Aims:The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate and compare the smear layer removal efficacy of etidronic acid-based irrigating solution with others in the apical third of the root canal.Materials and Methods:Forty human single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were taken and decoronated to standardize the canal length. After biomechanical preparation, teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and the final irrigation was carried out with tested irrigants. Group I: normal saline (negative control); Group II: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with surfactant and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with surfactant; Group III: freshly mixed BioPure MTAD; and Group IV: freshly mixed Chloroquick solution. The teeth were split into two halves and observed under a scanning electron microscope to analyze the amount of smear layer present.Statistical Analysis:Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney test.Results:Group II (5.25% NaOCl with surfactant followed by 17% EDTA with surfactant) showed least smear layer scores (1.1 ± 0.3162). This was followed by Group III (MTAD) (2.2 ± 0.4216) and then Group IV (Chloroquick) (2.4 ± 0.5164).Conclusion:Sequential use of 5.25% NaOCl with surfactant and 17% EDTA with surfactant was found to be the most efficient than MTAD and Chloroquick in the removal of smear layer in the apical third of root canal.

ObjectiveThe aim of this in vitro study is to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of four different endodontic sealers against Enterococcus faecalis.Material and Method:Four different endodontic sealers, namely, resin based (AH Plus), zinc oxide-eugenol based (Tubliseal), calcium hydroxide based (Sealapex), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA Fillapex) based were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis using agar diffusion method. Four wells were made by the removal of agar at equidistant points and filled with freshly mixed respective root canal sealers and were inoculated with E. faecalis. All the three plates were incubated for a period of 72 h at 37°C under aerobic conditions. The diameter of inhibition zones was measured at 24, 48, and 72 h time intervals. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and unpaired t-test.Results:All the tested sealers showed some bacterial growth inhibition of E. faecalis. Their efficacy in descending order of antibacterial activity was as follows: Sealapex > AH Plus > Tubliseal > MTA Fillapex. The efficacy of the root canal sealers decreased marginally with increase in their duration of action.Conclusion:Antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide-based sealer was highest followed by resin-based sealer and was the least with MTA based sealer.

Conventional method by using sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide as irrigating solutions is highly effective in disinfecting the root canal. Lasers when used can also reduce the bacterial load of the infected root canal.

Background: Sandwich technique combines the properties of both composite resin and glass ionomer cement to make the most of the physical and esthetic properties of each material. Bonding agents improve the wettability of GIC surface and improves the bond between composite resin and GIC. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare shear bond strength of composite resin to resin modified glass ionomer cement using HEMA-based and HEMA-free adhesive systems. An in vitro study. Materials and Methods: Total 30 disc-shaped samples were prepared with resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). Samples were divided into three groups, each group containing 10 samples. Group I (n=10): Nano-hybrid composite resin (NHCR) was bonded to RMGIC without any adhesive system. Group II (n=10): NHCR was bonded to RMGIC using hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA)-based adhesive system. Group III (n=10): NHCR was bonded to RMGIC using HEMA-free adhesive system. The shear bond strength was tested using Universal testing Machine and the results were calculated using one way ANOVA and Post-Hoc test. Results: Maximum shear bond strength was recorded in group III where HEMA-free adhesive used with a mean value of 6.13±1.859 MPa followed by group II where HEMA-based adhesive used with mean value of 4.38±1.533 MPa. The control group showed least shear bond strength. Conclusion: Application of HEMA-free adhesive (OptiBond All-In-One) resulted in greater shear bond strength between RMGIC and composite resin than HEMA-based adhesive (Single bond Universal Adhesive).

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