Aim: This study was done to evaluate the accuracy of dies obtained after pouring different elastomeric impression materials in different viscosities using dual arch/ triple trays. Materials and Method: Tooth preparation was done on mandibular left first molar in a typodont. Fifty impressions each of condensation silicon (putty and light body), vinyl polysiloxane (putty and light body), monophase vinyl polysiloxane and monophase polyether were made in dual arch/triple trays. These impressions were poured in Type IV gypsum. The buccolingual width of the prepared tooth was calculated and was compared with the dies prepared using stereomicroscope. The data was subjected to ANOVA test. Results: The dies obtained from impressions made with monophase vinyl polysiloxane in triple trays were most accurate followed by monophase polyether, condensation silicon (putty and light body) and vinyl polysiloxane (putty and light body). Conclusion : Triple trays when used in conjunction with proper impression material and technique may prove to be a simplified yet accurate method of impression making.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of cyclic loading on the tensile bond strength and retention of custom ‑fabricated cast posts, prefabricated metal posts and glass fiber posts. Materials and Method: Thirty extracted human maxillary central incisors were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and randomly divided into three groups (n=10). Specimens were instrumented and obturated. Twenty four hours after obturation, post space was prepared upto no. 5 Peeso Reamer. Groups A, B and C were restored using custom cast post and core, Para Post (Whale dent) and Reforpost (Angelus) respectively thereafter. Five specimens from each group were subjected to cyclic loading. Tensile bond strength (TBS) of teeth before and after cyclic loading was evaluated. Results: For both, with and without loading, Groups A and B were not significantly different from each other but Group C was significantly different from Groups A and B. The results indicated that cyclic loading reduces retention potential of all three types of post, but it was minimum in group C. Conclusions: Cyclic loading reduced the retention of all posts but was comparatively lesser for the glass fiber post. This system provides sufficient retention required for clinical success.

Aim: To determine the influence of nanocomposites such as nanofilled, nanoceramic and fibre reinforced composite restorative systems on the fracture resistance of maxillary premolars with Class II mesio- occlusodistal (MOD) cavities. Materials and Method: Eighty sound maxillary human premolars were divided into four groups of 20 teeth each. Teeth in the first group were left intact (unprepared) and tested as positive controls. Teeth in the remaining three groups were prepared with MOD cavities and were restored with a nanofilled composite (Ice), a nanoceramic composite (CeramX mono) and a fibre reinforced composite (Tetric N Flow & CeramX mono). All groups were stored in water at 37΀C for 24 hours and thermocycled and then tested in universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was done by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: Results between each group were statistically significant (P> 0.05) except between nanoceramic and fibre reinforced composite system. Conclusion: Under compressive load testing, all restored teeth had lower cuspal fracture resistance than unprepared control teeth. Nanoceramic showed the highest mean cuspal fracture resistance while nanofilled showed the least and fibre reinforced composite proved to be a true tooth reinforcing agent.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the stress distribution at the implant abutment interface in a platform switched Morse taper and pseudo platform switched internal hex connection implant system under simulated load using a 3D finite element analysis. Materials and Method: In the study ANKYLOS which is a Morse taper platform switching implant system (Group A) and XiVE having an internal hex connection which forms a pseudo platform switched implant system (Group B) were used. The geometric properties of implant systems were modeled using 3D finite element analysis. The masticatory forces of 200 N, 500 N and 1000 N were applied axially to both the implant systems with the abutment screw tightening torque of 110 Nm2, 320 Nm2 and 550 Nm2. Von Mises stress distribution pattern was analyzed considering the objectives of the study. In order to interpret the result, the data generated by finite element analysis (FEA) were statistically analyzed. Results: There was better stress distribution for Group B at the neck of implant as compared to Group A but on screw Group A showed more decrease in force concentration and therefore better stress distribution. Conclusion: Stress concentration on connecting screw of pseudo platform switch implant was more and may lead to fracture or loosing of screw than platform switched Morse taper implant.

Aims: To investigate amongst endodontists the incidence of percutaneous injuries, the circumstances associated with them, the therapeutic measures taken after the injuries and their compliance with infection control measures. Materials and Method: Information on percutaneous injuries and infection control practices were gathered from one hundred and forty endodontists through a questionnaire form. Data was analysed using independent samples t-test. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: Endodontic files were associated with 66% of the injuries and fingers were injured in 75% of the most recent cases. Medical assistance was sought in 36% of the most recent injuries. Endodontists, who always or usually practiced 4-handed endodontics (p≤0.007) as well as those not performing surgical endodontics (p≤0.007) reported significantly fewer injuries. In 91% of the participants, a complete hepatitis B virus vaccination was reported. Gloves, Double gloves, Long sleeve labcoat and puncture-resistant containers for disposal of sharp instruments were always used by 92.6%, 58%, 19% and 63.4% of the respondents respectively. Conclusion: The practice of four-handed endodontics was associated with reduced number of percutaneous injuries but the performance of surgical endodontics increased their incidence. Also the endodontists showed a high level of compliance with infection control measures.

Aims: To compare the palatal rugae pattern for possible differences between North Indian, South Indian and Chinese students of Manipal University, Manipal. To determine the rugae length, shape, direction, unification and number of the primary rugae. Materials and Method: The study sample consisted of 50 diagnostic study models of 25 males and 25 females within the age group of 15-23 years that were available in the department and were free from palatal defects. These cases were further segregated into 10 cases of each of North Indian, South Indian and Chinese groups and their dental casts were analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in any parameter when compared between the sexes in the three groups. The difference in length among 3 groups was not statistically significant. The most common rugae shapes observed were wavy and curved. The North Indian group had a predominantly curved rugae shape while the South Indian and Chinese groups had wavy rugae. The rugae direction observed was mostly forward. Most of North Indians and South Indians had forward rugae and Chinese group had both types. Conclusion: The present study indicated that the rugae patterns of the Chinese group are significantly different from the two Indian groups and can hence be used for group identity.

Aim: Oral Leukoplakia is considered commonest precancerous white lesion affecting oral mucosa. There are several medicinal and surgical options available to treat the lesion. Scalpel removal of the lesion leads to scar formation and pain along with bleeding at the time of surgery. Removal with Laser is another option for managing leukoplakia. There are very few studies present with removal of leukoplakia using Diode Laser. This study was undertaken to clinically and histopathologically evaluate the efficacy of Diode Laser in leukoplakia. Materials and Method: Six patients, 5 male (84%) and 1 female (16%) with leukoplakia were treated with Diode laser (980nm) at 3 - 4 watts. Patients on steroid therapy or immune-suppressants and suffering from any other chronic debilitating diseases were excluded from the study. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was applied for assessing the p-Value for statistical analysis. Result: After one month, the patients were examined for normal clinical healing of the site. For more confirmation, re-biopsy was done and result showed normal tissue healing except in one patient (16%). Only one patient (16%) developed pain, swelling, fibrosis and recurrence. Conclusion: It was concluded that laser provides good coagulation, healing, reduces surgical time and prevents high-grade infection.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of programming the articulator using the radiographs and the interocclusal records made during Jaw relation (Arrow point tracing). Materials and Method: The study comprised of 15 edentulous subjects with well formed maxillary and mandibular ridges, with no signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders and neuromuscular disorders. Digital Orthopantomograph was taken for all the subjects. The condylar guidance angles were traced on Orthopantomograph for right and left sides and the values were recorded. The protrusive interocclusal records were made at jaw relation stage and at try-in stage using bite registration paste for all subjects. These interocclusal records were used to programme the Semi-adjustable articulator (Hanau Wide Vue) and the condylar guidance values on the right and left sides were recorded. The condylar guidance values so obtained were compared with the values obtained by Orthopantomograph. The condylar guidance values obtained by the various procedures were subjected to independent t-test and Pearson correlation test. Results: The results showed statistically significant difference between the condylar guidance values obtained from Orthopantomograph (Radiograph) and the condylar guidance values obtained at the stage of jaw relation. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the condylar guidance values obtained from the Radiographs were higher than those obtained at the stage of jaw relation recording stage.

Aim : A considerable number of agents are effective in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. This3 month randomized clinical trial compares a dentifrice containing Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate, Nanoparticle Hydroxyapatite and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calicium Phosphate. Materials and Method : Eighty teeth were selected in each group. The volunteers selected at baseline had a history of dentin hypersensitivity caused by gingival recession or after scaling and root planing. Patients were evaluated for dentin hypersensitivity using visual analog score and Schiff test. Patients were required to have a visual analog scale score of ‡2 to be included in the study. After sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and cold water at baseline were recorded, subjects were given toothpastes randomly and sensitivity scores were measured again at 2nd week, 4th week, 2nd month and 3rd month. Results : All three groups showed reduction in sensitivity scores at 2weeks, 4 weeks and at 3 months for air stimulus and cold water. The nanoparticle hydroxyapatite group was found to be significantly better in reducing the visual analog scale score as well as Schiff test score and at any time point for both measures of sensitivity. Conclusion : The Nanoparticle Hydroxyapatite group showed comparable reduction in the symptoms of dentin hypersensitivity.

Background: Methotrexate (Mtx) is an accepted modality for conservative treatment of ectopic pregnancy. However, there is no consensus regarding its use in live ectopic pregnancy and high serum beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) titres. Concurrent use of intra-sac hypertonic KCl, to produce cardiac asystole with systemic Mtx potentially improve outcome in live ectopic gestations with very high serum β-hCG titres. Here a successful management of live ectopic pregnancy in a 25-year-old nulliparous woman, with very high β-hCG titres (29502.04mIU/mL), using ultrasound-guided intra-cardiac potassium chloride (KCl) injection and systemic Mtx is reported. No treatment related complications were encountered. However, individualized treatment with a stringent follow-up regime is mandatory in such cases.

Background: Acquired facial defects caused by extirpation of neoplasms, congenital malformations or traumatic injury results in a huge functional, cosmetic and psychological handicap in those patients. These defects can be restored by facial prosthesis using different materials and retention methods to achieve a life-like appearance and function. This clinical report describes a treatment schedule using mechanically retained poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin nasal prosthesis for a patient who has undergone a partial rhinectomy due to squamous cell carcinoma of the nose. The prosthesis was made to restore the esthetic appearance of patient with mechanically retained spectacle glass frame prosthesis without any prosthetic adhesives so that the patient is more comfortable and confident to resume daily activities.

Background: Teeth start to erupt during infancy and again when the primary teeth are replaced by the permanent teeth. If a tooth fails to erupt or emerges only partially, it is considered to be impacted. This most commonly happens with the wisdom teeth as they are the last teeth to erupt in the oral cavity between 17 to 21 years. An impacted tooth remains stuck in gum tissue or bone for various reasons as in overcrowded regions were there could be no room for them to emerge or if the jaw is too small to fit the wisdom teeth. Teeth may also become twisted, tilted or displaced as they try to emerge resulting in impaction.

Background: The Sturge Weber syndrome (SWS) or Encephalotrigeminal Angiomatosis is a congenital, non- hereditary rare condition of unknown etiology. The classic pathognomonic features of disease include angioma of the leptomeninges extending to cerebral cortex with ipsilateral angiomatous lesions, unilateral facial nevus usually affecting one division of trigeminal nerve and convulsions. Here, a case of 4 year old male child who presented with congenital skin lesions, convulsions and glaucoma that was diagnosed as type I SWS is being reported.

Background: Presence of Natal and neonatal teeth are a rare event in the oral cavity, which may interfere with breast feeding & may lead to numerous complications. The decision to keep or to extract these teeth should be evaluated in each case, keeping in mind the scientific knowledge, clinical common sense and parental opinion. A case of immature natal maxillary anterior teeth and a case of natal mandibular anterior tooth are reported.