Enhancement of Antimicrobial Effect of Endodontic Sealers Using Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The elimination of biofilms during root canal therapy continues to pose a challenge due to complex anatomies and uninstrumented portions of the root canal system. The incorporation of nanoparticles in endodontic sealers is an area of interest for potentially enhancing antimicrobial activity and improving treatment outcomes. This systematic review evaluated the antimicrobial effects of various nanoparticles in endodontic sealers. METHODS: Comprehensive literature review was conducted using the electronic Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed databases followed by citation searching for articles eligible per the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1845 citations were screened, of which 13 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All included articles were in vitro studies with low-to-moderate quality assessment scores. The incorporation of select nanoparticles was associated with significant enhancement of antibacterial effects in planktonic and/or biofilm forms, whereas other nanoparticles were not. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of certain types and concentrations of nanoparticles into endodontic sealers displayed antimicrobial effects in vitro. The need for well-designed clinical studies translating in vitro findings into clinical practice is warranted. The incorporation of nanoparticles may enhance the antimicrobial properties of endodontic sealers and may improve treatment outcomes.

The cracked tooth: histopathologic and histobacteriologic aspects.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis and treatment planning of cracked teeth depend on the understanding of how cracks affect the surrounding tissues. This study evaluated the dentin and pulp conditions in teeth affected by cracks and attrition. METHODS: Specimens under investigation included 12 cracked posterior teeth and 8 teeth with severe attrition. These teeth were obtained consecutively in a private practice and were extracted for reasons not related to this study. Teeth were processed for histopathologic and histobacteriologic analyses. RESULTS: Cracks were histologically detected in all specimens, including the teeth with severe attrition. The cracks in all teeth were colonized by bacterial biofilms. One tooth showed several craze lines in the enamel, one of which reached dentin to a shallow depth. In some teeth, the crack ended in the dentin. Dentinal tubules were invaded by bacteria, especially when the crack extended perpendicularly into the dentin. Severe accumulations of inflammatory cells were present in the pulp zone subjacent to tubules involved with the crack. In many cases, the crack extended to the pulp, leading to reactions with intensities ranging from acute inflammation to total pulpal necrosis. Symptoms occurred in most cases in which the pulp was affected. In some cases, polymorphonuclear neutrophils were seen migrating from the pulp into the crack space and facing the bacterial biofilm located therein. Severe pulp reactions were also observed when the crack extended to the pulp chamber floor. CONCLUSIONS: Cracks are always colonized with bacterial biofilms. The pulp tissue response varies according to the location, direction, and extent of the crack.

The challenge of C-shaped canal systems: a comparative study of the self-adjusting file and ProTaper.

INTRODUCTION: C-shaped canals are anatomic features that present the clinician with both diagnostic and operational challenges. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the Self-Adjusting File (SAF; ReDent, Ra'anana, Israel) in shaping C-shaped canals with that of the rotary ProTaper file system (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). METHODS: Sixteen mandibular second molars and 4 maxillary second molars with C-shaped canals were obtained, originating from native Chinese population. They were divided into 2 equal groups of 10 teeth each, based on similar canal morphology as presented in preliminary micro-computed tomography-derived images. One group was shaped using the SAF, whereas the other was shaped using the ProTaper file system. Reconstructed micro-computed tomographic images before and after treatment were superimposed over each other, and the percentage of the canal wall unaffected by the procedure was calculated. Comparison of the 2 groups for this parameter was performed using the Student t test. RESULTS: When treated with the SAF, 41% ± 14% of the canal walls remained unaffected by the procedure, whereas 66% ± 6% of the wall area was unaffected when using ProTaper, which was significantly higher than that of the SAF-treated group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The SAF was more effective than the ProTaper file system in shaping the walls of C-shaped root canals.

Endodontic prognosis assessment.

There are several variables which must be considered before initiating endodontic treatment, including assessing the feasibility of endodontic treatment, addressing past, present and future periodontal concerns, determining the restorability of the tooth, and detecting root fractures. If these parameters are not carefully evaluated, then short- or long-term endodontic success may be questionable. Endodontic prognosis assessment is often subjective, based on objective finding, but ultimately determined by the experience of the operator. Although dentists must rely upon evidence-based research to determine the best modality of treatment, good clinical judgment and experience may override the most objective findings. This article discusses the objective and subjective criteria which must be evaluated for determining the potential prognosis of endodontic treatment.

Failing before starting: when not to do endodontics.

It's a fact: Perfect endodontic treatment can be unsuccessful. Unfortunately, endodontic failure often can result from an inadequate preliminary diagnosis or prognosis assessment. Many variables should be considered before endodontic treatment begins, including assessing the endodontic case, addressing periodontal concerns, determining restorative issues, and detecting root fractures. If these parameters are not evaluated carefully, then short- or long-term endodontic failure will result. Unfortunately, an endodontic prognosis assessment is often subjective. Although dentists must rely on evidence-based research to determine the best modality of treatment, good clinical judgment and experience may override the most objective findings. This article discusses the objective and subjective nuances involved in evaluating the potential prognosis of endodontic treatment.

Fracture necrosis: diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and treatment recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of cracks and fractures in teeth can pose difficulties in diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and treatment recommendations. When a tooth has no significant restorations or caries, whereby the pulp is nonvital in the absence of a luxation injury, it is suggested that this necrosis is likely caused by a significant longitudinal crack that extends from the occlusal surface and into the pulp. This type of presentation has been termed "fracture necrosis." METHODS: Twenty-seven teeth with nonvital pulps were evaluated that had no restorations or minimally deep restorations and no signs of caries. These teeth were extracted and evaluated as to the depth and location of any potential fracture. RESULTS: All evaluated teeth were found to have cracks that extended from the occlusal surface into the pulp and progressed to an external root surface. CONCLUSION: Pulp necrosis, in the absence of restorations, caries, or luxation injuries, is likely caused by a longitudinal fracture extending from the occlusal surface and into the pulp. Based on the available literature, these types of teeth may have a poor prognosis after endodontic treatment, with the potential ramification of extensive periodontal and/or periapical bone loss. Extraction may be considered as the primary treatment option.

Obturation with heat and vibration: the DownPak device.

Achieving successful endodontic treatment requires an accurate diagnosis and appropriate cleaning, shaping, and three-dimensional obturation of the canals. This article describes a new obturation technique that utilizes a warm plugger or spreader, delivered (in conjunction with vibration) with a single cordless device, the DownPak.

A demographic analysis of vertical root fractures.

Teeth with vertical root fractures (VRFs) have complete or incomplete fractures that extends through the enamel, dentin and pulp, down the long axis of the tooth. Several different variables were investigated and statistically evaluated as to their correlation with the presence of VRFs. Specifically analyzed were gender, tooth location, age, radiographic and clinical findings, bruxism, and pulpal status. The data were collected from three different endodontists, from three different geographic locations, comprising a total of 227 teeth. Although VRFs may occur in conjunction with any of the parameters investigated, only certain factors were found to occur in a significant number of cases. The results indicate that VRFs are statistically more prevalent in mandibular molars and maxillary premolars. They are associated with periradicular bone loss, pain to percussion, extensive restorations, and seem to occur more often in females and older patients. However, VRFs are not necessarily related to periapical bone loss, a widening of the periodontal ligament space, associated periodontal pockets, a sinus tract, particular pulpal status, or bruxism.

Contemporary concepts in endodontics: 2003 and beyond.

Recent changes have made it possible to perform endodontic treatment more efficiently, with improved precision and greater patient acceptance. This article reviews these various concepts and highlights how endodontics now can be performed with enhanced abilities and clinical results.

Early radiographic diagnosis of inflammatory root resorption.

Inflammatory root resorption (IRR) is a common sequelae to oral trauma. Anticipating root resorption after trauma and taking some preventive measures may avoid this outcome. Endodontics and radiographic examination play an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of root resorption. Subtle radiographic clues can lead to timely implementation of appropriate treatment (if any) according to the kind of resorption discovered. This article describes the most current classification of inflammatory root resorption (usually following trauma) and utilizes a clinical study to provide radiographic clues for its early detection.