Effectiveness of H-files and Pro-Taper universal systems in removing Gutta-percha during endodontic retreatment: A comparative study.

Objective: This research was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of manual H-files versus a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system in removing gutta-percha (GP) during endodontic retreatment, by using a digital radiography technique. Methods: This ex vivo study used a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The study sample comprised 60 extracted anterior permanent teeth, each with one root with a straight root canal (RC). After preparation, RCs were obturated with GP and sealer. Subsequently, teeth were stored for 2 weeks in a humid environment at 37 °C. Thirty teeth each were randomly assigned to the control (group I), and experimental (group II) groups. GP removal was performed with H-files {group I) or a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system (group 2). Digital radiographs were acquired with Carestream digital radiovisiography software (Kodak; version-VER.6.10.8.3-A), and the presence of residual GP was analyzed. AutoCAD (2006) software was used to demarcate the RC and residual root filling. The residual GP in both groups was compared with independent sample t-tests. Results: The remaining root filling did not significantly differ when GP was removed with conventional Hedstrom files versus a combination of Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems. The residual GP was confined to the apical third of the canals in both groups. Conclusions: Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems have similar effectiveness to manual H-files in GP removal in straight canals.

Neurological Complications of Local Anesthesia in Dentistry: A Review.

Local anesthesia is a technique that temporarily desensitizes a specific body area, typically for a surgical procedure, dental work, or pain management. It is described as a sensation loss in a specific area of the body due to depression of excitation in the nerve endings or due to the inhibition of the conduction process within the peripheral nerves. It allows for safer and more comfortable medical procedures, reducing the need for general anesthesia and facilitating faster recovery. Local anesthesia is generally safe, but like any medical intervention, it carries potential risks and side effects. The complications related to local anesthetics can be assessed in terms of neurological, vascular, local, systemic, and neurological. In this review article, we discussed the neurological complications of local anesthesia related to the ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve, mandibular nerve, branches of the trigeminal nerve, and facial nerve. These include diplopia, ptosis, paralysis of the eye, blindness, paresthesia, trismus, soft tissue lesions, edema, hematoma, facial blanching, infection, allergy, overdose, neuralgia, facial palsy, etc.

Light-activated disinfection in endodontics: A comprehensive review.

Light-activated disinfection (LAD) has emerged as a novel approach toward antimicrobial disinfection within the root canal. This approach is based on the concept that porphyrins and photosensitizers (PSs) can be activated by light to produce cytotoxic elements that induce the desired therapeutic effect. Unlike antibiotics, LAD can act on multiple targets within a bacterial cell, including membrane lipids, genomic DNA and various proteins, including enzymes, thus reducing the ability of the organism to acquire resistance.The aim of this review was to develop an understanding of the potential use of LAD in endodontics and to suggest strategies to maximize the antibacterial effects of LAD.The electronic searches of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were complemented by a manual hand search. A total of 303 studies were evaluated for essential parameters, which included the origin, types/variations, methodology, and application of LAD in in vitro and in vivo studies.It can be concluded that LAD is effective against the vast majority of bacterial pathogens, including antibioticresistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, along with several yeasts, viruses and protozoan species. The literature tends to suggest that LAD can be used either as a substitute or an adjunct to the conventional antimicrobial treatment regimens that are implemented to battle polymicrobial biofilms.

Flexural Strength of Glass Carbomer Cement and Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement Stored in Different Storage Media over Time.

OBJECTIVES: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is routinely placed as a restorative material in dentistry. However, due to its poor physical properties, its use is limited to cases where the level of stress on restoration is minimal. Improved formulations of GIC have been developed to overcome these drawbacks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate flexural strength of a conventional GIC (Fuji IX) against a newly developed glass carbomer cement (GCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For Fuji IX and GCP, a total of 80 blocks were prepared and divided into 16 groups (n = 5). These groups were further categorized according to the storage medium (artificial saliva and Vaseline) and time intervals (24 h and 1, 2, and 4 weeks). A 3-point bending test was carried out, and statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. RESULTS: Fuji IX showed a mean flexural strength of 25.14 ± 13.02 versus 24.27 ± 12.57 MPa for GCP. There was no significant statistical difference between both materials when compared under storage media. Both materials showed the highest value for flexural strength at 2 weeks of storage and lowest at 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: The storage media do not affect the flexural strength of the specimens with reference to time. Time is the unique factor with relative influence on mean resistance to fracture. Further testing is required to evaluate the true potential of the newly developed GCP.