Objective: To compare performance and survival of composite restorations in primary teeth using partial caries removal (PCR) versus complete caries removal (CCR). Methodology: In this trial, 70 permanent molars having deep caries lesions were selected and divided equally into CCR and PCR groups. The study duration was Jan-2018 to Jan-2020. In CCR group, complete dentin removal was done and confirmed by applying dentin detector dye for 10 seconds. In PCR group, visual & tactile criteria were followed for dentin removal. After dentin removal all cavities were filled using RMGIC cement resin. Follow-up was done at 06, 12 and 18 months. Results: Mean age in CCR group was 23.4+5.5 years and 25.6+4.9 years in PCR group. Male patients were 19 and 17 in CCR and PCR groups respectively (p= 0.59). Regarding lesion type, 25 patients in CCR were having occlusal and 5 having Occluso-proximal lesion. In PCR group, 27 teeth were diagnosed with occlusal lesion and 3 with occluso-proximal lesion (p=0.44). At 18 months’ follow-up, success rate was 100% in CCR group and 93.3% in PCR group (p=0.49). Pulp exposure occurred in 23.3% procedures in CCR group and none in PCR group. Conclusion: Partial caries removal has nearly similar success rates as that of complete caries removal and is associated with significantly less pulp exposure rate as compared to CCR. Keywords: Deep carious lesions, Partial caries removal, Complete caries removal, Randomized clinical trial

A novel way was adopted to graft zinc oxide (ZnO) with urethane-modified dimethacrylate (UDMA) in order to utilize them as reinforcing agents in resin-based dental composites. Experimental novel composites were synthesized having UDMA-grafted and nongrafted ZnO, at a concentration of 0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 10 wt.%. The same concentrations of ZnO were also incorporated in Filtek Z250 XT (3 M ESPE, USA). The antibacterial behavior was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans by direct-contact test at one, three, and seven days of incubation. The compressive strength and Vickers microhardness were tested as per ISO 9917 and ISO/CD6507-1, respectively. For abrasive wear resistance, mass loss and roughness average after tooth-brushing cycles of 24,000 at custom-made tooth-brushing simulator were evaluated using noncontact profilometer. Data analysis was carried out using post hoc Tucky’s test and nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test. Direct contact test revealed that the antibacterial potential of novel and commercial composites was increased with an increase in the concentration of grafted ZnO as compared with nongrafted, whereby the potential was the highest at day seven. There was a significant decrease in compressive strength and Vickers hardness of commercial composites on addition of grafted ZnO while there was no significant difference in the strength of experimental novel composite. The abrasive wear of commercial and experimental composites was within clinical limits. Low-temperature flow-synthesis method was successfully employed to synthesize grafted and nongrafted ZnO. The UDMA-grafted ZnO can be incorporated into dental composites without decreasing their strength and these composites can be used to combat secondary caries.

Objective: The objective of this study was three fold; to investigate the preference of dentists regarding the technique for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching, to find out the materials used for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching and to evaluate the influence of post-graduate training, working place and clinical experience on techniques and material used. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire with dentists working in three teaching institutes of Multan, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry (NID), Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College (BAMDC) and Multan Medical & Dental College (MMDC). A total of 170 questionnaires were distributed and 154 recovered, at a response rate of 90.5%. Information about post-graduate training, working place and clinical experience was obtained. The information regarding technique and material used for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching was also collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and frequencies and percentages were calculated along with association between the treatment options and other variables. Results: Majority of the dentists 81.8% and 75.3% preferred in-office technique for vital and non-vital tooth bleaching respectively. For vital tooth bleaching, 31.8% selected HP 6% and 28.4% opted CP10-22%. For non-vital tooth bleaching, 34.8% selected SP mixed with water/HP and 26.6% opted HP37%. Conclusion: Clinical experience and working place significantly influenced the bleaching technique for vital teeth not for the non-vital. No significant influence of post-graduation, clinical experience and working place was found on material used for vital or non-vital bleaching. Key Words: Vital tooth bleaching, Non-vital tooth bleaching, Hydrogen peroxide, Carbamide peroxide, Sodium perborate