Influence of pulse energy, tip design and insertion depth during Er:YAG-activated irrigation on cleaning efficacy in simulated severely curved complex root canal systems in vitro.

AIM: To investigate the influence of pulse energy, tip geometry and tip position in simulated 3D-printed root canals with multiple side canals at different levels in all directions on the cleaning performance of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) compared to sonic activation (EDDY) and conventional needle irrigation (NI). METHODOLOGY: 3D-printed root canal models (25/.06, length 20 mm, curvature 60°, radius 5 mm) with side canals (diameter 0.2 mm) at 2, 5 and 8 mm from the apex were filled with coloured biofilm-mimicking hydrogel. LAI (Morita AdvErL Evo, Kyoto, Japan) was performed with six settings (n = 20; pulse-energy, pulses per second [PPS], tip position): LAI1 (50 mJ, 25 PPS, P400FL, canal entrance [CE]), LAI2 (same as LAI1, but insertion depth 9 mm before the apical endpoint [AE] [corresponding to 1 mm above the first lateral canals]), LAI3 (80 mJ, 25 PPS, P400FL, 9 mm before AE), LAI4 (same as LAI 3, but at CE) for 3 × 20 s each, LAI5 (50 mJ, 25 PPS, P400FL 2 × 20 s, CE & R200T (30 mJ, 25 PPS, 1 × 20 s, 9 mm before AE), LAI6 (30 mJ, 25 PPS, R200T, 9 mm before AE, 3 × 20 s). A continuous irrigation (3 mL/20 s) using distilled water accompanied the irrigation cycles. NI and EDDY (3 × 20 s each; 3 mL/20 s irrigation, insertion AE minus 1 mm, amplitude 4 mm) served as control groups. Biofilm-mimicking hydrogel removal (ImageJ, NIH) was assessed for the entire system, the central canal and the lateral canals using standardized photographs with a microscope (Expert DN, Müller-Optronic) and statistically analysed was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p = .05). Irrigant extrusion beyond the foramina was also recorded. RESULTS: LAI2 (99.08%; interquartile range [IQR]: 96.85-100.00) and LAI3 (97.50%; 96.24-100.00) achieved the significantly best and LAI6 (80.08%; 73.41-84.69) the significantly worst removal of hydrogel from the entire root canal system amongst all LAI configurations (p < .05). There were no significant differences between LAI6, EDDY (72.89%; 67.49-76.22) and manual irrigation (54.39%; 51.01-56.94) (p > .05). R200T laser tip caused significantly more often irrigant extrusion than all other techniques (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Tip design, energy settings, and the positioning of the laser tip below the canal entrance caused an improvement in cleaning performance of the LAI. However, the small R200T tip created significantly more procedural errors (irrigant extrusion) due to higher concentrated energy.

Prevalence of multiple roots and complex canal morphology in mandibular premolars among a selected Southern Egyptian sub-population: a CBCT-analysis.

The mandibular premolars can pose a significant challenge in root canal treatment due to their complex canal system. This study investigated the prevalence of multiple roots and complex canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a selected Egyptian sub-population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). 283 CBCT scans (131 males, 152 females, age 18-70) included 1132 mandibular premolars (566 first, and 566 second premolars) were viewed for incidences ofvariation in root numbers and canal configuration according to Vertucci's classification. CBCT images were assessed by two endodontists, data were statistically analyzed using Fisher exact and Chi-square tests. The majority of first premolars (85.7%) exhibited a single root, whereas 14.7% had 2 roots with a significantly higher frequency in males (19.8%) than in females (9.5%) (P < .05). The most prevalent type was type I (57.8%), followed by type V (21.7%), while types II and VII made up only 1%. Types V and III were more prevalent among females, while males had a higher prevalence of types I and IV. In 2.5% of cases, mandibular second premolars were found to have 2 roots, with a higher incidence in males (P < .05). Type I canals were significantly more prevalent (90.8%) than other types, followed by type V (5.3%) (P < .05). A statistically significant gender correlation was found regarding root number and canal configuration. It is not uncommon to find mandibular first premolars with two roots in the southern Egyptian population, particularly in males. These observations may be valuable for dentists who treat Southern Egyptians, in Egypt and other countries.

Success rate of orthograde endodontic retreatment after failed apicectomy - A retrospective study.

AIM: Orthograde retreatment after failed apicectomy maybe a treatment alternative to endodontic resurgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical outcome of orthograde endodontic retreatment after failed apicectomy. METHODOLOGY: Success was rated radiographically in 191 cases of orthograde retreatment after failed apicectomy that were treated in a private practice with a documented recall of at least 12 months. The radiographs were rated individually by two observers, in cases of disagreement a consensus was reached by joint discussion with a third observer. Success or failure were evaluated according to previously described criteria. The success rate and the median survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The log rank test was used to evaluate the effect of prognostic factors/predictors. Hazard ratios of predictors were analysed using Univariate Cox Proportional Hazard regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of the included 191 patients (124 females, 67 males) was 32.13 (±23.68) months and the median was 25 months. The overall recall rate was 54%. Cohen Kappa analysis revealed nearly perfect agreement between both observers (k = 0.81; p = 1.0). The overall percentage of success was 84.82% (complete healing 79.06%, incomplete healing 5.76%). The median survival was 86 months (95% CI: 56-86). None of the selected predictors had an influence on the treatment outcome (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Orthograde retreatment should be considered a valuable treatment option after failed apicectomy. A surgical endodontic retreatment can still be a treatment option after orthograde retreatment to obtain outcome for the patient.

Effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of the status of the inflamed pulp is essential in clinical diagnosis and treatment provision. There are a limited number of well-designed and well-executed clinical trials on the diagnosis of the true status of the pulp. OBJECTIVES: Three PICO questions were formulated and agreed a priori by the European Society of Endodontology to evaluate the clinical tests for sensibility testing, determination of biomarkers and pulp bleeding with regard to their suitability to correctly diagnose the condition of the pulp tissue for the development of S3-Level guidelines. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 21 January 2022. Additionally, a hand search was performed, and the contents of the major subject journals were also examined. Eligibility criteria followed the proposed PICO questions. Two independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extraction and appraising the included studies; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool for diagnostic accuracy studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for noncomparative, nonrandomized studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: In total, 28 studies out of 29 publications were considered eligible and were included in the review. Twelve studies were identified to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the pulp vitality. Ten studies fulfilled the criteria to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the pulpal conditions, while 6 studies investigating the expression of biomarkers were eligible. Three studies addressing the prognostic factors and therapeutic interventions relating to pulpal status were included. DISCUSSION: The core problem in pulp diagnostics is that a reliable reference standard is lacking under clinical conditions. Based on limited evidence, the most promising current approach seems to define a combination of different clinical tests and symptoms, probably in future including molecular diagnosis ("diagnostic package") will be required to ascertain the best possible strategy to clinically diagnose true pulpal conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis is low due to limited scientific evidence regarding the accuracy and reproducibility of diagnostic tests. There is a lack of evidence to determine the true status of the pulp or to identify prognostic indicators allowing for a reliable pre-operative estimation of the outcome of vital pulp treatment. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database (CRD42021265366).

Comparative biological properties of resin-free and resin-based calcium silicate-based endodontic repair materials on human periodontal ligament stem cells.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of three different calcium silicate-based materials (CSBM) on the biological behavior of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). METHODS: Eluates of Biodentine, NeoPutty and TheraCal PT prepared at 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 ratios were extracted under sterile conditions. The cytotoxicity of the extracts to the hPDLSCs was assessed using the MTT assay. Scratch wound healing assay was utilized for assessing cell migration. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect cell attachment and morphology. Calcium ion release was measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; the pH-value was evaluated with a pH-meter. ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Cell viability was significantly higher for Biodentine and NeoPutty at day 1 with all dilutions (p < 0.05), while at day 3 and day 7 with dilutions 1:2 and 1:4; all materials showed similar behavior (p > 0.05). Biodentine had the highest percentage of cell migration into the scratched area at day 1 for all dilutions (p < 0.05). Stem cells were attached favorably on Biodentine and NeoPutty with evident spreading, and intercellular communications; however, this was not shown for TheraCal PT. Biodentine showed the highest pH values and calcium ion release (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The resin-free CSBM showed better performance and favorable biological effects on hPDLSCs and were therefore considered promising for usage as endodontic repair materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Proper selection of materials with favorable impact on the host stem cells is crucial to ensure outcome in different clinical scenarios.

A critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study the physical properties of NiTi instruments and their fracture characteristics.

The aim of this review is to provide a critical overview of the physical properties (surface hardness, cutting efficiency, bending properties, flexibility and cyclic fatigue resistance) of NiTi instruments. Frequently used experimental models regarding these aspects will be presented and discussed with regard to their strengths and weaknesses. For all these aspects, a plethora of experimental models have been described. Based on a critical appraisal and especially taking the appropriate translation of experimental findings to clinical endodontics into account, suggestions for future research based on clearly defined and valid experimental methodologies will be provided. Up to now, very few attempts have been made to assess which particular physical properties of NiTi instruments exert an impact on the clinical outcome of root canal treatment. Departure from merely focusing on physical properties and fracture characteristics towards more biological aspects in terms of treatment outcome is essential.

The antibacterial effect and the incidence of post-operative pain after the application of nano-based intracanal medications during endodontic retreatment: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of nano-silver and nano-calcium hydroxide intracanal medicaments (ICM) during retreatment regarding their antibacterial effect and their effect on post-operative pain and flare-ups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients scheduled for endodontic retreatment were included in this randomized clinical trial and randomly allocated to 3 equal groups (n = 23) according to the type of ICM used. The first microbial sampling (S1) representing the original microbiota was obtained after the removal of the old canal filling. After chemo-mechanical debridement, another sample (S2) was obtained representing the microbial state before ICM application. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either nano-silver (nano-Ag), nano-calcium hydroxide (nano-CH), or calcium hydroxide (CH) as ICM. Patients rated their pain pre-operatively and then after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. During the second visit (7 days later), the last microbial sample (S3) was obtained after removal of the ICM. Reduction of total bacterial and total E. faecalis counts and the biofilm-forming capability of the existing microbiota were determined. RESULTS: Results showed reduction in total bacterial count, total E. faecalis count and the biofilm-forming,capability of the existing microbiota after chemo-mechanical debridement (S1-S2) and after the application of ICM (S3-S2). However, the reduction after cleaning and shaping was significantly more pronounced (p < 0.001) compared to the effect of ICM application, with no difference between the 3 ICM (p > 0.05). Post-operative pain was significantly reduced at the 48- and 72-h intervals after the application of nano-Ag and nano-CH only (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between these two ICM (p > 0.05). The incidence of flare-ups in all groups was similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The antibacterial effect of the nano-Ag and nano-CH was equivalent to that of CH, but they contributed to better pain control. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nanoparticles may have a positive impact on post-endodontic pain.

Fracture resistance of root canal-treated molars restored with ceramic overlays with/without different resin composite base materials: an in vitro study.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different restorative protocols on fracture resistance of root canal-treated molars. 48 mandibular first molars were used and divided into six groups (n = 8); G1 (negative control): teeth kept intact. G2 (positive control): teeth had root canal treatment and standard MOD cavity preparations but kept unrestored. G3: prepared as G2 and directly restored with VitaEnamic ceramic overlays (CO). G4: as G3, but the pulp chamber was restored first with smart dental restorative (SureFil SDR flow = SDR) bulk-fill flowable composite base. G5: as G3, but the pulp chamber was restored first with SonicFill (SF) bulk-fill composite base. G6: as G3, but the pulp chamber was restored first with a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) base. All samples were subjected to thermocycling between 5 °C and 55 °C in a water bath for a total of 2000 cycles with 10 s dwell time. Then specimens were individually mounted on a computer-controlled testing machine with a load cell of 5 kN, and the maximum load to produce fracture (N) was recorded. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (P = 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001). Teeth restored with FRC and ceramic overlays had the highest load-bearing capacity. Pulp chamber restoration with either FRC or SDR before ceramic overlay fabrication provided significantly better tooth reinforcement than ceramic overlay alone (P < 0.001). Fracture modes were analyzed to determine the type of fracture as repairable or catastrophic, where FRC + CO and SDR + CO groups had favorable fracture modes that were mostly repairable. When restoring root canal-treated molars with overlays, the pulp chamber should be sealed with either FRC or SDR to ensure the best possible fracture resistance. The clinical relevance of the study is that a new simple restorative protocol is presented to enhance the survival of root canal-treated molars using ceramic overlays.

Smear layer removal and sealer penetration with different tapers after using photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) technique on irrigation performance with different instrumentation tapers in root canals regarding smear layer removal and subsequent sealer penetration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty human mandibular molars were divided into three equal groups according to the apical preparation taper (25/4%, 25/6%, and 25/8%). Each group was divided into two equal subgroups, one received passive irrigation (PI) while the other received PIPS activation of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. Half the samples were evaluated using electron microscope images to assess smear layer removal. The other half was obturated using gutta-percha and rhodamine B-labeled AH Plus sealer before being sectioned horizontally at different root levels (coronal, middle, and apical) to evaluate the percentage of sealer penetration using CLSM. Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests were used to analyze smear layer scores, while sealer penetration data were analyzed using the three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significantly better smear layer removal and better sealer penetration after PIPS activation when corresponding root thirds were compared (P<0.001). Only exception was sealer penetration in the apical third with root canal preparation of 25/4% where the difference between the irrigation methods was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PIPS activation in the final irrigation protocol enhanced smear layer removal and sealer penetration into dentinal tubules if the taper of the prepared canal was at least 6%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increasing apical preparation taper significantly enhances PIPS performance in terms of irrigation activation thus enhancing smear layer removal and subsequent sealer penetration in dentinal tubules.

Quality of root canal fillings and prevalence of apical radiolucencies in a German population: a CBCT analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and quality of root canal fillings (RCF) and the prevalence of apical radiolucency (AR) in a German population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five hundred randomly selected full-size CBCT images (Planmeca ProMax 3D, FOV = 8 × 8 cm, voxel size 160 µm or 200 µm) were obtained from German patients (40.6% = ♂; 59.4% = ♀; mean age = 50.21 ± 12.45 years). A total of 8254 teeth were examined for pathology (AR, widened periodontal ligament). The relationship between AR and existing RCF and the quality of RCF were documented. Frequency and correlations between the left and right sides and gender distribution were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of AR was 3.8%, whereas for teeth with RCF, it was 42.5%. Patients had approximately 1.4 root canal-filled teeth (8.2% of all teeth). RCF terminated more than 2 mm short of the radiological apex in 31.2%, 5.1% reached beyond the apex, 8.1% were associated with extruded sealer, and 5.3% presented untreated root canals. Odds ratio of having an AR was highest in teeth with RCF beyond the apex (OR = 27.0) followed by RCF <2 mm short of the apex (OR = 4.4), untreated root canals (OR = 2.9), and inhomogeneity of RCF (OR = 1.2). Extrusion of sealer was least associated with AR. Molars were most frequently associated with AR (P < 0.05). Root canal-filled teeth showed significantly more AR in men compared with women (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: About 42.5% of root canal-filled teeth were associated with AR, and in about one-third of these teeth, the RCF terminated more than 2 mm short of the apex. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Each step in root canal therapy influences treatment outcome and prevalence of periapical radiolucencies. Determination of the working length is still one of the key points to achieve predictable periapical healing, and homogenous root canal filling reaching the foramen major seems to be essential.

Impact of new cross-sectional designs on the shaping ability of rotary NiTi instruments in S-shaped canals.

The aim was to compare the shaping ability of different rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated S-shaped canals. One hundred S-shaped canals in resin blocks were prepared to an apical size 25 using F6 SkyTaper (Komet), Silk Files .04, Silk Files .06, Prototypes .04, and Prototypes .06 (all Mani) (20 canals/group). Material removal was measured at 20 measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the endpoint of preparation. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, and instrument failures were also recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls and Chi-square test. Pooled data of all measuring points revealed that canals instrumented with Prototypes .04 were significantly better centered than those prepared with all other instruments, while Prototypes .06 and both Silk Files performed significantly better than F6 SkyTaper (p < 0.05). The preparation time differed significantly between all groups and Prototypes .04 allowed the fastest preparation (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant association between type of instrument and incidence of aberrations (p > 0.05). The cross-sectional design had a marked impact on the shaping ability of the instruments, and less tapered instruments maintained the original canal curvature better than instruments having greater tapers.

Clinical evaluation of direct pulp capping using a calcium silicate cement-treatment outcomes over an average period of 2.3 years.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the treatment outcomes of direct pulp capping with a calcium silicate cement (Biodentine) after caries excavation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 245 teeth of 226 patients diagnosed to be clinical healthy or showing spontaneous pain were directly capped. The teeth were examined 0.19 to 7.4 (mean 2.3 ± 2.04) years after treatment. The following data were recorded: age and sex of the patient, type of tooth and restoration (glass ionomer cement [GIC], amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, gold) and symptoms before or after treatment. The evaluation of the treatment was carried out by sensibility and percussion testing and by the patient's questioning. A positive sensibility test, a negative percussion test, the absence of swelling and discomfort were considered as treatment success. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test, respectively. RESULTS: After an average period of 2.3 years, 86.0% of the teeth remained vital; the survival rate after 7.4 years was 83.4%. The treatment outcome was significantly worse for cavities restored with GIC compared to all other restorative materials (p < 0.05). All other evaluated factors had no significant influence on the success rate (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposed pulps of asymptomatic vital permanent teeth and teeth with spontaneous pain before treatment can be successfully capped directly using Biodentine. A subsequent restoration with GIC does not appear to be suitable as it significantly reduces the success of the treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Direct pulp capping can be done successfully with this type of calcium silicate cement.

Shaping ability of reciprocating single-file systems in severely curved canals: WaveOne and Reciproc versus WaveOne Gold and Reciproc blue.

The aim was to compare the canal straightening of M-wire [Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) and WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland)] and gold- and blue-wire heat-treated [Reciproc blue (VDW) and WaveOne Gold (Dentsply Maillefer)] instruments in severely curved root canals. A total of 80 root canals in extracted human teeth with angles of curvatures ranging between 25° and 35° and radii ranging between 3.1 and 8.5 mm were divided into four groups (n = 20). Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature (P = 1.0 and P = 1.0, respectively). All canals were prepared to an apical size 25 according to the manufacturers' instructions. Pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs were superimposed and canal straightening was analysed using a computer imaging programme. Preparation time and instrument failure were also recorded. Data were analysed statistically using ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test. During preparation no instrument fractured. All instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the instruments (P = 0.278). Regarding preparation time, no significant differences between the four instruments were obtained (P > 0.05). Under the conditions of this study, all instruments respected the original canal curvature well. Instruments were safe to use. The use of the gold- and blue-wire heat-treated instruments was not associated with an improved shaping ability.

Influence of the final irrigation solution on the push-out bond strength of calcium silicate-based, epoxy resin-based and silicone-based endodontic sealers.

The aim was to evaluate the influence of different irrigation solutions on the push-out bond strength (POBS) of three different sealers (AH Plus, BioRoot RCS, GuttaFlow2). Root canals of 180 single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with F360 up to size 45.04. All canals were irrigated with 5 ml NaOCl 3% and 5 ml EDTA 17%. The canals were finally irrigated with either 5 ml NaOCl 3%, CHX 2%, EDTA 17%, citric acid 20% or NaCl 0.9% (n = 36) with a contact time of 5 min and obturated using matching gutta-percha cones according to the single-cone technique in combination with one of the sealers (n = 12). After 8 weeks of incubation, the roots were embedded in resin. Two slices of 1 mm thickness were obtained representing the middle third of the root. Dislodgement resistance was measured and POBS was calculated. Specimens were examined under 4× magnification to determine the mode of bond failure. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test for POBS and Chi-square test for the mode of failure. POBS was significantly affected by the factor "sealer" (P < 0.001) and by the interaction "sealer/irrigation solution" (P < 0.01). AH Plus revealed significantly higher POBS than BioRoot RCS and GuttaFlow2 (P < 0.05). The POBS of GutttaFlow2 was not affected by the irrigation protocol (P > 0.05). The POBS of AH Plus was positively influenced by EDTA and NaOCl. EDTA had a negative effect on the POBS of BioRoot RCS. The POBS of GuttaFlow2 was not influenced by the irrigation solutions.

Endodontic sealers based on calcium silicates: a systematic review.

Recently, sealers based on calcium silicates were developed as a new class of endodontic sealers. Inspired by the excellent sealing ability and biocompatibility of calcium silicate-based cements, these sealers establish a biological point of view on the obturation of root canals. No longer, the bacteria-tight seal against reinfection of the root canal is the only goal of root canal obturation. Antibacterial properties as well as bioactive inducement of periapical healing and hard tissue formation are added to the portfolio of sealers. Ready-to-use sealers consisting of only one component with a need for external water supply from, e.g., body fluid and two components sealers with internal water supply were introduced to the market. Both of these material types have the same setting reactions in common whereby a hydration reaction of the calcium silicate is followed by a precipitation reaction of calcium phosphate. Though the available sealers are all based on calcium silicates, they consist of different compositions. Due to this aspect, differences in their physical and chemical properties as well as in their in vitro characteristics were described. Studies addressing the clinical impact of calcium silicate-based sealers on outcome are still sparse. The bioactive potential of sealers based on calcium silicates is a consequence of the slight solubility of these materials even after setting, but solubility of the sealer might also compromise the quality of sealing a root canal against regrowth and reinfection. Further clinical investigations are required to evaluate the clinical relevance of the gulf between bioactivity and solubility.

Evaluation of the biocompatibility of root canal sealers on human periodontal ligament cells ex vivo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of two comparatively new calcium silicate containing sealers (MTA-Fillapex and BioRoot-RCS) with that of two established sealers (AH-Plus, epoxy resin-based; Pulp-Canal-Sealer, zinc oxide eugenol containing). Human periodontal ligament cells (PDL-cells) were brought in contact with eluates from freshly mixed and set sealer. The sealers were mixed strictly according to the manufacturers' instructions and identically samples were produced. 1:1, 1:2, and 1:10 dilutions of sealers extract were used. Extracts from freshly mixed sealer were added to the PDL-cells on day one to simulate a clinical scenario. Subsequently, at 24 h, 7, 14, and 21 days extracts form set sealers were used for PDL-cell culturing. PDL-cell viability was analyzed by living-cell-count, MTT-assay, and living/dead-staining, cytotoxicity by LDH-assay, and changes by Richardson-staining. All data were statistically evaluated by one way ANOVA and a posthoc analysis with Bonferroni-Holm testing (p < 0.05). In contact with BioRoot-RCS a regeneration of the PDL-cells were observed over time. This sealer showed the lowest toxicity in a freshly mixed and set state (p < 0.05). MTA-Fillapex and Pulp-Canal-Sealer were cytotoxic in a fresh as well as in a set state, whereas AH-Plus was cytotoxic in a freshly mixed state, but not when the sealer was set. BioRoot-RCS is biocompatible and bioactive because it seems to have a positive influence on the PDL-cell metabolism. Pulp Canal Sealer and MTA-Fillapex showed no biocompatibility in contact with PDL-cells at all. Freshly mixed AH Plus is less biocompatible on PDL than in a set state.

Shaping Ability of ProTaper Universal, ProTaper NEXT and WaveOne Primary in Severely Curved Resin Blocks.

AIM: Complex anatomy of roots requires endodontic rotary instruments that respect and follow that anatomy. The purpose of this study was to compare the shaping ability of three engine-driven nickel-titanium instruments in severely curved simulated canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight severely curved simulated canals in resin blocks were prepared to an apical size of 25 using the following systems (n = 16 per group): ProTaper Universal (PTU), ProTaper NEXT (PTN), and WaveOne Primary (WO) (all Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Composite images were made from the superimposition of pre- and post-instrumentation images. The amount of resin removed by each system was measured by using a digital template and image analysis software. Shaping ability of each system was compared using different parameters: total resin removal, centering ability, canal transportation in the apical, middle and coronal third of canal. Preparation times were also recorded. The data were statistically analyzed by using analysis of variance, paired t-test, and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Canals prepared with PTN were better centered in the apical part than those prepared with WO and PTU (p < 0.05). WO removed significantly more resin at the outer aspect of the maximum point of curvature. WO and PTU caused similar canal transportations at 7 points out of 11 measuring points. At measuring points 3, 4, and 5 WO caused more canal straightening than PTU. Instrumentation with PTU required more time than with the two other instruments (p <0.05). No preparation error or instrument separation occurred. CONCLUSION: In the apical part of the canals PTN obtained the best results with regard to canal transportation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: All of the rotary instruments were safe in preparing severely curved canals and PTN showed better preparation of apical part of the canal.

Retreatability of three calcium silicate-containing sealers and one epoxy resin-based root canal sealer with four different root canal instruments.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to compare the retreatability of three calcium silicate-containing sealers (BioRoot RCS, MTA Fillapex, Endo C.P.M.) and an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus) with different root canal instruments (Hedström files, Reciproc R40, Mtwo retreatment file R 25/.05 + Mtwo 40/.06, and F6 SkyTaper) concerning sealer remnants and retreatment time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canals of 192 teeth were instrumented with Reciproc R40. All root canals were obturated using the single-cone technique with Reciproc R40 gutta-percha and one of the sealers (n = 48 per sealer). Two months later, retreatment was performed using one of the mentioned instruments (n = 12 per instrument and sealer). The roots were split longitudinally, and both halves were investigated using light microscopy. The percentage of sealer remnants covering the root canal wall was evaluated using the software ImageJ. The time required for retreatment was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test. RESULTS: Regarding the percentage of root canal filling remnants as well as retreatment time, two-way ANOVA indicated that the results were significantly affected by the sealer (p < 0.001) and by the instrument used (p < 0.05). Overall, the use of AH Plus was associated with significantly more remnants compared to all other sealers (p < 0.001) and F6 SkyTaper instruments allowed significantly faster retreatment than the other instruments (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The retreatability of calcium silicate-containing sealers was better compared to AH Plus as less sealer remnants and shorter retreatment times were observed. Retreatment with engine-driven NiTi instruments was superior compared to hand instrumentation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Engine-driven NiTi instruments are better suited to remove root canal fillings than stainless steel Hedström files.

Shear Bond Strength of Lining Materials to Calcium-silicate Cements at Different Time Intervals.

PURPOSE: To compare the shear bond strength of three different light-curing, flowable composites (Ionoseal [IS], Vertise flow [VF], and Futurabond NR + Grandio Flow [GF]) on MTA-Angelus [MTA] or Biodentine [BD] at three different time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly mixed MTA or BD was applied into 180 identical plaster molds. Three minutes, 15 min, and 2 days after mixing, specimens of IS, VF, and GF with standardized size and diameter were applied on MTA and BD specimens (n = 10 per material and time interval). Subsequently, all specimens were stored at 36°C and 100% humidity for 28 days. The shear bond strength was determined using a universal testing machine. Statistical evaluation was performed using multifactorial ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Multifactorial ANOVA did not show any significant influence of the combinations "lining material × time" (p = 0.257) and "calcium-silicate cement × lining material × time" (p = 0.241). Significant influences were detected for the interactions "calcium-silicate cement × lining material" (p = 0.000) and "calcium-silicate cement × time" (p = 0.009) and for the parameters calcium-silicate cement (p = 0.000), lining material (p = 0.000), and time (p = 0.008). The predominant failure mode of the restorative materials to the cement surfaces was mixed. CONCLUSION: Already 3 min after mixing, IS, VF, and GF achieved shear bond strengths on MTA or BD that were similar to those after 15 min and 2 days.