The concurrent development of better techniques has resulted in greater understanding of the apical anatomy, greater treatment success, and a more favorable patient response. These developments marked the beginning of the endodontic microsurgery era that began in the 1990s. There is a substantial difference in surgery outcome between those using the microscope and those do not. Use of advanced technology like a microscope, specially designed instruments, improved root end filling materials help to achieve faster wound healing with lesser postoperative complication.

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Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in a working population are very common, occurring predominantly in the low back, neck, and upper limbs. Dentistry is one of the high-risk professions for developing MSD, because of high visual and skill demanding works resulting in prolonged static, as well as uncomfortable postures. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the occupational MSDs and related risk factors among dentists working in North East India. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, specially designed questionnaires were distributed among 200 randomly selected dental practitioners with a work experience of more than 24 months. Results: According to this study, 70.5% of the surveyed dental practitioners have single or multiple symptoms of MSD, especially in the lower back (48%) and neck (24%). Eighty percent of them work with an assistant and 61.5% treats more than five patients/day, 9% worked without any break, 46% takes break once a day and 28% twice a day, 54.5% does regularly exercise , 4% uses loupes and only 5% had proper training in ergonomics. There was a significant correlation between MSDs and gender (P = 0.029) and number of patient treated per day (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The symptoms of MSDs increase with the number of years of practice and number of patient treated per day and are more common among female.

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Background: Combined amalgam-composite restoration capitalizes on the advantageous properties of the two materials and nullifies their individual disadvantages. Aim: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the strengthening effect of combined amalgam-composite restoration on the weakened wall of a dental cavity by measuring the cuspal deflection. Materials and Methods: Ten human maxillary premolar teeth with similar crown size were selected. Each tooth was subjected to a respective procedure and tested in the following sequence: Group 1 (sound teeth), Group 2 (cavity-prepared teeth), Group 3 (amalgam-restored teeth), Group 4 (amalgam-removed teeth), and Group 5 (amalgam-composite restored teeth). The cuspal deflection was measured using strain-gauge methodology. Statistical Analysis: ANOVA test and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons were used. The level of significance was fixed at P < 0.05. Results: The mean cuspal deflection and standard deviation values recorded for buccal cusps of each of the five groups respectively were: 28.70 (8.88), 112.03 (55.93), 86.56 (40.77), 120.50 (59.03) and 59.40 (32.10) and for lingual cusps were: 118.00 (37.46), 178.80 (50.86), 147.47 (47.76), 185.33 (48.29), 151.03 (46.11). A significant difference in the cuspal deflection between the groups with respect to the buccal cusp (P < 0.001) and lingual cusp (P < 0.01) respectively was noted. However, as compared to sound teeth, there was no significant recovery of lost strength in amalgam-restored as well as in amalgam-composite restored teeth. Conclusion: The combination restorative technique cannot be relied upon to reinforce unsupported enamel to a level similar to that provided by dentin.

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Introduction: The use of English as a medium of instruction in the medical and dental schools in Sebha University, Libya has been officially acknowledged for more than 10 years ago; however, given the fact that Libyan students begin their English language learning at a relatively late age, some of them might face difficulties in their academic studies. Furthermore, the question of whether or not Libyan students prefer to be taught in English only has not been answered yet. Objectives: This study aims to find out whether Libyan medical and dental students prefer the use of English as a medium of instruction during their study at Sebha University or not. Methods: A total of 254 Libyan medical and dental students were surveyed. The participants were administered a questionnaire comprised of 18 multiple-choice questions. At the end of the questionnaire the students were asked to write a short paragraph about themselves. The responses of the participants were analyzed and compared using Chi square test. We assume that teaching core subjects in English only might be challenging to students since they lack proficiency in English as a result of learning English at a late age. Results: The results of this study show that the majority of the students surveyed prefer that core subjects be taught in both Arabic and English as this can facilitate the understanding of the material and enables them to improve their English language skills at the same time. Hence, the results of the study support our assumption. Conclusion: The present study provides an insight into the way Libyan medical and dental students view the use of English language as medium of instruction. According to students' views, the use of both students' native and target languages in teaching core subjects can be beneficial in terms of materials comprehension and language skills improvement.

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Objective: To determine the methods of dental local anesthesia employed by UK general dental practice to anesthetize mandibular central incisor teeth and to evaluate any variations with the technique with an increase in experience. Materials and Methods: A total of 233 general dental practitioners attending postgraduate courses in dental local anesthesia and British Endodontic Society meeting completed a written questionnaire. Respondents were requested to provide information on their year and university of qualification, their location of practice and the primary local anesthetic technique employed for pulp extirpation of an inflamed vital mandibular permanent incisor. Analysis was undertaken to determine whether dentists qualified for <5 years, between 5 and 10 years and >10 years adopted different strategies. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results: Buccal infiltration was employed by 110 (49.1%) practitioners. There were significant differences in choice of anesthetic method among practitioners of differing seniority. Conclusions: Buccal infiltration is the most commonly used the local anesthetic method to anesthetize the permanent mandibular central incisor teeth. More experienced practitioners, qualified >10 years, were more likely to employ a combination of methods from the outset.

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