A novel modified obturation technique using biosealers: An ex vivo study

Hydraulic (Single Cone) Versus Thermogenic (Warm Vertical Compaction) Obturation Techniques: A Systematic Review

Root canal treatment (RCT) involves cleaning and shaping of the root canal system before filling the canals with obturating materials, often gutta-percha (GP). The two primary obturation techniques are the thermogenic (warm vertical compaction, WVC) and hydraulic (single cone, SC) techniques. The objective of this study is to compare the clinical results and effectiveness of thermogenic and hydraulic obturation procedures in endodontic therapy to provide clinicians with evidence-based recommendations. Search strategies were conducted on February 01, 2024 and involved the databases Web of Science, PUBMED, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, Embase, NCBI, and Cochrane Library. The current systematic review included systematic reviews; meta-analyses; cohort studies; randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies; studies involving the comparison between single cone and warm compaction techniques; studies involving outcomes that include advantages, disadvantages, and complications associated with single cone or warm compaction techniques; and studies published within the last seven years. The selected studies were restricted to those with insufficient data, review articles without authentic references, publications in a language other than English, animal studies, and studies not involving SC or WVC. Out of 2300 studies registered, only 12 studies were included in the review. Both WVC and SC techniques showed satisfactory root canal fillings. However, five studies showed differences in the filling quality, four studies assessed the sealing ability and the dentinal tubule penetration of sealers, one study compared dentinal cracks, one study evaluated the amount of debris excluded apically, and one study compared the post-operative pain while using both techniques. The WVC and SC obturation techniques offer advantages and disadvantages in endodontic treatment. SC obturation is a simple and efficient procedure that is particularly suitable for situations with uncomplicated canal structures. The WVC obturation approach provides superior flexibility and sealing capability, especially in the complex root canal system. When choosing the method of treatment, it is important to take into account the patient's preferences, the clinician's experience, and unique considerations related to the situation. This systematic review highlights the important recommendations to healthcare professionals in selecting the most suitable obturation procedure based on the specific requirements of each clinical scenario. Research involving long-term follow-ups is required to get a better understanding of the outcomes of long-term goals. Clinical relevance: ability to educate clinicians regarding the best obturation technique between thermogenic and hydraulic. It directs the treatment decisions to maximize patient's comfort, minimize post-operative complications, and improve efficacy in endodontic practice.

Cyclic Fatigue of Different Ni-Ti Endodontic Rotary File Alloys: A Comprehensive Review

INTRODUCTION

Modern endodontics aims to decrease the bacterial load from the complex endodontic space. Over the years, improvements in the operative phases have led to a considerable increase in the success rate of endodontic treatments. The shaping phase has seen the development of new techniques supported by technological innovations that have led to higher treatment predictability. Endodontic instruments have experienced a series of changes that have led to modifications in their design, surface treatments, and heat treatments. The clinical use of rotating nickel-titanium instruments has become widespread and consolidated, a success due primarily to the alloy's mechanical characteristics, which are superior to steel ones, but also to innovations in instrument design. The advent of the Ni-Ti alloy has kept the concepts and requirements of shaping the same but has modified its implementation in endodontics.

AIM

The following review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The research question focused on Ni-Ti endodontic instruments whose cyclic fatigue was evaluated by analyzing cyclic fatigue strength and the incidence of fracture.

RESULTS

At the end of the research, 10 systematic reviews and 1 randomized controlled trial were included in this comprehensive review. The most frequently analysed alloys were M-wire, conventional Ni-Ti, and CM-wire. In seven articles, instruments made of M-wire alloy were used; in eight articles, instruments made of conventional Ni-Ti; and in seven articles, instruments made of CM-wire alloy.

CONCLUSIONS

The technological evolution of Ni-Ti alloys has led to the development of increasingly high-performance endodontic files that are resistant to cyclic fatigue during clinical practice and have greater resistance to sterilisation practices, making treatment easier and more predictable over time. In particular, heat-treated nickel-titanium root canal instruments present greater resistance to cyclic fatigue than untreated ones and those used with reciprocating kinematics concerning continuous rotation.

Pulp regeneration treatment using different bioactive materials in permanent teeth of pediatric subjects

Background and Objectives

The present systematic review aims to assess the success rate of the pulp regeneration treatment, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) criteria, using different bioactive materials in permanent teeth of pediatric subjects (6-17 years of age).

Materials and Methods

The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The question formulation was accomplished using the PICO model, and an electronic search was carried out on Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases till April 1, 2023. A total of 30 studies were established to fulfill the inclusion criteria of this systematic review.

Results

A total of 273 teeth have been treated with pulp regeneration treatment. By comparing different biomaterials and the success criteria defined by the AAE, the material associated with a higher success rate was found to be the white mineral trioxide aggregate. However, the overall success rate of pulp regeneration treatment was reported for 248 out of 273 teeth (91.20%).

Conclusions

Data obtained support the potential that regenerative endodontics aids in continuing root development in permanent immature teeth. Further studies are needed for a more extensive evaluation of the use of different biomaterials and the success rate in regenerative endodontics.

Dentinal tubule penetration following ultrasonic, sonic, and single-cone technique of a biosealer: An ex vivo study

Background

The endodontic space is complex, and using a single-cone obturation technique fails to ensure a complete filling.

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic activation, sonic activation, and single-cone technique of a biosealer on its dentinal tubular penetration.

Materials and Methods

In the experiment, single-root mandibular premolars were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20): group A, ultrasonic activation; Group B, sonic activation; and Group C, single-cone technique. Penetration of the fluorescently labeled biosealer was investigated using a confocal laser scanning microscope.

Results

The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P = 0.05). The highest penetration of biosealer was observed in Group A, followed by Group B (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dentinal tubule penetration of biosealer was significantly improved by ultrasonic and sonic activation techniques.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Different Chelating Agents on Mineral Content and Erosion of Radicular Dentine: A FESEM-EDS Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Irrigating solutions play an important role in the debridement and disinfection of the root canal space, and thus, it is crucial to comprehend their effects on the composition and surface structure of radicular dentine. This study evaluated and compared the effects of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 9% 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) and 0.2% chitosan on the mineral content and erosion of radicular dentine when used as a final rinse.

METHODS

Sixty extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated and instrumented to ProTaper size F2. After final instrumentation, the samples were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=15) according to the type of final irrigant used: Normal saline (control), 17% EDTA, 9% HEBP and 0.2% chitosan. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the erosion of radicular dentine, and energy dispersive X- ray spectroscopy was used to quantify the radicular dentine mineral composition at the coronal, middle and apical levels of all the prepared samples after final irrigation. The one-way analysis of variance was used for intra-group and inter-group comparisons of means, the Kruskal Wallis test for intra-group and inter-group comparisons of medians and Tukey's post hoc test for pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and Ca/P ratio after final rinse with 17% EDTA, 9% HEBP and 0.2% chitosan at all three root levels (p>0.05); except at the coronal level, where 0.2% chitosan caused significantly less alteration in Ca levels and Ca/P ratio than 17% EDTA and 9% HEBP respectively (p<0.05). 17% EDTA, 9% HEBP and 0.2% chitosan caused no erosion at the middle and apical levels. Meanwhile, 17% EDTA and 9% HEBP caused moderate erosion at the coronal level.

CONCLUSION

Alternatives to 17% EDTA during final irrigation can be 9% HEBP and 0.2% chitosan. (EEJ-2023-06-078).

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of different combinations of calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis

BACKGROUND

The study aims to compare the synergistic antibacterial efficacy of different combinations of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The current study included four hundred extracted human permanent mandibular premolar teeth. After complete chemo-mechanical preparation, the middle third of the root was sectioned using a rotary diamond disc and a total of 400 samples were obtained. The specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. After that, specimens were divided into five groups (n = 80) based on materials used for the disinfection of samples: Group I, calcium hydroxide alone; Group II, calcium hydroxide + 2% chlorhexidine gel; Group III, calcium hydroxide + 2% chitosan gel; Group IV, calcium hydroxide + 0.02% silver nanoparticle gel; Group V, calcium hydroxide + Bioactive glass S53P4. Dentin shavings from the apical third were obtained from the inner third of dentin were obtained using gates glidden no.1 to the apical depth, followed by no.2, 3, 4 and 5 analyzed for E. faecalis using the culture method. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis, followed by post-hoc Tukey's test for multiple comparisons of means to check the difference in bacterial inhibition between the groups.

RESULTS

ANOVA results revealed a significant reduction of bacterial counts in all the groups compared (p < 0.001). Intergroup comparison showed maximum bacterial reduction (p < 0.001) with calcium hydroxide + bioactive glass S53P4 compared with other groups.

CONCLUSION

Synergistic effect of calcium hydroxide showed better bacterial reduction compared to calcium hydroxide alone. Among the combinations evaluated, calcium hydroxide with bioactive glass, found to be most effective compared to other groups.

Traditional and Recent Root Canal Irrigation Methods and Their Effectiveness: A Review

According to contemporary dental standards, the primary goal of endodontic therapy is the chemo-mechanical cleaning of the complex root canal system. Watering root canals with approved solutions and activating them are essential parts of this operation. This review outlines various irrigant activation methods for root canal therapy. Specifically, a comparison among the methods of manual dynamic activation, sonics (subsonic, sonic, and ultrasonic), internal heating, and lasers, was conducted. The results in this work were gathered using Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases by searching the following keywords: sodium hypochlorite, cleaning, activation, and irrigation methods. The present work concluded that the use of irrigant activation has a greater benefit than its absence. Regardless, it is impossible to point to a single effective activation method.

Contemporary Endodontic Approaches for Children

Endodontic therapy is necessary when caries extend further into the tissues of the tooth and reach the pulp, producing irreparable inflammation or necrosis [...].

Modern Advances in Microendodontics: The State of the Art

The concept of "minimally invasive" advances is becoming increasingly popular in the endodontic field [...].

Effect of continuous chelation on the dentinal tubule penetration of a calcium silicate-based root canal sealer: a confocal laser microscopy study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various irrigation protocols on the penetration depth of a calcium silicate-based sealer into dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

METHODS

Twenty single-rooted mandibular premolars were endodontically prepared and divided into the following two groups according to the irrigation protocol used (n = 10): Group I: NaOCl + EDTA and Group II: continuous chelation (NaOCl/Dual Rinse). Obturation was performed with the warm vertical compaction technique using TotalFill HiFlow bioceramic sealer mixed with a fluorophore dye. Samples were observed using CLSM at 10× to measure the percentage of sealer penetration and its maximum depth into the dentinal tubules. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 within all tests.

RESULTS

Comparing the overall results of all sections tested, no statistically significant differences existed between the groups regarding the percentage of sealer penetration (p = 0.612) and maximum depth of penetration (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With both types of irrigation used, dentinal tubule penetration was higher in the coronal section than in the apical section. Continuous chelation using NaOCl/Dual Rinse HEDP performed better in the coronal segments, while irrigation using NaOCl + EDTA promoted a higher percentage of sealer penetration in the apical segment.

The Endodontic Space

Modern endodontics allows for the use of new materials and techniques in treating and saving teeth in a simple and reproducible way [...].

Modern Therapeutic Strategies in Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry

Modern endodontics aims to reduce or eliminate bacterial load inside root canals [...].

Modern Endodontics

The goal of modern endodontics is the complete removal of damaged tissue and bacteria from the endodontic space [...].

Intentional Replantation of Single-Rooted and Multi-Rooted Teeth: A Systematic Review

The technique of intentional replantation can provide a second chance to save teeth that would be destined for extraction. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed primarily to estimate tooth survival after intentional replantation and secondarily to compare treatment outcomes in single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth. The study protocol was developed before the analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles were electronically searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, the COCHRANE library and Google Scholar by two independent reviewers, and those that met the eligibility criteria were included. A statistical analysis using the chi-square test with a p-value of <0.05 was performed on the reported outcomes of intentional replantation. A total of 44 single-rooted replanted teeth with five failures (11.36%) and 42 multi-rooted replanted teeth with six failures (14.28%) were reported in the literature, corresponding to a survival rate of 88.64% and 85.57%, respectively. The overall survival rate for the replantation procedure was 86.7%, indicating that intentional replantation can be considered a safe therapeutic choice, with no statistically significant difference between the survival rates of single-rooted and multi-rooted replanted teeth.

Dentin Sealing of Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers in Root Canal Retreatment: A Confocal Laser Microscopy Study

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the intratubular penetration of three bioceramic sealers in root canal retreatment. Here, 30 single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with the Protaper Universal system and filled with gutta-percha and the epoxy-resin-based sealer AH Plus mixed with rhodamine B. After two weeks in a humid environment, they were re-instrumented with Reciproc Blue and divided into three groups according to the endodontic sealer to be used in the re-filling (n = 10): G1: CeraSeal, G2: TotalFill BC Sealer, G3: TotalFill BC Sealer HiFlow. For the filling, a single cone technique was used, and the respective sealers were mixed with fluorescein. The roots were then sectioned at 2, 5, and 8 mm (apical, medial, and coronal measurement points, respectively) from the apex, and the dentinal tubule penetration depth and percentage of penetration around the canal perimeter were evaluated by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Penetration between groups was compared using the Kruskal−Wallis test, and within each group using the Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. A non-significant reduction was found in the penetration depths and in a percentage of penetration around the canal perimeter between AH Plus and the tested calcium-silicate-based sealers (p > 0.05). Consequently, this reduction may not affect the three-dimensional seal of the root canal system in a negative manner. The penetration depth and percentage of penetration around the canal perimeter at both the root canal treatment and retreatment were significantly reduced from the coronal to apical points in all groups (p < 0.05).

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of the Root Apex of Permanent Maxillary Premolars: A Multicentric Study

Aim: Modern endodontics has advanced radically in the recent years, and recently, it has been focused on the concept of mini-invasive treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the sections of the root apices at 1 mm from the radiographic apex using a high-resolution CBCT. Materials and Methods: The current study was performed in three different dental centers. One hundred maxillary permanent premolars (50 first and 50 s premolars) were analyzed using measurement software of the CBCT radiographic pictures. The mesio-distal (M-D) and bucco–palatal (B-P) sections were measured at 1 mm from the radiographic apex of each root. The section of 0.3 mm or less, 1 mm from the anatomical apex of the upper premolars, was decided as the limit value. All values were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean value in the 304 sections analyzed was 1.03 (±0.37). Only 19 sections (6.3%) had measurements less than or equal to 0.3 mm. All these 19 sections were from first premolars (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Based on the data obtained, the authors recommend performing conservative shaping when endodontically treating first maxillary premolars, especially when a pre-operative CBCT to evaluate the actual apical dimensions cannot be acquired.

Special Issue “The State of the Art in Endodontics”

Currently, the term “modern endodontics” is used more often due to contemporary applied science and original materials that have been developed in recent years [...]