Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice最新文献

{"title":"<i>In Vitro</i> Er:YAG Retrieval of Zirconia Crowns from Polyetheretherketone and Titanium Abutments.","authors":"Jegathiesh Kumaran Elango, Basavaraj S Salagundi, Rupesh Pl, Indrakumar Hs, Kondaka Sudheer, Akhil G Varghese","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare Er:YAG laser-assisted retrieval of zirconia crowns cemented on titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) abutments by evaluating retrieval time, temperature changes at crown, abutment, and fixture levels, and post-retrieval surface integrity.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This <i>in vitro</i> comparative study included 22 CAD/CAM zirconia crowns divided into two equal groups (<i>n</i> = 11 each). Group A crowns were cemented onto titanium abutments and Group B crowns onto milled PEEK abutments using self-adhesive resin cement. After standardized storage, crowns were irradiated with an Er:YAG laser at 2940 nm under continuous water cooling. Crown, abutment, and fixture temperatures were recorded using a calibrated thermocouple thermometer, and retrieval time was recorded in seconds. Retrieved specimens were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Data were recorded and statistically analyzed using independent-samples <i>t</i>-tests, with <i>p</i> < 0.05 considered significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Titanium showed significantly higher mean crown temperature than PEEK (32.44 ± 1.00 vs 30.08 ± 0.93 °C; <i>p</i> < 0.001), higher abutment temperature (31.35 ± 0.57 vs 29.14 ± 0.99 °C; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and higher fixture temperature (30.36 ± 0.93 vs 27.16 ± 1.13 °C; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Retrieval time was comparable between groups (124.82 ± 4.09 vs 123.73 ± 3.13 seconds; <i>p</i> = 0.489). No relevant structural or elemental alteration was observed after irradiation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Er:YAG laser irradiation enabled predictable retrieval of zirconia crowns from both abutment materials. Polyetheretherketone performed comparatively better by producing significantly lower crown, abutment, and fixture temperatures, while retrieval time remained statistically similar to titanium.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Laser-assisted retrieval may reduce destructive sectioning of cement-retained zirconia implant crowns. The lower heat transfer observed with PEEK suggests a clinically translational thermal safety advantage when conservative crown retrieval and potential reuse are desired.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"625-629"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149197001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities of a 4-Hydroxycinnamic Acid Dentifrice for Orthodontic Subjects: An <i>In Vitro</i> Study.","authors":"Manjiri Bhate, Saurav Bathla, Shyamalima Bhattacharyya, Ravindra K Jain, Bharani K Bhattu, Kavitha Sree Budda","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3957","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3957","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To prepare and test the antimicrobial (AM), anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of a novel dentifrice containing 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (4-HCA).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A novel base dentifrice was formulated with 0.2% 4-HCA (group II) and 0.4% 4-HCA (group III), and compared against a standard commercial dentifrice: <i>Colgate Strong Teeth</i> toothpaste (group I). Antimicrobial activity against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> (<i>SM</i>), <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> (<i>LA</i>), <i>Candida albicans</i> (<i>CA</i>), and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> (<i>EF</i>) was assessed by agar well diffusion zone of inhibition (ZOI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation and red blood cell (RBC) membrane stabilization assays. Antioxidant potential was measured by hydroxyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Statistical analysis utilized one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with appropriate <i>post-hoc</i> tests for ZOI and (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Group III exhibited significantly larger ZOIs against <i>SM</i> (39 ± 5.477 mm) as compared to group I (18.6 ± 2.4) (<i>p</i> = 0.05). The MIC for <i>SM</i> and <i>LA</i> was 0.5 mg/mL for all groups. Minimum bactericidal concentration was 0.5 mg/mL for <i>LA</i> and for <i>SM</i> in group III, whereas it was 5 mg/mL for all other groups<i>.</i> Minimum bactericidal concentration was 5 mg/mL for groups II and III. For anti-inflammatory activity, group III showed 43% inhibition in BSA denaturation at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, while group I showed 41% inhibition (<i>p</i> = 0.3). Similarly, groups II and III demonstrated antioxidant effects in the FRAP assay (66.28 and 66.49%, respectively) vs group I (64.89%) at 10 μg/mL (<i>p</i> = 0.5).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The novel dentifrice containing 0.4% 4-HCA demonstrated significant <i>in vitro</i> AM activity, particularly against <i>SM</i>, and exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties compared to Colgate dentifrice. These findings highlight the potential of 4-HCA dentifrice as an adjunctive oral hygiene aid to reduce the risk of white spot lesions (WSLs) in orthodontic patients, underscoring the need for future clinical trials to establish its efficacy and safety.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>A dentifrice containing 4-HCA may serve as a promising adjunct in orthodontic patients for controlling microbial load and reducing the risk of WSLs. Beyond its <i>in vitro</i> efficacy, these findings indicate potential clinical translation as a preventive oral hygiene measure that could be incorporated into routine orthodontic care to improve enamel protection and treatment outcomes, provided future <i>in vivo</i> studies confirm its safety and effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"584-591"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149196426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral Health of Roma Children and Adolescents in the Prefecture of Ilia, Greece: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Myrto Alevra, Vasilis Dimitriadis, Stamatis P Georgopoulos","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Roma communities constitute a major ethnic minority in Europe and Greece. However, oral health of Roma children remains insufficiently studied. This cross-sectional study assessed the oral health of Roma children and adolescents in Ilia, Greece.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Ninety-four participants aged 1.5-16 years were clinically examined. Oral hygiene was evaluated using debris index-simplified (DI-S), calculus index-simplified (CI-S), and gingival bleeding index (GBI), while caries experience was assessed using decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT)/decayed, missing and filled primary teeth (dmft). Questionnaires collected information on oral hygiene, diet, and dental attendance. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, and predictors of DMFT/dmft were identified using multivariable regression with backward stepwise selection based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Caries increased with age (mean DMFT/dmft: 1.7-2.9). Gingival inflammation was low (mean GBI: 0.2), whereas plaque and calculus were moderate (mean DI-S: 1.4; CI-S: 0.8). Oral hygiene and dental attendance were inadequate: 50% did not brush daily, 52.1% had never visited a dentist, and 47.9% consumed sweets or soft drinks daily. In multivariable analysis, older age was significantly associated with higher DMFT/dmft, and mouthwash use with lower caries experience.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Roma children demonstrated suboptimal oral health and limited preventive behaviors, underscoring the need for public health interventions and access to dental care.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>The study identifies significant unmet oral health needs among Roma children and highlights modifiable risk factors associated with caries. These findings support the implementation of targeted preventive strategies and improved access to dental care to reduce oral health inequalities in vulnerable populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"577-583"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149195888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fracture Resistance of Lithium Disilicate and Hybrid Ceramic Crowns with Two Finish Line Thicknesses: An <i>In Vitro</i> Study.","authors":"Noran Mohammad ElSharkawi, Rana Mahmoud Sherif, Karim Aboubakr Rabie","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed the fracture resistance of posterior crowns made from fully crystallized lithium disilicate (LDS) and hybrid polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) ceramics in comparison with partially crystallized LDS with two finish line thicknesses: 0.5 and 1 mm.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty sound molars extracted for orthodontic or periodontal reasons were prepared for full coverage crowns and divided into three groups (<i>N</i> = 10): (1) partially crystallized LDS (Em), (2) fully crystallized LDS (Li), and (3) hybrid PICN (Ve). Each group was subdivided by finish line thickness (<i>n</i> = 5): 0.5 and 1 mm. Samples were subjected to thermocycling for 5,000 cycles, followed by fracture resistance testing utilizing a universal testing machine. Failure patterns were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All data were subsequently recorded and statistically analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean fracture resistance values were 2,532.6 ± 612.3 N for partially crystallized LDS, 1,916.5 ± 549 N for fully crystallized LDS, and 1,325.3 ± 336 N for hybrid ceramic. Finish line thickness (0.5 mm: 1,923.8 ± 687.8 N; 1 mm: 1,925.8 ± 744.9 N) had no significant effect (<i>p</i> = 0.992). Fracture resistance was significantly affected by the type of ceramic (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with partially crystallized LDS showing the highest values and hybrid ceramic the lowest. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed favorable type II failure in all samples, with fractures confined to the restoration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Partially crystallized LDS exhibited the highest fracture resistance, followed by fully crystallized LDS, while hybrid ceramic had the lowest value. However, fracture resistance values of all tested materials exceeded normal masticatory forces.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Fully crystallized LDS demonstrated high fracture resistance, supporting its safe use even at minimal thicknesses while reducing chairside time. Findings of this study guide clinicians in selecting the appropriate restorative material and preparation design for posterior teeth, supporting minimally invasive approaches without compromising mechanical performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"640-647"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149197042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphometric Comparison of the Nasopalatine Canal in Older Adults with Anterior Edentulism vs Young Adults: A Comparative Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study.","authors":"Suhelen V Colindres-Rodriguez, Jhoana M Llaguno-Rubio, Gustavo A Fiori-Chincaro, Luis E Arriola-Guillén","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to compare the morphometric characteristics of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) between older adults with anterior edentulism and young adults with natural dentition, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for assessment.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A retrospective, comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 66 CBCT volumes: 32 from individuals with anterior edentulism and 34 from individuals with complete dentition. All tomographic scans were obtained following standardized exposure parameters and individual positioning protocols. The variables evaluated included the height, width, and angulation of the NPC. A trained and calibrated examiner performed all measurements using specialized imaging software under the supervision of an experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologist. The CBCT scans were acquired using a tomographic unit calibrated according to the manufacturer's quality control protocols, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing Student's <i>t</i>-test and multiple linear regression, with a significance level set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A comparative analysis revealed that the NPC height was significantly greater in the dentate group (11.56 ± 1.82 mm) compared to the edentulous group (10.11 ± 3.28 mm) (<i>p</i> = 0.029). Conversely, the canal width was significantly larger in the edentulous group (3.28 ± 1.21 mm) than in the dentate group (2.68 ± 0.72 mm) (<i>p</i> = 0.017). There were no statistically significant differences in the angulation of the NPC between the two groups (<i>p</i> = 0.182). Additionally, sex was the only variable that significantly affected the NPC height; males exhibited an increase of 0.27 mm compared to females (95% CI: 0.18-0.85 mm; <i>p</i> = 0.027).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Tooth loss significantly influences the morphometric dimensions of the NPC. Specifically, a reduction in canal height and an increase in canal width were observed in edentulous patients. These morphometric changes should be carefully considered during preoperative assessment and implant planning in the anterior maxillary region.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>This understanding of the morphometric features of the NPC in edentulous patients is essential for enhancing surgical planning and reducing the likelihood of intraoperative and postoperative complications, including hemorrhage, neurosensory changes, and failures in implant osseointegration.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"561-566"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149197083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Peroxide-based and Peroxide-free Over-the-counter Tooth-whitening Products on Enamel Surface Roughness and Microhardness: An <i>In Vitro</i> Study.","authors":"Sarah Abomelha, Sultan Binalrimal","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare the effects of peroxide-free phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid-based whitening formulation (PAP+), carbamide peroxide (CP), hydrogen peroxide (HP), artificial saliva, and citric acid positive control protocols on enamel surface roughness and microhardness at baseline, after staining, after bleaching, and after 30-day artificial-saliva storage.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Fifty extracted human premolars were sectioned to expose buccal enamel, polished, and randomized into five groups (<i>n</i> = 10): Negative control (artificial saliva), HiSmile PAP+ with light activation, Opalescence PF 15% CP, Pola Day 7.5% HP, and positive control (0.25% citric acid). Specimens were stained with brewed coffee for 7 days at 37°C, treated according to the allocated protocol over 6 days, and stored in artificial saliva for 30 days. Surface roughness average (Ra, μm) was measured using three-dimensional non-contact optical profilometry, and surface microhardness was measured as Vickers hardness number (VHN). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 with alpha = 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Surface roughness increased most markedly in the positive control group after bleaching and remained elevated after 1 month. Among the bleaching products, PAP+ and HP showed lower numerical Ra values than CP after treatment; however, this difference should be interpreted cautiously because the standard deviations overlapped and the positive control group showed the dominant roughness increase. Microhardness decreased after staining in all groups and partially recovered after bleaching and artificial-saliva storage, except in the positive control group, which remained the most demineralized.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products produced measurable but formulation-dependent changes in enamel surface roughness and microhardness under the present <i>in vitro</i> conditions. The tested PAP+ formulation containing hydroxyapatite showed the least sustained alteration among the bleaching products.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Clinicians should counsel patients that OTC whitening products may transiently affect enamel surface integrity and that adjunctive remineralization strategies may support enamel recovery after bleaching.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"567-576"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149197010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging the Digital Gap: Knowledge and Practice of Digital Dentistry among Indian Dental Surgeons.","authors":"Awanindra K Jha, Sandeep Kumar, Santosh K Verma, Om Prakash, Shantala R Naik, Surender Kumar","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Digital dentistry is the use of digital technologies for better quality and individualized oral healthcare. It includes clinical and administrative application within dental clinics and dental laboratories. Digital dentistry had changed day-to-day practices in clinical dentistry. Modern systems is user and patient-friendly which reduces treatment duration and patient waiting time for final prosthesis.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among registered dental surgeons working in urban and rural area of Eastern India. The online questionnaire along with cover letter and sent through email and other digital modes. The study was conducted among dental surgeons working in government or private organizations in Eastern India from April 2025 to March 2026.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included a total of 600 participants employed in the government (49.5%) and private sectors (50.5%) of Eastern India. There was a significant difference in knowledge scores between participants from the private sector and those from the government sector (<i>p</i> = 0.005). A higher attitude score was also found in the private sector (<i>p</i> = 0.024), indicating a more positive or favorable attitude towards the use of digital dentistry.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dentists practicing in private sector or dental clinics had more knowledge, attitude, and practice skills regarding digital technology compared to their colleagues in working in government organizations. Patients in rural areas have less demand and awareness regarding alternative digital technology.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>The dental clinical practice has changed in modern era. The foundation of better accuracy with the adaptation of modern digital technology has changed the patient perception, of oral and dental health care. Bridging this gap requires not just technology, but policy changes in government hospitals.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"620-624"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149197058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the Effect of Abrasive Microparticle Root Canal Irrigants on Dentin Microhardness: An <i>In Vitro</i> Comparative Study.","authors":"Taif R Ghafil, Hussain F Al-Huwaizi","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the effect of zirconia microparticle irrigation solution on dentin microhardness by particle size, weight, and ultrasonic activation (UA) time, comparing its effect with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 112 palatal roots of maxillary first molars were instrumented up to 40, 06 and divided into four primary groups according to the irrigation protocol: Group A zirconium oxide (5 μm) subdivided according to the UA time (1, 2.5, and 5 minutes) and powder weight [50 mg and 100 mg per 10 mL normal saline (NS)] into six subgroups (A1-A6), <i>n</i> = 8 for each subgroup, group B zirconium oxide (10 μm) also subdivided according to the UA times and powder weight into six subgroups (B1-B6), <i>n</i> = 8 for each subgroup, group C EDTA 17%, (<i>n</i> = 8), group D normal saline, (<i>n</i> = 8). The roots were sectioned longitudinally into two halves, then three points within each half were examined, corresponding to the coronal, middle, and apical. Vickers microhardness tests were completed, including three measurements at three points on each half, and the mean value of the three measurements within each half was taken. The repeated-measures and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used for assessing the microhardness. Dunnett's two-sided test was used for multiple comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most subgroups exhibited higher microhardness mean values than EDTA; however, a statistically significant difference was observed only at the apical third of subgroup A6.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The abrasive irrigant, under specific powder weight, particle size, and UA time, resulted in higher Vickers hardness (VHN) values.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Substituting EDTA with an abrasive irrigant may increase dentin microhardness, which could contribute to improved resistance to structural degradation and enhance the longevity of endodontically treated teeth. Dentin microhardness may be better preserved by abrasive irrigants than by traditional chelating agents. For teeth to remain strong and structurally sound, dentin hardness must be maintained. Over-softening may make fractures more likely. Clinical results are enhanced, and long-term durability is supported by using irrigants with few side effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"630-639"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149197049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphology and Morphometry of Distal Root Canal System in Mandibular Molars: An Observational Study.","authors":"Tanu Singh, Shubhi Gupta, Saurav Bathla, Md Hafizuddin, Soumya Mishra, Debipriya Ghosh","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3973","DOIUrl":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3973","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the distal root canal system in mandibular molars with special emphasis on apical anatomy and curvature assessment using different techniques.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The distal root of 600 extracted permanent mandibular molars was selected. Radiographs were taken after inserting size 10-15 K-files into the distal root canals were then examined. The radiographic findings were digitized on a computer, the root canal morphology, including the number and type of canals based on Vertucci's classification, was evaluated, and the three different curvature angles were measured from drawings of the same root canal and compared statistically in mesiodistal and buccolingual planes using Schneider, Weine, and long axis (LA) methods. After that clearing technique was performed to evaluate the apical third morphology, including the number of apical foramens, interorifice distance, and presence of isthmus at the level of 2, 4, and 6 mm by using a stereomicroscope with 30× magnification.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A single canal was most common (56.5%), with Vertucci's type I (55.5%) and type II (33.8%) being predominant. Most teeth had 1 (82.8%) or 2 (14.4%) apical foramina. The apical foramen was located short of the anatomical apex (mean deviation 0.869 mm). Isthmuses were most frequent at 2 mm from the apex. Curvature analysis revealed significant differences among methods (<i>p</i> < 0.001): LA axis showed the highest curvatures in the mesiodistal plane (27.7°), while Weine's method recorded the highest in the buccolingual plane (16.2°). Schneider's method consistently underestimated apical curvatures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mandibular molar distal roots are most frequently type I or II, but considerable anatomical variability exists in apical anatomy and curvature. Schneider's method may underestimate curvatures, whereas the LA axis and Weine's methods provide more accurate apical assessment.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Understanding the curvature of the root canal system, particularly in the distal roots of mandibular molars, is crucial for achieving successful endodontic outcomes. Curvatures, especially in the apical third, increase the risk of procedural errors such as ledging, transportation, and instrument separation. This study highlights the variations in curvature measurements based on different radiographic techniques, underscoring the need for clinicians to select the most appropriate method for assessing canal complexity. Techniques like the LA axis and Weine methods provide better insight into apical curvatures and may assist in proper instrument selection, accurate working length determination, and safer canal preparation. These findings can improve treatment predictability and reduce intraoperative complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"598-602"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149197024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiographic Archetypes of Periapical Lesions from Deep Embeddings: A Baseline Weighted ResNet-18 Explainability Study on 3,924 Annotated Periapical Images.","authors":"Khalid H Almadi","doi":"10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims and background: </strong>Here, we present a simple endodontic imaging procedure that leverages expert extensible markup language (XML) annotations of publicly available periapical radiographs.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>To develop a machine-learning model for automated severity classification, this work used a publicly accessible dataset of periapical radiographs with labeled lesions. After building a lesion-level index from XML annotations and aggregating bounding boxes into image-level features, 3,924 radiographs were split into stratified training, validation, and test sets. A weighted residual network (ResNet)-18 model was fine-tuned with a class-balanced loss, achieving optimal performance at the best validation checkpoint. To identify radiographic trends and sources of classification error, model predictions were further examined using confusion metrics, clustering of penultimate embeddings, and visual explanations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Lesion-level analysis identified 6,741 annotated locations across 3,924 radiographs, showing frequent multi-lesion presentations and a predominance of moderate cases. A weighted ResNet-18 model demonstrated middling classification performance, with strong recall for mild lesions but much decreased detection capability for intermediate and severe disease. Interpretability evaluations revealed that the model concentrated on lesion locations for accurate predictions, whereas embedding visualizations and clustering demonstrated that lesion severity resides on a continuum rather than in distinct categories.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We constructed a weighted ResNet-18 model to identify periapical lesion (PL) severity in three categories using the Mendeley periapical radiograph dataset. Our results imply that the model's deep feature representations exhibit distinct radiographic embedding patterns and a well-organized error structure.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>The application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to two-dimensional periapical and panoramic radiographs (PRs) for diagnosing \"Periapical Lesions\" with the complexity of anatomical structures and overlapping artifacts in the oral and maxillofacial (OMF) region would be useful for clinicians in diagnosing and predicting oral disease when integrated with routine electronic health records (EHRs).</p>","PeriodicalId":35792,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice","volume":"27 6","pages":"539-555"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149196462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}