A comparative microleakage evaluation of three different base materials in Class I cavity in deciduous molars in sandwich technique using dye penetration and dentin surface interface by scanning electron microscope

Introduction: A major objective in restorative dentistry is the control of marginal leakage, which may occur because of dimensional changes or lack of adaptation of restorative material to the cavity preparation. Numerous techniques have been advocated to overcome polymerization shrinkage in composite restorations. Aim and Objectives: This study investigated microleakage of three different bases under composite resin in sandwich technique using dye penetration and dentin surface interface using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted deciduous molars were stored in distilled water and Class I cavities with a width of about one-fourth of intercuspal distance and a depth of 0.5-1 mm below the dentino-enamel junction was prepared without bevels. In Group 1 - glass ionomer cement (GIC); Group 2 - mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); Group 3 - Biodentine™ was placed as a base under composite. Teeth were longitudinally sectioned in two halves, through the centers of the restoration, immersed in 2% methylene blue and microleakage was evaluated under stereomicroscope and surface interface between base and dentin was evaluated under SEM. Results:Under the condition of in vitro study, less microleakage and less internal gaps were seen in Biodentine™ (0.00 ± 0.00 and 4.00 ± 1.59) group than MTA (0.00 ± 0.00 and 6.08 ± 1.82) and GIC (25.25 ± 6.57 and 14.73 ± 3.72, respectively) and showed very strong positive correlation between microleakage and internal gaps. Conclusion: Biodentine™ exhibits superior marginal sealing ability as well as marginal adaptation under composite resin as compared to MTA and GIC

Spectrum of choices to restore the smile of a child: An update on current pediatric anterior crowns

Esthetic treatment of severely damaged primary teeth is one of the greatest challenges to pediatric dentists. A wide variety of full coverage esthetic crowns for primary teeth are commercially available in the market. A practitioner should choose convenient, durable, and reliable solution which is fulfilled with complete knowledge of different crown forms. This article on esthetic crowns for children gives an outline of various anterior crowns in a tabular form, reviews their composition, advantages, disadvantages, and selection criteria

A clinical trial comparing antimicrobial efficacy of “essential oil of Ocimum sanctum” with triple antibiotic paste as an intracanal medicament in primary molars

Objectives: To evaluate the aerobic and anaerobic antimicrobial efficacy of Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi) essential oil and compare it with that of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) by collecting microbiological samples from the root canals of primary molars. Study Design: Forty children were selected for the study and were randomly divided into two groups of twenty each, namely, TAP group and O. sanctum group (basil). Six intracanal samples were collected for every patient, comprising of two each after access opening, irrigation and after 3 days of intracanal medicament placement. These samples were cultured in aerobic and anaerobic environment and later colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted and intragroup as well as intergroup comparison was done. Results: Analysis of the results showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in CFUs after using essential oil of O. sanctum as an intracanal medicament. Saline use also leads to a statistically significant reduction in CFUs irrespective of the intracanal medicament used. TAP showed better antibiotic properties in comparison with that of O. sanctum. Conclusion: Antibiotic use is often associated with the adverse effects and development of resistance due to injudicious use. O. sanctum can be used in cases of long-standing infection owing to its antimicrobial efficacy and anti-inflammatory potential as an intracanal medicament in primary teeth