Biocompatibility of mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine as root-end filling materials: an in vivo study.

This study evaluated the biocompatibility of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine (BD) as root-end filling materials. Six mongrel dogs were divided into two equal groups according to the evaluation period; group A: one month and group B: three months. Three premolars of the same quadrant in each arch were used, summing up 36 teeth (6 teeth/dog). These teeth were randomly subdivided into three subgroups according to the root-end filling material used: MTA, BD and no root-end filling material (control). Endodontic access cavities were performed for induction of periapical pathosis. After the infection period, root canal instrumentation and obturation were accomplished. One day after root canal procedures, root-end surgery was performed. Surgical access was achieved and the root-end was resected approximately 3 mm above the apex. Root-end cavity was prepared ultrasonically and filled with the tested materials. All samples were evaluated by radiography and histopathology (Inflammation and new hard tissue formation). Data were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. In group A, MTA subgroup exhibited significant higher mean inflammatory score than BD subgroup (P < 0.05) while no significant difference was recorded between MTA and BD subgroups in group B (P > 0.05). Regarding mean mineralization score, there was no significant difference between all subgroups in both groups A and B (P > 0.05). Biodentine exhibited favorable biocompatibility in the initial stage of healing than MTA and comparable biomineralization. Clinical relevance: Biodentine could be considered as an acceptable alternative to MTA in peri-radicular surgeries.

Endodontic remnants are found more than other radiopacities in proposed implant sites.

BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies may be a cause of concern in dental implant failure. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence and to evaluate the types of radiopacities in dental extraction sites using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The incidence, location, and types of radiopacities were evaluated in 180 CBCT scans. RESULTS: Different radiopaque structures could be noted in 84 scans. Foreign bodies and remaining roots were frequently seen. Most of the radiopacities were attributed to remaining endodontic filling in upper and lower jaws in 25 scans in different locations. Remaining roots could be detected in 20 scans. Focal and diffuse radiopaque bony lesions were observed in 16 scans. Tissue response in the form of radiolucency could be seen more with endodontic foreign bodies. Tissue reactions to radiopaque filling remnants were seen in 6.11% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign body remnants, mostly of endodontic fillings, were frequently seen in CBCT in upper and lower jaws. Evidence of tissue reactions to extraction remnants could be found. Endodontic filling remnants could be seen more in the upper jaw. Thorough examination of implant site for the presence of endodontic foreign body remnants should be stressed. Debridement of the extraction socket should be done carefully in endodontically treated teeth.

Sealing ability of Biodentine versus ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate as root-end filling materials.

AIM: This study evaluated the sealing ability of ProRoot MTA and Biodentine as root-end filling materials. METHOD: In total, twenty (N = 20) extracted human maxillary central incisor teeth were decontaminated, cleaned and decoronated. Instrumentation was performed according to the step back technique using #50 Flex-o-file. Then the canals were flared to #70 Flex-o-file. Obturation was performed with conventional gutta percha and a resinous sealer (AH26) using the lateral condensation technique. Resection of 3 mm of apical end of each root was achieved perpendicular to the long axis of the root. Root-end cavity was prepared in each sample ultrasonically then filled with tested materials (N = 10). Fluid filtration method was used to assess the sealing ability of each tested material at three different experimental periods; one day, one week and one month after setting. All data were tabulated and statistically analyzed with a level of significance set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: At each specific time interval, the leakage mean values were not consistent among the tested materials. At one day interval, ProRoot MTA samples had a higher leakage mean value than Biodentine samples. However, this difference in leakage was not statistically significant (P > .05). At one week interval, both materials showed an increased degree of leakage mean value with no significant difference (P > .05). At one month interval, ProRoot MTA samples showed a decrease in leakage mean value, while the Biodentine samples showed a further increase in leakage mean value. This difference was statistically significant (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Although the sealing ability of ProRoot MTA is superior to Biodentine, Biodentine could be considered as an acceptable alternative to ProRoot MTA in peri-radicular surgeries.

Cutting efficiency of twisted versus machined nickel-titanium endodontic files.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of the cutting ability of two different instruments, concerning changes in the dentin thickness removed and root canal volume, by using multislice computed tomography scanning. METHODS: Thirty single-rooted mandibular premolars were divided into two equal groups according to the preparation system used: the twisted file (TF) and ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Swizerland). Dentin thickness along the whole length of the root canal and canal volume were measured before and after instrumentation by using multislice computed tomography scanning and image analysis software. RESULTS: ProTaper removed significantly more dentin from the mesiodistal and buccolingual directions of the root canal than the TF (P < .05). No significant difference was recorded for the changes in root canal volume between the two systems (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The TF system was found to cut dentin efficiently with more uniform cutting than ProTaper system.