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 t

Background: The isthmus is a difficult area in the root canal complex to manage. The research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of three different obturation techniques (lateral condensation, EandQ (thermoplasticized gutta percha system) and Soft Core (thermoplasticized core carrier gutta percha system)) to obturate the isthmus area of roots prepared by two different instrumentation techniques (rotary ProTaper universal and ProTaper Next systems). Material and method: Sixty freshly extracted teeth were randomly divided into two main groups (A and B) of 30 teeth each. Group A was prepared by rotary ProTaper Universal whereas group B was prepared by ProTaper Next system. Each main group was then randomly subdivided into three subgroups of 10 t

The thermal properties (thermal transfer and thermal expansion coefficient) of the enhanced epoxy resin (MWCNT / x-TiO₂) were studied by weight ratios with the values (0%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10%) and a constant ratio of 3% of MWCNT. The ultrasonic technology was used to prepare the neat and composites which were then poured into Teflon molds according to standard conditions. Thermo-analyzer sensor technology was used to measure thermal transfer (thermal conductivity, thermal flow, thermal diffusion, thermal energy and heat resistance). The thermal conductivity, flow, and thermal conductivity values were increased sequentially by increasing the weight ratio of the filler while the results of stored energy values an

To assess the biochemical, mechanical and structural characteristics of retained dentin after applying three novel bromelain‑contained chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) formulations in comparison to the conventional excavation methods (hand and rotary) and a commercial papain‑contained gel (Brix 3000). Seventy‑two extracted permanent molars with natural occlusal carious lesions (score > 4 following the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS‑II)) were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 12) according to the excavation methods: hand excavation, rotary excavation, Brix 3000, bromelain‑contained gel (F1), bromelain‑chloramine‑T (F2), and bromelain chlorhexidine gel (F3). The superficial and deepe

This work characterizes the fractographic features of the neat epoxy and ZrO₂ epoxy nanocomposites. All samples were subjected to a tensile test to determine the tensile strength and tensile modulus. SEM images were used to study the morphology of the fractured surface. The fractographic of the fracture surfaces were studied by microstructure analysis program (j-images) to specify the effect of ZrO₂ nanoparticles on tensile performance and failure mechanism for ZrO₂ epoxy nanocomposites. The tensile test results show that the addition of ZrO₂ nanoparticles (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 vol.%) to the epoxy matrix leads to increase the tensile strength about 40% for optimal content of ZrO₂ nanop

This study compared in vitro the microleakage of a new low shrink silorane-based posterior composite (Filtek™ P90) and two methacrylate-based composites: a packable posterior composite (Filtek™ P60) and a nanofill composite (Filtek™ Supreme XT) through dye penetration test. Thirty sound human upper premolars were used in this study. Standardized class V cavities were prepared at the buccal surface of each tooth. The teeth were then divided into three groups of ten teeth each: (Group 1: restored with Filtek™ P90, Group 2: restored with Filtek™ P60, and Group 3: restored with Filtek™ Supreme XT). Each composite system was used according to the manufacturer's instructions with their corresponding adhesive systems. The teeth were th

to evaluate the effect of various Nd:YAG frequency doubled laser parameters on the acid
dissolution and the progression of in vitro caries like lesions in human enamel.
Materials and Methods: Human extracted caries free upper first premolar teeth were collected for
this study. The irradiated teeth were divided into two groups. The first group was irradiated with
continuous Nd:YAG laser radiation, and the second group was irradiated with chopped Nd:YAG laser
radiation. For the first group, power and exposure time were changed while for the second group
power and number of pulses were changed. The spot diameter was kept constant for all the samples.
Results: using 1.5 W and 3 seconds (exposure time), best results among

Objective: Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease that is prevalent worldwide in all age groups. Numerous attempts have been made to develop conservative approaches to halt caries progression and restore enamel defects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of applying grape seed extract and chicken eggshell extract on the microhardness of demineralized enamel in permanent teeth. Methods: Forty-eight sound upper first premolars were used. Following demineralization with the demineralizing solution for 96 hours, they were distributed into four groups consistent with the treatment agent used: group A was treated with casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (as a control group), group B was treated with grape se