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

Evaluation of micro leakage of root canals filled with different obturation techniques: an in vitro study

Background: Despite a plethora of studies done comparing different obturation techniques using gutta-percha, there is no consensus as to which obturation technique results in a \u27better\u27 sealing of root canal space. Aims of the study are to compare mean apical micro leakage in root canals of extracted teeth obturated with cold laterally compacted gutta-percha and thermoplasticised injectable gutta-percha using calcium hydroxide based sealer. Methods: It was an in-vitro experimental study carried out using extracted teeth. After access cavity preparation and canal preparation in 70 teeth, they were randomly divided into 2 groups and filled with two different obturation techniques using Sealapex sealer. Teeth were placed in 2.0% methylene blue solution, sectioned longitudinally, observed under microscope and images were captured using microscope attached camera. Amount of dye penetration was measured in millimetre from apex to most coronal part of dye penetration. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.0. Mean and standard deviation of continuous variables was computed. Independent Sample t- test was applied to compare micro leakage values in the two study groups. Level of significance was kept at 0.05. Results: According to the measurements, obturation with Obtura-II and Sealapex was leakier than the other group, with a mean dye penetration of 1.91±1.15 mm. There was a statistically significant difference in dye penetration among the two groups.. Conclusions: Cold lateral compaction plus Sealapex was the best combination for obturation as it exhibited least microleakage. Obtura IISealapex combination should be used with caution as it showed maximum microleakage. For obturation of single rooted teeth, we recommend cold lateral condensation with Sealapex sealer as it showed better sealability. Obtura-II and Sealapex should be used with caution in single rooted teeth as this group showed the maximum leakage.

Resumption of dental practice after COVID-19 lockdown: perspectives of dental professionals in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction: In the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of the lockdown led to the closure of dental practices. Restricting treatment to emergency patients, having to use Personal Protective Equipment and the fear of contracting the virus led to modifications in the techniques and methods used to provide efficient dental care to the patients. However, it caused a significant psychological and financial impact on the dental community. The purpose of this research was to evaluate dentists’ perceptions regarding the psychological, financial, and general impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reopening of their dental practices. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a validated questionnaire, which was distributed among 257 dental practitioners working in Karachi through the social media app (WhatsApp®) from May 2021 to May 2022. The questionnaire included four sections and 26 items, recording data for demographics, psychological effects on resumption of dental practices, workplace disinfection, and precautionary measures along financial impacts. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 21.0. p-value ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistically significant Results: A total of 200 filled questionnaires were received, making the response rate 77%. The majority of respondents were females (67%). More than half of the respondents (55.5%) were working in dental OPDs. Most participants affirmed that they did not have a COVID-19 screening area nor patient triage was being done in dental OPDs. Closure of dental practices caused financial problems for all dental practitioners, more specifically for those that were associated with both public and private types of practices (84.9%). The majority of the dentists in private practice (94.4%) declared that their workplaces were being disinfected, while 47.7% of dental practitioners working in the dental OPD affirmed that they had enough financial stability to keep using Personal Protective Equipment. Approximately 64.9% of professionals practicing in dental OPDs and 33.3% in private practice believed that the reopening of dental practices was responsible for the re-spread of the coronavirus Conclusion: Significant anxiety and stress related to COVID-19 were seen among dental practitioners. Some CDC-recommended guidelines such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment were being implemented whereas COVID-19 screening and patient triage were found deficient

Factors affecting specialty choice of postgraduate dental residents in Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: To identify factors that influence the choice of specialty of dentistry postgraduate residents in an urban setting. Method: The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April to May 2020 at health centres approved for the Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons training in Karachi, and comprised dental postgraduate residents. Data was collected using a questionnaire distributed using Google Forms. Residents were asked to rate factors that influenced their decision to join their clinical specialty on a 3-point Likert scale. Items were based on the basis of anticipated clinical experiences, specialty-specific factors, personal preferences, and possible constraints. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Results: Of the 51 subjects, 39(76.5%) were females and 12(23.5%) were males. The overall mean age was 27.7±2.17 years. Besides, 27(52.9%) subjects were from public-sector centres and 24(47.1%) from private-sector centres. Of all the residents, 44(86.3%) chose their specialty because of inclination to treat complex cases, while 43(84.3%) were interested because of the broad range of cases, and 39(76.5%) made their choice because of the reputation of the respective supervisors and institutions. Also, 43(84.3%) residents did not consider the expiry of their fellowship part one exam deadline, or unavailability of a training slot as a specific reason to select a specialty. Compared to males, significantly more females opted for a specialty if it eventually provided career opportunity as faculty (p<0.05). Conclusion: Factors that greatly influenced the residents' choice for postgraduate training specialty were related to anticipated clinical experiences. Continuous..

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

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

Perspectives Of Medical And Dental Undergraduate Students On Educational Strategies During And Post Covid-19 Lockdown

Introduction After the emergence and declaration of Covid-19 as a pandemic in March 2019, many countries implemented lockdown with cessation of essential and non-essential activities including educational and academic processes, in order to restrict the spread of the disease,. This necessitated the shift of education from face -to-face conventional methods towards online teaching and assessment practices in all domains, including medicine. This study determined the perspectives and level of satisfaction of medical and dental undergraduate students regarding the online teaching and assessment modes practiced during and after Covid-19 lockdown period. Method: The study was conducted at various medical and dental colleges of Karachi, with a calculated sample size of 500. Data was collected with the help of a structured questionnaire on Google forms and the link which was shared with students through different social media platforms. Results/Conclusion: The majority (52.5%) of the students were not satisfied with the online teaching provided to them during the Covid-19 period and the most common issue encountered was difficulty in concentration. Recommendations: The teaching institutes should emphasize on proper training of the instructors and improve the online teaching system in order to deliver academic content effectively