A comparison of osteogenic effect of newly manufactured calcium silicate-based sealers in vitro.

This study aimed to assess the effect of different calcium silicate-based root canal sealers (CSRS) on osteogenic effect in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). hPDLCs were cultured in a medium containing extract of 5 types of CSRS. The specimens were assessed by the cell cytotoxicity test, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diluted concentrations of extracted solutions had no significant effect on the viability of hPDLCs. There was a statistically significant difference in the mRNA expression level of bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) among some groups. The protein expressions of BSP, OCN, and RUNX2 were significantly higher in some groups compared to the control group. The CSRS did not interfere with the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs, compared to the control group. CSRS are shown to have biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation effect on hPDLCs.

Effect of an aluminum chloride hemostatic agent on the dentin shear bond strength of a universal adhesive.

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of an aluminum chloride hemostatic agent on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a universal adhesive to dentin. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted human molars were trimmed at the occlusal dentin surfaces and divided mesiodistally. According to hemostatic agent application, specimens were randomly allocated into control (C) and hemostatic agent (Traxodent; H) groups. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups according to the adhesive system (n = 20): Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBER), Clearfil SE Bond (CLSE), All-Bond Universal etch-and-rinse mode (ALER), and All-Bond Universal self-etch mode (ALSE). SBS was measured for half of the specimens at 24 hours, and the other half were thermocycled in water baths (group T). Fracture surfaces were examined to determine the failure mode. The SBS was measured, and data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance, the Student's t-test, and the Tukey honestly significant difference test (p = 0.05). Results: No significant differences in SBS were found between groups C and H for any adhesive system at 24 hours. After thermocycling, a statistically significant difference was observed between CT+ALSE and HT+ALSE (p < 0.05). When All-Bond Universal was applied to hemostatic agent-contaminated dentin, the SBS of H+ALSE was significantly lower than that of H+ALER (p < 0.05). The SBER subgroups showed no significant differences in SBS regardless of treatment and thermocycling. Conclusions: When exposed dentin was contaminated by an aluminum chloride hemostatic agent before dentin adhesive treatment, application of All-Bond Universal in etch-and-rinse mode was superior to self-etch mode.

Evaluation of Fitness and Accuracy of Milled and Three-Dimensionally Printed Inlays.

OBJECTIVE: This article compares and evaluates the marginal and internal fitness and three-dimensional (3D) accuracy of class II inlays fabricated using Tescera (TS) resin, milling of hybrid and zirconia blocks, and 3D printing with NextDent C&B. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two mesio-occlusal inlays were fabricated using conventional method with TS, milling of Lava Ultimate (LU), milling of Zolid Fx multilayer (ZR), and 3D printing (n = 13 each). The marginal and internal fitness were evaluated at six points in the mesio-distal section of a replica under a digital microscope (160× magnification), and the accuracy was evaluated using 3D software. Analyses were conducted using t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA, while Duncan's multiple range test was used for post hoc analyses (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The marginal and internal fitness of the 3D and ZR were significantly superior to that of the TS and LU. For LU, ZR, and 3D, a significant discrepancy between the marginal gap and internal gap was observed (p < 0.05). On evaluating accuracy, trueness was significantly higher in ZR than in TS and LU; precision was significantly higher in 3D and ZR than in TS and LU (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The marginal and internal fitness and the accuracy of TS, ZR, and 3D were within the clinically acceptable range. The marginal and internal fitness and accuracy of 3D were better than those of TS and LU, which are commonly used in dentistry. There is immense potential for using 3D-printed inlays in routine clinical practice.

Effects of barium titanate on the dielectric constant, radiopacity, and biological properties of tricalcium silicate-based bioceramics.

This study evaluated the effect of barium titanate (BT) on the dielectricity, radiopacity, and biological properties of tricalcium silicate (C3S). C3S/BT samples were prepared with varying proportions of BT (0, 20, 40, and 60 wt%; referred to as BT00, BT20, BT40, and BT60, respectively). Dielectric constant and radiopacity were measured. Cytocompatibility was evaluated on human dental pulp cells. After surgical procedures on rat mandible, immunohistochemistry and Masson's trichrome staining were performed. The dielectric constant increased with higher proportions of BT (p<0.05). BT40 and BT60 satisfied the clinical guideline of radiopacity. There were no significant differences among groups in the cytocompatibility tests (p>0.05). New bone was observed well, along with the expressions of the dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), osteocalcin (OC), and osteonectin (ON) in BT40 and BT60. Conclusively, the contents of 40-60 wt% of BT in C3S provided proper radiopacity, favorable cytocompatibility, and beneficial effect on bone regeneration.

A novel three-dimensionally printed model to assess biofilm removal by ultrasonically activated irrigation.

AIM: To apply an innovative three-dimensionally printed tooth model to investigate the efficacy of three ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) systems in removing multispecies biofilms from dentine samples. METHODOLOGY: Three-dimensionally printed teeth with a curved root canal were fabricated with a standardized slot in the apical third of the root to achieve precision fit of human root dentine specimens. Multispecies biofilms including Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mitis and Campylobacter rectus were developed in the root canal for 21 days. The canals were allocated to be irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) using a syringe and needle or ultrasonically activated NaOCl with a stainless-steel file (Irrisafe), a conventional nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) file (CK) or a blue heat-treated Ni-Ti file (Endosonic Blue). Infected root canals irrigated with distilled water served as controls. Bacterial reduction was determined by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting (n = 20), whilst biofilms were analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (n = 7) and field emission scanning electron microscopy. For CFU counting, the independent two-sample t-test (Welch's t-test) was examined to compare overall bacterial reduction amongst groups. For CLSM analysis, the data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Scheffé post hoc test. The p-values <.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: All groups in which NaOCl was ultrasonically activated had significantly lower CFU values than the syringe-and-needle irrigation and control groups (p < .05). Ultrasonic activation with the stainless-steel file and blue heat-treated Ni-Ti file significantly reduced the biofilm volume compared with other groups (p < .05). Overall, UAI with the blue heat-treated file resulted in the highest antibacterial and biofilm removal efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: UAI with different inserts had differential antibiofilm effects. The blue heat-treated Ni-Ti ultrasonic insert resulted in the greatest antibacterial and biofilm removal from dentine in this standardized root canal model.

Effects of dodecacalcium hepta-aluminate content on the setting time, compressive strength, alkalinity, and cytocompatibility of tricalcium silicate cement.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dodecacalcium hepta-aluminate (C12A7) content on some physicochemical properties and cytocompatibility of tricalcium silicate (C3S) cement using human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: High purity C3S cement was manufactured by a solid phase method. C12A7 was mixed with the cement in proportions of 0, 5, 8, and 10 wt% (C12A7-0, -5, -8, and -10, respectively). Physicochemical properties including initial setting time, compressive strength, and alkalinity were evaluated. Cytocompatibility was assessed with cell viability tests and cell number counts. Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The initial setting time of C3S-based cement was shorter in the presence of C12A7 (p<0.05). After 1 day, C12A7-5 showed significantly higher compressive strength than the other groups (p<0.05). After 7 days, the compressive strength of C12A7-5 was similar to that of C12A7-0, whereas other groups showed strength lower than C12A7-0. The pH values of all tested groups showed no significant differences after 1 day (p>0.05). The C12A7-5 group showed similar cell viability to the C12A7-0 group (p>0.05), while the other experimental groups showed lower values compared to C12A7-0 group (p<0.05). The number of cells grown on the C12A7-5 specimen was higher than that on C12A7-8 and -10 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of C12A7 to C3S cement at a proportion of 5% resulted in rapid initial setting time and higher compressive strength with no adverse effects on cytocompatibility.

Effects of dodecacalcium hepta-aluminate content on the setting time, compressive strength, alkalinity, and cytocompatibility of tricalcium silicate cement

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of dodecacalcium hepta-aluminate (C12A7) content on some physicochemical properties and cytocompatibility of tricalcium silicate (C3S) cement using human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). Material and Methods High purity C3S cement was manufactured by a solid phase method. C12A7 was mixed with the cement in proportions of 0, 5, 8, and 10 wt% (C12A7-0, −5, −8, and −10, respectively). Physicochemical properties including initial setting time, compressive strength, and alkalinity were evaluated. Cytocompatibility was assessed with cell viability tests and cell number counts. Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Results The initial setting time of C3S-based cement was shorter in the presence of C12A7 (p<0.05). After 1 day, C12A7-5 showed significantly higher compressive strength than the other groups (p<0.05). After 7 days, the compressive strength of C12A7-5 was similar to that of C12A7-0, whereas other groups showed strength lower than C12A7-0. The pH values of all tested groups showed no significant differences after 1 day (p>0.05). The C12A7-5 group showed similar cell viability to the C12A7-0 group (p>0.05), while the other experimental groups showed lower values compared to C12A7-0 group (p<0.05). The number of cells grown on the C12A7-5 specimen was higher than that on C12A7-8 and −10 (p<0.05). Conclusions The addition of C12A7 to C3S cement at a proportion of 5% resulted in rapid initial setting time and higher compressive strength with no adverse effects on cytocompatibility.

Recognition and management of palatogingival groove for tooth survival: a literature review.

Palatogingival groove (PGG) is an anomaly in the maxillary anterior teeth, often accompanied by the area of bony destruction adjacent to the teeth with no carious or traumatic history. The hidden trap in the tooth can harbor plaque and bacteria, resulting in periodontal destruction with or without pulpal pathologic change. Related diseases can involve periodontal destruction, combined endodontic-periodontal lesions, or separate endodontic and periodontal lesions. Disease severity and prognosis related to PGG depend on several factors, including location, range, depth, and type of the groove. Several materials have been used and recommended for cases of extensive periodontal destruction from PGG to remove and block the inflammatory source and recover the health of surrounding periodontal tissues. Even in cases of severe periodontal destruction, several studies have reported favorable treatment outcomes with proper management. With new options in diagnosis and treatment, clinicians need a detailed understanding of the characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of PGG to successfully manage the condition.

Differentiating spontaneous vertical root fracture in endodontically treated tooth.

Although vertical root fracture (VRF) is mostly found in endodontically treated teeth, it also occurs spontaneously. If VRF is recognized after endodontic treatment, it is considered to be iatrogenic and can lead to legal trouble. However, legal problems can be averted if the dentist can prove that the VRF existed before endodontic treatment. This case report describes an unusual, spontaneous VRF in an endodontically treated tooth and presents a useful tip for determining whether a fracture is iatrogenic. We performed nonsurgical endodontic treatment on a mandibular first molar with irreversible pulpitis. After 6 months, the patient revisited with localized swelling, and we diagnosed VRF of the mesial root. We extracted the tooth and prepared it for microscopic examination. We found gutta-percha in the fracture line of the transversely sectioned root, and it appeared to have penetrated to the fracture line through the force generated from the filling. The patient was informed and agreed that the fracture occurred spontaneously before treatment. This case demonstrates the time point of VRF occurrence by identifying the presence of gutta-percha in the fracture line. We suggest that this procedure can be used to demonstrate whether VRFs in endodontically treated teeth are spontaneous or iatrogenic.

Effects of proanthocyanidin, a crosslinking agent, on physical and biological properties of collagen hydrogel scaffold.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of proanthocyanidin (PAC), a crosslinking agent, on the physical properties of a collagen hydrogel and the behavior of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) cultured in the scaffold. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Viability of hPDLCs treated with PAC was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The physical properties of PAC treated collagen hydrogel scaffold were evaluated by the measurement of setting time, surface roughness, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The behavior of the hPDLCs in the collagen scaffold was evaluated by cell morphology observation and cell numbers counting. RESULTS: The setting time of the collagen scaffold was shortened in the presence of PAC (p < 0.05). The surface roughness of the PAC-treated collagen was higher compared to the untreated control group (p < 0.05). The thermogram of the crosslinked collagen exhibited a higher endothermic peak compared to the uncrosslinked one. Cells in the PAC-treated collagen were observed to attach in closer proximity to one another with more cytoplasmic extensions compared to cells in the untreated control group. The number of cells cultured in the PAC-treated collagen scaffolds was significantly increased compared to the untreated control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that PAC enhanced the physical properties of the collagen scaffold. Furthermore, the proliferation of hPDLCs cultured in the collagen scaffold crosslinked with PAC was facilitated. Conclusively, the application of PAC to the collagen scaffold may be beneficial for engineering-based periodontal ligament regeneration in delayed replantation.

Mandibular bone necrosis after use of paraformaldehyde-containing paste.

Paraformaldehyde has been used in the past as a pulpotomy agent. However, it has a severe cytotoxic effect and may cause alveolar bone necrosis. Depulpin, a devitalizing agent containing 49% paraformaldehyde, is no longer used frequently due to its severe side effects. In the two cases described in the present study, Depulpin was used as a devitalizing agent during root canal treatment. It caused a gradual loss of sensibility in adjacent teeth, gingival necrosis, and osteomyelitis. This case report demonstrates the serious side effects of using a paraformaldehyde-containing paste as a devitalizing agent for pulp, particularly mandibular bone necrosis.

In vitro evaluation of a newly produced resin-based endodontic sealer.

OBJECTIVES: A variety of root canal sealers were recently launched to the market. This study evaluated physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and sealing ability of a newly launched resin-based sealer (Dia-Proseal, Diadent) compared to the existing root canal sealers (AHplus, Dentsply DeTrey and ADseal, Metabiomed). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The physicochemical properties of the tested sealers including pH, solubility, dimensional change, and radiopacity were evaluated. Biocompatibility was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For microleakage test, single-rooted teeth were instrumented, and obturated with gutta-percha and one of the sealers (n = 10). After immersion in 1% methylene blue solution for 2 weeks, the specimens were split longitudinally. Then, the maximum length of staining was measured. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: Dia-Proseal showed the highest pH value among the tested sealers (p < 0.05). ADseal showed higher dimensional change compared to AHplus and Dia-Proseal (p < 0.05). The solubility values of AHplus and Dia-Proseal were similar, whereas ADseal had the lowest solubility value (p < 0.05). The flow values of sealer in increasing order were AHplus, DiaProseal, and ADseal (p < 0.05). The radiopacity of AHplus was higher than those of ADseal and Dia-Proseal (p < 0.05). The cell viability of the tested materials was statistically similar throughout the experimental period. There were no significant differences in microleakage values among the tested samples. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that Dia-Proseal has acceptable physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and sealing ability.

Tooth discoloration induced by a novel mineral trioxide aggregate-based root canal sealer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate tooth discoloration caused by contact with a novel injectable mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based root canal sealer (Endoseal; Maruchi, Wonju, Korea) compared with a widely used resin-based root canal sealer (AHplus; Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) and conventional MTA (ProRoot; Dentsply, Tulsa, OK, USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty standardized bovine tooth samples were instrumented and divided into three experimental groups and one control group (n = 10/group). Each material was inserted into the cavity, and all specimens were sealed with a self-adhesive resin. Based on CIE Lab system, brightness change (ΔL) and total color change (ΔE) of each specimen between baseline and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks were obtained. RESULTS: At all time points, Endoseal showed no significant difference in ΔL and ΔE compared to AHplus and control group (P > 0.05), whereas the ProRoot group showed significantly higher ΔL and ΔE values than the Endoseal group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Therefore, Endoseal showed less discoloration than conventional MTA and a similar color change to AHplus. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, our data indicate that the MTA-based sealer produces a similar amount of tooth discoloration as AHplus which is considered to be acceptable.

The effect of saliva decontamination procedures on dentin bond strength after universal adhesive curing.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of multiple decontamination procedures for salivary contamination after curing of a universal adhesive on dentin bond strength according to its etch modes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two extracted bovine incisors were trimmed by exposing the labial dentin surfaces and embedded in cylindrical molds. A universal adhesive (All-Bond Universal, Bisco) was used. The teeth were randomly divided into groups according to etch mode and decontamination procedure. The adhesive was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions for a given etch mode. With the exception of the control groups, the cured adhesive was contaminated with saliva for 20 sec. In the self-etch group, the teeth were divided into three groups: control, decontamination with rinsing and drying, and decontamination with rinsing, drying, and adhesive. In the etch-and-rinse group, the teeth were divided into four groups: control, decontamination with rinsing and drying, decontamination with rinsing, drying, and adhesive, and decontamination with rinsing, drying, re-etching, and reapplication of adhesive. A composite resin (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE) was used for filling and was cured on the treated surfaces. Shear bond strength was measured, and failure modes were evaluated. The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variation and Tukey's HSD test. RESULTS: The etch-and-rinse subgroup that was decontaminated by rinse, drying, re-etching, and reapplication of adhesive showed a significantly higher bond strength. CONCLUSIONS: When salivary contamination occurs after curing of the universal adhesive, additional etching improves the bond strength to dentin.

Healing after horizontal root fractures: 3 cases with 2-year follow-up.

Among dental traumas, horizontal root fractures are relatively uncommon injuries. Proper initial management and periodical evaluation is essential for the successful treatment of a root-fractured tooth. If pulpal necrosis develops, endodontic treatment is indicated, exclusively for the coronal fragment. Fragment diastases exert a great influence on healing at the fracture line and on pulpal necrosis. An adequately treated root-fractured tooth has a good prognosis. This case report describes the treatment and 2-yr follow up of 3 maxillary central incisors, first with horizontal root fracture, second with horizontal root fracture and avulsion, and third with horizontal root fracture and lateral luxation. All three cases were treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (ProRoot, Dentsply). During 2 yr of follow-up evaluation, the root-fractured teeth of the present patients were well retained in the arch, showing periodontal healing, even after endodontic treatment.

Biological effects and washout resistance of a newly developed fast-setting pozzolan cement.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral trioxide aggregate has been widely used as a retrograde filling material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of a newly developed fast-setting, mineral trioxide aggregate-derived pozzolan cement (Endocem). Furthermore, we explored whether this cement is resistant to washout in comparison with ProRoot. METHODS: Biocompatibility was evaluated on the basis of cell morphology and a viability test. The expression of osteogenic genes was evaluated by performing real-time polymerase chain reaction, and calcified nodule formation was assessed by alizarin red S staining. The setting time was measured, and washout testing was performed by placing the material into fetal bovine serum. RESULTS: The biocompatibility and osteogenicity of Endocem were similar to those of ProRoot. Moreover, Endocem showed a higher resistance to washout than ProRoot did. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Endocem can be used as an available retrograde filling material because it sets faster and shows similar biological effects when compared with ProRoot.