Some Reflections on Dental Publishing 100 yrs Ago.

Publication of dental textbooks was a thriving business years ago and multiple publishing house entered the work place. Historical reflections on one of the early dental publishers coming in Philadelphia over 100 yrs ago are highlighted.

An Endodontology Icon Who Fostered an Appreciation for Pulpal Biology and Its Relevance to Restorative Dentistry and Periodontics: Dr. Kaare Langeland.

The impact of ground-breaking research on the dental pulp and its response to dental procedures, materials and associated diseases significantly influenced the evolution and scope of Endodontics, creating a science of Endodontology. While there were scattered studies in the early 20th century in this regard, the clarification and codification of these concepts took a major leap forward in the late 1950s due to the academic prowess and in-depth research endeavors of Dr. Kaare Langeland. The story begins during World War I in Norway.

A True "Uomo Universale" from the 1800s - Dr. George Watt.

A hot bed of organized dental leadership and visionary thinking in the mid-to-late 1800s came from Ohio, as many presidents of the American Dental Association were from that state. They were quite influential in leading this organization into the 20th century. One of the most dynamic and well-rounded individuals was Dr. George Watt…this paper will highlight his life as viewed by one of his peers.

A Novel Endodontic Approach in Removing Smear Layer Using Nano and Submicron Diamonds with Intracanal Oscillation Irrigation.

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) are commonly recommended for effectively removing organic and inorganic components in the smear layer. This layer is found on root canal walls after root canal instrumentation. However, high-concentration EDTA reduces the strength of dentin and the dissolution efficacy of organic substances in NaOCl solution. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of applying nano and submicron diamonds in irrigation solutions with sonic and ultrasonic oscillation for removing the smear layer during endodontic treatment. Extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with ProTaper® Gold (Dentsply Sirona) nickel-titanium rotary instruments. Subsequently, each canal was irrigated with 3% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, distilled water, and 10-1000 nm-sized nano and submicron diamond irrigation solutions, respectively. Sonic and ultrasonic instruments were compared for oscillating the irrigation solutions. The teeth were processed for scanning electron microscopy to observe the efficiency of smear layer removal on the canal walls. Our results indicated that diamond sizes of 50 nm and above irrigation solutions showed significant effectiveness in removing the smear layer following the oscillation of sonic instruments for 10 s. Ultrasonic assisted 500 nm and 1000 nm diamond solutions significantly differed from the other diamond-sized solution in their ability to remove the smear layer. These results suggest that sonic and ultrasonic oscillation with specific sizes of nano and submicron diamond irrigation solution can be used as an alternative approach to removing the smear layer during endodontic treatment. The potential clinical application of root canal treatments can be expected.

Evaluation of postoperative pain with new heat-treated rotary and reciprocating nickel-titanium files: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Introduction: A special heat-treated endodontic file (TruNatomy) was recently introduced with the claim of superior flexibility to enhance dentin preservation. The aim of the present study was to assess postoperative pain in single-visit root canal treatment with this newly introduced file, comparing it with other contemporary reciprocating and rotary file systems. Materials and Methods: One hundred seventy patients with acute irreversible pulpitis in maxillary premolars were randomly assigned to four experimental file systems: TruNatomy, HyFlex EDM, EdgeFile, and ProTaper Gold. Pre- and postoperative pain scores were assessed with 10-point visual analog scale. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: TruNatomy file system had significantly the highest postoperative pain incidence (53.8%), while the EdgeFile system had significantly the least postoperative pain incidence (24%) and 24-h pain score. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the reciprocating multiple-file system, EdgeFile, had significantly reduced postoperative pain incidence compared to other heat-treated rotary nickel-titanium file systems.

Reflections on Prolific Contributors to the Dental Literature and Dental History: Truman vs. Trueman.

Dental literature is rich in its historical evolution, which is extoled by key figures in the late 1800 and early 1900s. This paper will briefly highlight two of these individuals, both based in Philadelphia who had similar names, spelled differently, and who impacted greatly on this historical documentation.

Reflections on a Passionate Dental Historian, Colleague, Clinician and Educator Dr. Edward F. Leone (1923-2002).

For years in dental school settings, the teaching of dental history was extolled and emphasized as to the roots of the dental profession. Many colleagues can probably cite the names of those who contributed to this achievement within their academic environments. Most of these academicians were also clinicians who valued the role of history in the progression of dentistry as a respected profession. One such individual was Dr. Edward F. Leone who passionately imbued the historical values of our profession into each student. This article is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Leone and tribute to his legacy that he provided to hundreds of dental professionals for almost 50 years at the Marquette University School of Dentistry.

Stomatology - Organizational Codification of Science and Clinical Practice in the Late 1800s.

Reflections on the formation of a newly formed dental society in the historic seat of dental academia and research are highlighted, from an all-encompassing perspective.

Silver Nanoparticles and Their Therapeutic Applications in Endodontics: A Narrative Review.

The efficient elimination of microorganisms and their byproducts from infected root canals is compromised by the limitations in conventional root canal disinfection strategies and antimicrobials. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are advantageous for root canal disinfection, mainly due to their wide-spectrum anti-microbial activity. Compared to other commonly used nanoparticulate antibacterials, AgNPs have acceptable antibacterial properties and relatively low cytotoxicity. Owing to their nano-scale, AgNPs penetrate deeper into the complexities of the root canal systems and dentinal tubules, as well as enhancing the antibacterial properties of endodontic irrigants and sealers. AgNPs gradually increase the dentin hardness in endodontically treated teeth and promote antibacterial properties when used as a carrier for intracanal medication. The unique properties of AgNPs make them an ideal additive for different endodontic biomaterials. However, the possible side effects of AgNPs, such as cytotoxicity and tooth discoloration potential, merits further research.

The investigation of composition and thermal behavior of two types of backfilling gutta-percha.

Background/purpose: In the warm gutta-percha technique, soft-type and regular-type gutta-percha are using for backfilling thermoplasticized injection system. However, there are limited reports about the properties of these backfilling gutta-percha. This study aimed to analyze and compare the composition, thermal behavior and compact force of two types of backfilling gutta-percha. Materials and methods: Soft-type and regular-type backfilling gutta-percha (B&L BioTech, Fairfax, VA, USA) were investigated. The inorganic and organic fractions of these gutta-perchas were separated by quantitative chemical analysis (n = 6). Their composition was analyzed using energy dispersive spectroscopy. Thermal behavior in response to temperature variations was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, a compaction model was used to investigate the relation between compaction force and temperature (n = 10). Results: The soft-type contained more gutta-percha (3.69-5.85%), carbon ratio (38.96-48.52%) and less inorganic substance (86.51-90.45%), zinc ratio (29.36-35.67%). The composition ratio of two types gutta-percha were statistically significant different (P < 0.05). There were three phase transitions of the soft-type gutta-percha which started at 39.84 °C, 49.32 °C and 54.15 °C while the two phase transitions of the regular-type gutta-percha started at 40.48 °C and 53.45 °C. The glass transition temperature of the regular-type gutta-percha (44.24 °C) was higher than that of the soft-type gutta-percha (40.66 °C). Under various setting temperature, the higher compaction force in the regular-type gutta-percha was required (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The different components in gutta-percha contribute to its differences in thermal behavior. The soft-type had a higher proportion of gutta-percha and lower ZnO which makes the fluidity better than the regular-type.

Gleanings on the Origins of Electric Pulp Testing.

Attempts to develop a test for pulp vitality has had a somewhat convoluted history, as the concept of 'vitality' has been the pivotal focus of interpretation, misinterpretation, and empirical dogma, especially when using electrical stimulation. Some researchers attempted histological correlations while others focused exclusively on radiographic correlations to validate electrical methods of pulp testing. Some the early literature rightfully focused on the concept of sensibility (a contemporary term in common usage) instead of vitality. This article will purposefully focus on some of the early thought processes of our forefathers as they attempted to arrive a full-proof method to assess the status of the often-compromised dental pulp.

Some Gleanings on the Origin, Etiology, Nature and Development of Pulp Stones - 100-year Perspective.

Quite often in today's contemporary literature, phrases, or statements such as, or similar to the following, are often seen at the beginning of published manuscript, 'despite several microscopic and histochemical studies, the exact cause…is largely unknown…or is elusive…or has not been fully characterized.' Often these types of statements are used as a justification or a rationale for the published paper that follows. However, when looking carefully at the purported issue or issues at hand, there usually is an historical trail to follow that requires a passionate inquisitiveness, an intellectual persistence, and a monumental determination to find the truth…but even what is discovered in this relentless pursuit may not necessarily represent the truth that may remain elusive. Hence, this historical exposé will focus on a specific issue about a little tissue that most contemporary authors have passed off as a mysterious, unknown entity - the Pulp Stone/Nodule. From 1969 to 2021, there have been over 100 publications or more that have addressed pulp stones purely from an epidemiological or management standpoint, with minimal to no effort to identify their true source or etiology, which may be locked in the vaults of antiquity. However, our forefathers had a pretty good handle on these entities as this historical perspective will address.

Fish Bones and the Challenges of Root Canal Obturation.

The dental historical literature is replete with the use of myriad of materials for root canal obturation; most notably, gutta-percha, silver cones, gold wires, orangewood sticks, gold foils, asbestos, a variety of paste/cement-type materials, iridioplatinum wires, lead points and a rather lengthy list of arbitrarily chosen substances based on the imagination and creativity of the treating professional.1.

The History of Dentistry in Kuwait.

There is scant documentation of the origins of dentistry in countries of the Middle East. This paper aims to identify and detail the development of dentistry in one of the smaller countries in the Middle East, Kuwait that has played a pivotal role in a wide range of political and socio-economic developments in the past fifty years.

Reflections on the Evolution of the Specialty of Endodontics in Colombia, South America.

The historical development of Endodontics as a specialty in Colombia, South America was due primarily to the influence of a few key endodontists from the United States and the industriousness and dynamic vision of leading dental professionals from Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia.

Historical Perspectives on the Evolution of Root Canal Sealer/Cements.

Various forms of sealing cements have been used in root canal procedures since the mid-1800s to create an impervious seal of the root canal system. In the process both entrepreneurs and charlatans have risen to the challenge. During the first half of the 20th century, significant activity in this realm was realized, which set the standards for the evolution of contemporary materials and applications.

Historical Reflections on the Use of Internal Bleaching to Manage Discolored Teeth.

The process of internal bleaching of discolored teeth has been with us for well over 150 years, during which time both materials and procedures varied significantly. The etiology of tooth discoloration also reflected on a wide range of philosophies and causes, which lent itself to many trials and errors in management. Both success and failure characterized the achievements attained by our forefathers in managing this esthetic challenge, as years ago tooth extraction was often the first pathway chosen.

The Focus on Accuracy and the Truth to Ensure "That's the Way It Was"!

In the process of reading from a wide variety of both historical and contemporary sources, which is what an editor must do, I have found it painfully obvious when reading dental articles that claim to provide historical reviews, along with details of such that rarely are the original sources either identified or investigated thoroughly to provide accuracy in content. I will use the following example that is commonly seen and that focuses within my specialty, Endodontics.

Shape and anatomical relationship of the mental foramen to the mandibular premolars in an Indian sub-population: a retrospective CBCT analysis.

Objectives: This study assessed the shape and anatomical relationship of the mental foramen (MF) to mandibular posterior teeth in an Indian sub-population. Materials and Methods: In total, 475 existing cone-beam computed tomography records exhibiting 950 MFs and including the bilateral presence of mandibular premolars and first molars were assessed. Images were evaluated 3-dimensionally to ascertain the position, shape, and anatomical proximity of MFs to mandibular teeth. The position and shape of MFs were measured and calculated. The Pythagorean theorem was used to calculate the distance between the root apex of the mandibular teeth and the MF. Results: MFs exhibited a predominantly round shape (left: 67% and right: 65%) followed by oval (left: 30% and right: 31%) in both males and females and in different age groups. The root apices of mandibular second premolars (left: 71% and right: 62%) were closest to the MF, followed by distal to the first premolars and mesial to the second premolars. The mean vertical distance between the MF and the nearest tooth apex calculated on sagittal sections was 2.20 mm on the right side and 2.32 mm on the left side; no significant difference was found according to sex or age. The distance between the apices of the teeth and the MF was ≥ 4 mm (left; 4.09 ± 1.27 mm and right; 4.01 ± 1.15 mm). Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of the location of the MF in treatment planning and while performing non-surgical and surgical endodontic procedures.

The Roots of Pressure Anesthesia and its Contemporary Similarities.

For decades dentists have faced the challenge of achieving profound anesthesia in the presence of a severe tooth ache. Frequently this challenge was more acute when the tooth or teeth in question were mandibular molars. Over a 125 years ago this clinical dilemma was managed by using cocaine, both directly on an exposed dental pulp and often times using a solution of such injected directly into the pulp. Both clinical applications were considered as achieving "pressure anesthesia" sufficient to permit pulp extirpation. This historical perspective will focus on both the origins of this approach and its contemporary counterparts.