The incidence of unfilled second mesiobuccal canals and periapical lesions in maxillary molars by cone-beam computed tomography E-VOL DX software

This study evaluated the incidence of unfilled second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals and periapical lesions in first maxillary molars using CBCT e-Vol DX software. Hence, 326 CBCT images of first maxillary molars of patients undergoing endodontic treatment were selected. The e-Vol DX software performed a retrospective review of these images, recording the presence or absence of MB2 canals, filling, and periapical lesions in first maxillary molars. Specific statistical analysis was performed at a 5% significance level. Unfilled MB2 canals were highly frequent in first maxillary molars and significantly associated with periapical lesions in the mesiobuccal root of these teeth (p<0.05). The CBCT e-Vol DX software effectively detected MB2 canals, and unfilled canals may be associated with periapical lesions.

Does photobiomodulation on the root surface decrease the occurrence of root resorption in reimplanted teeth? A systematic review of animal studies.

This review aimed to answer the following question "Does photobiomodulation treatment of the root surface decrease the occurrence of root resorption in reimplanted teeth?" Electronic searches were performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Grey Literature Report databases. Risk of bias was evaluated using SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool was used to assess the certainty of evidence. In total, 6 studies were included. Five studies reported a reduced occurrence of root resorption in teeth that received photobiomodulation treatment of the root surface prior to replantation. Only 1 study reported contradictory results. The photobiomodulation parameters varied widely among studies. GRADE assessment showed a low certainty of evidence. It can be inferred that photobiomodulation treatment of the root surface prior to replantation of teeth can reduce the occurrence of root resorption. Nonetheless, further clinical studies are needed. Trial Registration: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022349891.

Effectiveness of ultrasonic activation over glycolic acid on microhardness, cohesive strength, flexural strength, and fracture resistance of the root dentin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonic activation (US) over glycolic acid on microhardness, cohesive strength, flexural strength, and fracture resistance of root dentin, comparing with conventional final irrigation protocols. METHODS: Samples were obtained from 140 extracted bovine teeth and distributed into four test groups: microhardness (50 teeth), cohesive strength (15 teeth), flexural strength (15 teeth), and fracture resistance (60 teeth). In all four tests, specimens were subdivided into five groups, according to final irrigation protocols: G1: distilled water (DW); G2: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); G3: 17% glycolic acid (GA); G4: 17% EDTA + US; and G5: 17% GA + US. The duration time of each protocol was set in 1 min. After irrigation protocols, the Vickers tester was used to evaluate microhardness and the universal testing machine was used to evaluate the cohesive strength, flexural strength, and fracture resistance of the root dentin. One-way ANOVA test and the Tukey HSD were used for multiple comparison tests in all evaluations (α = 5%). RESULTS: In general, groups 2 (EDTA), 4 (EDTA + US), and 5 (GA + US) promoted the highest reduction of microhardness, being statistically different from other groups (p < 0.05). Cohesive strength, flexural strength, and fracture resistance data revealed that no differences between groups were observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The association of GA and US results in microhardness reduction, with no influence on cohesive strength, flexural strength, and fracture resistance of the root dentin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of US over GA has no influence on some mechanical properties of root dentin.

Effectiveness of ultrasonic activation associated to glycolic acid on smear layer removal, dentin structure and bond strength to root dentin

This study evaluated the effects of ultrasonic activation (US) associated to glycolic acid (GA) on smear layer, dentin structure and bond strength (BS) of filling/restorative material to root dentin. The roots were used for antimicrobial activity, dentin structure and BS evaluation, being distributed into seven groups, according to irrigation protocols: G1:DW+US; G2:17% EDTA; G3:QMix; G4:17% GA; G5:17% EDTA+US; G6:QMix+US; G7:17% GA+US. Scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy and push-out were performed, with specific statistical analysis for each evaluation. The highest smear layer removal occured in Groups 6 and 7 (p<0.05), and the largest collagen dispersion in Group 7, being similar to Group 2 and 5 (p>0.05). The highest BS of filling and restorative material occurred in Groups 6 and 7, and Groups 5, 6 and 7, respectively, being similars between them (p>0.05). The use of GA+US promoted effective smear layer removal and dentin structure preservation, improving the BS of filling/restorative material to root dentin.

Avaliação do nível de sujidade de sistemas rotatório e reciprocante após instrumentação e procedimentos de limpeza pré-esterilização / Evaluation of the dirt level of rotary and reciprocating systems after instrumentation and pre-sterilization cleaning procedures

Objetivos: avaliar a sujidade de limas rotatórias e reciprocantes após instrumentação e procedimentos de limpeza pré-esterilização. Materiais e métodos: 24 limas rotatórias e as 24 limas reciprocantes foram divididas, aleatoriamente, em dois grandes grupos. No primeiro grupo, as 12 limas rotatórias e as 12 limas reciprocantes foram divididas, aleatoriamente, em seis subgrupos (SG): SG1 (controle negativo 1/n=1) ­ 1 lima rotatória não submetida à instrumentação; SG2 (controle negativo 2/n=1) ­ 1 lima reciprocante não submetida à instrumentação; SG3 (controle positivo 1/n=1) ­ 1 lima rotatória submetida à instrumentação e não submetida a qualquer protocolo de limpeza; SG4 (controle positivo 2/n=1) ­ 1 lima reciprocante submetida à instrumentação e não submetida a qualquer protocolo de limpeza; SG5 (grupo teste/n=10) ­ 10 limas rotatórias submetidas à instrumentação e submetidas ao protocolo de lavagem manual; SG6 (grupo teste/ n=10) ­ 10 limas reciprocantes submetidas à instrumentação e submetidas ao protocolo de lavagem manual. No segundo grupo, as 12 limas rotatórias e as 12 limas reciprocantes foram divididas, aleatoriamente, nos mesmos subgrupos, substituindo, nos subgrupos 5 e 6, a lavagem manual pela lavagem em cuba ultrassônica. A análise do nível de sujidade foi realizada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), sendo os dados submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: a menor média de sujidade entre os grupos experimentais foi encontrada no SG5 do G1, sem diferença significante em relação aos demais grupos testados (p>0,05). Conclusão: conclui-se que os protocolos de limpeza testados não foram completamente efetivos para a remoção de sujidade das limas endodônticas.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the dirt of rotary and reciprocating files after instrumentation and pre- -sterilization cleaning procedures. Materials and Methods: 24 rotary files and the 24 reciprocating files were randomly divided into two groups. In the 1st group, 12 rotary files and 12 reciprocating files were randomly divided into six subgroups (SG): SG1 (negative control 1/n=1) ­ 1 rotary file not subjected to instrumentation; SG2 (negative control 2/n=1) ­ 1 reciprocating file not subjected to instrumentation; SG3 (positive control 1/n=1) ­ 1 rotary file submitted to instrumentation and not submitted to any cleaning protocol; SG4 (positive control 2/n=1) ­ 1 reciprocating file submitted to instrumentation and not submitted to any cleaning protocol; SG5 (test group/n=10) ­ 10 rotary files submitted to instrumentation and submitted to the manual cleaning protocol; SG6 (test group/n=10) ­ 10 reciprocating files submitted to instrumentation and submitted to the manual cleaning protocol. In the 2nd group, the 12 rotary files and the 12 reciprocating files were randomly divided into the same subgroups, substituting, in subgroups 5 and 6, manual with ultrasonic bath cleaning. The analysis of dirt levels was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), being the data submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: the lowest average of dirt between the experimental groups was found in SG5 of G1, with no significant difference when compared to the other groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: it could be concluded that the cleaning protocols were not completely effective in removing dirt from endodontic files.(AU)

Evaluation of apical transportation and apical root sealing in root canals prepared with mtwo rotary system with and without apical enlargement ­ an in vitro study

The aim of this study was to evaluate apical transportation and apical root canal sealing after root canal filling in human teeth prepared with MTwo® Rotary System with and without apical foramen enlargement. Twenty mandibular premolars were divided into two groups (n=10). Group 1 had root canals prepared 1mm beyond the apical foramen. Group 2 had root canals prepared 1mm below the root canal length. After chemo-mechanical preparation, samples were submitted to scanning electronic microscopy. Apical foramen images had 75x magnification at standardized positions, allowing measurements from the apical foramen area before and after root canal preparation, and after root canal filling. Apical foramen shape and apical transportation, as well as its level of circumferential filling after root canal preparation were accessed using the Image Subtraction System. Scanning electronic microscopy analysis demonstrated that samples of Group 1 showed larger foraminal diameter than samples of Group 2 (p<0.05). Apical foramen transportation was statistically different between Groups 1 and 2 (p=0.0108). Furthermore, the apical foramen sealing also differed statistically between groups 1 and 2 (p=0.0007) and 100% of samples of Group 1 showed apical root canal sealing. Apical root canal sealing was more effective when the root canal was prepared with apical foramen enlargement, even when the apical transportation was detected.

Influence of a glycolic acid-based final irrigant for photosensitizer removal of photodynamic therapy on the microhardness and colour change of the dentin structure.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of glycolic acid-based final irrigant for photosensitizer removal of photodynamic therapy on the microhardness and colour change of the dentin structure. METHODS: Eighty extracted single-rooted human incisors were used. Sample preparation and root split resulted in 160 samples, 80 samples being used for microhardness and 80 samples for colour change evaluation. In the first, PDT protocol was performed and 80 samples were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20), according to the final irrigation protocol: distilled water (DW); 17 % ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); QMix; 17 % glycolic acid (GA). Microhardness was evaluated using the Vicker tester, before and after, PDT and final irrigation protocols, calculating the percentage of microhardness reduction. In the second evaluation, PDT and final irrigation protocols were performed in the same way. Colour change was evaluated using digital spectrophotometer before and after these protocols, calculating the ΔE colour change using the CIELAB system (L*a*b* values). Specific statistical analysis was performed for both evaluations (α = 5%). RESULTS: The highest percentage of microhardness reduction was observed in 17 % EDTA, QMix and 17 % GA groups, with no significant difference among them (p > 0.05). Furthermore, none of these protocols was effective in photosensitizer removal, and all final irrigation protocols were statically similar to control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GA promotes microhardness reduction and also contributes to the colourization of dentin structure during the photosensitizer removal process, followingPDT .

Antimicrobial activity of intracanal dressings composed by natural products associated to chlorhexidine and its influence on dentinal colour change / Avaliação da ação antimicrobiana de medicações intracanais à base de produtos fitoterápicos associados à clorexidina e sua influência na alteração de cor da estrutura dentinária

Purpose: evaluate the antimicrobial activity of intracanal dressings and their influence on dentinal colour changes. Material and methods: eighty single-rooted human extracted teeth were decoronated and divided into eight groups (n=10) according to intracanal dressing protocols inserted into the root canals: G1­distilled water (DW); G2­2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX); G3­calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2)+DW; G4­grape seed extract (GSE)+DW; G5­ginger extract (GE)+DW; G6­Ca(OH)2+CHX; G7­GSE+CHX; and G8­GE+CHX. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by colony-forming units (CFUs) counting and dentinal colour changes was evaluated by digital spectrophotometry. Data were statistically analysed by One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey´s post hoc test (antimicrobial evaluation) and non-parametric Wilcoxon followed by the Mann- Whitney-U test (colour change evaluation) (α=0.05). Results: the highest bacterial reduction was observed in groups 4, 6, 7 and 8, with no significant difference between them (p<0.05). Groups 4 and 7 showed the highest medians of dentinal colour change (p<0.05). Conclusion: the addition of CHX improved the antimicrobial activity of GE-based intracanal dressing, with no effect in GSE-based intracanal dressing; moreover, these protocols induced significant dentinal colour changes. (AU)

Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de medicações intracanais e sua influência na alteração da cor dentinária. Materiais e métodos: oitenta dentes humanos extraídos unirradiculares foram seccionados e divididos em oito grupos (n = 10), de acordo com os protocolos de medicação intracanal inseridos nos canais radiculares: água destilada G1 (DW); G2-2% de gel de clorexidina (CHX); hidróxido de cálcio G3 ­ (Ca [OH] 2) + DW; extrato de semente de uva G4 (GSE) + DW; extrato de gengibre G5 (GE) + DW; G6- Ca (OH) 2 + CHX; G7 ­ GSE + CHX; e G8-GE + CHX. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada por contagem de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFCs) e as alterações de cor dentinária foram avaliadas por espectrofotometria digital. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por ANOVA one-way, seguida pelo teste post hoc de Tukey (avaliação antimicrobiana) e Wilcoxon não paramétrico, seguido pelo teste de Mann- Whitney-U (avaliação da mudança de cor) (α = 0,05). Resultados: a maior redução bacteriana foi observada nos grupos 4, 6, 7 e 8, sem diferença significativa entre eles (p < 0,05). Os grupos 4 e 7 apresentaram as maiores medianas da alteração da cor dentinária (p < 0,05). Conclusão: a adição de CHX melhorou a atividade antimicrobiana da medicação intracanal baseado em GE, sem efeito na medicação intracanal baseado em GSE; além disso, esses protocolos induziram alterações significativas na cor dentinária.(AU)

Association of calcium hypochlorite, reciprocating instrumentation and photodynamic therapy: Antimicrobial analysis and effects on root dentin structure.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial action of calcium hypochlorite(Ca[OCl]2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with reciprocating instrumentation and photodynamic therapy(PDT), and its influence on root dentin structure. METHODS: One hundred and ten human teeth were used to antimicrobial evaluation, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into 11 groups (n = 10): G1 - distilled water(control); G2-1 % NaOCl; G3-5.25 % NaOCl; G4-1 % Ca(OCl)2; G5-5.25 % Ca(OCl)2; G6-PDT; G7-distilled water + PDT; G8-1 % NaOCl + PDT; G9-5.25 % NaOCl + PDT; G10-1 % Ca(OCl)2+PDT; G11-5.25 % Ca(OCl)2+PDT. In all groups, except G6, the root canals were instrumented with #R50 Reciproc file in the working length in association with tested chemical auxiliary substance. The counting of colony forming units (CFUs) was performed to calculate the bacterial percentage reduction of each group. Following, 55 bovine teeth were used to microhardness evaluation and divided into the same 11 groups (n = 5), with no instrumentation and immersion in the tested protocols. The modification of root dentin microhardness was evaluated by using the Vicker tester. Finally, 33 bovine teeth were used to organic components evaluation and divided into the same 11 groups (n = 3), with no instrumentation and immersion in the tested protocols. The modification of organic components of root dentin was evaluated by light microscopy. Specific statistical analysis was performed for each evaluation. RESULTS: The higher bacterial reduction was observed in groups 3,4,5,8,9,10 and 11, with no statistical difference between them (p > 0.05). The higher microhardness reduction was observed in groups 8,9,10 e 11, with no statistical difference between them (p > 0.05). The highest modification on organic components was observed in groups 3,5,9 and 11, with no statistical difference between them (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The association of Ca(OCl)2, reciprocating instrumentation and PDT promotes effective antimicrobial action. Moreover, lower modification was induced in microhardness and organic components of root dentin, by using Ca(OCl)2 in low concentration associated to PDT.

Influence of final irrigation protocols and type of resin cement on bond strength of glass fiber posts in root dentin previously treated with photodynamic therapy.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of final irrigation protocols and type of resin cement on the bond strength of glass fiber posts (GFPs) in root dentin previously treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: One hundred root canals were prepared up to #4 Gates Glidden drill to receive the GFPs. All samples were subjected to PDT, and randomly divided into five groups (n = 20) according to final irrigation protocol: distilled water + ultrasonic activation [US]; 17% EDTA; QMix; 17% EDTA + US; and QMix + US. Each group was randomly divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) according to the type of resin cement used for cementation of GFPs: Rely-X ARC dual-resin; or Rely-X U200 (#M, St Paul, MN, USA) self-adhesive resin cement. Bond strength was evaluated using the push-out test. Failure patterns were observed under an optical microscope. Bond strengths were compared using two-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey post-hoc test; failure modes were compared using the chi-squared test (α = 5%). RESULTS: The use of US over final irrigants improved the bond strength of GFPs, regardless of resin cement used (p < 0.05). The type of resin cement did not influence the bond strength of GFPs (p < 0.05). There was a higher predominance of cohesive failure in all groups, regardless of resin cement tested (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of US on final irrigation improved the bond strength of GFPs, while the type of resin cement (dual or self-adhesive) did not influence the bond strength of GFPs in root dentin previously treated with PDT.

Influence of final irrigation protocols and endodontic sealer on bond strength of root filling material with root dentin previously treated with photodynamic therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of final irrigation protocols and endodontic sealer on bond strength of root filling material on root dentin previously treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: One hundred root canals were prepared up to #F3 file of Pro-Taper system to receive the root filling material. All samples were submitted to PDT and randomly divided into five groups (n = 20) according to final irrigation protocols: Group 1-distilled water + ultrasonic activation (US); Group 2-17% EDTA; Group 3-QMix; Group 4-17% EDTA + US; Group 5-QMix + US. Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups (n = 10), according to the endodontic sealer used for cementation of gutta-percha points: AH Plus or MTA Fillapex. The bond strength was evaluated by a push-out test. The patterns of failure were observed under optical microscopy. The bond strength was evaluated using a two-way Anova followed by the Tukey post-hoc test, and the failure mode was evaluated using the chi-square test (α = 5%). RESULTS: The use of 17% EDTA and QMix associated or not to US improved the bond strength of root filling material with either endodontic sealer (p < 0.05). AH Plus showed higher bond strength than MTA Fillapex (p < 0.05). There was a higher predominance of cohesive failure in all groups, regardless of the tested final irrigation protocols and endodontic sealer (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of 17% EDTA and QMix, regardless of association with US, and the use of AH Plus improve the bond strength of the root filling material on root dentin previously treated with PDT.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of association of chlorhexidine to photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy in root canals infected by Enterococcus faecalis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in vitro, the influence of the addition of chlorhexidine to photosensitiser in the antimicrobial activity of photodynamic therapy in root canals infected by Enterococcus faecalis. METHODS: The root canals of 50 single-rooted human extracted teeth were enlarged up to a file F3 of Pro-Taper system, autoclaved, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated for 14days. The samples were divided into five groups (n=10) according to the protocol of decontamination: G1 (control group) - no procedure was performed; G2-photosensitiser (0.01% methylene blue); G3-2% chlorhexidine gel; G4-photodynamic therapy; and G5-photodynamic therapy with photosensitiser modified by chlorhexidine. Microbiological test (CFU counting) was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed treatments. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Group 3 (CHX) showed the lowest mean contamination (2.03 log10 CFU/mL), being statistically different from all other all groups (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups 4 (PDT) and 5 (PDT+CHX) (p<0.05), being more effectives against E. faecalis when compared to groups 1 (NT) and 2 (MB), and less effective when compared to group 2 (CHX). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of chlorhexidine to photosensitiser did not result in a better decontamination potential of photodynamic therapy alone over root canals infected by E. faecalis.

Influence of ultrasonic activation over final irrigants in the removal of photosensitizer from root canal walls after photodynamic therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (US) of the final irrigant in the removal of the photosensitizer from root canal walls after photodynamic therapy. METHODS: The root canals of 60 single-rooted bovine extracted teeth were filled with 0.01% methylene blue and submitted to photodynamic therapy for 90s. After that, the roots were divided into six groups (n=10) according to the final irrigation protocol: distilled water (DW), DW+US, 17% EDTA, QMix, EDTA+US, and QMix+US. Then, the samples were submitted to scanning electron microscopy where a scoring system was used to evaluate the images and effectiveness of proposed treatments in the cervical, middle and apical regions of the root canals. The data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests for intergroup comparisons as well as the Wilcoxon and Friedman tests for intragroup comparisons at 5% of significance. RESULTS: The 17% EDTA+US and QMix+US treatments were most effective in the removal of the photosensitizer in all regions of the root canal; the difference was statistically significant when compared to all other groups (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the intragroup analysis comparing the effectiveness in the different regions of the same group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: US can aid 17% EDTA and QMix in removing the photosensitizer after photodynamic therapy and contributes to cleaning root canal walls.