Photodynamic therapy in the root canal treatment of primary teeth: A systematic review of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the most common oral disease worldwide, and it is estimated to affect 2.3 billion people, with at least 530 million of them being schoolchildren with decayed primary teeth. This condition can rapidly evolve into irreversible pulp inflammation and pulp necrosis and thus requiring endodontic intervention. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a supplementary method to conventional pulpectomy and is used to improve the protocol used for disinfection. AIM: The main objective of this study was to evaluate through a systematic review the efficacy of supplementary PDT on the pulpectomy of primary teeth. This review was registered a priori on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022310581). DESIGN: Two independent and blinded reviewers carried out a comprehensive search in five databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials that evaluated in vivo microbiological load or clinical outcomes after using supplementary PDT in infected primary teeth. RESULTS: After the selection process, four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Data regarding the sample characteristics and PDT protocols were retrieved. All included trials used phenothiazinium salts as photosensitizer agents. Only one study observed a significant difference in the in vivo microbiological load reduction outcome when performing PDT on primary teeth. The remaining studies all discussed the possible benefits of this intervention; however, none observed a significant difference in this outcome. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review, moderate-to-low certainty of the available evidence was observed, and thus, no significant conclusions can be drawn from the findings.

Impact of passive ultrasonic irrigation on the outcome of non-surgical root canal treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation on the periapical healing rate of primary root canal treatment compared to conventional syringe irrigation. METHODS: Registered a priori in the PROSPERO database, this review was conducted by two independent reviewers who performed an electronic search up to December 2023. The search included databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library, as well as grey literature. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that focused on patients undergoing primary root canal treatments. The study compared intervention groups using PUI with control groups that did not use activation techniques. Periapical healing was assessed over follow-up periods of at least six months, utilizing either periapical radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography. To synthesize the findings, a meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis were conducted, employing the Relative Risk as the measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval. The GRADE approach was utilized to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: The meta-analysis incorporated three RCTs, involving 474 patients (501 teeth). The analysis revealed that PUI led to a higher rate of periapical healing compared to CSI (Relative Risk: 1.10; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.01-1.21, I² = 0%), with moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited number of high-quality RCTs, the findings showed a positive impact of PUI on periapical healing rates in primary root canal treatments, in comparison to CSI. REGISTER: CRD42021290894.

Endodontic therapy in patients with inherited bleeding disorders: a scoping review.

This systematic scoping review aimed to map available evidence regarding endodontic therapy in patients with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs). Studies in medicine or dentistry were selected if they reported on endodontic therapy in individuals with IBDs such as hemophilia A, hemophilia B, or von Willebrand disease. Two independent researchers performed searches and screening in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The search initially yielded 676 potentially relevant studies, 14 of which were included in the final analysis. Of these 14 studies, 3 were classified as consensus statements or guidelines, 3 as observational studies, 2 as reviews, 5 as case reports, and 1 as an editorial. Most of the evidence regarding prophylactic treatment (eg, blood transfusion, replacement therapy, or medication administration) prior to endodontic therapy was derived from observational studies. The most frequently reported procedure was endodontic therapy, while 1 case report described a surgical endodontic procedure. Most studies included in the analysis reported that these procedures could be performed under local anesthesia. Two case reports and 1 observational study described complications after endodontic therapy in patients with IBDs. This scoping review revealed a lack of well-designed studies related to the topic of endodontic therapy in patients with IBDs. The available evidence suggests that endodontic therapy in patients with IBDs can be considered a low-risk procedure; local anesthesia should be used in most cases when patients with IBDs are treated, but the use of prophylactic measures is preferred when nerve block anesthesia is required; endodontic therapy can be conducted in a clinical setting without the need for hospital admittance; and, although the number of reported complications is small, the risk should not be ignored.

Fifteen years of engine-driven nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments, what do we know so far? An umbrella review.

Numerous systematic reviews (SRs) have produced conflicting findings on engine-driven nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments (reciprocating instruments) since Yared's seminal study 15 years ago. This umbrella review analysed SRs examining the clinical and laboratory evidence regarding reciprocating instruments for root canal treatment. SRs that evaluated qualitatively and/or quantitatively the outcomes postoperative pain, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), shaping ability, debris extrusion, microbial load, endotoxins reduction, cyclic fatigue, file fracture, dentinal cracks and root canal filling removal were included. The AMSTAR 2 tool was used to evaluate SRs quality, while the ROBIS tool to assess risk of bias (RoB). Forty SRs were included. The SRs revealed predominantly 'high' RoB and 'critically low' quality. Most focused on technical outcomes, exhibiting significant methodological and statistical heterogeneity. Findings suggest comparable efficacy between reciprocating and rotary instruments. However, due to the scarcity of high-quality evidence, future well-designed studies and reviews considering core outcome measures are needed.

Current perspectives on calcium silicate-based intracanal medicaments: A scoping review of clinical and laboratory evidence.

OBJECTIVE: Intracanal medicaments, primarily calcium hydroxide, play a significant role in optimizing root canal disinfection. Recently, calcium silicate-based intracanal medicaments have emerged as potential alternatives. This scoping review sought to map the available evidence concerning the clinical and laboratory properties of these bioceramic medicaments. DATA: The study protocol was registered a priori (https://osf.io/rnyuv/) and a systematic search strategy using relevant MeSH terms was employed. SOURCES: The search was conducted across databases including the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that investigated the clinical and laboratory properties of calcium silicate-based intracanal medicaments were included. CONCLUSIONS: Out of 1008 potentially relevant articles, 15 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies came from Brazil, primarily focusing on Bio-C Temp (Angelus). The studies revealed acceptable biocompatibility, alkaline pH, and high calcium ion release. However, they showed reduced antibacterial activity compared to conventional calcium hydroxide formulations. Tooth discoloration beyond clinically acceptable thresholds was also a significant concern. A single clinical case report exhibited potential for periapical healing and root development, though this evidence is very limited. While current evidence is preliminary, high-quality clinical trials are essential to determine their clinical efficacy and safety in endodontic treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Calcium silicate-based intracanal medicaments have lower antibacterial activity and potential for tooth discoloration compared to conventional calcium hydroxide-based medicaments. Given the available evidence, they cannot be recommended for routine clinical practice.

Outcome of curcumin-based photodynamic therapy in endodontic microsurgery: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent apical periodontitis after root canal treatment may require surgical retreatment when non-surgical options are ineffective or impractical due to anatomical challenges or iatrogenic errors. Endodontic microsurgery (EMS) is a precise technique that aims to overcome extraradicular biofilm and root morphology issues. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging supplementary disinfection approach that utilizes a photosensitizer agent and light to eliminate microorganisms through oxidative reactions. REPORT: A 60-year-old male with persistent apical periodontitis in a left maxillary first molar underwent non-surgical root canal retreatment followed by surgical reintervention due to anatomical complexities. During surgery, PDT was performed using a novel curcumin-based photosensitizer agent. After the procedure, the tooth was retrofilled with bioceramic cement, and photobiomodulation was applied to enhance tissue healing. One year post-surgery, the patient exhibited complete periradicular repair and remained asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: EMS is considered a last resort to salvage an endodontically treated tooth and has shown moderate success rates. PDT has demonstrated promise in improving periapical healing and reducing microorganisms. In this case, curcumin, diluted with 2 % chlorhexidine gel, served as an effective photosensitizer agent with antimicrobial properties. Moreover, performing photobiomodulation aided in cell recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. CONCLUSION: The proposed EMS treatment protocol with PDT using curcumin yielded positive outcomes in this case report. Further randomized clinical trials are necessary to assess the efficacy of this approach in EMS. Additionally, further research on curcumin-based photosensitizer agents encapsulated in nanoparticles and enhanced antimicrobial agents is recommended to refine this treatment protocol for routine use.

Outcome of Root Canal Treatment of Teeth with Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis Treated with Foraminal Enlargement and 2% Chlorhexidine Gel: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective cohort study aimed to estimate the success rate (SR) of primary root canal treatment on teeth with a diagnosis of pulp necrosis (PN) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) when using 2% chlorhexidine gel as an auxiliary chemical substance and foraminal enlargement instrumentation technique. METHODS: This study evaluated 178 patients with 206 teeth submitted to primary root canal treatment performed by graduate residents in endodontics. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent treatment over a period of 1-7 years on teeth with a diagnosis of PN and AAP. The SR was evaluated clinically and radiographically and categorized considering strict (complete resolution of the periradicular lesion) or loose (reduction in the size of the existing periradicular lesion) criteria. Cases of clinical and/or radiographic absence of repair were classified as a failure. Two calibrated examiners independently assessed treatment outcomes using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). RESULTS: The SRs were 81.1% (95% confidence interval, 75.7%-86.4%) and 87.4% (95% confidence interval, 82.8%-91.9%) when considering the strict or loose criteria, respectively. Females had a higher SR when strict criteria were applied. Also, the SR was significantly reduced when there was an increase in the patient's age. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth with a diagnosis of PN and AAP and treated with 2% chlorhexidine gel and foraminal enlargement achieved substantial SR. Sex and age were prognostic factors that played a significant role in the SR. Future randomized controlled trials should further investigate the effects of foraminal enlargement and 2% chlorhexidine gel as an auxiliary chemical substance.

Tooth color change after photodynamic therapy in endodontics: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A smile is considered one of the most important soft skills in social interaction. And discolored teeth may effect this. It is known that some photosensitizer agents (PS) used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) during root canal treatment could play a significant role in tooth color change, and thus the main objective of this systematic review is to address whether performing PDT can influence tooth color change and to synthesize the most effective methods to remove PS from the root canal system. METHODS: This study followed the PRISMA 2020 statement, and the protocol was registered at the Open Science Framework. Two blinded reviewers searched five databases up to November 20th, 2022: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The eligibility criteria were studies that investigated tooth color change after PDT in endodontics. RESULTS: A total of 1695 studies were retrieved, and 7 were included in the qualitative analysis. All the included studies were in vitro evidence and investigated five different PS: methylene blue, toluidine blue O, malachite green, indocyanine green, and curcumin. Besides curcumin and indocyanine green, the remaining agents all caused tooth color change, and no method employed was effective in fully removing these PS from inside the root canal system CONCLUSIONS: Even though the findings showed that curcumin and indocyanine green did not influence tooth color change, the present evidence should be interpreted with caution since it is based on laboratory studies with questionable methods, and all efforts should be employed to avoid this undesirable side effect during clinical practice.

Effect of an Intraorifice Barrier on Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies.

The main cause of unsuccess in endodontically treated teeth (ETT) is due to bacterial recontamination. The placement of an intraorifice barrier (IOB) has been proposed for preventing this event in cases that the restoration is in an inadequate condition, enhancing the possibilities for predictable long-term success in endodontic therapy. Objectives. To evaluate through a systematic review and meta-analysis if it would be necessary to place an IOB in ETT. Materials and Methods. The present review is in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement and is registered in the Open Science Framework. Two blinded reviewers carried out a comprehensive search in four databases up to July 10th, 2021: MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were the ones which evaluated the use of an IOB in ETT in reducing microleakage with any material of choice and with any methods employed. Only in vitro studies published in English were included. Results. A total of thirty in vitro studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and seven of those were included in the quantitative analyses evaluating the following materials: bioceramic cement, glass-ionomer cement (GIC), and resin-based composite (RBC). Most of the included studies placed an IOB at a 3 mm depth. Reduction in microleakage was observed when an IOB was placed, regardless of the material employed (p ≤ 0.01). Among the materials, GIC and RBC performed similarly (p > 0.05), with the bioceramic subgroup being statistically superior to the GIC subgroup (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions. Although well-designed randomized clinical trials are required, the placement of an intraorifice barrier can significantly reduce microleakage in endodontically treated teeth, and the use of bioceramics as IOB seems to be the best available material for this purpose.

Bioactivity Potential of Bioceramic-Based Root Canal Sealers: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Bioceramic-based root canal sealers are novel materials with a bioactivity potential that stands out compared with conventional root canal sealers. However, the term bioactivity may be overused and is often misunderstood. Hence, the objective of this study was to synthesize and map key concepts related to the bioactivity analysis of bioceramic-based root canal sealers. METHODS: The present scoping review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR Statement and is registered in the Open Science Framework. Two blinded reviewers carried out a comprehensive search in six databases up to January 10th, 2022: MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs/BBO. Eligibility was considered for in vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the bioactivity potential of bioceramic-based root canal sealers. RESULTS: A total of 53 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. In vitro bioactivity was evaluated through the mineralization potential, formation of carbonated apatite on the surface, and the gene expression related to proteins involved in the mineralization process. Meanwhile, for in vivo studies, staining techniques associated with immunohistochemical tests were mainly used to detect mineralization on the material-host tissue interface. CONCLUSIONS: According to the methodology used, the most prevalent methods to assess bioactivity in acellular form were the immersion of the material in Hank's balanced salt solution, followed by surface observation with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray. In cell cultures, the chosen method was usually Alizarin Red staining, followed by the evaluation of alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity and the use of molecular biology tests.

Global research trends on photodynamic therapy in endodontics: A bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an adjunctive treatment that aims to inactivate microorganisms through an oxidative reaction produced by irradiating a photosensitizing agent. The quest for improved root canal disinfection has sought supplementary methods when performing chemomechanical procedures. From this perspective, PDT protocols were proposed as an auxiliary approach in endodontics. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate publication metrics and research trends related to this scope. METHODS: This review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 recommendations. Two blinded and independent reviewers systematically searched five electronic databases until December 2021. The acquired bibliometric parameters were analyzed through descriptive statistics and graphical mappings with VOSViewer software. RESULTS: The search retrieved 342 studies from 84 journals originating from 33 countries. About 85% of the included studies were published over the last decade. Most of the available evidence is laboratory-based (74.5%), and the main clinical outcomes evaluated were microbiological load reduction and postoperative pain. Mayram Pourhajibagher is the researcher with the most publications as the first author (n = 16). Tehran University of Medical Sciences carried out the highest number of studies (n = 29), and Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy is the journal that most published on the theme (n = 111). CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis mapped and discussed the scientific progress and publication metrics in PDT in endodontic research. Additionally, future perspectives were highlighted and should focus on discovering new photosensitizer agents, standardizing optimal photoactivation protocols, and conducting more clinical-oriented research.

Endodontic treatment during pregnancy: case series and literature review / Tratamento endodôntico na gestação: série de casos e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to provide a scientific basis for conducting safe root canal treatment in pregnant women, illustrating with case reports treated in the extension project Maternal-Child Dental Care at the Federal University of Pelotas. The scientific bases address the main doubts of professionals when performing prenatal dental care: use of radiographic examination, local anesthetics, prescription of medications, among other essential factors in the care of pregnant women. The assisted pregnant women sought care with dental pain. In two cases symptomatic irreversible pulpitis was diagnosed, while a third was experiencing acute apical periodontitis. Endodontic procedures were performed under controlled and standardized conditions. The root canals were prepared in a single session, using mechanical instrumentation with reciprocating kinematics (Wave One® Gold Primary - Dentsply Sirona), and the root canal length was determined by an electronic apex locator FinePex (Schuster). Root canal filling was performed by the single cone technique with Wave One® gutta-percha points. After endodontic treatment, coronal sealing was performed with composite resin A2 Z350 XT (3M ESPE). The care related to the gestational condition is highlighted, and the patients remain under monitoring. It is concluded that the use of apical locators and mechanical instrumentation, using reciprocating files associated with the single cone obturation technique with a standardized cone for each system, represents advances for the accomplishment of endodontic treatment in pregnant patients due to the shorter clinical time and greater comfort of the procedure.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho é fornecer embasamento científico para condução do tratamento endodôntico em gestantes através de uma revisão de literatura e série de casos clínicos conduzidos em sessão única no projeto de extensão Atenção Odontológica Materno-infantil da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. As bases científicas abordam as principais dúvidas do profissional na condução do pré-natal odontológico: uso do exame radiográfico, anestésico local, prescrição de medicamentos, entre outros fatores essenciais no atendimento da gestante. As gestantes assistidas procuraram atendimento apresentando dor de origem dentária. Em dois casos foi diagnosticado pulpite irreversível sintomática, enquanto um terceiro se travava de periodontite apical aguda. Os procedimentos endodônticos foram realizados sob condições controladas e padronizadas, sob supervisão de um professor de Endodontia. O preparo dos canais radiculares foi realizado em sessão única, através de instrumentação mecanizada de cinemática reciprocante (Wave One® Gold Primary (Dentsply Sirona), sendo o comprimento dos canais determinado por meio de localizador foraminal FinePex (Schuster). A obturação dos canais foi realizada pela técnica do cone único com cones do sistema Wave One®. Após o tratamento endodôntico foi realizada blindagem coronária com resina composta cor A2 Z350 XT (3M ESPE). Os cuidados relacionados à condição gestacional estão destacados, sendo que as pacientes permanecem em acompanhamento no projeto. Conclui-se que o uso de localizadores foraminais e da instrumentação mecanizada, utilizando limas reciprocantes associadas à técnica de obturação com cone único padronizado para cada sistema representam avanços para a realização do tratamento endodôntico em pacientes gestantes devido ao menor tempo clínico e maior conforto do procedimento.

Intentional foraminal enlargement: a systematic review with bibliometric analysis / Ampliação foraminal intencional: uma revisão sistemática com análise bibliométrica

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review with bibliometric analysis was to map the available scientific evidence on intentional foraminal enlargement (IFE) and explore publication trends. Methods: This review is in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement and is registered on the Open Science Framework. Two independent reviewers carried out a comprehensive search of seven databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, and BBO) up to January 31 st, 2022. Studies that investigated IFE were considered eligible, and the data were analyzed using the VOSViewer software. Results:The search identified a total of 55 IFE-related articles from 10 countries and 25 journals, with an increasing trend for publications over the last decade. The majority of evidence was based on laboratory assays (65.4%), followed by randomized clinical trials (18.1%) with follow-up periods of up to 2 months. The main clinical outcome evaluated was post-operative pain. The highest number of studies were carried out by the State University of Campinas, and published in the Journal of Endodontics. Also, studies with the highest level of evidence found that IFE resulted in greater post-operative pain in the initial days post-treatment. Conclusion:This systematic review with bibliometric analysis mapped the scientific progress and publication trends in the field of IFE, thus shedding light on gaps in the literature with the aim of guiding researchers to conduct more high-impact investigations by performing clinical studies evaluating rates of periapical repair and IFE treatment success using long-term observation periods (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão sistemática com análise bibliométrica foi mapear as evidências científicas disponíveis sobre ampliação foraminal intencional (IFE) e explorar as tendências de publicação. Métodos: Esta revisão está de acordo com a declaração PRISMA 2020 e está registrada no Open Science Framework. Dois revisores independentes realizaram uma busca abrangente em sete bases de dados (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS e BBO) até 31 de janeiro de 2022. Os estudos que investigaram IFE foram considerados elegíveis e os dados foram analisados usando o software VOSViewer. Resultados: A busca identificou um total de 55 artigos relacionados ao IFE provenientes de 10 países e 25 periódicos, com tendência crescente de publicações na última década. A maioria das evidências foi baseada em ensaios laboratoriais (65,4%), seguido de ensaios clínicos randomizados (18,1%) com períodos de follow-up de até 2 meses. O principal desfecho clínico avaliado foi a dor pós-operatória. O maior número de estudos foi realizado pela Universidade Estadual de Campinas e publicado no Journal of Endodontics. Estudos com os maiores níveis de evidência constataram que IFE resultou em maior dor pós-operatória nos primeiros dias pós- tratamento. Conclusão: Esta revisão sistemática com análise bibliométrica mapeou o progresso científico e as tendências de publicação na área de IFE, lançando luz sobre lacunas na literatura com o objetivo de orientar pesquisadores a realizar investigações de maior impacto, realizando estudos clínicos avaliando taxas de reparo periapical e sucesso do tratamento usando essa técnica e com acompanhamento à longo prazo. (AU)