http://www.hindawi.comThe latest articles from Hindawi Publishing Corporation© 2012, Hindawi Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/584138/Purpose. To compare errors in digital panoramic radiographs of permanent and mixed dentitions. Methods. 143 and 146 digital radiographs of mixed and permanent dentitions were examined. Results. Significantly fewer errors presented in the mixed dentition. Positioning too forward significantly prevalent in the mixed dentition; slumped position and nonpositioning of chin properly were significantly prevailed in the permanent dentition. Blurred or shortened upper incisors were significantly more prevalent in the mixed dentition. Diagnostic ability could be improved by manipulating the brightness or contrast in nearly 45% of all radiographs. In the mixed dentition, tilting the chin down and a slumped position made the lower incisors significantly nondiagnostic. In the permanent dentition, tilting the chin down made the lower incisors to be significantly nondiagnostic. Conclusions. More errors were prevalent in panoramic radiographs of permanent dentitions. Properly positioning the patient is the most important factor in preventing a cascade of errors.Benjamin Peretz, Maya Gotler, and Israel KaffeCopyright © 2012 Benjamin Peretz et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/708032/The aim of the present study was to compare the translucency of different shades of two highly aesthetic multilayered restorative composite resins. In total nine shades from Esthet.X and ten shades from Filtek Supreme composite resins were chosen. Discs of each shade were prepared (N=3) and light-cured. Total and diffuse transmittance values for each sample were measured. Statistical analysis showed that the opaque dentine shades of both composites were the least translucent and the enamel shades had the highest translucency. There was a significant decrease in translucency from A2 to C2 of regular body shades and also from A4 to C4 of opaque dentine shades of Esthet.X composite resin. Grey enamel shade had a significantly higher diffuse translucency compared to clear and yellow enamel shades. There was a significant decrease in translucency from A2B to D2B and also in diffuse translucency from A4D to C6D shades of Filtek Supreme composite resin. It can be concluded that the color of the composite resins tested in this study had a significant effect on their translucency. Information on the translucency of different shades of composite resins can be very useful for the clinicians in achieving optimal esthetic restorative outcome.Homan Naeimi Akbar, Keyvan Moharamzadeh, Duncan J. Wood, and Richard Van NoortCopyright © 2012 Homan Naeimi Akbar et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/935310/Objective. To associate radiographic and histopathological features of pericoronal follicles (PFs) of asymptomatic impacted teeth and evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis in the epithelium. Study Design. Epithelium and mesenchyme of radiographically normal (NPF≤2.5 mm) and hyperplastic (HPF 2.6 to 5 mm) PF (n=140) were studied histologically. Cell proliferation (PI) and epithelial apoptosis were evaluated by Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression in 14 NPFs and 10 dentigerous cysts (DCs). Results. Radiographically, 127 were NPFs and 13 were HPFs; 87.8% of total PFs exhibited epithelium on the surface. Reduced enamel epithelium was observed in 78 (61.4%) NPFs and 6 (46.2%) HPFs, squamous metaplasia in 17 (13.4%) NPFs and 4 (30.8%) HPFs, and cystic epithelium in 15 (11.8%) NPFs and 3 (23%) HPFs. Mean PI was 1.97±1.25 and 7.97±1.74 in the epithelial component of NPF and DC, respectively; bcl-2 positive expression was observed in 9 (64.3%) NPFs and 7 (70%) DCs. Conclusion. The scant epithelial remnant proliferation could imply low risk for development of odontogenic pathologies in the absence of an additional stimulus.Laura Villalba, Federico Stolbizer, Fabián Blasco, Néstor Raúl Mauriño, María Julia Piloni, and Alicia KeszlerCopyright © 2012 Laura Villalba et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/640942/Objectives. The objective of this in vitro study was to investigate whether weight gain or loss in the three different composites occurs due to water absorption when they are stored in water. Methods. The composite restorative materials selected for this study included a microfine hybrid (Synergy) and two nanofilled composite restorative materials (Ceram X and Filtek Supreme Ultra). Twenty specimens of each material were fabricated of each composite material. Group A: Filtek Supreme Ultra, Group B: Synergy, Group C: Ceram X. Then all the specimens were stored in 10 ml Distilled water containing test tubes and placed in incubator at 37°C for six weeks. The weight changes of these specimens were measured daily for the first week and later once a week for next five weeks by using an electrical analytical balance. Results. The data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Student's t test. All groups showed maximum amount of water absorption in the first week than gradual decrease in the water absorption from the second to the sixth week, as compared to the first week and there is no statistically significant difference between the groups tested. Conclusion. All the composite restorative material absorbs some amount of water. The water absorption of the composite may decrease the physical and mechanical properties of the composites; hence it is necessary to consider the type of the material before starting the treatment.Basawaraj Biradar, Sudharani Biradar, and Arvind MSCopyright © 2012 Basawaraj Biradar et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/457054/This study aimed to investigate cytological abnormalities indicative of chromosome damage (micronuclei) and apoptosis (karyorrhexis, pyknosis, and condensed chromatin) in exfoliated cells from the buccal mucosa of patients with oral cancer and control subjects. The sample included twenty individuals with oral cancer and forty individuals with normal buccal mucosa. Material was collected from the cheek epithelium in areas with lesions and areas without abnormalities. A minimum of one thousand cells was analyzed. Micronuclei were found significantly more frequently in cells collected from lesions than in cells from normal areas, independent of the presence/absence of cancer (P<0.0001). They were also significantly more frequent in smokers and in mouthwash users (P<0.0001). Apoptosis occurred significantly less frequently in individuals with oral cancer (P<0.0001). These results show that oral cancer is associated with higher frequency of chromosomal damage and suggest that apoptosis is compromised in the buccal cells of individuals with this kind of neoplasia.Lavínia Tércia Magalhães Dórea, José Roberto Cardoso Meireles, Júlia Paula Ramos Lessa, Márcio Campos Oliveira, Carlos Alberto de Bragança Pereira, Adriano Polpo de Campos, and Eneida de Moraes Macílio CerqueiraCopyright © 2012 Lavínia Tércia Magalhães Dórea et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/471380/Objectives. To examine the interaction between Porphyromonas gingivalis and 3 different orthodontic brackets in vitro, focusing on the effect of an early salivary pellicle and other bacteria on the formation of biofilms. Material and Methods. Mono- and multi-species P. gingivalis biofilms were allowed to form in vitro, on 3 different bracket types (stainless steel, ceramic and plastic) with and without an early salivary pellicle. The brackets were anaerobically incubated for 3 days in Brain Heart Infusion Broth to form biofilms. Bacteria were quantified by trypsin treatment and enumeration of the total viable counts of bacteria recovered. Results. Saliva was found to significantly affect (P<0.001) adhesion and biofilm formation of P. gingivalis, with higher numbers for the coated brackets. No significant effect was detected for the impact of the type of biofilm, although on stainless steel and plastic brackets there was a tendency for higher numbers of the pathogen in multi-species biofilms. Bracket material alone was not found to affect the number of bacteria. Conclusions. The salivary pellicle seems to facilitate the adhesion of P. gingivalis and biofilm formation on orthodontic brackets, while the material comprising the brackets does not significantly impact on the number of bacteria.William Papaioannou, Athanasios Panagopoulos, Haroula Koletsi-Kounari, Efterpi Kontou, and Margarita MakouCopyright © 2012 William Papaioannou et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/285693/The purpose of this research was to compare the reliability of two different methods for cranial midline localization through cephalometric analysis of mandibular condyle asymmetries. A retrospective cohort study was performed analyzing consecutively the SMV radiograms of 47 patients undergoing oral surgery before orthodontic treatment at the Dental School, University of Trieste (Italy) from 2003 to 2008. Two different cephalometric analyses were used to identify the basicranium midline (Tracing 1: initial landmarks = craniostat ear rods; Tracing 2: initial landmarks = spinosum foramina), and the left/right symmetry ratio (SR) for four parameters (condylar length, condylar angle, intra-condylar hemidistance, extra-condylar hemidistance) was calculated. The main result showed that no significant statistical difference between the SRs of the intra-condylar and extra-condylar hemidistance obtained with the same tracing was found (t-test; P=NS; C.I. 95%). Conversely, the difference between the SRs obtained with the two different tracings was statistically significant (t-test; P<0.000; C.I. 95%). In conclusion, if the analysis of condylar asymmetries is performed in growing subjects, utilization of anatomic references such as the neurovascular foramina seems to guarantee a lower error compared to non-fixed references such as ear rods.Michele Maglione and Fulvia CostantinidesCopyright © 2012 Michele Maglione and Fulvia Costantinides. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/310702/Objectives. To examine the effect of immediate dentin sealing (IDS), with dentin bonding agents (DBAs) applied to freshly cut dentin, on the shear bond strength of etched pressed ceramic luted to dentin with RelyX Unicem (RXU) cement. Method. Eighty extracted noncarious third molars were ground flat to expose the occlusal dentin surfaces. The teeth were randomly allocated to five groups (A to E) of sixteen teeth each. Groups A to D were allocated a dentin bonding agent (Optibond FL, One Coat Bond, Single Bond, or Go!) that was applied to the dentin surface to mimic the clinical procedure of IDS. These specimen groups then had etched glass ceramic discs (Authentic) luted to the sealed dentin surface using RXU. Group E (control) had etched glass ceramic discs luted to the dentin surface (without a dentin bonding agent) using RXU following the manufacturer’s instructions. All specimens were stored for one week in distilled water at room temperature and then shear stressed at a constant cross-head speed of 1 mm per minute until failure. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey HSD method (P<0.05) applied for multiple paired comparisons. Results. The shear bond strength results for group A to E ranged from 6.94±1.53 to 10.03±3.50 MPa. One-way ANOVA demonstrated a difference (P<0.05) between the groups tested and the Tukey HSD demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) difference between the shear bond strength (SBS) of Optibond FL (Group A) and Go! (Group D). There was no statistical difference (P>0.05) in the SBS between the test groups (A–D) or the control (group E). Conclusion. IDS using the dentin bonding agents tested does not statistically (P>0.05) affect the shear bond strength of etched pressed ceramic luted to dentin with RXU when compared to the control.Robert Dalby, Ayman Ellakwa, Brian Millar, and F. Elizabeth MartinCopyright © 2012 Robert Dalby et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/745152/An in vitro study was performed to determine the number of roots, root canals per tooth, root canal configurations, and frequency of isthmi and apical deltas in mandibular first permanent molars in an Indian population. Hundred and fifty mandibular first permanent molars were collected and subjected to clearing technique. The cleared teeth were examined in a stereomicroscope under 7.5x magnifications. The canal configurations were categorized using Vertucci's classification. Overall 94.6% of the mandibular first molars had two roots, and 5.3% had extradistal roots (distolingual root). In addition, 64% of the specimens had three root canals, and 36% had four root canals. The most common canal configurations of mesial and distal roots were Vertucci type IV (54%) and type I (65.3%), respectively. Clinician should be aware of the complex root canal morphology of mandibular first molars among the Indian population before and during the root canal treatment.Hemant Ramesh Chourasia, Ganesh K. Meshram, Manjusha Warhadpande, and Darshan DakshindasCopyright © 2012 Hemant Ramesh Chourasia et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/859140/The clinical success of osseointegrated dental implants depends on the strong attachment of the surrounding hard and soft tissues. Bacterial adhesion on implant surfaces can cause inflammatory reactions and may influence healing and long-term success of dental implants. Promising implant coatings should minimize bacterial adhesion, but allow epithelial and connective tissue attachment. Therefore, the present study has examined the bioactive effect of poly-(4-vinyl-N-hexylpyridiniumbromide) regarding typical oral bacteria as well as cytotoxicitiy to human cells considering different methods of connecting polymers to silicate-containing surfaces. The results revealed that the application of putative antibacterial and biocompatible polymer in coating strategies is affected by a variety of parameters. Published findings regarding reduced bacterial adhesion could not be verified using oral pathogens whereas hexylated polymers seem problematic for strong adhesion of soft tissue. Concerning innovative coatings for dental implants basic aspects (surface roughness, thickness, alkylation, combination with other polymers) have to be considered in further investigations.L. Ringenberg, A. Winkel, O. Kufelt, P. Behrens, M. Stiesch, and W. HeuerCopyright © 2011 L. Ringenberg et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/214751/The aim of the present study was to verify the hypothesis that cavity design does not affect the strength of direct composite restorations as do material properties. Finite element modeling (FEM) and empirical testing were done for two cavity designs: a box shape (cube) and a concave shape (U). Two microhybrid composites were used to prepare the samples with the help of split stainless steel moulds. Compressive strength was tested. The results were statistically analyzed. Both FEA and empirical testing were complementary to each other in that the concave shape showed a significantly higher strength than box. Material properties affected the values only when box shape was used. The null hypothesis is thus rejected, and it is concluded that design significantly affects the strength of direct composite restorations.V. Susila Anand, C. Kavitha, and C. V. SubbaraoCopyright © 2011 V. Susila Anand et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/548068/Objective. HDT bed rest condition is a simulated microgravity condition in which subject lies on bed inclined −6 degree feet up. To determine the influence of a simulated microgravity (HDT bed rest) on oral cavity, 10 healthy male volunteers were studied before, during, just after, and after 6 weeks of the simulated microgravity condition of −6° head-down-tilt (HDT) bed rest. Materials and Methods. Facial nerve function, facial sensation, chemosensory system, salivary biomarkers were measured. Results. Lactate dehydrogenase, MIP 1 alpha, malonaldehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and thiocyanate were found to increase significantly, while flow rate, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, protein, amylase activity, vitamin E and C, and mouth opening were decreased in simulation environments in contradiction to normal. The threshold for monosodium glutamate (MSG) and capsaicin increased during microgravity as compared to normal conditions. Moderate pain of teeth, facial oedema, mild pain, loss of sensation of pain and temperature, decreased tongue, and mandibular movement in simulation microgravity environments were observed. Conclusions. These results suggest that reversible effect of microgravity is oedema of face, change in taste, abnormal expression of face, teeth pain, and xerostomia. Further study will be required on large scale on long-term effects of microgravity on oral cavity to prevent the adverse effects.Balwant Rai, Jasdeep Kaur, and Bernard H. FoingCopyright © 2011 Balwant Rai et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/650489/The study assessed the prevalence of diurnal bruxism among information technology (IT) professionals and explored plausible predictors associated with the parafunctional habit. A cross-sectional study was designed and IT professionals were invited to participate. The inclusion criteria composed of participants in service for at least one year, having natural dentition, no history of cervical or facial injury and not undergoing orthodontic therapy. The participants (N=147) were interviewed by a trained interviewer to record information. A pre-tested questionnaire that included questions related to work, stress symptoms and diurnal bruxism was completed by each participant. The prevalence of self-reported diurnal bruxism was 59%. Bivariate analyses revealed that work (P<0.05) and work experience (P<0.05) were significantly associated with self-reported diurnal bruxism. In the binary logistic regression analysis stress (Odds Ratio [OR] =5.9, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.6–13.3) was identified to be a strong predictor of diurnal bruxism. Professionals with 11 or more years of experience were less likely to report diurnal bruxism (OR=0.04, 95% CI 0.00–0.43) than those with 1 to 5 years of work experience. The study revealed that stress and less work experience were associated with diurnal bruxism among IT professionals in Bangalore city.S. K. Rao, M. Bhat, and J. DavidCopyright © 2011 S. K. Rao et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/679315/Aim. To investigate (a) variability in powder/liquid proportioning and (b) effect of variability on diametral tensile strength (DTS), in a zinc phosphate cement. Statistical analyses (α=0.05) were by Student’s t-test in the case of powder/liquid ratio and one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD for pair-wise comparisons of mean DTS. The Null hypotheses were that (a) the powder-liquid mixing ratios would not differ from the manufacturer’s recommended ratio (b) DTS of the set cement samples using the extreme powder/liquid ratios would not differ from those made using the recommended ratio. Methodology. 34 dental students dispensed the components according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The maximum and minimum powder/liquid ratios, together with the manufacturer’s recommended ratio, were used to prepare samples for DTS testing. Results. Powder/liquid ratios ranged from 2.386 to 1.018. The mean ratio (1.644) was not significantly different from the recommended value of 1.718 (P=0.189). DTS values for the maximum and minimum ratios were both significantly different from each other (P<0.001) and from the mean value obtained from the recommended ratio (P<0.001). Conclusions. Variability exists in powder/liquid ratio for hand dispensed zinc phosphate cement. This variability can affect the DTS of the set material.Jill E. McKenna, Noel J. Ray, Gerald McKenna, and Francis M. BurkeCopyright © 2011 Jill E. McKenna et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/851359/Sodium hypochloride is the most commonly used endodontic irrigant, despite limitations. None of the presently available root canal irrigants satisfy the requirements of ideal root canal irrigant. Newer root canal irrigants are studied for potential replacement of sodium hypochloride. This article reviews the potential irrigants with their advantages and limitations with their future in endodontic irrigation.Sushma Jaju and Prashant P. JajuCopyright © 2011 Sushma Jaju and Prashant P. Jaju. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/981595/Objective. The purpose of this review paper is to review the literature regarding the toxicology of mercury from dental amalgam and evaluate current statements on dental amalgam. Materials and Methods. Two key-words “dental amalgam” and “toxicity” were used to search publications on dental amalgam biocompatibility published in peer-reviewed journals written in English. Manual search was also conducted. The most recent declarations and statements were evaluated using information available on the internet. Case reports were excluded from the study. Results. The literature show that mercury released from dental amalgam restorations does not contribute to systemic disease or systemic toxicological effects. No significant effects on the immune system have been demonstrated with the amounts of mercury released from dental amalgam restorations. Only very rarely have there been reported allergic reactions to mercury from amalgam restorations. No evidence supports a relationship between mercury released from dental amalgam and neurological diseases. Almost all of the declarations accessed by the internet stated by official organizations concluded that current data are not sufficient to relate various complaints and mercury release from dental amalgam. Conclusions. Available scientific data do not justify the discontinuation of amalgam use from dental practice or replacement with alternative restorative dental materials.Yurdanur Uçar and William A. BrantleyCopyright © 2011 Yurdanur Uçar and William A. Brantley. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/795047/The development of local anesthesia in dentistry has marked the beginning of a new era in terms of pain control. Lignocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic (LA) agent even though it has a vasodilative effect and needs to be combined with adrenaline. Centbucridine is a non-ester, non amide group LA and has not been comprehensively studied in the dental setting and the objective was to compare it to Lignocaine. This was a randomized study comparing the onset time, duration, depth and cardiovascular parameters between Centbucridine (0.5%) and Lignocaine (2%). The study was conducted in the dental outpatient department at the Government Dental College in India on patients attending for the extraction of lower molars. A total of 198 patients were included and there were no significant differences between the LAs except those who received Centbucridine reported a significantly longer duration of anesthesia compared to those who received Lignocaine. None of the patients reported any side effects. Centbucridine was well tolerated and its substantial duration of anesthesia could be attributed to its chemical compound. Centbucridine can be used for dental procedures and can confidently be used in patients who cannot tolerate Lignocaine or where adrenaline is contraindicated.Samir Mansuri, Ahmed Bhayat, Esam Omar, Fadi Jarab, and Mohammad Sami AhmedCopyright © 2011 Samir Mansuri et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/806258/A good quality of life is possible if students maintain their oral health and become free of oral disease. A structured questionnaire assessed 785 students' level of oral health knowledge and practices. About 694 (88.4%) students had adequate level of knowledge on causes, prevention, and signs of dental caries, 760 (96.8%) on causes and prevention of periodontal diseases, 695 (88.5%) on cigarette smoking as cause of oral cancer, and 770 (98.1%) students on importance of dental checkups. Majority 717 (91.3%) had adequate practice of sugary food consumption; while 568 (72.4%) had acceptable frequency of tooth brushing, 19 (2.4%) brushed at an interval of twelve hours, and 313 (39.9%) visited for checkup. Majority of students had an adequate level of knowledge on oral health but low level of oral health practices. Both genders had similar level of knowledge with male predominance in oral health practices. Age had no influence on the level of oral health knowledge and practices of students.Lorna Carneiro, Msafiri Kabulwa, Mathias Makyao, Goodluck Mrosso, and Ramadhani ChoumCopyright © 2011 Lorna Carneiro et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/589064/Factors like oral and denture hygiene, presence of saliva, age of the denture, and degree of colonization with Candida albicans are to be evaluated as local contributing factors for causing denture stomatitis. 100 patients aged 30 to 70 years were selected for the study. Among these, 70 patients were labeled test group showing signs of stomatitis and 30 patients as control group as they showed no inflammatory signs. Clinical tests included oral and denture hygiene evaluation, salivary measurements, and age of the dentures, and microscopic investigations were done. Results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of saliva, oral and denture hygiene habits, and denture age. Test group showed stomatitis in patients who were wearing dentures for 5 to 10 years compared to control group who were wearing dentures for 10 years and above. Denture age was proportional to Candida colonization and not to degree of inflammation. Significant differences were found in Candida colonization of the fitting surface of the denture between stomatitis and control groups. Poor denture hygiene habits are the most prominent contributing factor for denture stomatitis and colonization.Amit Vinayak Naik and Ranjana C. PaiCopyright © 2011 Amit Vinayak Naik and Ranjana C. Pai. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/809620/The aim of the study was to determine the association between the number of natural teeth and oral impacts in Sri Lankan adults. The sample consisted of 476, 40–59 and 452, ≥60 year olds. Oral impacts were assessed using a validated Sinhalese translation of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scale. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the number of natural teeth that would best discriminate those with oral impacts from those without. Oral impacts were reported by 26% of the 40–59 year olds and 34% of the older individuals. In both groups there was a significant negative correlation between the number of teeth present and oral impacts. The ROC curve for the 40–59 year olds gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.758 (95% CI = 0.702–0.814; P<0.001) with an optimal cut-off of 24/25 teeth while for the ≥60 year olds, the AUC of the ROC curve was 0.737 (95% CI = 0.684–0.790; P<0.001) with an optimal cut-off of 18/19 teeth. Based on the ROC curves the optimal cutoffs of the number of natural teeth that best discriminated between those with and without oral impacts for 40–59 and ≥60 year olds were 24-25 and 18-19, respectively.Roshnal Perera and Lilani EkanayakeCopyright © 2011 Roshnal Perera and Lilani Ekanayake. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/541831/The aim of this study was to compare the cleanliness of root canal walls after retreatment using two rotary retreatment files to hand instruments in severely curved canals obturated with gutta-percha and two different sealers. Single rooted mandibular premolars (n=90) with root curvatures were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and an epoxy resin (Group 1, n=45) or zinc oxide eugenol sealer (Group 2, n=45). Following retreatment of the specimens (n=15 ProTaper Universal Retreatment Files (Subgroup B) or R-Endo retreatment files (Subgroup C) after 1 month, split specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope and the percentage of remaining root filling material was statistically compared using one way ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons (P=0.05). The R-Endo system performed significantly better than the other two file systems (P<0.05). None of the systems used in this study cleaned root canals thoroughly. The R-Endo system did provide cleaner walls when compared to the other instruments used. The type of root filling materials had an impact on the outcomes with all techniques.Santhoshini Reddy, Prasanna Neelakantan, Mohammad Ali Saghiri, Mehrdad Lotfi, Chandragiri Venkata Subbarao, Franklin Garcia-Godoy, and James L. GutmannCopyright © 2011 Santhoshini Reddy et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/953135/Objective. To shed light on the role of KG, its influence on periodontal behavior was investigated. Methods. Tissue fluid transudation was assessed in alveolar mucosa (P1A), outer gingival margin (P1B), at entrance of (P2) and within gingival sulcus (P3), before and after chewing of fibrous food in 16 patients portraying ≥2 mm KG at one tooth (group 1), and <2 mm at another homologous tooth (group 2). Results. There was a significant increase in GCF after chewing at P1B and P3 in group 1 and at P1A in group 2 (t-test, P<0.05). Conclusions. The results suggest that KG plays a role in marginal periodontal homeostasis.Maria Luiza P. Lagos, Adriana Campos Passanezi Sant'Ana, Sebastião Luiz Aguiar Greghi, and Euloir PassaneziCopyright © 2011 Maria Luiza P. Lagos et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/320798/Dental caries is an important dental public health problem and is the most prevalent oral disease among children in the world. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and comparatively assess the change in plaque and salivary pH after ingestion of various commercially available infant milk formulae, and also to evaluate and comparatively assess plaque and salivary samples for change in colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans caused due to their ingestion. 36 children in the age group of 1-2 years were fed with infant milk formulae three times a day for 21 days and results quantified. The present study revealed a highly significant increase in the levels of colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans in both the plaque and salivary samples when assessed at baseline and after a period of 21 days, with the t value being 11.92 for the plaque samples and 11.66 for the salivary samples. It was also observed that all the test samples produced significantly lower plaque pH values than pre-feed pH. Based upon this study, further evaluation of the cariogenicity of infant milk formulae is recommended.Shweta Dixit Chaudhary, Mayur Chaudhary, Asha Singh, and Sanket KunteCopyright © 2011 Shweta Dixit Chaudhary et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/413639/The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of radiographic changes in the condylar morphology and its association with age, clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction and dentition status and also to evaluate the intra examiner and inter examiner reliability in assessing condylar changes using panoramic radiographs. A total of 75 subjects were recruited for the study. They were divided into 3 age groups. 20–40 yrs (Group A), 41–60 yrs (Group B) and 61 yrs and above (Group C). In each age group 25 subjects were evaluated both clinically and radiographically. The prevalence of radiographic changes in condylar morphology and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction was 81.3% and 18.6%, respectively. Radiographic abnormalities in the mandibular condylar morphology increased with age. They were seen more frequently in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction and in patients with loss of teeth. Intra examiner and inter examiner reliability was high indicating a good reliability in assessing the condylar changes using panoramic radiograph.Anuna Laila Mathew, Amar A. Sholapurkar, and Keerthilatha M. PaiCopyright © 2011 Anuna Laila Mathew et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/813525/Introduction. The assessment of orthodontic treatment need and complexity are necessary for informed planning of orthodontic services. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess these parameters using the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) in a Nigerian adolescent population in a region where orthodontic services are just being established. Methods. Six hundred and twelve randomly selected Nigerian adolescents aged 12 to 18 years were examined using the ICON in their school compounds. Descriptive statistics were employed in the data analysis. Results. Out of a total of 38.1% of the population found to need orthodontic treatment, there were more males and older adolescents. The overall mean ICON score for the population was 39.7±25.3 SD with males having statistically higher mean ICON score. The grades of complexity of the population were 21.6% for very difficult and difficult, 7.5% moderate, and 70.9% mild/easy. Conclusions. Although just over a third of the adolescents were found to have a need for treatment, about a quarter of them were found to have difficult and very difficult complexity grades indicating a need for specialist care. The authors recommend the training of more specialist orthodontists in this region.Elfleda Angelina Aikins, Oluranti Olatokunbo daCosta, Chukwudi Ochi Onyeaso, and Michael Chukwudi IsiekweCopyright © 2011 Elfleda Angelina Aikins et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/536212/To investigate the effect of prepolymerization warming on composites' mechanical properties, three composites were evaluated: Clearfil Majesty (CM) (Kuraray), Z-100 (3M/ESPE), and Light-Core (LC) (Bisco). Specimens were prepared from each composite at room temperature as control and 2 higher temperatures (37∘C and 54∘C) to test surface hardness (SH), compressive strength (CS), and diametral tensile strength (DTS). Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's LSD tests. Results revealed that prewarming CM and Z100 specimens significantly improved their SH mean values (P<0.05). Prewarming also improved mean CS values of Z100 specimens (P<0.05). Furthermore, DTS mean value of CM prepared at 52∘ was significantly higher than that of room temperature specimens (P<0.05). KHN, CS, and DTS mean values varied significantly among the three composites. In conclusion, Prewarming significantly enhanced surface hardness of 2 composites. Prewarming also improved bulk properties of the composites; however, this improvement was significant in only some of the tested materials.Kareem Nada and Omar El-MowafyCopyright © 2011 Kareem Nada and Omar El-Mowafy. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/548356/The purpose of this longitudinal prospective randomized study was to evaluate the reliability of two different types of orthodontic retainers in clinical use: a multistrand stainless steel wire and a polyethylene ribbon-reinforced resin composite. Moreover the level of satisfaction of the patient about the esthetic result was also analyzed by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). 34 patients (9 boys and 25 girls, mean age 14.3), in the finishing phase of orthodontic treatment, were selected for the study. Since splints were applied the number, cause, and date of splint failures were recorded for each single tooth over 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test, Kaplan Meier survival estimates, and the log-rank test. Kruskal Wallis test was performed to analyze VAS recordings. Differences between the bond failure rates were not statistically significant. Esthetic result of VAS was significantly higher for polyethylene ribbon-reinforced resin retainers than for stainless steel wires.Andrea Scribante, Maria Francesca Sfondrini, Simona Broggini, Marina D'Allocco, and Paola GandiniCopyright © 2011 Andrea Scribante et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/362905/Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with chronic periodontitis prior to and following surgical and/or nonsurgical periodontal therapy for a period of 32 weeks. Methods. GCF samples were obtained from 24 nondiseased and 72 diseased sites of 12 periodontal patients prior to as well as at 6, 16, and 32 weeks following non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. IL-6 and IL-8 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Periodontal treatment improved all clinical parameters. Both treatment modalities resulted in similar IL-6 as well as IL-8 levels. Mean IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in non-diseased compared to diseased sites and increased significantly following treatment in diseased sites. Mean total amounts of IL-6 and IL-8 (TAIL-6, TAIL-8) did not differ significantly between diseased and nondiseased sites, while following therapy TAIL-8 levels decreased significantly. Conclusions. The data suggest that periodontal therapy reduced the levels of IL-8 in GCF. However, a strong relationship between IL-6, IL-8 amounts in GCF and periodontal destruction and inflammation was not found.Paschalina Goutoudi, Evdoxia Diza, and Malamatenia ArvanitidouCopyright © 2012 Paschalina Goutoudi et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/834151/This study investigated the inhibitory effect of probiotic Enterococcus faecium WB2000 on biofilm formation by cariogenic streptococci. The ability of E. faecium WB2000 and JCM5804 and Enterococcus faecalis JCM5803 to inhibit biofilm formation by seven laboratory oral streptococcal strains and 13 clinical mutans streptococcal strains was assayed. The Enterococcal strains inhibited biofilm formation in dual cultures with the mutans streptococcal strains Streptococcus mutans Xc and Streptococcus sobrinus JCM5176 (P<0.05), but not with the noncariogenic streptococcal strains. Enterococcus faecium WB2000 inhibited biofilm formation by 90.0% (9/10) of the clinical S. mutans strains and 100% (3/3) of the clinical S. sobrinus strains. After culturing, the pH did not differ between single and dual cultures. The viable counts of floating mutans streptococci were lower in dual cultures with E. faecium WB2000 than in single cultures. Enterococcus faecium WB2000 acted as a probiotic bacterial inhibitor of cariogenic streptococcal biofilm formation.Nao Suzuki, Masahiro Yoneda, Yuko Hatano, Tomoyuki Iwamoto, Yosuke Masuo, and Takao HirofujiCopyright © 2011 Nao Suzuki et al. All rights reserved.http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2011/676128/Objective. To compare the efficacy of ProTaper retreatment files in removing three different obturating materials. Study Design. Forty-five human, single-rooted premolars were divided into three experimental groups. Group 1 was obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, Group 2 was obturated with gutta-percha and zinc oxide eugenol sealer, and Group 3 was obturated with GuttaFlow. Retreatment was done using the ProTaper universal rotary retreatment files. Root halves were visualized using magnifying loops at 3X magnification and optical stereomicroscope at 10X magnification. Images were analyzed using AutoCAD 2004 software to calculate area of the remaining debris in the canal. For statistical analysis were used variance test and ANOVA. Results. Total debris/canal area ratio between the three groups showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion. ProTaper retreatment system did not produce completely clean canals in any of the groups. However, it had the best efficacy towards removing silicon based obturating material GuttaFlow.Jaya Siotia, Shashi Rashmi Acharya, and Sunil Kumar GuptaCopyright © 2011 Jaya Siotia et al. All rights reserved.