Periradicular repair after single- and two-visit root canal treatments using ultrasonic irrigant activation and calcium hydroxide dressing of teeth with apical periodontitis: study protocol for randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: In certain clinical situations, root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis is performed in multiple visits, with the use of intracanal dressing between visits, aiming to reduce microorganisms and their by-products of the root canal system prior to filling. However, in recent years, discussions have been growing about the real need for the use of intracanal dressing in these cases. The use of ultrasonic activation of the auxiliary chemical substance has increased the potential for decontamination promoted during the chemomechanical preparation of the root canal. Thus, this study is designed to explore whether the use of intracanal dressing between visits during endodontic treatment favors periradicular repair in teeth with apical periodontitis. METHODS: This is a randomized, prospective, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate 3 distinct clinical approaches used during endodontic therapy: group 1-root canal treatment in a single visit (RCT-SV); group 2-root canal treatment in two visits with intracanal dressing (RCT-TVWD); and group 3-root canal treatment in two visits without intracanal dressing (RCT-TVWOD). A total of 150 adult patients aged 18 to 60, with at least one tooth diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and periradicular lesion (confirmed with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)), will be randomized and will undergo one of the types of clinical approaches during endodontic therapy. Patients' postoperative pain levels will also be recorded in periods of 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days. Subsequently, clinical findings and long-term follow-up evaluations, with periradicular repair, will be performed at 6 and 12 months by intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPAR) and CBCT at the 24-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: This study will evaluate the periradicular repair of mandibular molar teeth with apical periodontitis, providing information about the efficacy, benefits, and safety of performing the endodontic treatment in a single and two visits, with and without the use of calcium hydroxide dressing. All endodontic therapy procedures will be performed under a dental operating microscope and using ultrasonic activation of auxiliary chemical substances. These results may contribute to changes in the clinical approaches adopted during endodontic therapy of teeth with apical periodontitis and reveal the potential of complementary approaches that aim to enhance the decontamination of the root canal system during the preparation stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05256667. Registered on 24 February 2022.

USAGE OF CHLORHEXIDINE AS A FINAL IRRIGANT IN ONE-VISIT ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IN COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL TWO-VISIT ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IN MANDIBULAR MOLARS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of 1-visit root canal treatment (RCT), especially for teeth with large periapical lesions, are still being debated. Although, the use of chlorhexidine (CHX) as a final irrigant have been recommended to provide an optimized approach in 1-visit RCT, there is limited knowledge about the outcome of 1-visit RCT using CHX as the final irrigant. AIM: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the healing of mandibular molar teeth with large periapical lesions after RCT that was completed in 1 visit using 2% CHX as a final irrigant, comparing the results with a conventional 2-visit RCT as a control group. METHODOLOGY: This study is a prospective, parallel-designed, and single-blinded randomized clinical trial. One-hundred asymptomatic mandibular molar teeth with large periapical lesions were randomly assigned to 2 groups. All teeth were instrumented with Reciproc files with 2.5% sodium hypochloride (NaOCl) and 5% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as irrigants. In the intervention group, half of the teeth were treated in 1 visit, receiving an additional final rinse with 2% CHX before obturation; the other half of the teeth, however, were treated in 2 visits with calcium hydroxide (CH) dressings, in the control group. All root canals were obturated with Reciproc gutta-percha cones and AH Plus root canal sealer. All patients were recalled and investigated clinically and radiographically for 48 months. Periapical healing was evaluated statistically using the Mann-Whitney U test, followed by the Friedman and the Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: During the 48-month follow-up process, 86 teeth (44 in 1-visit and 42 in 2-visit group) were examined. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding the radiographic healing rates (1-visit group 91% and 2-visit group 88%) (P > .05). CONCLUSION: In this study, 1-visit RCT using 2% CHX as final irrigant in asymptomatic mandibular molars with large periapical lesions produced favorable healing results, similar to 2-visit root canal treatment with calcium hydroxide.

Microbiome Changes during Regenerative Endodontic Treatment Using Different Methods of Disinfection.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to characterize qualitatively and quantitatively the changes in the endodontic microbiome, in teeth with necrotic pulp, open apexes, and apical periodontitis, with 3 antimicrobial protocols, undertaken in a multicenter clinical trial. METHODS: Microbiological samples were collected from 116 regenerative endodontic teeth, and 97 qualified for inclusion. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups: apexification (APEX), regeneration (REGEN), and revascularization (REVASC), all in 2 appointments. The group variables in the first appointment irrigants, and second appointment irrigants and medicaments were as follows: APEX: 5.25%-6% NaOCl, 5.25%-6% NaOCl + 17% EDTA and calcium hydroxide; REGEN: 1.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, and 0.1 mg/mL triple antibiotic paste (TAP); and REVASC 5.25% NaOCl, saline, and 1 g/mL TAP, respectively. Sampling was done upon access (S0), after irrigation in the first appointment (S1), and after using medication and irrigation in the second appointment (S2). RESULTS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene showed significant reduction in bacterial load from S0 to S2 in all groups; however, the APEX and REVASC groups had significantly less residual DNA than the REGEN group (P = .0045). The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Spirochaetes, and Synergistetes were reduced with the treatment rendered. However, relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria was not changed, and that of Proteobacteria increased. LEfSe analysis showed that reduction in bacterial taxa was more in REVASC than APEX, which in turn was more than in REGEN. CONCLUSION: Enhanced antimicrobial protocols lead to better reduction in quantitative and qualitative parameters of the endodontic microflora.

Comparative evaluation of the antibacterial effect of Allium sativum, calcium hydroxide and their combination as intracanal medicaments in infected mature anterior teeth: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial effects of Allium sativum (garlic extract), calcium hydroxide (Ca [OH]2 ) and their combination as intracanal medicaments in infected mature anterior teeth using real-time PCR. METHODOLOGY: This prospective double-blind, controlled, parallel, superiority, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 66 permanent, necrotic incisors associated with asymptomatic apical periodontitis in 66 male patients. Patients were randomly divided into three groups (n = 22) according to the intracanal medications used. After access preparation, four microbiological samples (S) were taken using sterile absorbent paper points as follows: S1: before canal instrumentation and S2: after cleaning and shaping. The third sample (S3) and fourth sample (S4) were taken after the placement of the tested intracanal medications into their corresponding canals for 7 and 14 days, respectively. Total DNA was extracted from microbiological samples and relative quantitative real-time PCRs were done to quantify the relative gene expression fold change (FC) for Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus species. At significance level p ≤ .05, the data were statistically analysed in SPSS software using Kruskal-Wallis and Freidman's tests, followed by Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc test for pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: Both bacterial mean FC decreased significantly after mechanical instrumentation (S1 to S2) in all groups. However, no statistically significant differences were found after intracanal medicament placement (from S2 to S3 and from S3 to S4) except in the garlic group. Garlic significantly reduced Enterococcus faecalis FC in S3 and S4 when compared to Ca (OH)2 and Ca (OH)2 + garlic combination. However, garlic and Ca (OH)2 reduced Streptococcus bacteria in S3 similarly. Whilst in S4, garlic showed significantly more reduction than Ca (OH)2 . The combination of Ca (OH)2 with garlic extract showed the least significant bacterial reduction. CONCLUSION: Within the study limitations, garlic intracanal medicament has a comparable anti-Streptococcus efficiency to Ca (OH)2 , whilst it is more effective against Enterococcus faecalis species. When Ca (OH)2 and garlic are combined, their antibacterial effectiveness is reduced. Increasing the time of application for tested intracanal medicaments by more than one week has no additional antibacterial effectiveness.

Management of teeth with dens invaginatus and apical periodontitis: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Dens invaginatus is a dental anomaly that can predispose the tooth to pulp and periapical pathology. CASE DESCRIPTION: Different endodontists treated 6 maxillary incisors with dens invaginatus associated with apical periodontitis. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to help with diagnosis and treatment planning in most patients. Four patients received diagnoses of Oehlers type II dens invaginatus and the other 2 as type III. In some patients with type II, the invagination had to be perforated to permit access to the apical part of the true root canal. Both the true canal and the invagination (pseudocanal) were treated in all cases using an antimicrobial regimen based on chemomechanical preparation with sodium hypochlorite irrigation and supplementary disinfection approaches. Calcium hydroxide medication was used in all but 1 case. The root canal and invagination were often filled using thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques, sometimes using an apical plug with a bioceramic material in teeth with large apical openings. All treated patients had favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Regardless of the complex anatomic variations, common strategic therapeutic approaches were identified that might serve as recommendations for proper management of teeth with dens invaginatus and apical periodontitis. These approaches include cone-beam computed tomographic planning, aggressive disinfection using sodium hypochlorite ultrasonic or sonic activation and calcium hydroxide intracanal medication, and thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturation of both the root canal and invagination.

A critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study intracanal medicaments.

In order to ensure predictable decontamination of the root canal system, chemo-mechanical preparation of the root canal space is sometimes supplemented with the use of intracanal medication. As microbial control of the root canal space is fundamental to the resolution of apical periodontitis, root canal disinfection strategies haven been researched intensively. The use of intracanal medication as a supplementary step to the chemo-mechanical preparation of the root canal space is one of them. Because of the costs and limitations of clinical research it is relevant and common practice to first evaluate alternative or new root canal disinfection modalities in laboratory studies. This involves the simulation of a root canal infection in a laboratory model, on which different disinfection strategies can be tested. When modelling the infected root canal, different levels of infection can be discriminated: suspended bacteria, microbial biofilms and infected dentine. This review describes the experimental models associated with these infection levels and critically appraises their value and methodological details. Suggestions for relevant research methods and experimental models are given, as well as some good practices for laboratory-based microbiological studies.

Uso de propóleo con hidróxido de calcio como medicación intraconducto en periodontitis apical asintomática. Reporte de caso / Uso de própolis com hidróxido de cálcio como medicação intraconducto na periodontite apical assintomática. Relato de Caso / Use of propolis with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament in asymptomatic apical periodontitis. A case report

Resumen La miel y sus productos, a lo largo de la historia, han sido usados por diversas civilizaciones con fines terapéuticos debido a sus efectos curativos. En la actualidad existe un renovado interés en el uso de la apiterapia como coadyuvante en diversos tratamientos médicos, en donde destaca el propóleo por sus propiedades bactericidas, antiinflamatorias, anticancerígenas, entre otras. El objetivo de este artículo es describir un caso de un primer molar inferior izquierdo con diagnóstico de necrosis pulpar y periodontitis periapical asintomática que fue manejado con el uso de la mezcla de propóleo con hidróxido de calcio como medicación intraconducto entre citas, logrando observar un proceso de reparación ósea durante este lapso. Se concluye que el propóleo es una alternativa viable como coadyuvante del hidróxido de calcio en los casos que está indicada la medicación intraconducto.

Resumo O mel e seus produtos, ao longo da história, têm sido utilizados por várias civilizações para fins terapêuticos devido aos seus efeitos curativos. Atualmente, há um interesse renovado no uso da apiterapia como adjuvante em vários tratamentos médicos, onde a própolis se destaca por seu bactericida, antiinflamatório, anticâncer, entre outros. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever um caso de primeiro molar inferior esquerdo com diagnóstico de necrose pulpar e periodontite periapical assintomática que foi gerenciada com o uso da mistura de própolis com hidróxido de cálcio como medicamento intraconducto entre as consultas, conseguindo observar um processo de reparo ósseo durante esse período. Em conclusão, a própolis é uma alternativa viável como adjuvante ao hidróxido de cálcio nos casos indicados por medicação intraconducto.

Abstract Various civilizations have used honey and its products for therapeutic purposes throughout history because of their healing effects. There is a renewed interest in the use of apitherapy as an adjunct in various medical treatments. Propolis stands out for its bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, among others. This paper aims to describe the case of a lower left first molar diagnosed with pulp necrosis and asymptomatic periapical periodontitis that was managed with a mixture of propolis and calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament between appointments. A bone repair process was observed during this period. It is concluded that propolis is a viable alternative as a calcium hydroxide adjuvant when intracanal medication is indicated.

Combinations of propolis and Ca(OH)2 in dental pulp capping treatment for the stimulation of reparative dentin formation in a rat model.

Background: Caries in the dental pulp result in inflammation and damage to the pulp tissue. During inflammation of the pulp, various inflammatory mediators and growth factors are released, including IL-8, IL-10, TLR-2, VEGF and TGF-ß through the NF-kB pathway. In the present study, therapy for pulpal caries was performed through pulp capping by giving a combination of propolis and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). This treatment was expected to stimulate the formation of reparative dentin as an anti-inflammatory material to prevent pulp tissue damage. Methods: 28 Wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated with Ca(OH)2 with or without the addition of propolis for either 7 or 14 days. Immunohistochemical examination was used to determine the expression of IL-8, IL-10, TLR-2, VEGF, TGF-ß in the four treatment groups. Results: The group treated with a combination of propolis and Ca(OH)2 for 7 days showed that the expression of IL-10, IL-8, TLR-2, VEGF, TGF-ß increased significantly compared to the treatment group treated with only Ca(OH)2. The expression of IL-10, TLR-2, TGF-ß, VEGF increased in the treatment group treated with propolis and Ca(OH)2 for 14 days, while the expression of IL-8 in the decreased significantly. Conclusions: Administration of a combination of propolis and Ca(OH)2 has efficacy in the pulp capping treatment process because it has anti-bacterial and immunomodulatory properties. The results show that it is able to stimulate the process of pulp tissue repair through increased expression of IL-10, TGF-ß, VEGF, TLR -2 and decreased expression of IL-8.

The efficacy of a traditional medicine preparation on second-degree burn wounds in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lime Salve (L.S) has been well documented from the 9th to the 19th century AD by traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) as an effective remedy for burn healing. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the healing effect and related underlying mechanisms of Lime Salve in a model of deep second-degree thermal burn in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: L.S was made up of a combination of refined calcium hydroxide powder, beeswax and sesame oil and its quality control was assessed. A deep second-degree burn was created by a hot plate in 48 male Wistar rats. Afterwards, they were randomly divided into four groups including normal saline (C group), L.S (T group), basement of formulation composed of beeswax and sesame oil (B group) and silver sulfadiazine (S group). On days 5, 10, 17 and 24, the wounds were digitally photographed by a camera and after sacrifice of the rats, skin samples were obtained for performing qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry staining and histological examination. RESULTS: L.S prominently augmented the wound closure rate, neovascularization on day 10 and collagen formation on days 17 and 24 in comparison with the C group. Furthermore, the Salve-exposed specimens showed a significant higher epithelialization during the experiment with a peak on day 24. qRT-PCR also showed that on day 10, VEGF and TGF-ß1 genes were significantly higher in the T group as compared with the C group. Also, MMP-9 and MMP-2 genes had a significant peak of expression on day 17 and rapid reduction of expression on day 24. Expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α genes peaked on day 10 in the T group, followed by a progressive reduction until the end of the examination. CONCLUSION: L.S could effectively accelerate the healing process of deep second-degree burn wounds and therefore, it may be recommended as a promising topical medication for treating burn wounds in the future clinical trials.

Lactobacillus plantarum lipoteichoic acid disrupts mature Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.

Apical periodontitis is caused by biofilm-mediated root canal infection. Early phase oral bacterial biofilms are inhibited by Lactobacillus plantarum lipoteichoic acid (Lp.LTA). However, mature biofilms that develop over 3 weeks are more resistant to traditional endodontic medicaments. Therefore, this study examined the effectiveness of Lp.LTA on disrupting mature Enterococcus faecalis biofilms, and on enhancing the effects of endodontic medicaments. LTA was purified from L. plantarum through butanol extraction followed by hydrophobic and ion-exchange chromatography. E. faecalis biofilms were formed over 3 weeks on glass bottom dishes and in dentin blocks obtained from human single-rooted premolars. These mature biofilms were treated with or without Lp.LTA for 1 h, followed by additional treatment with either chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), calcium hydroxide (CH), or triple antibiotics for 24 h. Biofilms on glass were live/dead stained and quantified by ZEN through confocal laser microscopy. Bio-films in dentin were fixed, sputter coated and analyzed by ImageJ with scanning electron microscopy. Preformed E. faecalis mature biofilms on the culture dishes were dose-dependently disrupted by Lp.LTA. Lp.LTA potentiated the effects of CHX or CH on the disruption of mature biofilm. Interestingly, CHX-induced disruption of preformed E. faecalis mature biofilms was synergistically enhanced only when pre-treated with Lp.LTA. Furthermore, in the dentin block model, Lp.LTA alone reduced E. faecalis mature biofilm and pre-treatment with Lp.LTA promoted the anti-biofilm activity of CHX. Lp.LTA could be an anti-biofilm or supplementary agent that can be effective for E. faecalis-biofilm-induced diseases.

Iodoform Vs Calcium Hydroxide/Zinc Oxide based pastes: 12-month findings of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study evaluated clinical and radiographic twelve-month outcomes of root canal treatments (CT) with smear layer removal, performed in primary teeth, using two different root canal filling materials. Pulpectomy was performed on 27 primary teeth with necrosis or irreversible pulpitis, caused by dental caries or trauma, in 23 children (2-7 years old). A single trained operator performed the CT in a single visit in cases without periapical or interradicular radiolucency (PIR) or in multiple visits in cases with PIR. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 (G1) - iodoform paste (iodoform + camphorated parachlorophenol + ointment comprising prednisolone acetate 5.0 mg and rifamycin 1.5 mg); Group 2 (G2) - Calen®/ZO paste. Treated teeth were restored with composite resin immediately after the root canal filling. The outcomes were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to specific criteria. Two blinded and standardized evaluators assessed the radiographic outcomes. We used descriptive analyses due to the small sample size. CTs were performed due to caries lesions in 70.4% of the cases and due to trauma in 29.6%. Only one tooth of G1 was unsuccessful; hence, pulpectomy performance in both groups was not influenced by the filling material, nor by any other analyzed variable. The level of the root canal filling was better in the Calen®/ZO group. The clinical and radiographic twelve-month outcomes indicated successful treatment, independently of the root filling material used.

Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic dental injuries are common. One of the most severe injuries is when a permanent tooth is knocked completely out of the mouth (avulsed). In most circumstances the tooth should be replanted as quickly as possible. There is uncertainty on which interventions will maximise the survival and repair of the replanted tooth. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2010. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of a range of interventions for managing traumatised permanent front teeth with avulsion injuries. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 8 March 2018), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 2) in the Cochrane Library (searched 8 March 2018), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 8 March 2018), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 8 March 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that included a minimum follow-up period of 12 months, for interventions for avulsed and replanted permanent front teeth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Authors were contacted where further information about their study was required. MAIN RESULTS: Four studies, involving a total of 183 participants and 257 teeth were identified. Each of the interventions aimed to reduce infection or alter the inflammatory response or both at the time of or shortly after the tooth or teeth were replanted. Each study assessed a different intervention and therefore it was not appropriate or possible to numerically synthesise the data. All evidence was rated as being of very low quality due to problems with risk of bias and imprecision of results. This means that we are very uncertain about all of the results presented in this review.One study at high risk of bias with 69 participants (138 teeth) compared a 20-minute soak with gentamycin sulphate for both groups prior to replantation with the experimental group receiving daily hyperbaric oxygen for 80 minutes for the first 10 days. There was some evidence of a benefit for the hyperbaric oxygen group in respect of periodontal healing, tooth survival, and pulpal healing.One study at unclear risk of bias with 22 participants (27 teeth) compared the use of two root canal medicaments, Ledermix and Ultracal. There was insufficient evidence of a difference for periodontal healing or tooth survival. This was the only study to formally report adverse events with none identified. Study authors reported that Ledermix caused a greater level of patient dissatisfaction with the colour of avulsed and replanted teeth.A third study at high risk of bias with 19 participants compared extra- or intra-oral endodontics for avulsed teeth which were stored dry for longer than 60 minutes before replantation. There was insufficient evidence of a difference in periodontal healing.The fourth study at high risk of bias with 73 participants compared a 10-minute soak in either thymosin alpha 1 or saline before replantation followed by daily gingival injections with these same medicaments for the first 7 days. There was some evidence of a benefit for thymosin alpha 1 with respect to periodontal healing and tooth survival. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the included studies, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of different interventions for avulsed and replanted permanent front teeth. The overall quality of existing evidence was very low, and therefore great caution should be exercised when generalising the results of the included trials. There is urgent need for further well-designed randomised controlled trials.

Promotion of Dental Pulp Wound Healing in New Zealand White Rabbits' Teeth by Thai Propolis Product.

This study examined and compared wound healing between Thai propolis product and calcium hydroxide paste as pulp-capping agents after partial pulpotomy in New Zealand white rabbits. Forty incisor teeth from 10 rabbits were treated. Thirty-six teeth received class V cavity preparations with partial pulpotomy and application of either propolis or calcium hydroxide paste. Similar cavity preparations were performed in 2 teeth without any capping material as a positive control, whereas 2 teeth without the cavity preparation served as a negative control. Histological evaluation showed that both groups had dentin bridge formation. Dentinal tubules in the dentin bridge were more orderly arranged in the Thai propolis group than in the calcium hydroxide group. Wound healing and the median number of hyperemic blood vessels were not statistically significant different between the 2 groups. Thai propolis product may be used as a pulp-capping agent.

Iodoform Vs Calcium Hydroxide/Zinc Oxide based pastes: 12-month findings of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract This study evaluated clinical and radiographic twelve-month outcomes of root canal treatments (CT) with smear layer removal, performed in primary teeth, using two different root canal filling materials. Pulpectomy was performed on 27 primary teeth with necrosis or irreversible pulpitis, caused by dental caries or trauma, in 23 children (2-7 years old). A single trained operator performed the CT in a single visit in cases without periapical or interradicular radiolucency (PIR) or in multiple visits in cases with PIR. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 (G1) - iodoform paste (iodoform + camphorated parachlorophenol + ointment comprising prednisolone acetate 5.0 mg and rifamycin 1.5 mg); Group 2 (G2) - Calen®/ZO paste. Treated teeth were restored with composite resin immediately after the root canal filling. The outcomes were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to specific criteria. Two blinded and standardized evaluators assessed the radiographic outcomes. We used descriptive analyses due to the small sample size. CTs were performed due to caries lesions in 70.4% of the cases and due to trauma in 29.6%. Only one tooth of G1 was unsuccessful; hence, pulpectomy performance in both groups was not influenced by the filling material, nor by any other analyzed variable. The level of the root canal filling was better in the Calen®/ZO group. The clinical and radiographic twelve-month outcomes indicated successful treatment, independently of the root filling material used.

Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth.

BACKGROUND: In children, dental caries (tooth decay) is among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Pulp interventions are indicated for extensive tooth decay. Depending on the severity of the disease, three pulp treatment techniques are available: direct pulp capping, pulpotomy and pulpectomy. After treatment, the cavity is filled with a medicament. Materials commonly used include mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide, formocresol or ferric sulphate.This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2014 when insufficient evidence was found to clearly identify one superior pulpotomy medicament and technique. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different pulp treatment techniques and associated medicaments for the treatment of extensive decay in primary teeth. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 10 August 2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2017, Issue 7), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 10 August 2017), Embase Ovid (1980 to 10 August 2017) and the Web of Science (1945 to 10 August 2017). OpenGrey was searched for grey literature. The US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing interventions that combined a pulp treatment technique with a medicament or device in children with extensive decay in the dental pulp of their primary teeth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed 'Risk of bias'. We contacted authors of RCTs for additional information when necessary. The primary outcomes were clinical failure and radiological failure, as defined in trials, at six, 12 and 24 months. We performed data synthesis with pair-wise meta-analyses using fixed-effect models. We assessed statistical heterogeneity by using I² coefficients. MAIN RESULTS: We included 40 new trials bringing the total to 87 included trials (7140 randomised teeth) for this update. All were small, single-centre trials (median number of randomised teeth = 68). All trials were assessed at unclear or high risk of bias.The 87 trials examined 125 different comparisons: 75 comparisons of different medicaments or techniques for pulpotomy; 25 comparisons of different medicaments for pulpectomy; four comparisons of pulpotomy and pulpectomy; and 21 comparisons of different medicaments for direct pulp capping.The proportion of clinical failures and radiological failures was low in all trials. In many trials, there were either no clinical failures or no radiographic failures in either study arm.For pulpotomy, we assessed three comparisons as providing moderate-quality evidence. Compared with formocresol, MTA reduced both clinical and radiological failures, with a statistically significant difference at 12 months for clinical failure and at six, 12 and 24 months for radiological failure (12 trials, 740 participants). Compared with calcium hydroxide, MTA reduced both clinical and radiological failures, with statistically significant differences for clinical failure at 12 and 24 months. MTA also appeared to reduce radiological failure at six, 12 and 24 months (four trials, 150 participants) (low-quality evidence). When comparing calcium hydroxide with formocresol, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of formocresol for clinical failure at six and 12 months and radiological failure at six, 12 and 24 months (six trials (one with no failures), 332 participants).Regarding pulpectomy, we found moderate-quality evidence for two comparisons. The comparison between Metapex and zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) paste was inconclusive, with no clear evidence of a difference between the interventions for failure at 6 or 12 months (two trials, 62 participants). Similarly inconclusive, there was no clear evidence of a difference in failure between Endoflas and ZOE (outcomes measured at 6 months; two trials, 80 participants). There was low-quality evidence of a difference in failure at 12 months that suggested ZOE paste may be better than Vitapex (calcium hydroxide/iodoform) paste (two trials, 161 participants).Regarding direct pulp capping, the small number of studies undertaking the same comparison limits any interpretation. We assessed the quality of the evidence as low or very low for all comparisons. One trial appeared to favour formocresol over calcium hydroxide; however, there are safety concerns about formocresol. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth is generally successful. Many included trials had no clinical or radiological failures in either trial arm, and the overall proportion of failures was low. Any future trials in this area would require a very large sample size and follow up of a minimum of one year.The evidence suggests MTA may be the most efficacious medicament to heal the root pulp after pulpotomy of a deciduous tooth. As MTA is relatively expensive, future research could be undertaken to confirm if Biodentine, enamel matrix derivative, laser treatment or Ankaferd Blood Stopper are acceptable second choices, and whether, where none of these treatments can be used, application of sodium hypochlorite is the safest option. Formocresol, though effective, has known concerns about toxicity.Regarding pulpectomy, there is no conclusive evidence that one medicament or technique is superior to another, and so the choice of medicament remains at the clinician's discretion. Research could be undertaken to confirm if ZOE paste is more effective than Vitapex and to evaluate other alternatives.Regarding direct pulp capping, the small number of studies and low quality of the evidence limited interpretation. Formocresol may be more successful than calcium hydroxide; however, given its toxicity, any future research should focus on alternatives.

Knowledge and practice of, and attitudes toward, pulp therapy in deciduous teeth among pediatric dentists in India.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge and practice of, and attitudes toward, pulp therapy in deciduous dentition among pediatric dentists. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational survey was conducted using a closed-ended, multiple-choice questionnaire evaluating the knowledge and practice of, and attitudes toward, pulp therapy in deciduous dentition, which was formulated and sent to 360 pediatric dentists across India. Descriptive statistics were done, followed by χ2 -test to test the association between years of experience and the questionnaire items. RESULTS: A total of 3.5% of pediatric dentists performed their treatment using a rubber dam in all cases; 30% preferred to use local anesthesia prior to indirect pulp therapy (IPT). Traditional indirect pulp capping was preferred to IPT, and only 48% of them believed in not removing it completely. Pulpotomy was preferred over IPT (70%) when there was a probability of pulp exposure following complete caries excavation. Calcium hydroxide, along with iodoform, was the material of choice for the obturation of primary teeth (73.5%). A stainless steel crown was placed after pulp therapy in the primary tooth (86.3%). Most dentists believed requested immediate and 3-month follow up. CONCLUSION: The survey helps in assessing whether our views or approaches are in line with recent trends.

Does supplemental photodynamic therapy optimize the disinfection of bacteria and endotoxins in one-visit and two-visit root canal therapy? A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental photodynamic therapy (PDT) in optimizing the removal of bacteria and endotoxins from primarily infected root canals after one-visit and two-visit treatments. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four primarily infected root canals with apical periodontitis were selected and randomly divided into one-visit (n=12) and two-visit treatment groups (n=12). Chemo-mechanical preparation (CMP) was performed by using the single-file reciprocating technique+2.5% NaOCL and a final rinse with 17% EDTA. The photosensitizer agent (methylene blue 0.1mg/mL) was applied to root canals for 60s before application of laser with a potency of 60mW and energy density of 129J/cm2 for 120s after CMP in the one-visit treatment and after 14-day inter-appointment medication with Ca(OH)2+Saline solution (SSL) in the two-visit treatment. Samples were collected before and after root canal procedures. Endotoxins were quantified by chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Culture techniques were used to determine bacterial colony-forming unit counts. RESULTS: Bacteria and endotoxins were detected in 100% of the initial samples, with median values of 1.97×105 CFU/mL and 24.983EU/mL, respectively. The CMP using single-file reciprocating technique was effective in the reduction of bacteria and endotoxins (All, p<0.05). The supplemental PDT was effective in reducing bacterial load in the one-visit (p<0.05) but not in the two-visit treatment after use of Ca(OH)2 medication for 14days (p>0.05). In the two-visit group, after 14days of inter-appointment medication with Ca(OH)2, a significant reduction in the median levels of endotoxins was found in comparison to CMP alone (from 1.041 to 0.094EU/mL) (p<0.05). Despite the type of treatment, the supplemental PDT was not effective against endotoxins (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The photodynamic therapy optimized the disinfection of bacteria from root canals in one-visit but not for two visit treatment modality with the accomplishment of calcium hydroxide medication. Despite the type of treatment, the supplemental PDT was not effective against endotoxins.

Efficacy of XP-endo Finisher File in Removing Calcium Hydroxide from Simulated Internal Resorption Cavity.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementary use of XP-endo Finisher file, passive ultrasonic activation (PUI), EndoActivator (EA), and CanalBrush (CB) on the removal of calcium hydroxide (CH) paste from simulated internal resorption cavities. METHODS: The root canals of 110 extracted single-rooted teeth with straight canals were prepared up to size 50. The specimens were split longitudinally, and standardized internal resorption cavities were prepared with burs. The cavities and root canals were filled with CH paste. The specimens were divided into 5 groups as follows: XP-endo Finisher, EA, PUI, CB, and syringe irrigation (SI). The root canals were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes, respectively. Apart from the SI group, both solutions were activated by using tested techniques for 1 minute. The quantity of CH remnants on resorption cavities was scored. Data were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: XP-endo Finisher and PUI removed significantly more CH than SI, EA, and CB (P < .05), showing no significant difference between them (P > .05). Differences among SI, EA, and CB were also non-significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: None of the tested techniques render the simulated internal resorption cavities free of CH debris. XP-endo Finisher and PUI were superior to SI, CB, and EA.

Comparação clínica e radiográfica aleatória de materiais obturadores utilizados no tratamento de canais radiculares de dentes decíduos / Clinical and radiographic comparison of materials used in the treatment of primary teeth

Esse estudo objetivou avaliar o desempenho clínico e radiográfico de tratamentos de canais radiculares com remoção da smear layer em dentes decíduos utilizandose dois materiais obturadores distintos: pasta iodoformada e pasta a base de hidróxido de cálcio espessada com óxido de zinco. Foram tratados 27 dentes diagnosticados com necrose pulpar ou pulpite irreversível devido a lesões de cárie ou traumatismo dento-alveolar em 23 crianças (7 meninas e 16 meninos) com idade entre 2 e 7 anos. Os participantes foram selecionados baseados em critérios de inclusão e exclusão específicos e os dentes que necessitavam de tratamento endodôntico foram aleatoriamente alocados em dois grupos G1 - obturados com pasta iodoformada (iodofórmio, paramonoclorofenol canforado e pomada contendo acetato de prednisolona 5,0mg e rifamicina 1,5mg); G2 - obturados com pasta a base de hidróxido de cálcio espessada com óxido de zinco (Calen®/OZ: Ca(OH)2 ­ 26,12% e OZ ­ 39,33%) sendo tratados, no máximo, 2 dentes por criança. Os exames clínicos foram realizados um mês, três meses e seis meses após a realização das pulpectomias. As radiografias de controle foram tomadas ao término da terapia pulpar e no sexto mês de acompanhamento. As avaliações radiográficas foram realizadas por dois operadores treinados, calibrados e cegos para o material obturador utilizado. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva. Cem por cento dos tratamentos em ambos os grupos foram classificados como sucesso. Dessa forma, o desempenho das pulpectomias não foi influenciada pelo tipo de material obturador utilizado nem por qualquer outra variável analisada. O cuidado na seleção dos casos e na execução dos tratamentos, bem como no monitoramento dos pacientes no período de acompanhamento podem ter contribuído para as altas frequências de sucesso desse estudo. Os dentes tratados com a pasta Calen®/ZO apresentaram qualidade superior de obturação. Pode-se concluir que todos os dentes tratados tiveram comportamento clínico e radiográfico equivalente independente do material obturador empregado no período de seis meses de acompanhamento. (AU)

This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of root canal treatment (CT) with smear layer removal performed in primary teeth using two root canal filling materials ­ iodoform based paste and calcium hydroxide/zinc oxide paste. This trial was carried out on 27 primary teeth with necrotic pulps or irreversible pulpitis caused by dental caries or trauma in 23 children (7 girls and 16 boys) aged between 2 and 9 years old. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and the teeth which needed pulpectomy procedure were randomly allocated into 2 groups: Group I (GI) ­ iodoform paste (iodoform + camphorated parachlorophenol + ointment comprising prednisolone acetate 5.0mg and rifamycin 1.5mg ); Group II (GII) ­ calcium hydroxide/zinc oxide paste (Calen®/ZO: Ca(OH)2 ­ 26.12% e OZ ­ 39.33%). It were treated at most two teeth per child. The outcome measures were evaluated clinically at one and three months and both clinically and radiographically at six months according to specific criteria. Two blinded, trained and calibrated evaluators assessed the radiographic outcomes. Descriptive analysis was performed. A hundred percent of the treatments in both groups were successful, hence the pulpectomy performance in both groups were influenced neither by the filling material nor by any other analyzed variable. Strict caution in case selection and in execution of the treatment as well as in monitoring the patients in the follow up period may have contributed to the high success rate of this study. We can conclude that the clinical and radiographic sixmonth outcome of root canal treatment with smear layer removal performed in primary teeth was successful independently of the root filling material used. (AU)

Efficacy of different techniques for removal of calcium hydroxide-chlorhexidine paste from root canals.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different techniques for removal of combined calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and chlorhexidine paste from root canals. Fifty single-rooted human teeth were prepared by oscillatory and rotary systems and filled with a paste of Ca(OH)2 and 2% chlorhexidine gel. After incubation for 14 days, the specimens were divided into 5 groups (n = 10), and the medication was removed by 1 of 5 different procedures. In group 1 (control), removal procedures involved a master apical file, foraminal debridement, and 5 mL of saline solution applied with the NaviTip irrigation needle. Group 2 was treated the same as group 1, but in addition 0.5 mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was used for 3 minutes. In group 3, ultrasonic agitation was performed for 1 minute. Group 4 was treated as group 2, but the NaviTip FX needle was used for irrigation. In group 5, a master apical file, foraminal debridement, and 3-minute application of 5 mL of citric acid were used. After the root-cleaning procedures, the crowns were removed at the cementoenamel junction, and the roots were split longitudinally into halves. The success of intracanal medicament removal was observed under stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron microscope. Remnants of Ca(OH)2 were found in all experimental groups, regardless of the removal technique used. There was no statistically significant difference in cleanliness in the apical third of the root canal among groups 1, 2, and 3. Group 4 showed the best and group 5 the worst results with statistically significant differences. Overall, the NaviTip FX irrigation needle technique was more efficient in removing a Ca(OH)2-chlorhexidine paste from the root canal.