Endodontic guide for the conservative removal of a fiber-reinforced composite resin post.

Prosthetic dentistry involves functional and esthetic restoration. Some situations require the use of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts that help preserve restorations. However, if the initial treatment fails, a new endodontic intervention may be required for fiber-reinforced composite resin post removal. This procedure can be complex and challenging but can be facilitated with guided endodontics. This clinical report describes the use of a prototyped guide created with virtual planning for fiber-reinforced composite resin post removal. The guide improved patient safety, shortened the treatment time, and eliminated the need for a new restoration.

Managing Cracked Teeth with Root Extension: A Prospective Preliminary Study Using Biodentine™ Material.

Purpose: The authors of this study proposed an innovative approach involving the use of Biodentine™ material as an intraorifice barrier in cracked teeth with root extension to promote internal crack sealing, preventing the possibility of microinfiltration and apical crack propagation. Materials and Methods: The dental records of 11 patients with 12 posterior cracked teeth with root extension were included with a precise protocol performed by a senior endodontist. The treatment protocol included pulp diagnosis, crack identification using a dental operating microscope (DOM), endodontic treatment, placing a Biodentine™ as an intraorifice barrier, and immediate full-coverage restoration. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed at two intervals, 6 months, and 1-3 years posttreatment, evaluating clinical, radiographic, and tomographic aspects. The treatment was deemed successful if there were no indications of radiolucency, sinus tracts, edema, or periodontal pockets associated with the crack line. Results: The study observed remarkably positive outcomes during the follow-up period, which spanned from 1 to 3 years. All the cracked teeth (100%) remained asymptomatic, meaning they were free of pain or discomfort. Furthermore, these teeth were in occlusal function. Both radiographic and tomographic assessments revealed the absence of bone loss along the crack line. This outcome signifies that the treatment effectively prevented further deterioration of the surrounding bone. Conclusions: Integrating advanced biomaterials and conservative restorative techniques has paved the way for innovative approaches in dental care. This protocol suggests a proactive step for managing cracked teeth with root extension. It addresses both biological aspects by sealing internal cracks and mechanical aspects by preventing crack progression, thereby improving these teeth' prognosis and long-term survival.

The Correlation of Crack Lines and Definitive Restorations with the Survival and Success Rates of Cracked Teeth: A Long-term Retrospective Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cracked teeth frequently require protective adhesive restorations. This long-term, longitudinal retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the success and survival rates of cracked teeth with crack lines (CLs) in different directions when restored early with onlays or full-coverage crowns. METHODS: The dental records of 71 patients with a total of 86 cracked teeth with different pulpal and periapical diagnoses and with follow-ups spanning over 1-11 years were included. Data regarding the demographics; clinical symptoms and signs; bruxism; occlusal interferences; eating habits; pulpal and periapical diagnoses; number, direction, location, and extent of CLs; probing depth; and coronary condition before and after the placement of definitive restorations were collected. Univariate associations between tooth survival and explanatory variables were assessed. The long-term survival rate was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. A multivariate analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 93.0%, and the overall survival estimates of cracked teeth restored early were 98.6%, 94.9%, and 55.9% at the 1-, 5-, and 11-year follow-ups, respectively. The direction of the CLs did not influence the survival of the tooth. No significant association was observed between the type of tooth, probing depth, root canal treatment, and tooth loss (P > .05). The multivariate analysis showed that previously treated cracked teeth (P < .05), the provision of onlay restorations (P < .05), and the placement of posts (P < .05) had higher correlations with tooth loss. Additionally, the placement of full-coverage crowns resulted in lower tooth loss compared with the placement of onlays (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Previous endodontic treatment in teeth that subsequently develop CLs has a negative impact on the survival rate of the teeth. Moreover, early placement of full-coverage crowns should be implemented for cracked teeth regardless of the direction or the number of CLs because it is associated with a higher cracked tooth survival rate.

Dentinal Microcracks Induced by Endodontic Procedures: Suggested Design for Experimental Studies Using Micro-Computed Tomography and Strain Gauges.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to describe an in vitro study model to investigate root surface strain (RSS) and its correlation with the initiation/propagation of microcracks during different endodontic procedures. METHODS: Four lower human incisors extracted microcrack free were selected by micro-computed tomographic imaging. Two strain gauges were bonded to the root surface of each incisor. Then, the teeth were prepared to reproduce the periodontal ligament artificially. The gauges were attached to a data acquisition system. The RSS was recorded during the entire endodontic procedure, which consisted of accessing the endodontic cavity, cleaning, shaping preparation with an Mtwo rotary system (VDW, Munich, Germany), and filling with a standardized technique. Each incisor was submitted to a different retreatment protocol and supplementary cleaning method as follows: (1) Reciproc (RC, VDW) + Flatsonic (FS; Helse, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Brazil), (2) RC + XP-endo Finisher (XPF; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), (3) Mtwo retreatment (MR) + FS, and (4) MR + XPF. Finally, the teeth were rescanned to establish the postoperative microcrack formation by 2 well-trained and blinded examiners. RESULTS: The maximum and minimum RSS values were -120 and 510 microstrains, respectively, for all of the files. RC showed the highest RSS values during endodontic retreatment compared with MR. FS demonstrated a higher variation between the minimum and maximum RSS than XPF. No microcracks were observed in the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study proposed an experimental model that would combine 2 methods to evaluate the effects of endodontic systems on dentin. Although strain gauges would provide data on the stresses created, the pre- and postoperative evaluation of micro-computed tomographic images would enable microcrack formation to be determined.

Optimization of Results for Cracked Teeth Using CAD-CAM System: A Case Series.

Different restorative techniques have been proposed for the treatment of posterior teeth affected by cracked tooth syndrome (CTS). However, the literature is scarce in protocols of how to solve CTS using ceramic restorations made by computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system. CAD-CAM provides a fast and efficient restorative treatment usually in a single visit, reducing the risk of contamination and micro-infiltration of the cracked line. The objective of this work was to describe 3 clinical cases of cracked teeth, which presented vertical fracture lines in different directions and extension through the pulp, restored by CAD-CAM system, with 5-year follow-up. Patients with short-term spontaneous masticatory pain, cold sensibility and restored teeth without cuspal coverage were selected. Digital radiographs (DR) were taken to confirm the pulp and periapical status. Periodontal probing depth, sensitivity, percussion, and occlusion tests were performed. The fracture lines with their direction and extension were identified under dental optical microscope (DOM). The treatment plan was performed in two stages: immediate treatment to stabilize the tooth and minimize pain, and final restorative treatment by CAD-CAM system to stabilize the crack. Patients were between the ages of 37 and 45 years. Most of the studied teeth presented extensive restorations without cuspal coverage. The presence of occlusal interference, in lateral movement, was a constant finding. Endodontic treatment was performed in cases of irreversible pulpitis or pulpal necrosis. In all three cases, cavity preparation was performed for full coverage restorations, as the fracture lines extended in several directions, requiring a re-enforcement of the cervical region of the teeth in question. The survival rate of the reported cases was 100% with 5-year clinical and radiographic follow-up, suggesting that CAD-CAM system may be a promising alternative treatment in the management of CTS, improving tooth longevity.

Clinical Approach to Pulp Canal Obliteration: A Case Series.

This article describes four cases with safe and feasible clinical treatment strategies for anterior teeth with pulp canal obliteration (PCO) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), digital radiography (DR), dental operating microscopy (DOM) and ultrasonic tips (US). Four anterior teeth with PCO were chosen. DR was taken with different angulations and analyzed with different filters. Subsequently, the access cavity was performed with the aid of DOM. If the canal was not identified, CBCT was requested. Sagittal and axial slices guided the direction of the ultrasonic tips. After identification of the canal, it was then negotiated and instrumented with the rotary instruments. All four canals were successfully identified, with no complications. In case 1, the canal was identified using DR, DOM and US tips. In cases 2, 3 and 4, the canals were identified with DR, DOM, US tips and CBCT. Complete root canal obliteration identified in radiography did not necessarily mean that pulp tissue was not visible clinically, either. The clinical evaluation of the access cavity with the aid of MO was crucial. If the canal was not identified, CBCT was mandatory in order to show more detailed view of the precise position of the canals, their directions, degrees of obstruction and dimensions. It served as a guide for the direction of the ultrasonic tips to keep them within the pulp chamber safely, with a low risk of iatrogenic injury.

Comparative analysis of accessory mesial canal identification in mandibular first molars by using four different diagnostic methods.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the present in vitro study was to compare 4 diagnostic methods to identify accessory mesial canals (AMCs) in lower first molars. METHODS: Forty-four lower first molars were selected for assessment with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), digital radiography (DR), clinical inspection (CI), and dental operating microscope (DOM). Initially, axial images were obtained by using CBCT, and radiographs were taken in ortho, mesial, and distal angulations. The images were assessed by 2 independent groups of examiners, and all of the results obtained remained undisclosed until the end of the experiment. Subsequently, root canal access was prepared, and the mesial subpulpal groove was located by using sharp endodontic explorers. The roots were examined with DOM, and all identified canals were negotiated and instrumented by using a ProTaper Rotary System. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed by nonparametric McNemar tests. RESULTS: Twelve AMCs (27.0%) were identified by CBCT, and 58.0% were instrumented. No AMCs were visualized in any DR examined. Fifteen potential AMCs (34%) were identified by CI, but only 47.0% were confirmed after instrumentation. Thirteen AMCs (30.0%) were identified by DOM, and 84.0% could be negotiated and instrumented. CONCLUSIONS: There were statistically significant differences between the 4 types of assessments for AMC identification. There was good agreement between DOM and CBCT, whereas DR and CI were not as precise as either of the other 2 diagnostic methods.

Dentes gretados: o que clínicos e especialistas precisam saber / Cracked teeth: What clinicians and specialists need to know

A proposta da presente revisão de literatura foi estabelecer as evidências existentes sobre etiologia, sinais e sintomas, métodos de diagnóstico e tratamento de dentes gretados. Segundo a American Association of Endodontists (AAE), o termo dente gretado (DG) foi definido como uma fratura em um plano que quebra a continuidade do esmalte e da dentina, sem separação das partes, geralmente no sentido mesiodistal, passando pela superfície oclusal, podendo envolver uma ou ambas as cristas marginais. Essa fratura, por apresentar profundidade e direção desconhecidas, pode se estender até a polpa e/ou ligamento periodontal, levando a um quadro de pulpite reversível, pulpite irreversível, necrose pulpar ou, até mesmo, evoluir para uma fratura completa. Atualmente, os DGs estão relacionados à terceira maior causa de dentes perdidos, após cárie e doença periodontal. Estudos indicam uma falta de consenso entre profissionais sobre como tratar dentes gretados, uma questão clínica relevante, que precisa ser priorizada e esclarecida. Nesse contexto, essa revisão abordou a etiologia, sinais e sintomas, métodos de diagnósti- co e tratamento de dentes gretados (AU)

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the existing evidence regarding etiology, signs, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatment of cracked teeth. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the term cracked tooth (CT) is defined as "a fracture in a plane that breaks the continuity of the enamel and dentin, without separation of the parts, usually in the mesiodistal direction, passing through the surface occlusal, which may involve one or both of the marginal ridges." Due to its unknown depth and direction, this fracture can extend to the pulp and periodontal ligament, leading to reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, pulp necrosis, or even progress to a complete fracture. Currently, cracked teeth are related to the third largest cause of missing teeth, after caries and periodontal disease. Studies indicate a lack of consensus among professionals about treating cracked teeth, a clinically relevant issue that needs to be prioritized and clarified. In this context, this review addressed the etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment of cracked teeth (AU).