Referred pain is associated with greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis often results in heightened reactions to thermal stimuli such as pain evoked by a cold stimulus, and spontaneous odontogenic pain (unprovoked pain). OBJECTIVE: This study primarily compared the clinical manifestations of odontogenic spontaneous pain and pain provoked by cold stimulus specifically focusing on their sensory discriminative characteristics (intensity, duration and quality) between symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with and without referred pain. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with referred pain and 12 patients without referred pain were included in this cross-sectional study. The following outcomes were assessed: odontogenic spontaneous pain and its descriptors; pain evoked by cold stimulus and qualitative sensory testing before and after local anaesthesia; referred pain location; use of analgesic medication; complementary anaesthesia efficacy. T-test, chi-squared and McNemar tests were applied to the data (p < .50). RESULTS: Patients with referred pain presented a greater odontogenic pain intensity (p < .05) when considered the average of the last 24 h. These patients also showed higher pain rating and pain descriptors (p < .05). Intensity and duration of the pain evoked by cold stimulus in the non-affected contralateral tooth at baseline were higher for patients with referred pain (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients with referred pain present greater odontogenic spontaneous pain and a heightened pain sensitivity. Therefore, patients with referred pain seem more complex from a pain severity perspective, supporting the clinical utility of discriminating symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with and without referred pain.

Effect of fiber post space irrigation with different peracetic acid formulations on the bond strength and penetration into the dentinal tubules of self-etching resin cement.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The post space must be irrigated with solutions that do not interfere with the bond strength and enhance penetration into the dentinal tubules of self-etching resin cement. Which solution is best is unclear. Peracetic acid with different formulations appears to be a good option. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of irrigating the fiber post space by using 1% peracetic acid (PA) at low (LH) or high (HH) hydrogen peroxide concentration on the bond strength and penetration into the dentinal tubules of RelyX U200 self-etching resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After intraroot preparation for fiber posts in 60 endodontically treated teeth, the specimens were divided into 4 groups (n=15) according to the irrigation protocol: CG (control), distilled water; NA (NaOCl), 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; LHPA, PA with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide; and HHPA, PA with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The fiber posts were then cemented with self-etching resin cement labeled with rhodamine. Cross sections of the thirds were obtained by confocal scanning microscopy and submitted to the push-out and cement penetration tests. The data obtained in the push-out tests were evaluated by using ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test, and those data obtained in the confocal screening were evaluated by using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (Bonferroni correction) tests (α=.05). RESULTS: Bond strength values in the cervical third of the CG were higher than those in NA (P=.035) but similar to those of the other groups (P=.05). In the other thirds, CG and LHPA values were similar to one another (P=.05) but higher than those of NA and HHPA (P<.001). The penetration rate assessed by confocal scanning microscopy revealed similar results in the cervical third for all groups (P=.075), except for NA which provided the lowest penetration. In the remaining thirds, CG and LHPA provided the highest penetration rate (P=.015). CONCLUSIONS: The LHPA group had no negative effects on the bond strength and penetration into the dentinal tubules of the self-etching resin cement.

Shaping ability of rotary or reciprocating systems for oval root canal preparation: a micro-computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the shaping ability and cleaning after oval root canal preparation using one or more instruments in reciprocating or rotary motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oval-shaped mandibular incisors were selected, based on the radiographic diameter (2 ≤ diameter ratio ≤ 4), and assigned according to root canal preparation (n = 18): single-file (Reciproc R40); two reciprocating files (Unicone size 20 and 40, .06 taper) or Mtwo rotary files until a size 40, .06 taper instrument. Root canal preparations were performed using an open root canal model. Scanning was performed before and after preparation using SkyScan 1176 with a voxel size of 17.42 µm. Volume, percentage of debris, and percentage of uninstrumented surface were analyzed in the entire root canal and in each root canal third. Data were compared using ANOVA and Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: The initial volume were similar among the groups (p > .05). Unicone preparation was associated with higher debris, increase in root canal volume and uninstrumented surface in entire root canal and in the middle third (P < .05). Mtwo was associated with lower uninstrumented surface in the entire root canal and in the cervical third. The apical third were similar for the three preparations. CONCLUSIONS: Unicone system using two instruments in reciprocating motion resulted in higher increase in volume. However, less remaining debris was observed when Reciproc single-file and Mtwo rotary systems were used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A preparation that volumetrically increases the root canal is not necessarily associated with better cleaning. Shaping and hard-tissue debris removal depends on root canal anatomy, kinematics, number of instruments, and instrument design.

Effect of ultrasonic tip and root-end filling material on bond strength.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of three root-end filling materials (MTAA-MTA Angelus, MTAS-experimental MTA Sealer, and ZOE- zinc oxide and eugenol cement) in retrograde preparations performed with different ultrasonic tips (CVD, Trinity, and Satelec). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Ninety 2-mm root sections from single-rooted human teeth were used. The retrograde cavities were prepared by using the ultrasonic tips, coupled to a device for position standardization. The specimens were randomly divided into nine groups: CVD MTAA; CVD MTAS; CVD ZOE; Trinity MTAA; Trinity MTAS; Trinity ZOE; Satelec MTAA; Satelec MTAS; Satelec ZOE. Each resin disc/dentin/root-end filling material was placed in the machine to perform the push-out test. The specimens were examined in a stereomicroscope to evaluate the type of failure. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The highest bond strength was observed for the CVD tip irrespective of the material used (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference for the Trinity TU-18 diamond and S12 Satelec tips (P > 0.05). MTAA and MTAS showed highest bond strength. The most common type of failure was adhesion between the filling material and dentin wall, except for ZOE, where mixed failure was predominant. CONCLUSIONS: The CVD tip favored higher bond strength of the root-end filling materials. MTA Angelus and experimental MTAS presented bond strength to dentin prepared with ultrasonic tips. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Root-end preparation with the CVD tip positively influences the bond strength of root-end filling materials. MTA Angelus and experimental MTAS present bond strength to be used as root-end filling materials.

The effect of intracanal cryotherapy with and without foraminal enlargement on pain prevention after endodontic treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate cryotherapy as a therapeutic option for pain prevention after endodontic treatment with and without foraminal enlargement, in patients with asymptomatic apical periodontitis.120 teeth of patients with preoperative Visual Analogue Scale score indicating zero were treated. Specimens were randomly allocated into 4 groups: Control, Cryotherapy (ICT), Foraminal Enlargement (FE), and Cryotherapy and Foraminal Enlargement (ICT + FE). Working length was determined with an Electronic Apex Locator (EAL). Cryotherapy groups passed through a final irrigation protocol using 20 ml (2.5 â„ƒ) of cold saline solution delivered at working length for 5 min. In FE groups a #40 K-file was used up to the 0.0 mark on the EAL display. Obturation was performed and postoperative pain was checked at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days after endodontic treatment.All experimental groups showed an increase in the level of postoperative pain, which started to decrease after 12 h. Foraminal enlargement caused a statistically significant increase in postoperativepain compared to ICT and control groups within the first 6 h (p < 0.05). Cryotherapy did not influence postoperative pain, regardless of whether or not foraminal enlargement was performed.

How Does Intentional Apical Foraminal Enlargement Affect the Foramen and Root Canal Morphology?

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the effect of intentional foraminal enlargement on the foramen and the apical root canal morphology. METHOD: Sixty mesial roots of mandibular molars were scanned by micro-computed tomography. Their apical foramina were photographed with a stereomicroscope before and after preparation. Three groups were formed (n = 20) according to the working length (WL). G-1: foramen - 1 mm; G0: foramen; and G+1: foramen + 1 mm. Each group originated 2 subgroups (n = 10): G-1: Buchanan's patency (size 10 K-type file) and foraminal debridement (sizes 20, 25 and 30 K-type files); G0 and G+1: rotary foraminal enlargement (ProDesign S size 25/.08) or reciprocating foraminal enlargement (R25). The area, perimeter, transportation, and noninstrumented walls of the foramen were evaluated. The root canal transportation and the centering index of preparation at 1, 3 and 5 mm from the foramen were also assessed. Data were compared statistically (α = 5%). RESULTS: The instruments used at the foramen and 1 mm beyond promoted foraminal enlargement and transportation. Regarding NIW, there was no difference between mechanized foraminal enlargements performed at the foramen or 1 mm beyond, similar to the manual foraminal debridement group (P > .05). There was no difference in transportation and centralization at 1-, 3-, and 5-mm apical levels, regardless of the instrumentation systems. CONCLUSION: Mechanical preparation at the foramen, or 1 mm beyond, resulted in foraminal enlargement, transportation and were not able to touch all root canal walls that delimit the foramen.

Micro-CT Assessment of Filling Removal Effectiveness in the Apical Third of Curved Canals with Different Types of Anatomy.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of filling removal material from the apical third of curved mesial root canals of mandibular molars. Reciprocating instrumentation followed by additional rotary instrumentation with instruments made of alloys with different heat treatments was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six mesial roots of mandibular molars were divided into two groups: Group Class IV consisted of 16 roots with two independent canals, and Group Class II consisted of 20 roots with two canals that merged into one at their apical level. Each of these two groups were further divided into two subgroups, according to the additional rotary instrument used after the reciprocating instrumentation: Group RH and Group RM for Hyflex and Mtwo, respectively. After each procedural step, the roots were scanned by micro-tomography. After each step of filling removal, the Wilcoxon matched pair test and the Mann-Whitney test were used for the evaluation between groups. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Significant differences were observed between groups with different Class II and Class IV anatomies, regarding filling removal after Reciproc (P<0.05). After the use of an additional rotary instrumentation, no differences were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: In the apical third of mesial roots of mandibular molars with Class II anatomy, an additional rotary instrumentation was shown to be necessary for improving the removal of filling material after using the single-file reciprocating instrumentation technique.

A Global Overview of Guided Endodontics: A Bibliometric Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This review aimed to analyze the trend and main characteristics of articles related to guided endodontics (GE). METHODS: The search was conducted in May 2023 on Web of Science. GE-related articles were included, and conferences were excluded. Three researchers selected the articles and extracted: the number of citations; year and journal; design and study theme; authorship and institutions; country and continent. Collaborative networks were generated in the Visualization of Similarities Viewer software. The relationship between data was determined by Spearman's correlation. Google Trends was used to investigate the global popularity of GE research. RESULTS: The search resulted in 135 articles, of which 85 were included. The most cited article totaled 116 citations. The studies were published between 2016 and 2023, most frequently in 2022 (n = 22). The most prevalent journal was the Journal of Endodontics (n = 28). Case report (n = 38) was the most frequent study design. The most studied theme was the use of static GE for calcified canals (n = 27). Connert T was the author with the highest number of articles (n = 13). The University of Basel (n = 9) stood out. The most prevalent country was Brazil (n = 13). Europe was the most frequent continent (n = 38). Visualization of Similarities Viewer demonstrated an interaction between authors. There was a moderate positive correlation between citations and the impact factor (rho = .483). According to Google Trends, the United States was the country that most researched GE. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this review, a more significant research interest in GE was observed in Europe, addressing the application of GE in locating severely calcified root canals.

Passive ultrasonic irrigation, EndoActivator system and XP-endo Finisher R as additional cleaning techniques to remove residual filling materials from flattened root canals.

Background: The effectiveness of endodontic retreatment essentially depends on the cleaning and/or disinfection processes. In this context, the removal of root canal filling materials plays a crucial role. Aims: To assess the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), EndoActivator system (EAS), and XP-endo Finisher R (XPEFR) as additional cleaning techniques to remove the remaining root canal filling materials from flattened root canals. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-six similar flattened distal root canals of extracted human first lower molars were selected by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and then instrumented and filled. After the initial retreatment procedures, the residual volume of root canal filling materials was assessed by micro-CT (V1). Then, the specimens were divided into three groups (n. 12), according to the additional cleaning technique and submitted to another micro-CT scan (V2). Statistical Analysis Used: Analysis of variance and Games-Howell tests (P < 0.05). Results: The percentage reduction in the residual volume of root canal filling materials reached by PUI, EAS, and XPEFR was 28.38%, 28.12%, and 43.52%, respectively, considering the total space of the root canal (P > 0.05). In the apical third, these values were 20.05%, 21.54%, and 48.82% (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Additional cleaning techniques enabled removing a greater amount of root canal filling material from flattened distal root canals of extracted human first lower molars. Considering the total space of the root canal, there were no statistically relevant differences among the groups. In the apical third, XPEFR performed better.

Cyclic Fatigue and Torsional Strength of a New Thermally Treated Reciprocating System.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the resistance to cyclic fatigue and the torsional strength of Prima One Gold® and WaveOne Gold® reciprocating systems. METHODS: Cyclic fatigue was tested in an artificial canal with 60º curvature, a 5 mm radius of curvature at 22°C (n=10) and 36.5°C (n=10). The torsional strength test followed ISO 3630-1, measuring torque and deflection angle until fracture (n=10). The t-test was used to compare the two groups, and the significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The Prima One Gold group presented greater resistance to cyclic fatigue at room temperature (P=0.001) and body temperature (P<0.001). For the torsional resistance test, the Prima One Gold group had a lower maximum torque value (P=0.029), despite having a greater deflection angle (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Prima One Gold group showed greater resistance to cyclic fatigue regardless of temperature and a greater deflection angle. The WaveOne Gold group showed a greater maximum torque value than the Prima One Gold group.

A matched irrigation and obturation strategy for root canal therapy.

In root canal therapy, irrigating solutions are employed to eliminate the bacterial load and also prepare dentin for sealer interaction. The aim of this research was to assess how irrigating solutions employed on their own or in sequence affected the tooth structure. The best way to prepare the tooth for obturation using hydraulic calcium silicate cement (HCSC) sealers and gutta-percha, thus guiding clinicians on a matched irrigation-obturation strategy for optimized root canal treatment was investigated. The effect of irrigating solutions on dentine was investigated by assessing changes in dentin microhardness, ultrastructure and mineral content, organic/inorganic matter, surface roughness and Young's modulus. The interaction of four root canal sealers with the dentin was analysed by assessing the changes in microhardness of the dentin after sealer placement and also the sealer to dentin interface by scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy. The irrigating solutions damaged the dentin irreversibly both when used on their own and in combination. The best sequence involved sodium hypochlorite followed by chelator and a final rinse with sodium hypochlorite and obturation using HCSC sealers that enabled the restoration of dentin properties. The HCSC sealers did not rely on chelator irrigating solutions for a good material adaptation to dentin.

Analysis of Instrumentation Protocols Regarding the Quality of Mesial Canal Preparation in Mandibular Molars: A Micro-computed Tomographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to use micro-computed tomographic imaging to analyze the quality of the endodontic preparation of mesial canals in mandibular molars provided by 3 instrumentation protocols. METHODS: Forty-five extracted mandibular molars with 2 independent mesial canals were selected, and the initial micro-computed tomographic imaging was performed. The initial volume values of the canals were submitted to statistical analysis for paired division. The groups were determined according to the final enlargement of the canal and the working length adopted (ie, G25.06/+1 mm, G35.05/foramen, and G50.01/-1 mm). At the end of each instrumentation sequence, the root canals were scanned and analyzed with regard to the increase in the total and apical volume, centralization, and preparation transportation and the percentage of the total and apical uninstrumented walls. RESULTS: For the intragroup comparison, the Wilcoxon test was used, and for the intergroup analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used (P < .05). In the analysis of the canal total volume, a statistical difference was found between G25.06/+1 mm and the remaining groups (P < .05). In the apical third, a statistical difference was observed between G25.06/+1 mm and G50.01/-1 mm (P < .05). No statistical difference was found between the groups in terms of centralization and transportation of the preparation or in terms of the percentage of the total or apical uninstrumented walls. CONCLUSIONS: The preparation of the mesial canals of mandibular molars up to larger tip files but with a lower taper at 1 mm before the foramen resulted in a larger volume of apical preparation, kept the preparation centralized, and provided safe apical dentin wear without excessive cervical wear.

Cleaning efficacy and uncontrolled removal of dentin of two methods of irrigant activation in curved canals connected by an isthmus.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of UAI with ESI, sonic activation with Eddy® and syringe irrigation in removing debris, and dentin removal during canal irrigation. Twenty-four mandibular molars containing isthmus type V and with a mean curvature of 32.5° were instrumented and divided into three groups for final irrigation: UAI with ESI, sonic activation with Eddy and syringe irrigation. The samples were scanned in a SkyScan 1172 micro-CT device for pre-, post-instrumentation and post-irrigation images and analysis of dentin removal. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. UAI and sonic activation significantly improved debris removal (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed regarding dentin removal between the groups (P > 0.05), although higher values were found for UAI. Sonic activation with Eddy® showed to be an effective and safe device since it was able to remove debris without causing damage to the canal walls.

Limitation of diagnostic value of cone-beam CT in detecting apical root isthmuses.

INTRODUCTION: Isthmuses are reported as common anatomic complexities in teeth often associated with failures in endodontic treatment. They should be considered before starting treatment and a preoperative computed tomography scan (CT) may demonstrate these complexities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of the highest resolution settings of a cone-beam CT (CBCT) system in identifying and measuring apical isthmuses, using micro-CT as reference. METHODOLOGY: After micro-CT scanning, 40 humans' lower first molars with isthmuses in the apical-3 mm of mesial roots were scanned by the highest resolution settings of the New Generation i-Cat ® CBCT equipment. Two blinded observers recorded the detection of isthmuses in CBCT scans. The lengths of isthmuses were compared between micro-CT and CBCT to assess the diagnostic value of CBCT. Quantitative data for sensitivity were represented as percentages (95% confidence interval). The Bland-Altman method was used to assess differences between gold standard lengths (micro-CT) and CBCT lengths. RESULTS: BCT demonstrated 30 positive findings, representing sensitivity for isthmus identification of 75% (95% CI=0.4114-1.1364). Differences between the lengths in micro-CT (1.99±0.40 mm) and CBCT (1.53±0.41 mm) were significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The CBCT device used presented limited diagnostic value in the identification and measurement of apical isthmuses in the mesial roots of lower molars. In some cases, the actual anatomy of the apical root canal may not be completely delineated in this type of CBCT system, even using the highest resolution settings.

Volumetric Analysis of Irrigant Extrusion in Immature Teeth after Different Final Agitation Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the volume of irrigant extrusion by different final agitation techniques in experimental models of immature teeth. METHODS: Fifteen single roots of mandibular premolars with a length of 14 mm and an open apex were used to form 6 groups according to the final agitation technique: group 1, positive pressure and no agitation; group 2, ultrasonic agitation with Irrisonic (Helse Dental Technology, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Brazil); group 3, ultrasonic agitation with Irrisonic Power (Helse Dental Technology); group 4, mechanical agitation with Easy Clean (Easy Dental Equipment, Belo Horizonte, Brazil); group 5, mechanical agitation with XP-endo Finisher (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland); and group 6, sonic agitation with Eddy (VDW, Munich, Germany). A prototype was made from an Eppendorf plastic tube filled with agar to fix the tooth and to collect the extruded irrigant. Ioditrast 76 (Justesa Imagen Mexicana, Tlalpan, Mexico) contrast solution was used to simulate the irrigant. The volume of irrigant extruded in cubic millimeters was calculated by micro-computed tomographic imaging. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The values for the volume of irrigant extruded were as follows: 0.67 (group 5), 0.76 (group 1), 2.28 (group 2), 3.14 (group 3), 3.15 (group 4), and 17.19 (group 6). There was a statistically significant difference (P < .05) when the values of group 6 were compared with those of the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: All techniques caused irrigant extrusion. The higher extrusion values occurred when sonic agitation was performed with the Eddy instrument.

Influence of foraminal enlargement on the apical extrusion of filling material: Volumetric analysis using micro-computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to compare the root canal instrumentation techniques that involve foraminal enlargement versus those not involving it, in regard to the apical extrusion of filling material, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Twenty-two premolars with single canals were instrumented using the ProTaper Universal System and then randomly divided into two groups (n = 11): Group NFE, without foraminal enlargement, and Group FE, with foraminal enlargement. Instrumentation was performed up to 1 mm short of the apical foramen, and foraminal patency was maintained at each instrument change in both groups. Prior to obturation, the apical portion of the specimens was wrapped in adhesive paper to ensure complete separation between apex and extruded material. The canals were filled according to the continuous wave of condensation technique. The apically extruded material was collected and measured using micro-CT. Extrusion in Group FE was significantly higher than in Group NFE (0.928 mm3 vs. 0.148 mm3 ; P < 0.001).

Inflammatory response and macrophage polarization using different physicochemical biomaterials for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction.

Knowledge about the action of immune system in the recognition of biomaterials has been extremely helpful when it comes about understanding host response and biomaterials' fate in human body. This study aimed to investigate inflammatory response and macrophage polarization during bone healing process of rat's calvaria critical defects using different bone materials in order to evaluate their influence on bone repair and on the quality of the newly formed bone tissue. Eighty male albinus Wistar rats underwent surgical procedure for the confectioning of a 5-mm diameter bone defect in their right parietal bone, and divided in four groups (n = 20 each), according the biomaterial: AG - Control, particulate intramembranous autogenous bone graft, HA/TCP - particulate biphasic calcium phosphate with HA/TCP (60/40), DBB - particulate deproteinized bovine bone, VC - particulate bioactive vitroceramic. After 3, 7, 21, and 45 days, the specimens were removed and prepared for microcomputed tomography (microCT), light and polarized microscopy, immunohistochemical analysis, and histomorphometry. No significant differences were detected considering percentage of leukocytes among the groups and periods, as well as in relation to immunolabeling for inflammatory (M1) and reparative (M2) macrophages. However, immunolabeling for bone marker indicated a delayed osteoblast differentiation in VC group, resulting in a decrease in mineralized bone matrix parameters in this group, revealed by microCT. In addition, AG and HA/TCP presented a satisfactory bone collagenous content. Despite the distinct origins and physicochemical properties of the tested biomaterials, they presented similar immune-inflammatory responses in the present experimental model, influencing bone-related proteins and bone quality, which must be considered according to their use.

Accuracy of High-resolution Small-volume Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Detecting Complex Anatomy of the Apical Isthmi: Ex Vivo Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of small-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to detect and measure isthmi in the apical root canals of mandibular molars by using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) as the reference standard. METHODS: Forty mandibular first molars selected on the basis of µ-CT scan and presenting isthmi in the apical 3-mm mesial roots were scanned by using the highest-resolution settings of a small-volume CBCT unit. Isthmi lengths were measured and compared between both µ-CT and CBCT images to study the accuracy of CBCT readings. Quantitative data for sensitivity rate were depicted as percentage value with 95% confidence interval. Results were analyzed by using linear regression between true lengths (µ-CT) and CBCT lengths, Bland-Altman plot and t test, at α = 0.05. RESULTS: CBCT sensitivity for isthmi detection was 65% (95% confidence interval, 0.4667-0.8333). An average of 74.7% of the lengths could be measured, and differences among the lengths in µ-CT and CBCT were significant (P < .05; mean, 0.756 ± 0.655; t test), showing that there was no agreement between both methods. CONCLUSIONS: Accuracy of identifying apical isthmi of mandibular molars was highly influenced by the evaluation method. Small-volume CBCT imaging could not detect and measure apical isthmi length accurately. Moreover, using high-resolution settings in CBCT, it was not reliable to forecast the actual apical root canal anatomy.

Comparisons by microcomputed tomography of the efficiency of different irrigation techniques for removing dentinal debris from artificial grooves.

AIM: The aim of this study was compare the capacity of different irrigation protocols for debris removal from artificial grooves and assess the effectiveness of Easy Clean used in different kinematics by means of micro-CT. METHODOLOGY: Fifty acrylic prototyped maxillary incisors were instrumented and included in a muffle. The specimens were longitudinally sectioned, and a longitudinal groove was made on the inner surface of the root canal in one of hemisections, and the dentin debris was inserted into the grooves. The specimens were divided into five groups (n = 10): G1: Conventional with open-ended needle; G2: Conventional with double side-vented needle; G3: Easy Clean in reciprocating movement; G4: Easy clean in continuous rotation (ECCR); and G5: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). All specimens were scanned using microcomputed tomography before and after the irrigation technique and calculated the volume (mm3) of dentin debris. The paired t-test and post hoc Tukey test were the statistical tests used, with significance set at 5%. RESULTS: There were no significant difference (P > 0.05) between PUI and ECCR. ECCR was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than the groups of conventional irrigation techniques. CONCLUSIONS: PUI and ECCR favored the removal of a larger volume of dentin debris from the groove.

Analysis of mandibular second molars with fused roots and shallow radicular grooves by using micro-computed tomography.

AIM: This study aimed to describe the morphological and morphometric aspects of fused mandibular second molars with radicular shallow grooves using micro-computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight mandibular second molars with fused roots were scanned in a micro-CT scanner at a voxel size of 19.6 µm. After reconstruction, only molars without C-shaped roots and presenting shallow radicular grooves were selected. 30 molars were chosen for further analysis. Canal cross-sections were classified according to Fan's modified classification (C1, C2, C3, and C4) and morphometric parameters at the apical region, examination of accessory foramina and tridimensional configuration were evaluated. RESULTS: Three-dimensional reconstructions indicated a higher prevalence of merging type (n = 22). According to Fan's modified classification, the C4 configuration was predominant in the 3 apical mm. Roundness median values revealed a more round-shaped canals at 3 mm (0.72) than at 2 (0.63) and 1 (0.61) mm from the apex. High values of major and minor diameters were observed in the canals of these evaluated sections. In addition, few accessory apical foramina were observed at 1 and 2 mm from the apex. The average distance between last accessory foramina and the anatomic apex was 1.17 mm. A less complex internal anatomy is found when a mandibular second molar presents fused roots with shallow radicular grooves. The merging type canal was frequently observed. Moreover, the C4 configuration was predominant at a point 3 mm from the apex and presented rounded canals, large apical diameters, and few accessory foramina. The cervical and middle thirds presented C3 and C1 canal configurations most frequently. CONCLUSION: A minor morphological complexity is found when fused mandibular second molars present shallow radicular grooves.