Aim:To assess the anticariogenicity of microwave-assisted 0.5% extract of Stevia rebaudiana leaves in high caries risk patients. Materials and methods:Forty-six patients with high risk for caries were selected. They were randomly assigned to two groups; group I was allocated for chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash (0.12% Perio-Aid) and group II for S. rebaudiana (0.5% extract of Stevia bio) mouthwash. Salivary pH, buffer, and microbial count were assessed before the patients were asked to use the mouthwashes. Patients were prescribed the mouthwash/extract twice a day for 7 days. On the 8th day, postrinse salivary pH, buffer analysis and Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli count were done.Results: Significant difference in pre-and postrinse values of pH and buffer was found in both groups. However, no difference was noted between groups. Both groups decreased the bacterial count to <10 5 colony-forming units (CFUs) in all the patients. Conclusion:Stevia rebaudiana extract in 0.5% concentration improved the pH and buffering capacity of the saliva in a high caries risk patient. It also reduced cariogenic organisms in saliva.Clinical significance: Stevia rebaudiana extract in 0.5% concentration can be used as a mouthwash for moderate-to-high caries risk patients. However, long-term clinical studies are required to prove its substantivity like that of CHX.

Aim:The aim was to evaluate the influence of different crosshead speeds on diametral tensile strength (DTS) of a resin composite material (Tetric N-Ceram).Materials and Methods:The DTS of Tetric N-Ceram was evaluated using four different crosshead speeds 0.5 mm/min (DTS 1), 1 mm/min (DTS 2), 5 mm/min (DTS 3), 10 mm/min (DTS 4). A total of 48 specimens were prepared and divided into four subgroups with 12 specimens in each group. Specimens were made using stainless steel split custom molds of dimensions 6 mm diameter and 3 mm height. The specimens were stored in distilled water at room temperature for 24 h. Universal testing machine was used and DTS values were calculated in MPa.Results:Analysis of variance was used to compare the four groups. Higher mean DTS value was recorded in DTS 2 followed by DTS 4, DTS 1, and DTS 3, respectively. However, the difference in mean tensile strength between the groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The crosshead speed variation between 0.5 and 10 mm/min does not seem to influence the DTS of a resin composite.

Aims:The aim of this study is to determine the mean failure load for each postsystem and the relationship between post lengths with the mean failure loads.Materials and Methods:Ninety single-rooted decoronated mandibular premolar teeth were endodontically treated and randomly assigned to three groups with respect to their post length (2/3rd and ½ of the root length). The first two groups were randomly divided into four subgroups, restored with the following postsystem: polyethylene-woven fiber posts, glass fiber tape, prefabricated carbon, and glass fiber posts. A composite core with no post served as control. All posts were cemented using dual-cure resin cement, and the same was used for core buildup. The standard cores were formed in each group. All the specimens were tested in a universal testing machine, and the load was calculated.Results:One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that prefabricated glass fiber post had significantly highest fracture resistance when compared to other prefabricated and custom fiber-reinforced composite posts. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated no significant difference among the post lengths.Conclusion:The results of this study showed that glass fiber posts showed higher fracture load, but post length did not significantly increase the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.

INTRODUCTIONDirect pulp capping (DPC) is defined as the treatment of a mechanical or traumatic vital pulp exposure by sealing the pulpal wound with a biomaterial placed directly on exposed pulp to facilitate formation of reparative dentin and maintenance of the vitality of pulp.1 Calcium hydroxide has been the gold standard for this purpose.The alkalinity of calcium hydroxide causes superficial necrosis of exposed pulp. This necrosis acts as mild irritation and thus stimulates the pulp to form a reparative dentin bridge. The success rate of calcium hydroxide direct capping was 80.1% after 1 year, 68.0% after 5 years, and 58.7% after 9 years.2 The reason for failure over time is attributed to tunnel defects that form in the bridge. This fails to provide a permanent barrier and a ABSTRACT Background: Calcium hydroxide has traditionally been used as the pulp capping material for pulpal exposures in permanent teeth. The tunnel defects in the barrier and the tendency for dissolution, however, fails to provide permanent protection to the pulp. Light curable resin based cements have been introduced to enable a better marginal seal and lesser dissolution. The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the response of human pulp following direct pulp capping with the new resin based Calcium silicate (TheraCal LC) and Calcium hydroxide with hydroxyapatite (Septocal LC) cements compared with calcium hydroxide (Dycal). Methods: 72 intact human premolars scheduled for orthodontic extractions were exposed to direct pulp capping procedures using three different pulp capping agents. Teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups, Group A: Dycal, Group B: TheraCal LC, Group C: Septocal LC. The teeth were extracted at the end of 15 and 40 days' and were evaluated histologically. They were scored for reparative dentin formation and inflammatory response. Inferential statistics was done using Chi square test. Results: Majority of the specimens in all three groups at the end of 15 days' showed partial to lateral deposition of hard tissue. There was continuous deposition of hard tissue and severe inflammatory response at the end of 40 days' in Dycal. There was partial deposition of hard tissue and reduced inflammatory response at the end of 40 days' in TheraCal LC and Septocal LC. However, the results were not statistically significant between the three groups at two different time periods. Conclusions: Light cured, Calcium silicate (TheraCal LC) and Calcium hydroxide with hydroxyapatite (Septocal LC) cements were as effective as calcium hydroxide (Dycal) in inducing the formation of reparative dentin and evoking inflammatory response.

Context: Caries risk assessment (CRA) varies between students and faculty due to the subjectivity inherent in the process as well as in the critical thinking skills required for the processing of information. Aims: The aim was to develop a paper-based, grid system, CRA-Grid, to objectivize and standardize risk assessment and to assess its rating agreement with the critical thinking process of the teachers. Settings and Design: The CRA-Grid was developed and tested in a clinical study, in Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Puducherry. Materials and Methods: Based on the currently available evidence, specific weightages were assigned to the risk factors in an existing CRA form. A 10 × 10 paper grid was created incorporating these weightages. Shading and summing up the respective squares in the grid provided a percentage score. The class interval of percentage indicating the risk status was determined using historical clinical data. After training, the students performed CRA of 57 patients by using the CRA-Grid. Six faculties were blinded to these scores and assessed the risk by critical thinking process. Statistical Analysis Used: Cohen's weighted kappa (k) for inter-rater agreement was run using Graph Pad QuickCalcs. Results: Cohen's weighted kappa for agreement at 95% confidence interval, between the CRA-Grid and critical thinking process, ranged from “good” to “very good.” Mean percentage of agreement of the six faculty was 79.6%; and with caries grid, was 80.5%. Conclusions: Risk assessment with the paper-based, objectivized, CRA-Grid matched that done by critical thinking process.