Technological advances and discoveries in instruments and materials have made it possible to achieve treatment objectives that once were considered unattainable in the field of dentistry. The introduction of microscopes into endodontics in the early nineties brought on a renaissance in endodontics that led to new and exciting discoveries and the blossoming of new ideas and techniques� The microscope proved to be an invaluable instrument, allowing endodontists to render treatment for problems which were previously thought to be impossible to treat� This review article provides a comprehensive review about the applications of microscopes in endodontics�

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Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Calcium hydroxide, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) and Punica granatum (Pomegranate) gels as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis. Methodology: Crude extracts of Pomegranate peel, Neem leaves and Tulsi leaves were used to determine MIC following which gels of 5% neem, 10% tulsi and 10% pomegranate were prepared. Forty-eight single rooted human premolars were procured and inoculated with E.faecalis for 7 days. Specimens were then randomly distributed into 4 groups. Group I-Calcium hydroxide Group II-5% A. indica (Neem) gel Group III-10% O. tenuiflorum (Tulsi) gel Group IV-10% P. granatum (Pomegranate) gel The experimental gels were then introduced into the samples and were sealed at both ends. The antimicrobial activity of medicaments was assessed by measuring CFU/ml at the end of 1, 3 and 5 days. Results: Calcium hydroxide showed the maximum antibacterial activity (5.3X10 4 CFU/ml) followed by Pomegranate gel (5.4 X10 4 CFU/ml) with no statistically significant difference between them. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed between the mean CFU/ml values of the neem (10.2 X10 4 CFU/ml) and tulsi gel (10.2 X10 4 CFU/ml). However, pomegranate gel showed statistically significant antibacterial activity when compared to Neem and Tulsi. (Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, table 4) (Figure 1). Conclusion: Calcium hydroxide showed the best antibacterial activity against E.faecalis. Among herbal gels, pomegranate showed the maximum antibacterial activity, however, further in-vivo research is required for it to be used as a sole intracanal medicament clinically.

Background: Dental caries is the most prevalent dental disease affecting human race. The etiology and pathogenesis of dental caries are known to be multifactorial. Studies have shown that removable partial dentures in the oral cavity increases the biofilm formation and consequently an increase in the occurrence of caries and periodontal diseases. There is a complex relationship between diabetes mellitus and dental caries. Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to oral sensory, periodontal, and salivary disorders which could increase the risk of developing new and recurrent dental caries. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries among diabetic and non-diabetic acrylic removable partial denture wearers. Materials and Methods: Individuals participating in the study were partially edentulous and aged between 18 and 64 years. Patients were screened at Out patient department (OPD) in the Department of Prosthodontics JSSDCH, among which 60 patients were diabetic based on the random blood sugar level more than 160 mg/dl—30 patients were wearing RPD and 30 were without RPD. And 60 non-diabetic patients were selected among which 30 were wearing RPD and 30 without RPD. A total 120 patients were screened. Dental caries prevalence was assessed using Decayed, Missing, Filled (DMFT) index. Results: Diabetic group unrehabilitated with removable partial prosthesis showed significant difference in the number of missing teeth when compared to non-diabetic patients without removable prosthesis ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Removable partial denture prosthesis had less impact on prevalence of dental caries with good oral hygiene, following post insertion RPD instructions and regular dental visits irrespective of diabetes.