Evaluation of microleakage in single-rooted teeth obturated with thermoplasticized gutta-percha using various endodontic sealers: An in-vitro study

OBJECTIVE: To compare apical microleakage of extracted, single-rooted teeth obturated with thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha using two different endodontic sealers (calcium-hydroxide and resin based). STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Dental Clinics and Laboratory from June to September 2015. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted using extracted teeth. After access cavities were made, cleaning and shaping of root canals was done in 70 teeth. Teeth were randomly allocated into two groups and obturated with thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha (Obtura II) using two sealers (Sealapex vs. AH plus). After immersing the teeth in 2.0% methylene blue, they were split longitudinally, viewed under light microscope (magnification X4) and images were taken by a camera connected to microscope. The extent of dye penetration was assessed from apex to its coronal part and recorded in millimeters. Independent sample t-test was used to compare microleakage in the two groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for inter-examiner reliability of dye penetration measurements. A p-value of \u3c0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: Teeth obturated with Obtura II gutta-percha with AH plus sealer had a mean dye penetration of 1.20 ±0.79 mm. This was significantly better than Obtura II with Sealapex sealer (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Obtura II-AH plus sealer was a better combination for obturation as it showed a lesser degree of microleakage. Obtura II with Sealapex group showed higher microleakage, so this combination should be avoided in single-rooted teet

Current Trends in Fixed Prosthodontics Education in Undergraduate Dental Colleges

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to explore current trends in undergraduate fixed prosthodontics teaching at undergraduate dental level education. METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study included close-ended questions to inquire about the teaching practices of fixed prosthodontics at Bachelor of Dental Surgery level education. Electronic copies of the survey forms were sent to the heads or directors of department of prosthodontics responsible for undergraduate dental students teaching and learning in various institutes of Sindh by the help of Google forms in December 2020. The form included questions on sociodemographic details and questions inquiring the theoretical and clinical teaching practices in undergraduate fixed prosthodontics course. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 25. Frequency distribution and percentages of categorical variables were recorded. RESULTS Out of total 18 dental institutes of Sindh, 15 returned the completely filled form, giving a response rate of 83.3%. Seven (46.7%) schools teach various fixed prosthesis in the preclinical years to their students. All 15 colleges carry out didactic teaching and provide exposure by live clinical demonstrations for various fixed prosthesis. Faculty of 12 (80%) dental colleges where fixed prostheses are being constructed in the dental outpatient department mentioned that their students observe or assist the clinical procedures during their clinical rotation; but none of the students fabricate any type of fixed prosthesis in the clinical setting during their undergraduate years. CONCLUSION Didactic teaching and live clinical demonstrations of fixed prosthodontics is being carried out in all dental colleges of Sindh. Almost half of the dental schools teach crown preparation on phantom teeth during their preclinical course. Contrary to this, none of the students fabricate any type of fixed prosthesis in the clinical setting during their undergraduate years. As these procedures are not included in the current undergraduate curriculum, recommendations should be forwarded to governing educational body of the country to include cases of fixed prosthesis in their skill set prior to their graduation

Current trends in complete denture education in undergraduate dental colleges of Pakistan

Objective: To determine the current trends in complete denture education in undergraduate dental colleges. Method: The survey-based study was conducted in April and May 2020 at undergraduate dental colleges of Pakistan, and comprised heads of the Prosthodontics Department at all dental colleges across Pakistan having at least one batch of final year dental students. Data was collected using an online predesigned questionnaire that explored theoretical and practical teaching patterns of complete denture prosthodontics in the undergraduate years, and the materials and practices of students when constructing complete dentures in the clinics. The participants were given the option of choosing more than one option where needed. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Results: Of the 49 subjects approached, 40(81.6%) returned the forms duly filled; 11(27.5%) from public-sector institutions and 29(72.5%) from the private sector. There were 26(65%) institutions which required that their undergraduate students fabricate 2-4 conventional complete dentures. In all 40(100%) colleges, faculty gave live clinical demonstrations before students fabricated conventional complete dentures in the outpatient departments. Teaching strategy included small group discussions in 25(62.5%) institutions. Green stick 40(100%), zinc oxide eugenol 40(100%) and impression compound 39(97.2%) were the materials of choice for various steps of impression making. In all the 40(100%) institutions, students fabricated conventional complete dentures during their prosthodontics rotation. Immediate, copy and overdentures were constructed by students in 8(20%), 3(7.5%) and 8(20%) institutions, respectively. Conclusions: Majority of the dental schools used similar impression materials and techniques for fabricating conventional complete dentures. Didactic teaching of conventional and unconventional complete dentures was being carried out at a huge majority of the dental institutions studied. Key Words: Current trends, Complete dentures, Undergraduate dental education

Regenerative Potential of Enamel Matrix Protein Derivative and Acellular Dermal Matrix for Gingival Recession: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of using a combination of enamel matrix protein derivative and acellular dermal matrix in comparison to acellular dermal matrix alone for treating gingival recessions. Methods: The Cochrane Library (Wiley), PubMed by Medline (NLM), Medline (EBSCO), and Embase (Ovid) databases were searched for entries up to April 2020. Only clinical trials were included. Primary outcomes were root coverage (%), changes in keratinized tissue width and recession (mm). Meta-analysis was conducted for root coverage, changes in keratinized tissue width, recession, clinical attachment level and probing depth. Results: Four studies were selected for the analysis. In primary outcomes, root coverage, change in keratinized tissue width and recession analysis showed a mean difference of 4.99% (p = 0.11), 0.20 mm (p = 0.14) and 0.13 mm (p = 0.23) respectively between the two groups. Secondary outcomes analysis also exhibited a statistically insignificant difference between the test and control group with mean difference of 0.11 mm (p = 0.32) in clinical attachment level gain and -0.03 mm (p = 0.29) in probing depth reduction analysis. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, enamel matrix protein derivative combined with acellular dermal matrix used for treating gingival recession defects resulted in no beneficial effect clinically than acellular dermal matrix only

Navigating the future : exploring technological advancements and emerging trends in the sustainable ornamental industry

Technological advances have played a critical role in the production of flower crops, enabling farmers to maximize yields and reduce losses while also improving the quality of flowers. These advances have included the development of new breeding techniques, such as molecular marker-assisted breeding, and the use of modern technologies like high-throughput phenotyping to identify and select superior cultivars. In addition, precision farming techniques, such as the use of sensors and remote monitoring systems, have made it possible to closely monitor crop growth and optimize inputs like water and fertilizer, leading to higher yields and improved resource efficiency. Advancements in biotechnology have also resulted in the development of transgenic plants that are resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and improving plant health. Modern molecular genetic tools, particularly genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases, are emerging in addition to conventional approaches of investigating these plants. Furthermore, the use of novel growing systems, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, has allowed for year-round flower production in controlled environments, mitigating the challenges associated with seasonal changes and climate variability. These innovations have also made it possible to produce high-quality flowers in urban areas, bringing fresh blooms closer to consumers. Overall, technological advances in flower crops have revolutionized the floriculture industry, enabling growers to produce high-quality flowers in a more sustainable and efficient manner. These advancements have not only improved the productivity and profitability of flower farming but have also contributed to the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment.Peer reviewe