Aim:The aim of this study was to determine remineralizing potential of grape seed extract (GSE) compared to casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) through pH-cycling model and subsequent evaluation using polarized light microscope (PLM).Subjects and Methods:Twenty sound human teeth fragments of ten teeth were obtained from the cervical portion of the roots and were stored in demineralizing solution for 96 h at 37°C to induce artificial root carious lesion. The sections then were divided into four treatment groups including: 6.5% GSE, CPP-ACP, 0.5% CaGP, and control group (no treatment). The demineralized samples were then pH cycled through treatment solutions, acidic buffer, and neutral buffer for 8 days at six cycles per day. The samples were subsequently evaluated using PLM.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc comparison test (P < 0.001).Results:PLM data revealed a significantly thicker mineral precipitation band on the surface layer of the GSE-treated lesions compared to the other groups (P < 0.001).Conclusion:GSE positively affects the demineralization and/or remineralization processes of artificial root caries lesions.

In very mild and mild forms of fluorosis, in-office vital tooth bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide is the most conservative and effective approach in esthetic improvement.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of Thymus vulgaris, Salvadora persica, Acacia nilotica, Calendula arvensis , and 5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis . Methodology: Herbal extracts of T. vulgaris, S. persica, A. nilotica and C. arvensis were prepared. Tryptone soya broth was used to grow E. faecalis and agar plates were prepared. The tested solutions (Group A: 5% NaOCl, Group B: 20% T. vulgaris , Group C: 12.5% S. persica , Group D: 10% A. nilotica , Group E: 10% C. arvensis ) were added to the wells made on agar media. Agar diffusion test was performed. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Bacterial zones of inhibition were recorded. Results: The data were analyzed statistically by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc comparison by Tukey's t -test. The highest zone of inhibition against E. faecalis was shown by 5% NaOCl, followed by 10% C. arvensis , 20% T. vulgaris and 10% A. nilotica showed similar comparable antibacterial activity. The least zone of inhibition was showed by S. persica. Conclusion: 5% NaOCl showed the maximum antibacterial activity, and herbal products demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and can be employed as an alternative to NaOCl.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the etching effects of a self-etching primer with 37% phosphoric acid on enamel by using a scanning electron microscope. Bond strength and the site of bond failure were also determined for brackets bonded using SEP and 37% phosphoric acid. Materials and methods A total of 60 maxillary premolar teeth were used for this study and they were divided into four groups. First two groups were used for studying the different types of etch patterns obtained and the next two groups were used to test the bond strength with the help of Universal testing machine. After debonding, the amount of residual adhesive was assessed according to adhesive remnant index using a stereomicroscope. Results The majority of etch patterns obtained in the 37% phosphoric acid group were type II, whereas in the SEP group, type IV pattern was more common. There was no statistically significant difference between mean bond strengths obtained with the SEP group and the phosphoric acid group. Use of SEP results in less amount of residual adhesive on tooth surface after debonding. Conclusion SEP produces more conservative etch pattern compared to 37% phosphoric acid. Use of SEP for bonding provides similar and clinically acceptable bond strength compared to use of 37% phosphoric acid etching technique and requires less clean-up procedures hence, reduces enamel loss. Clinical significance Use of 37% phosphoric acid for orthodontic bonding yields high bond strength but, causes enamel loss during both etching and debonding. SEPs not only provide adequate bond strength with a more conservative etch pattern but also enable easy debonding, thereby reducing the enamel damage. How to cite this article Nanjannawar LG, Nanjannawar GS. Effects of A Self-Etching Primer and 37% Phosphoric Acid Etching on Enamel: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):280-284.

A 54 year old female patient reported to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, with the chief complaint of dull aching pain in the lower right front teeth region since one month. History of present illness revealed intermittent pain with hot and cold stimuli for the past three months. Past dental history revealed asymptomatic, endodontically treated right mandibular first premolar. The patient's medical history was noncontributory.On examination, the lower right canine revealed proximal caries on disto-buccal side. The tooth was not mobile and periodontal probing around the tooth was within physiological limits. Thermal tests were positive and electric pulp testing elicited delayed response with the right mandibular canine. A diagnostic radiograph revealed a coronal disto-occlusal radiolucency involving the pulp space and widening of the periodontal ligament space. The radiograph also revealed an unusual anatomy of involved tooth. It showed presence of two roots and two root canals. For further confirmation of this unusual morphology, multiple pre-operative radiographs were taken at 10-40 degree mesial and distal angulations which confirmed the presence of two roots and two root canals .From the clinical and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis was made, and root canal treatment was planned. Treatment was scheduled and initiated after obtaining written informed consent from the patient.The caries on the disto-buccal surface was excavated and restored with composite resin (3M ESPE, A G Seefeld, Germany). Local anesthesia was administered and access opening was done using endo-access bur (Dentsply Tulsa, Tulsa, OK) under rubber dam isolation. The pulp chamber was opened to facilitate location of buccal and lingual canals. Working length was established using apex locator and also radiographically [Table /Fig-2a].The canals were instrumented using stainless steel K-files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) with master apical filing upto #35 K-file. A 5.2% solution of sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA were used alternatively as irrigants, at each change of file. Final irrigation was done using 2% chlorhexidine [Table/ Fig2b]. The canals were dried with absorbent paper points (Dentsply, DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). The instrumented root canals were obturated using 2% gutta percha cones and AH Plus sealer (Dentsply, DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) using lateral condensation technique. The final radiograph showed two well-obturated canals. After completion of root canal treatment, the tooth was restored using resin composite (3M ESPE, A G Seefeld, Germany) [Table/ Fig-2c]. DISCUSSIONProper diagnosis and identification of the number of roots and root canals are key to success of endodontic treatment [1][2][3]. The studies of Greene, Hess and Vertucci revealed 13%, 15% and 18% of two canals in single root of mandibular canines respectively [1]. The occurrence of two roots and two separate root canals in mandibular canine is a rare entity and literature search has r...