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Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of different intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis using confocal microscopy. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were used in this study, which were decoronated and instrumented with K-files following which biomechanical preparation was performed up to ProTaper F3. The teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated for 21 days. The specimens were divided into five groups according to the medicaments used: saline, calcium hydroxide, Aloe vera , Ricinus communis , and lemon extract. After 7 days of placement of intracanal medicament, the efficacy of the intracanal medicament against E. faecalis was assessed using confocal microscopy. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey HSD ( post hoc ) test for multiple comparisons. Results: Calcium hydroxide showed significantly greater antimicrobial efficacy than A. vera , lemon, and R. communis ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Complete elimination of E. faecalis was not achieved in any of the experimental groups. Calcium hydroxide was more effective than the other herbal medicaments used.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse on the color stability between three different types of composites. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 samples of size 10-mm length, 1-mm width, and 1-mm thickness were prepared on a customized microglass slide from each of the composite materials and immersed in 20 ml of distilled water followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 h. The samples were divided into three groups ( n = 10) – Group I: A nanofilled composite, Filtek Z350XT (3M ESPE, St. Paul, USA); Group II: A microhybrid composite, Polofil Supra (Voco GmbH, Germany); and Group III: A nanoceramic composite, Ceram.x Sphere TEC (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany). Baseline color values were recorded using a spectrophotometer (V-770 UV-Visible/NIR Spectrophotometer, Easton, Maryland, USA) according to the laboratory scale. After baseline color measurements, ten randomly selected specimens from each group were immersed in 20 ml of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse (Rexidin Plus, Aurangabad, India) for 24 h. The postimmersion color values of the samples were then recorded, respectively, using the same spectrophotometer. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed between the mean color change values in the three groups ( P < 0.05) with the highest color change (delta E [ΔE]) in Group III (Nanoceramic composite). The ΔE for Group I (Nanofilled composite) was 3.16, Group II (Microhybrid composite) was 3.32, and Group III (Nanoceramic composite) was 3.51. Conclusion: All the three types of composites displayed color changes after immersion in mouthrinse, but the color shift depended on the material used, and the nanofilled composites (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) had higher color stability.

Aim: To examine the root canal morphology of mandibular second molars in a South Indian population, using spiral computed tomography (CT). Materials and methods:One hundred ten extracted mandibular second molars were scanned by spiral CT scanner and analyzed for number of roots, number of root canals per root and root canal configuration in each root. Results:The total of 91.91% of the molars had two roots and 4.55% were three rooted. Single roots were also found (5.45%) and occurrence of four roots was rare (0.91%). Three root canals were found in 62.73% of the teeth, followed by two canals in 20.02%. C-shaped canals were seen in 4.55% of teeth. Conclusion:In the teeth examined, there was a predominance of two roots and three canals. Type IV canal configuration was common in mesial roots and Type I in distal roots. Three roots and C-shaped canals were also recorded.

Background:  Bonding of sealer to root canal walls is likely to increase the integrity of the sealer-dentin interface during mechanical stresses, thus increasing resistance to fracture. Chitra-CPC sealer is an indigenously manufactured bioceramic material and has been used as bone graft and perforation repair material. When used as a sealer, it has good potential to reinforce the root strength in addition to excellent biocompatibility. Aim: To compare the fracture resistance of teeth obturated with novel Calcium phosphate cement-based sealer viz. Chitra CPC with Endosequence BC sealer, MTA Fillapex and AH Plus Methods and Material: The study was carried out in 100 single rooted extracted, decoronated mandibular premolars of length 11 mm. The teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20 for each group). Other than Group 1A and group1B, all other groups were restored with various endodontic sealers and obturated with Gutta Percha. In group1A, the teeth were left unprepared and unfilled (negative control), in group 1B, the teeth were left unobturated (positive control) In group 2, Epoxy resin based sealer (AHPlus ) ;In group 3, mineral trioxide aggregate–based sealer (MTAFill apex); In  group 4, Calcium phosphate cement based sealer (Chitra-CPC);in group 5,Bioceramic based sealer(Endosequence BC ) were used. After 2 weeks all specimens were tested for fracture resistance using Universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min until the root fractured. The force required to fracture each specimen was recorded, and the data was analysed statistically. Results: The fracture resistance values of Chitra –CPC and Endosequence BC sealer were significantly higher than that of positive control and comparable to negative control. Conclusions: In contrast to MTA Fill apex and AH Plus, Chitra –CPC and Endosequence BC sealer increased the fracture resistance of teeth.