Assessment of multispecies biofilm growth on root canal dentin under different radiation therapy regimens.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the growth of a multispecies biofilm on root canal dentin under different radiotherapy regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three human root dentin cylinders were distributed into six groups. In three groups, no biofilm was formed (n = 3): NoRT) non-irradiated dentin; RT55) 55 Gy; and RT70) 70 Gy. In the other three groups (n = 18), a 21-day multispecies biofilm (Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans) was formed in the canal: NoRT + Bio) non-irradiated + biofilm; RT55 + Bio) 55 Gy + biofilm; and RT70 + Bio) 70 Gy + biofilm. The biofilm was quantified (CFUs/mL). Biofilm microstructure was assessed under SEM. Microbial penetration into dentinal tubules was assessed under CLSM. For the biofilm biomass and dentin microhardness pre- and after biofilm growth assessments, 45 bovine dentin specimens were distributed into three groups (n = 15): NoRT) non-irradiated + biofilm; RT55 + Bio) 55 Gy + biofilm; and RT70 + Bio) 70 Gy + biofilm. RESULTS: Irradiated specimens (70 Gy) had higher quantity of microorganisms than non-irradiated (p = .010). There was gradual increase in biofilm biomass from non-irradiated to 55 Gy and 70 Gy (p < .001). Irradiated specimens had greater reduction in microhardness after biofilm growth. Irradiated dentin led to the growth of a more complex and irregular biofilm. There was microbial penetration into the dentinal tubules, regardless of the radiation regimen. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy increased the number of microorganisms and biofilm biomass and reduced dentin microhardness. Microbial penetration into dentinal tubules was noticeable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cumulative and potentially irreversible side effects of radiotherapy affect biofilm growth on root dentin. These changes could compromise the success of endodontic treatment in oncological patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

The Efficiency of Erbium Lasers in the Removal of Root Canal System and Surface Biofilms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Studies have shown positive effects of erbium lasers in removal of biofilms. A review article was required with quantitative data for confirmation of their effects, but there is still no a comprehensive study reviewing their effects based on the root canal and implant surface. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of erbium lasers in removal of the root canal system and surface biofilms. Methods: Studies were searched with keywords in databases of PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, Cochrane Central, Embase, and Web of Science and screened by referees. Data were included based on mean ± standard deviation and size of control and laser groups. Effect sizes were assessed as standardized mean differences and calculated for each study and for the root and dental surface. Laser characteristics and bacteria were considered as moderators. Results: Nineteen articles in the current study comprised 565 samples (283 control samples and 282 laser samples). The analyses showed the significant effects of erbium lasers on bacterial biofilms on the implant surface [-0.496, 95% confidence interval, CI (-0.720 to -0.273); I2 = 26.94; p = 0.029; Q = 13.28] and root canal [-0.551, 95% CI (-0.656 to -0.445); I2 = 23.89; p = 0.031; Q = 10.46]. Results showed that highest efficiency lasers were obtained at higher wavelengths of 2940 nm, 75-100 mJ energy, and 100-150 µsec and <50-Hz pulses. Conclusions: Erbium lasers can be used to remove biofilms on dental implant surfaces and root canal systems and are safe options for untouchable sites in the root canal.

Clinical efficacy of endodontic protocols on reducing cultivable bacteria and endotoxin in infected root canal in patients submitted to head and neck radiotherapy: a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the efficacy of biomechanical preparation using a reciprocating system followed by final irrigation protocols, then intracanal medication, on reducing endotoxins and cultivable bacteria of infected teeth in irradiated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two infected single-rooted canals in patients submitted to head and neck radiotherapy were prepared by reciprocating motion and 2.5% NaOCl. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 11 patients before the final irrigation protocol: apical positive pressure (APP) or passive ultrasonic activation (PUA). Both groups were treated in two sessions, using Ca(OH)2 as intracanal medication for 14 days. Root canal content sampling was performed after canal access (S1), after biomechanical preparation plus the irrigation protocol (S2), and after intracanal medication (S3). Chromogenic limulus amoebocyte lysate assay measured endotoxin levels (EU/mL), and bacterial load was determined by culture techniques (CFU/mL). RESULTS: Treatment protocols reduced bacterial counts after S2 in both groups (p = 0.01). S3 differed from S1 (p = 0.01), but not from S2 (p = 0.4). Endotoxin levels were reduced in both groups after S2 (P = 0.03) and were lower in S3 than in S2, with significant differences in the APP group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Biomechanical preparation using a reciprocating system and 2.5% NaOCl in irradiated teeth, followed by the irrigation protocol (APP or PUA), demonstrated efficacy in reducing endodontic contaminants. Ca(OH)2 as intracanal medication should be performed in irradiated patients with infected root canals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This clinical study demonstrated that endodontic treatment in irradiated patients is efficacious at reducing bacterial load and endotoxin levels.

Estado actual de la infección focal y del éxito del tratamiento endodóntico / Current status of focal infection and the success of endodontic treatment

Frente a la difusión en medios de comunicación de medias verdades con enunciados alarmantes y anticientíficos, este editorial busca revisar las bases científicas para determinar el comportamiento clínico. Así, el texto discurre por el concepto de infección focal desde su origen, yendo al encuentro de sus transformaciones conceptuales a través de los descubrimien- tos científicos, teniendo en cuenta las características emocio- nales propias de cada paciente como un todo y los peligros a los que se puede estar expuestos frente a las medias verdades (AU)

Facing the diffusion of alarming and anti-scientific state- ments in the media, this editorial seeks the scientific bases to determine the clinical behavior. Thus, the text runs through the concept of focal infection from its origin and across its conceptual transformations through scientific discoveries, by considering the emotional characteristics of each patient as a whole and the dangers to which they may be exposed in the face of half-truths (AU)

Efficacy of a novel remotely-generated ultrasonic root canal irrigation system for removing biofilm-mimicking hydrogel from a simulated isthmus model.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel ultrasonic irrigation device, remotely-generated irrigation with a non-invasive sound field enhancement (RINSE) system, in removing biofilm-mimicking hydrogel from a simulated isthmus model and compare it with sonically- and ultrasonically-activated irrigation systems. METHODOLOGY: A polycarbonate root canal model containing two standardized root canals (apical diameter of 0.20 mm, 4% taper, 18 mm long with a coronal reservoir) connected by three isthmuses (0.40 mm deep, 2 mm high, 4 mm long) was used as the test model. The isthmuses were filled with a hydroxyapatite powder-containing hydrogel. The canals were filled with irrigant, and the models were randomly assigned to the following activation groups (n = 15): EndoActivator (EA), ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI), and RINSE system (RS). Syringe irrigation (SI) with a 30G needle served as the control. Standardized images of the isthmuses were taken before and after irrigation, and the amount of hydrogel removed was determined using image analysis software and compared across groups using anova (p < .05). RESULTS: Hydrogel removal was significantly higher with the RS (83.7%) than with UAI, EA, or SI (p ≤ .01). UAI (69.2%) removed significantly more hydrogel than SI and EA (p < .05), while there was no significant difference between SI (24.3%) and EA (25.7%) (p = .978). CONCLUSIONS: RINSE system resulted in the most hydrogel removal, performing better than UAI or EA. The effect of RS was also not reliant on the insert or tip entering the pulp chamber or root canal, making it particularly useful in conservative endodontics.

Synchronized Microbubble Photodynamic Activation to Disinfect Minimally Prepared Root Canals.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel irrigation strategy using synchronized microbubble photodynamic activation (SYMPA) in a minimally prepared single canal. METHODS: Single-canal mandibular incisors were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks and randomly allocated to 4 groups based on the irrigation protocols: (1) control (saline), (2) conventional needle irrigation (CI), (3) ultrasonic-assisted irrigation (UI), and (4) irrigation with SYMPA. The first 3 groups were instrumented to size 25.07v (WaveOne Gold Primary; Dentsply Sirona, Johnson City, TN), and the SYMPA group was minimally prepared to size 20.07v (WaveOne Gold Small, Dentsply Sirona). The apical 5 mm was resected for microbiological assessment using the culture technique (colony-forming unit), adenosine-5'-triphosphate-based viability assay (relative luminescence units), and the percentage of live bacteria using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Log colony-forming units from the UI (2.37 ± 0.66) and SYMPA (2.21 ± 0.86) groups showed a reduction compared with the control (5.16 ± 0.75) and CI (4.08 ± 1.19) groups. Relative luminescence unit reduction was significant for UI (619.08 ± 352.78) and SYMPA (415.25 ± 329.51) compared with the control (1213.2 ± 880.03) (P < .05). The percentage of live bacteria was significantly lower in the UI and SYMPA groups compared with the control and CI groups. Although higher microbial reduction was observed in SYMPA compared with UI, there was no statistical significance (P > .05). CONCLUSION: SYMPA in minimally prepared canals showed significant antimicrobial efficacy. The novel irrigation strategy using SYMPA could be an effective disinfection strategy for minimally prepared root canals.

Impact of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and calcium hydroxide intracanal medications in primary endodontic infection: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This RCT investigated the impact of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] intracanal medications (ICMs) in primary endodontic infection with apical periodontitis (PEIAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six teeth with PEIAP were randomly divided into groups according to the ICM: NAC, Ca(OH)2 + saline solution (SSL), and Ca(OH)2 + 2% chlorhexidine-gel (2% CHX-gel) (all, n = 12). Root canal samples (RCSs) were collected before (s1) and after instrumentation (s2) and after 14 days of ICM (s3). Chemomechanical preparation (CMP) was performed with a Reciproc file and 2.5% NaOCl. Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization was used to assess 40 target bacteria species. RESULTS: At s1, bacterial DNA was detected in 100% of RCSs (36/36). All 40 bacterial species were found in PEIAP. The mean number of species per RCS was 17.92 ± 13.18. The most frequent bacteria were S. mitis (65%), E. nodatum (63%), E. faecalis (63%), F. nucl sp vicentii (58%), T. forsythia (58%), and F. periodonticum (56%). CMP reduced the mean number of species per RCS to 6.8 ± 2.36 (p < 0.05). At s3, the intragroup analysis revealed a broader antimicrobial activity for Ca (OH)2 + 2% CHX-gel and NAC than Ca(OH)2 + SSL (p < 0.05). NAC eliminated 8/12 bacteria species resistant to both Ca (OH)2 ICMs, including P. micra, P. nigrescens, T. denticola, A. israelii, P. endodontalis, P. acnes, C. ochracea, and E. corrodens. CONCLUSIONS: Ca (OH)2 + 2% chlorhexidine gel (2% CHX gel) showed a greater bacterial elimination over the number of bacterial species; however, NAC eliminated 8/12 bacteria species resistant to both Ca (OH)2 ICMs (RBR-3xbnnn). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of intracanal medication with a broad antimicrobial activity can optimize root canal disinfection. Ca(OH)2 + 2% CHX gel and NAC showed a broader antimicrobial activity than Ca(OH)2 + SSL against endodontic pathogens in primary root canal infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC), No. RBR-3xbnnn.

Cytokine expression and anti-microbial effectiveness of different calcium hydroxide dilutions: An In Vitro study.

Aims: To determine the cytokine expression by human gingival fibroblasts in response to different calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dilutions and test the effectiveness of these dilutions in root canal dentin infected with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Methods: UltraCal XS Ca(OH)2 dilutions were prepared (60, 10, and 1 mg\mL) and co-cultured with gingival fibroblasts for 24 and 48 hours. Untreated cells were used as controls. Expressions of interleukin (IL-1ß), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), and IL-10 were analysed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Root canals of extracted human teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis. After 21 days, canals were medicated with Ca(OH)2 dilutions for 7 days. Samples were taken to determine bacterial reduction using quantitative PCR. Analysis of variance, Tukey post-test, and Wilcoxon matched pair test were used for statistics. Results: IL-1ß and TNF-α expressions of all Ca(OH)2 dilutions were higher at 24 and 48 hours compared to the control. Similarly, all Ca(OH)2 dilutions induced TGF-ß expression at 24 hours compared to the control and continued to be higher in 60 mg/mL groups at 48 hours. In contrast, IL-10 was constitutively expressed by untreated cells in the control group and was down-regulated significantly by all Ca(OH)2 dilutions at 24 and 48 hours. All dilutions demonstrated a significant E. faecalis reduction (P < 0.001) with no significant difference between dilution groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: All Ca(OH)2 dilutions had a differential inflammatory effect on fibroblasts and had a down-regulation effect to IL-10. All dilutions tested were effective against E. faecalis, with 60 mg/mL having the highest bacterial reduction.

Bactericidal Efficacy of Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming-Erbium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Combined with Irrigation Solution on Enterococcus faecalis in Curved Root Canals: An In Vitro Study.

Objective: This experiment aimed to study the bactericidal effect of photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS)-erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on Enterococcus faecalis in curved root canals. Materials and methods: Sixty-two molars with moderately curved roots (10°-20°) and 62 molars with severely curved roots (25°-40°; one root was selected in each tooth) were assigned to group A and group B, respectively. A curved root canal model with E. faecalis infection was established. Four samples were used for sterility test, and 20 samples were used for testing if the modeling was valid. The remaining 100 samples were randomly divided into 5 subgroups (A1/A2/A3/A4/A5 and B1/B2/B3/B4/B5, n = 10) and treated as follows: A1/B1: PIPS-Er:YAG laser +5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); A2/B2: passive ultrasonic irrigation +5.25% NaOCl; A3/B3: PIPS-Er:YAG laser+normal saline (NS); A4/B4: two-hole root canal irrigator +5.25% NaOCl; A5/B5: two-hole root canal irrigator+NS. After treatment, bacterial culture counts and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations were carried out for each subgroup, and the bacterial clearance rate of each subgroup was calculated. SPSS 23 software package was used for statistical analysis of the data, and a single-factor analysis of variance was used to compare the subgroups. Results: The bacterial clearance rate in group A was higher than that in group B; however, in each group, A or B, there were significant differences between the subgroups (p < 0.001) except for subgroups 1 and 2 (p > 0.05). SEM revealed that the antibacterial and smear layer removal effect of root canal in subgroups 1 and 2 was better than that in subgroups 3, 4, and 5. Conclusions: PIPS-Er:YAG can significantly enhance the bactericidal effect of NaOCl on E. faecalis in moderately and severely curved root canals.

Disinfection of dentinal tubules with diclofenac sodium and N-Acetylcysteine compared with calcium hydroxide as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disinfection of dentinal tubules with diclofenac sodium (DS), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and calcium hydroxide (CH). Contaminated dentinal blocks were divided into two control and seven experimental groups (n = 15): CH, DS, NAC, CH + 5% DS, 50% CH + 50% DS, CH + 5% NAC and 50% CH + 50% NAC. After seven days, dentine debris was obtained from two depths of 100 and 200 µm. The bacterial load was assessed by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). Pure DS exhibited maximum antibacterial activity at both depths. At 200 µm, it showed statistically significant differences with all the other groups (P < 0.05). Mixing CH with either 5% or 50% of DS and NAC did not increase the antibacterial efficacy (P > 0.05). Pure DS was most effective in disinfecting dentinal tubules, and mixing CH with DS or NAC is not recommended.

Chemomechanical preparation influences the microbial community and the levels of LPS, LTA and cytokines in combined endodontic-periodontal lesions: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare the microbiomes, the levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), before and after chemomechanical preparation (CMP) of the root canals (RC) and their associated periodontal pockets (PP) in teeth with combined EPL. MATERIALS: Samples were taken from 10 RC and PP, before and after CMP. The microbiomes (next-generation sequencing, V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene), microbiome diversity (bioinformatics analyses), LPS (limulus amebocyte lysate), LTA, IL-1ß, and TNF-α (ELISA) were evaluated. A statistical analysis was performed with significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: The most abundant phyla in both sites were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Comparative studies of bacterial genera species revealed that some increased and others decreased after CMP at both sites. A 3% reduction in Gram-negative bacteria (RC) and a 4% increase in Gram-positive bacteria (PP) were detected. LPS levels were 4.4 times higher in PP than in the RC. LTA was detected in all samples investigated. Higher levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α were detected in both sites at baseline. After CMP, LPS, LTA, IL-1ß and TNF-α were reduced in both sites. CONCLUSION: The microbial community in the RC and PP in teeth with combined EPL indicated a similarity between both sites. CMP effectively reduced the microbial load and the LPS levels from teeth with EPL, and consequently diminished the cytokine levels. The reduction in LTA levels in the RC and PP proved challenging.

Cymbopogon citratus essential oil: an active principle of nanoemulsion against Enterococcus faecalis root canal biofilm.

Aim: The objective was to formulate and characterize the nanoemulsion based on Cymbopogon citratus oil, intended for use in infected teeth root canal therapy. The investigation of the antioxidant and antibiofilm potential toward Enterococcus faecalis was aimed as well. Materials & methods: Characterization of oil (by GC/MS analysis) and nanoemulsion (by dynamic light scattering instrument), and determination of antibacterial (by microdilution assay), antibiofilm (by crystal violet assay) and antioxidant properties (by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and thiobarbituric acid assay methods) were provided. Antibiofilm efficacy of irrigation procedure including nanoemulsion was screened on extracted teeth (by CFU-counting assay). Results: Notable antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, both against forming and preformed biofilms of oil, was observed. Irrigation involved nanoemulsion showed remarkable antibiofilm potential. Both substances induced some antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Results encourage further research with the aim of application of the nanoemulsion in dental practice.

Use of electromagnetic stimulation on an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm on root canal treated teeth in vitro.

Root canal disinfection is of utmost importance in the success of the treatment, thus, a novel method for achieving root canal disinfection by electromagnetic waves, creating a synergistic reaction via electric and thermal energy, was created. To study electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) for the disinfection of root canal in vitro, single rooted teeth were instrumented with a 45.05 Wave One Gold reciprocating file. Specimens were sterilized and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29,212, which grew for 15 days to form an established biofilm. Samples were treated with 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 1.5% NaOCl 1.5% NaOCl with EMS, 0.9% saline with EMS or 0.9% saline. After treatments, the colony forming units (CFU) was determined. Data was analyzed by Wilcoxon Rank Sums Test (α = 0.05). One sample per group was scored and split for confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging. There was a significant effect with the use of NaOCl with or without EMS versus 0.9% saline with or without EMS (p = 0.012 and 0.003, respectively). CFUs were lower when using 0.9% saline with EMS versus 0.9% saline alone (p = 0.002). Confocal imaging confirmed CFU findings. EMS with saline has an antibiofilm effect against E. faecalis and can potentially be applied for endodontic disinfection.

Comparación de la efectividad antimicrobiana entre hipoclorito de sodio 2, 5% y ácido hipocloroso 5% frente a Enterococcus faecalis: prueba in vitro / Comparison of antimicrobial effectiveness between sodium hypochlorite 2.5% and hypochlorous acid 5% against Enterococcus faecalis: an in vitro test

La terapia endodóntica tiene como uno de sus objetivos lograr la completa desinfección del sistema de conductos radiculares. Por esto, se deben seleccionar sustancias irrigantes que tengan la capacidad de eliminar todo el contenido de dicho sistema. La acción antimicrobiana es una de las características más importantes a tener en cuenta en la elección. El hipoclorito de sodio (NaOCl) tiene capacidad bactericida sobre muchos de los microorganismos de la flora endodóntica. El Enterococcus faecalis es una bacteria altamente resistente a antibacterianos que sobrevive en condiciones extremas. El ácido hipocloroso (HOCl) es una molécula derivada del NaOCl que ha demostrado tener alto poder bactericida sobre cepas patogénicas bucales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar y comparar la efectividad antimicrobiana in vitro del NaOCl 2.5% y el HOCl al 5% frente a Enterococcus faecalis. Una suspensión de Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), de turbidez 0.5 en escala de McFarland, fue inoculada en varios tubos de ensayo, los cuales contenían cada antimicrobiano. Se dejaron actuar durante 1, 5 y 10 minutos para luego neutralizarlos e inclubarlos a 37º C en condiciones de capnofilia durante 48 hs. Todo el procedimiento se realizó por quintuplicado. Los resultados se midieron mediante recuento de UFC/ml. No se evidenció presencia de Enterococcus faecalis en las placas que contenían la solución de NaOCl al 2.5% como tampoco en aquellas que contenían HOCl al 5%. In vitro, el HOCl y el NaOCl en las concentraciones probadas, eliminaron completamente las cepas de Enterococcus faecalis (AU)

Bacteria Residing at Root Canals Can Induce Cell Proliferation and Alter the Mechanical Properties of Gingival and Cancer Cells.

Understanding the importance of oral microbiota in human health and disease also leads to an expansion of the knowledge on functional, metabolic, and molecular alterations directly contributing to oral and systemic pathologies. To date, a compelling number of studies have documented the crucial role of some oral cavity-occurring microbes in the initiation and progression of cancers. Although this effect was noted primarily for Fusobacterium spp., the potential impact of other oral microbes is also worthy of investigation. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Propionibacterium acnes on the proliferation capability and mechanical features of gingival cells and cell lines derived from lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. For this purpose, we incubated selected cell lines with heat-inactivated bacteria and supernatants collected from biofilms, cultured in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, in the presence of surgically removed teeth and human saliva. The effect of oral bacteria on cell population growth is variable, with the highest growth-promoting abilities observed for E. faecalis in relation to human primary gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and lung cancer A549 cells, and P. acnes in relation to breast cancer MCF-7 and ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells. Notably, this effect seems to depend on a delicate balance between the pro-stimulatory and toxic effects of bacterial-derived products. Regardless of the diverse effect of bacterial products on cellular proliferation capability, we observed significant alterations in stiffness of gingival and lung cancer cells stimulated with E. faecalis bacteria and corresponding biofilm supernatants, suggesting a novel molecular mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of diseases in oral cavities and tooth tissues. Accordingly, it is proposed that analysis of cancerogenic features of oral cavity bacteria should be multivariable and should include investigation of potential alterations in cell mechanical properties. These findings corroborate the important role of oral hygiene and root canal treatment to assure the healthy stage of oral microbiota.

Efeito in vitro da laserterapia e da terapia fotodinâmica na redução de bactérias presentes em canais radiculares / In vitro effect of lasertherapy and photodynamic therapy in bacterial reduction presents in root canals

Este estudo tem por objetivo verificar in vitro o efeito bactericida da laserterapia e da terapia fotodinâmica com laser de baixa potência (660 nm e 808 nm) em bactérias presentes nos canais radiculares. Métodos: foram preparadas 60 placas de Petri com bactérias: 20 placas com Enterococcus faecalis, 20 placas com Staphylococcus aureus e 20 com Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aleatoriamente, dividiu-se cada grupo em 10 subgrupos (duas placas cada): três subgrupos tratados com laserterapia 660 nm em doses de 150, 225 e 300J/ cm², três subgrupos tratados com terapia fotodinâmica (azul de metileno 0,2% e laser 660 nm) em doses de 150, 225 e 300J/cm²; um subgrupo tratado com laserterapia 808 nm na dose de 225J/cm², um subgrupo com terapia fotodinâmica e laser 808 nm, em dose 225J/cm²; um subgrupo tratado apenas com fotossensibilizante (FS), e um não tratado (controle). Os tratados com laserterapia e terapia fotodinâmica foram irradiados uma única vez e incubados por 24 horas. Os últimos dois não receberam irradiação. As culturas foram analisadas visualmente para verificação do halo de inibição. Nos grupos submetidos somente à laserterapia, para o grupo FS e para o grupo controle, não foram observados halos de inibição, já onde houve aplicação da TFD, tanto com L1 quanto com L2, observaram-se halos de inibição em todas as espécies bacterianas estudadas. Conclui-se que a laserterapia, não produziu efeitos bactericidas e/ou bacteriostáticos, enquanto a terapia fotodinâmica nos dois comprimentos de onda produziu halos significativos de inibição de crescimento nas três bactérias do estudo.(AU)

This study aims to verify in vitro the bactericidal effect of laser therapy and photodynamic therapy with low power laser (660 nm and 808 nm), in bacteria present in the root canals.Methods: 60 Petri dishes were prepared with bacteria: 20 plates with Enterococcus faecalis, 20 plates with Staphylococcus aureus and 20 with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At random, each group was divided into 10 subgroups (two plates each): three subgroups treated with 660nm laser therapy at doses of 150, 225 and 300J / cm², three subgroups treated with photodynamic therapy, (0.2% methylene blue and laser 660nm) in doses of 150, 225 and 300J / cm²; a subgroup treated with 808nm laser therapy at a dose of 225J / cm², a subgroup with (photodynamic therapy and 808nm laser) at a dose of 225J / cm²; a subgroup treated only with photosensitizer(FS), and an untreated (control). Those treated with laser therapy and photodynamic therapy were irradiated only once and incubated for 24 hours. The last two received no radiation. The cultures were analyzed visually to check the inhibition zone. In the groups submitted to laser therapy only, for the FS group and for the Control group, no inhibition halos were observed, since PDT was applied, with both L1 and L2, inhibition halos were observed in all studied bacterial species. It was concluded that laser therapy did not produce bactericidal and / or bacteriostatic effects, while photodynamic therapy at both wavelengths produced significant growth inhibition halos in the three studied bacteria.(AU)

Eficacia del instrumento XP-endo Finisher y del sistema EndoActivator en la reducción/eliminación del biofilm bacteriano: un ensayo ex vivo / Ability of the XP-endo Finisher instrument and the EndoActivator system to reduce/eliminate of the bacterial biofilm: an ex vivo assay

Objetivos: Comparar ex vivo la eficacia del instrumento XP-endo Finisher y del sistema EndoActivator en la reducción/eliminación del biofilm microbiano en conductos radiculares infectados. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 23 premolares inferiores humanos extraídos cuya longitud fue estandarizada en 17 mm. Todos los conductos se prepararon con el sistema WaveOne Gold Medium (#35.06). Los dientes se esterilizaron, se inocularon con Enterococcus faecalis y se separaron en dos grupos experimentales de 10 piezas cada uno. De los 3 dientes remanentes, 1 fue utilizado como control positivo y 2, como controles negativos. En el grupo 1, las soluciones irrigantes se agitaron con XP-endo Finisher. En el grupo 2, se utilizó EndoActivator. Se tomaron muestras antes de la contaminación, luego de esta y después de la agitación de los irrigantes mediante conos de papel estériles. La carga microbiana fue sembrada en agar sangre y los conos se cultivaron en caldo tripteína de soja. La remoción de la carga microbiana se determinó por la presencia o ausencia de turbiedad del medio. Las unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC) remanentes se cuantificaron y los resultados se categorizaron como R1 (≤10 UFC) o R2 (>10 UFC). Los datos fueron analizados mediante la prueba de Fisher. Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas entre XP-endo Finisher y EndoActivator (P>0,05). El número de usos no influyó sobre la capacidad operativa de ambos instrumentos (AU)

Aim: To compare ex vivo the effectiveness of the XP-endo Finisher and the EndoActivator in biofilm reduction/ removal from infected root canals. Materials and methods: Twenty three extracted human single-rooted lower premolars were selected and standardised to 17 mm in length. All the canals were prepared with WaveOne Gold Medium reciprocating files (#35.06). The teeth were autoclaved and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. The infected teeth were then assigned to 2 experimental groups of 10 teeth each according to the final irrigation/agitation protocol. Of the three remaining teeth, one was used as a positive control, and the other two were used as negative controls. In Group 1 the irrigating solutions were agitated with XP-endo Finisher while in Group 2 the EndoActivator was used. All root canals were sampled before and after contamination, and again after irrigant agitation with sterile paper points. The microbial load was spread on blood agar plates and the paper points were cultured in sterile trypticase soy broth. The removal of the microbial load was determined by visual observation of the turbidity of the media and by quantification of the number of colony-forming units (UFC). The results were categorized as R1 (≤10 UFC) or R2 (>10 UFC). Data were analysed by the Fisher's exact test at P<0.05. Results: No significant differences was found between XP-endo Finisher and EndoActivator (P>0.05) regarding their effectiveness in the reduction/removal of the microbial biofilm. The number of uses of both instruments did not affect their operative performance (AU) Conclusion: XPF and EA were both equally effective for microbial biofilm reduction/removal from ex vivo infected root canals (AU)

The effect of a chemomechanical protocol to eliminate microorganisms from pulpectomized primary teeth: three case reports

Introduction: Description of the bacterial community before and after chemomechanical preparation (CP) with the removal of a smear layer (SL) in pulpectomized primary teeth has been little reported. Objective: These case reports describe the presence of total microorganisms and Enterococcus faecalis in root canals of primary incisors before and after CP with SL removal. Case Reports: Microbiological samples were collected from the root canals of three children (3.66±0.58 years old) with necrosis (n=2) and irreversible pulpal inflammation (n=1) in maxillary primary incisors. After teeth isolation with a rubber dam and antisepsis of the operative field, the sample collections were performed with sterile absorbent paper cones before and after the CP, which included irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite followed by 6% citric acid to remove the SL. The collected samples were analysed immediately at the end of the clinical procedures. The plates were incubated anaerobically for 48 hours at 37°C. The results were expressed as colony forming units (CFU)/mL. Results: Two of the three teeth showed total microorganisms before the CP. One incisor had no microorganisms in the initial collection. No CFU was counted in the samples collected after CP. Moreover, E. faecalis was not observed any time, either before or after the CP. Conclusions: E. faecalis was not detected in any sample, yet two of the three root canals had microorganisms before CP. In cases where microorganisms were initially found, 100% elimination was observed after the applied protocol.

Introdução: A descrição da comunidade bacteriana antes e após o preparo químico-mecânico (PQM) com remoção da smear layer (SL) em dentes decíduos pulpectomizados tem sido pouco relatada. Objetivo: Esses relatos de casos descrevem a presença de microrganismos totais e Enterococcus faecalis em canais radiculares de incisivos decíduos antes e após PQM com remoção de SL. Relatos dos Casos: Amostras microbiológicas foram coletadas do canal radicular de três crianças (3,66 ± 0,58 anos) com necrose (n = 2) e inflamação pulpar irreversível (n= 1) em incisivos decíduos superiores. Após o isolamento dos dentes com dique de borracha e antissepsia do campo operatório, as coletas das amostras foram realizadas com cones de papel absorvente estéril antes e após o PQM, que incluiu irrigação com hipoclorito de sódio 2,5% seguido de ácido cítrico 6% para retirada do SL. As amostras coletadas foram analisadas imediatamente ao final dos procedimentos clínicos. As placas foram incubadas em anaerobiose durante 48 horas a 37°C. Os resultados foram expressos em unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC)/mL. Resultados: Dois dos três dentes apresentaram microrganismos totais antes do PQM. Um incisivo não apresentava microrganismos na coleta inicial. Nenhuma UFC foi contada nas amostras coletadas após o PQM. Além disso, o E. faecalis não foi observado nenhum momento, nem antes, nem depois do PQM. Conclusão: Não foi detectado E. faecalis em nenhuma amostra, porém dois dos três canais radiculares apresentavam microrganismos antes do PQM. Nos casos em que foram encontrados microrganismos inicialmente, observou-se 100% de eliminação após o protocolo aplicado.

Efficacy of the photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming combined with different solutions on Enterococcus faecalis in the root canals.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different irrigation solutions used in photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) or conventional needle irrigation (CNI) for eradication of Enterococcus faecalis from artificial root canals. Altogether, 240 artificial root canal samples were included. The models were split and incubated for 2 days to allow formation of E. faecalis biofilm. The models were randomly divided into two groups (n = 120): CNI and laser-activated irrigation (LAI). Each group was divided into six subgroups according to different irrigation solutions: distilled water, 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% NaOCl, 5.25% NaOCl, MTAD, and chlorhexidine, respectively. After irrigation, half of the samples (n = 10) were assessed immediately, and the other half of the samples (n = 10) were incubated for 6 hr. Bacterial suspensions were obtained from all samples before and after irrigation, and after incubation, and were quantified adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) assay kit. The biofilms were examined using fluorescent microscopy and analyzed by Image Pro Plus software. Significant reduction of ATP, average fluorescence density after irrigation, and growth after incubation was obtained in LAI group than in CNI group (p < .05). LAI can improve bacteriostasis effect of 2% NaOCl (p < .05). PIPS improved the antibacterial effect of the 2% NaOCl used in root canal therapy.