Forensic Odontology during the Pandemic COVID-19

No Abstract.

The effect of acid concentration and etch time on morphology and tensile bond strength of primary dentin: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

There are conflicting results concerning the ideal time for etching primary dentin and its effect on the bond strength of adhesive restorative materials.

AIM

To assess in vitro, the effect of varied acid concentration and etch time on the morphological features and tensile bond strength of primary dentin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty healthy primary molars were prepared by exposing the dentin of the occlusal surface, creating a smear layer. A 3 mm × 3 mm test indow was demarcated, and specimens were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 10): Group 1A 10% phosphoric acid, 7 s; Group 1B 10% phosphoric acid, 15 s; Group 2A 37% phosphoric acid, 7 s and Group 2B 37% phosphoric acid, 15 s. Surface analysis was done using atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope. For tensile bond strength evaluation, 24 specimens prepared as mentioned were mounted in acrylic blocks and allocated to four groups according to the prescribed etching protocol. Resin rods were bonded and tested in tension after 24 h (n = 6). Data were analyzed statistically using unpaired t-test.

RESULTS

Etching of primary dentin using 37% phosphoric acid for 7 s produced the highest tensile bond strength of 9.51 ± 2.19 MPa.

CONCLUSION

Etching time of 7 s may improve the adhesion of resin restorative materials with primary dentin.

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties and Fluoride-releasing Ability of a New Self-cure Filling Material

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the flexural strength, shear bond strength, and fluoride-releasing ability of glass ionomer cement (GIC), Fuji IX GIC®, and a new alkasite filling material, Cention N®.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The materials were divided into two groups, Fuji IX GIC® (n = 30) and Cention N® (n = 30) and further divided (n = 10) to test three parameters, the fluoride releasing ability, flexural strength, and shear bond strength. Fluoride release was checked using fluoride ion-selective electrode, and flexural strength and shear bond strength were tested using universal testing machine (Intron 3366, UK).

RESULTS

Fluoride release of Fuji IX GIC® was significantly higher compared to that of control Cention N® over a period of 21 days. Flexural strength of Cention N® was significantly higher compared to Fuji IX GIC® and there were no significant differences in shear bond strength of both the materials.

CONCLUSION

From the results of the study, it can be concluded that Cention N® is an alkasite filling material for the complete and permanent replacement of tooth structure in posterior teeth and can be a good alternative when compared to GICs on the basis of their superior mechanical properties.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cention N® is an innovative filling material for the complete and permanent replacement of tooth structure in posterior teeth and can be a good alternative when compared to GICs on the basis of their superior mechanical properties.

Plaque Removal Efficiency of Chewable Toothbrushes among 10-12-yearold Children: A Randomized Control Trial

Aim and Objectives

Toothbrushing is one of the most important factors in controlling plaque accumulation and dental caries. There are vast varieties of toothbrushes available in the market. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel chewable toothbrushes as compared to manual toothbrushes in plaque removal among 10-12-year-old children.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 healthy children aged between 10 and 12 years of age who were randomly assigned to either of the groups: Group I--Chewable Toothbrushes and Group II--Manual Toothbrushes. Following oral prophylaxis, baseline records of oral hygiene indices (Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) in indexed teeth and Turesky modification of Quigley Hein plaque index (TMQHI) were taken. Baseline Saliva samples were collected and sent for Streptococcus mutans counts. Children were then instructed to use their respective toothbrush twice daily for a week. Oral hygiene indices and S. mutans counts were repeated after 1 week.

Results

Differences in pre-brushing and post-brushing plaque scores and salivary S. mutans counts were statistically significant when compared using paired-sample t test and independent-sample t test. There was a significant reduction in salivary S. mutans counts after using both chewable and manual toothbrushes. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Chewable toothbrushes are equally effective in plaque control when compared to manual toothbrushes. These can be a reliable alternative for children who lack manual dexterity.

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala (an Indian Ayurvedic herbal formulation) and 0.2% chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus mutans is one of the most important cariogenic species of the human oral microbial flora. Biofilm style of microbial growth thought to resist the actions of antimicrobials.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala, and 0.2% chlorhexidine against S. mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Randomized control trial.

METHODS

Extracted human mandibular premolars sectioned below the cemento-enamel junction were placed in the tissue culture wells exposing the crown surface to S. mutans to form a biofilm. At the end of 3 rd and 7 th day, all groups were treated for 10 min with the test solutions and control and were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

One-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Qualitative assay with 3 days biofilm showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth with Triphala, but 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline showed the presence of bacterial growth. In quantitative analysis, 0.2% chlorhexidine and Saline treated tooth samples have shown 1052 Χ 10(4) ± 15.1 Χ 10(4) CFU/ml, 141.3 Χ 10(9) ± 2.1Χ10(9) CFU/ml, respectively. Qualitative assay with 7 days biofilm on crown portion showed dense growth when treated with 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline, whereas Triphala has shown minimal growth. In Quantitative analysis, Triphala showed statistically significant result when compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline.

CONCLUSION

Triphala showed statistically significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. The incorporation of Triphala in mouth rinse could prove to be effective in reducing S. mutans count in the oral cavity.

Laparoscopic appendicectomy is a favorable alternative for complicated appendicitis in children

Aim:

To evaluate the role of laparoscopy in complicated appendicitis in children.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 119 children were operated for appendicitis between October 2005 and May 2008 at SRMC, Chennai. Forty-one patients underwent open appendicectomy (OA), and 71 patients underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA). Twenty-six cases among the LA group and 16 among the OA group had complicated appendicitis. Twenty-six cases were completed laparoscopically, and 2 needed conversion to OA.

Results:

Out of 26 patients in the LA group, 23 made an uneventful recovery without any complications. One had minor port site infection, and 2 had prolonged loose stools. Out of 16 in the OA group, 7 had complications. Three had wound infection, 2 had loose stools, 1 had fecal fistula and another required subsequent surgeries. Operative duration in LA was 86.7 min (range: 75 to 120 min) and 90.3 min (range: 70 to 150 min) in OA. Oral feed resumption in LA was done at average of 2.7 days and in OA at 4.3 days. IV antibiotics were administered for an average of 3.6 days in LA and 4.8 days in OA, parenteral analgesic for 2.7 days in LA and 4.2 days in OA. The length of hospital stay was 5.4 days in LA and 7.3 days in OA.

Conclusion:

LA is a favorable alternative in children with complicated appendicitis in view of less postoperative pain, fewer postoperative complications and quicker return to normal activity.

Pediatric cholelithiasis and laparoscopic management: A review of twenty two cases

AIM

To evaluate the role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the management of cholelithiasis in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of our experience with LC for cholelithiasis at our institution, between April 2006 and March 2009 was done. Data points reviewed included patient demographics, clinical history, haematological investigations, imaging studies, operative techniques, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery and final histopathological diagnosis.

RESULTS

During the study period of 36 months, 22 children (10 males and 12 females) with cholelithiasis were treated by LC. The mean age was 9.4 years (range 3 to 18 years). Twenty-one children had symptoms of biliary tract disease and one child was incidentally detected with cholelithiasis during an ultrasonogram of the abdomen for an unrelated cause. Only five (22.7%) children had definitive etiological risk factors for cholelithiasis and the remaining 13(77.3%) cases were idiopathic. Twenty cases had pigmented gallstones and two had cholesterol gallstones. All the 22 patients underwent LC, 21 elective and one emergency LC. The mean operative duration was 74.2 minutes (range 50-180 minutes). Postoperative complications occurred in two (9.1%) patients. The average duration of hospital stay was 4.1 days (range 3-6 days).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic chloecystectomy is confirmed to be a safe and efficacious treatment for pediatric cholelithiasis. The cause for an increased incidence of pediatric gallstones and their natural history need to be further evaluated.

Heat radiation vs air drying to remove interfacial water from self-etch adhesives

The clinician's quest for time-saving and technique-insensitive technology has led to the development of simplified self-etch adhesives that are predominantly water or solvent based. Several studies have shown that conventional air-drying procedures are incapable of eliminating all the residual water in the adhesive and that it may even cause collapse of the underlying collagen matrix. We hypothesized that heat from a light source may be effective in removing water from these adhesives. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effectiveness of heat vs conventional air drying in eliminating water droplets from self-etch adhesive. A self-etch adhesive was applied to bur-cut dentin surfaces, which were then allotted to one of two treatment procedures for eliminating residual water from the adhesive: conventional air drying or the experimental heat application. Specimens were then prepared and analyzed using SEM. Specimens in the experimental group showed no evidence of water treeing within the adhesive layer. Thus, it was concluded that heat radiation was an effective method to remove residual water from simplified adhesives.