Pooja Kapoor

Evaluation of substantivity of chlorhexidine to human dentin and its application in adhesive dentistry—an in vitro analysis

Abstract Aim To evaluate the substantivity of chlorhexidine (CHX) to human dentin and to comprehend its role in preservation of resin-dentin bond. Materials and Method Sixty dentin discs were prepared from extracted human third molars and divided into three groups (containing 20 discs each). Group A discs were kept mineralized, group B discs were partially demineralized while group C discs were completely demineralized. Specimens were then treated with 10 microliter of 0.2% CHX. They were then incubated in 1 mL of PBS (ph 7.4). Substantivity was evaluated after 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 1 week of incubation. CHX concentration in the eluates was spectrophotometrically analyzed. Results Significant amount of CHX was found to be retained on dentin discs in all the groups and was found to be most significant for the group in which the discs were partially demineralized. Conclusion The ability of CHX to sustain itself over the dentin, due to its property of substantivity, can be used clinically for prolonging the durability of resin-dentin bond.

Biodentine: A Promising Dentin substitute

Biodentine material has been recently introduced in dentistry in order to provide dentin substitute for coronal and radicular pulp. Although number of materials like Amalgam, GIC, Composite and MTA are available in market for repair of dentin loss in tooth structure, none of these possesses ideal properties. Despite of number of advantages of MTA, its limitations cannot be overlooked. These drawbacks have been overcome by a new calcium silicate based material named Biodentine which has good handling properties, short setting time and improved mechanical properties. In nut shell it is able to act as a promising dentin substitute in coronal and radicular portion of tooth.

Evaluation of three different concentrations of Chlorhexidine for their substantivity to human dentin

Aim : To evaluate the substantivity of different concentrations of Chlorhexidine (CHX) to dentin disks prepared in-vitro Materials and Methods : Sixty dentin disks were prepared from extracted human third molars and divided into three groups (each containing 20 disks). All the disks were partially demineralized, as per standard procedure. Group A specimens were then treated with 10 microliters of 0.02% Chlorhexidine, Group B specimens with 10 microliters of 0.2% Chlorhexidine, and Group C specimens were treated with 10 microliters of 2% Chlorhexidine. They were then incubated in 1 ml of Phosphatebufferedsaline PBS (pH 7.4). The substantivity was evaluated after 24 hours and one week of incubation. CHX concentration in the eluates was spectrophotometrically analyzed. Results : A significant amount of CHX was found retained on the dentin disks in Group B as compared to Group C. Also, Group A performed significantly better than group C. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between Group A and Group B. Conclusion: Both 0.02% and 0.2% Chlorhexidine can be clinically recommended when being used for prolonging the durability of resin-dentin bond.

Effect of 'Perceived control' in management of anxious patients undergoing endodontic therapy by use of an electronic communication system

Background: From time immemorial, fear and anxiety have been associated with dental treatment. Coping with this fear and anxiety has been one of the most vexing problems with which the individual dentist, as well as the profession has had to contend. Hence this study was undertaken to evaluate a new technique for management of such anxious patients. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of using ‘Perceived control’ for the management of anxious patients undergoing endodontic therapy. Settings and Design: ‘A communication device designed by the author and named as “Touch N’ Tell” (Patent no: 234291, Government of India) was installed on the dental chair which helps to create an effective communiqué between the patient and dentist during the dental procedure. Materials and Methods: Sixty anxious patients were selected using Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and were divided into two groups. For group A, the patients were treated along with the use of ‘communication system’ installed on the dental chair, whereas the patients were managed in a routine manner for Group B. The post operative MDAS scores were recorded for both the groups. Statistical Analysis: The mean change in anxiety levels was calculated for both the groups. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test. Result and Conclusion: A significant decrease in the mean anxiety levels was observed in the group where ‘communication system’ was used as a measure of perceived control.

Oral hygiene awareness and practice amongst patients visiting the Department of Periodontology at a Dental College and Hospital in North India

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the oral hygiene awareness and practices amongst patients visiting the Department of Periodontology at Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Ramnagar (Patiala). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the patients visiting the Department of Periodontology of Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Ramnagar, Patiala. This proposed study was reviewed by the Institutional ethical committee and their clearance was obtained. A total of 1000 patients were selected using a convenient sampling technique and a self-constructed questionnaire was presented to them. Responses from the patients were evaluated in terms of numbers and percentages and statistically also they were highly significant (P < 0.005). Results: The results of the study show an acute lack of oral hygiene awareness and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices as well as effect of poor oral hygiene on systemic health. Conclusion : There is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral hygiene and impart education about correct oral hygiene practices.

Challenges in Ortho - Perio Interaction – A Systemic Update

This article aims to provide the basic understanding of the interrelationship between orthodontic mechanotherapy in periodontally compromised situations for a complete update on the most recent view regarding the same in the best interest of the patients. While past studies have shown that orthodontic treatment can positively affect the periodontal health, recent reviews indicate an absence of reliable evidence for the positive effects of orthodontic therapy on patients’ periodontal status[1]. *Corresponding author: Pooja Kapoor, Department of Orthodontics and Dent of acial Orthopaedics Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Ram Nagar, India, Tel: +91-9501093618; E-mail: pkaps82@gmail.com

Evaluation of esthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need: The orthodontists' perspective.

Aim of the Study: The purpose was to assess orthodontic treatment need in a subpopulation as assessed by the orthodontists. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a sample population of 753 patients aged 20–25 years to assess the need for orthodontic treatment using the esthetic component (AC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). Results: The AC revealed that 78.1% of the sample exhibited no or slight need for treatment, 13.2% demonstrated moderate to borderline need, and 8.7% proved to have a definite need for orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: The AC-IOTN can definitely be considered to be used as a powerful tool for prioritizing orthodontic triage, patient counseling, and planning desired orthodontic mechanotherapy.

Teething superstitions, voodoos, old wives' tales, omen…?

Abstract The beliefs and superstitions associated with teething throughout history appear amusing and it may cause concern that the profession was so willing to go along with practices so incorrect. May be things have not changed so much after all. Will our colleagues of the future be smirking at our misguided ways? To prevent that, we have attempted to summarize the common teething superstitions prevailing worldwide. Many health education and public health activities undertaken by the entire dental fraternity would be benefited if specific superstitions and voodoo practices peculiar to local cultures were explained during orientation and in service programs for dentists, hygienists, nurses and other health personnel such that in treating with compassion, we can bring about more awareness in the society who attributes anything from common drooling of saliva to grotesque vomiting and even convulsions to teething!