Removal of Thermafil Obturators Using 2 Different Techniques: A Comparative Ex Vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this ex vivo study was to compare 2 techniques for removal of Thermafil obturators from curved root canals in mandibular molars. METHODS: Sixty mesial root canals in extracted mandibular molars were distributed into matched pairs according to degree and radius of curvature and were prepared to size 35/.04 and obturated with Thermafil obturators size 35. Each tooth was embedded in resin, mounted in a mannequin head, and isolated with rubber dam to simulate clinical conditions. Removal of obturators was undertaken under a dental operating microscope by an experienced endodontist using either the FragRemover loop device, or reciprocating NiTi instruments. Pre- and postoperative micro-CT scans were taken to compare the amount of remaining filling material and of removed dentin. Eventual problems during removal attempts were recorded. RESULTS: Using Reciproc, 24 carriers (80%) were removed, 16 in one piece, 8 in small pieces, and in 6 cases removal failed. The FragRemover removed 12 carriers (40%), all of these completely, but in 18 cases removal failed (P < .05). Reciproc left less remaining filling material than the FragRemover (P < .05) but removed significantly more dentin in the apical part of the root canal (P < .01). There was no significant difference concerning the total amount of removed dentin (P > .05) between both groups. Seven complications occurred in the Reciproc group. In 5 teeth, working length could not be reached; in 2 teeth, a Reciproc file R25 fractured. With the FragRemover, 64 complications occurred, in 36 cases, including second removal attempts, the loop slipped over the carrier, in 24 cases the top of the carrier was sheared off. In 9 cases, separation of the core occurred too far apically, not allowing further use of the FragRemover. In 4 cases, the wire loop tore. CONCLUSIONS: Reciproc was more effective in removal of Thermafil carriers, whereas when using the FragRemover less dentin was removed in the apical part of the root canal and more obturation material was left.

Effect of preparation size on the removal of accumulated hard-tissue debris from the mesial root canal system of mandibular molars using SWEEPS technology.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the influence of preparation size on the efficacy of shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) and conventional irrigation (CI) on removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD) from isthmus-containing mandibular molars using micro-computed tomographic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted mandibular molars with two mesial canals connected by an isthmus were selected. Canals were shaped with Mtwo instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) up to sizes 25/.06, 40/.04 or 40/.06 (n = 20), and specimens were distributed into 2 final irrigation groups (n = 10): SWEEPS and CI. Roots were scanned at a resolution of 10.5 µm before and after preparation and final irrigation. Data sets were co-registered, and the percentage reduction of AHTD calculated for each specimen was statistically compared using analysis of variance with a of 5% significance level. RESULTS: The preparation size did not significantly influence the percentage reduction of AHTD (p < 0.05), whereas the final irrigation technique had a significant effect on debris removal (p < 0.05). A significant reduction of AHTD was achieved after final irrigation in all groups (p < 0.05); however, SWEEPS was associated with a significantly greater percentage reduction of debris than CI (p < 0.05). None of the specimens presented a completely clean isthmus. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of AHTD was not significantly affected by the preparation size. SWEEPS was associated with significantly less debris than CI. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SWEEPS performed significantly better than CI regarding the removal of AHTD from isthmus-containing mandibular molars irrespective of the preparation size.

Debris Removal Using a Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle-Containing Solution (Vector Polish) with Sonic or Ultrasonic Agitation.

Chemomechanical preparation of the root canal system is considered to be the most important part of root canal treatment, including both mechanical removal of tissue remnants and dentine chips, and chemical elimination of biofilm and microorganisms. A number of different solutions and agitation techniques have been proposed for that purpose. It was the aim of the present study to investigate whether root canal cleanliness can be improved by using a hydroxyapatite nanoparticle-containing solution with and without sonic or ultrasonic agitation. Seventy-four single-rooted teeth were divided into four experimental groups (n = 15) and two control groups (n = 7). All teeth were split longitudinally and a groove and three holes were cut into the root canal wall and filled with dentinal debris. Final irrigation was performed using sodium hypochlorite or a hydroxyapatite nanoparticle-containing solution (Vector polish) activated with a sonically or an ultrasonically driven endodontic file. Two calibrated investigators rated the remaining debris using a four-score scale. The results were analyzed using a non-parametric test with α < 0.05. Sonic and ultrasonic irrigation with sodium hypochlorite cleaned the grooves and holes well from debris. The hydroxyapatite nanoparticles activated by a sonic file cleaned grooves and holes equally well. Ultrasonically activated nanoparticles performance was clearly inferior. The syringe control-group left large amounts of debris in grooves and holes. The use of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles used in this study did not improve removal of debris.

Sensitivity of conventional radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography in detecting the remaining root-canal filling material.

This study aimed to compare the sensitivity of radiographs and flat-panel volume-computed tomography (fpVCT) in detecting the remaining root-canal filling material. Thirty-two root canals in extracted human mandibular molars were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. The filling material was removed, and the teeth were split longitudinally. Radiographs and fpVCT scans were obtained and digitized. Virtual images were developed using reconstruction software and then superimposed, and the remaining filling material was outlined. Direct observation of the split root halves using flatbed scans served as a control. The presence and extension of the remaining filling material were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-squared test (P < 0.05). A total of 116 remnants were detected in the flatbed scans, 81 in the fpVCT scans, and 90 in the radiographs, with no significant difference between the radiograph (78%) and fpVCT (70%) results (P = 0.18). In the fpVCT scans, 42% of the remnants exhibited the same dimensions as the control, whereas 27% appeared larger and 30% appeared smaller. In the radiographs, the dimensions of the remnants were identical to the control in 64% of cases, smaller in 29%, and larger in 7%. FpVCT did not exhibit better performance than dental radiographs in detecting the remaining root-canal-filling material: the extension of remnants was indicated correctly in the fpVCT in fewer than 50% of the samples.

Cleanliness and erosion of root canal walls after irrigation with a new HEDP-based solution vs. traditional sodium hypochlorite followed by EDTA. A scanning electron microscope study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the cleanliness and erosion of root canal walls after the use of a new HEDP (1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid) -based irrigant with that achieved by irrigation with sodium hypochlorite followed by EDTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty recently extracted single-rooted teeth were prepared with ProTaper Next files to size X3, using either HEDP-containing 3% sodium hypochlorite, throughout the procedure (n = 20), or 3% sodium hypochlorite followed by a final rinse with 17% EDTA (n = 20), which were both applied with a syringe and needle. Ten additional teeth were prepared and irrigated with saline and served as negative controls. The teeth were split longitudinally and subjected to SEM evaluation for the presence of a smear layer, debris, and erosion of the root canal wall. The Pearson chi-square test was used to compare the results, and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: In both groups, there were more cases with a smear layer in the apical third of the root canal than in the coronal third, but the groups did not differ from each other significantly (p = 0.545). The root canal walls in both groups were almost free of debris, showing no difference between the groups (p = 0.342). Moderate erosion of the root dentine was found in 10-26% of the cases in both groups, but severe erosion was detected in only one case in each of the groups, which did not differ significantly from each other (p = 0.606). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, the HEDP-based irrigation solution did not differ from 3% sodium hypochlorite followed by EDTA in terms of cleanliness or the incidence of erosion of the canal wall. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When used with syringe and needle irrigation, the new HEDP-based irrigant is convenient and safe but should not be expected to result in cleaner canal walls than 3% sodium hypochlorite followed by 17% EDTA.

Cone-beam-computed-tomography of the symmetry of root canal anatomy in mandibular incisors.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of internal symmetry (the number and morphology of root canals) in the mandibular incisors using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 302 CBCT scans involving 1,208 mandibular incisors were evaluated using the Vertucci's classification regarding the number and configuration of root canals. The central mandibular incisors exhibited two root canals in 22.6% of patients and lateral incisors in 24.3% of patients. Most teeth (76.4%) had a type I configuration (a single root canal, 1-1), 21.7% had type II (2-1), 1.1% had type V (1-2), and 0.8% had type IV (2-2). Teeth with a type-III configuration (1-2-1) were not found. In total, 17.5% of patients had a symmetric appearance of the two-canalled central mandibular incisors and 20.5% had a bilateral appearance of the two-canal lateral incisors. Moreover, in 12.3% of the patients, all four incisors showed two root canals. The highest degree of symmetry was found in incisors that had one root canal (central incisors: 217 of 302, lateral incisors: 229 of 302), followed by type 2-1 incisors (central incisors 50, lateral incisors 58). The influence of sex and age on the prevalence of symmetries was not significant. Concluding, the internal anatomy of the mandibular incisors cannot not be sufficiently predicted from the root canal anatomy of the contralateral tooth. Thorough clinical and radiographic inspection of each tooth remains mandatory to address the internal anatomy of the mandibular incisors correctly.

Effectiveness of a universal adhesive for repair bonding to composite and amalgam.

The study aimed to compare the repair bond strength of aged composite and amalgam repaired with resin composite after various mechanical and adhesive surface treatments. Specimens were aged by thermal cycling (10,000 cycles, 5-55°C) and randomly subjected to one of three surface treatments: diamond bur abrasion, aluminum oxide air abrasion, or silica coating. Conventional bonding or a universal adhesive with incorporated silane was applied afterward (each n = 16) and resin composite was attached. In the control groups (each n = 16), resin composite was attached using one of the above adhesives without prior mechanical surface conditioning. After further thermal cycling, the shear bond strength (SBS) and failure modes were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, Weibull statistics, two sample t-tests, and Chi2-test (P < 0.05). The SBS of the repaired amalgam was significantly lower than that of the composite and mechanical pretreatment significantly increased SBS. The universal adhesive significantly improved the SBS of the repaired amalgam compared to the conventional bonding agent and mechanical pretreatment increased the number of cohesive/mixed failures. Amalgam restorations may be repaired using resin composites, but the resulting SBS is lower than that obtained with composite.

Root canal preparation using S5, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal nickel-titanium systems: a comparative ex-vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine various parameters of root canal preparation using three rotary nickel-titanium systems (S5, Mtwo, and ProTaper Universal [PTU]). METHOD AND MATERIALS: One hundred and twenty curved root canals were prepared to size 30. The following parameters were evaluated: straightening, changes of root canal cross-section, safety issues, cleanliness of canal walls, and working time. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, and analysis of variance (P < .050). RESULTS: All three systems maintained the curvature well with no significant difference between the groups. With regard to the cross-section, no significant differences for any of the root canal thirds (coronal, P = .589; medial, P = .898; apical, P = .474) were found. Preparation with S5 resulted in two, with Mtwo in one, and with PTU in three procedural incidents. Debris scores 1 and 2 were found in 56% (S5), 46% (Mtwo), and 60% (PTU) of the specimens, respectively. Smear layer scores 1 and 2 were found in 85% (S5), 73% (Mtwo), and 78% (PTU). Results for removal of debris and smear layer were not significantly different between the three groups. Mean working time was significantly shorter for Mtwo (293 seconds) than for S5 (329 seconds) (P = .001) or PTU (369 seconds) (P = .001). CONCLUSION: All three systems respected the original root canal curvature well and were safe to use. None of the three systems was able to prepare the entire circumference of the root canals, and to remove debris and smear layer completely.

Efficacy of Different Irrigation Techniques in Removing Ledermix Paste from Simulated Root Canal Irregularities.

Introduction: Root discoloration is reported after using Ledermix paste for prevention of external inflammatory root resorption in traumatically injured teeth. Therefore, it seems necessary to remove Ledermix completely from the root canal prior to root canal filling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite or alcohol with or without passive ultrasonic irrigation in removing Ledermix from standardized grooves in coronal and apical root canal thirds. Methods and Materials: Root canals of ten extracted single-rooted teeth were prepared to size 35 and split longitudinally. Standardized grooves were cut in the coronal and apical part of the root canal and filled with Ledermix paste. The reassembled specimens were irrigated with 1% NaOCl or 80% alcohol delivered with a size 30 syringe or with an ultrasonic device. The amount of remaining Ledermix paste was evaluated by three calibrated observers under 30× magnification using a four-grade scoring system. The data was analysed with a nonparametric ANOVA-type method for longitudinal data in factorial experiments. Pairwise comparisons were adjusted by using the Bonferroni corrections (P=0.05). Results: For the coronal groove, no statistical difference between passive ultrasonic irrigation with NaOCl or alcohol was found (P=0.089). Irrigation with ultrasonically activated alcohol was significantly more effective than manual irrigation irrespective of the irrigant (P=0.0118). Ultrasonic activation of alcohol removed Ledermix paste significantly better from the apical groove than the other irrigation procedures (P<0.05). Conclusion: This in vitro study showed that ultrasonic activation of alcohol was the most effective irrigation technique for removal of Ledermix paste, especially in the apical third of the root canal.