Background: Graphene oxide (GO), a product of graphite, is a candidate for nano-reinforcing cement-based materials due to its good water dispersibility and excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, zinc oxide (ZnO) is well-known for its antibacterial characteristics as well. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impacts of adding ZnO and GO nanoparticles on the antibacterial properties of flowable composites. Materials and Methods: In this, in vitro experimental study was designated into five groups containing: (1) no nanoparticles as control group, (2) 1 wt.% ZnO nanoparticle, (3) 1 wt.% GO, (4) 1 wt.% physical compound of ZnO and GO, and (5) 1 wt.% chemical compound of ZnO and GO. The antibacterial properties of composite resin discs were evaluated by direct contact test. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc tests (P = 0.05). Results: Streptococcus mutans colony counting in the first 24 h showed the least growth rate in the chemical compound group (2.2 × 10^[5]). However, in 7 days, the least colony number was observed in the GO group (2 × 10^[3]). Moreover, the physical compound showed the least bacterial adhesion. Conclusion: Adding GO alone to composites, compared to adding ZnO or physical and chemical compounds of GO-ZnO, was more helpful to increase the antimicrobial characteristics.

Background: A new method to improve the properties of the materials is nano-encapsulation, which improves the biological properties, antibacterial activity along with reduction of toxicity. Due to the spread of nano-knowledge, the present study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of nano-chlorhexidine (CHX) on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in the root canal system. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 55 matured single-root mandibular premolars were decoronated and the canals were prepared by single length method up to #F3 ProTaper Universal system. Five teeth were selected as negative control. Then, the teeth were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 15) and a positive control group (n = 5). The experimental groups were irrigated with 2% nano- CHX gel, 2% CHX solution, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), respectively. Finally, the number of colonies was counted. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the number of colonies among groups. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean number of colonies in the groups of nano-CHX, NaOCl, CHX, and positive control were obtained as 17.73 ± 18.69, 35.53 ± 36.42, 38.8 ± 31.8, and 96.8 ± 22.52, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the number of colonies in all the experimental groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, difference in the number of colonies among these three groups was not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of nano-CHX in removing E. faecalis biofilm from root canal is as effective as the use of CHX and NaOCl.

Background: This study aims to compare cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis of a new bioceramic cement containing different concentrations of simvastatin on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Materials and Methods: This research was an in vitro study. To evaluate the cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis of the bioceramic cement containing different concentrations of simvastatin, the SHED were exposed to the cement during 1, 3, and 7 days. Pure bioceramic cement and pure simvastatin with concentrations of 1, 0.1, and 0.01 μM were also tested to evaluate the possible synergic effect. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as the gold standard of pulp dressing materials was compared. MTT assay and Annexin V assay were used to evaluate cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis, respectively. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at the significance level of 0.05. Results: During 7 days, MTA, bioceramic cement, simvastatin 0.1 and 0.01 μM, and bioceramic cement containing 0.1 and 0.01 μM simvastatin increased (P < 0.05) and simvastatin with concentration of 1 μM decreased the cell viability (P < 0.05). Except for MTA and bioceramic cement containing 0.1 and 0.01 μM simvastatin, all other compounds induced apoptosis within 7 days (P < 0.05). Conclusion: After 7 days, the viability of the SHED in the presence of a new bioceramic cement containing 0.1 and 0.01 μM simvastatin was not compromised. Moreover, this cement showed superior results than MTA and provided an environment for cell proliferation. This finding appears to be due to the pharmacological effects of low concentrations of simvastatin.

Reconstruction of functional occlusion in case of a large surgical defect of the mandible involving partial mandibulectomy remains a significant challenge to the maxillofacial surgeon and prosthodontist. Removable appliances and the conventional implant-supported prosthesis are precluded in this case due to the absence of normal anatomical contours of the bone. In recent years, due to the advancement of technology, bone graft reconstruction with computer-guided rehabilitation of the functional occlusion has been advocated to reverse the debilitating effects of the hemimandibulectomy defect. This clinical report describes the prosthodontic management of fibular graft reconstructed mandible by computer-aided design–computer-aided manufacturing guided implant-supported prosthesis.

From the perspectives of longevity, mechanical performance, and economics, amalgam has long been considered the material of choice, especially for certain types of restorations in posterior teeth, including replacement therapy for existing amalgam fillings. In spite of numerous advantages over other filling materials, its use has been decreasing in recent years and the alternative tooth-colored filling materials are increasingly used. There is a trend towards minimal interventional, adhesive, techniques in dentistry, which are based on adhesion to tooth structure by chemical interaction and/or micromechanical retention. At the same time, the quality and durability of alternative materials have improved. Mercury is the metallic element of concern used in dental amalgam. Mercury is a well-documented toxicant, with reasonably well-defined characteristics for the major forms of exposure, involving elemental mercury as well as organic and inorganic mercury compounds. Looking into the kind of practice and its popularity among dentists and the patients in India, even we have to comply with the use of amalgam by implementing the best possible ways to minimize the extent of damage to nature.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the extent of apical transportation following instrumentation with EdgeEvolve rotary instruments applying single-length and crown-down techniques. Materials and Methods: In this experimental in-vitro study, 60 mandibular molars with mesiobuccal curvatures of 20°–40° were selected, and digital radiographic images were taken. Teeth were randomly assigned into two groups of single-length and crown-down preparation techniques. In both mentioned groups, EdgeEvolve rotary system was used. After preparation, the same as the previous ones, digital radiographic images were taken from the canals. The data were analyzed using Student's t-test and ShapiroWilk normality test (P = 0.05). Results: The mean standard deviation (SD) for apical transportation in the single-length and the crown-down group was 4.42 (2.9) and 7.48 (3.9) degrees, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean SD of the preparation time in the single-length and crown-down group was 135.07 (30.8) and 109.07 (20.8), respectively (P < 0.05). The apical transportation and the time of preparation between the two groups were significant. Conclusion: Using EdgeEvolve rotary instruments canal preparation with both single-length and crown-down techniques led to some degrees of apical transportation.

Many patients, particularly adults, may prefer clear aligner treatment due to its esthetics and ease of use. Some studies have shown that mechanical vibration can affect the rate of tooth movement and other aspects of orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this systematic review was to substantiate the effects of vibration as an adjunct to clear aligner treatment. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Scopus and also hand searching of reference lists was conducted for finding published studies up to March 2021. Two authors reviewed the titles and abstracts independently to select relevant studies and the full texts where there was some skepticism. Seven papers were included in this study following removing duplicates and irrelevant studies, four of which were randomized controlled trial and three were retrospective studies. In the majority of studies, High-Frequency Vibration (HFV) has shown to be effective in accelerating tooth movement and reducing the exchange interval of aligners. Little data have advocated that HFV can increase bone density, reduce pain or root resorption. It seems that HFV is more effective than low frequency vibration in patients treated with clear aligners. Based on a low level of certainty, HFV can increase the rate of tooth movement and decrease the exchange interval of clear aligners. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the effects of vibration on pain and discomfort, bone density, and root resorption.

Background: Patient cooperation is necessary for treatment success in removable orthodontics. Every factor has an adverse effect on appliances appearance can impede appliance wearing. This study investigated the effect of immersion in household cleaner and bleach liquids on fracture resistance of self-cure orthodontic acrylic resins. Materials and Methods: This in vitro study two orthodontic acrylic resins (Megadental^® and Acropars^®) were used. Eighty identical acrylic samples (50 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm) from each acrylic resin were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 20). For each type of acrylic resin; Group 1: 15 min immersion in household cleaner liquid (hydrochloric acid [HCl], 10%), 1 min rinsing with running water, 15 min immersion in household bleach liquid (sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl], 5.25%) and 1 min rinsing with running water were done. For Group 2, two times and for Group 3, three times immersion just like Group 1, were done. Group 4, as control, had no immersion. Fracture resistance of samples was measured with universal testing machine (Instron) in 3-point bending set-up. Data were analyzed with two-way repeated measurement ANOVA. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Fracture resistance of Acropars groups was greater than counterpart Megadental ones (P < 0.001). Immersion factor, alone (P = 0.375) and in combination with material (P = 0.603), did not make a significant difference among fracture resistance of each acrylic resin groups. Conclusion: 15 min immersion in household cleaner liquid (HCl acid) followed by 15 min immersion in household bleach liquid (NaOCl 5.25%) and even 3 times repetition of this process had not significant adverse effect on fracture resistance of acrylic resins.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a systemic disease with a major burden on several life aspects, including oral health. As life expectancy has improved in CKD patients, oral health status has become important regarding their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Patients' age, gender, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stage were recorded. Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to evaluate OHRQoL. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was utilized to record oral health status. SPSS software was used to analyze data. One-way ANOVA, t-test and Pearson/Spearman correlations were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and four patients participated; 60.6% male versus 39.4% female. Mean age was 52.1 ± 18.1 years. The most frequent eGFR stage was 5 (41.2%). Mean DMFT score was 18.7 ± 8.5. Mean OHIP-14 score was 14.82 ± 5.86. DMFT score was significantly correlated with OHIP-14 total score as well as its physical domains (P < 0.05). The correlation between eGFR stage and OHIP-14/DMFT score was both statistically significant (P = 0.03/P = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: DMFT score was significantly correlated with OHRQoL in CKD patients, especially regarding its physical domains. Paying attention to fulfill dental treatment needs seems mandatory to improve OHRQoL and overall quality of life in these patients.

Pulpectomy aims at retaining the tooth in the asymptomatic state until exfoliation. Root canal obturating materials should resorb in synchronization with the primary root and get eliminated rapidly upon accidental extrusion. This systematic review aims at appraising the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Endoflas as an obturating material for primary teeth. An extensive literature search on obturating materials used for primary teeth using MeSH terms in PubMed, Cochrane library, and Ovid® from September 2002 to March 2020. Studies evaluating the clinical and radiographic success of Endoflas as an obturating material in children were included. From 45 retrieved articles, eight qualified for the systematic review. Moderate quality of evidence was elicited in this review. There was a dramatic reduction of inter radicular radiolucency in Endoflas obturated teeth compared to other root canal filling materials. Even for resorption of the extruded material beyond the apex too, Endoflas has depicted a faster clearance rate. Hence,it was concluded that, Endoflas can be a potential root canal obturating material for treating the primary teeth, even with furcal radiolucency. We recommend randomized clinical trials satisfying all the norms of CONSORT guidelines to provide a high quality of evidence.