Pre-medical assessment of root-canal-filled teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis-A multifaceted balancing act.

AIM: Prior to certain medical therapies, dental assessment and treatment of oral foci of infection are recommended. The aim of the present study was to acquire a deeper understanding of the decision-making process regarding the pre-medical management of root-canal-filled teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP). METHODOLOGY: Hospital-affiliated dentists in Sweden were contacted for a semi-structured, in-depth interview. The absolute inclusion criterion was that the dentists had experienced and could recount at least two authentic cases involving root-canal-filled teeth with AAP-one case having resulted in pre-medical treatment, and one having resulted in expectancy. Fourteen interviews, with fourteen informants, were conducted and included in the study. During the interviews, open-ended questions and comments encouraging the informants to elaborate and clarify their experiences were offered. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Qualitative Content Analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS: A theme describing the latent content was identified through interpretation of the collected data: A multifaceted balancing act characterized by a sometimes-difficult risk-benefit-estimation, where an increased uncertainty entails an increased reliance on external opinions. Three main categories, comprising four sub-categories, describing the manifest content were recognized: The tipping scale, The team effort and The frame of reference. CONCLUSIONS: The current interview study found pre-medical decision-making regarding root-canal-filled teeth with AAP to be a multifactorial and contextual process marked by uncertainty and collaborative measures. Further research, resulting in the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines, is suggested necessary.

Volumetric Assessment of Apical Periodontitis Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography-A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to investigate the scientific literature on volumetric studies concerning the diagnosis and treatment of apical periodontitis using CBCT. A systematic review protocol was written following the preferred reporting items for the systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant publications in English, which were published up to 21 January 2023. The inclusion criteria and corresponding search keys were applied. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistic Assessment and Review Instrument. The search strategy identified 202 studies, with 123 studies excluded during the title and abstract screening and 47 studies left for full text screening. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The lesion volume was measured and classified according to different indices which compared the effectiveness of their diagnostics. Moreover, the volume of AP lesions increased with the thickness of the maxillary sinus mucosa in primary and secondary infections and decreased due to endodontic treatment. Volumetric measurements using CBCT are useful in the correct definition of periapical tissue pathosis using a CBCT periapical volume index and assessment of the dynamics of the treatment of apical lesions.

Cost-effectiveness of partial versus stepwise caries removal of deep caries lesions - a decision-analytic approach.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the cost-effectiveness of partial caries removal (PCR) and stepwise caries removal (SW) in mature permanent teeth diagnosed with deep caries lesions, in a Swedish Public Dental Care organization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A decision tree model was used to calculate the cost-effectiveness for PCR and SW. Probability values were obtained through a literature search in PubMed and Scopus. Treatment times were estimated by a group of dentists practicing at public dental care clinics in Västra Götaland county, Sweden. RESULTS: The expected costs for PCR and SW were 187,63 and 414,35 €, respectively, indicating that PCR was more cost-effective. Four articles were identified through the literature search. The p-values for PCR outcomes were 94% (success), 0% (pulp exposure) and 6% (pulpitis/apical periodontitis etc.). For SW, the p-values were 76% (success), 2% (pulp exposure during the first visit), 13% (pulp exposure during the second visit) and 9% (pulpitis/apical periodontitis etc.). CONCLUSIONS: Given the presumptions in this decision analysis, the PCR method used on mature permanent teeth is more cost-effective (p < ,05) compared to the SW method in protecting the pulp from exposure and avoiding the need for root canal treatment.

Assessment of bone quality of apical periodontitis treated with MTA plug and regenerative endodontic techniques.

Fractal analysis (FA) is a quantitative, objective and non-invasive method that facilitates the characterisation of the tissue architecture. This study aims to compare the periapical healing at 1-year follow-up by evaluating newly generated trabecular bone with FA after Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug and regenerative endodontic treatment (RET). A total of 55 asymptomatic teeth with a single-canal, open apex and periapical lesion, treated with MTA plug or RET, were evaluated retrospectively. After considering the inclusion/exclusion criteria, FA was conducted on 30 periapical images using the box-counting method. In both groups, a significant decrease was observed in the periapical lesion size at 1-year follow-up (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the MTA plug and RET (p > 0.01). Significantly higher fractal dimension values were detected at 1-year follow-up in both MTA plug and RET cases (p < 0.01). However, the difference was not significant between the groups (p > 0.01). Both procedures seem to improve periapical healing with a new resistant bone of similar density and complexity.

Radiological Assessment of Prevalance and Quality of Periapical Status of Endodontic Treatments.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence and quality of endodontic treatments and investigate the relationship of various factors with posttreatment endodontic disease (PTED) in a Turkish subpopulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 1069 patients (male, 50.9%; female, 49.1%; mean age, 45.32±13.50 years) were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 20 646 teeth were examined; 1604 had undergone root canal. Periapical status was assessed using a modified CBCT periapical index. The relationship between periapical status and quality of root canal fillings (RCFs) was analyzed statistically using the chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effect of individual parameters by adjusting them for other variables. RESULTS A total of 7.8% of all teeth had RCF. The prevalence of poor filling (having at least 1 procedural error) was 54.1%; the prevalence of PTED was 56.8%. The prevalence of PTED was 44.3% in teeth with short RCF, 10.8% with overextended RCF, 35.7% with nonhomogeneous RCF, and 15.5% in teeth with untreated root canals. The rate of RCF teeth with procedural errors associated with PTED was 76.2%. There was no significant difference between sexes in apical periodontitis (P>0.05), which developed more frequently in teeth with procedural errors. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of poor fillings (having at least 1 procedural error) among RCF teeth was high (54.1%) in this subpopulation. There is a substantial need to improve the technical quality of endodontic treatment.

Avaliação da carga microbiana e fúngica de sistemas de canais radiculares infectados e a expressão apical de integrinas, citocinas e quimiocinas nos tecidos / Assessment of the microbial and fungal load of infected root canal systems and the apical expression of integrins, cytokines and chemokines in adjacent perirradicular tissues

Este estudo busca avaliar quantitativamente a expressão do RNA mensageiro (mRNA) das integrinas alfa1, alfa4, alfa 5, alfa L, citocinas e quimiocinas, a partir de células presentes no líquido intersticial periapical adjacente a dentes com infecção do canal radicular. Foram selecionados 22 indivíduos com necessidade de tratamento endodôntico e encaminhados à Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil). As amostras foram coletadas em 11 dentes necróticos e portadores de infecções endodônticas e 11 dentes hígidos que necessitavam de tratamento endodôntico por motivos protéticos. Após a cirurgia de acesso e antes dos procedimentos de limpeza e modelagem do sistema de canais radiculares (T0), imediatamente após a limpeza e formatação do sistema de canais radiculares(T1), em 7 (T2) e 14 dias (T3), um cone de papel esterilizado endodôntico # 20 foi inserido no SCR, mantido por 2 min, e posteriormente armazenado a -70°C. Real-Time PCR analisou microbiologicamente essas amostras para ler a expressão gênica do rRNA microbiano 16S e fragmentos da região ITS do gDNA fúngico da espécie Candida. Após os procedimentos de limpeza e formatação do SCR, três cones de papel absorvente esterilizados foram inseridos. Passivamente, a ponta do papel ultrapassou o ápice radicular em 2 mm e permaneceu por 2 minutos. As amostras foram coletadas imediatamente após a limpeza e modelagem do RCS, 7 e 14 dias após a primeira sessão. As pontas de papel tiveram os 4 mm finais cortados, inseridos em Eppendorf e armazenados a - 70°C. Com este procedimento, o RNA foi extraído do líquido intersticial periapical para caracterizar as expressões dos genes ITGA1, ITGA4, ITGA5, ITGAL, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-10, IFN-γ, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5, CXCR4, e 16S usando PCR em tempo real. O DNA genômico (gDNA) foi extraído para se avaliar a abundância de Candida utilizando-se sequências ITS, por PCR em tempo real. Os resultados demonstraram que os níveis de expressão de mRNA do 16S diminuíram após os procedimentos de limpeza e modelagem e que a abundância de Candida foi insipiente na amostra analisada. As citocinas pro- inflamatórias IL-1ß e IL-17 apresentaram níveis de expressão elevados frente a infecção, reduzindo significativamente após os procedimentos de limpeza e formatação. Os níveis de expressão gênica de TNF-α significantemente aumentaram, em ambos os grupos. Não se observou diferença significativa quanto a expressão gênica das citocinas IFN-γ, IL-10, CCL-2 e CCL-5 e das integrinas ITGAL e ITGA5 nos tempos avaliados. A expressão gênica de CXCR4 reduziu significativamente do tempo T1 para o T2, no grupo experimental. As expressões gênicas de ITGA1 e ITGA4, no grupo experimental, reduziram significativamente de maneira tempo dependente. Finalmente, não houve alteração significativa na expressão de marcadores de macrófagos (CD64), enquanto expressão de marcadores de fibroblastos (S100A4) aumentou significativamente no grupo controle. Concluiu-se que a carga microbiana e a abundância de leveduras correlacionam-se positivamente com a expressão de mediadores pró-inflamatórios e que a que terapia endodôntica negativamente impacta a expressão dos mediadores pró-inflamatórios e das integrinas nos tecidos perirradiculares.

This study seeks to quantitatively evaluate the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of integrins alpha1, alfa4, alpha 5, alpha L, cytokines, and chemokines, from cells present in the periapical interstitial fluid adjacent to teeth with root canal infection. Twenty-two individuals needing endodontic treatment and referred to the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil) were selected. The samples were collected in 11 necrotic teeth and carriers of endodontic infections and 11 healthy teeth needing endodontic treatment for prosthetic reasons. After access surgery and before root canal system (RCS) cleaning and shaping procedures (T0), immediately after cleaning and shaping the root canal system (T1), in 7 (T2) and 14 days (T3) an endodontic sterilized paper point #20 was inserted into the RCS, maintained for 2 min, and subsequently stored at -70°C. Real-Time PCR microbiologically analyzed these samples to read the gene expression of microbial rRNA 16S and fragments of the ITS region of the Fungus Candida species gDNA. After RCS cleaning and shaping procedures, three sterilized absorbent paper cones were inserted. Passively, the paper point exceeded the root apex by 2 mm and remained for 2 minutes. Samples were collected immediately after RCS cleaning and shaping, 7 and 14 days after the first session. The paper points have the 4 mm of their tip cut, inserted in Eppendorf, and stored at - 70°C. This procedure extracted RNA from the periapical interstitial fluid to characterize the expressions of the genes ITGA1, ITGA4, ITGA5, ITGAL, IL-1ß, TNF- α, IL-17A, IL-10, IFN-γ, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5, CXCR4, ITS using Real-Time PCR. The results showed that 16S mRNA expression levels decreased after cleaning and modeling procedures and that Candida abundance was incipient in the analyzed sample. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-17 showed high expression levels against infection, significantly reduced after cleaning and formatting procedures. TNF-α gene expression levels significantly increased in both experimental and control groups. No significant difference was observed regarding the gene expression of the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-10, CCL-2, and CCL-5 and the integrins ITGAL and ITGA5. The gene expressions of ITGA1 and ITGA4 in the experimental group were significantly reduced time-dependent. Finally, there was no significant change in their macrophage markers (CD64) expression, while fibroblast markers (S100A4) expression significantly increased in the control group. It was concluded that microbial load and yeast abundance are positively correlated with the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and that endodontic therapy negatively impacts the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and integrins in periradicular tissues.

Assessment of sCD14 levels in patients with endodontic pathology requiring root canal treatment / Avaliação dos níveis de sCD14 em pacientes que necessitam de tratamento endodôntico

Objective: Dental caries is one of the most common microbial diseases. Because of the infectious nature of the disease, the immunologic response by the host plays an essential role in its development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the sCD14 levels in patients exhibiting two to three teeth with caries involving pulp along with apical periodontitis requiring root canal treatment. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 20 participants, of whom 10 were caries-free (Control) and 10 had two to three teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis along with apical periodontitis requiring root canal treatment, within the ages of 20- 30 years. Unstimulated saliva of the participants was collected with disposable needle-less syringe from buccal and labial vestibules. The sCD14 levels in salivary samples were assessed before and following endodontic treatment. The results were analyzed by ELISA. Results: The obtained levels of sCD14 were analyzed statistically. Paired T test was performed to assess the significance. The results revealed that there was a significant difference in sCD14 levels with a P=0.0005, as it had drastically reduced once the inflammation has subsided. Conclusion: Higher values of sCD14 levels were seen in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis along with apical periodontitis than in caries free group. The study also showed that sCD levels were significantly reduced following post endodontic treatment. Therefore, increased levels of sCD14 can be considered as a marker of inflammation. (AU)

Objetivo: A cárie dentária é uma das doenças microbianas mais comuns. Devido à natureza infecciosa da doença, a resposta imunológica do hospedeiro desempenha um papel essencial no seu desenvolvimento. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis de sCD14 em pacientes que possuiam dois a três dentes com necessidade de tratamento endodôntico por apresentarem lesão de cárie envolvendo polpa e periodontite periapical. Material e Métodos: Este estudo foi realizado em 20 participantes, dos quais 10 estavam livres de cárie (controle) e 10 tinham dois a três dentes com pulpite irreversível sintomática e periodontite periapical com necessidade de tratamento endodôntico, nas idades de 20 a 30 anos. A saliva não estimulada das crianças foi coletada com seringa descartável sem agulha dos vestíbulos bucal e labial. Os níveis de sCD14 em amostras salivares foram avaliados antes e após o tratamento endodôntico. Os resultados foram analisados por ELISA. Resultados: Os níveis de sCD14 obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente. O teste T pareado foi realizado para avaliar a significância. Os resultados revelaram que houve uma diferença significativa nos níveis de sCD14 com um P = 0,0005, uma vez que reduziu drasticamente uma vez que a inflamação diminuiu. Resultados: Os níveis de sCD14 obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente. O teste T pareado foi realizado para avaliar a significância. Os resultados revelaram que houve uma diferença significativa nos níveis de sCD14 com um P = 0,0005, uma vez que reduziu drasticamente uma vez que a inflamação diminuiu. Conclusão: Valores mais elevados de níveis de sCD14 foram observados em pacientes com pulpite irreversível sintomática junto com periodontite periapical do que no grupo livre de cárie. O estudo também mostrou que os níveis de sCD foram significativamente reduzidos após o tratamento endodôntico. Portanto, níveis aumentados de sCD14 podem ser considerados um marcador de inflamação. (AU)

Clinical assessment of cemento-osseous dysplasia based on three-dimensional diagnostic imaging: A case report.

Cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) is a lesion in which periapical bone is replaced by fibrous tissue, including osseous or cementum-like tissue. In the initial stage of COD, radiolucencies are noted at the root apex on periapical radiography, which can be confused with apical periodontitis. Understanding of correct pathological condition and careful assessment of COD is critical to avoid unnecessary endodontic interventions in healthy teeth. This report describes the ability and usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) to detect COD. The findings in this case suggest that MSCT is more appropriate than CBCT, especially for patients with early- to middle-stage COD. However, the radiation dose is higher in MSCT than in CBCT; the application of MSCT should be limited to assessment of whether treatment or surgical management is necessary.

Outcome Assessment of Teeth with Necrotic Pulps and Apical Periodontitis Treated with Long-term Calcium Hydroxide.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective, cohort case series was 2-fold: (1) to evaluate the outcomes of teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis using long-term calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) (healing was assessed via the periapical index [PAI] system) and (2) to explore the possible association of fractures in relation to long term Ca(OH)2 exposure. METHODS: A total of 242 cases, diagnosed with pulpal necrosis and apical periodontitis, were treated with long-term Ca(OH)2 using a standardized protocol. Injectable and powdered Ca(OH)2 were placed sequentially in the root canal system. All cases were re-evaluated within a 3-month period until radiographic healing was observed. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed annually. Pre- and postoperative periapical radiographs were evaluated using the PAI system. RESULTS: Of the 242 cases, 219 participants completed their treatment with annual follow-up. The average Ca(OH)2 time was 5.4 months with a range of 1-12 months. Overall, by the latest follow-up visit, 90.0% (197/219) were classified as "healed." The overall mean preoperative and postoperative PAI scores were 4.07 (±0.80) and 1.76 (±0.70), respectively. Kappa statistics showed an almost perfect agreement for inter-rater (κ = 0.91) and intrarater (κ = 0.95) reproducibility for both examiners. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the use of long-term Ca(OH)2 in the treatment of teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis resulted in a predictable high outcome. There was no association observed between long-term Ca(OH)2 use and the incidence of fractures during this study. Ca(OH)2 is a suitable material of choice as an interappointment dressing for teeth diagnosed with pulpal necrosis and apical periodontitis.

Revisiting Orstavik's PAI score to produce a reliable and reproducible assessment of the outcomes of endodontic treatments in routine practice.

INTRODUCTION: Orstavik's periapical index is widely used for radiographic assessment of periapical status. This study analyses the reliability and reproducibility of a modified guide for the interpretation of the periapical index (PAI) scores recorded by undergraduate students. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Two groups of 4th-year students were asked to assess the PAI scores of 100 X-rays two or three times depending on the group. The reliability of their judgment was evaluated by comparing the students' assessments to those of a standard, based on the evaluations made by three teachers. Short-term stability was evaluated for two lengths of interval separating the Test and Retest phases, respectively, 1 week for Group 1 and 2 weeks for Group 2. Long-term stability was evaluated by having Group 1 repeat the Retest phase after 15 months. RESULTS: Overall mean success rates ranged from 61% to 65% according to the student group and the study phase. Intergroup comparisons showed no statistical difference. The reliability of the PAI score evaluation by students was excellent in both groups. Short-term and long-term stability were also excellent regardless of the duration of the interval between the study's phases. DISCUSSION: The image misinterpretations are discussed according to the study phases and the PAI score values. CONCLUSION: Undergraduate students can be trained to use the modified guide for scoring PAI for self-evaluation of the outcomes of the root canal treatments and re-treatments they are asked to perform during their clinical sessions.

Antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists for endodontic infections; a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistance microbes worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic prescribing practices amongst general dental practitioners and specialists in managing endodontic infections in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). DESIGN: General dental practitioners and specialists in the UAE were invited to participate in an online questionnaire survey which included questions on socio-demographics, practitioner's antibiotic prescribing preferences for various pulpal and periapical diseases, and their choice, in terms of the type, dose and duration of the antibiotic. The link to the survey questionnaire was sent to 250 invited dentists. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for independence and level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 174 respondents participated in the survey (response rate = 70%). The respondents who prescribed antibiotics at least once a month were 38.5% while 17.2% did so, more than three times a week; amoxicillin 500 mg was the antibiotic of choice for patients not allergic to penicillin (43.7%), and in cases of penicillin allergies, erythromycin 500 mg (21.3%). There was a significant difference in the antibiotic prescribing practices of GDPs compared to endodontists and other specialties especially in clinical cases such as acute apical abscesses with swelling and moderate to severe pre-operative symptoms and retreatment of endodontic cases (p<0.05). Approximately, three quarters of the respondents (78.7%) did not prescribe a loading dose when prescribing antibiotics. About 15% respondents prescribed antibiotics to their patients if they were not accessible to patients due to a holiday/weekend. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the antibiotic prescribing practices of UAE dentists are congruent with the international norms. However, there were occasions of inappropriate prescriptions such as in patients with irreversible pulpitis, necrotic pulps with no systemic involvement and/or with sinus tracts.

Laser Doppler Assessment of Microcirculation of Apical Periodontitis before Nonsurgical and during Surgical Laser Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Laser doppler flowmetry is a non-invasive method of measuring microcirculatory blood flow in tissue. Using laser doppler flowmetry Moor VMS-LDF1-HP and CP1T-HP probe combined with Moor VMS-PC software to evaluate the state of the periapical lesion (cyst) before nonsurgical endodontic treatment with bioceramics (Well Root SP™) and compare it to a healthy vital tooth of the same type with no periapical lesions. Later the bony crypt of the cyst was evaluated with Moor VMSLDF1-HP and VP7BS-HP probe during periapical surgery after the cyst was ablated with Er: YAG laser Lite Touch™ (Sineron, Israel) and retrogradely obturated with TheraCal LC®. Then the cyst received a bioceramic bone graft. To our knowledge, this is the first time laser doppler has been used during periapical surgery to evaluate tissue perfusion. Lesion type was confirmed with a histological examination after surgery. AIM: Evaluate tissue perfusion of a periapical lesion before nonsurgical treatment and during surgical endodontic treatment with Er:YAG laser with the help of laser doppler flowmeter. RESULTS: Laser doppler flowmetry shows that the cystic tooth has a decreased blood flow, decreased concentration, direct current, speed, and lower temperature compared to a healthy tooth of the same type. During periapical surgery, the direct laser blood flow evaluation of the surgical crypt shows different values of the flux, speed, direct current, concentration, and temperature, which could be attributed to the mechanical trauma, adrenaline in the local anaesthetic or laser irradiation of tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Laser doppler flowmetry is a valuable method to perform tissue evaluation before, during and after treatment. It allows us to follow up the healing and pathological dynamics of microcirculatory tissue changes as well as evaluate and compare different methods and materials for treatment of apical periodontitis.

Quantitative Assessment of Mechanical Allodynia and Central Sensitization in Endodontic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Patients seeking endodontic treatment commonly present with reduced mechanical pain thresholds (ie, mechanical allodynia [MA]) in the offending teeth. In patients with moderate to severe pain, MA may manifest in the teeth contralateral to the offending teeth because of the onset of central sensitization (CS). We hypothesize that there are quantitative differences in MA and CS in patients with different pulp and periradicular diagnoses. METHODS: Patients (n = 70) receiving endodontic treatment in the graduate endodontic clinic at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and healthy volunteers (n = 10) were included in this cross-sectional study. The mechanical pain threshold from molar teeth was measured by a digital bite force transducer on the offending tooth (ipsilateral) and the contralateral tooth. Ipsi- and contralateral MA among different endodontic diagnoses were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn post hoc test and the Student t test for differences between sexes. Multivariate regression models analyzed predictors for MA and CS. RESULTS: Periradicular diagnoses of asymptomatic apical periodontitis, symptomatic apical periodontitis, and chronic apical abscess cases were significantly associated with MA. CS, seen as contralateral MA, was only detected in pulpal diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, previously initiated treatment, symptomatic apical periodontitis, and chronic apical abscess. Females experienced significantly lower pain thresholds than males on both sides. MA and CS were significantly correlated in both sexes. The preoperative pain level and duration were significant predictors for MA and CS only in female patients. Lastly, age was a significant predictor for MA in females. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of MA and CS varied with different endodontic diagnoses, with CS being correlated with increases in MA. Only in female patients were age, preoperative pain duration, and intensity significant predictors for the development of MA and CS.

Assessment of the functional efficacy of root canal treatment with high-frequency waves in rats.

The purpose of this study was to develop a high-frequency wave therapy model in rats and to investigate the influence of high-frequency waves on root canal treatment, which may provide a novel strategy for treating apical periodontitis. Root canal treatments with and without high-frequency wave irradiation were performed on the mandibular first molars of 10-week-old male Wistar rats. The mesial roots were evaluated radiologically, bacteriologically, and immunohistochemically. At 3 weeks after root canal treatment, lesion volume had decreased significantly more in the irradiated group than in the non-irradiated group, indicating successful development of the high-frequency therapy model. The use of high-frequency waves provided no additional bactericidal effect after root canal treatment. However, high-frequency wave irradiation was found to promote healing of periapical lesions on the host side through increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 and transforming growth factor-ß1 and could therefore be useful as an adjuvant nonsurgical treatment for apical periodontitis.

Clinical and microbiological assessment of root canal decontamination in chronic apical periodontitis using the ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To study the effectiveness of chronic apical periodontitis treatment by the combined use of ultrasonic treatment of root canals and multicomponent antimicrobial gel according to the results of clinical and microbiological researches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 64 patients with chronic apical periodontitis at the age of 18-56 years were treated. Patients were divided into two groups: the main and control. In the main group the root canals of 36 teeth were sonicated in combination with multicomponent antimicrobial gel, in the control - 35 teeth were treated by a standard method. The content of the root canals for microbiological studies was obtained before endodontic treatment and before permanent obturation. Frequency of content and number of bacteria in the samples were evaluated. RESULTS: Results: All samples before treatment were positive for the presence of variable bacterial flora, among which Staphylococcus epidermidis (43.9%), Enterococcus faecalis (37.9%), Streptococcus spp. (24.8%), Candida albicans (24.4%), Fusibacterium (9.4%) were the most dominant, their number was 7.4-4.8 lg CFU/ml. Repeated research after the proposed and standard method of root canal decontamination has shown a significant decrease in microflora. According to the data of clinical and microbiological examination, the method which was developed by us revealed a positive result in 86% of cases compared with 63% when treated by the standard method. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The effectiveness of a complex treatment method with combined use of the ultrasonic irrigation and multicomponent antimicrobial gel for root canals decontamination in chronic apical periodontitis is demonstrated. Significant reduction of microflora growth and destruction of microbial associations, good penetration of multicomponent antimicrobial gel into endodontic structures due to ultrasound compared with a standard method were achieved.

Quantitative Assessment of the Efficacy of Two Different Single-file Systems in Reducing the Bacterial load in Oval-Shaped Canals: A Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: This randomized clinical study compared the in vivo antibacterial efficacy of Reciproc Blue (RB), XP-endo Shaper (XP-S), and XP-endo Shaper associated with XP-endo Finisher (XP-F) systems in infected oval-shaped root canals with primary apical periodontitis. METHODS: In this study, 28 human teeth with a single root and a single canal were randomly assigned to 2 groups according to the instrumentation technique: group 1, RB (n = 14) and group 2, XP-endo (XP-S and XP-F, n = 14). The single-rooted teeth were prepared by reciprocating and rotary nickel-titanium instruments with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Samples were collected from the canal at the baseline (S1), after chemomechanical preparation (S2), and after XP-F instrumentation (S3). The DNA extracts were subjected to quantitative analysis for total bacterial counts by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance test, and the level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: All samples tested positive for the presence of bacteria at baseline, and the bacterial counts substantially reduced after treatment procedures (P < .01). The results showed no statistical difference between RB and XP-S instrumentation with respect to the bacterial reduction (P > .05). A marked bacterial reduction was observed after the use of the XP-F instrument (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The XP-S and RB systems sharply reduced the bacterial load in oval-shaped root canals with primary apical periodontitis. XP-F used as a supplementary instrument to chemomechanical preparation promoted a significantly higher bacterial reduction.

Quantitative Assessment of Intracanal Regenerated Tissues after Regenerative Endodontic Procedures in Mature Teeth Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The present study quantitatively assessed tissue regeneration after regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) with 2 different apical preparation sizes in mature teeth using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Eighteen maxillary anterior mature necrotic teeth with periapical lesions were selected for the study. The teeth were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Canal preparation was performed using Protaper Next files (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA) until size X3 and X5 in the test and control groups, respectively. REPs were performed, and Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France) was used as the cervical plug material. In both groups, MRI was used to measure the signal intensity (SI) of the regenerated tissue at 3, 6, and 12 months at both the middle and the apical thirds of the canal. The SI between the normal contralateral teeth and each successive interval was compared. Clinical examination, sensibility tests, and digital periapical radiographs were also performed at successive time intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t test and Cochran test. The level of significance was set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: All 18 teeth were symptom free with healing of the periapical lesions. Regarding the SI measurements, there was no statistically significant difference between the SI of the normal contralateral teeth and that of the regenerated tissues in the treated teeth after a 12-month follow-up. In both groups, more than 60% of the cases regained pulp sensibility after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Vital pulplike tissue could be successfully regenerated in mature teeth using REPs, which was not significantly affected by the size of the apical diameter. MRI could successfully assess this tissue in a quantitative, noninvasive manner.

Assessment of Australian Dentists' Treatment Planning Decisions Based on Diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: An accurate diagnosis is required for the appropriate management of endodontic conditions. It is unknown whether the specific descriptive terminology used in diagnosis influences treatment decision making. The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment choices made by dentists are influenced by the diagnostic terminology used. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four dentists in Australia were recruited through the Australian Dental Association to complete an online survey regarding 14 endodontic cases. Respondents selected treatment options based on a given diagnosis and radiograph. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 26; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) and the exact McNemar test to determine if there was a difference between treatment choices for matched diagnoses with different terminology. RESULTS: More dentists chose to manage irreversible pulpitis operatively when the descriptive term chronic was used compared with asymptomatic (93.3% vs 59.8%, χ12 = 57.69, P < .005). This trend was repeated when using chronic or asymptomatic to describe apical periodontitis (96.9% vs 89.7%, exact P = .004) and apical abscesses (99.0% vs 83.5%, χ12 = 104.125, P < .005). The differences between acute and symptomatic were less dramatic but still presented significant differences in treatment choices for an apical abscess described as "primary acute" or "secondary acute" compared with "symptomatic" (82.0% and 96.4% vs 93.3%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Descriptive terminology, specifically the terms acute and chronic as opposed to symptomatic and asymptomatic, used in the diagnosis of endodontic conditions did influence whether clinicians chose operative management or nonoperative management. Further research is warranted to determine the extent of this influence among dentists.

Histological assessment of human regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp/apical periodontitis: A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the histological evidence of the neo-formed tissues inside the root canals of human teeth having previously received regenerative endodontic treatment. An electronic research was performed in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases using controlled vocabulary. The retrieved studies were screened by two reviewers according to the predetermined inclusion and extrusion criteria and were full-text-evaluated. Research resulted in 160 studies. Among them, twelve fitted the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised. The tissues formed in the root canals of immature human teeth treated with REP indicate repair or a combination of repair and regeneration. Pulp remnants and healthy periapical tissues seem to improve regeneration. The level of available evidence was low. Further clinical studies are needed in order to establish the appropriate treatment protocol related to the pretreatment status of the dental pulp and the periapical tissues.

Assessment of the quality of endodontic re-treatment and changes in periapical status on a postgraduate endodontic clinic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess endodontic retreatment outcomes based on quality of obturation and healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 223 radiographs of patients who had received endodontic retreatment during the period (2008-2015) at a postgraduate teaching clinic were selected. Unreadable radiographs were all excluded. From the original sample of 223 in total 24 radiographs were discarded. The final sample thus consisted of 199 root canal fillings. All radiographs were individually evaluated for the density of the root filling as well as the distance between the end of the root canal filling and radiographic apex based on a six-point scoring system. Subsequently, patients were reviewed and follow up periapical radiographs were exposed. The outcome of healing was assessed using the Periapical Index (PAI) scoring system. The data were analysed using Chi Square test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study revealed that 78.9 % of the endodontic retreatments were both homogeneity and length acceptable. The corresponding figure was only 13.1 % before endodontic retreatment. Conversely, homogeneity and length unacceptable before endodontic retreatment was 47.2 % reducing to a mere 2.5 % after retreatment. The results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was over 80 % improvement in periapical healing following endodontic retreatment and this was also statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in outcome after endodontic retreatment on the postgraduate endodontic clinic. The success rate of endodontic retreatment was over 70 % which is in line with the endodontic literature. Radiographic follow up confirmed some 81 % improvement in healing rate following endodontic retreatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Endodontic re-treatment cases are normally categorised as high complexity and as such referral to specialist settings should be considered to help improve treatment outcomes.