Dental caries is an irreversible microbial disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth, characterized by demineralization of the inorganic portion and destruction of the organic substance of the tooth, which often leads to cavitation (Shafer-1993). Organic acids produced as a by-product of fermentable carbohydrate metabolism plays a key role in the disease. The caries process is a continuous, involving various cycles of demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization begins at the atomic level on the crystal surface in enamel or dentine and can continue to cavitation. However currently there are many treatment modalities to intervene this continuing process, to arrest or reverse the progress of the lesion. Remineralization is the natural repair process for non-cavitated or incipient carious lesion.

Root caries is an important problem of concern for the elderly population in many countries. Due to its rapidly progressing nature and occurrence in areas of limited visibility, these lesions often go unnoticed unless they become symptomatic. Multiple systemic diseases, poor oral hygiene coupled with reduced manual dexterity of this age group add to the severity of the challenge. Limitations of available biomaterials along with reduced accessibility and isolation make the restoration of such dental lesions a clinical challenge also for dentists. Routine dental checkups and regular monitoring of risk factors can significantly reduce the occurrence of such caries to a major extent.This article reviews the contemporary literature concerning the clinical features, etiology, risk factors and prevention of root caries. The main topic of the work is the electronic search of literature related to root caries; it was carried out in MEDLINE PubMed database using MeSH terms "root caries", "etiology", "prevention".

Aim:The aim of this study was to compare canal transportation and centering ability of Twisted files (TF) and ProTaper (PT) files with conventional stainless steel (SS) K files. Materials and methods:Thirty mandibular premolar teeth with root curvature of 25 to 35° were selected. The samples were randomly divided into three groups of 10 each according to the type of files used for instrumentation. Group I was instrumented using TF, group II with PT files according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and group III with samples prepared with precurved SS K files using a step-back technique. After preparation, the samples were assessed using spiral computed tomography. Three sections were recorded at coronal, middle, and apical levels. Amount of transportation was assessed comparing with preinstrumentation images. Centering ability was calculated using Gambill's formula. The three groups were statistically compared using Student's t-test.Results: Twisted files showed the least canal transportation and the best centering ability followed by PT file system. Stainless steel K files showed the highest transportation and least centering ability. Conclusion:Twisted files showed the least amount of transportation and better centering compared with the other file systems.Clinical significance: The study gives information of TF, a recently introduced rotary system (2008) with regard to its efficacy in preparing curved root canals. This study has shown that the centering ratio of rotary nickel titanium was better than that of SS files.

Introduction: General health depends on the oral health. A vast majority of synthetic antimicrobial agents were developed to control oral infections. Side effects and drug resistance of these antimicrobial agents became barrier in successful treatment. Global scenario is now changing toward the use of nontoxic and eco-friendly products. Medicinal plant extracts are emerging as alternative to synthetic drugs. Aim: This in vitro study evaluated antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts of Moringa, Laxmitaru, Mullatha, and Communist paccha against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Materials and methods: Ethanolic leaf extracts of Moringa, Laxmitaru, Mullatha, and Communist paccha were prepared. E. faecalis and C. albicans were cultured on agar plates and leaf extracts were added. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Ethanol was used as positive control. Agar well diffusion test was performed and zone of inhibition was calculated in millimeter. Result was analyzed statistically. Results: Ethanolic extract of Mullatha leaf showed maximum zone of inhibition followed by Moringa, Laxmitaru, and Communist paccha against E. faecalis and C. albicans respectively Conclusion: Study suggested the use of leaf extracts of Moringa, Laxmitaru, Mullatha, and Communist paccha as endodontic irrigant and as antifungal agent in oral candidal infections.

No abstract