Micro-computed tomography analysis of calcium hydroxide delivery efficacy in C-shaped canal system of mandibular second molars.

BACKGROUND: Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] is widely accepted as a biocompatible interappointment intracanal medicament. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of Ca(OH)2 placement into the C-shaped canal system of mandibular second molars using the syringe method with and without lentulo spiral utilizing micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). METHODS: Twenty-four extracted mandibular second molars were instrumented and classified into C-shaped floors (n = 12) and non-C-shaped floors (n = 12). Both groups were placed with Ca(OH)2 using the syringe system, then all teeth were scanned and cleaned, and placed with Ca(OH)2 again but with the syringe system followed by lentulo spiral and rescanned. The specimens were scanned using micro-CT to analyze the volume, volume percentage, uncontacted surface area, and uncontacted surface area percentage of Ca(OH)2 with the two delivery methods in the entire canal and at the apical 4 mm of the canal. Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to determine the statistical differences among the groups. RESULTS: Syringe administration used in conjunction with lentulo spiral presented lower uncontacted surface area, a lower percentage of uncontacted surface area, larger volume, and a higher percentage of volume than syringe without lentulo spiral (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the C-shaped floor group and the non-C-shaped floor group (P > 0.05) in the Ca(OH)2 uncontacted surface area, volume, and percentages at different regions of canals and among different delivery techniques groups. CONCLUSIONS: The lentulo spiral and syringe technique combination can increase the volume and contacted surface area of Ca(OH)2 in the C-shaped canal system of mandibular second molars.

Microcomputed tomographic investigation of the trepan bur/microtube technique for the removal of fractured instruments from root canals without a dental operating microscope.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the removal of fractured instruments in mandibular incisor canals by using the trepan bur/microtube technique without a dental operating microscope (DOM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four mandibular incisors were selected, and 5-mm apical segments of #25/.06 taper K3 NiTi instruments were fractured in the apical portion of each canal. Coronal enlargement was performed, and a staging platform was prepared at the coronal aspect of the fractured instrument. Then, a trepan bur was used to expose 1-1.5 mm of the fragmented instrument, and a microtube device was used to withdraw the fragment. Microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging was used to evaluate the geometric changes in the root canal and dentin. The time required for fractured instrument removal in each sample was recorded, and the results were statistically analyzed with a paired t test. RESULTS: The trepan bur/microtube technique exhibited a success rate of 76.47%, and the average fractured instrument removal time was 8.55 ± 5.81 min. The changes in canal volume and dentin volume from the coronal end of the fractured instrument to 1.5 mm apical to the end were significantly greater than those from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the coronal end of the fractured instrument during fractured instrument removal (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the trepan bur/microtube technique had a significant impact on geometric changes in the root canal and dentin from the coronal end of the fractured instrument to 1.5 mm apical to the end. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that the trepan bur/microtube technique may be an optional method for fractured instrument removal from relatively straight canals.

A rare case of extensive gingival lymphatic malformation.

Lymphatic malformation is a benign lesion, seldom affecting the gingiva. Gingival lesions are characterized by pebbly hyperplasia, occasional pain, and bleeding. The treatment for large and exceptional areas of involvement may face difficulties. Herein we report a rare case of gingival lymphatic malformation in a 10-year-old girl.

Broken Instrument Removal from Mandibular First Molar with Conebeam Computed Tomography based Pre-operative Computer-assisted Simulation: A Case Report.

Intracanal separation of nickel titanium files hinders complete shaping, cleaning, and filling of the root canal system and ultimately influences the endodontic treatment outcome. In this case report, we presented a successful broken instrument retrieval from the middle third of the mesiobuccal root canal of tooth #30 with the assistance of cone-beam computed tomograpgy based preoperative computer-assisted simulation, micro-trepan bur and micro-tube from Micro-Retrieve & Repair system and dental operative microscope. The involved tooth was then successfully cleaned, shaped and obturated followed by coronal restoration. At the three-year follow-up, tooth #30 was asymptomatic and functioned well without radiographic changes. The present case provides an example to show the robustness of computer-assisted technology in dental procedures and to show how the combination of advanced techniques can facilitate root canal therapy.

Non-surgical Removal of Dens Invaginatus in Maxillary Lateral Incisor Using CBCT: Two-year Follow-up Case Report.

A 14-year female presented with an atypical looking tooth #7 with a sinus tract on tooth #8. A gutta-percha point inserted into the sinus tract confirmed the affected tooth #7. A radiographic examination of tooth showed a lateral radiolucency with respect to tooth #7. Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging was done for the three-dimensional reconstruction analysis. Dens invaginatus (Oehler's type III) with pulp necrosis and chronic apical periodontitis was the definitive diagnosis. Use of the dental operating microscope and ultrasonics helped in the removal of the invaginated structure. At the two year follow-up, no clinical and radiographic evidence of infection was observed.