Diabetes and periodontitis are both chronic inflammatory diseases, which contribute significantly to morbidity and are a major health care burden. There have always been supposed bidirectional links between the two diseases. The exact mechanism of how one affects the other still remains a mystery although various theories are postulated. However, we do know that the treatment of one favorably affects the other.

Research, in the broadest sense, includes gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. It is a systematic investigation done in order to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or develop new theories. A good research is an offshoot of a good design. Research (study or experimental) design is the backbone of good research. It is the framework that has been created to seek answers to research questions. Designing a research project takes time, skill and knowledge. If designing is not done scrupulously, errors may creep into the research at various stages of planning, designing, conducting, analyzing, reporting, and publishing of research output. These errors may distort the results leading to invalid conclusions. The only way to not let these errors occur is to avoid them to the maximum possible extent by gaining comprehensive knowledge about each error and applying measures to control and minimize them. Perfect health research does not exist but a high quality research certainly exists.

Research in field of periodontology has seen an expansion in the past few decades, which has led to a greater understanding of the disease. Recent research has changed how we think about the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Although bacteria are essential for causing periodontitis, the reaction of the host's immune system is accountable for the majority of the destruction found in periodontal disease. Novel risk factors are being identified and it has been established that environmental and genetic factors may alter the course of periodontal disease. Research in the past decades has indicated that oral health influences overall health and the course of some systemic diseases. Recently, the focus has shifted to an evidence-based approach, which connects the laboratory and clinical data to therapeutic decision-making. Thus, the ultimate aim of all the ongoing research is to prevent the occurrence of disease, control the ongoing disease, and treat the damage already done.

To improve the long-term prognosis of teeth, the treatment of periodontal diseases has evolved from resection to regeneration. Regeneration of the supporting structures of the teeth involves the use of a variety of materials of natural and synthetic origins. The ultimate aim of a true connective tissue attachment to the cementum, however, is difficult to achieve and a few of the materials have shown promising results. Autogenous bone graft obtained from the same individual has always been considered the gold standard because of its high osteogenic potential and virtually nil side effects. The present paper describes the use of autogenous grafts in the periodontal practice. The compilation of the data was done by PubMed search since the first use of the graft in periodontics.

Context: In the recent years, a two-way correlation has been postulated between periodontitis and systemic conditions. One such condition is diabetes mellitus (DM). Several studies have demonstrated a close relationship between DM and chronic periodontitis. Aims: To assess the effect of periodontal therapy and scaling and root planing (SRP) on the metabolic control in type 2 DM patients with chronic periodontitis based on the estimation of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Settings and Design: A prospective, comparative, clinical study was performed on 50 patients suffering from type 2 DM with moderate, generalized chronic periodontitis. The study period was 6 months. Type 2 moderately controlled diabetic patients with glycated hemoglobin values within the range of 6-8% were selected. Patients with major diabetic complications, history of any antibiotic intake or periodontal treatment within the last 4 months, and smoking habits were excluded. Materials and Methods: The parameters recorded were gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and glycated hemoglobin. The recordings were done at baseline and 6 months after scaling and root planing procedures. HbA1c was measured by NycoCard Reader. Statistical Analysis Used: Karl-Pearson coefficient test, Z-test, and paired t-test. Results: Reductions in all the clinical parameters were observed and were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Scaling and root planing resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the clinical parameters and HbA1c. So, periodontal treatment should be included in the management of diabetic patients.

Background: Periodontal inflammation causes an increased production of reactive oxidative stress leading to the production of reactive oxidative species, which causes tissue damage. Various studies have shown that Melatonin hormone is a potent antioxidant. Aim: To assess and compare the total antioxidant capacity and melatonin hormone level in saliva of healthy women, women with chronic periodontitis in reproductive and postmenopausal age groups, so as to render a comprehensive treatment in future. Materials and Methods: Total of 80 women were selected and divided into 4 groups. 20 aged 24-35 yr as group A with GI <1, 20 as group B aged 24-35 yr with GI ≥1 and CAL ≥3 mm. 20 aged 47-55 yrs as group C with GI <1 and 20 aged 47-55 yrs as group D with GI ≥1 and CAL ≥3 mm. Saliva samples were collected from all the groups and estimated for Total Antioxidant Levels and Melatonin hormone. Results were subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical analysis: The data obtained was subjected to student t test. Results: In the present study, there was significant reduction in both parameters in women with periodontitis when compared to healthy groups in both age groups with statistical significance P < 0.005 in reproductive age group. Conclusion: Salivary Melatonin could be used not only as one of the markers of the periodontal disease progression but also could be employed as an adjunct to traditional periodontal therapy in the therapeutic front owing to its protective nature.

Introduction: To compare the effects of hyaluronan (Gengigel) alone and in combination with scaling using clinical, microbial, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) parameters. Materials and Methods: In this, the three treatment groups included were scaling, scaling plus local application of Gengigel, and Gengigel alone. The 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) gel was applied topically and intrasulcularly 0.8% hyaluronan was applied. The clinical parameters, and microbial and biochemical analyses of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) LDH were assessed. Intragroup comparisons were made by Student's unpaired t-test and intergroup comparisons were done using one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Turkey's test. Results: At the end of study period (0-56 day), intergroup comparison demonstrated no significant reduction in plaque index (PI) (0.07 NS), gingival index (GI) (0.99 NS), and LDH (0.70 NS) values. A significant correlation was found between LDH values and bleeding index at all study intervals (0 days, 28 days, and 56 days); gingival index (GI) (0.007 S) was significantly correlated on day 0 and day 56. The microbial reduction was demonstrated. Conclusion: These changes in the clinical, microbial, and biochemical parameters reported with the different treatment modalities clearly support that the use of Gengigel would act as an advantageous adjunct to scaling. Further studies are required to confirm the Gengigel effect using histologic methods.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of sodium fluoride, strontium chloride, methyl prednisolone, and distilled water (control) with iontophoresis in treating hypersensitivity. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 64 subjects fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria who were evaluated for hypersensitivity using tactile, air blast, and cold water tests. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups - group A: 2% sodium fluoride, group B: 10% strontium chloride, group C: 0.125% methyl prednisolone, and group D: distilled water (control). The subjects were evaluated for 6 weeks and their responses were recorded on the verbal rating scale. All the reagents were administered through iontophoresis. In the in vitro study, a total of 32 dentin specimens were obtained, which were randomly divided into four groups. The above mentioned reagents were applied onto the dentin specimens through iontophoresis, the unit of which was available in the department, and were evaluated under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: After the statistical analysis, it was found that comparison between group A and group B was nonsignificant, whereas comparison between groups A and C, groups A and D, groups B and C, groups B and D, and groups C and D were significant. In SEM analysis, maximum numbers of occluded tubules were seen with sodium fluoride. Conclusions: Clinically, a single application of iontophoresis with 2% sodium fluoride, 10% strontium chloride, and 0.125% methyl prednisolone proved to be a better therapeutic agent in comparison with distilled water. The SEM results also related with clinical finding in that reduction in the patency of tubules was associated with improvement in treatment efficacy.

There is compelling evidence that treponemes are involved in the etiology of several chronic oral diseases, including chronic periodontitis and other forms of periodontal disease. Treponema denticola suppresses fibroblast proliferation, enhancement of collagen phagocytosis by gingival fibroblasts, and the activation of both the classic and the alternative pathways of human complement. It was further shown to perturb actin regulating pathways in host cells. Recent advances, especially in molecular-based methodologies, have greatly improved our knowledge of this bacterium and its role in disease. An electronic and manual search based on agreed search phrases between the primary investigator and a secondary investigator was performed for the literature review until the year 2014. PubMed/MEDLINE databases were searched for studies to identify appropriate articles in relation to T. denticola and its virulence factors. The articles that were identified by this systematic review (total of 150) were analyzed in detail, which included the study of inference and conclusion. Within the limits of this systematic review, it can be concluded that T. denticola induces immune inflammatory response in periodontitis subjects. Procedures for gene inactivation provide a basis for characterizing the virulence factors of T. denticola, and thereby establishing its role as a teammate with other virulent plaque microorganisms in the process of tissue destruction.

Odontogenic cysts are the most common form of cystic lesions that affect the maxillofacial region. The low frequency of dentigerous cysts in children has been reported in dental literature. Dentigerous cysts arise as a result of cystic change in the remains of the enamel organ after the process of enamel formation is complete. They enclose the crown of an unerupted tooth and are attached to the cementoenamel junction. Although most dentigerous cysts are considered developmental cysts, some cases seem to have an inflammatory origin. The purpose of this report is to present a case of an 8-year-old male patient with a dentigerous cyst of inflammatory origin.

Ideal coronal reconstruction of a fractured tooth is still a challenge for restorative dentistry. Many post systems are available but none of them have all the ideal biological and mechanical properties. In this case report a "dentin post" was used for the reinforcement of fractured endodontically treated tooth by virtue of its biomimetic property. Following root canal treatment, a post space was prepared. A direct wax impression was made of the post space. A freshly extracted maxillary cuspid was used to prepare a dentin post, which was then verified in the post space. The dentin post was then luted with dual-cure resin in the canal. Biological dentin posts are considered a good alternative to conventional post systems as they preserve internal dentin walls and provide excellent adhesion and resilience, similar to the natural tooth structure.

The aim of this article is to present the use of autogenous bone graft for regenerative management of infrabony and furcation osseous defects. A trephine bur (Auto Chip Maker ^® ) was used to obtain autograft from the anterior mandibular region. It is considered as the "gold standard" bone graft, but the difficulty in harvesting it and the increased chairside time have reduced its popularity. This report highlights the use of Auto Chip Maker ^® to harvest autograft for management of periodontal osseous defects.

One of the important stages in endodontic therapy is to restore the tooth with a stable restoration for mastication and aesthetic purposes. Posts have been used effectively and successfully for postendodontic restorations. This case report presents the use of a new post system - I post, a prefabricated metal post with a unique design. Two posterior teeth were restored postendodontically with the I post, with a follow-up of 3 months. The teeth were asymptomatic, and radiographic evidence showed that the posts were in position with no evidence of fracture or coronal leakage. This new post system will go a long way in providing the clinician with a predictable and efficient prosthesis foundation.

Plasma is often called the "fourth state of matter." Its plentiful supply in the nature coupled with its potential antibacterial properties made it a widely used disinfectant in medical sciences. Research on this gas has highlighted its ability to provide pain-free disinfection of even pits and fissures of the occlusal surface of the tooth. This heralded the development of newer devices, such as plasma needle and plasma pen, that are being increasingly used in the field of dental sciences. Increased on-demand esthetic procedures, such as bleaching, are currently in vogue. The ability of free radicals to activate bleaching agents has prompted their use in the esthetic dentistry. Plasma also has the potential to alter surface energy of a substrate prompting its use in different areas of dentistry from restoration of teeth to their replacement with implants.

Implant stability is important for osseointregration; without it, long-term success cannot be achieved. Continuous monitoring in a quantitative and objective manner is important to determine the status of implant stability. Measurement of implant stability is a valuable tool for making decisions pertaining to treatment protocol and it also improves dentist-patient communication. Owing to the invasive nature of histological analysis, various others methods have been proposed such as radiographs, cutting torque resistance, reverse torque, and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). This review focuses on the objectives and various methods to evaluate implant stability.

The clinical practice of yesterday's endodontics becomes the heresy of today, and today's endodontic practice becomes the heresy of tomorrow. The history of endodontics begins in the 17 ^th century. Since then, there have been numerous advances and developments, and research has proceeded continuously without pause. The manufacture of the first instruments for endodontic use dates back to 1875. These early instruments were made by hand from thin steel wires, and they performed the function of modern barbed broaches. In 1955, Ingle was the first to express the need for standardization of canal instruments. In 1965, the American Association of Endodontists adopted the terminology and nomenclature of the proposed standardized system. For many years, the standard cutting instruments have been the reamer, the K-type file, and the Hedstroem file. Recent changes in both metallurgy and endodontic concepts have led to the introduction of a wide range of new instruments. An effort has been made here to present the journey of endodontic instruments from the past to the present.