Apical Microleakage in Root Canals Obturated With 2 Different Endodontic Sealer Systems in Canine Teeth of Dogs

Outcomes of root canal treatments with three different sealers for 120 fractured maxillary fourth premolar teeth in small-to medium-sized dogs

Introduction

Tooth fracture is one of the most common traumatic maxillofacial injuries in dogs and cats. For fractures with pulp exposure occurring in functionally important teeth, the literature indicates that root canal treatment (RCT) is an effective therapy option that may be the remedy of choice before extraction. The most commonly reported fractures in the United States involve canine teeth; however, fractures of the maxillary fourth premolars are more common in Korea, where there are many small-and medium-sized dogs. RCT mechanically and chemically removes pulp tissue and bacteria (cleaning and shaping) from the infected root canal, and obturates the root canal with filling material to restore tooth functionality without inflammation. Various techniques, instruments, and materials used in humans have been modified for application in veterinary dentistry.

Methods

This study analyzed the results of RCT of the maxillary fourth premolar in 120 small-and medium-sized dogs (weighing less than 25 kg) using three different sealers (silicone-based sealer, bioceramic sealer, and calcium hydroxide-based sealer) through a simple application of the single-cone technique.

Results

The overall success rate of RCT in maxillary fourth premolars was 90.83%, with 8.33% no evidence of failure (NEF) and 0.83% failure.

Discussion

There were no significant differences between the three different sealers. Furthermore, preexisting periapical lesion (PAL) was reconfirmed as a factor in reducing the success rate of RCT. In addition, the working length and master apical file of each root were analyzed in our study as a novel reference for endodontic veterinarians.

Evaluation of the efficacy of the Lentulo spiral filler operated at four different speeds and with two different techniques in cadaveric canine teeth of dogs

This study evaluated the effect of filling technique and rotational speed on the efficacy of sealer cement placement using the Lentulo spiral filler. Cadaveric maxillary and mandibular canine teeth (n = 74) from age and breed matched fresh-frozen adult canine cadaver heads were utilized. Following routine mechano-chemical preparation, teeth were randomly divided into 8 treatment groups with varying rotational speeds [250-2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM)] and fill techniques (backfill technique versus pumping technique). The quality of the sealer cement fill was evaluated radiographically before and after master gutta percha cone placement. Percentage of voids present in the apical, midbody, and coronal portions of the tooth were subjectively scored as: no voids present, voids present in less than 25% of the area, voids present in 25-50% of the area, voids present in greater than 50% of the area. The apex was also scored as underfilled, adequately filled, or overfilled. Operating the Lentulo spiral filler at 2,000 RPM resulted in the best quality fill regardless of filling technique. The pumping technique with placement of the master gutta percha cone had a higher probability of success as compared to the backfill technique, but this finding lacked significance. Regardless of speed or technique, the apical region had the highest quality of fill. The addition of the master gutta percha cone improved the quality of fill. Therefore, we recommend using the Lentulo spiral filler at higher speeds with a pumping technique (followed by addition of a master gutta percha cone) to improve the quality of epoxy resin-based sealer cement placement.

Radiographic Outcome of the Endodontic Treatment of 55 Fractured Canine Teeth in 43 Dogs (2013-2018)

Medical records from 4 private practice veterinary dentistry specialty clinics were reviewed for a 5-year period (2013-2018) to identify dogs that had a fractured canine tooth treated by root canal therapy and returned for subsequent follow-up evaluation. Evaluation criteria included the presence of complete medical records with diagnostic quality intraoral radiographs for each procedure visit with a minimum of 6 months between visits. Forty-three dogs with a total of 55 endodontically treated canine teeth were identified and evaluated. Root canal treatment outcome was defined as successful, no evidence of failure (NEF), or failure based on radiographic findings. Patient age, time from initial treatment to follow-up, obturation material used, radiographic quality of obturation (including voids, overfill, and retention of fractured endodontic files), radiographic evidence of periapical disease and/or presence of external inflammatory root resorption (EIRR), and the presence or absence of a full coverage metal crown were evaluated. Treatment was classified as successful in 51 (92.73%) teeth, NEF in 3 (5.45%) teeth, and failure in 1 (1.82%) tooth. The results suggest that endodontic treatment of fractured canine teeth in dogs is a successful treatment option that allows for retention of this functionally important tooth.

Radiographic outcome of root canal treatment in dogs: 281 teeth in 204 dogs (2001-2018)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the radiographic outcome of root canal treatment (RCT) in dogs and compare outcomes with those reported for a previous study performed at the same institution in 2002.

ANIMALS

204 dogs representing 281 teeth that underwent RCT.

PROCEDURES

The medical record database of a veterinary teaching hospital was searched to identify dogs that underwent RCT between 2001 and 2018. Only dogs that had undergone at least 1 radiographic recheck appointment a minimum of 50 days after RCT were included in the study. Dental radiographs were reviewed. Treatment was considered successful if the periapical periodontal ligament space was within reference limits and preexisting external inflammatory root resorption (EIRR), if present, had stabilized. Treatment was considered to show no evidence of failure (NEF) if preoperative EIRR had stabilized and any preoperative periapical lucency (PAL) remained the same or had decreased in size but had not completely resolved. Treatment was considered to have failed if EIRR or a PAL developed after RCT, if a preoperative PAL increased in size, or if preexisting EIRR progressed.

RESULTS

Follow-up time ranged from 52 to 3,245 days (mean, 437 days). RCT was classified as successful for 199 (71%) teeth, NEF for 71 (25%) teeth, and failed for 11 (4%) teeth.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results showed that almost 2 decades after RCT outcome in dogs was first evaluated, during which time numerous advances in dental materials and techniques had been made, the success rate of RCT was virtually unchanged.