Detection of Streptococcus mutans in symptomatic and asymptomatic infected root canals.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence of Streptococcus mutans in root canals of symptomatic necrotic teeth (SNT) and their associated acute apical abscesses (AAA) and in the root canals of asymptomatic necrotic teeth (ANT). It also aimed to investigate the presence of the cnm and cbm genes in specimens that harbored S. mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from samples collected from 10 patients presenting pulpal necrosis associated with radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis (ANT) and from 10 patients in need of endodontic therapy due to the presence of pulpal necrosis (SNT) and AAA. The control group consisted of 10 patients with teeth with normal vital pulp and requiring endodontic treatment for prosthetic reasons. The presence of S. mutans was detected by quantitative real-time-PCR (qPCR) using species-specific primers. Samples harboring S. mutans were further evaluated for the presence of CBP genes by qPCR as well. RESULTS: All studied sites showed a high prevalence of S. mutans, except the control group. Specifically, 60% of ANT and 70% of AAA/SNT paired samples were positive for S. mutans. The cnm gene was detected positive for S. mutans only in ANT samples (66.6%). The cbm gene was not detected in any of the investigated sites. CONCLUSIONS: S. mutans was found in high prevalence in both asymptomatic and symptomatic endodontic infections, including in abscesses, but it was not detected in the root canals of teeth with normal vital pulp. Interestingly, cnm+ S. mutans was only detected in asymptomatic/chronic primary endodontic infections associated with apical lesion. Therefore, it appears that cnm, and possibly other CBPs, may play an underestimated role in chronic endodontic infections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A high prevalence of Streptococcus mutans cnm+ gene was detected only in asymptomatic primary endodontic infections associated with apical lesion. Therefore, it appears that this collagen-binding protein gene plays an underestimated role in asymptomatic/chronic endodontic infections.

Do intracanal medications used in regenerative endodontics affect the bond strength of powder-to-liquid and ready-to-use cervical sealing materials?

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of four intracanal medications commonly used in regenerative endodontic procedures on the bond strength of four calcium silicate-based materials, in which two are powder-to-liquid products (MTA and MTA-HP) and the other are ready-to-use materials (EndoSequence Root Repair Material Fast Set Putty [ERRM] and Bioceramic Repair [BIO-C Repair]). Methods: Ten bovine central incisors were selected and 4 slices (1.0 ± 0.1 mm) were prepared from each root. Next, four 0.8-mm wide holes were drilled in each slice and specimens were filled with one of the following intracanal medications: triple antibiotic paste, double antibiotic paste, calcium hydroxide with distilled water, and calcium hydroxide with 2% chlorhexidine gel. After 21 days, holes were filled with one of the materials: MTA, MTA-HP, ERRM, or BIO-C Repair. After storage, push-out test and failure analysis were performed. Data were submitted to analysis of variance in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme. Tukey's test was used for multiple comparisons. Results: The use of different interappointment dressings did not influence the results (P > 0.05). ERRM and BIO-C Repair presented significantly higher values than MTA and MTA-HP (P < 0.0001). Specimens showed a 100% occurrence of adhesive failures. Conclusion: The use of different intracanal medications presented similar impact on bond strength of calcium silicate-based materials. Ready-to-use ERRM and BIO-C Repair materials presented the best push-out values to dentine, whereas powder-to-liquid MTA and MTA-HP cements showed the lowest results.

Outcomes of traumatised immature teeth treated with apexification or regenerative endodontic procedure: a retrospective study.

This study compares the clinical success rate and continued radiographic root development of apexification and regenerative endodontic procedure in traumatised immature permanent teeth, and proposes a method to evaluate apical convergence, namely apical angle. Clinical and radiological data were collected from 44 treated teeth (22 with apexification and 22 with regenerative endodontic procedure). The preoperative and follow-up periapical radiographs were analysed to calculate the percentage changes in root length, root width, apical diameter and apical angle. The success rates for complete healing with apexification and regenerative endodontic procedure were 86.36% and 95.45%, respectively. Radiographically, regenerative endodontic procedure showed significantly greater percentage changes in root width only (P < 0.05). Apexification and regenerative endodontic procedure provide satisfactory outcomes concerning clinical success rates. Continued root development in regenerative endodontic procedure was similar to apexification, except for root width. Apical angle allowed us to assess the convergence of the root canal walls.

Treatment outcomes of pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth using calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication.

OBJECTIVE: Pulp revascularization is an effective treatment for immature necrotic teeth. Calcium hydroxide has been used in pulp revascularization as an intracanal medication due to its antimicrobial action and the non-exhibition of crown discoloration and cytotoxicity for stem cells from the apical papilla. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical success and quantitative radiographic changes of root development in immature traumatized teeth using calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective study, 16 patients were treated with a standardized pulp revascularization protocol. Calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel were manipulated in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio and inserted into root canals with Lentulo spirals (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillaigues, Switzerland). Patients were followed up for a period from 9 to 36 months for the evaluation of clinical and radiological data. Radiographic measurements of root length, root width, apical diameter, and MTA placement from the apex were quantified using software ImageJ. Wilcoxon test and t-test were used, according to nonparametric or parametric data, respectively, for changes over time in root length, root width, and apical diameter. RESULTS: Fifteen teeth survived during the follow-up period (93.75%) and met the criteria for clinical success. Although the changes seem to be very small in many cases, significant increases in the average root length (14.28%, p<0.0001), root width (8.12%, p=0.0196), and decrease in apical diameter (48.37%, p=0.0007) were observed. MTA placement from the apex and age at the time of treatment was not significantly associated with the quantitative radiographic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth treated with calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication had high success and survival rates, showing periodontal healing and resolution of signs and symptoms. However, concerning the continued root development, the outcomes can still be considered unpredictable.

Effect of intracanal medications on the interfacial properties of reparative cements.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide with 2% chlorhexidine gel (HCX) or distilled water (HCA) compared to triple antibiotic paste (TAP) on push-out bond strength and the cement/dentin interface in canals sealed with White MTA Angelus (WMTA) or Biodentine (BD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 extracted human lower premolars were endodontically prepared and randomly divided into 4 groups according to the intracanal medication, as follows: group 1, HCX; group 2, TAP; group 3, HCA; and group 4, control (without intracanal medication). After 7 days, the medications were removed and the cervical third of the specimens was sectioned into five 1-mm sections. The sections were then sealed with WMTA or BD as a reparative material. After 7 days in 100% humidity, a push-out bond strength test was performed. Elemental analysis was performed at the interface, using energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and the Tukey test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: BD presented a higher bond strength than WMTA (p < 0.05). BD or WMTA in canals treated with calcium hydroxide intracanal medications had the highest bond strength values, with a statistically significant difference compared to TAP in the WMTA group (p < 0.05). There were small amounts of phosphorus in samples exposed to triple antibiotic paste, regardless of the coronal sealing. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intracanal medications did not affect the bond strength of WMTA and BD, except when TAP was used with WMTA.

Treatment outcomes of pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth using calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication

Abstract Objective Pulp revascularization is an effective treatment for immature necrotic teeth. Calcium hydroxide has been used in pulp revascularization as an intracanal medication due to its antimicrobial action and the non-exhibition of crown discoloration and cytotoxicity for stem cells from the apical papilla. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical success and quantitative radiographic changes of root development in immature traumatized teeth using calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication. Methodology In this retrospective study, 16 patients were treated with a standardized pulp revascularization protocol. Calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel were manipulated in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio and inserted into root canals with Lentulo spirals (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillaigues, Switzerland). Patients were followed up for a period from 9 to 36 months for the evaluation of clinical and radiological data. Radiographic measurements of root length, root width, apical diameter, and MTA placement from the apex were quantified using software ImageJ. Wilcoxon test and t-test were used, according to nonparametric or parametric data, respectively, for changes over time in root length, root width, and apical diameter. Results Fifteen teeth survived during the follow-up period (93.75%) and met the criteria for clinical success. Although the changes seem to be very small in many cases, significant increases in the average root length (14.28%, p<0.0001), root width (8.12%, p=0.0196), and decrease in apical diameter (48.37%, p=0.0007) were observed. MTA placement from the apex and age at the time of treatment was not significantly associated with the quantitative radiographic outcomes. Conclusions Pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth treated with calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication had high success and survival rates, showing periodontal healing and resolution of signs and symptoms. However, concerning the continued root development, the outcomes can still be considered unpredictable.

Demographic profile of patients and clinical characteristics of dental emergencies at the outpatient clinic of a Brazilian Dental School / Perfil demográfico dos pacientes e características clínicas das urgências dentárias no Serviço de Plantão de uma Faculdade Brasileira de Odontologia

ABSTRACT Objective: This retrospective study evaluated the demographic profile of patients and the clinical characteristics of dental emergencies in a brazilian university outpatient clinic. Methods: During the period from June 2013 to May 2014, data were collected from 1.345 clinical records. Chief complaint, gender, age, systemic alteration, clinical inspection of the affected tooth, pulp and periapical diagnosis, the type of procedure performed and whether there was the need for post-operative systemic medication. Data were analyzed using the SAS software and chi-square test was used to verify the presence or absence of statistical significance at a level of 5%. Results: Dental pain (53.3%) was the main reason why people attended the emergency service, that is, female patients (63.1%), aged 29-48 years old (42%), patients without systemic conditions (75%), and patients with decayed teeth (25%). In addition, involvement of lower molars (29.81%) and diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis (30.42%) were the most frequent findings. Emergency endodontic treatment (45.8%) was the most performed procedure. Irreversible pulpitis (30.4%) and pulp necrosis associated with acute apical periodontitis (21.9%) were the most frequent conditions requiring emergency endodontic treatment, and in most cases, there was no need for post-operative systemic medications (95.7%). Conclusion: The prevalence of endodontic emergencies during the period of one year emphasizes the need for more accurate diagnosis and the importance of providing this service to the population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo retrospectivo avaliou o perfil demográfico dos pacientes e as características clínicas das urgências dentárias em um Serviço de Plantão de Urgências de uma Faculdade brasileira de Odontologia. Métodos: Durante o período de junho de 2013 a maio de 2014, os dados foram coletados de 1.345 registros clínicos, com informações sobre a queixa principal, gênero, idade, alteração sistêmica, inspeção clínica do dente afetado, diagnóstico pulpar e periapical, o tipo de procedimento realizado e se houve necessidade de medicação sistêmica pós-operatória. Os dados foram analisados usando o software SAS e o teste do qui-quadrado foi utilizado para verificar a presença ou ausência de significância estatística ao nível de 5%. Resultados: A dor dental (53,3%) foi a queixa principal mais encontrada. Pacientes do gênero feminino (63,1%), com idade entre 29-48 anos (42%), sem condições sistêmicas (75%) e com dentes cariados (25%) foram os mais prevalentes. Além disso, o envolvimento de molares inferiores (29,81%) e o diagnóstico de pulpite irreversível (30,42%) foram os achados mais frequentes. O tratamento endodôntico de urgência (45,8%) foi o procedimento mais realizado. A pulpite irreversível (30,4%) e a necrose pulpar associada a periodontite apical aguda (21,9%) foram as condições mais frequentes que necessitaram de tratamento endodôntico de urgência e, na maioria dos casos, não houve prescrição de medicamentos sistêmicos pós-operatórios (95,7%). Conclusão: A prevalência de urgências endodônticas durante o período de um ano enfatiza a necessidade de diagnósticos mais precisos e a importância de oferecer esse serviço à população.

Atendimentos realizados no Serviço de Traumatismos Dentários da FOP-Unicamp durante o período de dois anos

Objetivo: verificar a frequência dos atendimentos realizados no Serviço de Traumatismos Dentários da FOP- -Unicamp, durante o período de fevereiro de 2013 a fevereiro de 2015. Sujeitos e método: os dados foram coletados na ficha clínica utilizada no serviço e foram avaliados os seguintes aspectos: gênero, faixa etária, classificação do dente, período entre o trauma e o primeiro atendimento no serviço, etiologia, classificação da injúria traumática e procedimento efetuado. Os dados foram analisados com auxílio do software SAS e do teste Qui-Quadrado, que foi utilizado para verificar a presença ou a ausência de significância com nível de 5%. Resultados: foram analisadas as fichas clínicas de 57 pacientes com 161 dentes traumatizados, com maior prevalência do gênero masculino e da faixa etária abaixo dos 14 anos. Os incisivos centrais (60,9%) foram os dentes mais afetados. A maioria dos pacientes (56,1%) procurou atendimento entre 0 e 30 dias após o trauma. As quedas (33,3%) foram a etiologia mais comum. As injúrias dentárias traumáticas mais encontradas foram as fraturas coronárias de esmalte e dentina (19,9%) e a subluxação (19,3%). O procedimento mais efetuado foi a realização dos exames clínico e radiográfico (46,6%). Conclusão: os achados mais prevalentes dos atendimentos foram: o gênero masculino; a maior frequência de injúrias na faixa etária abaixo dos 14 anos de idade; os incisivos centrais como os dentes mais acometidos; o período entre 0 e 30 dias para procurar atendimento; as quedas, a etiologia mais comum; os exames clínico e radiográfico, o procedimento mais efetuado; as fraturas coronárias de esmalte e dentina e a subluxação, as injúrias mais observadas.

Tratamento de dentes com rizogênese incompleta após procedimentos regenerativos ou de apicificação: uma revisão sistemática de literatura / Treatment of immature permanent teeth with regenerative procedures or apicification: a systematic literature review

Objetivo: realizar uma revisão sistemática de literatura para verificar as taxas de sucesso do tratamento de dentes permanentes imaturos com periodontite apical após procedimentos tradicionais de apicificação ou de procedimentos de regeneração/revascularização pulpar. Material e Métodos: uma busca eletrônica de artigos foi executada em bancos de dados PubMed e Cochrane, usando termos médicos específicos, entre janeiro de 2000 a junho de 2015. Outras publicações presentes na seção de referência de cada artigo relavante foi analisada a partir de uma busca manual e foram acrescentadas na lista de artigos selecionados. Resultados: inicialmente, um total de 114 títulos foi identificado. Um estudo adicional foi identificado como relevantes após uma busca das listas de referência. Após o enquadramento nos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, apenas dois artigos foram selecionados. Os estudos incluídos demonstram resolução dos sinais clínicos, sintomas e radiolucência periapical para ambas as formas de tratamento. Em contrapartida os estudos foram divergentes no que diz respeito ao aumento de comprimento e espessura radicular após terapias regenerativas; enquanto um estudo apresentou dados mais favoráveis à terapia regenerativa, o outro não demonstrou diferenças entre as duas terapias testadas. Conclusão: a presente revisão sistemática indica a existência de poucos estudos comparando diretamente as duas técnicas avaliadas. Além disso, os protocolos de revascularização oferecem o potencial para tratar dentes permanentes com rizogênese incompleta, com o consequente desaparecimento dos sinais e sintomas e uma maior possibilidade de continuidade de formação radicular quando comparados aos tradicionais procedimentos de apicificação.

Objective: to perform a systematic literature review to evaluate the success rates of treatment of immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis after traditional procedures like apexification or regeneration/pulp revascularization. Materials and Methods: an electronic search was executed in the PubMed and Cochrane databases using specific medical terms. Articles published between January 2000 and June 2015 were evaluated. Other publications in the reference section of each relevant article were analyzed in a manual search and were added to the selected articles list. Results: at first, a total of 114 titles and resumes was identified after an electronic search in both electronic databases, using a specific combination of terms and keywords. An additional study was identified as being relevant after a reference list search. After the framing in the inclusion/exclusion criteria, only two articles were selected. The included studies demonstrated resolution of clinical signs, symptoms, and periapical radiolucencies to both treatments. On the other hand, these studies were divergent in relation to increased length and root thickness after regenerative therapy; while one of the studies presented more favorable outcomes to regenerative therapy, the other one showed no differences between the two tested therapies. Conclusion: although there are few studies performing a direct comparison between conventional therapies and regenerative therapies, the present systematic review indicates that revascularization protocols offer the potential to treat permanent teeth with incomplete root formation, leading to the disappearance of the signals, symptoms, and an increased possibility of continuing root formation.

Single-cone obturation technique: a literature review

Introduction: The technique of single-cone obturation is a technique that uses only the master cone. There have been an increase in its use, especially by employing larger cones with larger taper sizes that best match the geometry of rotary nickel-titanium systems (NiTi), not requiring the use of accessory cones, thus reducing the time spent in endodontic obturation. Objective: To review the literature on this technique and to compare it with other existing techniques, as well as to elucidate its advantages and disadvantages. Literature review: The single-cone obturation technique enables an easier and faster endodontic obturation. However, regarding to the aspects such as the obturation quality, apical microleakage and bacterial penetration, this technique is similar to or lower than others. Conclusion: This technique has the advantage of saving time during the filling of the root canal. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate its prognosis, especially in canals with complex anatomy.