Clinical application of calcium silicate-based bioceramics in endodontics

Investigating the Alkaline Potential of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Repair Using Selenium Nanoparticles

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA HP) concerning alkalinizing potential. Additionally, it examined the set material after SeNPs incorporation using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (FE-SEM/EDX) for characterizing the elemental composition and morphological alterations resulting from the integration of SeNPs. Cement samples, both before and after SeNPs incorporation, were examined using FE-SEM/EDX. The pH level was also measured with a pH-meter previously calibrated with solutions of known pH, to evaluate the alkalinizing activity of the integrated substance at different concentrations of nanoparticles: Group 1 (control): 0% w/w SeNPs, Group 2: 0.5% w/w SeNPs, Group 3: 1% w/w SeNPs, Group 4: 1.5% w/w SeNPs and Group 5: 2% w/w SeNPs after 1, 7, 14, and 30 days in distal water. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (P≤0.05). According to FE-SEM/EDX, the morphological characteristics indicate that SeNPs were successfully dispersed and integrated into the MTA repair matrix. EDX examination validates the presence of Selenium, confirming successful integration. The findings confirmed that the MTAHP showed a high pH level with a discernible reduction in the alkalinizing activity with each incorporated concentration of (SeNPs) that significantly differed from the control group across various periods at (P≤ 0.05). Consequently, the findings indicate that the addition of SeNPs to MTA HP has a notable impact on the pH of the storage solution, leading to a significant decrease in pH values for all concentrations and periods when compared to the control group. The alkalinizing action of MTA HP is highly affected by the incorporated SeNPs, making it more suitable for application in pulpal tissue. This study contributes to our understanding of the morphological alterations and elemental composition of SeNP-incorporated MTA HP, enhancing its potential applications in dental and tissue regeneration.

Platelet-rich fibrin as an apical barrier for MTA placement in the treatment of teeth with open apices: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) apical barrier for the placement of MTA for the treatment of teeth with periapical lesions and open apices.

METHODS

A total of thirty teeth on twenty-eight patients with open apices and periapical periodontitis were enrolled and divided into two groups in the present pilot study. In the PRF group (fourteen teeth in thirteen patients), nonsurgical endodontic treatment was performed using PRF as an apical matrix, after which the apical plug of the MTA was created. For the non-PRF group (fourteen teeth in fourteen patients), nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed using only the MTA for an apical plug with no further periapical intervention. Clinical findings and periapical digital radiographs were used for evaluating the healing progress after periodic follow-ups of 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. The horizontal dimension of the periapical lesion was gauged, and the changes in the dimensions were recorded each time. The Friedman test, Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc correction, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis, with P < 0.05 serving as the threshold for determining statistical significance.

RESULTS

All patients in both groups in the present pilot study had no clinical symptoms after 1 month, with a significant reduction in the periapical lesion after periodic appointments. The lesion width of the PRF group was significantly smaller than that of the non-PRF group in the sixth and ninth month after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PRF is a promising apical barrier matrix when combined with MTA for the treatment of teeth with open apices and periapical periodontitis. Small number of study subjects and the short time of follow-up period limit the generalizability of these results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

TCTR, TCTR20221109006. Registered 09 November 2022 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20221109006 .

Effect of different root canal irrigants on surface roughness and microhardness of Biodentine combined with triple antibiotic paste: An in vitro study

Background

Biodentine is widely used for endodontic applications; recently, it has been incorporated with triple antibiotic paste (TAP). The effect of endodontic irrigants on the physical characteristics of this new combination needs to be studied.

Aims

The aim of the study was to evaluate the surface roughness and microhardness of Biodentine incorporated with TAP subjected to various endodontic irrigants.

Materials and Methods

Hundred cylindrical discs (6 mm × 3 mm) were prepared by mixing the Biodentine with TAP (3:1). The specimens were subjected to different irrigating solutions for 5 min in 5 groups (n = 20): Group 1: distilled water (control), Group 2: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, Group 3: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Group 4: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and Group 5: 2% chitosan nanoparticles (CSNs). Half of the specimens in each group were subjected to surface roughness (n = 10) and another half to microhardness (n = 10). Surface roughness was measured using a surface roughness tester, and digital Vickers microhardness testing was performed on each specimen.

Statistical Analysis

One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's tests (P ≤ 0.05) were used.

Results

The highest microhardness was found with 2% CSN, whereas 2% CSN and 2% CHX had a minimal effect on the surface roughness of Biodentine incorporated with TAP (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

The root canal irrigant 2% CSN exhibited the highest microhardness and least surface roughness of modified Biodentine with TAP.

Platelet rich fibrin and MTA in the treatment of teeth with open apices

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as the apical matrix for the placement of MTA in nonsurgical endodontic therapy for teeth with periapical lesions and open apices.

METHODS

Twelve teeth from eleven patients with periapical periodontitis and open apices were enrolled in the study. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed with the PRF used as an apical barrier and the MTA manipulated as an apical plug for further thermoplasticized gutta percha in the remaining part of the root canal. Clinical signs and periapical digital radiographs were recorded and analyzed to evaluate the curing progress after periodical follow-ups of 1, 3, and 6 months. The horizontal dimension of the periapical lesion was determined, and the changes in the dimensions were recorded each time. The Friedman test was used for statistical analysis, with P < .05 serving as the threshold for determining statistical significance.

RESULTS

All patients had no clinical symptoms after the first month of treatment, with a significant reduction in the periapical lesion after periodical appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

PRF is an effective barrier when combined with MTA for the treatment of teeth with periapical periodontitis and open apices.