Tooth wear is a universal consequence of aging. It is an irreversible, multifactorial and destructive loss of dental hard tissues caused by either a mechanical or chemical process in the absence of caries or trauma. It can be a physiological and age dependent process. The risk factors that contribute to tooth wear are diet, bruxism, environment, occupation, oral health behaviour, acid regurgitation and use of tobacco. This study was done to find out if there is an association between tooth wear and its associated factors. So that we can educate the patients about the various factors causing tooth wear and minimise it. This cross sectional study was done amongst 339 patients. The clinical assessment of tooth wear was done using tooth wear index developed by Smith & Knight. A specifically designed questionnaire was used to seek information on risk factors of tooth wear. All patients were categorised into one of the following groups: Low Tooth Wear group, Moderate Tooth Wear group, Severe Tooth Wear group based on their individual tooth wear surface scores. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test and descriptive statistics were calculated. We can see that the severity of tooth wear increases with age i.e, p≤0.05 which is statistically significant. Patients with self reported tooth sensitivity (60.5%) had a higher total tooth wear score than those who didn’t (39.5%) and the result was statistically significant. The results of our study show that tooth wear is a consequence of aging and there is an association between tooth wear and dentinal hypersensitivity.

The proper shaping and cleaning followed by well-sealed root canal system is desired for successful outcome of the endodontic treatment. With the advent of Bioceramic sealers and their beneficial biological properties, they have been widely incorporated in clinical practice. So, the purpose of this study was to find out the difference in the healing outcome of root canal treatments and retreatments carried out with either single cone obturation technique (SCO) or warm vertical compaction technique (WVC). This was observational analytical study (Cohort study), carried out in private practice. The patients were recalled at-least at six months. When association of healing with type of sealer was considered there was a statistically significant association between healing potential and type of sealer (p-value 0.03). Kaplan -Meier analysis for time to healing showed that with progress of time probability of healing was seen to be more in bioceramic sealer group. Within the limitations of this study the SCO had good healing potential and can be used as a safe alternative in obturation.

Dental caries is the most common oral health issue for the general population. Dental caries not only affects the quality of life but also brings economic burden to individual and society. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among patients. An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients visiting Department of Oral Medicine of Nepal Medical College Dental Hospital of Kathmandu. The results showed that overall prevalence of dental caries was 81.6%. Dental caries among participants between 25-34 years was highest (33.1%) and more among females (84.9%). Majority of the participants used toothbrush 96.8%, while 78.3% used fluoridated toothpaste. Even though most study participants claimed to use toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, prevalence of dental caries was high.

Although root canal treatment is carried out to eliminate the existing microorganism and create favorable environment for healing and prevent reinfection, the occurrence of post treatment disease poses a significant challenge in general population. Cross sectional studies from different countries shows that there is varying degree of prevalence of periradicular radiolucencies (PR) in root filled teeth. Since no such prevalence studies have been done in Nepal, we are unaware of the existing problem in our population. Thus, aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of periradicular radiolucencies and its association with the quality of root canal treatment and coronal restorations in an adult Nepali population. Among 350 patients, 40.8% (389) presented with PR. Significantly better outcome was seen in teeth with adequate qualities of root filled teeth and coronal restoration. The prevalence of PR in Nepali population was seen relatively high and the considerable efforts to improve the length control during the procedure followed by proper restoration, to lessen the development of PR cannot be over emphasized.

Rubber dam application during routine clinical procedures enhance the dental treatment. Attitude and practice of rubber dam application among dental interns during clinical procedure plays an important role in providing quality treatment and avoiding medicolegal consequences. The aim of this study was to determine the attitude and practice of dental interns towards rubber dam use. A questionnaire-based study was conducted using pre-structured questionnaire among 138 dental interns of three different colleges affiliated to Kathmandu University of Kathmandu District. The results showed that 97.1% study participants believe rubber dam gives good isolation, moisture control and safety. Positive attitude was shown by 55.1% of intern toward rubber dam use during all procedures and 64.5% during root canal treatment. Of the total, 73.2% believed they lacked training and 92.2% were willing to take more training. Most of the interns (85.5%) believe rubber dam as helpful tool. In conclusion, majority of the interns believe rubber dam gives good isolation, moisture control and safety but their lack of rubber dam use in clinical practice could be due to insufficient training, patients’ objection and extra time needed for placement. To overcome this, more trainings, preclinical and clinical demonstration and mandatory use during all clinical posting should be done in dental colleges.