Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Clinical Strains of Enterococci from Secondary/Persistent Endodontic Infections: What do We Know? A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Enterococcus faecalis is the most common enterococcal species associated with infective endocarditis and 1 of the most commonly detected bacteria in cases of secondary/persistent endodontic infection (SPEI). Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern. This review aimed to answer the following research question: "Is there a change in the antibiotic resistance profile in clinical strains of E. faecalis over the years?". P (population) - patients with SPEI, I (intervention) -endodontic retreatment, C (comparison) -not included, O (outcome) - profile of Enterococci resistance and susceptibility to systemic antibiotics used. METHODS: Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The literature search was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Medline. Clinical studies in which Enterococci strains were isolated to assess their antimicrobial resistance were included. RESULTS: Eleven clinical trials were included. Overall, E. faecalis isolated from teeth with SPEI presented an intermediate resistance to 16 antibiotics. In recent years, E. faecalis showed a little resistance to amoxicillin (without clavulanate) and benzylpenicillin. Erythromycin and rifampicin presented an increase in the intermediate-resistance status between the first and the last studies. E. faecium presented intermediate-resistance results. CONCLUSION: The most effective drugs remain the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate, followed by amoxicillin and benzylpenicillin. In patients allergic to penicillin derivatives, moxifloxacin and azithromycin may be indicated with caution. The antibiotics with the highest pattern of resistance against E. faecalis are clindamycin, gentamicin, metronidazole, and rifampicin and are therefore, contraindicated in cases of SPEI. Very few clinical studies using a microbiological approach in teeth with endodontic failure have been carried out to improve the efficacy of prophylactic regimens. However, as bacteria periodically develop resistance to the main drugs used, regular studies should be carried out on the action of these drugs in infection control.

Clinical evaluation of culturable bacteria, endotoxins and lipoteichoic acid in teeth with vital normal pulp tissues.

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of culturable bacteria, endotoxins (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) levels in teeth with normal vital pulp (NVP) with intact crowns (IC) and those with coronal restoration (CR) limited to the enamel level. A total of 20 teeth indicated for endodontic treatment due to prosthetic reasons were selected. Samples were collected from the root canals. The levels of cultivable bacteria, LPS and LTA were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed at significance level set at 5%. None of the teeth presented microbial growth. In the IC group, the LPS levels were limited to the lowest concentration of LPS. On the contrary, higher LPS and LTA levels were detected in teeth with CR. It was concluded that teeth with NVP and IC were negative for bacteria, LPS and LTA; while teeth with CR were positive for bacterial virulence factors.

Evaluation of the rotary kinematics between actual and set speeds of X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver and iRoot motors.

The present study evaluated the actual rotational speed of three different endodontic motors compared to the values provided by the manufacturers. A total of three endodontic motors (X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver, and iRoot) were tested at 400 rpm and 800 rpm and 2 N/cm2 torque. The kinematics of the devices was recorded by using a custom angle-measuring disc with a 50-mm diameter attached to the handpiece provided by the manufacturer, whereas their movement was captured by a high-speed camera at 2,400 frames per second, 800 x 800 pixel-resolution and distance of 0.3 m from the target object. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%. At 400 rpm, the iRoot motor had a value of 17.94 rpm above that indicated by the manufacturer, which was significantly different from those of X-Smart Plus (5.20 rpm below that indicated by the manufacturer) and VDW.Silver (0.62 rpm above that indicated by the manufacturer) motors (P < 0.05). At 800 rpm, the iRoot motor had a value of 51.34 rpm below that indicated by the manufacturer, whereas the X-Smart Plus motor had a value of 13.00 rpm below that indicated by the manufacturer (P > 0.05). The VDW.Silver motor statistically differed from the iRoot and X-Smart Plus ones, showing a value of 1.68 rpm above that indicated by the manufacturer. In conclusion, the X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver, and iRoot motors showed lower variations in the rotational speed values compared to those reported by their manufacturers. The endodontic motors presented different behaviors between them, with the VDW.Silver motor presents the most accurate values and the iRoot presents the most divergent values.

Quantitative analysis of culturable bacteria, levels of endotoxins, inflammatory mediators and substance P in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and in teeth with vital normal pulp tissues.

AIM: To comparatively analyse the levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins (LPS), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and substance P in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) and vital normal pulp (VNP) tissues. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two patients were included (20 teeth with SIP and 12 teeth with VNP tissues) in this cross-sectional study. Samples were collected from the full length of the root canals (microbial analysis) and periapical tissues (2 mm beyond the apex for immunological analysis), using sterile absorbent paper points. The levels of culturable bacteria (culture method), endotoxins (LAL Pyrogent 5000), TNF-α, IL-1ß and substance P (ELISA) were assessed. The Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons between the levels of CFU/mL, LPS, TNF-α, IL-1ß and substance P in the SIP and VNP groups. The statistical analysis was performed with the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Culturable bacteria were recovered from all teeth with SIP. On the other hand, no positive cultures were observed in the VNP tissues group (p > .05). The levels of LPS were approximately four times higher in teeth with SIP than in teeth with VNP tissues (p < .05). Higher levels of TNF-α and substance P were detected in teeth with SIP (p < .05). On the other hand, no difference in the levels of IL-1ß was detected between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis present higher levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins, TNF-α and substance P than those with vital normal pulp tissues. On the other hand, the levels of IL-1ß were similar in teeth from both groups suggesting reduced implications of this inflammatory mediator in the early stages of infection.

Evaluation of the rotary kinematics between actual and set speeds of X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver and iRoot motors

Abstract The present study evaluated the actual rotational speed of three different endodontic motors compared to the values provided by the manufacturers. A total of three endodontic motors (X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver, and iRoot) were tested at 400 rpm and 800 rpm and 2 N/cm2 torque. The kinematics of the devices was recorded by using a custom angle-measuring disc with a 50-mm diameter attached to the handpiece provided by the manufacturer, whereas their movement was captured by a high-speed camera at 2,400 frames per second, 800 x 800 pixel-resolution and distance of 0.3 m from the target object. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%. At 400 rpm, the iRoot motor had a value of 17.94 rpm above that indicated by the manufacturer, which was significantly different from those of X-Smart Plus (5.20 rpm below that indicated by the manufacturer) and VDW.Silver (0.62 rpm above that indicated by the manufacturer) motors (P < 0.05). At 800 rpm, the iRoot motor had a value of 51.34 rpm below that indicated by the manufacturer, whereas the X-Smart Plus motor had a value of 13.00 rpm below that indicated by the manufacturer (P > 0.05). The VDW.Silver motor statistically differed from the iRoot and X-Smart Plus ones, showing a value of 1.68 rpm above that indicated by the manufacturer. In conclusion, the X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver, and iRoot motors showed lower variations in the rotational speed values compared to those reported by their manufacturers. The endodontic motors presented different behaviors between them, with the VDW.Silver motor presents the most accurate values and the iRoot presents the most divergent values.

Resumo O presente estudo avaliou a real velocidade rotacional de três diferentes motores endodônticos comparados aos valores fornecidos pelos fabricantes. Um total de três motores endodônticos (X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver e iRoot) foram testados a 400 rpm e 800 rpm e torque de 2 N/cm2. A cinemática dos dispositivos foi verificada utilizando-se um disco customizado de 50 mm de diâmetro acoplado ao contra ângulo fornecido pelo fabricante e o movimento foi capturado através de uma câmera ajustada em 2400 quadros por segundo com resolução de 800 x 800 pixels distante 0,3 m do objeto alvo. A análise estatística foi realizada com nível de significância de 5%. A 400 rpm, o motor iRoot apresentou 17,94 rpm acima do indicado pelo fabricante, sendo o valor significativamente diferente do X-Smart Plus (5,20 rpm abaixo do indicado pelo fabricante) e VDW.Silver (0.62 rpm acima do indicado pelo fabricante) (P > 0,05). A 800 rpm, iRoot apresentou 51.34 rpm abaixo do indicado pelo fabricante e X-Smart Plus 13,00 rpm abaixo do indicado pelo fabricante (P > 0,05). VDW.Silver foi estatisticamente diferente de iRoot e X-Smart Plus, apresentando 1,68 rpm acima do indicado pelo fabricante. Concluiu-se que os motores X-Smart Plus, VDW.Silver e iRoot apresentaram baixa variação na velocidade rotacional quando comparada ao fornecido pelo fabricante. Os motores endodônticos apresentaram diferentes comportamentos entre eles, sendo que o motor VDW.Silver apresentou valores mais acurados enquanto o iRoot foi o mais divergente.

Effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on the reduction of bacteria and virulence factors in teeth with primary endodontic infection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental photodynamic therapy for improving the bacterial removal and the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) by conducting a clinical trial. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four root canals with pulp necrosis and periapical lesion were selected and randomly divided into conventional group using endodontic treatment with chemo-mechanical preparation (CMP) alone (n = 12) and a group using antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) after CMP (n = 12). The samples were collected before and after CMP (conventional group) and after photodynamic therapy (aPDT group). A photosensitizer (0.005% methylene blue) was applied to the root canal for 3 minutes after CMP, whereas aPDT was performed by using a red laser with a power of 30Mw and energy density of 9J/cm2 for 90 s per root canal. Culture technique was performed to determine the bacterial colony forming units. LPS and LTA levels were quantified by using limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. RESULTS: All samples showed growth of viable bacteria on Fastidious Anaerobe Agar (FAA), with an average of 5.19 × 105 CFU/ mL. CMP was effective in decreasing viable bacteria (p < 0.05), whereas there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the samples treated with aPDT compared to those submitted to CMP. LPS and LTA were detected in all initial samples, with mean values of 20.561 EU/mL and 430.91 pg/mL, respectively. Both CMP and aPDT groups significantly decreased the levels of LPS and LTA (p < 0.05), with a statistical difference between the groups regarding aPDT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to CMP proved to be effective in improving root canal disinfection and reducing the LPS and LTA levels in teeth with primary endodontic infection.

Chemomechanical preparation influences the microbial community and the levels of LPS, LTA and cytokines in combined endodontic-periodontal lesions: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare the microbiomes, the levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), before and after chemomechanical preparation (CMP) of the root canals (RC) and their associated periodontal pockets (PP) in teeth with combined EPL. MATERIALS: Samples were taken from 10 RC and PP, before and after CMP. The microbiomes (next-generation sequencing, V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene), microbiome diversity (bioinformatics analyses), LPS (limulus amebocyte lysate), LTA, IL-1ß, and TNF-α (ELISA) were evaluated. A statistical analysis was performed with significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: The most abundant phyla in both sites were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Comparative studies of bacterial genera species revealed that some increased and others decreased after CMP at both sites. A 3% reduction in Gram-negative bacteria (RC) and a 4% increase in Gram-positive bacteria (PP) were detected. LPS levels were 4.4 times higher in PP than in the RC. LTA was detected in all samples investigated. Higher levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α were detected in both sites at baseline. After CMP, LPS, LTA, IL-1ß and TNF-α were reduced in both sites. CONCLUSION: The microbial community in the RC and PP in teeth with combined EPL indicated a similarity between both sites. CMP effectively reduced the microbial load and the LPS levels from teeth with EPL, and consequently diminished the cytokine levels. The reduction in LTA levels in the RC and PP proved challenging.

Efficacy of 6% Sodium Hypochlorite on Infectious Content of Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to monitor the effects of chemomechanical preparation (CMP) performed with 6% sodium hypochlorite and calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication (ICM) on the levels and diversity of bacteria, endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides [LPS]), and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in root canals of teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. METHODS: Samples were collected from 10 teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis before CMP (S1), after CMP (S2), and after ICM (S3). The levels of bacteria, LPS, and LTA were assessed by using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, LAL Pyrogent 5000, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Wilcoxon test, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and Tukey post hoc test were used for statistical analysis at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Forty species were detected at S1. Two species were eliminated after CMP and 5 after ICM. Resistant and pain-related species were detected in the root canals. Higher levels of culturable bacteria were detected at S1. However, CMP and ICM effectively reduced the microbial load in the root canals. Higher levels of LPS and LTA were detected at S1. CMP was effective in reducing both LPS and LTA (P < .05). ICM produced additional reduction in the levels of LPS (P > .05) and LTA (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Chemomechanical preparation using 6% sodium hypochlorite and calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication were effective in reducing the levels of bacteria, LPS, and LTA in teeth with vital pulp and irreversibly inflamed pulp.

The effect of photodynamic therapy on postoperative pain in teeth with primary endodontic infection.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the action of photodynamic therapy on pain control after endodontic treatment in asymptomatic teeth with a primary infection, within a single visit. METHODS: Sixty (60) single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical lesions were selected and randomly divided into two (2) groups (n = 30), according to the protocol; a control group (CG) and a group using photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The canals were instrumented with Reciproc files # 25 up to 40 along the entire length of the canal, using 2% chlorhexidine gel as the auxiliary chemical substance, followed by irrigation with sterile saline. aPDT consited of 0.005% methylene blue as photosensitizer, using AsGaAl diode laser, 660 nm wavelength, 100 mW of power and 9 J of energy, using optical fibers with 365 µm in diameter. The canals were filled with Endomethasone N cement. RESULTS: Pain intensity was assessed at 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 h and 1 week after endodontic treatment using a visual analogue scale. The level of pain was classified as none (0), mild (1-3), moderate (4-7) or severe (8-10). The data were at a significance level of 5%. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the periods of 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h between the control group and the aPDT group. After 1 week, there was no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that photodynamic therapy had a significant effect on decreasing post-endodontic treatment pain in teeth with necrotic pulp and asymptomatic periapical lesions.

SARS-CoV-2: A Professional and social gamechanger - Medical and dental aspects.

This study reports the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and its impact on dental practice and education in Brazil. A literature review involving medical and dental interests was performed based on recent general findings about the infection (research and relevant guidelines). COVID-19 is a high transmissible, unpredictable systemic disease, involving a viral replication phase, followed by an inflammatory phase that can evolve into hyperinflammation that leads to a cytokine storm and other serious issues including sepsis, shock and multiple organ failure. The dentists are directly impacted by the new coronavirus as they work with the oral cavity that is irrigated by the saliva and receive the respiratory aerosols and droplets from the patient. In conclusion, the world is facing a completely new situation that deserves the comprehension of the population and close attention of the authorities. Following protocols to attend patients can prevent the dissemination of the virus, cross-infection, and the contamination of health care professionals. New strategies need to be developed to enhance the existing teaching and learning protocols in Universities and to allow research to continue.

SARS-CoV-2: A Professional and social gamechanger - Medical and dental aspects

Abstract This study reports the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and its impact on dental practice and education in Brazil. A literature review involving medical and dental interests was performed based on recent general findings about the infection (research and relevant guidelines). COVID-19 is a high transmissible, unpredictable systemic disease, involving a viral replication phase, followed by an inflammatory phase that can evolve into hyperinflammation that leads to a cytokine storm and other serious issues including sepsis, shock and multiple organ failure. The dentists are directly impacted by the new coronavirus as they work with the oral cavity that is irrigated by the saliva and receive the respiratory aerosols and droplets from the patient. In conclusion, the world is facing a completely new situation that deserves the comprehension of the population and close attention of the authorities. Following protocols to attend patients can prevent the dissemination of the virus, cross-infection, and the contamination of health care professionals. New strategies need to be developed to enhance the existing teaching and learning protocols in Universities and to allow research to continue.

Resumo Este estudo descreve o surto de SARS-CoV-2 e o impacto na prática e Ensino em odontologia no Brasil. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura acerca de interesses médico e odontológico baseada em achados recentes sobre a infecção (pesquisa e diretrizes relevantes). COVID-19 é uma doença sistêmica altamente transmissível, imprevisível, envolvendo a fase de replicação viral, seguida da fase inflamatória que pode evoluir para um estado de hiper inflamação, levando a uma "tempestade de citocinas" e outros sintomas tais como sepse, choque e falência múltipla de órgãos. Os dentistas são diretamente impactados pelo novo coronavírus uma vez que trabalham com a cavidade oral que é irrigada pela saliva, e recebe aerossóis e gotículas oriundas da respiração do paciente. Concluiu-se que o mundo está enfrentando uma situação completamente nova e merece a compreensão da população e atenção das autoridades. Seguir protocolos para o atendimento de paciente pode prevenir a disseminação do virus, infecção cruzada e a contaminação de profissionais da saúde. Novas estratégias precisam ser desenvolvidas para melhorar os protocolos de Ensino e aprendizagem existentes nas universidades e permitir que a pesquisa continue.

Influence of Bacterial Profiles in Cytokine and Clinical Features of Endodontic Disease.

INTRODUCTION: We verified the association between selected bacterial profiles and levels of cytokines, chemokines, and the expression of signs and symptoms of primary endodontic infection with apical periodontitis. METHODS: Samples were collected from 21 root canals, and macrophages were stimulated for 24 hours. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, interferon gamma, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) were measured using cytometric bead array. We investigated the overlapping networks between cytokines and chemokines with regression analysis. Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization was used to assess 40 target bacteria species. Using factor analysis, bacterial species aggregated in 2 factors. The association of bacteria species-based factors on cytokine and chemokine levels and clinical features was estimated with regression analysis. RESULTS: A negative relationship between IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) and CCL2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ (proinflammatory cytokines) (all P < .05) was observed. CCL2 was positively correlated with TNF-α (P < .01). Thirty-eight bacteria species were detected in primary endodontic infection with apical periodontitis. The first bacteria species-based factor was associated with the size of the radiolucent area (coefficient = 15.42) and tenderness to percussion/pain on palpation (coefficient = 20.79). The second factor was associated with CCL2 levels (coefficient = 1.28). CONCLUSIONS: Different bacterial profiles can be differentially related to the expression of inflammatory proteins and the experience of clinical features.

Microbiological analysis of endodontically treated teeth with apical periodontitis before and after endodontic retreatment.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the microbiota of teeth with endodontic treatment failure by 16S ribosomal RNA genetic sequencing (GS) and PCR at the different phases of the endodontic retreatment and to associate the presence of specific bacteria with clinical and radiographic features in teeth with apical periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty infected root canals of single-rooted teeth were selected. Samples were collected with sterile paper points before chemo-mechanical preparation (CMP) (S1), after CMP (S2) and after 30 days of intracanal medication (ICM) (S3). Microbial identification was performed using GS and PCR. Tukey-Kramer post hoc test and post hoc ANOVA were used for intergroup analysis. Paired t test and repeated-measures ANOVA were applied for intragroup analysis, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 89 strains were identified using GS. Sixty-five strains were recovered in S1 and 15 strains in S2, and 9 strains remained in S3. Enterococcus faecalis was the most predominant bacteria. Gram-positive cocci bacteria predominated. Gram-negative species were also detected. Using species-specific PCR primers to detect seven species, the most prevalent ones at all the phases of the endodontic retreatment were E. faecalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis. However, Parvimonas micra and P. gingivalis were associated with previous pain, P. gingivalis was associated with tenderness to percussion and E. faecalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and P. gingivalis were associated with periapical lesion > 3 mm. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the microbiota of persistent infection is polymicrobial with predominance of E. faecalis and P. gingivalis in all phases of the endodontic retreatment, regardless of the method used for microbial identification. Associations were found between specific bacteria and clinical/radiographic features. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The characterization of the bacteria present at all phases of the endodontic retreatment is important for the monitoring of the effectiveness of the techniques used and to better understand the susceptibility of these species to the disinfection agent used during the procedures.

Investigation of microbial profile, levels of endotoxin and lipoteichoic acid in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a clinical study.

AIM: To investigate the microbial profile, and levels of endotoxin (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), in infected dentine (ID) and root canals (RC) at different phases of root canal treatment in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. METHODOLOGY: Ten volunteers were included, and samples were collected from infected dentine (ID) and the root canal lumen (RC) using sterile excavators and paper points, respectively. RC samples were taken before (S1) and after (S2) chemo-mechanical canal preparation (CMP), and after intracanal medication (ICM; S3). Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization was used for microbial analysis. The levels of LPS and LTA were evaluated using the limulus amebocyte lysate assay and ELISA, respectively. Shapiro-Wilk's test was used to verify data normality. Friedman's test was used to evaluate statistical differences using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization in the ID and RC at the different phases of the RC treatment. Post hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test was used to verify significant differences recorded at the different time-points. The levels of LPS and LTA were analysed statistically by using repeated measures anova and Tukey's post hoc test to evaluate differences in both sites. The significance level was set at 5% (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 40 DNA probes were used for microbial investigation of ID and RC samples using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. The levels and complexity of bacteria were similar in the ID and initial RC samples. The levels of LPS and LTA in ID were significantly higher than the initial RC samples (S1; P < 0.05). Canal preparation was effective in significantly decreasing the levels of bacteria, LPS and LTA (P < 0.05). ICM did not provide additional reduction in the levels of bacteria and LPS (P > 0.05). However, a significant reduction in the levels of LTA was observed after ICM (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The microbial profile of infected dentine and root canals of teeth with irreversible pulpitis was complex, harbouring different species including Gram-positive and Gram-negative, cocci and bacilli, and facultative and strict anaerobes. Root canal preparation was effective in reducing the levels of bacteria, LPS and LTA from the root canals of teeth with pulpitis.

Microbiological Investigation in Teeth with Persistent/Secondary Endodontic Infection in Different Stages of Root Canal Retreatment.

OBJECTIVE: The present clinical study investigated the microbiota of teeth with persistent secondary endodontic infection in the different phases of root canal retreatment. METHODS: Twenty filled single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis were included. Samples were collected with sterile paper points before chemo-mechanical preparation (CMP) (S1), after CMP (S2) and after 30 days of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication (ICM) (S3). Cultivable bacteria were assessed by colony forming units count (CFU/mL). DNA was extracted and assessed by using nested PCR. Paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA were applied for intragroup analysis in the stages of endodontic therapy at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Cultivable bacteria were detected in all initial samples. CMP reduced bacteria by 99.4% and ICM by 99.5%. The most prevalent species found in the initial samples were E. faecalis (20/20), P. gingivalis (20/20), F. nucleatum (17/20) and A. actinomycetemcomitans (10/20), whereas D. pneumosintes, F. alocis, P. nigrescens and T. socranskii were not detected. After CMP, A. israelii, A. naeslundii, G. morbillorum, T. forsythia and T. denticola were not detected (P<0.05) either. E. faecalis and P. gingivalis had a low reduction (P>0.05) and F. nucleatum had its DNA significantly reduced after CMP (P<0.05). ICM had no additional effect on microbial reduction. CONCLUSION: The microbiota of teeth with persistent/secondary endodontic infection consists of a polymicrobial community with Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, bacillus and cocci, facultative and strict anaerobes. E. faecalis and P. gingivalis were frequently detected in all stages of root canal retreatment, evidencing their great resistance to endodontic procedures. The endodontic procedures were effective in reducing the levels of bacteria from teeth presenting with persistent/secondary endodontic infection.

Investigation of Filifactor alocis in primary and in secondary endodontic infections: A molecular study.

OBJECTIVE: Identification of specific bacteria in root canals (RCs) in distinct clinical conditions can support the comprehension of pathological processes. Thus, the objective of this clinical study was to investigate the presence of F. alocis in RCs of teeth with primary endodontic infection (PEI) and with persistent/secondary endodontic infection (SEI) by using molecular techniques. It was also aimed to associate its presence with the clinical features. In addition, the levels of F. alocis as well as the total bacterial cells in the samples were also quantitated. DESIGN: One hundred teeth (50 PEI and 50 SEI) were included. Microbial samples were performed using sterile paper points and assessed by using nested PCR and quantitative Real Time PCR (qPCR). The prevalence of F.alocis in RCs from PEI and SEI were compared by chi-square analysis. Fisher´s exact test or Pearson Chi-square, when appropriate, was used to test associations between clinical and radiographic features and the presence of F. alocis. Significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: F. alocis was detected in 23 and 28 (PEI) and 12 and 11 (SEI) RCs using Nested PCR and qPCR, respectively. Statistically significant associations were found between the presence of F. alocis and PEI, pain, wet canals, swelling, abscess and purulent exudate (P < 0.05). Total bacterial count was similar in both conditions (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PEI harbour a significantly higher number of F. alocis than those with SEI. Filifactor alocis was significantly associated with clinical features in primary endodontic infections. Total bacterial count was similar in both clinical conditions.

Clinical Investigation of Microbial Profile and Levels of Endotoxins and Lipoteichoic Acid at Different Phases of the Endodontic Treatment in Teeth with Vital Pulp and Associated Periodontal Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the microbial profile as well as the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) at different phases of endodontic treatment in teeth with vital pulp and associated periodontal disease. METHODS: Ten patients were selected for this clinical study. Samples were taken from periodontal pockets (PPs) and root canals (RCs) using sterile paper points before and after chemomechanical preparation and after intracanal medication. For microbiological analysis, nested polymerase chain reaction and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization were used. Levels of LPS and LTA were assessed using limulus amebocyte lysate and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Bacterial DNA from 17 of the 17 species investigated was detected in samples of PPs, whereas 6 of the 17 species were not present in the initial samples of RCs using nested polymerase chain reaction. In the initial samples, 38 of 40 probes were detected in PPs, whereas 12 of 40 probes were detected in RCs using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Overall, endodontic procedures were efficient in modifying the microbiota of PPs and RCs. Levels of LPS and LTA were reduced after the endodontic procedures, although higher concentrations of both had been found in PPs compared with RCs. CONCLUSIONS: The microbiota of PPs and RCs in teeth with vital pulp and associated periodontal disease is polymicrobial, with the presence of gram-negative, gram-positive, facultative, and strict anaerobes. Chemomechanical preparation and calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication allowed the reduction of infectious content in both sites.

Teaching experiences during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in a Brazilian School of Dentistry

The coronavirus outbreak (2019) represents a public health emergency of global concern. Several measures have been taken to minimise the risk of infection among the population, including social distancing, working from home, closure of non-essential activities since the detection of the first case in Brazil. This study describes the teaching experiences during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in a Brazilian School of Dentistry. The State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) was the first public university in Brazil to stop all the classroom activities on 13th of March 2020 due to COVID-19, followed by other universities. UNICAMP developed several initiatives and created a special support page for digital teaching, where it is possible to obtain guidance, support materials for teachers and a space for exchanging messages (e-mail and chat) for specific guidelines. UNICAMP has started lending computer equipment to undergraduate and graduate students according to socioeconomic criteria. Along with the equipment, 500 chips have been delivered with 10 GB of internet so that these students are able to access the network and carry out the remote activities related to their courses. In conclusion, quality education is the key-element in forming high-quality professionals that will in a near future provide health care for the community, be part in international research groups and become lecturers

Effectiveness of XP-Endo Finisher in the reduction of bacterial load in oval-shaped root canals.

This study investigated the effectiveness of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF) associated with XP-Endo Shaper (XPS) or Reciproc Blue (RB) files in reducing bacterial load in oval-shaped root canals (RC) during chemomechanical preparation (CMP) using 0.9% saline solution (NaCl) or 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Eighty mandibular incisors with single oval-shaped RC were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. The teeth were randomly assigned to eight experimental groups (n = 10) according to the CMP, as follows: G1: XPS, G2: XPS + XPF, G3: RB, and G4: RB + XPF. CMP was performed with NaCl or NaOCl. The reduction of bacterial load was assessed by colony-forming unit count before (S1) and after (S2) CMP. Data normality was verified by using Shapiro-Wilk test. ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Bonferroni post-hoc test were used at a 5% significance level. Culturable bacteria were present in all S1 samples (p>0.05). All instrumentation techniques were effective in reducing bacterial load, irrespective of the irrigating solution (p < 0.05). With the use of NaCl, RB was more effective than XPS (p = 0.035). With the use of NaOCl, XPS and RB presented similar effectiveness (p = 0.779). XPF enhanced the bacterial reduction of both systems tested (p < 0.05). The use of NaOCl improved the CMP, irrespective of the instrumentation technique used (p < 0.05). In conclusion, XPS and RB files are effective in reducing bacterial levels in oval-shaped RC. The use of XPF as a method of agitation of the irrigating solution improved the cleaning efficiency of both file systems tested. Mechanical preparation performed with saline solution decreased culturable bacteria from the root canal, but antimicrobial substances such as NaOCl should be used to achieve a significantly better disinfection.