Radiographs are used by the dentists for the diagnosis, and/or treatment of patients in the majority of the cases. These radiographs have become a third eye to the dentist. Even with the advent of digital imaging there are a large number of dental offices that use conventional methods to obtain the radiographic images. Unfortunately, the conventional radiographic procedures generate certain substances that present as potential challenge to the environment. Although individual dentists generate only small amount of environmentally hazardous wastes, the accumulated waste produced by the profession may have a significant environmental impact, which in turn may pose a risk to the human health. Thus, it becomes extremely important for the proper disposal of materials originated from conventional radiographic methods, in order to minimize the negative environmental impact. This paper addresses the environmental impact of dental radiographic waste and describes measures that can be taken by dentists and their team to reduce the production of potentially harmful wastes.

Nickel titanium rotary shaping files fundamentally changed everything in endodontics; conceptually, procedurally and economically as well. NiTi rotary files made root canal therapy more accessible and kind of fun for dentists, and dental companies were loved for making files that cost four times more than stainless steel hand files but delivered a ten times improvement. The single file systems need no disinfecting, cleaning, sterilizing and organizing the NiTi files, provide optimal cutting efficiency along with better control of file breakage and thus increased patient safety and no risk for cross contamination.

Local anesthetics are the most commonly used drugs in dentistry. Despite preoperative patient evaluation, proper tissue preparation and meticulous administration techniques many local and systemic complications with the local anesthesia or tooth extraction have been reported from time to time. Extension of dental infections from maxillary teeth and other nearby structures to orbital spaces and tissues surrounding the eye present a rare but serious problem with the potential for causing significant impairment. The practioner should be aware of the severe consequences that may result from tooth extraction or local anesthesia.

Objective: To evaluate alternate methods for determining the radio-opacity of restorative resins. Materials and Methods: Disks of five restorative resins were made and placed on the sensor of intraoral X-ray sensor. Exposures were made and the images were generated without using automatic gain control and exported as DICOM files. Gray values were measured from these images using Image-J software. Results: These gray values were used to estimate the equivalent aluminium thickness in mm using the ISO method and using methods described by Vivian et al and Lachowski et al. The equivalent aluminium values obtained from ISO method was statistically compared to the other two methods using ANOVA and Dunnet's test. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. A statistical significant difference was seen for the 2nd method. However, no statistical differences were seen for the 3rd method. Conclusion: The alternate methods are relatively simple to use, non-time consuming, and need no special softwares for calculations.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine current trends in irrigation practice among the practicing dentists in Himachal Pradesh. Methodology: A self prepared questionnaire comprising of 15 questions was e-mailed to 1970 members of the State Dental Council of Himachal Pradesh. The information gathered was the individual irrigant selection, irrigant concentration, smear layer removal, and use of adjuncts to irrigation. Results: A total of 544 replies were evaluated thus making the response rate of 27.6% for the study. Our data indicated that 38% of respondents primarily use sodium hypochlorite, with 61% of them using it at a concentration >5.0%. Only 21% of respondents aimed to remove the smear layer during endodontic treatment with only 7% using an adjunct to irrigation. Antibacterial activity was rated as the most important reason while selecting an irrigant. Conclusion: In spite of the crucial nature of the irrigation step in the endodontic therapy, the results of the study were not very satisfying especially when it comes to the use of adjuncts or newer irrigating systems. Thus there is need to regularly update and gauge the practices adopted by dental practitioners in the state.

Aim: The present study was done to evaluate and compare the effect of different temperatures (400 C, 800 C and 1000 C) on Composite as post endodontic restoration using Naked eye, Digital camera and Radiovisiography (RVG) in forensic analysis. Methodology: An in vitro study was conducted on 42 human teeth with composite as post endodontic restoration exposed to three temperature ranges: 400°C, 800°C and 1,000°C. Results: Composite material studied in the present research offered great resistance to high temperatures, without exhibiting considerable macrostructure variation, in such a way that physical changes (dimensional stability, fissures, cracks, fractures, texture, color, carbonization and incineration) can be identified and associated to each specific temperature range. Conclusion: Dental tissues and materials offer great resistance to the effect of high temperatures. Moreover, they present specific changes (color, texture, fissures, cracks fractures, fragmentation) which might contribute to the process of identifying a corpse, or burned, incinerated or carbonized human remains.

An in-vitro evaluation was done to compare shear bond strength of four self etching primer adhesives to dentin. 75 human extracted molar teeth were selected. The occlusal surface of these teeth was ground to remove coronal enamel and expose dentin. The dentinal surface of each tooth was then abraded using series of silicon carbide (320, 400, 600 grit) abrasive paper. Teeth were divided into 5 groups of 15 teeth each and composite post were then built on the bonded surfaces using Z-100 hybrid composite. The teeth were then fractured applying shearing load through universal testing machine. Shear strength values were in the range of 15.96 to 22.64 Mpa. Clearfil S3 gave highest mean shear bond strength whereas Adhe SE gave lowest value of shear strength. Based on this study it could be concluded that contemporary self etching primer adhesives bond successfully to dentin and also their bonding ability seems to be comparable to conventional total etch system.

Introduction: The determination of a tooth-size to arch length discrepancy in mixed dentition requires an accurate prediction of the mesiodistal width of the unerupted permanent teeth. The Moyers mixed dentition space analysis is the non-radiographic method for detecting tooth-size arch length discrepancies. Moyers analysis was developed for North American children. Anthropological studies reveal that tooth size varies among different races and ethnicities. Aim: The present study was aimed to determine the applicability of Moyers mixed dentition arch analysis in children of Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. Materials and methods: Dental study models of 120 children in age group of 13- 16 years, were analysed who presented with complete eruption of permanent mandibular incisors, maxillary and mandibular canines & premolars. All dentitions were required to be free of any signs of dental pathology or anomalies. Measurements of the mesiodistal dimensions of the mandibular and maxillary teeth were made using a digital caliper with a Vernier scale that was calibrated to the nearest 0.01mm. The values were then subjected to statistical analysis. Results: All tooth groups showed highly significant differences (p<0.001) between mesiodistal widths in male and female subjects. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between actual widths and the Moyers tables at almost all percentile levels, including the recommended 75%. Conclusion: The differences noted between predicted values from the Moyers tables and that of the present investigation might be the result of racial and ethnic diversity.

Aim: All the restorative material whatsoever introduced till-date have an inherent disadvantage of micro-leakage measurable different grades. The present study comparatively evaluates the micro-leakage of glass ionomer restoration with different surface protection methods. Methodology: 36 premolars were obtained without any cracks or restorations for the study. Teeth were stored in distilled water containing thymol crystals till the beginning of the study. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups based on surface protectors used. Group I is GC Fuji Varnish, Group II is vaseline and Group III is G-Coat plus along with GIC restoration. Class V cavities were prepared of dimensions mesio-distal width of 3 mm, occluso-gingival length of 2 mm, and a depth of 1.5 mm on buccal and lingual surfaces with a high-speed hand-piece with air-water spray. Results: Kruskal- Wallis test was applied and Vaseline group showed significantly less micro-leakage compared to G-Coat plus i.e. G-Coat plus exhibited significantly higher microleakage compared to other groups. Conclusion: Evaluation of micro-leakage of glass ionomer cements using various surface protecting agents, Vaseline was considered the best surface protecting agent maintaining the water balance and showing no micro-leakage.

Dental agenesis is the most common developmental anomaly in humans and is frequently associated with several other oral abnormalities. In the literature, some terms are used to describe missing teeth like Oligodontia, Anodontia and Hypodontia. Oligodontia is defined as the developmental absence of six teeth or more, excluding third molars. It can be isolated or as a part of a syndrome such as in ectodermal dysplasia. The present case describes agenesis of permanent teeth which are non-familial and with no apparent systemic abnormalities