Aims and Objectives: Viability and health of the pulpal tissue after an exposure can be stimulated with biocompatible pulp capping materials. Mineral trioxide aggregate(MTA), though biocompatible with excellent sealing ability, has clinical disadvantages like poor handling properties and long setting time. New pulp capping agents- Biodentine and Theracal have proven to overcome MTA’s shortcomings. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate(Angelus), Biodentine (Septodont) and Theracal(Bisco) when used as pulp capping agents. Materials and Methods: Occlusal cavities were prepared in extracted human third molars. The cavities were divided into 3 groups containing 12 samples each. Pulp capping in samples of group I, II and III was done with MTA, Biodentine and Theracal respectively. All samples were kept in a damp environment for 24 hrs. In each tooth, the root was cut just below the cementum-enamel junction. An aqueous 0.25% solution of Rhodamine-B was put in the open pulp chambers of all the samples and placed upside-down in a damp environment. The dye was left for 3 hrs to permeate toward the interface. After being stained, all samples were rinsed with distilled water and sectioned vertically. A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope was used to image the samples. Results: No significant difference was found in interfacial microleakage between MTA and Biodentine. Theracal exhibited less interfacial microleakage than the two. Conclusion: Biodentine and MTA exhibit an efficient and durable protection of pulp. Theracal exhibits better sealing ability as a pulp capping agent than MTA and Biodentine.

Introduction:To promote the remineralization by ionic exchange mechanism instead of invasive techniques many remineralizing agents can be used.Objective:To evaluate the remineralization effects of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on white spot lesions (WSLs) and its inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans colonization.Materials and Methods:The study group consisted of 60 subjects exhibiting at least 1-WSL. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: A test group using CPP-ACP cream (GC-Tooth Mousse, Leuven, Belgium) and a control group using only fluoride containing toothpaste for a period of 3-month. Baseline WSLs were scored using DIAGNOdent device (KaVo Germany) and the saliva samples were collected to measure S. mutans counts. After the 3-month period the WSLs were again recorded and the saliva collection was repeated.Result:DIAGNOdent measurements were increased by time (P = 0.002) in the control group and no statistically significant difference (P = 0.217) was found in the test group by the 3-month period. In both groups, the mutans counts were decreased in the 3-month experimental period.Conclusion:These clinical and laboratory results suggested that CPP-ACP containing cream had a slight remineralization effect on the WSL in the 3-month evaluation period however, longer observation is recommended to confirm whether the greater change in WSLs is maintained.

Summary Introduction Throughout the history of dentistry, a wide variety of materials such as gold-foil, silver posts, amalgam, zinc oxide eugenol, glass ionomer cements, mineral trioxide aggregate have been used as retrograde fillings. Altered pH in periapical lesions can affect push-out bond strength of these materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of altered pH on push-out bond strength of Biodentin, Glass ionomer cement (GIC), Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Theracal. Material and Methods Forty-eight dentin slices of extracted single-rooted human teeth were sectioned and their canal portion instrumented to achieve a diameter of 1.4 mm. The specimens were then assigned into the four groups (one group for each material) with 12 samples in each group. All groups were further divided into 3 subgroups (with 4 specimens in each subgroup): acidic (butyric acid buffered at pH 6.4), neutral (phosphate buffer saline solution at pH 7.4) and alkaline (buffered potassium hydroxide at pH 8.4). Samples were incubated for 4 days at 37°C in acidic, neutral or alkaline medium. Push-out bond strength was measured using a Universal Testing Machine. The slices were examined under a stereomicroscope to determine the nature of bond failure. Results GIC showed the highest bond strength (33.33MPa) in neutral and acidic medium (26.75MPa) compared to other materials. Biodentin showed the best result in alkaline medium. Conclusion Altered pH level affected push-out bond strength of root end materials. GIC demonstrated good push-out bond strength that increased with decrease of pH whereas newer materials Biodentin and Theracal showed satisfying results in altered pH.

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This average to poor nutritional status of the present Garhwali girls may be attributed to low dietary intake, low-middle socio-economic background, uneducated or partially educated parents, large family size, gender discrimination etc.