Outcomes of root canal therapy or full pulpotomy using two endodontic biomaterials in mature permanent teeth: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The concept of minimally invasive endodontics recommends less-invasive vital pulp therapy (VPT) modalities over more aggressive traditional endodontic approaches in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure, including irreversible pulpitis (IP) cases. Consequently, VPT needs to be compared with root canal therapy (RCT) in terms of treatment outcomes. This randomized clinical trial compares the results of full pulpotomy using two calcium-silicate cements, i.e., mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, with RCT in mature permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 157 carious pulp exposure cases in two academic centers with/without established IP were selected/included/randomly appointed to three study arms; (i) RCT (n = 51) as the reference treatment, (ii) pulpotomy with ProRoot MTA (PMTA; n = 55), and (iii) pulpotomy with CEM cement (PCEM; n = 51) as two alternative VPT treatments. Two-year clinical/radiographic results were the outcomes of interest. Data were statistically analyzed through the analysis of variance, chi-square, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTS: At 2-year recall, 147 teeth were examined (6.4% dropout). All molars, except for one, were clinically functional/symptom-free, and there was no statistical difference between the three study arms (p = 0.653). The radiographic success rates in RCT, PMTA, and PCEM arms were 98%, 100%, and 97.9%, respectively, without statistically significant differences (p = 0.544). CONCLUSION: In the management of mature permanent teeth with/without established IP, all experimental groups exhibited equivalent/comparable results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Simple VPT using MTA/CEM can be suggested/recommended as a viable advantageous alternative to RCT for the management of carious pulp exposures with/without sign/symptoms of IP.

Dental stem cell banking: Techniques and protocols.

Dental tissue-derived stem cells (DSCs) provide an easy, accessible, relatively noninvasive promising source of adult stem cells (ASCs), which brought encouraging prospective for their clinical applications. DSCs provide a perfect opportunity to apply for a patient's own ASC, which poses a low risk of immune rejection. However, problems associated with the long-term culture of stem cells, including loss of proliferation and differentiation capacities, senescence, genetic instability, and the possibility of microbial contamination, make cell banking necessary. With the rapid development of advanced cryopreservation technology, various international DSC banks have been established for both research and clinical applications around the world. However, few studies have been published that provide step-by-step guidance on DSCs isolation and banking methods. The purpose of this review is to present protocols and technical details for all steps of cryopreserved DSCs, from donor selection, isolation, cryopreservation, to characterization and quality control. Here, the emphasis is on presenting practical principles in accordance with the available valid guidelines.

Effects of antibiotic administration on post-operative endodontic symptoms in patients with pulpal necrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic oral antibiotics in the management of post-operative endodontic symptoms in adults with necrotic pulp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search up to April 2020 was performed to find all randomised controlled trials (RTCs) comparing oral antibiotics with placebo to manage post-endodontic symptoms. The outcome measures were post-operative pain, swelling and/or the combined pain and swelling at different follow-ups. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effect inverse-variance method. Additional analysis was performed if heterogeneity existed (P < .05). RESULTS: For post-endodontic pain, 8 RCTs (n = 690) were included. Antibiotic prescription had no significant effect on endodontic pain at 6 (SMD = -0.008, 95% CI -0.279 - 0.264, P = .95), 12 (SMD = -0.080, 95% CI -1.39 - 1.23, P = .90), 24 (SMD = -0.044, 95% CI -0.29 - 0.20, P = .72), 48 (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI -0.26 - 0.62, P = .42) and 72 h (SMD= -0.050, 95% CI -0.33 - 0.23, P = .723) post-operatively. For post-endodontic swelling, 4 RCTs (n = 149) were included. Antibiotic prescription had no significant effect on endodontic swelling at 24 (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI -0.72 - 1.32, P = .56), 48 (SMD = -0.23, 95% CI -0.98 - 0.51, P = .54) and 72 hours (SMD= -0.03, 95% CI -1.25 - 1.33, P = .96), post-operatively. For combined pain and swelling, no meta-analysis was performed. CONCLUSION: The administration of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent post-operative endodontic symptoms is not supported by the current evidence.

Effect of preoperative oral analgesics on pulpal anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of preemptive oral administration of single dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen on the local anesthetic success in adults with irreversible pulpitis and to find the possible covariates that could predict treatment effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search using electronic databases up to March 2015 was conducted. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random and fixed-effect inverse variance method. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted to assess the potential source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Results showed that preemptive analgesics are more effective than placebo in increasing anesthetic success (OR = 0.30, CI% 0.24-0.39, p = 0.000) [Q = 55.860 (p = 0.001)]. In the subgroup analysis, administration of NSAIDs as monotherapy, ibuprofen as mono- vs. combination therapy, oxicam type drugs as monotherapy, and acetaminophen as combination therapy were significantly more effective in increasing anesthetic success OR = 0.25, CI% 0.16-0.38, p = 0.00, Q = 40.539 (p = 0.003); OR = 0.44, CI% 0.26-0.75, p = 0.00, Q = 12.833 (p = 0.011); OR = 0.48, CI% 0.30-0.74, p = 0.002, Q = 15.898 (p = 0.14); OR = 0.30, CI% 0.16-0.38, p = 0.001, Q = 7.506 (p = 0.02); OR = 0.10, CI% 0.16 0.38, p = 0.001, Q = 5.075 (p = 0.07), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in increasing anesthetic success between treatment and placebo arms when acetaminophen was administrated alone. In meta-regression analysis, an association between different types of NSAIDs (indomethacin, diclofenac potassium, and oxicam-type drugs) and articaine with treatment effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of preemptive analgesics can induce superior intraoperative analgesia for patients with irreversible pulpitis. However, strategies such as co-administration of certain types of analgesics and anesthetic solution might be predictors of treatment effect. Additionally, there was no association between different timing and dosage of analgesics and treatment effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When compared to placebo, preemptive oral analgesics are superior in achieving anesthetic success in inflamed pulp.

Long-term outcomes of pulpotomy in permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis: A multi-center randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare success rates of full pulpotomy (FP) with two endodontic biomaterials on symptomatic vital teeth with closed apices in the presence of apical periodontitis. METHODS: In this multicenter controlled clinical trial, 412 volunteers met the inclusion criteria; they were all randomly allocated to either FP/ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or FP/calcium enriched mixture (CEM) group. The subjects were followed up for 2 and 5 years to evaluate and compare the treatment outcomes. Data were analyzed using Chi square test and the multiple binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: Data for a total number of 344 and 304 subjects were available for 2- and 5-year follow-ups. In terms of clinical outcomes, 2- and 5-year success rates of both groups were ≥ 98%, without significant differences. In terms of radiographic outcomes, the 2-year result of FP/MTA was significantly superior to FP/CEM (P= 0.005); however, the 5-year success rates were similar (P= 0.413). Age and preoperative periapical status did not affect the treatment outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both MTA and CEM biomaterials were found to be equally effective pulpotomy agents for mature permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis and associated apical periodontitis in different age groups. The performance of this novel minimally invasive biotechnology may support a paradigm shift towards more biologic/conservative treatments in dentistry worldwide.

Endodontic repair in immature dogs' teeth with apical periodontitis: blood clot vs plasma rich in growth factors scaffold.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Different types of scaffolds have been suggested for endodontic repair procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of procedures using blood clot vs plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) scaffold in immature teeth with apical periodontitis in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vivo animal study, 20 teeth (30 canals) with open apices were divided into two groups (n = 12): (1) blood clot and (2) PRGF. Two positive and negative control groups were also selected randomly. After exposing the pulp and inducing periapical inflammation by placing a sponge soaked in a suspension of dental plaque, the root canals of both groups were flushed with sodium hypochlorite and filled with triple antibiotic paste. After 28 days, the antibiotic mixture was removed, bleeding was induced through the apical foramen, and mineral trioxide aggregate was placed over the blood clot in group one and PRGF scaffold in group two. Access cavities were then filled with composite resin. The radiographic and histological findings were compared immediately after the procedure, as well as after 3 and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two experimental groups with regard to the radiographic or histological results (P > 0.05). The incidence of healed periapical radiolucency was 60% and 53.33% in groups one and two, respectively. Apical closure was noted in 60% of samples in both experimental groups. New cementum-like tissue formation was detected along the walls of the canals, and bone-like islands within the canals were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma rich in growth factors scaffold showed no advantage over blood clots regarding healing of the periapical radiolucency, radiographic apical closure and type of the newly formed soft and hard tissues.

Five-year results of vital pulp therapy in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis: a non-inferiority multicenter randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Previous reported results of up to 12 months as well as 24-month follow-ups revealed superior and equivalent treatment outcomes for vital pulp therapy (VPT) using calcium-enriched mixture cement (CEM) in comparison with root canal therapy (RCT) for mature molars with established irreversible pulpitis, respectively. Present non-inferiority multicenter randomized clinical trial assesses the final long-term (5-year) results as well as the effects of patients' age/gender and the presence of preoperative periapical lesion on the treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 407 patients were blindly allocated into two treatment groups [group 1 (VPT/CEM, n = 205) and group 2 (RCT, n = 202)] treated in 23 health-care centers by calibrated dentists. The treatment outcomes were assessed after 60 months. RESULTS: The 5-year results revealed no significant differences in the successes of both study arms (P = 0.29); a total number of 271 patients were available (~33 % were lost to follow-up). The patients' age/gender did not affect the outcomes; the presence of preoperative periapical lesion also did not implement a significant effect in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As an alternative for RCT, VPT/CEM can be considered as a valid treatment for vital mature permanent molars clinically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering the favorable outcomes of 6- to 60-month follow-ups, as an evidence-based/simple/affordable/effective/biologic approach in cases of irreversible pulpitis, VPT/CEM is highly recommended for universal clinical practice.

Two-year results of vital pulp therapy in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis: an ongoing multicenter randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Oral healthcare expenses are increasing rapidly as a result of the growth of high-cost health technologies worldwide. In many developing/developed countries, low-cost tooth extraction is the alternative treatment option for a high-cost root canal therapy (RCT) for management of human molars with irreversible pulpitis. Vital pulp therapy with calcium-enriched mixture cement (VPT/CEM) as a new alternative treatment option has demonstrated excellent treatment outcomes up to 1 year; if 2-year radiographic/clinical effectiveness as well as cost-effectiveness of the VPT/CEM is also non-inferior compared with RCT, it can serve as a viable treatment for mature molars with irreversible pulpitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter (n = 23), non-inferiority clinical trial, 407 patients were randomized to either one-visit RCT (n = 202) or VPT/CEM (n = 205) for 27 months. In this part of study, the primary outcome measure was the 2-year clinical and radiographic treatment outcomes. Cost-effectiveness was also analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up times were 24.62 ± 0.72 and 24.61 ± 0.69 months in RCT (n = 166) and VPT/CEM (n = 166) arms, respectively. Clinical success rates in the two study arms were equal (98.19%); however, radiographic success rates were 79.5 and 86.7% in RCT and VPT/CEM arms, respectively, with no statistical difference (P = 0.053). The treatment time span mean was approximately three times greater in the RCT than in the VPT/CEM arm (94.07 vs. 31.09 min; P < 0.001). RCT had a cost of 171.5K per molar tooth compared with 44.5K for VPT. CONCLUSIONS: VPT/CEM reduced time and cost spent. When considering clinical as well as cost-effectiveness of VPT/CEM, this treatment option is not only non-inferior but also superior to RCT in mature permanent molar teeth with established irreversible pulpitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vital pulp therapy with CEM is a cost-effective and reliable biological technique for endodontic treatment of permanent molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis and can be recommended for general clinical practice.

Successful Management of a Rare Distant Endodontic Lesion: A Case Report.

The current case report aims to document a rare presentation of a distant odontogenic lesion of a 35-year-old male patient with mild clinical discomfort in the mandibular right first molar; exploring the diagnostic and therapeutic intricacies of an uncommon distant endodontic pathosis ultimately resolved through meticulous nonsurgical retreatment. Despite a normal oral examination, diagnostic radiography revealed a suboptimal root canal treatment and apical lesions surrounding mesial- and distal-root apices; including a distinct radiolucency beneath the apex of the second mandibular molar discovered through panoramic radiography, and confirmed via cone-beam computed tomography. In addition, the computed tomography disclosed a previously unreported and unusually large endodontic lesion that extended toward the mandibular canal; highlighting a necessity for the continued exploration of a unique endodontic presentation. A nonsurgical endodontic retreatment led to a remarkable reduction in the radiolucent lesions within one year; emphasizing the significance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches and individualized treatments.

Managing failed vital pulp therapies in mature permanent teeth in a retrospective cohort study, with success and survival rates of managing protocols.

Despite advancements in vital pulp therapy (VPT), a subset of cases fails to achieve desired outcomes. This study based on a previous large-scale cohort study involving 1257 VPT-treated teeth, aiming to describe the demographic data and clinical characteristics of all failed cases and their management protocols. Clinical records/images of 105 failed cases treated by a single endodontist (2011-2022) were examined, including 10 extracted teeth. Asymptomatic cases with PDL widening received no intervention, while others underwent management protocols, including (selective) RCT and (tampon) re-VPT. These retreatments were assessed for success (defined as radiographic evidence of healing) and survival (characterized by the retention/function of the treated tooth) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. While 51.4% of all initial failures were diagnosed due to symptoms, 48.6% were symptom-free. Notably, failed cases with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, and apical periodontitis/widened PDL before initial treatment significantly outnumbered asymptomatic cases and normal PDL, respectively (P = 0.001). Moreover, most of the initial failures were observed in teeth with composite resin rather than amalgam restorations (P = 0.002). The success and survival rates for the management protocols were 91.78% and 95.79%, respectively, over an average follow-up period of 36.94 (± 23.30) months. RCT and re-VPT procedures provide successful outcomes for managing unsuccessful VPTs.

Outcomes and predictive factors of vital pulp therapy in a large-scale retrospective cohort study over 10 years.

This cohort study evaluated the long-term success/survival of vital pulp therapies (VPTs) after carious pulp exposure in adult teeth. Additionally, factors influencing long-term success were identified. Teeth treated during 2011-2022 in a private clinic were studied with clinical/radiographic follow-ups. Data included patient demographics, tooth specifics, and treatment details. Outcomes were classified as success/failure based on clinical/radiographic findings, with tooth functionality determining the survival rate. Encompassing 1149 patients and 1257 VPT-treated teeth, the average monitoring period was 42.2 months. Overall VPTs' survival and success rates were 99.1% and 91.6%, respectively. Success rates for 768 direct pulp cappings, 217 miniature pulpotomies, and 272 full pulpotomies were 91.9%, 92.6%, and 90.1%, respectively (P > 0.05). Influencing factors included symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP; HR 1.974, 95% CI 1.242-3.137; P = 0.004), radiographic signs of apical periodontitis (AP; HR 2.983, 95% CI 1.961-4.540; P < 0.001), restoration type (HR 2.263, 95%CI 1.423-3.600; P = 0.001), and restoration surfaces (HR 1.401, 95%CI 1.034-1.899; P = 0.030). This study concludes that VPT techniques consistently exhibit high long-term success/survival rates in treating carious pulp exposures. Critical predictors include initial clinical signs of SIP/AP, caries extent, and use of composite restorations.

One-year results of vital pulp therapy in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis: an ongoing multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Root canal therapy (RCT) and tooth extraction have been conventional treatment options for management of human mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Excellent short-term treatment outcomes of vital pulp therapy with calcium-enriched mixture cement (VPT/CEM), as a new treatment option, on postoperative pain relief was demonstrated; if intermediate- and long-term treatment outcomes of the new treatment are also non-inferior compared to RCT, then VPT/CEM may become a viable treatment option for management of mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 23 healthcare centers, 407 9- to 65-year-old patients were randomly allocated into two study arms including one-visit RCT (reference treatment; n = 202) and VPT/CEM (alternative treatment; n = 205). Six- and twelve-month clinical and radiographic successes were assessed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up times at 6- and 12-month follow-ups were "6.70 ± 0.68 and 6.72 ± 0.71 months" and "12.96 ± 0.67 and 12.90 ± 0.66 months" in the available cases of RCT and VPT/CEM arms, respectively. Favorable clinical success rates in the two study arms did not show statistical difference; however, the radiographic success rate in the VPT/CEM was significantly greater than RCT arm at the two follow-ups (P < 0.001). The patients' age had no effect on the treatment outcomes (P = 0.231). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment outcomes of VPT/CEM may be superior to RCT in mature molars with irreversible pulpitis. The performance of biomaterials such CEM cement may assist in the shift towards more biologic treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VPT/CEM may be a realistic alternative treatment for human mature molar teeth with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis; the use of VPT/CEM is highly beneficial for patients as well as general dentists.

Treatment outcomes of pulpotomy in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis using biomaterials: a multi-center randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a randomized clinical trial to compare the post-operative pain experience as well as clinical and radiographic outcomes of pulpotomy in human permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis using calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 413 patients met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate. The patients were randomly allocated into two study arms: MTA pulpotomy (PMTA: n = 208) and CEM pulpotomy (PCEM: n = 205). Numerical rating scale questionnaires were utilized by the patients to record pain intensity (PI) over 7 days post-operatively. The patients were followed-up for 12 months to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of treatment. The data was analyzed using Chi-square, Cohen's kappa and t-tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean PI recorded during the 7 post-operative days between the two study arms (p = 0.221). The clinical and radiographic success rates for PMTA at 12-month follow-up were 98 and 95%, respectively; and 97 and 92% for PCEM, respectively. There was no significant differences in clinical (p = 0.7) and radiographic (p = 0.4) success rates between the two arms. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent treatment outcomes occurred in molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis undergoing pulpotomy with MTA and CEM biomaterials.

A Scoping Review of Highly Cited Published Articles in the Iranian Endodontic Journal: A Reflection of Trends in Endodontic Research.

Introduction: Highly cited published articles play a critical role in shaping clinical practice, research directions, and advancements in a specific field of science. The current comprehensive scoping review aimed to provide an overview of highly cited articles published in the "Iranian Endodontic Journal" (IEJ), based on the IEJ's H-index (=29); highlighting their key findings and prominent implications in the field of endodontics. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Scopus database to identify the top 29 highly cited published articles. The articles were selected based on their citation count (h-index); reflecting their impact and influence within the scientific community. Data extraction was performed to gather relevant information; including authors, titles, publication years, and the main topic(s) of each article. Results: The selected highly cited published articles covered a broad range of endodontic topics; demonstrating the diversity and depth of research in the field. Key findings include significant contributions in vital pulp therapy, antimicrobial agents, root canal disinfection, regenerative techniques, cone-beam computed tomography applications, and intracanal medicaments. The distribution of research areas reflects the importance of evidence-based practice in clinical decision-making and patient care. Conclusions: These highly cited published articles have shown to have substantial impact on the field of endodontics. They have influenced clinical practice, guided research directions, and have improved patient care. The summary of key findings from each topic and the number of articles related to each area can provide readers with valuable insights into the distribution of research areas, and the significance of contributions made by the aforementioned highly cited published articles.

Challenging the Misnomer of Irreversible Pulpitis and Deliberating the Urgent Need for Reclassification of Pulpal Diseases Based on the Efficacy of Vital Pulp Therapies: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Over recent decades, the definition of irreversible pulpitis (IP), as an irrevocable condition of a compromised dental pulp tissue, has forced clinicians towards invasive root canal treatments. However, the current best evidence challenges the alignment between clinical symptoms and the perceived irreversibility of a negotiated dental pulp tissue. In the above-mentioned context, vital pulp therapy (VPT) has emerged as a revolutionary and transformative approach; introducing minimally invasive techniques to sustain pulp vitality in cases of IP. The present paper aimed to rigorously examine the corresponding published systematic reviews to explore the diverse spectrum of VPT modalities and their outcomes in managing IP cases. Besides, the current review seems to have asserted the need to discard the conventional terminology of irreversible pulpitis, based on the effectiveness of VPTs in the achievement of pulp tissue healing within cases clinically diagnosed as IP.

Osseous reaction to implantation of two endodontic cements: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium enriched mixture (CEM).

AIM: The aim of the present in vivo study was to determine bone tissue reaction to calcium enriched mixture (CEM) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) using a rat femur model. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-three rats were selected and randomly divided into three groups of 21 each [experimental groups (n=15), control (n=6)]. Implantation cavities were prepared in each femoral bone and randomly filled with the biomaterials only in the experimental groups. The animals in three groups were sacrificed 1, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Histologic evaluations comprising inflammation severity and new bone formation were blindly made on H&E-stained decalcified 6-µm sections. RESULTS: At 1, 4, and 8 weeks after implantation number of inflammatory cells had decreased in the CEM, MTA and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. Conversely, new bone formation had increased in all the experimental and control groups, without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that biocompatibility of MTA, as gold standard, and CEM cement as a new endodontic biomaterial are comparable.

Comparison of shear bond strength of calcium-enriched mixture cement and mineral trioxide aggregate to composite resin.

AIM: Adhesion of composite resin and pulp capping biomaterials remarkably influences treatment outcomes. This in vitro study aimed to compare the shear bond strength of composite resin to calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) with or without acid etching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 cylindrical acrylic blocks containing a central hole, measuring 4 mm diameter and 2 mm height were prepared. The blocks were randomly divided into three experimental groups based on being filled with CEM, MTA or RMGI. Samples in each group were then randomly divided into two subgroups, i.e. with or without phosphoric acid etching. Placing composite resin cylinders on the samples, shear bond strengths were measured using a universal testing machine. Failure modes of the samples were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. RESULTS: Shear bond strengths in the etched and nonetched samples were not significantly different (p = 0.60). There was a significant difference in shear bond strength values of the three experimental materials (p < 0.001) and RMGI showed the highest strength values (p < 0.001); no significant difference was observed between MTA and CEM (p = 0.51). The interaction of the type of material and surface etching was statistically significant (p < 0.001). All of the samples showed cohesive failure mode. CONCLUSION: Acid etching of MTA, CEM and RMGI do not improve the shear bond strength of these materials to composite resin. Besides, shear bond strength values of MTA and CEM to composite resin, are favorable due to their cohesive mode of failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When MTA and CEM biomaterials are used in vital pulp therapy, it is advisable to cover these materials with RMGI. In addition, if it is not possible to use RMGI, the surface etching of MTA and CEM biomaterials is not necessary prior to composite restoration using total-etch adhesive resin.

Repair of furcal perforation using a new endodontic cement.

The aim of this study was to compare the histologic response elicited by repairing furcal perforations with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and a new endodontic material in the name of "calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement" in dogs' teeth. Thirty-four premolars were randomly divided into four groups: MTA (n = 15), CEM (n = 15), positive, and negative controls (n = 4). Root canal therapy were carried out; perforations were made, and the furcation areas were then repaired with MTA or CEM cement. The animals were sacrificed after 3 months. The teeth and their adjacent structures were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain for histological evaluation. Chi-square test was used to evaluate hard tissue formation, and Mann-Whitney U test was used for the histological evaluation of inflammation. Specimens in positive controls showed severe inflammatory infiltration, prominent granulation tissue, and epithelial proliferation; negative controls demonstrated normal periodontal ligament without inflammatory reactions. Hard tissue formation was observed in all the specimens of the two experimental groups. In inflammatory evaluation, mild inflammation was detected in the experimental groups, and no statistically significant differences were observed between them. MTA and CEM cement showed similar favorable biological response in furcation perforation repair, especially in inducing the formation of cementum-like hard tissue.

The effect of pulpotomy using a calcium-enriched mixture cement versus one-visit root canal therapy on postoperative pain relief in irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this noninferiority trial was to compare postoperative pain relief after one-visit root canal therapy (ORCT) with a pulpotomy performed with a new endodontic calcium-enriched mixture cement (PCEM) in human permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis. A total of 407 selected patients were randomly allocated into the ORCT group (n = 202) or the PCEM group (n = 205). Numerical Rating Scale questionnaires were used to record pain intensity (PI) by the patients during the first 7 days after treatment. While there was no statistically significant difference in the mean PI at baseline between the two study groups (P = 0.45), changes in mean PI were significantly different between them (P < 0.001). In the ORCT group, pain relief was achieved after 36 h [95% confidence interval (CI), 27.00-45.00], compared to 18 h in the PCEM group (95% CI, 15.00-21.00), a significant difference (P < 0.01). Comparison of the mean PI sum recorded over 7 days showed that patients in the ORCT group experienced significantly more pain than those in the PCEM group (P < 0.001); a similar difference was observed for pain in response to percussion tests (P < 0.001). Treatment with PCEM thus had the better pain-reducing effects than ORCT in irreversible pulpitis cases.

Postendodontic Pain after Pulpotomy or Root Canal Treatment in Mature Teeth with Carious Pulp Exposure: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

This equivalence, randomized, clinical trial aimed to compare the postoperative pain of root canal therapy (RCT) with pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (PMTA) or calcium-enriched mixture (PCEM) in permanent mature teeth. In seven academic centers, 550 cariously exposed pulps were included and randomly allocated into PMTA (n = 188), PCEM (n = 194), or RCT (n = 168) arms. Preoperative "Pain Intensity" (PI) on Numerical Rating Scale and postoperative PIs until day 7 were recorded. Patients' demographic and pre-/intra-/postoperative factors/conditions were recorded/analysed. The arms were homogeneous in terms of demographics. The mean preoperative PIs were similar (P=0.998), the mean sum PIs recorded during 10 postoperative intervals were comparable (P=0.939), and the trend/changes in pain relief were parallel (P=0.821) in all study arms. The incidences of preoperative moderate-severe pain in RCT, PMTA, and PCEM arms were 56.5%, 55.7%, and 56.7%, which after 24 hours considerably decreased to 13.1%, 10.6%, and 12.9%, respectively (P=0.578). The time span of endodontic procedures was statistically different; RCT = 69.73, PMTA = 35.37, and PCEM = 33.62 minutes (P < 0.001). Patients with greater preoperative pain, symptomatic apical periodontitis, or presence of PDL widening suffered more pain (P=0.002, 0.035, and 0.023, resp.); however, other pre-/intra-/postoperative factors/conditions were comparable. Pulpotomy with MTA/CEM and RCT demonstrate comparable and effective postoperative pain relief.