Background: The use of electronic apex locators for working length determination eliminates many of the problems associated with the radiographic measurements (interference of anatomical structures, errors in projection such as elongation or shortening, and lack of three-dimensional representation). Its most important advantage over radiography is that it measures the length of the root canal to the apical constriction, not to the radiographic apex. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a new fifth generation apex locator (Joypex 5) in recording the apical constriction and comparing it with a third generation apex locator (Root ZX) in vitro. Materials and method: Twenty four single-rooted sound human premolars, extracted for the purpose of orthodontic treatment and with fully-formed roots, were used in this study. Endodontic access cavity was prepared in each tooth and canal patency up to the apical foramen was checked with a #15 stainless steel K-file. No root canal preparation was performed. Root canal length measurement was done directly and electronically using two apex locators (Joypex 5 and Root ZX). Direct measurement of the root canal length was done by introducing a #15 K-file inside the root canal until its tip was just visible at the apical foramen, then removed from the root canal and its length was measured (in mm) and subtracted by 0.5 mm. For electronic measurement, the teeth were fixed in a sponge soaked in saline and the root canals were also filled with saline. The lip electrode was attached to the sponge and the apex locators were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. The file holder was clipped to the metal shaft of a #15 K-file and the file was then inserted inside the root canal and advanced until the display reading on the LCD of the apex locator was "0.5". The file was then removed from the root canal and its length was measured (in mm). The differences between the readings of each apex locator and the actual length of each canal were computed, and the results were analyzed statistically by paired t-test using SPSS Version 13. Results: The results of this study showed that the Joypex 5 apex locator showed a lower mean difference than the Root ZX apex locator as compared with the actual length, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Concerning the accuracy of the two apex locators, Joypex 5 apex locator recorded the apical constriction exactly in 67%, while the Root ZX apex locator in only 25%. Within ±0.5 mm from the actual length, the accuracy of the Joypex 5 and the Root ZX were 83% and 67%, respectively. Within ±1 mm from the actual length, the accuracy of the Joypex 5 and the Root ZX were 100% and 96%, respectively. Conclusion: The Joypex 5 apex locator which is a fifth generation apex locator was more accurate in recording the apical constriction as compared with the Root ZX apex locator which is a third generation apex locator.
Moringa oleifera L. and red pomegranate extracts have been reported to inhibit gram-positive facultative anaerobe growth and inhibit the formation of biofilm on tooth surfaces. The current study aimed to assess the antibacterial effect of M. oleifera L. and red pomegranate extracts and their combinations against Porphyromonas gingivalis. The antimicrobial sensitivity, minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentrations after treatment with the aqueous extracts of M. oleifera L. and red pomegranate as well as their combination against clinically isolated P. gingivalis were determined using agar well diffusion and two-fold serial dilution. The anti-biofilm activity of the extracts and their combination was evaluat
... Show MoreBackground: This study was conducted to evaluate the surface roughness and dimensional accuracy of commercially obtainable alginate impression material in terms of imbibition after immersion in two different media. Materials and method: Two disinfecting agents, ethanol 70% and povidone-iodine 4%, were used to access the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of alginate impression material. Weights of specimen discs of alginate impressions were measured before and immediately after immersion to gain a measure of imbibition. For surface roughness, disinfected specimens rectangle was examined before and after disinfection. Results: Minimal changes in weight were observed after disinfection, but a statistically non-significant differenc
... Show MoreBackground: Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of using a hot material in the root canal and its potential for causing damage to the tooth supporting structure. Materials and methods: thirty permanent premolars were obturated with thermoplasticized Gutta-Percha using three different obturation techniques: soft core, Thermafil, and obtura to evaluate the rise in temperature on the root surface using a multipurpose digital thermometer. Results: temperature increases was significantly greater for Obtura versus Soft core (p<0.003), not significant for Thermafil versus Soft core (p<0.087), and Thermafil versus Obtura (p<0.125). Conclusions: temperatures rise on the root surface were below the critical level and, therefore, s
... Show MoreBackground: Antimicrobial agents have been considered as having potential for the prevention of dental caries. This study aimed to test the effect of different concentrations of cardamom and black tea extracts on the sensitivity and growth of salivary mutans streptococci in comparison to chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2%) in vitro. Materials and methods: In this study. Mutans streptococci were isolated from saliva of 34 healthy people (aged between 22-40yrs). The bacteria was isolated, purifiedand diagnosed according to morphologicalcharacteristic and biochemical tests. Aqueous extracts of cardamom and black tea were prepared. Different concentrations of extracts were prepared and estimated in gm/ 100ml deionized water. The agar diffusion techn
... Show MoreThis study was conducted with the aim to extract and purify a polyphenolic compound “ Resveratrol†from the skin of black grapes Vitis vinifera cultivated in Iraq. The purified resveratrol is obtained after ethanolic extraction with 80% v/v solution for fresh grape skin, followed by acid hydrolysis with 10% HCl solution then the aglycon moiety was taken with organic solvent
( chloroform). Using silica gel G60 packed glass column chromatography with mobile phase benzene: methanol: acetic acid 20:4:1 a
... Show MoreBackground: Esthetic correction represents one of the clinical conditions that required the use of laminate veneers in premolars region. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of the laminate veneers in maxillary first premolars, fabricated from either composite (direct and indirect techniques) or ceramic CAD/CAM blocks. Materials and Methods: Fifty sound human maxillary premolar teeth were used in this in vitro study. Teeth were divided randomly into one control group and four experimental groups of ten teeth each; Group A: Restored with direct composite veneer (Filtek Z250 XT), Group B: Restored with indirect composite veneers (Filtek Z250 XT), Group C: Restored with lithium disilicate ceramic CA
... Show MoreIn this study, a bioadhesive dosage form of eoconazole nitrate for vaginal delivery was designed using a combination of bioadhesive polymers: Carbopol 941 p and sodium carboxymethylcellulose or methylcellulose in different ratios. The bioadhesive strength was evaluated by measuring the force required to detach the tablet from sheep vaginal mucosal membrane. It was found that the bioadhesive force was directly proportional to Carbopol 941 p content in the different formulae. The formulae were tested for their swelling behavior using agar gel plate method. The results showed that formulae containing a combination of Carbopol 941 p and sodium carboxymethylcellulose had greater swelling index
... Show MoreAim: The present study aims to improve the poor water solubility of zaltoprofen which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) with a potent analgesic effect using solid dispersion then formulate it as a hollow type suppository to be more convenient for geriatric patients. Materials and Method: Zaltoprofen solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation technique in different zaltoprofen: Soluplus® ratios. Results: Among the formulations tested, zaltoprofen solid dispersion preparation using 1:5 (zaltoprofen: Soluplus®) ratio showed the highest solubility and selected for further investigation. Solid dispersion characterization was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction study (XRD) and Fou
... Show MoreMarriage is a holly secret in Christian religion .So it id natural that its ceremonies acquired religious form .In general the marriage is contracted by minister of religion in presence of the two parties or by a proxy or presence of parents if it is necessary . And to make the condition of publicity for the marriage ,its procedures must be made before witnesses .Also the minister of religionhave to confirm the agreement of the two parties before beginning the procedures.The marriage ceremonies are made.These procedures are religious traditions that includes praying and make blessings and putting the rings in fingers by thepriest . The marriage is a holly secret performed by the crown pray according to the church religious traditions