occlusal cavities were restored with cerana prefabricated inlay system in patients. The performance of cerena pre fabricated inlay system in the oral cavity was recorded at base line follow up using Modified USPHS Ryge criteria at the end of 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: The alpha and Bravo values for the anatomic form, marginal integrity and caries assessment was evaluated. Alpha values were ideal. The Cerena pre- fabricated inlay system showed good fracture resistance, good marginal integrity and maintenance of antomic forms at end of 12 months period. Conclusion: The cerena pre-fabricated inlay system is a good treatment modality and provides a good restorative material at the end of 12 months too.

Aim: The purpose of this investigation is in vitro comparison of the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin bonded to enamel pretreated with an acid etchant against enamel etched with erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er, Cr:YSGG) laser. Materials and Methods: Sixty premolars were sectioned mesiodistally and these 120 specimens were separated into two groups of 60 each (Groups A and B). In Group A (buccal surfaces), enamel surface was etched using 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s. In Group B (lingual surfaces), enamel was laser-etched at 2W for 10 s by Er, Cr:YSGG laser operational at 2780 nm with pulse duration of 140 μs and a frequency of 20 Hz. After application of bonding agent on all test samples, a transparent plastic cylinder of 1.5 mm × 3 mm was loaded with composite and bonded by light curing for 20 s. All the samples were subjected to SBS analysis using Instron Universal testing machine. Failure modes were observed under light microscope and grouped as adhesive, cohesive, and mixed. Failure mode distributions were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: SBS values obtained for acid-etched enamel were in the range of 7.12–28.36 megapascals (MPa) and for laser-etched enamel were in the range of 6.23–23.35 MPa. Mean SBS for acid-etched enamel was 15.77 ± 4.38 MPa, which was considerably greater (P < 0.01) than laser-etched enamel 11.24 ± 3.76 MPa. The Chi-square test revealed that the groups showed no statistically significant differences in bond failure modes. Conclusions: We concluded that the mean SBS of composite with acid etching is significantly higher as compared to Er, Cr: YSGG (operated at 2W for 10 s) laser-etched enamel.

Introduction: The behavior of health-care students and their attitudes toward their own oral health reflect not only understanding of the importance of preventive dental procedures but also in improving the oral health of their patients. Thus, the aim of the study is to enlighten self-reported attitude and behavior among dental and medical undergraduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate students of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Telangana state. The information regarding demographic data, attitude, and behavior toward oral health was collected using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance. Results: The study subjects consisted of 361 dental and 315 medical undergraduate students. The present study revealed that oral health attitudes and behavior improved significantly with increasing levels of education in both dental and medical students. The dental undergraduates have better attitude and behavior than medical students, which was statistically significant regarding oral hygiene practices, gingival health, and visit to the dentist. Conclusions: Significant improvement was found regarding oral health attitude and behavior among both dental and medical students, with increase in their academic year. The overall attitude and behavior were better in dental students than medical students; however, both dental and medical undergraduates should have a comprehensive program, self-care regimen practices starting from their 1^st year of education.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is a benign condition affecting the salivary glands often misdiagnosed as neoplasia based on clinical findings alone. It is considered under the group of tumor-like lesions according to the WHO classification of salivary gland tumors. Here, we report a rare case of NS in the anterior palate which presented as an ulcer in a 70-year-old male. Complete remission was observed around 8 weeks. Adequate biopsy from the representative area should be done to recognize the histological picture among the five histological stages described by Anneroth to avoid misinterpretation and inappropriate treatment of the nonneoplastic inflammatory condition of the salivary glands.

Aggressive periodontitis, is characterized by severe loss of attachment and destruction of alveolar bone around one or more permanent teeth during the period of pubescence. It is currently believed that a combination of bacteriologic and immunologic factors are of major importance in the etiology of this disease. The objective of this study was to point out the importance of early patient presentation, correct diagnosis, and proper prosthodontic management of the disease condition by the dentist. Our case was an 18-year-old male and his clinical and radiographic findings were typical for generalized juvenile periodontitis. Treatment consisted of thorough training in techniques of plaque control, scaling and root planing and administration of tetracycline 250 mg every six hours for three weeks. Preservation of facial countours and replacement of missing teeth with overdenture and fenestrated denture. There was significant improvement of these clinical parameters six months after treatment, and replacement of the missing teeth improved their appearance as expected. The psychotherapy offered gave the patients positive psychological effects that further restored their ability to socialize in their environment, which added to their positive experience of life. Longer follow-ups will add more knowledge about the treatment modalities for rehabilitation of aggressive periodontitis patients.

Steroids are one of the widely used drugs in dentistry. These are immunosuppressive agents. The reason for its use is its anti-inflammatory as well as immunosuppressive properties. Corticosteroids have revolutionized the management of several disabling conditions, but its use in term of dosage is inappropriate. The current review highlights its uses, contraindications, side-effects as well as a guideline for its use in dentistry.

The serendipitous discovery of osseointegration and the subsequent development of dental implants have irrefutably marked an epoch-making point of inflection in not only the basic approach of the clinicians toward treating edentulism but also in the attitudes and preferences of the patients in getting their oral rehabilitation issues resolved. This decisive shift also triggered explosive research targeting improvement in various aspects of dental implants. However, initial success in osseointegration does not necessarily translate into success in long-term function. A successfully osseointegrated implant may be afflicted with early or late complications in due course of service. Of these, peri-implantitis (PI) is considered one of the most common causes of implant failure. For the treatment of peri-implant diseases (mucositis and PI), various conservative and surgical approaches are available. Mucositis and moderate forms of PI can be contained effectively using conservative methods. These include the administration of systemic and local antibiotics alone or in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as nonsurgical therapy which consists of mechanical debridement of the affected areas, irrigation with antiseptics (such as chlorhexidine, saline, and 10% hydrogen peroxide) with or without surface decontamination, laser-supported therapy, photodynamic therapy as well as light-activated disinfection also known as photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy along with maintaining adequate plaque control. In cases with advanced PI, surgical therapies are more effective than conservative approaches. Open flap debridement can be done, and depending on the configuration of the defect, regenerative therapies such as guided tissue regenerative and the use of bone graft materials may be applicable for defect filling whereas resective surgery can be considered for the elimination of peri-implant lesions.