The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the proximal contact of a silorane-based resin composite with a conventional methacrylate-based resin composite in class II restorations after a 6 months follow-up period.

After obtaining informed consent, 33 patients were randomly allocated into a test group (Filtek P90/Adhesive System-3M ESPE) or control group (Filtek P60/ Adper SE Plus-3M ESPE), and 100 direct resin composite restorations (n = 50) were placed. A single operator performed the cavities and restorations. After rubber dam placement, a metal matrix and wooden wedge were placed. The restorative systems were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 1 week, the restorations were finished and polished. The proximal contacts were assessed blindly and independently by two calibrated examiners (kW = 0.8) at the baseline and after 6 months according to a three-step grading criteria. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed Rank tests (α = 0.05). Results: After 6 months, 96% of the restoration contacts were present for evaluation. The frequencies of restorations classified as Bravo in control and test groups were 6 and 8% at the baseline, and 6.25 and 12.75% after 6 months. No significant difference was found between the restorative materials (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U-test) neither between baseline and 6 months period (p > 0.05; Wilcoxon signed Rank tests).

Both materials performed satisfactorily over 6 months follow-up period.

The short-term clinical performance of a silorane-based resin composite in the proximal contacts of class II restorations was similar to the well-known methacrylate-based resin composite.

Gonçalves FS, Castro CDL, Bueno AC, de Freitas ABDA, Moreira AN, Magalhães CS. The Shortterm Clinical Performance of a Silorane-based Resin Composite in the Proximal Contacts of Class II Restorations. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):251-256.

The objectives of this study were to measure the level of dental anxiety and its correlation with dental history, denture satisfaction and other variables.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 completely edentulous patients reporting to the Department of Prosthodontics, KLES's Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, over a period of 17 months (August 2005 to March 2007). The anxiety level of the patients was assessed with the help of a questionnaire, after obtaining an informed consent. Reliability of the dental anxiety scale was assessed by means of coefficient alpha.

The results of this study concluded that dental anxiety scale for edentulous patients was a reliable scale for measuring dental anxiety. The anxiety score was higher for female than male patients. A significant correlation was found between denture satisfaction score and anxiety.

Anxiety plays a major role in denture satisfaction. The variables included: Previous denture experience, occupation, medical history, age, gender, dental anxiety scale, period of edentulousness, age of previous dentures, number of complete dentures, denture satisfaction score, and the score on the Hamilton anxiety scale

The study indicated that gender correlates significantly with dental anxiety. Patients with medical history were found to be more anxious than normal patients. Patients with higher anxiety values were less satisfied with the treatment. Lastly, subjects with higher general anxiety showed greater values on the dental anxiety scale.

The assessment of dental anxiety will help the prosthodontist in the management of anxious patients and secondly to provide evidence-based research into this psychological construct which has been shown to predict dental avoidance.

Shrivastava R, Srivastava R, Shigli K, Prashanth MB, Kumaraswamy BN, Nethravathi TD. Assessment of Dental Anxiety and its Correlation with Denture Satisfaction in Edentulous Patients. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):257-260.

The aim of this study was to determine the dentists’ opinions on causes for high prevalence of dental caries in the country and to assess their level of knowledge about preventive dental care.

A questionnaire based national crosssectional survey among 500 dentists was conducted under the auspices of Directorate of Dentistry, Ministry of Health. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 11.0 and descriptive statistics were obtained.

The response rate was 87.8% (n = 439). 83% of dentists identified poor oral hygiene as the major reason for high prevalence of caries, only 39% of patients reportedly brushed teeth at least once a day, oral prophylaxis (83%) is the most common preventive practice followed, social factors (62.5%) are the most challenging barriers in preventive dental programs, 71.3% always give chair side dental health education, school based programs (66.6%) are most effective tools for dental health education.

Majority of dentists in Saudi Arabia are adequately informed and motivated toward preventive dental care but they are in need of further support from policy makers to enhance preventive dental programs in the Kingdom.

Oral hygiene should be improved in the country by reaching out to the entire community through extensive and continued education programs.

Togoo RA, Al-Rafee MA, Kandyala R, Luqam M, Al-Bulowey MA. Dentists’ Opinion and Knowledge about Preventive Dental Care in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3): 261-265.

This study was undertaken to investigate and analyze the significance of dermatoglyphics in predicting the susceptibility of individuals to develop dental caries.

This case-control study was conducted on 1250 children in the age group of 5 to 12 years from Chennai Corporation School, Vadapalani, Chennai. Out of 1250 subjects, 625 subjects were in the study group and the remaining 625 subjects were the control group. The study group included children with dental caries in 5 or more teeth based on the DMFT index performed and control group consisted of normal, healthy children without any dental caries.

The finger and palmar prints of both hands were taken using a stamp pad. The fingertip patterns were analyzed according to the classical method and configurational types were classified according to the topological method.

Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests and t-test to compare the dermatoglyphic pattern changes between the study group and the control group and was applied for each variable, to compare the proportions, and p-value.

(1) Dental caries susceptibility of an individual increases with an increase in the incidence of whorl pattern (83% correlation). (2) All the variables show statistically significant value, with a degree of divergence of specific dermatoglyphic patterns among study and control group. (3) The dermatoglyphic patterns are efficient and can predict in assessing the risk of susceptibility to dental caries in study group.

The dental caries susceptibility of an individual increased with incidence of whorl pattern and it decreased with incidence of loop pattern.

The dermatoglyphic patterns may be utilized effectively to study the genetic basis of dental caries. In a developing country like India, it might prove to be a noninvasive, inexpensive and effective tool for screening.

Abhilash PR, Divyashree R, Patil SG, Gupta M, Chandrasekar T, Karthikeyan R. Dermatoglyphics in Patients with Dental Caries: A Study on 1250 Individuals. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):266-274.

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of root canal (RT) sealers content and the cleaning procedure of RT walls on bond strength (BS) of a fiber reinforced composite (FRC) post cemented with resin-based or zinc phosphate cement.

Forty bovine roots were divided into 2 groups (n = 20) and obturated with gutta-percha points plus Sealer 26 sealer or gutta-percha points plus N-Rickert sealer. In each group, half (n = 10) of intracanal walls was cleaned with ethanol and the other half with sulfuric ether. In each of these subgroups, half of intracanal posts (n = 5) were cemented with Bistite resin-based cement and half with zinc phosphate cement. Specimens were submitted to pull-out test and tensile force until post dislodgement. The maximum forces required for post removal was expressed in MPa, means were submitted to statistical analysis (Analysis of Variance Test, α = 0.05).

Fiber reinforced composite cemented with zinc phosphate were significantly more retentive than those cemented with Bistite (p < 0.05). Regarding the influence of eugenol-based sealer on post retention, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) only between groups cemented with Bistite, in which canals filled with N-Rickert + gutta-percha showed lower BS than canals filled with Sealer 26 + gutta-percha.

Despite endodontic cement used, higher pull-out bond strength were obtained when posts were cemented with zinc phosphate.

The importance of ethanol or sulphuric ether application to properly replace water from intraradicular dentine still requires further investigations, especially to clarify if this technique may reduce the effect of aging and improve the stability of the bond, when used to cement fiber posts into the root canal.

Gomes MF, Botta SB, Matos AB, Garone- Netto N. The Interference of the Cleaning Procedure of Root Walls with Two Different Solvents on the Adhesion of Fiberglass Intraradicular Posts. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):275-279.

The purpose of this study was to compare the etching effects of a self-etching primer with 37% phosphoric acid on enamel by using a scanning electron microscope. Bond strength and the site of bond failure were also determined for brackets bonded using SEP and 37% phosphoric acid.

A total of 60 maxillary premolar teeth were used for this study and they were divided into four groups. First two groups were used for studying the different types of etch patterns obtained and the next two groups were used to test the bond strength with the help of Universal testing machine. After debonding, the amount of residual adhesive was assessed according to adhesive remnant index using a stereomicroscope.

The majority of etch patterns obtained in the 37% phosphoric acid group were type II, whereas in the SEP group, type IV pattern was more common. There was no statistically significant difference between mean bond strengths obtained with the SEP group and the phosphoric acid group. Use of SEP results in less amount of residual adhesive on tooth surface after debonding.

SEP produces more conservative etch pattern compared to 37% phosphoric acid. Use of SEP for bonding provides similar and clinically acceptable bond strength compared to use of 37% phosphoric acid etching technique and requires less clean-up procedures hence, reduces enamel loss.

Use of 37% phosphoric acid for orthodontic bonding yields high bond strength but, causes enamel loss during both etching and debonding. SEPs not only provide adequate bond strength with a more conservative etch pattern but also enable easy debonding, thereby reducing the enamel damage.

Nanjannawar LG, Nanjannawar GS. Effects of A Self-Etching Primer and 37% Phosphoric Acid Etching on Enamel: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):280-284.

The aim of this study was to see the effect of topical fluoride on surface texture on nickel-titanium and copper-nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires.

Preformed rectangular NiTi and CuNiTi wires were immersed in in fluoride solution and artificial saliva (control) for 90 minutes at 37°C. after immersion optical microscope was used to see the fluoride effect on the wire topography.

The acidulated fluoride agents appeared to cause greater corrosive effects as compared to the neutral fluoride agents.

The result suggest that using topical fluoride agents leads to corrosion of surface topography indirectly affecting the mechanical properties of the wire that will lead to prolonged orthodontic treatment.

The use of topical fluoride agents has to be limited in patients with prolonged orthodontic treatment as it causes the corrosion of the NiTi and CuNiTi wires.

Mane PN, Pawar R, Ganiger C, Phaphe S. Effect of Fluoride Prophylactic Agents on the Surface Topography of NiTi and CuNiTi wires. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):285-288.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness of patients with dental fillings about the toxicity of mercury in dental amalgam.

Adult patients having at least one amalgam filling in their mouth were recruited in the Oral Diagnosis Department of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife Dental Hospital. Participants were recruited consecutively as they report in the clinic. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed based on standard questions from relevant publications. They were asked to indicate the type of filling material in their mouth, ingredients of the material, previous knowledge of mercury in dental amalgam and ailments due to mercury.

They were to indicate their level of agreement with filling their cavities with dental amalgam despite prior information about its mercury content.

There were about 446 respondents analyzed; male, 194 (43.5%); female 252 (56.5%). Six (1.4%) and 21 (4.7%) respondents were primary and secondary schools students respectively; 15(3.4%) had no formal education while about 410 (91.9%) were either undergraduate or graduate. All of them had at least one amalgam filling. 249 (55%) participants know the type of filling on their teeth; 156 (34.5%) had the knowledge of the presence of mercury in dental amalgam while 26.1% believed mercury can cause problems in human beings. About 90 (19.9%) participants claimed to have heard about adverse reactions to dental amalgams and 34 (7.5%) of them have heard about people recovering from an illness after removal of their filling.

The level of agreement with filling their cavities with amalgam despite prior knowledge of its mercury content was 74% while 60% was observed for allowing just any material to be placed on their teeth.

Awareness of toxicity of mercury in dental amalgam was slightly low among the respondents studied. This may be suggested to be a reflection of nonexistent of global amalgam controversy in Nigeria.

Bamise CT, Oginni AO, Adedigba MA, Olagundoye OO. Perception of Patients with Amalgam Fillings about Toxicity of Mercury in Dental Amalgam. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):289-293.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different orthodontic treatment needs on the OHQoL of adolescents.

200 subjects (100 males and 100 females), 11 to 15 years of age were recruited for the study. OHQoL was assessed with the short form of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14), and malocclusion severity was assessed with the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). The Chi-square test was used to analyse the qualitative data. The level of significance was 0.05.

The more severe the malocclusion the worse was the impact on the OHQoL. Orthodontic treatment need had almost similar impact on the daily activities of both males and females. Pronunciation and taste was not significantly affected by the need for orthodontic treatment in either males or females. The proportions of orthodontic patients who found it uncomfortable to eat any food and had to interrupt their meals were significantly correlated with orthodontic treatment needs in both males and females.

Orthodontic treatment need had an impact on OHQoL of adolescents with no significant difference between males and females.

Orthodontists should be aware of the impact caused by malocclusion and orthodontic treatment on the quality of life of the patients and should provide regular positive reinforcements to them.

Manjith CM, Karnam SK, Manglam S, Praveen MN, Mathur A. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHQoL) among Adolescents Seeking Orthodontic Treatment. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):294-298.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the surface roughness on the surface microhardness of experimental composites with varying filler concentration.

Experimental resin composites were formulated by mixing Bis-GMA and TEGDMA in a 50/50% weight ratio and CQ/EDAB were added to make the material photosensitive. Silanized glass particles were incorporated in the resin blend in two concentrations: C50 with 50% and C75 with 75% in weight ratio. The surface roughness and the surface microhardness measurements were determined after every three finishing procedures with #280-, #600- and #1200-grit wet sandpapers, respectively. The data were analyzed statistically by Two Way ANOVA and Tukey's test, and comparisons were conducted using the Spearman's correlation test (p < 0.05).

The surface roughness and surface microhardness were negatively associated (r = – 0.68) and the finishing procedures of both composites resulted in harder and smoother surfaces than the initial ones. Additionally, in a smooth circumstance, the higher content of fillers has not resulted in a composite with better microhardness and smoothness.

Finishing procedures decreased the surface roughness and consequently improved the surface microhardness of the composites evaluated.

Finishing and polishing procedures are effectives in reducing the surface roughness amplitude of composite materials and in improving their surface microhardness. Thus a microhardness test and any hardness evaluation must be conducted only after a properly finished and polished surface is achieved.

Münchow EA, Correa MB, Ogliari FA, Piva E, Zanchi CH. Correlation between Surface Roughness and Microhardness of Experimental Composites with Varying Filler Concentration. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):299-304.

To evaluate and compare antimicrobial effect of various root canal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.

Six root canal medicaments: 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), EDTA, MTAD and propolis and three microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans were used. These strains were inoculated in brain heart infusion (BHI) and incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. For the agar diffusion test (ADT), petri plates with 20 ml of BHI agar were inoculated with 0.1 ml of the microbial suspensions, using sterile swabs that were spread on the medium, obtaining growth injunction. Paper disks were immersed in the experimental solutions for 1 minute. Subsequently, four papers disks containing one of the substances were placed on the BHI agar surface in each agar plate. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The diameter of microbial inhibition was measured around the papers disks containing the substances. One way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test were used. p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Propolis and other irrigants were found to be effective on C. albicans, S. aureus and E. faecalis. CHX and MTAD were found to be most effective amongst all the materials tested followed by propolis.

Propolis showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis, S. aureus, C. albicans. It appears that propolis is an effective intracanal irrigant in eradicating E. faecalis and C. albicans.

Propolis is an effective intracanal irrigant in eradicating E. faecalis and C. albicans. It could be used as an alternative intracanal medicament.

Mattigatti S, Jain D, Ratnakar P, Moturi S, Varma S, Rairam S. Antimicrobial Effect of Conventional Root Canal Medicaments vs Propolis Against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):305-309.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the maturity levels of the individual by comparing the correlation between dental, skeletal and the chronological ages.

Intraoral periapical radiographs of the complete right side of the dentition and posteroanterior radiographs of the hand and wrist were obtained from 260 subjects, ranged from 3 to 15 years of age. Evaluation of handwrist roentgenograms for skeletal age and intraoral roentgenograms for dental age was done.

The findings of present study indicated that participated children were skeletally and dentally, retarded in maturation as compared with the standards except at 3 and 6 years of age. The girls were found to be skeletally more advanced than boys at all ages except 7 and 10 years of age. The dental maturity is more for girls than that of boys.

No significant correlation was found among skeletal age, dental age and chronological age. Dental age and skeletal age was found to be correlated at 6, 10 and 11 years in boys and 6 and 9 years of age in girls.

The results of this study could enhance the diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics and other dental disciplines.

Murthy KK, Srinivas CN, Varalakshmi, Kumar CV, Krishnaveni M. Assessment of Skeletal and Dental Maturity Levels for a given Chronological Age among Indian Children. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):310-315.

To determine the prevalence rates of different occlusal characteristics of permanent dentition in 12 to 14 years old children in Bagalkot city and to determine the differences in occlusal characteristics in the same children by age and sex.

A total of 1000 school going children between the age group of 12 to 14 years were selected in the study from Bagalkot city of India. All the occlusal parameters, such as molar relation, canine relation, overjet, overbite and crowding and spacing were recorded in a record sheet. The gender and sex difference was evaluated using Chi-square test.

According to the classification of Angle, the prevalence of class I, II and III malocclusions was 17.8, 30.1 and 1.6%, respectively. Ideal occlusion was 3.2% where as normal occlusion was 46.8%. An overjet of at least 4 mm or more was present in 15.2 and 7.2% had a reverse overjet. A total of 9.2 had an increased overbite and 10.6% had open bite.

Highly significant (p < 0.001) age differences were found for overjet, overbite and highly significant (p < 0.001) gender differences were found for crowding and spacing.

The study gives the prevalence of malocclusion amongst 12 to 14 years old in urban Indian population. The data can be used for may research projects and gives us a better understanding of malocclusion in urban Indian population.

Phaphe S, Kallur R, Vaz A, Gajapurada J, Sugaraddy, Mattigatti S. To Determine the Prevalence Rate of Malocclusion among 12 to 14-Year-Old Schoolchildren of Urban Indian Population (Bagalkot). J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):316-321.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of final canal taper on the sealing ability of Thermafil by using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT).

Fifty-four single-rooted teeth were instrumented to apical size 40 taper 4, 6 and 8%. Teeth were divided into three groups. All teeth were filled with Thermafil (Dentsply, Tulsa Dental Products). Using micro-CT, roots were scanned and volume measurements of voids at 1, 3 and 5 mm from the apex were calculated using specialized CT software. Measurements were analyzed statistically with ANOVA followed by Bonferroni multiple comparison correction.

Data analysis showed that 0.08 preparations provided better results than 0.06 and 0.04% tapered samples especially at 1 mm from the apex. Mean percentage of voids were significantly higher with Thermafil taper 0.06% (p = 0.05). None of the root canals filled teeth were gap free. Root canal preparations with bigger taper exhibited less voids than smaller tapered preparations.

In our daily practice, enlarging the apical third (last 3 mm) of root canals to an 8% taper gives a better sealing ability and thus long-term success for our root canal obturations.

Zogheib C, Naaman A, Medioni E, Bourbouze G, Arbab-Chirani R. The Quality of Thermafil Obturations with Different Final Apical Tapers: A Threedimensional Microcomputed Tomographic Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):322-326.

The aim of this clinical study was to compare the postoperative sensitivity of abutment teeth restored with full coverage restorations retained with either conventional glassionomer cement (GIC) or resin cement.

Fifty patients received full-coverage restorations on vital abutment teeth. Of these, 25 were cemented with GIC (GC Luting and Lining cement) and the other 25 using an adhesive resin cement (Smartcem 2). A randomized single blind study was undertaken for acquiring and evaluating the data. The teeth were examined before cementation, after cementation, 24 hours postcementation and 7 days postcementation. A visual analog scale was used to help the patient rate hypersensitivity.

The statistical analysis of the result was done using students paired t-test. No statistically significant difference between Smartcem 2 and GIC was observed, when tested immediately and 24 hours after cementation. Statistically significant difference was seen between Smartcem 2 and GIC when tested 7 days postcementation with a significance level of 0.05. Higher postoperative sensitivity was seen with GIC when compared to resin cement.

In this study, the incidence of postoperative hypersensitivity after cementation of full-crown restorations with GIC and resin cement was similar when tested immediately. However, 7 days postcementation, abutments with GIC showed higher response compared to resin cement.

A self-adhesive resin cement can be the material of choice for luting if presence of postoperative sensitivity is of prime consideration. In case GIC is being used, patient should be informed about the presence of sensitivity for a more prolonged period than with resin cement.

Shetty RM, Bhat S, Mehta D, Srivatsa G, Shetty YB. Comparative Analysis of Postcementation Hypersensitivity with Glass Ionomer Cement and a Resin Cement: An in vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3): 327-331.

Root conditioning is aimed at smear layer removal and at dental matrix collagen exposure, which may promote periodontal regeneration. This in vitro study assessed smear layer removal, collagen fiber exposure and the influence of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) application on adhesion of blood cells to the root surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Scaled root samples (n = 160) were set in five groups and conditioned with: group I – control group (saline solution); group II (EDTA 24%); group III (citric acid 25%); group IV (tetracycline hydrochloride 50 mg/ml); group V (sodium citrate 30%). Eighty samples were assessed using the root surface modification index (RSMI). The other eighty samples were set in two groups. The first group (n = 40) received PRP gel application with a soft brush and the second group (n = 40) received PRP application and then a blood drop. The fibrin clot formation was assessed in the first group and the blood cells adhesion was assessed in the second group using the BEAI (blood elements adhesion index). A previously trained, calibrated, and blind examiner evaluated photomicrographs. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis's and Dunn's tests.

Group III attained the best results for RSMI and BEAI. Moreover, it was the only group showing fibrin clot formation.

Citric acid was the most efficient conditioner for smear layer removal, collagen fiber exposure and blood cell adhesion. Moreover, it was the only group showing fibrin clot formation after PRP application.

This study demonstrated that root conditioning followed by PRP application may favor blood cell adhesion on root surface which may optimize periodontal healing.

Dantas AAR, Fontanari LA, Ishi EP, Leite FRM, Zandim DL, Abi Rached RSG, Sampaio JEC. Blood Cells Attachment after Root Conditioning and PRP Application: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):332-338.

Yadav KS, Gonuguntla S, Ealla KKR, Velidandla SR, Reddy CRC, Prasanna MD, Bommu SR. Assessment of Interobserver Variability in Mitotic Figure Counting in Different Histological Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):339-344.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is responsible for about 90% of oral malignancies and its incidence is increasing. Despite various treatment protocols, survival rate of OSCC is low. Chemotherapy that is used for treating this carcinoma in advanced stages is systemic therapy that destroys carcinogenic cells, and controls tumor metastasis. Chemotherapy is very toxic and has limitations, especially for patients in advanced stages. Considering positive effects of retinoid and vitamin D₃ derivatives in treating some carcinomas, we decided to evaluate the effect of combination of these drugs on OSCC. In this study the effects of combination of 5-fluorouracil, 13-cis retinoic acid and vitamin D₃ on cultured cell of OSCC have been evaluated.

OSCC cells were cultured in culture media and different concentration of 5-fluorouracil, 13-cis retinoic acid and vitamin D₃ were added to cultured cell as separately and in combinations. The effect of treatment on cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis were evaluated by MTT and TUNEL assays respectively.

Combination of 5-fluorouracil and 13- cis retinoic acid had the highest inhibitory effect on SCC cell proliferation. Combination of two drugs had more apoptotic effect than each of them separately, and combination of three drugs had more effect than combination of two drugs.

Because combination of drugs had more inhibitory effect on cell proliferation than one of them and combination of three drugs had the most apoptotic effect than one of these drugs separately, these drugs may have synergic effect on OSCC.

Combination of three drugs has more inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and apoptotic effect than one of these drugs.

Dalirsani Z, Farajnia S, Javadzadeh Y, Mehdipour M, Koozegari S. The Effects of 5-fluorouracil Alone and in Combination with 13-cis Retinoic Acid and Vitamin D₃ on Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lines. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):345-350.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the vertical root fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth obturated with – Tubli-Seal EWT/Gutta-percha, AH Plus/Gutta-percha, Epiphany SE sealer/Epiphany point.

Sixty-five single rooted premolars were decoronated and root length was 14 mm for each specimen. Fifty five teeth were enlarged up to ISO size 40 master apical file with stainless steel K-files using standardized preparation and remaining ten teeth were served as negative control. Then teeth were randomly assigned into different groups depending on sealer used for obturation as follows:

Negative control—no instrumentation was performed.

Positive control—gutta-percha with out the use of any sealer.

Experimental group—gutta-percha and Tubli-Seal EWT root canal sealer.

Experimental group—gutta-percha and AH Plus.

Experimental group—epiphany SE sealer and epiphany points.

After 72 hours, the specimens were embedded in autopolymerizing resin leaving 7 mm of each root exposed and were subjected to fracture testing under universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm per minute until the root fractured. Results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and independent t-test.

Showed that Epiphany SE sealer/Epiphany points showed highest mean fracture resistance and Tubli-Seal EWT group showed the least fracture resistance of all the materials tested. There was no statistically significant difference among experimental groups.

Epiphany SE sealer/Epiphany points demonstrated highest fracture resistance values than the other materials tested and intact tooth had highest resistance against vertical root fracture.

Epiphany SE sealer/Epiphany points may be one of the materials of choice in the endodontic treatment of teeth.

Nagpal A, Annapoorna BM, Prashanth MB, Prashanth NT, Singla M, Deepak BS, Singh A, Tavane PN. A Comparative Evaluation of the Vertical Root Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth using Different Root Canal Sealers: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):351-355.

The aim of this study was to determine the wettability of different hydrophilic and hydrophobic elastomeric impression materials and the gypsum castability.

The wettability was evaluated by determining the contact angles of different elastomeric impression materials. The contact angle was determined by placing a drop of aqueous solution of calcium sulfate dihydrate on the flat surface of impression material and specimens were measured using a profile projector.

Gypsum castability was determined by counting the number of voids formed in the die stone cast made from the impressions of a aluminum die. The voids were counted using an diopter magnifying lens.

Polyether, different viscosities of polyvinyl siloxane, and condensation silicone impression materials exhibited low contact angle values and least number of voids in the die stone cast when compared with polysulfide impression material.

There was significant correlation between the contact angle and voids formed in the die stone casts when fabricating die stone casts from various elastomeric impression material impressions.

Accurate reproduction of prepared tooth or edentulous arch is of clinical importance in the fabrication of a fixed or removable prosthesis. Inaccuracies in the replication processes will ultimately have an adverse effect on the fit and adaptation of final restoration. The interaction is determined in part by hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the elastomeric impression material. Inadequate wetting of an impression results in voids in the stone casts.

Reddy GV, Reddy NS, Itttigi J, Jagadeesh KN. A Comparative Study to Determine the Wettability and Castability of Different Elastomeric Impression Materials. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):356-363.

Butorphanol tartrate, a mixed synthetic agonistantagonist opioid analgesic has been used for management of postoperative pain in minor and major surgical procedures.^14,20 Tramadol hydrochloride is a centrally acting opioid which is effectively used in postoperative pain in various minor and major surgeries.

Twenty subjects selected randomly received butorphanol tartrate 1 mg intramuscular and 20 subjects received tramadol hydrochloride 50 mg intramuscular after the removal of mandibular third molars. Time of injection, amount of anesthetic injected, duration of surgery, adverse effects were recorded.²¹

The mean amount of LA administered in butorphanol group was 2.6450 ml and in tramadol group was 2.640 ml respectively, the mean duration for surgery was 56.75 and 53.5 minutes for butorphanol and tramadol groups respectively which was statistically not significant. Pain assessment was done with VAS which showed mean of 19.2 and 15.5 mm (p = 0.001) which was significant for butorphanol and tramadol respectively after 12 hours. The mean time for rescue medication requirement was 5.9 hours (for tramadol) and 8.4 hours (for butorphanol). Effective analgesic activity was seen by butorphanol 1 mg intramuscular then tramadol 50 mg.

Butorphanol 1 mg was more effective than tramadol 50 mg in respect to postoperative analgesia.

Hassan SS, Ahmed A, Rai M, Kalappa TM. Analgesic Efficacy of Tramadol and Butorphanol in Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):364-370.

The centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) recommendations on fluoride use were published in 2001. This study examines how this information has diffused to practicing dentists and the level of fluoride knowledge and use among Texas dentists.

A questionnaire was sent to dentists who self-identified as being in pediatric (343), dental public health (72), and general practices (980); a 12% sample of registered dentists in Texas.

Response rate was 42.9%. About 90% of surveyed dentists reported using fluorides routinely. Only 18.8% reported fluoride varnish as the topical fluoride most often used. About 57% incorrectly identified primary effect of fluoride. ‘Makes enamel stronger while tooth is developing prior to eruption’ was the most commonly cited wrong answer (44%). Only 5% identified that posteruptive effect exceeds any preeruptive effect.

Despite the evidence for fluoride varnish preventing and controlling dental caries being Grade I, its use is still uncommon. Dentists are expected to be knowledgeable about products they use, but this study reflects lack of understanding about fluoride's predominant mode of action. More accurate understanding enables dentists to make informed and appropriate judgment on treatment options and effective use of fluoride based on risk assessment of dental caries.

Lack of knowledge of, or failure of adherence to evidence based guidelines in caries prevention by use of appropriate fluoride regimens may adversely affect caries incidence in the population.

Bansal R, Bolin KA, Abdellatif HM, Shulman JD. Knowledge, Attitude and use of Fluorides among Dentists in Texas. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):371-375.

The metal ion released from the orthodontic appliance may cause allergic reactions particularly nickel and chromium ions. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the amount of nickel, chromium, copper, cobalt and iron ions released from simulated orthodontic appliance made of new archwires and brackets.

Sixty sets of new archwire, band material, brackets and ligature wires were prepared simulating fixed orthodontic appliance. These sets were divided into four groups of fifteen samples each. Group 1: Stainless steel rectangular archwires. Group 2: Rectangular NiTi archwires. Group 3: Rectangular copper NiTi archwires. Group 4: Rectangular elgiloy archwires. These appliances were immersed in 50 ml of artificial saliva solution and stored in polypropylene bottles in the incubator to simulate oral conditions. After 90 days the solution were tested for nickel, chromium, copper, cobalt and iron ions using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results showed that high levels of nickel ions were released from all four groups, compared to all other ions, followed by release of iron ion levels. There is no significant difference in the levels of all metal ions released in the different groups.

The study confirms that the use of newer brackets and newer archwires confirms the negligible release of metal ions from the orthodontic appliance.

The measurable amount of metals, released from orthodontic appliances in artificial saliva, was significantly below the average dietary intake and did not reach toxic concentrations.

Karnam SK, Reddy AN, Manjith CM. Comparison of Metal Ion Release from Different Bracket Archwire Combinations: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):376-381.

Data on epidemiology of dental caries of adults in rural India appear to be sparse.

The purpose of the study was to assess the oral health status and dental treatment needs of a rural Indian population.

The study population consisted of 189 volunteer subjects with a mean age of 34.9 ± 14.2 years and 54% males. Decayed, missing due to caries and filled teeth (DMFT) and tooth surfaces (DMFS) assessed the dental caries experience. Structured interviews collected data on perception of health including oral health, oral hygiene practices and snacking habits.

While only 38.1% perceived themselves to be in good or very good dental health, nearly 85% felt the same about general health. The most common sugar exposure was sweetened tea; 75% consumed the beverage at least once a day. More than 80% of the subjects had untreated caries with mean DMFT and DMFS scores of 5.1 ± 3.9 and 13.8 ± 17.8, which lacked any gender differences. Dental treatment needs ranged from 16.9% two-surface fillings to 60.8% one-surface fillings; 23.8% crowns or bridges and 37.6% extractions. Those who perceived themselves to be in better oral health had significantly lower DMFT (4.0 ± 3.2 vs 5.9 ± 4.1) and DMFS (8.4 ± 11.7 vs 17.1 ± 20.0) scores (p < 0.05). A similar trend was observed between perception of general health and DMFT (4.8 ± 3.4 vs 7.0 ± 5.6) and DMFS (11.9 ± 13.7 vs 24.1 ± 30.7) scores.

Results indicate high levels of dental caries as well as dental treatment needs among the study participants.

Maru AM, Narendran S. Epidemiology of Dental Caries among Adults in a Rural Area in India. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):382-388.

To evaluate the effect of chemical disinfectant on the transverse strength of heat-polymerized acrylic resins subjected to mechanical and chemical polishing.

A total of 256 rectangular specimens (65 × 10 × 3 mm) 128 per resin (Lucitone-199 and Acralyn-H) were fabricated. One side of each specimen was not polished and the other was either mechanically (n = 96) or chemically (n = 96) polished and immersed for 10, 30 and 60 minutes in 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde. Mechanically polished (n = 32) and chemically polished (n = 32) control specimens were immersed only in distilled water. The transverse strength (N/mm²) was tested for failure in a universal testing machine, at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. Data were statistically analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Student t-test.

chemical polishing resulted in significantly lower transverse strength values than mechanical polishing. Lucitone- 199 resin demonstrated the highest overall transverse strength for the materials tested. Heat-polymerized acrylic resins either mechanically or chemically polished, did not demonstrate significant changes in transverse strength during immersion in the disinfecting solution tested, regardless of time of immersion.

Lucitone-199 resin demonstrated the highest overall transverse strength for the materials tested and significantly stronger than Acralyn-H with either type of polishing following immersion in 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde.

There is a concern that immersion in chemical solutions often used for cleansing and disinfection of prostheses may undermine the strength and structure of denture base resins. In this study it was observed that, the transverse strength of samples of Lucitone-199 was higher than that of the samples of Acralyn-H. The chances of fracture of the denture made of Lucitone-199 are less than that of dentures made of Acralyn-H. The chemically polished dentures may be more prone to fracture than mechanically polished dentures.

Sharan S, Kavitha HR, Konde H, Kalahasti D. Effect of Chemical Disinfectant on the Transverse Strength of Heat-polymerized Acrylic Resins Subjected to Mechanical and Chemical Polishing: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):389-393.

To evaluate and compare the shear bond strength of resilient liners with heat cure denture base resins in the presence or absence of saliva.

Two commercially available heat polymerized acrylics and three commercially available denture liners were immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days and 14 days, respectively. A total of 180 (Acralyn-H, No.90 and Lucitone - 199, No.90) specimens were prepared. Total of 90 overlapping joint specimens were prepared, 45 of them using Acralyn H (AGroup) and rest 45 using Lucitone-199 (L-Group). The specimens were tested for flexural strength with a 3-point bending test on an Instron universal testing machine. The results were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The mean difference in shear bond strength (SBS) at different time intervals was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Lucitone-199 recorded a significantly higher mean SBS compared to Acralyn H (p < 0.001). Further, significant differences between GC and Densply, GC and Aswin liners, and between Dentsply and Aswin were noted (p < 0.001). Difference between baseline and 7 days time interval, as well as, between baseline and 14 days time interval with respect to the mean SBS of these materials were significant (p < 0.001). Also, the mean difference in SBS between 7 days time interval and 14 days time interval was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Among the three different liners, GC yielded a higher mean SBS compared to Aswin and Dentsply at all the three time intervals. The mean SBS recorded in Dentsply and Aswin was almost same at 14 days time interval, but at baseline and 7 days, it was higher in Aswin compared to Dentsply.

Lucitone-199 recorded a higher mean SBS compared to Acralyn H. As the time interval increases, the mean SBS recorded in both the denture base materials decrease. Among the three different liners, GC yields a higher mean SBS compared to Aswin and Dentsply at all the three time intervals.

The most common reason for failures of resilient linings in removable dentures is the separation of these linings from the denture base. Therefore, poor adhesive bond properties are one of the serious defects of the material in clinical practice.

Rao CS, Reddy SS, Prasad GM, Reddy KS, Rao NV, Naik MS. A Study to Evaluate and Compare the Shear Bond Strength of Resilient Liners with Heat Cure Denture Base Resins, with and without the Effect of Saliva: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):394-400.

Human identification is one of the most challenging subjects that man has been confronted with. The fingerprints and DNA comparison are the most commonly used techniques in human identification. Palatoscopy is one of the recently developing methods to identify a victim-based on the palatal rugae pattern.

The aim of the study was to analyze the different rugae pattern in Puducherry population and to find whether palatoscopy is a useful tool in human identification and sex determination.

The studies consist of 100 male and female patients between the age group of 20 to 35 years. The rugae pattern was divided assessed based on Kotze classification. Chi-square test and one-way analysis was used to study the statistical significance.

Wavy pattern appeared to be the most predominant pattern followed by curved, straight, branched and circular pattern in both male and female patients. The shape and number of rugae pattern is similar in male and females.

The present study concludes that wavy pattern appear to be most common rugae pattern among Puducherry population. No significant difference in rugae pattern was noted among the male and female group. Rugae pattern is unique to each individual and can be an effective tool in human identification.

Kumar S, Vezhavendhan N, Shanthi V, Balaji N, Sumathi MK, Vendhan P. Palatal Rugoscopy among Puducherry Population. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3): 401-404.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphological and structural changes of the enamel induced by three bleaching agents namely old McInnes solution, modified McInnes solution and 10% carbamide peroxide gel at different time intervals.

Fifteen freshly extracted noncarious human central incisors with intact enamel surface were selected. The teeth were sectioned at the cementoenamel junction separating the crown portion from the root using a diamond separating disk. Following this, the samples were subjected to three different bleaching agents: Group 1: Old McInnes solution, group 2: modified McInnes solution and group 3: 10% carbamide peroxide for a period of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, 24 and 30 hours time interval. The sample stubs were subjected to scanning electron microscope and were photographed at 2000 and 10,000 magnifications.

The present study revealed no indication of either etching or significant change in surface morphology of enamel when evaluated under scanning electron microscope after 6 weeks treatment with various bleaching agents.

Morphological alterations in bleached enamel are both concentration and time dependent.

Rajesh AG, Ranganath LM, Kumar KSP, Rao BS. Surface Morphological Changes in Human Enamel Following Bleaching: An in vitro Scanning Electron Microscopic Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):405-415.

The present case report described the use of contact lens of thin porcelain veneers as a restorative therapy to solve anterior teeth disharmony.

Fragments of thin veneers are minimally invasive restorations with little or no dental preparation and present thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. They are used in case of diastema closure, small changes of teeth, color and restoration of teeth with small fractures.

A 25-year-old man was admitted at a dental clinic complaining about the diastema presence on the upper anterior teeth. Patient was referred to an orthodontic treatment in order to provide better distribution of the diastemas and harmonious proportion of the teeth. Afterwards, contact lens of thin porcelain veneers were fabricated on the six upper anterior teeth.

Based on the outcomes of this clinical report, we considered the use of fragments of thin veneers as a successful treatment option after 3 years of follow-up.

The fragments of thin veneers have been established to be an interesting alternative to esthetically restore the anterior teeth with minimal invasiveness. However, since it is a new treatment modality, longitudinal studies are necessary to understand the material's behavior.

Okida RC, Filho AJV, Barão VAR, dos Santos DM, Goiato MC. The Use of Fragments of Thin Veneers as a Restorative Therapy for Anterior Teeth Disharmony: A Case Report with 3 Years of Follow-up. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):416-420.

Tonetto MR, Kabbach W, de Campos EA, de Oliveira Junior OB, de Toledo Porto Neto S, Saad JRC, de Andrade MF. Using the Self-etch Adhesives in Anterior Restoration. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):421-424.