Pulse oximeter is an effective tool in diagnosing different pulpal pathologies especially PN which was interpreted inaccurately by thermal tests.

Context:Antisepsis achieved through appropriate use of irrigants is essential for endodontic success. Identification of newer anti-bacterial agents gives alternatives to clean the canal as eradication of the infection prior to obturation does affect prognosis.Objective:Comparison of the anti-bacterial action of 3.8% silver diamine fluoride and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate against Enterococcus faecalis in root canals.Materials and Methods:Forty-four single-rooted teeth were decoronated, and the root section was enlarged with peeso-reamer (No: 3) to standardize length and diameter. The samples were then autoclaved and divided into two study groups and two control groups. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was inoculated into all test samples for 72 hours. The samples were enlarged with peeso-reamer (No: 5) after placement of respective medicament for 24 hours. Shavings were collected and inoculated on Brain Heart Infusion agar for 24 hrs to measure the colony forming units.Results:Both 3.8% silver diamine fluoride and 2% chlorhexidine showed a superior capacity to sterilize the root canals than control groups.Conclusion:The use of silver diamine fluoride as an endodontic irrigant is feasible as it can effectively remove the microbes present in the canal and circumpulpal dentin.

Objectives:To compare and evaluate the clinical symptoms and radiographic evidence of periapical healing after endodontic treatment of teeth with periapical pathology when completed in one-visit or two-visits with ApexCal paste at 3, 6, and 12 months.Materials and Methods:A total of 57 patients requiring root canal treatment on 64 single rooted teeth with periapical pathology preoperatively were included. The teeth were assigned randomly into two groups and treated according to standardized protocol. The teeth in group I (n = 34) were obturated at the first visit, while those in group II (n = 30) were medicated with ApexCal paste, and obturated in a second visit 7 days later. Patients were recalled at intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months to evaluate the treated teeth both clinically and radiographically for periapical healing.Results:Mann — Whitney U test showed no difference between groups I and II. Wilcoxon signed rank test showed significant decrease in mean periapical index (PAI) scores within both groups during 12 months evaluation. The level of significance used was P < 0.05.Conclusions:Both groups exhibited equally favorable healing at 12 months, with no statistically significant differences between groups I and II.

Aim:The aims of this study were to determine the effect of saliva and blood contamination on the shear bond strength of self-etching adhesive to enamel and dentin; and, to compare the difference in bond strength due to contamination beforeand after application of the self-etch adhesive.Materials and Methods:40 human mandibular molars were wet ground on both buccal and lingual surfaces to prepare flat superficial enamel and dentin surfaces. They were randomly divided into two groups (n = 40) based on the substrate (enamel and dentin). Each group was further divided into five subgroups (n = 8) based on the type of contamination it was subjected to, and the step in the bonding sequence when the contamination occurred (before or after adhesive application). Fresh saliva and fresh human blood were applied either before or after the application of Xeno III® self-etching adhesive system (SES). Composite resin was applied as inverted, truncated cured cones that were subjected to shear bond strength test.Statistical Analysis:One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test were used.Results:Statistically significant reduction in the bond strength was shown after both saliva and blood contamination before and after Xeno III® application (P< 0.05). Bond strength is significantly reduced after contamination with blood as compared to saliva.Conclusions:When self-etching adhesive systems are used, saliva and blood contamination significantly decrease the bond strength of the adhesive to enamel and dentin of the tooth.

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