Clinical, Radiographic, and Histologic Outcome of Regenerative Endodontic Treatment in Human Teeth Using a Novel Collagen-hydroxyapatite Scaffold.

INTRODUCTION: Histologic examination of teeth after regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) shows that the type, quality, and quantity of tissues formed in the root canal space are not predictable. The aim of this study was to examine clinically, radiographically, and histologically the outcome of RET in immature noninfected human teeth using SynOss Putty (Collagen Matrix Inc, Oakland, NJ) as a scaffold. METHODS: Three pairs of maxillary/mandibular first premolars in 3 patients scheduled for extraction were included. Sensibility tests confirmed the presence of vital pulps. After informed consent, anesthesia, and rubber dam isolation, the pulps were removed. RET was performed using the following scaffolds: SynOss Putty + blood in both teeth in patient #1, SynOss Putty with or without blood in patient #2, and SynOss Putty + blood or blood only in patient #3. After a follow-up period of 2.5-7.5 months, the teeth were clinically and radiographically evaluated, extracted, and examined histologically. RESULTS: Patients remained asymptomatic after treatment. Radiographic examination of the teeth showed signs of root development after treatment. In teeth treated with SynOss Putty + blood, histologic examination showed formation of intracanal mineralized tissue around the scaffold particles solidifying with newly formed cementumlike tissue on the dentinal walls. The tooth treated with SynOss Putty without blood showed the formation of a periapical lesion. The tooth treated with a blood clot only showed tissues of periodontal origin growing into the root canal space. CONCLUSIONS: SynOss Putty + blood showed a predictable pattern of tissue formation and mineralization when used as a scaffold for RET in human immature noninfected teeth. The newly formed mineralized tissue solidifies with newly formed cementum on the dentinal walls.

Development of criteria for investigation of periapical tissue from root-filled teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess a set of criteria to grade inflammation including relative area of inflammation in periapical lesions in endodontically treated teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A set of criteria was developed, encompassing data on: Lymphocytes, denoting chronic inflammation, were graded 0 (occasional) to 4 (heavy/dense inflammation). Polymorphonuclear cells, denoting acute inflammation, were graded 0 (none) to 2 (many). The third parameter, area of inflammation, that is, the relative area of the specimen that was inflamed, was graded 0 (none) to 4 (76-100%). The criteria were tested on 199 consecutive biopsies from 180 patients (aged 31-75 years). Information about symptoms was retrieved from the referrals. Mann-Whitney's U-test was used to calculate possible differences in average values for the histopathological variables in the two groups of patients: symptomatic or asymptomatic. RESULTS: Using the criteria, varying grades of inflammation were seen in the biopsies. The majority showed few or no PMN cells. There was a correlation between symptoms and the extent of infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells (p = .001), PMN cells (p < .001) and the area of inflammation (p = .002): biopsies from the asymptomatic patients exhibited less pronounced and relatively smaller areas of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Using the criteria on a specific selection of root-filled teeth with persisting apical periodontitis, periapical inflammation was common, but varied in extent and severity. The inflammation was less pronounced and affected a relatively smaller area in asymptomatic teeth, although outliers in both directions were identified.

Characterization of the apical bridge barrier formed following amelogenin apexification.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant amelogenin protein (RAP) is reported to induce complete root apex formation in dog model when used as apexification therapy. It also induces pulp regeneration in 85% of the treated group. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the nature of the remaining regenerated calcified tissues of the RAP group that showed no pulp regeneration compared to the calcium hydroxide treated group (CH). METHODS: A total of 240 dogs' open apex root canals were used, after establishment of canals contamination. Canals were cleaned, irrigated, and filled with RAP as an apexification material and compared with CH. Treated teeth were assessed by H&E, trichrome staining, and/or immunohistochemistry technique, at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: A time-dependent increase in the calcified tissue barrier was observed in the apex of the RAP-treated group compared to the CH-treated group. The newly formed dentin in this RAP group was mainly tubular dentin and was functionally attached to the bone by periodontal ligament, while the CH group showed dentin-associated mineralized tissue (DAMT) associated with the newly formed apical barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Out results suggest that RAP can be used as novel apexification material, resulting in a thickening and strengthening of the canal walls, and achieving apical closure.

How biomechanics can affect the endodontic treated teeth and their restorative procedures?

Endodontic treatment is a common dental procedure used for treating teeth which the pulp tissue has become irreversibly inflamed or necrotic as a result of the carious process or dental trauma. This procedure which involves mechanical and chemical preparation of root canal may affect several mechanical and physical properties of the tooth structure. The endodontic treatment can also influence the longevity of the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth and biomechanics during the oral function. For restoring endodontically treated teeth several factor and clinical decisions should be observed. The decision of the fiberglass post usage and the restorative materials are related to several factors such as the quantity and quality of remaining dental structure, presence of ferrule, post cementation length and final coronal restoration. In this review, the authors will address the effect of the endodontic treatment procedures on canal shape and mechanical properties of a tooth, and also discuss the parameters and the biomechanical principles of root canal treated teeth.

Periapical Microsurgery: Do Root Canal-retreated Teeth Have More Dentinal Defects?

INTRODUCTION: This microsurgical clinical study evaluated if teeth that have undergone endodontic retreatment are associated with more dentinal defects than primary root canal-treated teeth. METHODS: One hundred fifty-five patients who underwent periapical microsurgery treatment in a private practice setting were evaluated. The root ends were resected, and the roots were inspected for the presence of dentinal defects through the surgical operating microscope with the help of a 0.8-mm-diameter light-emitting diode probe light and methylene blue dye. The root canal treatment history (primary vs retreatment) of the teeth was documented and related to the presence or absence of dentinal defects. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test, and a multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression to evaluate possible confounding effects of patient age, sex, and tooth location on the association between treatment and the presence of dentinal defects. RESULTS: Of the 155 treated teeth, 33 were excluded (3 fractured and 30 missing treatment history). Of the remaining 122 included teeth, 73 (59.8%) had undergone primary root canal treatment and 49 (40.2%) retreatment. Sixteen teeth (22.5%) of the primary root canal group versus 33 (64.7%) of the retreatment group had dentinal defects. The proportion of retreated teeth with dentinal defects compared with primary treatment was statistically significant (P < .001) with a higher proportion of retreated teeth having dentinal defects. In the multivariate analysis, only the type of treatment was statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study showed that root canal-retreated teeth are associated with more dentinal defects than primary root canal-treated teeth.

Comparative evaluation of the vertical fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots filled with Gutta-percha and Resilon: a meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

BACKGROUND: Teeth treated endodontically are more susceptible to vertical root fracture (VRF). Some studies have suggested that obturating the root canals with Gutta-percha or Resilon can reinforce endodontically treated teeth, but a few others have presented conflicting results. These inconsistent results cannot guide clinicians in determining clinical approaches. The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate and compare the vertical fracture resistance of endodontically treated root canals obturated with Gutta-percha/AH plus and the Resilon system. METHODS: Comprehensive literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Embase databases. The titles and abstracts of all of the retrieved articles were independently assessed by two authors according to predefined selection criteria. Data in the included articles were independently extracted. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. The pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the outcome indicators. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The Cochran Q test (I2 test) was used to test for heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled in vitro trials were included in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that the vertical root fracture resistance of unprepared and unfilled roots was significantly higher than that of roots obturated with Gutta-percha/AH plus (SMD = - 0.69, 95% CI = - 1.34 to - 0.04, p = 0.04) or the Resilon system (SMD = - 0.54, 95% CI = - 1.07 to - 0.00, p = 0.05). The differences in fracture resistance between the roots filled with Gutta-percha/AH plus and the prepared unfilled root canals was not significant (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = - 0.02 to 1.21, p = 0.06). Roots obturated with Resilon had higher fracture resistance than instrumented unfilled roots (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.44 to 1.22, p < 0.0001) or roots filled with Gutta-percha/AH plus (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.01 to 1.23, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that filling with Gutta-percha/AH plus dose not reinforce endodontically treated roots, whereas obturating with the Resilon system can increase vertical root fracture resistance of prepared roots. As this meta-analysis was based on in vitro studies, it should be careful to extrapolate its conclusion to the clinical context.

Biomechanical Properties of First Maxillary Molars with Different Endodontic Cavities: A Finite Element Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of first maxillary molars with different endodontic cavities using the finite element method. METHODS: Three finite element analysis models of a maxillary first molar were designed and constructed with 3 different types of endodontic cavities: a traditional endodontic cavity, a conservative endodontic cavity, and an extended endodontic cavity. An intact tooth model was used for comparison. Each model was subjected to 3 different force loads directed at the occlusal surface. The stress distribution patterns and the maximum von Mises (VM) stresses were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The peak VM stress on all models was at the site of the force load. The occlusal stresses were spread in an approximate actinomorphic pattern from the force loading point, and the stress was much higher when the force load was close to the access cavity margin. The peak root VM stresses on the root-filled teeth occurred at the apex and were significantly higher than that on the intact tooth, which appeared on the pericervical dentin. The area of pericervical dentin experiencing high VM stress increased as the cavities extended and the stress became concentrated in the area between the filling materials and the dentin. CONCLUSIONS: The stress distribution on the occlusal surface were similar between the conservative endodontic cavity, the traditional endodontic cavity, and the extended endodontic cavity. With enlargement of the access cavity, the stress on the pericervical dentin increases dramatically.

Assessment of Fracture Resistance Capacity of Different Core Materials with Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown: An in vitro Study.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the capacity to resist fracture in different core buildup materials with porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown. Materials and methods: Totally, 45 mandibular single rooted first premolars were collected, which were sound along with similar shape and size. The teeth were sectioned at 15 mm above the root apex sparing the sound tooth structure. The teeth were endodontically treated with the crown-down technique using nickel-titanium (NiTi) instrumentation. The specimens were randomized into three groups as per the core materials used and were labeled accordingly. Group I consisted of dual-cured composite resin, group II consisted of glass ionomer reinforced with resin, and group III consisted of Miracle mix. Universal loading machine is used for measuring the compres-sive load applied to fracture the tooth. Results: The mean value of compressive strength was maximum in the dual cured composite resin (598.42 ± 22.64) followed by glass ionomer reinforced with resin (478.88 ± 26.74) and Miracle mix (442.16 ± 30.10). The results showed a significant difference statistically within the core materials used with p < 0.05. The results from the Tukey's post hoc test of multiple comparisons between dual-cured composite resin vs glass ionomer reinforced with resin, dual-cured composite resin vs Miracle mix, and glass ionomer reinforced with resin vs Miracle mix showed a highly statistical difference with p < 0.05, which is significant. Conclusion: This in vitro study showed that the dual-cured composite resin had maximum resistance to fracture compared with other core buildup materials on teeth which were endodonti-cally treated. Clinical significance: Restoration of a tooth which is structurally compromised is a tricky job for all the dentists. Restoring it with a proper core buildup material with adequate fracture resistance makes the tooth structure stable. The core material should be able to resist all types of occlusal forces and to distribute it equally within the tooth structure. Keywords: Core buildup, Crowns, Endodontically treated teeth, Fracture resistance.

Influence of remaining coronal thickness and height on biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated teeth: survival rates, load to fracture and finite element analysis.

Objective To evaluate the effect of restorative strategy (fiber post vs cast post and core), coronal height (0 mm vs 2 mm) and thickness (higher than 1 mm vs lower than 1 mm) on survival rate, fracture resistance and stress distribution. Material and Methods Seventy-two bovine teeth were cleaned and allocated in six groups (n = 12). Twenty-four teeth were sectioned at 13 mm length (no remaining coronal structure) and forty-eight were sectioned at 15 mm (2 mm remaining coronal structure). Half of the forty-eight had remaining coronal thickness lower than 1 mm and the other half had thickness higher than 1 mm. All root canals were prepared at 10 mm (luting length), fiber posts were cemented in thirty-six specimens and cast post and core in other thirty-six. All teeth were restored with metallic crowns. Specimens were submitted to 1.5 million cycles (100 N, 45°, 10 Hz at 2 mm below incisal edge) and evaluated at each 500,000 cycles to detect failures. Specimens that survived were submitted to load to fracture test. Bidimensional (Rhinoceros® 4.0) models were obteined survival data submitted to Kaplan-Meier (α=0.05) analysis and load to fracture values submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results Groups without remaining coronal structure showed survival rates lower than other groups (p=0.001). ANOVA showed higher values of load to fracture for groups with coronal thickness higher than 1 mm (p=0.0043). Finite element analysis showed better stress distribution in groups with remaining coronal structure and restored with fiber post. Conclusion Specimens without remaining coronal structure have lower survival rates. Specimens with remaining structure lower than 1 mm and without coronal structure support the same load to fracture value independently of the restorative strategy.

Effect of inadequate ferrule segment location on fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.

INTRODUCTION: The circumferential 2 mm ferrule during the fabrication of the crown is strongly advocated for the long-term clinical success. During the routine clinical practice, the dentist encounters the endodontically treated tooth (ETT) with inadequacy of the ferrule in some segment due to caries, abrasion, and erosions. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the consequence of inadequate segmental ferrule location on fracture strength of the root canal-treated anterior and posterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty each maxillary canine and mandibular premolar intact human teeth were root canal treated and sectioned at 2 mm above the cementum-enamel junction. The teeth samples were divided into 5 groups of 10 each. The G-I and G-V samples had the 360° ferrule and complete absence of the ferrule, respectively. The G-II had the inadequate ferrule on the palatal surface, while G-III and G-IV had inadequate ferrule at buccal and proximal area. Teeth samples were subsequently restored with glass-reinforced fiber post, composite core, and full veneer metal crown. The samples were tested with universal testing machine under static load to record the fracture resistance. The acquired data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc statistical analysis. RESULTS: The G-I with circumferential ferrule showed the higher fracture resistance. The teeth samples with lack of the ferrule had the least fracture resistance. Among the segmental absence of ferrule, teeth samples with lack of the proximal ferrule were least affected. Deficiency of a ferrule on the lingual wall significantly affected the fracture strength in both anterior and posterior ETT. CONCLUSIONS: The ETT with sectional inadequacy of the ferrule is significantly more effective in resisting the fracture in comparison to the complete absence of the ferrule.

Is the glass half empty or half full? A novel "philosophical" approach to the "mystery" of the so-called ferrule effect.

The prognosis of endodontically treated teeth has traditionally been associated with the presence of the so-called ferrule effect that is generally related with the presence of a minimum of 1-2 mm of sound tooth structure at the cervical area of parallel axial walls that totally encircle the tooth. Even though all of these factors are well desired, one should question if their absence should condemn a tooth and compel extraction as the only logical treatment plan option. For this reason an hypothesis is being formed that associates the aforementioned factors not with the presence of the so-called ferrule effect, but rather with the resistance form of the preparation that is being provided by the sound tooth structure at the cervical area of the tooth. When the desired resistance form is provided by sound tooth structure of endodontically treated teeth, then less lateral forces are being transferred to the post & core and subsequently to the root of the teeth, thus minimizing the chances of decementation of the post & core or worst fracture of the root. Even more important, if this hypothesis may be further entertained, then even when the so-called ferrule effect is not present, the teeth may not be extracted, but alternative strategies for post & core restorations may be investigated, such a more flexible carbon- or glass-fiber posts & core build ups made from flowable resin composite that may accommodate for the increased lateral forced exerted to the post & core complex during function.

Immediate tooth replantation: root canal filling for delayed initiation of endodontic treatment.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the action of paramonochlorophenol associated with Furacin followed by calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing in the control of inflammatory root resorption in cases of immediate tooth replantation with delayed endodontic treatment. A total of 28 incisors of 3 male dogs were extracted and replanted after 15 minutes, and randomly divided into 3 groups: Group I (n = 8) - endodontic treatment was performed before the extraction and replantation; Group II (n = 10) - endodontic treatment was performed 30 days after replantation and the root canal was filled with CH dressing; Group III (n = 10) - endodontic treatment was performed 30 days after replantation and root canals received temporary medication of paramonochlorophenol-Furacin followed by CH dressing. The animals were euthanized 90 days after replantation. The histomorphological events analyzed at the epithelial reattachment site were the intensity and extent of acute and chronic inflammatory processes, periodontal ligament (PDL) organization, the intensity and extent of acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the PDL space, root resorption, bone tissue, and ankylosis. Data were submitted to the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test for group comparison (α = 5%). In Groups I, II and III the periodontal ligament was regenerated and most of the resorption areas were repaired by newly formed cementum. The depth and extent of root resorption were significantly higher in Group II than in Group III. The use of paramonochlorophenol-furacin followed by CH dressing was more effective in controlling inflammatory root resorption after immediate tooth replantation.

Direct or indirect post crowns to restore compromised teeth: a review of the literature.

Post crowns are restorations which utilise the root canal space to improve the retention and resistance form of teeth which lack coronal tooth structure. In recent years there have been significant developments in the materials, systems and evidence-base surrounding the provision of post crowns. This review aims to refresh the general dental practitioner's (GDPs) knowledge of the different factors that must be considered when placing a post crown, and how these factors can help guide the dentist in their decision to provide either a direct or indirect post and core.

Immediate tooth replantation: root canal filling for delayed initiation of endodontic treatment

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the action of paramonochlorophenol associated with Furacin followed by calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing in the control of inflammatory root resorption in cases of immediate tooth replantation with delayed endodontic treatment. A total of 28 incisors of 3 male dogs were extracted and replanted after 15 minutes, and randomly divided into 3 groups: Group I (n = 8) - endodontic treatment was performed before the extraction and replantation; Group II (n = 10) - endodontic treatment was performed 30 days after replantation and the root canal was filled with CH dressing; Group III (n = 10) - endodontic treatment was performed 30 days after replantation and root canals received temporary medication of paramonochlorophenol-Furacin followed by CH dressing. The animals were euthanized 90 days after replantation. The histomorphological events analyzed at the epithelial reattachment site were the intensity and extent of acute and chronic inflammatory processes, periodontal ligament (PDL) organization, the intensity and extent of acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the PDL space, root resorption, bone tissue, and ankylosis. Data were submitted to the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test for group comparison (α = 5%). In Groups I, II and III the periodontal ligament was regenerated and most of the resorption areas were repaired by newly formed cementum. The depth and extent of root resorption were significantly higher in Group II than in Group III. The use of paramonochlorophenol-furacin followed by CH dressing was more effective in controlling inflammatory root resorption after immediate tooth replantation.

How biomechanics can affect the endodontic treated teeth and their restorative procedures?

Abstract: Endodontic treatment is a common dental procedure used for treating teeth which the pulp tissue has become irreversibly inflamed or necrotic as a result of the carious process or dental trauma. This procedure which involves mechanical and chemical preparation of root canal may affect several mechanical and physical properties of the tooth structure. The endodontic treatment can also influence the longevity of the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth and biomechanics during the oral function. For restoring endodontically treated teeth several factor and clinical decisions should be observed. The decision of the fiberglass post usage and the restorative materials are related to several factors such as the quantity and quality of remaining dental structure, presence of ferrule, post cementation length and final coronal restoration. In this review, the authors will address the effect of the endodontic treatment procedures on canal shape and mechanical properties of a tooth, and also discuss the parameters and the biomechanical principles of root canal treated teeth.

Influence of remaining coronal thickness and height on biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated teeth: survival rates, load to fracture and finite element analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of restorative strategy (fiber post vs cast post and core), coronal height (0 mm vs 2 mm) and thickness (higher than 1 mm vs lower than 1 mm) on survival rate, fracture resistance and stress distribution. Material and Methods Seventy-two bovine teeth were cleaned and allocated in six groups (n = 12). Twenty-four teeth were sectioned at 13 mm length (no remaining coronal structure) and forty-eight were sectioned at 15 mm (2 mm remaining coronal structure). Half of the forty-eight had remaining coronal thickness lower than 1 mm and the other half had thickness higher than 1 mm. All root canals were prepared at 10 mm (luting length), fiber posts were cemented in thirty-six specimens and cast post and core in other thirty-six. All teeth were restored with metallic crowns. Specimens were submitted to 1.5 million cycles (100 N, 45°, 10 Hz at 2 mm below incisal edge) and evaluated at each 500,000 cycles to detect failures. Specimens that survived were submitted to load to fracture test. Bidimensional (Rhinoceros® 4.0) models were obteined survival data submitted to Kaplan-Meier (α=0.05) analysis and load to fracture values submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results Groups without remaining coronal structure showed survival rates lower than other groups (p=0.001). ANOVA showed higher values of load to fracture for groups with coronal thickness higher than 1 mm (p=0.0043). Finite element analysis showed better stress distribution in groups with remaining coronal structure and restored with fiber post. Conclusion Specimens without remaining coronal structure have lower survival rates. Specimens with remaining structure lower than 1 mm and without coronal structure support the same load to fracture value independently of the restorative strategy.

Effect of root morphology on the susceptibility of endodontically treated teeth to vertical root fracture: An ex-vivo model.

Vertical root fracture (VRF) of endodontically treated teeth is relatively common, and the involved teeth have a poor prognosis. Previous destructive methodologies applied force to the root in an uneven manner; thus, the associated experiments could not truly assess the mechanical behavior of VRF. This problem was resolved in the current study via the novel application of a bursting pressure methodology to endodontically treated maxillary central incisors and premolars. Hydrostatic pressure was applied inside the root canal through a cannula bonded to the coronal access cavity, and the apical foramen was sealed. VRFs were observed as water burst from the fractured root surface. Morphometric parameters were measured by staining and serially sectioning the roots. The bursting pressure was significantly lower in the premolars compared with that in the incisors (19.1±3.3MPa and 25.5. ±4.5MPa, respectively, p=0.001). Cracks in the roots appeared from the apex to the cement enamel junction (CEJ) (61%), apex to mid-root (26%) and mid-root to CEJ (13%), and they involved either two root surfaces (52%) or one root surface (48%) and closely resembled clinical VRF cases. Positive correlations were found between the bursting pressure and the proximal root wall thickness, whereas correlations were not observed between the bursting pressure and the buccal or lingual wall thicknesses. Statistical Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVA) models showed that the proximal wall thickness and an elliptically shaped root cross section were the variables that indicated the differences in strength between premolars, which are more prone to VRF, and maxillary central incisors, which are less prone to VRF.

Vertical root fractures of endodontically treated posterior teeth: A histologic analysis with clinical and radiographic correlates.

Vertical root fractures (VRFs) usually develop slowly, unnoticed by the patient until clinical signs and symptoms become apparent. In endodontically treated teeth, a VRF is a typical cause for extraction. The objective of the present study was the histologic analysis of VRFs in extracted, endodontically treated premolars and molars. In addition, clinical and radiographic findings of these VRF-affected teeth were retrospectively evaluated. Thirty extracted teeth with a clinically diagnosed VRF were embedded in methylmethacrylate. Serial ground sections (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the root) were stained with toluidine blue and basic fuchsin. The specimens were photographed and assessed with regard to the vertical and horizontal extent as well as to the course of the VRF. Most VRFs ran from the cervical to the apical region (81.3%). In the axial plane, 50% of VRFs traversed the root completely from buccal to oral. Another 40.6% of VRFs were limited to the buccal root portion. 84.4% of the evaluated roots presented an isthmus. Overall, the VRF was associated with the isthmus in 56.3%, but bypassed the isthmus in 28.1%. The most frequently observed clinical findings included pain (in 60% of the evaluated cases), presence of a fistula (46.7%) and an isolated periodontal pocket with ≥6 mm probing depth (40%). A periapical radiolucency (53.3%) was the most frequent radiographic finding in VRFs. “J-shape” lesions were seen in eight cases (26.7%).

Evaluation of root maturation after revitalization in immature permanent teeth with nonvital pulps by cone beam computed tomography and conventional radiographs.

AIM: To investigate the response of immature permanent teeth with nonvital pulps after revitalization procedures using cone beam computed tomography imaging and conventional radiograph. METHODOLOGY: Clinical records of patients who had undergone revitalization between 1997 and 2014 were collected. Seventeen patients attended the follow-up examination. Clinical examination and radiographic examination by means of CBCT imaging and conventional radiographs were conducted to evaluate treatment outcomes, especially the dimensional changes of the root and the pattern of root maturation. Statistical analysis was conducted using Fisher's exact test and Monte Carlo test to investigate the effect of potential outcome predictors. RESULTS: For the follow-up period as far as 96 months, thirteen teeth (76%) were classified as a 'success'. Conventional radiographs showed various degrees of dimensional changes in the immature roots ranging from 0% to 73% changes. The mean percentage changes of root length and root wall thickness were 14.38 ± 20.92% and 13.82 ± 11.17%, respectively. CBCT images illustrated various patterns of root maturation including incomplete root development with wide-open apices and fully formed roots with various apical shapes. Root canal contents varied radiographically from empty canals to many degrees of unpredictable patterning of radiopaque deposits. CONCLUSION: Revitalization in immature teeth with nonvital pulps resulted in unpredictable responses in terms of continued root development. Various types of root maturation and root canal contents were observed radiographically, which were different from typical root development.

In vivo study of the effectiveness of quantitative percussion diagnostics as an indicator of the level of structural pathology of teeth after restoration.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Conventional diagnostic aids based upon imagery and patient symptoms do not indicate whether restorative treatments have eliminated structural pathology. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate quantitative percussion diagnostics (QPD), a mechanics-based methodology that tests the structural integrity of teeth noninvasively. The study hypothesis was that QPD would provide knowledge of the structural instability of teeth after restorative work. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight participants with 60 sites needing restoration were enrolled in an IRB-approved clinical study. Each participant was examined comprehensively, including QPD testing. Each site was disassembled and microscopically video documented, and the results were recorded on a defect assessment sheet. A predictive model was developed for the pathology rating based on normalized fit error (NFE) values using data from the before treatment phase of the study published previously. Each restored site was then tested using QPD. The mean change in NFE values after restoration was evaluated by the pathology rating before treatment. The model was then used to predictively classify the rating after restoration based on the NFE values after treatment. The diagnostic potential of the rating was explored as a marker for risk of pathology after restoration. RESULTS: After restoration, 51 of the 60 sites fell below an NFE of 0.04, representing a greatly stabilized tooth site sample group. Several sites remained in the high-risk category and some increased in pathologic micromovement. Two models were used to determine severity with indicative cutoff points to group sites with similar values. CONCLUSIONS: The data support the hypothesis that QPD can indicate a revised level of structural instability of teeth after restoration.