A comparison of apical sealing ability between GuttaFlow and AH plus: An in vitro study

Endodontic Outcome of Root Canal Treatment Using Different Obturation Techniques: A Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcome of root canal treatment by obturation technique, root canal filling quality, and tooth- and patient-related variables.

METHODS

This clinical study investigated the endodontic outcome of 114 teeth treated between the years 2009 and 2012. Three different obturation methods were used: (1) adhesive obturation using the continuous wave of condensation technique with Resilon® (CWR), (2) matching-taper single-cone technique with gutta-percha and AH Plus® (SCGP), and (3) matching-taper single-cone technique with gutta-percha and GuttaFlow® (SCGF). Pre- and postoperative periapical radiographs were performed to detect the presence of endodontic lesions (PAI classification) and to assess the quality of both the obturation and the restoration. Tooth- and patient-related data were collected.

RESULTS

The overall endodontic success rate was 75.4% after a mean observation period of 6.3 years. There were no significant correlations between the type or overall quality of obturation and the treatment outcome. Teeth with preoperative lesions had the highest odds ratio (factor of 4.98) for endodontic failure. Tooth- and patient-related variables had no significant effect on endodontic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative periapical status of teeth requiring endodontic treatment was a substantial prognostic factor for endodontic outcome, whereas the type of obturation material or technique did not affect it.

Apical Sealing and Bioactivity of an Experimental Gutta-Percha Containing Niobium Phosphate Bioglass

This study evaluated the apical sealing ability and bioactivity of an experimental gutta-percha containing niobium phosphate bioglass. Thirty-six human premolars were endodontically prepared and divided into three groups: GPC—filling with conventional gutta-percha; GBC—filling with bioceramic gutta-percha (EndoSequence BC); GNB—filling with experimental gutta-percha containing niobophosphate. Teeth were stored in tubes containing 2 mL of simulated body fluid (SBF) solution in an oven for 30 days. Then, the samples were immersed in lanthanum nitrate solution and analyzed for apical nanoleakage (NI) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Gutta-percha specimens were immersed for 28 days (SBF) and analyzed in SEM/EDS and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to assess bioactivity. NI data originated from the SEM/EDS were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 5%). NI data originated from TEM and bioactivity were descriptively reported. Statistical analysis did not detect a significant difference between groups (p = 0.13) for NI. In the bioactivity analysis, an abundant layer of hydroxyapatite was identified only in the surface of the GNB group samples. The gutta-percha containing niobophosphate bioglass promoted an apical sealing similar to EndoSequence BC, in addition to demonstrating bioactivity through the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the material after immersion in SBF.

Penetration of Three Endodontic Sealers in Simulated Lateral Canals during the Lateral Condensation Technique: An In Vitro Study

Objective

This study aimed to compare the penetration depths of AH Plus, BioRoot RCS, and GuttaFlow 2 into simulated lateral canals when used with the cold gutta-percha lateral compaction technique.

Materials and Methods

Twelve resin training blocks (4 canals perch each resin block) were used. Each primary artificial canal had two lateral canals (apical and coronal). The main canals were instrumented with WaveOne Gold and irrigated with distilled water. The resin blocks were divided into three groups (N = 4 each/16 artificial canals), according to the type of root canal sealer; Group I: AH Plus, Group II: BioRoot RCS, and Group III: GuttaFlow 2. All canals were obturated with the cold lateral condensation technique. The linear extension of each endodontic sealer into the apical and coronal lateral canals was measured using a digital stereomicroscope and measuring software. Data were statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. The percentages of filling of the lateral canals were calculated and statistically compared using the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

The experimental sealers exhibited variable penetration depths into the lateral canals. All sealers showed significantly better penetration ability into the apical lateral canals than the coronal lateral canals (P < 0.05). AH Plus (3.184 ± 0.012 mm/99.5%) and GuttaFlow 2 (3.176 ± 0.017 mm/99.25%) were significantly better than BioRoot RCS (3.096 ± 0.026 mm/96.75%) in filling the apical lateral canals (P < 0.05). BioRoot RCS was the best sealer to fill coronal lateral canals (3.322 ± 0.085 mm/83.05%).

Conclusion

During the lateral condensation technique, the filling of the lateral canals is affected by the type of root canal sealer and the location of the lateral canals All the sealers tested have a good ability to fill the apical lateral, while BioRoot RCS was effective in filling both the coronal and apical lateral canals.

Comparison of Sealing Ability of Bioceramic Sealer, AH Plus, and GuttaFlow in Conservatively Prepared Curved Root Canals Obturated with Single-Cone Technique: An In vitro Study

Background:

Inadequate obturation techniques of the root canal system have been found to be the most frequent reason of failure post root canal treatment. An ideal endodontic sealer should fulfill all ideal requisites. The present study aimed to compare apical sealing ability between bioceramic (BC) sealer, GuttaFlow, and AH Plus.

Methodology:

One hundred and twenty-five curved roots of maxillary and mandibular third molar teeth with fully formed apex were collected for this study. The root canals were cleaned and shaped using a standard single-cone preparation to file at the established working length and divided into five groups of 25 each. Dye leakage was carried out. Group A: with GP, using EndoSequence BC sealer with conventional with 4% gutta-percha (Brasseler USA, Savannah, Georgia, USA); Group B: with ceramic coated with 4% gutta-percha (Brasseler USA, Savannah, Georgia, USA); Group C: with GP, using AH Plus sealer (Dentsply, De-Trey Konstanz, Germany) with 4% gutta-percha; Group D: with GuttaFlow bioseal (Roeko-Coltène/Whaledent, Langenau, Germany) with 4% Gutta-percha; and Group E is a negative control group. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and Student's unpaired t-test.

Results:

The group AH Plus showed more leakage values than the GuttaFlow group and of two groups of BC sealer and negative control. Student's unpaired t-test disclosed no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups.

Conclusion:

None of the sealers used in the study could completely seal the apical foramen to have a fluid-tight seal.

Applications of Silver Nanoparticles in Dentistry: Advances and Technological Innovation

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been successfully applied in several areas due to their significant antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms. In dentistry, AgNP can be applied in disinfection, prophylaxis, and prevention of infections in the oral cavity. In this work, the use of silver nanoparticles in dentistry and associated technological innovations was analyzed. The scientific literature was searched using PubMed and Scopus databases with descriptors related to the use of silver nanoparticles in dentistry, resulting in 90 open-access articles. The search for patents was restricted to the A61K code (International Patent Classification), using the same descriptors, resulting in 206 patents. The results found were ordered by dental specialties and demonstrated the incorporation of AgNPs in different areas of dentistry. In this context, the search for patents reaffirmed the growth of this technology and the dominance of the USA pharmaceutical industry over AgNPs product development. It could be concluded that nanotechnology is a promising area in dentistry with several applications.

The push out bond strength of polydimethylsiloxane endodontic sealers to dentin

Background

The purpose of this experiment was to assess the push out bond strength of Polydimethylsiloxane sealers (GuttaFlow 2 and GuttaFlow Bioseal by Colte’ne/Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland). AH Plus (Dentsply, DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) was used as a reference material for comparison.

Methods

Thirty root slices were prepared from the middle third of 10 mandibular premolars. Each slice was 1 ± 0.1 mm thick. Three holes, 0.8 mm wide each, were drilled on the axial side of each root slice. These holes were subjected to standardized irrigations and then dried using paper points. Finally, for each root slice, each hole was filled with exactly one of the following three root canal sealers: AH Plus, GuttaFlow 2 and GuttaFlow Bioseal. After all the holes were filled in that way, the root slices were stored on top of phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH 7.2) soaked gauze for 7 days at the temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. Then, for each root canal sealer on a root slice, the universal testing machine was used to measure the push out bond strength. The differences in push out bond strengths between the three sealer samples were assessed using the Friedman test, while the paired comparisons were assessed using Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction. All statistical tests were two-tailed and the significance level was set at the 5%.

Results

According to the Friedman test the distributions of push out bond strengths of AH Plus, GuttaFlow 2 and GuttaFlow Bioseal were different (P < 0.05). Paired comparisons indicated that AH Plus had a significantly superior push out bond strength than GuttaFlow 2 and GuttaFlow Bioseal, while the push out bond strength of GuttaFlow Bioseal was significantly stronger than that of GuttaFlow 2 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Based on these findings, AH Plus is a better root canal sealer than GuttaFlow 2 and GuttaFlow Bioseal.

The implications and applications of nanotechnology in dentistry: A review

The emerging science of nanotechnology, especially within the dental and medical fields, sparked a research interest in their potential applications and benefits in comparison to conventional materials used. Therefore, a better understanding of the science behind nanotechnology is essential to appreciate how these materials can be utilised in our daily practice. The present paper will help the reader understand nanoscience, and the benefits and limitations of nanotechnology by addressing its ethical, social, and health implications. Additionally, nano-applications in dental diagnostics, dental prevention, and in dental materials will be addressed, with examples of commercially available products and evidence on their clinical performance.