Immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures treated with partial pulpotomy using white mineral trioxide aggregate and IRoot BP plus-a retrospective long-term study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Calcium silicate cements have been widely used for pulpotomies in immature permanent teeth with complicated crown fractures due to their superior properties. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and iRoot BP Plus for partial pulpotomies. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of WMTA and iRoot BP Plus for partial pulpotomies in immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children who had partial pulpotomies of immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures using WMTA or iRoot BP Plus as capping agents were enrolled. Eighty immature permanent incisors in 68 children (aged 8-13 years) were included. They were divided into two groups (WMTA and iRoot BP Plus) according to the capping agents. Clinical and radiographic information was collected during a 5-year follow-up period. Study data were analyzed using Chi-square tests or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: The clinical and radiographic success rates in the WMTA (n = 36) and iRoot BP Plus groups (n = 44) were 94.4% versus 97.7% and 88.9% versus 97.7%, respectively (both p < .05). The average observation period was 74.5 ± 13.2 months and 61.9 ± 1.6 months in the WMTA and iRoot BP Plus groups, respectively (p < .01). Five cases presented with periapical radiolucencies. The WMTA group had four cases of pulp canal calcification (11.1%), while the iRoot BP Plus group had two cases (4.6%). There was crown discolouration in all cases in the WMTA group, but none in the iRoot BP Plus group. CONCLUSION: Both WMTA and iRoot BP Plus had favorable outcomes in promoting physiological development and maintaining the basic functions of immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures. As a partial pulpotomy material, iRoot BP Plus may be more suitable for the esthetic zone than WMTA.

Guided endodontics versus conventional access cavity preparation: an ex vivo comparative study of substance loss.

BACKGROUND: To compare the outcomes of conventional access cavity preparation (CONV) versus guided endodontics (GE) for access cavity preparation in anterior teeth with pulp canal calcification (PCC) regarding root canal detection, substance loss, procedural time, and need for additional radiographs. METHODS: Extracted, sound human teeth with PCC (n = 108) were matched in pairs, divided into two groups and used to produce 18 models. An independent endodontist and a general dentist performed access cavity preparation under simulated clinical conditions on nine models each (54 teeth). The endodontist used the conventional technique and the general dentist GE. Time needed to access the root canals and the number of additional radiographs were recorded. Pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans were obtained to measure substance loss. Statistical significance was tested by examining the overlap of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the groups. RESULTS: All root canals were successfully accessed by both methods. There were no significant differences in substance loss (CI: CONV 15.9-29.6 mm3 vs. GE 17.6-27.5mm3) or procedural time (CI: CONV 163.3-248.5 s vs. GE 231.9-326.8 s). However, 31 additional radiographs were required for GE compared to none for CONV. CONCLUSIONS: For access cavity preparation in teeth with PCC, both CONV by a specialist and GE by a general dentist produce good results in terms of substance loss and time requirements.

Present status and future directions - Guided endodontics.

Luxation injuries and other stimuli may lead to a pulp canal obliteration (PCO). Even though the apposition of tertiary dentine is a sign of a vital pulp, in some cases root canal treatment is indicated in the long term due to apical periodontitis or pulpitis. Depending on the extent of PCO, root canal treatment may be challenging even for experienced and well-equipped endodontic specialists. The 'guided endodontics' (GE) technique was introduced 6 years ago as an alternative to conventional access cavity preparation for teeth with PCO and apical pathosis or irreversible pulpitis. Using three-dimensional radiological imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography and a digital surface scan, an optimal access to the orifice of the calcified root canal can be planned virtually with appropriate software. GE is implemented either with the help of templates analogous to guided implantology (= static navigation) or by means of dynamic navigation based on a camera-marker system. GE has emerged as a field of research in the last 6 years with very promising laboratory-based results regarding the accuracy of guided endodontic access cavities for both static and dynamic navigation. Clinical implementation seems to provide favourable results, but the evidence is mainly based on numerous case reports and a few case series. This narrative review aims to provide an update on the present status of GE and to identify relevant research areas that could contribute to further improvements of this technique.

Enhanced conservation of vital pulp and apical tissues by the application of crown rotation surgery for inversely impacted central incisors: A follow-up analysis of two patients over 4 years.

AIM: To describe a novel surgical method (crown rotation surgery) to manage inversely impacted central incisors with immature roots. METHODOLOGY: Two young patients each presented with an inversely impacted maxillary central incisor. To protect the apical tissues, the two impacted incisors were rotated downwards to a relatively normal position without extraction from their bony sockets. RESULTS: After crown rotation surgery, spontaneous eruption, continuous root development, and periodontal healing of the rotated incisors were observed. The pulp retained vitality and blood flow was normal. Moreover, there were no obvious signs of pulp canal obliteration (PCO), as indicated by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. CONCLUSIONS: By optimising protection of the vital pulp and apical tissues, crown rotation surgery represents a minimally invasive, conservative, and practical surgical technique for treating inversely impacted incisors with developing roots. In contrast to existing surgical methods, crown rotation surgery may avoid certain complications, including PCO and abnormal or arrested root development. KEY LEARNING POINTS: By optimizing protection of the vital pulp and apical tissues, crown rotation surgery represents a minimally invasive, conservative and practical surgical technique for treating inversely impacted incisors with developing roots. In contrast to existing surgical methods, crown rotation surgery may avoid certain complications, including PCO and abnormal or arrested root development.

Ten-year follow up of previously traumatized immature permanent incisors sustaining second and third traumatic injuries after revascularization treatment: Case reports.

The long-term prognosis of previously traumatized immature permanent teeth treated with guided endodontic repair is well documented, but little is known about how these teeth respond to further traumatic injury after treatment. This case report presents the 10-year clinical and radiographic findings of two patients with traumatized maxillary incisors who underwent guided endodontic repair treatment and sustained two further traumatic injuries. Three crown-fractured maxillary central incisors with pulp necrosis were treated with a protocol that used 2.5% NaOCl irrigation, 3-4 weeks medication with calcium hydroxide or ciprofloxacin-metronidazole paste, induction of apical bleeding, and coronal sealing with mineral trioxide aggregate. One tooth sustained subluxation and a crown fracture after 20 months and 7 years, respectively. Two other teeth had a luxation injury at 9 months and subluxation 6.5 years after the repair treatment. One subluxated and one luxated tooth remained free of symptoms for 10 years with radiographic evidence of progressive root canal calcification, while the other luxated incisor required root canal treatment after 7.5 years. Although teeth treated with the so-called "regenerative" endodontic techniques do not possess true pulp tissue, the reparative tissue may respond to traumatic injuries in a similar manner to teeth with normal pulps.

Generalized pulp canal obliteration in a patient on long-term glucocorticoids: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The calcification of the tooth pulp is a pathological condition that occurs in response to various factors. A uncommon haematological condition known as paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by bouts of haemolysis, and it requires long-term use of glucocorticoids (GCs). CASE PRESENTATION: A female patient who was diagnosed with PNH and had a history of long-term use of GCs came to our department for root canal therapy (RCT) for teeth 25, 26, and 27. The radiographs showed generalized pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in most of the patients. None of these teeth (25, 26, or 27) were sensitive to percussion, and they did not respond to thermal or electrical sensitivity tests. A diagnose of pulp necrosis was made for these teeth. RCT was carried out with the help of an oral microscope, and then a prosthodontic procedure was created for the teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the patient's long history use of GCs and a series of related studies, we conclude that the long-term usage of GCs contributes significantly to the onset of PCO.

Traumatic dental injuries and pulp sequelae in an adolescent population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) occur frequently and may result in pulp sequelae. This includes pulp necrosis with infection, pulp canal obliteration and root resorption. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of pulp sequelae after TDI among Norwegian adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study, including historical clinical data, was conducted with 16-year-old pupils in western Norway. All first-grade pupils, born in 1997 (n = 5184), attending public high schools, were invited to participate and to respond to an electronically administered closed-ended questionnaire (response rate 39.6%, n = 2055). Consent was given to access the dental records in the Public Dental Health Service in Hordaland, where information regarding TDI (diagnosis and treatment) and radiographs were interpreted. Only TDIs to anterior teeth were recorded (canine to canine in the maxilla and mandible). Outcome variables of TDI were registered and analysed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI in the sample population was 16.4% (338 pupils), with a total of 637 teeth involved. The number of included teeth for analysis was 571 (90.5%). The prevalence of pulp necrosis with infection was 7.5%. Moderate and severe TDI was associated with a higher frequency of pulp necrosis with infection. Pulp canal obliteration and root resorption were found in 2.8% and 2.3% of teeth with TDI, respectively. Dental hard tissue injuries were more prone to the development of pulp necrosis than luxation injuries and combination injuries. The relationship between root development stage and development of pulp necrosis with infection was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of different pulp sequelae among teeth affected with TDI was low. Moderate and severe TDI were more at risk of developing pulpal complications and hard tissue injuries were at higher risk of developing pulp necrosis with infection.

Pulp healing in immature replanted permanent teeth: A competing risk analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Tooth displacement during avulsion causes total rupture of the pulp's neurovascular supply. Revascularization and pulp healing may occur in immature teeth, which gives rise to the recommendation that root canal treatment may not be required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors for the pulp's response after replantation of young permanent teeth. METHODS: Records from 117 patients with 133 replanted permanent immature teeth were reviewed, and pulp outcomes were classified as healing (hard tissue deposition on the dentinal walls followed by narrowing of the pulp lumen or ingrowth of bone-like tissue inside the pulp canal) or non-healing (pulp necrosis with infection). The effect of clinical and demographic co-variates on the hazards of both outcomes was assessed performing a competing risk model. RESULTS: Pulp necrosis with infection was diagnosed in 78.2% of the teeth, and healing was observed in 12.8% of the teeth. A total of 12 teeth (9.0%) were censored due to prophylactic removal of the pulp or severe external root resorption caused by eruption of adjacent canines. The cs-Cox model demonstrated that the hazards of pulp healing increased in teeth with extra-alveolar periods <15 min (csHR: 7.83, 95% CI 1.76-34.80, p = .01), while the hazards of pulp necrosis with infection decreased (csHR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.92, p = .04). Teeth replanted with Moorrees' stages 4 and 5 of root development had higher hazards of pulp necrosis with infection than teeth with stage 2 of root development (csHR: 2.23, 95% CI 1.11-4.50, p = .03; csHR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.40-5.95; p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Pulp healing rarely occurred after replantation of young permanent teeth being associated with short extra-alveolar periods <15 min. Early stages of root development decreased the hazards of pulp necrosis with infection.

Tooth autotransplantation using an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation in a young patient: Case report with 7-year follow-up.

This case report demonstrates the possibility of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation using an interdisciplinary approach in a child following avulsion of a tooth. Autotransplantation after the development of calcific metamorphosis of the pulp and acute apical periodontitis provided satisfactory repair after root canal treatment. A 7-year-old white boy avulsed the right maxillary central incisor (tooth 11). The extra-alveolar time exceeded 60 minutes, and this triggered external replacement resorption of the avulsed tooth. At 11 years of age, the child underwent tooth autotransplantation. After 4 years of follow-up, intraoral clinical and radiographic examination led to the diagnosis of calcific metamorphosis of the pulp and acute apical periodontitis. The patient had minimally invasive root canal treatment, orthodontic treatment and esthetic rehabilitation with a porcelain crown. Control periapical radiography and tomography of the autotransplanted tooth after 7 years revealed bone repair in the periapical region. This case report indicates that tooth autotransplantation can be used to replace anterior teeth after avulsion followed by replacement resorption. Interdisciplinary management helped to maintain the esthetics and function of the rehabilitated area.

Management of Pulp Canal Obliteration-Systematic Review of Case Reports.

Background and Objectives: This systematic review aimed to assess the literature focusing on the clinical management of traumatized teeth with Pulp Canal Obliteration (PCO) and propose an updated clinical decision-making algorithm. The present review follows the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO database (CRD42020200656). Materials and Methods: An electronic search strategy was performed in Pubmed, EBSCOhost and LILACS from inception to March 2021. Only anterior permanent teeth with PCO due to dental trauma were included. Regarding clinical approaches, only teeth managed with a "watchful waiting" approach, tooth bleaching or root canal treatment (RCT) were included. Quality assessment was performed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for Case Reports. Results: Twenty case reports were selected, resulting in a total of 27 patients. The number of traumatized teeth diagnosed with PCO was 33. The "watchful waiting" approach was the most implemented clinical strategy. Discolored non-symptomatic PCO teeth were mostly managed with external bleaching. The prevalence of pulp necrosis (PN) was 36.4%. For teeth diagnosed with PN, non-surgical RCT was performed in 10 teeth and surgical RCT in one tooth. Guided endodontic technique was performed in six of those teeth. Conclusions: For discolored non-symptomatic PCO teeth, external bleaching is advocated and the RCT approach should not be implemented as a preventive intervention strategy. Symptomatic PCO teeth should follow regular endodontic treatment pathways. Clinical approach of teeth with PCO should follow a decision-making algorithm incorporating clinical and radiographic signs and patient-reported symptoms.

Guided endodontics: a comparative in vitro study on the accuracy and effort of two different planning workflows.

AIM: To compare the accuracy and effort of digital workflow for guided endodontic access (GEA) procedures using two different software applications in 3D-printed teeth modeled to simulate pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 3D-printed incisors with simulated PCO were fabricated and mounted, four each on maxillary and mandibular study arches. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D surface scans were matched and used to virtually plan and prepare GEA by one operator using two different methods: 1) CoDiagnostiX (CDX; Dental Wings) with 3D-printed templates, and 2) Sicat Endo (SE; Sicat) with subtractive CAD/CAM-manufactured templates. Postoperative CBCT and virtual planning data were superimposed for analysis. Accuracy was assessed by measuring the discrepancies between planned and prepared cavities at the tip of the bur (three spatial dimensions, 3D vector, angle). Virtual planning effort was defined as the time and number of computer clicks. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed for each sample. RESULTS: SE successfully located root canals for GEA in 16/16 cases (100%) and CDX in 15/16 cases (94%). SE resulted in less mean deviation at the tip of the bur with regard to distance in the labial-oral direction (0.12 mm), 3D vector (0.35 mm), and angle (0.68 degrees) compared with CDX (0.54 mm, 0.74 mm, 1.57 degrees, respectively; P < 0.001). CDX required less mean planning time and effort for each four-tooth arch (10 min 50 s, 107 clicks) than SE (20 min 28 s, 341 clicks; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both methods enabled rapid drill path planning, a predictable GEA procedure, and the reliable location of root canals in teeth with PCO without perforation.

Guided root canal preparation using cone beam computed tomography and optical surface scans - an observational study of pulp space obliteration and drill path depth in 50 patients.

AIM: To report the precision of guided access cavity preparations in relation to demographical and dental variables in 50 patients. METHODOLOGY: This observational study was carried out during the period 2014-2017. The patients were consecutive referrals to a private endodontic practice. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) pulp space obliteration associated with signs of apical periodontitis (PAI score >3 or sensitive to percussion, (ii) teeth with pulp space obliteration in need of a post, where the referring dentist had attempted or failed to negotiate the obliterated root canal (and it was not possible to negotiate using the operating microscope within a reasonable time frame) and (iii) a surgical intervention was not justified. A published methodology for guided endodontics was used. Measures on demographical and previous dental history were analysed and related to drill path precision, being evaluated on radiographs as optimal (centre of the root canal) or acceptable (peripheral/tangential). The chi-square test was used for analyses of correlation between predictor variables and binary logistic regression analysis using backward elimination with degree of obliteration, guided access cavity preparation depth and precision as dependent variables. Significance level was 0.05. RESULTS: Thirty-one female (median age 65 year) and 19 males (median age 69 year) were enrolled. Overall, 88% (n = 44) of the teeth had pulp space obliteration associated with signs of apical periodontitis, whereas the remaining teeth were in need of a post. The pulp space obliterations were longer in maxillary compared with mandibular teeth (P = 0.024). The performance of the drill path in mandibular teeth versus maxillary teeth resulted in a significantly greater number of optimal precision scores (P = 0.033), and when a previous attempt at access and canal negotiation had occurred versus no attempt (P = 0.009). Even in cases with the worst outcome, the technique was still successful clinically. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical implementation of guided root canal treatment in fifty serial cases of single-rooted teeth with pulp space obliteration was associated with a precision that in all cases led to the location and negotiation of the root canal and completion of the treatment.

Guided access cavity preparation using cone-beam computed tomography and optical surface scans - an ex vivo study.

AIM: To evaluate ex vivo, the accuracy of a preparation procedure planned for teeth with pulp canal obliteration (PCO) using a guide rail concept based on a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan merged with an optical surface scan. METHODOLOGY: A total of 48 teeth were mounted in acrylic blocks. An apical canal preparation was created to simulate remnants of an apical root canal that acted as the target for a drill path. The test blocks were surface scanned, and merged with a CBCT scan, and a guide rail was made. A pathway for the bur was created through a metal sleeve within the guide rail into dentine. The distance was measured between the centres of the performed drill path and the apical target by two examiners. A maximum distance of 0.7 mm was defined based on the radius of the bur (0.6 mm) and the radius of a root canal just visible on a radiograph (0.1 mm). The t-test was used for evaluation, and intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility was expressed by intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The mean distance between the drill path and the target was significantly lower than 0.7 mm, and null hypothesis H0 : µ = 0.7 was rejected (CI 95%: 0.31;0.49, P < 0.001). Intra- and inter-examiner agreements reached excellent levels. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of CBCT and optical scans for the precise construction of a guide rail led to a drill path with a precision below a risk threshold. The present technique may be a valuable tool for the negotiation of partial or complete pulp canal obliteration.

Pulp canal obliteration after replantation of avulsed immature teeth: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Avulsion of permanent teeth is one of the most serious dento-alveolar traumatic injuries. Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is one of the consequences after replantation of avulsed immature teeth. The aim of this systematic review was to determine when calcification following replantation of an avulsed immature tooth begins and to evaluate the prevalence of PCO in these cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic database MEDLINE via Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of science databases were searched. Hand searching was performed through reference lists of endodontic and trauma textbooks, endodontic and trauma-related journals, and relevant articles from electronic searching. Pooled data from the selected articles were analyzed for prevalence of healing and PCO as well as mean first evidence of PCO. RESULTS: Pulp healing after replantation of immature teeth occurred in 32.9%, while pulpal necrosis occurred in 67.1% of teeth. PCO was the most frequent outcome of pulpal healing as it occurred in 96% of healed pulps. First evidence of obliteration was observed from 3 to 14 months with mean time of 9.5 months (95% CI = 4.5-14.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: PCO is considered the mechanism by which the pulp heals after replantation of avulsed immature permanent teeth. PCO is very fast and can be recognized radiographically during the first year from the onset of the trauma.

Pulp Canal Obliteration Following Traumatic Dental Injury in an Upper Lateral Incisor: A Case Report with 3-year Follow-up.

Endodontic management of teeth afflicted with pulp canal obliteration faces a challenge due to the heightened risk of complications including excessive wear, perforation, and suboptimal chemomechanical preparation. This report aims to elucidate the clinical endodontic strategy employed in addressing pulp canal obliteration after a history of dental trauma and an associated periradicular lesion in an upper lateral incisor. A patient visited the dental emergency department with symptoms of apical swelling, acute persistent pain, and discoloration of tooth 22. Following comprehensive clinical evaluation and cone-beam computed tomography, the diagnosis of pulp canal obliteration involving the cervical and middle thirds of the tooth, alongside an acute periradicular abscess was established. Root canal was accessed using tomographic image planning, augmented by loupe magnification and ultrasonic instrumentation. Precise identification of the access cavity was radiographically confirmed, preceded by thorough irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and subsequent cervical and middle third preparation. Verification of the working length by an electronic apex locator ensured precise apical preparation, followed by passive ultrasonic irrigation to optimize disinfection and to enhance penetrability of intracanal calcium hydroxide medication, administered for 15 days to eliminate microbial invasion. Upon resolution of symptoms, root canal obturation employing thermo-mechanical compaction and coronal sealing with composite resin was accomplished. Radiographic assessment after a one-year interval presented evidence of lesion regression and bone repair. Subsequent cone-beam computed tomography imaging at the three-year follow-up confirmed complete healing of the periradicular tissues, attesting to the efficacy of the endodontic intervention.

Comparison of selective laser melting and stereolithography etching templates for guided endodontics.

Background: With the increasing application of guided endodontics to treat complex root canal treatment, the entire process of root canal treatment has become more precise, reducing damage to tooth structure and improving success rates. However, due to the limitations of the operating space, the use of guided endodontic templates in posterior root canal treatment is less common. This study aims to compare the accuracy and reliability of selective laser melting (SLM) and traditional stereolithography etching (SLA) guided endodontic templates for posterior root canals, providing better treatment strategies for posterior root canal treatment. Methods: The teeth were randomly assigned to either SLM or SLA group. Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a three-dimensional (3D) scanner were used to establish the 3D root canal system and the accurate occlusal models of the teeth. The virtual access to the canal access was designed using Mimics 19.0 and 3-Matic 11.0. The endodontic access was performed based on either SLM or SLA templates. The accuracy of endodontic preparation was measured in three-dimensions by calculating deviations from planned accesses. The template height and tooth substance loss rates in each group were measured. Results: SLM-guided templates have a low average deviation at the entry point and apical portion of the bur of total posterior teeth (including premolars and molars) and individual molars (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant difference in angular deviations and height of template in total posterior teeth and individual molars (P < 0.05). The mean substance loss rate of the SLA group was slightly greater than that of the SLM group, but the difference was not statistically (P > 0.05). Conclusions: SLM-guided endodontics provides a more predictable and precise location of root canal orifice for the treatment of posterior teeth.

Negotiation of Calcified Canals.

The gradual formation of hard tissue along the root canal walls is a natural process associated with aging, typically progressing slowly over time. In reaction to tooth wear, operative procedures, vital pulp treatments, or regenerative endodontic procedures, hard tissue may also accumulate within the pulp canal space at a slow rate. In certain cases, such as dental trauma, autotransplantation, or orthodontic treatment, this deposition of hard tissue can accelerate unexpectedly, resulting in rapid narrowing or complete closure of the root canal space. This situation is called calcific metamorphosis (CM), root canal calcification, or pulp canal obliteration (PCO). Performing conventional endodontic therapy on severely calcified canals presents significant challenges and increases the risk of procedural accidents. Calcified canals introduce such complexity that dedicated negotiation concepts and specially designed instruments have been developed to deal with the challenge. This article seeks to review the existing methods for effectively navigating calcified canals and to introduce the buckling resistance activation test (BRAT) technique.

Therapeutic solutions for discoloration of calcified teeth based on CBCT diagnosis.

Single tooth orange discoloration secondary to root canal calcification occurs as a consequence of dental trauma, orthodontic treatment, or for unknown rea- sons. A correct case history must be compiled and a CBCT study carried out in order to establish the diag- nosis and define the best treatment plan in each case. The aim of the present study was to offer a therapeutic protocol involving a clinical decision-making tree dia- gram based on the presence or absence of apical dis- ease and the degree of canal calcification. Dental bleaching and the use of ceramic veneers allow es- thetic restoration in such cases.

Limitations and Management of Dynamic Navigation System for Locating Calcified Canals Failure.

Nonsurgical endodontic teeth treatment with severe pulp canal obliteration poses challenges, primarily locating canals. By combining 3-dimensional reconstruction and spatial location registration, the dynamic navigation technique uses an optical tracking system to guide the clinician to drill in real time according to the predesigned path until access to the canal is established. Several in vitro studies and case reports have shown that calcified canal location with dynamic navigation system (DNS) is more accurate and efficient, yet the technique has limitations. In 4 cases with 7 teeth, this work presents manipulation process and clinical outcomes of DNS helping in calcified canal location. We performed handpiece adaptation and elucidated the failure to locate the canals with DNS in 2 teeth, resulting in canal geometry alteration and canal path deviation. Subsequently, the more experienced endodontist located the canals by combining cone-beam computed tomographic imaging and dental operating microscopy. All patients were completely asymptomatic after treatment. At the 1-year follow-up visit, the bone healing of periapical lesions progressed well according to the periapical radiography or cone-beam computed tomographic imaging. These findings indicate that DNS is a promising technique for locating calcified canals; however, it needs to be refined before clinical use.

Management of Calcified Canals with a New Type of Endodontic Static Guide: A Case Report.

(1) Background: Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a common condition characterized by an abnormal dentinal apposition within the canal wall, which often rises as a consequence of dental trauma. In recent years, "guided endodontics" has offered a reliable and safer procedure for endodontic access in case of PCO. The present case report aims to introduce a new endodontic guided system with a sleeveless, open-frame titanium guide designed to reduce costs compared to traditional templates. (2) Methods: The patient is a 19-year-old female who was referred to a private clinic to treat a calcified and symptomatic tooth (3.3) with apical periodontitis. Following the first unsuccessful treatment attempt using the operating microscope, a three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination and an optical impression were performed in agreement with the patient. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files were sent to the lab for the template packaging, and the patient was scheduled for a second appointment. The endodontic guide was accurately positioned, and shaping and filling were concluded with success. The canal was sealed with the single-cone technique and bioceramic sealer. (3) Results: The patient reported no significant post-operative symptoms. Notably, the treatment achieved total symptom resolution, as evidenced by radiographic assessments conducted 3 and 24 months post-treatment, confirming the procedure's success. (4) Conclusions: This innovative sleeveless, open-frame static titanium guide presents a promising advancement in guided endodontics for PCO treatment. The advantages include preserving healthy dental tissue, reduced chairside operating time, and cost savings compared to conventional templates. This approach holds promise for enhancing the quality and efficiency of endodontic procedures in cases of PCO. While the static guide holds promise, larger prospective studies are necessary to validate its efficacy, safety, and broader applicability in routine endodontic procedures.