Vivek Hegde

Bio: Vivek Hegde is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Root canal & Gutta-percha. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 6 publications receiving 23 citations.

Mechanical factors influencing success in root canal obturation

Abstract: Root canal treatment (RCT) deals with repairing and saving the tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. Endodontic means treating tooth from inside. Obturation is a process of complete filling and sealing of 3D root canal space with gutta percha as biocompatible sealing material against bacterial growth. The main cause of Endodontic treatment failure is the incomplete sealing of the root canal. The degree of endodontic success needs to be evaluated based on mechanical sealing of root canal cavity with gutta percha also there is a need to quantify measures for evaluating Root canal success. Current paper discusses the effect of mechanical factors on success in this treatment.

Deformation Studies of Endodontic Obturator Tip Using FEM Approach

Abstract: Heated Cutter tips are used by dental surgeons extensively for treating root canal and other obturation procedures. Biocompatible Cutter design involves challenges of both structural and thermal loads in the vicinity of the root canal area . Natural gutta percha is very similar to natural rubber, which is mainly used as filler material to seal off the prepared root canal cavity against bacterial infections. The cutter is being used to heat, soften, condense and cut off the excess gutta percha from the apical region of tooth crown with ease. The Gutta Percha Cutter Tip geometry is selected initially based on ideal root canal geometry available. The cutter tip is being heated by a suitable heating mechanism to 300˚C for 3 to 5 seconds. There is cyclic effect of heating tip temperatures on inner point in tip. Thermo-mechanical analysis of Gutta Percha Cutter tip is carried out in ANSYS10.0, which gives the combined stress pattern and deformation pattern on the tip. FEA is a proven cost saving tool and can reduce design cycle time therefore it can be used as accurate tool to investigate thermo-mechanical stress and deformation pattern on cutter tip, and it will ensure minimal effects of combined stresses in tip on the inner wall of prepared root canal cavity.

Root Canal Filling Process Enhancement in Simulated Dental Blocks Using a Novel Device

Abstract: Root Canal Treatment is performed to save infected tooth. The study has been done to enhance the filling of Gutta Percha (material) in biomechanically prepared dental blocks (DENTSPLY) using vibratory energy during compaction. Two groups of samples, each containing ten blocks was obturated. First group samples were obturated with conventional down-pack technique (Heat & Compaction) for varying frequency of vibration at the dental tip (10–100 Hz). Sample weights were recorded before & after filling. This was followed by obturation over the same blocks using new proposed method (heat, vibration & compaction) and the weights were recorded after vibration aid. The same experiment was performed for the second group (of 10 samples) for constant frequency (50 Hz) at the dental tip. A statistical test (Student-t test) for these groups showed 21% enhancement over the conventional method. The variation in the results in the two groups was found insignificant based on 1-way ANOVA.

The effectiveness of ergonomics interventions in reducing upper limb work-related musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in sonographers, surgeons and dentists: a systematic review.

Abstract: The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the effects of ergonomics interventions on work-related upper limb musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, and on productivity in sonographers, surgeons and dentists. A total of 31 studies were included. All studies reported effects on upper limb pain. Nine studies reported effects on dysfunction and only two studies reported effects on productivity. Moderately strong evidence in reducing upper limb pain was found for instigation of microbreaks into long duration surgical procedures, and the use of wider, lighter handles in dental instruments. Moderate evidence was also found for use of prismatic glasses and favourable positioning in reducing upper limb pain. Weak, inconsistent or no evidence was found for all other ergonomics interventions in reducing upper limb pain and dysfunction and increasing productivity. The lack of high quality research, particularly in sonographers and in the outcome of productivity, should be addressed. Practitioner summary: This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions on upper limb pain, dysfunction and productivity in sonographers, dentists and surgeons. Instigation of microbreaks during long duration procedures and the use of wider, lighter instrument handles were most effective in reducing upper limb work-related pain. Abbreviations: ANOVA: analysis of variance; CLS: conventional laparoscopic surgery; DMAIC: define, measure, analyze, improve and control; GRADE: grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations; HD: high definition; PRISMA: preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses; PROSPERO: The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; RCT: randomised control trial; SILS: single incision laparoscopic surgery; VITOM: video telescopic operative microscope; WNSWLHD: Western New South Wales Local Health District; WMSD: work related musculoskeletal disorder.

Design and Evaluation of an Arm Support for Prevention of MSDs in Dentists

Abstract: Based on the previous study among the dentists in India; neck, shoulder and back are at high risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The same study suggests that, providing an arm support does have direct effect on reduction of pain in high risk areas. The purpose of this study is to design an arm support (extension) to fulfill this need. Various geometries of dental chairs have been considered to make sure it is compatible with most of the unit chairs. A 3D CAD model has been created using CATIA. This model is fabricated with a plastic 3D printer. Model has been created in such a way to get attached to the head rest of dental units. Dentists with high risk of MSDs were shortlisted from previous study. This population is used for evaluation of device. RULA ergonomic assessment is calculated to support the observation.

A Review of Contemporary Research on Root Canal Obturation and Related Quality Assessment Techniques

Abstract: The objectives of this article were to review the literature on endodontic procedures published in various journals during the last two decades. The various obturation techniques, viz. single -cone technique, multiple-cone technique, chemo-plasticized gutta-percha, thermo-plasticized injectable gutta-percha, obturation using pastes, and SPAD/resorcinol formaldehyde, have been described and compared. The various methods used for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of micro-leakage, viz. micro-computed tomography, radiography, CT scans, cone-beam computed tomography, scanning electron microscope, fluid filtration method, dye penetration test, and bacterial leakage technique, have been described and studied by various researchers. The consultation with endodontic experts indicates that substantial improvements can be recommended on obturation procedure, and also, a few modifications may be required in obturation devices from productivity as well as ergonomics point of view. A total of 250 research papers and patents (19 Nos) have been shortlisted for conducting literature survey. The shortlisted paper was classified into various categories, viz. root canal obturation techniques (63 Nos), micro-leakage evaluation techniques (80 Nos), and root canal obturation sealing ability (75 Nos), root canal obturator design (36 Nos), and root canal geometrical parameters (25 Nos). The following statements are deduced from the above literature survey: (1) End outcome of the comparison of the various techniques revealed that warm vertical condensation is the best technique. (2) Consultation with the experts revealed that there is a need of obturator device which combines heat and vibration source. (3) The fluid filtration is the best technique as compared to other experimental techniques. Micro-computed tomography is the best qualitative and nondestructive technique. (4) There is a need for the development of an analytical model which can quantify the root canal obturation.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Orthodontists: Risk Factors and Ergonomic Intervention

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) prevalence was highest among the orthodontists and oral physicians compared to the general population working in different environments. This study aims to explore ergonomic issues in the orthodontic workplace in small to medium-scale dental clinics in Metro Manila. Assessments were made on the physical workstation set-up of the orthodontic clinic – the design, equipment, tools/instruments, environmental hazards, and the manner in which the workers perform their tasks. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Generic Job Stress Questionnaire were used to gather critical information about MSDs. Anthropometric measurements were taken and used in the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to determine the most risky orthodontic tasks. It was found that all orthodontists reported body pains and the highest occurrence had been in the neck (87%), lower back (87%), shoulders (83%), upper back (80%), and forearms (77%). The factors significantly associated with the discomfort scores were age, weekly working hours, workload, and posture. Among the tasks most commonly performed, tooth extraction puts the orthodontists at the highest risk of developing MSDs. To reduce the prevalence of MSDs symptoms among Filipino orthodontists, some of the ergonomic interventions are (1) designing ergonomic workstations to better fit the population, (2) employing certain administrative controls and (3) modifying how tasks are performed.