The efficacy of different irrigation protocols in removing tricalcium silicate-based sealers from simulated root canal irregularities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different irrigation protocols in removing two tricalcium silicate-based sealers from simulated root canal irregularities and root canal walls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Root canals of 140 single-rooted teeth were instrumented. In one-half of each root, an apical groove was created. The samples were divided into two main groups (n = 70) based on the sealer used. In group 1, the grooves were filled with MTA Fillapex; in group 2, BioRoot RCS. The reassembled root halves were divided into six experimental and one control groups: 2.5% NaOCl-17% EDTA (Passive ultrasonic irrigation [PUI]), 5% NaOCl/9% DualRinse HEDP (PUI), 2.5% NaOCl-7% Maleic acid (PUI), 2.5% NaOCl-17% EDTA (Er:YAG laser activated irrigation [LAI]), 2.5% NaOCl/9% DualRinse HEDP (LAI), 2.5% NaOCl-7% Maleic acid (LAI), Distilled water (Control). Specimens were scored using SEM. The data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Maleic acid and DualRinse HEDP removed higher amounts of MTA Fillapex from the grooves compared to EDTA, when used with both activation methods (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonically activated maleic acid or DualRinse HEDP can be an effective irrigation regimen in removing tricalcium silicate-based sealers.

Effect of peracetic acid used as single irrigant on the smear layer, adhesion, and penetrability of AH Plus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peracetic acid (PAA) as a single irrigant on the smear layer, on the intraradicular dentinal bond strength, and on the penetrability of an epoxy-based resin sealer into the dentinal tubules. A total of 120 roots were distributed into 4 groups according to the irrigant used in root canal preparation: 1% PAA (PAA); 2.5% NaOCl followed by final irrigation with 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl (NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl); 2.5% NaOCl (NaOCl); and saline solution (SS). The smear layer was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The bond strength of an epoxy-based resin sealer (AH Plus) to root dentin was evaluated by the push-out test and penetrability of the sealer into dentinal tubules was observed by confocal laser microscopy. The results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and the Dunn post-test (α = 0.05). The use of 1% PAA as single root canal irrigant provided smear layer removal and improved the penetrability and bond strength of AH Plus to root dentin in a manner similar to that of the NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl group (p > 0.05). The NaOCl and SS groups had higher values of smear layer and lower values of sealer penetrability and dentin bond strength than the PAA and NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl groups (p < 0.05). Thus, 1% PAA has the potential to be used as a single irrigant in root canals.

Effect of ultrasonic activation on dentinal tubule penetration of calcium silicate-based cements.

This study investigated the dentinal tubule penetration of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), NeoMTA Plus and Biodentine placed by either manual condensation or ultrasonic activation in simulated open apex model. Standardized divergent open apex models were created using palatal roots of 60 human maxillary molars and divided into six groups according to the used cements and activation methods (n = 10): MTA-manual condensation, MTA-ultrasonic activation, NeoMTA Plus-manual condensation, NeoMTA Plus-ultrasonic activation, Biodentine-manual condensation, Biodentine-ultrasonic activation. For the measurement of penetration, the cements were mixed with 0.1% Rhodamin B and 6-mm apical portions of each root canal were obturated in an orthograde direction. The roots were embedded into acrylic blocks, and 1-mm-thick sections were obtained at 3 mm from the apex. Specimens were mounted onto glass slides and scanned under a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and stereomicroscope. Dentinal tubule penetration areas, depth and percentage were measured using LSM and ImageJ software. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (anova) with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05). No correlation was found between stereomicroscope and CLSM analyses (p > .05). CLSM analysis showed no significant differences between MTA, NeoMTA Plus, and Biodentine groups when manual condensation was used (p > .05). Ultrasonic activation did not increase the tubular penetration of MTA, NeoMTA Plus or Biodentine as compared to manual condensation of each material (p > .05). MTA, NeoMTA Plus and Biodentine showed similar tubular penetration when manual condensation was used. Ultrasonic activation of these cements had no effect on tubular penetration of each material as compared to the manual condensation counterparts.

Investigation of mineral content of root canal dentin after the application of various antibiotic paste using energy-dispersive X-ray detector.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate mineral content of root canal dentin after treatment with different antibiotic pastes including the mixture of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, cefaclor, amoxicillin, or minocycline. Fifty extracted maxillary canine teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 teeth for each group). Root canals were prepared Reciproc rotary files. Canals were irrigated using 5 ml 5% NaOCl and 1 ml 15% EDTA. Each tooth in all groups were longitudinally splitted into two pieces as a control and experimental samples. Each experimental group received following antibiotic paste; double antibiotic paste (DAP) and triple antibiotic paste with doxycycline (TAPd), TAP with cefaclor (TAPc), TAP with amoxicillin (TAPa), and TAP with minocycline (TAPm) for 21 days. The Ca, P, Mg, Ca, and K levels, and the Ca/P ratio was analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped using a Bruker energy-dispersive X-Ray (EDX) detector. Data were analyzed with independent samples t-test, one-way anova, and Duncan tests. Ca and Ca/P ratio showed a statistically significant increase TAP with amoxicillin and cefaclor (p < .05). DAP, TAPd, and TAPm did not change the mineral levels (p > .05). TAPa and TAPc with increased the Ca level and Ca/P ratio of the root canal dentin which consequently positively influences the revascularization process.

Effect of peracetic acid used as single irrigant on the smear layer, adhesion, and penetrability of AH Plus

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peracetic acid (PAA) as a single irrigant on the smear layer, on the intraradicular dentinal bond strength, and on the penetrability of an epoxy-based resin sealer into the dentinal tubules. A total of 120 roots were distributed into 4 groups according to the irrigant used in root canal preparation: 1% PAA (PAA); 2.5% NaOCl followed by final irrigation with 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl (NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl); 2.5% NaOCl (NaOCl); and saline solution (SS). The smear layer was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The bond strength of an epoxy-based resin sealer (AH Plus) to root dentin was evaluated by the push-out test and penetrability of the sealer into dentinal tubules was observed by confocal laser microscopy. The results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and the Dunn post-test (α = 0.05). The use of 1% PAA as single root canal irrigant provided smear layer removal and improved the penetrability and bond strength of AH Plus to root dentin in a manner similar to that of the NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl group (p > 0.05). The NaOCl and SS groups had higher values of smear layer and lower values of sealer penetrability and dentin bond strength than the PAA and NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl groups (p < 0.05). Thus, 1% PAA has the potential to be used as a single irrigant in root canals.

Evaluation of the efficacy of filling material removal and re-filling after different retreatment procedures.

This study analyzed the influence of different retreatment protocols on amount of remaining filling material and amount of new sealer after endodontic retreatment. Forty mandibular molars with curved mesial roots were prepared with ProTaper Universal system, and filled with AH Plus sealer mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B and gutta-percha. After 7 days, the specimens were randomized according to the retreatment protocol (n = 10): ProTaper Retreatment System (PTR); PTR+Orange Oil (PTR+OO); PTR+Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PTR+PUI). No retreatment was performed in the control group (CG). After retreatment, the root canals were filled with AH Plus mixed with 0.1% fluorescein and gutta-percha. Samples were evaluated under confocal laser scanning microscopy and analyzed using Image J software. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p < 0.05). Regarding presence of residual filling, the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no differences among the different retreatment techniques in the perimeter and the isthmus analyses (p > 0.05); however, PTR+PUI was associated with a lesser amount of residual filling material in the canal area analysis (p < 0.05). In evaluating the new filling, the perimeter analysis showed a lesser amount of new endodontic sealer in the PTR group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the PTR+PUI group presented a significantly greater amount of new endodontic sealer in the canal area analysis (p < 0.05). There was no difference among groups in the isthmus analysis (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that PTR associated to PUI yielded better results in removing root canal filling material from the canal area. However, none of the protocols resulted in root walls completely free of remnants.

Imaging of growth factors on a human tooth root canal by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp poses several clinical challenges and is one of the most demanding interventions in endodontics. Recently, with new discoveries in the field of tissue engineering, novel treatment protocols have been established. The most promising treatment modality is revascularization, whose integral part is the exposure of collagen matrix and embedded growth factors. However, optimization of the treatment protocol requires a development of analytical procedures able to analyze growth factors directly on the sample surface. In this work, method based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was developed to investigate the influence of the time of the medical treatment using EDTA on exposure and accessibility of the growth factors, namely TGF-ß1, BMP-2, and bFGF on the dentine surface. The nanotags, which consist of magnetic Fe3O4@Ag nanocomposite covalently functionalized by tagged antibodies (anti-TGF-ß1-Cy3, anti-BMP-2-Cy5, and anti-bFGF-Cy7), were employed as a SERS substrate. Each antibody was coupled with a unique label allowing us to perform a parallel analysis of all three growth factors within one analytical run. Developed methodology presents an interesting alternative to a fluorescence microscopy and in contrary allows evaluating a chemical composition and thus minimizing possible false-positive results. Graphical abstract.

NiTi loss on the dentinal walls and instrument deformation during root canal preparation.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the presence of nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti) on dentin walls of prepared root canals using Endosequence (ES) and Wave One (WO) systems, the deformation, and fracture of these instruments. Thirty extracted human premolar teeth were selected and prepared with WO, ES, and manually (control group-CG). Each instrument was used in four root canals. The root canals were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. After preparation, roots were sectioned longitudinally and the apical third was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). The percentage of Ni and Ti found on dentin walls was compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc Dunn. The instruments deformation and fracture was evaluate by SEM before and after use. Spiral distortion, fractures, and surface wear were compared using Mann-Whitney test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Ni and Ti were found on the dentin walls of the apical root canal for ES and WO systems (p > .05). No distortion in the spirals and no instrument fracture were observed. Regarding to surface wear, most of the instruments scored as moderate wear (p > .05). This study concluded the WO and ES presented Ni and Ti loss. In addition, the preparation of four root canals did not caused irreversible deformation in WO and ES instruments.

The efficiency of different irrigation solutions and techniques for the removal of triple antibiotic paste from simulated immature root canals.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiencies of different irrigation protocols in the removal of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) from root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 127 extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were prepared. Then, root-end resection of 3 mm was accomplished to simulate immature apex model. The root canals were filled with TAP, after 21 days, randomly divided into nine groups according to irrigation systems and solutions (n = 13). Conventional irrigation (CI) groups - Group 1: Root canal irrigation was performed with CI by Peracetic acid (PAA) solution, Group 2: Root canal irrigation was performed with CI by etidronic acid 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) + sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution, Group 3: Root canal irrigation was performed with CI by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)/NaOCl solutions. Vibringe system groups - Group 4: Root canal irrigation was performed with Vibringe system by PAA solution, Group 5: Root canal irrigation was performed with Vibringe system by HEBP + NaOCl solution, Group 6: Root canal irrigation was performed with Vibringe system by EDTA/NaOCl solution. EndoVac system groups - Group 7: Root canal irrigation was performed with EndoVac system by PAA solution, Group 8: Root canal irrigation was performed with EndoVac system by HEBP + NaOCl solution, Group 9: Root canal irrigation was performed with EndoVac system by EDTA/NaOCl solution. Control Group: (n = 0). Samples were sectioned vertically, and the amount of remaining medicament was scored for each root half and data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Among the irrigation systems, CI groups showed the highest scores at both apical and coronal parts (P < 0.05). In comparisons among the solutions, at the apical part, PAA groups showed the highest scores (P < 0.05). At the coronal part, EDTA + NaOCl groups showed the lowest score values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of irrigation systems improved the removal of TAP from the simulated immature root canals. Also, as an irrigation solution EDTA gives more promising results than PAA and HEBP solutions.

The Repair of Furcal Perforations in Different Diameters with Biodentine, MTA, and IRM Repair Materials: A Laboratory Study Using an E. Faecalis Leakage Model.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microleakage of repair materials MTA, IRM, and Biodentine applied on furcal perforations with different diameters. One hundred and forty extracted human teeth were used in this study. The teeth were divided into 2 main groups (60 teeth in each) which were then divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20). The remaining 20 teeth were divided into 2 groups (10 in each) to serve as controls. The furcal areas of the teeth were perforated with #2 cylindrical burs in Group 1 whereas perforations were made using #4 cylindrical burs in Group 2. Each subgroup of both Groups 1 and 2 received ProRoot MTA (ProRoot, USA), Biodentine (Septodont), or IRM (Dentsply, USA) to repair the perforations. An experimental set-up was established to contaminate repaired perforations with E. Faecalis (ATCC29212). The turbidity of bacteria was observed on the 7th, 15th, 30th, and 45th days. The data was analysed by chi-square test (p > 0.05). The number of bacteria in the group perforated by bur #2 and closed by MTA was found to be lower than the other groups on the 7th day (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the bacterial counts of other groups on the 15th, 30th, and 45th days (p > 0.05). ProRoot MTA was found to be more successful in the prevention of bacterial leakage compared to IRM and Biodentine in smaller perforations during the 1st week.

Demetallization of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm: a preliminary study.

Objectives To determine the concentration of calcium, iron, manganese and zinc ions after the application of chelator to Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Material and Methods Fifty bovine maxillary central incisors were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis for 60 days. The following were used as irrigation solutions: 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10), 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) combined with 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10), distilled water (pH 3, 7 and 10), and 2.5% NaOCl. Each solution was kept in the root canal for five minutes. Fifteen uncontaminated root canals were irrigated with 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10). Six teeth were used as bacterial control. The number of calcium, iron, manganese and zinc ions was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) values were used for descriptive statistics. Results Calcium chelation using 17% EDTA at pH 7 was higher than at pH 3 and 10, regardless of whether bacterial biofilm was present. The highest concentration of iron occurred at pH 3 in the presence of bacterial biofilm. The highest concentration of manganese found was 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at pH 7 in the presence of bacterial biofilm. Zinc levels were not detectable. Conclusions The pH of chelating agents affected the removal of calcium, iron, and manganese ions. The concentration of iron ions in root canals with bacterial biofilm was higher after the use of 17% EDTA at pH 3 than after the use of the other solutions at all pH levels.

Dentin bond strength and nanoleakage of the adhesive interface after intracoronal bleaching.

This study evaluated dentin bond strength (BS) and nanoleakage of non- and pre-etched dentin immediately (T0 ,), 7 days (T7 ), and 14 days (T14 ) after bleaching. Bovine incisors (150) were selected and half of them submitted to intrapulpal dentin etching (e). Non- and pre-etched dentin were subjected to the following (n = 15): no bleaching/control (C); 35% carbamide peroxide (CP); 35% hydrogen peroxide (35% HP); 25% hydrogen peroxide (25% HP); and sodium perborate (SP). Bleaching agents were applied to the pulp chamber four times within a 72-h interval. Afterwards, pulp chamber dentin was prepared for the BS test at different evaluation times (n = 5): T0 , T7 , and T14 . Composite blocks were built on pulp chamber and sectioned in slices. Slices were reduced to an hour-glass shape with a cross-sectional area of 0.8 mm2 and submitted to microtensile BS test. Two additional specimens for each group were prepared for nanoleakage evaluation by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results were analyzed by ANOVA (two-way) and Dunnett's test (p < .05). BS decreased immediately after intracoronal bleaching for both sound and pre-etched dentin (p < .05). At T14 , the BS of non-etched bleached dentin increased for all groups, whereas the pre-etched SPe group presented BS similar to the Ce. Nanoleakage within the hybrid layer was perceptible immediately after bleaching, although a decrease in nanoleakage was observed for all groups at T14 . Adhesive restorations should be performed 7-14 days after bleaching, according to the bleaching agent used. Intracoronal bleaching should be performed preferably with sodium perborate if previous dentin etching is applied.

Moisture content of root canal dentine affects detection of microcracks using micro-computed tomography.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of moisture content in root canal dentine on detection of microcracks using micro-computed tomography. METHODOLOGY: Ten roots with and without craze lines or cracks (each n = 5) were selected and scanned six times with different moisture conditions of root dentine using a micro-CT scanner at a high resolution of 10.5 µm. Scanning conditions were as follows: (i) after 30-day wet storage, (ii) after 2-h dry time, (iii) after 48-h wet storage, (iv) after 24-h dry time, (v) after 48-h wet storage, (vi) after 2-h dry time. From each scan, cross-sectional images were obtained at intervals of 1 mm (total n = 708) and evaluated for the presence of dentinal microcracks twice by five calibrated blinded observers. Statistical analysis was performed by nonparametric analysis of variance for longitudinal data (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Intra-rater percentage agreement ranged between 92% and 98%, whereas inter-rater percentage agreement was 81% and 83%, respectively. No significant differences between all wet groups as well as between both groups with 2-h dry time were detected (P > 0.05). Almost no cracks were observed after wet storage with a significant increase of cracks after 2-h dry time (P < 0.001). Significantly more microcracks were identified after 24 h than after 2-h dry time (P < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Moisture content of dentine influenced detection of microcracks when evaluated using micro-CT. Scanning should be performed on dried specimens to allow reliable identification of dentinal defects. Formation of new cracks during dry periods up to 24 h was disproved.

The micromorphological characterization of adhesive bond in dentin different locations.

The aim of this study was to analyse the interfacial micromorphology of total-etch adhesives and dentin structures different locations by using SEM. Standardized cylindrical cavities (3mm in diameter, 2mm deep) with all margins in dentin were prepared on occlusal and buccal surfaces of twenty extracted human third molars. A total-etch dentin adhesive system and a light-cure flowable composite (Filtek Ultimate Flowable, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) were used in this study. Micro-morphological SEM analysis of the marginal seal of the original tooth specimens was performed using high magnification of up to 1000×. In this study, we found the difference in interfacial micromorphology in dentin different locations. Also, marginal gap was found in both observed dentin area. Better understanding of complexity and three- dimensional variations of the tooth structure is important for prevention of clinical challenges such as postoperative sensitivity, marginal discoloration and secondary caries, which could be prevented by achieving of predictable and long-lasting adhesive bond.

Demetallization of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm: a preliminary study

Abstract Objectives To determine the concentration of calcium, iron, manganese and zinc ions after the application of chelator to Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Material and Methods Fifty bovine maxillary central incisors were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis for 60 days. The following were used as irrigation solutions: 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10), 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) combined with 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10), distilled water (pH 3, 7 and 10), and 2.5% NaOCl. Each solution was kept in the root canal for five minutes. Fifteen uncontaminated root canals were irrigated with 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10). Six teeth were used as bacterial control. The number of calcium, iron, manganese and zinc ions was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) values were used for descriptive statistics. Results Calcium chelation using 17% EDTA at pH 7 was higher than at pH 3 and 10, regardless of whether bacterial biofilm was present. The highest concentration of iron occurred at pH 3 in the presence of bacterial biofilm. The highest concentration of manganese found was 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at pH 7 in the presence of bacterial biofilm. Zinc levels were not detectable. Conclusions The pH of chelating agents affected the removal of calcium, iron, and manganese ions. The concentration of iron ions in root canals with bacterial biofilm was higher after the use of 17% EDTA at pH 3 than after the use of the other solutions at all pH levels.

Evaluation of the efficacy of filling material removal and re-filling after different retreatment procedures

Abstract This study analyzed the influence of different retreatment protocols on amount of remaining filling material and amount of new sealer after endodontic retreatment. Forty mandibular molars with curved mesial roots were prepared with ProTaper Universal system, and filled with AH Plus sealer mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B and gutta-percha. After 7 days, the specimens were randomized according to the retreatment protocol (n = 10): ProTaper Retreatment System (PTR); PTR+Orange Oil (PTR+OO); PTR+Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PTR+PUI). No retreatment was performed in the control group (CG). After retreatment, the root canals were filled with AH Plus mixed with 0.1% fluorescein and gutta-percha. Samples were evaluated under confocal laser scanning microscopy and analyzed using Image J software. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p < 0.05). Regarding presence of residual filling, the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no differences among the different retreatment techniques in the perimeter and the isthmus analyses (p > 0.05); however, PTR+PUI was associated with a lesser amount of residual filling material in the canal area analysis (p < 0.05). In evaluating the new filling, the perimeter analysis showed a lesser amount of new endodontic sealer in the PTR group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the PTR+PUI group presented a significantly greater amount of new endodontic sealer in the canal area analysis (p < 0.05). There was no difference among groups in the isthmus analysis (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that PTR associated to PUI yielded better results in removing root canal filling material from the canal area. However, none of the protocols resulted in root walls completely free of remnants.

Remaining dentine thickness of root canals prepared with K-3 and ProTaper rotary systems.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the remaining dentine thickness of root canals prepared with K-3 and ProTaper files.. METHODS: This in-vitro experimental study was conducted from 1st April-30th September 2015 at the dental clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised human teeth. Extracted human premolars and molars were included in the study using non-probability consecutive sampling. Canals were randomly allocated into two groups i.e. K-3 and ProTaper. Changes in inner and outer walls of canals were measured using Vixwin software at 1mm, 4mm, 7mm and 10mm from the apex. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 214 canals, 107(50%) were assigned to each group. No statistically significant difference was found in the remaining dentine thickness at 1mm, 4mm, 7mm and 10mm from the apex of the teeth prepared with in K-3 versus ProTapers system (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The remaining dentine thickness of the root canals prepared with K-3 files was similar to that of canals prepared with ProTaper files.

Investigation to test potential stereolithography materials for development of an in vitro root canal model.

The aims were to compare the physico-chemical properties (zeta-potential, wettability, surface free energy) of stereolithography materials (STL) (Photopolymer, Accura) to dentine and to evaluate the potential of each material to develop Enterococcus faecalis biofilm on their respective surfaces. Eighteen samples of each test material (Photopolymer, Accura, dentine) were employed (total n = 54) and sectioned to 1 mm squares (5 mm x 5 mm) (n = 15) or ground into a powder to measure zeta-potential (n = 3). The zeta-potential of the powder was measured using the Nano-Zetasizer technique. The contact angle (wettability, surface free energy tests) were measured on nine samples using goniometer. The biofilm attachment onto the substrate was assessed on the samples of each material using microscope and image processing software. The data were compared using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett post-hoc tests at a level of significance P ≤ 0.05. Both STL materials showed similar physico-chemical properties to dentine. The materials and dentine had negative charge (Accura: -23.7 mv, Photopolymer: -18.8 mv, dentine: -9.11 mv). The wettability test showed that all test materials were hydrophilic with a contact angle of 47.5°, 39.8°, 36.1° for Accura, Photopolymer and dentine respectively, and a surface free energy of 46.6, 57.7, 59.6 mN/m for Accura, Photopolymer and dentine, respectively. The materials and dentine proved suitable for attachment and growth of E. faecalis biofilm with no statistical differences (P > 0.05). Stereolithography materials show similar physico-chemical properties and growth of E. faecalis biofilm to dentine. Therefore, they may be an alternative to tests requiring dentine.

Penetration of sub-micron particles into dentinal tubules using ultrasonic cavitation.

OBJECTIVES: Functionalised silica sub-micron particles are being investigated as a method of delivering antimicrobials and remineralisation agents into dentinal tubules. However, their methods of application are not optimised, resulting in shallow penetration and aggregation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of cavitation occurring around ultrasonic scalers for enhancing particle penetration into dentinal tubules. METHODS: Dentine slices were prepared from premolar teeth. Silica sub-micron particles were prepared in water or acetone. Cavitation from an ultrasonic scaler (Satelec P5 Newtron, Acteon, France) was applied to dentine slices immersed inside the sub-micron particle solutions. Samples were imaged with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess tubule occlusion and particle penetration. RESULTS: Qualitative observations of SEM images showed some tubule occlusion. The particles could penetrate inside the tubules up to 60µm when there was no cavitation and up to ∼180µm when there was cavitation. CONCLUSIONS: The cavitation bubbles produced from an ultrasonic scaler may be used to deliver sub-micron particles into dentine. This method has the potential to deliver such particles deeper into the dentinal tubules. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cavitation from a clinical ultrasonic scaler may enhance penetration of sub-micron particles into dentinal tubules. This can aid in the development of novel methods for delivering therapeutic clinical materials for hypersensitivity relief and treatment of dentinal caries.

Evaluation of Root Canal Dentin Erosion after Different Irrigation Methods Using Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the level of erosion in root dentin caused by different irrigation methods and protocols. METHODS: Thirty-five extracted upper molar teeth were instrumented and divided into 7 groups to undergo treatment by different methods: negative control, GentleWave System (Sonendo Inc, Laguna Hills, CA), and syringe needle irrigation following different protocols. The teeth were instrumented to size #25/.08 or #30/.09 for needle irrigation groups and to ProTaper size S1 for the GentleWave group under 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The needle irrigation groups were subjected to final rinses of 2 minutes of 3% NaOCl + 2 minutes of 8% EDTA (3% N2 + 8% E2), 2 minutes of 3% NaOCl + 2 minutes of 8% EDTA + 1 minute of 3% NaOCl (3% N2 + 8% E2 + 3% N1), 2 minutes of 5% NaOCl + 2 minutes of 17% EDTA (5% N2 + 17% E2), 2 minutes of 5% NaOCl + 2 minutes of 17% EDTA + 1 minute of 5% NaOCl (5% N2 + 17% E2 + 5% N1), and 5 minutes of 5% NaOCl + 5 minutes of 17% EDTA + 5 minutes of 5% NaOCl (5% N5 + 17% E5 + 5% N5), respectively. The root canal surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the dentin composition was analyzed by continuous line scanning for 300 µm into dentin using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. RESULTS: A slight but statistically significant decrease of calcium and an increase of carbon was measured in the 5% N2 + 17% E2 group in comparison with the control; no significant difference was found among GentleWave, 3% N2 + 8% E2, and 5% N2 + 17% E2 (P > .05). A final 1-minute rinse with 3% or 5% NaOCl reduced calcium and phosphorus to a significantly lower level than in groups without a 1-minute final rinse (P < .05). Final irrigation with 5% NaOCl for 5 minutes removed almost all calcium and phosphorus. Scanning electron microscopy showed canal wall erosion when an additional final irrigation with NaOCl was done. CONCLUSIONS: NaOCl followed by final EDTA irrigation performed either by syringe needle or the GentleWave System caused minimal dentin erosion. Erosion was measured as increased loss of calcium and phosphorus in samples in which additional final irrigation was performed using NaOCl after EDTA.