The stamp technique for direct Class II composite restorations: A case series

Background: “Stamp” technique is a new method for placing large composite restorations with accurate occlusal topography. It was introduced mainly to restore Class I cavities and erosively damaged teeth. This technique is indicated when the preoperative anatomy of the tooth is intact and not lost due to the carious lesion. A precise tooth-like filling an accurate functional occlusion is obtained when the stamp technique is applied. However, using this technique to restore Class II cavities is not established yet. Aim: To introduce modifications of the stamp technique that make it applicable to restore Class II composite restorations. Materials and Methods: The traditional materials and tools used for direct composite restorations are needed with no additional instruments. Clinical illustrations and step-by-step description are provided in this paper. Results and Conclusion: Using the stamp technique to restore Class II cavities is achievable, simple and practical, and result in a very accurate anatomical restoration

Morphological change of shed and the effect of VEGF on amniotic membrane scaffold

Angiogenicity is one of the essential components to enable tissue function. It is important to develop a construct that would help in catering oxygen and nutrient to the engineered tissue area. Thus, this study aims to investigate the attachment, spreading and growth of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) on human AM (HAM) with or without vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and indirectly see the potential of the HAM as a scaffold to promote angiogenic micro-environment. Since day 1, there were continuous changes of the cell morphology until day 28, SHED treated with VEGF seemed to change its shape from fibroblast-like into a round-shape cell, similar structure as an endothelial-like cell. The structures of filopodia-like were also observed on the treated SHED. SHED without VEGF treatment showed only normal morphological growth on HAM. VEGF is a protein produced to stimulate angiogenesis, and is believed to contribute to the morphological changes of SHED seeded on HAM. This indicates that HAM could be used as a scaffold to allow SHED differentiation into endothelial-like cells with the induction of VEGF

Management of a mandibular first molar with three canals in the distal root

Adequate knowledge on the root canal morphology is essential for successful root canal treatment. Mandibular molar teeth show considerable variations in their external and internal radicular morphology that require special attention from dental practitioners to provide the best clinical outcomes for the patients. The occurrence of three separate root canals in the distal root of a mandibular molar is uncommon. This article aims to present the endodontic management of a mandibular first molar that has five separate root canals (two root canals in the mesial roots and three root canals in the distal roots)