Antimicrobial efficacy of DJK-5 peptide in combination with EDTA against biofilms in dentinal tubules: Primary irrigation, recovery and re-irrigation.

AIM: To investigate the dynamic recovery of biofilms within dentinal tubules after primary irrigation with different protocols, and to evaluate the efficacy of various re-irrigation protocols on recovered biofilm, considering factors such as smear layer, nutrient conditions, and primary irrigants. METHODOLOGY: A total of 416 mono or multi-species biofilms samples were prepared from human teeth and incubated for 3 weeks. After inducing a smear layer on half of the samples, all specimens were irrigated with one of the following irrigant sequences: (1) 6% NaOCl +17% EDTA, (2) 6% NaOCl +8.5% EDTA, (3) 6% NaOCl and (8.5% EDTA +10 µg/mL DJK-5 antimicrobial peptide), or (4) sterile water. Thirty-two samples were used to assess immediate effect, whilst the rest were re-incubated to assess biofilms recovery. Nutrient conditions were defined based on whether culture media were changed (nutrient-rich) or not (nutrient-poor) during re-incubation. After 16 weeks, recovered biofilms underwent re-irrigation using four additional protocols, with or without DJK-5 peptide, based on primary irrigants. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to evaluate immediate irrigant effects, biofilms recovery intervals (1, 3, 5, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after primary irrigation), and re-irrigation effects at the 16-week. Statistical analysis included one-way anova and two-way mixed anova tests. RESULTS: The DJK-5 peptide irrigation protocols demonstrated the highest killing rates during primary irrigation and resulted in a longer biofilms recovery time of 16 weeks compared to non-peptide protocols (p < .001). Both primary irrigation type and smear layer presence significantly influenced biofilms recovery (p < .001). In the absence of smear layer, re-irrigation efficacy didn't significantly differ from primary irrigation, regardless of primary irrigation type or nutrient conditions. However, with a smear layer present, re-irrigation led to significantly higher proportion of dead bacteria compared to primary irrigation (p < .05). Inclusion of the DJK-5 peptide into the re-irrigation protocol displayed superior killing rate compared to other protocols (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Biofilms exhibited susceptibility to both peptide and non-peptide protocols during re-irrigation, irrespective of nutrient conditions or primary irrigation protocols. The DJK-5 peptide irrigation protocols consistently displayed superior effectiveness compared to non-peptide protocols.

Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite Concentration and Application Time on Bacteria in an Ex Vivo Polymicrobial Biofilm Model.

INTRODUCTION: In endodontic treatment, it is important to remove or inactivate biofilms in the root canal system. We investigated the effects of different concentrations and application times of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the viability of bacteria in ex vivo polymicrobial biofilms of different maturation levels. METHODS: Polymicrobial biofilms were prepared from dental plaque samples and grown for 1, 2, and 3 weeks under anaerobic conditions on collagen-coated hydroxyapatite discs as an ex vivo biofilm model. The biofilms were then exposed to NaOCl at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 2% for 1 or 3 minutes. The control group was exposed to sterile distilled water. Viability staining was performed and examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy to determine the percentage of biofilm bacteria killed by NaOCl. Scanning electron microscopy was also performed to visually examine the biofilms. RESULTS: Application of NaOCl at 0.5%-2% for both 1 and 3 min killed significantly more bacteria when compared to the controls (P < .05). Cell viability tended to be lower after the application of NaOCl for 3 minutes than that for 1 minute. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments using an ex vivo model showed that within the range of 0.1%-2% of NaOCl, higher NaOCl concentrations and longer application times were more effective in killing biofilm bacteria, and that mature biofilms were more resistant to NaOCl than younger biofilms.

Chlorhexidine-Containing Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers for Dental Applications: An In Vitro Study.

Chlorhexidine is the most commonly used anti-infective drug in dentistry. To treat infected void areas, a drug-loaded material that swells to fill the void and releases the drug slowly is needed. This study investigated the encapsulation and release of chlorhexidine from cellulose acetate nanofibers for use as an antibacterial treatment for dental bacterial infections by oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. This study used a commercial electrospinning machine to finely control the manufacture of thin, flexible, chlorhexidine-loaded cellulose acetate nanofiber mats with very-small-diameter fibers (measured using SEM). Water absorption was measured gravimetrically, drug release was analyzed by absorbance at 254 nm, and antibiotic effects were measured by halo analysis in agar. Slow electrospinning at lower voltage (14 kV), short target distance (14 cm), slow traverse and rotation, and syringe injection speeds with controlled humidity and temperature allowed for the manufacture of strong, thin films with evenly cross-meshed, uniform low-diameter nanofibers (640 nm) that were flexible and absorbed over 600% in water. Chlorhexidine was encapsulated efficiently and released in a controlled manner. All formulations killed both bacteria and may be used to fill infected voids by swelling for intimate contact with surfaces and hold the drug in the swollen matrix for effective bacterial killing in dental settings.

The effect of acidity on the physicochemical properties of two hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements and two calcium phosphate silicate-based cements.

BACKGROUND: Bioceramic cements have been widely used in endodontic treatment. This study aimed to compare the microhardness, elastic modulus, internal microstructure and chemical compositions of Biodentine, WMTA, ERRM Putty, iRoot FS and IRM after exposure to PBS, butyric acid, and butyric acid followed by PBS. METHODS: Specimens of each material were prepared and randomly divided into 5 subgroups (n = 5): subgroup A: PBS (pH = 7.4) for 4 days, subgroup B: PBS (pH = 7.4) for 14 days, subgroup C: butyric acid (pH = 5.4) for 4 days, subgroup D: butyric acid (pH = 5.4) for 14 days, subgroup E: butyric acid for 4 days followed by 10 days in contact with PBS. The surface microhardness, elastic modulus, internal morphologic and chemical compositions of specimens were analyzed. RESULTS: The microhardness and elastic modulus values of all materials were significantly higher in the presence of PBS compared to exposure to butyric acid, with the same setting time (P < 0.01). After 4-day exposure to butyric acid followed by 10-day exposure to PBS, the microhardness values returned to the same level as 4-day exposure to PBS (P > 0.05). Biodentine showed significantly higher microhardness and elastic modulus values than other materials, while IRM displayed the lowest (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Biodentine seems the most suitable bioceramic cements when applied to an infected area with acidic pH. Further storage at neutral pH, e.g. PBS reverses the adverse effects on bioceramic cements caused by a low pH environment.

Quantitative Assessment of Dimensional Evaluation and Artefacts from Filling Materials with CBCT Using Standard Phantom Roots.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of dimensional evaluation and representation of artefacts generated by different gutta-percha (GP) cones with or without sealer with CBCT using a reproducible, standardised phantom root methodology. METHODS: The reproducible artificial phantom roots with six root canal sizes from #25 to #50 and 0.04 taper were aligned according to the jaw curvature in a stone model for dimensional measurements. Each root was scanned while empty and filled with four types of filling materials. The specimens were scanned using the CS 9300 3D (Carestream Dental, Rochester, NY, USA) (at two different resolutions), 3D Accuitomo (J Morita, Kyoto, Japan) and NewTom VGi (Verona, Italy) CBCT systems. The hyperdense and hypodense axial slice artefacts from root canal sizes #40, #45 and #50 were recorded. RESULTS: Dimensions were significantly smaller and more accurate with CS 9300/0.09 mm voxel size than with other protocols. The hypodense band was found mostly in the CS 9300 3D system with 0.18 mm voxel size, especially in the buccal-lingual (95%) and coronal (64%) sections. The 3D Accuitomo CBCT system showed the lowest presence of the hypodense band. Areas of both light and dark artefacts were significantly larger in the coronal third than in the apical and middle thirds. CONCLUSION: Artefacts in the coronal locations and in buccal-lingual sections were more evident in the CS 9300 3D system with a 0.18-mm voxel size.

Effectiveness of Six Irrigation Techniques With Sodium Hypochlorite in Tissue Dissolution.

INTRODUCTION: Complete removal of pulp tissue by mechanical instrumentation remains a challenge. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of six irrigation techniques using 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in dissolving tissue.  Materials and methods: Seventy standardized fragments of bovine muscle tissue were divided into seven groups and exposed to different irrigation devices, with a maximum of 10 minutes of irrigation at room temperature. The devices included erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser (LightWalker® ST-E; Fotona d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia), erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser A (EdgePRO™; Biolase Technology Inc., San Clemente, California, United States), Er,Cr:YSGG laser B (WaterLase iPlus®; Biolase, California, United States), multisonic ultracleaning system (MUS) GentleWave® system with CleanFlow™ handpiece (Sonendo, Inc., Laguna Hills, California, United States), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), EndoUltra ultrasonic activator (Vista Apex Dental Products, Racine, Wisconsin, United States), and conventional needle irrigation (CNI), a 29G NaviTip irrigation needle at a flow rate of 5 mL/min (Ultradent Products, Inc., Utah, United States), with 3% NaOCl without agitation as the control. For samples that dissolved completely within 10 minutes, the dissolution time was recorded, and for other samples, the tissue weight was measured after the 10-minute irrigation experiment. The tissue dissolution rate (%/s) was calculated for all experiments.  Results: MUS had the fastest tissue dissolution rate (P < 0.01), at 2.986% ± 0.395% per second. The laser systems had dissolution rates of 0.388% ± 0.062% per second for Er:YAG laser, 0.316% ± 0.042% for Er,Cr:YSGG laser A, and 0.258% ± 0.018% for Er,Cr:YSGG laser B. CNI and PUI showed the slowest tissue dissolution rates.  Conclusions: MUS with CleanFlow, followed by Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers, achieved a significantly faster tissue dissolution rate than conventional irrigation methods of PUI and CNI tested. MUS with CleanFlow can greatly improve the effectiveness of NaOCl in tissue dissolution.

Dynamic killing effectiveness of mouthrinses and a d-enantiomeric peptide on oral multispecies biofilms grown on dental restorative material surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamics of killing of oral multispecies biofilms grown on dental restorative materials by commercially available mouthrinses and a d-enantiomeric peptide. METHODS: Four composite resins (3 M Supreme, 3 M Supreme flow, Kerr Sonicfill, and Shofu Beautifil II) and one glass ionomer (GC Fuji II) were used as restorative materials. Plaque biofilms were grown on the surfaces of restorative material discs for 1 week. The surface roughness and biofilm attachment were assessed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. One-week-old biofilms grown anaerobically at 37 °C were exposed to each of five solutions for one minute (twice daily for seven days): Listerine Total care and Paroex Gum mouthrinses, 0.12% chlorhexidine, 0.001% d-enantiomeric peptide DJK-5, and sterile water. The dynamic variation of the biovolume of the biofilms and the percentage of dead bacteria were monitored and analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: All restorative materials had similar surface roughness with intact biofilm attachment. The percentage of dead bacteria and biovolume of biofilms treated by each oral rinse solution remained constant between days 1 and 7, with no statistically significant difference. DJK-5 showed the highest percentage of dead bacteria (up to 75.7%; cf. ∼20-40% for other mouthrinses) of all solutions tested within 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: DJK-5 outperformed conventional mouthrinses in killing bacteria in oral multispecies biofilms grown on dental restorative materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The antimicrobial peptide DJK-5 is effective against oral biofilms and serves as a promising candidate for the development of future mouthrinses to improve long-term oral hygiene.

Scanning electron microscopic analysis of adherent bacterial biofilms associated with peri-implantitis.

OBJECTIVES: Peri-implantitis (PI) is caused by bacteria in the peri-implant space but the consensus on microbial profile is still lacking. Current microbial sampling of PI lesions has largely focused on analyzing bacterial species that have been shed from the implant surface and captured in the pocket fluid. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the morphotypes of bacteria in biofilm covering the implant threads and explore whether certain morphotypes were associated with PI. METHODS: Fourteen failed implants were removed and instantly processed for scanning electron microscope analysis. The implants were imaged at three equally divided sub-crestal levels of the exposed area. Bacterial morphotypes were identified and quantified by three examiners. Mobility and years in function were correlated to the presence of different morphotypes. RESULTS: The implants demonstrated the presence of variable bacterial morphotypes that did not correlate to disease progression in our study. Some implants were dominated by filaments and others showed the presence of combinations of cocci/rods or spirilles/spirochetes. In general, all implants showed variable morphologic biofilm composition. However, individual implants tended to have similar composition throughout the entire implant. Rods and filaments were dominant morphotypes throughout the surfaces and cocci showed increased presence toward the apical third. There were some differences in the biofilm morphology with mobility and time in function. CONCLUSIONS: The profiles of bacterial biofilm morphotypes in failing implants with similar clinical presentations were highly variable. While there were significant differences between implants, similar morphotypes in individual implants were often found throughout the entire surface.

Antimicrobial effects of agitational irrigation on single- and multispecies biofilms in dentin canals.

This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effects of different agitation devices on single- and multispecies biofilms in dentin canals using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Dentin blocks were prepared from human root dentin. Enterococcus faecalis and multiple species were introduced into the dentinal tubules via centrifugation and incubation. Two infected dentin samples were placed at 8 and 16 mm in a customized model. Samples were randomly divided into eight groups according to the agitation device used: syringe needle irrigation, EndoActivator, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and EDDY, at 2.5% or 6% NaOCl concentrations. The samples were stained and observed using CLSM. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample t test and analysis of variance. Linear models were used to assess the joint impact of the experimental groups on the proportion of biofilms killed. No significant differences were observed between the killing rates of the single- and multispecies biofilms. Both concentrations of NaOCl significantly increased the percentage of dead bacteria compared with the control. Biofilms in dentin tubules was more effectively killed when NaOCl was agitated; however, the difference between PUI and EDDY was not significant. Significantly more bacteria were killed in dentin blocks placed at 8 mm than at 16 mm (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EDDY was as effective as PUI when combined with NaOCl. However, the apical portion, which had a low antimicrobial efficiency, remains a concern. Mechanical instrumentation is incapable of completely eradicating bacteria, and additional research is required to improve the efficacy of root canal disinfection.

A novel model to evaluate the fatigue resistance of NiTi instruments: Rotational and axial movement at body temperature.

To develop a model to test cyclic fatigue resistance of TruNatomy instruments undergoing rotational and axial movement at body temperature. A total of 288 Prime and Medium instruments were subjected to cyclic fatigue testing in simulated canals (at 37°C) using a model with either rotational movement only or rotational and axial movement simultaneously. Two different sized canals and three different types of curvatures were tested for each instrument (30/0.04 and 30/0.06 for Prime; 38/0.04 and 40/0.06 for Medium). The number of cycles to failure (fatigue resistance) was recorded. Rotational and axial movement of instruments led to greater fatigue resistance compared with rotational movement alone. Apical curvatures led to greater fatigue resistance than curvatures in the coronal and middle third. The developed dynamic model at body temperature to evaluate fatigue resistance of instrument closer simulates clinical scenarios.

An In Vitro Study: Does Adding Iodine Potassium Iodide and Cetrimide to Calcium Hydroxide Paste Enhance Its Antimicrobial Effect Against Oral Biofilms?

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm effect of calcium hydroxide (CH), 0.5% iodine potassium iodide (IKI), and 0.5% cetrimide (CTR), alone and in combinations on one-week and three-week-old biofilms. Materials and methods Gingival plaque was collected, and biofilms were grown in vitro anaerobically. Biofilms were exposed to each of the three medicaments and their combinations for one day, one week, and two weeks. Proportions of dead and live bacteria in the biofilms were evaluated. Results The killing of bacteria by different medicaments in the three-week-old biofilm was lower than in the one-week-old biofilm (p<0.05). The efficacy of IKI and CTR in killing bacteria was weaker than that of CH, but the highest efficacy in killing was achieved when all three were combined (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the antibiofilm effect between a day's exposure to the mixture of the three medicaments and one or two weeks of treatment with CH alone (p>0.05). Conclusions Three-week-old biofilms are more resistant to medicaments than one-week-old biofilms. Combining IKI and CTR with CH resulted in a stronger antibiofilm effect than using CH alone. Mixing the three medicaments may enable obtaining the desired clinical effect in a shorter exposure time.

Antibiofilm and immunomodulatory resorbable nanofibrous filing for dental pulp regenerative procedures.

Multifunctional scaffolds with host defense peptides designed for regenerative endodontics are desirable nanobiotechnological tools for dentistry. Here, different scaffolds were tested for use during the pulp revascularization process, including poly(vinyl alcohol)-PVA hydrogels or resins, collagen hydrogels and poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA/Chitosan (PVA/CS) nanofibers. Based on time to degradation (21 days), nanofibers were chosen to be incorporated with ciprofloxacin and IDR-1002 (each at 50 mg/g). Nanofibers containing ciprofloxacin and IDR-1002 had anti-biofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and a multispecies oral biofilm, besides anti-inflammatory activities. The in vivo subcutaneous tissue response to tooth fragments filled with nanofibers demonstrated a pulp-like tissue formation, when compared to empty teeth fragments. Thus, we designed a strong antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and regenerative candidate for pulp revascularization and regeneration procedures.

External cervical resorption - Treatment outcomes and determinants: A retrospective cohort study with up to 10 years of follow-up.

AIM: To assess long-term external cervical resorption (ECR) treatment outcomes in relation to both local and treatment-related determinants. METHODOLOGY: Information was available for 76 patients (98 teeth) who were diagnosed with ECR during the period from 2008 to 2018 at the University of British Columbia graduate endodontics clinic. The ECR patients were followed up, and a clinical and radiographic examination was conducted. Chi-square test compared failure rates amongst different subgroups. The survival analysis was used to evaluate the overall ECR survival/failure rates in relation to several local and treatment-related determinants. RESULTS: Overall, 67 patients (89 teeth) were followed up. The mean follow-up time was 3.9 years, and the minimum was 1 year. Twenty-four teeth failed (19 extracted, 5 not functional), and the overall probability of failure was 50.0% 8 years after the diagnosis. Significant (p < .05) local ECR determinants were tooth location and the Heithersay classification, and treatment-related determinants were root canal treatment (RCT) and the ECR repair combined with RCT. Treatment outcomes for Heithersay class 1 and 2 cases were better than for class 3 and 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Higher failure rates were associated with posterior tooth location and higher Heithersay class, whilst RCT and ECR repair combined with RCT were associated with lower failure rates.

Biocompatibility of a New Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealer Mediated via the Modulation of Macrophage Polarization in a Rat Model.

(1) Background: The EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA) has recently been introduced in clinical applications. Thus, the aims of the present study are to determine its biocompatibility in vivo and to examine its ability to drive macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo. (2) Methods: HiFlow was implanted into rat connective tissue for 7, 30 and 150 days. The microstructures and elemental compositions were determined by scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Hematoxylin-eosin, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR and flow cytometry were used to elucidate the effects on inflammatory responses and macrophage polarization. (3) Results: SEM-EDX revealed the formation of surface hydroxyapatite crystal layers. Histological evaluation showed that HiFlow exhibited long-term biocompatibility because it decreased inflammatory responses and reduced the number of macrophages over time; however, tissue necrosis was observed in all the groups. RT-qPCR verified that HiFlow regulated the expression of inflammatory factors to inhibit the inflammatory response. Immunofluorescence analysis performed on in vivo samples revealed that HiFlow promoted M2-like macrophage polarization, and these results were confirmed by flow cytometry in vitro. (4) Conclusion: After 150 days of investigation, HiFlow was considered biologically acceptable, and the formation of apatite crystal layers and the promotion of M2-like macrophage polarization may contribute to its favorable biocompatibility.

Biomaterial scaffolds for clinical procedures in endodontic regeneration.

Regenerative endodontic procedures have been rapidly evolving over the past two decades and are employed extensively in clinical endodontics. These procedures have been perceived as valuable adjuvants to conventional strategies in the treatment of necrotic immature permanent teeth that were deemed to have poor prognosis. As a component biological triad of tissue engineering (i.e., stem cells, growth factors and scaffolds), biomaterial scaffolds have demonstrated clinical potential as an armamentarium in regenerative endodontic procedures and achieved remarkable advancements. The aim of the present review is to provide a broad overview of biomaterials employed for scaffolding in regenerative endodontics. The favorable properties and limitations of biomaterials organized in naturally derived, host-derived and synthetic material categories were discussed. Preclinical and clinical studies published over the past five years on the performance of biomaterial scaffolds, as well as current challenges and future perspectives for the application of biomaterials for scaffolding and clinical evaluation of biomaterial scaffolds in regenerative endodontic procedures were addressed in depth.

Torque Generation of the Endodontic Instruments: A Narrative Review.

As the use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) file systems for root canal therapy has become popular; hence, knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of NiTi files is essential for dentists. Unintended sudden fracture can occur during root canal shaping, and it is important to understand the conditions that may cause instrument fractures. Torque is defined as the force required to rotate the NiTi file and can be considered of as a parameter for the stress generated. The endodontic engine maintains a constant rotational speed by adjusting torque regardless of the root canal conditions. The process of root canal shaping by rotary instruments is a series of actions that requires torque and generates stress to both the teeth and the NiTi instruments. The generated stress may induce the strain accumulation on NiTi instrument and the canal wall and lead to the development of microcrack in the instrument and dentinal wall. Therefore, understanding of torque and stress generated is important to prevent the fractures to the instrument and the teeth. This stress has been measured using various experimental approaches, including microcrack observation by using a microscope or computed tomography, attaching strain gauges to the teeth, and finite element analysis. This review focuses on the stress generated to the teeth and the instrument during instrumentation under various experimental conditions. The factors related to torque generation are also discussed.

Comparison of the effects from coronal pre-flaring and glide-path preparation on torque generation during root canal shaping procedure.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of glide-path preparation and coronal pre-flaring on torque generation of rotary nickel-titanium files. Sixty mesiobuccal root canals of 3D printed resin teeth (Dentalike) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15) according to the preparation method; Group 1: OneCurve only; Group 2: OneG and OneCurve; Group 3: OneFlare and OneCurve; Group 4: OneFlare, OneG, and OneCurve. During the final canal preparation procedure, the torque generated was recorded. The sum of generated torque and maximum torque were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA and Duncan's post hoc comparison. The summed torque was reduced by glide-path preparation and coronal pre-flaring (P < 0.05), whereas the maximum torque was not reduced by the glide-path preparation (P > 0.05). It will be advantageous to create a glide-path with coronal pre-flaring to reduce the stress and reactive forces to the NiTi file and root dentin.

Palatogingival grooves associated with periodontal bone Loss of maxillary incisors in a Chinese population.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of palatogingival grooves (PGGs) in a Chinese population and the relationship between different types of PGGs and periodontal bone loss. CBCT images of 1715 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of PGGs of the maxillary incisors by sex and tooth type was analysed. The severity of alveolar bone loss in different types of PGGs was assessed. The reasons for taking the CBCT from patients with PGGs were collected. The frequency of PGGs in males (10.16%) was higher than that in females (7.05%) (P < 0.05). PGGs were present more often in maxillary lateral incisors (4.5%) than in maxillary central incisors (0.29%). Compared with other types of PGGs, the type I PGGs were the most prevalent configuration and accompanied with less severity of alveolar bone loss (P < 0.05). Less than half of PGGs cases (47.9%) were prescribed CBCT examination because of the PGGs observed or suspected clinically. The prevalence of PGGs in a Chinese population was higher in males than in females. The different types of PGGs might lead to different severity of periodontal bone destruction. Clinicians should be aware of the presence of PGGs in maxillary incisors, particularly maxillary lateral incisors.

Long-term porosity and retreatability of oval-shaped canals obturated using two different methods with a novel tricalcium silicate sealer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the percentage volume of voids and gaps in oval-shaped canals obturated using two different methods with a tricalcium silicate-based sealer after short- or long-term storage. The long-term effect of storage on the efficiency of removing filling material was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty premolar teeth with oval-shaped canals were instrumented to Reciproc R25 and obturated using single cone obturation (SCO) or warm vertical compaction (WVC) techniques with gutta-percha and HiFlow sealer. The specimens were stored at 100% humidity and 37°C for 2 weeks or 6 months and scanned using micro-computed tomography. Initial retreatment was performed up to a Reciproc R40, and the operating time was recorded. The residual material in the canal received a supplementary procedure using XP-endo Finisher R (XPFR) files. After each retreatment procedure, the specimens were rescanned. RESULTS: The percentage volume of voids and gaps in the SCO group was higher than that of the WVC group at both 2 weeks and 6 months (P < 0.05). The percentage volume of the filling material removed after initial retreatment and XPFR cleaning was significantly higher in the 6-month group than in the 2-week groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of the residual material decreased significantly when XPFR files were used, compared to the initial retreatment group (P < 0.05) in both storage times. CONCLUSION: The efficiency of retreatment in the oval-shaped canal was closely related to the storage time rather than the filling technique using a tricalcium silicate sealer. The XPFR instrument proved effective in the removal of the remaining materials from the oval-shaped canal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obturation of the oval-shaped canal with TSBS using the SCO technique in the coronal area needs to be optimized. The retreatment was less efficacious in freshly filled canals than aged filled canals.

The ability of different irrigation methods to remove mixtures of calcium hydroxide and barium sulphate from isthmuses in 3D printed transparent root canal models.

The purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of different irrigation techniques in the removal of various calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and barium sulfate [BaSO4] formulations from three isthmuses in 3-dimensional (3D) printed molar root canal models. 3D printed transparent models were designed, fabricated, and filled with pure Ca(OH)2 paste, Ca(OH)2-BaSO4 8:1 paste, Ca(OH)2-BaSO4 1:1 paste, pure BaSO4 paste, all in water, and Diapaste. Open-ended needle irrigation (ONI) at 5 and 15 mL/min, double-side-vented needle irrigation (DNI) at 5 mL/min, the GentleWave system (GW), PiezoFlow (PF), and passive ultrasonic activation (PUI) with distilled water, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 3% NaOCl were used to remove the materials from the isthmuses. Ninety groups (n = 10) were established. The removal time was recorded from the start of irrigation to the completion of removal. GW and PF were the only methods that removed all tested materials from the isthmuses. PF required 2-3 × as much time as GW for complete removal, depending on the BaSO4 content of the paste. ONI at 15 mL/min removed pure Ca(OH)2 paste, Ca(OH)2-BaSO4 (8:1) paste, Ca(OH)2-BaSO4 (1:1) completely but could not completely remove pure BaSO4 paste and Diapaste. PUI with intermittent needle irrigation, ONI, and DNI at 5 mL/min were not able to completely remove any of the materials within 7.5 min. The GW removed all materials faster than PF, whereas other methods failed to remove all materials from the isthmuses. Pure Ca(OH)2 and the mixture with BaSO4 paste in the proportion 8:1 were removed in less time than the other mixtures by the GW, PF and ONI systems, the latter only when using 15 mL/min flow rate.