Retention of pit and fissure sealants versus flowable composites in permanent teeth: A systematic review.

Objective: To summarize the available clinical evidence on the relative effectiveness of retention of resin-based pit and fissure sealants (PFS) with that of flowable composites on occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth when evaluated in clinical trials.

Sources: Electronic searches were performed in PubMed and Cochrane Library for the identification of relevant studies, from their inception until February 2020 and an additional search was done with the reference lists of included articles.

Study Selection: The review protocol followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018112805).

Smear Layer Removal and Microhardness Alteration Potential of a Naturally Occurring Antioxidant - An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: It is well-known in the field of endodontics that the presence of a smear layer in the root canals can harbor bacteria and limit the penetration of irrigating solutions and intracanal medications into the dentinal tubules which, in turn, causes the failure of endodontic treatment. Removing the entire smear layer throughout the root canal is essential for the success of endodontic treatment and these chemical agents that facilitate the removal of the smear layer are called chelating agents. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), being the most widely used chelating agent, brings about increased reduction in the microhardness of the root dentin, thereby making it friable.