In the last decade the application of a well proven predictive technique the Finite Element Method, originally used in structural analysis has revolutionized dental biomedical research. Finite Element analysis was introduced originally as a method for solving structural mechanical problems, which was later recognized as a general procedure for numerical approximation to all physical problems that can be modeled by a differential equation description. Finite Element analysis has also been applied to the description of physical form changes in biologic structures particularly in the area of growth and development and restorative dentistry. Finite element method which is an engineering method of calculating stresses and strains in all materials including living tissues has made it possible to adequately model the tooth and periodontal structure for scientific checking and validating the clinical assumptions.

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Cleaning and shaping of root canal system is an important phase in endodontic therapy for achieving success. Since some degree of canal curvature is present in most of the teeth of human dentition, endodontic preparation of the root canal system becomes difficult. Nickel Titanium instruments were introduced as they were more flexible for use in curved canals. The aim of the study was to compare the canal centering ability of two rotary Nickel Titanium systems (Hero 642 & Profile 0.04 & 0.06 series) with stainless steel K-files using Kuttler's endodontic cube method.

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Electronic root canal length measuring devices in recent years have gained immense importance in clinical practice In this study, a simple, inexpensive, demonstration model made out of heat cured acrylic resin, natural teeth and alginate impression material was evaluated for its application in research. Contemporary apex locators were tested for accuracy using this model. Furthermore, the effect of storage time of the model in 100% humidity on the apex locator readings was also tested. Statistical analysis of the results was done for each group.

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During endodontic treatment, effective anesthesia of any vital pulpal tissue present in the pulp chamber or root canals is important for patient's cooperation and to maintain the comfort level during treatment. However, obtaining profound anesthesia in the pulpally involved teeth is not always easy. Generally, the deposition of local anesthetic solution directly into the pulp chamber provides effective anesthesia for extirpation, instrumentation and debridement of pulpal tissues. In this study, three different solutions were used for intra-pulpal injection on a group of 96 patients for comparison of their effectiveness.

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Microorganisms are considered to be the primary cause behind persistent pulpo-periapical pathologies as well as endodontic failures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an intra-canal medicament comprising of calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine against the species Enterococcus faecalis- the organism now known to be the principal culprit behind the failure of root-filled teeth. 30 maxillary central incisors were made into standardized segments and infected with Endodontic Miscellany:. They were treated with a paste made of either calcium hydroxide and 2%chlorhexidine or calcium hydroxide and saline for 1week. Dentinal shavings were collected from within the canal, suspended in solution and spread on brain-heart-infusion agar. Colony forming units were enumerated and the CFU/mg of dentin was calculated. The results showed that the paste made from calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine was significantly more effective than that made from calcium hydroxide and saline.

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The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the demineralizing effects of EDTA on root dentin in relation to the time of exposure. Twenty human maxillary central incisors were selected, their root canals prepared, and cut longitudinally into two equal segments. They were then exposed to EDTA solutions at different concentrations and pH, and the amount of liberated phosphorous was measured. It was found that EDTA effectively demineralized dentin depending on the concentration and pH. It was more effective at a neutral pH, and the maximum efficiency was found within the first minute.

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Full text not available  [PDF]