Comparison of two electronic apex locators on human cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study on human cadavers was to compare the accuracy of two electronic apex locators (EALs) Dentaport ZX (J. Morita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and Raypex 6 (VDW, Munich, Germany). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two single rooted teeth of four human cadaver heads were scheduled for this study. Before the extraction, an access cavity was opened and the crown was cut to establish a stable reference point for all measurements. The working length determination was performed with Dentaport ZX and Raypex 6 in the presence or not of 5.25 % sodium hypochlorite (SH) using a k-file 10. The teeth were then extracted and the real working length (RWL) was measured under a stereomicroscope at ×30 magnification. The difference between the two working lengths was calculated: positive values indicate measurements exceeding the foramen, while negative values indicated measurements short of the foramen. The data were analyzed with a t test analysis. RESULTS: The mean of distances was 0.33 ± 0.20 mm and 0.32 ± 0.2 mm for Dentaport ZX respectively in the presence or not of SH and 0.38 ± 0.20 mm and 0.39 ± 0.19 mm for Raypex 6. No statistical differences were found between the two devices (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both apex locators showed a high accuracy in the presence or not of SH. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both electronic apex locators can be recommended for clinical use and their accuracy is not affected by SH.

Effects of barriers on chemical and biological properties of two dual resin cements.

The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of conversion, monomer release, and cytotoxicity of two dual-cure resin cements (Cement-One and SmartCem2), light-cured across two indirect restorative materials in an attempt to simulate in vitro the clinical conditions. The results obtained show that the degree of conversion was influenced by both barriers, but the effect of the composite material was greater than that of the ceramic one. The amount of monomers released from the polymerized materials in the absence of barriers was significantly lower than that released in the presence of either the ceramic or the composite barrier. However, a higher amount of monomers was released in the presence of the ceramic barrier. All materials, in all the experimental conditions employed, induced slight cytotoxicity (5-10%) on human pulp cells. Our examinations showed that the two resin cements had similar chemical and biological properties. The decreased degree of conversion of the dual-curing self-adhesive composite showed that the light-curing component of these materials has an important role in the polymerization process. In clinical practice, it is therefore important to pay attention to the thickness of the material used for the reconstruction.

In Vitro Evaluation of Smear Layer and Debris Removal and Antimicrobial Activity of Different Irrigating Solutions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the smear layer and debris removal and antimicrobial activity of two dual-action irrigating solutions for continuous chelation (Triton; Brasseler, Savannah, USA and Dual Rinse HEDP; Medcem GmbH, Weinfelden, Switzerland) with a dual step irrigation protocol with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) followed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). METHODS: Thirty single-rooted single-canal teeth were divided into three groups (n=10) and irrigated with Triton, Dual Rinse HEDP mixed with 6% NaOCl and 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA. The teeth were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess the canal wall cleanliness. In addition, 80 dentine discs were contaminated with Candida albicans and 80 discs with Enterococcus faecalis and irrigated with Triton, Dual Rinse HEDP mixed with 6% NaOCl and 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA or not treated (n=20). Fifteen discs were used to evaluate colony-forming units, while 5 discs were analysed by SEM. Data were analysed using the Shapiro- Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis and One-Way ANOVA tests. RESULTS: Triton was statistically more effective than Dual Rinse HEDP and NaOCl/EDTA in removing debris (p<0.05), except with NaOCl/EDTA in the coronal third. Triton was more effective than Dual Rinse HEDP in removing the smear layer from the apical and middle thirds (p<0.05). All the irrigation protocols significantly re- duced the number of E. faecalis. The Triton group showed the lowest number of remaining C. albicans (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Triton was the most effective irrigation solution in removing debris and as effective as NaOCl/ EDTA in removing the smear layer. Triton showed the highest efficacy against C. albicans. New irrigating solutions that provide continuous chelation may provide an alternative to current irrigation protocols.

Cytotoxic Evaluation of the New Composite Resin through an Artificial Pulp Chamber.

The aim of this study was to analyse the cytocompatibility of Surefil One (SuO) with respect to the release of monomers from the material. The following reference materials were chosen: SDR Flow Plus (SDR, Dentsply Sirona, Konstanz, Germany), One Q Bond (Q, Dentalica, Milan, Italy), and Ketac (K, 3M-ESPE, USA). Fifteen dentin discs (2 mm thickness and diameter) were obtained from 15 third molars and were used in this study. After dentin disc permeability measurement, murine fibroblasts were grown, and the pulp surface of the dentinal disc was placed in direct contact with the cells immersed in DMEM. The experimental materials were positioned on the occlusal side of each dentinal disc until a uniform thickness of 2 mm was obtained. Then, the discs were inserted into an artificial pulp chamber for 24 hours to assess the cytocompatibility. Afterwards, the moles of monomers leached from the specimens in DMEM were determined using HPLC. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA (p < 0.05). Under the experimental conditions, the toxic effect induced by all tested materials was slight or absent. Diurethane dimethacrylate and acrylic acid were not found in the culture media. It is concluded that all materials have good cytocompatibility consistent with the nondeterminability of the monomers released after polymerization.

Comparison of shaping ability of the Reciproc Blue and One Curve with or without glide path in simulated S-shaped root canals.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of a glide-path on the shaping ability of 2 single-file instruments and to compare the centering ability, maintenance of original canal curvatures and area of instrumentation in simulated S-shaped root canals. Materials and Methods: Forty simulated S-shaped root canals were used and were prepared with One Curve (group OC), One G and OC (group GOC), Reciproc Blue (group RB) and R-Pilot and RB (group PRB) and scanned before and after instrumentation. The images were analyzed using AutoCAD. After superimposing the samples, 4 levels (D1, D2, D3, and D4) and 2 angles (Δ1 and Δ2) were established to evaluate the centering ability and modification of the canal curvatures. Then, the area of instrumentation (ΔA) was measured. The data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). Results: Regarding the centering ability in the apical part (D3, D4), the use of the glide-path yielded better results than the single-file groups. Among the groups at D4, OC showed the worst results (p < 0.05). The OC system removed less material (ΔA) than the RB system, and for Δ1, OC yielded a worse result than RB (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The glide-path improved the centering ability in the apical part of the simulated S-shaped canals. The RB system showed a better centering ability in the apical part and major respect of the canal curvatures compared with OC system.

A comparison of near-infrared imaging with other diagnostic tools for dental caries.

Dental caries is one of the most common diseases in the world, and global incidence rates are increasing. The early detection of dental lesions enables a conservative approach to be employed and represents a priority in modern dentistry. Recent studies have suggested that conventional diagnostic methods, such as visual tactile inspection and X-ray examination, exhibit low sensitivity and are not very effective in early diagnoses. Consequently, late detection of decay is associated with an increased loss of tooth structure. New diagnostic systems based on optical properties have been developed to facilitate early detection. Several studies have evaluated the performance of near-infrared imaging (NIRI) as an early diagnostic tool. NIRI using light ranging from 700 to 1700 nm has demonstrated better optical properties compared to conventional optical systems using light in the visible spectra. NIRI enables deeper penetration of the light in the tooth tissue, weak scattering with lower background noise and strong photon absorption with detailed images. Several in-vivo studies have demonstrated that NIRI technology has the potential to improve performance compared with current diagnostic methods. NIRI exhibits increased sensitivity compared to radiographs and is more suitable to identify approximal enamel lesions. This paper aimed to review these recent advances and their potential applications in daily clinical practice.

The Outcome of Primary Root Canal Treatment in Postirradiated Patients: A Case Series.

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw is considered the most severe long-term adverse effect that can occur in radiation therapy patients. Teeth extractions and dental diseases are the main risk factors for ORN in irradiated patients. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the outcome of primary root canal treatments performed on patients who underwent head and neck radiotherapy and to evaluate any ORN related to the endodontic treatment. In this case series, primary root canal therapies (absence of radiolucency) were performed on 10 teeth of 8 patients who underwent radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. Radiation doses to the periapical area were calculated using the radiotherapy planning computed tomographic scan. After a 277-day mean follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic, no teeth showed periapical radiolucency, and no ORN was observed. Even if a limitation of buccal opening occurred after radiotherapy and complicated the endodontic procedures, root canal therapy seemed to be safe and a valid alternative to tooth extraction.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of Graphene Oxide on Enterococcus faecalis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of graphene oxide (GO) against Enterococcus faecalis in vitro conditions and when used to coat dentin surface to prevent E. faecalis adhesion. The ATCC strain of E. faecalis 29212 has been used to perform a viability test. The pellet was suspended in ultrapure water, NaCl, PBS buffer, CaCl2 and MgCl2, Luria-Bertani broth solutions. The viability was evaluated by the colony forming unit counting method. Atomic force microscopy images and the measure of surface zeta potential variation were analyzed. Dentin discs were covered with a film of GO (n = 15) or were not treated (n = 15). Bacterial suspension was added to each sample of dentine discs and microbial counts were calculated. Statistically significant differences between two groups were assessed by a two-tailed unpaired t-test. Bacteria cell morphology was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The highest growth inhibition was obtained in ddH2O and CaCl2 solution while, in PBS and NaCl, GO had poor antibacterial efficacy with a growth enhancing effect in the latter. GO on dentin discs demonstrated high antibacterial activity. GO film has demonstrated acceptable adhesion properties to root dentin and a role in the inhibition of bacterial film proliferation and biofilm formation.

Influences of Different Air-Inhibition Coatings on Monomer Release, Microhardness, and Color Stability of Two Composite Materials.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light-curing protocols on two modern resin composites using different air-inhibition coating strategies. This was accomplished by assessing the amount of monomer elution, surface microhardness, and composite discoloration in different storage conditions. A total of 120 specimens were prepared using Filtek Supreme XTE (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) and CeramX Universal (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). Specimens were light-cured in air as per manufacturer's instructions or in the absence of oxygen. This latter condition was achieved using three different approaches: (i) transparent polyester strip; (ii) glycerin; (iii) argon gas. Specimens were assessed for release of monomers, Vickers hardness, and discoloration after storage in different solutions. The results were analyzed with ANOVA one-way test followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test. Moreover, multiple comparisons of means were performed using the Student t-test (p<0.05). The amount of monomers released from the tested specimens was very low in all conditions. The presence of oxygen induced some decrease in microhardness. The highest discoloration values, for both materials, were obtained after ageing in red wine. In case finish and polish procedures are awkward to achieve in posteriors composite restoration, light-curing in the absence of oxygen should be considered, especially when performing composite restoration in esthetic areas.

Antibiofilm Activity of Three Different Irrigation Techniques: An in Vitro Study.

The microbial infection of the endodontic space occurs in a necrotic tooth as a result of dental caries, trauma, periodontal disease, or previous root canal therapy. The disruption of the biofilms and the reduction of the bacterial load inside root canals are crucial for the success of root canal therapy. The aim of this study was to compare, in vitro, the antibiofilm efficacy of a novel passive sonic irrigation (PSI) device with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Forty-four single-rooted human teeth were inoculated with a culture of E. faecalis for 28 days. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups: PUI, CNI, and PSI (n = 12). The activation protocols were performed using both 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl. Residual bacterial biofilm was taken by means of a canal brush and colony-forming unit (CFU) were counted. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Games-Howell's post hoc tests. A major reduction in CFU was observed in the PSI and PUI groups, in comparison with the CNI group. No difference was found (p > 0.05) in terms of CFU reduction between PSI and PUI. PSI could be as effective as PUI in the removal of bacterial biofilms from straight root canals.

Quantitative Determination of 18-ß-Glycyrrhetinic Acid in HepG2 Cell Line by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method.

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed for identification and estimation of 18-ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) in HepG2 cell line. The analysis was carried out using a JASCO HPLC system with a C-18 (3 µm) Supelco reversed phase column (150 x 4.7 mm) using a mobile phase of 80% CH3OH and 20% of CH3CN: tetrahydrofuran: water (10:80:10, v/v/v). The method was linear in the concentration range of 1.5-120 µg /mL (n = 5). The LOD and LOQ were determined based on standard deviation of the y-intercept and the slope of the calibration curve. The LOD and LOQ values were found to be 11.46 µg/mL and 34.72 µg/mL, respectively. The mean percentage recovery by standard addition experiments of GA is 92.4 % ± 5.2%. The intracellular GA concentration value, obtained as mean of five different determinations, was 45.8 ± 7.45 µg/mL. We have developed a HPLC-UV method for quantitative determination of GA inside cells, with advantages in the cost reduction and economy of the analytical process.

The Effect of Diode Laser on Planktonic Enterococcus faecalis in Infected Root Canals in an Ex Vivo Model.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the bactericidal effect of diode laser irradiation against intracanal Enterococcus faecalis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: m total of 128 extracted single-rooted and single-canal teeth were treated with ProTaper instruments (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). A total of 120 root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days, and the samples were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1 (n = 24) samples were irrigated with only saline solution (positive controls); Group 2 (n = 24) was treated with only 5.25% sodium hypochlorite; Group 3 (n = 24) was irrigated with saline solutions activated by diode laser; Group 4 (n = 24) was treated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite activated by diode laser; and Group 5 (n = 24) was irrigated with saline solution with methylene blue dye activated by the diode laser Fox (Sweden & Martina, Padova, Italy); additionally, eight teeth were not contaminated and their canals were irrigated with saline solution and used as a negative control. The Uro-Quick system was used to determine the microbial residual charge. The data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test (p < 0.001). RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in bacterial count was observed in Group 2 and Group 4 (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences among the other groups (p > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicates that the diode laser was not more effective than sodium hypochlorite in reducing free bacteria.

Evaluation of in vitro push-out bond strengths of different post-luting systems after artificial aging.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the push-out bond strengths of four commercially available adhesive luting systems (two self-adhesive and two etch-and-rinse systems) after mechanical aging. METHODS: Forty single-rooted anterior teeth were divided into four groups according to the luting cement system used: Cement-One (Group 1); One-Q-adhesive Bond + Axia Core Dual (Group 2); SmartCem® 2 (Group 3); and XP Bond® + Core-X™ Flow (Group 4). Anatomical Post was cemented in groups 1 and 2, and D.T. Light-Post Illusion was cemented in groups 3 and 4. All samples were subjected to masticatory stress simulation consisting of 300,000 cycles applied with a computer-controlled chewing simulator. Push-out bond strength values (MPa) were calculated at cervical, middle, and apical each level, and the total bond strengths were calculated as the averages of the three levels. Statistical analysis was performed with data analysis software and significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in total bond strength were detected between the cements (Group 4: 3.28 MPa, Group 1: 2.77 MPa, Group 2: 2.36 MPa, Group 3: 1.13 MPa; P<0.05). Specifically, Group 1 exhibited a lower bond strength in the apical zone, Group 3 exhibited a higher strength in this zone, and groups 2 and 4 exhibited more homogeneous bonding strengths across the different anatomical zones. CONCLUSIONS: After artificial aging, etch-and-rinse luting systems exhibited more homogeneous bond strengths; nevertheless, Cement-One exhibited a total bond strength second only to Core-X Flow.

Two new oro-cervical radiographic indexes for chronological age estimation: a pilot study on an Italian population.

Chronological age (CA) plays a fundamental role in forensic dentistry (i.e. personal identification and evaluation of imputability). Even though several studies outlined the association between biological and chronological age, there is still great variability in the estimates. The aim of this study was to determine the possible correlation between biological and CA age through the use of two new radiographic indexes (Oro-Cervical Radiographic Simplified Score - OCRSS and Oro-Cervical Radiographic Simplified Score Without Wisdom Teeth - OCRSSWWT) that are based on the oro-cervical area. Sixty Italian Caucasian individuals were divided into 3 groups according to their CA: Group 1: CAG 1 = 8-14 yr; Group 2: CAG 2 = 14-18 yr; Group 3: CAG 3 = 18-25 yr; panorexes and standardised cephalograms were evaluated according Demirjian's Method for dental age calculation (DM), Cervical Vertebral Maturation method for skeletal age calculation (CVMS) and Third Molar Development for age estimation (TMD). The stages of each method were simplified in order to generate OCRSS, which summarized the simplified scores of the three methods, and OCRSSWWT, which summarized the simplified DM and CVMS scores. There was a significant correlation between OCRSS and CAGs (Slope = 0.954, p < 0.001, R-squared = 0.79) and between OCRSSWWT and CAGs (Slope = 0.863, p < 0.001, R-squared = 0.776). Even though the indexes, especially OCRSS, appear to be highly reliable, growth variability among individuals can deeply influence the anatomical changes from childhood to adulthood. A multi-disciplinary approach that considers many different biomarkers could help make radiological age determination more reliable when it is used to predict CA.

Morphological confocal laser scanning microscope evaluation of four different "etch and rinse" adhesives in post endodontic restoration.

The aim of this study was to perform a morphometric evaluation of the resin-root canal dentine interface of four "etch and rinse" adhesive systems. Forty human teeth were restored through a fiber post insertion using: Group 1: XP Bond adhesive; Group 2: Prime & Bond NT; Group 3: Surgi Prime Bond adhesive; Group 4: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus. Two cross-sections (apical and coronal) were obtained and analyzed in morphological confocal laser scanning microscope. The numbers of resin tags (RT) and the thickness of the hybrid layer (HL) were evaluated. Quantitative variables were tested by a Shapiro-Wilk test. Parametric variables by an Anova test. Group 4 produced the thickest HL and Group 1 showed the thinnest. Considering RT, Group 1 produced the highest density, while Group 3 the lowest density. All the adhesives produced good results in terms of HL thickness and RT density.

Analysis of single point and continuous wave of condensation root filling techniques by micro-computed tomography.

The aim of the present microtomographic study was to investigate the quality of root canal filling and the voids formation in canals of extracted teeth instrumented with a simultaneous technique and filled with two different methods. Twenty-four single-rooted teeth were assigned to two experimental groups (no. = 12); canals were shaped with NiTi rotary files, irrigated with NaOCl and filled either with the single point (group 1) or the continuous wave of condensation technique (group 2). Specimens underwent microtomographic scanning. Collected data were statistically analyzed by nonparametric methods. Void mean percentages were found to be limited and similar between the two groups; the single point technique led to greater sealer thickness in partially oval canals.

Expression of hMSH2 and hMLH1 proteins of the human DNA mismatch repair system in salivary gland tumors.

BACKGROUND: The human DNA mismatch repair (hMMR) system plays an important role in reducing mutation and maintaining genomic stability. The MMR system in human cells is composed of at least six genes (hMSH2, hMLH1, hMSH3, hPMS1, hPMS2 and GTBP/hMSH6). In particular, hMSH2 and hMLH1 are expressed in cells undergoing rapid renewal; their reduced expression has been reported in several tumors. METHODS: We examined the expression of hMSH2 and hMLH1 by immunohistochemistry in tumor specimens from 43 patients with primary tumors. RESULTS: All carcinomas (n = 20) expressed these proteins. In addition, when compared to pleomorphic adenomas, malignant tumors contained significantly (P < 0.01) higher proportions of hMSH2 (56.1 +/- 31.5 vs. 31.1 +/- 22.6) and hMLH1 (27.9 +/- 26.0 vs. 14.0 +/- 12.6) positive cells. Warthin's tumors showed no specific nuclear staining of tumor cells for both hMSH2 and hMLH1. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a minor, if any, role for a defect in the hMMR system in the pathogenesis of malignant salivary gland tumors.