Taurodontism is a morpho-anatomical developmental anomaly rarely seen in teeth and usually found in association with other anomalies or as a part of syndrome. It is characterised by lack of constriction at the level of cementoenamel junction with elongated pulp chambers and apical displacement of bifurcation or trifurcation of roots. This gives the tooth a rectangular or cylindrical appearance. Endodontic treatment of a taurodont tooth is challenging, because it requires special care in handling and identifying the number of root canals. A case of endodontic treatment of a maxillary first molar with hypertaurodontism not associated with any syndrome is presented.

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Patients seek orthodontic treatment for correction of malocclusion and aesthetic improvement. A strong correlation between labially placed teeth and gingival recession has been found. If such cases are left untreated with or without orthodontic therapy, it may lead to an increase in the severity of the disease. A similar case of a 21-year-old male patient with gingival recession in the mandibular anterior region is reported. The patient was successfully treated using a free gingival graft technique. This technique not only improves the aesthetic aspect but also avoids future attachment loss and thus makes the patient more stable for further orthodontic treatment. The aim behind the treatment of gingival recession is not only to cover the exposed root surface, but also to improve aesthetics and reduce dentinal hypersensitivity. Different soft tissue-grafting procedures have been proposed for the treatment of gingival recession, of which free gingival graft is the most reliable one. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the importance of root coverage prior to orthodontic treatment and to describe the planning for successful treatment which will improve the overall periodontal status of the patient.

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Aim: The study aimed at obtaining glucose readings using gingival crevicular blood (GCB) to screen for undiagnosed diabetes during routine dental visits. Materials and Methods: The present study included 50 patients who were divided into two groups, i.e. Group A and Group B, based on bleeding on probing at the site of collection of GCB. Group A participants had blood collected from sites having adequate bleeding on probing, whereas Group B participants had blood collected from sites with little bleeding on probing. GCB and capillary finger-stick blood (CFB] glucose readings were obtained using a self-monitoring glucometer. Statistical Analysis: Correlations between both the samples were done using Pearson's correlation. Results: Group A patients' correlations between GCB and CFB glucose readings were high, whereas in Group B patients, correlations between glucose readings were low. Conclusion: GCB can be an excellent source for screening diabetes during routine dental visits.

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Dento-alveolar bony defects are common and occur due to a variety of causes, such as, pulpal pathology, traumatic tooth extraction, advanced periodontal disease, implant failure, tumor or congenital anomalies. These defects often cause a significant problem in dental treatment and rehabilitation. Many techniques exist for effective soft and hard tissue augmentation. The approach is largely based on the extent of the defect and specific procedures to be performed for the implant or prosthetic rehabilitation. This article presents case reports of soft and hard tissue ridge augmentation.

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A thorough knowledge of root canal anatomy along with the anatomical variations that may be present is essential for success of endodontic therapy. Unusual presentations in the number of the roots or the canals should be expected in every tooth. Mandibular second premolars are thought of as having a single root and canal. Studies have stated that the prevalence of three canals with three orifices in this tooth is 0.4%. The mandibular second premolar is particularly difficult to treat owing to the fact that a wide variation in the number, location and curvature of the roots and canals exist. Added to this is the fact that the access opening is restricted and location of the lingually placed orifices is difficult. This case report details the re-treatment of a mandibular second premolar with three canals and three separate orifices using the surgical microscope.

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Background: Endodontic sealers are designed to be used only within the root canal but are frequently extruded through the apical constriction and often placed in intimate contact with periapical tissues for extended periods of time. Hence, assessment of biocompatibility of endodontic sealers is critical to the clinical success of endodontic therapy. Materials and Methods: Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 6 each for observation after completion of 14, 30 and 90 days following implantation, respectively. Polyethylene tubes filled with new sealer, and tube without sealer [control] were implanted subcutaneously. The sample subcutaneous tissues from sacrificed rats were analyzed histologically for inflammatory response and were graded with FDI criteria as minimal, moderate and severe. Results were analyzed statistically with Student's t-test and ANOVA tests. Results : Inflammatory reaction to the polyethylene tube was minimal at 14 and 90 days period and to the new sealer it was severe at 14 days and moderate at 30 and 90 days period. Conclusions: 1. Cytotoxicity of the individual ingredient of the new sealer should be investigated to find out its chemical reaction occurring at tissue interface resulting in persistence of inflammation. 2. This subcutaneous implantation method is a practical method for qualitative evaluation of endodontic material and can yield exact detailed information about tissue reaction of material on a cellular level. 3. Hence, animal study is positive, efficient and valuable method to carry out research successfully in dentistry.

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Background: Various enzymes have been assessed as biochemical markers and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is one such marker that has received considerable attention recently. Analysis of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has been pursued as a means of identifying the sites undergoing active disease. A problem central to periodontology today is the inability to detect actively deteriorating sites and highly susceptible patients other than by longitudinal observations of attachment. Hence, AST levels from samples of GCF can be taken as an indication for active periodontal tissue destruction. Aim: To estimate the levels of AST in the GCF in periodontal health and disease. Materials and Methods: This study was an in vivo, case control, and clinico-biochemical assay. Eighty samples were selected which were divided into four groups of 20 patients each based on Russell's Periodontal Index. Statistical analysis: The values obtained for AST level in the different groups were subjected to Student's " t" test. Results: The mean of AST level showed an increase from Group I to Group IV. These values ran parallel with the values of clinical index, i.e. more severe the inflammation, higher the index score and higher was the AST level. Conclusions: It was concluded that as the severity of inflammation increases, there is a significant increase in the AST levels suggesting that there is a direct relationship between the AST levels in the GCF and periodontal destruction.

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