Aim: The present study aimed to identify effective antimicrobial herbal extracts for preventing dental caries and root canal failures. Materials and Methods: In this study antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of Neem, Liquorice, Cinnamon, Clove and babool was tested against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis at concentrations of 10 % and 50% at varying volumes of 10 μl , 20 μl , 30 μl , 50 μl and 75 μl for 24 hours. The extracts were inoculated on brain heart infusion agar plates containing individual species of microorganisms and incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. After 24 hours variable antimicrobial effects of the herbs against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis was noted. Statistical analysis was performed with one way analysis of variance. Results: Babool (Accacia nilotica ) extract at 50% concentration and at volumes of 75μl showed the maximum zone of inhibition against Streptococcus Mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) extract also inhibited the growth of microorganisms but to a lesser degree than Babool extract. Conclusion: Babool and Liquorice extracts are effective in inhibiting the growth of cariogenic pathogens like streptococcus mutans and Babool and Clove extracts are effective antimicrobial agents against Enterococcus faecalis and can be used to reduce root canal microflora and root canal failures. Clinical significance: The data suggest that the herbal can provide oral health benefits by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic and root canal pathogens. In vivo clinical testing is essential to confirm in vitro results.

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Objectives: To determine the accuracy of each apex locator individually with the reference / actual working length and compare the above recorded electronic canal length measurements with subsequent radiovisiograph. Study design: Twenty single-rooted human teeth were used, sectioning the crown to gain access to the root canal. The reference/actual working length was determined under 4x and 10x magnification and the electronic working length was determined using Root ZX and Propex II apex locators in an electronic set up. The recorded electronic canal length measurements were compared with subsequent radiovisiograph. Wilcoxson Signed rank test and fishers exact test were performed to statistically analyse the results. Results: Both the Electronic Apex locator's corresponded well with the reference/actual working length with no statistical difference between their readings. Conclusion: Both Root ZX and Propex II can be used for accurate working length determination in conjuction with radiographs

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OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study was to compare the cytotoxicity among the three sealers, Pulpdent Root Canal Sealer, Endomethasone and AH 26 after setting and evaluating them at 24 hours, 7^th day and 14^th day and to also compare the cytotoxicity of these individual sealers at different time intervals i.e. 24 hours, 7^th day and 14^th day. METHODOLOGY: Human gingival fibroblasts were cultivated in 25 cm³ tissue culture flasks containing Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and sub confluent monolayers of cells were obtained. Nine discs of each sealer were prepared in sterile teflon moulds and allowed to set and evaluated at 24 hours (3discs), 7days (3discs), 14days (3discs) respectively. The discs were then placed in cell culture medium (DMEM) for a duration of 24 hours to obtain the elutes. The elutes at 24 hours, 7^th day and 14^th day were obtained from each sealer. The elutes of all sealers at different time intervals were added to the human gingival fibroblast cultures and their cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay and spectophotometric analysis. The results were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that AH 26 was significantly cytotoxic compared to Pulpdent root canal sealer and Endomethasone. AH 26 was the most toxic at all time intervals and Pulpdent Root Canal Sealer was the least toxic at all time intervals. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: All sealers showed a varied amount of cytotoxic response from lowest toxicity to highest toxicity in the increasing order i.e. Pulpdent Root Canal Sealer < Endomethasone < AH 26. All the sealers were initially toxic at the 24^th hour and the toxicity decreased over time as the sealers set.

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Aims & Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cavity configuration (C-factor) on microtensile bond strengths (MTBS) of two resin composites for core build-up to pulpal floor dentin. Methods: Access cavity preparation and root canal filling with gutta percha were performed on extracted human molars. Following this, the gutta percha in the pulp chamber was completely removed to expose pulpal floor dentin. The cavity walls remained as a control group (Cavity). For the test group (Flat), the cavity walls were removed to create a flat surface for bonding. The Cavity and Flat groups were further divided into light cure and dual cure groups, where the the light cure composite resin (Filtek Z 250) was placed in increments and filled upto 5mm and the dual cure resin(Hard core) was bulk filled upto 5mm. A self etch adhesive (Adper promt) was used in both the groups. Specimens were stored in water for 1 week and then sectioned vertically into slabs of dimension 2x2x1 mm and trimmed for the MTBS test. The MTBS were measured with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. The results were statistically analyzed using 2-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed that the MTBS for FLAT LIGHT CURE (26.36MPa) >FLAT DUAL CURE (25.56MPa) > CAVITY LIGHT CURE (19.42MPa) > CAVITY DUAL CURE (11.56MPa). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that the C-factor and type of resin composite could strongly influence the MTBS to dentin of the pulp chamber floor.

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Dental CT is seen as the third eye in the field of dentistry. With its role in Implant dentistry described adequately, Dental CT is being now used in other branches of dentistry. We present an interesting case of multiple extra canal in a single patient which was diagnosed on Dental CT and the potential role , this diagnostic method can help in the field of endodontics

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The use of aloe vera is being promoted for a large variety of clinical conditions. The aloe vera plant has a long history of therapeutic ability. Recently, aloe vera has gained some popularity as an active ingredient in tooth gel. The ability of aloe vera tooth gel to successfully perform its function has been a point of contention for some dental professionals. In this in-vitro study, the antimicrobial effect of water, alcohol, chloroform extracts of aloe vera gel were investigated on different strains of bacteria and yeasts. The results were then evaluated.

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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the apical sealing ability of resilon and epiphany SE root canal sealer when compared with gutta-percha/AH Plus sealer and gutta-percha/tubli-seal EWT sealer using cold lateral condensation obturation technique using dye leakage approach. Sixty four human maxillary permanent central incisors were used with uniform root segment of 16mm. Samples were randomly divided into three experimental groups of 20 teeth each obturated by different combination of obturating materials and four teeth were prepared as controls. Teeth were obturated in group I-with resilon/epiphany SE sealer; in group II-with gutta-percha/AH plus sealer and in group III-with gutta-percha/tubli-seal EWT sealer. Stereomicroscopic evaluation showed mean value dye penetration for group I-2.350 ± 1.148mm, for group II-2.850 ± 0.961mm, and for group III- 4.150 ± 1.226mm. Resilon/Epiphany SE group had the least penetrtion followed by gutta-percha/AH Plus and maximum in guttapercha/ tubli-seal EWT

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This case series presents the detection of presence or absence of mycobacterium tuberculosis in infected and virgin pulp using a microbiological culture method. Ten patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were chosen for the study. The experimental group included five patients with carious, pulpally involved teeth, and the control group included five patients with non-carious teeth, with compromised periodontal prognosis which was advised for extraction. Endodontic access preparation was done in both the groups and pulp extirpation was done under sterile conditions. The extirpated pulp tissue was transferred to Lowenstein Jensen media, and then incubated at (37oC). Specimens were evaluated after seven days and one month of incubation to evaluate growth of microorganisms, smear was prepared followed by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and observed under oil immersion microscope. Results demonstrated presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis organisms in both infected and virgin pulp of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis which was observed on culture plates.

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The dynamic concept of the root canal system, describing a variable morphology of multiple root canals has been established as the prevailing state in mandibular molars. The prognosis for endodontic treatment in these teeth is unfavourable if clinician fails to recognize additional root canals. This case report presents the treatment of a mandibular first molar with five root canals, of which three canals were located in the Distal root. All canals were cleaned, shaped & obturated. Cleaning and Shaping of the three distal and two mesial canals was performed using combination of Step Back (in Apical 1/3^rd) and Crown Down (in Coronal & middle 1/3^rd ) technique and obturated.

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Endodontists sometimes encounter teeth with a malformation called dens invaginatus. The teeth have a tooth like hard structure in them, which is actually an invagination of the same tooth structure. The teeth are a challenge for endodontic treatment because of their varied shape which may include invaginated tooth structure making access and biomechanical preparation difficult. Wide apical foramen and thin walls of root also complicate the matter. This case report presents a similar case which was treated non surgically. In the case discussed the invaginated portion of the tooth has been removed using a bur and the apical matrix was attained using MTA.

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Objective: To evaluate the morphology of lateral canal filling by utilizing two different obturation methods along with different sealers, with the help of modified tooth clearing technique. Study Design: Twenty extracted maxillary I & II molar were selected and divided into four equal groups depending on the obturation method and the root canal sealer used. Root canal preparation was performed with a modified double-flared technique. Irrigation with 5% NaOCl and lubrication with RC prep were used. The canals were then obturated, the sectioned roots were demineralized with a modified buffered acid solution, cleared in methyl salicylate and examined under stereomicroscope. The depth of penetration of gutta-percha and cement into lateral canal was scored using a 5 point system. Comparative analysis was done by using Mann Whitney U test Results and Conclusion: Thermoplasticized obturation technique was better in filling the lateral canals as compared to lateral compaction but, the results were statistically insignificant.

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Achievement of a perfect apical seal using an inert filling material is the single most factor affecting success in endodontics. Trauma or caries exposure at the time of root developmement results in mature tooth with open apex. Various treatment modalities for closure of incompletely formed root apex are available till the time.

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Objectives: To evaluate and compare the sealing ability of retrograde filling materials, i.e. dentin bonded light cure composite resin, light cure glass ionomer and silver amalgam, with and without retrograde cavity preparation. Materials & methods: Fifty single rooted teeth were instrumented and obturated in vitro by laterally condensed gutta percha and sealer. Following root end resection, the teeth were divided into five groups of ten teeth each. In groups 1 and 3 dentin bonded light cure composite resin and light cure glass ionomer were applied directly to the bevelled root apices respectively. In groups 2, 4 and 5 a class 1 cavity of 2 mm depth were prepared and restored with dentin bonded light cure composite resin, light cure glass ionomer and silver amalgam with varnish. Indian ink dye was used to evaluate the specimens for micro leakage under a stereomicroscope. The results were statistically analysed. Results: Specimens retro sealed with light cure glass ionomer (group 3) showed least leakage as compared to specimens retro sealed with silver amalgam. There was not much statistical significant difference between light cure glass ionomer and dentin bonded light cure composite resin groups.

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A case of Melioidosis in a 63 year old doctor, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. This bacteria is found in contaminated water and soil. In this case, the patient probably contracted the organism during a dental procedure due to contaminated dental unit waterline. Thus, this presentation stresses the importance of infection control protocols and also to be more suspicious about Burkholderia pseudomallei in non healing lesions.

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Over the past decade, interest in drugs derived from medicinal plants has markedly increased. In dentistry phytomedicine has been used as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, analgesic, sedative and also as endodontic irrigant. This update focuses on various herbal drugs and products as well as their therapeutic application, side effects and possible drug interactions when used as phytomedicine in endodontics.

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