Association between pulp and periapical disease with type 2 diabetes: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization.

AIM: This current Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to comprehensively explore the potential bidirectional link between pulp and periapical disease (PAP) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODOLOGY: Summary level data of European-based population genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were employed to undertake this MR study. With the selection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the instrumental variable, the radial inverse-variance weighted (radial IVW) method with modified second-order weights was applied as the primary method. Additionally, a range of sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate pleiotropy. Results from different sources of outcome were pooled by meta-analysis with the fixed model. RESULTS: The results of this MR analysis did not suggest a significant impact of pulp and periapical disease on type 2 diabetes (combined OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07, p = .033) and vice versa (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.96-1.14, p = .329). No significant pleiotropy was detected in the final model after the removal of outliers, demonstrating the reliability of the results in our primary analysis. CONCLUSIONS: With the limitations inherent in the present MR study, there is no significant evidence in either direction to suggest a causal association between pulp and periapical disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Role of Sensory Nerves in Dental Pulp Homeostasis: Histological Changes and Cellular Consequences after Sensory Denervation.

Homeostatic maintenance is essential for pulp function. Disrupting pulp homeostasis may lead to pulp degeneration, such as fibrosis and calcifications. Sensory nerves constitute a crucial component of the dental pulp. However, the precise involvement of sensory nerves in pulp homeostasis remains uncertain. In this study, we observed the short-term and long-term histological changes in the dental pulp after inferior alveolar nerve transection. Additionally, we cultured primary dental pulp cells (DPCs) from the innervated and denervated groups and compared indicators of cellular senescence and cellular function. The results revealed that pulp fibrosis occurred at 2 w after the operation. Furthermore, the pulp area, as well as the height and width of the pulp cavity, showed accelerated reductions after sensory denervation. Notably, the pulp area at 16 w after the operation was comparable to that of 56 w old rats. Sensory denervation induced excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and increased predisposition to mineralization. Furthermore, sensory denervation promoted the senescence of DPCs. Denervated DPCs exhibited decelerated cell proliferation, arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, imbalance in the synthesis and degradation of ECM, and enhanced mineralization. These findings indicate that sensory nerves play an essential role in pulp homeostasis maintenance and dental pulp cell fate decisions, which may provide novel insights into the prevention of pulp degeneration.

Clinical and radiographic features of external cervical resorption - An observational study.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of symptoms, clinical signs and radiographic presentation of external cervical resorption (ECR). METHODOLOGY: This study involved 215 ECR lesions in 194 patients referred to the Endodontic postgraduate Unit at King's College London or Specialist Endodontic practice (London, UK). The clinical and radiographic findings (periapical [PA] and cone beam computed tomography [CBCT]) were readily accessible for evaluation. A checklist was used for data collection. Inferential analysis was carried out to determine if there was any potential association between type and location of tooth in the jaw as well as sex, age of the patient and ECR presentation and radiographic feature. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients (94 teeth) were female and 106 patients were male (121 teeth), the mean age (±SD) was 41.5 (±17.7) years. Fifteen patients (7.7%) had more than one ECR lesion. The most affected teeth were maxillary central incisors (21.4% [46 teeth]) and mandibular first molars (10.2% [22 teeth]). ECR was most commonly detected as an incidental radiographic finding in 58.1% [125 teeth] of the cases. ECR presented with symptoms of pulpal/periapical disease in 23.3% [n = 50] and clinical signs (e.g. pink spot, cavitation) in 16.7% [36 teeth] of the cases. Clinical signs such as cavitation (14%), pink spot (5.1%) and discolouration (2.8%) were uncommon, but their incidence increased up to 24.7% when combined with other clinical findings. ECR was detected in the resorptive and reparative phases in 70.2% and 29.8% of the cases respectively. CONCLUSION: ECR appears to be quiescent in nature, the majority being asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally from PA or CBCT. When assessed with the Patel classification, most lesions were minimal to moderate in relation to their height (1 or 2) and circumferential spread (A or B). However, the majority of ECRs were in (close) proximity to the pulp. Symptoms and clinical signs were associated with (probable) pulp involvement rather than the height and circumferential spread of the lesion. Clinical signs were more frequently associated when ECR affected multiple surfaces.

Does radiotherapy treatment alter the pulp condition in patients with head and neck cancer? A systematic review.

The main purpose of this study was to answer the question: "Can radiotherapy cause changes in the dental pulp condition of patients treated with irradiation in the head and neck region?" Clinical observational studies in adults with head and neck cancer undergoing treatment with ionizing radiation, longitudinal or cross-sectional follow-up to measure oxygen saturation (SpO2), and/or pulp sensitivity test to cold stimulation, were considered eligible. A systematic literature search was performed in six different databases, including the gray literature, and in article references. Two independent evaluators selected the studies, extracted the data, recorded the data on electronic spreadsheets, and then evaluated the methodological quality using the Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies tool devised by JBI. The data were assessed qualitatively using the Synthesis Without Metanalysis (SWiM) guidelines. After removing the duplicate articles, carefully analyzing the titles and abstracts, and reading the papers in full, seven studies were included. Four of the studies evaluated applied the cold sensitivity test, two associated pulse oximetry and cold sensitivity, and only one used just pulse oximetry. Evaluation using the cold sensitivity test and pulse oximetry in the initial periods before radiotherapy showed a decrease in the sensitive response and in SpO2 levels during a maximum period of 1 year. However, analyses thereafter indicated a normal response in both tests from 5 to 6 years after the end of radiotherapy treatment. Radiotherapy causes changes in pulp behavior patterns in the short term; however, recovery and return to average values occurs after long periods.

Evaluación de hábitos de medicación sistémica de odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia ante patologías pulpares en Argentina / Evaluation of systemic medication habits of specialists and non-specialists dentists in endodontists in relation to different pulp pathologies in Argentina

Objetivo: Determinar los hábitos de medicación sistémica de odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia ante diferentes patologías pulpares previos al tratamiento en- dodóntico en Argentina. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó una encuesta para evaluar la prescripción de antibióticos, tipo de antibióticos, tiempo de prescripción, indicación de antinflamatorios no es- teroides y esteroides ante diferentes patologías pulpares. Se envió a 635 odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia a través de SurveyMonkey. Por medio de la prue- ba de Chi cuadrado se evaluaron las diferencias de medica- ción entre los grupos estudiados. Resultados: En pulpitis se medicó con antibióticos en el 3,48% de los casos y con antinflamatorios en un 62,60%. En necrosis pulpar sin fístula no se indicó ninguna medica- ción en un 64,47% de los casos, seguido de antibióticos en un 24,56%. En necrosis con fístula, el 52,38% no indicó nin- guna medicación, seguido de medicación con antibióticos en un 35,49%. En periodontitis apical aguda la principal medica- ción fue con antinflamatorios (52,79%), seguido de antibió- ticos (32,87%); y en el absceso alveolar agudo, un 57,10% indicó antibióticos seguido de antinflamatorios. El antibiótico de elección fue la penicilina en un 65,23% de los casos, y en caso de alergia a la misma, el antibiótico elegido fue azitromi- cina (30,12%). El tiempo de prescripción fue de 7 días. En la comparación entre especialistas y no especialistas hubo dife- rencias estadísticamente significativas para pulpitis y necrosis con fístula (p<0,01) y no las hubo entre necrosis sin fístula, periodontitis apical aguda y absceso alveolar agudo (p> 0,05). Conclusiones: La penicilina fue el antibiótico de elec- ción de la mayoría de los odontólogos argentinos encuestados junto al ibuprofeno como anti-inflamatorio. Existiría una so- bremedicación en patologías endodónticas que podría contri- buir a la resistencia microbiana a los antibióticos (AU)

Aim: Determine the systemic medication habits of den- tists specialists and non-specialists in endodontists in differ- ent pulp pathologies prior to root canal treatment in Argen- tina. Materials and methods: A survey was designed to evaluate the prescription of antibiotics, the type of antibiotics, prescription time, indication of non-steroidal anti-inflamma- tory drugs in different pulp pathologies. It was sent to 635 general dentists and endodontic specialists via SurveyMon- key. A Chi-square test was made to evaluate the differences in medication between the studied groups. Results: In pulpitis, antibiotics were prescribed in 3.48% of cases and anti-inflammatories in 62.60%. In pul- pal necrosis without fistula, no medication was indicated in 64.47% of cases, followed by antibiotics in 24.56%. In ne- crosis with fistula, 52.38% did not indicate any medication, followed by medication with antibiotics in 35.49%. In acute apical periodontitis the main medication was anti-inflamma-tories (52.79%), followed by antibiotics (32.87%); and for acute alveolar abscess, 57.10% indicated antibiotics, fol- lowed by anti-inflammatories. The antibiotic of choice was penicillin in 65.23% of the cases, and in case of allergy to it, the chosen antibiotic was azithromycin (30.12%). The prescription time was 7 days. In the comparison between specialists and non-specialists, there were significant dif- ferences for pulpitis and necrosis with fistula (p<0.01) and there were no significant differences between necrosis without fistula, acute apical periodontitis and acute alveo- lar abscess (p>0.05). Conclusions: Penicillin was the antibiotic of choice for the majority of the surveyed Argentine dentists, as well as ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory drug. These could reflect an overmedication in endodontics pathologies that could con- tribute to microbial resistance to antibiotics (AU)

Gerenciamento de urgências endodônticas: conhecimentos de acadêmicos de odontologia / Management of endodontic emergencies: knowledge of dental students

Objetivo: avaliar do conhecimento dos alunos de odontologia sobre os protocolos de atendimento para as urgências endodônticas. Método: 182 alunos dos últimos anos do curso de Odontologia do Centro Universitário Doutor Leão Sampaio, responderam a um questionário contendo perguntas referente ao protocolo adotado em casos de urgência de origem endodôntica. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson (p<0,05). Resultados: foram observadas diferenças entre a conduta relata pelos alunos do quarto e quinto ano de graduação quanto a indicação da incisão para drenagem em abscesso periapical agudo submucoso (evoluído), indicação de antibióticos nos casos de flare-up e indicação de antibióticos na dor com edema póstratamento endodôntico. A prescrição de antibióticos foi excessiva para os casos de dor entre consultas (flareup) e dor no pós-operatória. Para as patologias da polpa, a maioria dos alunos indicou protocolos de urgência recomendados na literatura. Conclusão: os resultados indicam a necessidade de melhoria dos programas de treinamento dos alunos em urgências endodônticas, principalmente quanto aos protocolos farmacológicos. (AU)

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge of dentistry students about care protocols for endodontic emergencies. Method: 182 students from the last years of the Dentistry course at Doctor Leão Sampaio University Center answered a questionnaire containing questions regarding the protocol adopted in urgent cases of endodontic origin. Data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test (p<0.05). Results: differences were observed between the conduct reported by fourth- and fifth-year undergraduate students regarding the indication of incision for drainage in submucosal acute periapical abscess (evolved), indication of antibiotics in cases of flare-up and indication of antibiotics in pain with edema after endodontic treatment. The prescription of antibiotics was excessive for cases of pain between appointments (flare-up) and postoperative pain. For pulp pathologies, most students indicated emergency protocols recommended in the literature. Conclusion: the results indicate the need to improve student training programs in endodontic emergencies, especially regarding pharmacological protocols. (AU)

Tratamento de lesão periradicular, de origem endodôntica, com auxílio de laserterapia: uma revisão sistemática da literatura e apresentação se caso clínico / Treatment of periradicular injury, of endodontic origin, with the aid of laser therapy: a systematic review of the literature and presentation if clinical case

É sabido que a cavidade oral é a porta de entrada para muitos microrganismos e que possui alguns gêneros de bactérias que quando se associam ou proliferam em excesso, com a falta de higienização correta, fatores ambientais e imunológicos podem causar danos em algumas partes dos dentes como no tecido pulpar e canais radiculares. Neste sentido, a endodontia tem sido capaz de tratar pessoas com problemas dentários em fases muito precoces como as medidas profiláticas até casos infeciosos que afetam a polpa dos dentes causando as lesões perirradiculares que são infecções causadas por microrganismos, Para tanto, é necessário que a odontologia ofereça transformações positivas por meio de técnicas que sejam mais previsíveis para os tratamentos. A literatura tem indicado o uso da laserterapia como técnica auxiliar para o tratamento endodôntico pelo seu potencial mínimo invasivo, preciso e eficaz em menor tempo de cura de patologias orais como as lesões perirradiculares. Este estudo pretendeu abordar a importância da laserterapia sobre as variáveis patológicas de pacientes com lesão perirradiculares. Para realiza-lo foi necessário buscar na literatura estudos que associem este tipo de tratamento e sua eficiência no tratamento desta patologia. Para realizar esta pesquisa foi necessário buscar dados na literatura que tratam sobre o tema para investigar o tempo indicado ao tratamento com a laserterapia bem como o estágio em que as lesões podem ser tratadas com auxílio deste método. Corroborando com o estudo apresentamos um caso clínico(AU)

It is known that the oral cavity is the gateway to many microorganisms and that it has some genera of bacteria that when they associate or proliferate in excess, with the lack of correct hygiene, environmental and immunological factors can cause damage in some parts of the teeth such as in pulp tissue and root canals. In this sense, endodontics has been able to treat people with dental problems at very early stages such as prophylactic measures to infectious cases that affect the pulp of teeth causing perirradicular lesions that are infections caused by microorganisms, therefore, it is necessary that dentistry offer positive transformations through techniques that are more predictable for treatments. The literature has indicated the use of laser therapy as an auxiliary technique for endodontic treatment for its minimal invasive, precise and effective potential in shorter time of cure of oral pathologies such as perirradicular lesions. This study aimed to address the importance of laser therapy on the pathological variables of patients with perirradicular lesions. To accomplish this, it was necessary to seek studies in the literature that associate this type of treatment and its efficiency in the treatment of this pathology. To carry out this research it was necessary to seek data in the literature that deal with the subject to investigate the time indicated for treatment with laser therapy as well as the stage at which lesions can be treated with the aid of this method. Corroborating the study, we present a clinical case(AU)

Ex-vivo and in-vivo validation of a novel measuring protocol for guided endodontics.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) validate the use of a post-operative intraoral scan (IOS) versus Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), gold standard, on its ability to measure the accuracy of guided endodontics, and (2) present clinical data on the accuracy of guided endodontics. METHODS: Four models, including 10 extracted teeth each, were created. Forty guided access cavities were planned on dentin to simulate pulp canal obliteration (PCO). Two operators performed guided access cavities. A post-operative CBCT and IOS were acquired. The coronal, apical, and angular deviations were measured with CBCT and IOS. Clinical accuracy was measured using an IOS acquired immediately after drilling the access cavity with the aid of a guide. Data analysis was performed using multiway Anova and corrected for simultaneous hypothesis testing according to Tukey. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Descriptive statistics on the clinical accuracy of guided endodontics were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cavities were assessed with a mean length of 13.8 mm. No statistical difference between operators and methods was found for all parameters (P > 0.05). Thirty-three patients were treated with guided endodontics and measured using an IOS. Results show an average coronal, apical, and angular deviation of 0.2 mm, 0.45 mm, and 1.91° respectively. The average length of the access cavities was 12.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: An IOS can be used to measure the accuracy of guided endodontics. Clinical data showed high accuracy of guided endodontics with a mean apical deviation smaller than 0.5 mm and a mean angular deviation of less than 2°. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of an IOS does not involve additional radiation exposure. A safety margin of at least 1 mm around the planned trajectory should be respected when planning the case to minimize the possibility of root perforation.

The Pulpal Response to Crown Preparation and Cementation.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and occurrence of pulpal disease in patients who received either full-coverage (crowns) or large noncrown restorations (fillings, inlays, or onlays involving ≥3 surfaces). METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 2177 cases of large restorations placed on vital teeth. Based on the restoration type, patients were stratified into various groups for statistical analysis. After restoration placement, those who required endodontic intervention or extraction were classified as having pulpal disease. RESULTS: Over the course of the study, 8.77% (n = 191) of patients developed pulpal disease. Pulpal disease was slightly more common in the large noncrown group than the full-coverage group (9.05% vs 7.54%, respectively). For patients who received large fillings, there was not a statistically significant difference based on operative material (amalgam vs composite: odds ratio = 1.32 [95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.85], P > .05) or the number of surfaces involved (3 vs 4: odds ratio = 0.78 [95% confidence interval, 0.54-1.12], P > .05). The association between the restoration type and the pulpal disease treatment performed was statistically significant (P < .001). The full-coverage group more frequently underwent endodontic treatment than extraction (5.78% vs 3.37%, respectively). Only 1.76% (n = 7) of teeth in the full-coverage group were extracted compared with 5.68% (n = 101) in the large noncrown group. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that ∼9% of patients who receive large restorations will go on to develop pulpal disease. The risk of pulpal disease tended to be highest in older patients who receive large (4 surface) amalgam restorations. However, teeth with full-coverage restorations were less likely to be extracted.

In vitro study on the accuracy of sleeveless guided endodontics and treatment of a complex upper lateral incisor.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to assess the accuracy of sleeveless guided endodontics for root canal treatment of severe pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in 3D printed jaws. Additionally, the treatment of a complex lateral incisor is presented to illustrate the use of sleeveless guides in a clinical situation. METHODS: Two cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) volumes of an upper and lower jaw were selected to design 3D printed models with PCO. Virtual planning of the access cavities was performed from right to left second premolar. Then, the models were mounted into a phantom head to simulate an actual patient. Two operators with different levels of experience in endodontics performed guided access cavities. The handpiece was guided by guiding rails placed against each other on the sides of the tooth. A post-operative CBCT scan was taken for analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-eight guided access cavities (44 per operator) were drilled on eight 3D printed models. The mean length of the access cavities was 15.3 mm, with a mean coronal and apical deviation of 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm respectively. The mean angular deviation was 1.5°. No statistically significant difference was found between operators for the three measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates, within its limitations, that sleveless guides represent an accurate method for guided endodontic treatment. No statistically significant difference between operators was found when using the guide. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This method offers a valuable alternative to conventional endodontic guides with similar accuracy results.

Periapical Radiography versus Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontic Disease Detection: A Free-response, Factorial Study.

AIM: To assess and compare reader performance in interpreting digital periapical (PA) radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontic disease detection, using a free-response, factorial model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A reader performance study of 2 image test sets was undertaken using a factorial, free-response design, accounting for the independent variables: case type, case severity, reader type, and imaging modality. Twenty-two readers interpreted 60 PA and 60 CBCT images divided into 5 categories: diseased-subtle, diseased-moderate, diseased-obvious, nondiseased-subtle, and nondiseased-obvious. Lesion localization fraction, specificity, false positive (FP) marks, and the weighted alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic figure of merit were calculated. RESULTS: CBCT had greater specificity than PA in the obvious nondiseased cases (P = .01) and no significant difference in the subtle nondiseased category. Weighted alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic values were higher for PA than CBCT in the subtle diseased (P = .02) and moderate diseased (P = .01) groups with no significant difference between in the obvious diseased groups. CBCT had higher mean FPs than PA (P < .05) in subtle diseased cases. Mean lesion localization fraction in the moderate diseased group was higher in PA than CBCT (P = .003). No relationships were found between clinical experience and all diagnostic performance measures, except for in the obvious diseased CBCT group, where increasing experience was associated mean FP marks (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Reader performance in the detection of endodontic disease is better with PA radiography than CBCT. Clinical experience does not impact upon the accuracy of interpretation of both PA radiography and CBCT.

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.

Mechanisms underlying the adaptive pulp and jaw bone trabecular changes in sickle cell anemia.

OBJECTIVE: Mechanisms underlying the oral outcomes in sickle cell anemia (HbSS) have been less explored. This study aimed to investigate the association of morbimortality indicators and hydroxyurea use with adaptive pulp and jaw bone trabecular changes in HbSS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 123 individuals with HbSS. The exposures were the morbimortality indicators of HbSS (number of vaso-occlusive crises, organ damage, hemoglobin level, and leukocyte count) and the use of hydroxyurea for HbSS treatment. The outcomes were adaptive pulp and jaw bone trabecular changes confirmed by radiographic examination. Associations were estimated by Poisson regression in crude and adjusted analyses for sex, skin color, socioeconomic class, and age. RESULTS: The vaso-occlusive crises (mean ratio (MR) = 3.5, p = 0.045), lower hemoglobin (MR = 2.4, p = 0.037), and higher leukocyte count (MR = 2.17, p = 0.036) were risk factors, while the use of hydroxyurea was inversely associated with adaptive pulp changes (MR = 0.23, p = 0.024). The vaso-occlusive crises were associated with jaw bone trabecular changes (MR = 1.33, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Adaptive pulp changes may be a potential clinical marker of chronic vasculopathy in HbSS. The use of hydroxyurea may reduce the frequency of adaptive pulp changes.

Clinical decision making of post-treatment disease.

Root-filled teeth presenting with signs of post-treatment disease is a common finding in virtually every dental practice. There is both empirical and experimental evidence that, as long as the condition is asymptomatic, it is often left untreated. Professional judgements and decision making in endodontics as in any medical discipline are based on qualified estimations of the probability and the value of relevant outcomes. In this paper we describe various aspects of clinical decision making in general, from a descriptive as well as a normative point of view, but with a particular focus on the condition of the root-filled tooth with post-treatment disease. We review how attention to various types of uncertainties are relevant for the decision-making process. Additionally, we discuss the nature of value judgements and different concepts of health and disease which are important for understanding the complexity of the clinical decision-making process. We also refer to a set of principal rules that can guide the clinician's decision making in every-day practice in front of a case with endodontic post-treatment disease. Finally, we provide some aspects on the sometime cumbersome decision whether to go for a non-surgical or surgical method, whenever a decision on retreatment has been made.

Prevalence of pulp canal obliteration and periapical pathology in human anterior teeth: A three-dimensional analysis based on CBCT scans.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pulp canal obliteration (PCO) and its association with periapical pathology (Hypodense areas) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of anterior teeth. A total of 2161 CBCT scans from patients 18 years or older taken between 2000 and 2020 were selected. Patient-, tooth- and scan-related data were registered. Two calibrated evaluators recorded the number of teeth with PCO ≥4 mm in the cervical third of the roots and the presence or absence of periapical hypodensities (PH). The length of the root canal that was calcified was also determined. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether any of the recorded factors influenced the presence of PCO and the presence of periapical pathology in teeth presenting with PCO. The only factor significantly related to the presence of PCO was patient age. The prevalence of PH in teeth exhibiting PCO was 10%.

Effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of the status of the inflamed pulp is essential in clinical diagnosis and treatment provision. There are a limited number of well-designed and well-executed clinical trials on the diagnosis of the true status of the pulp. OBJECTIVES: Three PICO questions were formulated and agreed a priori by the European Society of Endodontology to evaluate the clinical tests for sensibility testing, determination of biomarkers and pulp bleeding with regard to their suitability to correctly diagnose the condition of the pulp tissue for the development of S3-Level guidelines. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 21 January 2022. Additionally, a hand search was performed, and the contents of the major subject journals were also examined. Eligibility criteria followed the proposed PICO questions. Two independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extraction and appraising the included studies; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool for diagnostic accuracy studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for noncomparative, nonrandomized studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: In total, 28 studies out of 29 publications were considered eligible and were included in the review. Twelve studies were identified to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the pulp vitality. Ten studies fulfilled the criteria to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the pulpal conditions, while 6 studies investigating the expression of biomarkers were eligible. Three studies addressing the prognostic factors and therapeutic interventions relating to pulpal status were included. DISCUSSION: The core problem in pulp diagnostics is that a reliable reference standard is lacking under clinical conditions. Based on limited evidence, the most promising current approach seems to define a combination of different clinical tests and symptoms, probably in future including molecular diagnosis ("diagnostic package") will be required to ascertain the best possible strategy to clinically diagnose true pulpal conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis is low due to limited scientific evidence regarding the accuracy and reproducibility of diagnostic tests. There is a lack of evidence to determine the true status of the pulp or to identify prognostic indicators allowing for a reliable pre-operative estimation of the outcome of vital pulp treatment. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database (CRD42021265366).

Injectable decellularized dental pulp matrix-functionalized hydrogel microspheres for endodontic regeneration.

The sufficient imitation of tissue structures and components represents an effective and promising approach for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Dental pulp disease is one of the most common oral diseases, although functional pulp regeneration remains challenging. Herein, we propose a strategy that employs hydrogel microspheres incorporated with decellularized dental pulp matrix-derived bioactive factors to simulate a pulp-specific three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment. The dental pulp microenvironment-specific microspheres constructed by this regenerative strategy exhibited favorable plasticity, biocompatibility, and biological performances. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) cultured on the constructed microspheres exhibited enhanced pulp-formation ability in vitro. Furthermore, the hDPSCs-microcarriers achieved the regeneration of pulp-like tissue and new dentin in a semi-orthotopic model in vivo. Mechanistically, the decellularized pulp matrix-derived bioactive factors mediated the multi-directional differentiation of hDPSCs to regenerate the pulp tissue by eliciting the secretion of crucial bioactive cues. Our findings demonstrated that a 3D dental pulp-specific microenvironment facilitated by hydrogel microspheres and dental pulp-specific bioactive factors regenerated the pulp-dentin complex and could be served as a promising treatment option for dental pulp disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Injectable bioscaffolds are increasingly used for regenerative endodontic treatment. Despite their success related to their ability to load stem cells, bioactive factors, and injectability, conventional bulk bioscaffolds have drawbacks such as ischemic necrosis in the central region. Various studies have shown that ischemic necrosis in the central region can be corrected by injectable hydrogel microspheres. Unfortunately, pristine microspheres or microspheres without dental pulp-specific bioactive factor would oftentimes fail to regulate stem cells fates in dental pulp multi-directional differentiation. Our present study reported the biofabrication of dental pulp-derived decellularized matrix functionalized gelatin microspheres, which contained dental pulp-specific bioactive factors and have the potential application in endodontic regeneration.

Success rate of silver nano-particles in comparison to silver diamine fluoride in management of deep carious lesions: a randomized controlled clinical trial / Taxa de sucesso de nanopartículas de prata em comparação ao fluoreto de diamina de prata no manejo de lesões cariosas profundas: um estudo clínico controlado randomizado

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of nanosilver fluoride in comparison to silver diamine fluoride in management of deep carious lesions. Material and Methods: This double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial included thirty-six patients with deep carious mandibular molars. Patients were recruited form the outpatient clinic of Suez canal university, Egypt and randomly allocated into three groups, Nanosilver fluoride group, Silver diamine fluoride group and control group. For all groups, teeth were isolated by rubber dam. Access was done followed by partial caries removal. Silver diamine fluoride or Nanosilver fluoride were applied, and all teeth were restored with composite resin restorative. Patients were recalled after 3 and 6 months to follow-up the pulp vitality. R-statistical analysis software for Windows, version 4.1.1, was used to conduct the statistical analysis Results: At 3 month, for all groups, all teeth were successful. After 6 months, for silver diamine fluoride group, a single case failed. Regarding the nanosilver fluoride, all cases were successful. For the control group, two cases failed. No statistically significant difference was found between the tested groups. Conclusion: Application of 5% Nanosilver to fluoride varnish has similar clinical efficacy as silver diamine fluoride in arresting the dentin caries progression (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de fluoreto de nanoprata em comparação ao fluoreto de diamina de prata no manejo de lesões profundas de cárie. Material e Métodos: Este estudo clínico controlado randomizado duplo-cego incluiu trinta e seis pacientes com lesões de cárie profunda em molares inferiores. Os pacientes foram recrutados no ambulatório da Universidade do Canal de Suez, no Egito, e alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos de tratamento: fluoreto de nanoprata, fluoreto de diamina de prata e grupo controle. Para todos os grupos, os dentes foram submetidos ao isolamento absoluto. O acesso à lesão foi feito seguido pela remoção parcial de tecido cariado. Tanto o fluoreto de diamina quanto fluoreto de nanoprata foram aplicados, e todos os dentes foram restaurados com resina composta. Os pacientes foram avaliados após 3 e 6 meses para o acompanhamento da vitalidade pulpar. O software estatístico R-statistical para Windows, versão 4.1.1, foi usado para as análises. Resultados: Em 3 meses, para todos os grupos, todos os dentes apresentaram sucesso no tratamento. Após 6 meses, para o grupo que utilizou o fluoreto de diamina de prata um único caso falhou. Em relação ao fluoreto de nanoprata, todos os casos apresentaram sucesso. Para o grupo controle, dois casos falharam. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos testados. Conclusão: A aplicação de verniz de fluoreto de nanoprata a 5% tem eficácia clínica semelhante ao fluoreto de diamina de prata na interrupção da progressão de cárie no tecido dentinário (AU)

Lesiones perirradiculares persistentes: revisión narrativa / Persistent periradicular lesions: a narrative review

La persistencia de lesiones perirradiculares luego del tra- tamiento endodóntico es un problema que requiere del clínico un conocimiento cabal de la histofisiología y de la histopato- logía del sistema de conductos radiculares del tejido pulpar y de los tejidos perirradiculares (periodonto y hueso); además de considerar siempre la posible existencia de enfermedades sistémicas que también pueden actuar como factores de in- fluencia. La presencia de bacterias remanentes a posteriori del tratamiento es considerada como una de las causas principales y más frecuentes para la perpetuación de las lesiones perirra- diculares. Sin embargo, existen otros factores causales, como la existencia de conductos laterales o accesorios infectados y no tratados, la reabsorción dentinaria interna, intercomunica- ciones, cul-de-sacs o istmos; que representan áreas de difícil acceso durante la instrumentación e irrigación. Cuando la cau- sa original se localiza en la zona perirradicular, como en los casos de actinomicosis, reacciones a cuerpo extraño, cristales de colesterol (CRCo) y granulomas o quistes con alto conte- nido de CRCo, la indicación más adecuada es el retratamiento y la cirugía periapical como complemento (AU)

The persistence of periradicular lesions after endodontic treatment is a problem that requires the doctor to have a thor- ough knowledge of the histophysiology and histopathology of the root canal system, the pulp tissue and periradicular tis- sues (periodontium and bone); as well as always considering the possible existence of systemic alterations that can also be influencing factors. Persisting bacteria within the root canal system after treatment is one of the major and most frequent causes for the perpetuation of periradicular lesions. Howev- er, there are other possible causal factors such as the exist- ence of untreated lateral or accessory canals, internal dentin resorption, intercommunications, cul-de-sacs or isthmuses; areas that represent a difficulty in access during instrumen- tation and irrigation. If the original cause is located in the periradicular area, in cases like actinomycosis, foreign-body reactions, cholesterol crystals (CRCo) and granulomas or cysts with high content of CRCo, retreatment coupled with periapical surgery is the best approach to treatment (AU)

Reabsorción dentinaria interna coronaria: informe de un caso clínico / Coronary internal dentine resorption: report of a clinical case

Objetivo: La reabsorción dentinaria interna es un pro- ceso causado por la actividad odontoclástica asociada princi- palmente a la inflamación pulpar crónica y/o traumatismos, y se caracteriza por la pérdida progresiva de tejido dentinario y la posible invasión al cemento. El presente informe describe el diagnóstico y tratamiento de un molar inferior que presentó un cuadro sintomático de reabsorción dentinaria interna. Caso clínico: Un paciente de 38 años fue derivado a la consulta por presentar una zona de reabsorción interna en un segundo molar inferior. Durante el examen clínico y ra- diográfico se tomó una radiografía preoperatoria periapical con radiovisiógrafo en la que se observó la presencia de un área compatible con el diagnóstico de reabsorción dentinaria interna, el que fue posteriormente confirmado por medio de una tomografía computada de haz cónico. La imagen de la lesión se presentó como una zona radiolúcida deformante de bordes nítidos, localizada a nivel de la cámara pulpar. El tra- tamiento consistió en la extirpación de la pulpa coronaria y de la instrumentación, desinfección y obturación de los conduc- tos radiculares y la cavidad de acceso. En el control clínico y radiográfico realizado luego de 3 años se observó que el paciente estaba asintomático y las estructuras perirradiculares se encontraban dentro de los límites normales. La observación histológica del material removido de la cámara pulpar reveló la presencia de un tejido granulomatoso con numerosos vasos sanguíneos y escasos focos micro hemorrágicos. Hasta el momento, el tratamiento endodóntico es el pro- cedimiento indicado para el tratamiento de la reabsorción dentinaria interna. Se destaca la importancia de la tomografía computada de haz cónico para el diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de las reabsorciones dentinarias internas a efectos de contar con un pronóstico favorable (AU)

Aim: Internal dentine resorption is aprocess caused by odontoclastic activity, mainly associated with chronic pulpal inflammation and/or trauma, and it'scharacterized by a pro- gressive loss of dentine tissue and the possible invasion of the cementum. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a lower molar that presented a symptomatic case of inter- nal dentine resorption. Clinical case: A 38-years old patient was referred to the office because of presenting an area of internal resorption in a lower second molar. During clinical and radiographic exam- ination, a periapical preoperative radiograph with radiovisio- graph was taken, in which the presence of an area compatible with the diagnosis of internal dentine resorption was observed, which was later confirmed by a cone-beam computed tomog- raphy.The image of the lesion was presented as a deforming radiolucent area with sharp edges, located at pulp chamber level. Treatment consisted of the removal of the coronary pulp and the instrumentation, disinfection and filling of the root ca- nals and the access cavity. In the clinical and radiographic control carried out 3 years after procedure, it was observed that the patient was asymptomatic and the periradicular struc- tures were within normal limits. The histological observation of the removed material from the pulp chamber revealed the presence of a granulomatous tissue with numerous blood ves- sels and scarce micro hemorrhagic focus. Until now, the endodontic treatment is the indicated pro- cedure to treat internal dentine resorption. It is necessary to highlight the importance of the cone-beam computerized to- mography for the early diagnosis and treatment of internal dentine resorptions in order to have a favorable outlook (AU)