Prevalence of apical periodontitis and non-retention of root-filled teeth in hypertensive patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested a relationship between AP, as well as the loss of root-filled teeth (RFT), and hypertension (HTN). OBJECTIVES: The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to investigate the prevalence of AP, and non-retention of RFT, in hypertensive patients. METHODS: A search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria established were studies published until February 2023, comparing hypertensive subjects with controls, assessing the prevalence of AP and/or providing data on the prevalence of non-retained RFT. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan (analyst) tool to determine the pooled prevalence of AP and loss of RFT. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADE. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 454 articles, and only eight met the inclusion criteria. Six studies had analysed the association between AP and HTN and two studies had analysed the association between non-retention of RFT and HTN. Meta-analysis showed and overall OR = 1.71 (95% CI = 0.92-3.16; p = .09) for the prevalence of AP among patients with HTN. The prevalence of non-retention of RFT among patients with HTN has an overall OR = 1.78 (95% CI = 1.60-1.98; p = .000001). The risk of bias in the individual studies was low or moderate, and the quality of the overall evidence has shown a level of certainty very low. DISCUSSION: There is no association between the prevalence of AP and HTN. In addition, hypertensive patients have significantly increased odds of losing RFT. Given the high prevalence of hypertension, it is very common to perform root canal treatments on hypertensive patients. It is imperative to communicate this heightened risk to patients and recommend periodic monitoring of oral health and hypertension, paying special attention to this subset of patients. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022302385.

Predictors of periapical bone healing associated with teeth having large periapical lesions following nonsurgical root canal treatment or retreatment: A cone beam computed tomography-based retrospective study.

AIM: Several factors influence the condition of the periapical tissues associated with root filled teeth. The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the extent and speed of bone healing of large periapical lesions associated with nonsurgical root canal treatment or retreatment. The secondary objective was to analyse the relationship between the time to complete healing when analysed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and other possible predictors that affect healing. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-nine patients were treated during the years 2013-2020 with large periapical lesions of endodontic origin (10-15 mm) as observed on intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAR) were included. IOPAR and CBCT were available before treatment and during the follow-up (IOPAR every 6 months and CBCT every 12 months). The volume of periapical lesions was calculated by OsiriX Lite software. Variables such as initial volume of the lesion, age, gender, type of treatment or type of root canal filling were compared to identify the differences between healed and unhealed lesions. Pearson's Chi-square test was used for categorical variables, the t-test for age and the Wilcoxon test for initial volume of the lesion. The association between time to healing and the variables was assessed using univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. The Wilcoxon test was used to observe the association of healing time with categorical variables and the correlation index was measured with the quantitative variables. RESULTS: Of the 79 cases analysed, 60 lesions (76%) were completely healed as verified by CBCT in a mean healing time of 19 months, of which 60% healed fully between 12 and 18 months. Increase in age of patient and larger initial volume of the lesion were associated with a significantly longer healing time (p < .001). Gender, filling material and type of treatment did not have a significant effect on the healing process (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that periapical lesions in older patients and larger areas of bone loss take longer to heal. CBCT monitoring of large periapical lesions is critical and it can help clinicians in the decision-making process.

Elective full pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a two years retrospective study.

AIM: To investigate the outcome of elective full pulpotomy, using calcium silicate-based cements (CSBC), after 2 years, in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with carious lesions, diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis, and analyse the capacity of Wolters et al. (2017) classification to predict the likelihood of treatment failure. METHODS: The treatment records of 56 patients with symptomatic mature teeth with carious lesions, diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis and treated by elective full pulpotomy, using CSBCs as pulp capping materials, were reviewed. Thirteen teeth were excluded. The remaining 43 teeth were evaluated retrospectively at 24 months. Fisher`s exact test with the Lancaster's mid-P adjustment was used to assess different outcomes amongst the diagnostic categories. RESULTS: Four of the cases failed before 24 months and required root canal treatment (RCT). Overall success rate at 2 years was 90.7% (39 of 43). An inverse, but non-significant, correlation was observed between the severity of pulpitis according to the Wolters classification and the treatment success rate (p > 0.05). The type of CSBC used was associated to the success rate (OR = 10.5; 95% C.I. = 0.5 - 207.4; p = 0.027), being 82% with Endosequence and 100% with Biodentine. Postoperative pain associated significantly to lower success rate (66.7%) (Odds ratio = 8.0; 95% C.I. = 0.7 - 95.9; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Elective full pulpotomy using a CSBC was a successful choice for the treatment of mature permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. There were no significant differences between the success rate of mild, moderate and severe pulpitis. Postoperative pain could be considered a risk marker for failure of full pulpotomy. The term "irreversible pulpitis" should be re-signified to indicate the need for access to the pulp chamber, rather than an indication for extraction or RCT.

Impact of systemic health on treatment outcomes in endodontics.

BACKGROUND: The healing of periapical lesions after root canal treatment (RCT) is not the result of the curative action of the treatment. The process of healing begins with inflammation, and is resolved by the clearance of the immunogen that induces the immune response. Then, the periapical tissue itself carries out the healing of the periapical lesion, by repair or by a combination of repair and regeneration, depending on the host's reparative response working properly. The ultimate objective of RCT is to achieve wound healing by removing the source of bacterial antigens and toxins, allowing chronic inflammatory tissue to become reparative tissue. Some systemic conditions increase the susceptibility of the host to infection or impair the tissue reparative response, maintaining the inflammatory process and periapical bone resorption after RCT. This can cause the failure of RCT and even the need for extraction of the affected tooth. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the scientific literature on the possible influence of systemic conditions on the treatment outcomes in endodontics, as well as to discuss the biological mechanisms that may be involved. METHODS: The search was carried out in PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria established were original scientific articles reporting data about some systemic condition in relation to treatment outcomes in endodontics, including clinical studies and studies carried out in animal models. RESULTS: Systemic factors (age, nutrition, stress, hormones, smoking habits), and systemic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, HIV infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and others, can influence or interfere in the repair of periapical tissues after RCT. DISCUSSION: Some of these systemic diseases can alter bone turnover and fibroblast function, preventing or delaying periapical wound healing. Others can alter the microvasculature, reducing nutrients and oxygen supply to periapical tissues. As a result, these systemic conditions can decrease the success rate of RCT and provoke incomplete wound healing (typically granulomatous tissue formation) in the periapical region. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this narrative review show worse success rate of RCT, with higher percentage of postoperative radiolucent periapical lesions and higher proportion of non-retained teeth (RFT), associated with several systemic conditions, such as smoking habits and diabetes.

Periapical and endodontic status of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Age- and sex-matched case-control study.

AIM: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two chronic recurrent inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract, grouped under the name inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causing clinical episodes of intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between IBD and the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and root canal treatment. METHODOLOGY: A case-control study design matched to age and sex was used. The study group (SG) included 28 patients with IBD (13 with CD, 15 with UC). Another 28 healthy subjects, without IBD and age- and sex-matched, were included in the control group (CG). Radiographic records were analysed and AP was diagnosed as radiolucent periapical lesions (RPLs), using the periapical index score. Student's t-test, χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the CG, only 17 subjects (61%) had at least one tooth with AP, whilst in the SG group they were 23 patients (82%; OR = 2.98; 95% CI = 0.87-10.87; p = .08). The number of subjects with one or more root filled teeth (RFT) in the CG was 14 (50%), whilst in the SG they were 22 (79%; OR = 3.67; 95% CI = 1.14-11.79; p = .026). At least one RFT with AP was evident in three subjects (10.7%) in the CG, whilst in the SG 15 patients (53.6%) showed RFT with AP (OR = 9.60; 95% CI = 2.35-39.35; p = .001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only endodontic status was found to be associated with IBD (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.24-2.80; p = .003). CONCLUSION: IBD, UC and Crohn's disease are associated with higher prevalence of RFT and higher percentage of RFT with periapical lesions. Dentists should consider these findings when caring for IBD patients by monitoring the evolution of periapical lesions of endodontically treated teeth.

Prevalence of root canal treatment worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of root filled teeth (RFT) worldwide will inform about the amount of clinical activity of dentists dedicated to treat endodontic disease. OBJECTIVES: To carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis answering the following question: What is the prevalence of RFT around the world? The percentage of people with at least one RFT was also investigated. METHODS: A systematic review including population-based studies using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo. Studies related to prevalence of RFT were included. The outcome of interest of the study was the prevalence of RFT. The meta-analyses were calculated with the Open Meta Analyst software to determine the global prevalence of RFT. Subgroups analyses were performed comparing geographical distribution, radiographic method and year of the study (classified in 20th or 21th century). The prevalence of people with at least one RFT was also analysed. RESULTS: Seventy-four population-based studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight, forty-four and two studies reported high, moderate and low risk of bias, respectively. No obvious publication bias was observed. Prevalence of RFT was estimated with 1 201 255 teeth and 32 162 patients. The calculated worldwide prevalence of RFT was 8.2% (95% CI = 7.3%-9.1%; p < .001). The global prevalence of people with at least one RFT was 55.7% (95% CI = 49.6%-61.8%; p < .001). In 20th century, the prevalence of RFT was 10.2% (95% CI = 7.9%-12.5%; p < .001), whereas in the 21st century the overall calculated prevalence of RFT was 7.5% (95% CI = 6.5%-8.6%; p < .001). Brazilian people (12%) and the European population (9.3%) showed the highest prevalence of RFT. In Europe, 59.6% (95% CI = 52.4%-66.8%) of people has at least one RFT. CONCLUSIONS: This review showed that root canal treatment is a very common therapy throughout the world. More than half of the studied population have at least one RFT. A limitation of the present study is that most of the studies did not consider random sampling for population selection. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Systematic review registration number: (CRD42022329053).

Leptin in Dental Pulp and Periapical Tissues: A Narrative Review.

Leptin is a non-glycosylated 16 kDa protein synthesized mainly in adipose cells. The main function of leptin is to regulate energy homeostasis and weight control in a central manner. There is increasing evidence that leptin also has systemic effects, acting as a link between innate and acquired immune responses. The expression of leptin and its receptor in human dental pulp and periradicular tissues have already been described, as well as several stimulatory effects of leptin protein expression in dental and periodontal tissues. The aim of this paper was to review and to compile the reported scientific literature on the role and effects of leptin in the dental pulp and periapical tissues. Twelve articles accomplished the inclusion criteria, and a comprehensive narrative review was carried out. Review of the available scientific literature concluded that leptin has the following effects on pulpal and periapical physiology: 1) Stimulates odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), 2) Increases the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1), odontoblastic proteins involved in odontoblastic differentiation and dentin mineralization, 3) Stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in human dental pulp tissue and primary cultured cells of human dental pulp (hDPCs), 4) Stimulates angiogenesis in rat dental pulp cells, and 5) Induces the expression of interleucinas 6 and 8 in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). There is evidence which suggests that leptin is implicated in the dentin mineralization process and in pulpal and periapical inflammatory and reparative responses.

Association between diabetes and the prevalence of radiolucent periapical lesions in root-filled teeth: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The question of whether diabetes mellitus can influence the outcome of root canal treatment (RCT) remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze scientific available evidence on the association between diabetes and the presence of radiolucent periapical lesions (RPLs) in root-filled teeth (RFT). METHODS: The review question was as follows: in adult patients who had endodontically treated teeth, does the absence or presence of diabetes result in an increase in the prevalence of RPL associated to RFT? A systematic MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science, and Scopus search was conducted using the following MeSH and keywords: Diabetes Mellitus OR Diabetes OR Diabetic OR Hyperglycemia, AND Endodontics, Periapical Periodontitis, Periapical Diseases, Apical Periodontitis, Periradicular Lesion, Periapical Radiolucency, Radiolucent Periapical Lesion, Root Canal Treatment, Root Canal Preparation, Root Canal Therapy, Root Filled Teeth, Endodontically Treated Teeth. Seven studies reporting data on the prevalence of RPL associated to RFT both in diabetic and control subjects were included. RESULTS: After the study selection, seven epidemiological studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, representing data from 1593 root canal treatments, 1011 in non-diabetic control subjects, and 582 in diabetic patients. The calculated pooled odds ratio (OR = 1.42; 95 % CL = 1.11-1.80; p = 0.0058) indicates that diabetic patients have higher prevalence of RFT with RPLs than controls. CONCLUSION: Available scientific evidence indicates that diabetes is significantly associated to higher prevalence of periapical radiolucencies in endodontically treated teeth, being an important putative pre-operative prognostic factor in RCT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Taking into account that diabetes is the third most prevalent chronic medical condition among dental patients, endodontic providers should be aware of the relationship between the outcome of endodontic treatment and diabetes.

Expression and immunohistochemical localization of leptin in human periapical granulomas.

BACKGROUND: Leptin, initially described as an adipocyte-derived hormone to regulate weight control, is expressed in normal and inflamed human dental pulp, being up-regulated during pulp experimental inflammation. Leptin receptor (LER) has been identified in human periapical granulomas. The aim of this study was to analyze and characterize the expression of leptin in human periapical granulomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen periapical inflammatory lesions were obtained from extracted human teeth and teeth which underwent periapical surgery. After their morphological categorization as periapical granulomas and gradation of the inflammatory infiltrate, they were examined by immunohistochemistry using human leptin policlonal antibodies. Leptin mRNA expression was also determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the amount of leptin protein was analyzed by immunoblot. RESULTS: All periapical lesions exhibited the characteristic of chronic granulomatous inflammatory process with inflammatory infiltrate grade III. Leptin+ cells were detected in 13 periapical granulomas (86.6%). The median number of Leptin+ cells in periapical granulomas was 1.70 (0.00-7.4). Amongst the inflammatory cells in the periapical granulomas, only macrophages were reactive to leptin antibodies. Western blot analysis revealed the presence in all samples of a protein with apparent molecular weight of approximately 16 kDa, corresponding to the estimated molecular weights of leptin. The expression of leptin mRNA was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis and the size of the amplified fragment (296 bp for leptin and 194 bp for cyclophilin) was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, it has been demonstrated that human periapical granuloma expresses the adipokine leptin.

Antibiotic Over-Prescription by Dentists in the Treatment of Apical Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

After pulp infection and necrosis, the passage of microbial antigens into the periapical space causes apical periodontitis (AP). Most of the clinical forms of AP can be managed without prescribing antibiotics, only with root canal treatment and abscess drainage or, where appropriate, tooth extraction. However, the scientific literature provides evidence of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by dentists in the management of apical disease. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the global pattern of antibiotic prescription in the treatment of apical disease. METHODS: PRISMA Guidelines were followed to carry out this systematic review. The research question was as follows: What is the pattern of antibiotic prescription by dentists in the treatment of the different clinical forms of apical periodontitis? A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science and Scopus. All studies reporting data about the pattern of antibiotic prescription by dentists in the treatment of apical disease were included. The meta-analyses were calculated using the Open Meta Analyst version 10.10 software. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 96 articles and thirty-nine cross-sectional studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall percentage of antibiotic prescriptions by dentists in cases of symptomatic AP was 25.8%, and 31.5% in cases of asymptomatic AP with sinus tract present. The percentage of dentists prescribing antibiotics in cases of acute apical abscess with no/mild symptoms was 47.7%, whereas, in cases of acute apical abscess with moderate/severe symptoms, 88.8% of dentists would prescribe antibiotics. Endodontists prescribe antibiotics at a lower rate than general practitioners. The total risk of bias was considered moderate, and the final rating for the certainty of the evidence was low. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists worldwide are over-prescribing antibiotics in the management of apical disease. It is necessary to improve antibiotic prescribing habits in the treatment of endodontic infections, as well as educational initiatives to encourage the rational and appropriate prescription of antibiotics in periapical diseases.

Patients' Opinions on Antibiotics in the Treatment of Dental Infections: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' knowledge and perceptions of the use of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of endodontic infections and to determine the possible contribution of patients to the development of bacterial resistance. Methods: A total of 550 patients were asked to respond to a survey on the perception of systemic antibiotic use in the treatment of endodontic infections and antibiotic resistance during January 2022 and March 2023. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine possible correlates in the population regarding antibiotic use in the endodontic world. Results: A total of 514 patients were included in the study, 65.9% of whom were women. While 34.6% of the population studied thought that it was always necessary to take antibiotics prior to endodontics, 49.4% considered that they were necessary after endodontics, regardless of the clinical symptoms. The prevalence of self-medication was 17.3%, and women self-medicate more than men, with significant differences (p < 0.05), although they have a greater knowledge of antibiotic resistance than men (p < 0.05). Forty-four percent of the population expected to take antibiotics when faced with dental pain, mainly women (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The general population is contributing to the serious problem of bacterial resistance. It is necessary to promote educational strategies focused on the correct use of antibiotics in the community. The worst results were found mainly in the population with a low level of education. The level of education was the variable that most influenced the knowledge and attitudes of the population, followed by the sex of the participants.

Does Diabetes Increase the Frequency of Root-Filled teeth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Background: The indicated treatment in cases of apical periodontitis (AP), a disease very prevalent in diabetic patients, is root canal treatment (RCT). This study aims to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to answer the following PICO question: In adult patients, does the absence or presence of diabetes affect the prevalence of root filled teeth (RFT)"? Material and Methods: PRISMA Guidelines have been followed to carry out this systematic review. A literature search was undertaken in PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase and Scielo. All studies reporting the prevalence of RFT in diabetic patients and control subjects using radiographic examination were included. Study characteristics and risk ratios with 95% CIs were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Results: Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Prevalence of RFT were estimated with 701 people and 15,882 teeth. Among diabetic patients, 6.1% of teeth had undergone RCT, while in controls this percentage was 3% (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.0 - 2.9; p = 0.065). Among diabetic patients, 65% had at least one RFT, while in controls this percentage dropped to 55% (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 0.5 - 3.7; p> 0.05). The certainty of evidence was low. Conclusions: The prevalence of RFT in diabetic patients is almost double that in the control population, however this result is only marginally significant. Dentists must take into account the high prevalence of RFT in diabetic patients, investigating the presence of diabetes in those patients in whom a high frequency of RCT is observed. Key words:Diabetes, endodontics, epidemiology, root canal treatment, root filled teeth, prevalence, survey, population-based study.

Frequency and distribution of root-filled teeth and apical periodontitis in an adult population of Barcelona, Spain.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the frequency of root canal treatment in a sample of Spanish adults. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING: Barcelona, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 397 adult subjects, 49% males and 51% females. METHODS: Digital panoramic radiographs were used. Periapical status was scored according to the periapical index. Results were analysed statistically using the chi-squared test and logistic regression. RESULTS: Radiographic signs of AP in one or more teeth were found in 135 patients (34%). The prevalence of AP was significantly higher in males (42.3%) than females (26.1%) [odds ratio (OR)=2.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)= 1.4-3.2; P= 0.0007]. At least one root-filled tooth (RFT) was found in 233 patients (59%). Twenty-six per cent of subjects with RFT had at least one RFT with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age (P < 0.05). Patients with RFT showed a higher prevalence of AP (42%) relative to patients without RFT (23%) (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5-3.7; P = 0.00013). Adjusting for age, gender and teeth number, endodontic status remained significantly associated with periapical status (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.4-3.6; P = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Both the prevalence of AP and the frequency of root canal treatment are high among Spanish adults. AP affects more frequently RFT relative to untreated teeth. Patients with one or more RFT have a greater likelihood of having AP than patients without RFT.

Postoperative pain after one-visit root-canal treatment on teeth with vital pulps: comparison of three different obturation techniques.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate and compare postoperative pain after one-visit root canal treatment (RCT) on teeth with vital pulps using three different obturation techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred and four patients (105 men and 99 women) aged 12 to 77 years were randomly assigned into three treatments groups: cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha (LC), Thermafil technique (TT), and Backfill - Thermafil obturation technique (BT). Postoperative pain was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0 - 10 after 2 and 6 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days. Data were statistically analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the total sample, 87% of patients experienced discomfort or pain in some moment between RCT and the seventh day. The discomfort experienced was weak, light, moderate and intense in 6%, 44%, 20% and 6% of the cases, respectively. Mean pain levels were 0.4 ± 0.4, 0.4 ± 0.3, and 1.4 ± 0.7 in LC, BT, and TT groups, respectively. Patients of TT group experienced a significantly higher mean pain level compared to other two groups (p < 0.0001). In TT group, all patients felt some level of pain at six hours after RCT. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain was significantly associated with the obturation technique used during root canal treatment. Patients whose teeth were filled with Thermafil obturators (TT technique) showed significantly higher levels of discomfort than patients whose teeth were filled using any of the other two techniques.

External apical root resorption in maxillary root-filled incisors after orthodontic treatment: a split-mouth design study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare, in a split mouth design, the external apical root resorption (EARR) associated with orthodontic treatment in root-filled maxillary incisors and their contralateral teeth with vital pulps. METHODOLOGY: The study sample consisted of 38 patients (14 males and 24 females), who had one root-filled incisor before completion of multiband/bracket orthodontic therapy for at least 1 year. For each patient, digital panoramic radiographs taken before and after orthodontic treatment were used to determine the root resortion and the proportion of external root resorption (PRR), defined as the ratio between the root resorption in the endodontically treated incisor and that in its contralateral incisor with a vital pulp. The student's t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between EARR in vital teeth (1.1 ± 1.0 mm) and endodontically treated incisors (1.1 ± 0.8 mm). Twenty-six patients (68.4%) showed greater resorption of the endodontically treated incisor than its homolog vital tooth (p > 0.05). The mean and standard deviation of PPR were 1.0 ± 0.2. Multivariate logistic regression suggested that PRR does not correlate with any of the variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the amount or severity of external root resorption during orthodontic movement between root-filled incisors and their contralateral teeth with vital pulps.

Influence of root canal instrumentation and obturation techniques on intra-operative pain during endodontic therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the influence of root canal instrumentation and obturation techniques on intra-operative pain experienced by patients during endodontic therapy. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Ponferrada and Sevilla, Spain, including 80 patients (46 men and 34 women), with ages ranged from 10 to 74 years, randomly recruited. Patient gender and age, affected tooth, pulpal diagnosis, periapical status, previous NSAID or antibiotic (AB) treatment, and root canal instrumentation and obturation techniques were recorded. After root canal treatment (RCT), patients completed a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) that ranked the level of pain. Results were analysed statistically using the Chi-square and ANOVA tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean pain level during root canal treatment was 2.9±3.0 (median=2) in a VAS between 0 and 10. Forty percent of patients experienced no pain. Gender, age, arch, previous NSAIDs or AB treatment and anaesthetic type did not influence significantly the pain level (p>0.05). Pain during root canal treatment was significantly greater in molar teeth (OR=10.1; 95% C.I.=1.6-63.5; p=0.013). Root canal instrumentation and obturation techniques did not affect significantly patients' pain during root canal treatment (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients feel more pain when RCT is carried out on molar teeth. The root canal instrumentation and obturation techniques do not affect significantly the patients' pain during RCT.

Antibiotics prescription habits of Spanish endodontists: Impact of the ESE awareness campaign and position statement.

BACKGROUND: The inadequate use of antibiotics by dentists can contribute to antibiotic resistance. The European Society of Endodontology (ESE) has published a scientific evidence-based position on antibiotic use in endodontic infec-tions. The aim of this study was to analyze the antibiotics prescription habits of Spanish endodontists in the management of endodontic infections, comparing them with those they had 10 years ago, to assess the impact of the ESE awareness campaign and position statement on antibiotics in endodontics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred Spanish endodontists were requested to answer to a one-page survey, similar to that used previously ten years ago in another study, on indications for systemic antibiotics in the management of endodontic infections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Seventy-seven endodontists (77%) completed satisfactorily the survey and were included in the study. RESULTS: The average duration of antibiotic therapy was 5.64 ± 1.75 days. In patients with no medical allergies, 97.1% selected amoxicillin as the first-choice antibiotic. The first drug of choice for patients with an allergy to penicillin, was clindamycin 300 mg (74.03%). For cases of pulp necrosis with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, fistulous tract and mild/symptomatic symptoms, 100% of endodontists would prescribe antibiotics. For the scenario of a pulp necrosis with symptomatic periodontitis apical and no swelling, 20% endodontists would prescribe antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics prescription habits of Spanish endodontists has improved after the ESE awareness campaign and position statement on antibiotics in endodontics. Even so, there are a percentage of professionals that still prescribe antibiotics erro-neously. Key words:Antibiotic, antibiotics resistance, dentistry, endodontists, endodontics, prescription habits, primary care.

Antibiotics Prescription by Spanish General Practitioners in Primary Dental Care.

The aim of this study was to analyze the antibiotics prescription habits, both prophylactically and therapeutically, of Spanish general dental practitioners in the management of endodontic infections in primary care. Two hundred Spanish general dental practitioners were asked to respond to a survey on indications for antibiotics prescription in the treatment of endodontic infections, being 190 general dentists (95%) included in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The average duration of antibiotics therapy was 6.5 ± 1.0 days. In patients without medical allergies, most of them (97%) selected amoxicillin as the antibiotic of the first choice, alone (51.1%) or associated with clavulanic acid (45.8%); in patients with penicillin allergies, the drug of choice was clindamycin 300 mg (70%). For cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, 44% of the respondents prescribed antibiotics, in the scenario of prophylactic antibiotic prescription, up to 27% of the general dentists prescribe according to non-current guidelines (1 g 1 h before or 1 g 1 h before and 1 g 1 h after) in non-indicated cases (16% in patients taking oral bisphosphonates). It is necessary to improve the antibiotic prescription habits of Spanish general dentists in endodontics.

Influence of Coronal Preflaring on the Accuracy of Electronic Working Length Determination: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the following PICO question: in extracted human permanent teeth, does preflaring, compared with unflared canals, influence the accuracy of WL determination with EAL? MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist, using the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies related to WL determination using EAL both in preflared and unflared root canals of extracted human teeth were included. The outcome of interest was the accuracy of the electronic WL determination. A quality assessment of the included studies was performed, determining the risk of bias. The meta-analyses were calculated with the 5.4 RevMan software using the inverse variance method with random effects. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021243412. RESULTS: Ten experimental studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and most of them found that preflaring increases the accuracy of the EALs in WL determination. The calculated OR was 1.98 (95% CI = 1.65-2.37; p < 0.00001; I2 = 10%), indicating that the determination of WL by EALs is almost twice as accurate in preflared canals. The accuracy of Root ZX in WL determination increases more than three times (OR = 3.25; p < 0.00001). Preflaring with Protaper files significantly increases the accuracy of EALs (OR = 1.76; p < 0.00001). The total risk of bias of the included studies was low. No obvious publication bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a significant increase in the accuracy of WL determination with EAL after preflaring, doubling the percentage of exact measurements. Preflaring should be recommended as an important step during mechanical enlargement of the root canal, not only because it improves the access of the files to the canal, but also because it allows one to obtain more accurate electronic determinations of WL.

Biomaterials in periapical regeneration after microsurgical endodontics: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this narrative review was to analyze the available scientific evidence regarding the application of biomaterials in endodontic microsurgery and its influence in post-surgical tissue repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The review question was Do biomaterials used in endodontic microsurgery influence post-surgical tissue repair and regeneration? Systematic MEDLINE/PubMed review was used to evaluate and present the results. RESULTS: The search yielded 131 references, 82 of which were selected for full text review after reading the abstracts. After a manual search in the references of the articles selected, 52 references were eliminated. Finally, 30 articles were selected. CONCLUSIONS: Bone grafts, membranes and bioceramics, especially MTA, are biomaterials with the ability to stimulate periapical tissue regeneration. This is one of many reason why bioceramics are the best choice as retrograde sealing materials. However, microsurgically treated periapical lesions can heal completely without the need to use bone grafts or membranes. Those techniques are indicated in endodontic microsurgery when additional stimulation of tissue regeneration is required, or when bone collapse needs to be prevented. Key words:Bioactive endodontic cements, endodontic surgery, periapical repair.