Prevalence and reasons for referrals to the Endodontics Specialty Clinic at the Piracicaba Dental School

Abstract Dental referrals to the Endodontics Specialty Clinic (ESC) are routine owing to the complexity of endodontic treatments. To obtain a better prognosis for treatment, students/dentists must perceive their technical limits. This study sought to investigate the referrals of patients to the ESC from different clinics of the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas - SP, Brazil, and check: a) the demographic profile of patients and the most commonly affected tooth; b) the clinic with the largest number of referrals; c) the reasons for referrals; d) the complexity of the cases; e) and the difficulty in assessing the referred cases based on the classification provided by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and Souza-Filho. The study sample consisted of patients' electronic dental referral records from February 2015 to June 2019. A total of 1,707 patients were referred to the ESC during the study period, and 62.4% were female. Lower molars were the most frequently involved teeth (34.8%), and 60.7% of the cases were referred due to the presence of root curvature. The AAE classification showed prevalence of highly difficult cases (71.3%), whereas Souza-Filho classification demonstrated a high rate of class III cases (85.8%). This study highlights the difficulties encountered by undergraduate students before or during endodontic treatments, reinforcing the need for clear criteria for selecting cases appropriate for each education level, thus improving endodontic treatment prognosis.

Effect of ethanol-conditioned dentine on sealer penetration into dentinal tubules: a confocal microscopy study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol-conditioned dentin on endodontic sealer penetration into dentinal tubules by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Methods: Forty human maxillary anterior teeth were instrumented and divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the drying methods: 1) wet: vacuum only, 2) paper points: vacuum + absorbent paper points, (3) 70% ethanol: 70% ethanol (1 min) + vacuum + absorbent paper points, and (4) 100% ethanol: 100% ethanol (1 min) + vacuum + absorbent paper points. All root canals were filled with resin-based endodontic sealer. Four sections from each third (cervical, middle, and apical) were examined by CLSM. Root canal wall perimeter infiltrated by sealer, maximum depth of sealer penetration, percentage of penetrated area, and fluorescence intensity of rhodamine B were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). Results: No statistical difference was found when percentage of root canal wall coverage infiltrated by sealer were compared. The groups in which ethanol solutions were used presented greater depth of sealer penetration, higher percentage of penetrated area, and higher fluorescence intensity of rhodamine B (p< 0.05) when compared with the wet and paper point groups. Overall, 100% ethanol produced better results than 70% ethanol, except for rhodamine B intensity (cervical third). In addition, the absorbent paper points drying method behaved better than did vacuum only group, except for rhodamine B intensity (apical third). Conclusion: Ethanol-conditioned dentin improved the penetration of resin-based sealer into dentinal tubules, especially at the concentration of 100%

Treatment outcomes of pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth using calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication

Abstract Objective Pulp revascularization is an effective treatment for immature necrotic teeth. Calcium hydroxide has been used in pulp revascularization as an intracanal medication due to its antimicrobial action and the non-exhibition of crown discoloration and cytotoxicity for stem cells from the apical papilla. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical success and quantitative radiographic changes of root development in immature traumatized teeth using calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication. Methodology In this retrospective study, 16 patients were treated with a standardized pulp revascularization protocol. Calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel were manipulated in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio and inserted into root canals with Lentulo spirals (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillaigues, Switzerland). Patients were followed up for a period from 9 to 36 months for the evaluation of clinical and radiological data. Radiographic measurements of root length, root width, apical diameter, and MTA placement from the apex were quantified using software ImageJ. Wilcoxon test and t-test were used, according to nonparametric or parametric data, respectively, for changes over time in root length, root width, and apical diameter. Results Fifteen teeth survived during the follow-up period (93.75%) and met the criteria for clinical success. Although the changes seem to be very small in many cases, significant increases in the average root length (14.28%, p<0.0001), root width (8.12%, p=0.0196), and decrease in apical diameter (48.37%, p=0.0007) were observed. MTA placement from the apex and age at the time of treatment was not significantly associated with the quantitative radiographic outcomes. Conclusions Pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth treated with calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication had high success and survival rates, showing periodontal healing and resolution of signs and symptoms. However, concerning the continued root development, the outcomes can still be considered unpredictable.

Influence of ethanol on dentin roughness, surface free energy, and interaction between AH Plus and root dentin

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different ethanol concentrations on dentin roughness, surface free energy, and contact angle between AH Plus and the root canal dentin. One hundred human maxillary anterior teeth were split longitudinally and 200 dentin specimens were polished to make the surface flatter and smoother. An acrylic bar was positioned between two dentin specimens and impression material was added to create a block, simulating an instrumented root canal space. Specimens were removed from the mold and cleaned in an ultrasonic bath for 10 min. Thereafter, dentin specimens were divided into four groups (n = 50) according to the drying methods used: a) wet: vacuum only, b) paper points: vacuum + absorbent paper points, c) 70% alcohol: 70% alcohol (1 min) + vacuum + absorbent paper points, and d) 100% alcohol: 100% alcohol (1 min) + vacuum + absorbent paper points. A rugosimeter and a goniometer were used to verify the roughness (Ra) and to measure the surface free energy and the contact angle between the AH Plus sealer and the root canal dentin. ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05) were used for statistical analysis. The 70% and 100% ethanol groups showed significantly decreased roughness as well as increased surface free energy in the root canal dentin when compared to the wet and paper point groups. In addition, ethanol significantly reduced the contact angle between the AH Plus sealer and the root canal dentin. Ethanol solutions (70% and 100%) provide better wettability of AH Plus sealer on dentin surfaces.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of phosphoric acid solution compared to other root canal irrigants

Phosphoric acid has been suggested as an irrigant due to its effectiveness in removing the smear layer. Objectives : The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of a 37% phosphoric acid solution to other irrigants commonly used in endodontics. Material and Methods : The substances 37% phosphoric acid, 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 2% chlorhexidine (solution and gel), and 5.25% NaOCl were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Actinomyces meyeri, Parvimonas micra, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella nigrescens according to the agar diffusion method. The cytotoxicity of the irrigants was determined by using the MTT assay. Results : Phosphoric acid presented higher antimicrobial activity compared to the other tested irrigants. With regard to the cell viability, this solution showed results similar to those with 5.25% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine (gel and solution), whereas 17% EDTA and 10% citric acid showed higher cell viability compared to other irrigants. Conclusion : Phosphoric acid demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity similar to that of 5.25% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine (gel and solution). .

Monitoring the effectiveness of root canal procedures on endotoxin levels found in teeth with chronic apical periodontitis

Objective: The aim of this study was to monitor the effectiveness of root canal procedures by using different irrigants and intracanal medication on endotoxin levels found in root canals of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis. Material and Methods: Thirty root canals of teeth with pulpal necrosis associated with periapical lesions were selected and randomly divided into groups according to the irrigants used: GI - 2.5% NaOCl, GII - 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, and GIII - saline solution (SS) (all, n=10). Samples were collected with sterile/apyrogenic paper points before (S1) and after root canal instrumentation (S2), after use of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (S3), and after 30 days of intracanal medication (Ca(OH)2+SS) (S4). A turbidimetric kinetic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay was used for endotoxin measurement. Results: Endotoxins were detected in 100% of the root canals investigated (30/30), with a median value of 18.70 EU/mL. After S2, significant median percentage reduction was observed in all groups, irrespective of the irrigant tested: 2.5% NaOCl (99.65%) (GI), 2% CHX (94.27%) (GII), and SS (96.79%) (GIII) (all p<0.05). Root canal rinse with 17% EDTA (S3) for a 3-minute period failed to decrease endotoxin levels in GI and a slight decrease was observed in GII (59%) and GIII (61.1%) (all p>0.05). Intracanal medication for 30 days was able to significantly reduce residual endotoxins: 2.5% NaOCl (90%) (GI), 2% CHX (88.8%) (GII), and SS (85.7%) (GIII, p<0.05). No differences were found in the endotoxin reduction when comparing s2 and s4 treatment groups. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated the effectiveness of the mechanical action of the instruments along with the flow and backflow of irrigant enduring root canal instrumentation for the endotoxin removal from root canals of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis. Moreover, the use of intracanal medication for 30 days contributed for an improvement ...

Periapical Status and Prevalence of Endodontic Treatment in Institutionalized Elderly

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of apical periodontitis and root fillings in 450 institutionalized Brazilian elderly. The teeth with apical periodontitis were assessed using the Periapical Index (PAI) score. A total of 942 teeth were evaluated in 98 subjects (57 females and 41 males) with mean age of 74 years. The observed frequency of total edentulous subjects was high (76%) in this population. A total of 126 teeth showed root fillings, of these only 46 (36.5%) were scored as having adequate quality. Apical periodontitis was found in 114 teeth (12.1%) in 42 (42.9%) subjects. 80 (70.2%) inadequate root-filled teeth showed apical periodontitis. There was a significant correlation between the presence of periapical pathology and inadequate root-filled teeth. Inadequate root-filled teeth were associated with an increased prevalence of apical periodontitis in these subjects. This fact may result in increased endodontic retreatment needs for this population.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e a freqüência de periodontite apical e de tratamentos endodônticos em 450 idosos brasileiros institucionalizados. Os dentes com periodontite apical foram avaliados com uso do Índice Periapical (PAI). Um total de 942 dentes foram avaliados em 98 pacientes (57 mulheres; 41 homens), com média de idade de 74 anos. A freqüência observada do total de indivíduos desdentados foi alta (76%) nesta população. 126 dentes apresentaram tratamento endodôntico, destes apenas 46 (36,5%) foram classificados como de qualidade adequada. Periodontite apical foi encontrada em 114 dentes (12,1%) em 42 (42,9%) sujeitos. 80 (70,2%) dentes com tratamento endodôntico inadequado apresentaram periodontite apical. Houve uma correlação significativa entre a presença de patologia periapical e dentes com tratamento endodôntico inadequado. Os dentes com tratamento endodôntico inadequado foram associados com uma maior prevalência de periodontite apical nestes indivíduos. Este fato pode resultar em aumento das necessidades de retratamento para esta população.

Utilização da TCCB no tratamento endodôntico de um incisivo central superior fusionado a um mesiodens: relato de caso clínico / CBCT-guided endodontic management of maxillary central incisor fused to mesiodens: A case report

Objetivo: o objetivo desse relato de caso clínico é apresentar uma solução previsível para o tratamento endodôntico e estético de um incisivo central superior, fusionado a um mesiodens, por meio de uma abordagem conservadora e multidisciplinar. Resultados: no presente caso, a tomografia computadorizada cone beam (TCCB) foi útil durante o diagnóstico endodôntico e possibilitou a visualização da complexa morfologia radicular de dentes fusionados

Influence of the apical enlargement size on the endotoxin level reduction of dental root canals

Gram-negative bacteria play an essential role in endodontic infections because they have virulence factors such as endotoxin. Due to its potential cytotoxic activity, special attention has been given to the removal/neutralization of this endotoxin in the root canal system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the apical enlargement size (AES) by using rotary instruments on the endotoxin level reduction of dental root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty root canals of the mandibular premolar teeth were used. Escherichia coli endotoxin (055: B55) was inoculated into thirty root canals. Ten teeth served as the negative control group. After the incubation period, the first endotoxin samples were collected from the root canals with a sterile/apyrogenic paper point for the analysis of the endotoxin units (EU/mL) present before instrumentation (S1). Specimen instrumentation was performed with the Mtwo® rotary system in the sequence 10/.04, 15/.05, 20/.06, 25/.06, 30/.05, 35/.04 and 40/.04. To monitor the effectiveness of increasing apical enlargement on endotoxin removal, the second endotoxin samples were collected from all the root canals after instrumentation with the following instruments: #25/.06- (S2); #30/.05- (S3); # 35/.04- (S4); and #40/.04- (S5). Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) was used to quantify the levels of endotoxin. The results were statistically compared by using repeated measures of ANOVA with post hoc Tukey testing. RESULTS: Increasing levels of endotoxin removal was achieved by large sized apical enlargement: S2 (AES #25/.06)- 89.2%, S3 (AES #30/.05)- 95.9%, S4 (AES #35/.04)- 97.8% and S5 (AES #40/.04)- 98.2%. Substantial reduction of endotoxin content was obtained in S4 and S5 compared to S2 (p<0.05), however, the root canal preparation was not able to eliminate the endotoxin. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that the reduction of endotoxin levels of the dental root canals could be predicted by increasing the apical enlargement size.

Remoção de retentores metálicos intrarradiculares com o Saca-pinos M&V: relato de casos clínicos / Removal of intraradicular cast posts with M&V device: clinical cases report

O endodontista em sua clínica diária depara-se, com alguma frequência, com a necessidade de realização do retratamento endodôntico e, muitas vezes, previamente a esse procedimento, faz-se necessária a remoção de retentores intrarradiculares. Diversos aparelhos são disponibilizados no mercado com a finalidade de promover o tracionamento do retentor intrarradicular. Dentre eles, destaca-se o Saca-pinos M&V®, que pode ser utilizado isoladamente ou associado a outras técnicas previamente à tração. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho relata dois casos clínicos distintos, que descrevem o uso desse dispositivo, suas vantagens, limitações e a influência de outras técnicas durante a remoção.

The endodontist, in his daily clinical, encounters himself with some frequency with the necessity of endodontic retreatment. So, sometimes it is necessary to remove intraradicular cast posts previously to this procedure. Thus, some devices are available in market aiming to pull the pin to be removed. Among them, stands out the M&V® device, which can be used singly or associated with other procedures previously to the tension. In this way, the present study relates two case reports, which describe this device use, including the advantages and limitations. In addition, the cases reports are compared each other showing the advantage of using this device with technical association.

Avaliação das injúrias dentárias observadas no Centro de Trauma Dental da Faculdade de Odontologiade Piracicaba - Unicamp / Evaluation of the traumatic dental injuries attended at the Traumatic Dental Center of Dental School of Piracicaba, Brazil

Os traumatismos dentários acometem uma considerável parcela da população e podem ocasionar perdas dentárias irreparáveis em alguns casos, tanto no momento do acidente como anos após. O propósito desta pesquisa foi realizar um estudo retrospectivo das injúrias dentárias observadas no Serviço de Trauma Dentário, área de Endodontia, da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba - Unicamp, entre 2003 e 2006. A coleta dos dados considerou gênero, idade, dentes envolvidos e etiologia do trauma. Foram avaliados 172 pacientes (108 do gênero masculino e 64 do feminino), com idades entre sete e cinquenta anos, que apresentaram um total de439 dentes traumatizados. As lesões dentárias mais encontradas foram avulsão (29,63%) e fratura coronária de esmalte-dentina (12,08%). Observa-se, portanto, uma alta incidência das injúrias traumáticas dentárias nesse serviço de pronto atendimento. Assim, tudo indica ser necessário que haja uma divulgação na abordagem preventivae educativa sobre os traumatismos dentários, especialmente em instituições escolares, conscientizando os educadores a esse respeito, visto que as atitudes de urgência no local do acidente podem devolver a qualidade de vida, pois grandes fraturas ou queda de dente podem ocasionar traumas psicológicos.

A high incidence of dental trauma affects a considerable number of the population which in some cases can lead in dental loss. The aim of the present research was to achieve a retrospective study concerning the individuals that had suffered traumatic dental injuries and were treated at the Traumatic Dental Injuries Treatment Centerof the, Dental School of Piracicaba, between 2003and 2006. Specific data, such as gender, age, involved tooth and trauma etiology were collected. 439 traumatized teeth were found in 172 patients (61% males and39% females) aging between 7 and 50 years old. Thehigh frequencies were: avulsions (29.63%) and enameldentifractures (12.08). Therefore, it is observed a very high incidence of the dental traumatic injuries in this center of emergency treatment. Thus, everything indicates that it is necessary that there is a disclosure on the preventive and educative approach on dental traumas, mainly in schools, making the educators aware concerningthis subject, since the attitudes of urgency in theplace of the accident may return their quality of life,taking into account that great fractures or avulsions of the tooth can cause physical traumas.

Surface morphology alterations in bovine dentin exposed to different bleaching agents

Aim: This study evaluated the morphological changes caused by internal bleaching agents on dentin surface. Methods: Twenty crowns of bovine incisors were cut into slabs that were randomly distributed in six experimental groups (n = 5), according to the bleaching agent used: G1 – sodium perborate + water, G2 – sodium perborate + 2% chlorhexidine gel, G3 – sodium perborate + 30% hydrogen peroxide, G4 – 30% hydrogen peroxide, G5 – 37% carbamide peroxide and G6 – gel base without carbamide. Two Control Groups were used: C1 with distilled water and C2 with 2% chlorhexidine gel. The specimens were immersed in the respective test bleaching agent and incubated at 37 °C for seven days. Following, they were prepared for scanning electron microscopy and five images from each tooth segment were recorded and analyzed for surface morphological alterations, by three previously calibrated examiners. Inter-examiner agreement was verified using the Kappa test. The rank averages obtained for the groups were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance at 5% significance level. Results: The analysis of the scores obtained indicated that all tested materials caused some morphological alteration on dentin, except for sodium perborate + water (G1) and Control Groups 1 and 2. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide caused significantly more severe alterations (p < 0.05) to dentin structure, than the other bleaching agents evaluated. Conclusions: Sodium perborate-based pastes seemed to be the most harmless agent to dentinstructures in non-vital tooth bleaching, while hydrogen peroxide solutions and carbamide peroxide agents caused the greatest alterations.

Concentration of hydrogen ions in several calcium hydroxide pastes over different periods of time

The purpose of this in vitro study was to measure the concentration of hydrogen ions (pH) of calcium hydroxide [(Ca(OH)2] pastes combined with different vehicles over 7 periods of time. The Ca(OH)2 was manipulated with the following vehicles: i: sterile water; ii: iodoform plus sterile water; iii: local anesthetics (Lydocaine 2 percent with 1: 100,000 epinephrine); iv: polyethyleneglycol; v: glycerin; vi: 2.0 percent chlorhexidine gel; vii: camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CMCP); viii: (CMCP) + glycerin; and ix: polyethyleneglycol plus CMCP. The pastes were made on a glass plate to toothpaste consistency and the pH was measured at the following times: 5 min, 1, 24, 48 h; 7, 14 and 28 days. The data were statistically analyzed (Kruskal-Wallis at p<0.05). At 5 min, 1 and 24 h, the pH of all tested pastes ranged from 13.05 to 11.16. At 48 h and 7 days the pH of all tested pastes ranged from 11.66 to 8.92. At 14 and 28 days almost all pastes had pH means lower than 10. In conclusion, the mean pH of all tested calcium hydroxide pastes decreased with the time. Pastes made with aqueous vehicles (especially with sterile water), followed by oily vehicles (especially with CMCP + glycerin), held the highest pH means over the periods of time tested.

O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi mensurar a concentração de ions hidroxila (pH) de pastas de hidróxido de cálcio manipuladas com diversos veículos em 7 intervalos de tempo. As pastas foram manipuladas com os seguintes veículos: (i) água destilada estéril; (ii) idodofórmio + água destilada estéril; (iii) anestésico local (Lidocaína a 2 por cento com 1:100.000 epinefrina); (iv) polietilenoglicol (Calen); (v) glicerina; (vi) clorexidina gel 2 por cento; (vii) paramonoclorofenol canforado (PMCC); (viii) PMCC + glicerina; e (ix) PMCC + polietilenoglicol (Calen PMCC). As pastas foram manipuladas em consistência de pasta de dente e os pH mensurados 5 min; 1, 24, 48 h; 7, 14 e 28 dias após manipulação. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente através do teste Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). Aos 5 min, 1 e 2 h após manipulação o pH de todas as pastas ficou entre 13.05 e 11.16. Aos 48 h e 7 dias após a manipulação, o pH de todas as pastas testadas variou de 11.66 a 8.92. Aos 14 e 28 dias, quase todas as pastas mostraram pH menor que 10. Concluiu-se que o pH de todas as pastas hidróxido de cálcio decresceram de acordo com o tempo. Pastas feitas com veículos aquosos (especialmente com água destilada), seguida de veículos oleosos (especialmente com CMCP + glicerina) mantiveram as maiores médias de pH durante os períodos testados.

Antimicrobial effect and pH of chlorhexidine gel and calcium hydroxide alone and associated with other materials

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 percent chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate gel, calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and their combination with iodoform and zinc oxide powder as intracanal medications against select microorganisms, and to measure the pH changes caused by these medications. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar diffusion method. The zones of growth inhibition were measured and the results were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). The pH of the pastes was measured right after preparation, after 24 h and 1 week later. The largest mean zones of microbial inhibition were produced by 2 percent CHX gel, followed by Ca(OH)2 + 2 percent CHX gel + iodoform, Ca(OH)2 + 2 percent CHX gel, Ca(OH)2 + 2 percent CHX gel + zinc oxide, and Ca(OH)2 + water. The mean pH of all medications stayed above 12.0 during the whole experiment, except for CHX gel (pH=7.0). The results of this study showed that all medications had antimicrobial activity, but the most effective against the tested microorganisms were 2 percent CHX gel, followed by its combination with Ca(OH)2 and iodoform.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar, in vitro, a efetividade antimicrobiana da clorexidina gel 2 por cento (CHX) e hidróxido de cálcio, isoladamente e associados com iodofórmio e pó de óxido de zinco como medicamentos intracanais frente a microrganismos e medidos pHs das diferentes medicações. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelo método de difusão em ágar. As áreas de inibição de crescimento foram medidas e os resultados estatisticamente analisados utilizando-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). O pH das pastas foi mensurado após a manipulação, após 24 h e após uma semana. Os resultados mostraram que a maior zona de inibição foi da CHX gel 2 por cento, seguida pelo Ca(OH)2 + 2 por cento CHX gel, Ca(OH)2 + 2 por cento CHX gel + iodofórmio, Ca(OH)2 + 2 por cento CHX gel +óxido de zinco, Ca(OH)2 + água. A média de pH de todos os medicamentos intracanais foi de 12 durante todo o experimento, exceto com CHX gel 2 por cento (pH=7,0). Estes resultados permitiram concluir que todos os medicamentos tiveram atividade antimicrobiana, no entanto, a maior foi da CHX gel 2 por cento, seguido da associação com o Ca(OH)2. e iodofórmio.

In vitro evaluation of the effectiveness of the chemomechanical preparation against Enterococcus faecalis after single- or multiple-visit root canal treatment

The purpose was to assess the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis in vitro in human mandibular premolars after chemomechanical preparation with or without the use of a calcium hydroxide dressing. After 60 days of contamination with E. faecalis, the root canals were prepared using the Crown-Down technique combined with 2 percent chlorhexidine gel irrigation. Then, the specimens were divided into two experimental groups, treated in a single visit or in multiple visits, and two control groups. The multiple-visit group received a dressing with calcium hydroxide for 14 days (CalenTM) and the single-visit group did not receive any medication. In the two control groups, the canals were filled with BHI after chemomechanical preparation with 2 percent chlorhexidine gel or distilled water. Microbial samples were taken from the root canals for colony forming unit count for each phase of the treatment using sterile paper points inside the root canal lumen. Data were ranked and analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test. The residual microbial colonies were then assessed. The results showed that chemomechanical preparation using 2 percent chlorhexidine gel with no intra-canal dressing reduced by 100 percent the E. faecalis contamination of the root canal lumen. The calcium-hydroxide group that received the 14-day intra-canal dressing allowed a small number of bacteria to grow between visits, but without statistical differences between groups.

Objetivou-se avaliar in vitro a eliminação do Enterococcus faecalis em pré-molares inferiores humanos após o preparo químico-mecânico seguido ou não de curativo de hidróxido de cálcio. Após 60 dias de contaminação com E. faecalis os canais radiculares foram preparados utilizando-se a técnica coroa-ápice associada à irrigação com clorexidina em gel a 2 por cento. Posteriormente os espécimes foram divididos em dois grupos experimentais, tratados em uma ou duas sessões, e dois grupos controles. O grupo tratado em duas sessões recebeu medicação intracanal de hidróxido de cálcio por 14 dias (CalenTM) e o grupo de sessão única não recebeu medicação. Nos dois grupos controles, após o preparo químico-mecânico com clorexidina em gel a 2 por cento ou água destilada, os canais foram preenchidos com BHI. Amostras microbiológicas foram coletadas dos canais radiculares e contadas por meio de unidades formadoras de colônia em cada fase do tratamento utilizando-se ponta de papel dentro da luz do canal. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis. As colônias bacterianas residuais foram então mensuradas. A utilização da clorexidina em gel a 2 por cento sem emprego da medicação intracanal reduziu em 100 por cento a contaminação por E. faecalis. O grupo que recebeu a medicação intracanal de hidróxido de cálcio por 14 dias permitiu o crescimento de pequeno número de bactérias entre as sessões, mas sem diferença estatística entre os grupos.

Radiographic prevalence of root canal ramifications in a sample of root canal treatments in a Brazilian Dental School

The aim of this study was to radiographically investigate the presence of root canal ramifications found after endodontic treatment, and to determine any relationship between their presence and the type of the auxiliary chemical substance used. The study evaluated 1,470 endodontic treatments performed by final year undergraduate students at the Dental School of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brazil, during the period from 1998 to 2000. The X-rays taken during treatment were evaluated in order to establish the presence of ramifications of the root canal system. The initial X-ray did not show the presence of any canal ramifications. After filling, X-rays showed only 3 ramification types: 3.06 percent of lateral canals, 2.99 percent of apical deltas, and 0.1 percent of interradicular canals. The maxillary premolars showed the highest number of lateral canals (n = 13), followed by mandibular premolars (n = 10) and maxillary incisors (n = 10). Apical deltas were mostly found in mandibular molars (n = 14), followed by maxillary incisors (n = 9). Only mandibular molars had interradicular canals. The detection of ramifications increased with the use of EDTA. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between the type of auxiliary chemical substance used and the number of root canal ramifications detected after root canal filling. It was concluded that the frequency of root canal ramifications found radiographically was low in treatments performed by undergraduate students.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar radiograficamente a presença de ramificações do canal radicular encontrada depois do tratamento endodôntico, e determinar qualquer relação entre a presença destas e do tipo de substância química auxiliar usada. O estudo avaliou 1.470 tratamentos endodônticos executados pelos estudantes do último ano da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brasil, no período de 1998 a 2000. Foram avaliadas as radiografias feitas durante o tratamento para verificar a presença das ramificações dos sistemas de canais radiculares. A radiografia inicial não mostrou a presença de qualquer ramificação. Depois da obturação as radiografias mostraram apenas 3 tipos de ramificação: 3,06 por cento de canais laterais, 2,99 por cento de deltas apicais e 0,1 por cento de canais interradiculares. Os pré-molares superiores mostraram o maior número de canais laterais (n = 13), seguidos pelos pré-molares inferiores (n = 10) e incisivos superiores (n = 10). Deltas apicais foram encontrados principalmente em molares inferiores (n = 14), seguidos por incisivos superiores (n = 9). Apenas molares inferiores apresentaram canais interradiculares. A detecção de ramificações aumentou com o uso do EDTA. Entretanto, nenhuma relação estatisticamente significante foi encontrada entre o tipo de substância química auxiliar usada e o número de ramificações visualizadas após a obturação dos canais radiculares. Foi concluído que a freqüência de ramificações do canal radicular encontrada radiograficamente é baixa em tratamentos executados por estudantes universitários.

In vitro evaluation of the susceptibility of endodontic pathogens to calcium hydroxide combined with different vehicles

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro a atividade antimicrobiana do hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2] em associação com diferentes veículos frente a patógenos endodônticos. O teste de difusão em caldo foi utilizado. Foram preparadas pastas com pó de Ca(OH)2 e os seguintes veículos: água destilada, glicerina, PMCC (paramonoclorofenol canforado), PMCC + glicerina, e PMCC + polietilenoglicol. O tempo necessário para as pastas produzirem culturas negativas frente aos microorganismos testados foi registrado e analisado estatisticamente por meio do teste de Kruskal Wallis com nível de significância de 5%. Foram necessárias de 6 a 24 h para eliminar os microrganismos aeróbios e facultativos e de 30 s a 5 min para os anaeróbios estritos. A suscetibilidade microbiana em ordem crescente foi: Enterococcus faecalis (patógeno mais resistente), Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas endodontalis e Prevotella intermedia (os últimos dois microrganismos necessitaram do mesmo tempo para serem eliminados). Concluiu-se que as pastas de hidróxido de cálcio necessitaram de maior tempo para eliminar os microrganismos facultativos do que os anaeróbios. Esses achados sugerem que a propriedade antimicrobiana está relacionada tanto à formulação da pasta quanto à suscetibilidade microbiana.

Fatores de sucesso em endodontia: análise retrospectiva de 2000 casos clínicos / Success evaluation of 2000 endodontically treated teeth: a retrospective study

Este trabalho retrospectivo avaliou o índice de sucesso de 2.000 tratamentos e retratamentos endodônticos realizados por um especialista. As informações obtidas nos controles clínico-radiográficos foram transformadas em porcentagem e examinadas estatisticamente usando o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e o teste exato de Fisher. A média geral de sucesso foi de 91,45 por cento, e os resultados mostraram que polpa com vitalidade, ausência de lesão, modalidade de intervenção convencional, nível de obturação aquém-ápice e sessão única apresentaram índices de sucesso estatisticamente maiores do que polpas sem vitalidade, presença de lesão, retratamento, obturações no limite radiográfico ou além-ápice e sessões múltiplas

In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of five root canal sealers

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as propriedades antimicrobianas de cinco cimentos endodônticos: Endo Fill, Endomethasone, Endomethasone N, Sealer 26 e AH-Plus, em diferentes períodos pós-manipulação, i.e., imediatamente e após 24 horas, 48 horas e 7 dias, contra os seguintes microrganismos: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus sanguis e Actinomyces naeslundii. Os métodos usados foram o contato direto através da observação do crescimento microbiano em meio líquido e o teste de difusão em agar. Os resultados, nas duas metodologias usadas, mostraram que: 1) imediatamente após a manipulação, Endo-Fill e Endomethasone apresentaram a maior atividade antimicrobiana, sem diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre eles. Sealer 26 teve a menor atividade antimicrobiana; 2) nos outros tempos pós-manipulação, não houveram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os cimentos testados. Foi concluído que nenhum dos cimentos inibiu completamente o crescimento dos microrganismos testados. A atividade antimicrobiana de cada cimento diminuiu com o tempo e dependeu da suscetibilidade microbiana a eles.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide pastes and their vehicles against selected microorganisms

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide in combination with several vehicles against some microorganisms commonly isolated from root canals. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar diffusion method. Stainless-steel cylinders were placed on each inoculated agar medium. The test medicaments and their controls were placed inside the cylinders. The zones of growth inhibition were measured and recorded after incubation for each plate and the results were analyzed statistically (ANOVA). The in vitro antimicrobial effects of the medications were ranked from strongest to weakest as follows: Ca(OH)2 + CMCP + glycerine, Ca(OH)2 + CMCP, Ca(OH)2 + glycerine, Ca(OH)2 + anesthetic, Ca(OH)2 + saline, Ca(OH)2 + H2O, Ca(OH)2 + polyethyleneglycol. The pastes with oily vehicles showed significantly larger mean zones of inhibition compared to those with aqueous or viscous vehicles. It was concluded that diffusion and antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide were affected by the type of vehicle used