Status of Endodontic Treatment and the Correlations to the Quality of Root Canal Filling and Coronal Restoration

Effectiveness of H-files and Pro-Taper universal systems in removing Gutta-percha during endodontic retreatment: A comparative study

Objective

This research was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of manual H-files versus a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system in removing gutta-percha (GP) during endodontic retreatment, by using a digital radiography technique.

Methods

This ex vivo study used a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The study sample comprised 60 extracted anterior permanent teeth, each with one root with a straight root canal (RC). After preparation, RCs were obturated with GP and sealer. Subsequently, teeth were stored for 2 weeks in a humid environment at 37 °C. Thirty teeth each were randomly assigned to the control (group I), and experimental (group II) groups. GP removal was performed with H-files {group I) or a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system (group 2). Digital radiographs were acquired with Carestream digital radiovisiography software (Kodak; version-VER.6.10.8.3-A), and the presence of residual GP was analyzed. AutoCAD (2006) software was used to demarcate the RC and residual root filling. The residual GP in both groups was compared with independent sample t-tests.

Results

The remaining root filling did not significantly differ when GP was removed with conventional Hedstrom files versus a combination of Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems. The residual GP was confined to the apical third of the canals in both groups.

Conclusions

Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems have similar effectiveness to manual H-files in GP removal in straight canals.

The association of endodontic prognostic factors with the presence of periapical lesion, its volume, and bone characteristics in endodontically treated molars: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study intended to evaluate the association between several endodontic prognostic factors with the presence of periapical lesions (PLs), their volume, and bone characteristics including cortical bone destruction (CBD) and buccal plate bone height (BPBH) in root-filled molar teeth using cone-beam computed tomography.

METHODS

A collection of 143 scans of endodontically treated maxillary/mandibular first or second molars recorded over 8 years, were obtained from a specialized radiology center. Data on prognostic factors including tooth number, gender, jaw type, the status and number of missed canals, obturation length, restoration type, presence of a separated instrument, presence of a post or screw in the canals, and presence of perforation were collected. The assessed outcomes included PL presence, PL volume, CBD, and BPBH. The association between prognostic factors and outcomes was evaluated using multiple logistic regression models with adjusted covariates and multifactorial ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 282 molars from 82 women and 50 men with a mean age of 40.6 ± 12.27 were included. Among those, 139 teeth presented PL with a mean volume of 18.68 mm3. CBD was prevalent in 137 teeth and the mean BPBH appeared to be 9.45 mm. The presence of a missed canal (OR = 10.022, P < .05), underfilled canal (OR = 3.725, P < .05), overfilled canal (OR = 15.859, P = .018), and perforation (OR = 15.261, P = .013) was significantly associated with PLs. None of the prognostic factors could considerably contribute to the CBD (P > .05). The presence of a missed canal was positively associated with the PL volume (P < .05). Similarly, missed canals (P < .05), perforation (P < .05), and separated instruments (P = .004) were associated with a significantly reduced BPBH.

CONCLUSIONS

Overfillings, perforations, missed canals, and underfillings were identified as remarkable predictors of PL, arranged in descending order of their respective impact. The only factor capable of significantly increasing the PL volume was the missed canal. In brief, obturation length errors, perforations, missed canals, and separated instruments were robustly correlated with endodontic failure, which highlights the importance of mitigating the potential for errors by following the fundamentals of endodontics.

Periapical Lesions Associated with Demographic Variables, Dental Conditions, Systemic Diseases, and Habits

AIM AND BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of periapical lesions and possible associations with demographic, dental conditions, systemic diseases, and habit variables in patients from a private Brazilian university.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 452 patients of both sexes, aged 18-78 years, from a Brazilian university were evaluated. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed, and the presence of periapical lesions was recorded. In these cases, the dental condition was assessed for the presence or absence of endodontic treatment. Medical records provide information related to general health (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, altered cholesterol, autoimmune diseases, gallstones, or kidney stones) and habits (smoking or alcoholism). The data were descriptively analyzed, and then logistic regression and the Wald test were performed in Stata/SE v.14.1.

RESULTS

A rate of 58.4% of participants were women, and the mean age was 36.4 (±14.6) years. Periapical lesions prevailed in 193 (42.7%) patients, and 281 (72.4%) teeth were not previously endodontically treated. Mandibular first molars (19%) and men (48.9%) were the most affected. The adjusted model showed that the age group of 26-45 years was 5 times more likely [odds ratio (OR) = 5.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.85-8.82] to have lesions than those aged ≤25 years. Participants aged above 46 years were 19.1 times more prone (OR = 19.1; 95% CI: 10.2-36.0) to morbidity than younger ones (≤25 years).

CONCLUSION

The studied sample showed that periapical lesions were more prevalent in males, in mandibular molars, and without prior endodontic treatment. There was no observed association between periapical lesions and comorbidities or habits; however, a significant correlation occurred with advancing age.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Comorbidities and habits were not associated with the presence of periapical lesions. However, aging has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development of periapical lesions. This finding is clinically relevant as it highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining oral health in patients with advanced age. How to cite this article: dos Santos VC, de Oliveira Kublitski PM, Marques da Silva B, et al. Periapical Lesions Associated with Demographic Variables, Dental Conditions, Systemic Diseases, and Habits. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(11):864-870.

Impact of access cavities on root canal preparation, restorative protocol quality, and fracture resistance of teeth

The survival of endodontically treated teeth depends on the remaining tooth structure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different access cavities on root canal preparation, restorative protocol, and fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. Fifty-six mandibular molars were divided into control (n=8) and experimental (n=16) groups according to access cavity: Traditional, Conservative, and Truss; and redistributed (n=8) according to instrumentation protocols: Reciproc Blue and R-motion. After, teeth were scanned in micro-CT and then filled and redistributed according to composite resin restoration (n=8): Filtek One BulkFill and Filtek Z350. A new micro-CT scan was performed to analyze the restorative material. Then, samples were submitted to fracture resistance testing and the failure pattern was determined. Data were analyzed using paired T-test, ANOVA, Tukey, and chi-square tests (α=0.05). In Truss, R-Motion promoted less transportation in different thirds of root canals. Higher percentages of voids (5.05%) and filling material (11.7%) were observed in Truss. Fracture resistance values were higher for the control group, followed by Truss, Conservative, and Traditional. The predominant failure pattern was type-II. In Truss, reciprocating instruments with smaller taper showed less canal transportation. Also, Truss provided higher values of fracture resistance, although it presented a higher percentage of voids and remaining filling material. Thus, in Truss, reciprocating files with smaller taper showed less canal transportation, and these cavities provided higher values of fracture resistance, although it presented a higher percentage of voids and remaining filling material.

Tip and taper compatibility of accessory gutta-percha points with rotary and reciprocating instruments

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the tip and taper compatibility of accessory gutta-percha points (AGPs) with various rotary and reciprocating instruments.

Materials and Methods

Using a profile analyzer, tip and taper measurements were taken of 10 AGPs of each of the 14 models available from Odous de Deus and the 4 models available from Dentsply-Maillefer. Diameter measurements were taken at 1-mm intervals, from 3 mm from the tip (D3) to 16 mm.

Results

Based on the mean values obtained, 3-dimensional (3D) models of the AGPs were drawn in Autodesk Fusion 360 and superimposed on 3D models of each instrument selected (Mtwo, Reciproc, RaCe, K3, and ProDesign Logic) to determine the compatibility between the instrument and the AGP. Data corresponding to the tips and tapers of the various AGPs, as well as the tip and taper differences between the AGPs and the instruments, were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The tapers of the AGPs were subject to the American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association No. 57 standard. The Odous de Deus extra-long medium and extra-long extra-medium AGPs were shown to be compatible with Mtwo, K3, and ProDesign Logic instruments with taper 0.06 and tip sizes 25 and 30, while the Dentsply fine and fine medium cones were compatible with Mtwo, RaCe, and K3 instruments with conicity of 0.04 and tip sizes 35 and 40.

Conclusions

Both the Odous de Deus and Dentsply commercial brands included 2 AGP models with tip (D3) and taper compatibility with Mtwo, RaCe, K3, and/or Prodesign Logic instruments.

Genetic polymorphism in the tumour necrosis factor alpha gene (G-308A) is associated with persistent apical periodontitis in Brazilians

AIM

To investigate if there was an association between genetic polymorphisms in tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-⍺ and its receptors TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B with persistent apical periodontitis (PAP) in Brazilian subjects.

METHODOLOGY

Patients who had pulpal necrosis and apical periodontitis at the time of treatment, with at least 1-year of follow-up after non-surgical root canal treatment were recalled. Three hundred and seventy eight subjects were included, 150 subjects with signs/symptoms of PAP and 228 subjects with root canal-treated teeth exhibiting healthy perirradicular tissues (healed). Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva and used for TNF-⍺ (rs1800629), TNFRSF1A (rs1800693) and TNFRSF1B (rs1061622) genotyping by real-time PCR. Genotypes and alleles frequencies were evaluated by c2 or Fisher's exact tests and odds ratios were implemented (α = 5%).

RESULTS

The genetic polymorphism in TNF-α (rs1800629) was associated as a protective factor for the development of PAP (p < .05), once subjects who presented at least one allele A (AA+AG X GG), had a higher chance to lesion repair (p < .05). The polymorphisms rs1800693 and rs1061622 in TNF receptors (TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B, respectively) were not associated with the development of PAP (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The observed results demonstrate that polymorphism in TNF-α but not in its receptors is associated with PAP.

Factors related to apical periodontitis in a southern Brazilian population: a multilevel analysis

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effects of individual-level and tooth-level factors on apical periodontitis (AP) in an urban population in southern Brazil. A random sample of digital panoramic radiographs (n = 545) from a dental school database was evaluated. The diagnosis of AP was determined by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). AP was assessed according to gender, age, presence and quality of endodontic treatment (ET), presence of an intracanal post, coronal condition, and dental group. Data were analyzed descriptively and through multilevel Poisson regression analysis, considering teeth characteristics (level 1) nested in individuals (level 2). In this sample of 545 participants, the prevalence of AP was 49.5% (n =2 70) and ET was 43.5% (n = 237). Considering 13,595 teeth, AP was identified in 596 (4.4%) and ET in 617 (4.5%). Of the teeth with ET, 153 (24.8%) presented AP. Among individual-level factors, the disease was not significantly associated with gender or age. For tooth-level factors, AP was significantly associated with ET quality: teeth with short fillings (< 3 mm) and teeth with over-fillings had 2.77 (CI: 1.95-3.94, p < 0.001) and 1.08 (CI: 0.39-2.98, p < 0.001) higher prevalence of AP, respectively. There was no association between AP and age, gender, dental group, coronal condition, or the presence of an intracanal post. AP was highly prevalent in this population, and multilevel analysis indicated a significant association with ET quality.

Genetic, Cellular and Molecular Aspects involved in Apical Periodontitis

The development, establishment and repair of apical periodontitis (AP) is dependent of several factors, which include host susceptibility, microbial infection, immune response, quality of root canal treatment and organism's ability to repair. The understanding of genetic contributions to the risk of developing AP and presenting persistent AP has been extensively explored in modern Endodontics. Thus, this article aims to provide a review of the literature regarding the biochemical mediators involved in immune response signaling, osteoclastogenesis and bone neoformation, as the genetic components involved in the development and repair of AP. A narrative review of the literature was performed through a PUBMED/MEDLINE search and a hand search of the major AP textbooks. The knowledge regarding the cells, receptors and molecules involved in the host's immune-inflammatory response during the progression of AP added to the knowledge of bone biology allows the identification of factors inherent to the host that can interfere both in the progression and in the repair of these lesions. The main outcomes of studies evaluated in the review that investigated the correlation between genetic polymorphisms and AP in the last five years, demonstrate that genetic factors of the individual are involved in the success of root canal treatment. The discussion of this review gives subsides that may help to glimpse the development of new therapies based on the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of materials and techniques aimed at acting at the molecular level for clinical, radiographic and histological success of root canal treatment.

Three-dimensional inlay-guided endodontics applied in variant root canals: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Root canal retreatment is common after root canal therapy in clinical situations. Especially, completing the retreatment of variant root canals can be challenging. This is particularly true for the molars located at the end of the dental arch. However, advancements in digital dental diagnosis and treatment techniques can solve these problems. Here, we describe a case of a maxillary second molar with a variant distobuccal root canal treated via a novel “inlay-guided endodontics” technique based on improved computer-generated programs.

CASE SUMMARY

A 63-year-old man complained of a defect in the maxillary left second molar. The tooth, diagnosed with post-treatment endodontic disease, was initially treated by conventional methods, which were ineffective. Our “inlay-guided endodontics” technique was subsequently adopted, with the establishment of a precise integrated three-dimensional (3D) plate model of cone-beam computed tomography data and a digital impression of the dentition. An optimal root canal approach was generated for the “virtual file” in the 3D model. The plate data were imported into a 3D printer and printed. With the help of the guide plate, the file was accurately placed into the cervical third of the distal root canal. The root canal and prosthodontic treatments successfully proceeded subsequently.

CONCLUSION

Our newly developed inlay guide plates may facilitate individualized and minimally invasive root canal treatment.

Complete Obturation-Cold Lateral Condensation vs. Thermoplastic Techniques: A Systematic Review of Micro-CT Studies

To prevent re-infection and provide a hermetic seal of the root canal system, an endodontist must aim to produce a void-free obturation. This review aimed to compare the completeness of root canal obturation between the two most prevalent methods-cold lateral condensation and warm gutta-percha techniques-using micro-CT (PROSPERO reg no. 249815).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of Scopus, Embase, PubMed (Medline via PubMed), and Web of Science databases was done without any time restriction according to the PRISMA protocol. Articles that compared both techniques and were published in English were included. Data was extracted and the risk of bias was assessed using an adapted tool based on previous studies.

RESULTS

A total of 141 studies were identified by the search. Following the screening and selection of articles, 9 studies were included for review. Data was extracted manually and tabulated. Most studies had a moderate risk of bias. None determined operator skill in both methods before comparison. The data extracted from the included studies suggests that both techniques produce voids in the obturation. The thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques may result in fewer voids compared to cold lateral condensation.

CONCLUSION

Considering the limitations of the included studies, it was concluded that neither technique could completely obturate the root canal. Thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques showed better outcomes despite a possible learning bias in favor of cold lateral condensation. Establishing operator skills before comparison may help reduce this bias.

Does the Endodontic Education Level Affect Decision-Making for Endodontically Treated Teeth With Apical Periodontitis? A Web-Based Survey

Objectives

The management of endodontically treated teeth with apical periodontitis is debated among clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment choices for endodontically treated teeth with different sizes of periapical lesions among endodontists, endodontics postgraduate students, general dental practitioners, and undergraduate students who had fulfilled their theoretical and clinical training in endodontics.

Materials and Methods

Periapical lesion images (no periapical lesion and 1-mm, 3-mm, and 5-mm periapical lesions) were formed on 4 different radiographs with a software program, and the survey included 16 radiographs that were emailed to 1881 participants. Treatment options included extraction, surgical or nonsurgical retreatment, and wait and see. The χ² test was used to compare the responses of the participants.

Results

The survey was returned by 1039 participants (55.23%). There were statistically significant differences among the responses of all participants for all cases (P < .05), except a case with a broken file and no lesion (P = .918). All participants decided to extract at an increased size from a 1-mm periapical lesion to a 5-mm periapical lesion. At all lesion sizes, general dental practitioners planned retreatment less when compared with other groups.

Conclusions

This survey study showed that there was a positive correlation between endodontic education level and retreatment decision-making. Dentists who confront seemingly hopeless endodontically treated teeth such as an instrument fracture, a missing canal, or a large periapical lesion should consult with an endodontist before making the decision to extract the tooth.

Survival Rates of Endodontically Treated Teeth After Placement of Definitive Coronal Restoration: 8-Year Retrospective Study

Introduction

Preservation of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) depends upon several patient-related and operator-related factors. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of different types of coronal restoration and delayed placement on ETT survival.

Methods

Data on dates of root canal treatment (RCT), restoration type, and extraction time of tooth, when applicable, were analyzed for all patients who underwent RCT from 2010 to 2018 at our institution.

Inclusion Criteria

Root canal-treated teeth with complete preoperative and postoperative radiographs; ETT that were restorable and received final permanent coronal restorations; no periodontal disease or crack detected during RCT; and ETT with acceptable RCT quality.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients who did not attend for follow-up, those had incomplete information available about the coronal restoration, and those with periodontally compromised teeth were excluded. ETT that involved any procedural error were also excluded. The teeth were categorized according to whether they underwent definitive coronal restoration 0–14 days, 15–59 days, or 60+ days after RCT. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The rate of survival of ETT of 8 years was estimated, and the differences between groups were determined after applying Kaplan–Meier statistics and log-rank tests. A multivariate Cox regression test and Wilcoxon (Gehan) statistics were computed to analyze the influence of different variables. A P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The type of restoration, opposing dentition, presence of a post, and dentistry training (year 4 or 5 students) showed significant effects on the survival of ETT (P ≤ 0.000). ETT which received crowns was 2.05 times more likely to need extraction than those in which a composite buildup was performed (hazard ratio [HR] 2.05; confidence interval [CI] 1.84–2.29; P ≤ 0.000). All composite buildups were performed within 14 days of completion of RCT. There was a significant correlation between the time of placement of the final coronal restoration and ETT survival (P ≤ 0.000). Extraction of ETT was 25% more likely (HR 0.25; CI 0.231–0.277) when the final coronal restoration was placed 15–59 days after completion of RCT and 73% more likely (HR 0.73; CI 0.655–0.814) when placed after 60 days than when placed at 0–14 days.

Conclusion

Timely placement of the final coronal restoration is found to be the most critical factor affecting the long-term survival of teeth after RCT.