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Enterococcus faecalis is a facultative anaerobic bacterium frequently associated with persistent root canal infections and endodontic treatment failures. Its resistance is primarily attributed to its ability to form robust biofilms, survive under harsh conditions, and penetrate deep into dentinal tubules. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), commonly used as an intracanal medicament, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, its limited ability to eliminate biofilms, potential cytotoxicity, and restricted dentinal penetration pose significant drawbacks. In recent years, nanotechnology has introduced promising alternatives such as cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO -NPs), which exhibit unique redox properties, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and antimicrobial action due to their nanoscale size and surface chemistry. This study aims to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of 0.05% CeO -NPs, 2% CHX, and their combination against E. faecalis in root canal systems. Forty-eight extracted human single-rooted premolars will be decoronated, instrumented, and sterilized. The root canals will be inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated for 21 days to allow biofilm formation. The specimens will then be divided into four groups (n=12 per group), each receiving one of the following treatments: (1) 0.05% CeO -NPs, (2) 2% CHX, (3) a combination of CeO -NPs and CHX, and (4) sterile water as the negative control. After the medicaments are applied for 5 days, microbial sampling will be conducted, and the remaining viable bacteria will be quantified using colony-forming unit (CFU) counts on selective agar. Ethics approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha (approval DMIHER(DU)/IEC/2025/546) in January 2025. As of January 2026, laboratory procedures, including specimen preparation, microbial inoculation, and data collection, have not yet commenced. Data collection is planned to begin in February 2026 and is expected to be completed by April 2026. Data analysis will follow immediately thereafter, with results anticipated to be submitted for publication in mid-2026. As this is an in vitro study, no participant recruitment, funding allocation, or clinical trial registration is applicable. It is expected that the combination of CeO -NPs and CHX will result in the greatest reduction in bacterial load, followed by CeO -NPs alone, CHX alone, and sterile water. These expected outcomes will be assessed based on comparative CFU counts for each treatment group. This study aims to provide insight into the antimicrobial potential of CeO -NPs either alone or in combination with CHX against E. faecalis. If proven effective, CeO -NPs could represent a novel and biocompatible adjunct or alternative to conventional intracanal medicaments, contributing to improved disinfection protocols and better clinical outcomes in endodontic therapy. PRR1-10.2196/77998.

Background Effective endodontic treatment requires the use of a root canal sealer with optimal properties to ensure a hermetic seal, prevent reinfection, and promote healing. Despite the availability of various sealers, a standardized evaluation system still needs to be improved. Objectives To develop a Clinical Utility Index (CUI) that systematically evaluates and ranks root canal sealers based on their sealing ability, antimicrobial efficacy, flow rate, and solubility. Methods The CUI was developed through a structured process involving expert identification, panel discussions, and the establishment of scoring criteria. Five sealers were evaluated (Sealers A, B, C, D, and E). Mean values for the core properties were calculated, and sealers were ranked accordingly. The total CUI for each sealer was computed based on the assigned scores for each property. Results Sealer B achieved the highest CUI at 95%, demonstrating superior performance across all core properties. Sealer C followed with a CUI of 80%, while Sealer A ranked third with 60%. Sealers D and E showed the lowest performance, with CUIs of 30% and 35%, respectively, highlighting deficiencies in multiple properties. Discussion The CUI provides a comprehensive evaluation framework for root canal sealers, facilitating informed decision-making by practitioners. Sealer B's high CUI underscores the importance of balancing sealing ability, antimicrobial effect, flow rate, and solubility. The results align with existing literature emphasizing the critical role of these properties in endodontic success. Conclusion The CUI offers a robust and balanced method for evaluating root canal sealers, aiding in selecting the most suitable sealer based on empirical data. Future research should refine the index and validate its applicability in diverse clinical scenarios to enhance endodontic treatment outcomes.

Resin composite pre-heating is a novel approach that might improve handling and marginal adaptation of the unset material paste in clinical application. The goal of this review article is to compile all laboratory experiments on resin composite preheating and see how it impacts the mechanical properties of the material. Results have shown that preheating composite resins improves the degree of conversion, stiffness, marginal adaptability, and microhardness. While flexural strength is unbothered, polymerization shrinkage is hindered, and the microleakage results are unknown.

The main aim of restorative dentistry is to protect the vitality of the Pulp tissue. The pin point carious expoure and iatrogenic errors warrant the need for various pulp capping procedures like Indirect Pulp Capping and Direct Pulp Capping. Pulp Capping is dressing of the dental pulp exposed due to mechanical procedure, carious lesion or traumatic injury to preserve its vitality and function. There has been constant evolution and research on materials used to cap the Pulp tissue. The different kind of chemical and biological materials has been used with varying degree of success. The prognosis based on the pulp capping material has dramatically improved with the introduction of bioactive cement. Though MTA and biodentine have shown a high success rate, their properties can be adversely affected with error in powder/liquid ratio and may present with difficulty in the handling characteristic. Premixed bioceramics have been introduced in the market and present with desirable properties as a pulp capping agent. Owing to good handling characteristics, biocompatibility, odontogenic property, and antibacterial action it is a potent pulp capping agent for clinical application. This review is aimed to discuss the introduction of premixed bioceramics, forms of premixed bioceramics available, and its physical, chemical, and biocompatible properties.

Nonvital tooth bleaching is a treatment designed to enhance the cosmetic appearance of discolored teeth that have lost vitality. This procedure has become increasingly popular in contemporary dentistry due to its effectiveness. Among the various chemical agents used for this purpose, sodium perborate, when combined with hydrogen peroxide, has proven to be one of the most efficient solutions for achieving noticeable whitening outcomes. Sodium perborate is a stable oxidizing agent, frequently mixed with hydrogen peroxide to form a bleaching paste. This paste is then placed directly into the pulp chamber of a nonvital tooth. The oxidation reaction that occurs helps to break down organic pigments within the tooth, thereby reducing discoloration without causing harm to the surrounding dental tissues. Research has shown that the combined use of sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide can effectively restore a tooth′s natural color, with a low incidence of complications such as root resorption or external cervical resorption. This method has been proven to be both clinically successful and generally safe, though it is crucial to carefully monitor the concentration of the bleaching agents and the duration of their application to prevent excessive bleaching or harm to the tooth′s structure. Nonvital tooth bleaching has emerged as a valuable technique for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, providing a noninvasive and efficient alternative to more extensive restorative procedures. This review discusses the underlying mechanisms, efficacy, safety, and potential risks associated with nonvital tooth whitening using sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide, offering a thorough overview of its role in modern dental practice.

In order to prepare composite restorations without the requirement for tooth preparation, the injectable composite resin technique uses a clear silicone index in a minimally invasive direct approach to imitate a diagnostic wax-up. This case report features a 34-year-old female patient having aesthetic and functional concerns, notably spacing between the teeth, insufficient tooth visibility, and diastema in the upper anterior region. Upon clinical examination, spacing and midline diastema were observed. The maxillary incisors and canines were to have composite veneers made as part of the treatment plan. A wax-up and transparent silicone index was prepared following the assessment of a try-in of the prepared mock-up. Subsequenty, for restoring the teeth, a clear silicone index was used to inject and polymerize the flowable composite. The desired outcomes included elongated teeth to enhance visibility, closure of diastemas, and reshaping of the canines. Over a 12-month follow-up period, the patient exhibited no signs of soft tissue inflammation or significant wear. The described technique is characterized by its minimal invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for definitive and provisional restorations. Desirable results can be achieved by appropriate planning and adhering to a meticulous planning while minimizing tooth structure loss.

The objective of this comprehensive study was to systematically evaluate the effects of preheating on two critical mechanical properties, microhardness and fracture toughness, in resin composite materials. The overarching goal was to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and limitations of this technique for enhancing the overall mechanical performance of such materials. To achieve this, an extensive and systematic electronic search was conducted across multiple reputable databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, ProQuest, SpringerLink, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, with data collection extending until June 2023. This rigorous search process resulted in the identification of 29 pertinent articles, which were subjected to a thorough risk of bias assessment employing the Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies (QUIN). The findings of this comprehensive investigation revealed several noteworthy trends. First, concerning microhardness, all the studies consistently demonstrated a positive effect of preheating on this mechanical property. This uniformity in results corroborates the initial hypothesis that preheating indeed enhances microhardness in resin composite materials. Second, with respect to fracture toughness, a majority of the studies provided evidence supporting the notion that preheating has a favorable influence on this particular mechanical property. This alignment of outcomes suggests that preheating can be a beneficial technique for improving fracture toughness in resin composites. However, it is essential to note that there were a few exceptions within the collected data, where preheating appeared to lead to a decrease in fracture toughness. Additionally, one study reported no statistically significant effect on fracture toughness. These deviations from the general trend highlight the complexity of the relationship between preheating and fracture toughness, indicating that other factors or material-specific nuances may come into play. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that preheating resin composites can improve microhardness and fracture toughness, offering potential benefits for dental restorations. Yet, conflicting data warrants further research to uncover the reasons behind these discrepancies. Future studies should also investigate preheating's broader impact on composite resin materials to gain a comprehensive understanding of its applications and limitations in the field.

Objectives of contemporary restorative dentistry include achieving proper tooth structure and minimizing the duration in the dental chair. There is a chance of contamination between the layers when posterior teeth are progressively restored with composite resin. The occlusal stamp technique is a brand-new, cutting-edge way to restore mostly Class I and occasionally Class II restorations with nearly ideal occlusal topography. It was created to make dental professionals' jobs easier and produce both practical and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. This case study demonstrates how the stamp technique was applied successfully to a simple Class 1 composite restoration. By duplicating the initial, basic tooth structure, the goal was to obtain precise anatomy in a matter of minutes by simulating occlusal anatomy.

Biomimetics refers to human-made processes, substances, systems, or devices that imitate nature. The art and science of designing and building biomimetic apparatus are called biomimetics. This method can be widely used in dentistry to restore the structure and function of normal tooth structure. Traditional approaches to treating damaged and decayed teeth require more aggressive preparation to place a \"strong,\" stiff restoration. The emphasis was made on the strength of the restoration as well as its function and mechanical properties, despite several disadvantages like tooth fracture, making future treatment more difficult and invasive. This review paper will seek to provide a clear explanation of its scope, different fields of biomimetic dentistry, and materials used in biomimetics that improve the strength of the tooth.

This study aims to shed light on a contemporary approach to preserving third molars instead of opting for immediate extraction. Third molars are known for their diverse shapes and unique anatomy, making root canal treatment a complex task due to limited access. However, there are situations where it is crucial to retain these molars, such as when they provide support or for self-transplantation purposes. The case report focuses on a 33-year-old female patient who presented with pulp necrosis and acute apical periodontitis in the lower right third molar. Instead of extraction, a two-visit conventional root canal treatment was planned. During the initial diagnostic radiographs, only two visible roots were observed, illustrating the typical anatomy of the third molar. However, an unforeseen additional root, referred to as radix paramolaris, was encountered in the mesiobuccal region during the access opening, presenting numerous challenges in the treatment process. Thankfully, advancements in dental technology, such as magnification aids, ultrasonic tips and flexible nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files, have rendered the management of such intricate cases more attainable. In conclusion, dealing with intricately curved canals in difficult-to-reach teeth like third molars has become more achievable with technological progress, although the operator's skill and experience remain crucial for effective management.