Outcome of nonsurgical management of large cyst-like periapical lesions using a modified apical negative pressure irrigation system: a case series study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of a self-constructed modified apical negative pressure irrigation (ANPI) system employing commonly used clinical instruments in nonsurgical root canal therapy (NSRCT) for large cyst-like periapical lesions (LCPLs).

METHODS

From 2017 to 2022, 35 patients diagnosed with LCPLs (5-15 mm) via preoperative clinical and radiographic evaluations of endodontic origin underwent NSRCT combined with ANPI. These patients were subjected to postoperative clinical and radiographic follow-up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years, with a CBCT scan specifically conducted at 6-month follow-up. Through the reconstruction of three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data, an early prognosis was facilitated by monitoring changes in lesion volume. Various treatment predictors-including sex, type of treatment, lesion size, preoperative pain, jaw, type of teeth involved, sealer extrusion, and the number of root canals-were meticulously analyzed. The evaluation of post-treatment outcomes leveraged both clinical observations and radiographic data collected during the follow-up periods. The Kruskal‒Wallis test and one-way ANOVA were also conducted to determine the independent factors influencing treatment outcomes. A significance level of 5% was established.

RESULTS

Thirty-five teeth from 35 patients with a median age of 28 years (range 24-34) were treated; the median follow-up duration was 19 months (range 12-26). The overall success rate was 91.4%, with a median lesion reduction of 77.0% (range 54.2-96.4%) at 6 months. Patients under 30 years of age exhibited a significantly greater success rate than older patients did (100.0% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.037). Other factors, such as sex, jaw, treatment type, preoperative pain, cyst size, tooth location, sealer extrusion, and the number of roots, did not significantly impact treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limitations related to the observational case-series study design and relatively small sample size, our findings suggest that utilizing the ANPI in the NSRCT for LCPLs may hold promise. The notably higher success rate in patients younger than 30 years is worth noting.

Effectiveness of a new endodontic irrigation system for removing smear layer and dissolving simulated organic matter

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to evaluate the potential for the dissolution of organic tissue in areas of simulated complexity and cleaning of root canal walls of the new iVac® endodontic irrigation system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty mandibular premolars were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy before and after biomechanical preparation. Then, they were distributed according to the final irrigation protocol into groups with conventional irrigation, ultrasonic agitation with metallic insert (UA), and iVac® system, and new photomicrographs were obtained. For tissue dissolution analysis, glass capillaries filled with catgut were attached to the cervical and apical thirds of twenty-one prototyped upper incisors. They were weighed before and after the previously mentioned irrigation protocols. The data were statistically compared with a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

The final irrigation provided greater cleaning of the root canal walls in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the root canals (P < 0.05), with no statistically significant difference between UA and iVac®, regardless of the analyzed thirds. Both ultrasonic irrigation protocols dissolved a significantly greater volume than the conventional irrigation protocol (P < 0.05), with no difference between the two protocols (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The iVac® system showed root canal wall cleaning and tissue dissolution similar to UA with a metallic insert, and both were superior to conventional irrigation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The new irrigation system iVac is more effective than conventional irrigation and has similar root canal wall cleaning and tissue dissolution to UA.

Apical Extrusion: Is It an Inherent Occurrence During Every Endodontic Treatment?

The aim of this literature review was to analyze all available scientific data on apical extrusion and to identify and associate the possible factors influencing the occurrence of apical extrusion, ranging from the choice of the canal shaping system, the irrigation technique, to the choice of diameter and the apical limit of preparation. A bibliographic search for relevant articles on apical extrusion of debris, irrigants, and bacteria was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect. This search identified articles published between 2010 and 2023 in two languages (French and English). After selective sorting, 25 relevant documents were included. All the studies retained clearly agree on the inherent nature of apical extrusion during endodontic treatment. At the same time, we also understand that the amount of extrusion can be influenced by a number of parameters throughout endodontic therapy. According to this review, despite the undeniable nature of apical extrusion during endodontic therapy, studies with relatable experimental models that approach in vivo conditions are required to establish exploitable conclusions regarding apical extrusion and its prevention.

Evaluation of irrigant extrusion following the use of different root canal irrigation techniques: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review investigates whether different irrigation techniques have different effects on irrigant extrusion from mature tooth apices. Articles published between January 2000 and January 2022 were searched in six electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane) using appropriate keywords. Overall, 2265 articles were screened by their titles and abstracts. Fifty-six full-text articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Of them, 17 in vitro studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects inverse variance method. The results showed that the negative pressure technique caused a lesser amount (p = 0.00) and frequency (p = 0.00) of extrusion than the open-ended needle irrigation. Sonic and ultrasonic activation caused less amount of extrusion than both open-ended (p = 0.00 or p = 0.01) and closed-ended needle (p = 0.00) irrigation.

Comparison of apical debris extrusion of different generation nickel-titanium instrument systems

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the apical debris extrusion amounts and preparation times of four different nickel-titanium systems with a similar cross-section design-Mtwo, RECIPROC, RECIPROC blue, and VDW.ROTATE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty human mandibular central incisors were divided into four equal groups (n = 20). The test apparatus was inserted into an assembly that provided root canal temperature. Preparation times were recorded using a stopwatch, and the amount of extruded debris was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. After drying, the net amount was determined by subtracting the previously measured Eppendorf tube weights from the total weight.

RESULTS

The Mtwo had the largest amount of debris, but there was no significant difference among the other groups. The VDW.ROTATE completed the preparation in a significantly shorter time than the RECIPROC blue and Mtwo.

CONCLUSION

Compared to other files, the Mtwo sequence produced significantly more debris and required significantly more time to complete the whole root canal preparation.

The Effect of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation and XP-Endo Finisher on Post-operative Pain after Endodontic Retreatment on Patients (Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)

AIM: To evaluate the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation or XP-Endo Finisher on postoperative pain in patients with underextended filling in previously endodontically treated mandibular first molar teeth requiring endodontic retreatment using visual analog scale (VAS) scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 daytime intervals. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with mandibular first molars which need endodontic retreatment were randomly allocated into one of three separate groups (n = 26); NaviTip group (control), XP-Endo Finisher group, or Ultra X group. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: XP-Endo Finisher agitation and ultrasonic agitation as a final irrigation protocol showed significantly lower pain values than the control group, but there was no significant difference in pain values between the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that agitation techniques used during endodontic retreatment decreased the incidence and intensity of post-operative pain.

Kök kanal geometrisinin ve iğne tipinin apikalden irrigan taşmasına etkisi: ex vivo çalışma

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effect of root canal geometry on the amount of apical extrusion of irrigant, by testing different tapers and needle types. Materials and Method: Forty-three extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolar teeth were accessed. Experimental groups were instrumented to produce increasing amounts of taper in each successive group: Group 1 (#25/.02), Group 2 (#25/.04), Group 3 (#25/.06), and Group 4 (#25/.08) (n=43, each). Irrigation was done sequentially by using a 30-G open-ended flat needle, 30-G close-ended side-vented needle, and 27-G open-ended beveled needle. Flat and side-vented needles were each placed 3 mm short of the apex, while the beveled needle was placed as far as possible in the canal without binding. Extruded irrigant was collected in preweighed foam cubes. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: An increase in canal taper led to a decrease in the amount of extruded irrigant for the flat needle (p&lt;0.05; Groups 1 and 2 versus 3 and 4) and side-vented needle (p&lt;0.05; Groups 1 and 2 versus 4), but no significant effect was found for the beveled needle. The amount of extruded irrigant was greater with the flat than with the side-vented needle at all tapers and with the beveled needle at most tapers (p&lt;0.05). The side-vented needle was generally associated with the least amount of extrusion. Conclusion: Given a constant needle insertion depth, the amount of apically extruded irrigant decreased as canal taper increased. The greatest and least amounts of extrusion were generally observed with the flat and side-vented needle, respectively.

The Effect of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation or XP-Endo Finisher on Post-Operative Pain in Patients with Necrotic Teeth with Apical Periodontitis (Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)

Objective To evaluate the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation or XP-Endo Finisher on post-operative pain in patients with necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis using (VAS) scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 day time intervals. Methods Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with necrotic mandibular first molar with symptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 separate groups (n=26); Navitip group (control), XP-Endo Finisher group, or Ultra X group. After a single visit root canal treatment and a specific method of agitation, depending on each group, the patients were given a questionnaire on which the patient would mark the degree of pain in a scale from 0 to 10 at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days post-obturation. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results Ultrasonic agitation and XP-Endo Finisher agitation as a final irrigation protocol showed significantly lower pain values than the control group, but there was no significant difference in pain values between the experimental groups. Conclusion There was significantly less pain associated with ultrasonic and XP-Endo Finisher agitation compared to Navitip irrigation.

Effectiveness of Different Irrigant Activation Systems on Smear Layer Removal: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of smear layer removal after the use of different irrigation methods (passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI), apical negative pressure irrigation and conventional irrigation) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as an analytical tool. A total of 100 single-canal teeth were decoronated and randomly divided into five groups (n = 20) according to the irrigation method used: conventional irrigation with front outlet syringe, conventional irrigation with lateral outlet syringe, apical negative pressure irrigation (EndoVac), PUI with Irrisafe and CUI with ProUltra PiezoFlow ultrasonic irrigation needle. Root canal preparation was performed with the ProTaper Gold system up to the F4 instrument, and 5.25% NaOCl was used as an irrigant. After chemical-mechanical preparation, the roots were split longitudinally, and the coronal, middle and apical thirds were examined. SEM digital photomicrographs were taken at ×1000 magnification to evaluate the amount of smear layer in each root canal third; CUI significantly removed more smear layer than any other irrigant activation protocol (p < 0.05); CUI was more effective in removing the smear layer than the other irrigation protocols. However, none of the irrigation protocols were able to produce root canals completely free from smear layer.

The effect of solution and gel forms of sodium hypochlorite on postoperative pain: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of using gel and solution forms of NaOCI during the chemomechanical preparation of the root canals on postoperative pain at different time intervals.

Methodology

114 patients with mandibular molar teeth and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were included in the study. All patients were divided into two groups based on the irrigant used during root canal preparation (n=57): Group 1, 5.25% NaOCI, Group 2, 5.25% NaOCI gel. All groups were filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus root canal sealer using single-cone technique. VAS scale (1-10) was used for postoperative pain assessment. After endodontic treatment, all patients were asked to record their postoperative pain levels at the 6th, 24th, 48th, 72nd hours, and 1 week later. The data were analyzed using Chi-Squared, Independent Samples T, Cochran Q and Friedman tests.

Results

Statistically significant difference was not found between the distributions of pain levels at different times according to the groups (p>0.050). A statistically significant difference was observed between the distributions of pain levels measured at different times in the solution group (p<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the distributions of pain levels measured at different times in the gel group (p<0.001). In both groups, highest postoperative pain levels occurred in the first 6 hours. Pain levels of the gel group as 38,5% mild, 17.3% moderate, 5.8% severe and pain levels of the solution group were obtained as 46.2% mild, 26.9% moderate, 9.6% severe at the 6th hour.

Conclusions

The use of the gel form of NaOCI during the chemomechanical preparation of the root canals showed similar postoperative pain when compared to the solution form.

Efficacy of different irrigation activation systems on bacterial extrusion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quantity of extruded bacteria following with EndoVac, EDDY, EndoActivator (EA) and standard needle irrigation (SNI). Ninety teeth with a single root and canal were included in this study. Fifteen teeth were selected as the negative control group to confirm sterilization. Seventy-five teeth were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) for 4 weeks. Teeth were prepared and divided into five groups (n:15): EndoVac, EDDY, EA, SNI and positive control groups. The extruded bacteria were cultured for bacterial quantification. The counts of extruded bacteria were lower in the EndoVac group compared to the EDDY group (P˂ 0.05). The counts of extrusion bacteria were not different in EA and SNI groups compared to EDDY and EndoVac groups (P > 0.05). Within the limits of this study, EndoVac was found to be more reliable irrigation systems than EDDY in terms of the bacterial extrusion.

Extrusion of debris with and without intentional foraminal enlargement - A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis was sought to assess whether intentional foraminal enlargement (IFE) is responsible for extrusion of a larger quantity of debris from extracted human teeth with fully formed apexes. Following the recommendations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PRISMA, electronic and manual searches were performed to identify studies that evaluated the extrusion of debris, comparing different apical limits of instrumentation (with/without IFE). The quality of the studies selected was evaluated, and statistical analysis was conducted. To perform the meta-analysis, just 3 papers could be used. The heterogeneity was high, however; there was no statistically significant difference in relation to the extrusion of debris in teeth either submitted or not submitted to IFE. The general risk of bias was moderate. In conclusion, IFE is not responsible for extrusion of a larger quantity of debris from extracted human teeth with fully formed apexes.

Apical pressures generated by several canal irrigation methods: A laboratory study in a maxillary central incisor with an open apex

Aim

A laboratory study to determine the apical pressure generated by seven canal irrigation methods in an anterior tooth with an open apex.

Methodology

Canal irrigation was performed on a 3D‐printed central maxillary incisor with an open apex (maximum diameter of 2.1 mm). Ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI), sonic activation (EDDY), negative pressure irrigation (EndoVac), the self‐adjusting file (SAF) and the XP‐endo Finisher were employed at tooth length (TL), TL—1 mm, TL—2 mm and TL—3 mm. UAI was tested at three intensity levels additionally. Hydrodynamic irrigation with RinsEndo was performed in the pulp chamber, at the canal orifice, the coronal third, the middle of the canal and at TL. Er:YAG laser activation, at four frequency settings, was performed in the pulp chamber and at the orifice of the canal. The pressure of the fluid towards the canal terminus generated by activation was directly transferred to a pressure sensor with a range of 0 to 120 mmHg and a response time of ≤0.5 ms. The critical threshold for apical extrusion of the irrigant was set at 5.73 mmHg (lower limit of the central venous pressure: 5.88 ± 0.15 mmHg). Each experiment was repeated ten times. The tests were followed by descriptive analyses (maximum, mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval).

Results

EndoVac, the SAF, the XP‐endo Finisher, and UAI never exceeded the critical threshold at any insertion depth or intensity level. Er:YAG laser activation exceeded the critical threshold exclusively at frequency settings that varied from the manufacturer's recommendation. EDDY at TL and RinsEndo at any insertion depth exceeded the critical threshold in 100% of the measurements. EDDY at TL—1,—2, and—3 mm crossed the critical threshold in 30%, 10%, and 20% of the measurements, respectively.

Conclusions

In a simulated maxillary central incisor with an open apex, irrigation with EndoVac, Er:YAG laser activation, UAI, the SAF, and the XP‐endo Finisher generated apical pressures below the critical threshold of 5.73 mmHg. By contrast, using EDDY and RinsEndo for irrigation produced higher apical pressures that exceeded the critical threshold.

Clinical efficacy of activated irrigation in endodontics: a focused review

Root canal debridement, which includes the removal of infected tissues and microbial biofilms, is considered the corner stone of root canal treatment. Chemical adjuncts play a multitude of functions in this regard, as tissue solvents, antimicrobial agents and for removing the smear layer. These adjuncts (irrigants) are usually delivered using a syringe and needle. With increasing knowledge of the complexity of root canal anatomy and tenacity of microbial biofilms, the need for strategies that potentiate the action of these irrigants within the root canal system cannot be overemphasized. Several such activated irrigation strategies exist. The aim of this review is to comprehensively discuss the different irrigant activation methods from the context of clinical studies.

Can kinematics, file diameter, and PUI influence the intracanal decontamination and apical bacterial extrusion?

The present study investigated the intracanal decontamination and apical extrusion of bacteria and debris from root canals instrumented with rotary and reciprocating systems (ProDesign Logic or ProDesign R), with different file diameters and using conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) or passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). Eighty extracted mandibular premolars were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis and randomly assigned to eight experimental groups according to the root canal instrumentation and irrigation technique employed (n = 10): G1: Prodesign Logic 25.06; G2: Prodesign R 25.06; G3 and G4 were instrumented with the same single-file systems, respectively, using 35.05 diameters and CSI. G5, G6, G7, and G8 were instrumented like the previous groups, but with PUI. Apically extruded debris during instrumentation was collected into pre-weighed microtubes. The weight of the empty microtube was subtracted from the final weight to establish the amount of extruded debris. Bacteria from root canals and extruded debris were collected for a microbiological evaluation of colony forming units (CFU/mL). For statistical analyses, the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Dunn's tests were used (α = 0.05). All instruments caused extrusion of debris. For irrigation techniques, PUI promoted greater debris and bacterial extrusion (p < 0.05). The CFU/mL count indicated that the instrumentation of the experimental groups were equally effective in the decontamination of the root canal (p > 0.05). The systems tested (regarding file diameter and kinematics) were associated with similar amounts of apically extruded debris and root canal decontamination. PUI was associated with greater debris and bacterial extrusion.

Radiographic and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Root Canal Treatment Using Different Irrigation Systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic periapical repair and the synthesis of inflammatory mediators after endodontic treatment in a single session, using different irrigation protocols, in teeth with apical periodontitis. Experimental apical periodontitis were induced in dog's teeth randomly assigned into 4 groups: G1 - Irrigation by Negative Apical Pressure (n= 20); G2 - Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (n= 20), G3 - Positive Pressure Irrigation (n= 20); G4 - apical periodontitis without treatment (n= 20). After 180 days, the animals were euthanized, the tissues removed and submitted to histotechnical processing for immunohistochemical analysis of osteopontin (OPN), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and interleukin 1-a (IL-1a). Radiographic analysis was performed using the Periapical Index (PAI), obtained prior to and 180 days following endodontic treatment. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Fisher's Exact test or Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test (a = 5%). Radiographically, after endodontic treatment, apical periodontitis persisted in 35% of G1 specimens, 40% of G2 and 40% of G3 (p>0.05), although a PAI reduction was observed (p<0.05). By immunohistochemical evaluation, endodontic treatment resulted in lower synthesis of TNF-a and OPN in periapical region, compared to apical periodontitis without treatment (p<0.05). Production of IL-1 was not modulated by endodontic treatment (p>0.05). Periapical healing was observed in approximately 60% of the cases after endodontic treatment performed in a single session with lower synthesis of TNF-a and OPN in the periapical region, regardless of the irrigation protocol used.