Association between the irrigation-agitation techniques and Periapical Healing of large periapical lesions: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of manual dynamic activation (MDA), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and laser-activated irrigation (shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS)) on the periapical healing of large periapical lesions following nonsurgical root canal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of fifty-six systemically healthy patients with a mandibular single-rooted tooth with periapical lesions of endodontic origin and a periapical index score of 3 or higher were included in the study. Before the treatment procedures, lesion volumes were determined volumetrically using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Patients were randomized into treatment (MDA, PUI, SWEEPS) and control groups (n = 14). Root canal treatment and irrigation procedures were performed by a calibrated postgraduate operator and completed at one visit. For routine follow-up, clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed by a blinded evaluator using periapical (PA) radiographs according to Molven's criteria at 3, 6, and 9 months. At 12 months, lesion volumes were quantified volumetrically using CBCT (ITK-SNAP). The data were statistically analyzed with the Wilcoxon test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: In all groups, the mean lesion volume after treatment was significantly smaller than the mean volume before treatment (p = 0.001). Among the 56 teeth, 11 teeth were 'totally healed', and 39 teeth were 'reduced' on PA radiographs. No 'enlargement' was detected in any group. On CBCT, the lesion volume decreased in the following order: LAI-SWEEPS (86.9%) > PUI (85.4%) > MDA (80.4%) > control (74.5%), with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of the present study, although a greater percentage of healing was observed in the LAI-SWEEPS and PUI groups, irrigation procedures had no statistically significant effect on the healing of periapical lesions with a single root canal at the 12-month follow-up. On the other hand, the outcome may change in multirooted teeth with curved and complex root canal systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the short term and in single-canal teeth, advanced irrigation agitation methods such as laser and ultrasonic did not make a difference in healing other than manual irrigation agitation.

Nonsurgical management of large periapical lesions: case reports and review of the literature.

The objectives of this article are to report 2 cases of nonsurgical endodontic treatment for the management of periapical lesions associated with large cortical bone perforations and review the literature on the clinical efficacy of nonsurgical endodontic treatment to draw insights from published case reports. Large, cyst-like periapical lesions in 2 patients were successfully treated with combined modalities of root canal treatment, antimicrobial therapy (calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste [TAP]), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) obturation of the canal space. In both cases, instrumentation was extended 1 mm beyond the apical foramen to facilitate drainage through the root canal, because it was assumed that the periapical lesion could be cystic. After instrumentation, TAP was placed within the canal space to aid in disinfection and healing of the dental, pulpal, and periapical conditions. In both patients, the teeth were asymptomatic and functional at follow-up examinations (case 1, 3 years; case 2, 30 months). Supporting the positive outcomes in the 2 clinical cases, the published literature suggests that the use of biocompatible materials such as MTA, which can promote the deposition of hydroxyapatite, has the potential to contribute to tissue regeneration and the healing of large periapical lesions.

What ultimately matters in root canal treatment success and tooth preservation: A 25-year cohort study.

AIM: There are currently no prospective studies evaluating the long-term outcomes of non-surgical root canal treatments beyond 5 years, both in terms of treatment success and tooth preservation, and identifying factors predictive of treatment outcome. The aim of the present work was therefore to fill this gap by assessing these outcomes over time and identifying predictive variables based on systematic data collection over a 25-year period. METHODOLOGY: Data concerning the treatments (N = 2500) were systematically collected since 1990. Information was recorded among clinical, technical, radiographic and patient-related characteristics, i.e., approximately 150 variables for each treatment. The data were analysed regarding both treatment success and tooth preservation by multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, and survival curves were generated. The statistical significance level was set at 0.0125. RESULTS: In total, 56.4% of the treatments could be followed over time (0-25 years, mean = 6.5 years, median = 5 years). Survival probability decreased almost linearly for treatment success, with about 85% after 5 years and 60% after 20 years, and for tooth preservation, with about 90% at 5 years and 50% at 20 years. The variables significantly associated with treatment failure were: pre-operative pain (Hazard Ratio-HR = 1.56 [95% CI 1.23-1.97]), persistent pain (HR = 2.63 [95% CI 1.44-4.80]), good operator rating of treatment prognosis (HR = 0.46 [95% CI 0.36-0.58]), size of periapical bone radiolucency (HR = 1.88 [95% CI 1.67-2.11]), and tooth type (p = .0006). For tooth extraction, they were: combined endodontic-periodontal lesion (HR = 3.37 [95% CI 1.88-6.05]), pre-existing complication before treatment (HR = 1.67 [95% CI 1.26-2.21]), good operator rating of treatment prognosis (HR = 0.45 [95% CI 0.33-0.60]), clinical failure of root canal treatment (HR = 2.78 [95% CI 1.98-3.89]) and tooth type (p = .0012). CONCLUSION: Root canal treatment success and tooth preservation on the arch are not static outcomes, but evolve with time. Among a substantial set of potential predictors, only a small proportion was significantly predictive of treatment success and tooth preservation, most of them being disease and patient characteristics, and not technical aspects, except pre-existing complications. These observations challenge the importance frequently given to byzantine considerations related to the numerous technical details of endodontic procedures, as opposed to general concepts of good clinical practice.

Conservative management of double teeth in molar teeth with pulp or periapical disease: a report of five cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Double teeth are usually the result of an abnormality in the developing tooth germ. Double teeth can occur in either the primary or permanent dentition, with the majority of cases concerning permanent teeth reported in the anterior teeth and less frequently in the molar teeth. CASE PRESENTATION: This report illustrates five cases of double teeth in molars with pulp and periapical disease, including one case of geminated teeth and four cases of fused teeth. Radiographic findings revealed the presence of extra teeth on the buccal aspect of the molar in five cases, with or without communication between the two root canal systems. Root canal treatment was performed by using CBCT and a dental operating microscope. The treatment outcome was good in all five cases. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of double teeth requires special attention. The root canal system should be carefully explored to obtain a full understanding of the anatomy, allowing it to be fully cleaned and obturated. Proper anatomical structure analysis prior to treatment facilitates the development of an appropriate treatment plan, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful treatment both aesthetically and functionally.

Autophagy in tooth: Physiology, disease and therapeutic implication.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process, in which damaged organelles and proteins are engulfed in autophagic vesicles and subsequently fuse with lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy is widely involved in different physiologic or pathologic processes in human. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy operates as a critical quality control mechanism to maintain pulp homeostasis and structural integrity of the dentin-pulp complex. Autophagy is activated during stresses and is involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis and periapical infection. Recent discoveries have also provided intriguing insights into the roles of autophagy in tooth development, pulp aging and stress adaptation. In this review, we provide an update on the multifaceted functions of autophagy in physiology and pathophysiology of tooth. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of autophagy modulation in diseases and the regeneration of dentin-pulp complex.

Regenerative endodontics: a comprehensive review.

The European Society of Endodontology and the American Association for Endodontists have released position statements and clinical considerations for regenerative endodontics. There is increasing literature on this field since the initial reports of Iwaya et al. (Dental Traumatology, 17, 2001, 185) and Banchs & Trope (Journal of Endodontics, 30, 2004, 196). Endogenous stem cells from an induced periapical bleeding and scaffolds using blood clot, platelet rich plasma or platelet-rich fibrin have been utilized in regenerative endodontics. This approach has been described as a 'paradigm shift' and considered the first treatment option for immature teeth with pulp necrosis. There are three treatment outcomes of regenerative endodontics; (i) resolution of clinical signs and symptoms; (ii) further root maturation; and (iii) return of neurogenesis. It is known that results are variable for these objectives, and true regeneration of the pulp/dentine complex is not achieved. Repair derived primarily from the periodontal and osseous tissues has been shown histologically. It is hoped that with the concept of tissue engineering, namely stem cells, scaffolds and signalling molecules, that true pulp regeneration is an achievable goal. This review discusses current knowledge as well as future directions for regenerative endodontics. Patient-centred outcomes such as tooth discolouration and possibly more appointments with the potential for adverse effects needs to be discussed with patients and parents. Based on the classification of Cvek (Endodontics and Dental Traumatology, 8, 1992, 45), it is proposed that regenerative endodontics should be considered for teeth with incomplete root formation although teeth with near or complete root formation may be more suited for conventional endodontic therapy or MTA barrier techniques. However, much is still not known about clinical and biological aspects of regenerative endodontics.

Interaction between endodontics and periodontics.

Endodontic-periodontal lesions present challenges to the clinician regarding diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis. Etiologic factors, such as bacteria and viruses, as well as contributing factors, such as trauma, root resorptions, perforations, cracks and dental malformations, play an important role in the development and progression of such lesions. Treatment and prognosis of endodontic-periodontal lesions vary, depending on the etiology, pathogenesis and correct diagnosis of each specific condition. This chapter will appraise the interrelationship between endodontic and periodontal lesions and provide biological and clinical evidence for diagnosis, prognosis and decision-making in the treatment of these conditions.

Platelet Rich Fibrin in Management of Complex Endoperio Cases.

Endo-perio lesions have been a dilemma to the dental practitioner. Both tissues share the same anatomical origin. Sometimes exact etiological passage of disease process cannot be traced; nevertheless traditional and newer treatment modalities must be employed to ensure best treatment possibilities. Patient reported with pain and pus exudates in upper left anterior region. Past dental history revealed no history of trauma. Initial examination revealed draining sinus with respect to 22. However, no Caries and pockets could be detected. Tooth was nonresponsive to vitality test. Patient symptoms did not relieve even two months after completion of RCT. Apical surgery was planned. Apicectomy was done and osseous defect was filled with PRF coagulum. Patient was followed up every three months and showed complete resolution of all symptoms. Radiographs showed complete resolution of osseous defect in nine months. PRF can be used to enhance bone augmentation in treatment of periapical defects as a potential treatment alternative for faster healing.

Status of Endodontic Treatment and the Correlations to the Quality of Root Canal Filling and Coronal Restoration.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence and quality of root canal treatment in 1,977 digital radiological files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis, and the chi-square test was performed with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 34.9 years. The endodontic treatment frequency was 6.14%, significantly higher in premolars. Adequate endodontic treatment was observed in 39.7% of analyzed cases. Molars were significantly more frequent with regard to inadequate filling quality. In 47.6% of cases, the filling's apical limit was classified as adequate, and there was a higher incidence of molars that were inadequate. Restorations were classified as adequate in 79.0% of cases, and molars were responsible for the highest frequency of inadequate restorations. The frequency of teeth with endodontic treatment that showed no periapical changes was 47.7%. There was no significant difference in the presence of periapical change according to gender. An increased presence of periapical change was observed with increasing age. The periapical lesions were observed in 45% of cases and related to inadequate filling quality. The apical limit was considered inadequate and related to periapical changes in 42% of cases. Periapical changes were present in 52% of cases, regardless of the quality of the filling and apical limit. Such changes were present in 42% of cases with adequate coronal restoration. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that apical periodontitis (AP) is associated with the quality of endodontic treatment. The coronal restoration affects significantly the success rate of endodontic treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The quality of the root filling and coronal restoration is closely related to periapical health.

Cone beam computed tomography and periapical lesions: a systematic review analysing studies on diagnostic efficacy by a hierarchical model.

AIM: To evaluate using a systematic review approach the diagnostic efficacy of CBCT for periapical lesions, focusing on the evidence level of the included studies using a six-tiered hierarchical model. METHODOLOGY: The MEDLINE bibliographic database was searched from 2000 to July 2013 for studies evaluating the potential of CBCT imaging in the diagnosis and planning of treatment for periapical lesions. The search strategy was limited to English language publications using the following combined terms in the search strategy: apical pathology or endodontic pathology or periapical or lesion or healing and CBCT or cone beam CT. The diagnostic efficacy level of the studies was assessed independently by four reviewers. RESULTS: The search identified 25 publications that qualitatively or quantitatively assessed the use of CBCT for the diagnosis of periapical lesions, in which the methodology/results comprised at least one of the following parameters: the methods, the imaging protocols or qualitative/quantitative information on how CBCT influenced the diagnosis and/or treatment plan. CONCLUSION: From the assessed studies, it can be concluded that although there is a tendency for a higher accuracy for periapical lesion detection using CBCT compared to two-dimensional imaging methods, no studies have been conducted that justify the standard use of CBCT in diagnosing periapical lesions. In addition, it should be considered that, at the present time, the efficacy of CBCT as the diagnostic imaging method for periapical lesions has been assessed merely at low diagnostic efficacy levels.

Treatment time for non-surgical endodontic therapy with or without a magnifying loupe.

BACKGROUND: Use of magnifying loupe may increase the efficiency of dental care. This clinical trial compared the time in performing non-surgical endodontic therapy with or without the use of a magnifying loupe. METHODS: Patients who required primary endodontic treatment in clinical trial centres at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in Hong Kong and Peking University (PKU) in Beijing were invited to participate in this study. Two HKU dentists and 2 PKU dentists, forming 2 pairs of dentists with similar years of clinical experience, performed endodontic treatments according to the same procedures and used the same materials, either in single or multiple visits. They had no prior experience with the use of a magnifying loupe. One dentist from each pair was trained to use a magnifying loupe (x2.5). The treatment time was recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-four PKU patients with a mean age of 42.8 years and 98 HKU patients with a mean age of 46.0 years were recruited in this study. Ninety-six teeth were treated with a magnifying loupe and 86 teeth were treated without a magnifying loupe. The results showed that treatment time was not associated with age, gender, tooth vitality, or the presence of apical radiolucency or sinus tract. The results of ANCOVA revealed the treatment time was associated with the clinic (HKU or PKU), root canal system (single or multiple), presence of preoperative pain, treatment visit (single or multiple), the use of a magnifying loupe, and the experience of the operator. CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of a magnifying loupe could significantly reduce the endodontic treatment time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials ChiCTR-IOR-15005988 registered 15 February 2015.

SUCCESS RATE OF OVERFILLED ROOT CANAL TREATMENT.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, poor obturation has been considered the primary cause of root canal treatment failures. The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate of overfilled root canal treatment cases in order to decide whether a definitive restoration can be placed immediately following treatment in an overfilled case or whether the patient needs to be kept on a follow up prior to the placement of a definitive restoration. METHODS: A total of 1242 patient's periapical radiographs (1748 teeth) were assessed, out of which 397 teeth (in 285 patients) were found to be overfilled. Out of these 285 patients, 111 (128 cases) agreed to participate in this cross sectional study and were recalled for clinical and radiographic examination. Success was evaluated clinically by absence of symptoms (pain, swelling, tenderness to percussion and sinus tract) and radiograhically by the decrease in size of periapical lesion or no change in size. Increase in size of periapical lesion was deemed to be a failure. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that despite overfill, the treatment was successful in 115 cases and failure was noted in 13 cases showing an overall success rate of 89.8% and failure rate of 10.2%. Out of 13 cases of failure, all 13 showed an increase in periapical lesion size, out of which 10 were accompanied with pain. CONCLUSION: We have determined that there is no need to delay placement of a permanent restoration on overfilled teeth (ruling out the presence of other procedural errors) nor is there any need to pursue any further surgical or non-surgical endodontic treatment. However we would suggest that patients should be kept on follow-up after placement of permanent restoration.

Modern Endodontic Planning Part 1: Assessing Complexity and Predicting Success.

Following a diagnosis of irreversible pulpal disease, periapical disease or failed endodontic therapy, the options for the tooth are extraction or root canal treatment. There is increasing evidence that certain factors may allow the clinician to predict the likely outcome of root canal therapy (RCT) and thus better inform the patient of the possible success rates. Should the patient choose root canal treatment, the clinician must also be able to gauge the potential difficulties that may be encountered and consequently determine whether it is within their competency. CPD/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Assessing outcomes and complexity of care is an essential part of informed consent. Knowing when to refer is an essential component of best clinical practice.

Etiology and treatment of periapical lesions around dental implants.

The widespread use of oral implants in recent years has resulted in various types of complications. One of those complications is the periapical implant lesion. Different factors have been proposed to play a role in the development and emergence of a periapical implant lesion. To date, there is no consensus on the etiology and therefore periapical lesions around dental implants are considered to have a multifactorial etiology. The diagnosis of an implant periapical lesion should be based on both clinical and radiological findings. Additionally, in order to apply the best treatment strategy the evolution of the lesion should be taken into account. The treatment of this kind of lesion, however, is still empiric. Data, primarily from case reports, seem to indicate that the removal of all granulation tissue is a first step to arrest the progression of the bone destruction. The removal of the apical part of the implant seems a valuable treatment strategy.

Aetiology, microbiology and therapy of periapical lesions around oral implants: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was: (i) to evaluate whether an endodontic pathology on the extracted tooth or adjacent teeth of an implant site has an influence on the emergence of a periapical lesion, (ii) to retrospectively analyse the outcome of different treatment strategies, (iii) to determine which bacteria were present in periapical lesions. METHODS: The endodontic status of the tooth at the implant site and the adjacent teeth was explored and linked to the periapical status of the implant. For all the lesions treated since 2000, their survival was assessed. Finally, microbial samples (culturing) from the periapical lesions, were analysed. RESULTS: If an endodontic treatment or a periapical lesion at the apex of a tooth is present, a periapical lesion around the implant can be detected in 8.2% up to 13.6% (OR 7.2). For periapical pathology at the adjacent teeth, the percentage rises to 25% (OR 8.0). The best treatment option could not be found. Bacteria were found in 9/21 lesions. The most prominent species was P. gingivalis. CONCLUSIONS: When an endodontic pathology is present on the extracted or neighbouring teeth, it is significantly more likely that a periapical lesion will develop around a future implant.

A technique for placement of apical MTA plugs using modified Thermafil carriers for the filling of canals with wide apices.

AIM: To describe a technique for the placement of apical Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plugs in canals with wide apices. SUMMARY: A novel technique to fill root canals with an apical diameter larger than 0.4 mm is presented. The technique includes three main stages; three Thermafil carriers of increasing size, previously de-sheathed by removing the Gutta-percha coating, are selected to engage 1, 2 and 3 mm short of the apex. Their use allows the negotiation of acute curvatures and ledged canals. Subsequently, an MTA plug matching the apical gauge is pre-formed with a pellet block, placed and condensed using the modified carriers in sequence. The presented protocol for the management of teeth with apices of a diameter greater than 0.4 mm allows a favourable apical control of the MTA. Clinical cases completed using this methodology are presented. KEY LEARNING POINTS: MTA placement in teeth with wide apices was facilitated by using de-sheathed Thermafil carriers, to create an appropriate seal and stable platform for Gutta-percha backfilling or subsequent fibre post placement. The use of de-sheathed Thermafil carriers of different sizes allows predictable placement of pre-formed MTA plugs. Gauging of Thermafil carriers enhances control of the condensation phase to limit the extrusion of MTA.

Prosthetic rehabilitation and management of an MTA-treated maxillary central incisor with root perforation and severe internal resorption.

Root canal perforation and root resorption are challenging clinical conditions to correctly diagnose and treat, especially when they occur in anterior teeth. This clinical report describes the computed tomography findings, endodontic treatment, prosthetic rehabilitation, and clinical outcome of an iatrogenic root perforation and internal resorption in a maxillary central incisor. The case management consisted of endodontic retreatment, periodontal surgery, and prosthetic rehabilitation. Gray mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used to fill the resorption space and seal the perforation. The prosthetic treatment was performed with glass fiber-reinforced dowels and all-ceramic crowns. No signs or symptoms, including discomfort, pain, or esthetic defects were observed in 30 months of follow-up.

Nonsurgical management of large periapical lesion in mature and immature teeth using different calcium hydroxide formulations: case series.

This case series evaluates the effectiveness of different calcium hydroxide formulations with various vehicles in management of large periapical lesion in mature and immature teeth. This will help clinicians to make informed judgments about which formulations of calcium hydroxide should be used for specific endodontic procedures.

Flare-up rate in molars with periapical radiolucency in one-visit vs two-visit endodontic treatment.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare postobturation flare-ups following single and two-visit endodontic treatment of molar teeth with periapical radiolucency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with asymptomatic molar teeth with periapical radiolucency were selected. They were randomly allocated into two groups. Fifty patients received complete endodontic treatment in one-visit. Fifty patients received treatment by debridement and instrumentation at the first visit followed by obturation at the second visit. RESULTS: 10% of patients had flare-ups in the single visit group and 8% of patients had flare-ups in the two-visit group. Number of visits did not affect the success of endodontic treatment (p>0.05). Age, gender and tooth type had no effects on the occurrence of flare-ups regardless the number of visits (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: One-visit endodontic treatment was as successful as two-visit endodontic treatment as evaluated by rate of flareups in asymptomatic molar teeth with periapical radiolucency.

Non-surgical endodontic treatment for dens invaginatus type III using cone beam computed tomography and dental operating microscope: a case report.

Dens invaginatus is a morphological abnormality of the tooth in which the coronal tooth enamel and dentin fold inwards towards the pulp cavity. Dens invaginatus type III (Oehlers: 1957) is characterized by infolding of the enamel and dentin as far as the root apex. This report describes a case of surgical and non-surgical endodontic therapy for a maxillary lateral incisor with type III dens invaginatus, necrotic pulp, and an associated large periradicular lesion. The patient was a 16-year-old man. Periapical radiographs suggested the presence of an untreated area of invagination. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was then used for three-dimensional observation of the morphological details of this area. The CBCT scans revealed invagination and its relationship with the pulp chamber. A dental operating microscope was used to access two primary root canals and the area of invagination. The root canals were then localized, negotiated, enlarged, and filled with calcium hydroxide. Two months later, the canal and invagination were obturated with core-based gutta-percha (FlexPoint Neo: FP core-carrier technique) and restored. Cone beam computed tomography and microscopic techniques allow even complicated cases of dens invaginatus to be diagnosed and treated using non-surgical root canal management.