Aim:This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of smear layer removal and nanostructural and chemical changes caused by chitosan and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on tooth surface using atomic force microscopic analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.Methodology:Forty single-rooted premolars were decoronated to a standard length of 15 mm and enlarged to Protaper F3 with irrigation of 1 mL 1% NaOCl and deionized water. Specimens were then divided into 4 groups with 10 samples each and subjected to final rinse with 17% EDTA solution, 0.2% and 0.5% chitosan solution for 1 min. Samples were sectioned into 2 halves. One half of sample from each group were subjected to EDX analysis to check the calcium/phosphate (Ca/P) ratio. The second half of sample from each group subjected to atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis to study the smear layer removal and nanostructural changes. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Chi-square test.Results:The AFM images showed no difference in the elimination of smear layer. The quantitative analysis using AFM showed EDTA group had significantly higher surface alteration than chitosan. EDX analysis showed that the Ca/P ratio of root dentine in EDTA group is significantly lower than chitosan group.Conclusion:Chitosan is an effective chelating agent with less alteration in radicular dentine.

Aims and Objectives:This study was done to characterize the surface chemistry after caries excavation with burs and Carisolv 2, by analyzing the relative amounts of organic and inorganic content, and also to analyze the penetration of the adhesive after etching and bonding using Micro Raman spectroscopy.Materials and Methods:Twenty extracted molars with caries were distributed into the following groups and treated accordingly. Group 1-excavation with bur (10 teeth), and Group 2-excavation using Carisolv 2 (10 teeth).Results and Conclusion:Spectroscopic analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the chemical composition of the tooth between the groups after excavation (P > 0.05) either with bur or with Carisolv. The penetration of the dentin bonding resin in all samples of the Carisolv group was up to 15μm, whereas, in the bur group it was upto 10μm in few samples. Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis showed the surfaces of the Carisolv-treated dentin to be free of the smear layer, with open tubules, whereas, the dentin surfaces of the bur group showed surfaces covered with a smear layer. In the Carislov group the resin tags were found comparatively deeper than in the bur excavation group. In both the groups the integrity of the remaining dentin surfaces were maintained chemically and morphologically.

Aims and objectives:Isolation, characterization and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from exfoliated human deciduous teeth (SHED).Methods:The pulp tissue was digested in collagenase and cultured in DMEM Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Media). The stem cells were identified and isolated. Surface characterization of cells was done with flow cytometer using surface markers. An immuno cytochemistry analysis was done. Differentiation potential was analyzed using various differentiation markers.Results:Flow cytometry analyses for various CD markers showed similar results for both DPSCs and SHED. The cells showed positive expression for pluripotent, ectodermal and mesodermal markers. Cells differentiated into osteoblasts and adipocytes.Conclusion:The study demonstrated that stem cells existed in deciduous and permanent pulp tissue. The stem cells present in pulp tissue can be isolated, cultivated and expanded in vitro. Both DPSCs and SHED show almost a similar expression pattern profile for variety of antigens tested.

Aim:The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the accuracy of Root ZX and Raypex 5 in detecting minor diameter in human permanent single-rooted teeth.Materials and Methods:Thirty-one patients with completely formed single-rooted permanent teeth indicated for extraction were selected for the study. Crown was flattened for stable reference point and access cavity prepared. Working length was determined with both apex locators. A 15 K file adjusted to that reading was placed in the root canal and stabilized with cement. The tooth was then extracted atraumatically. Following extraction apical 4 mm of root was shaved. The position of the minor diameter in relation to the anatomic apex was recorded for each tooth under stereomicroscope at ×10. The efficiency of two electronic apex locators to determine the minor diameter was statistically analyzed using paired sample t-test.Results:The minor diameter was located within the limits of ±0.5 mm in 96.6% of the samples with the Root ZX and 93.2% of the samples with Raypex 5. The paired sample t-test showed no significant difference.Conclusion:On analyzing the results of our study it can be concluded that Raypex 5 was as effective as Root ZX in determining the minor diameter.

Aim. To compare the microleakage in class II composite restorations without a liner/with resin modified glass ionomer and flowable composite liner. Method. Forty standardized MO cavities were prepared on human permanent mandibular molars extracted for periodontal reasons and then divided into 4 groups of ten specimens. The cavity preparations were etched, rinsed, blot dried, and light cured and Adper Single Bond 2 is applied. Group 1 is restored with Filtek P60 packable composite in 2 mm oblique increments. Group 2 is precure group where 1 mm Filtek Z350 flowable liner is applied and light cured for 20 sec. Group 3 is the same as Group 2, but the liner was cocured with packable composite. In Group 4, 1 mm RMGIC, Fuji Lining LC is applied and cured for 20 sec. All the teeth were restored as in Group 1. The specimens were coated with nail varnish leaving 1 mm around the restoration, subjected to thermocycling, basic fuchsin dye penetration, sectioned mesiodistally, and observed under a stereomicroscope. Results. The mean leakage scores of the individual study groups were Group 1 (33.40), Group 2 (7.85), Group 3 (16.40), and Group 4 (24.35). Group 1 without a liner showed maximum leakage. Flowable composite liner precured was the best.