Systemic Profile and Periodontal Condition of Hospitalized Women with High-Risk Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The physiological changes in mother-infant pairs during pregnancy increase the susceptibility to a series of infections, including those of the oral cavity. Therefore, the oral and systemic health of pregnant women is related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the systemic profile and periodontal status of women with a high-risk pregnancy. METHODS: Eighty-nine pregnant women at risk of preterm labor admitted to a hospital in southern Brazil were interviewed and received a periodontal examination. Data related to obstetric complications during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, infections, medication use, and gestational diabetes) and systemic diseases were collected from medical records. The periodontal parameters of probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level were evaluated. The data were tabulated, and statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 24 years (SD = 5.62). Gingival bleeding was recorded in 91% of the participants. The prevalence of gingivitis was 31.46%, and periodontitis was 29.21%. No association between systemic conditions and periodontal disease was observed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Periodontal inflammation was not associated with the systemic profile during pregnancy. However, women with high-risk pregnancies showed higher levels of gingival inflammation, emphasizing the importance of dental care during pregnancy.

Physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties and the shelf life of experimental endodontic sealers containing metal methacrylates.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties of a dual polymerization experimental endodontic sealer (E) and experimental sealers containing dibutyltin methacrylate (Sn2+) (ETs) or calcium methacrylate (Ca2+) (ECs). The pH and ion release levels of the sealers were measured. The dimensional stability was evaluated in accordance with ISO 6876. Biofilm growth inhibition was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Biofilm viability analysis was performed using the SYTO 9 technique. The shelf life was evaluated through the degree of conversion and film thickness tests after the sealers had been stored for different periods of time. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used, with a significance level of 5%. ETs revealed better anti-biofilm potential after 15 days than that of the controls. The degree of conversion was reduced after the shelf-life period. The addition of calcium and dibutyltin methacrylate improved the anti-biofilm properties of the experimental endodontic sealer without impairing their physico-chemical properties.

The effect of EDTA on the antibacterial activity of sodium hypochlorite.

The combination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been suggested as an irrigant for root canal therapy. However, the chemical interaction between these agents is a complex subject that is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interference of an EDTA chelating agent in the antibacterial ability of NaOCl, while also considering variations in methodology. Various concentrations of NaOCl and EDTA solutions were prepared from 6% and 17% solutions, respectively. The antibacterial potential of pure solutions and their combinations was assessed using a direct contact test against Enterococcus faecalis. In the first experiment, NaOCl and EDTA solutions were mixed 5 minutes before the addition of the E faecalis bacterial suspension. In the second experiment, both solutions were simultaneously put in contact with the bacterial suspension. Data were submitted to a Spearman correlation coefficient and chi-square test. Results indicated that growth of E faecalis was significantly dependent on the solution-mixing method. In the first experiment, high concentrations (17% and 8.5%) of EDTA prevented the complete killing of E faecalis by 6% NaOCl at all experimental timepoints. In the second experiment, all concentrations of NaOCl were able to eliminate E faecalis, even in the presence of EDTA. In conclusion, when NaOCl and EDTA were added simultaneously to a bacterial suspension without premixing, NaOCl was able to exert its full bactericidal action.

Long-term clinical and radiographic follow up of subluxated and intruded maxillary primary anterior teeth.

AIMS: This study aimed to determine the kinds of sequelae resulting from intrusive luxation and subluxative injuries in primary anterior teeth as well as the timing of such sequelae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal retrospective study, data were collected from dental records and radiographs of patients with traumatic dental injury (TDI) treated at the Centre for the Study and Treatment of Dental Trauma in Primary Dentition (Pelotas, RS, Brazil). Fifty-two children, with seventy intruded teeth, and 76 children, with 99 subluxated teeth, met the inclusion criteria. Sequelae, such as crown discoloration, fistula, pulp canal obliteration (PCO), inflammatory root resorption (IRR), and internal root resorption, were investigated. The data on the sequelae were distributed into eight follow-up periods: 0-30 days, 31-90 days, 91-180 days, 181-365 days, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years, and >4 years. RESULTS: The sample comprised 99 subluxation cases and 70 intruded teeth. Crown discoloration was the most prevalent sequelae. Among the subluxated teeth, <50% of IRR, fistula, crown discoloration, and PCO occurred within 180 days after TDI; however, the sequelae were also diagnosed after longer periods. Majority of sequelae of intrusion were diagnosed within the 181-365 days and 1-2 years periods but were also observed after more than 4 years of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: For both intrusion and subluxation, trauma sequelae were diagnosed even after the 3-4 years of follow-up.

Can a dentin bonding agent prevent color change in regenerative endodontic procedures? An in vitro evaluation.

This in vitro study aimed to determine the efficacy of dentin bonding agents in preventing color changes following Regenerative Endodontic Procedures. One hundred twenty bovine incisors were endodontically prepared and randomly assigned to a two main factors design: application of a dentin bonding agent (Scotchbond Adper, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) in the pulp chamber (Group 1, n=60) versus no bonding intervention (Group 2, n=60), and five levels of intracanal medication (n=12/subgroup): Triple antibiotic paste (TAP), double antibiotic paste (DAB), calcium hydroxide (CH), modified triple antibiotic paste (TAPM), and Control (CTL). Color changes were measured over 28 days at multiple time points (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) using the CIEDE2000 formula to calculate the color difference (ΔE00) from baseline (T0). The ΔE00 quantifies the perceptible color difference between the initial and final tooth color, with lower values indicating less discoloration. The results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA-2 and post-hoc Holm-Sidak tests. The TAP subgroups, both with and without the bonding agent, exhibited the highest color variation. However, a pulp chamber seal with a bonding agent showed a protective effect against discoloration compared to no seal, even though complete prevention was not achieved. All groups demonstrated ΔE00 values beyond acceptable interpretation thresholds for clinical application, primarily driven by a reduction in lightness (L*) and a decrease in redness (a* value, shifting towards green). In conclusion, while the pulp chamber seal with a bonding agent mitigated TAP-induced discoloration, it did not eliminate it.

Pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing among pregnant women with dental pain, undergoing root canal treatment.

This prospective study aims to evaluate dental pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing levels in pregnant women undergoing root canal treatment. Sixty pregnant and non-pregnant women presenting dental pain and an indication for root canal treatment were included in the study. Dental anxiety and catastrophizing were investigated using validated questionnaires. The endodontic intervention was performed, and a numerical scale measured preoperative and postoperative dental pain. The results were analyzed using STATA software 12.0. Unadjusted analyses assessed the association between pregnancy and pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing levels. Multiple linear regression models using 'forward stepwise' entry procedures were used to assess the independent effects of variables on pain scores. The significance level was set at 0.05. Initially, most patients experienced intense dental pain. The levels of dental pain, dental anxiety, and catastrophizing did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Logistic regression showed that postoperative pain was associated with irreversible pulpitis diagnosis (OR = 4.78; 95%CI 1.55-13.55) and high catastrophizing levels (OR = 1.96; 95%CI 1.01-3.84). Preoperative and postoperative pain rates and anxiety and catastrophizing were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Postoperative pain was associated with irreversible pulpitis diagnosis and high catastrophizing levels. The similarity between pregnant and non-pregnant women regarding preoperative and postoperative dental pain and catastrophizing and anxiety levels supports the indication of root canal treatment during the gestational period whenever necessary.

Influence of rotary and reciprocating kinematics on the accuracy of an integrated apex locator.

We evaluated in vitro the influence of nickel-titanium instruments kinematics on the accuracy and variation of root canal working length measurements, performed with an integrated apex locator, at glide path and at the end of shaping. Forty-four mandibular incisors, included in an alginate model, were allocated at random to two groups: reciprocating and rotary. Working length was determined at glide path stage and at the end of shaping. Measurements given by the integrated apex locator were matched with visual measurements. The apex locator accuracy was based on inter-group comparison. The variation in working length was based on intra-group comparison. Kinematics influenced the accuracy of measurements only after shaping (p < 0.05), and not in the glide path (p > 0.05). Rotary had values closer to the visual measurements. Diminishing of measures occurred after shaping for reciprocating (p < 0.05); and at glide-path stage for rotary (p > 0.05). The integrated apex locator was more accurate with rotary kinematics.

Postoperative pain after endodontic reintervention: a randomized clinical trial.

The present randomized clinical trial compared the prevalence and intensity of postoperative pain in cases of endodontic reintervention using manual or engine-driven reciprocating instruments. As secondary objectives, the analgesic intake and time required for the root canal filling removal and re-instrumentation were also evaluated. Forty-eight individuals with an endodontically treated single-rooted tooth diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two comparison groups (n=24/group): reintervention with stainless steel manual instruments or a nickel-titanium reciprocating system (Reciproc; VDW, Munich, Germany). The endodontic reintervention was performed in two sessions with a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication applied for 14 days before root canal obturation. Working time for the root canal filling removal and re-instrumentation was recorded with a digital stopwatch. After each visit, postoperative pain intensity was assessed at 12, 24, and 48 hours and seven days using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The patients were also asked about analgesic intake. Data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square, T and Mann-Whitney U tests (α=0.05). No significant differences between groups were found regarding the prevalence and intensity of pain or the need for analgesic intake at any time point (P > 0.05). Working time was significantly shorter in the reciprocating group (18 versus 41 minutes). In conclusion, manual and reciprocating instruments achieved the same results in terms of prevalence and intensity of postoperative pain and analgesic intake. However, filling material removal and re-instrumentation of the root canals were more than twice as fast when using the reciprocating system.

O objetivo deste ensaio clínico randomizado foi comparar a prevalência e a intensidade da dor pós-operatória em casos de retratamento endodôntico, utilizando instrumentos manuais ou reciprocantes (automatizados). O tempo necessário para desobturação e reinstrumentação do canal radicular também foi avaliado. Quarenta e oito indivíduos possuindo um dente unirradicular tratado endodonticamente e portador de periodontite apical assintomática foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em dois grupos (n=24/grupo): retratamento com instrumentos manuais de aço inoxidável ou um sistema reciprocante de níquel-titânio (Reciproc; VDW, Munique, Alemanha). A reintervenção endodôntica foi realizada em duas consultas, sendo aplicada medicação intracanal à base de hidróxido de cálcio por 14 dias, antes da obturação. O tempo clínico gasto com os protocolos de desobturação e reinstrumentação do canal radicular foi registrado com um cronômetro digital. Após cada visita, a intensidade da dor pós-operatória foi avaliada em 12, 24, 48 horas e 7 dias por meio da escala de estimativa numérica (Numerical Rating Scale - NRS). Além do registro da dor, os pacientes foram questionados quanto ao uso de analgésicos. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por testes Qui-quadrado e Mann-Whitney (α=0.05). Não foi detectada diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à prevalência e intensidade da dor ou uso de analgésicos em nenhum dos períodos avaliados. O tempo clínico foi significativamente menor no grupo reciprocante (18 versus 41 minutos). Pode-se concluir que os instrumentos manuais e reciprocantes foram equivalentes quanto à prevalência e intensidade de dor pós-operatória e uso de analgésicos, mas a desobturação e reinstrumentação do canal radicular foram duas vezes mais rápidas com o sistema reciprocante.

Effect of number of uses and sterilization on the instrumented area and resistance of reciprocating instruments.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of repeated uses and autoclaving in the instrumented area, fracture resistance, and time of instrumentation of thermally treated nickel-titanium reciprocating systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred simulated canals were instrumented using Reciproc Blue and WaveOne Gold. Each file was used up to 10 times or until fracture. The instrumented area was measured in pre- and post-operative images, using ImageJ software. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis evaluated the number of uses of instruments before fracture. Instrumented area and time of instrumentation were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis. Correlations among the number of uses and instrumented area were measured. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Reciproc Blue presented a higher estimated number of uses in comparison with WaveOne Gold (p = 0.026), but autoclaving did not affect the resistance to fracture of instruments (p > 0.05). The instrumented area was different among the evaluated groups (p = 0.039), and the instrumented area along the uses of both tested instruments was reduced. With the time of instrumentation, there was also a significant difference among the evaluated groups; the groups without sterilization cycles were faster, in comparison to those submitted to autoclaving (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Reciproc Blue was more resistant than WaveOne Gold, suffering later fracture. Additionally, the sterilization cycles did not influence the estimated number of uses of thermally treated reciprocating instruments, but the instrumented area of root canals was reduced along with the repeated uses of both instruments.

12-Year Follow-Up of Regenerative Endodontic Treatment of Immature Permanent Upper Incisors with Acute Abscess.

This case report discusses the endodontic treatment of a 7-year-old girl who suffered trauma (intrusion) to the immature upper central incisors secondary to a fall from a bicycle. Thirty days after the accident the patient was brought by her mother for clinical and radiographic assessment with a chief complaint of swelling and tenderness to percussion and palpation. Acute apical abscess associated with immature teeth were diagnosed. A decision was made to perform regenerative endodontic treatment. Access cavities were made and the root canals were disinfected by irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Final irrigation was performed with 17% EDTA. Due to pain and presence of secretions, 2% chlorhexidine gel was applied as an intracanal medicament. Seven days later, at the second visit, the root canals were once again disinfected and the canals of the right and left permanent upper central incisors were filled with double antibiotic paste (metronidazole/ciprofloxacin) and calcium hydroxide paste, respectively. Zinc oxide was mixed in both pastes. At the third visit, after 21 more days, the pastes were removed and the periapical areas were stimulated with a #80 K-file to encourage clot formation within the pulp cavities. A mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) paste cervical plug was placed and the teeth were restored with glass ionomer cement. Radiographs and CBCT scans demonstrated complete root formations. The patient has been followed for 12 years, with evidence of clinical success throughout.

A Retrospective Brazilian Multicenter Study of Biopsies at the Periapical Area: Identification of Cases of Nonendodontic Periapical Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the features of lesions obtained from biopsies at the periapical area of teeth with a radiographic or clinical initial diagnosis of apical periodontitis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on biopsies obtained from 1953-2018 at 3 Brazilian oral and maxillofacial pathology centers. Cases of endodontic and nonendodontic periapical lesions (NPLs) with a clinical diagnosis of endodontic pathoses were retrieved. Data regarding patient age, sex, and anatomic location were obtained from patients' records. The frequency and percentage of cases with clinical diagnoses of a periapical cyst, periapical granuloma, or dentoalveolar abscess were recorded, and the final histopathologic diagnosis was documented. RESULTS: Among 66,179 oral biopsies, 7246 (10.94%) were clinically diagnosed as periapical disease, 306 (4.22%) of which were histopathologically diagnosed as NPLs. The most frequent NPLs were odontogenic keratocysts (n = 107, 34.96%) followed by dentigerous cysts (n = 48, 15.68%). The mean age at diagnosis was 39.68 years with a range of 6-80 years. A total of 159 (51.96%) cases occurred in females and 147 (48.03%) in males (female to male ratio = 1.08:1). Most lesions (137, 44.77%) were located in the posterior mandible. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of histopathologic diagnoses, including benign odontogenic and nonodontogenic cystic and tumorous lesions, infectious diseases, and malignant neoplasms, was reported in the present survey. The features presented in this study were consistent with previous findings reported in the literature.

Influence of Pregnancy on the Inflammatory Process Following Direct Pulp Capping: a Preliminary Study in Rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory process following direct pulp capping during pregnancy. This experimental study involved 48 maxillary first molars of female Wistar rats. The procedures were performed in pregnant and non-pregnant animals (n =20 each). Direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and restoration with a light-cured resin composite was performed in half of exposed pulp specimens. In the other half of specimens, light-cured composite was placed directly on the exposed pulp. In the control groups (n=4 each), no intervention was performed. Animals were euthanized at 3 and 7 days. All sections (three per slide) were viewed under an optical microscope. One previously calibrated pathologist performed descriptive analysis and assigned scores for inflammatory response and tissue organization adjacent to the pulp exposure. The Kappa value for intra-examiner variability was 0.91. At 3 days, in animals treated with MTA, inflammatory infiltrate was absent in non-pregnant animals while mild inflammatory infiltrate was observed in some pregnant animals. The inflammatory response ranged from mild to severe in both groups treated with composite alone. At 7 days, the inflammatory response was more intense in pregnant than in non-pregnant animals treated with MTA; while this difference were not evident in animals treated with composite alone. In conclusion, pregnancy may not influence the inflammatory process following direct pulp capping with light-cured resin composite, which was always harmful to the pulp; while the tissue response after the direct pulp with MTA were more favorable in non-pregnant animals.

Can a dentin bonding agent prevent color change in regenerative endodontic procedures? An in vitro evaluation

Abstract This in vitro study aimed to determine the efficacy of dentin bonding agents in preventing color changes following Regenerative Endodontic Procedures. One hundred twenty bovine incisors were endodontically prepared and randomly assigned to a two main factors design: application of a dentin bonding agent (Scotchbond Adper, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) in the pulp chamber (Group 1, n=60) versus no bonding intervention (Group 2, n=60), and five levels of intracanal medication (n=12/subgroup): Triple antibiotic paste (TAP), double antibiotic paste (DAB), calcium hydroxide (CH), modified triple antibiotic paste (TAPM), and Control (CTL). Color changes were measured over 28 days at multiple time points (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) using the CIEDE2000 formula to calculate the color difference (ΔE00) from baseline (T0). The ΔE00 quantifies the perceptible color difference between the initial and final tooth color, with lower values indicating less discoloration. The results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA-2 and post-hoc Holm-Sidak tests. The TAP subgroups, both with and without the bonding agent, exhibited the highest color variation. However, a pulp chamber seal with a bonding agent showed a protective effect against discoloration compared to no seal, even though complete prevention was not achieved. All groups demonstrated ΔE00 values beyond acceptable interpretation thresholds for clinical application, primarily driven by a reduction in lightness (L*) and a decrease in redness (a* value, shifting towards green). In conclusion, while the pulp chamber seal with a bonding agent mitigated TAP-induced discoloration, it did not eliminate it.

Resumo Este estudo in vitro avaliou adesivos dentinários na prevenção de alterações de cor após procedimentos endodônticos regenerativos. Cento e vinte incisivos bovinos foram preparados endodonticamente e aleatoriamente designados para um desenho com dois fatores principais: aplicação de agente adesivo (Scotchbond Adper, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, EUA) na câmara pulpar (Grupo 1, n=60) versus não intervenção adesiva (Grupo 2, n=60), e cinco níveis de medicação intracanal (n=12/subgrupo): pasta de triantibiótica (TAP), pasta diantibiótica (DAB), hidróxido de cálcio (CH), pasta triantibiótica modificada (TAPM) e Controle (CTL). Alterações cromáticas foram monitoradas por 28 dias em intervalos (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, e 28 dias), usando CIEDE2000 para calcular a diferença de cor (ΔE00) em relação a cor inicial. O ΔE00 quantifica a diferença entre a cor inicial e final do dente, com valores menores indicando menos descoloração. Os resultados foram analisados usando ANOVA-2 de medidas repetidas e teste posthoc de Holm-Sidak. Os grupos utilizando medicação TAP, com ou sem adesivo, possuíram as maiores variações cromática. Contudo, o uso do adesivo na câmara pulpar mostrou um efeito protetor contra descoloração, em comparação com a ausência do selamento adesivo, embora a prevenção completa não tenha sido alcançada. Todos os grupos demonstraram valores de ΔE00 além dos limiares aceitáveis para aplicação clínica, principalmente devido à redução na luminosidade (L*) e redução no vermelho (a*, deslocando-se em direção ao verde). Em conclusão, enquanto o selamento da câmara pulpar com um agente adesivo mitigou a descoloração induzida pelo TAP, mas não a eliminou completamente.

Maternal periodontal disease and adverse perinatal outcomes: is there an association? A hospital-based case-control study.

Objectives: The association between maternal periodontal disease and adverse perinatal outcomes although extensively studied remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by a case-control study, conducted in three hospitals the association between preterm birth and/or low birth weight (PTB/LBW) and clinical parameters of maternal periodontal disease. Material and methods: Postpartum women who gave birth to a newborn PTB/LBW (case group), and postpartum women who had babies at full term with normal weight (control group) were included, in 1:2 ratio. Data were collected through medical records, interview, and periodontal clinical parameters. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess the PTB/LBW proportion relative to independent variables and multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the association between adverse perinatal outcomes and independent variables. Results: The sample consisted of 148 cases and 296 controls. By the 148 postpartum women with PTB/LBW in case group, 126 (87.5%) had preterm birth, and 75 (50.7%) had PTB and LBW. The periodontal status and generalized periodontitis presence were not associated with any adverse pregnancy outcomes. Having made four or more prenatal visits was a protective factor for all outcomes. The history of previous PTB/LBW was a risk factor for new cases of PTB and PTB and/or LBW. The presence of systemic disease was associated with preterm and low birth weight (PTLBW). Preeclampsia and cesarean delivery were associated with all outcomes. Conclusions: The clinical parameters of maternal periodontitis were not considered as a risk factor for the studied adverse perinatal outcomes. Clinical relevance: The present study demonstrated no association between maternal periodontitis and PTB/LBW.

Pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing among pregnant women with dental pain, undergoing root canal treatment

Abstract This prospective study aims to evaluate dental pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing levels in pregnant women undergoing root canal treatment. Sixty pregnant and non-pregnant women presenting dental pain and an indication for root canal treatment were included in the study. Dental anxiety and catastrophizing were investigated using validated questionnaires. The endodontic intervention was performed, and a numerical scale measured preoperative and postoperative dental pain. The results were analyzed using STATA software 12.0. Unadjusted analyses assessed the association between pregnancy and pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing levels. Multiple linear regression models using 'forward stepwise' entry procedures were used to assess the independent effects of variables on pain scores. The significance level was set at 0.05. Initially, most patients experienced intense dental pain. The levels of dental pain, dental anxiety, and catastrophizing did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Logistic regression showed that postoperative pain was associated with irreversible pulpitis diagnosis (OR = 4.78; 95%CI 1.55-13.55) and high catastrophizing levels (OR = 1.96; 95%CI 1.01-3.84). Preoperative and postoperative pain rates and anxiety and catastrophizing were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Postoperative pain was associated with irreversible pulpitis diagnosis and high catastrophizing levels. The similarity between pregnant and non-pregnant women regarding preoperative and postoperative dental pain and catastrophizing and anxiety levels supports the indication of root canal treatment during the gestational period whenever necessary.

Alternative to Avoid Tooth Discoloration after Regenerative Endodontic Procedure: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether alternative materials to conventional triple antibiotic paste (TAP - metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline) and grey mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA) could avoid tooth discoloration in teeth submitted to Regenerative Endodontic Procedure (REP). It was also investigated if dental bleaching is able to reverse the color of darkened teeth due to REP. The search was conducted in four databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and BVS - Virtual health library), following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The retrieved papers were uploaded in the software EndNoteTM and two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the data. Only studies in humans (case reports, case series, clinical trials) were included in the review. From 1,122 potentially eligible studies, 83 were selected for full-text analysis, and 38 were included in the review. The included studies were mainly case reports (76.3 %). The studies described a total of 189 teeth submitted to REP. From these, about 54% of teeth presented some degree of discoloration. Most teeth presenting color alteration were treated with TAP, especially when combined with GMTA. Only three studies performed dental bleaching to restore the color of teeth and neither bleaching technique was able to restore the original color of the crowns. The use of alternative materials to TAP and GMTA, such as double antibiotic paste or Ca(OH)2 pastes and white mineral trioxide aggregate or BiodentineTM, reduces the occurrence of tooth discoloration.

Are Premixed Calcium Silicate-based Endodontic Sealers Comparable to Conventional Materials? A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the physicochemical and biological properties of premixed calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers with other conventional root canal filling materials by systematically reviewing laboratory studies. METHODS: The search was conducted in 3 databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the data. The properties of interest were bond strength, radiopacity, pH, solubility, setting and working time, dimensional change, flow, calcium ion release, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity. RESULTS: From 2636 potentially eligible studies, 31 were selected for full-text analysis, and 27 were included in the review. Premixed calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers followed the ISO 6876:2012 requirements for most physicochemical properties except for solubility. The target sealers also presented favorable biological findings when compared with conventional sealers. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of well-designed long-term clinical trials, the target premixed calcium silicate-based sealers show good physicochemical and biological properties in vitro. In general, the results were similar or better than conventional endodontic sealers as observed in in vitro and in vivo animal studies.

Postoperative pain after endodontic reintervention: a randomized clinical trial

Resumo O objetivo deste ensaio clínico randomizado foi comparar a prevalência e a intensidade da dor pós-operatória em casos de retratamento endodôntico, utilizando instrumentos manuais ou reciprocantes (automatizados). O tempo necessário para desobturação e reinstrumentação do canal radicular também foi avaliado. Quarenta e oito indivíduos possuindo um dente unirradicular tratado endodonticamente e portador de periodontite apical assintomática foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em dois grupos (n=24/grupo): retratamento com instrumentos manuais de aço inoxidável ou um sistema reciprocante de níquel-titânio (Reciproc; VDW, Munique, Alemanha). A reintervenção endodôntica foi realizada em duas consultas, sendo aplicada medicação intracanal à base de hidróxido de cálcio por 14 dias, antes da obturação. O tempo clínico gasto com os protocolos de desobturação e reinstrumentação do canal radicular foi registrado com um cronômetro digital. Após cada visita, a intensidade da dor pós-operatória foi avaliada em 12, 24, 48 horas e 7 dias por meio da escala de estimativa numérica (Numerical Rating Scale - NRS). Além do registro da dor, os pacientes foram questionados quanto ao uso de analgésicos. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por testes Qui-quadrado e Mann-Whitney (α=0.05). Não foi detectada diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à prevalência e intensidade da dor ou uso de analgésicos em nenhum dos períodos avaliados. O tempo clínico foi significativamente menor no grupo reciprocante (18 versus 41 minutos). Pode-se concluir que os instrumentos manuais e reciprocantes foram equivalentes quanto à prevalência e intensidade de dor pós-operatória e uso de analgésicos, mas a desobturação e reinstrumentação do canal radicular foram duas vezes mais rápidas com o sistema reciprocante.

Abstract The present randomized clinical trial compared the prevalence and intensity of postoperative pain in cases of endodontic reintervention using manual or engine-driven reciprocating instruments. As secondary objectives, the analgesic intake and time required for the root canal filling removal and re-instrumentation were also evaluated. Forty-eight individuals with an endodontically treated single-rooted tooth diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two comparison groups (n=24/group): reintervention with stainless steel manual instruments or a nickel-titanium reciprocating system (Reciproc; VDW, Munich, Germany). The endodontic reintervention was performed in two sessions with a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication applied for 14 days before root canal obturation. Working time for the root canal filling removal and re-instrumentation was recorded with a digital stopwatch. After each visit, postoperative pain intensity was assessed at 12, 24, and 48 hours and seven days using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The patients were also asked about analgesic intake. Data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square, T and Mann-Whitney U tests (α=0.05). No significant differences between groups were found regarding the prevalence and intensity of pain or the need for analgesic intake at any time point (P > 0.05). Working time was significantly shorter in the reciprocating group (18 versus 41 minutes). In conclusion, manual and reciprocating instruments achieved the same results in terms of prevalence and intensity of postoperative pain and analgesic intake. However, filling material removal and re-instrumentation of the root canals were more than twice as fast when using the reciprocating system.

Periodontal Health Status and Associated Factors: Findings of a Prenatal Oral Health Program in South Brazil.

Objective. The aims of this study were to evaluate the periodontal health of pregnant women and to investigate the association of periodontal status with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as medical and dental history. Materials and Methods. A total of 311 pregnant women were interviewed to obtain sociodemographic data along with medical and dental histories. Clinical examinations were performed to record the presence of visible plaque, gingival bleeding, and caries activity. The periodontal condition was evaluated by Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) in one tooth of each sextant (16, 11, 26, 36, 31, and 46). Results. After the adjustment analysis, the presence of visible plaque remained the main determinant of gingival bleeding (OR = 2.91, CI = 1.91-4.48). First-trimester pregnancy status was also a predictor, with a lower prevalence of gingival bleeding observed in the second (OR = 0.87, CI = 0.77-0.99) and third (OR = 0.82, CI = 0.73-0.93) trimesters. Conclusion. In pregnant women, the presence of dental plaque and first-trimester pregnancy status were the main implicated factors predicting gingival bleeding.

Antibiofilm Activity of Five Different Endodontic Filling Materials Used in Primary Teeth Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of five endodontic materials for primary teeth on in vitro mixed-species biofilms. METHODS: Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cement, Vitapex, Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide (ZO), pure calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste, and iodoform were evaluated. Sterile water was used as a control. Mixed-species biofilm was incubated in anaerobic conditions for 21 days. The biofilm specimens were placed in contact with the endodontic materials for periods of seven and 30 days. The biofilm was studied by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The cell viability ratio was calculated. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between groups at both seven and 30 days (F equals 73,073, P=0.00). After 30 days, 69 percent, 51 percent, and 35 percent of the biofilm volume fluoresced red, indicating the proportion of bacteria killed by iodoform, Vitapex, and ZOE cement, respectively. Calen plus ZO and pure Ca(OH)2 paste were the least effective materials against the biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: Pure iodoform paste and iodoform containing Vitapex were the most effective materials against the biofilms. Vitapex appears to be a suitable endodontic material for primary teeth.