Evaluating Transportation by Comparing Several uses of Rotary Endodontic Files

AIM

To evaluate the frequent use of ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) systems on shaping ability of root canal utilizing Solidworks (2014, Dassault Systemes) software.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six root canals in clear resin blocks (Dentsply-Maillefer) were allocated into six experimental groups (n = 36). Six new sets of PTN instruments (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were used six times to shape the resin blocks. A #15 K-file was inserted to the working length (WL), followed by ProGlider (PG) to create a glide path. Sequential use of PTN instrumentation in a crown-down technique was used to reach size (30/07) apically. Macroscopic photos of the blocks were taken before and after instrumentation, layered by Paint Shop Pro 9 from JascSoftware, and then canal transportation was measured using Solidwork 2014. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. Multivariate statistical analysis general linear model (GLM) was also applied. Bonferroni correction test was used in multiple comparisons and the statistical significance was set to 0.05.

RESULTS

There was no difference in canal transportation resulted from utilizing PTN files after six multiple uses; in addition, the PTN files showed ability to maintain the original canal anatomy, especially in the apical level, where lowest total mean value of canal center displacement was seen (3 mm level) (0.019 ± 0.017).

CONCLUSION

ProTaper Next files can be used to prepare single and multiple canals in a single furcated tooth.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

ProTaper Next nickel-titanium (NiTi) file system is a safe instrument that respects the canal shape, allows practitioners to treat difficult cases with good results, and low risk of separation.

Cross-sectional study of attitudes toward online continuing dental education in Libya during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many educational institutions switched to e-learning educational platforms. This approach was essential but raised challenges, particularly in training practitioners for medical emergencies. This approach not only led to global challenges and a need for rapid adaptation, but also raised inequities across countries, with some facing far more technical challenges than others. In Libya, low investment in education technology and unpredictable internet connectivity limited its integration into schools and universities even before the pandemic. The current study reports feedback from an online continuing dental education (CDE) course for dental practitioners that was developed emergently during the pandemic and aimed to address the challenges posed by Libya's internet environment. Participants were recruited through social media and received an 8-hour online CDE course consisting of three modules. Participants were invited to complete a pre-course demographic/informational survey on a Google form. After passing all modules, students were prompted to complete a post-course survey consisting of 23, five-point Likert scale questions. Respondents included 43 females (74.1%) and 15 males (25.9%). For ~50% of the cohort (n = 32), this was their first online clinical course. 87.9% of post-course participants rated the course as a positive learning experience, while 90.9% agreed their learning outcomes had been achieved. Most participants (97%) agreed the course instructor explained all concepts clearly. In total, 81.8% agreed that the technology effectively supported their learning. Most agreed that a clear demarcation between each course module existed and that the language and depth of the material were adequate. Some students reported technical difficulties, and 33.3% saw repetitions in the modules. However, all post-course respondents said they would recommend the online course to colleagues. Libyan dental practitioners showed high satisfaction levels towards the e-learning process, course content, instructors' attitudes, and overall e-learning experience despite the inherent e-learning challenges posed in this country.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of TotalFill and NeoSEALER flo bioceramic sealers

Aim

Evaluation of the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo bioceramic sealers compared to AH Plus resin sealer.

Materials and Methods

Modified direct contact test was used on three sets of sealers: Freshly mixed sealers, sealers that were 1-day old, and sealers that were 7-day old. After 24 h of incubation, the colony-forming units were digitally counted using Promega Colony Counter after 30 and 60 min of exposure to Enterococcus faecalis. For cytotoxic effect evaluation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed at three different time points: 24 h, 48 h, and 120 h after adding the sealer eluates to human gingival fibroblasts, to assess cell viability. Data were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance followed by post hoc test.

Results

TotalFill bioceramic sealer showed the highest bacterial reduction against E. faecalis throughout all intervals. AH Plus showed great antibacterial activity initially which reduced drastically after 7 days. All the sealers showed a reduction in their antibacterial activity with time. TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo showed very high cell viability in contrast to AH Plus.

Conclusion

TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo demonstrate superior antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis which reduces with time. TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo demonstrate acceptable biocompatibility against human gingival fibroblasts, which decreased over time.

In Vitro Research Methods Used to Evaluate Shaping Ability of Rotary Endodontic Files-A Literature Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In this article, we present a literature review of methods used to measure the shaping ability of endodontic rotary files, including the selection of endodontic sample type (extracted teeth versus simulated blocks) and an imaging evaluation method. This review was conducted as background research to identify concerns that arise when designing research studies in this domain and propose how the field can plan more systematic studies going forward.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and e B-on databases, including studies published in English from January 2010 to June 2024. Only studies that specified in vitro or ex vivo methods for evaluating the endodontic performance of NiTi rotary files on canal transportation and centering ability were considered.

RESULTS

A total of 86 studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 651. Of these, 67 studies used extracted teeth, while 20 utilized simulated root canals in resin blocks. For evaluation methods, 55 studies employed Micro-Computed Tomography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (MCT + CBCT), 30 used Double Digital Images/Radiographs/Photographs (DDIR + DDIP) with software analysis, 1 used both DDIR and MCT, 1 used high-precision nano-CT, and 1 used a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that the MCT method and its advanced variations appear superior in many cases for evaluating the quality of root canal instrumentation due to their ability to provide detailed three-dimensional images. We also discuss the pros and cons of other evaluation methods, including CBCT and DDIR. Finally, we identify important factors to consider for optimizing future cross-study comparisons. This work highlights the importance of being familiar with shaping ability assessment methods as new instruments are introduced to the market.